Falowik noticed that Uien had not included "Hobbit" in her list of those who could not make him smaller in her eyes. He laughed to himself at the oversight, and the unintended joke, as his mind turned to one Falco, whose jibes always were aimed at belittling him. Uien never let Falco get away with it.
Falowik removed his day clothes and slipped beneath the covers of his bed. The smile lingered on his face. He left the imprint of her fingertip on his forehead untouched. It was akin to the blessing an elder might give to someone leaving his home village on a quest. And so it was, for she was hundreds of years his elder, and at the same instance, the one who had chosen to give her heart to him, across the chasms of their differing races and final dooms. Though they could never completely bridge the chasm, he knew that she had given herself to him until he would die, and that he would love her for the rest of his life.
The dancing and singing wound down below. This Inn was a good place, owned and run by a good man. In the morning I must have a word with Barliman, Falowik thought, and part with him as friends do.
Melda, Uien had called him, and he wondered what it meant. It sounded like a good word. He would ask her some time. He closed his eyes. Let Thoronmir wake me if he wishes to talk before dawn arrives. He turned over, and his heart eased, soon fell asleep.
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