The Hobbit's Gift RPG

[piosenniel]

First Post by Nurumaiel

Bilbo Baggins looked around the room at all the hobbits, all who were known to him and his adopted heir, Frodo. They all looked eager to do whatever he asked of them, but impatient at the same time, wondering if he would ever speak. Knowing his time was short, Bilbo did just what they were waiting for. He began to tell them why they were at his comfortable hole, Bag End.

"All my dear hobbits," he said, "it was most kind of you to come and listen to what is such a small request, but one that would mean a great deal to my cousin Frodo, if I guess correctly. I first must apologize for dragging you here so quickly. Most of you were quite busy, but it was necessary. You see, in two weeks time, Frodo and I will be celebrating our birthday.

"Frodo is at the Green Dragon with some of his friends now, and I had to call you while he was away, for I am planning a PARTICULARLY LARGE AND FESTIVE surprise party for him!"

All the young hobbits looked at each other excitedly, while the older nodded approvingly.

"If you will so kindly consent to help me," continued Bilbo, "then your task is simple. You must help me plan this surprise party.

First, I will need two young hobbits to help with local preparations here in Hobbiton. Samwise Gamgee and Cami Goodchild, if you two can stop with your bickering long enough to cooperate, I would like you to do that."

"Yes, Uncle Bilbo, we promise,' came the dutiful reply from the two children who were not even teeners yet.

Next, I will need older hobbits, 18 years and up, to go to the neighboring towns to procure supplies -and gifts- for Frodo's party, but you must do all this in secret."

"But what about the bandits?" one of the older hobbits asked. "There has been news that bandits have been prowling the area. Vicious enough to kill, they say."

The thought of bandits made the young ones even more excited about this 'daring adventure.'

"We have no proof that there are bandits," another older hobbit spoke up in argument. "It may be just a silly rumor."

"Whether a rumor or no, I would dearly like to do this for Frodo," said Bilbo. "Are any of you willing to risk the dangers, if there be any, to help me? If so, speak up!"

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

[Eruantalon]

"I'll help! Those bandits don't scare me none. Rumor or not I'll dust off my old bow and arrows. I'll shapren up my old blade too. Be sure now Frodo won't hear a thing about it. It was Frodo you where talking about there a minute ago, weren't you?" He said now puzzled, his stomach growling.

"I was just thinking about some bread and butter while you where talking. Oh that sounds so good now." he said now, getting side tracked again.

"Yes Frodo or whoever won't know a thing!"he said, returning back to the subject.

"But I can't go alone. Who else is coming?" Looking around at the other Hobbits, he waited for someone else to speak up.

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

[ January 09, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Orual]

Sam broke into a huge grin at the words "surprise party." One like Hobbiton hadn't seen in years, likely--when Mr. Bilbo did something, he didn't do it halfway. And when it was for Frodo, it was sure to be extraordinary!

"First, I will need two young hobbits to help with local preparations here in Hobbiton. Samwise Gamgee and Cami Goodchild, if you two can stop with your bickering long enough to cooperate, I would like you to do that."

"Yes, Uncle Bilbo, we promise!" Sam said in unison with Cami, both of them looking innocently at Bilbo. They gave each other a distasteful look, then grinned. Sam stuck his tongue out at Cami, who glared at him with all the dignity of a twelve-year-old being teased by an eleven-year-old. But neither of them could help laughing a little bit, and Sam was a comical sight, bouncing a little with his laughter, his tongue sticking out.

Finally, Sam regained control of himself and leaned over to Elanor Greenthumb, who was his age--not older. "You hear that, Elanor? A party!..."

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[excheeto]

Belle heard Bilbo tell everyone how to prepare for the party.She had been at Uncle Bilbo's two days before the guests had arrived.Her parents were taking a long visit to Tookborough to see relitives,and her brothers and sisters were staying at friends and other relitives houses.She had been thrilled with the idea of getting to stay with Bilbo and Frodo,but just then she felt left out.She listened,but wasn't given a specific assighnment like the one Sam,Elanor and Cami were told,she didn't like the idea of minding them."I hate being little" she thought,"Frodo would love this"she smiled,feeling her mean streak,or "Tookishness"as many called it,hit."I should just tell him"she thought,"I should ruin it for them".

She stuck her tongue out at Cami,who was,as usual,arguing with Sam and thought,"see if I help you,hair-puller".

Cami gave her a stern look."If I didn't know you any better,I'd think your up to something""You'd better mind us and not tell Frodo"Sam added,"I know your a gossip,don't get near him or I-I'll lock you in the closet!".

[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: excheeto ]

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose Tussock stepped forward. "I will go as well," she said. "I can't think of anything more exciting in my life at the moment than planning a surprise party for Frodo."

Bilbo nodded down at her. "Thank you, Primrose," he said. "We will most certainly need the help of you and your sturdy pony. That goes for you as well, Olo," he added.

"Excluding the pony," said Primrose with a grin. She looked over at the children and walked over to them. She'd always loved children, and since she didn't have little brother or sister, she was always trying to talk to any younger children she could find. But as she opened her mouth to speak, Bilbo called her name.

"Primrose, I want a word with you in private later," he said.

"Yes, sir," said Primrose with an inward sigh. Looking once again at the younger hobbits, she saw they were engaged in their own conversation. This time she sighed aloud as she sat down once again.

"Will anyone else help me along with Olo and Primrose?" asked Bilbo, looking around the room.

[doug*platypus]

Biffo Proudfoot had been strolling along the bridge over The Water towards Hobbiton, smoking his pipe, when he spotted one of his many uncles ahead talking with Mad Baggins. Actually, Biffo was one of the few hobbits from Frogmorton who preferred rather to call him Bilbo, but Mad Baggins he was to most. In fact, Biffo had long been a quiet admirer of the esteemed Mr. Baggins; the tales of his adventures Outside proved there was hope yet for Biffo. After all, though tanned and weathered from working in the fields, Biffo was but 37 years old, and still had time to look into a possible career in Adventuring. Over the last few months, the hobbit had developed a strange feeling that if he didn't start soon, he might never get around to it. Yes, thought Biffo, it's definitely time to expand my horizons.

After a short chat with Bilbo, Olo Proudfoot walked off with him up towards The Hill. Biffo, although not well acquainted with the Bagginses, had talked to Bilbo once or twice before at The Floating Log in Frogmorton, and they knew each other by sight. Biffo decided to tag along after the pair, knowing well Bilbo's reputation as a source for unusual events.

A short while later, Biffo was standing amongst a motley assortment of hobbits, young and not so young, inside the parlour at Bag End. Bilbo's Hobbit-hole was certainly deserving of its excellent reputation. Biffo noticed with a grin however that, contrary to popular opinion, there was not a single solid gold footstool in sight. As it turned out, Bilbo was planning a surprise birthday party for his nephew, Frodo Baggins. He had called the group there to help him with preparations, part of which involved sending some hobbits barely into their tweens trooping off around The Shire.

"But what about the bandits?" Biffo asked, concerned, "There has been news that bandits have been prowling the area. Vicious enough to kill, they say."

This was only a rumour of course, and Biffo doubted it himself. But hobbits were curious and outgoing by nature when young, and inclined to ignore the dangers of the road. Biffo knew them well, and had always carried a short dagger concealed on him, in addition to his solid walking stick, when travelling from town to town.

"We have no proof that there are bandits," an older hobbit spoke up in argument. "It may be just a silly rumour."

This seemed to put an end to any fears. Still, thought Biffo, better safe than sorry I say! and he made up his mind then and there that he would be helping out. At any rate, after the last few weeks in the Southfarthing, his work was over and he was a free hobbit, for the meantime. When the chatter of the younger hobbits had eventually died down, Bilbo called for volunteers to help him out. Olo Proudfoot and another hobbit called Primrose had already volunteered, when Biffo stepped forward.

"I'll be glad to help out, Mr. Bilbo sir! We'll have no truck with bandits on this trip, believe me!" Biffo secretly hoped that his words would not come back to haunt him later.

[Merri]

Sam leaned over to Elanor Greenthumb, who was his age--not older. "You hear that, Elanor? A party!..."

Elanor grinned. "And it's going to be the best one the Shire's had in a long, long time, I bet! Frodo'll be so pleased." She beamed at the room at large. "I wonder what kind of food he likes? Or what color? Or what kind of decorations? But then, I suppose Bilbo would know, wouldn't he?" Then a frown creased over her face. "But we have to stay behind . . ."

She thought wistfully of travelling with the grown hobbits, of fighting bandits and dragons and . . . well, doing everything Uncle Bilbo had done. But nooooo she was stuck here with the bossy young hobbits- and Sam, of course. At least she had Sam, and they could talk. At least.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the bickering between the other hobbit lasses, and she sighed inwardly. I would give anything to go off with the older hobbits, she thought, Maybe I could show them just how brave Elanor Greenthumb really is, and surprise them all. Then she chided herself- But no, Sam'll need me to keep him sane among the other girls. I can't leave him. Besides, this is my part of the job- if I left I'd be letting Frodo down as well. She then thought of Frodo, whom she'd known and played with ever since she could remember.

Elanor enjoyed talking to Frodo about Mr. Bilbo's adventures and such, and as for Sam . . . Elanor enjoyed being with him just for the sake of being with him. Contrary to many of the other hobbits, he never tried to tell her what to do. In Elanor's eyes, that was a very important trait.

[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami sat back and grinned. The meeting was going just as she'd expected. Several weeks ago, Bilbo had mentioned the party to her, and how she and Sam would be needed to scurry about Hobbiton and complete the local preparations.

She ticked the list off in her head: invitations to be written and delivered, fruits and mushrooms secured from the market, Bag-end cleaned and decorated, cakes and stews and pies prepared, and who knows what else. Plus, her regular chores at home on the farm. It made Cami's head dizzy to think of all that. Bilbo had even promised for the next few weeks that she and Sam could take a holiday from learning their letters and numbers so that all the preparations would get done.

Not that Cami needed or wanted such a holiday. She could run rings around Sam in that department. Her parents complained profusely that there was barely five minutes in the day when she did not have her nose stuck in a book. They threw up their hands in consternation and shook their heads appalled. Most unusual for a healthy hobbit girl to behave in such a manner!

Still, Cami didn't care. Let her parents complain, and let the other children tease her about how she'd rather study ancient lore than tend to flowers in the garden or prissy herself up for the benefit of some boy.

She adored Bilbo. He had taken her under his wing to make sure she got an education, even sharing with her some of the stories of Elves and Valar that hardly anyone in the Shire knew. So if her teacher suggested she stand on her head for half a day, Cami would certainly oblige!

She would try as hard as she could to make the party a success and complete whatever tasks were assigned to her. Maybe next year, when she was thirteen, Bilbo would let her go out with the folk on the road to gather party supplies, since that did seem very exciting.

She'd just have to wait. As long as Sam was by her side so they could fight and make up, she'd make it through. Cami had heard that Elanor and several of the younger hobbits were also going to be drafted to help with the preparations. That thought was less appealing.

Elanor seemed like a real know-it-all, and would probably try to ruin everything. And the eight and nine year olds! That was even worse. They never stopped whining and fussing! But at least if Sam was there, he'd use his common sense to make things come out right. And, in the end, Bilbo would turn and give Cami a wink to let her know he was very proud of her.

[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Eruantalon]

"Well now that makes three!"He said getting everyones to listen.

"But we will be needing more than three now, won't we!"All the Hobbits looking around now.

"I am sure we can find horses for those that are in need of one,can't we.But where will we find them,does anyone know where?We'll also be needing a list,so have you gotten one written yet Billbo?"Now he looked around stomach still growling and in pain.He lost his consentration for a second.

"We where all so off in a hurry to get here Billbo,do ya have anything to munch on?Iwas just in the middel of a snack when you called.Just can't seem to think straight with out somethin in my belly"The Hobbits stomach was now growling loudly.

So much talk of bandits around here.What was happening to the Shire?How where so many strangers with ill acts on there minds allowed here now?It was supposed to be a peacefull place.But that would't stop them from going on with there lives.

[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Manardariel]

Pearl burst in the room. "Uncle Bilbo I´m terribly sorry, something kept me.. what have I missed?" She sat down on a stool and took a look around. She saw a few younger hobbits she knew distantly. What was this about? What was she supposed to do with all these kids? If Bilbo wanted her to babysitt again, the answer was no.

"My dear Pearl," Bilbo said smiling. "As I was just telling everybody, I am planning to hold a suprise party for Frodo." At the word party, her expression lightend immediatly. She loved parties, entertaining, celebrating, having a good time- it was someting she was born for. "And..." she grinned at Bilbo "What am I supposed to do? Want my professional help? " "Yes indeed. Only different than you think. I need you to go around here in the Shire for presents and supplies with Primrose, Anabel, Biffo and Olo." He nodded in the direction of two older hobbits.

"Great," Pearl thought. "Just great." Biffo and Olo were at least forty, and as for the two women...she knew Anabell fairly well and her worrying nature sometimes bugged her seriously. Primerose Tussock- a distant relative, wasn´t she? She remebered meeting her at the last family get-together last year...

Pearl shot a fairly foul look at Bilbo- what was he thinking, ruining her summer like that? She was spending the time with her best friends, after all. "Frodo, you better be gratefull." she thought."I´m sacrificing time with Caro and Vivi to help prepare your birthday. Not that I coulds resist the opportunity, but still. You better be grateful." "Ok, " she told Bilbo, "I´m doing it. She smiled at Primerose and Anabell.

"So we´ll be spending some time together, aye?".

She sounded cheerfull, but in her heart, Pearl was not really happy.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Pipperin]

Annabell walked over to Bilbo as he finished talking to some of the others. "I would love to help also, but none of the children are leaving Hobbiton, right?" She put her hands on her hips.

"Even if there are no bandits, they are surely too small to do that much walking."
She sighed and looked at him "Sorry, you probably have everything figured out, I am just being cautious. But how do you plan to keep Frodo from finding out?

She smiled at the old Baggins, she did not want anything to go wrong. Not if it was for Frodo.

[Sindae]

Crystal had just returned from a long walk through the forest. She felt free and just happy when she suddenly saw a few hobbits leaving Bag End, all seeming to be very excited and talked to each other. She wondered, especially when she heard the words "adventure", "danger" and "bandits" muttered by some of them.

Adventure? Hobbits? That was the last she expected..."I'm sure this is a silly kind of game" she thought. She'd do anything for having an adventure but she knew that most hobbits were straight against it. Adventures were for the Big Folk or all the other peoples but never a Hobbit's business! Very few ever had seen a Dwarf or even an Elf but she had.

Once she had visited some relatives in Bree with her parents when she was a little child and got lost in the rain outside, unable to find the way to the inn they spent the night in. After a terribly long time of running crying through the darkness she was found by a ranger who took her back to her parents. There she met some dwarves, dark and with long beards, they looked frightening. But the ranger had been very nice... She remembered him clearly, mainly because after she told him about loving adventures he had given her a sword...for him it was just a small dagger, but when she held it it looked more like a sword. She loved it even if she never had an opportunity to use it and probably would never have....

When she was about to pass Bag End Bilbo saw her and called "Hello Crystal, dear! How are you?"

She sighed, she had hoped that Bilbo wouldn't notice her. She didn't want to have anything to do with this silly adventure game or whatever it was they were up to...-a real adventure or no adventure at all- but it was too late.

She went back to hear what he wanted.

"I hope this stupid game won't take too long!, " she thought, yet remained silent. But when Bilbo had finished his explanations about the party and the journey through the Shire her opinion changed completely. Well, collecting presents wasn't the most exciting job ever, but still....better than nothing and much better than a game! She smiled when she agreed to join the company but inside she laughed of joy.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Manardariel]

Pearl strolled down The Hill from Bag End. She caught some looks at the little ones, all terribly exited about what was going to come. She was considering what to do next- mybe she could have a peep in the Green Dragon, but she´d have to change, wash and refresh her make-up first... and she wasn´t in the mood for ale and party. That was so rare she worried herself a bit.

"Pearl" she said firmly to herself. "Don´t pull yourself down, ok? It´s not that bad, travelling around the Shire in summertime..." And then she had one of her rather brilliant, absoloutly Pearlish ideas.

She turned around and sped back to Bag End.
"Uncle Bilbo! It´s me, Pearl. I´ve got to ask you something." The door opened.
"Pearly- dear girl what´s the matter with you?" Bilbo smiled at her in suprise.

"Uncle Bilbo, I need to ask you something. For this suprise-thingy, do you think Caro and Vivi could come along? Please?"

Bilbo looked at her apologeticly. He didn´t even have to say something. Just the way his eyes met hers, she knew what he was going to say. And, sure enough, her request-her only chance to have some fun in the summer!- was denied.

Pearl stared at him. She couldn´t belive it. She didn´t know what to say. "But... but Uncle Bilbo... but..."

In an obvious attempt to comfort her, he patted her arm, telling her not to worry. A hobbitlass her age would be joining them.

"Who, Bilbo?", she asked, hopefully.

"Crystal Gold."

Pearl stared even more. Crystal Gold? He couldn´t be serious.

"Bilbo. Tell me you´re kidding. Not Crystal Gold, please, no."

He stared at her in suprisement. Poor old Bilbo. He didn´t understand it, did he? He really had thought she would be happy about his idea. But how could she? She and Crystal forced to be around each other for at least two weeks, that would end in a massaker!

"Oh Bilbo. Thank you for trying, but... oh whatever. You wouldn´t understand."

And off she was. She sped down, to the marketplace, where she sat down, trying to concentrate. Her realationship with Crystal Gold, a year older, was extremly difficult. It had always been. The two girls were like night and day, like fire and water. They couldn´t be in the same room without having a constant fight going on.

And yet, at the same time, Bilbo was right. They were friends. Next to Vivi, Caro and Narcissa, Pearl considered Crystal one of her closest friends. They would annoy each other constantly, just for the heck of it. They would start completly pointless discussions about anything. They would shout at each other and hit and punch and then- two minutes later- would embrace again, like nothing had happened.

Pearl grinned, she felt better. With Crystal on the road, things couldn´t get boring and maybe they wouldn´t even get bad.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[excheeto]

"Uncle Bilbo!" Belle said,tugging at his sleeve. He turned around as Pearl left them. "Yes, Belladonna?"

"Frodo's been away a long time,shouldn't someone get him,or do you think he suspects something?"

He had been gone longer than usual at the inn.Belle wondered why.

"Well,I can't do anything if he finds out." she thought. "Besides,what will Sam and Miss Hair-Puller do? Oh well,the way their talking, half the Shire will know by tomorrow".

"Your right." Bilbo replied. "He has been gone a long time..."

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Nurumaiel]

"He has been gone a long time, but I'm sure he'll be home soon," said Bilbo, then he looked sternly down at the hobbit girl. "Belle, it is very rude of you to call Cami Miss Hair-Puller. What would your parents say?"

Belle looked up at him, startled, "How could you know? I was only thinking it," she said.

"Ah yes," said Bilbo. "But I've heard you say it aloud before, and now is my first chance to discipline you."

Belle blushed and looked down. Bilbo smiled gently at her and said, "Just don't do it anymore. Cami is a friend of mine, you know." Belle nodded, but Bilbo wasn't sure how long she'd remember. He turned to where Primrose was sitting quietly.

"Primrose!" he called, and the lass hurried over to him. "Prim," said Bilbo quietly. "I want to talk a few things over with you away from the others. I think you should be the leader of the group. I let you in on this little secret before any of the others, and you understand the plan better than anyone else."

"Besides the fact that I have a pony and cart," Prim added.

"Ah, of course. That reminds me of something else I had to say... Oh yes, Olo. Prim, Olo wanted to know about horses. Will you explain our plan concerning them to him?"

"Certainly, Uncle Bilbo," said Prim, using her fond name for him, though he wasn't really her uncle. She stood up on a chair and raised her hands. "Everyone!" she cried. There was immediate silence.

"There are a few things Bilbo has asked me to explain to you all," she said. "Olo asked about ponies for us all. My family has about five ponies-" there were some exclamations of surprise at this "-which they would be willing to lend to you all. I also own a cartpony, who will be useful in carrying the supplies we'll need.

"Annbell, you asked how Bilbo would keep Frodo from finding out. That will indeed be a challenge; Frodo is a very intelligent lad. It will be up to us to make our plans and get our supplies in secret. I'm sure the children, who will be staying here, will keep Frodo occupied so he has no time to snoop."

Primrose glanced back at Bilbo, and then turned once again to face the crowd of hobbits. "I believe that's all you need know for now. Our group will set out tomorrow. Remember, we have only a short time before September the 22nd!

"Oh yes, one more thing," said Primrose. "It would be very kind of you if, while we're getting supplies, you could get a gift for Frodo. And," she added in a quiet tone, "for Bilbo, as well."

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

[Sindae]

When Crystal heard that Pearl Took would join the quest-she knew this expression sounded stupid, they were collecting presents for a party no more-she didn't know what to say.

On the one hand being together with Pearl was very funny-they could talk about anything and even if it was completely nonsense, it was never boring and if their topics to talk about ran out they still could argue. But on the other hand it was this arguing which drove Crystal really wild sometimes. There were days when you just had to mention Pearl's name and Crystal would start to complain, and then the next day the two of them were best friends. In the end she decided she was glad that Pearl would come with her since there would be very few Hobbits in her age.

As she went down the road she was so deep in her thoughts that she just bumped into something or someone. A few seconds later she recognized whom she had run into. "Crystal! What do you take me for? I tell you if you ever do that again you'll be very sorry for it, and if you're not, I'll make you! Don't you ever dare to run around without looking what's in front of you! And don't look at me like that, I'm angry!"
Crystal needed a moment to get back into reality, then she started to shout at Pearl as well.

When they had finished ruining their throat Crystal asked "So we're both going to travel with the other Hobbits to collect presents for Frodo's party?"

"Think so" Pearl answered.

"Well it'll be a fun time" said Crystal with a grin and not much voice left.

"Indeed." Pearl´s voice was even more hoarse.
A last smile and they both went on.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Beruthiel]

Marigold Gamgee was strolling up the path to her garden and home on Bagshot row. It had been a fine day and she’d gone out to pay with a few friends so naturally she was covered in dirt.
As she walked past Bag-End, she could hear many voices, it sounded like something important. Unable to contain her curiousity, she decided to investigate. Sneaking up as quietly as she could she peaked quickly into the window. She could see many hobbits quite a few older ones as well as a couple of younger ones. These younger ones were just about to walk out so Marigold hid behind one of the large rose bushes.

“Now remember not a single word to Frodo alright?” Marigold recognized it as her brother’s voice “Mr. Bilbo appointed us himself to do this so you’d better keep your mouths shut!”
Marigold, a little puzzled about what he was talking about, moved closer and said softly “Sam?”

He spun around looking startled. Marigold could see the other hobbits now, there was Elanor Greenthumb, Belladonna Proudfoot and Cami Goodchild. She knew Cami best, being cousins and all, she was quite a bossy girl (but then again so was Marigold) and they had been in fights lots of times.
“What do you think you’re doing! Sam shouted angrily at her.
“I could say the exact same to you!” She retorted
“It’s non o’ your business alright! So keep you’re big nose out of it!”
“Well, ‘tis now! What's this about Mr Bilbo choosing you? To do what? Tell me!” She whined.

Marigold hated to be left out of things, it happened to her a lot because she was always the youngest. Hobbits her age weren’t interested in the same things she was, they always liked to hide behind their parents and let them do the hard stuff but not Marigold. She liked to do things her way and she was incredibly stubborn.

They all looked at her with a blank expression, ‘This calls for extreme measures.’ She thought to herself.
“Fine, don’t tell me,” She said “But you know, I haven’t talked to Frodo for quite a while now, he might be interested in all this…” She stared up at them with an innocent look on her face.

Now the others looked really worried, most of them knew what had happened last time Marigold had opened her big mouth.

Knowing what they were all thinking she said, "Well, tell me what this is all about first and then I’ll promise not to spill the beans,"

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[Orual]

"Now remember, not a single word to Frodo, alright? Mr. Bilbo appointed us himself to do this so you’d better keep your mouths shut!" Sam ordered, taking on an air of importance. But he was thinking: Thanks, Mr. Bilbo. Me and all these silly girls! Not a single other boy. Lucky me. Well, it didn't really matter: he'd do it for Frodo. Never said he had to enjoy it, though.

"Sam?"

Sam whirled around at the sound of his name. His eyes widened as he saw his little sister, Marigold. Great! Not only did he have Belle, and Elanor, and Cami, but now he had Marigold to worry about.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded.

She demanded right back to know what they were doing, and even went so far as to threaten to tell Frodo unless they told her what was going on. Cami didn't believe her, but Sam knew better.

"Well, tell me what this is all about first and then I’ll promise not to spill the beans," Marigold insisted.

Sam scowled, crossing his arms. Little sisters were only put on the face of Middle-earth to cause trouble, weren't they! "Marigold, come on. This isn't your business. Go home, won't you?"

"I surely won't," Marigold responded stubbornly. A Gamgee family trait, that stubbornness. She crossed her arms right back and glared at Sam.

Sam looked helplessly at Cami. "If we don't tell 'er, she'll blab that we're up to something to the entire town," he moaned. "Don't think she won't! She's done it before. Now see here, Marigold," he said sternly, "if we do tell you, and you tell a soul, don't think Cami was joking. You'll be in trouble, I can promise you!"

He turned to Cami. "Should we tell her?" he asked.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[Eruantalon]

Olo looked around at all of the talking that had been inspired."Well now isn't this a funny sight.All this confusion over such a littel task.Shurely it won't be like this right up to the party."


"So many people just talking, not knowing hide nor hair to do.But I'll keep my calm,I won't get caught up in this running like a chicken."


"Oh but I hope I get done soon here.Hope it don't take too long its just started,and I can't wait for it to be over."He thought to himself.


"But there will be a grand party none the less, and its for Bilbo and Frodo.So I'll have to stick through."


Now the Hobbit found a stool near the window,and sat there for the time being.His dark brown pants had a new hole in the right knee from his yard work earlier.His shirt still had a butter stain on the left pocket breast.He knew he couldn't go out into town like this.But he was happy to help out,vary hungry.But happy none the less.Now reaching into his pant pocket he took out his pipe.Lit it and drew on the flaming ambers.


[I]"Ah now a good pipe can calm the nerves".He thought to himself.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Merri]

Elanor realized that Sam had directed his question at Cami, but she couldn't help answering herself. She touched his shoulder gently, and spoke in an undertone so only he could hear. She knew very well that this directly contradicted what Cami had just said, which was why she had said them for Sam's benefit only. If Cami ever found out, well, Elanor would be roasted meat, and on a stick, too, turning around slowly over a hot fire.

"Sam, Marigold's got to learn her lesson, and I figure that this is a good as time as any. If she tells, no serious harm will come of it, and Uncle Bilbo can give her a good talking to." She paused. "I say you give her a chance. But then, Cami probably knows better, as she's older than us, and in charge!"

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami crossed her arms and looked stubbornly over at Elanor, after hearing what she had to say. "I don't like this. I don't like this at all! Mister Bilbo will have our necks if anyone messes up this party. And if someone tells Frodo what's going on, Master Baggins will speak with our parents. We'll probably get some horrible punishment, or at least I will."

Cami sighed and sat for a very long time, trying to decide what was the best thing to do. She knew exactly how her mother and father would respond if Master Bilbo came to them and complained that Cami had let the secret out to the younger children and then had ruined everything for Frodo. She would end up mucking out the barn for the next six months. They might even forbid her to go to Bilbo's house any more.

That last thought was alarming. She would certainly shrivel up and die if she was told to stay away from all those nice books and stories and lovely afternoon teas. Her own family did not have as nice a smial as Bilbo, and they had just one book sitting on the shelf in the kitchen. A very boring one about farming methods that her father sometimes read. It had no pictures of Elves or dragons. Cami would surely die if she was trapped inside her own burrow with only that one book to look at.

She sighed and turned back to Sam, "Alright. Marigold wins. We let her in on the secret and she can help us with the duties as well."

Here, Cami stated directly at Marigold with a stern face. "But there's just one thing. I'm not telling Marigold anything until she does this."

"We'll all creep down to the village barrows in the middle of the night. Then Marigold will swear a solemn oath on the bones of our ancestors that she won't ever blab to anyone. And if she breaks that promise, then the ghosts can come and carry her away. That's the only way I'll trust her enough to share our secrets with her."

"We can do that tonight, if you want to. Everyone can sneak out of their houses at midnight and meet down by the graveyard." She stared around at the other children waiting for their response.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Orual]

"Alright. Marigold wins. We let her in on the secret and she can help us with the duties as well."

Sam almost groaned aloud when he heard Cami's words. Not only another girl, but his little sister! Elanor had said it would be a good lesson for Marigold, but Sam simply couldn't look past the fact that it was his sister. He sighed in frustration and kicked at the dirt.

He didn't he really think that Marigold would mess things up--at least, not if Cami found a sufficiently dire consequence to telling, of which he had no doubt. But he didn't want to drag his sister around--not this time. Coming from a family of six, Sam was tired of having a sibling along, either to look after or to be looked after by. He had been looking forward to being the only Gamgee this time.

"But there's just one thing. I'm not telling Marigold anything until she does this."

Sam perked up at this next statment of Cami's, and listened closely as she detailed her plan, involving Marigold swearing a solemn oath on the bones of their ancestors. He could hardly help breaking into a grin. Trust Cami to come up with something good enough to still Marigold's tongue! When she was finished speaking, Sam nodded vigorously.

"I agree," he said, and shot a look at Marigold. "It's serious business, this, and it needs a serious oath. What do the rest of you say?"

[Merri]

Elanor nodded her agreement.

In her heart, she dearly wanted to go with the travelling hobbits. She'd spent all her childhood dreaming about the wonderful places she'd go to and the people she'd meet, and here was a prime opportunity to fulfill all those dreams. But of course, she was still too young to go by herself.

Still, it was the least she could do to stay behind and help back in Hobbiton. Not only that, she'd made a promise to help, and so she'd have to keep her promise. She sat down on the floor, and drew her knees up to her chin, thinking, I know this is going to be fun . . . but if only I were going with Uncle Bilbo and the grown ups!!. Then, Nonsense, Elanor, you should know better! Staying at home will be lots of fun, and anyway, you don't have to worry about bandits or anything of the sort- then she began wondering which one was worse, dealing with bandits or dealing with bossy hobbit girls.

[Child of the 7th Age]

That afternoon, the Green Dragon Inn at Bywater was unusually busy. The Innkeeper was madly dashing around, trying to keep all her customers happy. Two of the folk in the Inn were Frodo Baggins and his cousin Daisy Boffin. Daisy was the daughter of Dudo, who'd been the elder brother of Drogo, Frodo's father who had sadly died in a boating accident. Even though Daisy was technically a cousin, she was a full eighteen years older than Frodo so that he usually called her "Auntie".

Frodo sat across from Auntie, making pleasant conversation and smiling. Yet, all the time, at the back of his mind, he kept wondering why Bilbo had ever set up this engagement for him. Daisy had the remarkable ability to speak for hour upon hour, yet never really say anything. Frodo fidgeted nervously as he listened to the twenty-third recitation of how Bell Goodchild's big dog had escaped from the yard and gone over to dig up Mistress Boffin's flowerbeds. Still, Frodo was known for being an unusually polite hobbit lad, so he would never say anything to hurt Daisy, since she was at heart a kindly lady.

There was something else that puzzled Frodo. His aunt had always been a modest eater, never stuffing herself or being too greedy as hobbits occasionally will. But this afternoon, Daisy's appetite seemed to know no bounds. She'd just finished her third dessert and was looking around the Inn to see if she could find someone to bring her another.

"Excuse me," Frodo leaned over to attract the attention of the server. "Mistress Boffin would like a piece of that seed cake over there." He pointed in the direction of the bar where there sat a luscious looking seed cake that had just been taken out from the ovens. Its sweet aroma was wafting over the entire room.

Auntie Daisy leaned over and whispered something in Frodo's ear. Frodo blushed a bit, but spoke again to the server.

"Actually, she's so hungry that she'd like two large pieces of the cake!"

The Innkeeper arched her eyebrows, but said nothing as she firmly believed in the principle that whatever a guest wanted was alright with her.

Frodo sighed, wondering if he was ever going to get away from the Inn. Bilbo had given him a very long list of chores, and had been quite insistent that he go to the market and do every one, not omitting a single thing on the list. But Frodo was certainly not about to be rude to Daisy. So he leaned back in his chair and ordered another flagon of ale, as his Aunt slowly began working her way through her fourth dessert.

[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[doug*platypus]

Biffo had been standing near the back of the room, while the sea of hobbit voices swelled this way and that, and the chatter of the young ones rose to a flurry of birdlike noise, even when some of them thought they were whispering discretely amongst themselves. Kids thought Biffo, with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.

The hobbit's ears perked up when one of the adults, Primrose, had mentioned her family's six ponies. Although this was not a huge number, Biffo didn't know of anyone apart from a well-to-do farming family who could boast such a small army of beasts. Handy, for sure. Primrose had a certain bossy air about her the way she had called the room to attention, but Biffo could not help but be impressed at the way everyone had quitened down to listen to her talk. At least someone isn't all in a tizzy, he thought, and smiled approvingly towards his Uncle Olo, who was also keeping quiet near the back of the room.

After a little while, the hobbit children had hustled and bustled their way out of the door, and the latecomer called Pearl (who Biffo thought he had recognised from somewhere) had also dashed off. The other four older hobbits were left there with Bilbo. Biffo's stomach gently chided him that luncheon had not yet been mentioned, and the hobbit made up his mind to head back to The Green Dragon for some viddles, if once tomorrow's plans had been made these were not on offer at Bag End. It was a fair hop back to Frogmorton, too, and Biffo thought he had best arrange a bed for the night.

[Child of the 7th Age]

There was so much chatter and upset going on within the room that no one noticed the solitary figure hunched over just outside the window. It looked to be a male hobbit, stylishly attired and in his late tweens. The lad's left ear was pressed tight to the outer window pane, as he strained to listen to the words exchanged inside. The sheltering arms of the myrtle bush, still thick with purple blossoms, hung down obligingly and hid him from the eyes of all who tramped in and out the main doorway at Bag-end.

A muttered growl escaped the hobbit's lips. Just look at all these folk, he mused. They're probably friends of that dreadful Bilbo. And they're sitting there and enjoying themselves in what should be my personal sitting room. It was indeed a painful sight.

As the lad pressed his ear ever tighter to the pane, he began to pick up the gist of what was being planned. A birthday party for Frodo, and, even more than that, a surprise birthday party.

Lotho Sackville-Baggins sat back on his heels and laughed with glee! This was just the kind of thing he could use to his advantage. For a minute he contemplated racing off to the steps of the Green Dragon Inn in order to disclose the secret there and then to Frodo. Then he shook his head. That was too easy. He wanted to do something that would make all these silly people squirm, and maybe teach them a lesson or two.

What great fools these hobbits were. The children were already squabbling with each other. It wouldn't take too much to encourage their nastiness, and they'd be throwing rocks at one another, unable to cooperate or help plan any party.

As for the older ones who were to set out on the road, he'd have a stronger medicine in store for them. Bandits? They were afraid of bandits? He sneered to think that the hobbits actually took that rumor seriously. His family had reliable informers in several corners of the Shire and, as far as they could tell, the talk of bandits was just a lot of hooey, probably made up by mothers who didn't want their little ones to stray too far from home.

Well, if they wanted bandits, his own mother would probably be happy to oblige. Nothing too extreme, but enough to shake up Bilbo's frends and scare them aplenty.

Lotho stuck his head out of the bush, kept a watchful eye, and waited for the coast to clear. At just the right moment, he bolted out from the garden and sprinted across the field, straight back towards his home, bearing news that Loblia would surely welcome.

[Merri]

Elanor suddenly felt someone listening outside the door. She couldn't explain why she felt it, or how she knew, but she felt it nonetheless. She looked up at Uncle Bilbo, and he glanced at her curiously, as if saying, Do what you think necessary. She bolted to the door and flung it open.

No one. The grounds outside were clear- nobody in sight. So who was it she had felt? She sighed and came back in, closing the door behind her. You're much too jumpy for your own good, Elanor Greenthumb, she told herself.

[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

Bilbo stood up once again. "Frodo may be coming back any time now," he said, causing Prim to give him a puzzled look. "You had all better go for a walk together and make plans for how you will travel, what you will get for the party, and everything else you need to think over."

"Aren't you going to help us make plans and tell us what to do, Mr. Bilbo?" one hobbit from the company asked.

"I leave it entirely to your wonderful imaginations," said Bilbo. "Prim will help you, won't you, Prim?"

"Yes, of course, but, Uncle Bilbo..." Prim walked up to Bilbo and said in a quiet voice. "It's only been a few minutes. "Could Frodo be back already?"

"Of course not, Prim," said Bilbo. "But I need to find some way to get all these hobbits out of my home and on to their work."

"Oh," said Prim, smiling widely. "I understand." She turned to all the hobbits. "All right, let's all go walk along the road and discuss our plans! Come on, everyone. And if Frodo comes along the road and sees us... just pretend we're all going for a wonderful walk together, and start talking about something else, and don't giggle."

The hobbit company walked out the door, and Bilbo smiled at all the children. "Now, who would like to hear a story from Uncle Bilbo?" he asked. This suggestion was eagerly approved, and Bilbo began telling his story.

[Eruantalon]

Olo sat quitly on his stool.He noticed Biffo sit near him.Oh now what a fool I am.He realized he had half a ham sandwich in his pocket.He took it out of the wrapper of paper.


From where he was sitting he could hear Biffos belly growling to.The people where still talking and making littel sense to him.So he called Biffo over, pointing at the sandwich.Taking out his pocket knife he cut it in half.


"Now this isn't enough to feed us both here.But it will keep us till we are all done.Want a bite,there you go now."He handed the food to Biffo.


Biffo munch on the sandwich eagerly,as did Olo.Well now arn't we all in an adventure today.He thought to himself.Wouldn't it be better if we all could make our way to the Green Dragon for a bite and a sip.


