An Adventure of Hobbit Proportions RPG

[piosenniel]

The bright afternoon sun beat down upon the young girl’s face, she stifled a yawn and opened her eyes. She lazily watched as clouds slowly drifted by, it was a beautiful spring day in the Shire. A little breeze blew a curly tendril of hair across her face, she made no move to remove it, she sighed and closed her eyes again. "Bunny? Bunny! where have you got to?" The young Hobbit lass sighed again and rolled over trying to hide herself further in the lush green grass. "Bunny Took, you get in here this moment!" she bellowed. " I need you to come set the table. Okay Okay Ma I'm comin' " Bunny protested loudly. She yawned and stretched, smoothed her dress and headed back towards her awaiting Ma.

I told you not to go anywhere, I need your help." "But Ma settin' the table only takes a few seconds and well, it's such a lovely day......and." "And nothing Bunny, just look at the condition of your dress, all covered in grass stains." Belladonna gave a little kicking motion towards her daughter and ushering her inside. "you know your Pa will be home soon and you know how he gets if there isn't food on the table." Bunny stuck out her tongue and made a face hoping her Ma wouldn't see it, which of course she did. "Oh Bunny how unladylike! Now hop to it!" Bunny began to set out the plates and teacups, dropping utensils as she went, her Ma hummed a tune as she stirred a pot on the small fire. Finding this task extremely boring, Bunny began to make a little hill out of sugar on a small side plate she had just set down. Completely engrossed with her little hill, she added more and more until it began to spill onto the freshly washed and set table. " Her Ma's tune stopped short "Oh Bunny look what you've done, why oh why do you insist on doing things like that?" She gave her daughter a stern look as she stared back unabashed. I'll clean up here you go and fetch a few eggs from Old Hazel, she should have a few by now. Bunny shrugged, tossed her hair and skipped out the door. " When will that girl ever get her head outta the clouds....she shook her head and began to wipe the mound of sugar from the table. As Bunny fetched a basket from beside the little bench outside the door her Pa came up the steps dirty and tired from working in the field. She stopped to kiss his dirt streaked cheek then gave a little wave and continued towards the chicken coop.

The coop was dimly lit, but Bunny knew where the old hen Hazel say. She quietly approached the dark corner. " Ok Hazel...You don't like me and I don't like you, but Mama needs some eggs." The hen clucked and looked like she was about to lift off her eggs. Bunny made a quick lunge towards the eggs, but Hazel had other plans. She reached out and seized Bunny's out stretched fingers in her sharp beak, breaking the skin. " Ouch you ol' cow! Git over!" she shoved the hen and pulled three warm eggs from the nest and put them gently into the basket.She eyed the fluster hen once more then shut the door. Storming into the house sucking her injured fingers, Bunny's lightly hairy foot tripped over the mat in the hall and sent her sprawling onto the floor. She just barely caught the basket of hard fought eggs with her fingertips. " Bunny dear are you alright?" Bunny smiled and nodded, she scrambled to her feet and joined her parents at the table.

“You really must do something with that old cow, she bit me again." "Old cow?.... Oh Hazel, yes she really is a nasty Ol' piece of work, isn't she." "Yes she is and I swear she's got it out for me." “Bella don't talk with your mouth full" Pa said as he buttered his bread. He was the only one who called her Bella and she loved him all the more for it. " So I hear you want to take a trip to Buckland?" He said, putting the now fried egg onto his bread. "When did you want me to take you? Or I guess Peter could take you." “Pa I know I act a little silly at times, but I am almost of age, You know I can handle myself, and I know the way." Yes Bella" He said as he reached for her hand," I know that you are not always so silly." Her Ma frowned and began to protest. "Now BellaDonna, she is old enough and she does know the way. How long shall you be gone and who shall you stay with?" " well not long I suppose perhaps a week? And I shall stay with that lovely hobbit Tansy, the one who tells the most intriguing stories. I'll be back before you know it." “Well I still think there is no reason to go by yourself" exclaimed Belladonna. “Well Love" her pa said lovingly to his wife, "She won't be a little lass forever." Bunny grinned as honey slipped down her chin.

Lying in her bed with the lamp blown out that night, Bunny went over her plans in her head." Ok so I head to Buckland, find Tansy and try to convince her to come with me, I am sure she will. She should hopefully be able to help with getting us more supplies and more food, if I take too much from here they will know I plan to be gone more than a week and they'll question my going. I have a map of the Shire from one of Pa's books, I have a coil of rope, cooking gear... boy will Ma kill me when she finds out their gone. I must take my bow with me just in case. I can hide it in my travelling cloak and stash it before I go. Then after we top off our supplies... We're Off!!! to adventure and to make the search I have always dreamt of taking. To find the Female treeherders. To find the Entwives, if there is any. She had heard many stories of the Master Peregrin Took and his friend Meriadoc Brandybuck, who had met the great Treeherders the Ents and had talked to the great treebeard who told them of the Entwives and their long search for them. They would like the Shire he said and Bunny was sure they would too. She had heard rumors of a Treeman long ago being seen in the North Moors, and that was where she was headed. She would see for herself if they were there or not... Or if they had indeed vanished from this world.With her mind still racing she lay awake, far into the night. The next day would be the beginning of Bunny Tooks greatest adventure.

~ by Valier

[Valier]

The cool crispy, spring rain beat down on Bunny's head with a "Pitter-Patter, Pitter-Patter" The drops were beginning to get bigger and to Bunny, somehow wetter. Poor Bunny was drenched to the bone and despite the warmish weather, her teeth began to chatter. " Oh!! I should almost be there. Why did I have to take the scenic route? It will be nice, I said, it shouldn't rain today. BAH!!"

Bunny swept a soaked tendril from her face and pushed forward. Being flustered from all the sudden rain, she lost her balance. Her feet tried to grab a better hold of the earth to no avail. Everything was one big mud hole. Her feet gave way and she slipped forward, her heavy pack flying over her head, knocking her in the head as it went. She fell to the ground with an OOffff!! doing a full fledged face plant into the mud. She rolled over rubbing her head but lay there for sometime, in the mud, with the rain splashing all around.

As she lay there , Bella Took began to have doubts. "I'm not so sure, you've gone and done the right thing, Bunny dear. Look at you" she said to herself," Not even to Buckland and you've gone and muddied your things and from the looks of it ruined your food. Tansy would be crazy to want to come with you, she will probably take one look at you and close the door in your face screaming ' Go away Bunny dear!! No adventuring for me!!' Well, there is no good a reason to just lie here gettin' all wet. Let's have a look at what I've done." With a creaking protest from her sore knees Bunny got to her feet.

Her pack had spilled it's contents. She never was good at tying knots. Her small store of food, including her bread, bacon and eggs were completely ruined, having landed roughly. Her extra clothing was hanging half out and was soaking the remainder of the dry supplies at the bottom.
She began to angrily throw all the muddied contents back into her now soaked pack. "Dang it!!" she yelled out loud, scaring a few nesting birds from a nearby tree. Night was creeping up quickly and she could still not see the lights of Buckland. She had taken the route skirting the forest and had turned towards the bridge at nearly wooded hall. The rain had come upon her with little warning, and didn't seem to be slacking. She had no choice but to carry on wet, muddied and bruised. She would have to wait to see what Tansy would make of her. Bunny eased the pack back on and pulled her hood down over her forehead to block some of the rain. She stared at her feet and willed them not to fall again.

About an hour after her fall the rain begin to lighten, and she could see the lights of Buckland. Her heart lifted when she neared Tansy's home. The lights were on and smoke rose from the little chimney. Someone was still awake, probably waiting for her, for she was now very late. She let out a long sigh and headed towards the door. But in true Bunny style, as she lifted her foot to the porch, her toe caught on the edge and again with a small squeal she fell onto her knees with a crash.

Right at that moment the door opened. The warm light and the smell of mushrooms and bacon wafted out. Bunny lifted her head and grinned.

"Well 'Ello Miss Tansy! I've made it at last. No worse for the wear I should say. Are those mushrooms I smell?"

[Gwathagor]

Browning Barrabury had been resting with his back against the maple tree for at least an hour, if not longer, and it was nearly supper time. The rain, however, had not let up, and he had little hope of starting a fire and cooking himself a real meal. He could light a fire easily enough with his flint and steel, and dry tinder could be had if you knew where to look, but finding dry fuel would another matter entirely. Alas! He would have to subsist on cold ham and apples - AGAIN.

"It's not natural!" he proclaimed to the damp, gray landscape that stretched out beneath the hill on which he sat. "A hobbit isn't MEANT to eat like this! What a fellow wants is good, hot food and he can feel at home anywhere."

Upon a moment's reflection, however, he experienced a change of heart, as he threw an apple core as far as he could, aiming for a ribbon of light and water that wove its merry way through the fields in the distance. Must be the Stockbrook. He determined that the advantages of his situation far outweighed the inconveniences (which, his indignant other half pointed out, were numerous) of living out of doors. He was alone, for one. The absence of the general boisterous noisiness that, he had noticed, typically accompanied hobbit-settlements allowed him to think clearly and deeply, something many hobbits had neither time nor inclination for. Also, being alone meant he could behave, he felt, more naturally. Society was sooo complicated, drat it. Surely we would be better withOUT all these...PEOPLE... He caught himself. Nonsense, he thought, and chuckled to himself, then laughed out loud at his own absurdity. Really! Ridiculous hobbit! He also laughed because the rain had begun to stop.

He stuffed his sack of cured pork, bread, apples, and cheese back into his heavy knapsack and stretched his legs. He yawned. It had been dry under the maple tree, which he had been fortunate enough to be near when the rain had begun. His clothing had become drenched in the first onslaught of precipitation, as he dashed for the nearest cover (the maple tree), but it had dried admirably as he rested and ruminated. As he prepared to continue his cross-country march, he also continued his previous line of thought.

Now, the Buckland folk are good sorts of hobbits. Generally very sensible, not given to unnecessary displays of absurdity and noise. That was really bothered him, was the sheer triviality of hobbit-life. But then, that was also what made it so charming.

"Two sides to every matter", he intoned graciously.

Regardless, it was this triviality and thoughtlessness that he thought to leave behind for a bit. The Bucklanders were just as odd as they were thought to be, but he generally felt quite at home among the stoic, wild hobbits from the Other Side of the Brandywine. After all, he was at least half-Brandybuck himself; why shouldn't he fit in?

He planned as he walked, getting just as wet from the tall grass as he had from the rain itself. He had a mind to pay a visit to his abundant Brandybuck cousins (his mother's family). A week away would do just fine; any longer, and he would be missed by the various inhabitants of Woodhall for whom he labored at various chores. He would eat, sleep, think, go for walks, smoke, trade tales with his hospitable cousins, and maybe even pay good old Fred a visit as he passed through. Yes, that would do splendidly. Fred could surely do with some company. The lad was a lonely fellow, in some ways, since his accident. The two of them had been working together when it happened, and Brown often felt that he was half-responsible...

He put the thought from his mind, as he came to a stream, laughing and swollen with the new rain. He leapt over the brook and headed up into sweet smelling woods on the other side. Night was falling.

[Thinlómien]

It was a dark night. It was all black and rainy outside, but it was pleasantly warm and light inside the kitchen. Two hobbit women were in the room, the older one stirring a stew in a small pot, the younger one chopping vegetables. She sat at the small kitchen table, head bent. It was difficult to see in the candlelight, especially with her shortsighted eyes, and if you asked Tansy Bogswort, there was only one proper way of chopping carrots and it was a precise one.

Maylily Bogsworth yawned. "Mum, you need not stay up any longer. I'm sure Bella is coming soon, but I can look after the stew and you can go to sleep. I'm sure she won't think any worse of you if you go to sleep and are not here to welcome her", Tansy said, "besides, Dad, Grandma Daphne and Fred are all already asleep."

"Are you sure you can manage?" the old woman asked, her brow furrowing so that it looked even more creased. "Of course, Mum", Tansy said, suppressing a sigh.

Maylily looked at her daughter. "Don't ruin my mushroom stew", she warned, "making a mushroom stew is a delicate art. Good night."

"Good night, Mum", Tansy said. She watched her mother walk slowly away and realised her steps were stiffer than they had been. There was hardly no brown left in Maylily's once chestnut hair. Tansy shook her head. It was no good.

Tansy chopped rest of the vegetables. She wondered if Bunny had something special in her mind. Her letter had sounded even more enthusiastic than usual and also somewhat... mysterious. Tansy was aware of a small smile creeping to her face. She was glad to see her young friend again.

She put the chopped vegetables in a bowl and started frying bacon. She hoped Bunny would come soon, for otherwise she wouldn't know what to do with the bacon. As soon as the thought had entered her head, she heard a loud squeal from the door. She recognised the voice instantly and hurried to open the door.

"Well 'Ello Miss Tansy! I've made it at last. No worse for the wear I should say. Are those mushrooms I smell?" Bunny said, a wide grin on her face and her clothes all wet and muddy.

"They are", Tansy replied, laughing, "but do come in, it's no use standing in the rain." She did need to say it twice, for Bunny was in before she had even finished the sentence. Tansy closed the door after her friend. "Now how on earth did you manage to get yourself look like that?" she asked with a grin.

[Valier]

Valier's post

Bunny stood trying not to drip mud on the floor, while attempting to pull her soaked cloak from her back. "Well I think I should save my story till I'm a little more dry" Bunny stated with a small giggle. "Do you have extra clothing I could borrow?" Bunny placed her sack and wet belongings by the front door while Tansy scurried off to find her some clothing and draw a bath. Bunny wiped her face on her sleeve and looked around. The small dwelling was quiet and warm. Everyone had gone to bed, just like Bunny hoped. She wanted to have a few minutes to talk with Tansy with no one around.

After washing, (with minimal splashing) and putting on Tansy's dry night clothes, Bunny came into the kitchen, where Tansy was making tea and ladling out a bowl of delicious smelling stew. "Tansy that smells just delicious!! I'm just starved! And you've made tea!! you read my mind, I swear it!! If I had not taken my little tumble, I would have arrived a little earlier and a lot more presentable. Sorry to keep you waiting, I hope you didn't worry too much." Bunny gobbled down her bowl, barely looking up and plunged into another before she slowed to ask Tansy the most important question.

"Tansy dear you do still want to come with me.....don't you? I really think we can do it, I know it may seem like a fools journey, but what else do we have to do? I long to see what my eyes have never seen, I long to do something!!..... To be known far and wide, as the brave traveller Bella Took who found the lost Entwives....Please say you feel the same? I ...well, I want you to come so badly... please say you'll come." Bunny stated in one last lame attempt to convince Tansy to come and to even convince herself a little, that she was doing the right thing and was not acting like a foolhardy Hobbit Lass. Bunny slurped some stew from her spoon and shyly gazed at Tansy, fearing the worst.. a trip to glory on her own.


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Thinlómien's post

"Tansy dear you do still want to come with me.....don't you? I really think we can do it, I know it may seem like a fools journey, but what else do we have to do? I long to see what my eyes have never seen, I long to do something!!..... To be known far and wide, as the brave traveller Bella Took who found the lost Entwives....Please say you feel the same? I ...well, I want you to come so badly... please say you'll come."

Tansy had been dreading for this question. She had first promised to come, not giving much thought to anything. Just as if I still was on my tweens, she thought dryly. The truth was, she was not sure if she could leave her family for a long time. Both Grandma Daphne and Fred needed help in order to manage with their daily life. Tansy's mother and father were both quite old and neither of them worked at home. True, they didn't work as long hours as they once had, but they still spent hours at the inn they workes as waiters. Tansy's sister Daisy could not come to help the family, as she had little children to look after. There's only me... and if I leave for a long time with no idea when I'm coming back... Tansy suppressed a sigh. Waiters didn't earn that much and the income of the family had long depended on Tansy's needlework. Tansy knew her parents had savings, but it hurt her to even think about that they'd use them to cover for the hole in their economy caused by Tansy's selfish absence.

"Tansy?" Bunny asked nervously. Tansy looked at her. Her eyes were full of hope but there was some fear deep behind. Sometimes Bunny reminded her so much of a little, innocent child. She could not break Bunny's trust, nor her own promise.

"Of course I'm coming", she said and hoped Bunny did not notice that her smile was a bit forced. Tansy took a sip from her teacup. She had chosen an old flavour she seldom used: a rich, black tea with the flavour of blackcurrant and cardamom. The taste reminded her of her and Daisy's visit to the Southfarthing so long time ago. They had eaten Mrs Bolger's blackcurrants and got the angry old widow chasing them around her garden with a broom in her hands. She couldn't help smiling... How they had been young and carefree back then, and how they had traveled in the woods and fields, avoiding settlement, because they had thought everybody would know that they had stolen the blackcurrants and beat them with broomsticks.

"What are you smiling at?" Bunny asked, sounding curious.
"Recalling an old adventure", Tansy replied. She took another sip of tea and then told her friend the history of the balckcurrant thievery. Bunny seemed to find the idea of an angry old woman chasing Tansy and trying to hit her with a broomstick incredibly funny.

When they had finished the dinner, Tansy showed Bunny to Daisy's old room that nowadays served as a guestroom. They wished each other good night and Tansy lumbered to her own room.

It took a long time for her to fall asleep. She wondered what her parents would say of her adventure and how would they manage without her. She wondered if she had to refuse Bunny's invitation after all. She worried how Bunny would take the news. She would not want to disappoint her. Nor herself, for wasn't she really expecting this adventure? Possible, but she was definitely not expecting leaving her family all alone for days, weeks, possibly months.

But when Tansy finally fell asleep, she didn't dream of Grandma Daphne and Fred at home alone, trying to manage, nor about her parents working day and night in order to get money for food. She dreamed of a long, untrodden road before her feet, of unknown woods and fields, of good company and of new challenges - of an adventure.

[Gwathagor]

Brown woke with dew on his face and the sun in his eyes.

He had slept that night at the base of a gnarled pine tree. The tree's wide, spreading branches had sheltered him from the drizzling rain that had continued to fall periodically during the night; only his feet had stuck out from beneath his blanket and from beneath the pine tree's branches, and they were now wet. Brown half-heartedly cursed the rain, the tree, and his wet feet, then sat up. For a moment he sat blinking and rubbing his eyes. He shook his head.

The fragrant pine woods in which he had spent his night were on the western shore of the Brandywine River, which he hoped to cross that day. But not before breakfast, he thought, and reached for his knapsack. Within an hour, he was sitting on a pile of pine needles before a small, hot fire underneath the canopy of the tall pine trees. The pine needles he had carefully cleared away from his fire pit, and as he sat and his feet dried, he chopped a tomato, a potato, a sausage, and a clove of garlic into a small pan. He threw in an enormous piece of butter and set the pan atop three rocks he had positioned in the center of the fire. While the simple, sturdy meal sizzled, Brown packed up his various possessions and prepared to move along. He had packed very light (for a hobbit). Other than the clothes he was wearing, he had his knapsack (which contained food, a spare shirt, and basic cooking gear), a walking stick made of hard maple wood, and his leather sling, which he carried at his belt.

In addition to this, he had with him a very old knife of curious workmanship. He had come upon the old thing while hiking in the North Farthing, where he had found it rusting in a field. Hours of polishing had removed the dirt and rust, revealing a broad, shiny, leaf-shaped blade which was pock-marked, but as sharp as the day it had been forged. Set in the hilt was a very small gem of the deepest blue he had ever seen. This had surprised him, but it had proved a useful tool or weapon in countless situations since, and had saved his life more than once. In dark forests, or on ancient hill-tops, the beautiful, ancient knife seemed to Brown to reflect a light that was deeper and older than the trees and the hills. When he drew the blade, he could feel himself join the ranks of mysterious warriors and wanderers and princes who had drawn the blade before him.

That is an extremely unhobbitlike idea, he thought to himself as he carefully strapped the knife to his knapsack, and sat down to eat. It's only a knife, and I am only a hobbit.

When he had finished his breakfast, he threw dirt on his fire and shouldered his pack. He would wash his pan in the river, so he carried that in his left hand, while he took his staff in his right, and then trotted down towards the Brandywine, leaving the piney hill behind him. A quarter mile downstream he found a fallen tree, which he ran across to the other side. He did not love water (particularly deep rivers, like this one), but it did not bother him as much as it did most hobbits. He had fallen in enough rivers during his countless rambles through the wildest parts of the Shire that it no longer held particular fear for him. On the eastern bank he paused to wash his frying pan and collect stones for his sling. If he was quiet, he might be able to bring a few quail to Fred, Tansy, and their family. The fat Shire quail made good eating, and that way he would not be completely imposing on their hospitality. He was, after all, unexpected.

When he had gathered ten good stones, he climbed to the top of the high river bank and then checked the sun. He was not sure of his exact position, but he had a good head for directions, and had wandered through these woods plenty of times while visiting extended family as a young hobbit-lad. If he made good time, he would be at Fred and Tansy's home by tea at the latest. Feeling well-fed and content, he climbed a stile over the hedgerow which marked the boundary of a farm, and headed towards a distant patch of forest, skirting around a newly planted field as he did so. The field was still soft from previous day's rain, but the sun shone warm over the tree tops. In the distance, smoke rose straight up from the farmer's cottage.

"No wind," he remarked. "It looks to be a good day. For walking, at any rate."

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo was a happy hobbit in the main. He liked having enough coin - which he did - to be able to do what he wished. He liked having a nice little cart and old Mosy, his pony, to pull it, as often as not wherever Mosy's nose chose to take it. When he retired, he had sold his big drover's cart for something more manageable, and was quite pleased with his new one. He had it painted bright green. It was still big enough to do an odd job now and then for a grocer or butcher who needed something taken to one of the inns.

Gaffer Hugo liked it, too, that Snatch sat right next to him on the cart's big bench most of the time. Snatch was three years old, a true bred North Farthing Tunnel Dog, which meant he was small as dogs go; it also meant that his body was strong and he could jump very high for his size. His fur was short and bristly, his snout strong, his ears short and pendant, his eyes bright as sunshine in a pond. His bark was loud and brisk and high pitched, and he used it often whether in greeting or chasing game. True to his breed, Snatch chased game into their burrows, and had a nack for snatching them when they thought they was safe; and so his name.

Gaffer Hugo was not in his cart, but in the home of his grandson Rudy. It was a fine house Rudy owned, for house it was instead of a hole - these Bucklanders were strange, even when they were Hugo's own kin. It felt a little odd to sleep above ground, Hugo thought, but it was all right. Hugo had just got up from a good night's sleep. After stretching and cracking and rubbing his old achy knees and toes and fingers, he let Snatch out for a morning romp; he checked in on Mosy, who was doing fine, for Rudy kept a fine stable too. Hugo went back inside where he could smell the rashers of bacon and the eggs and cakes on the griddle. He sighed with delight and patted his tummy in anticipation. Mira could cook a fine breakfast.

"Good morning, Mira! It smells wunnerful in here!"

[Finduilas]

The rain of yesterday and last night had left the field wet and bright green. As Mira got ready for the day, she kept looking out through her round window into the garden that bordered the hobbit dwelling. The air was fresh, and Mira was happy.

As Mira started to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, she whistled, but stopped abruptly when she remember father didn’t like whistling. “Oh well,” she thought, “I’ll just get out sometime today, and whistle as much as I like.”

Mira was wanted to talk to somebody, but neither Gaffer Hugo, nor Rudy were around, though Mira knew they were both up.

“I want to see someone today. Maybe... I haven't seen Tansy in several months. I wonder if Gaffer Hugo would mind taking me.” She thought, deciding to ask him when she saw him. By this time Mira had gotten griddle cakes frying, the bacon beginning to crisp, and was starting to cook the eggs.

Mira wasn't too surprised when she saw Hugo at the door, who greeted her with a, “Good morning, Mira! It smells wunnerful in here.”

She turned around smiling, “Why thank you. And good morning to you. Did you sleep well?” When he answered in the affirmative, she continued, “Oh, can you take me to Brandy Hall to visit Tansy? I haven't seen her for so long!”

[Boromir88]

Rudy liked the rain. He never understood why everyone else seemed to hate it. Rain was refreshing, the drip-drip-drip on the rooftop was quite relaxing, and it was cooling. In fact, as long as it wasn't ice cold rain, Rudy could not think of a reason to dislike rain.

Rudy woke up to the fine smell of bacon cooking. He loved bacon too; it was his favorite. His younger sister, Mira, always was a great cook. That was a good thing, because Rudy never was much of a cook. He knew how to cook eggs, but that was about it. Before Rudy found out there was another cook in the family (his mother, Rosemary, was another good one) he was forced to make his own meals. Eggs are tasty, but when you have to eat them two or three times a day, they lose their appeal. Rudy tried to make bacon once, but that didn't turn out so great. Two of the pieces were still raw and had a rubbery texture. The other two pieces were charred and tasted like ear wax.

