The Long Winter RPG

[Envinyatar]

The sun was just a finger’s width above the horizon when Olo returned. He unsaddled his mount and let it roam about at will, cropping at the short grass around the camp site. Carl had already started a small pot of stew for the two of them – some dried vegetables, a few herbs, and the meat from a small coney he had killed on the outskirts of the site. Tea water was also on the boil, and he offered the returning Ranger a mug full as he stepped up to the fire. He asked no questions, knowing Olo would tell him what he needed to know as it suited him.

They ate in companionable silence, and smoked a pipe or two afterward, until the stars peeped through the dark night sky. Olo took the first watch, saying that they should get up early, before the sun rose to head back to their meeting with the other companions.

Carl could resist the urge no longer. ‘So we have the information that Bullroarer wanted?’

Olo crouched down to stir the embers of the fire and feed the flames more wood. ‘We do. Exactly what he needed for his plan.’ His gaze went northward toward the road, as if he would pierce the darkness with his sight. ‘Though I fear that even with all the time in Arda, there will not be enough to keep us completely safe. But what we have will have to do.’

‘. . . have to do.’ thought Carl as he crawled into his bedroll. ‘Now that is cold comfort.’ He closed his eyes, willing sleep to come to him. His dagger lay ready, close by the rolled up cloak he used a pillow.

He did not hear Olo as he murmured into the flames. ‘But I have hedged our bet a bit . . .’

[piosenniel]

The sun was almost at the noonday mark when Olo and Carl came into camp. Giles and Gaddy came up to hold their horses as they dismounted, then the two riders strode quickly to where Bullroarer stood talking to Hal, Robin, and Daisy.

'You look as if you're healing well.' they heard him comment. All three shook their heads yes, reassuring him they would be able to walk the rest of the way. Bullroarer breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the route might not accomodate the wagon.

He left the three of them to rest in the wagon, and held a brief conference to the side of the camp with Carl and Olo. Carl deferred to the Ranger, letting him fill in the Took with the details of what they had found, and the information Olo had gotten from the other Rangers. Bullroarer shared his plan then, with them, and they discussed the details further.

Bullroarer gathered the Hobbits about him, and told them they would be pushing on today. Carl and Olo had brought him the details that he sought, and now the companions would move to cross the bridge into the Angle.

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

The party had finally made its way over the Last Bridge, and now stood in the foothills of the Misty Mountains. Bullroarer stopped for a moment to stare down at his map, and to consider the route that lay before them.

In order to do what Bullroarer intended, the hobbits would need to leave the main track and go forward on the treacherous side paths. There were two reasons for this. The scouts had reported that the main road was under constant surveillence by the two hostile groups who might attack their party. Added to this was the fact that the stony lair which Bullroarer sought lay hidden in the hills, and would need to be approached from the north, if they hoped to retain the element of surprise.

They would have about 60 miles until they reached the general area where Olo and Carl had done their earlier scouting. From there, if they survived that part, another 20 miles would lead to the Ford of Bruinen. Then, there would be a final 15 mile trek before they came to Rivendell itself and the hoped for hospitality of Elrond.

For the next five days the hobbits struggled forward to reach the tiny area on Bulroarer's map where Carl and Olo had done their secret scouting. Bullroarer had opted to leave the wagon behind on the main road, covered over with pine boughs, as there would have been no way to get it though the back tracks, which had become increasingly treacherous.

These paths were encumbered with fallen trees and tumbled rocks, and the hobbits were hard pressed to press forward a scant 12 miles a day. The scouts had managed to do their work more quickly before the last blizzard had set in. But the heavy snowfall defeated the companions' best efforts and often left them shivering and frightened.

Still, there was at least one piece of encouraging news. None of the hobbits had seen the slightest indication of wolves or wargs, or even packs of roving wild dogs. Every day they fought the weather and the rugged terrain, but at least there were no beasts larger than a rabbit to disturb their gatherings around the campfire at night.

Finally, after five days of struggle, they swung south to come within sight of the Bruinen. It was time to stop and rest and to explain to the hobbits exactly what was about to happen. From what Olo had confided to him, the original lair of the wargs lay about one mile to the south. The other place he sought was to their back, to the north, also one miles away.

Bullroarer shuddered to think of the pickle they would be in if either of these parties were to discover their presence here. There could be no campfires tonight, even if it was chill and raw. Bullroarer had saved something special for this occasion taking out a number of flasks of ale and geneva to try and keep them warm. He walked over to Tomba and Branda and spoke with them, and they both nodded their heads in conformation. Then he quietly told the hobbits to set up camp under the shelter of a neaby ridge and promised to talk to them later.

[Envinyatar]

Carl sat drinking his half mug of old jenever. He would be warm as toast by the time he got halfway through it, he thought. And too numb to care if he drank the whole of it. This line of reasoning in mind, he split the last quarter mug between Hal and Gaddy, and got up to walk around a bit.

Ole was seated on the far side of the group, speaking to Bullroarer and Branda. Carl joined them, waving off the offer of an additional drink. They were speaking quietly among themselves about the plan Bullroarer had in mind to get them through this especially hostile section of the journey. With Wargs to the south and the other to the north it would be perilous negotiating this stretch. His dark thoughts were made darker as he looked about the huddled companions. ‘We cannot survive another attack. We are too tired and too many of us still suffer from injuries.’

He waited until Branda had finished replying to a question from Bullroarer. He seemed to be saying that the more he thought on the plan, the more sure he felt it would work. Carl leaned toward hi and put his hand on Branda’s arm, drawing his attention.

‘Excuse me, Branda, but I have heard the vague hints about a “plan”, and I welcome the thought that you feel there is something to get us safely through from here to Rivendell. But, to be honest, I have some misgivings about anything getting us past the fell foes that await us. Will you tell us what you mean to do?’

Carl had spoken loud enough for all the companions to hear his words. Voices hushed, they turned their eyes and ears toward Branda.

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: Envinyatar ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Branda quickly glanced around to catch Bullroarer's eyes, and the Took nodded in agreement, indicating the Stoor should go ahead with his explanation. The time had come to share their plan with the others in the company.

Branda stared nervously into the surrounding darkness, looking for any sign of intruders or even the slightest hint that their conversations might be overheard. But the night was quiet, and the only sound was
the distant hoot of a snow owl. He beckoned to his companions to gather in a tight circle around him, and then began speaking in a tiny voice.

"This area we are in....do you know what it is called? The name doesn't even show on our map, but my granny and those who know about it call it the 'Trollshaws' because so many giant trolls live here."

There was a noticeable stirring in the circle as hobbits turned to gaze out into the dark woods, wondering what lay beyond the nearby grove of trees.

Giles whispered to Branda, "What are these trolls? Are they very strong fighters? And where are they?"

"They are an evil race of Middle-earth who bear no love for the Children of Men or Hobbits. We know there are three trolls who make their home just a mile north of here, not too far from the path where we walked about an hour ago."

At this point, they were some frightened looks exchanged between the hobbits in the circle. Everyone huddled even closer together.

Branda ignored their discomfort and went on as if he was actually enjoying his tale. "Trolls are very, very big, much bigger than the big folk, and some say their favorite meal is hobbit pie. They are also very strong. My granny used to call them Stone-trolls because their hearts are as cold as stone, and when the sun comes up in the morning, they must hide in their caves or huts, or else they will turn to stone."

Robin shuddered a bit, and then said, "What you're saying doesn't bring any comfort. Why have we come to this desolate spot which has giant creatures who want to eat us? It sounds even worse than wargs."

"No, no," Branda shook his head. "They are not at all as horrible as wargs for they have one great weakness. They are ....." Branda was a polite hobbit lad and struggled for the right word, but in the end he had to put it straight out. "To tell the truth, they are terribly stupid. And any smart hobbit should be able to figure out a way around them."

Lotho furled his brow. "This still doesn't make sense. I just spoke to Bullroarer, and he told me that the wargs have a lair just a mile south of here. That means we are in between the wargs and trolls, and, if one doesn't get us, the other surely will."

"But that's just it, we can use them, one against the other. Tomba is a master thief, and for the past two weeks he has been training Daisy how to wiggle out of ropes, steal things, pick locks, and move very quietly. In fact they've been practicing on some of us. So if you happen to have noticed something missing from your pack, just ask Tomba or Daisy, and I'm sure they'll return it."

Hal laughed and grumbled under his breath, "So that's where my pipe went. I thought I lost it somewhere" At this point, Daisy dug around under her belt and pulled out the pipe along with several other 'missing' treasures--a red hairbow, a small hammer, an arrow from someone's quiver, and one of Branda's own fishing hooks, which even he was surprised to see.

"Daisy and Tomba will let themselves be kidnapped by the trolls tomorrow evening, and then they will figure out a way to escape. They'll slip to the edge of camp and take the trolls on a mighty chase through the woods. And we'll be waiting there, waiting for the runners. We'll set up a relay, one hobbit at a time, hiding behind the trees. And the relay will lead the trolls directly into the wargs' lair."

"That way, we'll get rid of two bad 'uns at once. The trolls will be dead. After running so far, they'll be no match for the beasts. And the wargs will have their bellies so full, that they'll lay down on the ground and moan. They will be too busy to think of hobbits for the next few days, and we'll be able to travel safely." Branda sat back on his heels and grinned.

There was a great chatter and noise all around the circle as the hobbits began to debate and discuss this very risky venture.

Lotho went over to Branda's side and whispered something in his ear. "What will happen to the wargs? Will the trolls turn to stone in their stomachs?"

Branda shrugged his shoulders and laughed. "I have no idea on that, and neither does anyone else. There's no sunlight way down inside them, but we'll have to wait and see."

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Dafodyl sat down and closed her eyes and said to herself ‘Trolls! My word, ‘Pa used to tell little Gabriel and all my brothers ‘bout them. I never thought they were true…." She sighed, and rocked on her heels.

A cold wind blew onto her face, and she pulled her cloak, now full of holes, around the front of her. Dafodyl picked up her mug of ale, and sipped it slowly. It was frothy against her bitterly cold lips, and it was refreshing.

She scooted next to Daisy and said: "So how do you feel be captured tomorrow? Are you sure Tomba taught you enough?"

"Well, yes and no. I don’t want to be captured, but I know it has to be done. Branda did say that Trolls are really stupid."

Dafodyl laughed and swallowed a large drink of her ale. She closed her eyes, and leaned back against the cold and stony wall of the ridge.

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[piosenniel]

The day of the perilous adventure dawned bright and sunny. An omen of good fortune, hoped Bullroarer as he gathered the companions in about him. It was another meal served cold. Dried fruits, water, a few bites of way bread would have to tide them over for now. Branda had packed away the ale and Geneva, saying that their minds must be sharp and their feet nimble.

Bullroarer explained that as soon as the sun set, Daisy and Tomba would put themselves into position to be kidnapped. Then as Branda had explained yesterday evening, Tomba would free himself and Daisy and the pursuit of the two by the Trolls would begin.

‘How far do we have to run?’ asked Robin, worrying that she had not recovered enough to run a long distance.’ Hal and Daisy nodded their heads, too, glad that she had asked the question.

‘Well, I figured it like this.’ began the Took. If we count Tomba and Daisy as our first runners, we have six more pair of runners to string out along the rest of the two mile distance.’ He paused and looked out at the Hobbits. ‘Now I’ve figured it out that the distance each of these teams will have to cover is the distance from the Gatekeeper’s lodge at the West-Gate in Bree to the front door of The Prancing Pony.’

The companions began to murmur to each other, and one voice was heard above the others, saying, ‘Oh, I’ve done that distance many a time when I’d stayed for one pint too many and had promised to be home for dinner.’ ‘That’s right!’ smiled Bullroarer. ‘Just pretend you’ve “forgotten” your coin purse somewhere, and old Hap, the portly Innkeeper is chasing you down the lane waving his blackthorn stick at you. Though, I think old Hap may think a little faster on his feet than the Trolls do. Hobbits will look all the same to them!’ He chuckled at the thought of mistaking one Hobbit for another.

