[Folwren]

"Allow me to introduce myself: I am Fredegar Chubb, but you shall call me Fatty as does everyone else. I may not be much to look at yet, but I plan on becoming quite robust some day! My brother and I are in the employ of our cousin – our third cousin, once removed, to be precise – our cousin Fordogrim. And I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, young master and would be greatly pleased to know your name.”

Tim gaped slightly as he took Fredagar's offered hand. Then he shut his mouth and nodded. "I'm Tim. Tim Woodlock, sir. And..." he paused. Perhaps it wouldn't be polite to tell the hobbit not to call him 'master'. But it was awfully uncomfortable. Especially if everyone called him that. He'd leave it alone. "I can take one of the ponies," he said instead. "Your brother doesn't have to get them both." Fatty nodded and Tim turned around and silently took one of the ponies bridle. He and Gerdy led them to the water trough beside the inn wall and let them drink their fill.

"How long are you going to be here?" Tim asked, as he watched them drink. "Should I put them up in a stall, or just hitch them over there?" He indicated to the hitching posts and, forgetting momentarilly how Gerdy might go on forever, waited for the hobbit's reply.