Just then he looked up as Bilbo spoke.He was in for a suprise.Maybe they could make it there just as Frodo was leaving.They could all talk while they where on there way.


"Well Biffo my boy,seems where all off to a walk now.Come join me,we'll talk about some gossip now.I got some juicy bits,and I'm sure you do to."With that the two got up and made there way out with the rest.

[Sindae]

After the fight with Pearl Crystal went on her way home. She thought about what to pack-her sword of course, and some warm clothes. Anything else? Food? She did not know if the other hobbits already had thought about it and decided not to either. At least not yet, there was still time to bother about this question.

How long would this journey take? A week? A month? She did not know much about the distances between the villages of the shire since she had spent nearly all her live in Hobbiton, allwoing for two or three short trips to Bree together with her parents but she was sure that someone would tell her or she would find out. She trusted in her couriosity and did not think about it much longer.

When she was at home she made herself at first some milk with honey and hoped it would prevent having no voice the next day, afterwards went to her parents to tell them what she was about to do. They were not really happy about the fact that her only daughter was going to travel around in the Shire although it was said that many bandits, and among them really dangerous ones, could attack her but at the end Crystal could persuade them that it was "For Frodo, mum! Just imagine his happy face when he'll see all these presents!" and that nothing could happen to her with all these other hobbits around her and with her sword. They were still worried but they allowed her to go.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Auntie Daisy had finally finished eating her second piece of seed cake, and even she had no room in her stomach to cram in even one more tiny crumb. Frodo walked over to the Innkeeper and clanked out a number of silver coins on the top of the bar to pay for their luncheon. Then he went back and collected his Aunt, escorting her to the front door of the Inn.

As Daisy was about to leave and return to the comfort of her burrow, she thanked Frodo for his generosity and sternly reminded him not to forget the errands Bilbo had entrusted to him. For a moment, the lad stood still, with a puzzled expression on his face.

How strange, he mused, I swear I never mentoned that list of chores. I wonder how she knew about it. But as the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, he didn't give it a second thought. He had too many things to do before the peddlers in the central square took down their tables and stashed away their wared. Today was market day, and things would be particularly busy. So, off Frodo went straight towards the market at a quick, steady trot to purchase the items on his list one at a time.

Two hours later, the hobbit had finally finished. Every item requested had been purchased and packed away, to be conveyed safely back to Bilbo at Bag-end. Frodo's arms were heavily burdened with packages and several satchels were slung onto his back. I look like a pack pony! Frodo grinned impishly at this accurate description of his plight. Next time, if Bilbo gives me this much to do, I'll get Samwise or Cami to help me carry all the mess.

The short walk between Bywater and Hobbiton seemed to have lengthened considerably in the brief time he'd been away. Almost one hour later, just as the sun was sinking slowly behind the horizon, Frodo arrived at his home, panting like a work horse in from the fields. He dumped his parcels and packets all helter skelter on the entry table, and called out in a cheerful voice, "Bilbo, it's me. I'm home. Come look and see what I've bought for you."

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

[Merri]

Elanor had lingered just long enough to catch sight of Frodo coming home from his chores. She almost laughed out loud at the sight of him- he was panting heavily, his face was red as the sunset, and he was burdened with several packages. What on Middle-Earth did Bilbo send him out to buy? She wondered.

She was about to offer to help him carry his packages, but before she could open her mouth, he had passed in to Bag End, out of sight. Never let me catch you saying that there wasn't anyone to help you, Mr. Frodo. You'll find friends in unlikely places, you will, and you'd better keep your eyes open from now on. She thought, and stood by the roadside, wondering what it was she had left behind, and what she should do now.

[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Beruthiel]

Marigold was sitting down thinking about today's strange events. Mr Bilbo was telling them all a story but she really wasn't listening. At that moment she could Frodo coming back up the path, loaded with parcels and packages that Mr Bilbo ahd told him to get.

Earilier on Cami had told them her plan to stop Marigold blabbing. We'll all creep down to the village barrows in the middle of the night. Then Marigold will swear a solemn oath on the bones of our ancestors that she won't ever blab to anyone. And if she breaks that promise, then the ghosts can come and carry her away. That's the only way I'll trust her enough to share our secrets with her

There's been tales of the downs at night, it was definitely a creepy place and she was a little frightened at the thought of it at first but she put on a brave face and and replied "Fine, I'll be there".They're trying to scare me off!she thought to herself As if I'd pass up on this, even if I have to swear on my ancestors and risk being hunt down by ghosts. She was determined to be a part of this secret mission, whatever it was. For once she wasn't going to be left out.

Even though the fear of the village downs was still in the back of her mind, she also had a growing sense of anticipation. Whatever's going on, its got to be pretty important for them to want me to take such a strong oath She couldn't help feeling excited, she would be the youngest hobbit who knew about this and she couldn't wait.

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[excheeto]

Belle frowned,crinkling her nose and twisting her face in a compleate pout.She couldn't believe they would try to scare someone like that! Of course,they had to tell her,she had probably heard half of it already,but if they were going to be mean to Marigold,they probably wouldn't think twice about scaring her.

True,she had agreed to the oath.She had heard rumors about the place,but had always believed rumors were something to be looked into as well.She looked over at Marigold as Bilbo told them all a story.She knew she was one of Sams sisters,and that she was about her age,but didn't know if she was nice or mean.

After thier story,she snuck past the other hobbits and hurried down the road."Marigold"she said breathly after she had caught up,"I was thinking,well, at least I'm not the only little one here,I say we outdo them or something,what do you think?don't worry about any oaths they give you,my Mother tells me not to believe in things of that sort,and I don't"

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: excheeto ]

[Beruthiel]

Marigold. At least I'm not the only little one here, I say we outdo them or something, what do you think? don't worry about any oaths they give you,my Mother tells me not to believe in things of that sort, and I don't

"Well I don't really mind about the oath" She whispered back. "It’s the only way Cami will trust me and I really want to know what's going on"
Marigold knew Belle by sight but had never really talked to her; she was a little bit older than Marigold by a few months. She seemed nice but by the look on her face Belle hadn't liked the idea of going to the downs either.

Marigold wasn’t too sure what Belle had really meant when she said that they ought to outdo the rest of them but it sounded like fun. Maybe she means we take charge of something, organize our own little plans she thought to herself feeling rather important. Yes we could do that, when I know what this is all about. She knew that this involved Frodo somehow and that it was supposed to be secret but other than that she had no idea.

[doug*platypus]

Once the chatter and the inevitable pre-party excitement had died down, Bilbo tried to usher them all out of his hobbit-hole, even before tea and cakes no less! Well, how do you like that! Biffo thought to himself. Fortunately good old Uncle Olo had come prepared, and Biffo had been rewarded for his patience with half of a very decent ham sandwich.

"You had all better go for a walk together," said Bilbo, "and make plans for how you will travel, what you will get for the party, and everything else you need to think over."

The planning as it seemed was being largely left up to Primrose. It appeared that Bilbo was otherwise occupied, or didn't want Frodo to know that something was afoot. Biffo was a little disappointed that the old hobbit would not be coming along, as he had been looking forward to his stories. After a few quiet words with Bilbo, Primrose turned to all the hobbits.

"All right, let's all go walk along the road and discuss our plans. Come on, everyone! And if Frodo comes along the road and sees us - just pretend we're all going for a wonderful walk together, start talking about something else, and don't giggle!"

Bilbo saw the older hobbits (although he probably didn't use that term himself) out. Biffo, last to leave, claimed his hat from the hatstand, and picked up his walking staff from where it reclined next to the wonderful round, green door of Bag End. Halting a second before he stepped out into the lane, Biffo turned around and said to Bilbo:

"No worries, then Mr. Bilbo, sir, shouldn't take too long to get the job done. Me and Olo will put any bandits off, and Primrose will too I daresay!"

"Thank you for helping out, Biffo," the old hobbit said (he knew almost every hobbit in The Shire by name). "Oh, and by the way..." he whispered, leaning in close to Biffo with a strange gleam in his eye, "don't forget to use your head!"

Then with a laugh and a pat on the shoulder, he bid them all a last farewell, and closed the door after them. Biffo strode quickly off after the rest of the group, hoping that Primrose was leading them to The Green Dragon for supper and a talk about what tomorrow would bring.

[Manardariel]

"Pearly, dahling, pass me a piece of pie, will you?" Pearl leaned over and reached for the plate of cherry pie, grabbed a piece and handed it to her best friend Vivi. They were sitting on the bench in Vivi´s front yard, streching out for the last bit of warm, wonderfull summer-sun.
"So," Vivi said, "you´ll be leving us? So soon.."

" I wish I could stay, but, you know..."

Vivi smiled. "I understand. I wouldn´t miss the chance to organize a party..."

"Vivi! Don´t talk about it! You´re not supposed to know, remember? If Bilbo finds out I told you, I´ll be toast!"

But Vivi´s eyes were looking past her, along the road that let from her house down to the market place. Pearl followed her gaze and recognized the other hobbits she would be travelling with- excluding Crystal, as she noticed with relief. She was still a bit hoarse.

"Hello", she said, smiling at the group. The others all smiled back. Primrose asked her to join them- they were apperently discussioning their journey, as the other woman´s winks told her. Pearl agreed and they walked a few paces, but then she rememberd something.

"What about Crystal?" The others looked puzzeled.

"Why didn´t you know? Crystal Gold will be joining us... shouldn´t we stop by at her place and tell her to come along? I bet she´s positivly bursting with exitement..."

She looked around and saw the others all facing Primrose, who agreed. Pearl wonderd what that was about, but said nothing.

As they walked on, Pearl observed the rest of the company. Primrose was walking up front, clearly taking the lead. Anabell came behind, being her usual (quiet) self. The two older ones were in deep conversation, mostly about food, it seemed.

For a while, she tried to think of the party and some of their preperations... they would need the best cake- Sweetdough at Michel Delving should have that-, other food supplies such as mushrooms (ask Farmer Maggot?), meat (the Hunter´s House in Bywater, perhaps), as for the presents...

Even though these thoughts were pleasant, and contained everything she liked (ale, party etc.), Pearl felt something wiggeling in her insides...
She took a deep breath. One of the things she could not stand was walking in silence. Another one was being with people she didn´t really know anything about. So, she walked up to Primrose.

"Hey", she said, smiling her most friendly smile,

"We haven´t really had a chance to know each other, have we? Well, I´m Pearl and um... you´re Primrose, right?"
She peeped into the women´s face, waiting for a response.

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Merri]

Elanor at last remembered what she could do. Even though the announcement had been made, Bilbo still had things to do for the party, and most likely he would still need Frodo out of his way. Poor old Frodo, Elanor thought, smiling a little to herself. He'll be kicked out of the way a lot now, but it'll be worth it. And she turned her steps back towards Bag End.

Her knocks sounded very soft, and she doubted that Bilbo had heard them, but in only a few moments, he appeared, looking more than a little irritated, and asked her what she could possibly want.

"Well, Uncle Bilbo," She said, her hands in the pockets of her skirt. "I was wondering if Frodo could come over for dinner. You know my Ma's mighty fond of him, and-" catching sight of Frodo in the hallway, she leaned in towards Bilbo and whispered, "It'll keep him out of your way for a good hour or two at least, so you can tie up unfinished business."

So it was that the two hobbits set off the road together, talking and singing merrily, planning of things to come, and in her heart, Elanor smiled, thinking of the beautiful suprise that was to come for her dear friend.

[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, known for both her decorous conduct and immpeccable taste, sat at her small writing table in her home, looking over the letter that lay before her. She carefully reviewed it one last time to make certain that it would do the job for which it was intended. She smiled surreptitiously as she finished her perusal. Indeed, this was exactly what she'd hoped for...a chance to push Bilbo's nose far into the mud, and leave him in a prostrate position from which he could never rise.

Ruining Frodo's party? That would be just half of it. The other half would be terrifying the hobbits on the road, roughing them up just enough so that their parents and kin would squeal and blame the mad hobbit Bilbo for leading them on this merry chase. Such a convenient way to ruin his reputation.

It was true that the little ones in Hobbiton could be easily handled by Lotho. What a delightful task for her son! But the big ones deserved sterner treatment for their nerve in being friends with Bilbo instead of herself as the true representative of the Baggins' clan.

She slipped the missive into an envelope and handed it to the Shire messenger standing and waiting on her doorstep. He looked down in disgust at the few meager pennies that she slipped into his open hand. I'll show her, the messenger thought, slitting open the envelope and reading over the letter:

My dearest Evelina,

It has come to my attention through certain mutual acquaintances who shall remain nameless that you have recently placed an advertisement in the Prancing Pony Inn concerning your availability for hire.

As I understand it, you have a band of good fellows who wish to go adventuring and have offered to contract themselves out for various nefarious deeds in relation to business ventures, with no questions asked. I indeed have such a business venture with which I need your assistance.

Please come meet me in my humble home at the dead of midnight tomorrow night, and I will make your trip well worth your while.

Your admiring friend,

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
Hobbiton, The Shire

The messenger pushed the sheet back in the envelope, and resealed it as deftly as he could. He shook his head and laughed as he went about his deliveries. There was nothing new under the sun!

[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[theWhiteLady]

A few hours later, Evelina was interrupted from brooding over her cup of ale by a hobbit with a dirty nose bearing an equally grubby letter. He had approached her timidly, and one couldn't blame him for she was muttering quite threateningly under her breath about bad business and lack of jobs. She snatched the letter up and gave him a look so venemous he didn't dare ask for a tip! He scampered off to the bar for a whole pint to soothe his nerves.

The contents of the letter seemed to put Evelina in a better mood, however. At least she stopped glowering every time someone walked by her corner. She pulled a quill and two scraps of paper from the dark cloak slung over her shoulders and scribbled a message upon each. Evelina stood and even managed a cold smile that did not reach her black eyes. She walked to the bar and tapped the hobbit with the dirty nose on the shoulder.

"Give these to two men who should be coming in shortly. They will be dressed in black, as I am, and appear to be unarmed." The hobbit nodded wordlessly, and the lady gave him one last scathing glance before throwing a few coins to the innkeeper, and leaving through a side door.

The moon peeked out from behind wispy clouds and illuminated a small garden. A dark figure moved carefully and slipped inside a door hidden by a wysteria bush. The heady fragrance of its purple blooms filled the air and a wisp of its scent wafted into the room when dark figure entered. A light gleamed faintly and the figure followed, soft, grey slippers making no noise on the hard-wood floors. A little hobbit woman could be seen inside, tending a kettle on the fire, with her back to the door. Stupid creatures,Evelina thought contemptously. She tip-toed right behind the woman, stooped over the fire and boomed out:

"Well? You inquired about a job?"

[excheeto]

"I know this seems a little sudden,seeing as we haven't met much"Belle said in a soft voice as she walked alongside Marigold,"but if you knew them at all,you would know how bossy they can be,if we do better than them,Frodo and Bilbo would be so proud of us,and for all I know,between what I know of Cami and Sam,well,I know at least Cami will take it over,but I don't care if she pulls every hair out of my head!I want to get the better of her and all of them somehow,don't you?"


Belle barely heard the reply.Glanceing at the horizon,she gasped and looked upwards at the reddening sky."It's getting late!"she replied suddenly,then glancing at the houses around her,one,which had proved to be Marigold's.She turned back and ran.Bilbo's would be a rough distance to hoof it,but she ran,hoping to make it before sunset,or worse,before she was late to dinner!


She soon saw Elanor walking with Frodo.She remembered what Bilbo had said,but how could she explain being on the road,alone,this late in the evening? In a sudden panic,she dove behind a large bush.She heard bits and pieces of the conversation as they walked by.She stayed in her place,gasping and wheezing until she had fully caught her breath.

Getting back on the road,she walked briskly,but carefully as the sun continued to sink lower and the whole sky changed to bright red with different shades of blue.


Finally getting to Bilbo's house in Bag End,she slowly turned the knob and peered around the door."Uncle Bilbo?is dinner ready?".

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: excheeto ]

[Orual]

Sam walked home behind Marigold and Belle, deep in his own thoughts...thoughts about the party, thoughts about the oath, thoughts about the girls. He didn't hear a word that his sister or Belle said, but he watched them carefully--not so much out of his duty to walk them home, but simply out of their connection to his thoughts.

The whole business of the oath was bothering him a bit. He agreed with Cami that it was the only way to keep Marigold quiet, but she was his little sister, no matter how much he complained about her. He frowned and crossed his arms. What a fix! He didn't want Marigold to get too scared at the barrows, but he certainly didn't want her blabbing the whole plan to Frodo.

"The less I worry about it, the happier we'll all be," he muttered to himself, sighing. "Cami knows what she's doing, and she cares for Marigold just like I do--after all, a cousin's a cousin. But I do wish that Marigold had never overheard--those ears of hers combined with that mouth: what a sister!" He sighed again and went on with the girls.

[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[Deorlin]

Jasper slipped his slightly grimy hand over his face, pushing his long, greasy dark hair out of his eyes. It wasn't a gesture to actually clear his vision; the lank locks immediately fell back down into his face. It was just a knee jerk reaction - one he repeated hundreds of times a day. Just like the next - rubbing the back of his hand across his nose, and then down the side of his black coat. Fortunately, his nose wasn't actually running at the moment.

He entered the inn, sidling in through the door rather than walking in a straight forward manner. Although short in heighth, he still stooped slightly, hunched forward into his clothes, like some mangy vulture, his eyes shifting from side to side as if expecting a blow or a curse. True enough, when most respectable people saw this young man, they probably felt like delivering either one or both. But tonight, the patrons at the tavern were sparse, so there were no altercations as Jasper made his way to the bar. He cleared his throat in a gravelly cough, and called to the barkeep for a pint.

Waiting for his mug, he glanced around, scoping out the clientele - another old habit. It always paid to take note of those who might be 'susceptible' to some of his little . . . games. All the faces he spied though were all too familiar to this petty thief, except . . . was that a hobbit over there? Didn't get too many of those in here! Perhaps this little one would be intrigued with a game of 'chance'?

Just then the hobbit, as if reading Jasper's thoughts, looked up from the seemingly huge pint pot in front of him. He stared intently at Jasper, taking in his appearance in an appraising glance.

"Yeah, and is there somethin' I can do fer you, little one?" Jasper sneered, putting particular emphasis on the 'little'. Best to put these outsiders in their place right off the bat.

The hobbit, quietly, but without undue nervousness, asked "Are you by any chance a friend . . . er . . . acquaintance of Evelina?"

"Who's askin' and why for?" Jasper replied in the most superior tone he could muster.

"I have a message here; she said you and another might be shortly coming in here." The hobbit extended his hand and revealed the note. Jasper's hand went out from his long coat sleeve like the head of a snake and snatched the paper from the hobbit, who drew back as if indeed he might be bitten. Knowing full well there would be no tip here, indeed he would be lucky to escape a cuff to the ear, the hobbit retreated with his pint quickly to a table in the far corner, to await the other.

Jasper opened the paper and perused the contents. A job - and with Evelina! Good. he could do with a bit of excitement. Things were getting mighty dull around Bree. He'd never really been in the Shire; those little ones looked easy pickings enough. But at heart, Jasper was really quite the coward, and even the thought of facing down an enraged hobbit farmer with a pitchfork didn't suit his fancy too well. He much preferred the easy jobs carried out under the cloak of darkness, with the knife in his boot and the club at his back for added security. Evelina's note said little enough what the job was to be - she always was a close one. Still, always wise to be careful of what one put in writing.

Well, if he was to make the midnight rendezvous, he'd better get moving. Shoving the note in his pocket, Jasper slid from the stool and made his way crab-like back out into the night.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Lobelia jumped straight up about two feet in the air, which was a remarkable feat for a small hobbit. She looked back in fright, automatically grabbing onto the fireplace poker to fight off her assailant if such defense would prove necessary.

The hobbit's jaw dropped open, at the sight of the tall woman towering over her, dressed entirely in black and with a look on her face that could have turned the heart of even one of the big folk to stone. She tried to still the trembling of her knees, as the poker slipped out of her hand and clattered to the floor, but with little success. Finally, she managed to stutter out a question, "You're Evelina? B-b-but you weren't supposed to come till tomorrow night!"

The dark woman turned to face her with a grim expression on her face, "Take it or leave it. I'm here now, and will be glad to depart if you have no use of me. Or spell out what you want done, and how much gold you will pay me for the task."

Lobelia was beginning to wonder if she'd made a serious mistake in judgment. This fierce, determined woman looked nothing like she'd imagined. She had expected a more urbane and witty type, perhaps someone employed in a firm of solicitors who undertook the defence of various nefarious business dealings This particular lady appeared more likely to be a common thief and crook. Still, she'd certainly do a good job scaring Bilbo's friends. Of that, there seemed no doubt.

"No, please," Lobelia tried to still the pounding of her heart. "Do sit down. How rude of me." She pointed towards a large easy chair. "I will explain to you what I need."

So Loblia spelled out the tale of the travelling band of hobbits, and how she wished to have them taught a lesson. "But only a good scare, mind you. And a bit of roughing up. Enough to turn them back from their journey."

When she was finished with her explanation, she held out a small spindly bag with just a few gold coins in it, which were to be offered as recompense for Evelina's efforts.

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

[Eruantalon]

Now it was starting to get late.He and Biffo where walking down the street with the rest of the company.Every one had something to say to one another.He heard bits and pieces of everyones conversation.But still not enough to get a good idea of what was going on.


"Well now this is not the proper way to plan a party,now is it?We would do better to all sit down and talk one at a time,wouldn't we?"
He said to biffow,who nodded in agreement.


They kept walking down the street.Not getting much of anything done.But as can often happen,with a group of Hobbits.So the two listened,and asked qustions that either where not heard,or did't want to be answered.But that was alright.You just can't interupt a conversation,and expect to get some ones full attention.


Just then Prim was telling every one to go home.It was getting late,so they should all go off to there dinners.So everyone made there way off.Still there was so much to talk about.Ah thats the way we can get this all sorted out.


"Well Biffo!I have made a plan that might help this situation.Would you care to join me?I promise for hard work earned,we'll both be at the Green Dragon on me!"Biffo's eyes perked up at the mention of the Green Dragon.


But for now there was no food.Only a good hurry to Olo's house,then the post office.Olo would help to get talk started with every one,if it was the last thing he did.But he couldn't remember any ones favorite foods,and any ones favorite drinks.Well he would have to run to the market,and pick up a littel of everything.


So the prepations where made.He eat at the Green Dragon.At home he would probaly eat agian.This still did't stop him.He packed away the scones,biscutes,cake,and fruit tarts till there was't much room left.Drinking his favorite drink,tea with milk.


After his second dinner that night Olo found himself nodding off in his chair. Ooh now, better get to bed soon. Just a pipe before bed,though.He now took out his short pipe.It was finely crafted ivory. Nothing too special.It was given to him by his grandfather.So it always came in handy for a smoke.It fit in his pocket, so he had it any time he needed it.

So many things to get started tomorrow. Those letters where sent off in such a hurry after the meeting with Bilbo.At least Biffo was there to help. But knowing the post office they probably would get there late, even though he had paid extra to get them there tomorrow morning.

Biffo was always good company with a "Hullo Uncle Olo! And a yes Uncle Olo!"

They had a good time at the Green Dragon after the errond was done. But they didn't talk a bit about the meeting. Just gossip of the Shire. Now his pipe was almost done. He had been worrying too much. Worry this and worry that. When your done you'll set your pipe on your head,and smoke your hat.He thought to himself, now chuckling. Well, it's to a change of clothes,and then off to bed with me.

He did so and made his way to his bedroom, where Maggie,his wife, was already asleep. He blew out the candle, and went to bed.

[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Barodir]

Bandolin entered the pub. He wa there for an ale, nothing more. He also heard Evilina and Jasper were in the area.

Bandolin was chugging ale when a small halfling came to him with a letter. "Ay, what's this?!" he shouted, being as rude as he always is.

"Uh...well..." the hobbit stammered, for his fear of the man was growing.

-"WELL?!" the man demanded.

~"Are you by any chance a friend . . . er . . . acquaintance of Evelina?"

-"Ay, I am. Whatcha got wanting to know that?"

"I have... a message... here!" The hobbit shoved the note into Bandolin's hand and took off to his ale and hid under his coat.

Bandolin read it and a smirk ran across his sly, evil face. "A job, eh? Not too bad. And probably good pay! I'll take it!"

Bandolin gathered his things, a sword, 2 knives, and a pipe (which was put into his mouth), and left the pub for the Shire, where money was a-waiting!

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Barodir ]

[Nurumaiel]

Prim opened her mouth to speak, but then she stopped and looked up at the night sky with a little frown on her face. "It's late," she said. "We can't walk along these dark roads discussing things. If anything would draw suspicion, that would."

Primrose stopped walking an turned to face the hobbits behind her. "Go on home, have supper, and go to bed," she said. "Tomorrow we'll find some way to meet up."

As soon as everyone was walking home, Prim began to do the same thing. She came to the cosy little hobbit hole where she lived along with her mother, father, and brother, and pushed open the door. "I'm home!" she called.

"Have some supper," her mother called back. Primrose grinned and went into the dining room.

"Where were you so long?" her older brother asked. "Mum and Dad were getting worried about you when it got dark and you still weren't back."

"I was at Bag End," said Prim, beginning to eat. "But I can't tell you why, or Bilbo would be rather upset."

"Oh?" her mother said, sitting down. "Well, as long as you don't go running off anywhere without our permission."

"I'm not that young," said Prim. "And I will be running off, but I'll ask your permission first. And, father, I'm going to borrow the cart, all right? I'm going to be leaving in one or two days time."

"Where will you be going?" her father asked.

"Just to the neighboring hobbit towns. Uncle Bilbo wanted us to."

"Us?"

"He got some of his relatives," said Prim, and then finished eating. "I'm going to sleep now. I have to be up early tomorrow."

Her mother told her she didn't have to do the dishes, so Primrose walked down the hallway to her lonely room. Sometimes she wanted to have a sister so someone would be in the room with her, but tonight she was glad she'd be alone for as long as the night lasted. Curling up pulling her covers over her head, she was soon in a deep and restful sleep.

[Orual]

It was just after supper at the Bracegirdle home, and the eldest daughter, Melilot, was sweeping. She hummed cheerfully as she did, but her humming slowly quieted into silence. Something was growing on her mind; something she had forgotten, maybe?

"Bother," she muttered, "I wonder what it is. Nothing important, I hope! No, I'm sure it wasn't, or I'd've surely remembered it."

She put the broom up and sat down, thinking hard. What was it now? What could it have been? She recalled the last few days in her mind, trying to see if anything rang a bell. She had spent the morning with Camellia Boffin, flirted with Anson Gamwich, had lunch with Primrose--

Oh, no!

Primrose! Primrose had reminded her about the meeting that Bilbo had called, the one that was to be held tonight!

Melilot sprinted down the road. "Confound it all! Me and my memory--I knew that I'd mess it up! Oh, you numbskull..." she panted, among other (occasionally stronger) berations. Her curly black hair flew out behind her, and she hiked up her green dress to keep from tripping. Her face was rosier than usual with exertion; she wasn't used to running so fast or so much. A few elderly hobbits looked out their windows at her: a strange sight, a young hobbit lass racing down the lane spitting names at herself.

How could Melilot have forgotten the meeting, despite Primrose reminding her time after time after time? She had laughed Prim off, saying something always along the lines of "Oh, Prim, do relax! I've not the best memory in all the Shire, but I won't forget this. It's too important. Anything for Mr. Bilbo!"

Anything for Mr. Bilbo, she thought bitterly, except the one thing he asked of me!

She finally reached Bag End, only to find no signs of a congregation. "Fiddlesticks!" she cried, stamping her feet in frustration. "Oh, Mr. Bilbo will be furious. How could I have forgotten?"

She walked glumly home, biting back tears of anger. What a ninny she was, to forget something like this! What was she to do now? Surely it had been important, and now she didn't know what was going on. Melilot always knew what was going on. Always. "I'll have to ask Prim when next I see her," she sighed, and continued down the road home.

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[theWhiteLady]

Evelina sat down in the comfortable chair Lobelia had motioned towards, but she was careful to turn the seat so that the door was visible from around the high back. She leaned forward and listened carefully as Lobelia talked of the hobbit party and the travelling band. When the hobbit lady cautioned, "Only a good scare, mind you." Evelina could not help laughing inside, her dark eyes dancing with cold mirth, but no other sign of laughter was visible on her face as she nodded sagely. Lobelia finally finished outlining her plans and ended by offering a small bag with only a very few gold coins clinking inside. Evelina raised one slim eyebrow mockingly.

"Of course, I will be hiring a couple of my friends to help in this venture. We will all require sufficient payment, and this," she motioned with open disgust at the offered purse, "I consider a serious insult." Evelina's lip curled as she stood, once more towering over the hobbit. "I will be leaving until you reconsider the offer, and I suggest you do so quickly." And with that she turned to leave.

Lobelia's eyes widened and she began to feel quite desperate. "Wait!" she cried. Evelina turned and, sillouetted against the dark hall, looked twice as tall and threatening. Lobelia searched her pockets and dropped at least a dozen more coins into the sack and added breathlessly, "I can promise twice as much afterwards if the job is done properly." Though frightened, she was still a shrewd business woman. Evelina considered her carefully for a moment, weighing her up, and finally allowed her face to relax into an almost friendly smile. "Done" She tucked the pouch into her blouse and shook Lobelia's hand before striding out as quietly as she came. Lobelia collapsed into the chair Evelina had previously occupied, hoping that Evelina wouldn't do the job toowell.

Outside, the dark figure who was the lady Bandit walked through the trees until she reached a small clearing, shrouded from view by the thick foliage. She sat down in the shadows to await the coming of her friends.

[Sindae]

Crystal thought about an explanation why she would be away from home if Frodo came to see her. On a visit to her grand-parents in Buckland? (her family was spread all over
the Shire) Or in Bree, where some other relatives lived she had not seen for some years? Both were good reasons not to be at home.

But would she need an excuse? Frodo would hardly want to see her at all-he didn't know her in person, all he knew was that she lived not far away from Bad-End and was about 20 years old. That was all, so why should he come?

Suddenly her mother called from downstairs. "Crystal, there are some visitors for you!" She heard some talk at the door and then "They want you to come down and have a walk with them"

"I'm coming, Mum" Crystal answered and ran downstairs. On the doorstep were a couple of hobbits. Some she knew, like Pearl or Primrose whom she had often seen walking through Hobbiton. The others she knew by sight and name, but had never really spoken to them.

Before Crystal could say anything, Pearl opened her mouth and asked her to join them for a walk.

"Well why not?" she answered, wondering about the reason.She guessed that it would have something to do with the party, so she followed the others.

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: Sindae ]

[Merri]

Several hours later, the dishes had all been cleared, washed, and put away, and Frodo and Elanor were walking back up to Bag End. She didn't want the evening to end, because she always had enjoyed spending time with Frodo, but at the same time, she needed to get to the cemetery to meet with the other hobbit children.

He commented off-handedly on how it seemed that Bilbo was trying to get him out of the way, and that he found it curious.

"Oh!" Elanor exclaimed, immediately alarmed. He couldn't have caught on to anything, could he have? She wondered, reviewing in her head everything she'd said that night. "Oh, well, you know he's been busy recently."

At last they came to the round green door, and Frodo smiled at her, and thanked her for inviting him to dinner. She smiled back, and once they had said goodnight and he'd gone inside, she fairly ran down to the cemetery, hoping against hope that she hadn't missed anything.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Supper was over at Cami's house. She helped her mother pick up dishes, while her father sat by the light of the blazing hearth as he leaned back to relax, sending lazy smoke rings in the air.
Her parents were chatting back and forth about the young brood of ducks, and a new field that needed harvesting, and a myriad of other details that make up the daily routine of a farmer in the Shire.

Finally finished with her duties and having a precious moment to spend on herself, Cami lay back in front of the open fire, squinting at the pages in a book of tales that Bilbo had lent her that afternoon.

"Cami Goodchild!" Her father leaned over and poked her in the ribs. "There's not enough light in here to read. Put that away now, or you'll end up going blind."

Cami groaned, but she knew better than to argue with her father when he spoke with such authority. She set aside the book, and, thoroughly bored with the way the evening was progressing, began using her fingertips to launch small drops of water from her drinking glass in the general direction of the fireplace. She watched with some interest as the flames hissed and spluttered, turning from red to yellow to blue, and small wisps of smoke began to rise.

"Cami, what are you doing?"

"I dunno," she responded to her mother, secretly wondering why the sprigs of flame changed color when the water hit them.

"Cami, you're twelve-years old. You should be working on something practical. Have you finished the sewing I gave you?"

Cami ran over and got her small box sampler with its lines of very wobbly stiches. Her mother held it up to the light, and shook her head in dismay. "This won't do."

Mistress Goodchild took out a needle and began ripping the last line out stitch by stitch, and then gave it back to Cami. Cami obediently continued sewing for another hour, and produced a second line of stitching that looked quite similar to the first. Then she hid the sampler under the flower pot, hoping that her mother wouldn't find it there.

Just as the fire burned lower, her father stood up from his chair and yawned, "Well, I'm off to the barn now. I'm not sure when Molly will have her foal. The birthing could be tonight, so I'd best sleep there." Molly was the one and only pony that was used to pull the family wagon.

Seeng her one clear chance to escape the house, Cami could not stay silent. "Oh, Da," she ran up to her father and threw her arms about his neck. "Let me do that. You know I love sleeping in the hay, and I'll wake you up whenever Molly gets restless. I promise."

Her father agreed, and Cami trooped down to the barn, armed with a blanket and a small lantern, which she was careful to set on the bare floor far away from the hay and anything else that could easily catch fire. She sat up waiting for several hours, cast a final glimpse at Molly who seemed to be sleeping soundly, and then slipped out of the barn to run across the fields in the direction of the flower-covered earthen mounds just north of Hobbiton, where the hobbits from past ages lay sleeping in the ground.

[Beruthiel]

'Marigold' A voice whispered in Marigold's ear 'Wake up! Its time to go' It was Sam. 'Okay' she whispered back, groaning a little. She pulled the covers of her bed and she was already dressed in her normal clothes.

Sam and Marigold had planned this earlier on so that they wouldn't get caught. After everyone was asleep, he would wake her up when it was time and they would sneak out of her bedroom window.

As quickly as she could she pulled herself out of the window and landed with a thump on the grass outside. She rolled over and waited for Sam to follow and then they were of, running as fast and as quietly as they could towards the cemetary.

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[Merri]

Elanor bumped into a dark shape on her way down the road, and only barely managed to keep herself from crying out loud in alarm.

"Sam!" She whispered. "It's Elanor- I had the worst time getting rid of Frodo."

The worst time . . . this was a downright lie. It wasn't the worst time, she just didn't want to get rid of him. Well, Elanor Greenthumb, it's time for you to get down to business.

"You don't think we could have chosen a little more cheerful place to gather than the cemetery?" She wondered aloud. Deep in her heart she still feared the cemetery. She recalled one day when she was a wee hobbit child, she had asked so many questions that her brothers had tried to get rid of her by leaving her in the cemetery after dark. Apparently, they had hoped that some ghosts would come and carry her away with them. All that they had accomplished was establishing a deep fear in Elanor of all graveyards.

A breeze gently touched her face. She hugged herself, hoping that nobody would be able to tell how frightened she was. Nonsense, Elanor! You're doing this for Frodo, and didn't you promise Uncle Bilbo once, long ago, that you'd do anything to make Frodo happy? She reminded herself, and stood straighter.

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Orual]

Sam shielded a small candle with his hand as he made his way down the hall to Marigold's bedroom. He looked nervously toward his parents' room, worried sick that at any moment they'd wake up and he and Marigold would be found out, punished, and sent to bed. Then Marigold would get out of the oath and tell everyone, and Cami, Belle, and Elanor would be furious for getting out of bed and into the barrows for no purpose. And for the rest of his life, Sam would hear about it.

"Marigold," he whispered, pushing her gently. "Marigold! Wake up, it's time to go."

"Okay," she said with a little groan, and rolled out of bed. He waited for her, then blew out the candle, watched Marigold climb out of the window and then followed her.

"Hurry, or we'll be late," Sam whispered, taking his sister by the hand and breaking into a run once they were sufficiently far from their home.

"North," he murmured to himself, turning slightly. "Not much farther," he assured Marigold, watching her stifle a yawn.

Finally, the barrows came into sight. The mounds rose ominously before them, much more ominous in the dead of night (Sam scolded himself for his choice of words) than it was in the day. But whether or not Sam liked it, they had arrived.

On the road right outside of the barrows, Sam stopped, motioning to Marigold to wait. "We'll see Cami and them better if we wait here," he lied, not wanting to tell his little sister that he just didn't want to go in to the barrows alone, without any other children his age. He crouched down, keeping a keen eye on the road.

"Ooh!" he grunted as somebody tripped over him.

"Sam!...It's Elanor- I had the worst time getting rid of Frodo."

Sam stood up and nodded, dusting himself off. "I understand," he said quietly, looking down the road again. It was awfully dark...no, he wouldn't think about that. Elanor was here now, and they could talk, keep his mind off of the barrows. He gestured for Marigold to stand up and come by him--he didn't like the barrows, and he was sure that his sister didn't either. One look at Elanor's face told him that the feeling was unanimous. "Did Frodo ask a lot of questions?" he inquired, to take both of their minds off of their surroundings.

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[excheeto]

Belle looked in,but instead of seeing Bilbo,she saw the dark,curly hair of Frodo inside."Hi Frodo,I've been over at Elanor's house all day,I really need to go to bed,see you in the morning!"she hoped he didn't notice the tightness in her throat and the way her voice squeaked.


Ignoring her stomach,she hurried to the guest room,shutting the door behind her.She crept towards the wall facing the living room and placed her ear against it.Her fingers twitched and her skin was all itching as she still listened,waiting to hear what Frodo was up to,but he seemed to be quiet,or possibly asleep.


