[Koobdooga]

‘Well, Mistress . . .’ the Dwarf said trailing off. Ibun had not caught her name, if indeed she had given it. He thought not. He was not that old that little things had begun to slip quickly from his memory. Giving her a critical eye, he thought she looked more than a server. A certain air of command glinted from her eyes as she regarded him. And not an unfriendly look it was in her gaze, but one of expectation – that what she asked would soon be answered . . . and in full.

‘Beg pardon,’ he said standing up from his chair. ‘Beg pardon for my lapse in manners. My name is Ibun Lodestone. Traveling to the Blue Mountains, I am. And if The Dragon here in Bywater will have me for a while, I’ll rest my bones and fill up on ale and fine food until it’s time to travel on.’ He gave a courteous little bow to the Hobbit who had brought his food. ‘And you?’ he asked, straightening back up. ‘Do I have the pleasure of addressing the Innkeeper of this grand establishment?’