Master Eodwine of the Gap and Falco Boffin
Loud voices could be heard through the front door of the inn.
"Now don't be thinking that your long legs are going to take you beyond the reach of my voice that easily, Master Big Trouble of the Gap!"
"I would not think it possible that I could be so easily rid of you, Master Falco!"
The door opened. A tall, blonde Rohirrim walked in, followed by one of the Holbitla, who had a pipe in his mouth, which did not keep him from saying aplenty. The Holbitlan looked around as they walked in.
"Is this the best you've got, Master Eodwine? Why, seven out of ten inns in the Shire would put this place to shame for warmth and comfort! Where is everybody?"
"I know not. But it is warm enough compared to outside, and soon enough we shall have bellies full of hot food and good beer."
"Ah! That's more like it! But all the tables and chairs are too high!"
"I am sorry, Master Falco, but the Holbitla pass this way seldom enough that Rohan does not cater to the odd chance that one might appear any day of the week."
"You must quiet calling me a whole bit, see, or I'll give you something to curl your tongue around. I'm a Hobbit, not a whole bit!"
Though the halfling's words were sharp, his tone was playful, and Master Eodwine grinned. "Hobbit it is then. Would you like me to lift you into a chair, my friendly unfriend?"
"Keep your oversized hands off of me! I'll scramble up myself before I'll let some Big Trouble handle me like one of their toddlers! Ah well. If I have to stand on this chair, then I must."
"Perhaps we can convince the barkeep to find a few tomes for you to sit on."
Eodwine and Falco waited for service, having noticed that the only two other people in the great room were busy in conversation. Eodwine knew one of them for the innkeeper, Bętheberry, but the other he did not know. He intended to greet them both as soon as they finished their talk.
|