‘All of you girls will need to put on breeches – no skirts please. So we all look alike. And everyone wear a cap on their head.’

Someone called out the question of who would run when. ‘Well, after Daisy and Tomba have gone, I’d like Branda and me to be next. Everyone else can partner up and space themselves out along the route, hiding in the bushes and behind trees and rocks. Carl and Olo, you’ll be the next to last pair of runners. Hal and Gaddy! I’d like you two to be the last leg of the relay, and lead the Trolls to the Wargs’ den. You’ll have to make a lot of commotion, so the Wargs will be alerted. And then be very quick about jumping off into the bushes to hide so the Wargs and Trolls are left to face each other.’

Gaddy and Hal looked at each other, and nodded solemnly at Bullroarer. ‘Once you’ve sent the Wargs give chase to the Trolls, then hurry back to where Carl and Olo are and pick them up. And all of you work your way back to this pathway picking up the hidden pairs of runners as you go.’
The rest of the day was spent in idle pursuits. Everyone checked their easiest weapons to carry. Knives and arrow points were sharpened, rocks were gathered for slings, and Giles spent some time making sure his various items of importance were at hand.

Another light meal was taken in the early evening, while the sun was still up. The Hobbits slipped quietly into the woods, positioning themselves along a route from the Trolls’ cave to the Wargs’ den. Carl and Olo went all the way to Hal and Gaddy’s position and pointed out the opening to the den in the distance, then they made their way back to their position, and waited quietly.

The sun was just sinking below the horizon. Branda and Bullroarer watched as Daisy and Tomba made their way toward the mouth of the Trolls’ cave . . .

Calenedheliel's Post

Daisy quietly walked behind Tomba towards the troll cave. She was scared to death about what was going to happen. It was a lot of fun learning to sneak around and take things from the other companions but this was real and serious and Daisy didn’t know if she was really ready for this adventure. She started to think about what could go wrong and she voiced that idea to Tomba who assured her that all would be fine. She also thought about the wargs and decided that she would do her best to make sure that the wargs would not attack her or her companions ever again.

Daisy looked around the area they were in. The paths were much wider than anything she had ever been on and the foot steps she could see were amazingly huge. She had never seen a troll and now was not so sure this was the best way to see one.

They were approaching a large rock formation which Daisy assumed was where the trolls lived. She could see ahead to a large clearing, around an entrance, where it looked like the trolls spent a lot of time.

The closer they got to the clearing the louder and harder Daisy’s heart pounded. She couldn’t believe that she was about to enter the area and set thing in motion.

[ January 31, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Auriel Haevasawen]

Ragnarok had wearily followed the scent for so long he could hardly remember what it was the scent of, save that he knew it would give him a meal. The sustinance given by the pony was long gone and now he trod mechanically throught the snow, guided merely by his nose. If he was capable of a sigh he would have let one issue forth.

It had been folly on his part to leave their homelands. They had managed a few good meals that was true, but at what cost? Their pups were dead and they were shadows of their former selves.

His skin was stretched pitifully across his ribcage and his battle scars seemed unwilling to heal. The strength regained by tarrying in the dell had ebbed away and Ragnarok faced the fact that he too would freeze to death as had so many of his pack.

Nimue and Roth staggered along behind him, also focused on the vague smell of food but none of them really had the energy to mount chase, nor attack.

He reached the top of a long low slope in the road. Their weary state lead them to follow the easiest path, too tired to consider a safer route. Somewhere other scents mingled with the one he was tracking. His befuddled brain was focused on food alone. He breathed in deeply. Another living creature, yes, a meal may yet be had. The other scent he took to be mistake by his malnurished senses. It smelled like home. A long ago home. The home of his childhood. He shook his head sharply to dispell such a notion. His sudden movement caught the eyes of the others. They too had a keen sense of smell. It is the last faculty to fail when all others are crushed. They looked to him for guidence. Ragnarok had but one starving thought. He led them down the slope toward the scents that filled their nostrils and promised food.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Tomba motioned Daisy forward, the two small figures craftily ducking in and out from behind bushes and trees, coming ever closer to where the Trolls sat. Within a short space of time, they had made their way forward within a stone's throw of the Troll's encampment. Now they stopped and crouched down behind a rock to try and listen to the Trolls' conversation and get a better idea what was happening.

For a split instant, Daisy stood frozen in the night, her jaw dropping wide as she considered the amazing sight in front of her. There were two Trolls, both of them male. Each looked to be at least three times larger than the very tallest big person that Daisy had ever seen. Tomba quickly grabbed onto Daisy's breeches and insistently tugged her down again, then placed a finger in front of his lips with a 'shh..' to make certain that she stayed quiet. The Trolls were deeply engaged in conversation, grumbling about how events had not gone very well in recent days.

"I tell ya' my belly is achin' plenty, Ted. And I'm purty sick of snow."

"Me too, George, but what yer want me to do about it? We ain't had nothing to eat 'cept rabbit stew for the past five days. And there ain't been enough of that, neither."

"Aye, little puny rabbits they was. They barely made a toothful."

"What I'd give for a nice fat man stew, or one of them other things that tastes so good! What do yer call them things that be pretty small, but real sweet? They be real good in pies."

"Ted, ya must mean them hobbit pies we had once, when Bert brought us a treat all the way from Bree. It makes my mouth drool plenty."

Daisy looked grimly over at Tomba. The lad could see the girl turning a subtle shade of green. Don't worry," he whispered to her. "These trolls look to be plenty dumb, and, as bad as they are, they don't eat their dinners raw. They'll truss us up and keep us safe until they can do the cooking."

"I hope you're right!"

"I'm sure of it."

Then the two hobbits set out to do their little deed, which they'd practiced a hundred times before.

First, they silently slipped backwards behind the trees and came hobbling down the road in plain sight of all, moaning and groaning loudly.

"Jack, how could you lose our pony? Now, I'm tired and cold and my leg hurts from when I tripped over that tree root."

'Don't blame me, Folco. I didn't lose him. He just decided to go in another direction, and he's taken all our knives and arrows with him."

There was more to their little skit, but they never got the chance to act it out. It took the Trolls only a second or two to come lumbering over and snatch them both up by their collars.

"Lookee here. A real treat! Here's our pies. Not just one but two. Now George, yer better tie that 'un up" At this point he nodded straight at Tomba. "We'll have him first. I'll just git wood for a good fire in the cave." Then he wrapped the ropes tight around Tomba's legs and hands so the hobbit was trussed up like a turkey.

"This one looks even better. He'll be dinner tomorrow night." Then the other Troll took Daisy and dropped her tied up into a big cloth bag. He knotted the bag two times at the top and set it into a locked cupboard where many bones and other nasty looking things were lying around, the poor remains of their earlier dinners. Fortunately, Daisy couldn't see any of those horrible things since everything was dark inside her bag.

Ted went outside to gather wood for the giant fire he planned to make, and George went looking for a few tasty winter roots to add to the pies.

Tomba knew they'd have only a few moments to set things in motion. The hobbit wiggled and squirmed till he managed to get his hands free. Then he rolled over by the table and found a rusty kitchen knife that one of the Trolls had dropped earlier that morning. He sawed away for several minutes until his legs were free.

When Ted came back to the cave for just a minute looking for his pocket knife, Tomba threw himself on the ground and lay very still, holding the ropes tight against his chest until the Troll went out again. Then Tomba sneaked over to the cupboard. There'd be no time to look for keys, and the hobbit wasn't big enough to bash the door open. The only way was to pick the lock. Tomba slipped a thin piece of copper out of his pants and carefully inserted it in the keyhole. With the hands of an expert, he turned and twisted the tiny metal piece until he heard the tumbrels click. Within a moment, he'd managed to open the door and slice Daisy out of the bag. The girl had cleverly wriggled free of her ropes already so they were ready to go in just a short time.

The hobbit pair slipped out of the cave long before either of the Trolls returned, and crept cautiously over to the edge of the camp. Then Tomba began jumping up and down, calling out taunts and jibes, "Hey, what happened? You didn't tie us tight enough. Betcha' can't get us now."

Ted and George took one look at their dinner escaping, and began charging towards the hobbits who took off running into the night in the direction of the wargs' lair. The hobbit relay had begun.

[ January 31, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Tomba and Daisy ran a zig zag course through the underbrush, trying not to let the Trolls lose sight of them. Once they disappeared around a tree and paused as they heard the lumbering footsteps come to a halt. The two Hobbits peered round the tree, and saw Ted standing in the middle of a small clearing beneath the trees, scratching his head. George had hold of a long stick and was poking it in clumps of brush crooning in his awful way, ‘Here Hobbits! Nice Hobbits!’

Daisy stifled a giggle and she and Tomba came round the tree to where the Trolls could see them once again. ‘Yoo hoo! We’re here!’ they cried, jumping up and down vigorously and waving their arms in the air. George pointed with his stick at the pair, and off they went again.

Soon they approached the place where they thought Branda and Bullroarer should be waiting for them. ‘Next!’ they shouted as they dived beneath a thick tangle of bushes.

Bullroarer and the Branda looked at each other in consternation. Tomba and Daisy were hiding on the other side of the course! The Trolls were poking in the underbrush very near the youngsters. Bullroarer put his finger to his lips and tiptoed across behind the Trolls’ backs, motioning Branda to follow quickly behind him.

Branda had almost made it to the other side, when his foot caught on a hidden rock and he fell with a loud thunk to the ground. They were only a few feet away from the Trolls. George turned to see what the commotion was, and slapped his brother on the back. ‘There they are!’ he yelled loudly.

The Trolls were almost upon them as Bullroarer hauled Branda to his feet and shoved him southwards at a dead run. Branda could hear Bullroarer huffing and puffing behind him. Several minutes later, they had reached the place where the next pair of Hobbits would be, and hid themselves quickly behind a large tree trunk.

The next two Hobbits burst out from behind a rock near the tree and took up the relay, waving and hollering at the Trolls, daring them to catch them . . .

*************

It was a few long moments before Bullroarer got his breath back. Branda looked at him and grinned. ‘I thought you were a sprinter! Used to win all those races at the Midyear Day’s parties!’

Bullroarer grinned back at him, and patted his substantial girth. ‘Yes, well, and that was before the Missus and her tasty cooking, wasn’t it?!'

[ January 31, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Dafodyl heard Bullroarer and Branda fall into the bushes only feet from her, so she grabs Giles’s hand to get his attention. “Giles! Giles! Come on! It’s our turn to run!”

With a quick grab at her cap, she and the other hobbit were out, and she saw the trolls above. ‘They do look stupid…’ she thought to herself as she started to run ahead faster.

She turned her head around and saw one of the trolls about take a swing at her with a club. “Get back here Hobbits! You two will be good pies!” She ducked, but the club missed her by almost ten feet to the right, away from Giles as well.

“Want us? Gotta go faster than that you stupid trolls!” She yelled as she looked back again. She stuck out her tongue and caught up to Giles. He looked worriedly at her and shook his head, but then they saw the bushes the next hobbits were waiting in.

They dived in, and Dafodyl caught her breath. Giles fell next to her, and he started breathing loudly as well. She checked for her knife. Still there. She sighed and looked at the new hobbit runners. “Go!!” The next two hobbits looked at each other, and then they were ready to run.

[ February 01, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Auriel Haevasawen]

Ragnarok and the Wargs had rested in woods that nestled by the roadside, hidden by a drift of snow. Their sleep was a fitful one, disturbed by the pain of hunger and the strong smell of food in their nostrils. They knew that the meal they had been tracking for the last few days was close. They took rest in hope of gaining enough energy to take it on.

They were oblivious that the hobbits were already aware of them and were about to take them on, not by violent means, but by cunning for that is the little creatures' wont.

[piosenniel]

Ringwraith 2's Post

Lotho's heart thudded loudly, and he felt very sick. Dafodyl and Giles collapsed next to him, and closing his eyes, he grabbed Autumn's hand and both of them began sprinting. They had covered a fair distance, but both of them were beginning to tire. Lotho was much to afraid to look behind him to see the position of the trolls. He feared that he would lose spirit if he did and was just about to warn Autumn not to look back when she did, and stopped abruptly, shrieking.