The sky was dark now,with the moon hanging low in the sky.Belle buried an extra pillow under the blankets,then grabbed her Maggie-doll(she was very proud of her,she had a pretty purple dress with flowers and white lace,and real hobbit hair that matched her own)fluffing the pillows and turning the head until it looked like she was asleep.

*CREAK*the window took a little effort to budge open,and she gave a quick glance behind her back to make sure no one was up to check the noise.When she felt reassured,she crawled outside,closing the window behind her.

The moon lit up the ground.She looked towards the barrows and sighed."I hope mother's right"she whispered before running off.

[Deorlin]

Jasper quickened his pace, making for the clearing indicated in Evelina's short note. He was none too sure of the way; her directions had been sparing, to say the least. But it seemed to be but a short distance from the main road, so he trusted that five or so minutes would bring him to her. The moon shone fitfully through the clouds that scudded across the night sky. A night bird called mournfully, making Jasper jump. Then he laughed out loud, a high pitched, horse whinny of a sound, ending in a snort. Why should he be on edge? These lands were inhabited by hobbits - hobbits! And everyone knew they were soft, easy going folk, who had naught but a few constable types, and those not even professionals, scattered throughout their little realm.

"No fear there!" he chuckled to himself. The sound of his own voice comforted him mightily. Just a few more paces and he should be at the clearing Evelina had written of.

Sure enough, the trees, which weren't thick enough to be a wood even, were thinning out and then he saw, as a cloud cleared the half moon, there stood the small clearing, a fantasy land of light and shodow. He stopped and cautiously looked about for signs of the woman, or the other acquaitance that might be expected - Bandolin. Jasper crouched low to the ground, wanting to see before being seen. He scanned the clearing, but to no avail - it was empty.

"So, you've made it I see!" Evelina's voice as it hissed in his ear made him nearly jump out of his skin! Where had she come from? He was sure she had not been there a moment before!

"A little jumpy, aren't we?" she whispered tauntingly. "What, afraid of the little halflings? Well, in fact, they can be mighty cruel when they wish. But don't worry. Stick with me and we'll see just how jumpy we can make them!"

"Evelina, what's all this about anyways? Yer note was awful short. Is there money to be had or not?" Jasper tried to cover his nervousness with a show of irritation.

"Patience, my frined. Patience. Bandolin will be here shortly, I hope. Then I will explain it to you both. As many times as it takes for you to understand." She laughed derisively and sat back, calmly surveying the night.

Evelina was always like that, Jasper fumed to himself! She acted so . . . superior! Well, perhaps one of these days, she'd find out who really had the upper hand here. But for now . . . well, best wait and see what she had up her sleeve.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Exactly at midnight, five young hobbits gathered at the foot of the Hobbiton barrows. Here there were two great earthen mounds, covered with a profusion of flowers standing less than a mile north of the village. To the distant south lay farms and families, and even a tiny hint of light. But, in all other directions, no matter how hard they peered, the children could sense only tangled groves of trees pressing in and an eerie feeling of blackness.

It was a desolate spot, or so Cami felt. They could all hear the hoot owls and other small prowling creatures that were making their twisted paths through the woods whether on foot or wing. A crescent moon stood high in the sky, but even it was obscured by clouds, so that it was hard for one child to make out the features of another who was standing only a foot away.

Cami was beginning to wonder if this idea of hers had really been so wise. Still, she wasn't about to let the others know that. She cleared her throat, and spoke in as commanding a voice as she could muster, "Marigold Gamgee step forward. Here in the presence of your sacred ancestors, the Gamgees of old, you must take a sacred vow never to reveal what we tell to you tonight."

Cami hesitated for a moment. She had initially planned to offer a long and graphic list of terrible things that would happen to Marigold if she broke her vow. But, somehow, as they all stood quaking on the barrow, she didn't have the heart to go into all that.

Cami could be bossy, but she was not a mean child. She herself had been bullied enough by others, that she knew the difference between right and wrong. She didn't want to terrify the younger girl, only to make sure that she didn't open her mouth and ruin the party for Frodo and Bilbo, and get them all in trouble.

She continued in a gentler voice, "Marigold, if you keep your promise of secrecy, then nothing bad is going to happen to you. But, if you don't, then your own kin will rise out of this mound, and I wouldn't want to see what would happen then...." Cami's voice trailed off, leaving everyone to fill in visually whatever punishment they thought best.

"Anyways, I know you like Frodo a lot, and if you blab he's going to be mad at you. And he'll never trust you again as a friend. And I don't think you want that to happen." She stared intently at the girl. "Now go ahead and say your vow. Sam, if you want, you can have her repeat after you."

[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Merri]

"Did Frodo ask a lot of questions?" Sam's question hung unanswered in the air. Cami barely gave them time to get their breath back before they began the oath ceremony-thingy.

"I'll explain later," Elanor whispered in his ear.

The ceremony began, and she wrapped her shawl tightly around her. It wasn't chilly at all that night. Nevertheless, it seemed that the shawl gave her some protection from the barrows, however minimal. And she wanted all the protection she could get. She shrank back, a little closer to Sam, gazing fearfully around her. She wasn't normally this frightened, but being in the Barrows at night was the most frightening thing possible in her imagination.

In the dark, it seemed as if the trees around them were bending in close to listen to what they said, and she caught sight of dark shapes flitting around the barrows. She gasped softly, afraid that the wights would hear her, and wishing more than anything else in the world that she could be home in front of the merry fire. Thank heavens the barrows are the only thing I'm afraid of! Elanor thought, with some pride.

[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Orual]

"I'll explain later."

Sam nodded. Cami was about to begin the ceremony, and this was no time for chatting. Everyone was here now, and it was almost time.

There wasn't much wind, but what little there was seemed to rustle in the trees an unusual amount. Sam shivered a little and drew his light jacket around him. He should be in bed, not out in the barrows like this, waiting for his little sister to take an oath of secrecy on the bones of their ancestors. The dismal mood took its toll on everyone, and even Cami seemed unsure as she spoke to Marigold.

"Sam, if you want, you can have her repeat after you."

Sam startled a little bit, then nodded and went up to Marigold. He tried to think up something to say, and after a moment's pause, he thought of at least a beginning. Taking a deep breath and trying to look brave, he said, "Marigold, repeat after me." His sister nodded. "I, Marigold Gamgee..."

"I, Marigold Gamgee..."

"...do solemnly swear before my ancestors never to tell anybody a word of what I will hear. If I do, I accept whatever may come as punishment." Sam said it haltingly, trying to find sufficiently formal words for the oath. Marigold repeated it gravely. "I take this oath before my ancestors and everyone present, and they will hold me to it." Marigold finished, and Sam breathed again.

[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[Barodir]

Bandolin was taking his time in geting the clearing indicated in Evelina's short note. He wasn't too sure which way to go, for her directions were bland. But it seemed to be close to the road, so he decided not to rush, for he'd be there soon.

"What a place to meet. A land of halflings. But that's not my concern. What I wonder is what Evelina wants, and how much money I can get if it's a decent job. Now where is that woman?"

A little while later, Bandolin came to a clearing. "Ay, Evelina! I know your here! Now where are ya?!"

"So, you've made it I see!" Evelina's hissed.

-"Ay, I have. Now whatcha want, woman?"

"Yeah, Evelina, what's all this about anyways?" Jasper interjected, coming out from the shadows. "Yer note was awful short. Is there money to be had or not?"

"Yeah, why are we here? And what's the pay" Bandolin asked, a greedy glint in his eye.

Evelina answered "Alright, here's the plan..."

[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Barodir ]

[excheeto]

Belle soon saw the others ahead and ran to catch up with them.The barrows could be seen ahead of them,and it seemed as if they were walking towards them,ready to walk on the hobbits and not the other way around.

Belle was too anxious to even greet the others.She knew they were there,but they wern't much comfort.


She stood by Cami as Sam told Marigold the oath.Her eyes watered and she wanted to close them tightly.She knew they wouldn't see her if she did,but there seemed to be something too important in the ritual,she couldn't miss this,she secretly swore she would never tell anyone about this,not anyone!

[Pipperin]

Annabell had left Bag-end quite happy to be helping out, but now that she had thought about it, she was a bit nervous. She did not know any of the hobbits very well, though most were relitaves, she had never really gotten to know many of them.

Why had she even been asked to join? Well it wasn't too hard, she had liked Frodo for a long time.

She sighed and sat down at the table in her kitchen, finishing off the bread. She was worried about the bandits too, though most said it was a stupid rumour. There is always a bit of truth to a rumour, she thought, even if it is hard to find.

[theWhiteLady]

It took quite some time for Evelina's expected visitors, especially Bandolin (as she noted with exasperation), to arrive. As a result, she was quite short-tempered, even more so than usual, which was never a good thing with Evelina. Finally Bandolin appeared through the dark forest, and they clustered together.

"Yeah, why are we here? And what's the pay" Bandolin asked, a greedy glint in his eye.

Evelina answered "Alright, here's the plan..."

"But before I begin, let me make two things clear. You both will arrive on time, a delay such as the one made tonight could mess up our plans. And Bandolin, you will address me as Evelina, Miss Evelina, or simply as 'you' but never," and her black eyes flashed dangerously, "as 'woman'. Is that understood?"

Bandolin looked sullen, but decided it best not to argue with Evelina in such a foul mood. She waited till he grunted in assent before beginning once more.

"Right, on to the job. A local hobbit, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, (I'm sure you have heard of her wealth and despisement for the Baggins up at Bag End) has given me news of a large party planned to celebrate Mad Baggins and his nephew, Frodo's, birthday. Frodo is not to know of the event, however, so plans are being made right now all over the Shire to acquire provisions secretly for the party. That is where we come in." At this, her voice lowered, not from fear of being overheard but from anticipation. "Lobelia has hired us and yes, there will be payment!" She added quickly as Jasper and Bandolin both opened their mouths to inquire. "Plenty of gold." And she drew out the small leather purse, giving it an extra shake, making the coins jangle merrily inside. She drew out a few coins and flicked them to her comrades before continuing.

"There will be more later, and I expect we can get more out of Miss Lobelia if needed." Evelina gave a laugh that would be merry if there was not a steely note hidden inside. Her face was serious the next moment, however, and very business-like. "But our job is to scare the hobbits, set them off the idea of having this little party, and send them to hide trembling in their hobbit holes. Lobelia has given us free reign as to the methods of scaring them, so I suggest we become very creative." She laughed again, and surveyed the faces watching her carefully.

[Beruthiel]

Even though it was dark, Marigold could see the five pairs of eyes staring at her, waiting. She tried to swallow her fears but she could feel the hairs on her neck stand up and she shivered a little. A mist was coming up and there was a cool breeze which didn't help at all. At that moment, Marigold would have said anything to get away from there.

"I take this oath before my ancestors and everyone present, and they will hold me to it" She repeated slowly after Sam, trying not to think of her surroundings. After she was done she heard him take a deep breath and she also felt relieved.

[Merri]

Elanor gave an encouraging sort of smile to Marigold, at least, as encouraging as could be, considering that she was scared out of her mind.

Maybe, just maybe, Cami would let it go at that, and they could go home now. Being afraid made Elanor feel wretched- she was usually the most courageous one of all the hobbit children, and to be so frightened by something inanimate, such as the barrows, humiliated her. She bowed her head, lost in her thoughts and memories.

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami heaved a sigh of relief. It looked as if they would get out of here, without anything else bad happening.

She turned and talked to Marigold, "Alright, I think that will do. Now, we need to tell you about the 'secrets' we've been hiding."

Cami looked around at the children. "We've really got two choices. We can sit here in this cold, miserable barrow and talk, or we can walk away from here and discuss this on our way home."

Cami thought she knew what their answer would be, but she never even got a chance to hear it. At that instant, from the direction of the woods, a beast let out a lonely howl, a noise that rent the air with bleak despair and urgency. One part of Cami's mind told her it was only a mangy farm dog who'd gotten loose to prowl the hills. But the other part of her head conjured up an image of a large, shaggy wolf with very wicked, sharp teeth. She was not about to stay around to find out which of her two guesses was correct.

She tore off across the fields, with the other children following close behind. No one stopped until they reached the edge of the farmhouses. Then, before splitting up to go to their homes, they stopped for a moment to talk.

Elanor and Sam explained to Marigold, and to Belle as well, exactly what was expected of them. Cami turned an eye on the group, "So we're in this together, huh? No more plotting or sneaking around with secrets, except the single one we keep from Frodo. We're friends now, and we've got to stick up for each other."

"I'm counting on everybody here to do their share." Four heads nodded in agreement. "Whether you're big or little doesn't matter. What matters is that we plan a good party that Frodo will like."

She backed away from the group. "I've got to go. Otherwise I'll catch it from my parents. See you tomorrow afternoon at Bilbo's house to find out what he wants us to do. Hopefully Frodo won't be there. If he is, just pretend you're there to listen to stories."

Cami took off running in the direction of her house.

[Beruthiel]

We've really got two choices. We can sit here in this cold, miserable barrow and talk, or we can walk away from here and discuss this on our way home
No! We can't stay here! Marigold thought but was too scared to say anything. At that moment there was a lone wolf howl. It chilled her to the bone and ran off as fast as she could grabbing Sam's hand. Looking back she swore she'd seen a menacing sillhouette of a wolf against the moon.

They ran until they reached the farmhouses where they told her everything that was going on and they all left towards their homes. Frodo's Birthday. Ofcourse, how could I have forgotten about that She thought to herself as they turned the corner to their house.

[Merri]

Elanor breathed a sigh of relief as they rounded the bend.

"She couldn't have chosen a worse place to meet!" She said, leaning on a near by fence-post and breathing in deeply to catch her breath. "It's a good thing it didn't take too long."

She glanced up worriedly at her hole. Through the window she could see her mother's figure, bent over something- probably needlework. What am I going to tell her? Elanor wondered, loosing track of Sam and Marigold's conversation.

"I have to go," She said abruptly. "I'll be in boiled water if I don't. See you later." She ran up the hill and into her hole.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Deorlin]

Jasper's beady dark eyes gleamed at the sight of the coins laying in his hand. Money was always welcome, as his parents kept him on a very tight purse string indeed since that last little caper in Bree. He never did quite understand his family's way of thinking - that money must be come by through hard work, sweat, and honest labor in order for it to be worth having.

Well, he'd had enough of their philosophy; had it crammed down his throat throughout his boyhood. But he knew, he understood just how easy it was to take the "hard-earned" profits of others and convert them to his own uses. No harm in that. In fact, it's just what all those "respectable" types did actually - try to make profit from others' foolishness or greed or sufferings. Look at this Lobelia character - what a fine piece of work she was! Trying to upset a party! A party! Well, it wasn't for him to wonder at the wickedness of others, as long as they threw coins his way, and the task was not too fraught with danger.

Thinking along those lines, he asked Evelina,"So, we're to set upon these halflings, and steal their goods? Don't sound like much of a challenge ter me." His tone took on a note of superiority, a sure sign that he was concerned about protecting his own hide from bodily injury. "How's it all gonna go then? I mean ter say, will it be at night, while they're sleepin', or sumfing?"

Evelina looked at Jasper, a slight grimace of disdain passing over her features, but hidden in the darkness.

"Well, boys, this is what I've cooked up . . ."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Saved:

In case any of the hobbit children want to do another post on their arrival home.

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose was up as the sun rose over Hobbiton's green fields. As she got dressed and crept out of the house, she wondered how she could get all the hobbits in one place at one time to discuss their plans. Deciding she'd do a favor for her father, she walked to the Hobbiton post office to see if there were any letters. To her surprise, she found there was one that was addressed to her, from Olo Proudfoot.

Prim tore open the envelope and pulled the paper out, reading it over carefully. Smiling, she folded it back up and went back home to have breakfast. She was certain everyone else had received letters that said the same.

Greetings

You are invited to Olo Proudfoots house, for lunch and discussion. About you know what.

Signed
Olo

"Mum," she said as she sat down, handing the rest of the letters to her father, "I'm going over to Olo Proudfoot's house for lunch." She handed her mother the letter.

"'About you know what?'" her mother said, puzzled. "Well, I suppose you may. Does this concern what you were talking about last night at dinner?"

"Yes, Mum," said Primrose. "But, Mum, after breakfast I'm going straight over to Melilot's house. I have some business with her."

Primrose was willing to forgive her friend for forgetting the meeting, because that was what she did most of the time -forget things-, but she was not eager to have to explain it all over again.

Well, I'm the leader, Prim thought. I guess I have to. I'll explain to Bilbo why she wasn't there, as well. I can't imagine not having Melilot during our 'journey!'

* * *

The hobbit children had finished breakfast and were at Bag End. Bilbo handed them each ten invitations, explaining what they should do as he did so. Frodo had gone for a walk at Bilbo's suggestion, and now he hastened to get the children on their way.

"You will each start out with these ten," he said. "They have the names on them, so you'll who to give them to. Make sure Frodo does not read the invitations. If he asks you tell him what they are; he knows he's having a birthday soon."

"But, Mr. Bilbo," one of the children said, "is there anything in the invitations that talks about the surprise party?"

"Of course. We want everyone to be able to give him a surprise. I only hinted at it, though, saying that they should be there early." Bilbo looked at all the children. "Now, go on, go deliver those. Come back for more when you finish!"

The children were out the door before Bilbo had spoken the last words.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Sindae]

When Crystal woke up next day it was already noon. She got up, streched her arms and went downstairs.

Her parents weren't there, just as she had expected, probably doing the shopping or just having a walk. So she got herself some food and started to eat a very large breakfast since she was pretty hungry-no breakfast, no second breakfast, she wondered why she was still alive. She wasn't that kind of Hobbit who would starve if he (or she) didn't have anything to eat for two hours but still if she could get something she ate it.

After finishing the breakfast she went outside to have a look in the letter box.

"Hm...let's see...one for dad, one for mum, another one for dad, one for me, one for...hang on, one for ME??? Who would write a letter to ME???"

She opened it hastily and read:

Greetings

You are invited to Olo Proudfoots house, for lunch and discussion. About you know what.

Signed
Olo

"Oops" she though "that's in about five minutes...I'd better go!" She wrote a little message for her parents and ran down the street.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Sindae ]

[Merri]

Elanor read her invitation and grinned. In a flash, she was out of Bag End and on the long, windy road, humming a verse of her own making:

At five the sun sets,
Come autumn my dreams arise
Whither shall I go?
To Rivendell? Lothlorien? or Mordor?
I will go there
and back again

The last lines she had borrowed from Mr. Bilbo, but that was because she liked them so much. Suddenly, she caught sight of a figure making its way towards her. Frodo! She tried to dodge behind a tree, but- too late! He'd seen her.

"Elanor!" He called, waving his hand cheerfully. The two walked along a little ways together. He showed every sign of wanting to spend more time in her company, and of not letting her go any time soon.

"I'm sorry," She said. "I have to go- um- urgent business." She stumbled over the words urgent business.

"What sort of urgent business?" He inquired, a strange smile playing about his lips.

"It's a secret," She managed a grin. He then continued to ask her what she held in her hands, and in a choked-up sort of voice she replied that it was a birthday invitation.

She got away as quickly as she could and carried out her duty.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[theWhiteLady]

"Well, boys, this is what I've cooked up . . ."

“As far as I can tell, our best advantage will be surprise. You may think it won’t be much of a challenge, but never underestimate these hobbits. Slow and stupid as they can be, I’ve seen them become very fierce when hard pressed. We may be bigger, but we will be outnumbered.” She paused to let this sink in before continuing, a chorus of crickets filling the silence with their shrill voices.

“Still, this is the very heart of the Shire, and I very much doubt whether any of the party will be armed. They think themselves perfectly safe in their little realm, giving no thought to the world outside, and having no fear of attack. Just in case, however, we’ll have to take them off their guard. A diversion of some type, perhaps, to distract them. Then we can swoop upon them, scare them properly, and take the provisions they have gathered.”

“Not the most dangerous or exciting job, of course,” Evelina conceded, straightening up
with a shrug and flipping her black hair over her shoulder. “But jobs are scarce, and we shall get food, gold, and much enjoyment out of this one. I will find out from Lobelia
when they plan to begin their “hobbit walking party” and send you a message to meet me here.” Jasper and Bandolin nodded as Evelina looked through the swaying branches to the half moon low in the sky. “It is late, if there are no questions, I am finished.” By this she meant, of course, that they should leave, as their business was concluded

[Beruthiel]

Walking up the path Marigold posted another invitation. The road was covered in puddles of brown water, it had probably been raining the night before but Marigold didn’t mind that much. She felt very important delivering these special invitations, they had been handwritten by Bilbo, and on the envelope he had written the guests name in black ink. I wonder if I deliver all of mine first if Mr. Bilbo will tell me a story!

At the thought of this she hurried along much faster up the path. Looking at the invitations she only had five left. That’s not much, come on, faster! She practically ran up the path which was on a slope but then, being rather distracted, she slipped and fell splat on her face in the mud. ‘No!’ She shouted. There was mud all down her dress but worst of all, the invitations were covered in it as well. ‘Marigold, you idiot! You clumsy idiot! Look what you’ve done!’ She said, furious with herself. She tried to wipe the mud of the invitations but the once white paper was now a chocolate brown colour. ‘Now what am I going to do! Mr. Bilbo’s going to be so angry and disappointed…’ She’d been so anxious to impress Bilbo but now, feeling so ashamed she picked herself up and ran, sobbing back to Bag end.

She burst into the round green door, dripping with mud and ran for Bilbo. ‘Mr. Bilbo! I’m so sorry! I, I didn’t mean for it to happen, I was just trying to deliver them faster so I would be first to finish. It, it’s all my fault!’ She stammered and then she dropped the envelopes on the floor and looked up at Bilbo, not knowing what else to say.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[Nurumaiel]

"Hello? Melilot?" Prim pounded on the door, waiting for her friend to open it. "Melilot, if you don't open the door this instant, I won't tell you about the meeting that you forgot."

The door was flung open, and there stood Melilot. "I was coming as fast as I could," she said. "Mum didn't hear you until after I told her you were knocking."

"Well, come on. It's nearly lunchtime now! I feel it my duty as leader of the group to get to Olo Proudfoot's house before anyone else."

"What's this about going to Olo Proudfoot's house?"

Prim showed Melilot the invitation, and they set off down the road. Prim told her all about the meeting, and ended up with saying what 'you know what' was… why they were going to Olo's house.

They walked past Bag End and walked the remaining distance to Olo's house. It was quiet on his street, which Prim was extremely thankful for, after the hustle and bustle of her neighborhood. There were beautiful flowers in each garden, though they weren't as beautiful as they had been in spring. The road wound this way and that, and it prompted Prim and Melilot to guess what was at the end of each bend.

They opened the gate and began hurrying up the worn walkway made of grey rock. They paused for a moment to admire the grass that seemed greener than green and the bright flowers. Prim secretly wondered how Olo managed to keep his garden so fresh, even when it was getting cold outside.

They walked up to the yellow front door and knocked. It was Olo who opened it. "Greetings, Prim!" he said, and Prim hastened to introduce Melilot to him. She then anxiously asked if they were the first to arrive, and he assured her they were. Then he invited them inside.

Prim and Melilot squirmed out of their coats and hung them up on the coat pegs near the door. Olo led them through the hallway and into the dining and sitting room. He brought them to two chairs that stood near a window that looked out at the garden and the street and had them sit down. "Well, now all we have to do is wait for the others to arrive," said Primrose. "This is a beautiful home, Olo. And your garden is beyond words!"

Olo nodded proudly. He knew that very well. Stepping out of the room, he went back to the front door to wait for the rest of the main hobbit company.

[excheeto]

Belle watched as the other children ran,one by one, towards thier homes.It was a long way to Bag End,even longer to her own home in Frogmorton.The howling seemed closer,and in a panic,she ran.

She fled in the direction of Bilbo's,but heard the rustling of a quick pursuit getting closer.She sped up,her legs burning,but the rustling sped up to match.With a gasp,she was knocked down,and all went black.

[doug*platypus]

The Road to Olo's House

Sending long wisps of pipe smoke behind him as he walked, Biffo headed across the bridge to Hobbiton. His stay at the Green Dragon last night had been quiet, but very restful, and today he felt as though he could even slay a troll, if the opportunity came up before teatime.

Nodding and saying "good morning" to the folk he passed by in the market, the hobbit continued up towards The Hill. Before the road started to wind its way up to Bagshot Row, he turned down a winding lane towards Olo Proudfoot's house. Biffo had a good sense of direction, and even though he had only been to his uncle's once before (last night, as a matter of fact) he had no trouble remembering the way.

Arriving at Olo's house, Biffo rapped on his jolly, bright yellow door and waited patiently. Looking around he noticed that grey clouds had begun to gather overhead, and it was starting to look more wintry. He also noticed that Olo's garden was very well kept, and the lawn had recently been mowed. Shortly, a round-faced hobbit woman appeared at the door.

"Hello again, Aunt!"

"Hello there, Biffo," she replied, "do come in, won't you, the others have already begun to arrive. Ooh, looks like a bit cloudy, doesn't it?"

The hobbit furrowed her brow, a funny expression for one only ten or so years older than Biffo. Still, she and Olo already had two children (apparently, Biffo had not met them last night) and were quite well settled in their comfortable hobbit-hole.

"My word, Auntie, your grass looks so green!" Biffo commented, pleased to note the proud look on her face. She and Olo kept a very tidy house and garden, and never got sick of well-deserved praise.

After politely wiping his feet on the mat, Biffo entered the round doorway. Olo's wife took his hat and walking staff, and showed him through to the parlour. There, on a seat by the window, sat Primrose, the organiser and ponymistress of the group. Opposite her sat another hobbit lass. A Brandybuck, unless Biffo was mistaken. He said a good morning to them, and then Olo came in to say hello. After a brief chat, he excused himself and went back out of the room. Biffo could hear the voices of hobbit children as well. After introducing himself properly to the two hobbits, he waited in the parlour for the meeting to begin.

[Manardariel]

"Pearl! Pearl Margarite Took, wake up this instant! PEARL!!" reluctantly, Pearl opend her eyes.

"What?"

Vivi was standing over her, looking down on her bed in a wierd mix of amusement and indignance.

"Pearl, honey, I really, really think you should get up. It is eleven thirty and you supposed to be at Olo somethings house in half an hour, and no offence, your hair is a mess."

Pearl stared at her friend bewilderd. Olo... wasn´t that one of the older guys she would be travelling with? She was supposed to be at his house? What was happening here?

"Someone dropped this off yesterday, and my damn little sister forgot to give it to us..." Vivi explained. "You better get going, it´s almost time."

Pearl flew out of bed, jumped in a dress and sprinted out of the room. She dabbed some lipgloss on her lips, braided her hair and ran out of the house.

She had always been a good sprinter, and that did her extremly well today. As she ran towards the Proudfoot´s house, she made a list of ideas for the party.

A nice-looking hobbit hole came into view, with a door in a nice yellow. It looked even brighter with all that healty looking grass sorounding it. It reminded her of spinach and eggs, and she suddely realized just how hungry she was. "Hope they have some food ready," she thought and knocked. A girl of thirteen opened.

"Hello,"she said, smiling. "You must be one of my father´s guests. Come in, come in."

She was extremy polite. Pearl thanked her and let the lass guide her to the sitting room. Some of her compainions were already there, others weren´t. She stood in the doorway,quite uncertain where to sit, when Primrose beckoned her near.

"Hi, Pearl. This is Melilot. She´ll be travelling with us as well."

Pearl smiled at the other women, and wondered what to say. She just had to say something, or they would hear her stomach rumbling loudly. Fortunatly, Olo bumped in at that time. He welcomed her, and thanked her for coming him.

"Twas a pleasure, Mr. Proudfoot. We´ve got so much to talk about... oh, I met your daughter, what a charming girl she is!"

Olo smiled proudly. Something told Pearl Peoni was the only thing he was more proud of, besides his grass.
She leaned back and waited for the rest of the company to arrive...

[ January 18, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Sindae]

Crystal ran all the way to Olo Proudfoot's house. Luckily it was not on a hill, for she wouldn't have been able to run then. Normally she walked slowly and admired all the nice gardens besides the road but today she really didn't have the time. She always wanted to live in one of these houses- it was really quiet and not so busy like around her house, there was more space to dream and the wood was near...

Arriving at the Proundfoot´s house she just had to stop for a look in his garden. It was the most beautiful garden around and she never knew how Olo had managed to get this wonderful grass...she really had tried everything in her garden but never got a comparable result.

She walked up to the door whose colour she had already loved from the day on when she had first seen it, and knocked.

Sancho opened. "Oh no, not him!" she thought. He had often insulted her, and even if he had regretted it later she didn't like his way of treating other people. Still she smiled and said:

"Hello Sancho, how are you? I'd like to see your father, he sent me an invitation!"

Sancho nodded and stepped aside so that she could enter. She went into the dining room where she could already hear some voices talking. Was that Pearl? And Primrose if she wasn't mistaken.

Primrose and Pearl were there, and then another young woman she did not know, Biffo, and of course Olo.

The dining room was a very nice one, with a large fireplace and a huge table with some chairs around. Again she admired the garden through a window until she remembered that she should perhaps say something to the other hobbits who had already stopped their conversation and were now looking at her.

"Hi" she said, smiling and feeling a bit unsure "I'm Crystal. Thanks for the invitation, Olo!" Then she waited, hoping for anyone to say something to her.

[Manardariel]

Pearl, who had been engaged in quite an interesting conversation with Prim, looked up. She was suprised- Prim knew more about all of the Shire than most people she´d ever met. As she let her eyes fly through the room, she saw Crystal standing in the doorway, looking shy and out of place.

"Crystal," she called, "come here!" The other girl emerged, still smiling nervously at the others.

The two friend greeted each other. Crystal squeezed in next to Pearl, and soon she was debating the subject of supplies as lively as the others.
Suddenly, Olo stood up. He obvoiusly wanted to make an announcement. Pearl turned her attention towards him, the others doing likewise.

[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Eruantalon]

Looking around the last of the company finaly arrived.Crystal had stoped for a moment outside the house to look at his garden.He could see her from the window in the parlor.Please get the door Sancho while I get something ready in the kitchin son.He made his way off to finish the last of the preprations.


Well now maggie you get this done on the stove and I will get the guest seated.I'll be back in a minute.Now he walked into the room.All of the guest now had his attention.They where all probaly starving.He could hear some of there somaches growling,with the wafting smells from the kitchen.


"Lunch is ready everyone.Just have a seat,we'll bring out the food in a few shakes."


Now everyone moved towards the tabel.Olo speeded off to the kitchen to help out Peoni, and his wife.They all came out with everything a hobbit could want.Drinks of every kind,and food to fit anyones fancy.On pretty china platers and serving plates.Chicken,roast beef,eggs and bacon,spinich,mushrooms and bacon and many more delisious entrays.Lots of differnt veggatabel,sweets of all kinds,honey, tea, ale the list whent on and on.All of the food was piping hot and ready.


"Sancho my boy haven't you finished setting the tabel yet?Well that boy,his mind can wander from time to time."


Sancho poped up at his fothers words.Now he scurryed off and set the table infront of everyone.Laying down the silver ware,plates,glasses in an awfull hurry.His mother and fother helping him with it all.


Soon everyone was eating and enjoying things.
Crystal my girl,remind me to tell you my secret about how to keep the grass green in the garden.Well anyone who wants to know can ask.I saw through the window how much you enjoyed it.I can't help but want to tell you.He said this with pride,and a grin.Old Hamfest Gamee at Bag End said anyone who really wanted to know,he should let in on the secret.Crystel seemed to really like his garden.So it would have to be passed down to her.


Everyone nibbeled, and enjoyed his hard work in the kitchen.But he was so tighered.He really couldn't eat as much as he liked.But he still enjoyed seeing everyone eat.Biffo seemed the most starved of them all.Olo chuckeled to himself.Biffo wasn't a hobbit to miss a good meal.


"Make shure everyone to have as much as you like.Theres more in the kitchen.For anyone whos still left hungry."


His daugter,wife,and son where all in the kitchen.Drinking tea, since they had alreay eaten before the guest arrived.So now they where having a plesant conversation. Accompanyed with scones and seed cake.

[ January 18, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[ January 18, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[ January 18, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

With a sigh, Lotho picked himself up from the ground and dusted himself off. Fortunately, his arms and limbs were intact, but the same thing could not be said for his jacket. He frowned as he checked himself over. His very favorite jacket, and he had gotten a long rip in it. His mother would be quite displeased. What very bad luck, indeed!

This was not how things were supposed to happen! He had intended to chase Belle across the outskirts of the village and give her a real scare, perhaps get her so scared that she would lose the invitations, which she had been clutching in her small hand.

He hadn't expected to go crashing into her and send her hurtling to the ground. But there had been a large rock standing in the middle of the path, and he could not avoid it. He had tripped and gone flying forward, landing with a "plop" on top of the girl.

As he looked down at Belle, he could see the child was not in the best of shape. Her arm was twisted in a strange position, and she seemed to be out cold. Now, Lotho was not a stupid or ignorent hobbit. He definitely knew what he should have done. If his mother had been lying there, he would have assisted her, or at least run off to find someone to help him handle the situation.

He knew very well that he should help Belle, but he also realized that no one must find out what he had done to the girl, even if it was an accident. How would he explain the long rip in his jacket and his own bleeding hands?

Best stay out of it altogether and let someone else deal with the injured girl. He grinned and walked back over to where Belle was lying unconscious. He wiggled the packet of invitations out of her hand, and slipped them into his waistcoat pocket. Then, he went behind a nearby tree to hide, and keep an eye on what was going on.

[Orual]

Sam put the invitations in the inside pocket of his vest, so that Frodo wouldn't see them if they happened to meet. He looked at the first name. It took him a little while to remember where the house was, and then he set off, humming a tune to himself--one of the tunes Bilbo had taught him.

Now that the oath was behind him, he was beginning to really enjoy this whole party business. The very secrecy of it, the thrill of being "in the know," he loved it. Now, keeping it from Frodo might be a bit of a problem--but it hadn't come up yet, so he wasn't worrying about it. Hopefully it wouldn't come up!

He also loved being able to help Mr. Bilbo. He had done so much for Sam, teaching him his letters and telling him all the stories of the old days that he'd never have heard anywhere else. He owed so much to Mr. Bilbo, it was wonderful to be able to give something back. And a birthday party was always wonderful.

He was well on his way, having delivered half of the invitations, when he saw a figure some ways in front of him. With a frown, he quickened his pace to see what it was. As he neared, it seemed to be a girl. Belle?

***********

Melilot was relieved beyond words when Prim came over, and didn't forget to let Prim know: the walk to Olo's house, after Prim's explanation, was filled with desperate thank-you's and I'm-sorry's until Melilot was nearly out of breath and Prim never wanted to hear either of those expressions again.

The walk had taken a little while, and Melilot had begun to wonder if they would ever arrive. She was anxious to learn all about the party, all about the plans, and somehow make up for her missing of the first announcement. But eventually they arrived at Olo's house.

It was a lovely house, and Melilot approved thoroughly, but the garden was what really caught her eye. She herself wasn't much of a gardener, but her father was, and they had a bit of a garden in the back; but nothing like this. It was quite gorgeous.

Once they got inside, she was introduced to Olo and his family, and soon after to Pearl Took. A little rush of excitement swept over Melilot. This ought to be fun! Now to wait until the meeting began.

[ January 18, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami had finished delivering her entire packet of invitations. She had run as fast as she could from one house to the next, knocking on each door or pulling down on the bell, then curtseying neatly whenever a hobbit came forward to answer her summons.

The hobbits to whom she had given the invitations were quite delighted at the prospect of attending Frodo's party. Bilbo had a reputation in the Shire for being an eccentric who chased after Elves, but he was also known for his unstinting generosity and his lovely celebrations at Bag-end.

That afternoon, Cami was feeling quite pleased with herself. She had not fallen into any mudpuddles, been chased by dogs, or managed to lose any of her precious invitations. For once, she had managed to do things right. She decided to walk over to Bag-end and pick up one more packet that she could finish delivering the next morning.

As she skipped along Bag-shot row, she kept a sharp eye out to make sure Frodo was nowhere to be seen. Cam breathed a sigh of relief as she came tripping up to Bilbo's round green door and tugged down on the bell chain. Bilbo's voice rang out cheerfully from the kitchen, "Come in. The door's open. I'm making tea."

Cami pushed against the door, all the while peering about to make doubly certain Frodo was not there. Then, she walked over to the table. "Would you care for a bit of tea, Cami?" Bilbo asked. "How did the invitations go"

Cami politely declined Bilbo's offer of tea, as she knew she'd best get home to finish her chores. But she did stop to give her teacher an animated description of her activities that afternoon, crowing a bit over how successful her deliveries had been.

Bilbo suddenly fixed a far more serious eye on Cami, "You wouldn't happened to have seen Belle, now, would you? I was expecting her home for lunch, but she never came. That's not like her. I expect she just ran into a friend and stopped to play, but she usually doesn't do something like that without telling me."

Cami hadn't seen Belle all day, and told Bilbo so. She did promise to keep her eyes and ears open, and send word to Bag-end if she heard anything more.

Cami didn't want to say anything, but she had developed a very bad feeling in the pit of her stomach at the mention of Belle's name. She reassured herself that it was probably nothing, just a case of nerves. But it was not the first time the girl had strange premonitions, either in dreams or in fleeting images during the day, and at least some of those had turned out to be more than fancy. She sincerely hoped she was mistaken.

[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Sindae]

Crystal was surprised that Olo told her that he'd give her some advices for her garden. She had hardly spoken with him more than two or three times and now he was going to tell her something she had wanted to know for such a long time! But it was very nice of him anyways.

The food was delicious and very soon she began to talk to the others as well, feeling surer of herself. They were all very nice and kind Hobbits so she looked forward to go on a journey with them-it would be a really nice time! Wandering through the Shire was something she had always liked, and with a company like this it would be even better.