Mira made great bacon; she really made great everything, but bacon was Rudy's favorite. It has been a while since Rudy has had any. The last time Mira made bacon she ended up asking Rudy if she could cross the Brandywine and go all the way out to Woodhall to see some friends. That was a little over three months ago. At times Rudy felt bad for Mira, how she is couped up at their house in Crickhollow. She has to get out, and be on her own, eventually...right? No, she's still far too young. What really made Rudy say yes was the bacon. By now Mira definitely knew how to get a "yes" out of Rudy. There really is no harm in travelling through The Shire...is there? As long as she never asks to go parading though the Old Forest; no amount of bacon will get him to say "yes" to that.

Then it suddenly hit Rudy: 'Oh no...the bacon...what does she want this time?' Rudy didn't bother changing out of the clothes he slept in. He went racing out of his room, but stopped when he saw Gaffer Hugo in the kitchen with Mira.

“Oh, can you take me to Brandy Hall to visit Tansy? I haven't seen her for so long!”

"What's this!" Rudy exclaimed. "Brandy Hall? Visiting Tansy? How can you ask such a thing from the Gaffer? Mira you should know better. You will have to excuse her, Gaffer, sometimes she forgets her manners."

[littlemanpoet]

"Manners?" Hugo retorted. "I've seen worse manners in a Sackville Baggins!" He patted his vest pockets. "Now what have I done with my right off the plant corn cob pipe?" He looked from side to side in the kitchen as if his pipe would somehow be seen other than where he had placed it (which was beside his bed).

"Anyways, I'd like to see Brandy Hall myself. I'll take you, Mira! And Rudy, why don't you come too? We can make a holiday out of it! ... soon as I find my pipe. Mmm! Smell that bacon!"

With that, Hugo seemed to forget all about his pipe and pulled a chair from the table, took a big hand towel and tucked it under his chin, and picked up fork and knife in eager anticipation.

[Finduilas]

Gaffer Hugo was about to reply, and Mira was sure it would be yes, when Rudy barged in. Mira was disappointed with how he responded to her idea.

"What's this! Brandy Hall? Visiting Tansy? How can you ask such a thing from the Gaffer? Mira you should know better. You will have to excuse her, Gaffer, sometimes she forgets her manners."

She brightened up again immediately when Gaffer Hugo spoke in her defense. As he sat down she served him, giving him an extra piece of bacon as a thanks.

“Yes, Rudy, do come. It will be a lovely day, perfect for a ride. And you'll enjoy yourself.” She almost added that he could boss her around more thouroghly if he came, but refrained, as she would prefer to have him in a good mood. She served him a full plate, then filled her own, covering the remaining cakes and bacon for her father.

As she sat down, she asked, “So when can we start?”

[Thinlómien]

As usual, Tansy had been the first one to wake up. She always slept very lightly and seemed to need less sleep than her other family members. She was already up and around, walking in the garden and enjoying the fresh air, when someone finally woke up.

"Tansy! What are you doing here?", Robin Bogsworth asked curiously.
"Oh, good morning, father. I was just having a morning walk."
"In this weather?"
"Yes... A little rain every now and then harms no one."
"When you've done with your problemsolving walk, do come in, I'm hungry and Maylily's not up yet."

The old man closed the backdoor with a slamming sound. He was always too careless with things like that, just like his son, Tansy thought. They both got into accidents on daily basis, but Robin Bogsworth had survived his life with minor injuries, unlike his son.

"Tansy!" a croaking voice called.
"Grandma Daphne, I'm coming", she said and ran to the old woman's window.
"Close the window! Who on earth has opened it! It's so chilly here inside. No, don't close it just yet! What is that expression? I can see you're up to some mischief again." The crone made disapproving sounds with her tongue. "Always doing this and always doing that. Won't you ever settle down and..." The rest of her words were swallowed by a violent cough. Tansy closed the window and hurried inside to see if her grandmother was alright. When she reached the room, her grandmother was snoring loudly. Tansy shook her head. Grandma Daphne knew she was planning something and Dad had seemed to suspect something as well. Better to talk with them as soon as possible, she concluded.

Her mother was already making porridge when she arrived at the kitchen.
"Look at yourself, all wet and brow creased like an old woman's! What have you done and what is troubling you?" Maylily asked.
"Where's dad? And Fred?"
"Robin has gone to fetch Fred to come to have breakfast with us. Even though if you ask me, it should be you, not him, doing it, you're the young one with a strong back..."
"No problem, Maylily!" Robin's voice came from the corridor. "I and Fred are handling this just well. Besides, I will get stiff if I never get exercise."
"Men", Maylily sighed. "But Tansy! What are you idling there! Go to wake up that friend of yours, if she prefers her porridge hot!"

[Gwathagor]

With a sudden rush of feathers and beaten air, a large grouse exploded out of
a low lying bunch of shrubs.

WHAP!

The bird dropped senseless out of the air, struck by a stone from Brown's
sling. As it hit the ground, he dashed over and seized the bird before it
could regain consciousness. He dashed its head sharply against a tree to kill
it, then tied it by its feet to length of cord on his knapsack, where hung
three fattish quail.

He had been hunting opportunistically all that morning, as he walked along the
hedgerows and through the thin woodlands which bordered the fields. Like most hobbits, he was a good shot with a sling, and, as he walked quietly (except for when he whistled, which he did very loud and very well), he would often come upon small hedgerow creatures while they were yet unaware of his presence, or startle them suddenly out of their hiding places.

Presently, he was walking along a low stone wall that, though it now lay in shambles, had probably once marked the boundary of a farmstead. All that remained now was a broad, gently sloping field of green grass.

Hullo! There IS something else left. Ahead, where the wall appeared to make a right turn, was the remains of a small farm cottage. Its thatching had long since disappeared, and the windows were hollow and empty, but the sturdy stone walls still held their mortar.

Brown was well-travelled, and stone buildings did not give him much pause, as they might hobbits who had never passed out of the central regions of the Shire. The stone walls of the cottage and the long, low wall surrounding what had been the farm stood memorial to the battle between the farmer and the earth; the stones used to build the structures had evidently been pulled from the field in an attempt to make it fit for cultivation.

So many rocks...no wonder they left. I would. Give me the woods and the wild any day.

He stepped over a fallen beam through the doorway of the cottage. His foraging instincts, developed by years of rambling, insisted that he at least take a quick look around for anything of use, though the most he expected to find was perhaps an old stove or a rusty tea-kettle. And he proved to be absolutely right. He found both of these things, evidently abandoned in the defeated farmer's hastily beaten retreat.

And this brought up an issue rather dear to his, as to any hobbit's, heart: Speaking of tea...I haven't eaten since breakfast. Thereupon he sat down in the midst of the fallen timbers and broken glass upon an old stool that must have been also overlooked, and removed his knapsack. He did not mind eating second breakfast cold, especially since he was in mid-hike at the moment. Besides, he was eating it rather before the hour this particular morning. It made sense to get in a meal while he could, since there might be some proper leftovers down at Fred and Tansy's, and he would then have the good fortune to have eaten a second second breakfast. This made him smile.

As he ate, he pulled an old book from the rubble, its leather cover warped and cracked. Munching on an apple, he opened the book on his knee and began to read from the first badly damaged and yellowed page.

MERIADOC BRANDYBUCK'S
LETTERS AND SPEECHES
with Elucidations
by
Carl Brandybuck
Vol. I-II

[Valier]

Bunny began the day with a smile. She had had a wonderful dream, where she had frolicked in the grass, hand in hand with a beautiful tree maiden. Her mind was torn from her dream when her nose caught the scent of cooking food. Upon opening her eyes Bunny realized that it must be quite late, she had been tired and had slept longer than usual. She had planned to get up early to have a few minutes alone to talk with Tansy.

Her pack was in ruins and they would need to get supplies. But how? and from whom? Surely Tansy's family could not be expected to supply things for them both. Bunny scolded herself for her clumsiness the day before. Now she would need to have her clothes washed and her pack had to be emptied and cleaned. They would not be off as quickly as Bunny had hoped.
Peeling of the covers Bunny ran her fingers through her unruly hair. She had gone to bed with it wet and she knew she would look an awful sight. She would also need to wear her nightgown to breakfast if she would hope to get any at all.

None of this could put a damper on Bunny's mood, she was determined to have a productive, engaging day. They could get started tomorrow morning if the rain held off and she got her things in order.
She quickly made the bed and straightened herself up a little more and headed to the kitchen. As she crossed the door frame Bunny looked down at her feet, running head long into Tansy who had come to fetch her. "Oi! good morning Tansy, are you having a wonderful day so far? Sorry I slept so late, and please do excuse my appearance, I'm afraid all of my clothes have gotten wet, and night clothes will have to do for breakfast. Bunny rubbed the spot on her forehead where they had collided. " Tansy dear I'm afraid we will need more supplies then I thought, do you have any idea where we could get them? We should leave as soon as possible as long as the weather holds up."

[Boromir88]

“So when can we start?”

Rudy smiled. He knew, Mira knew, he was going to say yes. Maybe he did over react, just a little bit. It just caught him off guard; that's all. She probably shouldn't have asked the Gaffer to do this for her, but if Gaffer Hugo didn't mind, then what's the big deal? In fact, the Gaffer seemed thrilled that Mira asked her to do something. Poor guy, Rudy doesn't see Gaffer Hugo too often. This would be a good oppurtunity to catch up with him.

"Alright Mira, let's go see Tansy." Rudy said, smiling again.

At that moment Mira and Rudy's father, Hugo (not to be confused with Gaffer Hugo), walked into the room. "Wait a minute, now, where are you all running off too?"

"We are going to Brandy Hall, to visit Tansy, father." Rudy tried to sound as commanding as possible.

"Did she put you up to this?" he said, looking sharply at Mira.

Rudy quickly jumped in, before Mira could say anything. He wanted to show Mira he was sorry for being so harsh on her earlier. "No, father. Mira was telling us about her friend Tansy and we all thought it would be good to go see her." Maybe Rudy did just bend the story a little bit, so what?

Hugo grunted. "There are more important things you could be doing other than prancing through the Shire to see some friends." Hugo said 'friends' condescendingly. Rudy gritted his teeth. He knew father was trying to get him, or Mira, to blow up so he would have a reason to keep them at home. Rudy wasn't going to let him win.

"We are going to Brandy Hall, to visit Tansy, father." he said again.

[Thinlómien]

"Tansy dear I'm afraid we will need more supplies then I thought, do you have any idea where we could get them? We should leave as soon as possible as long as the weather holds up."

"I don't know", Tansy replied. She really wasn't very enthusiastic about finding all the necessary things from her home or using all her family's money.

Bunny frowned. "Then is more difficult than I imagined... are you sure you don't have a friend or something who could help us with the supplies?"

Tansy smiled wryly at herself. It never occured to her first to ask for someone's help. "I do have one such friend. Her name is Peony Chubb. She lives quite close. But I must say that if we are to ask her to help us with the supplies, we might have to take her with us." Realising how Bunny might interpret her words, she burst laughing. Bunny cast her a questioning look.

"I maybe should not have said 'have to'", Tansy explained, "Peony is a lovely person, really, I'm sure you'll like her."

Before Bunny could make any reply, Maylily's voice interrupted the discussion: "Oh, there you are, girls. Come to eat breakfast, it's getting cooler all the time."

Girls. Tansy rolled her eyes and Bunny chuckled, but both followed the old woman obediently.

Fred and Robin wanted to tell Bunny about the giant perch they had caught last weekend and she was enjoying the story and telling of her own experiences of perches, so they had almost finished the abundant breakfast before Tansy could get to the topic she wanted to discuss.

"Mum, dad, Fred. There's something I want to talk about with you", she said slowly. Fred smiled at her, their mother's eyes narrowed, but their father asked pleasantly: "What is it, Tansy?"

"I wish to go traveling again. Bunny and I have been talking about looking for the legendary Entwives. I don't know how long I would be away."

A silence fell. "But there is one thing I'm worried about. Will you be able to manage without me?"

Maylily snorted in an offended way. "Now, now, Miss Tansy Bogsworth! I don't deny that you have provided a big deal of our family's income, helped Daphne and Fred a lot and done a big part of the household work in the last decade or so. But it is downright arrogant of you to assume that we wouldn't manage by ourselves for a few days? weeks? months? Ha! I tell you, Tansy, none of us is a helpless child!"

Tansy grinned. "Thank you, mother", she said.

"We'll miss you though, Tansy", Fred said with an affectionate smile, "hope you'll have fun."

"And I'll be missing your teas, darling", Robin said, "and maybe sad not to have the few extra coins in our purse. But I'd be far more sad if you were not where you wanted to be."

Tansy sighed. She had known it would come down to money. "Mum, are you really sure you can manage?"

"Now don't start that again, you arrogant lass!" Maylily exclaimed, "Have you forgotten that I and your father work as well? Besides, I assure you, I do have my own savings and I'm not afraid to use them our expenses became too big for us, which I doubt. And for goodness' sake, don't stare at me that way! Can't a mother offer something to her daughter these days?"

When Tansy still made no reply, Maylily burst laughing. "Tansy, if you're that worried, I can promise to take the extra money from your inheritance."

"Does that mean you're really coming with me?" Bunny asked in a low voice.

Tansy looked at her resolute-looking mother and her simling father and brother. "It seems I couldn't back away now even if I wanted: they seem to have decided that it's time for me to have some time of my own", she grinned.

[littlemanpoet]

"We are going to Brandy Hall, to visit Tansy, father." Rudy said a second time.

Gaffer Hugo watched Rudy standing tall as he was able, his chin sticking out to just a wee bit, and risen up like he was giving orders to his own pa. The awful silence, full of all kinds of bad thing nobody was saying, was getting long. Gaffer Hugo understood; Hugo his son-in-law and accidental namesake, was a bitter man and had been getting that way even before he'd lost Rosemary so many years agone. Hugo number two never mentioned Rosemary anymore, he didn't need to. Everybody knew that it was always aback of what he blamed Mira for. It would do no good to raise that ugly fact where everybody could see it like a dirty stinky rag that needed more than a good washing.

"Good morning to you, Hugo!" Gaffer Hugo said. "I'm takin' Rudy an' Mira over to Brandy Hall to visit some friends and kin. Peony's folk are over thereby. How about you come along too?"

Gaffer Hugo flicked a quick glance over to Mira clapped her hand to her mouth with a cough to cover the grin forming there, for she knew what Gaffer was up to. They all knew that Hugo number two would be too concerned to make sure he wasn't going to bother with keeping Rudy and Mira under roof.

"Oh, fine!" Hugo number two griped with a dismissive wave. "Go on and leave me all alone like always."

Of course they all knew that wasn't true and Gaffer Hugo knew it made Mira feel bad, just like it was intended to, but there wasn't much hope of changing her dad, so no surprise, she smiled and told him thank you.

[Valier]

Bunny was so relieved when Tansy and her family decided she should go with Bunny. She didn't know it was bothering her, but now it felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders.

Bunny shoved one last morsel of food into her mouth and stood up to help with the clearing up. "That was just a delicious meal Maylily, thank you for having me." Maylily nodded her head towards the pile of mess sitting at the front door, which use to be Bunny's belongings. "I guess you'll be needing your things washed up, I can throw them in with the load I have from Tansy...That lass always has so much laundry... well I guess it's hard to tell which is clean or dirty when it's all over the floor!!" Tansy rolled her eyes at this causing Bunny to hold back a snort. "I will say however while I wash your mess, you my dear must clean up the mud you've left on the floor.

Bunny giggled and apologized profusely as she took the mop from Maylily. Tansy finished up the dishes and came to wait for Bunny to finish. "Since your Mother has been so gracious and kind to me, " Bunny said with a smile. " Shall we go see Peony after I finish up here? Do you think she will be home? I guess we might as well take a walk over, the weather seems like it's picking up and we might just have a sunny day. If she agrees to join us and we can get everything we need, we may just be able to leave tomorrow."

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo suggested that they stop off at Peony's, since she was on the way to Brandy Hall. Not long after first breakfast was finished and cleaned up after, Gaffer Hugo prepared his wagon for the ride, with much help from Snatch. At least, Snatch seemed to think that all his jumping up and down and running here and there and barking high and low made all the difference.

Soon the three travelers were on the road, happy to be gone from the house in Crickhollow, and ready for adventure. It would not have taken very long at all, but Mosy had other ideas in mind; mostly because Gaffer Hugo didn't bother to control him. Mosy found snubs of grass here, tasty berries hanging from bushes there as the travelers talked and sang and generally made merry.

It was almost noon when they arrived at Peony's hole.

[Thinlómien]

"That is a good idea. I feel like walking", Tansy replied and glanced out of the window. "And a little drop of rain or two won't surely kill us, just freshen our morning a bit, won't it?"
"Let's just hope it isn't as muddy as it was yesterday or we're going to spend the rest of the day with the mop when we've come back", Bunny grinned.
Tansy laughed. "Now, if you wait a minute and then we can leave. I think I should bring Peony and her family something. If I recall correctly, all the Chubbs have a liking for thistleflower tea."

Bunny was right about the weather. They had walked only a little while when the rain stopped and the sun started to shine. The change of weather raised the Hobbits' spirits even higher and they were as jolly as the little birds in the trees above them when they finally arrived at Peony's place.

[Kitanna]

The morning had been relatively warm, despite a bit of rain earlier, and Peony Chubb was going about her usually chores for her mother. But as she cleaned the dishes from her family’s breakfast she longed to go out for a nice long walk. It was far too nice outside to toil away on chores and such. She was quite envious of the birds that cheeped happily in the sunlight. Yet, there was work to be done and her brothers were not responsible enough.

Hamfast and Nick were off evading work, Peony was sure. She grumbled silently as she dried the dishes. Her mother came into the kitchen to assist in putting the dishes away. Melilot looked tired and Peony could tell the older Hobbit had probably had a dream about Sancho the night before.

“Where are those brothers of yours?” Melilot asked, her voice laced with melancholy.

“Probably hanging around the tavern, waiting for some lunch.” Peony dried the last plate and handed it to her mother.

Melilot rolled her eyes. “Seems hardly right for them to leave us with all the work around here. Why don’t you see if you can fetch them, while I out some tea on.”

Peony removed her apron and hurried outside. She had been waiting all morning for a chance to stretch her legs and enjoy the sunshine. Though she was on an errand, this was the perfect excuse to pick some flowers and take in the nice weather. Peony took in the fresh air and sighed happily.

“Peony Chubb!” Peony looked up the road and saw two figures moving quickly up the road. But she wasn’t expecting anyone today, so who could it be?

“Peony!” One of the figures called and waved. Recognition hit Peony as the grew ever closer.

“Mum! Tansy Bogsworth is here!” Peony called to her mother and sprinted up the road to greet her friend and her traveling companion.

[Thinlómien]

Warm greetings were exchanged when Peony and Mrs Chubb, who hastened to see the visitors, met Tansy and Bunny. Tansy introduced Bunny to the Chubbs and after exchanging the briefest tidings and gossip, Mrs Chubb excused herself and went back into the hobbit hole.

"So, what brings you here?" Peony asked, "I was not expecting you. That does not mean that you wouldn't be welcome, of course." She smiled.

Tansy returned her smile. "It is always good to pay friends surprise visits, isn't it? But, yes, we actually had something we would like to discuss with you."

"Really?" asked Peony with an interested glint in her eyes, "I was just about to go to find Hamfast and Nick, but it may wait."

"Off evading work again, are they?" Tansy asked with a grin.

"Well, you know Hamfast", Peony said, "and Nick is just like him."

“Oh, poor you, I'd never survive living with them”, Tansy said empathically, but there was an edge of mischeviousness to her voice.

Peony was eyeing her curiously and looked like she was about to say something, when Bunny broke in. “We're not disturbing you, Peony, or interrupting anything, are we?” she asked in a cheerful tone.

“Oh no, you're not. Finding those rascals may wait”, Peony smiled, “Though, I thought it would be nice to spend some time outside... Would you mind if we discussed in the garden? We have benches and a little table in there. It may be a bit wet, though...”

“It is perfectly fine”, Bunny said, “don't you agree, Tansy?”

“Yes”, Tansy said, “let's go then.”

[Valier]

Bunny skipped towards the little table and benches that were set up outside Peony's. "It 's only a tiny bit wet, you can just push the water right off." Bunny wiped the water off and sat down, as did Tansy and Peony.

"We came here Peony to ask you a favor," started Tansy. Bunny could contain herself no longer and blurted out," I have decided to tell you everything. I find this only fair since I need your help." Bunny leaned in closer to the now rapt Peony. " I decided sometime ago that I wanted to make a trip.... an adventure of sorts. Have you ever heard of the Ents and their lost Wives?" Peony nodded and Tansy smiled "Well I plan to go in search of them. I believe they may reside still somewhere in the North Moors. I have asked Tansy to join me on this adventure, and she" Bunny said with a smile, has graciously accepted." I had packed supplies enough for two, but I'm afraid my clumsiness has spoil all of my food, as well as ruined my only map. I'm not even sure what we would need to bring to make it safely there and back again.

Bunny relaxed a little and looked around. "Now this doesn't seem like something you would be interested in Peony would it? Bunny grinned at her. I am sure having you come would brighten our trip and make us one more the merrier. And Tansy has suggested that perhaps you would know where we could acquire some more supplies?

Bunny closed her eyes and went over the things she had brought. "I have a length of rope still and a sharp hand axe. My clothes thank goodness are getting washed by Tansy's gracious Mother. I had a good map my Father gave me but I'm afraid it has been ruined." Bunnies eyes welled up with tears. " I am sure he will be horribly disappointed with me when I return. All my food has been spoiled which will need to be replaced and I am sure there is a few other things we would need that I have forgotten.

Bunny stared off into space for awhile lost in thought. She almost fell of the little bench when she 'came to' Forgive my manners! Peony dear have I asked too much of you? I can pay you what little I have for supplies and we will leave you to your peace, but please would you like to come?" Yes would you?" asked Tansy in turn.

[Kitanna]

“I can pay you what little I have for supplies and we will leave you to your peace, but please would you like to come?"

“Yes would you?" asked Tansy in turn.

Peony was struck dumb. This didn’t seem like something Tansy would do, not with her parents working and depending on her needlework. Peony thought of her own mother. They were well-off and the income she drew in from the tavern was little. Her brothers’ wages brought in for more than her own. But what if Peony went along and something happened. It would break Melilot’s heart. The Hobbit woman could not survive if one of her children was taken from her.

Still she had been craving an adventure all her life. Now it seemed Bunny and Tansy were offering it to her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, searching for the right answer.

“My mum’s father used to collect maps, I believe my mum still has them locked away somewhere. I’m sure we could find one to replace your ruined one.” Peony said. Her mind raced thinking about what else her family had that would aid in the adventure.

“Does this mean you’ll join us?” Tansy asked, it was clear she wanted Peony to come along.

“Of course I will and we have plenty of supplies here to help. We’ll just need to ask my mum where the maps are. For supplies we’ll have to wait until after lunch, my mum goes to the tavern to gossip and chat. With her gone we can pack up the supplies without raising any suspicion.”

It was clear Bunny was giddy with excitement. “This is turning out better than I had hoped.”

Peony led Tansy and Bunny inside. Melilot was pouring her tea. “Have a sit and enjoy some tea, girls. I’ve made it special on account of Tansy and Bunny. Not everyday we have visitors come through here.”

The four sat around the table, enjoying Melilot’s special brew. Peony cleared her throat and smiled, “Mum, where are those old maps we used to have?”

“My father’s? I put them in that old chest in the study. I used to have them out, but Nick was so mischievous in his tweens I had to hide them for safe keeping. But I think it’s high time I bring them out again. Peony, be a dear and fetch them after we’ve had a bit of lunch.”

The sound of a wagon coming up the road silenced Melilot. “I wonder who that could be. It’s not usual for anyone to be coming by us this time a day. Girls, be dears and see who’s coming up the road.”

[Iras Sabir]

Posted by: Iras Sabir

Lizzy Smallburrow awoke later than she had hoped. She was hoping to set out for the market before the sun had risen. If only her brother hadn't invited her over to try his newest mead. She groaned softly as she stood up. Her head was pounding. Lizzy walked slowly into her bathroom, wincing when she saw herself in the mirror. Her eyes were ringed in red and the bags! She shook her head and went about washing up so that she could get her chores done and head into town.