"Autumn!" yelled Lotho, half-angry, half-afraid, yanking the fearful hobbit's hand back. "We're almost there!" He carried on running, pulling Autumn behind him who had gone a nasty shade of green. "We're almost there!" he repeated, and Autumn picked up the energy to run a little faster. Lotho spotted Dinodas and Robin and almost leapt into the safety of the bushes, too tired to say anything to his comrades who began running.

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

Nurumaiel's Post

"It's our turn, Robin!" said Dinodas, jumping out of his spot as Lotho and Autumn passed them, hiding behind the bushes. He looked behind him to see Robin was not following.

"I don't know if I can make it," said Robin, looking afraid. "I'm don't know if I have the strength to run."

"Come on!" he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her out. They began to run. "Don't worry, Robin, you'll make it all right."

Dinodas was a very fast lad with much endurance, for back in the Shire he would go on long walks and race the other boys his age. But he found that all the strain of the journey and battles had made him weary, and soon he was beginning to slow. Robin was already slowing down.

"Carl and Olo are just ahead," Dinodas panted. "Come on!" And with one last effort, they vanished into the bushes while Carl and Olo jumped up for their turn.

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Envinyatar]

Carl crouched low beneath a small rocky outcropping. To his left he could just see Olo peering out of a thick bushy growth. 'Can you see them at all?' he mouthed to the Ranger? Olo shook his head 'no'.

They could, however hear the slow approach of Robin and Dinodas. The Hobbits' feet kept pace over the course, but the Trolls pace was slowing and often dragged to a complete halt as they scratched their heads, wondering where their prey had gone.

Carl eased over to where Olo hid. 'We need to be quiet as we approach Hal and Gaddy's position. It wouldn't do well to have the Wargs alerted too early.' he whispered. 'Let's jut make sure we keep in full sight of the stone-brained bruisers that are chasing us.' Olo grinned at Carl, in agreement.

Robin and Dinodas sighted Carl as he briefly stood and waved his hand to them. They picked up their pace and dove behind the bush and rocks, as Olo and Carl took off at a slow run in a diagonal in front of the Trolls.

Barely breaking into a sweat, they waved their hands wildly at the two Trolls to signal their position, and led them on a merry chase. 'We shouldn't tire them out too much!' said Olo trotting along side Carl. 'We do after all want them to follow all the way to the Warg den.'

They slowed the pace a little, and the huffing and puffing of the Trolls eased a little. Olo's keen eyes picked out the place where Hal and Gaddy were hidden. Running quickly, then, they dove into hiding near them.

Now it was Hal and Gaddy's part to run the most dangerous leg of the race.

[ February 03, 2003: Message edited by: Envinyatar ]

[dragoneyes]

The plan had gone well so far and Hal and Gaddy were raring to go. As soon as Carl and Olo had jumped in the bush, Hal and Gaddy had jumped out. They ran full pelt towards the wargs, wanting to get it over as quick as possible. Hal, checking behind him, saw the Trolls quickly fall behind, he caught Gaddy by the elbow and the two came to a halt. The trolls were bent over, puffing, looking very worn out, it was good that they were but they needed to get all the way to the wargs first.

"What's the matter?" Gaddy called back, "Not so loud." warned Hal, "You can't tell me you're worn out already!" continued Gaddy. The trolls looked at each other, then suddenly charged after the hobbits in a last ditch attempt to catch them. Hal and Gaddy ran, not quite as fast as they could, making sure they were close enough for the trolls to think that they could catch them yet far away enough to not get caught. Hal could feel the stones he'd gathered earlier jangling about in his pocket. Gaddy's hat was caught by a gust of wind and flew off, being trampled underfoot by the following trolls.

They were nearing the wargs so they put on a burst of speed to give them more time to get the attention of the wargs. Finally, they arrived, there was no sound save that of the wind and the trolls. They looked at each other and gathered their courage, timing was essential.

They started yelling, throwing stones at the lair entrance, making as much of a racket as possible. The trolls were coming up fast, one had dropped his club somewhere. The hobbits became more frantic in their noisemaking and were answered with a low growl from the lair, that was good enough for them, they ran off to one side and hid in a bush, watching to check that they had done indeed their job well enough.

A warg emmerged, a strong male, greeted by the sight of two trolls, nearly collapsing with exhaustion. Two more wargs came out and together the three of the pounced on the trolls. Gaddy looked away, it wasn't a nice sight. Seeing their work done, the two ran as quickly, and as quietly, as they could away from the mayhem, the noise that was made was terrible. On they way back, they spotted the lost club and Gaddy found his cap, he put it back on but it was squashed out of shape and didn't fit as well as it once did. Hal laughed at the cap perched awkwardly on Gaddy's head.

Carl and Olo were standing waiting for them at the bush where they'd first started being chased. "All done?" asked Carl, "The trolls shouldn't be bothering us again." replied Hal.

[Auriel Haevasawen]

Ragnarok rolled about on the snow like a happy pup. He was well fed for the first time in what felt like an age. His jolly behaviour was at odds with the horror that surrounded him.

The other two Wargs, Nimue and Roth still gorged themselves on troll carcass. The ground all about was churned up and stained a vile colour. Branches were snapped from overhanging trees. Fragments of troll skin flapped from them in the breeze. The coats of the wargs were matted with the blood of their victims. It was a nightmarish sight and yet in the centre Ragnarok gambolled like a dog a fraction of his age.

Barely a few minutes earlier he had thought himself about to die, now the whole world with all the evil that he took delight in was back in focus. He had found enough energy to attack. Need had made the difference. He was as content as a Warg is capable of. He was in his homelands. There was a ready supply of food. He was alive.

The others frolicked in the carnage with him. He had forgotten the hobbits, his stomach was full, his appetite satisfied, it was quite possible he need never think of them again.

[Envinyatar]

There was a faint sound as something moved up near to the four Hobbits. Carl pulled the dagger from his belt, ready to throw as soon as a target appeared. Olo placed his hand on Carl’s arm. ‘Hold!’ he said, motioning for Hall and Gaddy to stand nearer. The two younger Hobbits turned pale, fearing an unaccounted for Warg had taken their scent and now meant to make a meal of them.

Olo whistled, a clear wren’s trill. And was answered in turn. Two men, dressed in grey cloaks appeared suddenly. One from behind a nearby tree, the other from a thick tangle of bush and vine. Their hoods were up, obscuring their faces, and both carried bows, with arrows cocked.

‘Who are these men?’ asked Carl, as he and Olo stepped forth to greet them. Olo nodded his head to the two, and spoke a soft word of greeting. The men pushed back their hoods and inclined their heads to the three other Hobbits. They were tall, with dark hair and grey eyes. Their faces were tanned, weathered by the elements, and from them, their eyes looked keen and piercing.

‘These are two of the Rangers I spoke with when I left you that day we scouted in the Angle. They agreed to keep a watch out for us and to aid us should we need it.’ He motioned to one and then the other. ‘This is Anaradan,’ he said, ‘and this is Mirion, Rangers from the North.’

The two men conferred with Olo, saying that they would accompany them back to the main group, and would be staying with the companions until they reached Rivendell, and then returned safe to the Shire.

The six turned north to pick up the rest of the Hobbits and continued to where Tomba and Daisy stood with Branda and Bullroarer. Bullroarer’s face wore a questioning look as he saw the two Men approach.

Branda stepped forward, a frown on his face. ‘What’s this?’ he demanded.

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Envinyatar ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

For a moment Branda stood staring in disbelief at the two men. What would folk like these care about hobbits or their ways? But, as he scrutized them more closely, he saw the Men were wearing the same grey cloak that the other Ranger had worn when he'd met him at the Inn.

Upon realizing this, he relaxed a bit. Olo had confided enough information for Branda to realize that Rangers were not to be feared, but were gallant folk who gave of themself without ceasing. If there were two Rangers available to see them safely to Rivendell and beyond, Branda was certainly not going to quarrel with that.

He put his hand up to his cap and tipped it upward. "My mistake. I can see now you are Rangers so I would not question you or your offer of help. We've been hard pressed on the road, and have lost two of our companions to hungry wargs. Your weapons and skills in tracking would be sorely welcome."

Branda sighed and continued, "To tell the truth, I would dearly love to get on the trail to Rivendell as soon as we can. I can almost see those soft feather beds and good dinners waiting for us. I hope the Elves will not begrudge us those things when we've come such a long way, and at least have a few presents to give them as a token of our thanks."

Branda looked over at Bullroarer, wondering what he made of the Rangers, and whether they would soon be setting out again.

[piosenniel]

Bullroarer greeted the Rangers warmly. Any help the hobbits could get would be good in his thoughts. It was time for a meal, and the companions all walked back to where they had left the wagon. Bullroarer broke out the spirits once again, and the Hobbits and the Men toasted to smoother traveling from now on.

The Rangers stayed for the meal, thanking the cooks graciously for making it so delicious. Then they took their leave of the group, saying they would scout the well away from the companions, looking for any signs of danger. They urged Bullroarer to get the Hobbits moving soon after the meal was done. Then, pulling their grey hoods over their heads, they disappeared into the surrounding woods like fading shadows.

The Took called the companions together after the meal. Four of them were to clean up and pack the cooking and eating utensils back into the wagon. He and Olo and Tomba were going to the Troll cave to pick up any treasure that was hidden there. They would not be gone long.

They approached the entrance to the cave warily. They knew the Trolls had been disposed of, but still the cave felt dank and dark and somehow still evil. Tomba led them to where he had spied a heap of objects the Trolls had taken from their victims. There were a few finely worked pieces of jewelry, Elven craftsmanship, and these they picked up and brought back to be stored in the box for Rivendell. The rest they brought out of the cave and scattered in the sunlight, as if the golden rays might cleanse the foul touches of the Trolls from them. ‘Let the birds and the beasts have them. And whoever else might travel along this way.’ Said Bullroarer as they returned to the waiting Hobbits.

The wagon was packed, the ponies hitched to it. They headed out east once again along the path. In two days time they would be in Rivendell

[Envinyatar]

Carl was glad to see the Rangers take up the duties of scouting. He wanted just to walk along now with the rest of the companions and enjoy the entry into Rivendell. The weather was holding up admirably – sun and even a faint, sweet warm breeze, as if the Elves held back the Winter.

A day’s journey brought them to the Ford of Bruinen. They crossed the loud, rushing waters of the river and Bullroarer called a halt for the day. Carl turned to his walking companions, and grinned. ‘Just one more day to Rivendell.’

He hurried to gather wood and build a fire for the group.

*sig edited out

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

The companions had gathered near the fire as they settled in for the night, telling tales and talking quietly of their plans as they ate their evening meal. Some of the conversation focused on practical matters, such as how they would manage to carry back to the Shire as many provisions as possible. One or two of the hobbits who lived on farmsteads pointed out the need to ask Elrond for a fair supply of fresh seed, if it was available. After all, they reasoned, this weather couldn't last forever, and, when it finally cleared, the soil would need tilling, and the crops planting. It was the first time they had even thought of such a thing.

Suddenly, in the midst of their conversation, there was a slight noise from just beyond the campsite. It was no more than a rustling in the brush, such as a tiny animal might make in its normal progress through the woods. Mirion quickly stood up, but made no effort to put his hand on the pommel of his sword, instead glancing from side to side. The look on his face was one of curiosity and welcoming rather than any show of alarm. He was quite certain that, if it was anything other than what he suspected, Anaradan would certainly have detected it on his scouting rounds. For, even as he stood, the other Ranger was out perambulating the nearby woods, searching for any sign of danger.

But even Rangers are only mortal men. And there are things so fleeting, so silent and shrouded, that they wholly escape the detection of Men. In any case, he'd been half expecting such a thing to happen once they'd passed by the Ford. He'd felt it in the soil and air, and in the strange way that time seemed to pass more slowly.