[Orual]

Sam's heart dropped when he finally got up to the fallen figure. It was Belle. She seemed to be unconscious, and her arm looked like it might be broken. Sam groaned and knelt down beside her. "Belle?" he whispered, but there was no response. "Belle, come on, wake up!" Nothing, not even a stir. She was breathing, he could feel it on his cheek, but she wasn't moving at all, and he was terribly worried that he'd just hurt her more if he moved her. But then, Bag End wasn't that far off...

He sat on his heels and bit his lip. What a predicament! He wished that Cami was with him: Cami would know what to do. "But as it is," he said to himself, "it's only me, and I guess I'd better figure it out or nobody will." He sighed and looked around (for he could have sworn that he'd heard a noise), and then turned back to Belle's prostrate form. Slowly and carefully he lifted her from the ground--luckily, she was a small child, and Sam didn't have much trouble. With cautious steps, making sure that he didn't jar Belle too much, he made his way to Bag End. Finally he was in front of the door, and faced with another problem: knocking. He frowned for a moment, frustrated, and finally kicked the door as a subsitute. "Mr. Bilbo!" he called. "It's Sam--with Belle! She's hurt!"

[Beruthiel]

Marigold was slumped on a chair, still covered in mud when Cami came in. She'd finished all her invitations and Marigold huddled up even more to hide herself. She was so upset that she'd ruined so many hand written invitations she couldn't bare to think what Cami or Sam might say. They didn't think she was up to it all along, this would prove them right.

At that moment she could hear someone banging on the door. It's Sam--with Belle! She's hurt Marigold looked outside and could see her brother holding a limp little body in his arms, Belle looked like she was unconcious. Feeling very worried for Belle she waited for Bilbo to get the door and see if there was anything she could do.

[Nurumaiel]

Bilbo opened the door and stood staring in amazement at Sam and Belle. Then he immediately helped Sam bring the limp form of the girl in and bring her to the spare bedroom.

"Is she dead?" Marigold asked, her eyes worried.

"No, but she's broken her arm," said Bilbo. "Marigold, my girl, you run as fast as you possibly can and get her eldest brother who's staying with friends in Hobbiton. Sam, no doubt you're rather tired. Why don't you go down and get a drink?"

Marigold went running out the door, but Sam did not move. "I'm not thirsty, Mr. Bilbo," he said. "Is there anything I can do?"

"I don't think we can do much until her brother arrives," said Bilbo with a smile. "I'm no doctor, you know."

They sat there together with Belle, waiting for her brother to arrive.

* * *

"Where is that Annabell?" Primrose grumbled. "It's been twenty minutes since we all arrived. I'm anxious to get started." She sighed and leaned back in her chair. "If she doesn't come soon this meeting is going to take a long time, and I'll get home late. And then I'll catch it from my parents."

She stood up. "All right, we'll do some small discussing while we're waiting for her." Prim looked at all the hobbits gathered around. "I'll take ideas for how we should go about our journeying. Anyone got one?"

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[doug*platypus]

A Very Important Meeting

"Well, Primrose," Biffo piped up. "Seems to me that we need to know what it is exactly we'll be getting. If I know Mr. Bilbo, it'll be a big bash, and we'll need lots of vittles and the like."

The other hobbits nodded in agreement. Hobbit wisdom was made up largely of commonsense. That and gardening. The company could appreciate the wisdom of what Biffo was saying, especially since they'd already thought of it themselves.

"Now, I don't know much about parties," he continued, one thumb behind his suspenders as he did when speechifying. "So, maybe we should all get our heads together and someone can write out a LIST." He said this last word with great authority.

Biffo hoped he was right in assuming that Primrose at least was a lettered hobbit. Biffo could read very well, and was proud of it, but had never had the need to write anything but his name. He felt sure that Olo and his family were in the same boat, but of course there was always more to his wily uncle than met the eye. Biffo seemed to have reached the crux of his speech now, and the only right thing to do was to wrap it up. With one hand on the fine old-fashioned table for support, he continued.

"So, once we know what we need, I'm sure we could have our own provisions stocked, and the ponies," here he looked back towards Primrose, "ready to leave tomorrow morning?"

[Child of the 7th Age]

The minute Marigold left, Sam had turned to Bilbo, with an idea of his own, "My mother can help. She's a Goodchild by birth, and they all have healing skills. My mother doesn't say too much outside the family. In fact, she uses it mostly on our farm animals. I've seen her set a dog's broken leg, and, six weeks later, it healed straight and clean."

"Go, lad, now and get her," Bilbo urged the boy. And, with that, Sam ran off to fetch his mother.

Since the Gamgee house lay so close to Bag-end, it was only a matter of minutes until his mother, Belle Goodchild, appeared, carrying an old leather case over her shoulder. She placed her hand on the girl's head, scrutinizing it intently, and then carefully examined every inch of her.

"Here," she whispered, pointing towards a jagged cut on the litte Belle's head. "This is where she hit a rock as she fell. This is why she does not wake." She carefully bathed the wound and dressed it, and, as she did so, the girl began to toss about slightly, although she still did not awaken. A good sign, Mistress Goodchild thought, but kept her reflections to herself, not wanting to raise false hopes.

Mistress Goodchild made sure the girl was warm and comfortable, and then set her arm in a splint. When she finished, she explained to Bilbo. "The break was clean and that is good. I will feel better though, after she awakes."

Within just a few minutes, Marigold had returned with Belle's tweener brother Ned in tow.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Merri]

Elanor felt an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach, as if something bad were about to happen or had just happened. She had finished delivering all her invitations, and was still basking in the delight of putting smiles on so many faces, but now she became worried.

I've probably forgotten something important. That's what it is . . . I've forgotten to do some chore back at home and Mum'll have me in the frying pan for it . . ., but somehow her feet turned her towards Mr. Bilbo's hole, and she walked up the pathway to the round green door and, without thinking, hammered her fist against the hard wood.

In a moment, the older hobbit appeared, looking more than a trifle irritated.

"Is anything-" She caught sight of Sam, Marigold, and Belle, and without another word, pushed past Bilbo and ran to her friends.

She knelt before Belle. "Will she be all right?" Elanor looked up at Sam, then the healer, then Belle's brother, searching for some form of reassurance.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Pipperin]

Annabell ran up the twisting walk way out of breath and tired, she had woke up terribly late and had ran all the way from her home.
As she reached the hobbit hole she stopped and took many long breaths before knocking on the door. She looked at the garden by the door, there were many beautiful flowers with bright, vibrant colours. How beautiful, she thought to herself.

She smiled as Olo opened the door to let her inside, smiling though probably a bit annoyed. She hung her coat on the hanger and walked into the room where the other hobbits sat waiting.

"Sorry, Im late" she said, her cheeks becoming warm, "I slept in far to late, I hope I have not missed anything!" She sat down at the table, glad to finally be there.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Pipperin ]

[Eruantalon]

Just as the talk of there plans started Olo heard a knock at the door.Well thats strange now.He thought to himself.He got up and went to the door.


"Hello there Annabell,I almost forgot about you.Come on in now the food is on the tabel.Theres plenty more if your still left hungry darlin."With that her coat was hung and he showed her over to the tabel.


Now Olo excused himself for a moment.He got up and whent to his small study.There he retrived paper,ink,and quills.Now he made his way through the hall way and back to the rest of the company.


"Well for everyone who knows how to read and write, you can use these to get everything down.Here you go, take what you need here.Make sure to take down things for those that can't read or write."Now passing out everything he sat down.


"Now lets get all our thougts straight.We'll start with food.Hows that with every one.I was thinking seed cake,scones,fruit tarts,pies,and candyed fruit, would be nice."
Saying this Olo quickly put these things down on paper.


"Anyone else have any ideas."Now he was looking around the table.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[ January 21, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Orual]

Sam felt a great sense of relief at the moment Bilbo opened the door. At that opening, the buck was passed; this was no longer Sam's catastrophe, it was now in capable adult hands. And nobody was more capable than Mr. Bilbo!

He sat heavily on a chair and just breathed for a little while, getting over the initial shock of the thing. He declined a drink and asked if he could help, but he was told that there was nothing he could do. Nothing? Sam frowned, sitting back and thinking hard. There had to be something. But what? He was no healer. He--of course!

After telling Bilbo his plan, Sam rushed off to his house to get his mother. That, he could do.

Without knocking he ran into the house. "Mom!" he called. "Mom! Come see!"

His mother came running out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her skirt. "Sam!" she said sternly once she saw who was making the commotion. "What has gotten into you? What's going on?"

Hardly pausing to breathe, Sam told her the entire story in an incredibly small amount of time. Mrs. Gamgee stood, looking at her youngest son incredulously. "And Belle's at Bag End now?" she asked quietly once Sam had finished. Wordlessly and gasping for breath, Sam nodded. "One moment, I'm coming."

It seemed to Sam exactly one moment later when his mother returned with her familiar leather case, care-worn from many years of use. Feeling like he'd done something, he took her by the hand and ran all the way back to Bag End.

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose sighed with relief as Annabell came into the room. "Wonderful!" she cried. "Now at last it looks as though we can get started!" She stood up, and then sat down again quickly. "Keep making suggestions, everyone," she said. "I think that's a good way to start our meeting. Then we can discuess these ideas. How do you think we should travel? Should we split up or travel together? And what do you think we'll need for the trip? And where do you think we'll need to go?"

* * *

Bowman Proudfoot stroked the little rodent that stood before him. He loved all animals, and his pet squirrel was his favorite. His love for animals had even convinced his mother not to harm the mice that raided her kitchen, but he had only a few days to do something about it, or his mother would take it into her own hands.

The squirrel suddenly tensed, looking off to the right, and then ran, scurrying up a tree and scolding. Bowman turned around and saw his father coming up the hill.

"Hullo, dad," he said, smiling.

"Well, son, I met Olo and Biffo Proudfoot on the road. We didn't talk, but they were kind of whispering together, and I heard them. You know I have good ears."

"Yes, dad," said Bowman. "What were they talking about?"

"About something I shouldn't tell you, but I will if you can keep a secret," his father said.

"I can keep a secret, you know I can, dad."

"Mr. Bilbo Baggins is planning a surprise party for his cousin Frodo, and they're all going to help out. It sounds as though a couple kids are going to be helping with the party, as well."

"Why wasn't I invited to help?" Bowman asked with disappointment clearly in his voice.

"Oh, I don't know, son." Mr. Proudfoot looked up and saw the squirrel still scolding him. "Still have that critter, eh?"

"Yes, dad," said Bowman, but he wasn't really listening. He was thinking.

"Hmm. Well, I'll be indoors with your mother, all right?" Mr. Proudfoot went inside.

Bowman called his squirrel down and a little smile came to his face. Bilbo Baggins hadn't invited him, but that didn't mean he couldn't help anyway, did it?

[Child of the 7th Age]

That evening, Bilbo dispatched Ned to ride hard to Tukborough and bring back Belle's mother and father so they could see to her comfort. Tukborough lay just 6 leagues south of the Shire, in an area that bordered on a wooded grove.

If the boy rode his pony hard, he could make it there tonight, and probably bring them back to Hobbiton by the next afternoon. Once Belle had awoken, and was clearly out of danger, her parents would probably want to bring her home in their wagon.

That night, Sam's mother remained at Bag-end so that she could stay by Belle's side and keep an eye on her. Marigold and Elanor and even Sam had also insisted on being with their friend and slept on the floor close to the bed, curled up in blankets. Whenever Elanor looked up to check on Belle, the girl was dozing fitfully, not quite conscious, but tossing and turning about in pain.

When Frodo came home later that evening, he was both surprised and sorry to find out about Belle. He began asking pointed questions about how such a terrible thing could ever have happened. Bilbo tried to field these as adroitly as he could so Frodo wouldn't learn how Belle had gone up to the farmhouses that lay near the Water to deliver a packet of birthday invitations to some families who lived there.

After much conversation, and several pointed looks between Bilbo and Elanor in Frodo's direction, everyone finally trundled off to bed. Just as the sun was peering over the horizon and the roosters were beginning to crow, Belle opened her eyes, to the surprise and delight of all the hobbits in Bag-end. Belle sat up, and stretched and smiled over at her friends, although she was still too weak to do much talking.

Marigold bounded up and stared at her friend with a big grin on her face. "She's going to be alright?" The young hobbits looked over at Mistress Gamgee to make sure of that.

"Oh, yes, she should be fine. But I'm afraid she'll need to spend some time at home resting. No rough play with that arm in a sling."

Bilbo nodded in agreement. Then he tugged on Marigold's arm and beckoned quietly to the other children to come into the study and speak privately. "Belle should be well enough to come back and attend our party, but she won't be able to do the rough work like cleaning or carrying boxes or all the things we'll need to do to prepare. I'm relying on you--Sam, Elanor and Marigold as well as Cami--to do those things. You'll have your hands full, but I think you can do it."

Marigold looked over at Bilbo and grinned broadly, "Of course we can! We won't let you down. And we'll make the best party in the world for Frodo, and for our friend Belle too."

Then Bilbo handed out several more packets of invitations to each of the children, telling them to be very careful in their deliveries and to let him know if they saw anything suspicious. Bilbo didn't really think there'd been bandits in the Shire, as some of the children had suggested, but still he wanted them to be particularly cautious from now on.

Before the children and Mistress Gamgee left, Bilbo leaned over to Sam and looked him in the eye, "Remember, you made a promise. I'm counting on your help, especially with Belle injured."

[ January 23, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Beruthiel]

Marigold practically skipped out of Bag-end, Belle was going to be alright and she was still coming to the party! Bilbo hadn't been angry with her for ruining the invitations, though he had been rather distracted with Belle. The children had been sent out to deliver more invitations, this time Marigold watched where she was going but thankfully there weren't anymore puddles.

Before they'd left Bag-end, Bilbo had asked them to look out for anything suspicious. She had no idea what he meant, nothing like that ever happened in the Shire, though she had a feeling that Bilbo thought someone did something to Belle. But why one earth would anyone do that!She thought to herself, Surely nothing would happen to... me? Now Marigold was feeling a little worried, she hurried along a bit quicker and kept an eye out, just in case.

[ January 23, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[Merri]

Elanor had plenty of time to deliver her invitations, so she ambled along the road, lost in her thoughts, and forgetting that she was supposed to be looking out for anything suspicious.

She was daydreaming about running off with the travelling hobbits, becoming the envy and admired by all the hobbit children. What would they come across, she wondered? Elves? Bandits? Trolls? She shivered in delight. Oh, if only I were a few years older- and she kicked at a rock, sending it rolling down the path. But- no. You promised Mr. Bilbo, Elanor, and Frodo's your friend- you can't let them down, no siree, not now, and Mams and Paps wouldn't be happy to hear that you did, either. She sighed unhappily and continued on her way.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Later that same morning, Cami raced down the lane from her family's burrow heading in the direction of Bag-end. Unlike the other children, she'd spent the night at home with her parents, eating dinner and finishing chores, and so had heard nothing about Belle's accident or the subsequent arrival of Ned.

She found Bilbo sitting on his doorstep, smoking a pipe and taking in a bit of the cool morning air. He wished her a hearty good morning, then began explaining everything that had happened since the night before. As Frodo had left the house to go walking in the woods, there was little need for them to try and mask their conversation. Cami inquired if she could come in to see Marigold, but the younger hobbit had aready slipped off to sleep and Bilbo thought it best not to wake her.

The two of them sat together on seats by the round green door, chatting of this and that, as Bilbo blew out beautiful grey rings of smoke, watching them float upwards and disappear over The Hill. When it was time to leave, Cami picked up another packet of invitations that she promised to deliver that afternoon. Then she asked Bilbo a question, which no one had thought of before.

"Why don't you give me Belle's too?" she suggested, "The ones she never got around to delivering yesterday."

Bilbo furled his brow and looked up surprised, "Belle's invitations? There weren't any. When Sam brought Belle back, he wasn't carrying any invitations. Perhaps Belle finished delivering them."

Now it was Cami's turn to look puzzled, "That's strange. Yesterday, in the market, near the end of the day, I ran into two of the families who live up by the Water, and they swore they never received any invitations at all."

"Is that so?" Bilbo narrowed his eyes and looked suspicious, but then said very calmly, "I expect it was just a mistake. Sam just forgot to pick them up. Belle probably dropped them on the path, and they're still sitting there. Naturally, Sam was more concerned with Belle and her injury, than in trying to retrieve any lost packets."

He looked over at Cami, "You know where Belle fell down?" The girl nodded her head in response. "Please do me a favor. Check the pathway where Sam found Belle, and retrieve the missing ones, then bring them back here so I can have a look at them. Be careful not to run into Frodo, or let him know what you're doing."

Cami promised she would take care of that, and was about to run off on her errands, when Bilbo's voice again called out to her, "Cami, take care. Keep a good eye on what's going on, and if you see anything that looks suspicious, don't wait around to investigate, just get out of there." Cami nodded and, as she left Bag-end, wondered what Bilbo's last words had really meant.

[Orual]

Sam left Bag End with the slightly perplexing emotional combination of being quite exhausted and trying to carry himself with the air of someone who'd just been entrusted something special. Bilbo's last words had stuck in his mind...

"Remember, you made a promise. I'm counting on your help, especially with Belle injured."

After such an important proclamation it seemed an untimely moment to rub his eyes or yawn, so he strove to avoid doing either. Instead he focused on Marigold.

"I'm going to deliver the rest of my invitations," he told his sister. "I hadn't finished when I found Belle. Are you all right by yourself?" Marigold assured him that she would be fine, and he went on his way.

His invitations, just a little crumpled from being in his vest pocket all this time, were delivered in no time, Sam having set about his task with renewed vigour. Once he was done, he started on his walk back home. Several things were bothering him, however, mainly Belle. She wasn't usually a clumsy girl, no more than anybody, and she would have had to fall awfully hard to break her arm. Sam frowned. Must've been a big rock she tripped over, he surmised. But he hadn't seen any, had he? No, not that he could remember. And then Mr. Bilbo had told them to let him know if they saw anything suspicious...but it was probably nothing. Belle probably just wasn't looking where she was going. After all, what could it possibly have been?

[doug*platypus]

Five Heads are Better than One

The meeting had now been officially started. All the conspirators had arrived, including one who had not been there yesterday at Bag End, Annabell. Olo Proudfoot had already begun writing down some of the items they would need.

"Keep making suggestions, everyone," Primrose had said, "I think that's a good way to start our meeting. Then we can discuss these ideas. How do you think we should travel? Should we split up or travel together? And what do you think we'll need for the trip? And where do you think we'll need to go?"

There were many questions still unanswered it seemed. This should have given Biffo food for thought, but to be honest all he could think about were fruit tarts and seedcake. Thanks, Uncle Olo! he thought to himself, since it was Olo that had driven all other thoughts out of his head. Fortunately, the Proudfeet had already put on an excellent lunch.

"Candied fruit, and tarts," Biffo said after a short while, "we could get from the market at Waymoot, if we don't have time to make 'em."

After a little more thinking, he continued.

"Problem is, if there really are bandits about, things will start to get expensive. I've worked for Rory Bellows down in the Southfarthing a few times, and I know that he'd put his price up if things looked dangerous. Charges like a wounded bull if he gets the chance, he does!"

It seemed then, that Waymoot ought to be the hobbits' first stop, to find out what they could buy there, and what they might have to collect directly from the farmers. It was, after all, possible that deliveries would be interrupted by the threat of bandits. Or at least until the Shirriffs and the Mayor could put an end to the rumours.

Olo fetched a finely drawn Map of the Shire (http://www.collecttolkien.com/images/Mapr3t_M39.jpg) and spread it out for all to see. Primrose had another map, and did likewise. Primrose's map (http://www.collecttolkien.com/images/Mapr3t_M57.jpg), though not as clear, showed more of the far corners of The Shire. Biffo did not own a map himself, but had often looked at them. They held a strange fascination for him, although his own map of The Shire was tucked away firmly inside his head.

"I think we should need to ride rather than walk," Biffo added as a last comment, "and also that we should stick together."

While Biffo had been to many parties in his time (he was a hobbit, after all!), he had never organised one before. He hoped to help out in whatever way he could, but knew that when it came to making a list of supplies, the others would be more willing and able. Having said his bit for now, he turned his attention to Primrose's beautiful map.

[Manardariel]

"Keep making suggestions, everyone. I think that's a good way to start our meeting. Then we can discuss these ideas. How do you think we should travel? Should we split up or travel together? And what do you think we'll need for the trip? And where do you think we'll need to go?"
Primrose said. Pearl, who had waited for this question quite a while, spoke.

"I think we should check out Michel Delving for the decoration. The Romild-folks are the best candle-makers in the Shire, everyone knows that. And we´ll need presents, too. I´m sure we could get some nice stuff at the toyshop and 'Markenbrands'."

She looked around on tenterhooks, waiting for the others to say something. She got some agreeing nods.

"And one other thing. What about suplies for us? Are we going to sleep in Inns every night? And if not, if we´ll sleep in the wild, what will we need? Blankets, I´d say, food, a knife... what more?"

[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Sindae]

"Well I think your idea is good, Pearl" Crystal said. "I've heard about the toyshops, they are said to be great! Perhaps we should go to Buckland as well, I know some people there who know how to make delicious things out of mushrooms. I once tasted an omelette there and it was the best one I've ever ate."

Still she was unsure if the other Hobbits accepted her. She never had a good opinion of herself, and looked at them hoping anyone would answer to her suggestin. When no one said anything she continued.

"I woulnd't mind sleeping out in the wild, I've always dreamed of it. But we need some Hobbits with the knowledge for this. Did anyone of you ever camp in the Shire? And if so, what did you need for it? I don't think we could afford spending the nights in inns, it would be just too expensive so I'd say we should really sleep outside and just be a bit careful that no one attacks us. Or do you have better ideas?"

[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: Sindae ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

That morning, Master Lotho sat at his mother's breakfast table contentedly eating his bacon and eggs. He was wearing his fashionable brown waistcoat, the one he usually donned for parties or other festive events. He was feeling particularly cheerful, as to how things were turning out.

Lobelia came out scratching her head, "Lotho, dear, I can't find your green waistcoat anywhere, the one you were wearing yesterday. I need to wash it today. Do you know where it is?"

Lotho wiggled uncomfortably in his seat. He had been careful not to tell his mother exactly how he'd been chasing Belle, or the mistake he'd made tripping over a rock, and landing on top of the young girl. "My green jacket? Uh, I don't know! Maybe I lost it somewhere?"

"Lost it! Lotho, you must be careful. That was a very fine velvet jacket that came all the way from Bree. Not like the cheap ones that the other Bagginses wear! You must not lose your fine clothes if you want to present a good appearance."

Lotho dumbly nodded his head, hoping his mother would't go out to the hen house today. So he paid close attention to his breakfast and then disappeared out of the house to go off on some secret errand.

Later that morning, Mistress Lobelia had just ordered the servant girl to go out and feed the chickens, when the young hobbit came running back inside.

"Miz Lobelia, Miz Lobelia! Look what I've found. It's Master Lotho's green waistcoat only it's torn mighty bad, and there's dirt all over. I found it stuck back in the hay under the laying hens. And, look here, one of the buttons is missing."

Lobelia gingerly took the sodden mess out of the girl's hand and wrinkled her own nose in disgust. Lotho's jacket! There was little doubt of that. Yet, how had he managed to get it in such a disreputable state? Her eyes took in the long rip and missing button. There was even a patch of velvet missing.

She turned to the girl and looked sternly at her. "Not a word of this to anyone! Do you understand? If I hear anyone discussing this, you can wave your job goodbye."The girl nodded dumbly in agreement.

At first, Lobelia wasn't sure what to think. It was probably nothing, but why would her son hide a ripped waistcoat?

She reflected a moment and then decided that another hobbit had been bullying poor Lotho, and he'd been afraid to tell his dear mother about his uncomfortable situation. Probably that awful Frodo Baggins, the lad who lived with Bilbo and who was trying to cheat her out of her inheritance of Bag-end. She shook her head in dismay. By the end of two minutes, she had thoroughly convinced herself her beloved son was in the right, and she vowed to stand up for him no matter what might happen.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami ran quickly along the path that led north up by the Water. She'd finished delivering her own invitations, and was now going to check out the spot where Belle had fallen, just as Bilbo had asked her to do.

It was soon apparent that she'd found the exact place on the pathway where Sam had rescued Belle. She could see a large rock jutting out of the ground, as well as a small piece of torn blue fabric that looked like a piece of Belle's skirt. She began searching for the packet of lost invitations, expecting to find them quickly on the path, or maybe tossed off somewhere to the side. There had been no wind or bad weather, and very few hobbits used this particular track, except for a few children and a stray adult or two. Certainly there was no heavy traffic such as one might expect to find in the market or the main road leading east out of the town.

Cami spent a good long time crawling around on the path and surveying the surrounding land, inspecting every log and blade of grass, but nowhere could she see any missing invitations. Perhaps, she and Bilbo had been mistaken. Belle may have finished her deliveries earlier, or Sam could have stuffed them into his pocket and totally forgotten about them with all the excitement and worry.

Cami was just about to call off her search when she spied a large elm tree set some fifteen feet off to the right side. More out of curiosity than anything else, she bent down to have a look. But there were clearly no invitations here. Suddenly, just before turning away, she spied something bright gleaming in the grass, and went over to retrieve it, holding it up closely under her nose. It appeared to be a solid brass button for a very fancy waistcoat, and around the edge of the button was a rust brown stain that looked suspiciously like blood.

Cami ran all the way back to Bag-end with her treasure tucked deep inside her sash. As she raced around the corner which led down Bagshot Row, past her own home and in the direction of her well-to-do neighbors, she yelled out at the top of her voice, "Mister Bilbo, Mister Bilbo, look what I've found!"

.

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose listened to each suggestion and carefully considered it. She felt nervous with her responsibility as leader, but she did not let it show. She only hoped she would be able to be a good leader.

"Candied fruit, and tarts. We could get from the market at Waymoot, if we don't have time to make 'em."

Hopefully we'll have time to make them, Primrose thought. I can imagine how expensive that kind of thing could get. Mum could do it, maybe. I'd just have to figure out a way to have her do it without letting her know about the party...

"Problem is, if there really are bandits about, things will start to get expensive. I've worked for Rory Bellows down in the Southfarthing a few times, and I know that he'd put his price up if things looked dangerous. Charges like a wounded bull if he gets the chance, he does!"

"Just what I was afraid of," Primrose sighed. "Unfortunately I don't think any of us are rich... maybe Bilbo would give us a hand with that? I'll speak with him later today."

Biffo suggested going to Waymoot first, and then Olo brought out his map. Primrose studied it, then remembered her own map, and fetched it out.

"I think we should need to ride rather than walk, and also that we should stick together."

Ride... "We'll need ponies, then," said Primrose. "I own a pony and a cart, but the cart is for carrying supplies. My family owns a few more ponies, so if we can make a good excuse I could get them to lend them to our company."

"I think we should check out Michel Delving for the decoration. The Romild-folks are the best candle-makers in the Shire, everyone knows that. And we'll need presents, too. I'm sure we could get some nice stuff at the toyshop and 'Markenbrands'."

Michel Delving. Primrose quickly looked at the map. "Michel Delving is southwest from Waymoot, about 13 or 14 leagues away. Waymoot is about 8 leagues away from Hobbiton. We should head to Waymoot first, I think, and from there on to Michel Delving. If we're riding I think we could get to Waymoot and halfway to Michel Delving in a day."

"And one other thing. What about suplies for us? Are we going to sleep in Inns every night? And if not, if we'll sleep in the wild, what will we need? Blankets, I'd say, food, a knife... what more?"

"I wouldn't mind sleeping out in the wild, I've always dreamed of it. But we need some Hobbits with the knowledge for this. Did anyone of you ever camp in the Shire? And if so, what did you need for it? I don't think we could afford spending the nights in inns, it would be just too expensive so I'd say we should really sleep outside and just be a bit careful that no one attacks us. Or do you have better ideas?"

"I think Crystal is right," said Prim. "Inns will be very expensive, and we couldn't possibly afford it with all the supplies we have to get. But it's dangerous to sleep in the wild, if these rumors of bandits are true."

She paused and began to think. This was a difficult decision. She looked out the window, but she knew she could not think long. The company was eagerly awaiting her answer.

"I'll make my definite decision when we find out if Bilbo will supply us with the money we need," she said at last. "But for now I'll say that we'll probably have to sleep outdoors and risk the danger of bandits, and occasionally sleeping at an inn. But that is not the final decision.

"Does anyone own a pony? What about Crystal's question? Have any of you slept in the wild before? I have, once, but unfortunately I don't know what's needed, because my father and I had no choice. That's another tale that will be good for the road, if one of you will remind me." She looked about at the company, and waited for their answers, hoping she was living up to everyone's expectations.

[Beruthiel]

Mister Bilbo, Mister Bilbo, look what I've found

Marigold heard Cami calling from up ahead. She had finished delivering all her invitations and was returning back to Bag-end to see whether there was anything else she could do.

Looking towards Mr. Bilbo's round, green door she saw Cami rushing into Bag-end. Marigold followed and slipped in behind her. Cami was giving something to Bilbo.

Turning to Cami she asked "What's that?" nodding her head at Bilbo's hand. "I found it near where Belle fell down." Cami said, ignoring Marigold for the moment, looking straight at Bilbo. Marigold looked at Bilbo's hand to see a fancy, brass button.

"Do either of you recognize this?" Bilbo asked them. Cami shook her head but Marigold stared at the button. It must have come from a fancy coat, only someone very proud would wear something like that. Then something clicked in her head, Lotho Sackville-Baggins! She remembered seeing him with his dreadful mother at the market the other day wearing a very posh, green waist coat.

"Its Lotho's!" she gasped and then looked at Bilbo. "I saw him wearing a really fancy coat at the market with buttons like that."

[doug*platypus]

Biffo had to admit that so far, Primrose had definitely been living up to everyone's expectations. Bilbo's faith in her was not without reason, it seemed. Biffo had nodded approvingly as she guessed at times and distances. She had, he thought, been right in her reckoning, if they were to travel by pony and from Hobbiton. He did not of course know where Primrose's beasts were stabled, however.

"For myself, lass," Biffo rejoined, "I'd have to say that no, I do not own a pony. I was hoping ye'd have enough for the lot of us and all the bags, though it does seem there'll be an awful lot of those! Good thing you have a cart, we'll surely need it."

Biffo seemed to recall Prim mentioning a cart-pony at Bag End, and was glad she had the cart to complete the matching set. Olo Proudfoot, who had been listening with interest and taking notes more than talking, now chipped in.

"You're right, Primrose, you'll need a good excuse to borrow all that ponyage!" Olo said. "Hmm... with all this bandit activity, maybe the Shirriffs could ask to borrow them and return them later. Of course, we couldn't get a real Shirriff to do it."

Olo cast a smirking glance towards his nephew, hinting maybe that with a hat and a feather or two, he could look very much the part of a Shirriff, if it came down to it. Biffo pretended not to notice.

"Very good suggestion about the decorations, Pearl," Biffo said.

To tell the truth, the hobbit had forgotten about Pearl for a minute there. Actually, he had mistakenly thought there were only five travelling conspirators. He looked down at his toes and began counting the group off to make sure, this time: Primrose, Pearl, Crystal, Annabell, Melilot, Olo, Biffo! Ah, seven! Very fortuitous! Pleased with his skills of numeracy, Biffo looked up and paid attention again. His uncle was talking.

"As for sleeping about out of doors," Olo was saying, "I think that we'd better not, not with these bandits about. We should be able to find a nice, affordable Inn where we can keep everything safe. And at any rate, I don't think we'll be gone too long, will we? At least that's what I told Maggie and the kids."

Biffo didn't mind at all about sleeping indoors or out, and had done a great deal of both (sleeping being one of his strong points). He could definitely see the wisdom in Olo's suggestion though, and was once again grateful that the Proudfeet were there to help guide the younger (though very able) hobbit lasses. He was particularly impressed at Olo's helping out, as looking after a family must take a bit of work. Biffo hoped on his behalf that they would not be gone too long, or Olo would surely miss his family and his comfy hobbit-hole. The thought that any unforeseen trouble might await them hardly entered Biffo's mind.

[Nurumaiel]

"For myself, lass, I'd have to say that no, I do not own a pony. I was hoping ye'd have enough for the lot of us and all the bags, though it does seem there'll be an awful lot of those! Good thing you have a cart, we'll surely need it."

Primrose looked doubtful. We have seven companions, and we'll need a pony for each of them. My father owns three, my brother one, and my mother one. That makes five. I own one. That's six. Someone can ride in the front of the cart with me, and that makes…

"Seven!" she cried aloud. She quickly told everyone her thoughts, but then a frown came to her face. "But my father can only lend us one of his. He needs the other two for his job of farming. Does anyone own any ponies?"

"Hmm... with all this bandit activity, maybe the Shirriffs could ask to borrow them and return them later. Of course, we couldn't get a real Shirriff to do it."

Primrose saw Olo looking towards Biffo. "I don't know," she said slowly. "Would that be right? Deceiving them, I mean? I'm sure one of you must own a pony or two.

"As for sleeping about out of doors, I think that we'd better not, not with these bandits about. We should be able to find a nice, affordable Inn where we can keep everything safe. And at any rate, I don't think we'll be gone too long, will we? At least that's what I told Maggie and the kids."

"The problem is," their young leader replied, "can we find an affordable inn everywhere we go? Prices might go high if the bandits are about. The innkeepers will know everyone will want to sleep indoors, and they'll take advantage of it.

"As to your question of how long we'll be gone, it had better not be too long. We have to be back before September the 22nd. So far these are our plans."

Primrose pointed to the map once again. "We'll be going from Hobbiton to Waymoot, and from there to Michel Delving. After Michel Delving, my plans are to go to Tuckborough. My cousin Peony lives there. She owns an inn and a store, and we can get some supplies from her.

"Are there any more suggestions as to where we should go after Tuckborough?"

[Pipperin]

Annabell sat at the table listening to the suggestions of the other hobbits. She was quite content to be a part of all this, but she did not feel very helpful, even if they had just started planning.

"Seven! But my father can only lend us one of his. He needs the other two for his job of farming. Does anyone own any ponies?

Annabell thought for a moment. She did not own any ponies, and her parents didnt either, but...Estella! Yes, she owned a pony. She quickly informed the others of it, as Primrose finished speaking.

"My friend Estella owns a pony, im sure she will let us borrow him! Though he is getting on in years, but he is quite energetic" She sat back in her chair and looked at the others.

[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: Pipperin ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save: Bilbo visits Lobelia Sackville-Baggins

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bilbo had turned around and looked at Marigold with considerable surprise. "You know, I believe you're right. Now that you mention it, I also recall seeing this button on Lotho's coat. How very strange!"

Cami quickly responded to Bilbo, "Stange? I'd say more than strange! Why was Lotho hiding behind a tree in the exact same spot where Belle was hurt? I'd say it sounds mighty suspicious." Marigold looked up at Cami and nodded her head in agreement.

"Now, girls! Let's not get carried away with this. Just because Lotho lost his button there, it doesn't mean he had anything to do with Belle. He might have lost it a week ago. Perhaps, he climbed the tree to look out and see something, and his button caught on a branch and ripped off. We can't go around accusing Lotho without more evidence than this. Anyways, we have too much work to be spending time worrying about such things. I have new assignments for you children."

Bilbo made the girls promise that they wouldn't say anything about the button to anyone else, at least not for the time being.

"Now, let's see about that next chore...., " Bilbo smiled and looked down at the girls. "We're going to need a lot more flour for all those cakes and cookies and pies we'll be baking. This afternoon, could you come back to Bag-end, hitch Nell up to the cart, and take her down to the mill? Usually, Ted sends his boy up with the deliveries, but he's not feeling well. If we want more flour, we'll need to go down and get it ourselves."

Cami made a face. "The mill? Ted Sandyman? He's never been a favorite of mine. What a grouch! A real grouch!"

Bilbo quickly interjected. "Now, Cami, please keep such opinions to yourself. That's not very nice. Anyways, whether you like Ted or not, it's the only place nearby to get some flour. We surely can't wait till the other hobbits get back from their tour of the Shire as there won't be any time left for us to do the baking."

He gave Cami a purse with six gleeming silver coins to pay for the large amount of flour they would need, and warned her to be very, very careful with it. He warmly thanked Marigold for recognizing Lotho's button and Cami for finding it behind the tree. Then he sent the girls off on their own and said he would see them later today when they came back with Sam and Elanor for the pony and cart.

When they were finally out the door, Bilbo sat down and thought carefully about what had happened. He hadn't wanted to say anything to the girls, but he was also suspicious about exacty what that button meant. He resolved to go speak with Lotho's mother as soon as he had a spare moment, and find out just what was behind all this. Then he went in to check on Belle, and see how the girl was doing.

[ February 01, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Merri]

Bilbo informed Elanor of her chore as soon as she returned to Bag-End. Ted Sandyman wasn't much of a likeable character, that much she knew, but beyond that, she knew nothing about him, so she couldn't complain.

"Anything for Frodo, Mr. Bilbo, sir," She said, with a grin.

"That's my girl." The old hobbit smiled at her and patted her head. She danced out the doorway, calling to Sam and the others.

"Come on, all of you! We're going to Ted Sandyman's mill to get some flour." She called, making her way to the wagon.

[Orual]

Sam was solemnly authoritative as he joined Elanor. Ted was a strange character, and he'd be in charge of protecting the girls. He smiled at Elanor as she came out. "Is everybody ready to go?" he asked. Elanor and the others assured him that they were. He nodded solemnly to Bilbo before Elanor closed the door--and Bilbo gave him the oddest smile back, as though he was trying not to laugh, but Sam didn't think much of it--and turned to the wagon.

"Shall I drive?" he asked Elanor.

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

Melilot listened intently to the conversation. She felt a little lost in all of it, and quite muddled--partially from lack of attention, for Mel hadn't the longest attention span in all of the Shire. She had perked up when Crystal had suggested sleeping out-of-doors; though Melilot was fairly concerned with her appearance, she was quite ensorcelled by the idea of roughing it, though in truth she'd probably not last too long in the wild.

