[piosenniel]

Pio watched the entire scene taking place between the hesitant Hobbit and the Man. She held her breath, hoping the Hobbit would not go running after him with a shout of, ‘Hey, there’ll be no Big Folk manhandling my pony! Come back here, thief!’ She saw the Hobbit’s stance relax. And nodded, willing him to turn round and come into the Inn. He did, and she breathed out in relief.

Imagine the look of surprise on the unsuspecting Hobbit’s face, as the Innkeeper opened wide the door for him, ushering him in like a little King.

‘A table by the window, my friend!’ She pulled out the chair for him, and gave the table a hasty swipe with her ever present bar rag. Snapping her fingers, she caught the attention of a passing server. ‘A half pint, on the house, if you please for our customer. And a plate of Cook’s bread, sliced thick with ham, cheese and mustard. He looks hungry.’

The Hobbit, overwhelmed by his welcome to the local pub, squirmed in his seat at first with embarrassment. But the Innkeeper smiled down at him again in a friendly manner, and he relaxed. ‘Yes,’ he thought to himself. ‘I could get quite used to this!’