[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

"Uh," said Sherman, "you can put your foot down." He pointed at the foot still dangling in the air by his face.

"Oh! Of course!" said Denegal, and dropped his colorfully garbed foot.

The two discomfited Gondorians recognized a man of noble bearing enter the inn with a purpose, and left Denegal and Falowik, to speak with the newcomer.

"Denegal, friend, perhaps Uien and I could help you with your footwear. We had planned to leave Bywater this afternoon, but there is no hurry. What say you?"

"You would go to such trouble for a stranger?" Denegal asked.

"I assure you," Falowik said, "it would be no great trouble. I think that Uien would like as much to make a friend of you as would I."

Denegal's eyes widened in surprise. After the somewhat caustic exchange with the Gondorians, this Falowik Stonewort's friendliness was almost a shock.

"So be it then! I tell you I would be glad to get my feet out of these circus boots!"

Falowik grinned. "Very well. Let us go fetch Uien in the stables. What say you?"