Sailing Away RPG

[piosenniel]

*Varda* and Arien's First Post for the Game

Amaryllis sat on the pear tree outside of her house as she did every morning. She would climb upon to the highest branch which was twice her height and sit and watch the sun rise. The crisp autumn wind blew over the Shire and swept her hair against her soft face. She opened her book and started to read. The normal traffic passed through the lane beside her house, hobbits coming to collect their daily supply of fruit and vegetables from her parents. It was common knowledge that they grew the best crops this side of Hobbiton. A few called out to say hello to Ama and she waved back politely, and carried on reading. She spent most of the morning on top of the tree until her mother came out.

“Ama!” she called, looking upwards, her hand across her forehead to stop the sun blinding her, “ I need some flowers for the house, seeing as you are doing nothing, go and get some, please.”

“Yes mother,” Ama jumped down from the tree and handed the book to her mother. She kissed her on the cheek for good measure and ran off down the path towards the Brandywine. She knew where all the best flowers grew, she loved them. If you wanted any flower just ask Ama. Scented flowers, healing flower anything, you name it! As she walked along the path down to the Brandywine she hummed to herself. She gazed around the area to see if she could see any flowers. She knew of a rose bush right down by the river that flower buds of pink, petals like silk and they smelled so sweet. These would be the ones she would get.

As she neared the river bank she heard a banging noise. Startled she ran to the point it was coming from. When she reached it she found a young, chubby hobbit trying to make what seemed like a boat!

The young hobbit was sitting contentedly by the edge of the Brandywine, feet splashing in the cool water, his reflection staring back at him. He picked up a piece of wood, banging the plank onto the boat in front of him. It wasn’t much more than a large sophisticated raft, really, but it was the pride and joy of Olo Brandybuck and his friends, who had been working on it for some weeks.

Olo stared at it, and then looked back at the flowing blue waters of the Brandywine. Drifting into a dream, he imagined the hobbits floating down the river, discovering what lay around each corner, a white sail blowing in the breeze.

“Err….” Ama said nervously tapping the dreaming hobbit on the shoulder.
The hobbit turned round, stared for a moment and then said, “Ama, cousin! How nice to see you!”

“What are you doing?” Ama asked curiously, looking at the boat in front of them. Olo looked at it with pride written all over his face, and then began to explain, Ama sitting down beside him.

“We’re going to sail down the Brandywine!” he announced proudly. “We’ve been working on this for weeks, and it’s almost finished!” Ama looked again at what didn’t seem like the sturdiest boat she had ever seen.

“Err, Olo…”

“Nothing to worry about, Ama! It’s not going to fall apart. Want to come with us?” said the young hobbit, ignoring Ama’s uncertainty over the boat.

"Well.." she stuttered.

"What are you afraid?" he chuckled. "You always were!"

"No! Ok, I'll come..." she wanted to prove to Olo she wasn’t scared, or afraid. She was as brave as the rest of them. "So when are you going?"

“Tomorrow, most likely,” Olo answered, beaming. “We’ll see who’s coming, put some paint on her, and we can sail away for the day!”

[piosenniel]

Taralphiel’s post

Mirabella stuck her head out from under the boat she had been working on furiously ‘Olo! Are there any more nails?’

She leant up to see him talking with his cousin, and gave her a cheery wave. ‘I do no’ think so Mirabella, can you get us some?’

Mirabella nodded and bolted down the pathway to her house. A furious 10 minutes jogging brought her to her back graden, and more importantly, her garden shed. Sneaking through the crack in the door, she rummaged around for some nails. She let out a yelp when someone caught her by the collar of her dress.

‘Mirabella Took! What be ye doing in my garden shed!!!’ Her father snapped. “I’m looking for er…some seeds Da!’ she lied feebly, slipping the nails into her back pocket. ‘I likely story’ he said putting her down ‘On ye get, and don’t let me catch ye in here again!’

Making her way back to the river mumbling, Mirabella stumbled upon Olo again. ‘Ye canna get any more nails from me Olo! Me Da will have me for it!’ Olo frowned then said ‘Alright, we’ll find them somewhere else. Are ye done with that side of the boat yet?’ ‘Almost’ she grinned and hauling herself under, got back to work…

[piosenniel]

alaklondewen’s post

It was a beautiful morning. The sun was out, birds were singing, and flowers were in bloom everywhere. A sweet fragrance filled the air as Ferdibrand walked along the road to Buckland with his hands in his pockets. He shuffled along as one without a care in the world. He stopped and kicked a small rock in his path. Dust filled the air. The rock bounced several times before rolling into the grass on the right side of the road.

Suddenly he took off, running as fast as his feet would take him until he came to a bend in the road. The road turned to the left, but he did not. Instead, using the momentum he’d gained, he leaped across a small ditch. Once on the other side, he stood bent over with his hands on his knees completely out of breath. His chest heaved, and sweat ran down his face. He rested for several minutes before going on cutting through an old farmer’s field.

His good friend Olo was building a real boat, and Ferd was on his way to the Brandywine Bridge to see it. A smile crept across his face as he thought about Old Mr. Bilbo and his fireside tales. Ferd had enjoyed his time as a young lad dreaming about dragons and adventures. Well, they had decided to make a little adventure of their own. The boat Olo was building was going to sail them down the Brandywine, and just thinking about it, Ferd couldn’t help but jump and click his heels.

The trip wasn’t scheduled until the next day, but Ferd wanted to offer help in finishing the boat. Secretly, he hoped they would finish early and he and Olo could take a test ride.

He had been looking at his feet while walking with his hands still in his pockets, and when he raised his head again, he could see the bridge in the distance. Excited that his destination was in sight, he began running. I’m almost there! he thought.

[piosenniel]

Calenedheliel1’s post

Willem Took had set out early that morning to deliver some bucked oak logs to one of his customers who lived east of Newbury, near the banks of the Brandywine River. His three older sons were busy gathering more cords of wood that soon the Hobbit families in the area would be needing for the coming winter. Rosie had been directed by her father to come with him to help unload the seasoned wood. This is not what she wanted to be doing on this fine autumn day. She had plans to go with her brothers and spend time in the woods.

Reluctantly, she climbed onto the wagon with him and took her seat dejectedly next to him, hunching down for most of the trip with a scowl on her face. Her Father was amused by her sulking, but said nothing – just sat smoking his pipe, the reins light in his hands, his eyes fixed on the familiar way ahead. They were bound for the burrow of his wife’s sister, Violet Boffin Marish, married to an old friend of Willem’s, Tolman Marish.

They were greeted warmly by the Marish family, and before the work of unloading began, Willem was invited in for a mug of newly done hard cider. Rosie, taking the opportunity of being ignored once again, slipped off quickly to the wooded area along the river’s bank.

Thunk! Thunk! The sound of someone hammering near the river’s edge drew her attention. Coming up quietly behind a tree, she peeked around and saw a young Hobbit, hammer in hand, talking to a girl who appeared older than he.

“We’re going to sail down the Brandywine!” she heard him say, and then the older girl answered him in a timid fashion. "What! Are you afraid?" she heard him chuckle.

The girl seemed to find some courage in her and said she would go with him. “Tomorrow, we can sail away for the day!’ Rosie heard the young man say.

Stepping out from her hiding place, bold as brass, Rosie smiled impishly as the two Hobbits turned to stare at her. ‘That sounds like a grand adventure! Can I come, too?’

[piosenniel]

elven maiden Earwen’s post

Penny Took skipped along the Brandywine’s edge. Her Brother hade just left and there was nothing for her to do. Her curly golden hair bounced and her blue eyes sparkled. She was considered odd for a hobbit because she had a great love of travel and water. She stopped to watch some white birds fly by and to help a little squirrel. She always loved animals. She heard a strange noise coming farther down the river.
She ran over. She found Olo Brandybuck and Amaryllis Brandybuck.

“Hi, what are you guys doing?” Penny asked. “I was going to get some flowers for my mother, but I found Olo here—“ Amaryllis started to say, but Olo interrupted her. “I’m building a boat.” Surprised Penny turned her gaze to the river and saw a boat. Penny stared in delight. “A boat!” she exclaimed. She looked back at Olo who was staring back at his boat proudly that he and his friends had made. “Are you going to sail it?” “Olo thought they might tomorrow.” Amaryllis said. “Can I come please?” “Sure” said Olo turning his gaze away from the boat. “Thank you” Penny said “see you tomorrow. She happily ran home.

[piosenniel]

Burzdol’s post

Bennele Took sat in the shade of an apple tree for an afternoon nap. Suddenely, the chubby hobbit woke upon a loud bang. He slowly crept behind a large elm, and looked toward the Brandywine. He saw a group of hobbits conversing with a fair lass about what seemed to him to be a boat behin them. As fast as his legs would carry him, he ran towards the group of friends.

"Hey," Ben started, "What are you doing?"

"Building a raft, what's it look like? So, why are you here, anyway?" one shot back.

"I was awoken by your banging, and I wanted to see what it was. So why are you building a raft?"

"To sail the Brandywine, and find adventure where ever it might be."
"Can I come, too?"

"How will you help us?"

"I can get you supplies like fishing nets, lumber, drinks..." he was cut off.

"You can get lumber? How much can you get?"

"I don't know, but I'll bring whatever I can. So, am I in?"

"Yeah, I guess."

[piosenniel]

Arawethiel’s post

Falco Brandybuck paused for a moment from where he was working in one of the fields. It was a cool sunny morning but already Falco could feel the sweat starting to trickle down his back and face from working. Sighing he wiped his sleeve across his forehead and started to bend down to continue his work when he heard Amaryllis' mother calling to him from the edge of the field. "Falco! Could you come here for a moment? I have a favor to ask of you."

Dusting off his trousers Falco quickly strode over to where Amaryllis' mother was standing and asked "What would you like me to do for you?"

"Ama has been gone a long time fetching some flowers for me. Could you please go and find her? I swear once she gets in the woods she forgets about all of her responsibilities at home." Amaryllis's mother said exasperatedly.

"Don't worry Mrs. Buckland, I'll go find Ama for you." Falco replied to her.

"Thank you dear. You're a good hobbit lad for doing this for me."

Nodding his head to her Falco turned and headed towards the woods that surrounded the Brandywine River hoping this was where Ama had went. Falco did not want to spend his entire morning searching for Ama when he had other work to do.

After walking along through the trees Falco eventually reached the river and thought he saw some figures standing near the Brandywine Bridge. Heading that way he discovered Ama talking with her cousin Olo, one hobbit lad, and two other hobbit lasses. All conversation ended, however, as soon as the hobbits noticed him.

Ignoring their silence towards him, Falco turned to Ama and curtly said "Ama, your mother wants you back home. She says you have other chores to do besides picking flowers."

"Oh! I didn't realize how long I've been here. I haven't gathered any flowers yet because I've been so caught up in Olo's boat." Ama said.

"Boat?" Falco said in surprise and looked at the thing in question which Olo was standing in front of. Falco thought it looked rather flimsy and not too safe a way to travel.

"None of you are planning to sail in that are you?" He said to the group of hobbits.

"Of course we are!" Olo stated proudly. "My friends and I have been working on it for a long time and tomorrow we're going to sail it down the Brandywine River."

"I think not, that boat doesn't look sturdy enough to get you very far. Besides what business have you hobbits trying to sail a boat anyway. You should be working and not fooling around." Falco stated.

"Oh come on Falco. This boat is safe enough and besides what fun is working? Haven't you ever just once wanted to go on an adventure? See something else besides the crops you till everyday?" Olo asked him.

Falco was about to reply a negative when Olo's last words struck a chord in him. He was tired of working the fields, but always did so out of responsibility to his family. However, just once he would like to do something different and go somewhere else besides the fields.

Taking Falco's silence as an affirmative to his question, Olo asked him tentatively "Why don't you come with us? Go on a real adventure for once Falco?"

Falco debated with himself a moment more before he said "All right I'll go with you, but it's only for tomorrow right?"

"Yep! We'll be back by sunset." Olo responded.

"I'll be there tomorrow morning," Falco said "Ama I'll tell your mother that you're coming soon so that you can finish picking your flowers.

With that said Falco turned and headed back to the crop fields still not entirely sure why he had agreed to go on this little adventure in a makeshift boat.

[piosenniel]

Ealasaid’s post

Old Bill Cummerbund was poking around in the cattails near the Sarn Ford looking for crawdads or river snails or whatever he could find. He was in a foul mood because the sun was hot, his back hurt, and he wasn't finding anything. Angrily, he took a swat at the cattails with his walking stick.

"What kind of river is this!" he grumbled, rolling his short clay pipe between his molars. "Nothing but mud and weeds. Mud and weeds!"

Still grumbling, he clambered back up the riverbank, his bright blue eyes already squinting toward the road. No travellers were visible in either direction.

"Bah!" Old Bill spat in disgust and stumped over to the shady spot where he had left his knapsack and his prized possession: Thunderill, the Blade of Cummerbund, he called it. At one time, it had probably been a decent enough sword, but by the time he had found it and dredged it out of the river, it had deteriorated to a sorry state. The blade was notched on one side and florets of rust and corrosion bloomed from tip to hilt. The scabbard was a water-logged mess. Lovingly, he picked it up and moved it to one side so that he could sit.

Altogether, it had been a pretty crummy day. He had awakened just after dawn with a vicious crick in his neck and then didn't even make it through breakfast before his wife got into one of her moods and tossed him out of the house. All it had taken was one little remark. One crummy little remark about the fat on the bacon and there he was out on his ear. Well, at least she had packed him a lunch. He took the cold pipe out of his mouth and laid it on the grass beside his sword.

Usually when he was at loose ends, Old Bill liked to hang around at the Sarn Ford. It wasn't too far from the farm, which his sons worked now that he had retired, and it was usually a pretty busy place. If one wanted to cross the Brandywine, then one had to cross at the ford. If one wanted to cross at the ford, then there was a good chance one would have to spend a little time with Bill Cummerbund.

Bill made sure of that. His favorites to pass through were the Rangers. They could be a curt and surly bunch, but when they had a mind to be civilized,lo, they could tell a grand tale. His least favorites were families with children or hobbits with their endless chatter about food and their own relations. He would bristle his eyebrows at children until they cried. With hobbits, he simply fingered the hilt of his sword and tried to look forbidding. If they smirked at his patched overalls of the curling leather of Thunderill's scabbard, he was just as likely to brandish the sword and charge as not. But he had not done a whole lot of that lately as his last couple of war cries had ended with him bent double in the throes of what he thought was surely a life-threatening coughing fit. Lately, he had taken the subtler tack of politely sending the smirking lot of them west if they desired to go east or vice versa. It was much easier on his lungs.

[piosenniel]

Himaran’s post

A cracking branch awakened Erendal in the night. Swiftly, he left his bed and, finding his bow, fit an arrow on the string. Slipping silently out of his hut to investigate the cause of the sound, he soon spotted several figures hurrying into the forest. They were far enough into the woods that many trees were blocking his view, and he soon lost sight of them.

Erendal had recently discovered the presence of a band of robbers living in the old forest. They regularly passed by his dwelling. Erendal had spent the last month trailing them, but had always been foiled in his attempt to find their hideout. And tonight was no different.

Going back inside, Erendal poured himself a drink and sat back in his chair, deciding on his next move. By the morning, he knew that the tracks would be covered. What he needed was something to draw them out, and someone to help him carry out his plan. Erendal chuckled to himself at the irony of his situation. He had come to the Old Forest in an attempt to rid himself of society, and here he was hoping for a ranger or some other able-bodied guest to come knocking on his door.

As the night wore on, no future disturbances occurred, and the ranger fell into a sleep filled with tormenting dreams. Of the family he lost, and the home that he had left.

[piosenniel]

The Game is now open for play!

DELETE YOUR SIGNATURES FROM ALL GAME POSTS

Will remove this post once the game has started.

[*Varda*]

The next morning dawned bright and clear. The only thing that marred the perfect blue sky was a troublesome dark grey cloud to the east, moving steadily towards Buckland, but Olo paid no heed to this, thinking only of sailing away in their creation. Scurrying about the hobbit hole, he threw on a dark green jacket over his other clothes. Picking up a small bag which he had packed with some light provisions for the journey, bread, cheese, and some ale he had surreptitiously taken from his father’s supply, Olo was almost ready to leave.

The sun was rising as Olo finally left, running down to the water side where the boat had been hidden among bushes, away from the prying eyes of adults. Pulling it out and dusting it down, he admired it and brought it down nearer to the river. Sitting himself down in it, he awaited the arrival of the other hobbits, while examining every nail and plank.

[Arawethiel]

Falco quietly crept out of his family's modest burrow just after the sunrise. Glad that he had not awoken his mother and sisters he headed towards the Brandywine River to meet up with the other hobbits for their little adventure. Along the way Falco checked the bag he had brought for his journey seeing if he had forgotten anything. Some food and water along with a rope were stored away inside the bag as well as his little knife. Satisfied that this was all he would need Falco increased his pace towards the river feeling oddly excited for once.

Approaching the bridge, Falco noted that Olo was already there and checking over the boat.
"Good morning Falco! Glad you're here, you can help me look over the boat." Olo said to him with a smile.

"Sure," Falco replied and asked, "when will the others arrive?"

"Pretty soon I suppose. They all knew we were leaving this morning. We'll all get introduced and then set off down the river!"

"All right, Olo." Falco said. He bent over to help Olo and saw an ominous black cloud gathering far off to the east. Feeling uneasy about the cloud Falco was about to mention it when he was interrupted by another hobbit arriving causing the thought to be forgotten.

[Arien]

Ama left silently her room and ran down to the Brandywine. She was excited, but nervous and she was not sure she should be doing it. But if she did not Olo would persist with the teasing. As she came up to the Brandywine she saw Falco and Olo standing there.

"Olo! Falco!" she called out, forgetting for a second that it was still early morn.

"Shh, Ama!" Olo pressed his finger against his lips, " my my you are excited cousin, why I didnt think you would come!"

"Why did you think I was scared of a little boat ride?" she shoved her hands into her dress pockets and fumbled with her flower cutting knife.

"So when are we off?"

[Calenedheliel1]

When Rosie got back to her father, after being told that she could go on the boat with the rest of them in the morning, she got in trouble for wandering off instead of doing her job. She was told to spend the rest of the day in her room as punishment. Willem wanted her to think about the extra work her brothers had to do to take her place that day. Instead, Rosie spent the whole night in her room thinking about the great adventure she was about to go on. She packed and then repacked her bag to make sure that she had everything she wanted to take. She had to sneak into the kitchen after everyone was asleep to get some food to bring with her. She also packed her bird net and her snare because she always had those with her just in case something came up and they were needed.

It was now dawn, and Rosie got dressed and snuck out of the burrow to meet up with the other hobbits at the Brandywine River. She was so excited that she made just a little to much noise and almost woke her father up. He stirred but then fell back into a deep sleep. Rosie let out a quiet sigh and continued on her way.

Once outside Rosie started to jog down to the river. She noted that the morning was quite peaceful and warm for an autumn morning. Some birds were chirping away so Rosie joined in their song. She greeted other animals, as she heard them, along her way to the river.

When she arrived at the river she noticed that Olo, Ama, and Falco were already there. “Good morning, how soon will we get this adventure on the way?”

The three hobbits said good morning to Rosie and told her that they couldn’t get on their way until the rest of the group showed up.

[Manardariel]

"Garnet!" Ruby yelled. The girl looked up, just catching her sister running towards her.

"Garnet, guess what? Ama and Olo are sailing away with a boat!" Garnet stared at her sister. "Are you sure? They´re sailing away? On the Brandywine?" Ruby exitedly looked at her sister. "Garnet this is our chance! We can have an adventure! Olo says we can come, and he doesn´t think we´re too young."

Ruby grinned. This was just too good to be true. Olo Brandybuck, who was something close to the extend of her role-model was letting them go on an adventure with him.

"Ruby do you think this is a good idea. I mean Dad would never allow that, and besides, we´re far too young, and it might be dangerous."

Garnet saw Ruby´s smile fade away. She knew she was right, but for one thing, Ruby didn´t like to hear "that kind of truth" and for another, Garnnet knew her sister would be dissapointed of her. But Ruby was far to exited to care.

"We´ll just have to run away then. When we´re on the river, dad can´t follow us, so why bother? And dangerous- hahaha- What IS danger?? The Shie is the un-dangerous-est spot in the world, for Apple´s sake!"

"Run away?" Garnet was shoked. She was just about to add a "But Ruby" when she earned a glowering look. "I guess we can try that.. ." she quickly added instead.

It was night. "Garnet!" Ruby hissed at her sister. "Garnet wake up! We have to leave! GARNET!!"

The girl just turned around and snored. "Garnet, I really hate doing this... not!" Ruby hissed. She then grabbed her sisters blanket and violently shook her awake.