After she was washed and combed she pulled on her dark green dress and deftly braided her hair back. She walked into the kitchen to put a kettle onto boil as she tied her apron on. While she waited for the water to boil she thought about what she was going to do that day.

First she'd have to get the basket ready, washing the last of the vegetables and making sure the cloth was folded right. Then she'd have to catch Boy and get him loaded up. Then, to town! She smiled at the thought of town. Her favorite time of the day was when she was able to go to town and visit with the different people. She was usually able to get at least one good peice of gossip. Her sister-in-law would be happy to hear of any news. She was in her 9th month and confined to bed.

The kettle whistled and Lizzy pushed herself up to get it. She poured herself a cup of tea and then started to wash the veggies. There weren't many this time, only 2 or 3 pounds of carrots and about 40 mushrooms. The cloth was a different story. She had finally finished spinning all the wool from her sheep, so she had yards and yards of it, dyed and undyed. She had saved just a few yards back, some to make herself a new cloak, which she'd wear that day, and some more to make her niece or nephew a blanket and bedding. She finished the basket and tied it shut, making sure it was well-padded. She set it down on the table and pushed up her sleeves and pulled on her boots. Now time to get Boy. She looked out the window and saw the light rain.

"He'd better not put up any trouble today..." Lizzy grumbled. She pulled on a cap, just something to cover her hair, before walking out the door. The front of her little house was fenced in and her garden took up most of the yard. She walked beside it, looking it all over. Only a few weeds. She pulled them up quickly and tucked them in one of her pockets. Now she walked to her pen. She had about 30 sheep in the pen, none of them expecting at the moment, and all of them were sheared. She had set up a nice little sleeping area for them, complete with fresh hay to sleep on. On bad days, and during winter, they were able to eat even if she wasn't able to come out to them.

And there was Boy. The other sheep were huddled in the barn and he was standing near the entrance. He started bleating when he saw her coming. "Yeah, that's right. C'mere Boy!" She yelled, starting to laugh as the large ram waddled over like a dog. She started rubbing his nose as she strapped all her baskets and such down. "Now be a good boy for a moment. I need to go and get my cloak." She said, walking him to the gate of her yard. She stepped back inside for a moment and pulled on the dark blue cloak. She turned around and climbed up on Boy. They walked down the road at a leisurely pace. Lizzy nodded off once or twice, but started awake when she heard voiced. Another group was coming from the direction she was going. She squinted her eyes at them, curious and shy at the same time.

-----------------------------------

Posted by: littlemanpoet

"I wish it would stop raining," Mira complained, "it'll ruin my hair."

"Nonsense, you're hair's covered anyways!" Rudy retorted.

"What ho," Gaffer Hugo said with a light touch to the reins, "Easy Mosy. "Now there's an odd sight, a Hobbit missus riding a full horned ram. Must be a Bucklander or I'm a gammer." Mira giggled.

Snatch had been peering and sniffing off at the grassy side of the road, but had caught a whiff of the ram or else understood his master's words. He turned around quick as you like on the bench and the moment he laid eyes on the ram trotting by, he started up a yammering so loud that Hugo had to let go the reins and plug his ears.

"Shush, you, Snatch!"

The ram spooked and jumped, which set Snatch to yammering the fiercer, so hard that his four legs were coming off the bench with every fresh bark. Hugo only caught him in time to keep him from jumping right off the cart and hurling his whole body at the ram. The ram started skittering down the lane, the Hobbit missus bobbing and bumping on its back.

"Boy! Boy!" she shouted.

"Ah me," Gaffer Hugo said to himself. "Here, Mira," he yelled over the dog's mighty cries, "hold Snatch, will you? Rudy! We must help the lady!"

Once Mira had wrestled Snatch, still cussifering at full bark, from Hugo, the Gaffer and grandson Rudy jumped off the wagon and went chasing after ram and Hobbit-lady.

-----------------------------------

Posted by: Iras Sabir

Lizzy gave an angry screech as she tried to keep Boy under control. The ram started running then bucked her completely off. She hit the ground hard, starting to actually scream. She was up in a flash, ignoring the people and running after her ram. She soon saw it was going to be hopeless to catch him.

She turned suddenly to the people, her face white. "Who are you and what were you thinking?! Couldn't you control that mangy animal? I've lost my whole month's harvest because of this!" She screamed at them. She stamped her foot and suddenly she looked like a child. They could see the ram had stopped running and was dociley eating grass on the hill.

-----------------------------------

Posted by: littlemanpoet

"Here here," said Gaffer Hugo, huffing at a fast walk as Rudy ran to the aid of the distressed lady. "I'm very sorry I'm sure, I don't know what came over my Snatch, he's seem sheep before, jus' not a lady riding one is all."

Rudy went up to the ram and grabbed hold of him and waited patiently for the lady to reclaim him.

"Allow me," said Gaffer Hugo, "to do right by you." Hugo doffed his hat and bowed as deeply as his old bones let him. "I'm Hugo Chubb and these are my grandkin, Rudy and Mira. We were just on our way to my other granddaughter Peony Chubb. She lives just over yonder and maybe, if you'd like, a bit of second breakfast with us can set things to rights."

-----------------------------------

Posted by: Iras Sabir

Lizzy finally seemed to calm. "I apologize...I might have over reacted..."

She smiled at him. "I would be happy to join you...." She smiled again, almost too sweet for words.

[Valier]

Mira, Hugo, and Rudy arrived at Peony's house. Rudy was in a good mood. He was glad to get out of that house every once in a while; to stretch his legs a bit. Rudy would never admit it to Mira, but he rather liked when she wanted to go on one of her adventures. It gave him an excuse to go as well. A hobbit his age...desiring to go adventuring? That's thought of as queer by the other hobbits who have come of age. However, if Mira went on an adventure, well he is the protective big brother; it is his obligation. Secretly though, he really liked travelling with Mira, but he would never let her know that.

Peony must have seen them coming, she came out of her house to greet them, and there were two others with her whom Rudy had never met before. Apparently, Mira knew one of them, as she greeted the hobbit with reddish-brown hair.

"Tansy, Bunny, these are my cousins: Rudy and Mira, and their gaffer, Hugo." said Peony. "Fellas, this is Tansy and Bunny."

After everyone had exchanged hellos, and greetings, they all made their way into Peony's house.


As the small group of Hobbits was ushered into the house by a smiling Melilot, Bunny nudged Peony from behind and grabbed Tansy's hand slowing them to a stop behind the others.
Melilot raised her eyebrow and told tell them not to dawdle.
" I just need one moment with the girls Mrs Chubb, we shan't be long, I promise," Bunny said with her sweetest smile.
"Alright, but hurry up or your tea will get cold." The three lasses all nodded in unison and Melilot went in to welcome the guests.

Bunny led them back to the little table, they had sat at earlier before she began again with fervor.
"Sorry to be so abrupt, but I think we may have a problem. I thought now would be the only time we may get alone. Do you think your Mum will still go to the tavern for lunch now that you have company?
Maybe we should head back to Tansy's now and ready our things there, since Tansy's family knows we are going.
We can then come back here tomorrow morning and pick you up. We can leave our things in that bush over there before we come, so it just looks like we are visiting. If you need help still getting supplies maybe we can come up with a plan to occupy your Mum, while you get what we need.

"I think that may be best" said Peony thoughtfully, Lets try it and see what happens."
Bunny sprang up, no longer containing herself and lunged at Peony hugging her, then she turned to Tansy and hugged her in the same fashion.
"This is going to work out just fine, and we shall have a great adventure!"
"Let us go, and get ready then Tansy dear. Tansy agreed with a smile.
Bunny told Peony to make sure to tell Melilot and her guests that she was glad she had met them, but they had promised Tansy's Mum they would be home for lunch. Peony gave Tansy and Bunny a wide grin before heading back towards the house with a wave.

"Well Tansy dear shall we go? You lead the way, I'm afraid I did not pay attention to how we got here." Tansy laughed and headed towards her house.

As bunny skipped behind Tansy, her foot got caught in her skirt and she nearly lost her balance and fell, but at the last moment she caught herself and had only bowed to one knee. Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw a small form bolt from a bush on the lawn, back towards Peony's house. Bunny blinked twice and stood up. She was sure she had just imagined it.

[Finduilas]

Mira was slightly confused when as soon as they arrived, Bunny, Tansy, and Peony all dropped behind to talk. Their excuse to Melilot was all very well, but Mira had always had a small curiosity streak, and she also prided herself that she was a reasonably good spy. She quietly plucked at Rudy’s sleeve and whispered to him, “Please make my excuses to cousin Melilot. I need to use the bathroom, and will be right back.” He nodded and she rushed out, following the other hobbit lasses. She peered out the round door of the hobbit hole, to see where they were going. She saw them sit down, and then looked for a way to get close without being seen. When she could hear them well, her new acquaintance, Bunny was talking.

“Maybe we should head back to Tansy's now and ready our things there, since Tansy's family knows we are going.
We can then come back here tomorrow morning and pick you up. We can leave our things in that bush over there before we come, so it just looks like we are visiting. If you need help still getting supplies maybe we can come up with a plan to occupy your Mum, while you get what we need.”

Mira could tell she had missed a little bit, but this was sounding a lot more interesting then she had expected.

"I think that may be best" Peony the replied, “Lets try it and see what happens."

Bunny then jumped up, very excitedly, and hugged both her friends, "This is going to work out just fine, and we shall have a great adventure!" She said, her tone of voice and words showing how happy she was.

Mira was slightly surprised. Adventure? That wasn’t the kind of thing that she heard about every day. But it did sound fun. She started to back up a little, no longer listening, when Tansy and Bunny started heading towards the road that unfortunately, was very close to where Mira was hiding. Luckily, for Mira, but not for Bunny, Bunny tripped, and almost fell flat. Mira saw this as her chance, and Bunny was catching herself, and Tansy was coming back to help her up. She dashed to another bush that was farther from the road.

[Finduilas]

Peony had reached the house before Mira caught up with her.

“Peony, dear, I want to talk to you,” Mira addressed her in a very cheerful voice, trying not to act suspicious.

Peony stopped on her doorstep and regarded her cousin carefully. She was glad to see Mira, but her mind raced with all the thoughts and plans for the adventure.

"What can I help you with, Mira?" Peony asked, trying to hide her excitement.

"Well the main thing, is I have to admit that Rudy has been rather tiresome of late," Mira had thought she could use that as a starter. After all, Peony had often laughed with her about Rudy's protectiveness, "so I'm thinking I might want to have a bit of fun. Like an adventure"

What is Mira getting at? Peony's excitement turned into a cold chill. Did Mira know something? Would she give Tansy, Bunny, and Peony away if she did?

"An adventure?" Peony hoped her voice didn't sound as nervous as she felt. "There have been no real adventures in these parts for ages, what put such an idea into your head?"

Mira hit her first wall. She was expecting it, but how was she supposed to deal with it?

"Okay, I'll admit, um..." Mira got flustered. She should have thought before commiting herself so far. Oh well, here goes, "I happened to overhear you girls talking just now, and I was wondering if I might come along?"

Mira twisted her face up in a little hopeful question.

"Don't think I'm too young! I won't be any trouble, I promise!" Just don't ask Rudy to agree with that statement, she thought as she peered into Peony's face.

Mira was still in her tweens. How could Peony even think of allowing her cousin to go with them? If something happened Rudy would never forgive her. Peony wanted nothing more than to decline Mira.

Yet she held back saying no. Her brothers had kept her from adventures and such. She couldn't do the same to Mira. Besides, she was a trustworthy lass.

"Alright, but I've got a job for you to do. Keep everyone distracted tonight while I gather some supplies."

"Oh wonderful! Thank you so much!" Mira felt a great urge to give Peony a huge hug, but thought better of it quickly, as she wanted to act older than her age. "I'll do anything to keep them distracted, if I have to commit a murder to get there attention on me." Rats, she thought, just said something stupid. Oh well.

Peony laughed and put an arm around Mira's shoulder. "Come on, we'll go inside. If we stay out here much longer everyone will get suspicious. We'll talk a bit later about this adventure."

[Gwathagor]

"My dear Hazel,

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter from you, my youngest niece. Letter-writing is an art and skill which I fear is falling into disuse among young hobbits these days, but I see your parents have diligently seen to your education and upbringing. You reflect well upon them.

As to the contents of your letter, my answers are these: Yes, Yes, and Yes.

Yes, I can still recall nearly all of the adventures which I had in my wild youth. I am not so old yet, that I would forget!

Yes, I can tell you which is my favorite adventure, of them all (if one can or should separate them).

Yes, I WILL tell you what it is. When I went traveling with Frodo, Samwise, and Peregrin, I met many great lords of men and elves. Many battles I fought and many foes I slew. I saw the fall of empires, and the rebirth of nations. But of all these things, great though they may be, the memory I treasure above all is my memory of the Ents. Ents are to trees what shepherds are to sheep; without them, the trees would run amok and cause a great deal of trouble. The Ents look after the trees and protect them. The Chief Ent, Treebeard (or Fangorn, which is his name in Elvish) is one of the mightiest creatures I have ever met. He could tear apart stone like sod and crack metal like dead wood. In spite of this, he is also one of the wisest beings East of the Sea. During our time among the Ents, Thain Peregrin and I had many long conversations with Treebeard, which mostly consisted of him relating a few of his innumerable memories (did I mention he is also one of the oldest beings in the world?).

My memories of the Ents, however, in part stand out because they are somewhat sad. You see, dear Hazel, the Ents are dwindling. They have not had children for many thousands of years, ever since the disappearance of the Entwives. I asked Treebeard about it once, and learned a very great deal. He had told us a little during the first day or so of our acquaintance, but I am afraid I was frightfully curious. And now, Hazel, I shall relate to you that conversation."

The sunlight changed and Brown looked up from his book. He shook himself and took a deep breath. He had quite forgotten himself and the time, and consequently had just read the first two-thirds of the first volume of "Meriadoc Brandybuck's Letters and Speeches", and probably missed second breakfast at Fred's.

Bother, he thought.

He set the tome down, stood up and shouldered his knapsack. Then, on a second thought, he retrieved the book again from the rubble of the farm-cottage and shoved it in his bag. It was very heavy.

"Better be worth the extra weight," he muttered grimly. "Who knows? The weather might turn sour, and then I'll want something to read inside."

Brown had been reading for several hours, as a matter of fact, and the sun was now high in the sky; it was nearly luncheon-time, and Brown was getting hungry. He could have stopped, and considered the possibility more than once as he made his brisk way east towards Brandy Hall. However, he had already spent longer than he intended on the road that day and was eager to see Fred and arrive at his cousins' by supper. So he pressed on hard, and arrived at Fred and Tansy's house on the outskirts of town only a few minutes after midday.

He leaned against the gatepost for moment to catch his breath, then swung the gate open, skipped down the garden path and knocked on the cottage door. Looking back over his shoulder, he saw a group of hobbit-lasses turning down the lane about a mile back.

Hullo, he thought. This is unexpected.

[Kitanna]

As her relations sat down to enjoy Melilot's tea, Peony tapped Mira on the shoulder, signaling to the door. If Mira was to join in on the adventure, Bunny and Tansy would have to be informed.

"I'm going to see if I can catch my friends before they get too far off." Peony whispered and quietly slipped out the door. Her sudden disappearance after just entering caused Rudy to raise an eyebrow at her strange behavior.

Once outside Peony took off at a sprint. Tansy and Bunny wouldn't have gotten too far from her home, but she didn't want to be away any longer than she needed to be. Peony could see the small figures of two hobbit lasses on the road ahead, no doubt these were the two she was searching for. Peony picked up her speed.

"Bunny! Tansy!" She called. The two turned and waved. Peony stopped before them, bending over to catch her breath.

"Have we been discovered?" Bunny's face turned white. She imagined the only reason Peony was running so fast was to give them bad news.

"No," Peony gasped, "I wanted...to catch you," she stopped, taking a few deep breaths before continuing. "My cousin, Mira, overheard our plans and wants to join us. I said yes, but I wanted to let you know before we set out."

"The more the merrier!" Bunny clapped.

"It'll be more than a joy to have Mira along," Tansy agreed.

Peony smiled. She was also looking forward to the inclusion of Mira in this adventure. "Then, we will continue as planned, with the help of Mira, then. For now I best be off, before my mum wonders what sort of mischief I'm into now." She waved and hurried home.

When she arrived her face was flushed and her breathing labored from the run. "Peony, what is the matter?"

"Tansy forgot something and I just wanted to give it to her before she was too far up the road."

[Thinlómien]

"Ooh, I'm so much looking forward to this adventure", Bunny said, "and it's just great you have these lovely lasses as friends and they're coming with us. Don't you think this will be a fine adventure?"

Tansy suppressed a sigh. It seemed Bunny - like Peony - had missed the hint of sarcasm in her tone when she had agreed that it was lovely to have Mira along. Although she genuinely liked the lively young lass, she wasn't truly looking forward to having her come with them. Mira was still more or less a child and someone should look after her. Tansy had a bad feeling that someone might be herself. So much for a relaxing adventure, she thought and immediately rebuked herself for such pessimism.

Even though Mira was young, she was not a little child. Tansy could remember how much she had been irritated at that age when no one had believed she could look after herself. Maybe they should give Mira a chance to have a try at being a grown-up. Besides, she's not helpless, Tansy thought, she's an able and smart lass and even if she needed being looked after, I'm sure Peony as her cousin will take her share of it. The thought didn't cheer her up very much.

"Tansy?" Bunny asked, "Are you still awake?"
Tansy turned to her grinning young friend and couldn't help smiling as well. "Oh, yes I am. My apologies, I got a bit carried away... Excuse me but what did you actually ask me?"
"I just asked if you too think this will make a great adventure."
"But of course it will", Tansy replied, hoping she sounded more genuine than she felt.

"I hope the weather is like this when we're traveling... fresh and warm. Could there be any better?" Bunny asked.
Tansy glanced at her skirt. "Less muddy would be fine", she said with a wry smile, "don't you agree?"
"Oh, Tansy my dear, you're evil!" Bunny giggled, "But if we're sleeping outdoors we can't spread mud all over anyone's floor."
"Yes, that's true", Tansy said, "it just means we have to sleep in the mud."
"You're hopeless", Bunny said, amused.

"What's that bird?" Tansy asked suddenly, "It's an odd song, I don't think I've ever heard it before."
Bunny stopped and inclined her head to catch the voice. "It is a bit weird", she agreed after a while, "but it resembles the voice of the notorious old blackbird that used to live near my uncle's farm. Have I ever told you about the bird?
"I don't think so", Tansy smiled, "so please go on and enlighten me..."

Bunny had just finished her story about the old blackbird when they arrived at the lane that lead to the Bogsworths' house.
"Tansy!" Bunny said, "there's someone at your door. Who is it?"
"Bunny, dear, you can't expect me to see that far. I can only see a vague brown shape."
"It's a man, older than me but younger than you... dark brown hair and hmm..." Bunny seemed to be unable to think of anything special to mention about in the Hobbit's appearance.
"Let's go and see who is it", Tansy cut in, "might be some friend of Fred's."

At that moment, the door was opened and Maylily Bogsworth allowed the visitor in. She waved to her daughter and her daughter's friend and held the door open they hastened in. She shot them an impatient glance and hurried into the kitchen without saying a word more, leaving the women with the man who had arrived just before them.

"Oh, good day to you, Brown", Tansy smiled, recognising the guest. "This is Bella Took, a friend of mine. Bunny, this is Browning Barrabury. He is a friend of my brother Fred's."

[Valier]

Bunny hurried behind Tansy into the house after Maylily shot them both a hurried look and went back to the kitchen. Bunny stamped her feet and smoothed hair, she must not forget her manners.
"Nice to meet you..Browning was your name?"
Bunny did a lazy curtsy, then held out her hand in a friendly manner. She grasped Brown's hand enthusiastically when he held out his, shaking his arm maybe just a wee bit too much.
"I'm Bunny, Well Bella...but everyone just calls me Bunny, and you can too I guess, since everyone does and.... " Bunny was about to ramble on for awhile more, when Fred called out.
"Oi is that Brown? come on in here you ol' devil".
Brown excused himself from the girls at the door and made his way into the kitchen to see Fred.
Bunny rolled her eyes at Tansy and made a choking face, miming the word, "Boys"
Bunny was fond of boys, but when they got together...well that was a different story, she always felt pushed out and excluded. She was, as a child the only girl, with brothers that found her small and useless to have any fun with. Her father was the only one who showed her funner things such as archery and how to drink ale, like the boys. He never made her feel small or useless.

Bunny motioned to Tansy"Let's go see what your Mum has on the stove shall we?"
Maylily was busily getting tea ready, and Fred and Brown sat talking at the little table, already piling up with food.

"Oh Bunny dear, your clothes and things are there in your room, I managed to get all the mud out, but dear...what were you doing? rolling in it"
Bunny snorted and hugged maylily from behind as she stirred a pot.
"Thank you Mrs Bogsworth. Now just getting it all packed up again before we go is the trick.
I may just start on it now, since well..... I was hoping to leave tomorrow mornin', but I will stay for a bite...I'm just famished."
Bunny sat down across from the boys.
"So your leaving tomorrow morning are you girls?" Fred asked questioningly

[Gwathagor]

Brown didn't have anything against ladies as a rule...but so many of them in one place made him slightly nervous. But, being a polite and good-natured fellow, he complacently shook hands obligingly, participated in the necessary introductions, and so made the acquaintance of Bunny, who was evidently a friend of Tansy, Fred's sister. However, when he was called into the kitchen by Fred, it was with a certain degree of relief that he obliged. All too soon the girls trooped in, and the conversation quickly rose to a busy, bubbly crescendo. Brown tried to block it out while pretending he was listening. He had just finished studying the wood grain of the table, and was about to quietly suggest to Fred that they wander off to the library or the parlor for a quiet chat, when Fred spoke up. Brown settled down in his chair to wait out the conversation, which would probably be about the weather or mutual friends.

"So you're leaving tomorrow morning, are you, girls?"

Brown pricked up his ears. This was more in his line of interest.

"Where're you off to, then?” he asked. "Anywhere I would have heard of?"

"Aye,” said Fred. "Brown's a great traveler, he is. He hiked the Bounds Loop when he was not but a lad."

"It wasn't THAT long ago", responded Brown, slightly embarrassed.

Tansy and Bunny cast each other brief, furtive glances, as neither wished to reveal the true nature of their trip. Fred solved the problem for them.

“From what Tansy’s told me,” said Fred, “They’re headed up to the North Farthing to visit some friends near Oatbarton.”

Bunny looked at Tansy questioningly. Tansy shrugged and smiled.

“Oh, to be sure. Oatbarton is a lovely area, I’ve been there several times. Very friendly folk.” Here Brown looked over at Tansy and Bunny. “How long do you plan to be away?” There. He had made a concerted effort to be involved in the conversation.

Tansy and Bunny responded simultaneously, one with “Yes”, and the other with “Oh no.” Fred and Brown looked at each other, and then back at them.

“That is to say,” Bunny blurted out, “That we don’t really know yet. We haven’t decided for sure…”

There was a moment of awkward silence as Fred examined his sister Tansy with a shrewd eye.

“Tansy,” he said at last, “Where are you really going?”

[littlemanpoet]

"Peony," asked Melilot, "what is the matter?"

Peony looked flustered for a moment, but quickly recovered. "Tansy forgot something and I just wanted to give it to her before she was too far up the road."

Mira and Peony were eyeing each other as if they had a secret. Gaffer Hugo knew enough about hobbits in general, and about his granddaughters in particular, to know when a secret was being kept.

"Something?" he queried. "What something might that be?" He pulled out his new corncob pipe and opened up his pouch of fine, aromatic Southfarthing leaf, and began to fill his pipe.

[Iras Sabir]

Lizzy had hidden herself away after they had gone into the house, a quiet little corner she found to drink her tea. It was a good little spot, perfect for hearing all things. She had seen them all gather off to one side and tried to keep herself fom looking too bored.

She had to keep still long enough to see what they were talking about. It was hard enough having to sit in the corner, but her tea was getting cold as well. She settled in for a long wait from the looks of it.

[Thinlómien]

"Tansy. Where are you really going?"

There sure was more than a hint of mischeviousness in Fred's eyes, but the eagerness and seriousness was the very same, old and profound. "Tansy, Daisy, where are you going? Can I come with you? Tansy, Daisy, please, I'm not too small, I'm not too young! I'm not! Now, you aren't going to see Aunt Angelica in Frogmorton, I'm sure you're not! Don't lie to me! Tansy, where are you really going?"

Tansy met her little brother's gaze levelly and studied his face. He was not a boy anymore, he was all grown up, like herself. And he'd never again jump up and down comically when trying to impose his point on his big sisters, nor would he ever again run or sneak after them.