Once they started talking about inexpensive inns, Melilot really perked up. "My uncle Saradas is an innkeeper near Tuckborough," she said. "He knows all the innkeepers in the west and south farthings, or 'least most of them. I know we could get in very cheap at his inn, and if I tell them who my uncle is the others'll likely give us a break in terms of prices in their inns, too. 'Less we go by the Rusty Hinge," she amended, cringing, "old Posco Hilldweller isn't over fond of my uncle." She looked around the room hesitantly and waited for a response.

[doug*platypus]

"Sounds fine, Ms. Brandybuck!" Biffo remarked. "Fine, indeed."

The prospect of cheap rates at almost every Inn in the Shire brought a golden glow to that particular Proudfoot's face. And to think, just last week his mother had told him how hard it was to find the perfect woman! Biffo noticed that most of the company were likewise relieved at hearing Melilot's news. Sleeping indoors, but on the cheap, seemed at first glance to be a grand solution.

Biffo felt sure that Primrose would have something to say about it, however. She had seemed most keen on saving money, even if this meant a more dangerous trip. Biffo could hardly make the decision either way, though, since it wasn't just his money that they would be spending. While he could pay his own way comfortably for the time they were to take, he was not so well off that he could do likewise for all of them. Perhaps Mr. Bilbo might need to help them out.

Primrose could now be seen mulling over the options, as the hobbit group looked on.

"Looks like she'll think of something, or burst trying!" Biffo whispered to his Uncle Olo, who promptly jabbed him quiet with an elbow (even though he was grinning as well).

Biffo hoped that they would be travelling in comfort. Quite apart from beers on tap, he did not relish the thought of staying up on bandit watch into the wee hours.

[Merri]

Elanor smiled back at Sam, glad that she hadn't had to ask him. "Yes- that would be very good, if you would drive." She always got worried whenever she drove carts, afraid that she'd run into a pothole, or that the cart would tip over, or that the horses would get out of her control.

She got onto the seat beside Sam, making room for Marigold to join them.

"I hope Ted Sandyman won't be too mean," She said anxiously.

[Child of the 7th Age]

When Cami had returned home, she'd received a stern warning from her parents about how, for the past two days, she'd forgotten to do her farm chores and errands. Wagging a finger in the air, her mother had made it perfectly clear that, as much as they admired and respected Mister Bilbo, Cami would have to do her share at home, or she wouldn't be allowed to help out with the party plans.

Faced with this grim possibility, Cami spent the next three hours industriously mucking out the barn, currying the cart horse, and turning the house upside down to chase every dust bunny out that she could manage to track down. When she finally finished all that, she quickly regrouped in hopes of racing back to Bag-end and joining the others for the trek to the mill.

But, before Cami could slip out the door, she heard her mother's voice calling once again, "Just one more thing, dear. I need you to run to the market, and buy two loaves of bread. I just haven't had time to bake today, since I've been too busying finishing up all the work that you were supposed to do from yesterday."

Cami inwardly moaned, then took the copper pennies her mother offered, promising to run down to Mistress Hornblower's and return immediately with the needed baked goods. She tucked the money into the same purse where she had hidden Bilbo's coins. She wasn't sure how she'd make it to Bag-end in time, but she thought it best not to upset her mother any futher.

With a hope, skip, and a jump, Cami was out the door, running across the fields, taking every shortcut she knew to get her to the baker's in short order. As she approached the Hornblower's shop, a terrible sight met her eyes. There was a long line of hobbits snaking out the door, all waiting for the next load of bread to come piping fresh from the oven. The baker had just sold her last two loaves, and everyone else would have to wait an hour or more if they wanted to get fresh bread.

Cami groaned. She'd never make it to the miller's on time, if she had to wait in line until everyone else was served. Then she had an idea. Perhaps, she could ask the hobbit who'd bought the last two loaves for a very big favor.

But when she ran up to the front, her heart quickly sank. There was Lotho, about to walk away with two fresh loaves that he'd just bought. Still, she wouldn't give up without trying. Without mentioning anything about a birthday party, Cami explained how she had a purse with Bilbo's money in it and must get down to the miller before he closed that afternoon for a very large order.

To Cami's amazement, Lotho agreed to help her. He handed her the two loaves and asked for payment, not a penny more or less than what he himself had spnt. That seemed like an eminently reasonable arrangement.

Cami paid Lotho the pennies, then let him hold her purse while she stuffed the two loaves inside the cloth bag. When the lad inadvertently dropped the money, he insisted on picking up the coins and replacing them in the purse, treating Cami as if she was a real lady. Cami began to think that she had misjudged Lotho, and was feeling sorry for her earlier words to Bilbo.

Then she thanked Lotho, ran back across the field, and handed the bread to her mother, before taking of again. She caught up with the pony and wagon, just as the cart was rounding the bend to go down to the miller. The other children good naturedly teased her about being late, but she herself was quite proud about how she'd managed to handle things.

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

Lotho had to wait in line a very long time to purchase his other two loaves of bread. He really didn't mind as he looked down at the silver coins that now nestled securely in his hand. After all, he reasoned, any hobbit could make such a mistake when picking money up from the floor, replacing one coin with another of a slightly different value. Anyways, he deserved some receompense for his time spent in line.

Still, he laughed as he thought of his little trick. Copper coins, silver coins....they were all the same to Lotho, since the Sackville-Baggins family was one of those in the Shire who enjoyed considerable resources. He never gave it a second thought as he left the market, heading home to have a pot of tea and buttered scones in the company of his mother.

[Beruthiel]

Marigold pulled herself into the cart and sat down, thanking Elanor for saving her seat. She was feeling a little worried about going to Ted Sandyman's mill, she hadn't met him before but Sam had told her all about him. Hopefully he wasn't as mean as everyone thought.

Sam was stearing the cart around the corner when Cami ran up and jumped onto the back. "You're late! Where were you?" The three hobbits said at once. Then Cami launched into a story of Lotho and the bakers.

Marigold had never liked Lotho before, espicially after the button that was found near Belle. It seemed very strange that Lotho had been so nice to Cami and Marigold didn't like the sound of it but kept quiet as she listened to Cami.

[Orual]

Sam proudly took the driver's position in the wagon, waited for the others to hop in, and started off. He drove with an air of certainty and self-assuredness, but in truth he wasn't completely comfortable driving yet, and it required his full attention. He answered very shortly when anybody said anything to him, and the conversation soon included only the other children.

Wonder where Cami is, Sam thought as he guided the wagon along. She ought to be here, shouldn't she? Any road, she's a better driver than I am, that's for certain. He shrugged. She must be doing something else. He did wish that she was here though, or he was there. He and Cami fought a lot, there was no doubt about that, but he always felt better when his cousin was around. He did occasionally resent the fact that she was a year his elder, but he took comfort in not being the oldest, having somebody above him to look to for guidance. At least she'd be there when it came time to actually deal with Sandyman.

"I hope Ted Sandyman won't be too mean." He heard Elanor's voice beside him, and she sounded worried. The stretch of road ahead was clear and straight, so Sam took a risk and looked over at her, smiling.

"Don't worry," he said confidently, looking back to the road, "I don't expect we'll have much trouble." He didn't know if it reassured Elanor, but hearing himself say it reassured him a little bit. "Cami will know how to handle it," he added, a little surprised at himself for actually saying it out loud. "I mean, I could, too, but Cami will be there, that is," he finished, attempting to look grown-up. He tried to ignore Elanor's grin.

Finally Cami caught up with them, apologized for being late and hopped into the wagon. Naturally he teased her, but he was quite glad to see her. Now there would be no problem in handling Sandyman.

[Merri]

It was lucky that the seat in the wagon was wide enough to fit all four hobbits. But then, it could also be that they were small enough to fit comfortably. At any rate, now that Cami was also in the wagon, Elanor was between Sam and Marigold. It's an Elanor and Marigold sandwich! She thought amusedly, and mentioned it aloud. Sam's words had almost quelled her anxieties about having to approach the unpleasant miller.

[ February 02, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Orual]

"It's an Elanor and Marigold sandwich!"

Sam laughed aloud when Elanor said that. He was feeling quite a bit better, now that Cami was with them. But they had just rounded the last corner before they arrived at Ted Sandyman's, so that elation was quickly quelled. It was a bright, sunny day, but Sam could swear that there was a curtain of dark stormclouds behind the mill, and he could almost hear claps of thunder in the distance. He frowned.

Come on, Sam, get a hold of yourself, he thought fiercely. You shouldn't let Sandyman get you upset so. Anyways, Cami's here now. You might not even have to deal with the miller at all! If nothing else, that last thought reassured him. "Almost there," he shouted to his passengers.

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

"Sounds fine, Ms. Brandybuck!" Biffo remarked. "Fine, indeed."

Melilot grinned. "It's Bracegirdle, Master Proudfoot," she said, with a touch of feigned indignance. "I'm no Brandybuck. No, no, it's fine," she added, when Biffo began to apologize. "It's fine. Similar names, if you don't know the people so well. Though I don't doubt that we'll know each other quite a bit better before this trip is done. Especially if we decide to camp." The last part was said a little thoughtfully. "But I don't doubt that my uncle will be able to give us good prices. But bandits had been mentioned. How...how reliable are these reports?" she asked, looking around the table. Talk of bandits roaming around her dear Shire worried Melilot. She didn't like this at all, and hoped that it was simply the talk of Inn-goers who had enjoyed their drink a little heavily. She waited for responses.

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

As the cart pulled up in front of the old mill, the children piled out onto the grass. Cami bounded up the steps and pounded insistently on the door.

A grumbling sound came from inside, "Hold yer horses. Hold yer horses. Don't be in such a rush." Then there was the sound of a hobbit putting down a large platter of food and padding up to the front of the house to find out who had caused that commotion. Cami suddenly found herself looking into the eyes of Ted Sandyman, the young son of the Old Miller who went by the same name as his father.

"Where's your father, Ted?" Cami demanded.

A broad grin played over the lad's features. "He's gone for the day, and maybe tomorrow too. If you wanna do business, it's gonna have to be with me." The boy glared at the children, who were younger than him by a year or two, casting an especially mean glance towards Sam.

Cami looked grimly at her friends, making no attempt to mask her displeasure. This was even worse than dealing with the lad's father who, though gruff and loud, was at least accounted to be fair-minded. The younger Ted was generally judged to be a rascal by everyone who knew him.

Rascal or not, they had little choice if they wanted to get flour for Bilbo. They'd have to put up with Ted's nastiness and rudeness to buy the things they needed for the party.

Cami explained how much flour they needed, and asked Ted to go down to the mill and bring up all the bags. Then she squatted down on the doorstep, with Elanor and Marigold at her side, and waited for the lad to return.

As Ted walked off towards the shed that doubled as a storeoom, he muttered under his breath, "Them's strange folk at Bag-end. They're up to no good, I suspect. And those Gamgees aren't any better. And Cami....what a pain! She thinks she's queen of the Shire. I'd love to teach her a lesson or two!"

Ted put the sacks on a large flat wagon and easily rolled them out to the front of the house, but refused to help the children transfer the flour into their pony cart. So, for the next hour, the four of them pulled and tugged till they managed to get everything loaded.

"That'll be six silver coins," Ted sneered back at Cam.

The girl took out her purse and began searching for the money to pay the miller, but no matter how hard she looked or shook the bag, she could spot only one silver coin. All the rest were only copper pennies.

Cami's heart dropped to the bottom of her furry toes. She knew she'd tucked the silver coins in before she'd left Bag-end. What could possibly have happened to them? Then she remembered the scene in the bakery where her purse had fallen to the ground. Trusting soul that she was, Cami wondered if perhaps Lotho had mistakenly left some of her coins strewn about underfoot.

She began explaining the mix-up that had happened, and asked Ted for a minute to run back to the baker and check for the coins. Ted grinned broadly, since he suddenly saw the exact opening he'd been hoping for. He would indeed teach this girl a lesson for having him bring out so many sacks of flour and spoiling his lazy afternoon.

He grabbed Cami rudely by the arm and started to yell directly in her face, "Yer no better than a thief. I'm takin' you to the shirriff, and he'll lock you up good. I saw him this afternoon having a little break in the Green Dragon, and that's where we're going now."

Then Ted started dragging Cami away. The girl turned back towards her friends, crying out desperately to them, "Help! Heeelp! Go get Bilbo, or Sam's dad, or mine. Go get somebody. He really means to do this!" Ted grinned with delight to see the girl squirm so uncomfortably.

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Merri]

Elanor stared after Cami, frozen in fear. For a moment, she didn't know what to do, but in the next second she grabbed Sam and Marigold's hands and started pulling them towards the wagon.

"Let's go!" She shouted, jumping back onto the wagon. "Hurry, before it's too late! Straight to Uncle Bilbo, he'll help us!"

She shoved Sam into the driver's seat and helped Marigold up. Once they were all in, Elanor clasped her hands tightly together in her lap, a tight knot growing in her stomach.

"Oh, hurry!" She moaned. "Hurry, hurry!" The Sheriff wouldn't really lock Cami up, would he? The thought nagged at Elanor all during the ride to Mr. Bilbo's Bag-End.

What will Mr. Bilbo say? Elanor thought, in dismay. What if Frodo finds out? She clenched her hands so tightly together her knuckles turned white.

"Hurry," She whispered, as if that would make things any better.

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

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Once or twice, Cami tried to wriggle out of Ted's iron grip, hoping to pry herself loose and scamper off to the safety of Bag-end. Sadly, however, the lad was quite a bit taller and heavier than she was so it was difficult for her to fight back with any chance of success. No matter how much she pushed and pulled, or kicked out with her feet, she couldn't manage to get free. All the while, Ted stared at her malevolently, throwing out taunts and jibes to make her feel even worse.

One time, Cami managed to get a good square kick into Ted's behind. Then he made her stop a minute, and untie the sash that she wore about her waist. He wrenched it out of her hands and used it to bind her feet together, almost like a pair of fetters, then continued dragging her forward in the direction of the Inn.

By the time the pair had reached the Dragon, which stood some ten minutes away in Bywater, Cami was a frightful sight. Her hair stood up on end, flying off in every direction, her eyes were brimming over with tears, and there were small bruises on her right arm in the exact spot where Ted had latched onto her.

The miller's son triumphantly mounted the steps of the Inn and yanked the door open, holding Cami securely by the collar. Waving the small purse in the air, he called out in a loud voice so everyone could hear, "Innkeeper, shirriff, I've caught me a thief! It's that nasty girl Camelia who hangs around Bag-end. She and her gang refused to pay for their sacks of flour, and she's been trying to pummel me into the ground ever since I nabbed her."

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Orual]

Stumbling into the wagon, Sam snapped the reins and the pony took off at full speed. His previous uncertainties about driving gone, Sam sped down the road. Please let Cami be okay, he prayed silently. Please don't let that Ted do anything to her.

The road rushed below them as they galloped down the road. The pony hit a hole in the road and stumbled. Sam muttered a harsh word, and the girls stared at him. "Sorry," he said, a flush rising to his face. But he had nothing to fear, for the pony recovered herself and kept right on going. "Come on, girl," he whispered, "please hurry." He began to whisper a little litany under his breath, "hurry, hurry, please girl, hurry..." over and over again until they finally got to Bagshot Row.

As soon as they arrived he hopped out of the cart and helped the girls out. "Marigold, you go get Dad. Elanor, you get Mr. Bilbo. I'll...I'll go get Cami's dad."

The girls nodded and took off, and Sam hopped back in the cart. "Once more, girl, you've done so well," he said to the patient pony, and they took off to Cami's house.

It only took a minute to get there. Sam tripped out of the cart, picked himself up and hurried to the door, where he knocked ceaselessly until it was answered.

"No need to knock the door down, I'm coming!" Obo Goodchild, Cami's father and Sam's uncle, opened the door. "Sam! What's the matter? You look a wreck!"

Sam instinctively took a look at himself. It was true, he wasn't in the best of conditions: his hands were cut in a few places and his trousers ripped at one knee, and he was covered in dust. He dreaded to think what his mother would say if she could see him right now, but now wasn't the time for that. "Uncle Obo, it's Cami!" he cried, and spilled the whole story. He spoke so fast and so emotionally that his uncle had to ask him to repeat himself in several parts, but before too long the story came out so that it was understood.

"Marigold's telling my dad, and Elanor's telling Mr. Bilbo," Sam finished, breathing hard. "But we have to hurry! Ted's--"

"Sam. Get in the wagon," Obo said, calmly and firmly. Sam hopped into the driver's seat, then scooted over to allow his uncle to drive.

"We have to go pick everybody else up now. Elanor's at Bag End and Marigold's at my house," Sam said. Obo nodded, and they took off to get the others.

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

[Beruthiel]

Marigold was so overwhelmed with what was going on. Ted had dragged Cami away while Marigold had been frozen to the spot before Elanor had come to her senses and pulled her into the cart. As they were driving Sam seemed worried and the pony tripped up, he had said something which she didn't quite understand but knew straight away it wasn't something he'd say in front of their parents.

The cart had come up to Bagshot row and Marigold had been instructed to find her dad and help Cami. There's no way that Cami is gonna get locked up, its not possible. She kept repeating in her mind. She burst through the door and ran to her dad. She splurted out everything at once so he couldn't understand what she was saying but he calmed her down and asked her to explain it properly.

"We went to the miller's to get flour for... uhh for something and the miller wasn't there but his son was there so Cami asked him for the flour but then she didn't have the right coins so she asked if she could go get some more but Ted wouldn't let her and he said that he was going to bring her to the sherrif and get her locked up!" She finished out of breath and looked up to her father.

"Okay" her father sighed, "We'd better go get Cami's father and see what we can do" He held her hand and she followed him outside.
"Actually dad, Sam has gone to get Cami's father. I think we'll meet back here"
Her father's presence had definetely calmed her down. Everything's going to be alright now. she thought.

She had been a bit worried that her dad might ask questions about why they were at the mill in the first place but thankfully he hadn't mentioned it, hopefully Marigold wouldn't be the one who would have to explain it all to him. The two of them stood silently and waited for the others to come.

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[Merri]

Elanor ran to Bag-End as fast as her short little legs could carry her, and arrived there moments later, breathless.

"What on Middle Earth is the matter?" Bilbo exclaimed, upon seeing her. "Where are the others? Why aren't you at Ted Sandyman's? Where is the flour?"

She hurriedly explained the situation to him.

"Oh dear!" He gasped, and quickly scrambled back into his hole. He came out with a bag of jingling something- probably gold coins that he would use to save Cami.

Frodo appeared in the entranceway. "Elanor!" He exclaimed, a pleased look coming over his face, which was immediately replaced by a look of the utmost bewilderment. "What are you doing here? Uncle Bilbo? What's going on?"

"Don't you worry about anything, Frodo," Elanor said, putting a false note of cheerfulness in her voice. If he knew about Cami! Suddenly, a stab of jealousy pierced her heart. If Ted Sandyman had taken her prisoner, would Sam, Marigold, and Cami have cared so much about her? She shook her head. Don't be so foolish, Elanor, don't think such selfish thoughts. Now you have to concentrate on saving Cami . . . don't think like that . . .

"Come on, Uncle Bilbo!" She said at last, and the two of them dashed out of Bag-End to meet Sam in Bag-Shot row.

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

[doug*platypus]

Decisions, Decisions

The meeting at Olo Proudfoot's house had gone very quiet. It was a lot for hobbits to be expected to deal with - a choice between sleeping with a tree root for a pillow, or straining their purses on a trip around the Shire gathering supplies. On top of which, the prospect of bandits seemed more likely than it had since most of them could remember.

Biffo Proudfoot had seemingly made up his mind. He obviously favoured staying at Inns, and his (quite pointy) ears had perked up at Melilot's suggestion of cheap rates. But it seemed there was also a good case to be made for sleeping out, especially if it turned out that there had been no bandits all along.

Just as the silence seemed to fill the whole room, and the threat of a pin dropping and bursting their ears looked all too likely, Olo spoke up.

"I have... an idea," he said. "Since we don't have to decide until we stop for the night anyway, why don't we just head off right now! We can get the ponies, trot along to Frogmorton, and talk it over on the way."

Olo seemed quite chuffed with this proposition, and his nephew was nodding and stroking his chin with approval. Just like Uncle Olo to come up with something like that out of the blue. It's clear which side of the family the brains are on, thought Biffo resentfully. The younger Proudfoot thought he would be doing well to come up with something to beat that idea.

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose stared at Olo in complete shock and amazement. He was looking very proud of himself for this clever suggestion. Primrose thought for exactly thirty seconds, then stood up. "Right, then, let's go!" she said.

"But, Prim!" Melilot gasped. "We haven't decided enough yet!"

"Oh, I think we have," said Prim. "We can discuss the rest on the way, like Olo said. Come on, everyone, I'll take you to my house." She stopped at the door. "Actually, you all go to your houses and pack whatever you think you might need. You know, food and blankets and such, in case we do have to sleep out of doors." She paused. "And bring whatever you have, as well, even if it be a simple walking stick. Better safe than sorry. Meet me at my house after you've all finished packing. I have to talk to my father about the ponies alone."

= = = = = = =

Bowman arrived at Bag End and knocked on the door. Mr. Bilbo had better let me come or I won't be happy, he thought as he waited. But the door did not open, and there was no noise from the hole.

Bowman stepped back off the front steps and thought a moment. He's probably gone into town on some errand, he thought with a sigh. I'll follow.

He walked down onto the road and saw just what he was looking for... Footprints. Nice, fresh footprints that clearly said Mr. Bilbo had just passed that way. And someone else had gone with him.

Bowman began to run down the path, bent to the ground so he would follow the footprints all the way. He kept on running until he bumped into something that cried, "Ouch!"

"Why, Bowman Proudfoot!" It was Mr. Bilbo with a little girl next to him. I know her, Bowman thought. Elanor Greenthumb. What is she doing?

"Yes, Mr. Bilbo," he replied. "I was just stopping over at your house to see if I could help you with anything."

"Help me? With what?"

"Oh, you know. Just anything you needed help with."

"Bowman, you're a sturdy lad. I do need your help. Ted Sandyman has kidnapped Cami."

Oh no. Camelia Goodchild was even worse than Elanor Greenthumb. But maybe if he helped Mr. Bilbo, he'd be allowed to help out with the party.

"All right," he said. "I'll have you save Camelia!" He would not call her Cami, whether it would help Mr. Bilbo think he was friends with her or not.

And off they hurried together, Bowman purposefully ignoring Elanor.

= = = = = = =

"Dad?" Primrose took three deep breaths. I'm only asking to borrow the ponies, she scolded herself. Stop being such a scaredy! Anyway, Dad is the only one left to ask now, and if he says no, we can find ponies elsewhere.

"Yes, Prim?" Mr. Tussock said, looking up at her. They were standing in the stable, and he had been cleaning one of the pony's feet.

"I want to know if I can borrow one of your ponies for… a trip."

"Borrow my ponies?"

"Just one, Dad. We need six, and I already have three to use, with the cart. That's four people. If you lend us another it'll make five."

"Us?"

"I'm going on a trip with… some friends."

"Ah, I see." He dropped the pony's foot and stood up straight. "Well, Ms. Tussock, let me think about it."

Prim groaned. She strongly disliked her father calling her 'Ms. Tussock,' and there wasn't any time to think about it. "Dad, we need the pony now.."

"All right," her father sighed. "Take him."

"Thank you, Dad!" she cried, throwing her arms around his neck. "Which one?"

"Take Etinel."

"Thanks even more, Dad. You know Etinel is my favorite."

"Yes, I know."

Primrose hurried over to the stall where Etinel had just finished his dinner. "Come on," she said, taking up a halter and slipping it on. She led him outside to wait for the others and hitch up her own pony to the cart.

[Merri]

Elanor sighed. Great. Just one more finger in the pie, and to make it worse- Bowman Proudfoot! She couldn't stand him! Elanor continued walking along the way silently, her fingers crossed in her pockets, praying silently.

Please don't let Ted do anything to Cami . . . please, please, please . . . please let us get there in time . . .

She wondered what Marigold and Sam were doing now, and how successful they were.

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Manardariel]

Pearl was a bit suprised at the turn of things. They were leaving-already! And she hadn´t packed yet! Back at Vivi´s, she started packing. What would she need?

She considered the situation. Travelling on roads, no beds... some nice-looking, robust basics would be good. In blue, red and white, a cool cotton or linnen- perfect. She opened the closet with her stuff and started pulling out various itmes.

The blue-and-white-striped dress; her favourite summerskirt (red and wite polka-dots); two white dresses with colorfull aprons to match; a woolen jacket for colder days, two blouses, a raincoat...... yes, that would do.

She grabbed a small, pink bag and started filling it with her "beauty products": shampoo, soap, some grease for her hairstyling, a herb-and-milk-mixture for her skin- the basics.
Make-up? She decided on some lipgloss and mascara, no more. For her hair, she packed a HUGE bunch of ribbons in evey color you could imagine, also some clips to hold stubborn bangs in their place.

After having added some blankets, food supplies, her journal and money, Pearl looked at her bundle. Yes, that would do. She only needed two more things. The first was her most valubale and precious treasure. A beautiful necklace, with a pearl. It was her lucky charm, and she was sure she would need some luck. The other thing was her father´s sword. Well, technically it was hers, because he didn´t use it anymore. She would need it, with bandits around... speaking of, she had forgotten a first-aid case! After all, there was a good chance they might need it. She grabbed some herbs Vivi´s mom stored in the kitchen and added them to her pack. Then, she returned her thoughts on the sword. It was...somewhere in Tuckborough, unfortunately. But she needed it. Rather, she needed a sword.

"JOE!" she called. Vivi´s brother, one year her senior and basically her brother as well, appeared.

"Joe, can I PLEASE borrow your sword?? Please?"

He snorted. "What the heck do YOU need a sword for?"

She had thought about something, of course. "I promised Olo Proudfoot to help him with some shopping... he needs to organize a cousin´s wedding- in the Northfathering, you wouldn´t know them. And well, there´s dark folkes around, I need a sword... please???" It wasn´t even a complete lie, if you thought about it... she was sure Olo was related to Frodo in someway or the other, and wedding, birthday- where was the difference, anyway.

"Ok. Ok, you can have my sword. Don´t weasnt some rotten bandits to harm you, do I?"

She flung his arms around him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You´re the best brother in the world!"

Grinning, Pearl grabbed her stuff and Joe´s sword, said good-bye to him, Mrs. Boldger and Vivi and- was off.

[doug*platypus]

Walking out to the hallway, Biffo took up his tall staff, slung his coat over his shoulder, and plopped his felt hat on his head.

"Well, that's me packed!" he grinned at Olo.

"Oh, no it's not!" a female voice scolded from further down the passage. It was Maggie, Olo's wife.

"Biffo Proudfoot, you are not going off into the back of beyond without so much as a woolly blanket! What would your mother say?"

"I'm fine, aunty," the cornered hobbit replied. "Don't fuss so much!"

"You need a pillow, a cooking pot, a ladle, a bowl, not to mention a spare handkerchief!" Maggie began counting off items on her fingers.

"Yes, all well and good, Aunty, but Frogmorton's a mighty long way from here. Roughing it a little is hardly going to kill me, especially if we're at an Inn, now is it?"

"Now, now, Maggie," said Olo, stepping in between his nephew and his now fuming wife. "I'll take some things along for the lad. You go on ahead, Biffo. I have one or two things to take care of."

Biffo thanked his uncle curtly, nodded a rather sarcastic farewell to his wife, and strode off out the door. Once outside, he felt much less shut in, in more ways than one. Though the morning had been chill, it was now mid afternoon on a lovely day in early spring, and Biffo ambled along with Primrose just in sight a few hundred yards ahead of him.

After a few twists and turns, the hobbit came to the lane in Hobbiton where the Tussocks lived. Primrose went inside a hole near the end of the road, and Biffo slowed his pace. He soon came to a fenced yard with a lovely cobbled pathway leading up to Primrose's door. Biffo arrived as Primrose was hitching a pony up to the family cart.

"Good day for it!" Biffo remarked, and leaned against the fence to wait for the rest of the group.

[Orual]

Melilot wasn't looking forward to going home at all. True to her impulsive nature, she had made a promise that she wasn't sure she could keep. The conversation had gone something like this:

"Oh, by the way, Prim, we have a pony that I could bring along."

"Are you sure it's okay with your dad, Mel?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. He'll be fine with it--I'll just ask nicely."

"Well, if you say so, but isn't your dad sometimes a little..."

"Stubborn about this kind of thing? Yes, but this is a special case. He'll let me."

"You know him better than I do, I suppose."

"Really, Prim, don't worry about it. I've got it under control."

That was what had transpired, and now she had to follow up. "Wonderful," Melilot groaned as she opened the gate and went up to her house. "This ought to be fun."

Mr. Bracegirdle was sitting in the den, smoking a pipe and watching Melilot's younger brother, Nick, play. Melilot took a deep breath and went to kneel by her father's chair.

"Hi, Dad," she said, smiling winningly. She pushed a lock of curly hair behind her ear, and leaned her head against the armrest of the chair.

"Evening, Mel," her father said, smiling back at her. "Where were you all day?"

"Oh, out with Primrose Tussock," she said. "We were at Mr. Olo Proudfoot's house."

"Doing what?" Mr. Bracegirdle asked.

"This and that," Mel replied vaguely. "That was a good smoke-ring, Daddy," she commented when her father produced a particularly round one.

"Thank you, Mel," her father said suspiciously.

"You know, Daddy, you look very nice today," Mel continued.

"Mel, would you like to ask me something?" Mr. Bracegirdle asked, looking dubiously at his daughter, who was smiling in a peculiarly charming manner.

Melilot continued to smile, but she silently she groaned. This wasn't going quite the way she had wanted it to. So much for buttering him up: time to take the direct route. "Yes, Dad, I do have something to ask you," she said, her face solemn.

"Fire away," her father said.

"I told Prim that I could borrow Brynna for a trip we're going on, and it won't be that long, I promise. But we do need another pony, and I promised Prim that I'd be able to get her one, and I don't want to go back on my word, so can I please borrow Brynna?" Melilot's words came tumbling out without a break for breath, so when she was done she gasped and turned her smile on again.

Mr. Bracegirdle seemed a little stunned. "Well, Melilot, I don't know," he said. Melilot winced; when he called her by her full name it wasn't generally a good sign. "Brynna's our only pony, and it won't be easy to get on without her."

"I know, Daddy, but this is really for a good cause," Melilot said earnestly. Her mother, sitting on the floor with Nick, made a noise that sounded suspiciously like stifling a snicker.

"Oh, go on, Holfast," said Mrs. Bracegirdle, "you'll survive without Brynna for a while. Let the lass take her, just so long as she doesn't mess around. I trust Primrose not to lead Mel on a wild chase throughout the wilderness." She grinned. "And a good cause is a good cause, after all," she added solemnly.

There was a long pause. "Fine," Mr. Bracegirdle said finally, "take Brynna. Just be careful with her, won't you?"

"Thank you! I'll be so careful with her, she'll look better when she comes back than she did when she left!" Melilot exclaimed, throwing her arms around her father's neck. Nick screamed with delight and pounded his blocks on the floor, and Mrs. Bracegirdle smiled knowingly at her husband.

"Don't doubt it," Mr. Bracegirdle grumbled, fiddling with his pipe, "she's been looking a bit bored lately. Do her some good to be out and about, I suppose."

Melilot smiled, gave her father a kiss and her mother a grateful look, and went to pack.

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

[Eruantalon]

"Well now, that's a lot Maggie." Olo said looking at the luggage with wide, puzzld eyes. Maggie had two large bags packed with more than he thought he'd ever need. On top of that he had carried twice as much for Biffo's sake.

"Don't give me back talk Olo Proudfoot!"

Olo now hushed and listened to her. "You will not walk off unprepared. Don't forget your bow and arrow. Here now, strap your knife around your waist. And don't forget your pipe. Here's the pouch of weed."

"Daddy, how long do you think you will be gone."

"Not long enough for any of you to miss me darling." He said this with a wink and grin that suggested he had more to his thoughts than he had told the others.

"I am off now everyone. I'll be back soon. Dear, don't worry about me now."

Now heading off in the opposite direction from Prim's house, Olo started walking. He only went half a furlong when he arrived at his cousin Brumble.

"Hullo there, Brumble. How are you today? Brumble had seen him walking up and came out to meet him.

"Fine, fine. Olo, how are you?" he said, opening the door.

"I came by to ask you a favor, if you don't mind me being straightforward. I am helping out on a famly party. Nothing too huge now."

"Ahh, now your talking about Billbo and Frodo's party! Well, I got an invitation. Olo, you don't have to be coy now."

"Of course, Brumble I wasn't trying to be rude."

"You see, Olo, it would be a bad party if there was no food. That's what you're here for. My prize mushrooms, aren't you? I know that you are good friends with Frodo and Billbo. They probably asked you to come down now. Right?"

Now Olo was confused. Did he mention somthing to him ealier No, of course he was just guessing. But he did have good mushrooms though. He would have to remember that and tell the others.

"No, not right this minute Brumble. I came around this way to ask another favor. You don't need your Annabell for a while, right? Well I am helping the company of hobbits to gather supplies. Especially seeing your condition, good cousin."

"Yes indeed, good cousin." Laughing now and faining the words good cousin with friendship, Brumble stuck out his leg in the splint for Olo to see it.

"Yes, I can see it's still broken. I hope it gets better quickly. You got the last of the mushrooms out of the field first ,I hope."

"Ohh, now you are intersted in mushrooms, Olo, aren't you! Well, yes I did. So you can get some when you come back. Yes you may borrow Annabell. I hope she is helpful."

With Olo holding Brumble's arm and helping him to the barn they retrieved Annabell. Olo thanked Brumble once again for the pony and was off. The road to Prim's house was pretty straight but Annabell wouldn't be kind all the way over.

Suddenly there was a turn in the road. Left, left, you crazy beast, and slow down now. I'll have my lunch on your head soon if you don't.

Now Olo was in the middle of the woods....then gallopping quickly over a field....then back to the road. He was zig zagging across the road. Stop this, you crazy horse. I can't stay still on you. Come on now. HELP!! HELP!! I'VE BEEN TAKEN HOSTAGE BY A CRAZY HORSE.

Now in the confusion not only was Olo lost, but he was heading in what seemed the opposite direction. What direction was the right one? He could be going around in circles for all he knew.

A miracle happened then and there. He could see Prim's house in the distance. They could hear him coming in their direcion.

HELP! HELP! SOMEONE, THIS ANIMAL HAS GONE MAD. HELP, I'M GONNA BE SICK. OH ,DEAR, HELP!

Olo now let out a ghastly belch. I didn't eat that for lunch now!!! Biffo was already there as was Prim, since she lived there. The two hurried up to the gate to meet him. He had no control over the animal now. It rammed at the gate and tossed him onto the bush on the other side of the road from Prim's house.

Clunk whent Olo to the ground. Not as hard as it sounded of course. But Olo was left dazed and looking like a sack of potatoes.

His eyes whent rolling around like marbles in his head. "Thats the last time I ride a horse. Call me a liar, but I won't get on you again Annabell."

Biffo thought the sceen vary funny. He was concerned at first but saw that Olo was not hurt really. He was laughing at Olo loudly now.

"Uncle Olo, what ever got into you to bring a horse? Where did you get him? What ever got into you to ride him here?" He was laughing so hard now Olo couldn't help but join him.

"I don't know now Biffo. There was a road, then a field. At one point I thought he was going backwards!"

Prim seemed amused now that she saw Olo was fine. The horse was by the gate not minding them at all. He seemed to like some of the flowers in Prim's garden. He was chewing them happily when Prim's mother came out.

[ February 11, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Sindae]

"We're leaving??? Oh no, I don't know what to pack...some clothes, but which ones? And how many? Ok, I'll take these ones. And where's the bag Aunt Rosie gave me last year? It would be perfect to pack everything in there! Perhaps in this cupboard? No it isn't, but what about this nice little one? Perhaps I could put my money in it? But where's Rosie's bag? Oh dear, perhaps I should tidy up my room as soon as I get back again..."

Crystal was in her room, packing, and speaking busily to herself. She was excited, and, even if she wouldn't admit it, nervous. She had never been on a journey like this, especially not these days when there were so many bandits around! But she was looking forward to it because she was sure it would be a great time.

"Anything forgotten? Hm...she had clothes, some blankets and handkerchiefs, her money, food...and her sword. She was very proud of it since it was a real nice one, long and sharp, at least for a Hobbit, and it had a beautiful inscription on the balde. She couldn't read it but she loved it. Perhaps she should ask Bilbo Baggins if he could tell something about its meaning but she had never found the time to. And of course this sword reminded her of her first "adventure" when she got lost in Bree.

"Well I think that's all I need for the journey" she thought.

She packed everything in Aunt Rosie's bag which was under der bed, behind some huge boxes with stuff she never knew she possessed at all ("I REALLY should tidy up everything here when I'm back!") and went downstairs.

She said goodbye to her family, hugged her mother, and went down the road to the Tussock's house.

Before she got there she had to stop at the neighbour's house. Adamanta Willow, a close friend of her parents, had a pony and Crystal had asked her to borrow it for the journey.

She didn't spend a long time with Adamanta, just saying hello, getting the pony ready, and off she was again. Fortunately she could ride pretty good so she had no problems with the pony.

From afar she heard screams. What was going on there? She began to ride faster and finally saw Olo Proudfoot trying to ride on a pony. It looked very amusing but still she was nervous-what if he fell off and broke his leg or even worse? After some time he DID fall off, but it seemed as if nothing had happened to him. Crystal was relieved and rode slower.

Some of the other Hobbits were already there. She could see Pearl, or better, Pearl's bag. Who else would travel with such a terrible pink bag obivously full of make-up?

Finally she had arrived at the Tussock's house. She smiled and said hello.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Obo smartly snapped the reins over the pony's back and sent the cart flying down the length of Bagshot Row. He stopped in front of Hamfast's place to pick up the others who had hurriedly gathered there on the front doorstep.

