[littlemanpoet]

The two lads, Cnebba and Garmund, had been playing near the front gate when Falco and Daisy had trotted up.

"Good day to you both, my lads!" Falco had said.

They looked up, their eyes wide as saucers. Garmund found his tongue first. "Falco! Master Falco Boffin!"

"That's my name, young Master Garmund. You two run on ahead and let somebody know I'm here. I'll bring Daisy to the stables."

Falco had dismounted at the stables. Léof would not be here, so he would have to tend to Daisy himself. He whistled while he worked, getting Daisy hay and water. It was while he brushed the pony down that his whistling stopped and that region between his lugs kicked in.

"New Eorl? Whatever for? Eodwine made a fine Eorl, don't you think, Daisy? There may have been a few ways I'd have been tougher on a body or two, but his folk liked him. Why would they want him replaced?" Then his hands stopped at the brush.

Is he that sick?

He brushed faster, but not too fast, eager now to get the job done, because he had questions on his mind, and he wanted to find someone to answer them. Finished, he bid Daisy a pleasant rest and walked with determined steps toward the Hall. His stomach was growling, and it wouldn't hurt to kill two birds with one stone. He had a first and second breakfast, and a first lunch to catch up on, as well as news.

"Frodides, my dear!" Falco said, bustling into the kitchen. "Master Falco Boffin at your service. Or I should say, I hope you don't mind being at mine!"

She turned and faced him, setting her red-from-dishes-hands on her hips. "A proper hello will do nicely, Master Boffin!"

Falco doffed his hat and bowed deeply. "Please accept my humble and fond apologies, oh kind matron of the kitchens!" He came straight again. "Hello, Missus Frodides! How are you doing this fine day?"

"I am well, and you look like you have eaten well enough while on the road, I dare say!"

"Not so well as I'm sure to here, if you'd be willing to oblige!" Falco grinned.

Frodides laughed. "You haven't lost your silver tongue, thought the stars know you need it as much trouble as you get yourself into! Have a seat here on this stool, and I'll see what I can rummage up!"

"If you don't, mind, Missus Frodides, I could stand a second breakfast to go along with my first."

"Haven't you eaten yet today?"

"Well, I s'pose you could say I did, but it can't compare to food from the kitchen of Missus Frodides."

"Listen to you!" she laughed, and went rummaging with a will. Falco lipped his lips in anticipation.