001 | [video]

[foolofatook]

Oh! Hullo, everyone!

[Pippin is grinning, proud of himself for figuring out how to make a mass message, instead of just responding to one.]

I hope I'm not bothering anyone, but I was curious if anyone could tell me about the taverns here, such as which are the best, which are the worst, and so forth. You see, we Hobbits enjoy a fine ale just as much as the Big Folk, and it's been a frightfully long time since I've had one.

[He's exaggerating. It hasn't even been a month yet.]

So you see, I'd be most grateful if I could have this information, and perhaps we could even go together? Ehm, thank you for listening!

[He waves at the camera and then puts on his concentrating face as he tries to figure out how to end the message. But then suddenly he thinks of something and looks startled.]

I'm not offering to buy anybody a drink, mind you. I'm sure you're all lovely people, but I don't want to spend all my pocket money in one go. You understand, I'm sure.

Comments

[foolofatook]

[Pippin tries to commit these to memory. He only half-succeeds, but there's a good number in his head.]

I shall take a look these next few days, if we are not otherwise engaged by our hosts. And you, Frodo? Still getting your meals for free?

[There's no reproach in his tone. This is Pippin, after all.]

[mushroomthief]

Good luck, I hope you find the best tavern!

[he beams; he's glad to be of help, though the smile looks suddenly sheepish, just for a moment. But it's Pippin, so he's okay]

Um, yes, you could say so. I got a delicious beef pastry, you ought to try it.

[foolofatook]

Oh, the beef pastry! The one with the delicious gravy? I had it right after I arrived.

[mushroomthief]

Yes, that's the one. You can have it, if you want.

[foolofatook]

Really? You don't wish to save it for later?

[mushroomthief]

I can get more, don't worry! I think.

[It seems that the kitchens have gotten word out of a terror of sorts making off with their food. It has gotten hard to sneak in and out when more eyes are watchful]

I don't mind at all, really!

[foolofatook]

[Oh, Frodo. Always so generous.]

No, no. You keep it for later. I know where in the marketplace to find the same. But I thank you for your generosity.

[mushroomthief]

[Frodo nods but looks surprised, because a hobbit, turn down free food? He looks back at him dubiously]

If you say so.

[foolofatook]

You are a growing lad, and you need it. Trust me, I've gone without before.

[It's said lightly, but it's clear there's more he's not saying.]

[mushroomthief]

Why would a hobbit ever go without food if they can help it?

[foolofatook]

Oh, because I could not help it!

[Again, he's trying to make his voice sound light.]

Necessity turns us into more thoughtful beings, which is quite an odd thing indeed, if you ask me. But that is all in the past now. There is food in abundance here, and I know where to get my own share.

[mushroomthief]

You must have had to go on an adventure of sorts if that happened.

[Tooks are about as well off as Brandybucks. Hardly the working hobbit that Sam seemed to be, so there doesn't seem much of a chance of going hungry much, if at all. Frodo listens, looking thoughtful]

Necessity has made you a strange sort of Took too. I have never met one that speaks like you. I am glad that you won't have to go without food again this time.

[foolofatook]

Indeed I did! You could say it was very un-Hobbitlike of me, but very Tookish.

[He gives a soft chuckle.]

Thank you! I am glad I won't either.