Bilbo knew he had to act quickly if he was to get out of Rory what he needed before his cousin was too far gone in memory and brandy to think. ‘So, Rory, when I had my talk with Frodo last night, I realized I was failing in my oath to them!’ That got Rory’s attention. ‘I hate to say it, Rory, but Sara is a vicious bastard who bears most of the responsibility for speaking wicked things of Frodo.’ Bilbo had to pause, collect himself, forbid himself to say what burned in his heart. ‘And Esmie can’t decide who she wants more, for she has more of a dwarven-heart than you know. And the mind of a Took, which is a very dangerous combination!’ Rory chuckled a bit at that.