"What? Who? Ruby? What time is it? Has anyone died?" Sleepily, Garnet turned around. "oh.. right. The boat thingy." "Exactly! Now get dressed!"Ruby wispered urgently. Quickly, the two girls put on their clothes -Ruby´s ripped, of course- and climbed out of the window. They silently crossed the yard when suddenly-

"YOUNG LADIES!" A boomimg voice rang out of the house. Grandma? Noooo, please no, Ruby silently prayed. But it was no use. The tirade that followed was horrible, but survivable. Garnet looked down and cried a bit, but her sister just stuck her chin up defensively. "And you- Ruby, don´t give me that look!" Grandma snapped. When they were stuck into bed with a "I´m very dissapointed of you, girls" from their father, Ruby was still furious, yet her sister couldn´t help be very relieved. For today, they´d escaped the adventure...

[alaklondewen]

The first light of the new day filtered through the blue curtains in Ben Took’s guest room and hit Ferdibrand’s upturned face. Being only half conscious he rolled on this side and rubbed his eyes with his fists. He pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. After a good stretch and one last yawn, he stood up and crossed the room to the water basin next to the dresser to splash water on his face.

Ferd slipped quietly out of the bedroom and down the hall. No one else was moving in the house, so he grabbed two apples from the kitchen and out the back door he went. The fresh morning air hit his face, and he breathed in deeply before taking a bite of one his apples. This morning was full of excitement and the promise of adventure. Ferd couldn’t help but skip all the way to the river bank where he knew the others would be waiting. Sure enough, four hobbits were already standing around the boat.

“Morning!” Ferd called as he stepped through the trees that lead to the bank. Everyone turned and waved excitedly at him.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella pressed against the wall out of eyesight of her prowling father. It was a miracle he let her go out that day, let alone help Olo with his plans, she did not want to cross him today.

Once out of her front garden, it was not much further to the Brandywine, and she ran quickly to where she was to meet Olo.

A small group of hobbits had already assembled, and she ran over to where she spotted Ferd.

'Mornin' cousin!' she smiled 'Ye be comin too?'

'Aye, wont it be grand?'. She heard her other cousin Ben pipe up 'Indeed! This will be some great adventure!' Mirabella nodded with glee. She felt wind blow her hair from her shoulders and looked up to see the frowning clouds in the distance. But they
did little but dent her concern. Pushing past the other hobbits, including some she recognised, she prodded Olo

'Well, when do we go then??'

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny woke up suddenly. O’ No I’m late she thought has she jumped out of bed! She quickly put on a light blue and white dress and rain into the kitchen.
“Mornin’ Mum, Mornin’ Pa!” she called quickly. She grabbed some bread.
“Where you off to this mornin’ my dear?” Her mum Marigold asked.
“I’m supposed meet my friends down on the Brandywine and were going to hang out by the river.” It wasn’t the exact truth but it was close enough. Her mum hated the river. She got her adventurous water genes from her pa.

She grabbed a wicker-basket and filled it with some food and drinks. With it she put in a small kitchen knife and her favorite book. This should be fine for a small boat ride on the Brandywine.
“Bye mum, bye Pa! I may not be back for a few days. Don’t worry”. She yelled as she rain out the door. The sky was clear blue, and beautiful. White clouds danced in it. The grass was green and many flowers shone bright. Penny took a deep breath of the clean air. *Sigh* It was a great day to go sailing. Penny remembered how late she was and hurried of.

Finally she neared the bank of the river. Only a little father to go. She stopped for a quick break and ate a little. She watched the birds fly high in the sky. White, and blue, and cream and ivory. They were so graceful and beautiful. She packed up and looked at the river. It was a clear light blue and white foam crowned the top. Perfect for sailing. She ran on, her curly golden head shining in the sun. Her blue eyes sparkled. She couldn’t wait for the adventure about to come.

“Sorry I’m late.” Penny said breathlessly. She looked around. No one seemed to care that she was late. Penny smiled but it disappeared when she looked up once more into the sky. In the east a dark cloud lay. That could be trouble she thought, but she quickly shook all the troubles from her mind. Will be fine she thought. I hope. She smiled again and looked up at the boat. It looked fine. She saw Olo, and Amaryllis.
“Hi” she said as she ran over to them.
“Will we be off soon?” she asked excitedly.

[ May 24, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[*Varda*]

Ama turned round and saw Penny arrive, rather breathless.

“You’re here!” she said, and poked Olo on the shoulder. “We’re all here! I suppose Garnet and Ruby couldn’t make it, I would have been surprised if their grandmother hadn’t caught them.”

“Oh well,” Olo murmured, engrossed in checking over the boat. “I wouldn’t have thought there would have been much room left in the boat, anyway. Ferd, help me push the boat in the water, would you?” The chubby hobbit aided him, and then clambered in himself, rocking the boat from side to side.

“Ok, everyone else in!” called Olo. “Quickly, before anyone comes and sees us.” The other six hobbits pushed their way through, stumbling and stepping on each other in a quest to find the best seat, that gave the most room. In the end, Rosie was half-sitting on Ben, but everyone else seemed relatively comfortable, although it was a snug fit.

With a last glance around, Olo jumped in the boat, pushing it off from the shore with his paddle. The boat slowly floated away from the shore, approaching the middle of the Brandywine, where the current pulled the boat down the river. The breeze blew and Olo tugged at the little white sail, letting it catch the wind. The sun still shone brightly in the sky as the troublesome cloud grew darker and drew nearer , but the hobbits paid no attention to this.

Sailing past Olo’s hole along the Brandywine, he saw his mother hanging out the washing, hoping it would dry in the bright sun. Standing up in the boat, Olo called;

“Ma! Look! We’re sailin’! I’ll be home tonight!” His mother heard him cry from the Brandywine, his voice growing fainter, and gasped as she saw the little brown boat float on by, nearing a bend of the river.

“Olo Brandybuck! You stop that boat and get back here this minute!” his mother shouted, a mixture of surprise, shock, and fear on her face. “Did you never hear what happened to that Primula and Drogo Baggins?” Olo simply waved as the boat was swept round the bend in the river, a grin on his face.

“Olo…” Ama chastised him. “That wasn’t right! Your poor mother will be worried all day!” Olo’s smile didn’t leave his face, as he breezily said;

“It’ll be all right, cousin. We’ll be home by tonight, and any trouble will be worth it after the day we’ll have!” Sitting back down into the small amount of available space left, the curly headed hobbit stared up into the sky.

[alaklondewen]

In the branches of a tall oak on the bank of the Brandywine a small wren hopped playfully from branch to branch. Clear, merry voices could be heard coming from the river, so the little bird fluttered over to the outside of the tree to see what was happening. To his surprise, he saw eight upturned faces in a little boat. Their cheeks were rosy from the wind that blew their hairs and ruffled their curls.

Sitting in the front of the boat Ferd was immensely enjoying himself, and before he knew what he was doing he began to sing:

The river runs by field and tree;
And ducks float by on the water free.
Woodland creatures come down to drink,
At the river, at the river
Where little boats sink!

As he sang the last line, Penny reached up and smacked him in the back of the head.

“Ouch!” He cried out grabbing his head melodramatically. Turning around he saw seven scowling faces. “Sorry, sorry.” He put his hands up as a sign of surrender. “I was just kidding.”

[Burzdol]

Ben sat on his father's boat, collecting things for his trip. The crew seemed to not notice him so he took his time. Though, he had only a little bit of it. After a short moment or so, the boat came around a bend, and a young hobbit's raft was in clear view. [i]Well, here's my stop[i/], Ben thought. Soon they were close to the little craft, and the hobbit bid his father a farewell. With one final wave, he jumped off the boat, into the knee deep water.

The other hobbits were all on board and sailing happily. Ben sat his large bag of provisions down, and went to talk to Ferd.

"Finally here I see," Ferd said.

"Why hello to you too. I got up early to go with gaffer, I stole some provisions," Ben said without looking up, he was rummaging through his bag.

"Well, I really think that we should have warned me parents," Ben said looking up.

[ May 27, 2003: Message edited by: Burzdol ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

They were off. “This is amazing” Penny said to Mirabella as they rode down the river. They passed Olo’s hole and rounded the corner. Ferd was signing and Penny reached up and smacked him after the last line. “Sorry, sorry.” He put his hands up as a sign of surrender. “I was just kidding.” Penny smiled. Ferd could be a goof sometimes. Penny reached down and grabbed her basket. “Anyone want some food?” she asked as she pulled out some bread, taters, and a few other foods. She reached in again and pulled out a jug of ale and 8 cups. She pored herself a glass and drained it quickly.

Small red birds sat in the trees singing. It was so peaceful. She turned to look at Mirabella. Mirabella had pale green eyes. Penny didn’t know many hobbits with green eyes. “So what have you been up to, Mirabella?” The small brown boat rocked. I’ll be fine, she thought giving herself a little reassurance. What’s the worst that could happen?

[ May 26, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Arawethiel]

Falco could not believe how relaxed he was. He found himself letting loose his inhibitions around the other merry hobbits. He was even smiling and laughing which was a rare thing for him to do. Perhaps this adventuring business was not as bad as he thought. Falco was enjoying the bright morning and the singing birds in the trees when Ferd suddenly burst into song.

"The river runs by field and tree;
And ducks float by on the water free.
Woodland creatures come down to drink,
At the river, at the river
Where little boats sink!"

Falco was enjoying the cheery tune until the last line and his happy mood came crashing down around him. He was reminded all of a sudden of how sturdy their own little boat was built and did not like the thought of it sinking. Especially since he couldn't swim that well. Feeling suddenly anxious, Falco reverted into his quiet serious nature and wished that they would stop on land soon. He still coudn't believe he agreed to come in the first place knowing that he wan't a strong swimmer. Ama noticed his change in behavior and asked him "Falco are you feeling all right?"

"Yes, Ama. I'm fine." Falco said lying about his feelings.

"Ok, Falco." Ama replied, but she had a look on her face that said she didn't believe him. Falco just ignored her and asked Penny if he could have some bread and a cup of ale. Perhaps the food would drive his anxieties about sinking away.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella smiled widely at Penny. It was seldom that lasses spoke to Mirabella, and not without caution.

'Im doing allright Penny, though I do no' like the idea of the scolding I'll get when I get home!' she said giggling. Mirabella looked around at the beautiful scenery passing by. Even Ferd's lively but untimely song had not dampened her spirit, and she shrugged it off.

Mirabella simply let the breeze catch her hair and carry her downstream in the small boat, forgetting all her problems, or the trouble she would get in when she got home.She looked back at Penny's round and happy face and smiled 'And what about you friend?'

[ May 26, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

'And what about you friend?' “I’m fine. Life’s been fine down on the farm, and my Mum and Pa are in good health.” Penny replied to Mirabella’s question. Falco who was lying down asked Penny for some Ale and bread. “Here you go,” she said handing it to him, before turning back to Mirabella. They carried on a pleasant conversation for a while but soon they started to drift and talk with the others.

Birds chirped merrily. A hard gust of wind blew across the river rocking the boat. Penny who was standing up fell over. She got back up. Many of the hobbits had a shaken expression on their face. Its okay Penny thought, putting a smile on, and ready to reassure some of the hobbits. Penny looked up into the sky. The grey cloud was moving quickly. Will be fine, I hope.

[Calenedheliel1]

The boat was very cramped with all the hobbits in it. Rosie was very uncomfortable because she was sitting at an angle and partly on top of Ben. But it was worth it because she was finally going on a real live adventure which made her heart skip a beat every time she thought about it.

She looked around at the shoreline of the river and thought about how beautiful the Shire was in the autumn. The colors of the leaves on the trees turning to gold, orange, and red. The green colors of summer time giving away to the earth slumber time colors. Rosie loved autumn because she knew that everything would go to sleep for the winter and then wake up in the spring with new vibrant colors and life.

Rosie looked up into the sky and it was clear except for one huge blackish grey cloud that seemed to be heading directly towards the group of hobbits. She didn’t think that it would be a problem though and put it right out of her mind when she heard Ferd singing a song that ended with a boat sinking. “Hey, that’s not very funny” she said to Ferd. Some of the other hobbits replied in similar fashion and made Ferd wish that he had never sung the song.

Penny was sharing her food with everyone, so Rosie joined in to have something to eat. She decided that she would save hers and share with everyone later on down the river before they came home. Penny and Mirabella were talking so Rosie just sat and listened to them. She didn’t really know Mirabella but was hoping to get to know her while on this little boat going down the river.

[alaklondewen]

Ferd heard Penny behind him. “Anyone want some food?” Turning quickly around not wanting to miss out on anything important, Ferd rocked the boat and everyone grabbed onto the sides for balance. As soon as he had a piece of bread and some ale, he sat still, putting the others at ease.

“Olo, this was a great idea!” Crumbs flew from Ferd’s mouth as he nodded with enthusiasm. Tipping his head back, he took a large drink of ale and noticed the dark clouds behind them for the first time. Ferd slowly set his cup down between his feet and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Nudging Olo with his elbow, he pointed up to the sky without saying a word.

[Burzdol]

Ben laid in the back corner, watching and laughing at Ferd. When he mentioned food, Ben perked up. The food isn't what made him rouse, it was the ale. Ferd handed him some ale, and the short hobbit sat back down.

After a moment of a doze, Ben woke up to see Ferd looking at him from a not even a foot away. A quick 'go away' and a shove left Ben alone again. The short hobbit looked at the banks to see a glimps of something of between the trees. Nothing, probably, Ben thought to himself. Again he laid down to rest, hopefully without interuptions.

[ May 27, 2003: Message edited by: Burzdol ]

[Himaran]

Erendal loved the peaceful nature of the old forest and the surrounding land. But occasionally the ranger felt cramped in the stuffy woods, and would travel the short distance to the Brandywine River where his small boat was docked.

He had done so that very morning, bathing himself his the sun's warm rays. Casting out his line, the ranger soon had caught several large trout.

But, scanning the darkening skyline, Erendal knew that his relaxation would soon end. Dark clouds were gathering north of him, and it was apparent that the wind was gaining speed.

A storm was brewing.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Ale and bread was going around quickly and everyone was merry. Great fun, Penny thought. Penny looked over at Ferd. He was pointing at a large cloud and talking to Olo. It was the dark cloud and it was obviously moving at a rabid past as it was almost over them. Minutes later it was.

The wind was blowing brutally and wind was pouring down hard. There’s no way the boat can survive this, Penny thought. The water turned making the boat shake violently. “Ahhh” Penny screamed as she fell over. Mirabella who was right next to her fell over too. “Are you okay?” Penny asked struggling to her feet. Penny reached down and pulled Mirabella up. “I’m okay” Mirabella answered. Penny stumbled over to Olo and Amaryllis. “You need to pull over the boat. There is no way it can hold up in this storm!” Penny yelled over the howling wind and pouring rain. Behind her every one was slipping on the wet deck. Please let us get out of this.

[*Varda*]

The first cold drops of rain had fallen upon the hobbits as the day drew into the early afternoon. The dark cloud sitting patiently in the east had now found its way into the sky directly above the hobbits’ heads. The sky was overcast with shadow and the sun was hidden by cloud. The positive atmosphere that had been there when the hobbits first set out was gone, as they huddled in the bottom of the boat, shielding themselves from the rain that threatened to become increasingly relentless. Penny was screaming towards Olo and Ama, telling them to bring the boat to the shore.

Olo fumbled with the white sail, gradually getting wetter. The boat was getting blown further south down the Brandywine, by a harsh north wind, and the little boat would get out of control if they didn’t take care.

“Olo! Get down! That’s dangerous!” Mirabella shouted to him over the wind, which seemed to be getting louder every minute, a hundred voices carrying on the air. The hobbit sighed and left the sail alone, flapping in the breeze.

“How did the storm just start? It was a beautiful day only hours ago!” cried Ama, looking at Olo and the others for any kind of response.

“How are we supposed to know?” Falco called back. “This was a bad idea, I knew we should never have come! We should try and get close to the shore!” The boat was rushing down the centre of the Brandywine, the water flowing fast and pulling the boat along with it. The Old Forest was out of sight now, with nothing but marshland to be seen to the right of them.

“Don’t complain now, Falco! We’re in a bit of a mess, yes, but we can get ourselves out of it!” Olo muttered towards him. “Don’t scare the others!” In a louder tone, he called to everyone else. “Paddle towards the shore! We can try and get out there, save the boat, and wait till the storm dies down!” The hobbits paddled vigorously with their hands, trying to push the boat towards the right, but even the combined efforts of the eight hobbits were not enough to steer the boat. The water had grown extremely cold, and so they were reluctant to put their hands in the depths of the Brandywine.

The boat continued on and on, the hobbits having given up all hope of getting to shore. They had gone back to huddling together, staring at the sky looking for a ray of sun, or staring into the water, looking for any signs of it slowing. The boat was tossed back and forth on the rushing current, and Ama looked over the back of the boat, wishing for it to stop, the wind blowing her hair about, as she saw a large wave approaching the boat very fast.

“Hold on tight!” she shrieked above the wind, as the boat careened about, almost capsizing, towards the eastern shore, and Olo tumbled out instantly, not reacting fast enough to Ama’s cry. Seconds later, the rest had all been thrown out, and were struggling against the current, but they were nearer the shore than they had been before.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella felt the hard slap of water as she was thrown from the small boat. Under the beatings of the waves she could barely hear the yelling and struggling of the rest of the hobbits. Kicking furiously to keep herself buoyant, Mirabella felt cold and darkness surround her...

Sand stirred in her mouth, and she retched violently, shaking with cold.

'Blazes! I thought I was done there! Where am I?'...

[Himaran]

The rain soon began sheeting down, and the wind had reached a furious speed. Getting the boat out of the water was no easy task for Erendal, and even harder was tugging it into the rock alcove in which he kept it. Once it was safly put away, the ranger hurried back over to the water to collect his things, which thankfully had not been blown away.

Then, for a brief moment, the ranger thought that he was dreaming. A small boat, filled with what appeared to be mere children, hurtled down the river. It flew past him, carried by the rapid movement of the wild current. And then it was gone.

[Arawethiel]

Falco quickly slung his bag around his shoulder and held on tight to the boat. His efforts were in vain, however, and he found himself flung out of the boat and plunged into the cold water of the river. He felt himself sinking further and further under the water and knew he would die if he didn't make it back up to the surface. Kicking desperately, Falco made it back up to the air and breathed deeply. He felt himself being taken away by the strong current and became panicked. Thrashing all around trying to make it back to shore.

Falco soon felt his strength ebbing with the shore only a few feet from him. "Please someone help me!" Falco cried, hoping one of the other hobbits could aid him. Falco was barely keeping himself afloat and knew he could not hold out much longer against the fierce current.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny grabbed for her basket as she was thrown violently out of the boat. All she got was her knife. Seconds later she felt the hard slap of the unstable water, as she fell in. The water was freezing and it was even colder with the rain and wind. She was cold and felt alone.

Penny was suddenly jerked back to reality when a large wave washed over her head. This is the river. I can swim. Another huge wave was approaching rapidly. Penny took a deep breath a dove under the restless water as the wave washed overhead. She sunk down for a few seconds and then began to kick back up to the top. *Gasp* Penny had reached the top and was no soaked form head to toe. Her curls were lying damply on her shoulders. He expression was depressing and she had no smile on.

Somewhere to the far right of her she heard someone yell. "Please someone help me!" Penny instantaneously started kicking towards the faint and faded voice. It was no use. The current was way to strong and fierce. Penny hade to dive under the water again as another set of large waves came towards her. She had no choice but to go with the current. Don’t fight it she thought as she came back up, and immediately the tide swept her downstream.

Penny felt something hit her feet after what felt like an eternity. She kicked up sand as she struggled up the shore. She managed to get father awy from the river until she collapsed. She lay there drenched. In her hand was the knife she had grabbed from the basket. I hope the others are fine, she thought. Seconds later she plunged into darkness. She was alone, and scared. She was numb. Then everything finally went black…

[alaklondewen]

Ferd looked up when Ama cried out just to see the water crash against the boat. The next few seconds were chaotic and Ferd was thrown into the freezing water. His body went numb for a moment and then he began to kick wildly, but the undercurrent was too fast for him to return to the surface immediately.

Forcing himself to calm down, Ferd consciously stopped moving. The water gave him a moment of grace, and he was able to get his head above the surface. Gasping for air, he searched for the others and the boat, but the water was too violent and prevented his seeing anything.

The current took him closer to the shore and he noticed something sticking up out of the water. Before he knew what happened, Ferd took hold of the object that turned out to be a large branch. His body swung around the limb and stopped. Holding on to that branch with every ounce of energy and wit he had left, Ferd fought the current and pulled himself up and partly onto the wood.