Mister Bilbo had Elanor and another hobbit in tow whom Obo had not seen before. Marigold ran out and began to climb up onto the wagon.

Bilbo quickly introduced the lad who'd come along with him, "Bowman Proudfoot, here." He briefly explained. "He's agreed to come and help us, and I wasn't about to turn his assistance down!"

The boy fixed a stubborn eye on Obo, but then grudgingly nodded his head to acknowledge the older man. The farmer said nothing in reply, but wondered how this lad had managed to ingratiate himself with Bilbo. He seemed to be a bit disrespectful, and was certainly not to Obo's liking. A thought ran through the farmer's mind. I certainly hope Camelia doesn't take a liking to this one!

Then they turned the cart about and set it on the main road that led in the direction of Bywater and the Green Dragon Inn. Just as they reached the door of the Inn, Obo turned about to Bilbo and said with some concern, "I hope my daughter hasn't been a nuisance again. I know Camelia's always hanging about Bag-end. If you'd like, I'll keep her at home and put her to some honest work, so she'll stay out of your affairs."

Bilbo shook his head, "Not at all, not at all. Cami is a great help to us. Don't give it a second thought."

Bilbo briefly explained about the party and the errand that the children had been sent out on, and what had happened at the Mill.

Obo shook his head, "I don't like the sound of it! Cami's no thief, but if she's been so careless with your money, she'll have to be taught a lesson. I won't have you paying all that for her, when she's the one responsible for this mix-up."

Bilbo put his hand on Obo's shoulder. "Now let's not jump to any conclusions. Perhaps there's something else going on here."

Just at that instant, they pulled up to the Inn, and eveyone got out of the cart. As the five hobbits walked in through the main entryway, every guest in the common room looked up and sat on the edge of their chair, listening eagerly to see what was going to happen. Ted was still standing over Cami and shrieking accusations at the top of his lungs. The shirriff was trying to calm the lad down, while Cami was hunched up into a miserable ball and looked as if she was about to burst out crying.

The minute Mister Bilbo walked in, everyone fell silent. The shiriff nodded his head towards him, and the Innkeeper gave a polite nod. However eccentric Bilbo was judged by others in the community, no one could deny that the name of Baggins carried a great deal of authority in the environs of Hobbiton and Bywater. Now, that he was here, they were quite happy to defer to him to straighen out this matter, especially when he carried such a large bag of coins by his side.

"Excuse me, Mister Bilbo," the shirriff began, "But can you throw any light onto this problem? Is this lass a thief who's been misusing the good name of Baggins, or has there been some misunderstanding?"

At this point, Cami unwrapped herself from her tiny ball, took one long look at Bowman Proudfoot, and began to sob in earnest.

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

[Pipperin]

Annabell had left and was now at her house eagerly packing all her supplies. She packed everything into the backpack hurriedly, not taking much time to organise it all. She did not want to be late again, and she still had to go over to Estella's to get the pony.

As soon as she was finished, she grabbed some toast and ran out the door. As she neared a giant oak tree, she slowed down, munching on her toast happily. She thought about Frodo, and the look on his face when he realised what they had done for him. She smiled intently and looked down the road to where her friend Estella was busy working in her garden.As Annabell neared the hobbit, Estella looked up and smiled brightly.

"Anna! Where have you been? I haven't seen you all day! And look at you, all packed to go somewhere? I suppose your not just here to say goodbye!" She looked at Annabell suspiciously.

"Well,no. I need to go somewhere for awhile and, I need to borrow your pony!" She smiled innocently, digging her heals into the ground.

"Hmmm, well you can borrow Marty if you like, but where might you be off to all of a sudden?" She said as she wiped her hands on her old green dress. But when Annabell made no sign of answering she smiled slightly and pointed to the small stable at the side of her hole. "Fine then Bell, but remember this the next time you want to know something from me!"

Annabell grinned and thanked her friend as she walked over to the stable. Marty seemed pleased to see her and rubbed his nose against her face. She led him out and down the street, thanking Estella again.

She headed for Prim's house, patting Marty on the back gently. It took some time, for Estella did not live too close to Prim, but Annabell did not mind long walks. When she finally arrived she looked around the front yard and all the brightly coloured flowers. She had never been a good gardener, but she loved flowers of all kinds. Annabell opened the gate and walked down the cobblestone path towards the small blue door on the side of the hill, still interested in the flowers. She knocked on the door and Prim's mother soon opened the it smiling politly and let Annabell inside.

[Nurumaiel]

As Cami began to cry, Bowman rolled his eyes. Just like a girl! Well, he wouldn't say anything, or Mr. Bilbo wouldn't let him help out with the party. Best do something brave, he thought.

Mr. Bilbo was about to say something when Bowman stepped forward. "There's been some great misunderstanding," he said airily. "Mr. Bilbo will tell you that. But Ted Sandyman should know it is very rude to beat up on a poor, little, weak - " he was looking straight at Cami as those three words passed his lips " - girl who can't take care of herself. A gentleman would never do that. But, of course, Ted is no gentleman."

Bowman strode across the floor, right past Ted and over to Cami. "Stop crying like a baby," he hissed, pulling her to her feet. "Just like a girl!" Then he led her over to Mr. Bilbo, a very heroic expression on his face. Cami fell into her father's arms, still crying, and Bowman stepped back to glare at Ted Sandyman.

"Hey, wait!" Ted shouted. "That girl - " But Mr. Bilbo interrupted.

"There has been a great misunderstanding," he said, and went on to explain everything, and then the two girls told their side of the story.

Having finished, Mr. Bilbo looked squarely at the shiriff, while Bowman continued to stand there, arms crossed, glaring at Ted and rolling his eyes at the same time. Girls always got into trouble, didn't they? Girls always needed the men to help them, didn't they? They were always crying, always screaming, always... He sighed. Girls!

[Nurumaiel]

The hobbits smiled at each other, some of them laughing. At last they were in Waymoot! It had been a two day journey, and very difficult. They had camped outside, and though many protested against it, they had no choice. There was no Inn nearby. Then, as soon as they set out the next morning, it had begun to rain.

They were wet, tired, but very happy to be there. Primrose turned to them all and said, "Well, we're here. I'd like to say a few words before we begin shopping.

"As you know, we don't have very long until the 22nd. So we're going to shop here as quickly as we can, and we're not going to stay at an Inn. We're going to move straight on."

Groans and dismal looks.

"We'll dash to Michel Delving, then to Tuckborough, and then straight back. We're not going to be visiting every town in the Shire. If we find there's something we don't have, and need to get, then we'll just buy it at Hobbiton and Bywater.

"Now we can start shopping! Go in pairs. Unfortunately we have an odd number of companions, so they'll be three in one group. Olo and Biffo; Crystal and Pearl; Melilot, Annabell, and myself will go together."

Primrose pulled out three sacks of coins. "Each group will get one of these," she said, handing them out. "Buy whatever you think necessary, but do not buy anything unless it is for the party. No, you can't buy clothes to wear at the party. When you run out of money, we'll meet back here. Let's go!"

They hurried off to begin shopping.

[Orual]

Sam began to breathe again once they arrived at the Inn. Now they had adults on their side; this would be taken care of in no time. No need to worry now!

When they got into the common room, Sam spotted Cami immediately, huddled in a little ball, and Ted, who was shouting about what a thief Cami was. It took all of Sam's will power to keep from running up and slugging him, but he knew that that wouldn't solve anything, and it might even make Ted look like he was telling the truth. And that was the last thing Sam wanted to do.

He opened his mouth to talk, but Bowman beat him to it. Frustrated, Sam scowled at him and crossed his arms. What business of his was this? None, that's what. Cami wasn't his cousin, not even his friend. Sam's scowl deepened. Poor, little, weak? He didn't know what he was talking about.

And Sam didn't want to travel with him.

He pulled Elanor over to the side. "Elanor, I'm thinking that I don't like this Bowman," he said in a low voice.

"I'm thinking that I agree," Elanor said. Sam shot a glare at Bowman, who wasn't paying any attention, but showing off.

"I don't think I want to travel with him," Sam continued.

"I don't think so either," Elanor agreed. She stopped stiff, and looked at Sam. "Um, what are you thinking, exactly? Making him leave?"

Sam chuckled humourlessly. "That'd be like trying to rise the sun at midnight. He's stubborn if nothing else."

"Then what?" Elanor protested.

"Well..." Sam considered. "I guess we'll just have to leave."

"What!" Elanor exclaimed. At Sam's frantic shushing motions she lowered her voice. "What! Leave? Are you serious, Sam? Because if not, that's not a funny joke."

"It's no joke, Elanor, I couldn't stand to work with him," Sam replied seriously. "And if we fight, that'll only make things worse and who knows? Maybe Frodo'll overhear."

"Oh," Elanor said, swayed by his logic. "Well, if you think it's for the best..."

Truthfully, Sam didn't know at all if it was for the best. All he knew was that he couldn't stand to work with Bowman Proudfoot.

They waited out Cami's rescue and savored hearing Ted Sandyman told off, and agreed on a time to meet that night. They decided that they'd still help with the party, so they would stow away in one of the carts that the travelling hobbits were using.

And that night, they did.

Sam roused himself about an hour before the appointed meeting time, wrote out a quick note telling his parents that he and Elanor had gone with the travelling hobbits, packed a few things in one of his father's old sacks, and quietly stepped out the window. He met Elanor halfway, and they started off.

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

[Beruthiel]

After the drama of the day, Marigold was happy to get home. Everything had been sorted out and Cami was fine. The only problem at the end of the day had to be Bowman Proudfoot. He had been such a show off and full of himself that she hated the thought of him helping them with the party. She could tell that Sam wasn't happy about this either and he'd seemed quite strange when they'd got home.

That night Marigold woke up to the sound of feet running outside, but she told herself it was a dream and that everything was alright.

Marigold woke up feeling lovely and refreshed the next morning, she stretched and yawned, wishing she could go back to sleep but now she was awake she didn't bother. It seemed that everyone was still asleep so she tip-toed out of the room into the kitchen. She got herself a drink but accidently spilt a little on the table. She quickly got a cloth and cleared it up but noticed a piece of paper.

Not sure what to expect she picked it up and read it casually.
Dear mum and dad,
I'm sorry to say this but me and Elanor are going to go with the travelling hobbits. Please don't worry about me, I'll be fine.
From Sam
Marigold yelled for her mum and dad and nearly collapsed to the floor. She couldn't believe Sam would just leave like that, without telling her anything, without even saying goodbye.

[Child of the 7th Age]

If any of the neighbors had cared to walk past Bagshot Row #1 anytime that evening, they would quickly have realized that things were not well with the Goodchild family. Cami stood stiffly before the hearth, her hands clasped behind her back, pretending to listen to her father's stern lecture which he was delivering at the top of his lungs. She desperately wished that she could shrink and melt into the floor. It was bad enough that she'd somehow managed to lose all of Bilbo's money, but her tears in the Inn and Bowman's rude words and gloating face made the whole incident that much worse. She felt so terribly, terribly foolish.

"Camelia Goodchild! Have you heard anything I've said to you?"

Cami hung her head and whispered, "Yes, sir, every word." In truth, she remembered very little.

"Then you will do what I say?"

Cami nodded meekly, wondering exactly what she was agreeing to do.

Her father continued with his explanation, and, for the first time, she began to get an inkling of what lay in store for her.

"You must learn responsibility. When you lose money that does not belong to you, you must find a way to pay that person back. It is the only respectable thing to do."

Her father fixed a steely eye on her. "Cami, we are not a rich family, but we value our reputation and our word. You will pay Bilbo back every penny you owe him, even if it takes the next ten years."

Cami wondered silently where she would ever find such a large sum. She occasionally earned pennies doing errands for the neighbors or at the Green Dragon, but it would take a huge stack of pennies to make up the value of even a single silver coin. Her father seemed to be saying that working for Bilbo himself would not do the trick, since the gentleman was so softhearted that he would let her off too easily.

Her father's voice kept droning on. "Therefore, you will set aside your studies for the next two weeks. You are fortunate I was able to secure a position for you. You may continue helping with Frodo's party in the morning, but every afternoon and evening you will engage in honest labor and pay back the money you lost."

Cami's ears perked up. At least her father was not completely forbidding her from going to Bag-end. And working in a "position" actually might be interesting. She'd done chores and errands but "position" sounded important and quite grown up. Maybe things would not turn out so badly.

"Therefore," her father continued, "I have taken the liberty of speaking with Mistress Sackville-Baggins. She needs someone to do hard labor around the farm, and she thinks you may fit the bill, as long as you are respectful to her, and mind your manners."

Cami's heart sank to the bottom of her toes. How perfectly dreadful....to go to work for that horrible woman and her pushy son. For an instant, Cami thought of arguing with her father, or telling him how she had found Lotho's button at the very sight where Belle had met her accident. Normally, he would have listened, but Cami realized that, right now, he was too angry to listen properly to anything. So she nodded her head in agreement and kept her comments to herself.

"Tomorrow afternoon, you will go to Bag-end. Master Bilbo has generously offered to accompany you and introduce you to Mistress
Lobelia. And, Cami, I know he will try to say that you needn't pay the money back, but I'll have none of it. None of it at all. You are to work for Miss Lobelia who has generously promised you five silver coins if you work very, very hard."

"And, oh yes, you'll be sleeping over there as well, so make sure and pack a few clothes."

With little choice in the manner, Cami gave her consent and dragged herself off to bed. The Sackville-Baggins family and Bowman Proudfoot....what a terrible combination! Still, she comforted herself with the thought that Sam would be there to help in the mornings with the party, and even Elanor whom she'd become increasingly fond of.

And, of course, there was her duty to Frodo and Bilbo. She would honor her word, no matter what, even if it meant she'd have to put up with some miserable hobbit folk. And in just a few weeks, there'd be a lovely party to enjoy. Cami rolled over, dwelling on these pleasant thoughts, and drifted off to sleep.

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

[Merri]

Never in her wildest dreams had Elanor supposed that she and Sam would actually set off with the travelling hobbits . . .nor, indeed, that Sam himself would come up with the suggestion. She looked at him in admiration. Maybe there's more to him than I ever suspected, she thought to herself, as they set off in the pale moonlight.

But the knowledge that what they were doing would be very much frowned upon by most hobbits in the company made Elanor extremely nervous. She started at the slightest noise, and walking close to Sam on the road, just in case something would reach out and grab her.

"I wish we could have left in the daytime," She whispered to Sam. Even her voice sounded frightening in the ominous darkness of night.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The next morning, very early, Cami had presented herself at Bilbo's front door. Her teacher nodded 'good day' and came outside with his walking stick, as the two hobbits deftly made their way over the back paths and lanes to the house where Lobelia and her family lived. As they hurried along, not wanting to be late, they chatted with each other about what was going to happen once they reached their destination.

"I really wish your father would not insist on this," Bilbo added with a sigh. "I would rather not have you working there. I understand your dad wants you to learn about money and responsibility, although I certainly don't feel it's necessary for you to repay those coins. Still, I wish he had allowed you to work for me. I have plenty to do in the house and garden that goes beyond the party itself. And, at least in Bag-end, I could keep a close eye on you and know that you were fine."

At first, Cami wondered what Bilbo meant by that. Why wouldn't she be "fine" working at the Sackville-Baggins residence? Then she remembered the button she'd discovered behind the tree in the exact same location where Belle's little accident had taken place. Cami forced her thoughts away from that unpleasant subject, and vowed to concentrate on making a good impression on her boss.

A few knocks later, Miss Lobelia came to open the door and let them in. Cami had hoped Miss Lobelia would serve her a few cookies with tea, the same way her own parents would have done when anyone came calling. But there were no cookies and tea, and, indeed, there was much unpleasantness. Miss Lobelia made Cami stand up straight as a ramrod and stared her up and down the same way a hobbit might do if he was about to buy a pony. At one point, she actually tried poking and prodding Cami's upper arm with the tips of her fingers to find out how big her muscle was. Bilbo had cleared his throat, glared back rudely, and put a quick stop to that behavior.

The two adult hobbits spent some time debating Cami's duties and hours and the money she would earn. Miss Lobelia's voice sounded smooth as silk, but whatever she was saying didn't please Bilbo greatly, as there was considerable bickering back and forth. Finally, when all the discussion was over, the two hobbit shook hands on the bargain, although Bilbo still didn't look terribly happy. He did agree that young Cami could stay for the morning to help with Lobelia's errands and chores.

Just as the hobbit was about to leave and return to Bag-end, he fished inside his pocket and pulled out a large brass button that looked familiar to Cami. "Excuse me, but your son wouldn't have lost his button from his waistcoat? I found it near the road."

Miss Lobelia was about to reach out and snatch the missing button from Bilbo's hand, when suddenly she thought better of it and abruptly pulled back. [i] Best not, I still don't know the full tale behind that coat, or what Lotho was doing. Anyways, nasty Bilbo is sure to misrepresent my dear son's actions and find some way to turn it to his own advantage. [/b]

She fluttered her eyelashes coyly, and smiled, "So sorry. You must be mistaken. I've never seen that button before."

Bilbo thought Loblia's voice didn't sound quite right, but he let it go for now, filing the information to the back of his mind. Cami looked about desperately, beginning to feel she should never have come here, even under her father's orders. She gave a last urgent hug to her teacher as he stepped outside Lobelia's threshold. Then Bilbo leaned down to Cami and whispered inside her ear, "Watch your step! She's up to no good. I can smell it in the air. I'll come back after lunch to pick you up. Just be careful." Then, he headed back to Bag-end, with his brow deeply furled, worrying about how Cami would fare.

The instant that he left, Lobelia went to retrieve a small envelope from deep within her desk, applied some postage, and handed it to Cami. "Run as fast as you can to the Green Dragon Inn, and put this in the morning post that leaves for Bree." Cami sprinted along the roadway as quickly as she was able, eager to impress her Mistress with her willingness and speed. As she raced along, she took one quick glance at the envelope that had been entrusted to her. It was addressed to a lady at the Prancing Pony whose name she had never heard. Strangely enough, the name sounded as if it belonged to one of the big folk. Why would Miss Lobelia have business with one of the big folk of Bree? But, then, that was none of her concern. She pushed the idea out of her head, and pumped her legs even harder than before.

When she arrived back at the Sackville-Baggins residence, barely half an hour later, Miss Lobelia lectured her sternly on being a sluggard and dragging her feet. Cami stared stubbornly down at her toes, suddenly overwhelmed by the realization that however hard she worked, whatever feats of wonder she managed to perform, Miss Lobelia would still find a reason to berate her.

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[theWhiteLady]

Evelina read the large and flowing script, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She skimmed it quickly, then slowly, concentrating on the words. From a hidden pocket, Evelina extracted a quill and spare parchment and scratched a quick note. She slipped it carefully into a small hole in the side of the wooden building she had leaned against, waiting for the Shire post to arrive. Turning quickly and wrapping her tattered cloak around her, Evelina headed back to her very modest room. She had to prepare. As she crossed the street, a passerby was taken aback by the vicious smile that could not reach her cold eyes.


A bluebird sand into the clear sky. A lone cricket called from a cluster of brambles. A vole scuttered across the forest floor. And Evelina walked soundlessly between the trees. She belonged here; more than the bluebird, the cricket, or the vole. This was her forest and she knew every landmark, from towering oak to frail sapling. Her business demanded that she be familar with the woods. Woods that sheltered her, and became the perfect disguise. But business today did not demand secrecy, and the tall figure dressed in a delicate, pale red dress looked slightly misplaced. Evelina stopped behind a screen of tall reeds, hiding her from the road but a short ways off. She sat on a cold stone to await her companion, idly folding Lobelia's note between her fingers.

Evelina's dark hair was pulled up in an elegant knot at the nape of her neck; the flowing gown hid the sharp curves of her lean body. For a moment, alone, the lady's cold eyes grey soft as she saw some distant memory and the lines of her hard mouth grew full. Should the chattering squirrel nearby have looked up from his cache of nuts, he would have been startled at the change in the woman below. A twig snapped in the woods, not broken by any forest creature, and Evelina jumped up, the moment broken.

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: theWhiteLady ]

[Manardariel]

"Crystal! Look here! Oh my gosh, these are the most beautiful ribbons I have ever seen... do you think they match my hair?"

Behind her, Pearl could hear Crystal groaning her life out.

"Pearl. We´re here to look for decorations. I don´t think this is the tie to check on hair-ribbons."

Prarl let out a half- ignorant-half-apoligetic noise. She had to admit, Crystal was right. Waymoot had much to offer for them and for the party. They looked at some of the things and finally decided on a big bunch of paper lanterns, a few (small) fireworks,and a big girlande saying "Happy Birthday". The two girls stepped out of the shop, the warm summer-sun tickeling their faces.

It had been a lively journey to Waymoot. Lots of laughing. Pearl had been rather suprised at Anabell´s humor she would never have expected. The usual fighting with Crystal. And lots of rain. She groaned at the idea od spending another night outside, wiht no bed, but could she help it? No, she couldn´t, and in her deepest inside she didn´t want to. If these two days were a taste of their journey, Pearl Took was already for it.

[Nurumaiel]

"Those candies look good," said Primrose, grinning widely. She turned to Melilot. "Mel, how much money do we have left?"

"Er... enough." Melilot handed Prim a couple coins, and the latter bought a big box of candy.

"Amazing how cheap it was," she said, holding it out for Mel to take. "Annabell... hey, Annabell?"

Annabell was staring into the crowd. "Prim, Mel, isn't that... see those two children?" She pointed to a boy and a girl who seemed to be looking for someone. Annabell turned to look at Prim, who had gone pale and dropped all her packages.

"Samwise Gamgee and Elanor Greenthumb!" their young leader gasped. "Oh, goodness!" She ran forward, leaving Annabell and Mel picking up all that she had dropped.

"Look, Sam, there's Primrose Tussock!" said Elanor, running forward. Sam was close behind her. "Hello!" they cried together. "We've been looking for you for the longest time!"

"Elanor Greenthumb, you be quiet!" said Prim sharply. "What do you think you're doing here?! And Samwise Gamgee, I have much to say to you. What are you doing here?"

"We wouldn't stay with that horrid Bowman Proudfoot one moment longer," said Elanor. "Sam and I decided to run away, and fortunately it rained so we could follow your tracks to here."

"Well, Samwise, what have you to say for yourself?" Prim glared at the boy, who was blushing bright red. "Nothing? Well, I have much to say! I'm sure it was your idea to go running off. When are you going to be responsible? And you left your sister behind, and Camelia! Samwise Gamgee, I've a good mind to send you straight back where you came from!"

Sam jerked his head up, very pale. "Oh no, Miss Primrose, please don't do that. We'll do anything, just don't send us back to that Bowman Proudfoot!"

Primrose took three deep breaths, then grabbed their hands and dragged them back to the two lasses watching in amazement. "It's a good thing you saw them, Annabell," said Prim. "They could have become lost, though they don't deserve anything better after what they've done. Oh, this is the last straw! Being the leader of a group is bad enough, especially when there's others who are much smarter and able for it, but now I have to watch over two children...!" Prim burst into tears.

Sam was too guilty for words. He'd run away, leaving his little sister and Cami in the hands of that horrible monster Bowman Proudfoot, and now he'd gone and made Miss Tussock cry. "Don't cry," he begged. "If you really want us to, Elanor and I will go back."

Elanor was horrified. Prim stopped crying and dried her eyes. "You can't go alone," she said. "That's much too dangerous, and we don't have the time to take you back. You'll just have to come with us."

The two kids began cheering. Mel and Annabell smiled at them and laughed, until Prim gave them a scornful look, and not a little warning. "I expect you to obey every command given to you, and to stay close to the group above all things. We'd be in for it if bandits got you. Though," she added, "I don't believe there are any bandits."

"We've used all our money, Prim," said Mel, abruptly changing the subject and slowly putting her hand into the box of candy.

"Then let's go back to the meeting place and wait for the others," said Prim wearily. She turned and began to walk quickly away, not noticing the two runaways pop some candy into their mouth, and grinning at a wink from Mel.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Beruthial's post

Marigold watched as her father tried to calm her mother down, they had just read the note. She felt so worried about Sam and Elanor, what would happen to them? Where were they right now? Were they alright?

Bell had finally calmed down and she and Ham were talking quietly so Marigold couldn't hear, both looking so worried. Marigold couldn't stand it, why had Sam done this? She couldn't understand it, now her parents were almost sick with worry and Marigold couldn't do anything about it.

Her father got up and looked at Margiold with concern, he kneeled down and asked quietly, "Are you alright?" and she nodded, "Do you think you could do something for me? You need to tell Mr. Bilbo about this, he was the one who knew where the other group were going, he may know how to find out where Sam and Elanor are."
Marigold agreed, she thought it would be better if she got out of the house and she never turned down an opportunity to see Mr Bilbo.

She walked up the path with the note in her hand and came up to the front door of Bag end and knocked. Bilbo came out and invited her in. Marigold slowly explained the situation and gave Bilbo the note. His brow furrowed as he continued to read and sighed when he finished. "Oh Marigold, it'll be alright." He said even though she could see the look of worry on his face.

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

Child's post

Cami quickly set her disappointed thoughts behind her and spent the next four hours working with as much diligence as she could muster. She set out the food for second breakfast and lunch, went out to weed a bit in the garden, and finished several washloads of dirty clothes, hanging them out to dry just as her own mother had taught her to do.

Then Lobelia asked Cami to crawl up the chimney with a scrub brush and dustpan to remove the ashes from there.

Cami made a terrible face and began to protest, "But, Miss Lobelia, shouldn't you get a chimney sweep for that? My father always hires Hob Greenhand to clean our chimneys and flues every spring. He does a very good job."

"Enough of that," Lobelia spluttered. "I've hired you to do my work, and you're going to do it." She slapped Cami lightly on the behind and sent the girl scurrying back up the ladder. About an hour later, Cami had finished her job and started backing down again. The girl was covered with grey soot from the top of her curly brown head to the soles of her feet. As her feet met the floor, she stooped to gather up the pile of ashes that had fallen to the bottom of the grate. Then, she stood up, but, being less agile than many other young hobbits, tripped over the wood bin and went sprawlng in several directions at once. Her fall sent a smokey, grey cloud flying about Miss Lobelia's drawing room. The tiny ashes swirled about, descending on all the furniture and carpets in the Sackville-Baggins residence.

Cami moaned, aghast at what she'd done. Lobelia scowled at the girl and shoved her out the door, "You'll clean that all up, when you come again tomorrow, or I'll not pay you a penny, a single penny, for the slovenly work you've done today."

Cami mutely nodded her head, feeling greatly disheartened, and trudged outside to where Bilbo sat waiting for her. He took one look at her dirty face and clothes and hands, then sighed, "What has she done to you?"

Cami tried to explain about the morning, and everything that had happened. The only part she forgot was the story of the letter that Lobelia had written to one of the big folk in Bree.

"I don't like you working here, not at all. I'll talk to your father again. In any case, I may be in desperate need of your services," Bilbo muttered these last words under his breath.

Then he turned to explain. "I'm afraid I've got some bad news. Marigold came by this morning and showed me a note from Sam. Apparently, he and Elanor ran off to join the hobbits on the road who are purchasing things for Frodo's party. Hamfast and Bell were half frantic when I went to see them, as were Elanor's folks. Unless I hear the children have safely arrived, I may need to alert the shirriffs to start searching, and get help from the mayors in the surrounding villages. At least I know the Inns where the group intends to stop." At this point, Bilbo hastily scanned a list of names and dates that Primrose had handed to him before she left.

"We'll give it one more day and hope a message comes though. Meanwhile, I've sent a note to the Inns along the route, asking Prim or one of the others to contact me by overnight messenger."

Cami's heart froze with fear. She wasn't thinking about Frodo's party or the work she'd have to do or even Bowman Proudfoot. She could think of only a single thing, that Sam and Elanor be found safe and sound, and that no bandits or other misfortune befall them on the road. She squeezed Bilbo's hand tightly, as a tear or two dropped down, making white trails on her sooty face.

Bilbo bid goodbye to Cami at her family's doorstep, "Go inside and clean up, change your frock, and rest. I'll see you again in the morning. Meanwhile I'm going to explain to your father the jam we're in and see if he'll agree to have you work for me, especially when he sees what Lobelia did to you today. I'll also speak with Bowman and see if he can help."

Cami said nothing about Bowman. She was too worried about her friends. She and Bilbo sat a minute on the step, staring off into the distance, but neither of them were really thinking about the party.

"Do you think Sam and Elanor are alright?" Cami finally whispered.

Bilbo shook his head and sighed, "I hope so, I certainly do."

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

"Look, Prim!" said Mel. "Here come Pearl and Crystal. And look what they've got!"

"Stuff, just like us," said Primrose with a sigh. "Mel, I've come across another problem. How are we going to carry the kids? I- I mean the ponies."

"We have an extra one," said Mel as she hurried forward to help Pearl and Crystal with their packages. "They can ride double."

"Goodness!" Pearl gasped, nearly dropping her burdens at the sight of the two children. "............Prim?"

"They ran away and followed us here," said Prim quickly. "And now we have no choice but to take them with us." She started loading what they had into the wagon. The pony snorted, and Prim came him a regretful grin. "Sorry, Merimas, but we have to."

"Mr. Bilbo is going to be very pleased when he's sees all this," Annabell said, staring at the contents of the wagon. "And just think, there's even more to come!"

"Oh, speaking of Mr. Bilbo," said Pearl, reaching into her dress pocket, "we stopped by the inn, just to see how prices were. There was a letter for you, Primrose, from Mr. Bilbo."

Primrose took the letter and read it, looked down at the children, sighed, and turned to Melilot. "Do you have any paper with you?" she asked.

Mel shook her head, and so did Annabell, Crystal, and Pearl. "Well," sighed Prim. "We've got the whole side blank. I'll write him."

She turned Bilbo's letter around and wrote a quick message on the blank side of it, then handed it to Annabell. "Could you bring that to the inn and see if they have anyone who can ride over tonight?" she asked.

Annabell nodded, but before she set off she read the letter aloud.

Dear Mr. Bilbo,
Don't worry, the children are safe and sound. We found them at a market here in Waymoot. Tell Camelia and Marigold not to worry about them, and their parents. Unfortunately we won't be able to send them back. It's too dangerous for them to go alone, and we don't have the time to take them back ourselves. They'll be travelling with us.

Primrose Tussock

[Eruantalon]

Olo and Biffo scuttled around the streets of the town. Packages mouted up like hills on there backs. Some small and in white wrapping paper. Orther larger ones in as many colors as you can imagine.

"I think we got enough decorations Biffo! Stop wondering around and help get this one off!" One fragile package almost sliped off Olos back.

"There you go Uncle Olo." Biffo said as he caught the package just in time.

"We better make our way back to the rest now." Biffo said a bit out of breath.

"Yes! We should get on our way to make it in time? The'll be off with out us orther wise."

Biffo and Olo made there way back down the road they came. Olo now sweating a little and huffing in his hurry.Can't let the sun set catch us. Got to get back to the company! Theres bandits around here wouldn't want to run into them. Oh come on now you foolish old Hobbit. you'll worrie yourself into an early grave if you keep thinkin like that.

With the last bits of light still on the road they found the company. But there where more there than before. Whats this now has our company swelled since our last meeting?

They arrived in time to see Prim talking and looking vary concerned.

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Himaran]

Jasper swore under his breath as the twig snaped under his boot. He hurried to the clearing, and looked around.

No one in sight. Where is Evelina? Then he saw her stand up in the ditch near the road, and he stepped into the clearing.

"You fool," Hissed Evelina. "Why don't you just scream 'We're Here!' You make enough noise to alert every hobbit within a mile of our position."

Jasper put on a haughty look. "Ah, so what. No little hobbit'l be able to stop us. What are'ya so scared about?"

Evelina looked like she would kill him in an instant. "You underestimate these Shire folk. The're not the little country bumpkins you make them out to be. Now be quiet!

They sat down in the ditch, waiting for the third bandit to arrive. He was soon in coming.

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

[Merri]

To be sure, Elanor was delighted that they were rid of the nasty Bowman and actually on their way with the travelling hobbits.

But when she saw Prim crying, she couldn't help thinking of who they had left at home. Mum and Dad would be frantic by now, and so would Sam's parents, no doubt. And Marigold, and Cami. Now they were left all alone with Bowman, while she and Sam were enjoying themselves with the big hobbits. And Uncle Bilbo . . . hadn't they as good as failed him?

Elanor's insides gave a nasty squirm and she took Sam's hand. "I wish we could go home," She whispered, ashamed of herself. "Of course, it's exciting to be off, and all, and I wouldn't want to be near Bowman for anything at all in the world, but I just wish we didn't have to cause so much trouble . . ."

[Orual]

After it had been established that the two children would stay with the travellers, Sam hadn't said a single word. It had thrown him terribly when Prim had begun to cry, and he seriously doubted that he had done the right thing by taking Elanor and running off. Their parents would be awfully worried, and so would Mr. Bilbo, and Cami, and everybody else. He gave a guilty start when Elanor spoke, then calmed down.

"I wish that too, Elanor," he whispered back. "I wish it a lot."

What was I thinking? he asked himself harshly, scowling. Now Cami's all alone to take care of Marigold and handle Bowman. Some kind of friend I am. The kind that lets people down when they need help the most. He started to cry, but abruptly stopped himself; that wasn't going to help anything for sure. He'd just try to make it right, and help out as best he could here. He fiercely wiped his eyes. Maybe he hadn't done the right thing, but he'd try to make it better. He wouldn't let Mr. Bilbo down.

[Pipperin]

Annabell walked down the street looking in the windows of the shops. They had bought a lot of interesting things for the party, toys, decorations, she was very excited for the party. But at the moment she was a bit worried. Elanor and Sam were now coming along with them. Not very safe for young hobbits to be traveling all around the Shire, even without bandits. She smiled despite of herself. She loved children, and hoped to have some of her own when she got older.

She reached the inn and walked in looking about at all the guests, sitting and laughing merrily. Some looked up at her and smiled but most just carried on with their conversations. She walked up to a rather chubby hobbit, who seemed to be the owner.

"Is there anyone here that could deliver a message to Hobbiton?"She asked as the hobbit looked up at her.

"Hmmm, well let me see, I think Marroc will be able to, he's got plenty of time on his hands! Ill give it to him!" He smiled and took the letter as Annabell handed it to him.

She walked out the small door listening as the hobbit called for Marroc in the kitchen. Smiling, she went off to find the others.

[Barodir]

Bandolin, while in Bree, recieved news that the operation would be starting soon. He quickly gathered his pipe, sword, and knives and tok off for the Shire. Before leaving, he stole a horse from the barn and took off.

About half a day later, he reached the Shire. He spent most of the day searching for his comrades, Evelina and Jasper, while hiding in the shadows of the forest near the Shire. At the near end of the day, he found them in a meadow.

"Oy! Evelina an' Jaspa'! How goes the plans?" he shouts to them.

Evelina and Jasper responds with a curse and Evelina, in a whisper, shouts "you oaf! Be quiet! We don't want the halflings getting to us and figuring us out!"

"Oh, my mistake. Wont happen a'gin. Sorry..." Bandolin then sits near Jasper and starts to listen.

Evelina then starts telling the plan. "Now then, here's what were gonna do..."

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose saw with relief that Annabell had once again joined the group. Counting everyone quickly in her head, she saw that everyone was present. She looked at the muddy road and gave a little groan, thinking of her home, with a warm fire and some of Mum's hot tea. Prim only hoped it wouldn't rain again.

"Have you all finished shopping?" she asked loudly, trying to get the group to pay attention to her. She somehow wished Olo or Biffo had been in charge of the group, rather than her.

Everyone turned to look at her, and they all nodded.

"All right. Things will be more difficult because we've got two extra companions, children at that - " Prim gave Sam and Elanor a piercing look " - but I think we'll get by. We need more things that can't be bought here in Waymoot, so we're heading to Michel Delving next, and we're setting out right NOW."

There was a wild scramble to mount ponies, finish loading the wagon, and prepare to go, and Prim smiled with amusement and satisfaction. The way everyone obeyed her immediately gave her more confidence in her ability as leader. Turning to the two runaways, she smiled kindly at them for the first time. They had been feeling miserable and guilty together while the older hobbits spoke, but Prim's warm smile made them feel much better. She wasn't angry with them any more!

She led their extra pony forward and helped the two children mount. "Stay close to us and do not wander off," she ordered, putting great stress on each word. She got onto the wagon and Melilot climbed up next to her. Slapping the reins on her pony's back, they set out once more, to Michel Delving.

[Child of the 7th Age]

When Cami first heard the news of Prim's letter to Bilbo, her immediate reponse was one of relief. At least Elanor and Sam were safe. They had not been captured by bandits or fallen over the side of a cliff. Prim would take good care of her friends and bring them safely home.

But as Cami reflected on her own predicament and Bowman's looming presence, the feeling of thankfulness gradually slipped away and was replaced by something much closer to frustration and sorrow.

That afternoon, she had thrown herself down in a small hollow under a bush in the meadow directly behind Bag-end and proceeded to sob her heart out. If I ever get hold of that Samwise Gamgee, I'll break him in two. Leaving his sister and I here to do all that work, while he goes off enjoying himself on the road. And, Elanor, she's no better!

Cami was feeling quite sorry for herself, when Bilbo happened to come strolling on the pathway just a few paces distant from where Cami had hidden herself. He distincly heard the noise of a child crying. Fearing a repeat of what had happened to Belle, he rushed over to help and was surprised to discover Cami lying on the ground, curled up in a small ball.

"Here, here, what's all these tears? Was Miss Lobelia so mean to you as that? I've talked to your father, and he's agreed to let you work at Bag-end to pay off your debt. I've assured him I'll not go easy on you, as there's too much to do and too little time to do it in."

Cami looked up at Bilbo. Rivulets of tears streaked down her dirty face, leaving trails in the grime. She still had not bothered to clean up from the morning or change the frock she was wearing. "Thank you. That's very kind. I'll work hard." Cami tried to gulp back her tears, then managed to blurt out, "But that's not why I'm crying."