Suddenly, the limbs of a nearby bush gently parted, and a figure stood before them, half wreathed in shadow. Mirion stepped forward in greeting, while the hobbits looked up with eyes wide open, half disbelieving what they saw.

[piosenniel]

He was dressed in white, and his cape, caught in a sudden night’s breeze, streamed behind him like a banner catching the brilliance of stars within its folds. His hair caught the light of the fires and streamed golden. An inner light shone from him, as if the radiance of the moon and stars flowed through a thin veil. So tall and straight, he seemed a creature of such beauty that the companions were sore amazed and some rubbed their eyes as if to wake themselves from some fair dream.

‘Ai na vedui, Mirion. Mae govannen!’ he spoke in a voice keen and clear; a sound more fair than any other heard in Middle-earth.

Bullroarer motioned the companions to gather round him. ‘An Elf,’ he said in an awed voice, ‘from Rivendell.’ They watched as the Ranger touched his right hand to his left chest and bowed slightly toward the Elf. The Elf and Man spoke quietly to one another in hushed tones, in a language unknown to the Hobbits, yet familiar and comforting in the flow and harmony of the sounds.

Mirion turned toward the companions, saying ‘This is Lanthirion. He comes from Elrond to bid you welcome.’

Lanthirion stepped forward, smiling. His face was young and fair, filled with the joy of life. On his brow sat fearlessness and from his grey eyes shone a clear Elven light. He inclined his head toward them and his voice was musical as he spoke.

‘Elrond of Imladris bids the Periannath welcome. I will stay the night with you and tomorrow bring you to The Last Homely House.’

The natural curiosity and friendliness of the Hobbits slowly returned to them, and they bade their guest be welcome. And long into the night the sounds of the companions’ voices and merry laughter wove together with the silvered laughter of the Elf and the melody of his speech.

[ArwenBaggins]

Dafodyl sat beside the fire, with a glass of ale in her hands. ‘I can’t believe we’ll be in Rivendell tomorrow!’ She thought to herself. It seemed like they had traveled for eternity, and she would be glad to eat a full meal and sleep in a real bed. She could almost feel the feathery pillow beneath her head.

She looked up, and saw the rangers and the Elf sitting on the edge of the wagon. Bullroarer and Branda were standing near them. The Elf’s eyes seemed to glisten with the brightness of Elven treasures, and his smile did not seem to have a care near it.

She stood and carefully walked over to the group. "Excuse me, Lanthirion? Do you think Lord Elrond will like these treasures that we brought in exchange for food?" She pointed to the basket under the seat of the wagon where the treasures were.

Lanthirion stood and walked to the basket. He lifted the lid, and Dafodyl came to stand beside him. He pulled out a dagger, and laid it across his palms. "Yes, this is very good Elven make." He looked to the hobbit-lass, "Yes, I think Lord Elrond will very much like these treasures."

Dafodyl curtsied and smiled. ‘Good. Now I know we can get some food and some seeds.’ She skipped back to the fire, and picked up her mug again.

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[piosenniel]

Though it had been a short night for sleeping, the Hobbits were not tired. Lanthirion sang songs for them, and though they did not understand the words, there came images to their mind of the great beauty of Arda. The voices of a myriad of creatures whispered in their minds as did the joy when the Firstborn spoke with them. The companions were refreshed, as if they had passed the night in pleasant dreams.

At dawn, Bullroarer called for the Hobbits to take a quick breakfast and pack up their bedrolls. It was a crisp morning, still winter chilled, but the sun shone and along the pathway there were the flowers of winter’s end poking through the cold soil – brave crocus and snowbells.

Lanthirion led the way, walking before the wagon, with Olo and Mirion. They moved east toward the Hithaeglir, or the Misty Mountains as they were known in the Common Tongue. To the south, they could see the great peaks of Caradhras, Celebdil, and Fanuidhol. To the north, in the distance, lay Mt. Gundabad, a fearsome place, where the Orcs of the northern regions made their capital.

Time seemed to pass more slowly as they walked along, though their feet ate up the distance to their destination. The Hobbits felt light of heart as they walked along, as if a great burden had been blown away by the breezes in the great valley cut into the western foothills of the mountains.

Taking a turn north, they passed down a short path and into a glen. The group paused for a moment. ‘Just a few more paces and we shall enter the path to the Last Homely House. Elrond awaits you.’ He pointed toward the panorama which lay before them. Though the landscape bore a coat of frost, still it shimmered invitingly to the Hobbits. There were birds, whose bright songs greeted them, bidding them welcome. And it looked as if at any moment Spring would arrive and all would break into bloom.

It was a hope filled sight and the companions were filled with awe and a great longing to go forward and see and touch and hear all that they could within this favored realm.

Bullroarer descended from the wagon when they were but a little way from Elrond’s house. Elves came forth to care for the ponies, and to store the wagon until needed again. Bullroarer took the box from beneath the seat, and accompanied Lanthirion up the steps to the large entry way into the house, the hobbits following closely behind him, chattering to one another in merry speech. Happy to be here at last.

A figure strode forth to meet them, the grace and power of his presence bringing them all to silence as they looked on him. Lanthirion stepped forth to greet him, bowing slightly, his left hand on his chest. ‘These are the Periannath, Lord Elrond. Brought safe now to Rivendell. They bring gifts and a request for the Firstborn.’ He smiled at Elrond a motioned toward the Hobbits, his arm sweeping over them in a graceful arc.

Elrond turned toward them, his gaze now full upon them.

The face of Elrond was ageless, neither old nor young, though in it was written the memory of many things both glad and sorrowful. His hair was dark as the shadows of the twilight, and upon it was set a circlet of silver; his eyes were grey as a clear evening, and in them was a light like the light of the stars. Venerable he seemed as a king crowned with many winters, and yet hale as a tried warrior in the fullness of his strength. He was the Lord of Rivendell and mighty among both Elves and Men.

He smiled, to put them at their ease, then welcomed them into his realm. Bullroarer he took aside when he was done speaking, and the two went into a more private room to discuss business.

The rest of the companions were greeted by Elves who had been in attendance as Elrond spoke. They told them they would show them to their quarters and then be their guides if they wished to see the sights of Rivendell.

_____________________________________________

Quote from: J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring; “Many Meetings”; 2001 Ballantine Books/Del Rey edition; p. 254.

[dragoneyes]

An elf led Hal and Gaddy to a room. It was very ornate, the windows were open, the room was light and a small breeze ran through. The walls were adorned with pictures of days gone by and each object had been intricately carved, turning them from everyday objects, to works of art in their own right. This passed Gaddy by though, instead he saw the bed, the soft, warm bed. He ran up to it and bounded on to it, lying on his back, he stared up at the ceiling, fully enjoying the comfort of the bed. "It feels like I haven't lay on a bed in years!" he said with a smile on his face. Hal sat down next to him, sinking into the soft sheets, "It is nice isn't it?" he said.

After a while of gazing around, the elf who had brought them there asked if they would like to look around Rivendell. Neither of them could refuse such an offer so they graciously took it. "Before we go," said Gaddy, going a little red, "Could we, erm, visit Daisy?" The elf laughed a musical laugh, making Gaddy feel better, "As you wish young sir." he said with a smile.

They left the room and the elf lead them towards another room a little further along, they stopped outside. Gaddy knocked on the door, a muffled "Come in!" came from inside and Gaddy opened the door. The inside of this room was very much like the inside of his own, Daisy was standing at the window, looking out. "It's only us. We've come to see how you're doing here."
"Oh I'm fine, it's a wonderful place though, isn't it?" said Daisy, smilimg a beautiful, or so Gaddy thought, smile.

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Calenedheliel]

The way that Gaddy and Daisy smiled at each other made the elf and Hal feel very uncomfortable so they quietly left the room and closed the door. Daisy approached Gaddy and tentatively grabbed his hand and said, “ In my wildest dreams I never thought this place would be so beautiful and peaceful.” “My heart feels so light and cheerful.”

Daisy took notice that they were in the room alone. She took a very bold move for a hobbit lass and leaned into Gaddy and kissed him. It took him by surprise at first, but then he responded by kissing her back and wrapping his arms around her. They were so involved in this private moment that they didn’t notice that the door to Daisy’s room had opened.

[piosenniel]

‘Gadbard Boffin!’ came the deep voice from the door. ‘By the One! What do you think you are doing with my niece!’

Daisy stepped back, her cheeks crimsoned, and her eyes wide. An ‘O!’ of surprise formed on her lips as she beheld the towering figure of Bullroarer bearing down on them. Gaddy was not quick enough to step away. Bullroarer
grasped him firmly by the collar and turned the young Hobbit round to face him.

Images of his wife, telling him quite firmly that he was to keep an extra special watch on her sister’s daughter floated through his mind as he looked the young scamp in the eye. ‘I’ve heard of your reputation, Gaddy.’ came the low voice of the Took. ‘How you like to disregard the rules.’ He let go of the lad’s collar and pushed him back to arms’ length. ‘Well this is going to be different. The Missus has set the rules.’ He eyed Daisy darkly. ‘And I am here to see that they are followed.’

Bullroarer sighed. ‘Now I know you two like each other. I’m not blind. I saw the moony looks, the calf-eyed gazes.’ He looked directly at Gaddy. ‘Just what are your intentions, my dear Hobbit with regards to Daisy?’

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bullroarer's voice had boomed so loudly through the halls that it was impossible not to hear what was happening. Tomba had a big, silly grin on his face, and Branda turned around and slyly looked towards the couple, wondering what was going to happen next.

The temptation was too great. Tomba stuck his head through the door, staring and listening intently to see what was going to happen to poor Gaddy. Branda thought of pulling the lad out by the collar, but even he was overcome with curiosity and stood silently behind him, trying to crouch down low so Bullroarer wouldn't pay them too much attention. One or two others of the company began to creep forward in the hallway, drawn by the commotion, pointing fingers and covering their mouth with their hands, as a titter or two ran through the group.

[Nurumaiel]

‘Gadbard Boffin! By the One! What do you think you are doing with my niece!’

Bullroarer's great voice boomed from the room Dinodas and Robin were walking, hand in hand. Robin had been telling Dinodas all about her first visit to Rivendell, and about all the wonderful Elves she had met. The shout had interrupted Robin's 'tour.'

Staring at each other in shock, they looked at the door. "Who is Bullroarer's neice?" said Robin in a hushed voice.

"That would be... Daisy, I suppose," Dinodas replied, shrugging.

"And something about Gaddy?"

Their eyes slowly met and they began to laugh softly. "I knew it was coming," said Robin as they scampered away from the door, so that they didn't hear Bullroarer's reference to 'calf-eyed gazes.' "Only I thought Bullroarer would say, 'We are safe in Rivendell, and our quest ends,' and Gaddy would dramatically take Daisy into his arms and kiss her in front of everyone."

Dinodas opened his mouth to say something but never got to. He had bumped right into Hal, and Robin had bumped into the Elf next to him.

"Bullroarer is pretty mad at Gaddy, I suppose," said Hal.

"How... did... you... know?" asked Robin between giggles.

"Oh, everyone heard that shout, and it's not hard to guess what he's shouting about, since I was there. I left just in time, I think."

"They're so silly!" said Dinodas, roaring with laughter. "They've only just met each other and they're fast in love."

"Ah," said the Elf wisely, looking down at the two. "But I see they're not the only ones." And he walked on, leaving the three halflings staring at each other. Dinodas and Robin began to blush, and hurriedly dropped each other's hands.

"Ah ha," said Hal, grinning broadly and walking past the two.

"It's not true," said Dinodas indignantly to Robin. "Though," he added, his voice softening, "I couldn't think of a better girl to fall in love with."

Robin laughed and gave Dinodas a teasing shove. "Let's end this tour," she said. "We don't want Bullroarer to catch us with our cheeks still pink, though we're not guilty."

"But you're not his neice!"

"I'm his second cousin, or something along those lines," said the lass with a shrug. She laughed again. "To think that anyone could think we were in love with each other!"