Something dark was in the water coming toward him, and Ferd reached out and grabbed what appeared to be one of his fellow adventurers. Using all of his strength, Ferd pulled Falco out of the water. Falco was struggling for breath, and Ferd could see fear in his eyes. “It’s okay! I’ve got you!” Ferd shouted over the deafening noise of the river. “Here, hold on to this!” Ferd helped Falco take hold of the branch, and the two bewildered hobbits slowly pulled their way along the limb to the shore.

When Ferd reached the dry land, he fell on his face and lay for several minutes. His chest heaved and his body was numb. His eyes opened to see Falco lying next to him with his eyes closed. “Falco! Are you okay? Can you hear me, buddy?” Ferd shook Falco until he opened his eyes and smiled up at Ferd. The chubby hobbit felled backward and sighed. Falco breathed, “I’m okay, I’m okay.”

Ferd stood up and looked around anxiously for the others. Mirabella was up shore from them, and she seemed to be conscious at least. Turning around, he saw Penny lying on the ground. “Falco! I think Penny’s hurt. Come on, I need your help!” Ferd shouted wildly.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella saw Penny lying not too far from her, not moving. Her hearing was blurred, but she also heard what could have been her cousin yelling from behind her. Scrambling along the bank, she knelt over Penny. Caliing to her did not help, and soon Mirabella was shaking her. 'Penny! Wake up!!'

Penny soon began coughing water up violently, and shaking like the others. 'Wha..wh..wh..' 'Aye, I know' muttered Mirabella. 'When I get my hands on Olo, I'll skin 'im!'

By now Ferd and Falco were beside them, and they all huddled together to keep warm. The only supplies were what Falco had in his damp knapsack, and Penny's knife. Mirabella soon began to think things through.

'Allright! What say we get a fire going, then go looking for the others? They'll be getting quite frosty out there by now!' she said trying to put some cheer into her voice. But all she could feel was dread...

[elven maiden Earwen]

“Penny, Wake-up” Penny suddenly snapped awake. Where am I, she thought? Her eyes were blurry. When they came into focus she saw the river. Penny started coughing up water. Right next to her was Mirabella, Ferd, and Falco, looking at her. They eyes were filled with concern. Memory washed over Penny. The boat, the storm, and the last thing she remembered was collapsing on the shore. “I’m all right,” she spluttered.

She was freezing and feared for the other 4 hobbits lives. Where could they be? It had stopped raining. The wind had stopped blowing and the water was becoming a lot calmer. The small group huddled together trying to keep each other warm. They had no food, and no extra clothes. Only Falco’s bag, and Penny’s knife. They got a fire going, and the four sat around it trying to warm themselves up. Penny smiled at how Mirabella tried to cheer everyone up. I hope the others got out safely.

[Calenedheliel1]

The last thing Rosie remembered was the boat pitching and tossing all the hobbits into the cold, churning Brandywine. She opened her eyes to find that she was on the shore, although she had no idea how she got there. Her head was hurting, she was soaking wet, and she was absolutely freezing.

Just then she realized that she wasn’t alone. Ben lay beside her. She rolled over and checked on him. He was breathing, but was unconscious and it looked like he had taken quite a bump on his head. “He must of saved my life, now I better do something to help him” Rosie thought. Rosie tried to stand up but she was very dizzy, so she sat back down. She looked around to see if she could recognize where they were but nothing was familiar to her.

Rosie sat thinking about what to do when she thought she heard voices, so she called out. “Whose out there? This is Rosie and I have Ben with me and we could sure use some help over here!” she yelled.

[*Varda*]

Olo lay on the shore, panting heavily, his clothes and hair dripping. It could only have been late afternoon, early evening by this time, but the sky was so heavily cast by shadow it could have been the middle of the night. The storm hadn’t died down, although the winds were less strong. Olo prayed everyone else was all right – if they weren’t, how could he ever forgive himself? He had brought them all along on this trip. He had told them everything would be fine. And he had told them they would be home before nightfall – that would never happen now. He barely even knew where they were.

Standing up on his weary feet, he called out to the others, wherever they might be. He heard some form of answer, quiet, but clearly some of them weren’t too far away. Walking slowly along the river, he saw a light nearby, and it seemed some of the hobbits had had the common sense to make a fire, perhaps dry out some of their sodden clothes and warm themselves up. Otherwise, they would all catch chills, and then where would they be?

He stumbled into the ring of light created by the flickering flames, and saw four of the hobbits, gathered together around it. On their faces was a mixture of relief, but in their eyes, Olo felt they blamed him.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella let out a sigh as Olo crouched close to the fire that had begun to happily smoulder.

'Heavens! Were glad yere alive there Olo!' He simply nodded numbly. Mirabella sensed the guilt in him, and shook it off.

'What shall we do now?' ask Ferd, who was still looking very pale.

Mirabella stood up, and shook out her dress. 'Im dry enough, Im going to look for the other hobbits, I shant go far'

Trudging just under the treeline, she went further upstream. Soon she heard a faint call 'Who's out there??' Mirabella fought her way through the branches 'Its only me!! Come help me out of here!'

[ May 30, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[Arawethiel]

Falco watched as Mirabella left the fire to go look for the others. He hoped she would find Ben, Rosie, and Ama all together. The thought of losing one of his companions to the river because of Olo's mistakes sent a feeling of anger surging through him. Falco glared up at Olo, who he felt was responsible for this catastrophe.

"This is all your fault Olo!" Falco shouted.
"You should not have come up with the idea for this silly adventure and remained on land where hobbits belong! If we had none of us would be sitting here freezing with no idea where we are and wondering if any of our companions are dead!"

Olo flinched and turned his head away from Falco. Falco was about to continue his tirade when Ferd placed a hand on his shoulder stopping him.

"Stop Falco. Olo feels bad enough as it is leave him alone."

"Yes, stop it Falco." Penny said to him. "Now is not the time or place for placing blame on anyone."

"What are you two talking about! We all could have died because of him!" Falco shouted losing all of his calm.

"Just stop Falco! We'll talk about this later when we find everyone else." Penny said to him.

"If we find everyone else." Falco whispered and began pawing through his knapsack to see what had survived after being soaked by the river. The loaf of bread was all mush but the dried beef would be all right. It could maybe last them a day or so before they ran out. His knife was no longer in the bag Probably resting somewhere on the bottom of the river. However, two containers of water had survived the journey to shore. Shaking his head, Falco hoped they could recover some more supplies because what he had would not last them long.

[ May 30, 2003: Message edited by: Arawethiel ]

[*Varda*]

Around 10 minutes later, Mirabella returned with the remainder of the hobbits, who were shivering and badly bruised. Olo felt deeply relieved at the return of them all, safe and sound, almost, and they warmed themselves around the fire. Then, came the most important question – what were they to do next? Olo voiced this question to the huddle of hobbits.

“Well….”Ama asked, “Does anyone even know where we are?” The movement of many shaking heads answered this.

“This is awful,” Rosie murmured. “What on earth are we going to do? My ma and pa will be so worried!”

“But…we have to do something!” Falco cried. “We can’t just sit here for ever! Couldn’t we just walk upstream? We must come to something…the Shire must be up there somewhere?” Night had truly fallen now, and all the hobbits became increasingly aware of the darkness around them, and the eerie shapes that stood out in the moonlight.

“How are we going to eat, though?” asked Ama. “We weren’t prepared for anything like this!” A few of the hobbits laid their meagre rations down in front of them, but it was clear it wouldn’t last them until they got home.

“I can look for my pack,” Olo said doubtfully. “It must have washed up somewhere….but I don’t see the food being very edible…” With that, the hobbit scurried down to the shore to find it, returning some minutes later, with some ale, cheese, and very soggy bread. The hobbits looked dismal, and there seemed to be little hope.

“Come on, we have to cheer up,” said Mirabella. “We can’t go on in this dark, and we can’t sit here and complain. Let’s sleep out the rest of the night.” The hobbits, while worried about the next few days, were worn out from their swim to the shore, and without another word curled up on the hard ground and fell asleep instantly, not caring about any dangers out there.

[Arien]

Ama tried to get comfortable on the floor, but it was no use. Sticks and stones kept digging into her, making it very uncomfortable, and to add to it all she was soaking through and through. But she knew she was not the only one so she dared not to complain even though she was the oldest. And she thought. How did I get dragged into this, I am nearly 30 and I came on a boat with Olo, I should have known better!. She cursed her self and then tried to fall asleep. It still failed even though she was tired, and hungry to add to it. She thought hard to think of food around the Brandywine that they would be able to eat, but to no avail. All she could think of was the poisonous berries and they would be no good, least she wanted to poison Olo for making her come. She scolded herself again, a told herself that she had a mind of her own and he had no part in her decision. He was her cousin after all!

She looked around at the others and all seemed fast asleep. This was good for she felt a sort of responsibility towards them, being the eldest. She looked to Olo who was sound asleep next to her and smiled. He was lucky that the rest of them did not chuck him back into that dreadful river! But she would protect him from the others, after all it was their own choice to come. Slowly Ama fell asleep.

[alaklondewen]

The dark night softened into a cool gray morning, and Ferd shivered on the cold hard ground as he tossed and turned. His eyes opened to find Ama several feet away stirring from her slumber.

Pushing himself up to a sitting position Ferd leaned over and whispered, “Ama! Hey Ama! Are you awake?” Ama rubbed her eyes and nodded.

Ferd’s stomach was empty and food was immediately on his mind. He looked around at his companions and then to the pack that contained the few rations they had left. They would have to find more food, and they needed a fire. Wrapping his arms around his chest, Ferd shivered again as he thought of the possibility of heat.

“Ama,” Ferd whispered and crawled toward the lass. The rough ground made his knees sore. “Get up, Ama…I need some help.”

“What’s wrong, Ferd.” Ama sat up, stretched, and produced a long yawn. Ferd stood brushing the dirt off his clothes and reached down to help Ama to her feet. “We need firewood,” he continued softly trying not to wake the others. “Can you help me gather some before the others wake up?” Ama nodded and the two hobbits walked side by side into the nearby trees.

[Burzdol]

A small rustle woke Ben. They were on the shore of the Brandywine, and he soon realized that Fred was gone.

"Getting more food I suppose that's it," he said as he grabbed an apple.

"No, just getting firewood," Ferd said coming out of the woods.

"You suprised me."

"Just go back sleep, everything's fine."

"Well, alright, good night then," Ben lay back down and chomped on his apple. Then, somewhere between eating and counting stars, he fell asleep. The young hobbit dreamt of more adventures and of delicous food.

[alaklondewen]

Ferd and Ama walked as quietly as possible among the few trees that ran along the Brandywine River. Being unsure of their location they were being careful not to disturb anything (or anyone) that might be lurking about. Each hobbit had a fair share of timber as they made their way back to their simple camp.

“Ama…” Ferd paused next to the last tree and turned to face her. “I’m worried about our food lasting, and I’m not sure what is edible around here.”

“I am too, Ferd.” Ama looked as concerned as Ferd felt. “We should wake the others and send them to find something to eat.” Ferd nodded in agreement.

The sun was now up and the morning had become absolutely beautiful, but Ferd was too hungry and troubled to notice. Taking Ama’s load of wood on top of his own, Ferd lugged the timber to the spot from the fire the night before, while Ama went over and began waking up the sleeping hobbits.

After several minutes of work, Ferd had a nice fire blazing, and he proudly turned to his companions who were still rubbing their eyes and complaining about how early it was. “Wake up, sleepy-heads!” His spirits were rising as he felt the warmth from the blaze.

[Arien]

"Wake up sleepy heads!" Fred cried out from behind the blazing fire. One by one each of the hobbits woke up.

"Right!" said Olo, "We need food..." a few of the hobbits nodded. The sun now slowly crept up behind the low hills and they could start to hear the song of birds. "We should split up," he continued, "in groups of two. It will be easy to find food then."

So they proceeded to pair off. Ama and Ferd opted to stay at camp while the other went off, just so the fire didnt run out. So the other were gone. Ama planked herself down upon a wet log.

"Its a nice day to day!" Ferd cried. Ama didnt know what he was so happy about but she nodded and replied.

"Yes, yes it is shame we are here though...."

The two were in silence for a while. Ama still sat on her log throwing more wood on the fire when needed and Ferd began to pace the bank looking into to the what used to be swollen river. She watched him as he would walk the stop, then crouch down and touch the surface. He then would carry on. He did this several times, then turned round.

"Do you reckon we could catch some fish?"

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella stretched out the aches and pains as she woke. Slowly getting up, she noticed some of the hobbits had strayed. Politely shoving Ben she whispered 'Oi! Where did the other get off to?'

[Calenedheliel1]

Rosie woke to the sound chattering hobbits. They were huddled around a nice warm fire. She got up and joined them. They were talking about getting some kind of food. Rosie suddenly remembered her snare and checked her pockets. She felt the snare still in it’s hidden place.

“I have a snare and could set it up to catch some small game for us to eat. I would like to take Falco with me into to woods” Rosie said. She turned towards Falco and asked “ Would you go with me?”

[elven maiden Earwen]

The rest of the hobbits had returned with Mirabella. They sat and warmed themselves up by the fire. What to do next? Well….”Ama asked, “Does anyone even know where we are?” Penny looked around and he mood dampened as she saw all the hobbits shaking their heads. Were lost! They had no food, and no shelter. What could they do? They were told to go to bed so Penny lay down on the ground. She tried hard to get comfortable but it was no use. Finally she fell into a deep sleep but it wasn’t a silent sleep. Memories of what had happened raced threw her head until finally she thought no more.


Penny awoke with Fred’s loud voice crying, “Wake up sleepyheads.” She groaned and rolled over. She got up slowly adjusting her glance to a beautiful morning. They were paired off as partners. Two by Two. Penny was with Olo. They decided they would look for anything edible. They walked into the forest and searched the floor and bushes. They found a few berries on a bush. They quickly picked them and set them in a tiny basket. They also found some strawberries and potatoes. “Hopefully the other groups were more successful” Penny said.

[ June 07, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Arawethiel]

Falco awoke to the cry Ferd had made and was surprised to see a fire roaring already. Moving over to it quickly he warmed himself up while the other hobbits talked about pairing off to search for food. Falco thought this was a great idea considering the only food among them was the little amount in his bag.

Falco then heard Rosie say that she had a snare and she wanted him to go with her.
"Of course I'll go with you Rosie. I'm afraid I've lost my knife, but I have a bit of rope that may help set up your snare if you'd like?" Falco said to her.

"Hmm, I'll see if we can use it and don't worry about the knife. I've got one of my own." Rosie said back with a smile. "Perhaps we can catch a coney or two."

With that said the two hobbits tromped off into the woods to catch some game. Falco was running over in his head what he has said to Olo the night before and began to feel guilty. All the hobbits on the boat had returned safely and he had no right to accuse Olo of everything. After all he had noticed the clouds himself before they left and had said nothing. Feeling guiltier than before, Falco resolved to apologize to Olo after he and Rosie returned. It wouldn't due to have a bad feeling left between them when they had more important things to worry about.

"Falco over here! I think this is the perfect place to set up the snare." Rosie said and gestured over to where a couple of trees were. Nodding his head Falco rushed over to help her. With any luck, they would have some fresh rabbit to eat.

[*Varda*]

Olo yawned while searching amidst the thick bushes for food. All he had found so far were berries, red as blood, while Penny seemed to be faring a little better, having found some strawberries. Olo supposed it was doubtful to find food out here in the wild, but there must be some way of surviving.

As Penny had said, perhaps the other groups would be more successful, having headed off in different directions to see what they could scrounge from the unknown land. Olo inspected the berries more carefully. Were they fit to eat? When wandering around the Shire, he hadn’t needed to work out what was edible and what wasn’t, having brought some food from home, or usually able to convince an elderly hobbit to give him something by turning on his smile.

“Here, Penny?” Olo said, showing her some. “Do you think these are ok? We don’t want to take more risks than necessary…”

Penny, looking them over, felt that they would probably be safe to eat, but even so, to only eat a few, until the hobbits could see that they weren’t poisonous. The two hobbits looked at the few things they had gathered, before heading back to the campfire to see what the others had found.

Olo felt calmer in the warm light of the sun, although he dreaded the nightfall. Somehow, things always felt worse when it was dark. And although he had slept well the night before, being so tired from the wreck, vague recollections of old stories had come back to him. He remembered being a young hobbit, sitting on his grandpa’s knee, hearing far off tales and rumours of what lay beyond the borders. Mysterious creatures, even though the hobbits scoffed at that idea, but if not that, there were wolves. Wolves came into the Shire sometimes, of course, but Olo’s grandfather had told him how willing they were to eat a young hobbit up, and this idea had remained with Olo a long time after.

However, in the light of day, Olo pushed this thought to the back of his mind, and wondered instead what the others were up to.

[Calenedheliel1]

Rosie and Falco set up the snare, covered their tracks and went in search of other food sources. They didn’t talk to one another because each was in their own thoughts about the events of the night before. Rosie knew that Falco was feeling guilty about the way he had treated Olo. She wasn’t quite sure what to say to him about it, so she decided it was best to say nothing.

“Falco can you hit a moving target?” asked Rosie. “Because if you can then I will do some of my bird calls and we can bring them down and have roasted fowl on an open fire. “ Falco replied, “ I'm not the best but I can bring a bird down when I need to and right now we need all the food we can find.”

Rosie started whistling away and soon there were many birds answering her and flying around. Falco managed to get 5 birds in a very short time. They were both excited about this and couldn’t wait to get back to the other hobbits. They gathered up the birds and headed back to where the snare had been set in hopes of finding a coney or other small creature in it to help along with the meal they would have later.

As the two hobbits approached the spot where they had set up the snare they could hear some pretty strange noises coming from there. Falco decided it would be best if they crept up on the spot as to spy on the goings with the snare. The noises they heard were not from any animal that either Rosie or Falco had ever heard before. When they reached the spot they were both surprised to see an old man fiddling around with the snare that he appeared to be caught up in. He was muttering to himself about hobbits or children and their dastedly little tricks that they seemed to like playing on him.

Rosie and Falco back away from the spot for a few moments to discuss what to do about this new problem. Neither one of them had ever seen, much less talked, to big folk before. This one didn’t appear to be very happy and it didn’t sound like he cared for hobbits or children. However, Rosie was quite intrigued by the whole situation and wanted to go and introduce herself to the old man. Falco, on the other hand, just wanted to get as far away from the old man as he could. He let Rosie convince him to go with her, so off they went to meet the old man.

Once again, they reached the spot where the snare was and approached it slowly. Rosie tentatively walked up behind the old man and said “Hi, my name is Rosie and this is my friend Falco. You seem to be caught up in our snare that we were trying to catch a coney or something in. May we help you get loose from it?”

The old man turned around and scowled at the two hobbits. The look on his face stopped Falco dead in his tracks. Rosie took a quick step back as her mouth dropped to the ground.

[ June 09, 2003: Message edited by: Calenedheliel1 ]

[Ealasaid]

Old Bill Cummerbund got up early the morning after the storm and set off for his usual hangout by the ford with a spring in his step. His joints creaked a bit and his back hurt from sleeping on his lumpy mattress, but he was in a good mood, eager to see what the storm waters had washed up. The pride of his existence, his rusty sword Thunderill, clanked against his shins as he walked. He began to whistle under his breath. It was a low, wheezy sound, but happy.

When he got to the bend in the road, he decided that rather than go the long way around, he would cut through the woods, reducing the time it would take to get to the river by half. He'd done it lots of times before, so he never gave it a second thought, just lit his pipe, took a few deep puffs and plunged into the undergrowth. He was just walking along, daydreaming about the things he might find at the river -- one time he had actually salvaged a nearly full keg of pretty decent ale -- when suddenly something grabbed his foot. Thinking it was a root, he gave his foot a mighty jerk. The wire dug into his ankle. Turning around a couple of times in the attempt to find the source of the wire, Old Bill soon found himself and Thunderill thoroughly entangled. Panicking, he struggled a little bit and dropped his pipe. It lay smouldering just out of his reach.

"By Thunder!" roared Old Bill, his temper getting the better of him. "When I get out of this wire, I'll catch the dirty little beggars that set it! They'll taste the wrath of Thunderill!" He trailed off, grumbling bitterly.

It was then that he heard the voice of the young girl behind him: "Hi, my name is Rosie and this is my friend Falco. You seem to be caught up in our snare that we were trying to catch a coney or something in. May we help you get loose from it?"

Old Bill whipped around and scowled at the two hobbits. Hobbits! Of course. His scowl deepened. "Do I look like a coney to you?!" he demanded. "Get me out of this thing!" He trailed off again into grumbles: "Laying traps across the path. Could've killed me. Rotten children. Rotten hobbits. Trying to kill an old man..."