"We are going to find the Entwives, wherever they might be. That is the plain truth."

Bunny seemed to be a bit unsure of what to think of the turn of events and Brown looked surprised.

"So you have no clear direction?" Fred asked.
"We have old maps and ideas of where to go, but no, we don't have a set destination, like Oatbarton," Tansy replied slowly.
"Oh, but then you must take Brown here with you! He would surely be interested to go on for an adventure, wouldn't you, Brown?"
"Well, I must say it sounds interesting, but..." poor Brown started, but his friend interrupted him.
"You see, Tansy, he's willing to come with you? He knows his way around the Shire, he has travelled quite a lot and..."
"I'm sure Mr Barrabury knows the Shire, but so do I," Tansy interrupted. "We have no need for a guide, Fred. Besides, I'm sure Brown must see our 'adventure' as a childish thing and I can certainly see why it may seem such."

There. She had probably managed to hurt both Fred and Bunny on the very same occasion and possibly Brown too. She shook her head, irritated.

"Not at all, Miss Tansy," Brown said. He smiled, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. "Like I said before, your adventure seems very interesting and my opinion hasn't changed since. But I should say that..."

"Tansy, listen to me", Fred said, interrupting Brown once again. "I'm sorry if it sounded like I didn't trust your knowledge, because that was not what I meant. I only ask you to take Brown with you, as he is willing to come. He is a good lad and he needs something refreshing in his life. So let him come with you, take him with you. Tansy... I'd feel... safer if he was with you."

Tansy couldn't meet her brother's eyes this time, she didn't want to see the despair laying behind all that eagerness. She turned her face away, too grieved for her pride to be hurt of Fred's excuse that implied she and Bunny couldn't survive on their own.

Suddenly, she became aware that all the three other Hobbits in the room were standing still, waiting for a response from her. Without looking at Brown or Bunny, she met her brother's eyes and said: "Very well then, Fred. We'll take Mr Brown with us, that is, if Bunny agrees. She is the actual leader of our little expedition."

"But why, of course he can come with us!" Bunny exclaimed, evidently glad that the rather depressing situation was over, "You're very welcome to join our little 'expedition', Brown, like Tansy called it. Now, you maybe want to hear more, and Fred, you seem to be interested in this as well, right? Great. So maybe I could start with telling how we've organised these things and who else is coming. For two people don't make an expedition, even if you ask someone like Tansy, yes, Tansy's friend Peony Chobb is coming with us too. Maybe you know her? And then this lass called Mira Hilldweller..."

Later, Tansy could not tell at which point did she stop following Bunny's cheerful chattering and start dwelling upon her own, rather gloomy thoughts.

[Gwathagor]

Brown was cursing himself inwardly for coming. He hated awkward moments, and he had inadvertently stumbled into one. As soon as Bunny and Tansy had contradicted each other, Brown had looked down at the table and bit his lip. The last thing he wanted was to get involved in some bizarre family intrigue, and so it was to his very great dismay that he found Fred suggesting that Tansy and Bunny take him, Brown Barrabury, with them to search for the Entwives. He tried to decline, but was stopped by two things. The first was the almost sorrowful earnestness in Fred's voice. Brown knew that Fred would have given anything to go along. He had loved traveling nearly as much as Brown, back before the accident...Brown had not actually felled the tree that broke Fred's back, but he still felt a level of responsibility, for not being closer by when Fred needed him.

Second, he had found himself immediately fascinated when Tansy had said: We are going to find the Entwives, wherever they might be. His mind flew back to the last letter he had been reading in Meriadoc Brandybuck's tome. The Entwives. It was undeniable. The old wanderlust rose up stronger than ever, and the thought of distant hill-tops and wind-swept fields banished from his mind any thought of a pleasant holiday with his relatives. Brown-the-Comfortable vanished and Brown-the-Wild-Rover leapt into his place.

He raised his eyes. They were very wide, and their look was intent and excited.

As soon as Bunny Took finished rattling on about details which he was sure he could pick up later, he stood. He bowed.

"Miss Bunny. Miss Tansy. I would be honored to accompany you on your Grand Expedition in the place of your good brother Fred, and to render any service that I may, on his behalf."

The rest of their evening was spent discussing logistics by candle-light, over a supper of roasted game-birds. Fred sat up with them late into the night, wearing a grin from ear to ear. Brown noticed.

[Boromir88]

"Something?" Gaffer Hugo asked Peony, but including Mira in his question, "what something might that be?" He tried to light his corncob pipe and failed.

Mira felt herself blushing. She knew she couldn't lie, but she hadn't been given permission from Peony to say anything about the adventure. She desperately hoped that Peony would be able to answer the question.

Peony had to think quickly. She was a terrible liar, but she couldn't tell her mother about Bunny and Tansy's plans. "Tansy had dropped her new brooch. She hadn't even realized it was gone yet."

"Oh," Her mother said, "I'm surprised Tansy didn't realize she'd lost it." Good, she had bought Peony's story.

Gaffer Hugo, however, had caught the flushed faces and hesitation of his two granddaughters, and knew that Melilot was too busy with kitchen work to pay attention to such signs. He put his flint to his pipe again. So they need to keep it secret from somebody, but who? He wagered a gamble that it was he. The pipe failed to light. He pocketed it.

"I'm feelin' like a touch of fresh air. Mira, would you give your ol' gaffer a hand to make sure he don't stumble on nothin' that might try and trip him up? Here Snatch! C'mon pup!" Snatch happily followed after his master, tongue lolling in a big grin.

Rudy's eyes darted at first to Peony, and then to Mira, there's something those two aren't saying, he thought to himself. "This should be interesting," he chuckled under his breath.

Mira felt what was coming, but couldn't disobey. She followed him out, sending a pleading look to Peony as she did so. She noticed with a sigh that Rudy also followed, apparently curious as well about her behaveor.

"Well, I guess here it goes," she thought to herself, as she waited for Hugo to begin.

"Ahh!" Gaffer Hugo sighed when they had gotten out of doors, "smell that fresh air!" Rudy closed the green round door behind him, leaving Peony inside with Melilot. "Ain't it wunnerful, Mira? Here Snatch!" Snatch had gone chasing after a butterfly that was leading him away down the road. He trotted back to Hugo.

"Yes, it's nice," she said absently, looking at him warily.

Hugo patted her hand. "Now you jus' tell your Gaffer what secret you're really keeping from Rudy an' me, because I can see it all over your face that you're holdin' somethin' back."

Mira resolved to get it all out in a flash, after all, there was no help for the situation.

"Peony and Tansy are going on an adventure," she blurted out, and added with a tone of defiance unusual for her, "and no matter what you say, I'm going with them!"

Hugo raised his brow and gave Rudy a sidelong look. Rudy was keeping his mouth shut for the moment, which Hugo thought was odd, but oh well.

"And where might you be going, and what for, my dear? Here, let me sit down on this rock over here by the path, my legs are feelin' a bit weary." Snatch came to his master and sat plop down, his tongue hanging, expecting a scritch between his ears. But Hugo was already busy with his pipe and flint again.

Rudy had had enough. He raised his finger, as if he was going to start scolding Mira and demand that they return home immediately, this has gone too far. But, to Rudy's own surprise, he stopped; no words came out. Mira didn't look as if she was going to give in easily and if they started arguing Melilot would come out for sure. He was still a little angry at Mira, but he didn't want to get Peony into any trouble. He sighed, his hand came down, "Well, we're waiting Mira." Rudy couldn't stop himself from letting out a small smile.

Amusement hit Mira like a wave.

"Oh, how funny. I don't have a clue where we're going!" She burst into a laugh, but then sobered up a bit. "Really, I don't know. I guess I never thought of it."

Peony had to get outside. There was no telling what Mira would say. Melilot was clearing the dishes and with her back turned it was the perfect time to get outside. Peony hurried to the door and opened it softly so she did not raise her mother's suspicions.

It was too late. She heard Mira blurt out what plans she knew for the adventure. Now it was only a matter of time until Rudy and Gaffer Hugo alerted Melilot to the goings on. Peony turned quickly to get back inside before anyone saw her.

Gaffer Hugo noticed the door open and Peony sticking her head out with a worried look on her face. He stopped trying to light his pipe. She was just about to go back inside. "Oh Peony, dear! Come out and help your cousin tell Rudy an' me about this little adventure you're takin' an' don't know where you're going. Or do you?" Snatch nudged at Gaffer Hugo's free hand with his nose.

Wonderful, Peony thought. We've not even started and we're already in trouble. Taking a deep breath, Peony turned to face Gaffer Hugo. This was not going to be fun.

"About this adventure..." He asked again.

"It was Bunny and Tansy's idea to go." Peony could never and would never dare lie to her gaffer. The plans tumbled from her lips from all gathered to hear. "They're going to look for the Entwives around the North Moors. I agreed to give them supplies and accompany them. Mira overheard our plans and wanted to come along." Peony sighed with relief when she finished talking. This probably meant the end of their adventure, but she hadn't been able to keep quiet forever.

Mira's eyes opened wide. Entwives? Even better then she had hoped!

"Entwives!" Gaffer Hugo retorted. "There ain't no such thing! If that's what you're really after, you'll be sadly disappointed."

"How do you know?" Peony crossed her arms over her chest. "There could be Entwives, all those stories I've heard since childhood could be true. And Bunny and Tansy are giving me the chance to find out." She stepped toward Mira. "And I'm taking Mira with us."

[Boromir88]

Rudy's politeness had it's limits and he did not like being told what to do, especially if it involved Mira. It didn't matter that Peony was his cousin, she could have been the Mayor of Michel Delving, she wasn't going to tell him what Mira was going to do. Nevertheless, in usual hobbit fashion, Rudy was not going to let Peony know she struck a nerve.

Rudy signalled the Gaffer over, "We need to talk." he grumbled. "As for you two," he said addressing Peony and Mira, but Rudy was only looking at Mira, "stay right where you are or I might just call Melilot out here and put an end to this little adventure." It looked like Rudy was seriously contemplating just throwing a sack over Mira, tieing her up, and dragging her home.

Rudy wasted no time, once he felt him and the Gaffer were safely out any hobbit's earshot, he let the Gaffer knew exactly how he felt. "Can you believe Peony!? Telling ME Mira was coming! Demanding it! Ordering me around! You would think she was the one who has taken care of Mira for practically her ENTIRE LIFE! Someone has to do it. You know as well as I do father isn't going to." Rudy stopped, he was furious, but was not foolish enough to prevent his Gaffer from saying something if he wanted to. But, Gaffer Hugo continued looking at Rudy, reassuring Rudy he was listening. So, Rudy's fury began subsiding to frustration. "I don't want you getting the wrong impression. I love Mira, and every day I hope I show her that. If anything were to happen to her I don't think I would ever be able to forgive myself. It just seems like everything I'm trying to do goes to waste; It's as if I'm throwing my life away for nothing."

Rudy's eyes were tearing up, but he was good at holding those back. "We don't even know who these Tansy and Bunny hobbits are. I'm sure they are fine young hobbits, but they have no idea what they are getting themselves into on this little search for the Entwives. It's a dangerous world, and I would hate to see such young lives thrown away in search for things that don't even exist. I know Mira isn't going to listen to me, once she gets an idea into her head, I can't convince her out of it, but you could. I know she will listen to her Gaffer. So, maybe, you could tell her how foolish this is and we could all head back home? Besides, I don't think you want me talking to her right now anyway, things will be said that shouldn't be, and it won't end good."

The anger in Rudy at the beginning had nearly completely subsided, his tone was now more somber and weak. He was not sure whether he was doing the right thing. Was he being too controlling? After all Mira was not the young hobbit lass Rudy remembered her being. Rudy knew she needs to grow up eventually, it's just happening too fast for him.

"I am sorry if I've been rude to you, Gaffer, in my anger. Please, speak up, l want to hear what you have to say."

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo had listened to Rudy in silence, sometimes watching his grandson's face, sometimes looking down at the always grinning Snatch whose head he was still scritching. When Rudy finally subsided into silence, Hugo considered his next words.

"Well, Rudy, seems to me Mira's goin' to get her way this time, specially with these other young lasses to bolster her will; and all that's left for you an' me is to come with an' make sure they don't do somethin' foolish or dangerous or both, if you take my meaning."

Then a twinkle came into his eyes and he met Rudy's glare.

"So you don't think there's any of these Ents either, eh?" Hugo chuckled. "Well, I think it'll most like be good for Mira to get out an' see the world a bit, even if it's naught but a corner of the Shire. The King's peace has been good, an' it's not like there's ruffians waitin' just outside the nearest village. So I'm thinkin' I'd like a little adventure meself before these old eyes close for the final time. What do you say, Rudy? Shall we make game of it?"

"Let me sleep on it and I'll tell you in the morning," was Rudy's answer.

"Fair enough, then! G'night to you my wee grandchild!" Hugo said with a grin, for Rudy "towered" over him by at least four inches, Hugo having shrunk wtih age some time ago.

"C'mon, Snatch! Let's go an' see how soft Melilot's beds are, eh?" Snatch paraded happily alongside his master as they passed Rudy, as well as the waiting lasses who tried not to appear anxious for his approval.

"G'night, ladies," was all he had for them, and then shuffled into the house and the back rooms and to bed.

"At least even some Bucklanders have sense enough not to have a second floor on their house," he murmured to himself as he tucked himself in with Snatch cuddling close by.

~*~

Come morning, Hugo had had himself a most cozy rest, as had Snatch, and they got themselves up and out of bed to see what was what in the kitchen.

[Finduilas]

Mira was on pins and needles when Rudy and Gaffer went aside to talk. As Hugo came back, she cast him an asking glance, but he just wished them a goodnight, and went in.

She looked disparingly at Peony. She knew that if Gaffer Hugo would say nothing, Rudy would be worse. He would probably smile patronizingly before refusing to say nothing. So to save herself that, Mira just went in to bed, and hoped they would let her go.

[Valier]

It was late when Bunny finally laid her head on her pillow, she was tired but she knew sleep would not come easily. She was too excited to contain herself, she was finally going on an adventure.
Won't Pa be proud of me when I return, unhurt and with fantastic stories to tell. Ma will be just grateful that I didn't get eatin' by a Troll. Bunny giggled to herself. Now isn't Mr Browning going to have a grand ol' time with all us girls...
Bunny let out a loud HA!! and she was answered with a loud shushing from down the hall. Bunny covered her mouth and snorted into her pillow and rolled over. As she drifted of to sleep she dreamt of sweet smelling gardens and crisp tart apples.



Bunny opened her eyes to birds singing and the sunlight peeking through the little curtains in her room. She grinned and stretched. She could not believe this day had finally come. They were going to leave today. Leaping out of bed, Bunny quickly changed into her travelling clothes and tidied the little room, packing up all her belongings into her now clean and stitch sack, Courteous of Mrs, Bogsworth.

She could hear Fred and Brown laughing together, in the kitchen as she padded down the hall, the smoky smell and sizzling of the bacon with the aroma of fried mushrooms made Bunny's mouth water.
"I hope you made extras, my tummy is growling up a storm!!" Maylily swatted Bunny's behind as she attempted to taste from the pan of mushrooms.
"Yes I've made extras, but they are for you three to take along. I assume since your packed already and Tansy has been busy all morning that you would be leaving as soon as you can. Brown and Fred have eatin their share, so dig in and eat some before I put them away."
Bunny did as she was told and had her fill of mushrooms.
Tansy came in then with a smile. "So you two, are we ready?" She asked with a smirk. Bunny looked at Brown, Brown looked at Tansy and they all grinned. They were ready.

They hugged and thanked Tansy's mother as she hung on a little tighter to her daughter, they would be careful, they promised and not be too long. They waved goodbye over their shoulders as they walked the short distance to Peony's house. As the drew near, there appeared to be more than Peony and Mira loitering around Peony's house.

[littlemanpoet]

Hugo came into the kitchen, Snatch skipping along by his side, and found that he was not the first to rise. Melilot was, of course, busy at making breakfast for a horde of hobbits. Rudy was already stuffing his mouth full of eggs and rashers of bacon and fresh baked rye bread, washing it down with a big glass of milk. The girls had not yet appeared.

"Good morning!" Hugo said. "How's the weather?"

"Oh, the sun's shining bright and not a cloud to be seen," Melilot smiled. "How many eggs would you like, Pa?"

"Two, fried up an' bled. No soft yolk for me! Mmm! It smells wunnerful!" Hugo sat himself down opposite Rudy and eyed his grandson. Snatch situated himself right at the feet of Hugo's chair, eager and confident of scraps, his mouth closed and his eyes looking expectantly up at his master.

"So, Master Rudy Chubb, what'd you say to the girls?"

"Not a thing," Rudy offered. "I wanted to keep them wondering."

"Well, I'm wondering too! What are you thinking after a night of sleepin' on it?" Hugo waited for Rudy to chew and chew and swallow the amazing amount of meat and eggs he'd popped into his mouth so he could answer.

[Kitanna]

Peony had slept little if at all. Though the future of her adventure was unsure she had spent much of the night sneaking around and packing. Maps, food, extra clothing, all was waiting in some packs in the bushes outside. Now it was a waiting game.

When the Hobbit lass had finally laid down sleep, she just stared into the darkness, her stomach fluttering. If Gaffer Hugo and Rudy said no to trekking around, looking for Ent-wives, that was final. They would tell Melilot and Peony would be confined to her room for weeks.

She dressed quickly, but moved slowly toward the kitchen. Smells of her mother's cooking filled the halls, but with each step Peony filled with more dread. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she stepped into the kitchen. As she guessed Rudy and Hugo were already sitted at the table.

They didn't acknowledge her, instead the two seemed to be discussing their own plans.

[Boromir88]

"After a night sleepin' on it?" Rudy grumbled. "Does it look like I've had any sleep, to you?" By Rudy's looks, he wasn't lying, but he never was this grumpy before.

"What are you going to say?" the Gaffer said again.

"Bacon is my friend. At least bacon is good to me and won't abandon me to go on some foolish quest in search for their baconwives." He said as he shoveled more bacon into his mouth.

"Rudy? You still have me wondering?"

Rudy had finally taken notice of Peony. "Morning, Peony. What a lovely day for an adventure don't you think? It would be unfortunate if you could not go outside on this fine adventurous morning. Wouldn't you agree?"

Rudy was probably intentionally torturing Peony, only slightly though. He wanted to keep her guessing, make her sweat a bit. Rudy thought it was only fair, since he did not appreciate the way Peony had talked to him yesterday. "Do not fret, Gaffer, I'm not going to keep you wondering any longer. I think I'm finished, Peony, and now I must go give my compliments to the cook."

[Kitanna]

"I think I'm finished, Peony, and now I must go give my compliments to the cook."

Peony panicked, thinking Rudy would reveal to Melilot her plans with Bunny and Tansy. Rudy stood and smirked. She could not let him spoil this, not for her, not for Mira.

"Ma!" Peony nearly screamed.

"Goodness Peony, what is wrong?" Her mother had nearly dropped her tea kettle do to Peony's outburst.

Peony realized she had no lie to feed her mother to get her out of the kitchen. Still she had to think of something, something that would remove Melilot from the room for a few minutes. "Those rabbits are back, eatin' all your fine flowers and such."

Melilot grumbled and armed herself with the tea kettle. "I thought your brothers had scared those pesky creatures away for good." The older hobbit stormed out of the kitchen to chase away the rabbits Peony had invented.

When Melilot was gone, Peony angrily cut her eyes to Rudy. "How dare you try to ruin our adventure." Peony snapped. She had never once raised her voice at any relation outside her brothers. It was almost painful to be so angry with Rudy. "There's no harm in us lookin' for the entwives. But there's no reason to stop Mira and me from having a bit of an adventure!"

[Finduilas]

Mira stood just beyond the opening of the door into the kitchen. She felt awful for crossing Rudy and Hugo the night before, and was almost tempted to apoligize. But pride kept her back, pride in herself, and not wanting to let Peony down now that she had stood up for her.

Peony's vehement "Ma!" startled Mira into jumping backwards. She stumbled and nearly fell over her own feet, and by the time she had resumed her place by the door Peony was half through her false pretence to get Melilot out, and soon Mira's aunt had left the kitchen to go chase rabbits.

Peony's angry question, or rather statement, to Rudy would soon bring out what Hugo and Rudy thought, so Mira was hoping, but almost hopeless. She could tell Rudy was tired and rather grumpy. With a sigh, Mira sat down just inside the door to hear everything that was said.

[littlemanpoet]

Snatch had raised his head and perked his ears at mention of the word 'rabbit', and followed Melilot out of the kitchen; better live food fresh off the bone than pickings from master's plate, apparently.

"Now now, Peony," Gaffer Hugo said, "let's not be all up in arms an' everything. It's like this. Rudy an' I ain't going to let you go on this adventure-"

"But Gaffer!" Peony cried.

"Now I ain't finished! Here me out, my pea," Gaffer scolded with a smile. "Like I was saying, we won't let you go adventuring on your own, so we're comin' with to make sure you don't trip into a troll's den or somethin', and there's nothin' you can say to keep us from joining you. Besides, I want to see the look on your faces when there's no entwives from here to the quarry to the farthing stone nor anywheres else you think such a creature might hide. An' what's more, it has to be seen walkin'. You won't get me believin' a tree's an ent just because it has limbs in the right places.

"Now you and Mira come sit down and cool off and have first breakfast."

[Finduilas]

"Now I ain't finished! Here me out, my pea. Like I was saying, we won't let you go adventuring on your own, so we're comin' with to make sure you don't trip into a troll's den or somethin', and there's nothin' you can say to keep us from joining you. Besides, I want to see the look on your faces when there's no entwives from here to the quarry to the farthing stone nor anywheres else you think such a creature might hide. An' what's more, it has to be seen walkin'. You won't get me believin' a tree's an ent just because it has limbs in the right places.

"Now you and Mira come sit down and cool off and have first breakfast."

Surprise and happiness surged up in Mira. Going? Both of them? And letting her go too!

For the moment happiness won, and she ran of to Gaffer Hugo and threw her arms round his neck and gave him a kiss on the check.

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" she cried barely taking a breath. She then ran over to Rudy and tried to do the same, but wasn't too surprised when he refused to let her. So she beamed at Peony, and then went over to the table to take her Gaffers advice.

[Thinlómien]

"Cheer up, Tansy! We're going on an adventure today!" Bunny smiled.

Tansy returned the smile, although a bit half-heartedly. She was still troubled by Fred's ill-humoured goodbye. It seemed that Brown too had noticed it. That troubled Tansy as well: she hoped her brother's friend would not think that ge was childish. Or realise that he is, Tansy thought somewhat grudgingly.

Fred had always been the apple of their mother's eye and he had never really had to grow up and sometimes it could be seen very easily.

"I'm sorry for harbouring bad thoughts on a good day like this," Tansy said, annoyed at herself. She did not want to ruin the day for herself and especially not for Bunny and Brown.

Fortunately Brown interfered: "A good day? Why, Miss Tansy, you must be a pessimist - for I would call it excellent."

Bunny chuckled and Tansy's smile was replaced by a more genuine one. They had not even walked from her home to Peony's place and she was already enjoying the cheerful company. By the time they arrived, the two younger Hobbits had infected their seemingly happy and careless mood on her as well.

They arrived at Peony's house only to be rousingly welcomed by Gaffer Hugo's dog, Snatch. If they had been trying to sneak around, it would have been no good for the uproar Snatch made.

"Quiet, Snatch!" cried Melilot, which the dog did not immediatley agree to do. Once he recognized Tansy and Bunny as harmless hobbit lasses, his tongue hung out of his mouth in a big smile, ready to lick whatever hand or face was extended. But he growled at Brown. Then he backed away a bit, but kept eyeing him suspiciously. Melilot welcomed the guests and went in.

At the doorstep and Peony herself came to welcome them. Tansy greeted her with a warm smile and a blunt question: "Are you and Mira ready to leave?"

Mira and Gaffer Hugo had appeared behind Peony's back. She glanced at her young cousin. "I think we are," she said and smiled at Tansy.

"So are Rudy an' me!" Gaffer Hugo grinned.

[Valier]

Bunny's expression and feeling of joy dropped from her face and she furrowed her brow. This wasn't in the plan at all, bunny thought to herself, now there are more mouths to feed...her stomach rumbled at the thought. And that appears to be a Gaffer...oh my, Brown was a surprise enough. She had wanted to keep this whole adventure secret and by the looks of things, word may get back some how to her home and her Ma and Pa.
Bunny looked to Tansy as she too passed a look on to Peony. "Well I see we have more adventurers on our hands then originally planned." Bunny said with a some what forced smile. I guess that's OK, I mean.... I don't want to sound rude, but, well I'm just mighty surprised. Bunny swallowed hard.

