[Child of the 7th Age]

After Carl had finished telling his secret about the bithday to Gaddy and Hal, he went off to join Branda to go fishing as he'd promised earlier. Soon, all three hobbits--Branda, Carl, and Dinodas--were trooping off to the Water in hopes of bringing back a large catch. Tne hobbits carried an assortment of poles and lines and feathered lures, along with their weapons and a few buckets. The younger son of the farmer had also come along, hoping to learn a few tricks to surprise his parents.

"You sure we'll find something" Dinodas asked.

"I'm sure. Don't worry. Wargs and dogs are mysteries to me. But fish I know inside out. My family's been doing this for generations. They say if you're a Stoor, it comes in the blood."

"Are any of the others coming?" Carl asked. "Not sure, maybe a few will find their way later." The road's straight and clear so they'll have no trouble finding it."

It didn't take long to reach the Water. It was frozen on top, but, if you looked hard underneath, you could see some real water down below with a few fish darting back and forth. Branda took his pick axe and began chipping a hole in the ice and told the others to do the same, and showed them how they must sit very quietly with a line slinking down and wait for the fish to bite.

Then Branda scrambled deep in his pocket and took out hooks, a few made of wood and ohers made of some kind of metal. He tied them on the lines, and then attached something to the end.

Dinodas covered his nose, "That stinks. What is it?

Branda laughed, "It's rotten chicken and fish. I brought it all the way from home. I kept it in the bottom of my pocket so it wouldn't freeze up and stay fresh. You may think it stinks but the fish in these parts love it."


Then he sat down patiently to wait.

[ December 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ December 18, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]