[ June 09, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[alaklondewen]

Standing before the blazing fire, the chill was now gone from Ferd’s bones. His companions paired off in search of food, while he and Ama stayed behind to keep an eye on the camp. His stomach was rumbling and gurgling, and he truly hoped their searches would be successful.

The river noisily ran its course behind him, and turning around to face it, Ferd silently cursed it and the events of the night before. He should have known better than to go sailing down the river. The swift water was no place for a hobbit, or any other decent folk for that matter. Only turtles and ducks and fish belong in the…Fish? Fish! Why hadn’t he thought of it sooner? Hurrying down the band, he paced back and forth looking for large stones. When he’d find one he would bend down and turn it over looking for night crawlers.

After locating several good places with the worms, he called to Ama who had been watching him with some interest. "Do you reckon we could catch some fish?"

“Yeah…that’s a great idea!” Ama exclaimed and hopped off the log and ran down to Ferd on the bank.

“We should have plenty of bait with all the night crawlers I found.” Ferd smiled proudly and puffed his chest out a little. “All we need is some line…I think we had some on the boat, so maybe it wash ashore over night.” He unconsciously scratched his head as he thought all of this through.

“Why don’t we look around and see if we can find it,” Ama said, and Ferd nodded in agreement. The two hobbits, then, set off slowly down the shore in search of fishing line.

[Arien]

Ama looked around the bank for the fishing line, hoping she would find some. She turned over muddy stoens and even got down on her hands an knees to look for it. She must be hungry thought Ferd. The two searched for several minutes before she heard Ferd cry out her name. As soon as she had heard it she rushed over to the delighted Ferd who had found about three metres of the stuff. Ferd quickly made a makeshift rod out of the line and threw one end, with bait into the water.

"Now we wait," he smiled. Ferd kept hold of the line, while Ama retreated to her previous spot on the log to keep and eye on the fire. A good ten minuets passed with no avail for the enthusiastic hobbit but he did not give up hope. In good time he managed to catch two large fish, which were immediately thrown onto the fire and seasoned with a wild herb Ama had discovered while her search for the fishing line.

The two hobbits sat at the fire. Content that they had done their bit and waited patiently for the other to return.

[Arawethiel]

Falco stared distrustfully at the old man while Rosie rushed forward to release him from the snare. "I'm sorry, sir," she said earnestly to him, "we didn't mean for this to happen!" She stepped back after finally disentangling the old man from the snare.

Not even saying a word of thanks to Rosie the old man grumbled and turned to pick up his pipe and clenched it firmly in his teeth before scowling back down at the two hobbits. "And just what are two of you halflings doing out here anyhow? This is far from any hobbit town."

Falco saw how he kept fingering an old rusty sword while he talked and stepped in front of Rosie before she could answer him. "We were on a boat when we and our other companions got caught in the storm yesterday. Our boat sank but we all managed to get to shore." Falco responded to the old man still not liking the way he was gripping that sword.

"Companions! You mean there's more than two of you?" The old man looked thoroughly disgusted by the thought of running into more than the two hobbits he had seen already and began puffing furiously on his pipe.

"Yes, there are eight of us altogether." Rosie answered him while stepping past Falco and up to the old man despite Falco's attempts to stop her. Falco tried to pull her back but she shrugged him off and asked the old man in a hopeful voice, "You live in this area so perhaps you could help us sir? After the storm we got disoriented and don't know where we are. Could you help us get back to Buckland?"

"Rosie what are you doing!" Falco hissed at her. "We don't know anything about this man!"

"Quiet Falco, he could be our only chance to get back home." Rosie said back to him silencing any further protests.

"Me help you hobbits?" The old man said incredulously. But then a cunning look passed over his features and the old man smiled down at Rosie in a way that unsettled Falco. "Why of course I'll help you hobbits get back home. What kind of man would I be if I turned down people in distress?"

Rosie smiled happily back up at him and said "Thank you so much sir! Falco and I will lead you back to our camp and then you can tell our other friends the good news!" The old man laughed and said "Of course little lassie and the name is Bill Cummerbund or Old Bill for short."

"Thanks Old Bill." Rosie smiled at him again and then began to scurry back to the camp with Old Bill following slowly behind her. Falco paused long enough to pick up the five birds they had collected before he took off after them wary of this member of the Big Folk from all the stories he heard back home.

[Ealasaid]

Old Bill decided to follow the hobbits back to their camp, not so much out of a desire to help them, as he had implied, but more out of curiosity. Eight hobbits in a boat! he sniggered to himself. No wonder it sank! He knew very well that most hobbits were as nervous as cats around boats, and liked the water about as much as the average barn cat. But eight hobbits in a boat! That would have been a sight to see. He was sorry he missed it, especially the part where the boat sank.

Rolling his clay pipe furiously back and forth between his molars, he struggled to keep up with the hobbit girl as she scurried along the path ahead of him. She wasn't such a bad sort -- Rosie, did she say her name was? -- but the boy annoyed him, the way he hissed and muttered at the girl behind his hand, the suspicious, untrusting little chub. Well, Thunderill would show him who's boss. So busy he was in thinking of the way his trusty blade Thunderill could skewer a hissing, sneering hobbit that he totally missed sight of the low branch. Rosie had trotted right underneath it, but Old Bill caught it full across the forehead. The next thing he knew, he lay flat on his back in the damp soil and leaves of the forest path.

"THUNDERATION!" he bellowed up into the tree branches.

"Oh, my! Oh, my goodness! Oh, my!" he could hear Rosie's fluttery voice as she ran back down the path to assist him. But the boy...was he actually laughing? Darn it all! There he was, laughing because an old man had gone top over teakettle into the mud!

"Stop it, Falco!" ordered Rosie. "It's not funny."

"Sorry," muttered Falco, but the smile still hovered in his eyes and the corners of his mouth as he ran to help Rosie put Old Bill back on his pins. He couldn't help it. The sight had been just too much for him. One minute, there the old guy was, stomping along and puffing away like a chimney. The next minute, his boots were where his head should be, and then... Thunderation! Falco tried to stifle the guffaw that was building in his lungs and mostly succeeded, but it still burst forth as a little snort as his brain replayed the scene. Thunderation! Maybe if he actually liked the old guy it wouldn't have been so funny, but...

Rosie looked daggers at him, and Old Bill looked bloody murder. A knot the size of a small walnut was growing on Old Bill's forehead as he struggled to his feet, shaking off the hobbits' best efforts to assist him. Old Bill was so angry he could hardly speak. He just stomped from one foot to the other, sputtering like a blocked drainpipe.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella snorted with anoyance as Ben rolled over and fell back to sleep. She sat by the fire and mulled over the situation they were in a few times before she concluded a solution 'Follow the river back where it came' she murmured. But all the turns they took, and down a few forks if she could remember. 'Blast it all' she said, and kicked a rock into the fire.

'Thunderation!!'. Mirabella yelped as she heard someone yell. At that Falco and Rosie sauntered in with an old man following. He looked a decent sort, but he had an odd sort of smile on his face, almost like he was about to jeer and laugh. Falco also seemed to be amused by something, but Mirabella could ask later.

'We have a guide!' said Rosie proudly

'By heavens, that's lucky!' Mirabella said, and grinned politely 'We would've been out here for an Age if we had tried to get on home alone!'

The man looked at her and scowled.

[ June 14, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[Arien]

The fish were almost done now and Ama and Ferd stepped back and looked at their master piece. Ama was just about to say something when she was interrupted by a cry coming from behind Ferd.

“We have found a guide, we have found a guide,” yelled Rosie running up to the fire, her face ginning. “Look there he is, his names old Bill, he’s very nice!” she sat her self down next to Ama and waited for their approval. But again before they could say anything, “Oh, you have fish!”

“Yes, we do, would you like some?” asked Ferd.

“Y…”but Rosie was cut off be Ama.

“How do we know we can trust him? Are you sure he is loyal?”

“Yes, yes he is,” she said her starving eyes looking hungrily at the fish.

Old Bill had now reached then and they introduced themselves politely and then they sat down around the fire. Old Bill was quite clean, so in Ama’s mind this meant he was trustworthy, how wrong she was. And apart from the scowl on his face she started to like him.

“Just a few moments and Olo and Penny should return and we can eat!” smiled Ferd, so they waited.

[Himaran]

Erendal occasionally took a trip south to the other end of Fangorn; partially a patrol but mainly due to how bored he became. Knowing that a small yet elusive band of robbers had camped near his doorstep, the ranger (having gathered necessities and weapons) disguised his hut with branches and underbrush.

He hoped above all that during his trip, he would meet another ranger from whom he could proctor help; and that all other beings would stay far away from him.

After three days of swift walking, he reached the southern edge of Fangorn forest. He decided to continue his journey a bit farther south, walking along the Brandywine. But he knew that within a day's walk lay the Barrow Downs, and he had no intention of entering them. Thus, he forded the river to the western side as to avoid them. He went south for about a day, then stopped and made a camp. Hopefully, a ranger would cross paths with him.

[Ealasaid]

By the time Old Bill arrived at the hobbits' little camp, he had regained his composure somewhat from his fall. He wasn't sputtering or grumbling anymore, but the knot on his forehead throbbed and his poor back didn't feel any the better for having taken the brunt of the fall. And he was still angry. He had had a perfectly nice day planned, pulling plunder (as he called it) out of the river, before he ran afoul of these accursed hobbits, with their nasty little snare and their low-hanging branches. Well, fine, he thought to himself. I have a few tricks of my own.

The two hobbits he had encountered on the path ran ahead of him into the camp, the girl trumpeting, "We have found a guide! We have found a guide!"

A guide, am I? thought Old Bill, following close behind. We'll see about that!

He stomped into camp, puffing vigorously on his pipe, and bristled his eyebrows at the six new hobbits, treating each of them to a fierce scowl. As he did so, he heard little Rosie telling her companions, "Look there he is, his name's Old Bill, he's very nice!"

At that, Old Bill attempted a grandfatherly smile at the bunch of them. He didn't smile much and wasn't quite sure how to do it properly, but he gave it a shot. The expression looked more like a pained grimace than a smile, but the collected hobbits did not seem to notice. The six hobbits of the camp were sitting next to a small campfire over which they were cooking fish on wooden skewers. Old Bill had been temporarily forgotten as all eight hobbits entered into a lengthy discussion about the fish, whether it was done, and when they should eat.

Hobbits! sniffed Old Bill. Food and their own relations.. that's all they ever talk about. Nonetheless, the fish did smell awfully good. He thought of the lunch his wife had packed for him that morning which he carried in his rucksack: fresh bread, a block of white cheese, and a bottle of beer. He decided not to tell the hobbits of his own food. Maybe then they would offer him some of their fish. He could eat his own lunch later, after he had guided them (he snickered just a little bit) on their way.

Old Bill knew the land around the river like the veins on the backs of his hands. He had wandered those woods as a little boy and farmed the land nearby for close to forty years. If anybody was qualified to be a guide in those parts, it was Old Bill. He could guide them anywhere... straight into the Barrow Downs, if he wanted to. Boy, oh, boy, that was a creepy place. It would serve 'em right, the crummy little beggars with their nasty little snares!

He sidled away to the edge of the camp, all the while eyeing the cooking fish and plotting his revenge.

[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[alaklondewen]

Ferd sat closest to the fire next to Ama and slowly turned the fish over the flames. Glancing over his shoulder he looked Old Bill over. The man made Ferd nervous, not from anything Bill said or did, but because Ferd had never been around big folk before. He sure is big, he thought as he swallowed nervously.

Olo and Penny passed around some of the berries they’d picked. No one was completely sure whether the berries were really safe, but Ferd took a small handful anyway and popped them into his mouth. They tasted a bit sour from not being quite ripe enough, but Ferd’s spirits rose anyway when the food entered his aching stomach, and he began to sing rather loudly.

One fish, two fish, three fish blue
Sizzlin’ o’er the fire for my favorite crew;
One fish, two fish, three fish blue
And one fish more for my tummy too!

Ferd had an obnoxious tendency to make up little songs off the top of his head, and they typically were not very good. A couple of the other hobbits groaned loudly and Ama elbowed him roughly in the side.

“Sorry, sorry,” he cried throwing his hands up. “But I have some good news…the fish is ready!”

[ June 16, 2003: Message edited by: alaklondewen ]

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella cuckled at Ferd's quickly strung song 'At least its no' about sinkin' boats again!' She swallowed down some of the tart berries, others looking on nervously 'Do you feel allright Mirabella?' asked Penny

'Never better now I have food in my belly' said the young hobbit, now reaching for her share of fish 'We seem to be having a little more luck now I suppose, and thats not to be frowned at'

Leaning near the warm fore, she looked at all the hobbits. Some were enjoying the makeshift meal, others still had nervous looks on their faces. And the guide whom she now knew only as Old Bill, was still scowling.

'Well, the sooner we get home, the happier we'll all be I warrant' she thought to herself...

[piosenniel]

One fish, two fish, three fish blue
Sizzlin’ o’er the fire for my favorite crew;
One fish, two fish, three fish blue
And one fish more for my tummy too!

The smell of the fish skins, cooked nice and crispy, woke Ben from his sleep. He rolled over and sat up, knuckling the sleep from his eyes. ‘I thought I was dreaming!’ he said, standing up with a stretch and grinning at Mirabella. ‘I could hear this funny song, and almost taste the sweet brook trout on my tongue.’ He wandered over to the fire where Ferd was just turning the last of the fish and crouched down opposite him.

Reaching into a small pocket on the inside of his vest, Ben fished out a small fired-clay ocarina. He put it to his lips, but no sounds came out except an off key gurgling. Holding it a ways from him, he shook out the river water and blew a few experimental notes. When he found the one that met his needs, he hummed a little after it, then sang his own verse:

One fish, two fish, three fish yellow –
Ferd, as a cook, you’re a very fine fellow!
One fish, two, fish, three fish, white –
Now give us a fish for Ben to bite!

A chorus of groans from the other Hobbits, interspersed with calls of ‘Don’t egg him on!’ brought an end to the duet. But Ferd and Ben were quite pleased with each others’ impromptu performance, and Ferd gave Ben two fish as a compliment.

Old Bill was sitting a little apart from the Hobbits. And Ben, his natural curiosity overcoming any small sense of caution he possessed, took his skewered fish over the fellow and offered him one. Old Bill waved him a way with his pipe indicating he wished to sit in peace by himself. Ben shrugged and bit into his fish as he looked the old guy up and down.

‘That’s a great sword you have there, Mister!’ he went on, impervious to the fact that Bill did not care for his company. Ben sidled up close to the man and sat down beside him, his fingers reaching out to touch the blade lightly. A glaring look from Bill brought him back to his senses, and he snatched his hand back hastily. Still, he continued to blather on to the increasingly annoyed man.

‘Once,’ he said in a muffled tone, his tongue and teeth juggling a large piece of hot fish, ‘once my Da and I went over to see one of his old friends. You’ve probably heard of him. Farmer Maggot – best mushroom patches in the Eastfarthing.’ He paused, looking up at Bill, who looked at him in disbelief as he went on. ‘Anyway, they got to talking, forgot I was there, I think. Old Maggot was telling my Da this story he’d heard from some old guy he knew lived near the Old Forest.’ Ben scooted closer to Bill and lowered his voice. ‘A very scary story.’

Bill, his hip up against a small rocky rise in the campsite, could not move away from the chattering Hobbit. He rattled his pipe stem against his teeth and hoped against hope that this would be a short story. His hopes were dashed when he saw that Ben had laid his fish down on the grass beside him and had taken a big breath in preparation to continue.

‘Well, Mister, it was like this . . .’ Ben, whose range of adventure had only encompassed the area from Stock to Rushy, proceeded to tell his captive audience of the haunted place that the lay off south of the Great East Road between Hay Gate and Bree. There were jewels scattered thickly there he recounted, and crowns, and gold and silver objects of all sorts, all belonging to the ancient men of long ago. He pointed to Bill’s old sword. ‘And wonderful old swords, just like yours,’ he said in hushed tones, ‘like the ones that kings and princes of old bore in the great wars of the Big Folk.’

‘Well what’s so scary about that?’ said Bill, pretending his interest was piqued by tales of riches lying unguarded. His hands twitched a little nervously, thinking about tricking the nasty Hobbits into going there.

‘Old Maggot said this fellow who told him about it said the place was guarded by some fearsome beings – wights, he called them. Said they could sing a song that would chill your flesh and freeze your spirit, make it so cold you couldn’t move, then they’d keep you there forever, until you died and became a wight yourself.’

The sun was bright up above them, but Ben shivered as he thought about the gruesome creatures. Old Bill poked him with his pipe stem, bringing him out of his frightful reverie. ‘Where’d you say that was lad?’ He had brought his face close to Ben’s, looking every bit the snake with a mouse held in its gaze.

Ben shook the remnants of the unpleasant image of the wights and their victims from his mind. ‘Where it was?’ He frowned trying to place the directions Maggot had talked about. ‘On the eastern boundary of the Old Forest is what he said, the place where the Withywindle begins. The Barrow Downs, that’s what he called it.’

He looked up at Old Bill’s face. You heard of it Mister? Have you ever been there yourself?’ He dropped his voice to a low level, whispering, ‘Is it true about the wights . . .?’

[ June 17, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Calenedheliel1]

Rosie sat near the fire, eating the fish and taking a handful of berries and putting them her mouth. “Oh, my goodness”, she thought, “These berries are very tart. I hope that they are okay to eat. They look similar to the ones back home, that I’ve eaten while I was in the forest.”

Ferd’s and Ben’s singing brought Rosie back to the present, and it was at that moment that she remembered the birds that she and Falco had caught. She got the birds and plucked their feathers and added them to the fire to cook. They needed all the food that they could get with 8 hobbits and Old Bill to feed.

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

Rosie was turning the birds over to finish cooking them when she overheard Ben talking to Old Bill about some kind of treasure. She looked over at Falco and asked him to continue cooking the birds so that she could go over to Ben and Old Bill and join in their conversation. She walked over to Ben and listened to what he was saying. As Rosie listened to Ben she couldn’t help but remember a story her Da had told her about Hildifons Took, a distant relative, who went on a journey in the direction of the Barrowdowns and was never heard from again. She wondered if the wights had gotten him. She piped up and said “Well I for one do not want to find out if the stories about the wights are true.” Old Bill took a sneaky glance towards Rosie and chuckled to himself “Lass, you have no idea what you and your friends will see real soon."

Rosie saw Old Bill look at her and smiled back at him and suddenly realized that she was not so sure that the look on his face was all that friendly. A chill ran down her back and she began for the first time since meeting him to distrust him. A sense of foreboding overwhelmed her as she stood beside Ben. She tried to shake off the feeling by getting ready for the long journey ahead of the group as they headed home to the Shire.

[ June 18, 2003: Message edited by: Calenedheliel1 ]

[ June 18, 2003: Message edited by: Calenedheliel1 ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

When they arrived back at camp they passed out the food. The hobbits ate the strawberries happily but they were all a little nervous about the berries. “Do you feel alright Mirabella?” Penny asked. “Never Better” she replied. Penny was happy at this. Maybe these are safe, she thought as she popped one into her mouth. It was very tart, but they weren’t that bad. Penny glanced over at Old Bill. I don’t trust him she thought. He was scowling and didn’t look very happy. Penny was scared of him to be exact. He wasn’t much taller then her, only ‘bout a foot or two but he was older, and stronger.

Penny smelled cooked fish. “Hey Ferd let me have some” she said after almost everyone had gotten some. “Here ya go, Penny,” he said handing her the fish. It smelled great. As Penny started to eat she watched Ben walk over to Old Bill. What’s he doing? Penny got up to see what they were talking about.

Ben was telling a story. Penny sat down and started to listen. “A place where riches lay. That’s amazing!” Penny gasped. “What’s so scary about that?” Old Bill asked. Scary? Was this meant to be scary? ‘Old Maggot said this fellow who told him about it said the place was guarded by some fearsome beings – wights, he called them. Said they could sing a song that would chill your flesh and freeze your spirit, make it so cold you couldn’t move, then they’d keep you there forever, until you died and became a wight yourself.’ Penny shivered, and hugged her knees. I don’t think Ben knows I’m listening to him she though.

“Where did you say that was lad?” Old Bill asked. On the eastern boundary of the Old Forest is what he said, the place where the Withywindle begins. The Barrow Downs, that’s what he called it.’ Ben said. Then he asked Old Bill if it was true. “Old Bill is it?!” Penny asked getting very frightened. The Barrow-Downs. She remembered hearing stories of long ago about fearsome creatures and places to the east but never of the Barrow-Downs or wights. Not waiting for Old Bill’s reply she asked Ben “Who told Farmer Maggot that story?” She was getting very anxious I hope it’s not true.