She tried to push the feelings of selfishness aside. She had wanted to find the Entwives and claim most of the glory and fame, for herself and share the experience with very few other people. But Bunny was not a selfish Hobbit by nature, she just wanted to be liked and found useful and brave. Not just a small Hobbit-lass that was always to be protected. If these other older hobbits were to come then Bunny had to make sure that the adventure still remained hers. She wanted to be the one who led them on. Not be bossed around by a bunch of Men.
But she didn't even have her map anymore, and her Pa would be very disappointed when he found out of her carelessness. Peony had said she had one to replace it. But really Bunny had looked at maps often and was sure she could find the way. We can just follow the river for the most part, she thought.
Bunny decided to herself that she was ok if they came, they would make the trip more interesting she said to herself, trying desperately to believe it.

"Well are we ready to go then?" Bunny said in her most grown up voice and a sincere smile.
"I believe the best route for now would be to just follow the road until we get to the bridge, then cross it to the left side of the river going North. then we needn't cross it later." Bunny reached down and patted the large dog as he circled her playfully. " Well if everyone is ready...then let the fun begin!" Bunny cheerfully exclaimed as she turned to make her way back to the road.

But like always Bunny's mind moved faster than her feet and she stepped on her dress and fell with a thud. Great! Bunny screamed in her head, That looks just like something a brave leader would do. Bunny's face reddened in embarrassment as the large dog licked her face. She quickly recovered and jumped up, not wanting to face the small group. "Oooop" Was all she could say as she hurried in the direction she was headed.

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo chuckled to himself at the funny sight of Bunny tripping over her own skirt, but he was sympathetic too her embarrassment.

"Well, Bunny," he said loud enough so everyone could hear, "startin' off first thing might be fine, but I've got Mosy my pony an' my cart to get ready."

Bunny looked suddenly crestfallen at yet another delay.

"But that won't take but a quarter hour, an' then we can all hop in and make good time to the bridge. Who knows? Maybe with the head start we'll have, we can stop at the Stonebow Inn for second breakfast an' a pint or two!"

In the century and more that had passed since the Great War, the Shire had prospered, and families had grown larger and larger until new burrows had to be built and new towns settled. One of the places that seemed good for a settlement had been at the Stonebow bridge. First came the Stonebow Inn, just on the south side of the road and the west bank of the river. Then the innkeeper's burrow had been dug right up in the hill not far off, owned by the innkeeper, of the Proudfoot clan. More burrows were dug into the side of that hill, among them a butcher, a glasser, a smith, and other folk until the village of Stonebow had been established, and was now a thriving little burg.

"So jus' hold yer ponies an' I'll get ol' Mosy set up an' we'll be on our way before you know it. Rudy! Give me a hand, will you!"

Gaffer ambled his way down to his pony and cart, followed by Rudy.

[Valier]

Bunny was crestfallen. She hated to have more delays, but the thought of a pint and perhaps a bit of bacon cheered her up quickly. She smiled to herself and before she gave it much thought she blurted out quite loudly. "Oh yes I suppose you do need a cart and pony...seeing as your age must be VERY great. but I suppose, we should stop off at the Inn. A pint will do us good for our adventure" Bunny smiled, she wasn't about to give up all control of this journey yet.

Bunny thought the cart and pony may be good for the start, but what would happen when they reached the other side of the river? there wasn't a road that she planned on following. How in the world would the cart stay righted? Bunny didn't know if she really was OK with the new additions, she was sure they would just slow them down after the bridge was crossed. Perhaps they may just stay at the Inn, once they find out our direction....Well nothing to do for it now, Bunny thought.

"Alright lets all help get the cart ready, my tummy is growling something fierce", Bunny rubbed her middle to emphasize.

[Gwathagor]

Though Brown had passed by the home of Gaffer Hugo and his clan many times on his trips through Brandy Hall, he had not met any of the inhabitants. Certainly he had traded "good day" and "hullo" with Rudy and even the gaffer himself on occasion, but he was best acquainted with Snatch. The terrier had often chased him down the lane or barked at him along the fence. Brown often tried to feed him bits of biscuits or meat, but had rarely got more than cordially territorial glares or growls in return. Snatch was never aggressive, just very, very official, as if he was saying, "I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe we've had the pleasure. Be on your way." Nevertheless, to Brown, Snatch became one of the familiar sights (and certainly sounds!) of Brandy Hall.

When they had walked out that morning (the girls chatting away in front, Brown following in the rear), he had no idea it was the Chubbs they were going to see. Snatch's ferocious barking, followed by the creature himself, careening around the corner, was a surprise.

He decided to let Bunny and Tansy handle these new people, so he stood back by the gate, shifting his weight uneasily from leg to leg and keeping an eye on the sun and wind, while Snatch circled him and a safe distance, growling. It was a good day for traveling, and the roots of his curly brown hair told him that it was likely to stay that way.

It occurred to him to try to size up the Chubbs, so he watched while Bunny and Gaffer Hugo negotiated. He had picked up their names by listening to Tansy and Bunny's conversation, and quickly managed to attach names to faces. The old fellow was surely Gaffer Hugo, and those two were clearly Mira and Peony (it didn't matter much to him which was which, as long as they stayed close together), and that other must be Rudy.

That fellow, thought Brown, Looks as if he had his bacon cut too thin and then burnt.

Though he was uncertain about Rudy and the dog, Brown had already taken a liking to Gaffer Hugo, disarmed by the old gentlehobbit's easy and amiable manner.

[littlemanpoet]

It was not long before Gaffer Hugo and Rudy had Mosy and the cart all situated and ready to go. As it turned out, the other hobbits seemed not to have been aware of the passage of time, for they were making new acquaintances and renewing old ones, amid plenty of laughter. Bunny was so busy in chatter that she did not even notice that the pony and cart were ready.

Even Snatch seemed to have decided to do some socializing, for he was wagging his entire rear end, intent with a huge smile on his face, with a slightly rough looking gentlehobbit Hugo swore he'd seen around before but did not know well. The hobbit had a stick and he was waving it about, grinning, with Snatch ready to give chase once it was thrown.

Hugo grinned. He could tell a dog lover right off, and this lad was such a one. The stick was thrown. Snatch raced after it and tackled it with his whole body, and pranced back to its original owner with the prize in his mouth. When the hobbit reached down for it, Snatch clamped down hard on the stick and growled good naturedly, his tail wagging furiously.

Hugo stopped Mosy and walked over to the hobbit and his dog. "Hullo there! I see you've met Snatch! And he's met you and likes you, and that's a good sign. I'm Gaffer Hugo Chubb." Hugo extended his hand in greeting.

[Gwathagor]

Brown took it, and smiled.

"Brown Barrabury. I'm from Woodhall over thataway." Here he gestured southwest with his hand. "Pleasure to meet you Mr. Chubb - and Snatch, too, of course."

Brown had relinquished the stick to Snatch, who dropped it my Brown's feet and sat between Brown and Hugo, looking from one to the other, and seeming to have lost all interest in the stick he worked so hard for. Brown knelt down to help the dog with an itch he seemed to have behind his ear. He looked up at Hugo.

"You aren't planning on bringing him with us, I hope? It's rather rough territory when you get past the North Bounds, and a small dog might have difficulty keeping up. Though, I daresay he's a tough little creature. Seems quite ferocious when you first meet him."

Brown laughed. He found that he felt quite at ease, which he rarely did around new people.

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo chuckled. "Oh, aye, he's a ferocious one all right, to strangers at least. But o' course he's friendly as anything to folks as knows dogs, which it's clear you do. An' truth be told, he's been hankerin' for a bit of adventure for some time, now; so he'll come. Matter of fact, he's no doubt in better shape for bein' in the wild than I!

"Anyways, let's all pile into the cart, there's room enough for all."

With that Gaffer Hugo climbed the makeshift steps he'd had installed to make it easier for his old bones to get up into a cart a few feet off the ground. He sat down in the driver's seat, picked up the reins, then hollared and yodeled at the still jabbering lasses.

"Now I thought sure I heard one of you sayin' as you wanted to be off right quick, and here you stand talkin' while the sun rises! Come on up! There's room for all!"

Snatch was first up, climbing the makeshift steps fast as his four short legs could manage it, and onto Gaffer Hugo's lap, his tongue hanging out in a big smile, his eyes bright and happy, eager for the adventure to begin.

"Come on up, Brown! There's enough room on the front seat for both you an' Rudy! We can get acquainted while the lasses yack in back!" Hugo laughed at his rhyme as well as the prettily offended scowls on the faces of his granddaughtes and their friends as they daintily (and not so daintily in the case of Bunny) climbed into the cart.

[Boromir88]

Rudy had been very silent all day, it was no secret he didn't like this adventure. It wasn't that he was some grumpy, lonely adult that despised hobbit children, on the contrary, he was fascinated by the imagination of the younger hobbits. Mira could put a smile on his face in an instant.

Rudy just didn't want to have to handle the hobbits when their adventure ends in disappointment, and he knew that is what will happen. He remembers the youthful days of excitement, adventure, and danger, but those days are long passed. He has come of age, and he knows when they finally realize there is no such thing as Entwives they will be devastated and who would have to deal with them on the return trip home? He would.

Nevertheless, Rudy got in the cart and took a seat next to his Gaffer. "Well, I'm ready for this adventure." Rudy forced out a smile, to try to look excited about the adventure, but it wasn't going to fool anyone.

[littlemanpoet]

With every hobbit in the cart, Brown, Rudy and Gaffer Hugo (and Snatch) in the front seat, good-byes were said to Melilot, and well wishes made to be passed on to Lizzy by way of Melilot. Hugo gave the reins a hearty flick and a "Hyah, Mosy!" and they were off.

The countryside moved by quickly, for Mosy seemed to feel the excitement of the whole party of hobbits and gave it a good trot. Gaffer Hugo, Rudy, and Brown talked about many things, including the lay of the land north of the Road, and so got pretty well acquainted, and rather pleased with the suddenly blooming friendship.

It was not long before they reached the Great East Road and the Stonebow bridge, and the Stonebow Inn, just in time for second breakfast or first lunch depending on a hobbit's preference.

Everyone tumbled out and made their way to the front door while Gaffer Hugo waited. Then he flicked the reins to move Mosy toward the stable where he met the local ostler, quite a friendly chap who loved dogs no less. Hugo and Burt Boffin got to talking and the Gaffer almost forgot about food, then realized the others were probably waiting for him. In his hurry to get down from the cart he tripped and fell to the cobbled stones with a wrench of his right foot.

It hurt something fierce, but he kept his tongue between his lips. It would not do to go complaining about bodily ailments when they'd barely started.

"You all right there, Master Chubb?" asked Burt.

"I'll be fine, you jus' go see to Mosy." His words came out more irritable than he meant them to.

"Yes sir, Master Chubb!" Burt left him alone, leading Mosy to a manger of hay inside the stable.

Bother it, such a fall at a most inconvenient time! he murmured to himself. He got to his knees, then placed his sure foot beneath him. He rose on one leg, and gingerly tested his right foot .... ow! nope. He sat back down on the cobbles and decided to wait until the pain went away before he tried again.

[Gwathagor]

The Stonebow Inn was a low, broad structure with a thatched roof, many doors, and even more chimneys. To the left, across a cobblestone courtyard, stood several outlying structures: a stable, several sheds, and two outhouses. On the right side of the building was a large vegetable and herb garden, which had just been hoed and furrowed, ready for planting. Small signs had even been put up along the rows, denoting the future locations of beans, carrots, rosemary, tomatoes, and, naturally, potatoes.

Brown was the first one down out of the cart, and Snatch made as if to follow him, but Brown motioned for him to stay with Gaffer Hugo. Brown strode as quickly as a hobbit can across the cobblestones to the front door of the inn. Inside, he found the inn to be cozy and rough, framed with thick beams of dark wood. The tables and bar were built of similar material, and crowded around these were more hobbits than Brown had seen in one place for a long time. He paused in the doorway, and looked back. The others had just stepped down out of the cart and Hugo was driving it off to the stables. Brown turned back and stepped into the cheery, crowded, smoky hustle and bustle of the Stonebow Inn.

He slid up to the counter, and asked for a pint and a plate of bacon and beans. Perhaps he'd have time for a pipe before they left the inn.

[Boromir88]

Valier's post:


Bunny's spirits were lifted as soon as they entered the Inn. She loved Inn's, her brothers had taken her to many and this one was a favorite. "I'll have a pint...or two" laughed Bunny to the barkeeper. She motioned for the barkeep to bring three more for the other lasses, as she motioned for them to join her at a table. The boys seemed content for the moment to chat together at the bar.

Bunny took a sip from her frothing mug that the barkeep plunked down on the table. He waited for someone to pay him and when no one motioned to do so, he gave a little cough. "Oh yes, I do suppose we must pay for these..." Bunny gave a wide grin. "See those lads sitting by the bar there?" She pointed to where Brown sat filling his face with bacon and beans, next to Rudy. "He has been so kind as to pay for this round...and the next!" Bunny giggled as the girls tried to suppress their own giggles. "Hey you there! The barkeep motioned towards Brown. Brown looked round and Bunny lifted her drink.
Brown gave a nod, thinking Bunny was saying hello and went back to his meal. With a quick gleam in her eye and a twist of opportunity she caught the barkeeps eye and motioned for him to bring them two of his best Lamb hocks and beans. The barkeep looked satisfied with Browns reaction and when back to the bar to fetch the food..

Bunny burst out laughing no longer able to contain herself.
"Let us drink to the boys health then," Bunny lifted her mug and downed it in one large, long gulp. Bunny cleared her throat and began a little jotty dance, belting out,

"Food and drink we love so much, but even better when not paid by us",
"Beans and brew aren't so bad especially when paid for by a lad!
She finished with a little curtsy, sat and reached for her next mug.

Brown having not been really paying attention to his surroundings did not catch the words of Bunny's song, but let out a loud cheer anyways. Which only served to make the table of Lasses laugh louder.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Boromir88's post:


After getting a nice, big pint Rudy went to go take a seat next to Brown. "This is how I get myself ready for adventures!" Rudy chuckled as he sat down. He wasn't going to have anything for second breakfast, he was still full from Melilot's breakfast! He made himself remember to grab some biscuits before leaving. Rudy liked biscuits about as much as he liked bacon. However, he could care less about fruit.

Rudy liked talking to Brown. Brown was quiet, reserved, and Rudy liked those qualities in a hobbit (especially since Rudy was the complete opposite). Suddenly, Rudy stopped, something was not right; where was the gaffer? Rudy quickly got up from his seat, "I'm sorry Brown, I got to find Hugo." He tried not to sound worried, as he didn't want to trouble anyone, but Rudy wasn't sure if it worked.

Mira must have noticed something in Rudy's face, she had gotten out of her seat as quick as he did. Rudy simply sent Mira a nod, which told her he was going to got get the Gaffer. He let out a 'real' smile for the first time in two days.

Rudy hurried out of the inn. He rushed towards the stables where he saw Hugo leaning up against the cart. "Gaffer! What are you doing out here? You're missing out on all the excitement. If you get yourself off this ground, the first pint is on me. Let me help you up." Rudy said.

Maybe the Gaffer didn't want Rudy knowing he hurt his foot and thought it would be ok to walk on now, or maybe he was just thrilled at Rudy offering him a pint, Rudy didn't know. But, when Hugo let out another cry, as he tried to get up; Rudy found out fast that the Gaffer was in serious pain. Hugo fell back to the ground.

"Gaffer!" Rudy was overcome with terror. "What happened!?"

"Oh, its nothin' I jus' wrenched my foot, that is all."

"Nonsense! Don't you try to move, not an inch, you understand!? I'm going to go get Burt." Rudy hated sounding so authoritative towards his Gaffer, but if Hugo was smart, he would listen.

In an instant, Rudy went racing towards the stables to try to find Burt.

[Thinlómien]

All the younger women were laughing at Bunny's prank. Tansy couldn't help a smile creeping to her face, even though she knew she should disapprove of her friend's childish behaviour. She stretched her furry legs and took a sip from her pint. Right now, she did not want to bother with worrying about things. She was merely having fun with these nice people and Bunny was the leader. So Tansy could just relax and leave all responsibility behind, be as careless as she had been fifteen years ago. Suddenly she started laughing too, and laughed even more than the younger lasses had. This made Bunny burst laughing again, Peony cast Tansy a puzzled look and Mira having a face that could be interpreted the way that she was wondering how Tansy could be so slow to get the joke.

Tansy had been paying the young Hobbit little attention in all the chaos and she felt a bit guilty of it. So she truned to Mira and in response to her slightly quizzical look, she said: "Never mind, dear, you wouldn't get the joke, you're too young." Then she realised that what she had just said would have been the worst thing to say to herself when she was of Mira's age.

"Aye, she's so old that she does not even understand us young people anymore", Bunny teased, saving the situation. This made both Mira and Peony giggle - especially as they knew there was not even a crumb of truth to it.

Tansy smiled. "Anyway, Mira, am I mistaken if I say you've never been on an adventure before? The first adventure is always an important occassion... I think we must have a toast for it!"

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo had been ready to lash Rudy with words about being disrespectful to his elders, but the young hobbit had been off so quick to the stables that he hadn't gotten the chance. Now he thought better of it; the lad was worried, was all.

Snatch had taken the opportunity of the stopped cart to explore the area, but had now returned, not having been called by his master, which was unusual. He trotted up, his ears fondly back, sniffing at his master.

"Hey there, doggy, seems I've done twisted my ankle." Hugo rubbed it. The pain was beginning to build. Why, of all the nuisances, did this have to happen now? He began to feel lightheaded. Snatch sniffed at his ankle and began to lick it, which did no help but no harm neither.

Here came Rudy running back with Burt in tow. They insisted on getting under each of his arms and almost carrying him into the inn. How humiliating.

To garner some self-respect out of the situation, Hugo said, "Ostler, how is my Mosy? Have you set him up proper?"

"Yes sir," Burt said. "But don't overdo things. You're in a bad way."

"I'm in no bad way! I just twisted my ankle is - ow!" Now he was seeing stars, but he wasn't going to tell nobody about that, or they'd think he was about to faint. That would be embarrassing.

Snatch came trotting after, his big brown eyes looking worried, and the four of them entered the inn.

[Kitanna]

"Aye, she's so old that she does not even understand us young people anymore", Peony giggled as Bunny poked fun at Tansy.

"The first adventure is always an important occassion... I think we must have a toast for it!" The hobbit lasses raised their pints in a toast to the occasion.

"We need this adventure," Peony said, "Then maybe we can grab some renown that's not been seen since the hobbits of the Great War." If Peony guessed correctly this was what Bunny was after and the thought of praise throughout the Shire for finding the Entwives excited Peony a great deal.

She took a sip from her pint and smiled, leaning back in her chair. The morning had taken an unexpected turn when Rudy and Hugo decided to come along. It had nearly devastated poor Bunny, but now it seemed things would go smoothly. If all continued this way, the rest of their journey would run smoothly.

Content with her pint and the promise of a second breakfast Peony let out a sigh. But the contentment could not last, Mira's gaze had darted to the door and worry shrouded her face. Peony looked toward the door and saw Rudy and Burt bringing in Gaffer Hugo.

[Finduilas]

Mira laughed heartily at Bunny, though she did hope that everything would be explained to Brown before the Innkeeper came for the bill. She saw Rudy get up though, and it occured to her suddenly that the Gaffer hadn't come in yet. She stood up to go with Rudy, but he sent her a reasuring glance, and a nod, so she sat back down.

Right then Tansy started laughing at Bunny too, but it was strange that it had taken her so long to see what was funny. Mira looked at her curiously before remember her manners and keeping her eyes to herself. Tansy however didn't seem to mind but explained,

"Never mind, dear, you wouldn't get the joke, you're too young."

Mira got the closes to grumpy she had been in the last week. Too young to get the joke? It'd been Tansy that was late in getting it, not her.

But Bunny cut in with a cocky "Aye, she's so old that she does not even understand us young people anymore," which set the them all giggling again.

"Anyway, Mira, am I mistaken if I say you've never been on an adventure before? The first adventure is always an important occassion... I think we must have a toast for it!" said Tansy, the kindness of her words erasing anything that Mira may have held against her, though the attention being drawn to herself made her blush.

Right then she noticed Rudy and Burt, the ostler, helping Gaffer Hugo into the inn. She started up worried. Hugo looked as if he were in a lot of pain. She quickly got up and ran over to them.

"What's wrong? What happened? Are you alright? You're hurt aren't you? Is there anything I can do?" She asked one after the other. She felt near to panic. She could tell he wasn't trying to show it, but it was plain that her Grandfather had hurt himself something terrible.

[littlemanpoet]

All of a sudden Gaffer Hugo was in a dark, closed in place, and he wished he was back outside where he could breathe free. Everybody and their neighbor were crowding around, their faces all full of concern, and it made him feel like he was being smothered.

"Are you hurt?" "Are you all right?" "What happened?"

"Give me some air!" he cried. "And some vittles and drink! I fell off my cart and twisted my ankle is all. I'll be all right, you can be sure, just let me be for a bit!"

Mercifully, Rudy and Burt helped him to a table by a big round window that looked out on the River.

"My but his ankle's swollen something fierce!" "He looks a little white in the face if you ask me." "Someone at his age unattended. Humph!"

Someone gave him a pillow to prop his foot on, and up came Snatch looking as worried as any of the busybodies looking on; but also looking hungry and ready to be fed regardless of the state of his master's ankle.

"Now you be a good boy," Hugo said, "and just lie there next to me so's I can get at my food an' give you a bite now and then."

"Are you sure you're okay?" "Do you need anything else, Gaffer?" "Are you feeling dizzy?"

Before long, food and drink were brought, and Hugo began to feel more himself, though his hip opposite the twisted ankle felt a little wrenched too, but he wasn't about to say anything an' give all these meddlesome folk yet another thing to worry at. Ever since he had sat down, the lightheadedness had dissipated, which helped. He set to with a will on his vittles, and just wished everyone would let be. "Unattended at my age," mumbled, "had better be the way it stays if I have anything to say about it, ain't that so Snatch?"

[Gwathagor]

Brown finished his beer and sat back.

"That," he said, "That was a proper 1420, that was."

When they had brought Gaffer Hugo in, Brown had tried to get close to see what the trouble was. It was no good, of course; there was too much of a crowd. Knowing he couldn't do anything to help, Brown had returned to his stool to finish his breakfast. However, he was concerned about the Gaffer (and a bit curious, too). If he was injured, he might be in any condition to come along - not where they would be going.

Well, he thought, I'd better see how he is.

Brown arose with that intention and found himself faced with the innkeeper, who held out a long, narrow piece of paper on which was scrawled a rather long list of items. He stared at it, confused.

10 pints of stout? Lamb hocks? Lentil stew? What?

"Your bill, master." The innkeeper clearly knew something Brown did not.

"My bill?" replied Brown, who was by this time thoroughly bewildered.

"Aye..." returned the innkeeper, who was now looking at Brown with somewhat narrowed eyes. "The young ladies over there" (he jerked his head towards their table) "said you'd be payin'."

Brown looked over towards Bunny and her companions. Conversation had been subdued when Gaffer Hugo came in injured, but now Bunny was laughing and chatting with her friends as if nothing in the world was the matter. Then Brown understood.

"Just a moment," he said to the innkeeper, and headed over towards Bunny's table. He tried to look stern.

[Valier]

Bunny's fun at the Inn was becoming steadily more unfunny. Hugo Gaffer appeared to be injured, even though he had said he was fine. Which worried Bunny a great deal. She was sure this would slow them down some degree, she was beginning to like Mira and the Gaffer, and Rudy seemed nice enough, but this was turning out to be a leisurely stroll through the Shire, not what she had intended. She was not going to let it get to her, she decided. There was still some fun to be had, before the day was done.

Bunny told the lasses a little joke her father had told her and couldn't help but laugh herself, at the reactions of the girls. But the fun was cut short as well as the laughter. Bunny turned and beheld Brown standing there, arms crossed looking stern. Bunny had not given her little plan a lot of thought. It was just a spur of the moment joke and now she had to come up with something so that Brown did not become cross with her, but not giving in. She wanted to assert a certain amount of dominance, but traveling with someone she had tricked did not in the long run seem like fun. Bunny was not usually one to cause so much trouble, but being away from her families watchful eyes made her feel free and slightly giddy.

