[littlemanpoet]

"Eodwine, would you kindly take pity on this poor boy and allow for his company? I must see to these rooms."

"Of course!" he replied. "While you're going that way, could you check on Gudryn if you please? And see how Saeryn is faring?"

Bethberry raised a brow and gave him a meaningful look. "Playing the father to the hilt already? Fear not! I shall see how they fare, as I was about to do that anyway!" She flounced off in high dudgeon.

Harreld and Garreth sniggered in their stouts at Eodwine. "She gave you as good as she gives!" Garreth said.

"Um... Hello," said the new lad. "Would you mind if my sister and I join you?"

"Not at all!" said Falco. "Drinks around the table!"

"Do you not think this here boy's a bit young for a pint?" Harreld asked, peering at the boy doubtfully from underneath one of his hands, which he held floating palm-down over his stout, as if trying to see if the boy stood taller than a pint or not.

The boy didn't notice, for his eyes were glued to the hobbit.

"What's your name again?" Garreth asked.

The boy looked at him in surprise. "Faleron, sir!"

"Never seen a hobbit before?" Falco asked, and stood on his chair. "Well, have yourself a look, then, all three feet and six inches of me!"

"Someone tell that little hobnob to sit down!" cried Ruthven from her table. "Standing on chairs! I never!"

"Sit down yourself!" Falco roared, and sat back down.

"I am, you little varmint, but your ale soused wits are too addled to notice!"

Maercwen brought a tray bearing food and a pint for the boy. "Now now, Lady Ruthven, your tongue is a little bit too loosened as well. Please keep it down a bit."

"You go and cook, and leave the talkin' to me, Maercwen! And keep that Hearpwine off your mind!" Maercwen blushed deeply and scurried back to the kitchen. Harreld and Garreth were sniggering into each other's shoulders by this time. Eodwine took out his pipe and lit it, blowing poor imitations of smoke rings. "No lack of entertainment this night," he commented. "So, Faleron, tell us about yourself, and we'll all take a turn. Maybe my new daughter will be back by the time we've finished our tales."