[ June 17, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[piosenniel]

Ben looked round with a surprised expression on his face, his cheeks reddening. He hadn’t meant for anyone to hear his story, other than Old Bill. Old Bill grunted at his discomfiture, while Ben stuttered through a response to Penny.

‘I . . . I’m not sure about who told him, Penny. My Da seemed to know who it was though, when Farmer Maggot spoke a few lines of some strange poem, song, this old guy had told him.’ Ben’s forehead wrinkled as he called up in his memory the little scrap of verse. ‘Here it is!’ he said, his face brightening.

Get out, you old Wight! Vanish in the sunlight!
Shrivel like the cold mist, like the winds go wailing,
Out into the barren lands far beyond the mountains! . . .

‘Sorry, but that’s all I can remember.’

Been looked around at the other Hobbits, who had all drawn near as he sang the strange little tune about the ghastly creature. The day seemed to have grown chillier, as a wisp of clouds trailed over the sun for a moment. The Hobbits shivered, thinking about cold mists and wailing winds.

Rosie raised her eyebrows at the completion of the singsong verse, thinking to herself, ‘Now that’s a good thing to know, isn’t it. Wights don’t like the sunlight.’ The intrepid lass filed that away as an important fact, just in case she might need it one day.

‘Oh no!’ cried Falco, who had left the fish and birds cooking over the fire. The smell of burning meat filled the air. The little fire had licked up greedily and was in the process of consuming the rest of their hot food.

The Hobbits scattered like leaves in the wind, racing back to the fire. Each grabbed at a stick with a fish or bird on it and waved it madly in the air to put out the flames.

The wights forgotten for the moment, they set to finishing off their breakfasts. All the fish were soon eaten, and the birds were wrapped in some large tree leaves and stuffed into vest pockets for munching on later.

Ben watched as Olo scattered the remains of the little fire and heaped dirt on the last of the glowing coals. He leaned in toward Mirabella, who was just finishing the last of her overdone fish.

‘Looks like we should be leaving soon,’ he said, looking about the little camp. ‘I wonder which direction we’ll be heading . . .’

[Arien]

They ate happily for a while, then Ama realised that they should be getting home. It would certainly take a long time to walk all the way they had sailed, and surely the storm had swept them a further distance down the stream. She waited till the others had finished up and then spoke.

“We should be getting on our way,” this was directed at Old Bill who sat next to Ben while chewing on the remains of one of the fish herself and Ferd had caught. “You know the way back to the Shire?” she asked him.

He threw down the fish bones and looked up at Ama, replying gruffly, “Yes, ’course I do, do you want me to show you?”

“We would like that very much,” Ben smiled up at him, but Old Bill seemed absolutely disgusted at him.

So the hobbits stamped out the fire, collected a few weapons, sticks, stones and threw the remains of the food back into the river. There was no point keeping them as they would quickly go stale, and then they would end up contracting a fever of some sort. Ama only hoped there would be food further upstream. But she was mistaken.

Old Bill started to lead them off downstream. As they continued to walk Ama nudged Ferd, “Aren’t we heading in the wrong direction?” Ferd nodded. “Hey, Bill,” she shouted out towards the leader, “ Isn’t the Shire that way,” she said pointing back upstream. The other hobbits agreed, nodding with concerned faces.

“You would think that,” Old Bill replied, “But I know a short cut,” and he tapped his nose and continued to lead them downstream.

[ June 17, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella trudged along behind the guide, still suspicious of him. 'I do no' like this' she pouted as she heard Ben walk up beside her 'Or maybe it was your Wight stories giving me the frights' she winked.

Ben went crimson, and she chuckled 'In all truth, my da' spoke of those places. Though only once. He said it was a load of rubbish, and that hobbit lasses wouldna' get that far, so dont let my mind wander there'. She looked up at the sky 'Well, he said I wouldnt leave the Shire eh? Look at me now!' she beamed, and tapped the stick she had taken with her along the riverstones.

[alaklondewen]

Ferd finally had his fill of fish, but his mood had not improved since Ben’s telling of the stories about the old Wight. Ferd’s Uncle Gorby Brandybuck, who lived in Brandy Hall, had told him many strange tales about the Old Forest that would raise the hair on a young hobbit’s neck, but never had Ferd heard of this Burrie…Burrow…Barrow Downs, and he certainly did not like the sound of the place.

Ama’s voice interrupted his unpleasant thoughts. “We should be getting on our way,” she called to Old Bill. Ferd nodded in agreement. Their adventure had been adventurous enough and he was ready to be home.

Popping up from his sitting position, Ferd helped Falco stamp the fire out, and while the others were repacking their bags, Ferd searched the area for anything that might prove useful in the days ahead. Making his way to the edge of the trees, he stooped and picked up a long stick that had a large knot on one end where it had once branched out. Ferd rubbed his hand along its rough skin and pulled off a couple patches of loose bark. The branch felt heavy in his hand and he hit the ground with it twice to check its sturdiness. This would make a hardy blow if needed, he thought. And a fine walking stick in the mean time. With that he put the knot in his hand and continued his search.

Wandering down around the river’s bank, Ferd gathered a handful of nice round stones and put them in the pocket of his knickers. His aim was sharp if he put his mind to it, and these rocks might provide game if they came to an area with trees.

Penny called to Ferd. “Come on…we’re all ready!” With a wave of his hand, Ferd hurried back to the camp site. After snatching the fishing line that lay in a heap next to the smoldering ashes, he fell in line with the others who were following Old Bill down stream.

Ama leaned over, nudged Ferd, and whispered, “Aren’t we heading in the wrong direction?” Ferd agreed that he thought it strange they would be going down stream, but Old Bill insisted he knew a shortcut. Ferd was unsure of how he really felt about this shortcut. His confidence was faltering. The group was traveling in a place he’d never been, going in a direction his heart felt was wrong, and following a man who made Ferd very nervous. However, he didn’t have the courage to speak up like Ama did. He does know where we are…and he said he’d show us the way home, Ferd was trying to convince himself everything was okay.

They were walking in an area that was grasslands as far as Ferd could see. The tall grass was almost to his waist, and it swayed by a gentle breeze that blew over the land. Old Bill plunged through the grass and the hobbits marched in the path the large man made.

[*Varda*]

Olo looked at Old Bill slightly suspiciously, having rarely been in contact with the taller folk. To be honest, he was a little intimidated. Still, if the old man could in any way help them to get home…Olo would just have to trust him.

The old man led the hobbits on their way, he and Ben having finished talking about the wights, and the fearsome Downs. Olo had heard only snatches of rumours about this place – where wights walked, and the dark shadows of the Old Forest beside it. Olo shuddered. For all his bravery, he had no wish to venture into these places unless he had a very good reason.

As the party kept walking downstream, Olo felt a niggling feeling nag at him. Didn’t this seem to be the opposite direction? But then…Bill would be leading them astray. He had no reason to do that, had he? Calming his feelings, Olo turned to Ama.

“Ama? How long do you think it will take us to get home? Is there any way we might send a message? They must be worried…”

[Arien]

“I don’t think we can send anything home,” she replied to Olo, “We have no way, and none of us know a short cut or even the way home.”

Olo sighed and fell back behind the group. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for her cousin. It was his adventurous mind that had got them into this mess and the guilt must be dreadful. Time passed slowly and the hobbits didn’t talk much, the walking was enough. The wind blew hard and fast, maybe a storm was starting again. Ama hoped not. They had missed lunch, and all other meals and now the sun was setting slowly but surely and the wind had died down.

“Shall we stop?” asked Falco.

“Errm, yes I think so.” Old Bill replied thoughtfully, sitting down on the ground. The rest followed suit and Ama was sat next to Ferd and Olo, who still looked seriously gloomy. They managed to get a small feeble fire going, but no one was complaining. It was bliss against the cold harsh wind of the day. They chatted a little beside the fire, while Ferd and Ben caught a few more fish from the nearby river. Soon they returned and the fish were frying on the fire.

[piosenniel]

Ben sat wearily on the ground, it had been a long day of hiking. The only food he’d managed to get were a few of the sour berries Mirabella had wisely thought to stuff in her pocket, and a few bites of one of the cooked birds he had stored in a leaf in his. The rest he had shared with Mirabella and the two hobbits walking near him.

He had been lucky enough to catch a few small brown trout in a nearby stream with a finger line and a hook he had found in one of his pockets. Ferd had gone with him, and between the two of them they had gotten enough for the group to make some semblance of a meal. Once back, they handed their catch Rosie and Falco, who cleaned and gutted the tasty beauties, and put them on sticks to roast over the fire.

Ben scooted as close as he could to the meager fire, thrusting his feet toward it, trying to get them warm. Mirabella sat next to him, and they huddled together, sharing what warmth they could muster. The smell of fish crisping over the flames made his tummy rumble in anticipation. He could hardly wait to sink his teeth into one. He started to fidget, wishing he could think about something else until the fish were done.

‘Mirabella,’ he whispered, leaning close to her and nudging her in the side, ‘let’s see if we can find some more wood for the fire. I saw a little stand of trees not too far back, a little ways off the path Old Bill led us on. We should be back before the fish are done.’ He looked expectantly at her. ‘It’s going to be a long, chilly night,’ he went on, looking up at the sky. The moon was just peeking over the horizon, and its pale fingers of light spreading over the rise in the distance seemed only to add to the chill.

Ben stood, extending a hand to her. ‘Come on! Let’s go!’

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny was disappointed Ben hadn’t known who had told Farmer Maggot the story of the Barrow-downs. Now she could tell if it was true or not.

‘Looks like we should be leaving soon,’ Ben said, looking about the little camp. ‘I wonder which direction we’ll be heading. We do need to get going Penny thought, as she grabbed the little she had, including her knife. They put out the fire and started walking back to the Shire. After a couple minutes Penny figured out that they were heading downstream.
“ Isn’t the Shire that way,” Ama said to Old Bill pointing back upstream. The other hobbits agreed, nodding with concerned faces.

“You would think that,” Old Bill replied, “But I know a short cut,” and he tapped his nose and continued to lead them downstream.


The hobbits walked parallel to the river for many hours. Penny watched birds fly though the sky singing. It was a beautiful sunny day. Long rolling grasslands stretched for miles. The grass swayed in the winds, and the leaves on the trees rustled and sighed. It was a perfect day. Penny wished she was back in the Shire, enjoying this day with her friends and family their.

The wind picked up speed and started to blow harder, as the day grew on. Penny was extremely hungry, but they had nothing really to eat. The sun started to set and the sky turned different colors. It was orange and yellow, purple, pink, and red. Soon though everything would be a deep royal blue, with little white stars twinkling, and the moon shining. Penny shivered. It was getting very cold even though the wind had died down again.

When they stopped they made a small fire. Ferd and Ben caught some fish and they began to cook them over the fire. Penny sat by Rosie watching her clean the fish. Penny sighed. She couldn’t wait till the fish was ready. Mirabella and Ben had gotten up to get more firewood. They returned with a few pieces and set them on the fire. Soon the fish was done and everyone was eating happily.

Penny was getting very tired. So were most of the other hobbits. They all huddled up in a small group, keeping close to stay warm. The wind had picked up again and the trees nearby were swaying back and forth. She fell asleep almost immediately. But it wasn’t a pleasant sleep.

She had dreams of trees that talked. They laughed at her, and tired to grab her. She screamed and ran away. But she ran into wolves. They were closing in on her about to eat her. *Gasp* Penny awoke shaking and sweating. She was so scared. The wind seamed to whisper to the trees, and the stars seemed to laugh at her from above. Penny got up and walked around. She couldn’t sleep any more. The leaves rustled and sighed with content and the moon shone bright.

Not far away sat a large rock. Penny walked over and sat down upon it. She stared up at the stars and sky. She wondered when they would be home, and how here friends and family were. Did they miss her? She stayed there all night, until she finally fell asleep.
[ June 18, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ June 20, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella let Ben help her up, and followed him out into the dank foliage. Scarping past rough bushes, they slowy found the kindling and larger pieces of wood needed to keep the fire going. Mirabella whistled lightly as she filled her arms with wood and said to Ben 'How long do ye think it'll take for us to get home?'

'Though you were wishing for adventure Mirabella Took!' he teased. 'I am..its just that Old Bill gives me the jeebies. I canna help it. The sooner he helps us and leaves the better I say' Ben looked at her 'He's helping us, that must mean he canna be all bad. Besides, what would he want with a bunch of lost hobbits?'

Mirabella stood up, her arms filled with firewood and huffed 'I have no idea, but Im naturally untrusting of Big Folk. I'll keep my guard out' she said, and moved back to the light of the fire...

[Arawethiel]

Falco sighed wearily in front of the fire. It had been a long day of walking and Falco had been anxious about this shortcut Old Bill was leading them on. What kind of shortcut takes you in the wrong direction he thought. Falco grumbled and rummaged through his little pack for one of his containers of water. His rope and the two containers were still there but all of his other provisions were gone.

Rosie came and plopped down beside him after finishing eating her fish. "Hey Falco any chance I could have a sip of your water?" Rosie asked him. "Of course Rosie, drink as much as you need. I can always refill it from the river." Rosie smiled and took the container of water. After she was finished drinking Falco decided to talk to Rosie about his suspicions of Old Bill.

"Rosie do you think Old Bill is leading us the right way? I mean he has done nothing but grumbled at us since he first met us. I don't think the old man likes hobbits." Falco whispered to Rosie. "What are you talking about Falco? Of course he likes us. Didn't you see how interested he was when Ben was telling him that story?" "The Barrow Downs? Anyone would be intrigued by that story why I remember when my father told me about that old tale. It scared me out of my boots, but I was a young hobbit lad then. Any one with a bit of sense knows there's no such thing as a wight." Falco stated matter of factly. "Old Bill was probably more interested in the treasure than anything else."

Rosie stared at Falco and shook her head at his know it all manner. "Falco there are things in this world that you and I don't know about. After all this is the first time we've been out of the Shire. Who's to say what's real and what isn't." Falco started to open his mouth to argue with her when she held up her hand to shush him. "It doesn't matter anyway Falco because we'll probably never be anywhere near this Barrow Downs to find out who's right. I was wondering if in the morning you'd like to come with me to try the snare again. I'm getting a bit tired of fish." Falco nodded his head and said "Sure Rosie I'll come with you in the morning."

"Good, sleep well Falco." Rosie said and headed off to sleep for the night. Falco sighed and shook his head. Wights what utter foolishness. The only thing they had to worry about was Old Bill not some old tale about ghosts.

[ June 19, 2003: Message edited by: Arawethiel ]

[piosenniel]

Ben and Mirabella sat up long after the others had gone to sleep. The moon was full and bright, though thick, dark clouds sailed along in the night sky, obscuring the light now and again. The two Hobbits sat huddled close together, each with a small pile of twigs and broken up limbs, feeding the small fire before them.

To be sure, the night had grown a little chilly, and Ben told himself the fire was for keeping warm. But, if truth be known, he had scared himself a little with the recounting of the wight story and he wanted the light of the fire to keep back the darkness.

‘You know, Miri,’ he spoke softly to his companion who sat to his left, using a nickname he often called her, ‘I was thinking that when we get back we could write down this little adventure of ours in the new journal I got for my birthday. Remember that scrape we got into when you were about eleven? We could start out with that one, and sort of keep a little list of stories about the fun things we’ve done.’ He looked back over his right shoulder and into the dark grassy field at the edges of the clearing they had camped in. ‘Although, I’m not exactly sure this one will qualify as a “fun” adventure. What do you think about that?’

He turned back to Mirabella expecting her answer, but her chin had slumped down to her chest, and all that came from her was the sound of soft snores. Sighing, and shrugging his shoulders to throw off his own weariness, he picked up a long stick and poked the fire, sending up small sparks like little fireflies that winked and then went out.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The fire burnt down to a bed of bright coals, and Ben sat dozing off by it. Something niggled at the edges of his consciousness, some little sound, and he opened his eyes slowly, looking off into the tall grasses. Something rustled there, coming closer. He could see the tips of the grasses swaying as the creature moved nearer.

Ben blinked, trying to get a fix on what it might be. Then the grasses parted where they met the dirt and groundcover of the clearing, and there, in the fleeting moonlight when the clouds parted for a moment, two yellow eyes peered out and then withdrew . . .

‘Wake up Miri!’ he said nudging his companion hard in the ribs. ‘There’s something out there!’ They both hastened to wake the others . . .

[ June 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[*Varda*]

Olo awoke with a sudden start as Mirabella shook him.

“What? What is it?” he asked, seeing a look of worry in Mirabella’s eyes.

“There’s something out there,” she said, swallowing. “Two yellow eyes…help me wake everyone up!” Olo did so, shaking Ferd and Ama awake, as resounding groans went through the camp, until everyone realised the reason for the situation. The hobbits sat up anxiously, unsure of what to do. Their faces were filled with a mixture of fear, apprehension, and Olo bit his lip. What was out there? How would they deal with it?

Fumbling around on the ground in the inky darkness, from which the glowing eyes peered, Olo’s hand closed around a large stone, sharp and cold. Lifting it in his hand, he stood up, tense and rigid, waiting to see what was advancing towards them, his small figure trying to look brave in the shadows.

[Ealasaid]

Old Bill awoke from a shallow sleep to see all of the hobbits awake and gathered closely around the fire. They looked frightened, the lot of them. He could hear anxious whispers passing between them, something about yellow eyes watching from the grass beyond the circle of firelight. He sat up, his back making a loud pop in the process. One of the hobbits shushed him nervously. Like he could help it!

Even so, he didn't like being so far out from the fire and the rest of them. There was safety in numbers, after all, even if the rest of them were just hobbits. Drawing his trusty (rusty) sword Thunderill, he crawled awkwardly to where the hobbits were gathered.

"Eh, lad!" he whispered, tugging at the shirt of the nearest hobbit boy. "What is it?"

"I dunno," answered Ben. "It's got yellow eyes and it's watching us. Do ya...do ya suppose there are wargs in these parts?"

"Ooh, aye. There's been wargs in these parts," he said gruffly. "But I can't say as there are any now." He stood up, still holding his sword tightly.

At the mention of wargs, there was a rustle of fear through the hobbits. Old Bill looked around and saw their eyes were all wide as pie plates. He felt a bit nervous himself. He had never been within a thousand paces of a warg and had no desire to change that. Anxiously, he, too, squinted into the darkness.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella crouched by the other hobbits, panting heavily. Her heart was thumping like a great drum, and she was sure they could all hear it. She palmed around for her stick she had brought earlier, and yelped as she saw it in the fire. Grabbing the cool end, she took it out and noticed it was still slightly aflame. Holding it out, and shaking violently, she looked at all the hobbits, and Old Bill. Even he was jittery, holding out his sword carefully.

She moved up next to Ben and mumbled 'What is it??' He shook his head and looked at her with great fear 'What'll we do?'

Mirabella strained to see what it was, and muttered 'Ah well, I'll eat my words...'

[alaklondewen]

Ferd sat at the kitchen table in his home in the Great Smials. The table was lavished with breads of various kinds, cream, jellies, cakes, and fruit…and it was all for him. His mouth watered with anticipation. A warm fire burned in the fireplace on his right, and he could hear a voice singing a rhyme his mother used to sing when he was lad. Reaching out he took hold of a large, warm roll with one hand and some cream with the other. The food moved slowly toward his mouth…”Ferd! Ferd! Wake up!” Instantly the food was gone and Ferd opened his heavy eyes to see Olo standing over him shaking. “Something’s out there…we’re being watched.”

Ferd jumped to his feet with his head reeling. “What?! What is it?” No one answered him, but the other hobbits were standing around the fire bracing themselves for some unknown attack.

Dropping to his knees, Ferd searched the dark ground groping for his walking stick. Finding it just three or four feet away from where he slept, he grasped it sternly with the large knot facing outward and stood back up.

His heart racing Ferd worked to gather all the courage he could muster. He turned his head back and forth not knowing which direction the danger lied.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny had finally fallen into a peaceful sleep.

“Wake up Penny” Mirabella cried as she shook her. “There something out there.” Penny looked towards the direction Mirabella had pointed at. She was pointing into the tall grass.

“What is it?” Penny asked getting scared.

“I don’t know. It has two, big, yellow eyes. Were being watched!” Mirabella replied before she ran off. Watched by who or what? Penny ran over to where she had been sleeping earlier. Her knife lay just where she left it. Penny breathed a big sigh of relief. At least she had a good weapon.

There wasn’t much light. He moon was again covered by a dark cloud, and the fire had only a few glowing embers in it. The wind blew softly and Penny shivered. She stood awake and alert like the rest of the hobbits. Penny was scared. She gripped her sword tightly until her knuckles turned white.
Who is out there?