"Yes, that's pretty foolish, isn't it?" He spoke lightly, but there was a strange look in his eyes as they ended their 'tour.'

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[dragoneyes]

Gaddy stood there, mouthing wordlessly like a fool. He was quite shaken, in just a short amout of time he had gone from one of the most amazing experiences he'd ever had, to suddenly being told to make a huge decision. He could see the crowd gathering at the door, that didn't help the situation one bit, especially not with some of them laughing. Daisy was standing to one side, looking at the floor. Gaddy realised he would have to do this by himself, no one was going to come to his rescue.

"I... well... I," he started then stopped, gathering the words together in his head, "I love her." he finally said, slowly and meaningfully. Before Bullroarer could say anything more Gaddy continued, "Bullroa- erm, Brandobras, sir, would you do me the honours of giving me Daisy's hand in marriage?" At this, Daisy looked up and the room went completely silent, Bullroarer just looked Gaddy strait in the eyes.

After a while Bullroarer answered, "I have no objection to you marrying Daisy, if that is also what she wants." Gaddy's heart leaped and he turned to face Daisy, going down on one knee and taking her hand in his shaking one he said "Will you marry me, Daisy?"

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Dafodyl plopped her things on her bed, and then rushed out into the hall. She saw the hobbits gathered around a room, and Bullroarer inside. She went up to an elf, and tapped on his waist. She felt suddenly frightened, yet joyful.

"Excuse me, sir? What’s going on in there?" She pointed in the door, but did not dare to look in.

"Oh, two of your hobbit friends-Gaddy and Daisy, I think-were caught kissing by your leader. He’s getting quite mad at that young lass." The elf shook his head and sighed, looking in the door.

Dafodyl slowly walked over next to him, and peeked in the door. Just at that moment, she saw Gaddy get down on one knee in front of Daisy. ‘My word..’ she whispered to herself.

She then heard Giles come up behind her and sigh. "I never knew Gaddy liked Daisy that much…" He smiled, and she looked at back at him. She had never realized this either.

"No, I didn’t either…" She replied. "I wonder if she will say yes?"

"Well, all we can do is wait and see. Time will tell. Soon, possibly."

She felt the sudden urge to burst out laughing and crying at the same time. She closed her eyes and bowed her head, to hide red cheeks. Dafodyl then looked to the sky, and spun around, facing Giles. She reached out her arms and hugged him tightly, but quickly let go. Her face was now dark crimson, and she turned again to face the door.

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Envinyatar]

Carl and Olo had been out walking the grounds unaware that any confrontations were happening within the Hobbits' quarters. their attention was captured by the sleds they saw being used by the Elves to haul goods around on the snow.

'We could use some of those.' said Carl, watching the Elven sleighmasters guide their horses across the snow and ice.'I wonder who we ask about gettin some to carry the grain and foodstuffs back that Bullroarer has gotten us.'

Olo shrugged his shoulders at the question. He had never been to Rivendell before and was unaware who needed to be asked about what. 'It would be nice.' he said. 'Three or four, I think, would give us enough room for most of the Hobbits to ride back, too.' He rubbed his hand along his jaw. 'I suppose we could just ask one of the Elf guides.'

'Or you could ask me directly.' came the soft voice from behind them. They had not heard him approach, so quiet were his footsteps. He smiled as they turned to him.

'Lord Elrond! We did not mean to bother you with these concerns.' Olo bowed low before him. Carl stepped forward. 'It would be helpful though if we did have a sleigh or two to carry back the gifts of food you've given us.'

Elrond laughed at the forthrightness of the Hobbit. 'I think that we coud loan the use of several sleds to you. It would require Elven drivers to take them there and back, as I do not wish to lose the horses. I will give word to the Horsemaster that you will require the sleighs. Let him know by tomorrow how many, and he will arrange for the Elven drivers.'

Carl thanked him for his generosity. And Elrond nodded his head toward him, then bade the both of them to go to the dining hall and enjoy the food and drink laid out for them. He excused himself, saying that he must attend to some business. 'Please, enjoy yourselves.' he said to them.

Carl and Olo watched him as he walked away. then turning they made their way to the dining hall. 'Nice fellow.' said Carl as they strode along. Olo smiled, shaking his head. 'He is that, indeed.'

[Calenedheliel]

Daisy looked down at Gaddy in total surprise. “Oh, my goodness” was the first thing that came out of her mouth because she was so shocked by her uncle’s entrance and outburst. She hadn’t expected Gaddy’s proposal. She stared at him in total wonderment as tears started to well up in her eyes.

Gaddy was still on his knees waiting for Daisy to answer when she realized that they had an audience. She looked around at everybody, and saw that they too were just as surprised as she was. Everybody was waiting for her to answer. She didn’t know what to say.

Mean while poor Gaddy was still down on one knee looking up at Daisy, who appeared to be in her on little world. He began to wonder if he had made a mistake in asking her. Maybe she didn’t love him the way that he loved her. Maybe she wasn’t ready yet for marriage. At any rate he was feeling a foolish waiting on one knee for her to answer, especially with the audience in the background. “Were those tears of joy or tears of sorrow because she didn’t want to hurt his feelings?” He wondered.

She looked down at Gaddy once more. She looked into his eyes and saw a young hobbit lad of great strength, honor, and pride. She also noticed the love that filled his face as he waited for her to answer. She began to picture life at home in the Shire with Gaddy. It was filled with love, happiness, and lots of little hobbit children. She felt total joy at that moment and knew what her answer was to be.

Daisy suddenly snapped back to the present and with all the love she feel replied “Yes; yes I will marry you, Mr. Gadbard Boffin. It would be an honor for me to become your wife. I love you with all of my heart and always will!”

Gaddy’s eyes went lit up as he got up and hugged Daisy one more time. “We will be so happy together just you wait and see.” He then turned around and looked at Bullroarer and said “Sir, I wish to do this in the most proper way so I will need your guidance. I want to make sure that the day we marry is the biggest and happiest day for Daisy. May I count on you for help?”

The audience that had appeared when this all began, clapped and then came in to congratulate the young couple.

[Nurumaiel]

Robin had wandered back to the room Gaddy and Daisy were in, just in time to find Gaddy go down on one knee to Daisy. The lass' mouth formed a little 'O' and she stared down at her proposer. And then she said yes.

Everyone rushed forward to congratulate them, but Robin didn't. Tears filled her eyes and she hurried away, half-running, half-walking. Why am I crying? she demanded of herself angrily as the tears slid down her cheeks. I'm happy that they're getting married and... I'm... not... jealous... I... don't... love... anyone...

Robin stepped out onto an empty balcony and looked furiously down below her, where Elves were coming and going. Her eyes strayed up to the blue sky. She stopped crying and her eyes widened in horror. "What did I say to Dinodas?" she whispered. "I don't remember... what did he say to me?"

Nothing, just that it was silly people thought you two were in love with each other, a little voice said inside her head.

And then what? And then he walked away.

Robin pounded her fists down on the railing. How could she have been so stupid? How could she have ever thought... "Thank you, Gaddy and Daisy," she breathed. "At least you made me realize the truth."

"Hullo, Robin."

The girl's heart skipped a beat. That voice was so familiar. Dinodas... Her heart began to pound wildly and the color rose to her cheeks. "Hello, Dinodas," she replied.

"I forgot to tell you something," he said, hopping up to sit on the railing. "It was before the journey, but then when Bullroarer called us for the meeting, it slipped my mind."

"What is it?"

"You know my family have never been very rich, and, well, they're poorer than ever with all this hunger going on. They can't farm because of the winter, and even if they could, they're too hungry to. So..." He turned around so he wasn't facing her. "So I've found myself a home in Bree where I'll be living three years."

"Three... years?" In vain she tried to stop the tears that threatened to come once more.

"Yes. I'll work at an inn as a server. I had to tell you first, of all our companions... well, no, I don't think I'll tell them because they wouldn't care. You're really the only close friend I have." He turned around. "Why, Robin Brandybuck, you're crying!"

"How could you leave… to Bree… for three years?" she said, sobbing. "When we - " She stopped, and blushed, putting her head down.

A strange light came into Dinodas' eyes. The same one that had been there when they had ended their tour. "When we what?" he asked gently.

"I thought you… I thought we…" She couldn't continue.

"Robin, my little Robin," said Dinodas, lifting her chin and taking both her hands in his. "I… won't go if you don't want me to."

"You'll have to go. Your parents will need you to."

"Robin… I want to say something to you… or rather, ask you something."

She looked up, her eyes shining with tears, but not tears of sorrow. He brushed one of her brown curls away from her face. "I won't make any speeches, Robin. I don't think I need to. Will you marry me?"

"Yes," she replied, her voice only a whisper. Then Dinodas took her in his arms and did what he had wanted to do for years. He kissed her. Then, hand in hand, they left the balcony together.

* * *

Robin and Daisy sat on the latter's bed together later that day, laughing. "And I can make you a beautiful wedding dress, Daisy," Robin said. "Though I'm not that wonderful a sewer."

"You did well enough on that dress you got for my birthday," Daisy replied.

"I couldn't have done it without Dinodas," she said, her eyes beginning to shine. Daisy saw.

"Robin Brandybuck, do you have a secret you're not telling me?" she asked, but the way Robin's eyes had looked when she mentioned Dinodas told Daisy everything.

Robin threw her arms around Daisy and hugged her tightly. "Oh, Daisy, I do," she laughed, drawing back once more. "I've never been so happy in my life! Dinodas and I are engaged!"

Daisy kissed Robin's cheek. "Congratulations, Robin," she said. "I'm sure we're the happiest girls in the Shire."

"No, I think we're the happiest in all of Middle-Earth."

"When will you be married?"

"Not for a few years," said Robin, and told Daisy what Dinodas had told her. "But, oh, Daisy, I could wait for a hundred years need be. I'm just so happy that I know the truth. And I have you and Gaddy to thank for that. When I saw Gaddy propose to you, and you say yes, I suddenly felt unbelievingly jealous, though I didn't know why. And then I realized, and then Dinodas came, and…"

Robin jumped off the bed and danced around the floor. "I'm so happy!" she cried.

"You've already said that!"

"Oh, but Daisy, I am! You must know how it feels."

"Of course I do, silly! I've just been engaged, as well!"

"Daisy, you're the only one who knows. Bullroarer will have the Elves hold a feast, I'd imagine, in honor of his niece's engagement, and that's when Dinodas and I will tell everyone." Robin took Daisy's hand. "When we lost our first companion, I was sure that this journey could bring nothing but evil. But do you realize it has brought us joy? If we'd never gone on this journey, you and Gaddy probably would have never met each other, and Dinodas and I wouldn't have learned to love each other."

"You're right," said Daisy.

"Now I must go!" said Robin, giving a little bow. "I don't think I could wait until this probable feast to tell Nicrabanwen. She's one of my Elf-friends here. Goodbye, and tell Gaddy the good news. But no one else, you hear me?" And she hurried out the door, her heart full of love and happiness.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Giles blushed all the way down to his toes with dazed surprise! Suddenly he became aware that he'd entirely forgotten Dafodyl's last name. That is, if he'd ever known it in the first place ... For the only time they'd ever spoken was when they were running for their lives from the trolls. *

* Giles smiled as their embrace came to an end. He caught the Hobbit lass's glance as she coyly turned. His own eyes held an expression soft and serious. *

I am sorry, Dafodyl, you are a really nice lass, and we have been through quite a lot. But my heart belongs to someone else.

* Giles bowed a low bow. Closing his eyes, he noticed he was moving, running through the halls of Rivendell. He opened his eyes again. Past white marble columns with flecks of silver, past the statue of the Star-Lady the Elves called "Elbereth," past the curious rectangular doors of maple he'd inspected, rehinged, and sanded just so, past the oak cabinets whose loose knobs he'd tightened, under comfortably-curving arches and stately domes ... Throughout all of Rivendell, Giles ran shouting one name at the top of his lungs, until it echoed and echoed. *

AUTUMN !!!