Bunny reached up and smoothed her bushy hair, in an attempt to buy herself some time. She needed to think and think quickly.
"Oh Hello there Mister Brown!" Bunny smiled her biggest. She decided to just make it up as she went along.
"I must thank you Brown" Bunny jumped up and took Browns hand in hers.
"We little Lasses were just sooooo famished." As she said this Bunny put the back of her hand to her forehead and swooned slightly.
"I just thought you would have seen this and insisted on purchasing some fine vittles for us."

Bunny turned slightly towards the table of girls, as they stared back at her wide eyed and tried not to giggle.
"We really do appreciate it, Right Lasses?" Bunny threw them all a pleading look.
in chorus they all answered
"Oh yes!"
"So we must thank you again." Bunny smiled sweetly to Brown who just stood there looking confused. He shuffled his feet and looked down for just a moment.

Bunny reached into her pocket and cupped some coins in her hand. As Brown looked up, Bunny lunged at him giving him a large hug, all the while emptied her hand into Browns pocket. She pulled back and straightened her skirt. Brown looked surprised and flustered.

"Now I think if everyone has had their fill we should perhaps get ready to go? Why don't you go square up and see if Gaffer Hugo and Rudy are ready."
Bunny gave Brown a slight push towards Hugo and Rudy, he still looking slightly confused and obliged.
Bunny watched until Brown was gone and sat back into her chair with flop. She didn't think she needed to mention the money she had put in Brown's pocket, not just yet. She wanted to let them all think, at least for awhile that she had indeed tricked Brown into paying for their food and drinks.

"Glad that went well" Bunny laughed and finished off the last of her mug."Are you ladies ready to be off? Inn's are fun and all, but I think I should like to feel the road beneath my feet."

[littlemanpoet]

It was not long before food and drink had been had by all, including Snatch. Gaffer Hugo felt satisfied, and was ready to be moving despite the wunnerful view of the Brandywine River from his big window.

He tested his ankle just a bit on the floor. It was no good. His hip was sore yet, but he figured that was a just from the ankle problem. He was not feeling dizzy anymore, food and drink had done him good. But there was no help for it, he would not be able to walk.

He called the innkeeper over and explained his predicament.

"Don't you worry, Gaffer, I'll have Burt take your Mosy off the cart an' I'll keep that cart nice and clean for you, don't even think about rent, if you'll let me use it from time to time I'll make sure it's as good as new when you get back."

"That suits me fine," Gaffer smiled. "But I didn't bring a saddle for Mosy. Have you any to spare?"

"I think I can find one, and I'll loan it to you in trade for use of your cart. What say you?"

"I'll keep you saddle as well as you'll keep my cart an' we're even," Hugo grinned. They shook on it and the innkeeper hurried off to the stables.

It was not long before Rudy and Brown had helped Hugo out to the courtyard and Mosy stood saddled up and a pack behind the saddle, and all they needed to do was hoist Hugo up into the saddle. Someone they managed it, and Hugo was up no worse for the wear. But then he had a thought.

"I forgot to pay for my lunch!"

"Don't worry," the innkeeper said, "your young man Brown here paid for everybody, including you!"

"Well I'm obliged to be sure!" Hugo said. "You make a fine new friend, Brown!"

[Gwathagor]

Brown smoothed the hair on Mosy's neck and considered explaining what had actually happened.

Instead, he said: "Ah...of course. Though, to be fair, Bunny helped as well."

Bunny might be a thoroughly silly hobbit, but she clearly meant well enough. He'd give her a second chance.

"Well, Gaffer, if you're set, then we should be off. I should like to be on the road before the day gets away from us. Rudy, will you fetch the lasses, or should I?"

[littlemanpoet]

The party struck west, walking briskly, and with Mosy refreshed at the Stonebow Inn, carrying Gaffer Hugo and some baggage seemed not to bother him at all. Snatch pranced ahead, ran back behind, and sniffed at everything his nose led him to, from side to side. He snapped at butterflies, raced after squirrels, and generally assured himself of a very exchausted and satisfied night's sleep when it came.

Gaffer Hugo, for his part, rather enjoyed being able to see things from up high on Mosy's back. He waved to passersby with a smile that hid the pain he felt in ankle and hip. The food and drink had done him good, but he did not talk much. No need! Bunny, Tansy, Peony and Mira talked enough for all of them.

It seemed to Hugo that it would not be too long before they reached Whitfurrows. Snatch, on one of his forays to their rear, seemed to catch the whiff of a lone hobbit traveling behind them, and set off barking and grumbling and growling at him before Gaffer Hugo called him back.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

The noon passed towards afternoon and the day was still sunny and pleasant. The road between Stonebow Bridge and Whitfurrows in the west was well-kept and it was used by many people, hobbit travelers and cartmen. It was true however that most of the travelers passing through it at this time of day were loners or only small groups of tradesmen; or families, of four or five members at most, who went to or returned from visiting their relatives living in other parts of the Shire. A group of seven hobbits, a pony and a dog truly called for attention, if only because any potential traveler had to move aside when the gang of cheerful youth, spread across the entire width of the Road, appeared in front of him. The lasses were chatting happily, the more seriously looking male hobbits and Mosy with Hugo followed, but all were immersed in their own thoughts and the opposite-goers had to take care themselves how to avoid such a cavalcade.

As the afternoon was passing, the amount of people the company met was slowly diminishing. Whoever was on the road, was already close to returning home, so now the folks encountered were mostly the inhabitants of Whitfurrows going back from labouring in the fields or from a trip. Around the fifth hour, the road seemed all empty. The travelers kept walking on, as the village of Whitfurrows had not to be far away, however the sun had still some distance left to the horizon. It was now shining right into their faces. When Mosy for a moment turned his head to the right, the burning image of Sun remained still in his eyes. This way he could not see a young male hobbit walking out of a grove of trees across the field. When Mosy turned back, the hobbit was already treading towards the road in a steady pace, until his feet stepped on the firm ground. There he stopped, tightened his backpack and looked around. The road was quiet and deserted, except for the large group of travelers ahead. Seemingly pleased by the fact, the incomer turned westwards and went on in the footsteps of the company.

It went like this for a while, however soon it became apparent that the lone traveler is faster than the group. It was not that surprising, however: he was a young hobbit, probably still in his tweens; rather stumpy, but quite muscular; not with very long legs, but walking fast; and his mud-stained hairy feet and brown breeches could tell a careful observer that this person has long journey - or perhaps journeys - behind himself. Even his shiny yellow shirt was a little creased and a tiny twig in his brown wavy hair hinted where the tweenager had been sleeping lately. Indeed, the experienced tramp started to soon catch on the company. When he came closer, the laughter and words and bits of dialogue between the travelers reached his ears.

If anyone had turned back at the moment, he would have seen the sudden change in expression of lone hobbit's face. For a little while, he stopped, his eyes observing closely the members of the company, one by one. His sight paused on the lasses, but in the next moment, Gaffer Hugo turned back to look where Snatch had gone and noticed the lone traveler in the complany's back. The tramp's rather thoughtful expression turned into alarmed one and he resumed his course, as if nothing had happened. Gaffer Hugo turned his head back, because Snatch had just crawled out of the field on the other side. But the young lone hobbit moved now steadily on in his course, following the company westwards, keeping constant distance from them.

The afternoon was getting late when the company reached Whitfurrows, an old settlement on the crossing of roads from the Bridge, Frogmorton to the West and Budgeford to the North. At the first houses, the six hobbits and the pony stopped (not Snatch, who was busy chasing a scared hen which dared to go too far from her home - and now was paying for it). They exchanged a few words on how to continue, and a rhetorical question was raised whether to stop here for today or keep going until sunset. There was not much to discuss: on such a nice day, everyone felt like keep walking.

However, this unexpected stop caused the pursuer at their heels to catch up with the group. He did not stop, and had no reason to stop, after all. He passed through their center.

"Good afternoon," Gaffer Hugo greeted him cheerfully from the height of his seat, and others followed.

"..'noon..." the lone traveler stammered, and turned his face away from the companions, so that they didn't see him blushing all over. He also sped up and entered Whitfurrows with the speed of a post runner. He did not dare to turn back and went on steadily, following the road in its course, westwards. Swiftly, he passed the crossroads and at the last houses of Whitfurrows, he started to slow down. Then he took a peek over his shoulder.

The company had resumed its movement meanwhile. They already reached the crossroad, and turned - northwards. The young hobbit gnashed his teeth. For a brief moment, he stood, following the moving group by sight, fists clenched, as if some battle was going on inside him. Then with a sudden move, he turned, and with his face red as lobster he returned to the crossroad and turned towards the North - where, some hundred yards in front of him, the large group was moving.

[littlemanpoet]

The travelers crossed the bridge over The Water and stopped in Budgeford for the night. There was a good inn there, as there was in almost every Shire village, and their stay was both comfortable and fairly priced.

In the morning, over first breakfast, Snatch seemed to catch whiff of something right there in the common room that set him off agrumbling and agrowling again, so he only gave half his nose and eyes to Gaffer's plate; which was unusual for Snatch, so Gaffer took notice despite the pain in his ankle which was not lessening as he'd hoped.

"What's up, Snatch, my boy?" He tossed him a piece of sausage that in Snatch's distraction he actually missed, his jaws snapping on air. Most unusual indeed, though the dog was quick enough to scoop it off the wood floor as quick as nothing. Even while chewing he went back to growling and grumbling, which was sort of comical in its way. "Don't go growling with your mouth full o' food, Snatch," Hugo chuckled.

But he took a look in the general direction of Snatch's mistrust, and saw that lone hobbit again that seemed to have decided to go the same way they had. Hugo caught the eye of the hobbit once when he glanced over toward him, and the young hobbit - for he seemed short in years as well as height not to mention grooming - blushed red as a ripe tomato.

"Rudy," Gaffer said to his nephew sitting next to him, busy with his eggs and sausage, "there's somethin' off about that hobbit, that tweener I bet or I'm a babe in arms."

Rudy nodded. "I've been watching him too."

Brown overheard from across the table and took a surreptitious look back of himself in that direction.

"What do you make of it if anything, Brown?"

[Gwathagor]

Brown looked back again briefly. He thought for a moment and drummed his fingers on the heavy oak table.

"I saw him behind us on the road yesterday, but I hadn't realized he'd followed us all the way here. Maybe it's just coincidence that we've come the same way, but I'll say this: he's certainly been acting curiously."

Brown put a piece of bacon and half a tomato onto a piece of cold toast and then (somehow) fit the whole thing into his mouth. As he chewed, he thought.

"Now why did Snatch notice him? Could he be some kind of rascal, waiting to rob us when we're out on the road...I've heard about hobbits going bad, though I've never known any to myself."

"Then he's a rather stupid rascal," said Rudy, "Because we'd out-number him by 6 - and a dog."

Brown reflected on this and then leaned over to stroke Snatch's tail. "Aye, you're right there...more than likely, he's just some odd fellow that Snatch recognizes from Brandy Hall. Have either of you seen him before?"

[littlemanpoet]

"Nay, I never saw him before yesterday," Gaffer answered. "And ol' Snatch here, I think he just knows him from yesterday is all. He don't take so kindly to strangers, especially those as acts like they doesn't belong, if you take my meaning."

Hugo skewered more bacon and egg and toast and chewed thoughtfully.

"How about one of you go and have a word with him and see what he's about?"

[Gwathagor]

Brown grinned widely.

"Then it'll have to be Rudy," he said. "I don't take too kindly to strangers myself."

He laughed at himself, drained his mug, and pushed back his plate. Then he leaned back in his chair and stretched, while out of the corner of his eye he took a good, long look at the strange hobbit. He seemed to be doing his best to not notice them and appeared very absorbed in his breakfast.

[Valier]

Bunny's ears perked up at the conversation going on between the men. No one seemed to want to talk to this stranger. She looked to where their glances were directed. There sat a normal looking Hobbit, thoroughly engrossed in his breakfast.
Bunny had not even noticed him earlier as the others seemed to have, which embarrassed her some what. She was way too busy chatting up a storm with the other lasses. Living in a house with all brothers, she relished the time she had alone with other girls.

Bunny gave a mischievous grin at the boys, loudly cleared her throat so all their eyes would follow her and pushed back her chair and rose. Smoothing her skirt and hair unconsciously, Bunny made her way through the quieting inn towards the table the stranger occupied.

As she neared she held out her hands in greeting. "Hello there! Kind sir...My name is....OOOOOFFFFFF!!! and down she went. Her wretched toes were always getting in the way! Her face reddened.

"My name is Bunny, Bunny Took." She stated from her spot on the floor. The stranger held out his hand to help Bunny up. " My companions and I have noticed you may be following us.....Are you? and if so why?"
Bunny again straightened her skirt and now stood with hands on her hips looking as stern as one can after just falling onto the floor.

[Boromir88]

"Then it'll have to be Rudy," he said. "I don't take too kindly to strangers myself."

"It looks like Bunny's taking care of our stranger. Besides, I never heard of no hobbit that steals from other hobbits. It's called bor-..." Rudy was cut off by Bunny's sudden spill.

He didn't mean to laugh so hard at the site of Bunny falling down, but he couldn't help himself. "At least we won't be short of any entertainment on this adventure." he told Brown and the Gaffer.

He did feel bad for laughing out loud the way he did. Now, Brown's talk of hobbits going bad, had Rudy wondering about this stranger. He wanted to go find out who was this hobbit.

"I better give our little Bunny a little help." he chuckled. "Will one of you two remind me to get some biscuits before I leave? I forgot after all the excitement in Stonebow, I don't want that to happen again!"

Rudy walked over to the table where the stranger was sitting. Bunny had just asked the stranger why he was following them. He looked at Bunny and smiled "Sorry to intrude, just thought I'd say, you gotta watch out for those floorboards, they like to jump right out in front of you. You should have seen the time when Mira had made breakfast. She had just cleaned up a spill, father went into the kitchen and slipped on the wet floor. I was behind him, saw exactly where he fell, but was laughing so hard I proceeded to walk where he did and took a spill right next to him."

Rudy wanted to make sure Bunny had no hard feelings by his slightly rude laughter. Plus, he wanted to have a reason for going over to the strangers table in the first place. "Hello, sir." he said addressing the hobbit. "You may call me Rudy, and what should I call you?"

[Kitanna]

Peony had noticed the stranger for a fleeting moment on the road, but she gave no heed to him. Even now, after easedropping on the men's talk, she saw no need to be worried about him. He didn't seem like a hobbit "gone bad" as Brown has said. He seemed to be no more than an embarrassed tweenager.

Bunny was prepared to engage the stranger in conversation. Though her own two feet betrayed her and she stumbled before him. Rudy soon joined Bunny, Peony guessed it was to find out about this mysterious hobbit. While they gathered what information they could, Peony hoped to gain some insight from Gaffer Hugo and perhaps even Brown. If they thought this hobbit was a threat, she wanted to know.

Peony turned her chair toward Gaffer Hugo and Brown's table. "Do you really suspect him of being a hobbit that's gone bad?" Peony glanced at the stranger again. She didn't see any real sign of trouble in him. "I can't believe he'd be trying to harm a big group like us."

[Finduilas]

Sitting down to breakfast, Mira felt much more tired then she would ever admit to anybody. Walking all day wasn't a usual pastime with her, but she knew that she was strong enough to get over it, but it might take a few days. She was feeling very talkative, since she was tired, so she listened into the 'mens' talk. Mira had already noticed the stranger in the inn, but she didn't think anything wrong about it.

When Bunny tripper over her foot, Mira blushed for her. She went even redder when Rudy started laughing. Well, she thought, at least he's in a good mood, but that doesn't give him a right to laugh at the poor dear. She noticed however, his speech to Bunny, and could tell from experience that he was apoligetic for laughing.

She watched thoughtfully as Rudy addressed the stranger, and dearly hoped that no one had been right in thinking him dangerous.

[Gwathagor]

"I can't believe he'd be trying to harm a big group like us."

"Well, of course, it IS unlikely," replied Brown. "But I've heard of hobbits going bad - turning burglar, or worse. I've even met a couple of rascally types myself. Once, when I was on the road to Long Cleeve, I was set upon by a couple of..."

His voiced trailed off as he noticed the worried looks on the girls' faces. He leaned back and tried to look nonchalant as he studied the rafters. Assuming his best careless expression and shrugging, he said, "But there was no harm done, and we're certainly in no danger. As you say, Miss Peony, we're a large group - and you mustn't forget Snatch." Here his tone changed to one of mock seriousness. "He's quite the ferocious little beast, aren't you, Snatch? Anyway, I daresay I could handle two or three rascals, should any come our way. Set 'em to the rightabouts."

He broke off, grinning and chuckling at the prospect of a good fight.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

The young hobbit looked very nervous and even more confused after Bunny performed her tumble. Then Rudy appeared and started to talk to Bunny. During his speech, the stranger's eyes switched from Bunny to Rudy nervously, and it could be told from his expression that his brain is racking. But if the hobbit had any thought of quietly leaving while they were engaged in talk, it was soon dashed. Rudy turned towards him and spoke.

"Hello, sir." he said addressing the hobbit. "You may call me Rudy, and what should I call you?"

The tweenager's face was once again red as if he just came out of warm bath.

"He-hello," he stammered. He had "My name is Mi-Michael." He blushed even more, his face now resembling a dead ripe tomato. "Michael Smallburrow. It's - it's not that I have been following you, miss... sir... I... only remembered I have to visit my friend who lives here..."

He quickly turned away and quaffed off his cup. This way, Bunny and Rudy could not see his teeth was rattling. And what they definitely could not see was the lone traveler's inner struggle: he did not know what to say, how to act now that he was discovered. Of course he had been following them. But what in the Shire did he think? He did not know clearly himself. He was curious, yes, after he heard, back there on the road... and then... but what now? What to do now? His temptation was to just leave it be, forget the group... talk himself out of it and disappear... if only he could... he knew well that that they won't belive him, sure they won't, sure they won't... and now he was already in it...

And then, there was the opposite urge. But he was not courageous enough to tell them, it didn't even cross his mind. Now he wished he did not lie a moment ago. He had no friend at Budgeford whom he should visit. But any possibility of continuing the discussion was ruined now. They will simply say "Ah, so you are just visiting your friend, sorry then", and go away. Why, why did he lie? He will never see them again. And besides that, he felt guilty of lying. He did not lie often, but in situations like that it happened before he could have enough time to think...

And what should he tell them now? He could no longer pretend to be drinking from an empty cup. Please, he thought, let them say something!

[littlemanpoet]

Snatch sniffed fear and trouble, and it came from that hobbit over there. The one with the heat in his face. When Rudy went got up and went over to him, Snatch came up behind. He quieted his mutterings while Rudy barked at the heated hobbit the odd tonguish way hobbits had.

When the heated up hobbit answered Rudy, his wimperings were a bad sign. A real bad sign. Fear! Fear! Fear! This hobbit was trouble!

Snatch set his ears back and his tail high, his four legs wide apart, and bared his teeth. He gave warning the best he knew how, with a long drawn out and sinister growl. He knew it was one of his best.

[Valier]

Bunny was not at all satisfied with the strangers reply. His expression was startled and his face was too flush to be not falsifying something. With a dissatisfied "hum" Bunny eyed the hobbit up and down, then reached and scratched Snatch on the head and said "good boy"! Looking Rudy in the eye she signaled for him to follow her back to the table. With another puff and a bit of a snarl from Snatch Rudy motioned for him to follow them as well.

Back at the table Bunny said almost in a whisper"He cannot be trusted I fear" , with a smile still on her face. " Our surroundings we must be more aware of too. So mind your tone and volume" I think we should slightly alter our route North, so as we can find out if Mr. Micheal is indeed up to no good. Thank goodness for Snatch! I am sure he will alert us on the road if Micheal or anyone else for that matter comes near."
"Let us not linger 'ere too long. My belly is full and I feel rested enough. Is everyone else almost ready to go?"

[littlemanpoet]

Gaffer Hugo was proud of Snatch. Smart dog! And hearing Bunny favor his pet made him feel warm all over. He decided that he rather liked his granddaughter's friend, even if she was prone to trip on her own hairy feet and get into other scrapes.

When Hugo heard Bunny's question he smirked. "Go? This early? Why, I haven't even had my third helping of bacon yet! What's the rush, Bunny?"

[Thinlómien]

"And I haven't finished my cup of tea," Tansy added, but smiled at her young friend. "Look, Bunny, I don't think we should be so worried about that guy." She screwed up her eyes a bit. After her eyesight had got worse in her tweens, she had learned to pay attention to people's postures and ways of moving if they were too far away for her to make out their exact facial expression.

Tansy looked at her younger friend and smiled. "I think he looks just a bit nervous and frightened, poor boy. I have no idea why he was following us - if he even was, I didn't notice it but I take your word for it - but I doubt his reasons are sinister. I'm inclined to agree with Peony - that lad would be very silly if he was planning to attack us in any way, one against seven hobbits, a dog and a pony." She couldn't help grinning at her own words when she added the pony to the list. She felt silly but she hadn't been on such a careless mood for a while. And for sure, the stranger was nothing she would worry about.

She took a sip of tea. It was good tea with nice touch of nettle and raspberry. She decided to make a fair share of raspberry tea when she got home, she had forgotten how good it was. And nettle too. Nettle soup would be excellent.

"But how can we know he's alone?" Brown asked, interrupting her musings.
"We cannot," Tansy replied calmly, flashing a smile at him, "but if we have to continue on this topic, I'd rather talk with him than about him. I say we either finish our breakfast and continue as if nothing had happened, or - if he really troubles you so much - invite him to our table and ask him some questions. But let's not frighten him any more than we have this far. He seems like a sensitive case." A mischevious glint came to her eyes. "Maybe Brown could even offer him a pint?"

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

After the two hobbits departed from his table, Michael's senses calmed a little. He returned to the rest of his breakfast, however leering at the travelers' table, unobtrusively if possible. He was open-eared, trying to catch something the people in the group may be saying. What are they going to do? A sudden horrible thought now hit Michael. They sure did not believe him. Sure they didn't, of course, he was never good at lying and he knew it. Why, why he had to lie... the feeling of alarm that left him just a while ago had returned with renewed strength. What now? And what are they-

But suddenly, Michael's ear caught a few words from the other table. The green-gray-eyed lady said it. "...invite him to our table..." Michael could not believe his ears. Would he really be that lucky?

But at that moment, the piece he was just chewing got stuck in his throat, and he choked. He reached for his cup, but alas, it was already empty. The loud sound of his coughing filled the whole room, as he attempted to catch his breath and get rid of the piece he swallowed the wrong way.

[littlemanpoet]

"Summat needs to give our friend over yonder a pat on the back, I'm thinking," Gaffer Hugo drawled. "Poor lad's like to catch his death from first breakfast to hear him. Sorry way to die." He grinned as he stuffed one more rasher of bacon in his mouth and chewed happily.

The hobbit seemed to have gotten his wind back with no help, but the wheezing and hacking made Hugo want to leave. So he got up.

"Ow!"

And sat back down again. "Confounded ankle! Rudy, Brown, can you give me a hand up? Sorry to be such a bother."

His ankle was not getting any better. Of course, bouncing on a pony was probably no good for it; nor was being a hundred and more years old, for that matter. But there it was, and it wasn't about to change, so he knew he'd best live with it. One thing for sure, he was not about to be told he couldn't come on this adventure just because of a bum ankle; and if anyhobbit even considered passing such words by his or her lips, that hobbit was going to get an earful, no danger.

[littlemanpoet]

Brown and Rudy helped Gaffer Hugo up, helped him negotiate around the tables, and through the front door and into the courtyard. Snatch pranced along with. Mosy was waiting there, packs on his back, standing next to a platform. It was a gorgeous day! The sun was already halfway up the sky and there was not a cloud to be seen. A pleasant breeze soughed through,

Rudy and Brown helped Hugo up to the platform, then stood on it to help hoist him onto Mosy's back.

"Ready, one, two, three, up you go!" cried Rudy.

Gaffer helped with his one leg, and up he began, but suddenly a hand grabbed his chest somewhere inside and squeezed for all it was worth, and Hugo grimaced. His arms fell to his chest and he moaned. Brown and Rudy did not let him go as he sank to a sitting position on the platform. The hand in his chest just kept squeezing harder.

So this is it, then, Hugo thought to himself, I s'pose I was in for it sooner or later. Good-bye Rudy, good-bye Mira, good-bye Brown and Snatch and Mosy, good-bye all the rest of you.

Gaffer Hugo knew no more.

[Boromir88]

"Gaffer! Wake up! Wake up! You can't go...not yet, not yet! I can't do it by myself, Gaffer." Rudy fell to his knees and began to sob. Snatch had laid his head on Hugo's lap.

