Esgallahugwen, Anson and Finėwen added their votes to the mounting tally for Thoronmir, who accepted the leadership with fitting words.
"Good!" Doderic smiled. "I'm glad that's settled. The Master of Buckland has seen to it that you have all the provisions you and your mounts can bear. You have the rest of today to say your good-bye's and make any final arrangements you need. I will meet you in the courtyard at dawn to see you off." He clapped his hands together as if brushing the dust off after a job well done. "If there's nothing else, I have old acquaintances to renew." With that Doderic moved to a circle of hobbits who greeted him warmly.
Falowik excused himself from the table, his eyes passing across the others' faces and coming to rest on Uien's face; for a moment. The others did not see a change in his face, but Uien read his eyes. He walked outside.
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