[ February 12, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Dafodyl looked up as she heard Giles run off. With a jolt, she turned, and saw the hall empty. She cradled her head in her hands, and said softly aloud, even though she meant to be silent. "What was I thinking? Autumn! I can’t believe I did that…"

Dafodyl looked around for Giles, seeing him nowhere. She starts running, through the halls and gardens of Rivendell. Elves cast strange glances at her, but she tried to keep her eyes ahead of her, ignoring them.

She saw Giles sitting on a little bench near a secluded garden. First she thought not to approach them, but she knew she had to express herself. Dafodyl approached him silently, and sat down next to him.

"Giles. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that. It’s just… when I saw Daisy and Gaddy, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t hold myself back. Will you except it as just a friend-to-friend hug? Please? I’m begging you." She put her head down, and kicked her feet around in the soft grass, waiting for a reply.

[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Giles and Dafodyl and watched with quiet surprise. As a married man, with a wife and a daughter awaiting him at home, he felt curiously removed from all this emotional upheaval that was so evident among the other members of the company. Still, he couldn't leave things like this.

He hurried down the hall and up the stairwell to the small chamber where Autumn was lodged, knocking gently on the door. The lass was repacking her things into her satchel and humming a gentle tune as she worked. Branda grinned. A sensible girl! Autumn was obviously one of the few in their company who wasn't so enamored with Elves and Rivendell that she'd forgotten the real reason they were here, or the fact that they had family and kin back home in the Shire who were anxiously waiting their return.

Branda hastily explained the purpose of his visit, and what had just happened on the corridor below. Autumn smiled and headed purposefully out the door, reassuring him that she would talk to Giles. Branda couldn't help but think what a graceful presence the girl made, and that any hobbit lad would indeed be most fortunate if he was able to win her heart.

Autumn quickly slipped through the hallways and chambers looking for Giles, but the lad seemed to have disappeared. There were no loud voices ringing through the corridors, and no sign of an upset hobbit.

She finally found her way into the courtyard and, in a small niche, at the far side of Elrond's house, there was a small wooden arbor, quite intricately carved, and two wicker benches hidden underneath, perfect for a quiet talk or a secret rendezvous. In better days, there would have been great blossoms intertwined, spilling over onto anyone seated there, which would offer even greater seclusion. But now, with the harsh blasts of winter, only a few chilled stalks held firm, awaiting the arrival of warmer weather to spring to life again.

Giles was perched on one of those lonely benches, perfectly silent and looking quite miserable with his head cradled in his hands. He glanced over as Autumn approached and wasn't sure whether to be happy or to run off hastily in the other direction.

"There's something we need to straighten out between the two of us." The girl plunged ahead, with no hesitation. "I've sensed some strange things, so I think it's only fair that we talk and try to understand one another. I know you haven't raised any questions, at least not with words. Maybe it's just being here in Rivendell, feeling the magic all about us, but such things seem to be in the air and water quite naturally, and there's no escaping them."

"First, you've made this journey far more joyous for me than I ever would have dreamed. Our dancing together, the offer of your shield, and how you've kept watch on me to make sure I didn't come to harm--all that is very special."

"I like you a lot, a whole lot. But it's one thing liking, and another thing loving so much you want to spend a whole lifetime together. I guess, too, I prefer the older ways. There's no way I'd give my consent to anything, without having my intended meet my family and secure my parents' blessing. I'm very happy for Daisy, very happy indeed. But no lad is going to carry off my heart unless he can find his way to my front door back in the Shire, and see me as I am everyday, not footloose on the road, but the real me, churning butter, tending the chickens, and helping my mother with her chores."

"If you find this too hard, I'll certainly understand. But, once we make it home, the door to my parents' burrow is always open, and my whole family would very much like to have you come for supper, and get to know us better, and even taste a bit of my own cooking."

Once Autumn had her say, she looked down shyly at her toes, wondering if Giles would ever have the heart to speak with her again.

[ February 12, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

"Dinodas, do you like it here in Rivendell?" asked Robin, sitting down next to him.

"It's everything you said it would be," he replied. He didn't look at her, though. He just stared at the ground.

"What's wrong?" she asked, concern in her voice.

He sighed. "I'm anxious to get back home," he said. "Terribly anxious. When we left, my mother and father were so weak with hunger, even though they didn't show it. And Ann... she was still as young and strong as ever when we left, but she can't last forever. We need to get home with the food, Robin."

"We'll get there, all right," said Robin, taking his hand and standing up, pulling him with her. "Bullroarer knows what he's doing. I'm sure we'll be leaving very soon. But we all need our rest. We won't survive the road home in this condition. We've been attacked by wolves and Wargs, run from trolls..."

"I will not be able to rest until I know my family is safe," he interrupted. "So many hobbits starving..."

"Come on," said Robin, leading him towards the door. "I think we have a little announcement to make." Her eyes twinkled.

Dinodas groaned. "Not now, Robin!" he said. "Wait until everyone has got it through their heads that Gaddy and Daisy are engaged."

"Oh, come on, you!" she said, dragging him out the door.

[piosenniel]

Even now Bullroarer could hear the firm voice of the Missus. ‘Bandobras Took! I told you, you needed to think about taking some older Hobbit woman along to chaperone the girls!’ He winced at the thought of her, one hand on her ample hip and the other shaking a finger at him, just below his nose. Of course, in her opinion, any Hobbit under the age of fifty was still a youngster.

He had urged Daisy and Gaddy to leave her room and take a walk (‘And out in the open, if you don’t mind!’ he thundered at them.) ‘No more canoodling! Simple hand holding will do until we get back to the Shire.’ He shouted this out as a general proclamation to all the assembled Hobbits, and strode out of the room after them.

Red faced and talking to himself was how Olo and Carl found him. He looked very much the image of a roaring bull and they approached him warily. He turned on them, when he heard Carl clear his throat. ‘Please don’t tell me that you two have found the loves of your lives, too!’ They glanced at each other, brows furrowed, then stared at him blankly. Bullroarer sighed, and shook his head, then filled them in on the events that had transpired earlier.

‘Seems a natural course of events, don’t you think?’ commented Carl. He offered no further words on the matter seeing the thunderous look on the Took’s face. ‘We do have some news we think you’ll like.’ chimed in Olo. He detailed their conversation with Elrond and the generous offer of the Elf Lord to provide sleighs and drivers for the trip back to the Shire. ‘It will dramatically cut the time traveling back for you. And with the addition of the Elves, there should be no longer any danger to your party.’

Bullroarer took this information in with delight. Then he turned a quizzical look on his face to Olo. ‘You’re not traveling back with us, then?’

‘No, my task is done. I’ve seen you to Rivendell and the keeping of Lord Elrond. Tomorrow, I’ll travel south to meet with Volondil.’ He laughed, and clapped Bullroarer on the back. ‘I think my path will be easier than yours. I have no “couples” to worry about, only the shadow’s foul creatures. And those can easily be dispatched with a sword!’

They stood talking for a while, then Bullroarer took his leave of them and went to find Elrond.

************************************************

Elrond had been pleased to accept the box of recovered Elven craftsmanship. His hands cradled gently the necklace bearing the Lily and the leaf brooch. Made by craftsmen long ages ago, they brought a soft smile to his face recalling those days long gone. Dafodyl’s find of the dagger with the Elven runes also pleased him, reminding him of gifts given to the Men of Old as tokens of their alliance.

He turned his mind to business and spoke with Bullroarer, saying that the elves did indeed have ample stores of foodstuffs to share with their neighbors to the west. Even now, Elves were loading up five sleighs and the wagon for the Hobbits. He arched his brows at Bullroarer, who seemed to have something else on his mind. ‘Was there something else you needed?’

‘I was wondering if we could move the welcoming party to this evening, if that wouldn’t be too much trouble. I have some issues which have recently drawn my attention to the fact that I need to get the group back quickly to the Shire.’ Bullroarer paused for a moment to let the Elf take in what he had asked, then plunged on. ‘It’s not that we don’t appreciate the generosity of Rivendell, it’s just that the air here is a little too . . .’ He searched for the right word. ‘. . . magical, I suppose, for us more down to earth creatures. I need to get them back to the Shire and let it breathe some common sense back into them.’

Elrond smiled, knowing full well what occurred in his realm. ‘That will be no problem, Bandobras. Tonight then, late, for that is our custom we will entertain you valiant travelers. Then, tomorrow, we will see you off.’ He called to a close by Elf to attend on him, giving him a list of instructions, then turned back to the Hobbit. ‘We will ring the bells for you so that you will know it is time to get ready. I will send Elves to escort you to the hall.’ He laughed a sparkling, joyous sound. ‘Until then, good luck to you and your “issues”!’

Lord Elrond watched as Bullroarer went to inform the Hobbits of the plans. He thought of his own daughter, Arwen. Thank Iluvatar there would be no problem there. She was an Elf. They were bound by their doom and by custom. A thought, unbidden, came to his mind. but he brushed it away as unimportant.

'No one can see all ends . . .'

[ February 12, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Giles Harfoot sat whittling pipe stems out of oak, and pipe bowls out of briar root wood. Some he'd present to his travelling companions as a remembrance of their shared journey, others to the Elves. 'Twas said the pipes left in Rivendell would end up as mathoms displayed behind a glass case rather than put to practical use. Thus, Giles carved swirling leafy designs into the bowls and etched his initials into the bottom, before polishing them with beeswax to bring out the beauty of the wood grain. Since carpentry came as naturally to him as soaring to an eagle, Giles had never learned to read. But a Dwarf had taught him the runes for "G" and "H" so that he could sign the works of his craftsmanship. *

* Giles looked up from his whittling as Dafodyl sat next to him. The Hobbit lass spoke with a gentle poignancy ... *

"Giles. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that. It’s just… when I saw Daisy and Gaddy, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t hold myself back. Will you accept it as just a friend-to-friend hug? Please? I’m begging you." She put her head down, and kicked her feet around in the soft grass, waiting for a reply.

* Giles set down his whittling knife and the unfinished block of thin oak onto the cool wicker bench. Relaxing, he turned and smiled softly. * Look at me, Dafodyl. I'm so grateful that you sought me out, I hope you'll now accept a hug, as a friend.

* At Dafodyl's nod, Giles embraced her quickly with a solemn warmth, then let go. * Now! * his smile lightened, * If only there were some snowballs around, I'd throw one at you! But since there aren't any, please be the first companion on this quest to accept the gift of a pipe. I'm making one for everyone. * Giles stood and bowed to present Dafodyl this offering, happy, relieved, and nearly his old self again ... as far as it was possible to be, so far away from his Hobbit hole in Starfield in the Shire. *

******************************************

* Giles gave up on his pipes. For his mood took a downturn after Dafodyl left. After all, Autumn might turn him down the same way. What of his running through an Elvish palace screaming the name of a love he'd been running from until now? Of all the foolish things to do in front of Lord Elrond, Bandobras Bullroarer Took, and above all, Autumn! *

* Giles heard the sound of a ruffled dress once again sit down beside him, and it was not Dafodyl, somehow he could tell. Giles rubbed his eyes, blinked, looked up, and saw Autumn. He hardly dared breathe, for fear that she would vanish, as an Elvish vision resulting from the glass of miruvor he'd sampled. He listened to her speak through his daze. *

* When Autumn finished, Giles took her hands, took a deep breath, and replied. *

O, Miss Autumn! Rivendell is grand, but too grand for me, and too big. It's still winter here, even though we're warm and comfortable and have plenty of meats and breads, cheeses, dried fruits and wines. And it will still be winter when we return to the Shire, sleighs laden with provisions for all our friends and kin. It will ever be winter, even if the sun burst through warm enough to bring forth glorious roses, and I'll never make it home even if I'm standing in my own lane in Starfield, without you.