Rudy heard a voice call his name, it was Mira's. She must have noticed him and Brown carry the Gaffer out of the inn. Rudy looked up at Brown, "Get Mira inside! Keep her inside the inn, until I figure what to do," he was wiping the tears from his eyes, trying to gather himself, it wasn't working. Before Brown even had the chance to do what Rudy asked, Mira had rushed past both of them and hopped onto the platform, next to the Gaffer's body.

She started shaking him, and was whispering something, but amidst her cries Rudy couldn't comprehend it.

"Mira," she didn't look at Rudy "our Gaffer's...gone"
No response.
"I think it's time we head back home, back to pa. It's what-"
"No!" she cried "Gaffer's going to wake up...we're going to find the Entwives, with Bunny, and Tansy, and Peony, and everyone...all three of us."
"Mira..."
"No! He's going to wake up."

Rudy turned back to Brown, "I have to go inside. I have to tell the others we're going home. We can't go on. You understand?" Rudy was looking for some kind of reaffirmation, from Brown, that he was making the right choice. But Rudy didn't have to tell the others, for they were already outside.

[Thinlómien]

When they came out, Tansy could instantly say everything was not alright. Brown's face was serious, Rudy was paler than Tansy had ever seen him and Mira was crying. Gaffer Hugo was laying on the ground, unmoving. It was not difficult to guess what had happened.

Tansy took a few quick steps to where Mira was sobbing by her gaffer's side. She wrapped her arms around the girl and hugged her tight. That, of course, made the girl cry even more. Tansy stroked her hair and let her cry. She knew there were no words to make it better.

After a while, Mira pulled away from her and wiped her face with her sleeve. She looked up at her brother. "I don't want to go home now. We have to find the Entwives. Gaffer Hugo would have wanted us to. We have to find them, for him."

Tansy looked from one sibling to another. She could see both sides of the argument, all too clearly. Weren't these the exact same two sides, the responsible child and the adventurer, that had always been fighting in her own heart? She took a deep breath. Suddenly, she knew.

"You only must go home if you are truly needed there right now." She said this to Mira, resting her hand on the girl's shoulder, but she let her eyes travel to Rudy by the end of her sentence.

[Gwathagor]

Brown looked around at the scared, pale faces of the other hobbits, who now stood in a circle around Gaffer Hugo's lifeless form. Of course the expedition could not go on. They had just been out to have some fun before, but real life had taken a hand. Rudy and Mira would have to see to Hugo's burial, break the news to the family, and so on. And the others would likely be disheartened by the tragedy, which had cast a sudden dark pall over their merry adventure - which of them would wish to continue given the circumstances? It hardly seemed right.

Snatch wiggled his way through the legs of the observers and bounced up to Gaffer Hugo. Ordinarily he would have wanted to romp, but he immediately sensed that something was amiss. Snatch approached, sniffed Hugo's feet, and stepped back. Nothing happened. He barked sharply, and still Gaffer Hugo did not move. Snatch leapt up on the platform, sniffed Hugo carefully, and began to lick his face, whining softly all the while. The solemn band watched silently, and Mira cried on Rudy's shoulder.

Brown felt suddenly that he was intruding upon this mourning family, and, without a word, walked slowly back into the inn. They wouldn't be leaving for a while yet, he knew.

Sitting down at his bench again, he began to think. And, as he thought, he realized that there was no reason he couldn't continue north on his own, even if the others had no will to go on.

[Kitanna]

The stranger appeared to be struggling with his food. Peony wasn't inclined to see the poor fellow choke on his food, it would be a waste of food and of life. She jumped from her seat and hurried to his side. Her brother, Nick, was often the culprit of eating too fast and so Peony knew how to handle this.

"Come on, now," Peony gave his back a good hard smack and whatever he'd been eating made its way back up and onto his plate. "There now. Best to chew your food next time, friend." She smiled and patted his back. Color was returning to his cheeks, that was always a good sign.

"Thank you," he rasped.

Peony turned and it seemed her group had left. She was a bit hurt they had simply left her behind. She gave the stranger one more friendly smile before heading out herself. It'd be no good being left here, having to go home before the adventure even began.

Outside her mood changed almost immediately. Gaffer Hugo was just lying there. Rudy and Mira were crying and she felt her own eyes tearing up. But he couldn't be dead, right? He had been alive minutes before.

"You only must go home if you are truly needed there right now." Tansy said, putting her hand on Mira's shoulder.

"But how can we go on without Gaffer?" Peony choked back a loud and unseemly sob. "He wanted to be as much a part of this as the rest of us."

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

After receiving the not-at-all-gentle smack to his back from the rich-haired lass from the group, Michael finally caught his breath. His color was still changing, from regaining the lost air as well as from the embarassment he felt for causing such a commotion. As his saviour patted him rather friendly on the back, Michael managed to produce a faint "thank you" from his throat, along with the last piece of breakfast that remained there. He wanted to say more, the thoughts rushed inside him, but engulfed in total chaos and still not fast enough. Before he could come up with anything to say, the hobbit lass turned away with a smile and left the room.

Michael spent a short time trying to calm himself down, both from the struggle for breath and from all the other events that happened during the breakfast. He wasn't very succesful. However, suddenly one thought struck him with unexpected power, and chased away all the other thoughts: the travelers are gone! Alarmed even more than before, Michael jumped off from the table. However, at the very same moment, the figure of that other young male hobbit appeared in the doorway. Michael stood like frozen, as the guest walked slowly towards him, then stepped aside and sat back at the group's table. Michael gave out a quiet sigh of relief, and as it seemed that the travelers are not leaving yet, he picked up his empty cup and went to the back of the room. When he was returning a minute later with a mug of fresh milk, the hobbit was still sitting there.

Now it is the time to think of something, Michael thought as he sat down to his table. Are they going to invite me to their table, after all? Would it be possible for me to be so lucky? But right now, it seemed as if everybody had disappeared somewhere, except for that hobbit who was just sitting not that far from Michael's table. Perhaps this one - now that he is alone here - would be good to talk to? But how can I talk to them when I have lied to them before? And what should I say anyway? Such thoughts were rushing through the young tramp's head.

You could lie, something whispered to him suddenly. You could lie once again and tell them that you may accompany them and show them the way where they need it... They won't realise. The Shire sure looks all the same in the Northfarthing, where they are heading, too. You can make up something.

Childish fool, something else told him. Also, something pressed his chest, as he thought about lying again. He felt miserable. But was there any other way? He felt as if he were pulled against his own will. With clenched fists and teeth, he got up from the table, and with a few steps, he stood next to the now lone traveler's seat.

"Excuse me, sir," Michael realised his own voice is trembling more than usual, but that could not stop him from speaking. He felt like an observer, whatever was happening did not come from him.
"I have been talking with your friend, Rudy, and... miss Bunny... And now I remembered," that was the first lie – he certainly did not remember, but had his mind on it all the time, "that I overheard you talking about the North Moors." The pace of Michael's speech was increasing and increasing, while his sight was dimming and red and black wheels started to appear in front of his eyes. "And I thought if perhaps you could use somebody else to accompany you, somebody who has the knowledge of the places. I do." And that was the end. Michael felt as if he were just drowned into a hot, boiling water and he was not far from collapsing right on the floor. He felt his heart somewhere in his stomach, and he felt the sweat from his palms soaking the hems of his vest, as he clasped them. That was the end. He could not think any more. He could not do anything more. The only thing that could happen was... that something would happen.

[Valier]

Bunny exited the out-house at the back of the Inn. She felt much better and thought she might have just one more pint before they left.
Such a shame that already the old Gaffer was showing signs of his age, she thought. She knew they should never have let him come. Now that he was needing assistence to even get around (which she was sure Rudy and Brown would grow tired of quick), thier trip would be alot less fun.

As Bunny rounded the corner to the front of the Inn, fully engrossed in her own thoughts, she was snapped back quick when she saw what was playing out before her. There on the ground lay the old Gaffer, Rudy stood pale as a ghost beside his cring sister and a symathetic Tansy and Peony.

Bunny's face blanched, she had indeed been thinking just moments before that they should leave Hugo behind. She had never wanted anything like this to happen and she felt ashamed at her thoughts.

"My goodness!" Bunny exclaimed as she hurried to the small huddled group. "What happened?"
Rudy cleared his throat, "He just well....died. He just fell over just like that and...." his voiced trailed off. Mira began to cry louder and Snatch began to howl.

Bunny was at a loss for words. She did not know what to do. Would they all want to go home now? Should they even continue? Was it right? She knew there would be a funeral, and that meant many, many Hobbits attending (as it was at most Hobbit passings)
She had no intentions of sticking around for that, she knew her Family would surely find out that their young daughter Bella had indeed been in Budgeford, when she was supposed to be in Buckland with Tansy. She was ashamed that that was the first thing that came to her mind. She felt very sorry for their loss and was saddened that she hadn't been nicer to the Gaffer. She did not want to seem uncaring but there was no way that she would stay here any longer then she needed. She would carry on even if she had to go alone.

Bunny noticed then, that Brown was not with them. He had probably gone back into the Inn, she thought maybe she should join him, seeing as she was not directly related to the mourning family.
But everyone seemed to not know what to do, so Bunny piped up slowly, "I think we should move his body. Then figure out what to do after we've done that. Tansy or Peony do think you could bring Mira inside and get her a drink? I'm sure the rest of us can move him."

[Gwathagor]

"As a matter of fact," said Brown cautiously, "It's not my decision. You'll want to talk to Bunny, who I suppose is more or less in charge right now - at any rate, this whole thing was her idea."

Brown wasn't sure what to make of this curious fellow, who looked as if he was asking to have his leg amputated: pale as a sheet and sweating bullets, he could hardly put two words together without sounding pained, much less even look Brown in the eye. Brown lost all idea of the hobbit being a rascal out to rob them or such mischief; he was far too...awkward. And frightened. That much was obvious.

"I may as well tell you," Brown continued in a concerned tone, trying to be forthright without sounding stuck-up, "That I know the North Moors as well as any hobbit who hasn't lived there. I'm - I'm not certain that we need any help finding our way..."

The hobbit's shoulders drooped visibly. Why did we want to come with them so badly? And why was he so afraid to ask? Brown was at a loss and he didn't want to be responsible for this.

"Why don't you go talk to Bunny? I think she's outside."

Brown pointed the hobbit toward the door.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Michael's mind was in such state that he could not even think about what the hobbit had told him. He was afraid, but after being sent to ask Bunny, he just nodded and, feeling the sweat all over himself, he more stumbled than walked towards the door.

Almost outside, finally the words of the hobbit caught up with his confused mind. "I may as well tell you that I know the North Moors as well as any hobbit who hasn't lived there. I'm not certain that we need any help finding our way..." Michael stopped.

I'm not certain that we need any help finding our way...

The thoughts came once again flowing through his head: They don't need any help. They can do well without me. Why should I go and ask that Bunny? What if she just says plain "no"? That would be even more embarassing than everything that already happened... Michael's teeth was rattling. Better not go there, he thought. Better just run away, quietly creep away, these people will forget me and I will never meet them again...

But at that moment another thought came to his mind. Never. That will mean losing the chance to go with them, and after all, this chance is close now... Are you really willing to throw it away? a quiet voice asked inside his head. Now that you have followed them all the way up here? And if you throw away your chance like that, how will you know if they wouldn't, after all, have taken you with them?

And then suddenly, from the knot of Michael's thoughts another one came up.

***

The day was cold and the autumn leaves were falling down, slowly, covering the road from Bywater to Frogmorton in a many-coloured carpet. Mist was climbing out of the fields on both sides of the road, and the silhouette of a round, long-legged hobbit treading the path was at times lost in the haze. The traveler was wrapped in a warm coat, but the feather behind his hat trembled in the chill air.

A young hobbit, also wrapped in a thick, bright yellow cloak, suddenly appeared out of the field at one side of the road and almost ran into the lone traveler. Only at the last moment he noticed somebody standing in front of him, gave out a loud shriek and stumbling, he fell on the ground. An empty basket flew from his hand and rolled away into the mist.

The long-legged hobbit stopped, and reaching his arm, he helped the youngster to get up. As he lifted him, suddenly a glimpse of smile appeared on what could have been seen of his face.
"Mishka! Good to see you, laddie."
The youngster's eyes widened, gazing at the long-legged hobbit. "U - uncle Richard! It's you?"
"No, I am the Mad Baggins coming to haunt you. Of course it is me. How did you end up here?"
Mishka cleared the dust and leaves off the front of his coat and looked over for his basket. "I was - um - going to visit grandpa, to Frogmorton."
"Ah, were you? I will be going there too. Even though I have also some official... hmm... business there."
"A Shiriff business?"
Uncle Richard smiled. "Yes, a Shiriff business," he said, looking directly into young Michael's eyes. "Look, Mishka, I don't know whether you look at me the same way your father does, but I am not ashamed to be a Shiriff. Now when I have finally become one, I am happy of it, because it is something I always wanted to do. I may have decided to back away from that when the family did not approve, but instead I went, and I do not pity it."

***

Michael took a deep breath, and picking all the courage he could find inside him, he stepped through the door. What he saw, however, was something he did not quite expect.

[Boromir88]

"You only must go home if you are truly needed there right now." She said this to Mira, resting her hand on the girl's shoulder, but she let her eyes travel to Rudy by the end of her sentence.

Rudy didn't have a response, he couldn't hold Tansy's gaze, and turned away. It wasn't because he was trying to be rude, he just didn't have an answer; he didn't have the slightest clue about what to do.

"I think we should move his body. Then figure out what to do after we've done that. Tansy or Peony do think you could bring Mira inside and get her a drink? I'm sure the rest of us can move him."

Rudy might have thought Bunny was queer for a hobbit, but at this moment that's not what he was thinking: Praise the Vala for this young hobbit. Rudy was quick to agree with Bunny's idea "Go inside with Tansy, Mira. I'll be in shortly." Mira and Tansy made there way back toward the inn. Rudy looked at Peony and Bunny, "Well, let's do it."

The three hobbits decided to lay Hugo back down on the ground. They did it with relatively little trouble, although Rudy let the Gaffer's head smack off the platform as they were lowering him. Bunny and Peony pretended they didn't notice. But, before long, Hugo was back down on the grass.

He thanked the other two hobbits for their help and said "Obviously, we can't leave him lie here, forever, but it will have to do until I figure out what I'm going to do."

Rudy wanted to get away from the Gaffer's body, and they all headed back towards the inn. Rudy didn't pay any heed to the hobbit, Michael, who was standing at the door; he went straight to the table Mira and Tansy were at. Mira's eyes were red, but she wasn't crying anymore. Tansy got up to leave, but Rudy said she didn't have to, and asked her to stay if she liked. He thought the more friends and family around the better. How was he going to break it to Mira that they couldn't continue the adventure? Lo and behold! to Rudy's surprise he didn't have to.

"I'm not in the mood for adventure anymore, Rudy. I want to go home."

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Shocked by the scene presented before him in the courtyard, Michael stopped at the door. The travelers were crowded around the motionless body of that old Hobbit, the one with the dog. The dog, however, did not seem to be happy and running around anymore. It was not clear to Michael what happened, but the outcome was obvious and the tweenager saw that this was not the best situation to go and ask Bunny about the journey. His newly found courage had faded again, and only a tiny spark of it remained in his heart. How came? Perplexed, he followed with his eyes the deed of moving the old Hobbit's body. Then, the travelers turned and headed inside. They passed him by, unattentive to his presence; one by one they were disappearing inside the inn. He stood motionless like a statue carved next to the doorway; until at the last moment a clash from the outside world roused his senses. Bunny, who was the last in the line, stumbled - who knows how she managed to do that on the flat ground - and she fell. Instinctively, Michael reached out his arms to catch her. Not fast enough, but he at least awoke from his frozen state and helped her to get up. Her friends have already disappeared inside.

"Thank you," she said. "Oh, this was so clumsy, sorry, I nearly crushed into you..."
Michael hesitated again. For a moment he had this uneasy feeling of talking to others, but then, pieces of recent events returned to his mind: his decision to go, and to ask Bunny... and now here she was, right in front of him.

"I - it's okay," he stammered, looking into her eyes. "Uh - erm - I am sorry whatever happened to your, err..." He stopped. He started to feel worse and worse. He had no idea what to say on such occassions, what worse, he had no idea what the dead Hobbit was in relation to Bunny. He was once again starting to sweat. Fortunately, Bunny finished for him.

"He is..." now she stopped for a while, too. An expression of something like a shock appeared on her face, as if she now realised the tiny difference of what she just said and what the truth was.

"He was my friends' grandfather," she corrected herself. "He was going with us..." and once again she stopped, too, apparently realising that she does not want to elaborate about her and her friends' plans to this stranger after all.

Now, said the strange voice in Michael's head.

"I - I was -" he started. Bunny gave him a puzzled look. "The... guy inside..." Michael continued, with not much better result. "He... he told me I should ask you if I could go with you," he finished in a trembling voice. "Erm... I mean, I told him... I know the North Moors... I have been to... There... If you needed any more... help..."

For who knows how many a time in the day, Michael Smallburrow felt like fainting in the next moment.

[Thinlómien]

"I'm not in the mood for adventure anymore, Rudy. I want to go home," Mira said. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her voice sounded nothing like it usually did.
"That's alright," Rudy said, patting her shoulder.
Tansy thought he sounded relieved.

She pursed up her lips and didn't say anything. Instead, she turned at the passing waiter.
"Would you bring us three beers?"
"Of course, miss", the young man replied cheerfully, flashing a grin.
Tansy winked at him, then turned back to Rudy and Mira.
"I'll pay," she added, smiling faintly at her friends. Neither of them returned the smile.

"I understand you want to go home," she said after a while. She stretched her legs under the table and took a deep breath. She wondered where she had put her pipe. "But from a totally selfish point of view, I will be sad to see you go. This adveture won't be the same without you." She made a small pause. She was aware of sounding stupid. How could an adventure so cruelly tainted with death ever be the same? She wondered how she had managed to say the right things before. "You must do what you think is right. And you think this is the best thing to do? Then you do it. Your family..."

She was interrupted by a broad-faced middle-aged Hobbit striding to their table. "Good heavens! Rudy? Is it you? And is this little Mira? She has grown so much! Now tell me, who's this friend of yours - have you finally found a girl, Rudy? - and what are you doing in Whitfurrows? You ought to have told me and Hyacinth you're coming! Why didn't you make a call on us earlier? Oh, silly me, you probably just arrived, that's why you're in an Inn, of course. But you do know you could have come straight to us, of course. But goodness, you do look pale. What has happened?"

[Valier]

The day had started out great. The weather was beginning to pick up and with a full stomach (mostly with ale) Bunny had thought that today was finally the day they would start out on their grand adventure. The Gaffer's sudden death, had soured that plan and darkened the day to almost unbearable levels.

Bunny didn't even give her offer to help Rudy move the Gaffer's body another thought until she had her hands on the dead Hobbit's feet. Bunny had never even seen a dead body let alone touched one (her Gaffer and Gammer had both passed when she was just a toddler) Her face paled as she felt the weight of the corpse as they hefted his body onto a newly sprouted patch of grass beside the Inn. After straightening is clothes and giving Snatch a few good scratches they headed back inside to the waiting grieving group of travellers.

As she followed Rudy, Bunny was in a state of shock. "Bunny Took" she thought to herself "You have just touched a dead body!". Never had she thought she would fathom doing anything of the sort, but being the one to volunteer for the job is what surprised her. Head down she plodded along not picking up her feet as she should. As she reached the steps Bunny stumbled and fell hard almost crushing someone who stood like a statue beside the door. That someone was now helping her up. She looked into the eyes of the strange Hobbit from inside.
[
I]"Thank you," [/I]she said. "Oh, this was so clumsy, sorry, I nearly crushed into you..."
"I - it's okay," he stammered, looking into her eyes. "Uh - erm - I am sorry whatever happened to your, err..." He stopped.

"He is..." Bunny started and then realized with horror what tense she had just used
."He was my friends' grandfather," she corrected herself. "He was going with us..." and once again she stopped, she was unsure how much of their plan to share with this stranger.

"I - I was -" he started. Bunny gave him a puzzled look. "The... guy inside..." Michael continued. "He... he told me I should ask you if I could go with you," he finished in a trembling voice. "Erm... I mean, I told him... I know the North Moors... I have been to... There... If you needed any more... help..."

Bunny started to feel worse and worse. Her knees were sore from falling and her head was already reeling from the situation she just went through, but this was just too much. Micheal looked about to faint and Bunny thought she might join him.
He was asking to go with them. But was there even a them anymore? Her head spun. She was almost sure that Brown would still continue, and she hoped that Tansy and Peopny still had the heart to go on. But what about Mira and Rudy? Maybe having another boy around to keep Brown company in case Rudy decided to go home, wasn't a bad idea. But they did not know this Hobbit and he seemed nervous. Was this just because he really wanted to go, as she did? or did he have other plans in mind?.

Bunny sat down upon the steps with a little thud.
"Well Mr....Micheal was it? Why don't you have a seat here beside me and lets chat you an' I." Bunny's eyes began to well up with tears no matter how hard she tried to not let them. This was all just to much for poor Bunny to handle. Her knees ached, her stomach was now in knots and there was a dead body not ten feet from where she now sat.
She laughed nervously as she wiped her eyes on her sleeve as Micheal sat down beside her. "So you have been to the North Moors before have you? Ever seen anything out of the ordinary?" She tried to not let her eyes wander to the still shape on the grass. Bunny looked into Micheals eyes to see if even a glint of hope was there, that perhaps her dreams were not so outlandish, that maybe, someone had seen or heard of the wives.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

It could not have been said that Bunny's response, and following question, would calm Michael. Quite the opposite, as the dialogue went, he felt his face is getting redder and redder, and he felt sweat all over his body. Good the Hobbit lass decided to sit down, because Michael did not feel standing very firm now. He sat down too, and as Bunny posed her question, he started to lie. Immediately. He did not know how he managed to do it, but he replied to her without much hesitation. Had he stopped to think, he would probably have reconsidered and not lied at all. He was never comfortable with lying. But had he stopped to think, he would surely have also lost all the courage. Now, he just spoke.

"I have been to the North Moors," he said quickly. It was again as if some different voice was speaking through him. "I have been there once, and I saw... yes, something... I was there at night. I have seen strange things, I - I have been on... on a hill and... I think I saw a silhouette of something big down in the valley, much, much bigger than a Hobbit, which... I thought it was moving... but I would not follow it, I-I did not see it closer..."

He didn't look at Bunny, he looked away, but realised that it could seem like he is afraid to look into her eyes. He turned to her, and tried to look as normal as possible, although inside him there was complete chaos. He hoped he did it well.

[Kitanna]

Only once in her life had Peony touched a dead body. When her father had died she had clasped his hands in hers. It had been an unsettling experience then and it was an unsettling experience now. Now it was her gaffer who had left this world. It hardly seemed fair that the old hobbit should leave the world when the adventure was under way.

Tansy, Mira, and Rudy had all occupied one table, but Peony went off on her own to sit and contemplate. Somehow it didn't seem right to continue on with the Gaffer. He was excited as any to travel. And it most certainly didn't seem right to have Mira go on alone. But going back now to deliver the news to her mother would break Melilot's heart.

Peony put her head face down on the table. If she stayed long enough in that spot she might become part of the table. Then she wouldn't have to worry about either returning home or continuing on with a guilty conscience.

[Boromir88]

This was Rudy's perfect chance, to get Mira to leave this silly adventure, and go back home. He should be rejoicing, but for some queer reason, he wasn't. He wasn't happy at all. It seemed to Rudy that Mira was only saying what she thought Rudy wanted to hear. He could see that she still longed for an adventure, but had a deceased gaffer and a over-protective brother pulling her in the opposite direction.

Rudy felt a light whack on the back of his head. "Good heavens Rudy! What has gotten into you? Don't you know how to welcome your relatives? Why every spring you and Mira would come up with the gaffer and visit. You couldn't wait because Hyacinth would make you all the bacon you could imagine. She knew how much you loved it. I know it's been a while since you've been up - how long has it been, dear?" He said turning to Hyacinth, but didn't wait for an answer. "Why it's been almost thirteen years, and I sure hope you haven't forgotten us. Remember when your gaffer - "

"Fredegar, how could I possibly ever forget you or Hyacinth?" Rudy intended this as a compliment, but Mira chuckled, because she knew Rudy literally did mean it was impossible to forget Fredegar and Hyacinth Chubb, if you had met them. "Pardon my rudeness for not welcoming you, and introducing you to my fellow hobbits. As you've probably guessed, this is Mira, and that is her friend, Tansy. We've all had a lot on our minds recently, I hope you forgive my poor manners. Speaking of the gaffer, we have to talk, but let's do it outside. Mira, stay here with Tansy."

