WhiteLady's post
Rose Goodchild felt her face grow hot and angry at Tanta's accusation. It was a rather good thing that the words she wished to speak on Cami's behalf rose up and became choked in her throat, emerging only in an outraged garggle. When the young hobbit found her voice, Mayor Samwise had hastily stepped forward to steer the discussion back to the subject at hand. Emboldened by her inflamed temper which was evident in a faint flush that tinted her cheeks a rosy-red, Rose stood up to address the Townhall.
"It seems to me that these bandit men must either be very desperate or terribly wicked to go so far as to snatch our hobbit babes. Who knows what other things they might do to achieve their end? Though our Shirrifs do a fine job of keeping the peace between our own quiet fold in times of peace," and with this, Rose nodded towards the guard in the back; a frosty attempt at civility though she was, in her mind, remembering their unkind treatment of Mithadin. "We do not know the number or purpose of these men," she continued. "They may be few and disorganized, of course, but I do not think we should be caught unawares if the situation proves otherwise."
Rose faltered as she felt the eyes of the gathered families upon her and the flush along her cheeks spread to the tips of her ears and point of her nose. Before she could continue or make any further comment, however, Hob had jumped to his feet and Rose sank into her seat next to Cami who gave her an encouraging nod.
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ArwenBaggins' post
Elanor sat at the end of the row her mother was sitting in, holding Goldi in her lap. She tried to keep up with the conversation, but the arguing became too frequent and annoying. She leaned over to Frodo-lad, who was sitting next to her. "I wish they would stop blaming people and start fixing the problem!" Frodo nodded in approval.
Sighing deeply, she set Goldi down and stood, trying to be seen. Clearing her throat, she yelled over the bickering crowd. "I want to help! I want to help you!" A stern look appeared on her face as the crowd quieted.
"Yes! My brothers and sisters can help! We can take around a flyer that my father or the sheriff can write, telling everyone when it will be their turn to patrol the roads at night! We will remind everyone to look around their farms and homes to find anything they can use as a weapon--shovels, spades, sturdy walking sticks, butcher knifes, -- just in case the bandits show up at their door!" She stood with her back straighter than usual, with a large grin.
Miz Rose looked over at her daughter. She was very proud to hear Elanor speak out at the meeting with some good practical ideas, but she was worried about the children running off on their own and getting into trouble. Miz Rose quickly added, "Elanor, you have to promise me that you and the other children would only do this in the day, and that you'll always go in pairs. If not, if you can't promise that, then it will be way too dangerous."
Elanor looked to Frodo-lad, to Rosie, and then to the others. "We promise. We will have older children go with the younger ones. We will never venture to far, just so we can get back before dark. Everyone in the Shire will be informed!" She grinned again, hearing everyone voice their approval of her idea.
[ April 02, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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