[Orual]

"This is the same disease that we have faced in Hobbiton," Anson said after Marsilion finished. "Our people, too, are hungry and disheartened. But I am a farmer, no herb-master or lore-master. I can hardly cure the children of head-colds, much less cure Eriador of this plague ripping across it. We have come to speak to those more learned than we, and hopefully to find a cure with which to save our livelihoods and, most of all, our families. We--"

He stopped as the door opened and Peony stepped in, looking flushed and pleased from whatever she had done in town. Anson gestured for her to come sit with them, and she took a seat next to Fredegar.

"We have our full complement here, now," Anson announced. "We are ready to begin. Is only our friend Marsilion here interested in our discussion? This disease affects all of us. Will no one else come?"