[Novnarwen]

Fippi

"Now you children, who are going with Master Beril here, come up and gather round him. And you others, please gather up your lunch pails, or packets, and cloaks and be on your way home. Your parents will be waiting for you."

Fippi knew at once who he was going with. Yes, yes, yes, it was, Berliac! How the little hobbit boy had looked forward to this, being accompanied by a RANGER! It was amazing, unbelievable. The boy tried not to show how happy he was, trying to keep his head cool. It was supposed to look like this was an ordinary thing, which came natural to Fippi. The hobbit followed the other children, now totally unaffected by the pea-episode. Or rather, his excitement was far too big to think about that now.

Fippi talked eagerly with Ella, Mondy and Kali. Little Lily followed the conversation eagerly. All the time, Fippi tried to get Berlaic's attention by laughing loudly or sending quick comments now and then. They didn't stop once though, not until they reached the South-Gate. At this moment Berliac held up his hand, making the children fall silent.


"Now, who can show me any place here you’ve used to get through?"

Fippi gazed upwards, looking at the gate, before he tried to figure out what the other children were thinking.

"Remember, if you can sneak out – the bandits can sneak in."

Fippi swallowed. Bandits? Dangerous ones? It was just moments before he had yelled out these questions, but calmed, trying to seem sophisticated and relaxed. Berliac tossed an apple over at each of the children. Fippi grabbed it eagerly with both hands. All of them chewed the red circle formed apple, enjoying it to the fullest. Fippi felt the sour juice on his tongue. He let out a little; "Mm," before he thought about what Berliac just had said.

Fippi was just about to open his mouth to say how he got in and out at times, but remembered something very important. He wasn't really allowed to sneak out of town, and certainly not alone, which he had did a number of times, to climb the many trees out there. He hesitated. What if the Ranger told his father, Hedgar or his mother Rosie, for that matter. Fippi knew that his mother would probably over react and get very mad. Hedgar would probably not be too strict about it, but when he would get the warning look from his wife, Rosie, it would get other tones. On the other hand, the little hobbit thought about how he could help this ranger by telling him how Fippi could get in and out, without anyone noticing. This was indeed an encouraging thought. Maybe this would open the doors to Fippi of becoming a RANGER!

Fippis stepped forwards, after thinking about this. "Do you promise not to tell my parents?" he whispered in Berliac's ears. The grown-up hobbit grinned, patting Fippi at the back. "Your secret is safe with me," he said, urging Fippi to explain.

"Do you see those branches?" Fippi asked, moving towards them. Berliac and the others followed, muttering about whether there could be something there. It didn't exactly look like something else than rotten pieces of wood. Fippi bent down, taking the branches away, uncovering what seemed to be some kind of a hole. "It's been hidden from you adults, who don't know where to look," Fippi said, smirking at Berliac.

The Hobbit child explained how the hole ran like a little tunnel with ways inside the hedge. Afterwards it bent outwards, and you would come out to a trench. The other children ate their apples, whilst listening attentively to Fippi's explanation. Berliac smiled, making a drawing on his piece of paper. Fippi finished, being very proud by his honesty. He ate his apple with no further comments.

[ October 28, 2003: Message edited by: Novnarwen ]

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