"No? What is it then?" Bilbo had little patience with any adult who'd come blubbering to him in this manner, but, towards a child, he could be quite soft-hearted.

"Elanor and Sam...they've gone off to have an adventure and left me behind. You wait and see. Something exciting will happen to them. Maybe they'll fight dragons and see Elves, just like you did, Mister Bilbo, when you went with Gandalf and the dwarves. But I'm stuck here. The only thing I'll see is a mop and a dustpan or, at best, Frodo's birthday cake."

Bilbo smiled a little wistfully at the image Cami painted, then tried to reassure her. "Cami, I doubt the hobbits will be seeing any dragons or Elves. They're going to the markets of the different towns in the Shire to do buying for the party. I'm sure it's quite enjoyable, but I'd hardly call it an adventure."

"Anyways, I'm very glad you decided to stay. You made a promise to me, and you're going to keep it. I'm proud of you for that. There are things in life that can be quite boring or even very painful to do. But, once you give your word, you are duty bound to follow through. Never forget that Cami, never." Years later, sitting in a small burrow in Beleriand, with another hobbit by her side, she was to recall the exact words of this conversation.

Cami quickly opened her mouth to retort, "But Sam..."

Bilbo put a quick end to that. "Sam? That part is not your concern. You can't control what others do, but you have a responsibility for your own conduct. Now, do you want to help me to prepare for Frodo's party, or not?"

Cami looked at Bilbo quite solemnly and nodded her head yes. Right now, she would have done anything to prove to her teacher she was the kind of person you could trust.

"Alright, then, fine. I don't want to see any more tears or self pity. I know you're reluctant to work with Bowman, but I think we have to give the lad a chance."

"Now, as for dragons or Elves, I'm afraid the dragon part is quite beyond me. But perhaps the other.... " Bilbo's voice trailed off as he sat and thought.

"Cami, I will make you a promise. If you stay and honestly try to work through your differences with Bowman, I will share something with you that I've never shown anyone in the Shire before, except for my cousin Frodo."

"What is it?" Cami blurted out, full of excitement.

"I can't tell you now, but, immediately after the birthday party is over, that same evening, I'll get permission from your parents to take you on a little trek into the forest to see something. You can't tell anyone what you see, not your friends or even your kin. But I promise you it will be something good, something that the hobbits on the road will not encounter."

Cami's heart was pounding wildly as she rose, shaking hands with her teacher and then running quickly back towards Bag-end to begin cleaning the drawing room. "I'll get Marigold to help me," she yelled back. Bilbo watched her sprint away and smiled. Of all the children he had taught, and there had been many, he'd never had another who so loved ancient tales and poems.

He checked the date in his head one more time. There should be no problem. Every year, on his birthday or just one day later, the same thing always occurred. Frodo generally went with him, but this year he would keep his promise to the girl, and let Cami come along.

[ February 21, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Orual]

Melilot sat silent for a little while, watching Prim carefully as they drove along. Her friend was tense and stiff, and was obviously taking all of the past few hours' events in, or trying to. Mel scooted over and began to rub Prim's shoulders. Sure enough, they were tense and hard as rocks. "Relax, Prim. It'll be all right--Sam and Elanor are well-behaved." Prim began to respond, but Mel interrupted her with what was probably the same thing that Prim was thinking. "Well, maybe not quite so well-behaved, as they just ran away. Hmm."

Prim laughed, and Mel grinned. "You know, we ought to be having fun with this, not stressing ourselves over it. It'll be all right, and the children will be entertaining if nothing else." She stole a look at the children, who were talking amongst themselves. "And they'll probably be nothing else."

***

Sam held the reins tightly, carefully following the older hobbits. He felt a little better now, since Prim didn't seem to be mad at them anymore, but guilt still poked at him, reminding him that he wasn't supposed to be here. "Oh, hush," he whispered angrily, "I'll do as much good here as I would've with Cami and them."

He looked over at Elanor, who looked a little more reassured by Prim's smile than he had been. He grinned at her with an effort. "How do you feel?"

[Merri]

"Better," Elanor lied. She could see how bad Sam felt about running away, and she couldn't bear to make him feel worse by telling him that she felt that way, too. And maybe she could make herself feel better by cheering him up, anyway.

"I figure that we can't help what's past. We made a mistake, yes, and Uncle Bilbo will be mad at us, but it's too late to go back now, so we might as well stop feeling guilty and be as helpful as we possibly can so we're not a burden to the grown-ups. Maybe they'll be glad we came along."

Elanor smiled reassuringly at Sam, wishing that she could take her own words to heart. Then she looked away quickly, because she knew she couldn't lie- he'd be able to tell that she really didn't mean it. What mattered most to Elanor now was that Sam believe her words, so that maybe she could, too.

[ February 21, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami stopped at the Gamgee burrow on Bagshot Row, hoping Marigold could come to help her clean the drawing room and kitchen in preparation for the party. Cami rapped loudly, but, when no answer came, tacked up a note on the door, suggesting that Marigold join her at Bag-end.

Her next errand would not be so easy. She'd made Bilbo a solemn promised that she would try and get along with Bowman. That meant no fighting and no being nasty, even if the boy himself was less than cordial. Bilbo had asked Bowman to help with the party preparations, so Cami thought she'd better invite him to come along.

Cami crept up to the burrow where Bowman's family lived and knocked reluctantly on the door. But, again, there was no answer. She scribbled out another note and left this one tucked under the front mat, poking out enough so that Bowman would see it whenever he came home:

Dear Bowman,

Bilbo has suggested that I invite you to help with the party preparations. Mister Bilbo is badly in need of our help, since Sam and Elanor ran off to join the hobbits who are visiting towns in different parts of the Shire to buy presents and other party things. The three of us--myself, you, and Marigold--are the only ones left to get through the work in Hobbiton.

This afternoon, we need to clean the kitchen and drawing room at Bag-end, and also help to weed the garden, since Sam is not here to do his regular chores.

I hope that you get this, and will come join us this afternoon.

Your friend,

Cami

[ February 22, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

Bowman ran up the hill and greeted his pet squirrel warmly. He had just finished helping his father out and now he could sit back and rest a bit. But it was not to be.

As he walked up the path to the front door of his house, he saw a little note sticking out from under the mat. Excited, he picked it up and saw it was addressed to him. He never got notes hidden under door mats! He eagerly read it, but his face changed until it was a scowl.

"That Camelia Goodchild!" he said, crumpling up the note and throwing to the ground in frustration. "She gave me that note just to be mean! And she said 'Dear Bowman.' Ha! Dear! I won't go." He looked at his squirrel with a dangerous expression, as if he were daring it to defy him. Slowly his face changed and he sat down on the step with a sigh.

"I have to go and help Mr. Bilbo out," he said. "If only there were a boy there, but it's just a bunch of sissy girls!" He kicked an empty bucket in front of him angrily and watched as it clattered down the steps. Feeling better after releasing some of his anger, he stood up and opened the front door, calling, "Mum, I'm going over to Bag End. I'll be back soon!"

Then he hurried down the path and onto the road, eager to show Mr. Bilbo he was willing to sacrifice some rest to help him out, even if he had to be stuck cleaning with girls. His squirrel watched him go, and then went to the front door to see if Mrs. Proudfoot could spare some of her seed cake.

[ February 22, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Beruthiel]

Marigold came up her garden path after doing a couple of chores for her mum. A note was stuck on the door and she ripped it off. It was a note from Cami about helping Bilbo and to come down to Bag-end. Marigold dropped off her shopping inside and hurried up the path to Bag-end.

To her dismay, when she got there she saw Bowman waiting by the door. She sighed heavily, Please let him not be helping Mr Bilbo She muttered to herself and crossed her fingers behind her back as she walked up to him.

[Sindae]

After the shopping trip with Pearl, Crystal was happy to be together with the others of the group. She had enjoyed the journey with Pearl, it was a very nice tour, but sometimes she really had had problems with Pearl's love for clothes and everything that was in fashion since it was just too different from her sense of fashion. "Oh Crystal look at that! Here Crystal, just have a look at this!" and so on. Now, with the other members, she wouldn't have to listen to it all the time.

She was also looking forward to the conversation with Olo who had promised to tell her about his garden. Being rather shye she was not sure if she should just ask him, and after thinking about it she decided to wait a little time and then ask him if he didn't talk to her until then.

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: Sindae ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Eruantalon's post

Every one had been moving along and Olo was feeling more tired than usaual. He felt weighed down by all the running around and shopping. His legs where aching and his back was feeling the weight that was on it from earlier. He started to think of his wonderful garden. All the pretty flowers that needed his attention. He hoped his children where taking good care of them. He felt weary and needed a good rest. Gardens.....wait a moment. Crystal wanted to know all about his garden. That would put some of the tiredness out of his mind for a while!

Crystal had just gotten done talking to Pearl. He walked straight up to her and said " Hullo there, Crystal! I was thinking we could have that talk about gardens!"

"That would be wonderful Olo," Crystal said.

"How do you keep your garden so colorful in the fall? I really like it. In my garden the colors start to fade in Winter until there's nothing left," said Crystal.

"That has a lot to do with my grand dad and Master Hamfest's father. His father and mine knew each other quite well. They were always trying to find a way to get the gardens to last a little longer. They came up with this mix that can feed the plants and make them think its still quite warm. Its a strange mix that has potato starch among many other things. I have the recipe at home. It gives the flowers and plants a kind of cold weather coat to keep them warm. It also has lots of the good things they need. Me and old Hamfest have been perfecting it for years now. Our dads passed the recipe to us. We had to swear that any one who really wanted to keep their gardens beautiful would get it. They would have to show a real interest in gardens, just like you did Crystal. All you have to do is put the mix into your watering pot and water your garden. I'll give you some when we get back home. I'll give you that recipe," said Olo.

"And how and where do you get all your beautiful and extraordinary flowers from? Most shops, I know, sell just the normal ones every Hobbit in the Shire owns. You know all the boring Sunflowers and so on...," said Crystal.

"Ah yes, my darlin' flowers. As I told you, my famly has had a long love of gardens. My father was the person who got those. He loved flowers more than anything. He used to ask those who travel on the great road to bring back flowers and pay them well for their help. He never really left the Shire but got the most wonderful flowers from almost every where. He had lots of friends who were travelers. They would find all kinds of splendid types for him. They always kept a look out. So you see between my father and grand dad we got quite a garden in the end," answered Olo

"What do you do every day to keep the garden so nice? Looks as if you put in a lot of work there every day." said Crystal.

Now all this talk of travelers and gardening got everyones attention. The rest of the company came in close enough to hear what Olo and Crystal where talking about. It was such a plesant conversation that they all felt the warmth of the Shire's finest gardens right there with them on the journey. They all smiled and listened, and were actually interested in how Olo kept his garden so nice. He was so willing to give away all his secrets. They couldn't help but open their ears.

"What do I do you ask?? What don'tI do should be the question. Watering the plants with my mixture of course, singing to them, talking to them, mulching, weeding, trimming, pruning, planting, reseeding. They all have their time and place. A good gardener know when and how to do it right! But every day the soil must be kept loose and moist. That's the most important part of keeping a good garden. Your mother Belladonna knows that first hand. I know she hasn't been able to keep up with all her gardening duties. Your father Tolman is quite the gardener I should say. We would probably be neck to neck if it came down to a comparison. But your dad and grand dad didn't love gardening as much as mine did. But with a little help from me by next fall your garden should be just as lovely!"

"How long have you been gardening? I just started with it since my mothers back is getting worse and she can't take much care of the plants anymore. Still, I like it," said Crystal.

"Well now, that's a bigger question than you think. I had a pale and spade when I was two but I don't think that counts," Olo said as he chuckled to himself.

"I have been gardening for about 25 years now Crystal. My family has been gardening for as long as I can remember. Thats not quite as long as some though. But I would say it was quite long enough. Does your sister Ruby help you at all? If she doesn't that would be a waste now, wouldn't it? Two fine young girls not doing a bit of gardening. If you do it together, you'll both get the attention. I can hear it now. There goes Crystal and Ruby. They have the best garden in the Shire. Ohh, what I wouldn't give to have their garden. And they're so young. How do you think they do it?"

Crystal seemed to chuckle at the idea of people saying that. Besides it was a funny idea. What would young girls want with gardening when there are plenty of wonderfull games to play? Olo knew this. He only said it to make Crystal laugh, which it did. But she seemed vary interested in all the help Olo couldn give her. She talked about Olo's green, green grass. He told her about that being part of the secret of the 'mix' as he called it.

The others joined in the talk of gardens. Prim told about how she had wonderful Dogwoods. "I have been tending them for a while now. They seem quit lovely around my Hole. They're scattered all about. I have been trying to get them to stay longer as the winter approaches. Could you give me some of that mix too, Olo."

"Of course Prim. I'll give you some and the recipe!"

Biffo had that certin look that only he could give. Uncle Olo was beaming now. Maybe this was a good time to ask for some of the seeds he knew Olo had. "Uncle Olo, you have seeds right. I heard you say that before. Think I could borrow some sometime? My Rose bushes are pretty and all, but they could use some company!"

"Take what every you like Biffo! Oh that reminds me, Crystal you might want some too. There are certain seeds you can still plant even this late in the year. By mid spring your garden will be so lovely!"

"My Mom keeps a nice Lilac tree in our yard. I take care of it usually. It's so sweet in the summer time. You can smell it quite a ways away. I really like it. Its one of my favorite things to do in the summer. Just sit and comb my hair in my room by my window and smell the Lilacs," said Pearl.

"Oh now, it's getting a bit late isn't it everyone. I hope we don't have to sleep out now. I can't seem to remember what the decision on that was. It makes no differnce to me whether we're in Inns or camping outside, as long as I have a nice fire to sit beside and smoke my pipe."

Still, the hobbits kept chattering about gardens, discussing this flower and that. This conversation became so animated that none of them caught the first faint hints that something or someone unwelcome was lurking nearby.

[ February 27, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Himaran]

The three bandits sat crouched in the ditch. They could now hear the hobbits coming their way.

"Now remember," lectured Evelina, "We are not to kill or maim the hobbits. Bandolin, you push them around while I grab whatever they have in the cart and Jasper cuts the horse loose. Then we dash into the woods, get away and make a good meal out of any food they have."

The bandits crouched down again. Jasper and Bandolin waited for the word from their leader...

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

[theWhiteLady]

The footsteps came closer and a typical hobbit discussion about gardens and flowers floated merrily up the path where Evelina lay by the roadside. Her nose wrinkled in disgust and she thought contemptously how simpled minded the creatures could be. It would almost seem a pity to take advantage of them if it were not so amusing, she thought with a grim smile.

The clip clop of horse hooves now drew near the bend and in a moment, they would round the corner. Evelina crept from her hiding place, making sure her decorative red dress was visibly torn and soiled by the damp forest floor. The first pair of hairy hobbit feet thumped round the corner and she laid herself by the road, sprawled in the classic position of a helpless female mauled and left by the wayside. Peaking through her disheveled black hair, Evelina let out a few pitiful moans for extra emphasis while her hand slipped through the folds of her dress and grasped the cold handle of her blade.

[Barodir]

Bandolin and Jasper sat quietly in the ditch, waiting for Evelina's signal. She had just started her "display."

"Jasper," Bandolin whispered, "what do ya' think? Should I use my sword or knives on the li'l 'uns?"

"Whatever, just don't kiil any of 'em. Remember that." Jasper replied.

"Alright. But how 'bout I slice open something" Bandolin asked.

"No, just scare 'em. Here," Jasper said as he picked up a a large stick, "use this and just swing at them. That'll scare them good!"

"Hehehe, this'll be good!" Bandolin sneered as he thought of what he'll do. "Okay, let's go get some half-ling!" They then kneeled and got ready for some action...

[theWhiteLady]

The spirited discussion of the brightest and most beautiful type of flowers ended abruptly between the hobbits as each of their eyes fixed, staring upon the woman lying before them. They exchanged uneasy glances; perhaps the bandits of which they had heard were not just an imagined tale after all, they thought. Certainly something had hurt the young lady. One of the male hobbits came closer, to render aid and perhaps also out of curiousity.

Evelina lay listening carefully and wishing she had chosen a more convienant position in which to be sprawled. Her face was most uncomforably squashed into the damp earth; the musty smell of decaying leaves filled her senses, and everything had suddenly become quiet. Try as she might, Evelina could not hear what the group of hobbits were doing. In truth, they were doing nothing more than gaping at her, but she, of course, could not know that. With a snort of disgust, the lady Bandit sprung herself from the ground and turned to face them with a fierce smile and startling yell. Roughly pushing aside the closest hobbit, who had shrunk back in surprise at her prompt recovery, Evelina called once more for aid.

[Merri]

Elanor and Sam had been riding a little bit ahead of the hobbits when the woman jumped up from the middle of the road.

"Sam!" She gasped, horrified. "Look, they're bein' attacked by bandits! And- oh, but it can't be- but it is, a woman! A woman bandit, Sam, and she's all bloodied and everything, oh, she looks so frightening! How I wish we'd stayed home!"

Horrible visions filled her mind, of being killed, of being kidnapped and then tortured by bandits. And Mama and Dad? What if Elanor really were taken? What if the whole group were taken? By the end of ten minutes, Elanor was convinced that it was all somehow their fault that the group was attacked by bandits.

[ February 27, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Himaran]

Jasper leaped out of the ditch. He saw several small hobbits, but one large male that Evelina had pushed away at first contact. But the hobbit now reached for the knife in his belt.

He made to strike the bandit from behind, but Jasper tackled him, knocking the knife from his hand. Twisting around on the ground, the hobbit landed to heafty kicks into Jasper's face. He realed backwords, but watched in satisfaction as Barodir's stick crashed down on the hobbit's head. He collapsed, visibly stunned.

Jasper pushed two other hobbits aside and made for the horse, pulling out his dagger. The halter was old and broke easily. The horse, already terrified, galloped of down the road when Jasper kicked it roughly.

He saw that Evelina had the food basket, and the Barodir had hit several hobbits. She wistled, and the bandits ran off the road, jumping the ditch. They disappeared into the forest, leaving the bewildered and sore hobbits behind, lacking both food and horse.

[Barodir]

Bandolin, right on cue, jumped out with Jasper. "'Ello there, half-lin's! We've come to getcha'!"

Bandolin took the large stick he had and began to swing at them. They dodged almost all of the blows, barely. "Ah, forget this! It's too slow!" Bandloin shouted as he cast the stick away. He then proceeded to punch some Hobbits.

Meanwhile, Jasper proceeded to steal what he was supposed to steal. "Let's get outta here!"

They then left as quickly as left into the forest. The Hobbits were left in schock and fear...

[theWhiteLady]

Evelina waited for her backup before making a dash through the hobbits to the baskets of food placed carefully inside the cart. She got her arms around a particurally large and heavy basket. The two hobbits sitting in the wagon shrunk back in horror at Evelina's cut face and wild manner; she could not help making an extra wild leer at them before running off after Bandolin.

Dashing for the woods, she barely escaped being run down by the cart horse barreling down the road, and ended up tripping and tearing a bit of the hem of her dress. Cursing loudly, she regained her balance and disappeared through the trees, leaving the hobbit party gaping behind.

[Child of the 7th Age]

In the peaceful town of Hobbiton, Cami, Marigold and Bowman gathered on the front steps of Bag-end, totally oblivious to what had happened to their friends on the road. Bilbo had left a long list of chores on the kitchen table which he was asking the children to do in preparation for the party.

The minute they walked through the door, Bowman latched onto the list and carefully looked it up and down. Then he took up a pen from Bilbo's writing desk and sat down in the corner of the room. Neither of the girls could see what the lad was scribbling on the paper, although he seemed to be very intent on what he was doing. When Marigold tried to peer over Bowman's shoulder, he carefully covered up the writing with his hand so that it was impossible to see anything.

"What's he doing now?" Marigold asked Cami.

"I'm not sure. We'll have to wait till he's finished to see it."

Marigold narrowed her eyes and hissed, "I don't like it. Why is he hiding that from us?"

Cami sighed, but tried to calm Marigold down, as she did not want a fight, since it might ruin her chances of the special treat that Bilbo had mentioned to her earlier.

Bowman finally finished and stood up, holding the sheet in front of him, "Alright, girls, I have your assignments completed. Come over here and look."

Cami wasn't so sure about this either, but told Marigold they should go have a look and give the boy a chance. Beside each chore was written a note that said "Cami" or "Marigold" or "Bowman.". Cami peered over at the list, carefully scanning the names and tasks.

"Bowman," Cami gasped in horror, "I think you've made a mistake!"

"Mistake? There's no mistake. There's one job that's good for a boy, and the rest are all girl's jobs."

What do you mean by girl's jobs? There are twenty things listed here with my name and Marigold's, but there's only one with your name on it."

Yes, that's right." Bowman nodded in agreement. All of those are the girl jobs--washing the dishes, scrubbing the kitchen floor, making up a batch of bread, dusting the house, doing the laundry, and so on, and so on. There was only one job for a boy," Boman pointed to a single entry which read "taking out the garbage."

Cami shook her head aghast, "Bowman, this isn't fair. You'll be done in fifteen minutes, and we'll be here all night." Cami was trying to hold on to her temper, but she was beginning to feel her face go red.

Marigold glared over at Bowman, "This is ridiculous. My own father helps my mother do some of these things at home." Bowman turned and gave her a scathing look that clearly showed what he thought of any male hobbit who carried out such a chore.

"That's it," growled Marigold, and made a bee line in the direction of Bowman, waving a broom in her hand.

[ February 28, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Manardariel]

Pearl was still shaken by the attack. Bandits! She still didn´t know what had really happened. Two -or maybe three?- figures had attaked them from behind.... Peark tryed to organize the wild pictures and bluring colors in her head, when she heard a distant moaning. She wheeled around.

"Crystal!"

Her friend was lieing on the ground next to her, holding her arm.

"Oh my gosh, Crystal, are you ok? Crystal, Crystal, say something!"

"Pearl. Cool down. I´m ok real- ow! My arm-"

Pearl bent down. Crystal had a small cut on her arm. Quickly, she reached for her first-aid box, she had luckily packed. She cleaned her wound and then looked around. A few others were looking as confused as she had felt sometime ago. Prim was walking around looking frantic and worried, while Anabell was holding her leg. She seemed wounded, as well as the others.

"Everyone who is wounded come here please, I have a first aid kit!" Pearl called out. A few scrambeld near. Most of them only had a mark or a bruise, but Olo´s wound was worse: he had a bad cut on the back, and and was holding his head, moaning and grumbeling in pain. Carefully, she applied some herbs on his cut, and told him not to worry- the head pain would go away.
Then she focused her attention to Prim, waiting what would happen next.

[Himaran]

The bandits dashed through the woods. Jasper was already lagging behind the two older and stronger man and woman, and was finding breathing harder every minute.

Running with his head down, he saw the rock that he had almost tripped over, and dodged it. Sadly, he did not see the large Beech tree he was running at. He collided with it, and stars filled his vision.

The other bandits kept running. It was a much later that they discovered Jasper had disappeared.

[theWhiteLady]

Great ragged breaths tore Evelina's chest as she ran and her grip on the large basket began to slip.

"Wait up for a minute!" she called to Bandolin.

Bandolin wheeled around to find Evelina already collapsed in the soft needles fallen from a nearby pine tree. The lady Bandit motioned him to sit, too out of breath to speak. Poor Evelina was used to stealth, not mad escapes on foot through the forest! The lack of work and easy living in the hobbit villages did not help keep her in shape either. Even as she mused over this in her head, she tried to hide her exhaustion from Bandolin; it wouldn't do to show she was getting soft in front of her partners, such characters as she was used to dealing with could use any weakness to their own advantage.

Bandolin did notice, however, and could not suppress a small smile. He was hardly out of breath from the run and it amused him to see the tough woman fail to do something better than him. He began to root around the basket to see what Evelina had been able to grab. With a shout of disgust, he pulled out a long roll of streamers.

"Oh no," Evelina groaned, her breath fully recovered. She dug deeper through the basket and yelled with triumph, pulling a large box of candies from the bottom. She tossed a handful to Bandolin who caught them deftly and popped them in his mouth.

"Here you are, Jasper" she said, offering out another handful. It was only then that she realized Jasper was not present.

"Bandolin," she whipped around, glad to have someone present to vent her frustration upon, "what happened to Jasper? Didn't you make sure he got away?"

[Barodir]

The long run had been nothing more than a workout for Bandolin. He was used to running away from the authorities and such, so it was no problem.

Evelina, on the other hand, was noticibly tired. Bandolin couldn't help but smirk at his comrade. She looked angry at looking weak. She took out a box of candies, stolen from the Hobbits, and gave it to Bandolin.

"Here you are Jasper..." Only Jasper wasn't there. "Bandolin," she said as she whipped around, glad to have someone present to vent her frustration upon, "what happened to Jasper? Didn't you make sure he got away?"

"I'm sure he was behin' me. He musta fallen." he answered. "C'mon, we gotta find 'em!"

[Orual]

"Stay close, Elanor!" Sam said, trying not to shake. "Let's find Prim, she'll know what to do..."

Elanor nodded, but she could see that Sam was trembling. His face flushed with embarrassment, but he couldn't stop himself. What had happened? Oh, yes, the bandits...but he hadn't thought there really were any. He thought that it had just been tales that the older hobbits told to keep the children close to home. "Guess it wasn't," he muttered. Elanor asked him what he had said, and he replied "Nothing."

"Sam, Elanor, right here," a voice called. Sam recognized the voice as Melilot, and went over immediately, bringing Elanor with him. To his horror, Mel was sitting on the ground, grasping her leg, which was bleeding. Sam couldn't find his voice, but gripped Elanor's hand more tightly.

***

Mel sighed as she saw Sam's face. "I'm all right, really, just keep close to me. Do either of you know where Primrose is?"

The blank looks on their faces told her nothing, so she struggled to her feet, gripping Sam's shoulder as a spasm of pain ripped through her injured limb.

"You can lean on me," Sam said earnestly, extending his arm to Mel while he kept holding Elanor's hand. Melilot smiled gratefully and took the boy up on his offer, and began the slow walk to find Prim and the others.

[Nurumaiel]

Prim watched the retreating bandits through blurry eyes. "THANK YOU!" she shouted at the top of her voice, and then sat down and burst into tears. There was comfort all around for her, but it didn't help. Her pony was gone, her beloved pony, and she felt like she was a terrible leader.

When all her tears were gone, she looked for the first time around her, and saw that many were wounded and Pearl was tending to them. Looking up, she saw Mel and the children approaching, Mel leaning on Sam.

"Melilot!" she cried, jumping up and running forward. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," said Mel through her clenched teeth.

Sam helped Melilot sit on the ground, where Prim began tending to the wound. "Pearl seems to be the best of us at this," she said as she worked, "but she appears to be rather busy. I think I could do all right at this. I've taken care of my family's ponies many times when they've been hurt like this." Suddenly tears came to her eyes.

"It's all right, Prim," said Melilot. "I'm sure he's okay."

Prim smiled and gave her friend a quick hug. "You're the best, Mel," she said. "All I did was mention the ponies, and you knew I was thinking about my own sweet boy."

"He'll be all right," said Mel again.

"There we go," said Prim, standing up. She turned to the others. "Let's put those more seriously injured and unable to walk in the back of the wagon," she said. "Biffo, can you hitch another pony up to the wagon. Children, you'll have to walk now."

Prim assisted Mel to the wagon and helped her in, then in turn Annabell, and then with Pearl's help Olo. "Crystal, are you all right to walk?" she asked.

The lass nodded bravely.

"None of the wounds seem to be that serious," said Prim, "but I think it would be best to stop at an inn for the night. There's an inn along the way to Michel Delving. We'll set out now and try to get there as quickly as possible. Let's go."

[Beruthiel]

Beruthial's post

"That’s it!" Marigold had the broom in her hand and waved it in front of Bowman's face. Bowman looked at her, slightly surprised but obviously thought she couldn't do much harm. Marigold picked up on this immediately, "Don't you dare think you're better than everyone else! You’re not! You’re just a selfish, pompous brat!” she shouted at him and charged towards him, filled with anger. Bowman jumped at her sudden outburst and ran around the table, with Marigold in hot pursuit.


Child's post:

Cami could not believe how quickly the entire situation had deteriorated. One minute they were trying to divide up the chores, and, the next, Marigold was swinging for Bowman's head and threatening to lay him out cold. All Cami could think about was the need to get the party preparations done and how disappointed Bilbo would be, if he came in and got a look at this wild fracas.

Even more scary to Cami was the thought that Bilbo might blame everything on her, and the special treat he'd promised her right after the party would vanish in front of her eyes. She'd best do something, but what could she do against such stubborn and wayward children? For that is indeed how Mistress Cami regarded the two of them, although she herself was the very same age as Bowman. She stomped her foot and crossed her arms in total frustration, then began yelling at the top of her lungs in a vain attempt to get them to listen.


Beruthiel's post:

Cami shouted at them both but they simply ignored her as they ran around the table again and again. Marigold was getting tired but wouldn’t give up. Bowman started to laugh; he knew he was faster than her and she wouldn’t be able to catch up, but this made her even more furious. Before he knew what was happening he was knocked onto the floor and being whacked with a broom. Bowman managed to get a grip on Marigold’s hair and yanked hard. Marigold screamed and let go of the broom and started to hit Bowman as hard as she could.

Child's post:

At this point, Cami was becoming increasingly desperate. She threw herself on the wrestling couple, and tried to pry the two of them apart, but with absolutely no success.

Beruthiel's posts:

Poor Cami was trying as hard as she could to break up the fight but couldn’t get Marigold off Bowman. Then Bowman pulled Cami down and she collapsed on top of them both.

The racket they were making could be heard outside of Bag-end and Bilbo was coming up the path, with his nephew Frodo by his side. Bilbo shook his head and the two of them rushed inside.

[ March 03, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Frodo's jaw dropped open as he raced through the door, "W-what happened here? Are you alright?" he cried out nervously, as he saw the three hobbit children tumbled together in a single heap.

Bilbo grimaced and shook his head. He could guess exactly what had happened, but he wasn't about to say anything to his nephew. Looking down at Marigold, and Cami, and Bowman, he was perfectly certain they were fine, other than a small bump or bruise here or there. He suspected that what they most needed was a bit of stern discipline and a strict warning.

"We're alright, Frodo," Cami assured him as she got up from the ground, and dusted off her skirts. She noticed that the hem of her dress was ripped and there was a small tear at the collar. Her mother would certainly not be pleased. Cami had a feeling she'd be spending the evening in front of the hearth doing dress repairs instead of more interesting things.

The kitchen and sitting room at Bag-end looked as if a large troll had come inside that afternoon to do a spot of mischief. There were several chairs tipped over and numerous smaller kitchen items had fallen to the ground, a victim of the wild chase as well as the broom which Marigold had been wielding. Several of the dishes had broken, plus one of the small wooden bookshelves had dumped over when Bowman had come crashing into it. The book were spilled out across the floor, and one of the shelves had come loose.

Bilbo turned his face to Frodo and forced himself to keep a cheerful tone, "Nephew, we're going to need a hammer and nails to get the bookshelf fixed. Could you check over at the Gamgees? I believe Hamfast borrowed the hammer the other day. Then run down to the market and buy a ha'penny worth of nails."

Once Frodo was out the door, Bilbo lined up the three children and gave them a stern talking to, telling them that this was their last chance to cooperate, or else there would be no party for any of them and, worst of all, he'd speak to their parents! Cami tried to blurt in about Bowman and what he'd done with the list of jobs, but Bilbo had been very short and said he didn't want to hear any excuses. This was truly it....their very last chance!

For the remainder of the afternoon, the three children worked hard on picking up the mess, and going on to clean the rooms as they'd originally promised to do. They only had one problem. When Bowman mulishly insisted he be the one to nail together the bookcase, Cami did not argue. She hastily clamped a hand on Marigold's mouth and reminded the young girl that, if they weren't careful, they'd never even get to go to Frodo's party.

At the end of the afternoon, the three children trooped out of Bag-end and headed for home. Bilbo sternly told them they could come back the next day to begin making decorations for the party, but they'd still have to be on their best behavior. Since Frodo planned to stay with a friend in Bywater for a day or two, it would be a good time to complete a few preparations.

Cami felt sorry for herself and angry with Bowman as she walked along Bagshot Row. If only Sam were here, none of this would have happened! He would have stood up to Bowman and put him in his place. But Sam was gone, and Bowman didn't seem to have any respect for girls. The only thing he wanted to do was make them disappear."

In normal circumstances, Cami would have stood up to him and welcomed a knock-down fight, even if it meant a black eye. But these circumstances weren't normal. She didn't want to disappoint Bilbo about the party and, to be perfectly frank, she didn't want to lose the special treat that he had promised her. Cami thought frantically for some way to win back Bilbo's favor, not just for herself, but for the others as well. But as hard as she thought, she couldn't come up with anything.

[Himaran]

Jasper awoke with a terrific headache. Feeling the sizable lump on his forhead he guessed that he had been knocked out. For how long, he did not know. The other two bandits were gone.

The young man sulked for a while over his injury, and the 'desertion' of the other two bandits. "A lot of help they are, leavin me here alone, with a broken skull an' all."

But his thoughts soon became more cheerful. At least he'd be away from that mean Evelina! He could follow the hobbits and stop them himself, then find Lobelia and take the reward alone. That will teach Evelina! With all of that money, he could stay away from home for months, and live comfortably at inns, eating well all the time.

He stood from the ground and re-traced his footsteps back to the road, where he peered out at from behind a rock cautiously. The hobbits had gone.

He checked the road and found distinct tracts leading away down the road. He followed them, staying near the edge. Eventually he came to a hill where he spotted them, but he kept low. No sense in alerting them. Surprise is much better.

[Nurumaiel]

Primrose looked at all the weary hobbits with a little frown on her face. "Cheer up," she said. "We got attacked by bandits, but we'll notify the Shirriffs of them, and we'll be fine. Have some ale and think of the party ahead. I'm going to get a room and see if I can find anyone to tend to your wounds."

They had stopped at an inn halfway to Michel Delving. The sky had grown dark too fast, Prim thought as she stepped up to the counter, her hand in her pocket and her fingers touching the little money she had left. I don't know how we're going to pay for the decorations at Michel Delving, she thought grimly. Hopefully Bilbo will have the children make some, because we're not going to be buying very many.

"Miss, if you want to say something, then say it. I've got a lot of hobbits waiting for their ale."

Prim looked up, startled, at the innkeeper. "I am so sorry, sir," she said. "We'd like two rooms, please. How much will it be?"

The innkeeper named the price, and Prim slowly pulled the coins out of her pocket, again thinking to the shopping they had ahead of them. She got the number of the rooms, then spoke up again, "And do you know of someone who could tend to my companions' wounds?"

"There's someone in the room below yours that could take care of that."

"Thank you." Prim turned to go, then stopped and stared wide-eyed at the innkeeper. "What do you mean, below ours?"

"The only rooms available are on the second story," said the innkeeper. "Now is that all?"

"Second story? Why do you have a second story?"

"When my father built this inn, he was too poor to buy enough land to have just one wide building, so he had to build a tall one. Now is that all."

"Yes," said Prim. Even second stories are better than bandits, she thought. I hope we won't run into anymore of those.

[Himaran]

Jasper was tired. He had lain awake the entire night, constantly thinking that he was hearihg something. His imagination was terrifying him.

The next morning he followed the hobbits, and within an our found that they had gone to a small inn. He walked over to it, went through the courtyard; and, pulling his cloak over his face, entered the inn.

There was no sign of the hobbits. He ordered something at the bar, and after eating a little bought himself a room for the night. He chuckled to himself now, thinking of how his companions were probably spending a night out in the wild.

He had several options. He could try to find his group, attempt to stop the hobbits on his own, or simply leave the Shire altogether and make for Bree. If the other hobbits did not see him, he was quite safe, for they had no idea a bandit had followed them. He sat back, wieghing his options...

[Manardariel]

That was typical.
Just when Pearl had thought things couldn´t get any worse- they had. First they had been attaked. Then, a second-story room. Then she was the unfortunate one to bathe LAST- and now she saw she was getting freckels.

Groaning, she left the bathroom, and entered the room she was sharing with Prim, Crystal, Melilot and Anabell. The others were talking, Prim looking worried.

Pearl went to the window, opening the dark courtains. The last blazes of the setting sun burst in. Sighing, Pearkl sat down on her bed and started massaging her feet. She grimly mumbeled to herself about "Freckels-making-her-ugly; roads-not-safe; dratted-second-floor: feet-falling-off and so on and so on. She was so deeply engaged in feeling sorry for herself she didn´t even notice someone had sat down next to her.

"And I suppose that´s all you care about right now?" Crystal said. Starteled, Pearl looked up.

"Honestly, I knew you tend to be a bit egoistic, but that egoistic? YOUR feet hurt, YOU have freckels, YOU don´t feel safe, YOU had to bath last... do you ONLY care about yourself?!"

Pearl stated at her. She and Crystal had gotten on well for the last few days, but enough was enough.

"Oh?" she yelled back. "I´m egoistic, yes? Who´s been nothing but complaining about everything for the last 12 hours, you or me? And for your information I am not egoistic. I am simply tired and felt sorry for you being wounded. But why am I wasting my time-"

"YOU? Wasting YOU´RE time?" Cystal yelled back. "You waste so much time on make-up, a conversation might be something sensible for a change!"

"YOU of all people are telling me about being sensible?"

Half an hour later they were both horse and fuming with anger, but both felt better.

"Crystal?"

"What, you git?"

"It´s good to have a friend like you"

"Yeah, Pearl. It´s good to have someone like you too..."

[Orual]

Right now, Melilot would have liked nothing better than to curl up and bawl. Her leg ached like anything, and she'd never had more than a sprained wrist before for all her daring (daring, of course, meaning climbing on fences trying to bother her sister when she was a little girl), and to top it all of it was bandits who cut her leg, and now they were running out of money and had to sleep in a second-story bedroom, and Prim was all shaken up, and now Pearl and Crystal were fighting...