But spring comes with your kind invitation to get to know you and your family better. Of course I'll come! May I be worthy, and ever at your service! * Giles smiled wide with hope. *

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Calenedheliel]

Daisy and Gaddy left her room at Bullroarer request to take a walk around Rivendell. They were hand in hand as they explored this breathtaking place. The colors were so bright and the buildings were so elegant. The ceilings inside were so high it made Daisy feel even tinier than she was. Everything seemed to be so ancient but at the same time it was ageless.

Daisy had never seen a waterfall like the ones she saw here. They seemed to be almost magical in nature. She and Gaddy felt that if they stared at them long enough the water would appear to be going up instead of down. The water was so clear it was like looking out a window after it had been cleaned.

The most amazing thing about Rivendell was the elves. They were so tall and graceful, almost feather like in their movements. They were very slender and agile. Daisy and Gaddy talked some of the eleves as they walked by and Daisy discovered that they were a very soft spoken group.

Daisy and Gaddy came to a small pool of water near the center of Rivendell. It had some seating areas around it so they found a quiet spot and sat down. They were in the public eye as her uncle had requested. There they talked about their families and how they might react to the announcement of their engagement. They also talked about they couldn’t wait to get home to the Shire to bring food to their starving families and friends.

After a while Daisy and Gaddy decided to go back to their own rooms to get ready for the big celebration later on that night and also to get some rest for they knew that it would soon be time to head home.

HOME! What a wonderful thought.

[Nurumaiel]

Robin was in a simple blue dress for the party; it was the best she had packed. She had cleaned it, sewn up the tears, and it was looking all right, but she sighed at the thought of being dressed so shabbily amongst all the beautiful Elves.

There was a soft knock on the door. "Come in!" said Robin, as she picked up a brush to finish doing her hair. Nicrabanwen, her Elf-friend, was standing in the doorway.

"Here's your dress," she said, with no explanation, dropping something on the little table Robin was sitting at.

"My... what?"

"Your dress. You did want to wear something a little more... formal... than that, did you not?" Nicrabanwen's eyes were smiling, but her face remained expressionless.

Robin looked down at the bundle of cloth before her. It wasn't even cloth, really. It seemed to be woven of the stars, with some of the sky captured to give it the pale blue color. Robin touched it lightly, seeming almost afraid to, and then drew her hand back with another little sigh. "It's beautiful, Nicrabanwen, but... it's not the kind of thing I'd look good in. It's too... Elven for a hobbit girl like me."

"Oh!" said Nicrabanwen, in a tone that said, You'd expect a hobbit to think something foolish like that! "That, my dear girl, is just the wrapping. This is the dress." And out she pulled a green dress, made in the fashion of the hobbits, just of a lighter and more airy material.

"Oh... my... goodness," said Robin, gasping. She was not a girl who thought much about clothes, but today was a special occasion, and she wanted to look her best for the Elves... and for Dinodas. She picked up the dress and twirled around, and then, as Nicrabanwen turned, she changed from the blue dress into the new green one.

"How do I look?" she asked.

"It looks wonderful on you," said Nicrabanwen, smiling her beautiful Elven smile. Then she hurriedly left the room, seeming to glide.

Just two minutes after Nicrabanwen left, there was another knock on the door, and this time it was Dinodas there, looking very handsome indeed. "My little Robin!" he said, taking her hands in his. "Are you excited about the feast?"

"Dinodas, how do you think I look?"

The lad didn't even notice the dress. Her sparkling blue eyes reflected the starlight and moonlight streaming in through the window, there was a faint blush on her smooth cheeks, her brown hair was brushed and the curls fell about her face... she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen in all his life. And she's mine, he thought in wonder. I've claimed her love.

"Lovely," he said, kissing her gently.

"Don't!" she said, laughing. "Bullroarer would scold dreadfully. 'Kissing when you should be getting ready for the party!'"

"But we are ready! And anyway, he doesn't know yet. Only we know, our own little secret, with Daisy and Gaddy to share it. Robin, I'm the happiest lad ever at this moment."

"And I'm the happiest lass," she replied, kissing his cheek. "Now, shall we go down?"

"May I escort you to dinner?" he said in a formal tone, dropping her hands and giving a little bow.

"Of course, my good sir," she said. He offered her his arm, and she took it, and together they left the room and made their way to the hall for the party.

[piosenniel]

The hall smelled of fresh cut pine and fir boughs. Winter had lingered in Rivendell just as it did the rest of Northwestern Middle-earth, and there were few Spring flowers blooming to add their scent to the fresh, clean scent of the trees. Nieninquë - snowdrop, and yellow elanor, both winter flowers had been gathered in great bunches and graced the tables. Simbelmyne, ‘evermind’, lent its small white flowers to be laced in here and there amid the greenery.

Elrond sat at the high table with Bullroarer, on a slightly raised dais. There were a number of Elves who sat with them, one of whom was Arwen. Bullroarer found her absolutely enchanting. So lovely, that he became almost tongue tied when she spoke to him. But her gracious manner put him at ease and he managed not to stumble clumsily over his words.

The companions sat at tables near them, and elves sat among them, enjoying the rare company of the Periannath. Servers with platters of all sorts of food from meats to pastries passed among them and others filled their cups from ewers of fresh ale, wine, or sweet spice tea.

Walking about the tables were roving Elven minstrels, the beauty of their voices mingling with the notes from their flutes. The songs they sang were all in Elvish, but they conjured up lovely pictures in the minds of the smiling companions. During a lull in the music, one of the Hobbits stood up, and bowing to Lord Elrond, asked to be allowed to sing one of the songs from the Shire.

The strong, clear Hobbit voice rang out in the Hall singing of gardens, and plants, and the good rich earth. Simple Shire things. The Hobbit blushed when the song was ended, but the Elves were delighted and several of them stood to sing an answering song of rain, and sun, and the slow passing of time through the forest and the trees. For all its pleasant images, it was a melancholy song. A song of remembering from a brighter time.

The night passed quickly in singing and in pleasant conversation. Tired Hobbits drifted off to bed in the wee hours, though as they slept the Elves till sang. And in their dreams the Hobbits heard them.

[Envinyatar]

Carl lay in bed, listening to the sounds of the Elven music. There was no denying that it was beautiful, but he longed for the sounds of the woods around the Shire. The wind soughing in the fir boughs, the chirp of birds and chatter of squirrels as they called out challenges to one another, the sound of water in a stream rolling the pebbles and rushing over boulders - these were his harmonies, his songs.

He reached out and turned up the small lamp in his room. Getting up, he packed up all his belongings and rolled up his bedroll. Securing his bow and quiver to his pack, he shouldered it and went out under the stars. They shone bright and clear on Rivendell. The Wain pointed northward, and to its left lay the way to the Shire.

He sat down, back against a winter bare tree, and pulled his cloak about him. All night he sat smoking his pipe and following the trail of stars home.

[piosenniel]

Bullroarer was up when the moon still stood two fingers widths above the western horizon. He passed out of the sleeping quarters and made his way to where the sleighs and wagon stood, ready to bear the Hobbits west when the sun rose. The elves had already stacked the food in crates on the sleighs and wagon. And in a small chest beneath the wagon’s seat, Arwen had placed packets of seeds for vegetables, grains, and herbs to nourish the Hobbits’ bodies and seeds for flowers to feed their fëas.

Carl had risen from his seat beneath the tree as Bullroarer passed, and he and the Took went round the wagon checking that all was secure one last time. Then the two of them went through the sleeping quarters and knocked on all the doors. ‘Up, Hobbits!’ they called in loud voices. ‘The sun is soon risen. Up! We are going home!’ sleepy eyed Hobbits threw on their clothes and came out rubbing their eyes in the now pale dawn. ‘Come,’ said Bullroarer, ‘the Elves have prepared us a breakfast. Let us eat and then be off.’

Elrond and Arwen and a host of Elves were there to bid them farewell. Bullroarer drove the wagon, and the sleighs were handled by five Elves given the task by Elrond. They were to deliver the Hobbits and the food to the Shire and then return quickly.

Soon the Hobbits were all bundled into the sleighs, amid the stacked cartons, or on top of them. The Elves called to their horses and the sleighs moved out at a smooth pace. Encouraged by their larger brethren, the Shire ponies neighed and tossed their manes and kept up the pace with them.

The trip home proved quicker than the journey east. The Hobbits were in a jolly mood and pointed out places where their adventure had taken a turn for the better or for the worse. In silence, though, they did pass the place where the Wargs had beset them and poor Celandine had been lost. Some averted their eyes all together and would not look at that awful place. And then in silence again did they pass the place where Emerald had been killed in the attack by the wild dogs. It was sobering that just a few short weeks ago they had started out as fourteen and now were twelve.

Spirits were high on the last day, though, as they passed the Bywater Pool and came soon within sight of The Green Dragon. It was early in the morning and few were about in the Inn’s yard as the sleighs and wagon went past and turned north to the Took family mansion.

Smoke was coming from the chimney and a yellow light shone from the windows as the merry blaze in the fireplace sent out its warmth and light. Breakfast was ready, they could tell by the smells, almost as if they were expected. The Missus bustled to the door and threw it open even before bullroarer could lay hand to knob. She waved them all in, holding tight to his hand, and settled them comfortably inside by the fire, as her daughters brought out great platters of food and pitchers of hot tea to set on the tables set round the room.

Bullroarer watched the Hobbits eat and drink and laugh with each other, returning so easily to their natural way. His little granddaughter toddled out from behind her mother’s skirts and climbed up on his lap, looking at him with her big brown eyes and a winsome grin on her face. He put her on his knee and gave her a pony ride. She giggled gleefully and asked for more. He obliged, and smiled up at the Missus.

He drew a contented breath and looked round the room once more. ‘Well, we’re back,’ he said.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The next morning Bullroarer was up quite early as he had a number of tasks to attend to. Some were terribly sad, such as going to speak with the families of the girls who had been killed, sharing his memories with their parents and kin of the many fine things they'd done and how their sacrifice would always be remembered. It was not an easy job, and he wished that it might have turned out otherwise. But he also knew that, when you went out the door into the wild world beyond, dangers like those were always present and, without the girls' sacrifice, many more would have died from hunger in the Shire.

He set Branda and Carl in charge of distributing all the seeds and foodstuffs that the Elves had given to them. The five sleighs had been loaded with goods as well as the wagon and all the pack ponies that they'd taken on the journey. Every village was sending one or more couriers with a small wagon or cart to load up supplies. The provisions would then be taken back and passed out to whichever hobbits were in most desperate need. There should be just enough to go aroound. They would still have to tighten their belts and scrimp by many days, but at least no one should take ill or perish for lack of basic foods.

While Branda was working on organizing and handing out the food, Bullroarer went into the pen where his ponies were kept and picked out a particularly handsome bay mare, one who was heavy with foal, He arranged to have the pony delivered to Branda's wife and little girl so that it would be waiting in his yard when he arrived home after the party.

Branda had promised to stay for the festivities, but said he'd need to hurry home then. "What's the rush?" Bullroarer bellowed. You're welcome to bring your kin here. They can stay a day or two until you get things squared away with the food."

Branda turned and shook his head no, "I don't think that's a good idea. You'll need to use Carl to finish up. You see your wife was holding a letter for me from my family. I'm going to be a daddy again. My wife found out right after I left, and now she's expecting in the early spring. Granny says if I don't get back soon to tend to my family, she'll personally skin me alive."

Bullroarer shook his head and laughed, "We can't be irritating Granny. You'd best get home right quick. After all, it was Granny's sage advice that pulled us out of more than one mess. Make sure to tell her that."

"And congratulations on that baby! At least, that's one piece of news I won't worry about my wife hearing. I'm going now to speak with her about some of those personal developments we had on the trail! I expect to get an earful or two! Wish me luck."

Branda grinned and scratched his head, "I know what you mean! You can be a hero out on the road, but, back home, I'm just the fellow who catches the fish and runs around to please my women folk."

Two hours later, Bullroarer stumbled out his front door again, mumbling something unintelligible under his breath, but looking none the worse for wear. He straightened up and bellowed out to several hobbits standing near, "Everything is just fine. My dear and understanding wife is preparing a large feast for us tonight. Your families have been told, and will be coming too, at least those who are well enough to make the trip." He winked in Branda's direction.