[ June 20, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Arien]

Ama slowly crept forward, the grass rustled slowly, a growling noise rising into the air. The other hobbits were poised around her with various weapons, all of them slowly edging forward. The yellow eyes danced between the long grass and Ama’s hand trembled as it clenched the rock she had picked up from the ground. A whisper that it might be a wrag was mentioned, but she tried to block these comments out of her head. Wrags? They were fearful creatures, she had heard about them in tales she had been told when she was just eight, but meeting one was nothing like she had imagined.

Her heart beat hard against her chest and drowned out all noise save that which was the rustling of the reeds. She edged closer. She was going to do it. Al she had to do was pull back the grass to reveal the thing and the others would have a clear shot, a clear shot. She would be sacrificing her own life but that did not matter.

She reached out and clutched a pile of grass in her hands, dropping the rock her only defence. Olo whispered out to stop but she did not listen. Ama yanked the grass back and closed her eyes.

“It’s a wolf!” cried out Ben.

Ama let go of the grass and ran back behind the rest of the hobbits again. She was too scared, maybe someone else should do it she said faintly.

[ June 20, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Ealasaid]

"Git 'im!"

Old Bill felt a distinct nudge in the small of his back. It was Rosie, the hobbit girl who had been so nice as to help him up after the tree branch incident.

"Go git 'im, Old Bill!!" she said again, giving him another nudge in the direction of the yellow eyes which had just reappeared in the darkness directly ahead of them. "You're the biggest. And you've got that fiercesome great sword of yours. We'll come in behind you and help." She held out her hand and showed him her little pocketknife.

Old Bill hesitated. He had no more desire to go charging out into the darkness after those eyes than any of the hobbits did... but he had to admit, she did have a point. He was the biggest. And, after all, he did have a sword. Anxiously, he glanced around at the hobbits.

"Yeah!" chimed in one of the boys, joining Rosie. "You're the biggest."

He looked again out at the unblinking yellow eyes. Well, warg or not, it was better than waiting for the thing to come in after him, Old Bill decided.

"You're right behind me?" he asked the hobbits gruffly, giving each one in turn a stern glare. Each of the hobbits nodded gravely in reply. "If I don't come back --" he gave them a rather shifty smile. "If the ruddy beast eats Old Bill alive, then the lot of you are to stay on the path... IF you manage to survive yourselves." He bristled his eyebrows at them meaningfully and pointed a stubby finger in the direction they had been traveling. "Keep going thataways into the morning. You'll find your road home." Or the path into the Downs. He laid his finger by the side of his nose and nodded. The Downs were good enough for the lot of them. It would serve them right for being the death of him at the hands (or claws) of the thing in the darkness.

At last, Bill was ready. He puffed out his cheeks a couple of times, took a deep breath, and raising his ancient sword over his head, charged straight at the eyes!

"CUMMERBUND!" he yelled at the top of his voice. It was all he could come up with for a battle cry on such short notice. The owner of the eyes slid smoothly to one side, as Bill went charging past into the darkness. The eyes remained, but the hobbits listened as Old Bill's voice faded into the distance. Having passed the eyes, he just kept running. It was the last the hobbits ever saw of Old Bill or of Thunderill, the sword of Cummerbund.

[piosenniel]

They had pushed Old Bill to the front of the group. ‘You’ve got the sword,’ said Ben. ‘You go!’

With a yell of ‘CUMMERBUND!’, Old Bill had charged bravely forward, resolute or so they thought on vanquishing the monster for them. Their faces fell, and they huddled together once more when they saw his figure disappear in the distance, his sword held high.

‘I don’t think he’s coming back,’ whispered Mirabella to Ben. She nudged him gently in the ribs. ‘And look, those eyes are still there . . . blinking . . .’

Ben picked up a stout piece of firewood and crept forward, the others following close behind. ‘You’ld better git!’ he yelled as loudly as he could. Only a slight quaver at the end of his yell belied his brave stance.

Closer and closer they crept to the eyes in the grass. It seemed to have retreated a bit as they edged closer. ‘I think it’s afraid of us now,’ whispered Ben. ‘I’ll just throw this stick at it and run it off.’

He drew back his arm and sent the thick stick sailing in a great arc at the place in the tall grass they had last seen the monster. They heard it fall a great distance away and heard the sound of feet running off.

Ben turned back to the group, a smile on his face. ‘Well, I guess that’s that then. We’ll just . . .’

His words were cut off when a dark shadow came flying from the grass behind him, hitting him hard in the back and knocking him flat on his face.

‘HELP! It’s going to kill me!’ he screamed at the top of his lungs.

What he heard then was laughter . . . giggles, first . . . then full on belly laughs.

Ben looked up with a scowl on his face. He was going to die, and they were laughing at him!

‘Oh, Ben! Don’t be silly. No one’s going to kill you.’ Mirabella came near and crouched down in front of him. His mouth was half opened in reply to her when he felt something cold and wet against his ear. Ben craned his neck about to see what weight had landed on his back.

And there he beheld the grinning face of a rather large, unkempt dog, with the stick he had thrown clamped firmly in its mouth . . .

[Arawethiel]

Falco couldn't help but laugh at the dog that was covering Ben. Here he had been startled awake by the rest of the hobbits fearing a warg and it had only been a dog! Falco laughed even harder while Ben glared up at him. "Falco it's not funny!" Ben yelled at him. "Sorry Ben. Here let me get the dog off of you." Still chuckling a bit Falco came forward and pulled the big dog off of Ben's back.

The rest of the hobbits crowded around the large dog and peered curiously at it. "Where do you suppose this dog came from?" Falco asked. "I don't know. It looks unkempt maybe it's a stray." Olo said while he reached out to pet the dog. The dog didn't seem to mind and the other hobbits began to pet him as well. "Do you suppose we should keep him?" Mirabella asked. "I don't know. What do the rest off you guys think?" Falco asked and looked around at the rest of the hobbits waiting for an answer.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny stood alert and ready. All of the sudden a figure jumped out from the bushes. Penny screamed on the top of her lungs. Then she started to laugh at the sight she saw. A dog was sitting on top of Ben, with a big stick in his mouth. Ben just lay there screaming. It was hilarious.

Penny dropped her knife and ran over to where the dog sat. It was amazing that they got so scared over a dog. They thought it was a warg! It was so cute. Penny leaned in a started to pet it.

“Good doggy” she said as she continued to pet it. It slobbered all over her hand and Penny just laughed. She loved him. Mirabella asked if the should keep it.

“I think we should. He is so adorable” Penny said a s she turned to look at everyone else.

[ June 21, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Taralphiel]

‘HELP! It’s going to kill me!’

Mirabella yelped in surprise and jumped forward with her flaming stick. The light covered the fallen hobbit, and she let out a peal of laughter.

‘Oh, Ben! Don’t be silly. No one’s going to kill you.’ She watched him turn over and realise that the monster was actually a lost dog. Rosie squealed in delight and patted the dog, who enjoyed it thoroughly.

Smiling at the dog, whos great eyes were now filled with great excitement, she said to the other 'Can we keep him? He seems nice enough, and if he can scare us, he could probably scare whoever out there who could be after us'

The other hobbits were uncertain, but she thought that it would be best to let them be. Sitting back she looked around and smiled. It was beginning to be a fun adventure again. But then she realised they were on their own now.

She turned to Ben and Olo 'Well, what shall we do now?'

[ June 21, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[piosenniel]

Ben motioned for the Hobbits to gather round the small fire. It was still night and now that the excitement of besting the monster in the grass was done, the chilly breeze had become more noticeable, and several of the companions stood shivering and hugging themselves to keep warm.

‘Miri, throw some wore sticks and little branches on the fire. Get it roaring! We’ll all freeze to death before we even try to find our own way.’

The night passed fitfully for the group despite the warmth and light of the little blaze. They huddled together, more out of fear than cold, and most caught only a few winks of sleep before startling out of their doze when a strange noise was heard.

For his part, the dog kept them good company, requiring for his services only a few scraps of leftover fish which he gulped down skin, tails, head, fins, and bones altogether. Smiling, or so it seemed to them, his great lips pulled back from his teeth. Tail thumping with delight he yipped a little as the last of the fish was thrown him. Then, settling down near the group, his body throwing off some welcome heat, he dozed along with them. His ears twitched as he slept when some sound came to them, and a low growl would issue from him now and then at some hint of threat.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The night passed, and the weak rays of the morning sun were brightening as they pushed through the trees at the east of their camp. Rosie and Falco went out to check the traps she had put out among the trees last night, before the incident with the ‘monster’. They returned, a little while later, smiles on their faces. There were five good-sized quail they held in their hands – enough for a half bird for each and one for the dog.

Penny, Ama, and Ferd, along with the dog, had dared the thicket of bushes to the south, and came back with their hands and pockets full of sweet blackberries growing wild amidst them. Ben laughed when he saw them return – their lips and the dog’s teeth were stained dark red from the berries’ juice.

Olo and Miri went east to, along the outskirts of the trees, gathering twigs and downed limbs for the morning fire. They had a nice little blaze going when the others returned, and a pleasant meal followed. The brightness of the day and full stomachs did much to improve the spirits of the companions, and soon with a little splash of water to freshen their faces and clean their hands they were ready to be off.

Ben crouched down, a small sharp stick in his hand, and drew in the dirt while the others finished their washing up and put out the fire.

‘What’s that?’ asked Mirabella, drawing near, and kneeling down beside him. The others came over, curious to see what he had drawn.

‘Old Ben gave us some directions when he left last night and I was trying to puzzle them out along with some other things he said when he and I talked together last evening.’ He stuck his stick on one of the lines he had drawn.

‘This is where we are now I think.’ With the stick he drew a line from that point curving slightly upwards. ‘Here’s the path he told us to stay on, the one he said would take us directly home. What worries me is that he didn’t tell us anything about what lies along this path, or how long it will take us to get back to Buckland.’ He sighed, and stood up, his hand dropping down to scratch the ears of the dog that had come up to stand beside him. ‘I suppose we have no other choice but to take him at his word.’

The dog plopped down his hind end on the crudely drawn map and snuffled at the lower pocket of Ben’s vest, the one with a few of the breakfast berries saved for munching on later. The dog’s tail thumped energetically as he gazed with longing at the pocket, effectively destroying any remnant of the crude map.

Ben laughed and pushed the voracious beast away. ‘You must wait just like the rest of us! Rations are short, I’m afraid.’ The dog stood a pouty look on his grey furred muzzle, and his tail drooped. His eyes lit with hope for a moment when Ben’s hand dipped into another pocket. But it was only a small tin whistle he pulled out. ‘Let’s have some music as we walk along,’ he called to his companions as he motioned them toward the path.

They fell in line, in two’s and three’s behind him. The warm sun was on their faces, and a fair wind at their backs. The dog danced among them as they walked, nearly tripping a few in his exuberance.

‘Hey dog! Watch what you’re doing!’ cried Penny as the great animal snaked around her legs.

‘You know,’ said Ben, speaking loudly over his shoulder, ‘since he seems to have decided he will come along with us – perhaps we should find a name that suits him. Anyone got any ideas . . .?’

[alaklondewen]

The hobbits treaded through the tall grass traveling northeast where their hopes and their home lay. Ben pulled a small whistle out of his pocket and began to play a happy little tune. Ferd who walked right behind him danced as he walked and clapped his hands to the beat of the music. Skipping about and clicking his heals together, first on one side then on the other, Ferd tried to make the others laugh. He reached out a ruffled Penny’s hair from behind, and she turned around and tried to glare at him, but her efforts failed when Ferd crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out.

Before she could turn back around, their new canine companion rubbed against her legs and she almost tripped. “Hey dog! Watch what you’re doing!” She cried. Ferd couldn’t help smiling, although he held back his laughter.

Ben called back that naming the dog would be a good idea, since he seemed to be staying with the group. Ferd had begun to really like the dog and naming him would be fun.

“You know, he’s a real likeable pooch and kinda funny. ‘Specially when he almost killed you last night, Ben.” A bit of snickering was heard from the other hobbits. “I think we should name him after someone…respectable…and smart…and funny. Hmm…” Twisting his mouth to one side and rubbing his temple with his finger, Ferd acted like he was contemplating some serious issue. “I got it! We’ll call him Ferdy!”

“Oh, please,” Ama rolled her eyes at Ferd trying not to laugh. “You said someone smart.”

“Well, do you have a better idea?” Ferd pretended to pout and crossed his arms over his chest and hung his head to one side.

[Arien]

“….no..” Ama smiled sweetly, “But I am sure we will think of one!” she laughed. For once her spirits were lifted and she did not think so much of being lost and thought more of enjoying herself. They walked on chatting, laughing. A few days passed, but they never seemed to be short of food or water and always managed to light a good fire to keep them warm.

The pooch was still with them, though he did not have a name yet. And as the fourth night of their journey without Bill came to a the group sat around the fire. Ferd and Ben singing as usually, which cheered the rest of them up a great deal. A few Coney’s sat roasting on the fire, Olo and Falco had cought them and were very pleased with them selves.

“Well if it wasn’t for Falco and me we wouldn’t have supper tonight,” he said slapping Falco on the back playfully, “I think we did an alright job of it!”

“Yes and if wasn’t for you we wouldn’t be in this mess!” Ama smiled, the rest of the hobbits laughed but Olo looked a little taken aback by this comment. “Oh Olo, get over yourself, I was only messing around!” she laughed, and threw some grass at her cousin. He smiled weakly back. She couldn’t help but think she had slightly upset him.

[elven maiden Earwen]

The hobbit companions traveled on for many days. They joked around and sang songs and all was merry. They seemed to have forgotten the fact that they were lost. The hobbits had once again set up camp and a warm fire was going. Everyone was singing and laughing. Their camp was encircled by small hills and the area around them was very grassy. The land was unfamiliar and strange but no one cared. They were sure they were al heading home.

The hobbits started to sing and Penny jumped in. The song was a well-known song. It was about Perry the Winkle:

There were pikelets, there was buttered toast,
and jam, and cream, and cake,
and the Winkle strove to eat the most,
though his buttons all should break.
The kettle same, the fire was hot,
the pot was large and brown,
and the Winkle tried to drink the lot
in tea though he should drown.

Penny laughed after the song ended. It was much fun. She sat next to the fire stroking the pooches’ head and eating. He needs a name she thought. She looked at the pooches’ long drooping eyes. He was a sweet dog. What could we name him? She got an idea.

“How ‘bout Tom, or Ted?” Penny said. “For the pooches name” she added blushing slightly.

[ July 03, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella hummed happily to the song, glad to be able to rest her feet.

'Tom eh? That doesna' sound too bad!' Penny grinned at this, and Mirabella continued to whistle the tune. For a small spell she didnt even care that they were all lost, just that she was having a good time doing so.

She tilted her head when they sang the song again 'Oi! What about Perry?' she looked at Ben then said 'Unless you would like to call him Ben the Bold!' she hooted, and threw a small stone at him. He squeaked and retorted, but Mirabella just stuck up her chin and said in an attempt at a regal tone 'Aye, Ben the Bold he is! Fighting demons!' This seemed to lift the spirits if all the group, and the laughter continued...

[piosenniel]

Seven days down the road . . .

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was late afternoon of what had started out as a very pleasant day. Tom the dog (that is what they had decided on calling him when Ben put his large Hobbit foot down and said he would not be mistaken for a great furry beast!) had managed to hunt down two rabbits, and had just brought them back to camp. Rosie, too, had been busy with her little snares, since they had called it quits early for this day of tramping. She and Ferd had been out in the nearby woods together, and had managed a trio of good-sized coneys themselves.

Ama and Penny had found a promising patch of leaves just outside the boundaries of the trees and had commandeered Ben and his pocket knife to come help them out. ‘There’s some good roots here for eating,’ cried Penny as she waved him over. ‘Come help us dig them up.’ ‘Look!’ said Ama, pointing in delight at a small bit of groundcover, ‘It’s wild sage. We can add a little flavor to the stew. And there! Wild onion!’

They were seven days into their trek northward. The weather had held steady and for many of the days they pushed hard from sun up to sundown, taking only a few mouthfuls of food as the went along. But today, they had decided to call an end to it early.

They deserved a rest, they told themselves. They were here, where the old forest met the low rolling hills just a short distance away. Old Bill had said this was where they would end up. All they had now was to go a short distance into that little rise to the east and they would be home. Or so he had said.

Miri and Olo had gone down to the small stream to wash out the old kettle they’d found in some rough camp they passed, abandoned by the Big Folk, they guessed. It was a treasure indeed, and filling it half full with water, they brought it sloshing back to the little camp. Falco was there, tending the fire, and the pot was soon propped on some rocks to boil.

Tubers and onion and sage, the trio of plant hunters returned, their offerings in hand. Tom laid his rabbits down by the others brought in by Rosie and Ferd, and sat, wagging his great tail, a half grin on his face as the smells of a meal in preparation assailed his nose.

Ben had motioned Miri to come with him, giving her half the onions and tubers to wash off. They knelt by the little stream that trickled out from under the eaves of the forest and hurried through their task.

The sun was getting lower in the sky, and a chilly breeze from the east, over that little rise of hilly country, made Ben shiver. The old, gnarled and twisted branches of the great trees that stood along the forest’s edge, creaked as the breeze hit them. And though it was only just summer, the dead dried leaves at their tips rattled drily against each other.

‘I don’t like the feel of those trees,’ whispered Ben to his companion, as they gathered up their now clean root vegetables. He hastened away from the forest and back toward the light of the little fire. ‘It has a strange feel to it. As if they don’t like us, or want us here . . .’

He glanced up to see Tom bounding toward them. ‘Good to see you, pup,’ he cried, running toward him, Mirabella following in his wake.

Behind them, unseen, it seemed as if the branches of the old trees reached out toward them, shaking their twiggy fingers at the cursed fire. And little shadows ran and flitted in the darkness of the tangled limbs . . .

[ June 24, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

The hobbits put the meat and veggies into the pot and started to make the stew. The fire started to dye low as a few drops of water fell onto the wood.

“We need more firewood,” Penny. “Anyone want to come with me to get some wood from the forest?”

“Ill go” Ferd said as he stood up and walked over to Penny.

“I’ll go too” Mirabella said following the two as they slowly walked away from the fire. The sun was setting and it was getting dark. A cool draft blew from the east. Penny, Mirabella and Ferd set of towards the forest with Tom. Penny could see the trees now. They were old and twisted. It was quite spooky. The dead leaves rustled as the wind blew though them.

“Come on. Lets hurry up and get some wood.” Penny said to Ferd and Mirabella. They hurried now, walking faster. Penny shivered as they neared the forest. The branches seemed to move, shaking like angry fists. They slowed down and entered the forest warily. The searched the ground for anytime of wood they could use for the fire. The trees creaked loudly as they swayed.

Penny found a few pieces of wood on the ground. There was barley any to be found. Penny backed up slowly, right into the open arms of a tree.

“Ahhh!” she screamed as she jumped away from the tree.”

“Are you ok?” Mirabella asked worriedly.

“I’m fine” Penny said shivering and searching the forest.

“I don’t like this place” Ferd said as he joined them.

“Me either” Mirabella said as the three hobbits and Tom scurried out of the forest with the few pieces of wood they had collected.

[ June 25, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[alaklondewen]

An eerie feeling was emitted from the unfriendly, swaying branches as Ferd, Penny, and Mirabella entered the forest. Despite the chilliness of the air outside the forest walls, the air beyond the first of the trees was warm and stuffy. It feels like a small room without any windows, Ferd thought as he looked around cautiously. He felt as though a hundred eyes were on him, but he saw no one other than his two companions.

Creaking and an occasional clatter could be heard all around them. Searching the ground quickly for dry wood, Ferd couldn’t shake the uneasiness he felt. All he wanted was to get back to the camp…in one piece.

When Ferd looked back up, he found he had walked several yards away from Penny and Mirabella, and he momentarily panicked. He tried to call to them, but his voice fell flat in the still air. So, carrying a few pieces of timber he’d gathered he quickly made his way back.

The path to his friends had seemed straight when he’d first realized he was separated, but now he had to zig-zag around this tree and that. Ferd was just a few feet away when he tripped over a root that seemed to just pop up as he was walking. You’re loosing it, Ferdy boy, he told himself as he shook the idea from his head. Picking himself up and the wood he’d dropped, he finally stepped into the small circle where Penny and Mirabella were picking up some small limbs.

Just as Ferd turned his back again, Penny screamed out and Ferd jumped. He watched as Mirabella rushed to her aid. Penny said she was fine but the hobbit was definitely shaken up.

“I don’t like this place,” Ferd looked around and motioned toward the edge of the trees. As he headed in the direction of camp, Penny and Mirabella followed.

The trio walked past the last row of old trees and they all sighed at once. The forest seemed to push them along, and it felt as though an unseen door closed behind them.