She ate quickly and took a fast bath, scrubbing her injured leg viciously, as though to try and wash the gash away. All she got for her efforts was a stab of pain from a the soap stinging the wound, and she would have given a mighty howl had not her voice been so hoarse from all the screaming that she hadn't done.

It was not in Melilot Bracegirdle's character to be brave, or courageous, or mighty in battle. It was not in Melilot Bracegirdle's character to be valiant while being attacked by bandits. And it was most certainly not in Melilot Bracegirdle's character not to weep when she had been hurt.

She walked with an exaggerated limp out of the bathroom, turning it over to whoever was next in line, and sat huffily on the bed. She re-wrapped her leg and stuffed her curls into a towel. Reasonably pleased with the result of these two actions, she threw herself prostrate on the bed and began to weep silently. Drat and blast surprise parties, road-trips, and most especially bandits!

***

Sam sat huddled by the window, trying not to look out of it. He wished to goodness that Elanor had been there, but she was in the girls' room, and he was in the boys'. Everyone else was taking baths and talking about the bandits, and what were they going to do now, they could hardly take the ladies home with all those dratted bandits on the road! And what about the money, they were running out, and hadn't Melilot said something about free inns, this one certainly wasn't...

Sam only half-listened to their talk, mostly sitting and feeling sorry for himself. He really wished that he had never suggested that he and Elanor should leave, and most of all he wished that that Bowman hadn't ever come along. It was all his fault, it was! If he hadn't come and made things difficult, Sam never would've thought of leaving and breaking his promise to Mr. Bilbo...

A sob rose in Sam's throat. He had broken his promise to Mr. Bilbo, and see where it had gotten them? Attacked by bandits, that's where! Oh, it was all his fault, not Bowman's. This is all your fault, Samwise Gamgee, he thought harshly, scowling at himself. Stop blaming Bowman, he really hadn't done anything. You should've known better. Mr. Bilbo was wrong to trust you.

That thought was too much for Sam, and he burst out into uncontrollable sobs.


Merri's post

Elanor curled up by the window, tuning out the conversations going on around her.
Back when this all began, she had wished she were going with the traveling hobbits. So much excitement! So much adventure! But now that she was with them, she wished she were safe at home, with Cami and Marigold and even the distasteful Bowman . . .

She drew her knees up to her chin and allowed for a few tears to fall. Would they mind very much if she snuck into the boys' room to visit Sam? She glanced at the older hobbits. They seemed to be distracted.

I might as well take my chance. She tiptoed away and crept out into the hallway, keeping against the walls and in shadows.

"Sam," She whispered, tugging on his sleeve.


Orual's post

"Elanor!" Sam said hoarsely, and throwing all caution to the wind he hugged her tightly. "How did you know I was hoping you could be here?"

"I didn't, but I knew I wanted to be here," Elanor responded. She studied Sam's face. "You were crying," she said.

"So were you," Sam rejoined, stubbornly. Then he laughed, a little hiccupping laugh that sounded like it was half a sob. "I want to go home," he whispered, and another hot tear slid down his cheek.

"Me too," said Elanor, "but we can't, can we."

"No," Sam replied, "but that doesn't mean that I can't be homesick and teary about it."

Elanor had no response to that, so they were just content with sitting and crying on each other, and trying not to look out the high second-story window.

[ March 11, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami, and Marigold, and Bowman had spent much of the next afternoon at Bag-end working on the decorations for the party. Cami and Marigold sat on one side of the room making a flower chain, and Bowman on the other working on a large paper dragon. At least there were no fights or loud squabbles. Once or twice, she and Bowman had glared at each other over who should get first dibs on the glue, but, with that one exception, things were generally quiet.

After they'd worked for a while, Cami told the others she had to run, "I left my jacket over at Miz Loeblia's the other day. Plus she's making me clean up the mess in the fireplace."

Cami ran out the door and was soon on Miz Loeblia's doorstep. Miz Lobelia had her come inside, and work for several hours cleaning up the last of the mess from the infamous chimney sweep incident. Cami finally gathered up the ashes, and finished scrubbing out the hearth.

It was at that point that Miz Lobelia politely interrupted and asked her to go out to the henhouse to collect some eggs. Wanting to be cooperative, Cami ran out to the shed and began to look under the broody hens. When she came to the last hen, she was surprised to find something soft under the hay. It seemed to be a green cloth of some sort. Tugging on the edge of it, a waistcoat soon emerged that was conspicuously missing a button--the very button that Cami had found near the path where Belle had fallen. Someone had obviously put the coat there, hoping to hide it. Someone who thought the presence of that coat looked mighty suspicious, and might tie him in with what had happened to Belle.

Cami stuffed the waistcoat under her skirts, thinking it might possibly come in handy for keeping Lotho in line. Cami ran back inside, and went into Lotho's bedroom where Miz Lobelia said she'd left her coat. Cami picked up her coat and was about to leave, when a cluster of five silver coins on Lotho's table suddenly caught her eye. The coins were spilling out of Lotho's little change purse. Cami picked up the coins and looked closely at them. She gasped in disbelief. These had to be the same coins that Mister Bilbo had given to her.

Cami remembered three of Bilbo's coins had deep scratches on the back. Just like three of the five silver coins neatly stacked on Lotho's table. This couldn't be a coincidence. For the first time, she recalled how she had dropped the money in the bakery and Lotho had helped her pick it up. He had obviously slipped the pennies in her purse and kept five of the silver coins.

Cami was about to snatch up the silver coins to return them to the rightful owner when Miz Lobelia hastily came through the door. Cami nervously turned, muttered her good byes and scurried out the door, sprinting back in the direction of Bag-end, hoping to catch Marigold and Bowman before they left for the day.

As she ran, she thought. We could tell Mister Bilbo about this and let him handle it. Or we could figure out a way ourselves to get Lotho to return the money! She liked the last idea best and wondered how they could manage it. Then she remembered the waistcoat under her skirts and grinned. Surely there had to be a way to confront the boy with the truth and pressure him to give the money back.

Cami ran up to Bag-end and rang the bell. Mister Bilbo ushered her into the drawing room where Bowman and Margold were just finishing their work. "Come here you two," she whispered. "Look what I found in the Sackville-Baggins house, and you won't believe what else was there!" Then she leaned forward and told the two children about everything that had happened and her idea for getting even with Lotho.

"We could all be heroes!" Cami pointed out jubilantly. For the first time, the three children had a goal they could all agree on....wanting to get even with Lotho! They agreed to meet again the next afternoon and set up a little plot of their own.

[ March 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[theWhiteLady]

Throughout the night, Evelina and Bandolin had slowly followed the dirt road, taking care to make sure the hobbit party had not left the mainway. Only the first light of dawn was being painted upon the clouds as they crept round a clump of trees and spotted the comfortable inn where the troop of hobbits lay snoozing peacefully. An early bird sang a short tune before flying towards the rising sun, and his abscence made the morning seem even more quiet and still than before. Evelina was sore, tired, and unhappy. The last thing she needed was for Jasper to have been caught; the lady Bandit had a nasty feeling he would easily squeal about her own participation in the attack, and she knew the hobbits would be none too happy about it. Although she had warned her
accomplices not to cause any serious damage, Evelina had noticed Jasper clubbing one fat hobbit in the head before running off.
With a grimace, she stopped and caught Bandolin’s shoulder.

“Stay here,” she whispered. “I’ll go inside the inn and try to find out from the
innkeeper whether or not Jasper has been caught. The whole town will be buzzing about it if he is. And do not move,” she added sternly and Bandolin nodded his assent grumpily. Why was it Evelina got to go into the inn where there was food? Their spoils from the basket had run out sometime during the night, and candy was none too filling.

Before starting their hunt, Evelina had shed the red dress, knowing it would be a dead give away should they be spotted by any of the local shirrifs, and she also took care to pull her dark hair into a bun. Though she was dirty, Evelina hoped she would not attract too much attention. Carefully, she pushed open the wooden door and noted happily that the front desk was empty. The common room was also quiet; then again, it was rather early. Evelina took a seat by the doorway and waited for someone to arrive.

It took not long, really just a few minutes, for an echoing patter of footsteps to announce to the Bandit that at least one inhabitant of the inn was awake. The footfalls were rather hard for a small hobbit, however, but the mystery was solved as a tall man stooped under the low doorframe and a ray of light illuminated, for a moment, his rough face. Evelina caught her breath and let it out again with a slight
hiss, her face turning sour. When she spoke, however, her voice was sweet as sugar.

“Why, Jasper!” she exclaimed softly. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Jasper froze at the familiar voice, more threatening with the friendly tones than if she had yelled.

[ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: theWhiteLady ]

[Nurumaiel]

The company set out late the next morning. They had lost much time, Primrose thought glumly, in having their wounds tended. We'll have to make up for that today.

"All right, everyone," she said. "This is the last lap... or rather, the second to last. Once we get to Michel Delving, we're going straight home."

"What about Tuckborough?"

"We don't have the time," said Primrose firmly. "If we went to Tuckborough, we'd get back one day after the party. We need to go to Michel Delving for the few decorations."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the few precious coins she had left. "There. That's all we have. No more inns, I'm afraid." With that, they walked on.

About another mile down the road, Melilot suddenly grabbed Prim's sleeve and pointed. "Look, Prim, look! Do you see something moving up ahead?"

Primrose followed Mel's finger to the right side of the road amongst some trees. Yes, there was something moving. "Arm yourselves, everyone," she said, her voice hoarse. Please, no more bandits, she thought, closing her eyes for a brief moment.

That moment was all it took for Sam and Elanor to burst into merry laughter. Prim opened her eyes, staring down at them, but not looking to what was on the road ahead. "What are you laughing at?" she hissed. "Quiet."

"Close your eyes..." said Sam, taking her arm.

"Keep them closed," Elanor added, taking her other arm.

Primrose was puzzled, but she did as they told her. She was led up the road by the two children, and then told to stop. Suddenly she felt warm breath on her face. She stifled a scream, and willingly obeyed when the children shouted, "Open your eyes!"

She found herself looking into two large, gentle, kind brown eyes. "Merimas?" she said in a trembling voice. She threw her arms around the pony's neck. "Wonderful pony!" she said, choking on tears. "I thought I'd never see you again." Then she stepped back, brushing the tears away from her eyes and looking at everyone. "You probably think I'm very silly, crying over my pony like this," she said.

"No we don't," said Pearl. "We know how much you love him."

Primrose gave Pearl a quick hug. "Please," she said to everyone, "can we stop here for a moment? Just a moment. I want to tell Merimas all that has happened to us since he left."

"Of course!" everyone laughed, and Prim settled down to give the pony a full account.

[ March 12, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

The three children had put their heads together and plotted what they would do.

"Let's not tell Bilbo," Bowman agreed, thinking he would surely get all the credit since he had only two girls to help him.

They talked and planned and connived, and finally came up with something they thought would work. Marigold and Cami would lure Lotho into a trap, and Bowman would show up at the last minute to present their evidence and turn the screws, threatening to turn over the button to the police and reveal what had happened in the bakery unless he forked over the money that he owed to Bilbo.

Cami pointed out, "I know Lotho goes to the Green Dragon every day for lunch. He always has that same change purse with him. Marigold and I will drop over there today, and get him interested enough to follow us."

"We'll meet you over under the same tree where I found the lost button. Bowman, don't forget to hide in the bushes. We don't want him to see you at first."

"Alright," growled Bowman, "but leave the hard part to me. The part where we threaten him and he gives us the money."

"Suit yourself," whispered Cami, with some irritation in her voice. "I don't care who bludgeons him over the head. I just want to get the money back for Bilbo."

[ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Merri]

Elanor curled up by the window, tuning out the conversations going on around her.

Back when this all began, she had wished she were going with the traveling hobbits. So much excitement! So much adventure! But now that she was with them, she wished she were safe at home, with Cami and Marigold and even the distasteful Bowman . . .

She drew her knees up to her chin and allowed for a few tears to fall. Would they mind very much if she snuck into the boys' room to visit Sam? She glanced at the older hobbits. They seemed to be distracted.

I might as well take my chance. She tiptoed away and crept out into the hallway, keeping against the walls and in shadows.

"Sam," She whispered, tugging on his sleeve.

[Beruthiel]

Cami had told them both her plan about catching Lotho. Marigold had to admit, she loved the idea of it even though Bowman would be helping them. They formed a plan, She and Cami would get Lotho to come with them and then they would get him to give the money back.

Bowman had said something stupid like he would do the 'hard' part. Marigold managed to control herself very well, although she knew quite well that she could do the 'hard' part just as well as he could.

[ March 11, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

[Himaran]

Jasper walked in between Evelina and Bandolin. "I swear that I was merely following them so I could help! I hit a tree and was knocked out!," he argued for the umpteenth time that day.

"Shut your dirty little mouth! You knew quite well that our next job was to cut down that tree. That's the one place you're really needed. And, just for running off, your goin' to be doing the work, all of it! Me an' Bandolin will just sit back and watch you."

Jasper was furious about the incident, and especially about being found. All his hopes had melted away, and there was nothing he could do about his situation. But he vowed revenge on Evelina... When this is over.

[Manardariel]

Once again, they were one their way. The road to Michel Delving was nice and even, and spirits were higher again. Crystal and Elanor were chatting happily, and even Prim looked less bothered and worried.

"Good!", Pearl thought. Things were going rather well. They had gotten their sixth pony back, there was no sight of a bandit, the sun was out again. Smiling, Pearl remebered and old song they had sung as children.

OCC: This is to the tune of The Twelve Days of Xmas

When hobbits party, what will they need?
A big fat cake for you and me!

When hobbits party, what will they need?
Two roasted cows
and a big, fat cake for you and me

When hobbits party what will they need?
Three fireworks,
Two roasted cows
and a big fat cake for you and me

When hobbits party, what will they need?
Four tons of leaf,
Three fireworks
Two roasted cows
and a big fat cake for you and me!

When hobbits party, what will they need?
Five pots of stew
Four tons of leaf,
Three fireworks
two roasted cow-

Pearl stopped. Oh my gosh. She had just realized that, the way it looked, they didn´t have ANY FOOD YET! Some candied fruit, yes, but no real food! How in the name of the Sackville-Bagginses were they going to feed a load of hungry hobbits with no food?!
"I have to ask Prim about this," she said to herself, and mooved in her leader´s direction.

[ March 12, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Nurumaiel]

"Primrose, I was just thinking, and I realized that we have no real food," said Pearl, trotting her pony alongside the cart.

Prim was silent for a long time, looking stunned.

"Is that bad?" Elanor, who was sitting beside her, asked. "Can't we just make food or buy it somewhere?"

"Thank you, Elanor," said Primrose, smiling at the girl. "Pearl, I suppose the only thing to do is dash by the Bywater or the Hobbiton market when we get back."

Pearl nodded. "I just wanted to make sure it was all in hand," she said.

"Well, to tell you the truth, it wasn't until you came and brought it up."

"Why not just buy food at Michel Delving?" Sam questioned.

"I thought of that, Sam," said Primrose, moving Merimas into a trot. She wanted to hurry. "But I think we'd all prefer the style of Hobbiton or Bywater that we have so often."

They continued on at a quick pace to try to get the Michel Delving before dark.

[ March 13, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

It was lunchtime at the Green Dragon Inn. Cami and Marigold had run down to the Inn, and hidden outside in the bushes, waiting for Lotho to to inside. Once they saw the hobbit enter, they'd slipped in behind him and gone over to the bar. Cami was carrying a very fat change purse that seemed to be filled with a goodly number of coins.

Cami made a point of holding it out in front of her so that everyone could see exactly what she was doing. The two girls sat down at a table, which was located right next to the one where Lotho was sitting and eating his lunch. Then they put their heads together and began talking in a tone that was loud enough for Lotho to hear their discussion very clearly.

"Marigold, you're sure you can do this?"

The younger girl solemnly nodded her head. "I'm sure."

"But this is a lot of money," Cami countered. "It's to pay for all the beef and chicken and pork we'll need for the dinner. You heard what Mister Bilbo said. If we lose it, we're sunk. There won't be any party at all!"

Lotho looked up from his lunch and stared over to the table where Marigold and Cami were sitting.

"I know, I know. I'll run straight to the butcher's, the one who lives north of town, and put an order in on the meet."

With that exchange, Marigold snatched the purse out of Cami's hand and raced out the door of the Inn. Lotho nonchalantly went up to pay his bill, then hurried quickly out the door. Last in line came Cami, staying far enough back so she could keep an eye on things, but evade detection by Lotho.

[ March 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Himaran]

"Thwock!" Jasper swung the axe again, connecting solidly with the large tree in front of him. He was nearly through, but it had taken him over an hour. He was tired, sweaty, and grumpy to say the least.

Finally he felled the large tree, which tumbled across the road. It proved an effective barrier, as the road was high on either side. The bandits then climbed the hill on the far side of the road, ready to jump down as the hobbits passed by them.

"Now, this time we will try to nab one of them. But remember, wait until they sweat for a little trying to move that tree before jumping out at them. I will grab one of the smaller hobbits, and I want you to to try to break the wheel on the cart; and carry it off if you can."

The bandits nodded. They waited for the hobbits, and soon heard the sound of the cart coming down the road...

[Nurumaiel]

"Stop, stop!" Primrose said, pulling Merimas to a halt. "There's a fallen tree on the road ahead."

Everyone jumped off their ponies and hurried over. Prim was frowning. "Does anyone besides me notice something strange about this tree."

"Yes," said Sam instantly. "It didn't fall. It was cut."

"Prim....?" Mel looked nervously at Primrose.

"Probably just some mischief-maker," said Prim, but she looked nervous as well. "I think we should just - "

She never finished. There was a yell from the bandits as they burst out onto the group of hobbits . . .

[Nurumaiel]

Himaran's Post

Jasper ran forward, swinging his large stick. He went straight for the large hobbit, who had that knife. But this time the hobbit was ready. He ducked the stick and swung his own staff, connecting solidly with Jasper's hand.

Screeching in pain, the man whirled around, swinging out his sword. But the hobbit had swung the stick again, this time hitting the front of his head. It broke the stick, and Jasper plunged into unconciousness.

[ March 14, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Nurumaiel]

theWhiteLady's Post

Evelina watched the heavy tree fall with a loud thwump, right where she had expected. Earlier, she had been tired and exasperated with Jasper, but now she was certain their plan was foolproof. For once in her life, Evelina was filled with cold confidence, certain from the first attack that the hobbits would be so easily overcome. She scoffed to herself, remembering the stunned, stupid look on their faces when she had jumped up.

Jasper passed by, grumbling loudly about aching muscles and stubborn trees. Evelina turned and clapped him on the shoulder, almost friendly. “No need for that,” she chastised. “Lobelia’s gold is as good as ours. And those hobbits will be willing to do pay anything for their friend.” The lady Bandit’s eyes glinted coldly, reflecting back the light off the gold coins she imagined being handed to her. Jasper, on the other hand, edged away from her nervously. In all their attacks, Evelina had never acted like this. She had always been obsessive over details, which was, of course, what made her so successful.

The hobbits rounded the corner and stopped their cart just where the Bandits had planned. They seemed confused; eager to grab the hobbit child sitting primly on the wagon seat, Evelina gave the signal a touch prematurely. Himaran and Jasper burst from the bushes, while she snuck to the side, her eyes were fixed on the child just in front. The sound of a scuffle forced into her hearing and a loud, plaintive cry made her pause and look back.

The lady Bandit could scarcely believe what she saw. A tiny hobbit had knocked Jasper down! Another with fierce eyes was advancing on Himaran, who stood staring stunned at his companion. The hobbits were not caught unawares this time; they had wisely learned from the first attack and were on their guard. Evelina’s mistake and folly met her quickly and she realized the attack was up. Grinding her teeth as she imagined what Jasper might let slip out, she disappeared into the brush by the road, hoping she had not been spotted and wondering if easier pickings could be found outside the Shire and their nasty Shirrifs.

[ March 15, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Nurumaiel]

Child's post

Marigold had gone blithely tripping down the path, holding a basket of apples out in front of her, as well as a purse stuffed with coins that she made sure to jingle loudly. When she got to the place on the path where Belle had fallen, she threw herself to the ground, acting as if she had tripped and hit her head against a rock. Marigold remained sprawled and silent on the grass, apparently unconscious. It was at this point that Lotho chose to emerge.

Lotho looked cautiously from side to side. There was no sign of any other hobbit in sight. He knelt down by Marigold and wiggled the purse out from under her outstretched hand. He carefully opened the bag and was about to reach in and take out his prize, when something caused him to stop.

Bowman slipped out from behind the tree and came running as fast as his legs would carry him. He dove directly at Lotho, launching himself in the air like an arrow speeding from a bow. With a great 'splat,' the two bodies came together on the ground. Bowman on top, and Lotho underneath. Marigold suddenly revived, and wrenched a stick out from beneth her skirts, leaning over and holding it directly above Lotho's head.

Cami finally caught up with the rest, and stood looming above them, waving Lotho's coat with its missing button. "Alright," she growled. "You've got a simple choice here. You've hidden Bilbo's coins in your purse. Hand those over, and we'll conventiently forget all this."

"And, if not?" Lotho spluttered.

"If not," glared Cami, "I take this coat to the shirriff along with the missing button and explain how I found that button the day after Belle was hurt. And how your mother lied about it to Mister Bilbo. And maybe I'll tell them about this morning too."

Bowman stood up. Even though he was younger, he was only a few inches shorter than Lotho, and, being a hefty lad, Bowman actually weighed a pound or two more. Bowman had brought along a pitchfork which he now began pointing menacingly at the older hobbit. "Go on, you worthless piece of nothing. Picking on a stupid little girl who can't defend herself. You make me sick! If you want to fight, fight me."

Lotho looked from Marigold to Bowman to Cami, and back to Bowman again. He backed up a fewsteps and shook his head. "You give me that jacket back, and maybe you'll get your money." Then he yanked his change purse out and, full of anger, counted out the coins into Cami's hand, just as Maroigold threw the jacket over his head.

During all of this, Bowman kept the pitchfork aimed right for Lotho's middle and gave him one small jab in the behind before the older hobbit recovered and took off down the path, racing away as quickly as he could.

The three children stood jubilant facing each other. "I do believe we've done it, ladies." Bowman grinned and actually reached over and shook hands with Cami. Then he carefully pulled back his hand and wiped it off on his breeches, to make sure that it wasn't too corrupted from having touched a girl.

Later that afternoon, the children returned to Bag-end, and handed the coins over to Bilbo. Cami invented a wild story about Lotho having the money by mistake and not remembering. At the end of the story, Bilbo looked down at them, a slight smile on his face, and gave a decided wink in the direction of the children. "Let's keep this our secret." Cami and Marigold and Bowman all nodded solemnly and went back to their work making decorations.

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

[ March 15, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Nurumaiel]

After the incident with the bandits, all went smoothly for the company. They reached Michel Delving and did their shopping there, then turned and hurried back for home.

They arrived in Bywater and bought the food they needed, and then returned to Hobbiton, where they first went to their families. They were greeted with hugs and kisses and many questions. Mr. Tussock was indeed glad that the ponies had come back safely.

The next thing to do was rush straight to Bag End to let Mr. Bilbo know they had been successful in their mission and tell all their tales. Bilbo took the runaways into the kitchen gave them sound scolding, and he didn't know until afterwards that Bowman had been hiding in a cupboard, listening. Bowman received a scolding as well.

Then they all went home, Mr. Bilbo whispering to Primrose to come before anyone else the next morning.

=========

September the 22nd, 1393 S.R.

There was a soft knock on the door. Bilbo, who had been waiting there most of the morning, jumped up to open it, and saw exactly who he wanted to see: Primrose Tussock.

"Come in, Prim," he said. "Frodo is at the Green Dragon; I've convinced him to stay there until someone comes to fetch him."

"And what excuse did you give?" Primrose asked as she sat down in the chair Bilbo indicated to.

"I told him he'd have more fun at the Dragon than sitting around all day, trying not to get in the way of those setting up party decorations… Only I put it so he wouldn't know it was a surprise party."

Primrose nodded. "I can't wait to see his face when he comes in the door. He will be surprised."

They sat in silence for awhile, imagining Frodo's expression when his relatives and friends, young and old, jumped out from behind furniture and from dark corners.

"Well," said Bilbo. "Primrose, the reason I wanted you to come early is that I wanted to thank you. Of course all members of your company are to thank, but we couldn't have done it without you."

Primrose blushed furiously, but shook her head. "No, Bilbo, I couldn't have done it without them. Many was the time I wanted to turn back, and wished I had never endeavored to go, but the support and comfort and friendship of all who traveled with me made me go on."

Bilbo smiled. "We couldn't do without friends, Primrose. We most certainly couldn't."

=========

Everyone was gathered at Bag End later that day, making sure everything was ready for the party. Mel and Prim were chatting together, and strangely, what most occupied their talk was bandits.

Sam was sent to bring Frodo back from the Green Dragon, and everyone suddenly became tense. Bowman looked coolly around and asked, "Why are you all acting like stupid little girls, being so nervous?" He then walked calmly to a bookshelf and hid behind it.

There was a scramble to find hiding places, and then some relief. The door opened, and Sam was heard saying, "Count to fifty, and then you can go in. I just want to make sure everything Bilbo wanted to be done is done." Then Sam came running into the room.

"Lame excuse," Bowman muttered.

Sam was counting to himself. Twenty… thirty… "Forty," he said aloud, but very quietly.

And then Frodo came into the room. Everyone sprang out of their hiding places with a cry of, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" . . .

[ March 14, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Orual]

"Count to fifty, and then you can go in. I just want to make sure everything Bilbo wanted to be done is done," Sam said. Frodo looked a little puzzled, but nodded, and Sam raced back into the room.

"Lame excuse," muttered Bowman, but Sam ignored him.

Fifty counts wasn't very long, but it gave Sam a little bit of time to think things through. As he counted he looked around the room at Elanor, Bowman, Melilot, Primrose, Cami, and Marigold (to whom he had apologized most profusely), he thought back on his recent experiences.

Twenty...

As he and Elanor had expected, they were thoroughly scolded, by their parents and by Mr. Bilbo. Sam had been crushed, but somehow, now that it was all over, he was relieved. He knew that he had done something wrong, and now he was through with it, and he'd learned something from it. Never again would Samwise Gamgee give his word and go back on it, he had said to Bilbo, with as much gravity as he could possibly show on his face. And he meant it.

Thirty...

"Forty!" Sam whispered.

Frodo stepped into the room, and everyone leapt out of their hiding spots and shouted "Happy Birthday!", Sam the loudest of them all.

***

The party was proceeding grandly, and Melilot was having a lovely time. Her leg still ached a little bit, but she hardly noticed it, distracted as she was by the food, entertainment, and above all the company. She went up behind Primrose and gave her a quick hug around the shoulders.

"You did well, Prim," she said. "Look at this! This is wonderful! And look at Frodo. He's so happy...and it couldn't have been done without you." Without leaving Prim enough time to respond, Melilot went along, talking to everyone she passed, and enjoying the party while it lasted.

[Merri]

After a while, Frodo found Elanor by the cupcakes, sneaking a third one. She trembled at the stern look on his face. Was he really going to castigate her at his birthday party? She glanced desperately in Sam's direction, but then a smile appeared on his face.

"I trust you won't be running off anymore, will you, Miss Elanor?" He inquired. Elanor flushed.

"Of- of course not, Frodo," She stammered. He smiled at her again and moved on to the other guests. Elanor sidled her way over to Sam. "You know," She said. "I'm sorry we ran away and all, but I don't regret it one single bit. I mean-" she said hastily, seeing the horrified look on his face. "I know we were very bad, but we learned so much from doing it . . . don't you think so, Sam?" She grinned. "Anyhow, what say you to a little dancing?"

[ March 16, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Orual]

Sam spent a little while visiting with Belle and helping her catch up on everything that had happened after she was injured--she still couldn't carry things, or write. She had been most envious of their adventures, but Sam made such a business out of the story of the bandits that in the end, Belle was almost glad that she'd broken her arm.

After the story was finished and he made sure that Belle had more company, he went over to the table and took a tart, watching Elanor and Frodo. Frodo had already talked to him, and Sam had given him a full account of the bandits, and then a solemn promise never to do anything like it again.

Once Frodo left, Elanor went up to Sam. They spoke for a little while, and then Elanor threw Sam off his balance with the simple invitation, "Anyhow, what say you to a little dancing?"

Sam was stunned. "Well, I, uh," he stammered. Girls! How could he be expected to deal with girls on a day like this? But Elanor was watching him, waiting, and he couldn't be rude. "Sure, Elanor," he said finally, "that'd be great."

So he took her by the hand and they went into the middle of the room with the other dancers, and they danced.

[Pipperin]

So much had happened to Annabell those last couple of weeks, her being invited to help with Frodo's birthday, traveling around the Shire for party stuffs, and of course the Bandits. Annabell had been hit with a large stick in the leg by one of the Bandits, it had bled quite a bit and had turned a deep purple, but was getting better fast. She had talked considerably less since the first attack, she had felt terrible and a bit guilty. She knew it was stupid, but she felt she should have done something.

She looked about at all that was going on at the party. There were hobbits everywhere, dancing and drinking and smiling. She loved dancing and could because her leg was considerably better after having her mother, who had always been gifted at healing things with herbs, had looked at it. But she really didn't feel like it.

She looked over at Frodo, who was talking merrily with the some other hobbits by the dancing floor. She smiled happily, just glad that he was having a good time, which had been why they had left Hobbiton in the first place. They had done what they had set out to do, the food, the decorations were all perfect, and Frodo beamed happily.

At that moment Estella ran up to her, a large grin on her face. "Come Anna! Let's dance, you love dancing!"

"But..." She tryed to protest.

"I'll help you Anna! Let's go!" She said helping the hobbit to her feet. Annabell walked over with her friend, limpimg slightly. They made it to an area where only a few hobbits were dancing, and Estella started to dance. Annabell knew the dance well, they had made it when they were younger. She looked over at her friend, a smile slowly spreading across her face. She stuck her tongue out at Estella and started to dance with her, though she was not as graceful with her bruised leg.

[Manardariel]

Her face hot and sweatty, yet bearing a huge grin, Pearl steppped off the dancefloor. The last two hours had been a glourious partying and had driven bandits, rain, second- floors and freckels out of her mind completly. Even now, taking a break, her sourrunding seemed to melt away in one single blob of happiness. She let herself fall down next to Crystal, who was enjoying some cake and a drink.

"Well," she grinned "All that trouble we´ve been through was certainly worth it, wasn´t it?" she asked, smiling. Crystal nodded, her mouth full of Cherrycake. For a moment, Pearl was tempted of annoying her, but decided not to. Fights with Crystal were essential to her, but not on an evening like this. She leaned back, looking into the stars. Warm, golden happiness flooded her body, leaving her speechless with all the love she suddenly felt for all of them. She saw Prim, talking to a unknown hobbit, tapping her foot to the distant music. Elanor and Sam were-Pearl glanced, were they really??- dancing, and she even spotted Cami Goodchild, running around with some other children. Watching them, Pearl sudddenly knew whatever would happen to her, she would never keep forget this summer. It wold always be in her heart.

"Hey," A voice said in her ear. She turned around, spotting Frodo, smiling down at her. He looked as happy as she felt.

"Want to dance?"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nurumaiel's post:

Bowman looked around uncertainly at everyone having fun. A sorrowful expression came to his face when he saw Sam and Elanor dancing. All those children were such friends! I'm just a rude and nasty boy who could never make any friends, Bowman thought, and he turned. He had no business at the party, anyway.
He went to the front hall and grabbed his coat, slipping it on. He tried to shut out the laughter and singing. It was a great struggle he had with the front door, trying to open it. But not because the front door was stubborn… because he was reluctant. At last his hand fell on the knob and swiftly twisted it and pulled. A gust of fresh air hit his face. The sky was beginning to grow dark. He stepped out of Bag End.

"Bowman Proudfoot, where do you think you're going?" a voice said behind him. "The party's not over yet."

He turned, startled, and found himself looking up into the face of Mr. Bilbo. Tears threatened to come to his eyes, but he fought off and scowled upwards. "I decided this party is no fun," he said. "There are too many girls dancing and singing and acting like ninnies."

Bilbo looked amused. "Well, if you don't want to be in there with those 'ninnies,' why don't you come outside with me? I need some fresh air."

"Well… all right," said Bowman, pretending to be very reluctant. But it had been a struggle to keep from shouting with joy.

"Let me get my coat," said Bilbo. "It's rather chilly out there."

A minute later, Bowman Proudfoot and Bilbo Baggins were sitting on the doorstep, gazing up at the stars in silence. Bowman never once glanced back at the door to wonder what everyone was doing out there. He was too happy.

Bilbo was the first to break the silence by saying, "I want to thank you, Bowman, for all the help you've given us."

Bowman looked up, stunned. "I don't deserve any thanks, Mr. Bilbo," he said, and could hardly believe what he was saying. "I've only been mean this whole time."

"Bowman, everyone learns sometimes. And though I don't agree with everything you did, I think it was good for Cami and Marigold to learn that there are people who can act like that, and that sometimes you have to go a little deeper to find what people are thinking and feeling. Bowman, I know you didn't want to act the way you did. You didn't want to appear 'girly.' You wanted to look like a man. But I know that you knew you weren't acting like one."

"That's right," said Bowman hoarsely. "I'm sorry, Mr. Bilbo."

"And you're forgiven. I suppose I won't spoil your fun of being a man so soon, and so suddenly," he added after a pause.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I'll tell Cami and Marigold that you're sorry, and we can all meet here say… next week, and you can apologize to them in person."

Bowman opened his mouth to protest, then bowed his head and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Bilbo."

"Now, Bowman. What did you think of Cami?"

"She was wonderful, Mr. Bilbo!" said Bowman, thinking of how great any girl was that would stand up to a tough man like himself like that. "Well, that is… for a girl. You know girls."

Bilbo thought with a grimace of Lobelia. "Yes, my lad, I do. Now, shall we go back and join the party? No doubt you want to do some dancing?"

Bowman sighed. "No one would want to dance with me," he said.

Bilbo led him into the house once more, and they hung up their coats on the coat rack. "Well, Bowman, we'll just have to see about that. We'll just have to see."

And the first thing that happened to Bowman when he stepped into the room was Primrose asking him if he'd like to dance.
********************************************

Child's post:

It was the morning after the party. All the fun was over, and the clean-up was done. Bilbo had gone to Cami's family, and arranged for her to return to Bag-end that next morning with a small rucksack packed for a journey of several days.

"Where are we going?" Cami asked.

"To Woody End, just north of Woodhall."

"Why are we going there?"

"Cami Goodchild, I said I wanted to give you a treat for sticking to your promise, and putting up with Bowman. But don't ask too many questions, or I'll send you home. I will say that the autumn is a particularly good time to visit Woody End." Cami decided to be very quiet, since she was curious what she might see at Woody End, and had no desire to go back home, at least just yet.

Bilbo had rented ponies from the livery at the Green Dragon Inn for the thirty mile trip to the East Farthing where Woody End was situated. The journey was generally pleasant, since a good deal of it lay over the Stock Road, a well maintained thoroughfare extending from Tuckborough to Woodhall. They reached their general destination by the late afternoon and then left the road to cut into the pleasant shaded groves.

Cami's eyes widened with surprise as they headed into the woods. They found a small grove to set up camp, and soon had a fire going with plenty of good things to eat. The tangled boughs of the oaks hung overhead, but there was still enough moonlight filtering down between the leaves to see everything very clearly. After a good dinner, and much talk, the campfire burned low, and the three of them settled in for the night.

Cami had little experience on the back of a pony, so that her bones ached horribly fom riding all day. Altough she fought to keep her eyes open, she soon found herself yawning, her head drooping onto the ground. Cami wasn't sure how long she'd actually slept, but the next thing she could remember was Bilbo shaking her gently and whispering into her ear. "Get up now, or you'll miss everything."

Cami rubbed her eyes and looked into the woods. There was a small band of folk heading east. Sweet songs were rising from their lips, ballads of journeys and the beauty of the land. Cami had never heard such singing in all her life, but she could understand very little of it, since it seemed to be in a tongue different than her own. As the singers came closer, the hobbits could see their tall, graceful forms, and the light that glimmered from their eyes.

"Will they stop?" Cami whispered urgently to Frodo, hoping beyond hope that this would happen.

Frodo shook his head and whispered back, "I'm not sure. Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. But if they speak to anyone it will be Bilbo. Some of them know him."

As if in response to Cami's wish, the group suddenly halted and the Elf in front looked over towards the hobbits. "Master Bilbo, all hail to you." The Elf spoke in Westron so Cami could understand.

Bilbo doffed his cap and bowed, "The same to you."

"You have brought two friends with you today. I recognize the one but not the other."

"Yes, that is my dear nephew, whom you've seen many a time. But the other is one of my students. And in all my days I've never seen a child who so likes tales of Elves, and the days of Beleriand."

The Elf laughed. The noise sounded like a tinkling bell to Cami. "Then she is indeed a child wise beyond her years."

Cami felt her breath come short, and bowed her head to acknowledge the kind words of the Elf. Then Bilbo and the Elf talked of a number of things. Cami even thought she heard something about Bilbo being more than welcome to come to Rivendell someday.

In a minute or two, it was over. The Elves continued on. The hobbits returned to their camp, and lay down for the night. Cami snuggled down in her bedroll dreaming of Elves and Elvish cities, and how she would visit one someday. She said thank you to Bilbo for bringing her to see such a wondrous sight. Then just before she fell asleep, Cami whispered to Frodo, "Someday I'm going to have an Elvish friend."

"That's not too likely," he responded, "although it would be a nice thing to happen."

"I will Frodo. Wait and see. I'll make friends with an Elf lady, and she and I will tell each other secrets."

Frodo's only response was a kindly chuckle just before he fell asleep. Cami lay awake several more minutes, staring up at the stars. I mean it, Frodo Baggins. I really do. Then she too rolled over and slept.

[ March 18, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]