[piosenniel]

Holly watched the Ranger look for the trail. She motioned Olo to silence, and they crouched down and waited for the Ranger to leave the area. When she felt he had well and truly gone, she followed the dead end trail herself and sat on the boulder beneath the mulberry tree.

Then she began to talk into the air, and Olo stared at her as if she had gone mad.

'Bird,' said Holly, her feet scuffing in the dust as she sat and chose her words, 'here's how it is - I'm not bringing your stuff to you. In fact, I've put it in my room, and there it will stay until you come and talk to me. I have a big room, and a big bed -- too big, by half, for a hobbit such as myself. And don't get all bent out of shape with your insufferable pride - remember that time two years ago when you pulled me out of a nasty scrape, and took me in, and wouldn't take any payment once I'd gotten back on my feet? Well, that got my pride all ruffled up, too, and you smoothed it over saying "that's what friends of the road do for one another" -- so, let me be your friend now, nothing asked in return.'

She sat there in silence for a while, then got to her feet. She called out over her shoulder as she and Olo started back toward the Inn, 'I'll leave the window open . . . in case you change your mind.'

A leaf dropped onto the trail behind her, unnoticed.

The Ranger, who had circled round to keep an eye on the two hobbits, frowned, and looked at the tree, wondering.