“Well, I’m glad we’re out of there,” Mirabella commented while the other two nodded in agreement. “I think this wood will have to last, because I don’t want to go back in there.”

“I agree,” Ferd said as he looked back over his shoulder. The old twisted branches seemed to be reaching out toward them, and he quickened his pace.

The smell of the stew met them as they returned to the little fire and their companions. Ferd’s mood was immediately improved by the prospect of food, and soon he was snapping his fingers at the old trees and singing along while Ben played his whistle.

[ June 26, 2003: Message edited by: alaklondewen ]

[Taralphiel]

Taralphiel's post

“Well, I’m glad we’re out of there,” Mirabella said with a pant. The journey to gather firewood had made her very ill at ease. Both her companions had been rather jumpy in the mist, and it seemed contagious. Thinking about it, she realised that the past week she had been growing more and more uneasy about their surroundings.

Moving up close to the fire and waiting for the evening meal, she scratched Toms ears. He wagged his tail happily and snuggles closer to her which made her chuckle 'Im glad Tom is with us! He seems a better guide then that Old Bill' she frowned. Her distrust for Big Folk was now cemented after his disappearance.

Sidling over near Olo, he muttered 'So, how are we going? Shall we be through these woods soon?'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pio's post

Ben leaned close to Mirabella and whispered to her. ‘I’m glad Tom is with us too.’ He looked out toward the edge of the forest. The gnarly branches rattled their leaves despite the fact there was no wind. A cold shiver ran down Ben’s spine, and he threw several large logs on the fire. He hunched in closer thinking the shadows of the trees loomed closer as he did so.

‘Don’t be silly,’ he told himself, it’s getting onto night, there are no shadows coming out of the trees.

The group was a little subdued after supper. No one had wanted to go back to the stream near the trees’ edge to do the washing up, so they had simply put the stew pot aside (there wasn’t much left in it at all), and when it had cooled, Tom volunteered to lick it clean.

They talked in hushed tones to one another, and the songs that one or two of them would start to sing, fell flat and seemed to disappear into the oncoming darkness.

Penny and Ferd banked the fire as night drew on, and the Hobbits gathered in close about it to try and rest before they pushed on in the morning. Strange noises skittered in the branches of the trees, and every so often Tom would give a deep growl and raise his hackles. But even he after a while succumbed to sleep.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

It was a grey morning that greeted them. The fire had gone out and the mist that crept in had dampened the embers completely. Ben sat up, knuckling the sleep from his eyes, and gave a mighty stretch, trying to work out some of the kinks in his muscles the cold lumpy ground had put there.

He picked up his folded vest (he was using it as a pillow), and put it on in preparation for getting up to his feet and seeing to the fire. Out of habit, he patted the numerous pockets, and a frown started on his face.

‘Hey!’ he shouted, standing up and looking about on the ground where his vest had lain. ‘My tin whistle’s gone missing!’

He looked about the camp. The stew pot had been dragged off near the trees, and there on a nearby bush was one of Rosie’s little bird nets – ripped in spots, and holes chewed through the string webbing in others.

The others were fully awake now, and each of them had looks of consternation on their faces as they patted their own pockets and searched their sleeping area . . .

[ June 26, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Ama patted down her dress looking for her knife, and unlike most if the others possessions it was still in her pocket. She sighed a sigh of relief, because from the looks this latest ‘attack’ she would need it. They other hobbits looked around wearily at the camp which was now in a state. They had no food as it had been eaten by whatever had attacked while they were dreaming. So with heavy hearts the hobbitsb sat down to eat a undersized breakfast consisting of berries and the few drops of water they had left.

As they finished Ama looked around, fog, for some strange reason was drawing in quickly. It was cold and cooling on her skin, but she did not like it one bit. Nudging Olo who sat next to her sipping water she questioned him.

“Should we move towards those hills that we saw earlier?”

He shrugged his shoulder and continued to drink. So Ama turned to the rest.

“Should we move towards those hills that we saw earlier?” she said again. A few murmurs came but nothing recognisable. The hobbits seemed to have had their spirits considerably lowed since they had got up that morning. She sympathised with them for she too felt that way. But that did not mean they had to give up on getting home. Ama turned to Olo looking at him with pleading eyes. She never was good at speaking out and Olo was always a good leader. He nodded to her.

Getting up, he said, “ You heard what Ama said, should we move towards the hills?” an echo of yeses followed. He sat back down again.

“We should get going,” said Ferd, “before this fog sets in.” nods followed and slowly camp was packed up.

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The hobbits travelled for half a day almost, but in silence. A kind of depression had seemed to fall over them as well as the fog which blinded their vision…..

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny sat shivering in the cold fog that morning. She was extremely hungry and worried. The fog will set in soon and will be lost; she thought looking at the other members of the company. They packed up the few belongings they had that hadn’t been stolen and slowly headed towards the hill they had seen earlier.

They traveled for a while silent and sullen. The fog had set in and they could barley see in front of them. It was heavy and thick and it was all around them. Penny walked slowly behind Mirabella. Tom the dog walked right next to her and Penny was glad to have his company. She had no clue what would happen to them.

“Its no use! We can go no further in this fog. I can’t even see my nose!” Penny cried miserably as she plopped down on the wet ground. The other hobbits chimed in with their agreements.

“What are we going to do!?” Mirabella cried. “We can’t make a fire in this fog. Its to heavy!” Penny sighed. The hobbits and Tom huddled up close to each other to keep warm. The group was cold, wet and miserable. The fog was misty and it was not only dampening their clothes but their spirits too.

[ July 03, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[piosenniel]

Drifting out of the fog came a wavery voice. The little cluster of Hobbits were startled by it. Tom jumped up and sniffed the air then began to wag his tail furiously.

From out of the fog came a familiar face. It was Ben, a goofy grin on his face. ‘Hey! I found the perfect place for us.’ He motioned for them to get up and come near. ‘I didn’t know you guys weren’t behind me, so I went on a little ways. Lucky you were talking loud enough for me to find my way back.’

He had them hold hands in a line so they wouldn’t get lost then he turned and led them deeper into the fog. It was thick and heavy, like wet wool, and they walked slowly because they could not see where they stepped.

After a few paces, the ground began to rise gently. They climbed up perhaps thirty paces then found themselves standing on a flat little rise. The fog was thinner here, and they could see some of the features of the area about them.

To their left, just a few steps away was a grass covered mound, just about Hobbit height. The entrance to it was covered with a stone that had been slid just slightly away so that there was a small gap just large enough for a smallish creature to pass through.

‘It was too heavy to push any further,’ Ben said in explanation. ‘There was a little sun that peeped through the fog just before I came back to find you. It’s dry inside, whatever it is. We can stay there until the fog clears and keep warm. Then we can set out again.’

Ben put his shoulder to the entrance stone and looked expectantly at the group. ‘Well isn’t someone going to help me . . .?’

[Arawethiel]

Falco stared hesitantly at Ben and the stone he was trying to move. Something didn't feel right about the grassy hill, but it seemed the best place to hide to get out of the smothering fog. Placing his misgivings aside Falco stepped forward and began to help Ben push the stone further aside. they heaved until they made a suitable amount of space so that all of the hobbits could pass through comfortably.

Ben was the first to go in and Falco followed him somewhat warily. It was dark inside and felt ominous to him. He couldn't see quite clearly and his eyes were just beginning to focus when he heard Tom starting to whine and growl. "I don't like this," Falco muttered "something isn't right." Ben preceded to walk further on into the dark having already become accustomed to the gloom while the rest of the hobbits remained clustered around the entrance. "Hey everyone! Come and see what I've discovered! There's treasure here!" Ben called out. The other hobbits became curious and followed Ben's voice further in but Falco found himself hanging back with Tom. Ferd noticed Falco's hesitation and decided to poke fun at him. "Come on Falco you're not scared after telling everyone how ghosts were all rubbish." Falco scowled and said "I'm not afraid." He preceded to stomp off after Ferd to see what all the other hobbits were looking at with excitement. After coming to a second chamber underneath the hill his eyes opened wide and he could understand what all the fuss had been about. "Oh my..." He breathed.

[Arien]

“Oh my…” whispered Falco. All around were treasures of gold and silver, but they looked dim and cold in the light. Ama looked further on, her eyes falling upon eight stone slabs placed neatly in a semi circle. She caught her breath and suddenly the air was filed with a song. A bitter mummer, falling and rising. The voice appeared distant, rasping but filling the air all around them. The hobbits stood still rooted to the spot, they wanted to move but could not. The space around them froze their bones, and as the distant melody grew closer one by one the hobbits fell to their knees.

As Ama’s knees hit the ground, she fell to the floor knocking her head on the icy, stone floor. As she came to she looked up at the swirling patterns above her. As it all came in to focus a shadow leaned over her and two faint, greenish eyes loomed at her.

“Olo!” she choked, her throat cold with horror, “Where are you?”

“I am here,” replied a voice, but it did not belong to Olo. No, that was no friendly kind voice. It was evil, harsh. Then a firm and frozen grip took her body, her blood ran chill and her bones seized up, and then darkness.

~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ ~@~@~@~

A green light broke through her shut eyes, and then they gently opened. It took her a while to get used to her surroundings, but she found her arms were placed across her chest and her head thumped persistently against the freezing stone she lay upon. Ama looked around to see her companions, their faces pale, nearly as pale as the white they now wore. And they were overly dressed in the gold and silver that was set on the floor when they had first entered.

And now the song began again, chilling Ama’s heart. And as she listened the words got louder, clearer and more deathly.

Cold be hand and heart and bone,
And cold be sleep under stone:
Never more to wake on stoney bed,
Never, till the Sun fails and the Moon s dead.
In the black wind the stars shall die,
And still on gold here let them lie,
Till the dark lord lifts his hand
Over dead sea and withered land.

Her heart jumped at the ending of the song and all was silent.

[piosenniel]

Tom’s hackles had gone up when the others entered the barrow. Push and prod and coax as he might, Ben could not get the dog to enter the ‘shelter’. ‘What’s the matter with you?’ he had cried, as Tom backed up, growling at the dark opening. Ben had shrugged his shoulders and shook his head at the contrary animal. ‘Alright! Do what you want. Sit out here in the miserable fog if you want! I’m going inside.’

Now he wished he had paid attention to Tom. He found himself like the others (he supposed since he could not turn his head to see them) on a hard, cold slab. Dressed in mouldering garments that Men must have worn at some great king’s court with a fillet on his brow, rings on his fingers, and a great sword set lengthwise on him, holding him down with its weight.

His mind was heavy, it was hard and getting harder to think. And every once in a while cold and bony fingers would poke at him through the rents in the garments, as if he were a trussed bird on a spit, and the cook bent over it to see if it were ‘ready’.

The feel of the cold hand and the ghastly green eyes that seemed to float along with it just on the periphery of his vision made him shiver with fright. But even that feeling was fading as the creature wove his ghoulish tune about the chamber. The cold melody rose and fell, blending with the shadows, and Ben fell deeper under the dark murmurings of the wight . . .

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella's head jerked back and forth as she heard the chilling poem, and saw the green glow. She realised she was not where she was before. She tried to sit up, but felt frozen to the spot.

'Blazes! We hafta get outta here!!' Mirabella said in a coarse whisper, trying to stop herself from shaking. It was all good and well saying it, but Mirabella could barely move, let alone run from their new found 'shelter'.

She tried to look about for Ben, Olo, or any pf the others. She could barely see. All she heard was that things voice, its whisper. It seemed ages old, and filled with hate and suffering to all who heard it.

A hiss and sort of laugh could be heard through the dark cavern.

Mirabella mumbled to herself as she lost awareness 'Right adventure we be having Mira. I right old adventure...'

[ June 27, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

As Penny collapsed with one last though came into her mind. The story Ben had told of Wights and the Barrow-Downs. She also remembered the song:

Get out, you old Wight! Vanish in the sunlight!
Shrivel like the cold mist, like the winds go wailing,
Out into the barren lands far beyond the mountains! . . .

Penny awoke. Her body was frozen and her blood chilled. She was scared. The story must be true! She couldn’t move and she was cold, so cold. Penny felt like crying. She missed her family. She wore a white garment. What happened to my clothes, she thought. Out of the dark to ethereal green eyes appeared. A skeletal finger poked her repeatedly. Penny got scared. Then they wight started to sing a song once again:

Cold be hand and heart and bone,
And cold be sleep under stone:
Never more to wake on stony bed,
Never, till the Sun fails and the Moon s dead.
In the black wind the stars shall die,
And still on gold here let them lie,
Till the dark lord lifts his hand
Over dead sea and withered land.
And with the end of this song Penny fell into a deep sleep, with green eyes dancing in her mind.

[ July 03, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[*Varda*]

Olo saw nothing but the shadows of darkness close in about him, as the opening closed behind them. Calling out amidst the gloom through which no light shone, he looked for his friends.

“Ama? Mirabella? Penny? Where are you all? Come out, this isn’t funny!” his frightened voice squeaked, but he heard no reply from any of his friends. It seemed to Olo that he sensed something moving nearby him, and a shiver ran up his spine, chilling his bones. A lump caught in his throat, and he trembled. A low hiss came out of the silence, and Olo stepped backwards, tripping and falling. As he lay on the ground, feeling something approaching him, everything went black.

***

Olo’s eyes flickered open, struggling to make sense of anything throughout the darkness. It was cold, very cold, as though it had settled into his bones, and nothing, not even the warmness of his own bed at home could get rid of it. A tear trickled down his cheek, and he sniffed, not even thinking to feel embarrassed about it, a hobbit boy crying. One thought reverberated in his head, as he remembered Ama saying “Yes and if wasn’t for you we wouldn’t be in this mess!” She had apologised afterwards…but the thought had lingered, and only affirmed his conviction that he was to blame. He wondered where she was. What if he survived, and had to go back home and break the news to her family that she was dead? And he was to blame for it all? A tear ran down his face from the other eye. What was he to do, lying here? He tried to move, to no avail.

The wight approached him, looming out of the shadows. Olo choked on his fear, his eyes wide with dread. The wight began to sing; a chilling song.

Cold be hand and heart and bone,
And cold be sleep under stone…

A wave of sleep rushed over Olo at that moment. Fighting against it desperately, he strove to stay awake, feeling sleep was the worst possible thing at that time. Panic filling his thoughts, suffocating him, Olo felt as though he was drowning in the wight’s song, unable to fight back. Moments later, exhausted, he fell into slumber.

[Arien]

Himaran's Post:
Erendal hurried through the fog of the Barrow-Downs, following the footprints of the halflings he had seen. The ranger had spotted them from across the river, and quickly crossed over; soon picking up their trail.

Erendal knew where the hobbits would end up, the home of the Barrow-Wight. Anyone entering the Downs seemed to be drawn to that deathly place, to find the treasure, and reap the punishment for doing so. Running now, the ranger dashed toward the small hill, where the stone was still in place.

Checking the ground, the ranger knew that the hobbits had entered, and had been caught. The ranger threw his weight against the stone, slowly moving it. Entering the dreary cave, Erendal saw the hobbits, in the trance on the ground, and also saw the wight; singing the song of death. But the ranger was well-accustomed to lore, and knew by heart the song of Tom Bombadil.

"Get out, you old Wight! Vanish in the sunlight!
Shrivel like the cold mist, like the winds go wailing,
Out into the barren lands far beyond the mountains!
Come never here again! Leave your Barrow empty!
Lost and forgotten be, darker than darkness,
Where gates stand forever shut, till the world is mended."

With an awful cry, the wight vanished, and sunlight flooded into the cave. The hobbits slowly sat up, rubbing their eyes. "Get up," hissed Erendal.

[ July 04, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Arien]

It all happened so quickly. Ama had been lying, frozen to the stone, unable to move, when she saw the light stream into the Barrow. It came as a blessing, it dazzled her eyes almost blinding her but brought warmth into her body. The wight screeched and disappeared into the shadows. The song no longer carried in the air, the green glow was no longer lingering around them, binding them to the stone.

“Get up!” hissed a voice, it was a man from what Ama could tell, she was still too dazed to recognise anyone. When she did not move she was pulled up by the stranger and placed on the ground beside Penny and Falco. “Get outside into the light,” the voice said again. Well she was not going to disagree. So quickly she ran with the others, her heart beating fast. As she ran through the entrance the sun warmed her still, it must have been morning. The fog had gone and dew was newly formed on the soft grass, it was wet under foot but she was not complaining .

They threw themselves down on to the grass glancing back to see any signs of the other. “Who, what …?” said Penny utterly confused, gazing intently at the entrance to the Barrow. Falco and Ama shrugged still too shocked to talk. But some of that shock was relived when the rest of the hobbits came running out. Lastly was the man, yes he was a man, he walked sword in his hand. Sealed the doorway to the Barrow and came towards the hobbits.

He had long messy brown hair, and wide alert eyes. He looked strong but had a fearsome appearance around him. Ama’s eyes met a scar that was slashed across his neck, and he had many others. He wore brown, matching his eyes and hair and carried bow and arrows.

Ama grabbed Ferd’s arm and pulled hime close, “Are we to trust him?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“He just saved us from that…that…”

“Wight, Barrow Wight.” said the man, he had obviously heard them and the pair looked horrified. “Are you ok?” he came closer but the hobbits backed away, scrambling along the ground.

“Whats wrong, I am not going to hurt you,” he laughed.

[piosenniel]

Tom came bounding up to the Hobbits on the grass - barking and yipping in glee. The man who had rescued them had his back turned to the happy mutt and was nearly knocked to one side as Tom’s weighty tail slapped against him.

‘Hey, get off me!’ cried Ben, pushing at the dog who straddled him and insisted on licking his face. Tom snorted at him, a playful look in his eyes then leaped like an overgrown puppy to the side of one of the other Hobbits, and gave a big wet slurp on the cheek in greeting.

Ben shaded his eyes against the bright sun and looked up at the man in brown. He stood up, a little wobbly on his feet, and bowed courteously to their rescuer.

‘Ben, sir,’ he said, by way of introduction. ‘Benton Muddyfoot, of Buckland, The Shire.’ He looked expectantly at the man. ‘And you, sir – who might you be. We should know your name if we are to give you our thanks.’

[*Varda*]

The sunlight streamed into the barrow where Olo lay, blinding him momentarily. Jumping with shock, he saw the Barrow Wight recoil, wailing, then realised that he could, indeed, move. He was free! Rolling off the large stone, he stumbled towards the door, out into the bright sunshine. There he saw his friends sitting on the damp grass, half in shock, and half in sheer relief from being free. Next thing he knew, Tom was bounding all over them, licking them and barking with joy.

Olo raised his eyes up to see the man who had saved them standing above them. He looked a rather shady character – scars across his face, and messy. Olo was wary to trust him, particularly after their last encounter with the Big Folk – how had that turned out? They were left abandoned, and nearly met death at the hands of a Barrow Wight. He stared into the eyes of this man, looking for signs of sincerity and honesty, when Ben asked “And you, sir – who might you be?”

The hobbits sat in silence as they waited for a response, their eyes fearfully moving from the scars across the man’s face to the bow and arrows he carried on his back. Some of them were more trusting than others, but despite having been rescued by this man, Olo was doubtful.

“My name? Erendal Hathali,” the man answered. “I am a ranger of this area. Tell me, what are 8 young hobbits doing so far from the Shire?”

“We were caught in a storm on the Brandywine, and our boat was lost,” Ben jumped in eagerly, seeming willing enough to talk to this stranger. “We’re trying to find our way back home.”

“An unfortunate situation that is, to be sure,” Erendal replied. “It’s a long journey to make, especially since you seem to have no proper supplies.”

“Um, could you help us find our way home?” Olo spoke grudgingly, unwilling to ask for further help. The young hobbit only spoke as he felt it was his duty to get the others safely home, and this ranger seemed to know his way around. Silently, the hobbits awaited a response.

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella fell to her knees and tried to block the light from her face. She felt like she had been dreaming for so long...

She looked around when her eyes had slightly adjusted, and saw all the hobbits lying or standing there in the strangest garb she had ever seen. She almost hooted out loud until she realised that she too was wearing the same thing.

She then let out a sort of sqeuak when she saw that it was not the 8 hobbits on their own. One of the Bog Folk was watching over them, and asking questions.

“I am a ranger of this area. Tell me, what are 8 young hobbits doing so far from the Shire?”


Mirabella watched him converse with Olo and Ben. She felt giddy and very sick, but her tongue was always one to move at the worst of times, and now was no exception. A silence came, but Mirabella did not take long to fill it.

'Hey! What the devil is going on here! I canna tell left from right in this awful place, but one thing that Old Bill taught me was no' to trust Big Folk to easily!' she said groggily, before stumbling a little trying to get up...

