[samsmyhero]

Denegal smiled broadly as the three approached the groundskeeper's cottage. He felt well at ease with his new companions, both man and dog. Although Benat loomed far above him, and Denegal was no tiny hobbit himself, the big man's plain and forthright manner bespoke a fair and honest character. After his months of travel, Denegal had encountered more than enough of the type who smile prettily while stealing your purse. It seemed the Shire attracted more of the good kind than the bad.

‘I must confess I’ve not had the acquaintance of many of the Small Folk, but I find them quite engaging. Don’t you? And generous, in their own way.’ Denegal considered Benat's question before answering.

"I've not been in the Shire long myself, and must confess that I never layed eyes on a halfling, or hobbit as they seem to call themselves, before this very day." Denegal replied. "But from all I've observed today, they are indeed a most jolly, kindly, and friendly lot. Indeed, 'tis the good will of the Inn cook which sets me on the same path as yourself and Cullen here. I'm afraid the three coppers in my purse would not have stretched very far at all. But now I have the means to eat and stay warm, and dry, for a while yet."

They had now reached a cleared area wherein lay the small, neat cottage. A man was standing close by the door, watching their approach. His wife, presumably, had just appeared in the doorway, and was just making a comment to her husband, which made him laugh, along with her. It caused Denegal's sore heart to twinge to see such an obviously happy couple, but he was glad that some at least could be so, such as Falowik and Uien. What luck!

"Hail to thee, good sir! My name is Denegal and this is Benat, and Cullen. We're sent by Mistress Bunce to move some dead wood and split it for firewood. Can you show us it and perhaps point us in the direction of two sharp axes?"