Mira nodded, even though she probably didn't want to stay, just sitting there. Rudy got up from the table and headed out of the inn with the Chubbs. It wasn't more than a few minutes, before the three hobbits came back into the inn. Mira lifted her head off the table, and the previously jolly Chubbs, now had sorrow looks on their faces.

Rudy sat down across from Mira, and looked directly into her eyes. "What do you want to do, Mira? It's ok, you can tell me the truth."

Mira let out a huge sigh, as if she finally dropped a ton of weight she had been carrying. "I don't want to go home. I want to go on an adventure, with my friends, but how can we now?"

Rudy smiled, he was finally able to get the truth out of Mira, that's all he really ever asks from her. "You know the Gaffer wouldn't want us to be held back, because of him. I bet you, if he could speak to us now he would say: Mira! You can come see me anytime you want, because I aint gunna be doin' much movin' anymore. An adventure! That's somethin' every hobbit should do, but sadly very few ever get the chance to do!."

"He wouldn't have have said it like that!" Mira laughed for what seemed like the first time in a long time. "You're forgetting where he ends with: Whaddya say we make game out of it, eh?" Mira sunk back down, as if all her excitement and joy deflated again. "Still, what are we going to do? It hardly seems right leaving him here."

"Don't you worry about it, Mira, dear." Fredegar quickly jumped in. "Rudy has explained everything to us. My wife and I will take the gaffer back to his home, and give him a proper funeral. He will be missed by many, he was a kind soul. He will be waiting for your return and all the details of your adventure."

"That settles it! You're going to search for the Entwives, whether you want to or not!" Rudy tried to say it sternly, but couldn't keep a straight face. "Now, someone needs to let Bunny know the plan." Before Rudy could finish, Mira went racing off to find Bunny.

[Gwathagor]

Mira's hurry caught Brown's attention. He had been lost in his thoughts at the counter, taking advantage of the hiatus to have another ale. He was, after all, essentially a idealist. (Some foolish individuals might have termed him a pragmatist, but he saw no necessary contradiction between the terms.) A hobbit may have died, but ale was still ale, and was thus worth drinking, regardless of the circumstances.

He turned to look, and saw Rudy shaking hands with two hobbits he didn't recognize. They appeared to have decided something. Mira was talking to Bunny now, and seemed as excited as someone can who has just had a death in the family. He felt sorry for her. To be torn between the emotions of excitement and sorrow - and then possibly wracked by guilt because of it? - was something he hardly envied. And she was an awfully nice hobbit lass...

Brown turned away and concentrated on his ale with an admirable, almost single-minded diligence. Hopefully they would be on the move soon. In his mind he reviewed the road they would take and soon enough found his imagination drawn, inevitably, to the stark, windswept beauty of the North Moors. A tingle of deep-seated joy ran up his spine.

[Valier]

Bunny's eyes widen a little as Micheal described what he had seen in the North Moors. Something in the way he said it made Bunny uncomfortable, was he lying? she was almost certain of it.
Bunny, having been the only girl in a family of mischievous boys, was use to telling when a lad was hiding something from her.
But for what purpose Micheal had to lie was beyond Bunny. Was he making fun of her and her dreams of discovery?
Was he just wanting to go with them so if they didn't find entwives he could rub it in their faces? or was he really just fibbing because he wanted to sound like he had something to contribute, hoping despaeratly for adventure himself?

Bunny was thrown off guard and was unsure how to answer his question of him accompanying them.
They sat in a momentary silence, Bunny shifted on the step. The day was lengthening and the sun was beginning to set.
What should she say? Bunny was torn.
"Ummm well I think my belly is grumbling a bit, why don't we finish our chat inside?" Bunny stood up smoothing her dress, she was going to try and avoid answering Micheal for a bit if she could.
"Let's see what my companions are doing... we shall see what they think of you join..... Offfff!!! As Bunny went to open the door, an excited Mira pushed the door open from the other side.
"Oh Bunny! I'm so sorry! I just came to tell you, that I do still want to come. We have some relatives here and they have agreed to take our Gaffer home....to be buried." Mira's voice broke.

"Our Gaffer would have wanted us to continue and I don't plan on letting him down." Mira smiled and the excited tone came back into her voice." Are we going to leave soon?"

"umm well yes Mira I think we can." Bunny smiled at the young lass, taking her arm in hers. "Mr Micheal here seems to want to come with us.... What do you think Mira? Should we let him? "
Bunny winked at Mira, threw a look back at Micheal and started heading towards the table occupied by Tansy and Rudy and their relatives.

As Bunny approached the table Mira introduced her to Mr and Mrs Chubb. Bunny curtseyed as proper and said her how-do-you-do's before taking a seat beside Tansy. Mira looked from Micheal to the table of her family. "And this here....she motioned him forward, is Micheal....not sure of his last name. But Bunny has told me he wants to come with us and I Think he should!" I thought we should give him a chance at adventure too. Mira winked at Bunny, who smiled.

Bunny was relieved! she was dreading having to make the decision if Micheal could come or not, looks like Mira did it for her.

Bunny scanned the room as Micheal took a seat near Mira and looked quite pale. Bunny smiled inwardly. We shall see how Mr. Micheals lies play out for good or bad. Makes it a little more exciting Bunny decided.
Bunny saw Brown sitting alone drinking ale and Peony not far off at a table by herself with her head down.
Mr and Mrs Chubb rose and embraced Rudy and Mira in turn "Don't worry dears we shall handle things from here" Mrs Chubb said as she kissed their cheeks. Bunny rose after they left leaving Mira and Rudy and Micheal alone.

She approached Brown directly first. "Brown could you join us at our table? I'm having a round sent over for a toast to the Gaffer." Brown nodded and headed over to the table. Bunny went to Peony and laid her hand softly on her shoulder. "Dear?.. come have one last ale with us for the Gaffer." Peony nodded also and rose to go with Bunny.


They all sat a little uncomfortable and quiet around the table that was now crowded with frothing ale mugs. Bunny rose first raising her mug, but was a little unsure what to say."To the Gaffer!" was all she could manage. "Here here!!" followed Rudy as he rose. Everyone rose, toasted and drank deeply.

Bunny was torn yet again. should she wait to say something of their trip? The day was running out and Bunny was tired. She would have to say something without being untactful and soon. She sat and leaned forward in her chair.
"Well since we are all here, I should say that I am deeply sorry about the Gaffer's untimely death. Bunny bowed her head. " I am leaving in the morning to start my adventure..... It seems you all still want to join me. I will understand if any of you choose to not come. Bunny looked up and met eyes with each Hobbit. She was nervous with them all staring back at her, but she was supposed to be the "leader" of this adventure. Even though as the days wore on she felt less and less like leading.
" I think I shall take my leave for the night and head off to bed. Goodnight everyone, We shall meet here when the sun rises." Bunny curtseyed and headed off to her room, even though she was sure she would never sleep.

[Thinlómien]

Tansy too wished the others goodnight and left. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep and she wanted to let her thoughts buzz around in her head and reach some sort of order if they wished to do so, so she headed out of the inn to the fields and forest-paths.

Walking had always been something special to her, a way of distancing herself from everyday worries and seeing something new. It was something as close to an adventure as she could get in her life. Now that she was on an adventure, and had been walking all day, she still wanted to go for a walk to sort things out. She smiled at the way her strange self worked.

Sun had set while they had been inside and now the moon was rising. The sky was clear and there was no wind. Tansy looked at the stars, recalling the old story her grandmother had told her and her sister when they had been small. She had said that dead people go to the sky and become stars. Tansy hadn't believed in the story even back then, nor had she ever bothered herself with thoughts of death, but now she found herself wondering if one of the stars on the sky was shining there for the first time tonight.

She shrugged, as if to banish the silly thought. Why was she so affected with the Gaffer's death? People she knew had died before him. The gaffer had been a rather random acquiantance and Tansy had lost three grandparents and an aunt, and had almost lost her brother.

Besides she had even always known the Gaffer would die. To phrase the thought into words even just in her mind felt treacherous, but she could not deny the truth in it. Tansy hadn't been too happy to hear that Mira, who was still more a child than an adult, was to join their expedition, but when gaffer Hugo too had decided to come, she had secretly thought the adventure would be ruined. It would be easy enough to go on an adventure with a mere girl, but an old man to look after? And old man for whom the adventure would prove hard if not fatal? She had been afraid she'd end up looking after everyone and playing the nanny, just like home.

Now she was ashamed for those thoughts. She knew Hugo's death hadn't been caused by her wishing he would not be on the adventure, but she felt guilty nevertheless. Her guilt was only reinforced when she recalled another thought. She had been even slightly envious of the gaffer's position as the oldest of the adventurers. If he hadn't come, she would have been the oldest, the one who was supposed to be the wisest. Bitterly she thought she now had that position, being six years older than Rudy who was the second eldest. What wisdom had she ever had to offer to anyone?

She hoped Bunny at least knew what she was doing. Tansy had faith in her young friend, but she knew Bunny was sometimes too idealistic, rash, unthoughtful or impractical to succeed in things or act rationally. (Rationality on an adveture? She rebuked herself for being silly.) She wondered if Bunny had any idea about what she was going to do with the young guy, Michael. Tansy didn't think he would be dangerous and could understand his desire for adventure, but she was a little doubtful. She doubted the newcomer's capacity to handle any kind of tight situations an adventure could involve, and she also doubted the others would accept him to their group.

She took a deep breath and told herself to stop. She was once again worrying about other people's business, or about useless things. She had come on this adventure relax, to give up her duties, responsibilities and sorrows, and here she was creating new ones all the time.

She decided walking was doing no good to her. She turned around and started her way back to the inn. She resolved to sleep well despite everything.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

That evening, Michael disappeared quietly to his lonely room in the very back of the inn, but he did not go to sleep immediately. Actually, he wanted to, but the memories of the events of the past day - so rich on events that it was even unpleasant - kept buzzing in his head, and he had to sort them out. He was not a person who would put much emphasis on rational reflection of things, and certainly not that he would do it intentionally, like sitting down and telling himself: "And now, Mishka, you will think". No, but the chaos in which his brain was all the day was perhaps too much for him.

What he felt, as he was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands, in the silent darkness, was a mixture of guilt, startle of what had happened, and fear of the unknown future. Just how did it come to this? Michael Smallburrow was not happy, he was unhappy and deeply worried. When he overheard the group talking back there on the road, he felt intrigued by the idea of an adventure, of seeing something - what more, in the North! The North! That's where Michael always wanted to go. When it had snowed in Hobbitton, young Mishka always ran out of the door, not caring about the exhortation of his mother to take a warm coat and at least some cap. He always spent hours in the snowdrifts, and returned home late evening and then remained in bed with cold for the rest of the week - which did not bother him, because all the snow outside melted overnight. But here, Michael expected that in the northern parts of the Shire, there would have to be whole fields of snow. At least what he heard, there was supposed to be plenty of snow in the north. That was his first reason to follow the hobbit company. Of course, he also overheard the few words about the Entwives - although he was not too sure what is the party intending to do with them. Michael, personally, knew about the Ents and Entwives just from a goodnight story his grandmother liked to tell to his younger sister, Gilly. Only during the later talk he overheard in the inn, he gathered that the company wants to search for the Entwives. That was also what brought Michael to his lie about seeing "something" in the North Moors.

Michael's heart hurt again. He felt guilty of lying, and what more, he felt trapped in the web of lies he already created. He lied about the North Moors - but how could he have known that the one hobbit, Brown, had already been there? But now he cannot confess that he lied - he must go on pretending that he had been there. In North Moors, there are surely many places that look alike to places where he had been already. He will make up something and pretend that he had been there.

But still, there was already no turning back for him - that was the worst. Most of all, Michael was afraid now. If he could take it all back, he would rather just go away, forget the company and the North Moors - but he could not, not anymore, when they were counting on him, and when he had already told so many lies. He just had to go on and hope the lies he made will not get him into a tight spot.

As he lay down, he could not fall asleep for a long while, still thinking about what tomorrow will bring, and feeling guilty, guilty about lying to the company, lying to Brown, and lying to Bunny. Only very late, when the darkness outside had already deepened and midnight had already passed, Michael Smallburrow fell into an unsettled sleep.

[Boromir88]

Rudy couldn't fall asleep at all. After he had put Mira to bed, he simply laid down, stared up at the ceilling, wide awake. He didn't know when he finally started to doze off, but it didn't seem long before Mira was shaking him.

"Rudy!" she yelled. "Rudy! Come on you big lazy head. Get up!"

Rudy was very groggy and mumbled some unrecognizable phrase, but Mira understood it as "I want to go back to sleep."

"You want to sleep!?" She realized Rudy wasn't fully aware yet, and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to scold her older brother. She probably wouldn't get too many more chances. "You do realize it's almost second breakfast!? We're all ready to go, they've been waiting on you downstairs. I've been trying to shake you up for almost fifteen minutes! I was about to fill a sack full of rocks and drop it on your head. I'd be surprised if they just hadn't left by now. I would have left you here if I was in charge."

Rudy got the hint and got up. He saw Mira running around the room throwing his stuff in his backpack and muttering "Such a slob!" At least she's excited to leave, he thought.

Rudy and Mira went downstairs, everyone was waiting on them to leave. Rudy went to say "Sorry for the wait" but he didn't finish, he was still groggy.

"Well we're ready!" Mira exclaimed, giving a small death glare towards her older brother.

[Kitanna]

Peony had been up most of the night thinking about Gaffer Hugo and the rest of her family. It had been a long night and she was pleased it was over. She had stumbled to get some breakfast and ate absently mindedly. She hoped the others had slept better than her.

One by one her companions rolled in and despite everything, breakfast was pleasant and enjoyable. Filled with the laughter and good humor of hobbit adventurers. Peony shoveled bacon and potatoes into her mouth and talked excitedly about the day's journey. Bunny was radiating joy at being able to continue on their way. The events of the night before were melting away. That was what Gaffer Hugo would have wanted.

Rudy came in last, Mira leading her groggy brother along. ""Sorry for the wait," he said, clearly still drowsy.

"Well we're ready!" Peony smiled. She was happy to see Mira in such good spirits.

"I've had my fill of breakfast and now I itch for adventure." Peony finished the last of her toast.

[Gwathagor]

Brown had woken early and finished breakfast before most of his companions were awake. Now, as they ate breakfast, he waited by the door and rummaged through his pack one last time, making sure he had not forgotten anything. It seemed he hadn't. He had his staff, his short sword, his cooking gear, his wool blanket, extra clothes, rope, pipe and tobacco, and some basic food items.

It had been sometime since he had been out roaming with other hobbits, and now, as he waited, anxious to leave, he recalled why he had begun to stick to himself: company meant sitting. Rather than fidget, he pulled out the book he had found two days ago in the ruined farmhouse and thumped it down on the windowsill to read. He had gone through earlier and marked the correspondences that dealt with the topic of Entwives, and now he settled down to read them more thoroughly. They were, after all, supposed to be looking for Entwives, and he reckoned that anything he could learn about them now would be helpful later.

[Boromir88]

The Hobbits had left Budgeford a few hours ago. Mira was up a ways with Bunny, Tansy, and Peony. Rudy was back with Brown and the stranger Michael, they had been pretty silent since leaving the inn. Actually, Rudy thought all of them had been unusually silent, or maybe it was just because he had been out of it all morning. Since the Gaffer's death, he had been re-thinking the whole idea about leaving his father at home, and allowing Mira to come on this silly adventure.

Rudy did not have anything to eat before leaving, since he over-slept. And he had been so deep in thought, his stomach finally alerted him of the fact. He stopped and reached into his bag to pull out a biscuit. He kept digging and digging, but could not find one. Rudy could not believe it, he forgot to grab some biscuits again. He saw some apples, potatoes, and some other different types of food that at the moment did not feel appetizing, even on a hungry stomach.

Now he had really fallen behind the rest of the group, even Brown was getting far ahead of him. Rudy shouted "Hold up!" and the hobbits turned to see him trying to catch up as fast as he could. "Sorry...I got hungry and was just trying to get a biscuit out of my bag, but I couldn't find any."

"We were just talking about stopping to eat." Bunny said with a smile.

The hobbits sat down and they all began searching through their bags. However, Rudy was still bummed about not having any biscuits and didn't feel like eating anything else.

Mira sat by and noticed he wasn't eating anything. "You really are not going to eat anything, because you don't have any biscuits?" Rudy just shrugged "You call me the child. Honestly! Lucky that you have a wonderful and generous sister, who knew you would not remember to get yourself biscuits and who also knew you would be a grouch all day because of it...For you."

Rudy looked up and Mira handed him a biscuit. This was the happiest he had been since leaving their house. It's strange how Rudy's mood can drastically be changed by something as simple as food. He wasted no time in giving Mira a big hug and scarfing down the biscuit. She stopped him, before he could thank her again, "I do have some more, but if I gave them to you now they would be gone before nightfall and you will get grumpy again. So, I'm going to hold on to them, for you."

Rudy was not going to object to that!

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Mishka was not perfectly sure whether he was feeling good or bad when they set out. It was a nice day for walking, looking at the fields and grasslands around Budgeford was a splendid sight, but still some kind of confusion resided in the young hobbit's heart. He was walking forwards into the great unknown - not only to places he did not know, but also with people he did not know... or, with people whose reactions he could not anticipate, once they came to the North Moors, or if -Mishka shivered at that thought - his lie was uncovered.

He was also somewhat omitted by the company, it seemed that as they set out, the girls easily started to chatter and forgot about everything else and Brown and Rudy seemed occupied by their own thoughts. Mishka did not dare to approach any of the groups, so he merely trotted around, trying to keep a steady pace. When they stopped for a short break, he sat on a stone not very far, but not in the center of the company, and took out one small apple from his bag. He would have much liked to be involved, on one hand, but he did not dare to push himself among the others, if they seemed to have fun on their own.

[Thinlómien]

"What a wonderful day!" Tansy exclaimed when they were settling on the grass to have their pause. "And it's even more wonderful to sit down for a while, my old legs need some rest."

She merely laughed when Bunny pointed out she was not old. No, she wasn't, but she did feel kind of old today, and she was undoubtedly the oldest of this group now that old Hugo was gone.

They were trying to find nicer topics to discuss, but from the shadows crossing her companions' eyes every now and then, Tansy judged the old man's death was still on everybody's mind, more or less. At least young Mira seemed less troubled for now; that was good.

Tansy stretched. "What did you think fo the waiter boy this morning, girls? I thought he was quite adorable." She flashed a grin at her friends.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the newcomer, Michael, still sit alone on his stone on the edges of the group. She wondered for a moment if she should have started a topic he could have more to say about.

[Valier]

Bunny sat thoughtfully on the grass and munched on an apple."What did you think of the waiter boy this morning, girls? I thought he was quite adorable." Tansy said as she grinned. Bunny nearly choked, "Well I quite agree with you there Tansy...he Was quite adorable, but seems to me like he just might have known it too. Bunny winked as she continued nibbling.

Bunny took a long look at the remaining apple core, then hucked it over her shoulder into a nearby bush. "Well if everyone is quite done, I think we should head off again and try and cover some more ground today, that poor pony looks like if it stands around anymore he may just fall over!" Bunny rose while smoothing her trademark frock and plunked her bag into the small cart behind the pony.

"I think we should just head up this road as long as we can, I think that our next big stop would be Scarry if I'm not mistaken."
Bunny wanted to pretend as long as she could that she knew where they were headed, she was dreading the day when she would be found out, being nothing more than a silly lass with a head full of adventure and not the 'fearless' leader she thought she was protraying to be.

[Kitanna]

The hobbits slipped their bags back over their shoulders and began to head up the road once more. Having eaten the collective spirits of the group had risen considerably. That's good. Peony thought. He'd not want us all weighed down by his death.

Peony walked next to Bunny, Mira and Tansy were talking softly with one another, and as before it seemed all the boys were hanging back a bit. Peony began to whistle, next to her Bunny took to humming the same tune. After they had finished their little song Peony smiled at her friend.

"Perhaps we should have brought along a fiddle or something. Then we could entertain folks across the Shire." The thought made Peony chuckle. She didn't know about anyone else, but her musical talents stopped at whistling. Anything after that sounded like a cat being dragged through something it shouldn't. "As it is we probably already look like a band of traveling performers. What'd ya think, Bunny?"

[Valier]

Bunny chuckled along with Peony. "I bet we do look a little odd, Bunny raised one eyebrow and winked at the girls. "Seeing as it must appear to others that a group of gorgeous lasses are being followed by a group of young ruffians!" Bunny threw a glance back at the following and rather quiet lads and giggled even more. "What are we little defensless lasses to do? Bunny said in mock horror covering her mouth.

Wanting to keep the good mood rolling, Bunny spied a little patch of early blooming flowers growing beside the road and stopped to pick them. " Heres a little thing to make you gorgeous lasses even gorgeouser!" handing each of them a small sprig with a silly smile. "What shall those ruffians do when confronted with this much gorgeousness? Fall over in a swoon I'm sure!!" Bunny was unable to contain her giggles.

Bunny's spirits were picking up after their little tune, she was glad that the Gaffers untimely dead was not putting a damper on their day so far. It also looked like the rain might just hold itself off for at least a little while. Bunny loved the sights and smells..and tastes of spring, but the rain always made her feel a little dreary not to mention traveling in it was always a mess.

[Thinlómien]

Tansy took the offered sprig with delight and enjoyed the smell with her eyes closed. She took a flower and put it to her hair and cocked her head, looking at the guys. "I'm pretty sure they will be dazed with our beauty. Who ever saw such nymphs?" She winked at Rudy who had caught her eye and laughed heartily. She was truly enjoying this trip even more than she had imagined.

Her nimble fingers rummaged through the flowers and she lifted them a tad closer to her face to see them sharply. A happy smile covered her face when she found some tiny green leaves. Baby leaves, she grinned to herself, these will make a wonderful spring tea...

[Mnemosyne]

Mira took the proffered flower, but she did not feel particularly dazzling. Her heart was the lightest it had been since her Gaffer's death, but it was a different kind of light--one that went deeper, like sunshine pouring straight down into a well and glinting off the water. Not that she necessarily put it that way.

Thanking Bunny, she walked back a few paces, to join the lads, and put her hand in Rudy's. The Shire was bright and beautiful and she was on an adventure. Words would just spoil it.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

As the travelers continued in their journey, Mishka fell back to his silent place at the tail of the company. This time, however, he trailed alongside Rudy and Brown. He tried to stay closer to Rudy, as he was still feeling somewhat uneasy in Brown's presence. The Hobbit seemed like an experienced traveler, in some ways he reminded Mishka of uncle Richard, the black sheep of the family who became a Shiriff, but he had more of an impenetrable look. Uncle Richard was jovial, maybe too much so that it was annoying Michael's dad. But Brown, on first sight, was hard to even read.

Mishka did not dare to initiate dialogue with Rudy (less so with Brown) on his own. He kept his gaze fixed forward, where the road merrily ran north in front of them. Suddenly, one of the lasses - it was Mira - slowed down and joined Rudy's side. Mishka stepped aside to make space for her next to her brother. Not that there would not be enough space, but he did not feel comfortable standing too close to others of the company, as he was not sure whether he has been yet accepted fully by the others who, after all, knew each other far better than him. Mishka stepped close to the edge of the road and looked back at Mira. But at that very moment one of his feet got caught in some root and he stumbled and fell. Blushing, he rose back to his feet and brushed the dirt off his yellow shirt and brown breeches. He quickly ran back after the company, who managed to get few more steps forward in that moment, and joined their side, trying to act as if nothing had happened.

[Kitanna]

Peony took the flower. She tucked it behind her ear. The hobbit lass smiled at her companions. The sun was warm on her face, the ground was soft under her feet, and she was among friends. She didn't even care to think what this adventure would be like if rain clouds had appeared and decided to soak the travelers.

She hummed quietly to herself while Mira dropped back to be with Rudy and Tansy and Bunny talked. Her humming turned to whistling. Peony stopped herself before allowing it to turn to singing. She'd spare her friends listening to her sing.

There was a break in Bunny and Tansy's conversation. Peony took the opportunity to speak, "What's next then, Bunny? Is there another inn we'll reach tonight or are we camping out under the stars?"

[piosenniel]

Sending this thread to Elvenhome.

Both the Discussion Thread and the Game Thread may be resurrected by PM'ing the Elvenhome Moderator.

~*~ Pio