Derufin was just two steps down from the top landing when he heard the order ring out for the glass of water. He saw the tiny Hobbit glaring at a group of people near the buffet tables, and heard the imperious thump of her cane against the floor.
A born commander! He watched with a smile as she saw to the seated Elf. Pio seemed recovered now, a thoughtful look on her face as she watched the other Innkeeper, Cami.
He put his concern for the Elf aside, seeing that she was well cared for, and went to inspect the presentation of the foods he had prepared for the party. It all looked wonderful, and smelled even better. His stomach reminded him he had eaten nothing since early morning, and urged him to pick up a plate and fill it.
His hand reached toward one, then a chiding thought pulled it back. Where are my manners, he thought. The guests of honor should go first.
'I suppose you're hungry, young man.' came the comment from behind him. Derufin turned to see a white haired gentleman Hobbit standing behind him, an amused look on his face.
'Bilbo Baggins.' the Hobbit said, with a nod of his head toward the man. 'And if you'll help me fill my plate, you can fill one for yourself, too. Kill two birds with one stone!' The old Hobbit's eyes twinkled merrily.
Derufin introduced himself, remembering first to close his gaping mouth. 'So this was the legendary Bilbo he had heard about!' Picking up two plates, he and Bilbo went down the line, piling their plates from the bounty.
'My! Doesn't this salmon look tasty.' said Bilbo, asking for a small slice of it. 'And look! An eel pie, if my nose is not mistaken. A largish slice of that if you don't mind, Derufin.'
Derufin smiled to himself at the compliment, and escorted Bilbo back to the head table, pouring him a glass of wine before he left him there to the other well wishers.
His own plate, he took over to the table where Pio and the wizened Hobbit sat. 'May I join you ladies?' he asked, with a nod of his head toward them. 'And please, allow me to get some food and drink for the both of you.'
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‘Many are the strange chances of the world,’ said Mithrandir, ‘and help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.’
– Gandalf in: The Silmarillion, 'Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age'
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