[ June 30, 2003: Message edited by: Taralphiel ]

[piosenniel]

Ben bent down to give a hand up to Mirabella. The Man had given his name and claimed to be a Ranger! Now the other Hobbits crowded round him, asking him questions.

‘I don’t know what to think either, Miri,’ Ben whispered as he pulled her to her feet. ‘I though old Bill was alright. But he fooled us and now look where we’ve ended up!’ He shook his head and sighed. ‘What I do know is that we’re way off course if we’ve come to the Barrow Downs and I do know none of us know how to get back to Buckland from here.’ He looked over at the weather beaten man then back at Mirabella. ‘You have any ideas?’

~*~*~*~*~*~

Tom was not as indecisive as some of the Hobbits. This two-legged creature smelled fine to him. No scent of darkness or fear or hidden things. He plopped himself down next to Erendal, wagging his tail furiously, his mouth fixed in a toothy grin. Perhaps, if he were patient, there would be a treat . . .

[alaklondewen]

Ferd stood a few feet back from the ranger, and he wasn’t sure what to think of him. That mean Old Bill had played a trick on them that was beyond just being mean, but something about this man made Ferd want to trust him. On the other hand, Big Folk made him nervous by presence alone. What is a ranger anyway? He thought to himself as he watched Erendal. Sounds like someone who just likes to be outside. But he did save us from that… Ferd shivered as he looked over at the barrow, and he knew he just wanted to leave this place.

“Guys, we need to decide something quickly, because this place is making me feel really uncomfortable,” Ferd called over the other voices. “I don’t want to be anywhere near here when the sun goes down.” Shaking his head, he shivered and began taking the rings off his fingers. He didn’t like the feel of the old garb even in the sunlight. “Does anyone know where our real clothes are?”

[elven maiden Earwen]

Penny lay on the warm ground blinking in the sunlight. The rest of the hobbits were already up and asking the man questions. Olo and Ama didn’t seem to trust him. Penny stared at him. He was dressed in brown and had scars on his face and neck. Penny could tell that most of the hobbits were distrustful because of the nasty trick Old Bill played on them. But there was a difference in Old Bill and this man. This man was kind to them, not all grumpy like Old Bill.

“My name? Erendal Hathali.” The man said.

Penny looked up at him. He had said that he was a ranger. She had never heard of rangers before. Ferd called something out. We should get moving Penny thought. She shivered as she remembered the frightful song and the chilling gaze.

“Please Sir, will you lead us back to the Shire” Penny asked hopefully. Erendal smiled at her.

“I will” Erendal said as he started walking. Penny ran to catch up to him.

“I was wondering Sir, well…” Penny paused “What’s a ranger?”

[*Varda*]

Erendal strode off, Penny scurrying to catch up with him, and they were soon in conversation. The others followed at a considerably slower pace, talking amongst themselves. They were still dressed in the clothes from the Barrow, their own seeming to have disappeared. Whispering amongst themselves, they kept an eye on the ranger ahead.

“Olo…do you think we should trust him?” Ama whispered to him..

“What choice do we have?” the younger hobbit replied. “We’re completely lost! We’d never make it home alone.” Olo sighed sadly. “It’s all my fault for getting us into this mess in the first place.”

“I suppose we must just trust him,” Ama said thoughtfully, ignoring Olo’s last comment. After walking steadily for an hour, they saw the trees of the Old Forest coming up before them. Olo gulped nervously. His thirst for adventure that was previously so strong had been slowly disappearing as they tried to make their way home. The trees loomed starkly before them, some of them twisted and grotesque, their branches reaching out to the hobbits, calling them in. Here, Erendal paused as the hobbits gathered together.

“Whatever you do when we’re in here, stick together. It’s all too easy to get lost amidst the trees of the forest…” Turning, he brushed past a branch and entered the thickness of the trees, following a small path, not much used. The eight hobbits, glancing around nervously, followed after into the growing darkness, where it seemed hard to tell the difference between night and day.

[piosenniel]

Even Tom was subdued as they passed beneath the cover of the trees. The air was thick, it seemed. And the limbs of the trees creaked and groaned at them. Their dry leaves rattled menacingly at the Hobbits as they passed though no breeze touched them. There were dark things that scampered in the branches, and little bright eyes that seemed to follow them and blink out if one tried to look directly at them.

Ben shivered, and grabbed hold of Tom’s fur for reassurance as they walked along. This was just as creepy as the old wight’s barrow, he thought. But bigger. And he felt that the trees were thinking of him and saying to one another how they hated the nasty little two-legged creatures who had put up the Hedge against them.

They bit us with their axes! he could almost make out in the whisperings. They burned us!

The path ahead seemed to shift and change in the shadows, almost as if the trees were trying to guide their footsteps. The Ranger seemed unconcerned, and plunged on ahead in silence.

Ben leaned close to Mirabella. ‘I don’t know about this,’ he said, a shiver running up his spine as the path now appeared to turn right where formerly it had gone straight ahead. ‘Out of the frying pan and into the fire, it seems to me . . .’

[ July 01, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Taralphiel]

. ‘I don’t know about this,’ ‘Out of the frying pan and into the fire, it seems to me . . .’

Mirabella nodded with a great frown, still feeling slightly woozy from the Wights great song. Few had paid heed to her warnings, and followed the Ranger. He looked friendly enough, but Big Folk can seem nice and be far from it, she knew that much.

'I see little we can do Ben. If he gets us home its a blessing, but I aint gettin' me hopes up. I'd just be ready to kick up a stink and get outta his way as soon as I could' she grunted, and followed along. 'He should prove himself good or ill soon enough'

[alaklondewen]

Ferd was not happy about entering the strange forest again, and as they passed under its eaves, he could feel eyes on him. Looking around cautiously, he saw nothing but heard much. The trees seemed to groan and their branches cracked and creaked overhead, but no breeze could be felt by the hobbits. In fact the air was so thick and still, what little conversation was started fell flat before them.

Ben’s frying pan and fire comment did not set well with Ferd. It reminded him too much of something old Mr. Bilbo would have said, and Ferd’s adventurousness was now gone. The small relief gained by leaving that nasty barrow was not enough to put him in high spirits under the foreboding trees. Trudging forward with his head down, Ferd tried to ignore the whispers all around him and only hoped to eventually leave the atrocious forest behind.

[piosenniel]

They trudged on for many hours, or so Ben thought by the way his feet and legs felt. Truth be known he really couldn’t tell how far they’d come. The trees hung in so close that there was no view in the distance to judge how close they were getting, and behind, the trees seemed to close in over the path as soon as the last of the Hobbits walked over a section.

Erendal seemed tireless, and Ben, not to be outdone by any of the Big Folk trudged on after him. ‘Say, Mister!’ he called out to the Ranger, from his place at the back of the line. ‘Begging your pardon, and I do understand how a person would just want to keep in walking to get out from under these gloomy trees, but have you given any thought to when we might stop?’

The Ranger halted the line, and stood hands on hips looking back at Ben.

‘Well nothing for it but to plunge on ahead! thought Ben to himself. ‘Meaning no disrespect, sir, but we haven’t had a bite to eat since some cold breakfast that seems days if not weeks ago in the past.’

It had only been since the early morning of this very same day, of course, but to a growing Hobbit, missing a meal or three or four in a day, is a grave issue and worthy of discussion. In the dim light of the forest, the Ranger’s face was all but hidden, and Ben stood there imagining a look of disapproval on his face.

It took him by surprise then, when Erendal started to chuckle. And he could see the Ranger shake his head back and forth as the laughter built. ‘Sorry,’ he said to the astounded Hobbits, ‘but I had quite forgotten that a Hobbit’s day revolves around the rumblings of his tummy . . . and to be sure, your stomach’s must be rumbling quite loudly by now.’ He motioned them closer with a wave of his hand. ‘Just a little further, I promise. And then we come to a little clearing with a stream flowing through. We’ll stop there for the night and then push on in the morning.’ He turned and started down the path again.

‘Mind you,’ he said, turning his back toward them, ‘once we get there, stay away from the large old willow that grows by the edge of the water . . .’

Ben nudged Mirabella in the side. ‘I’m so hungry right now I could probably eat that blasted willow . . . yeah, and follow up with a side dish of beech and oak to boot!’

‘OW!’ he cried, as a thin willow wand slashed through the air and slapped him on the cheek. He turned back to look at the offending tree and took a step backward, a glare on his face . . . only to trip over a great oak root and land square on his rear. The leaves of a nearby beach rattled menacingly at him . . .

[Arawethiel]

Falco stumbled along with the other hobbits barely watching where he was going. His mind kept flashing back to the barrow he had been trapped in. He remembered the whispers and the song freezing him dragging him deeper into a cold blackness. Even now that he was free a deep chill pervaded his body and prevented him from warming up. Wights the ranger had said they were and Falco could not have been more shocked and uprooted at that moment.

It seemed there are many things afoot in this world that Falco now realized were quite real and dangerous. Glancing around at the forest they were now walking through Falco could feel the weight of unseen eyes upon them and could no longer dismiss them as being imaginings. Erendal noticed the shivering hobbit and spoke a few words that cheered Falco some. "Do not fret young hobbit, the Wights can harm you no longer. Soon we will be back in your own lands and with this adventure long behind you." Falco smiled at the Ranger and although he had been wary of Old Bill he could not help but trust this man. He had saved them from the Barrow Downs and had been nothing but friendly and open.

Falco had a feeling that Old Bill would have left them to the foul whims of the Wights had he stayed with them. The man and hobbits continued on for a little while longer until at last they reached the clearing Erendal had mentioned earlier. Rosie then appeared beside Falco and said "Do you suppose I should ask Erendal if we can hunt some game? This is a queer forest but surely there must be something rustling about that we could eat." Falco nodded and said "Let's go ask the Ranger." Together they walked over to Erendal and Rosie asked "Excuse me, sir, but do you suppose Falco and I could try to catch some game in my snare? There are a lot of us to feed and none of us have any supplies." Ama spoke up as well asking Erendal a question too. "Oh and could Olo and I go looking for some berries to eat?" All the hobbits stopped and waited for the Ranger's reply unsure of how they should tread in the foreboding forest.

[Himaran]

The events had happened so fast that even Erendal could hardly recollect how he suddenly had a band of haflings following him through the Old Forest. Surprisingly, the usually cold and solitary ranger nearly enjoyed the hobbits' company. It was a nice retreat from the hollow lonliness he endured daily. However, when they suggested splitting up, the ranger was slightly pleased.

"Certainly not, young hobbits. The woods are dangerous, and it is too easy to get lost. As for food, we are not far from my dwelling. A hot meal will do you good, by the looks of you."

Several hours later, near dusk, the group arrived at his shack. The ranger ushered them inside, looking around the darkening woods suspiciously. He shut the door behind them, started a fire and aquired help from the hobbits the fix a stew; slicing vegetables and fresh meat. Soon, the odd gathering sat around the fire, sipping the hot broth of their invention.

[ July 04, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

[*Varda*]

The hobbits sat around the flickering flames of the fire, the shadows dancing and creating eerie shapes on the walls of the shack. Olo watching the shadows flit across the walls as he ate his broth. After the long trek from the barrow to this hut, the good food warmed his insides as nothing else could have done. The immense feeling of satisfaction in his stomach rose to his head, and drowsily he fell asleep. One by one, the other hobbits curled up on the floor and were soon in a deep slumber as well.

**

The next morning dawned early, although through the thickly set trees of the Old Forest it was difficult to see much light. Through odd gaps in the trees, light streamed through, illuminating parts of the forest. As the hobbits rose early and left the shack, the woods were eerie and mystical in the dawn’s morning light.

Erendal had left early, seeing to business around the forest, but after the hobbits ate a small breakfast he soon returned.

“Up you get!” he said, ushering them out the door. “We still have a long way to go!” Not without some grumbling, the hobbits were soon wandering the paths of the Old Forest again, their hearts and hopes rising at the thought of nearing their homes.

[Taralphiel]

“Up you get! We still have a long way to go!”

Mirabella took her sweet time rousing herself, and strolled around in the morning sun. The journey had been a lot less eventful she had to admit, and she knew it had to have been because of the Ranger. Though she tried her best to shwo her dislike, he simply laughed it off, which infuriated her more.

'And how are we this morning Mis Mirabella?' he said with a smile 'The sooner Im home the better' she grumbled back, and he chuckled at her.

Moving up beside Ben she asked 'You think he would be a little less cheery in a place like this'

Ben smiled 'There be a difference between mistrust and dislike Mira. Why do ye no' give him a chance eh?' Miarbella looked at him 'Oh ho! So youre on his side now eh?' Ben couldnt stop giggling, and Mira grumbled as they journeyed along.

[piosenniel]

Three days into the Old Forest

A few days later and Mirabella was still grumbling. Though her mood had lightened a little since the Ranger had managed to keep them from any misadventures. They had become used to the gloom of the Old Forest, and found themselves able to make light of it in their young fashion. The trees, too, for their part seemed to sense they meant no harm, though they creaked and rustled if one of the little folk strayed off the path.

Tom raced by Ben and Mirabella, his great tongue lolling from his mouth, heading for the front of the line. The Ranger nearly went sprawling as the dog hurtled past him, bent on some destination unseen in the distance.

‘Come on, Miri! said Ben, as they turned a corner on the twisty path, and saw the Ranger shaking his head at the quickly disappearing dog. It looks like Tom has found something!’ he grabbed her hand and took off at a run.

The other Hobbits, eager to see what the dog had found, joined in the chase down the path . . .

____________________________________________

check the Discussion thread, please

[ July 03, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[alaklondewen]

Ferd charged after Tom and the others lagging a little behind even though his pants were a bit looser than when they set out on their boat two weeks before. Suddenly the trees parted, and the hobbits stood in what appeared to be a wide clearing.

“What is this place?” Penny asked. Her voice was filled with awe as she turned around soaking it in.

Ferd searched his memories for stories about the Old Forest. Why would there be an area this big without any trees in the middle of the forest? He thought turning in the same way as Penny. Then it hit him…this was the Bonfire Glade!

“Olo! Do you remember the stories of when the trees attacked the Hedge?” Ferd called to Olo who was facing the opposite direction. Spinning around slowly, Olo met Ferd’s gaze. A broad smile covered Ferd's round face.

“Yes,” Olo drew the word out as though he already knew what Ferd was going to say next, and the hobbit gradually matched Ferd’s grin.

“This must be the Bonfire Glade!” Ferd was ecstatic and he began to dance around the circle, but stopped short when an old branch reached out and scraped his arm. He covered the scratch with his other hand and gave the tree and hateful glance. Then turning back to his companions who were by now curious as to why he was making a fool of himself, he called out, “We’re almost home! The Gate can’t be but a couple of hours from here!”

What followed seemed a little chaotic. The hobbits began jumping up and down and hugging one another, and then hugging Erendal who appeared to be uncomfortable with receiving the affection. Finally they decided to sit and have a small bite in the clearing before making their way home.

[Arien]

“We are nearly home!” Ama smiled, her face grinning at Olo who was now a little more optimistic since he felt he was to blame. And grabbing his hand she danced around, cheering, “Home, home, home!” Everyone was thrilled at the thought of getting home and though they were hungry and thirsty these desires were forgotten momentarily in the joy of finally making it back to the Shire. At length they sat down on the floor, in a circle and they were joined by Erendal who, taking a package from his bag, spread out a few apples and bread in front of the ravenous hobbits. They ate with high hopes and laughed while they ate.

As Ferd chewed thoughtfully on a piece of bread he spoke up, “Just two hours or so,” the other hobbits nodded, “And then we can go home, eat, drink, wash and sleep!”

“Ah sleep!” laughed Penny, “It will be lovely to sleep in my comfortable bed without stones digging into me! And finally a peaceful nights sleep with out wondering where you are or where you are going.” She threw her apple core down to the floor and took a small sip of the water that Erendal had too brought along with him.

“Or what might attack you.” shivered Mirabella remembering the Wight.

“But it hasn’t been all that bad,” sighed Ben.

“Hasn’t been all that bad?” asked Falco derisively.

“Well it hasn’t!” replied Ben, “ Think about it! We have been on a adventure, just like the ones in tales. We survived a Barrow Wight, we met a Ranger!” he giggled smiling at Erendal.

“The lad has a point.” Erendal said, “I mean what hobbits can say they have done all that?” The others nodded, thinking hard. “Its true,” he shrugged.

[elven maiden Earwen]

“Almost home!” Those words echoed in Penny’s mind as she devoured her food. Finally home with my family in my cozy hobbit-hole, with a bed, food, a bath and no wights. Penny was so cheerful and she her smile was so big. She had rarely smiled since… well since they left. Penny had lost track of days. They almost certainly were gone for about two weeks.

Penny remembered the day they left for the boat ride. She couldn’t wait to get on the river. She had told her Mum and Pa that shed be gone for only a few days. Were they worried, because a few days passed a long time ago? Penny listened to the others talked. Now that she thought about it, it hadn’t been too bad.

“The worse parts were, the rain, Old Bill, sleeping, food, Barrow-Downs and well that’s about it. Look on the bright side we all survived and we even found Tom.” Penny thought.

“What are we going to do with Tom? I mean we can’t just leave him here. Someone should take him home.” Penny said.

[Himaran]

As the hobbits discussed who should keep the dog, Erendal made a hard decision of his own. The ranger knew that it was time for him to return home, and for the haflings to go to theirs. He cleared his throat slowly, and the others stopped talking to listen to him.

"Well, dear hobbits, from here you can guide yourselve's home without trouble. You must only stick to the path, and within several hours you will all be recieving a stern lecture from your parents. I have greatly enjoyed leading you here; and it is with deep sadness that I depart. But I must return home."

Ben's face clouded at the thought of Erendal leaving. "You mean going back to your little house by the river?"

The ranger smiled once more, and it was not merely a polite gesture, it was heartfelt. "No, dear hobbit, I am going back to Rohan. You see, I lived in the Old Forest because I saw the people's of Middle-Earth becoming evil, self-centered and lustful. But You, dear hobbits, have shown me the truth; that many still walk on this earth that are kind and just, and innocent. And thus I am going home, to where I belong, to seek knews of what family I have left. Perhaps one day I shall return here, and visit you in the Shire. Goodness, you will all be so big by then!"

Ben thought for a minute, and then said, "Sir, I doubt that anyone will believe we met a real ranger. Could you give us a little thing to show them, to prove to our folk's that we really met you?"

The ranger pondered the question a moment, and then drew out from his belt a small dagger, but beautiful. It had a wooden handle, with exquisite lines carved into the smooth pommel; and a thin, curved silver blade. Erendal handed it to Ben. "This was a gift to me from the elves of Mirkwood; and it was they who wrought it. Few regular old men living in the Old Forest would carry such a thing. Keep it safe, Ben. As for the dog, why not decide later, once you are safely home?"

Later, as Erendal walked south through the forest, he thought of all the events that had just occured. Good Bye, Dear Hobbits, and Tom. Good Bye, Ben. I am truely going home.

[ July 05, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

[Taralphiel]

Mirabella sat at the corner of the group when she heard the Ranger say he was leaving. She couldnt help but feel sad. She had tried so hard not to trust him, but he had proved to be as good of folf as any, and she felt horrible.

All the hobbits chattered amongst themselves about who was to keep Tom. The dog simply sat at the fire and looked her way, a strange sort of look in his eyes. Mirabella knew now was the time to eat her words.

As the Ranger walked away, she squeaked 'Thankyou Erendal. You're one of the best of the Big Folk Ive ever met' and she gave a great smile.

[*Varda*]

Olo watched the Ranger disappear into the trees, his heart warmed to the Big Folk, now he knew there were some good people out there. The hobbits sat in the Bonfire Glade a little longer, the initial thrill at discovering how close they were to home replaced by silence as the hobbits mused on the events of the previous two weeks. Who would have believed that all this could stem from one small boat adventure?

Some minutes later, the hobbits rose from the ground, stamped out the fire, and began the last few hours of their journey. Buckland was so near now – Olo barely thought of the trouble he would inevitably be in from his parents – and thought only of being able to tell of their adventures to the other hobbits. He could see it now, describing the boat rushing downstream, the barrow wights, and they could lord it over the others that they had been in the Old Forest! Olo smiled exultantly. His fears had passed, and his guilt had slowly been ebbing away as they got nearer and nearer home, and the hobbit had begun to realise that they would make it.

Tom ran along at their side, sniffing out every tree and leaf that they passed by, curious about the new places that he was seeing. The hobbits spoke little, silent with relief, tiredness, and the flood of emotions that were taking over at this point. Olo looked down, and realised they were all still wearing the strange clothes from the barrow. They would look a sight as they entered the Shire!

Ama walked a little ahead of the others, and they were soon awakened from their thoughts by the sound of her calling “The gate! I can see it!” Olo dashed ahead to look, and indeed, there it was. They were home at last.