[Folwren]

Tim and Wren’s eyes left Gil and the group of musicians half reluctantly and they looked back at Hanson. Wren’s eyes lit up at the mention of the kittens in the barn and she immediately cast a hopeful glance towards Tim. Her brother smiled gently at her and answered Hanson for her.

“Wren would very much like to see the kittens. She loves baby animals.”

A slightly troubled shadow crossed his face as he made his reply, however, and he made no mention of the food Hanson had spoken of. He had no money to pay for anything, and perhaps it was his pride that kept him from saying so. He stood up and pushed the thought from his mind as his face became clear again. He was eye to eye with the older hobbit that had just come up and he stuck out his hand in greeting.

“Tim Woodlock,” he said. “You are Hanson’s older brother, I assume, but I don’t know your name.”

“I’m Woody,” he answered, shaking hands. “Nice to meet you.”

“Your uncle is very good,” Tim went on, glancing past Woody to the musicians. “I liked that song, though it was kind of sad.” Wren got up and stepped to his side, giving him a look of silent appeal to go out and visit the kittens. “Lead is out to your kittens, Hanson,” Tim said, turning again to the younger hobbit, “in their nice nest of hay. Wren's impatient to see them.”