Falco made the rounds of the trestle tables, eyeing the wares, and eyeing other Hobbits; not to mention certain Elves that had a knack for getting on his nerves.
It was turning out to be harder to think of a likely Hobbit or two - never mind three - for this rescue journey than he had thought. Every one he turned his mind to had a livelihood he could not leave, or a hobbit lass he was a-courting and must not leave or lose her, or no interest in foreign parts at any road.
Someone tapped him on the shoulder. Falco turned to peer into Halfred's homely face and calculating eyes.
"What be you a thinkin', Falco?" Halfred watched him through half closed eyes, suspicious like.
"Oh, just lookin' at these candlesticks here."
"Rubbish."
"Now, why do you got to go on saying I'm talkin' rubbish when you don't even know what I'm thinkin'?"
"Your eyes are no more on them wares than a sweet smell on a dung pile. And your mouth ain't a flapping like I know it can. Means you're thinkin', and hard. What about?"
"Oh, very well then. I'm thinkin' about the recruitment of some likely hobbits for this here rescue of the Rohan man."
"And what be you a worryin' your addled little mind about that for?"
"Now, you don't have to go callin' me names just 'cause you wish you was deafer around me than you are!"
Halfred sighed audibly. "Falco, what do you care about rescuing this man? You brought that Falowik fella here out of duty. That's all you need do."
Falco's face darkened. "I got to find me some hobbits, or-" He didn't finish, his face reddening.
"Or what?"
Falco scowled. "Or it'll be nothin' but Elves!"
"Oh. I heard about your little tiff wi' that Elf lady. Well, don't you mind yourself about no rescue party. It's being taken care of. There's been word. The Master of Brandy Hall has taken it over."
"I heard. But I got to do this."
"You don't neither."
"Halfred, that Elf is likely to mess up everything, and somebody who understands her has to be there to keep her meddling in hand."
"And you're the hobbit to do it?" Halfred was chuckling. It made Falco angry.
"And why not me!"
"Because you have no sense for nothing but hobbit lasses, hearin' yerself talk, your favorite ale, good food, and obeyin' orders. And in that order."
"Says you. I'll show you."
"We'll see. I'm watchin' you, Falco."
"Watch all you like. Just don't order me to stop, if you don't mind."
"Oh, I don't mind. It's comical to watch you try." Halfred smirked, placed folded his hands behind his back, and strolled down the tables, and left Falco fuming.
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