"Feel free to put on your best clothes, or use some of the ones the Elves sent home with us." Bullroarer pointed to a trunk filled with children's clothing, which seemed to fit the hobbits just fine, except for a seam or two that needed to be loosened about the waist, even with the dirth of food in the Shire!

Several of the hobbits pitched in to help Mistress Bullroarer and her servants, so that by evening everything had been properly prepared in the great hall. Tables were laid with fresh linens, and lovely bowls of flowers set out. The hobbits had no idea how she'd magically been able to come up with those. A little space was cleared for dancing between the many tables, and several neighbors with fiddles and flutes had come over to lend their skills. But, best of all, was the food. Platters and piles of it, beyond belief. More food than many hobbits remembered in a very long time. The youngsters kept sticking their heads through the door and trying to sneak in, only Mistress Bullroarer had a large broom and kept swatting them back and telling them to wait for everyone to get here. As night fell over the village, the guests began to arrive to welcome the travellers home and thank them for all they had done.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Dafodyl stood outside of the Took residence, admiring the pipe that Giles had given her. She heard a delightful cry somewhere not far from her, but it didn’t faze her. Another cry drifts in, and she turns to see her father and brothers riding up on ponies.

"Papa! Papa!" She ran forward, almost getting trampled by the ponies. Her father jumped down, and her little brothers followed in suit.

"Oh, Dafodyl! We all missed you so! I was unsure if you would ever come back to the Shire." He embraced her, warm and joyous tears dripping down her back.

"Oh Papa! I missed you as well!" Her little brother’s grabbed onto her, and she counted them silently. One, two, three. One was missing. "Papa! Willie, Tom, and Samwell are all here… but where is Gabriel?"

Her father looked down, and she saw a few tears hit the earth. He used his shirttail to wipe them away, and then looked up at her. "Dafodyl, Gabriel is dead. He died just a few weeks after you left. He cried for you all the time, and the last words he said were, ‘Tell sissy that I hope she gets everyone food, and that I love her.’ He held on as long as he could."

Dafodyl swallowed hard, and broke down crying. Her father rubbed her dark curls, and she stood. "If that is how it is to be, so be it. He was happy before he was sick. He’s happy now." She smiled lightly, and grabbed her brother’s hand. She picked up Willie, the youngest, and bounced him onto her shoulder. "Well, come on! You have to meet Bullroarer and all of my new friends! Come on!"

She laughed, and ran toward the warm house. Her family was greeted, and they settled inside. Everyone enjoyed themselves, as other families came in. She was happy.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Envinyatar]

Carl arrived early and alone, as usual. Bullroarer clapped him on the back and set him to helping shift the casks of drinks into position and setting up the trestle tables. It was good to be back home, he thought, where the only worry now was what should he have for dinner, not what might be having him for a meal!

Done, he sat at ease near the roaring fireplace, and tended to it now and then as he smoked a pipe and sipped the excellent hot spiced wine made by Mistress Took. He was looking forward to seeing his companions once again and to meeting their families. He smiled to himself, thinking of Gaddy and Daisy, and Robin and Dinodas, and Giles and Autumn, wondering how their families had received the news of their new ‘interests’.

‘Well, I’m sure to find out later.’ he said to himself contentedly, dipping himself another mug of mulled wine from the pot near the fire.

[dragoneyes]

In between the tasks they had been given, Hal and Gaddy's eyes were always on the road from Bywater. Hal was sitting outside the Took household, watching Gaddy finish off what he was doing and absent-mindedly chewing a piece of grass. He heard a small giggle from around the corner and looked towards it. He saw a small hobbit-lass, just five years old, his sister, Bella. "Bella!" he cried as the small hobbit came running fast as she could towards her older brother. She jumped onto him where he sat and he hugged her close. She giggled again, "You look like a sheep chewing grass like that!" Hal smiled at her and asked her where the rest of the family were. They were waiting out front, on the road.

His mother was the first to notice him, she ran up to him and held him tight, all of his five sisters soon following suit. From what Hal could see through the many-armed hug, his father wasn't there. He became worried and asked where he was. "I'm right here Hal, use your eyes." came a familiar voice from behind him. Hal spun round and saw his father standing there, with his arm in a sling. "What did you do to your arm?" he asked "Oh it was those foul beasts-"
"What beasts?" interrupted Hal, becoming serious. "Don't listen to dad, Hal," said one of his sisters "He slipped on the ice."

"Hal! Where are you?" came Gaddy's voice from behind the house "Here!" Hal called back. Gaddy came out onto the road and saw Hal's family, he looked surprised for a moment, then regained himself "Hello Mr. Cotton, Mrs. Cotton." he said, nodding politely to each of them. "Oh yes, Gaddy." said Hal's mother, just remembering "Your family is coming soon, I don't think we left too long before them did we?"

Hal took his family inside to introduce them to Autumn and Carl and anyone else who happened to be there. Gaddy, however, remained outside waiting. It wasn't too long before he heard soft footfalls on the road, he ran a little further down the road and saw his own family. His brother recognised him immediately and ran to him. Gaddy knelt down and caught him. The next thing he knew, Gaddy was pressed in on all sides as everyone hugged him at once. They stepped back, Gaddy's mother had tears streaming down her face, as did his older sister, behind them, his father stood, his younger brother and sister were still clinging to him.

They stood like that for some time in silence, all thinking how lucky they were until Gaddy said, "Would you like to come inside?"
"Oh Gaddy!" cried his mother as she fell onto him again, "I've been so worried about you!" she let him go again and they began to walk back to the Took mansion. Gaddy's brother, Dima, asked questions upon questions, usually before the first question had been answered. First it was about the weather, then about the different places he'd been, and finally about elves. Gaddy wasn't entirely listening though, his mind was occupied with thoughts of how to break it to his family that he was engaged.

He stopped just before the front door and turned to face them all "Before we go in, there's something I need to tell you," he said, he paused a little and then continued "I'm engaged." He finished. There was a shocked silence until his mother, restraining the tears, hugged him once more. "That's wonderful news!" Said Finny, his elder sister, also hugging him. "Come on, lets go in and meet everyone." said Gaddy opening the door. "Yes," said his father, "I'd very much like to meet the young lass who's stolen my son's heart." giving Gaddy a wink.

[Nurumaiel]

Dinodas watched everyone greet their families, and looked at the ground uncomfortably. So much hugging, so many tears... and he realized Robin was no longer at his side. He searched the crowd for her, but didn't see her. He saw a different lass, and she was sobbing.

"Ann!" he cried, and there was a cry of delight. The girl rushed forward and through her arms around him, tears running freely down her face.

"Dinodas, oh, Dinodas, my dear brother," she said. "You came back safe. I was so afraid... the moment you left, the moment I said goodbye, I was so afraid you wouldn't come back alive."

He hugged her tightly, the joy in his heart nearly hurting him, it was so great. "Where are Mother and Father?" he asked.

A shadow passed over Ann's face. "Dad's fine," she said. "But Mum is awfully sick with fever. In fact, I shouldn't be here, but she insisted I go."

"Will she be all right?"

"She'll be fine, but, Dinodas, if you hadn't come back, she wouldn't have a chance of surviving."

"We have plenty of food," he replied.

"No, no, Dinodas, not the food. Her heart would break if your were killed. My heart would break, Father's heart would break. Our family would all be dead." She began to laugh. "But we're alive because you're safe!" She turned and began to run away from him, towards the direction of their home, calling, "Father will come soon! He's watching Mum!"

Dinodas saw Robin coming towards him, crying. But she wasn't crying from joy. Concerned, he hurried over to her. "Robin, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Everyone is so happy," she sobbed, gesturing to the crowd. "They're all back with their families, the children and the fathers, the brothers and sisters... but..."

"Are your parents all right?" he asked anxiously.

"They're fine, they're fine, though they aren't here yet. See, they're coming!" She pointed to where two hobbits were running as fast as their old legs would carry them. "But Emerald's family... they won't share in this joy. And Celandine's family already grieves. She was my cousin, and the dearest to me of all my relatives, and I miss her so much now. And when Mum and Dad hear, they'll be - "

She stopped and brushed her tears away. "But, Dinodas, I am happy. I can't help but being happy. Emerald and Celandine... they're happy, and I have my mother and father, and I have... you."

Dinodas looked quickly around to make sure no one was watching, and then he kissed her quickly. You can't blame him for being extremely startled when there was a loud laugh behind him. Whirling, he found himself face to face with his father.

"All right, so Robin and I are engaged," he muttered, and then, defiantly, "Is there anything wrong with that?"

"I knew you two would be married the moment I saw you together all those years ago, when you were only kids," his father replied, then he took him in his arms. "My dear, dear, son," he said. "I'm so glad you're alive." Mr. Green couldn't stop the tears that came to his eyes, and thankfully saw that other fathers were crying, as well.

Dinodas had silent tears streaming down his cheeks. His father, his Ann, and his mother was waiting back home, the home he lived in, his home, and... his Robin. He looked sideways at her and saw her embracing her mother, and heard Mrs. Brandybuck say, "My little one, you're engaged and going to be married. How could you grow up so fast?"

As the went to the Took mansion together, Dinodas' arm around his Robin's waist, the lass said softly, "This, Dinodas, was what Emerald and Celandine died for. So there could be all these tears of joy and love, so there could be the couples happily engaged. We don't need to regret that."

He smiled gently at her. "No, my little Robin-bird, we don't."

[Calenedheliel]

Daisy left Lily in her uncle’s barn in a nice warm stall with fresh bedding and a good meal. Lily had done her job getting to Rivendell and back. She was rewarded for her for her brave service. The pony looked extremely happy to be safe at home. Daisy left the barn and went in search of her family and Gaddy.

She saw mother, father, and siblings entering her uncle’s house, so she hurried to greet them. Her mother grabbed her and almost suffocated her with hugs and kisses. “I’m so happy to see you in one piece and healthy” her mother said. “I hope that the adventurous stuff in all done with, although I’m really proud of you for helping all of the people of the Shire” she continued. Her father agreed with her mother. In the back ground she could see Gaddy approaching them. She had to think fast about what to say. “Mom and Dad, I have something that I need to tell you” Daisy said. “I have someone very special that I would like you to meet and hopefully welcome into our family.” Her parents gave her a odd look as she grabbed Gaddy’s hand and brought him together with her family.

“This is Gadbard Boffin. He and I are going to be married with your permission as soon as possible” she said. “I love him with all of my heart and hope that you too will come to love him like a son” she continued. Her parents’ mouths dropped open for just a minute. Then her father said to Gaddy “I would like to welcome you to our little family.”

The family then went to join the big party that was going on in Bullroarer’s home.

[piosenniel]

Bullroarer looked on with a smile at those gathered in his house. There were smiles on all their faces and their tummies were filled with good food and drink. It was wonderful to see them so relaxed and at ease among their friends and families.

Daisy and Gaddy stood near one another, talking animatedly to both their families, and the Hobbits on both sides seemed pleased that there would be a wedding between the two. Tobin and Dinodas held hands and sat talking quietly to each other, while their families looked on with smiles. Giles and Autumn, too, stood near each other - Giles entertaining Autumn’s cousin with descriptions of their adventures in an animated way.

Carl sat quietly by the fire nodding his head to those who spoke with him, a pipe in one hand and a mug of cold ale in the other. Dafodyl was there in a splendid yellow dress, the color of the Spring flower that was her namesake, and laughing merrily at some joke of Tomba’s. Even the dour Lotho had lightened a little, and stood listening to the two of them joke about.

He missed Branda, and his quiet company, and silently wished him well with his new bairn. Sighing he, he put his arm round the Missus’ ample waist, and drew her close to him. ‘It turned out well, despite all the misfortunes, and I’m glad of that.’ He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘But most of all I’m just glad to be home.’

Into the wee hours of a Long Winter’s Night, the party merrily went on. And in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, all returned home to the common, every day happenings of Hobbits in the Shire . . .