[Envinyatar]

Derufin bent to the task of repairing one of the lower rails of the corral, the third this month. A fractious horse had come down hard on it earlier in the day, before the owner could get it under control. Another one of the Big Folk horses not schooled to being handled by any other than his owner. ‘Perhaps I should put up a sign,’ he muttered to himself, ‘not that it would do any good.’ He envisioned the announcement nailed to a post as the riders entered the path up to the Inn: “Untrained horses to be tied at the picket line on the edge of the yard only.” Not that it would do a bit of good. Owners of such horses were not ones to take note of such announcements, and if they did, were usually of the opinion it did not apply to them.

Done! He stepped back to admire his handiwork. Two of the Shire ponies dropped there heads over the new rail and snorted as if in approval. ‘Right, then, lads, I’m done here. I’ll see to you later.’ The two stamped their hooves, and one shook his head at the man. Smiling, he reached into his vest pocket and fished out a couple of small apples he kept just for this purpose.

He heard his name called, just as he handed the apples to the waiting ponies. "Oy, Derufin! l need to speak with ye when you're done there! It's about that extra room in your stables!" Derufin nodded to Beren, and watched as the other man wandered back to the garden.

An hour later and one of the horses seen to about two new shoes, Derufin washed his hands at the pump and went in search of Beren.