[Child of the 7th Age]

Most of those who were going on the trip to Rivendell had raced up to Bandobras during the meeting to plead their case. Branda's strategy had been a little different. He'd waited until the gathering had adjourned, with hobbits walking off in all different directions. Then he'd quietly come up behind Bullroarer, cleared his throat, and asked to talk.

"I'd like to come along," he said, tugging on the hobbit's cloak to get his attention. "You have no one who can get fish out of an icy pond or stream. That's one of the safest and surest ways that we can find something to eat without exhausting ourselves chasing after game. Plus, I have a stock of herbs and healing potions passed down from my mother that are second to none in the Shire. And I know at least a bit about using them."

Bullroarer shook his head, "I didn't say you wouldn't be useful, but you are a married man with one child here and another on the way. Most of those going are footloose wanderers, or at least have no spouse or youngsters at home."

Branda stood mulishly in front of Bullroarer, "The last time I looked you were married and had many sons and daughters. That hasn't stopped you from going places!"

"Alright, suit yourself, Branda, but I want no complaints from wives that their husbands have run off."

"You don't have to worry about that with us. Bell is with her sister, and I've laid in a fine store of fish for both of them, smoked and frozen. They'll not go hungry. My wife also understands why I have to do this."

"And just why is that?" Bullroarer demanded.

"Because it's the decent thing to do. There are children with growling stomachs. Because I want to see an Elf one time in my life and maybe, just maybe, I'll show my neighbors what an "outsider" can do to help the Shire."

"Can you be back by tomorrow?"

"Aye," he responded. "My family stays with Bell's sister in Westfarthing. My two ponies are ready to go and my belongings wait there. Let me say farewell to my wife, and I'll return by mid-morning."

Bullroarer sighed and shook his head yes. The lad was right. Gathering food on the road could be a problem. And who knew what injuries or illnesses might come their way? Folks told tales that Branda was so talented he could charm fish out of a pond, and that he knew strange bits of healing and herbal lore no one else in the Shire did.

Nor was Bullroarer surprised when the Stoor mentioned the suspicions of his neighbors. The lad's great-grandparents had come from the area near Gladden Fields. There were some very funny tales and hints about those hobbits. According to rumors, no good could come from Gladden since, long ago, there'd been some terrible mischief there, which had best be forgotten.

Still, this young man did not look untrustworthy in any way. Bullroarer wondered about those strange tales and vowed to ask Branda if he knew about them, perhaps some night around the campfire when they were on the trail.

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]