The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

alaklondewen · 03-24-2004, 11:09 AM

When their father had proposed babysitting, Henry and May had quickly agreed. Henry had often helped his father on the Whitfoot land, but the boy had never been paid before…for anything. The prospect of having real money, that wasn’t just a couple of pennies from his father for being good, seemed surreal to the young hobbit.

The money had been all Henry was worried about the night before, but now that the morning sun was rising, he wasn’t so sure he wanted to spend his time watching those Whitfoot kids. He had wanted to do some exploring the next time they stopped…maybe into the forest a bit. The night before he’d heard some queer tales about that place, and he wanted to check it out for himself. But not with those Whitfoots around…I won’t be able to do anything! He glanced over toward Alora and Crispin. The lass was kind of cute, but he bet that Crispin would keep him busy. I bet I have to entertain that kid everywhere we go. Henry sighed and pulled his knees up to his chin. This was going to be a long trip.

Sitting with his back against the wagon’s wheel, he turned his attention to his mother who was hurrying around the fire making breakfast. He could still taste the mushroom pie from the night before, and he was certainly looking forward to what she would prepare this morning. His mother had always been a great cook and knew how to make due with what little provisions they had.

Looking around the circle, Henry saw that most of the travelers were up, packing, and preparing small breakfasts for their families. May, however, was still stretched out sleeping in her makeshift bed. Henry was very curious as to what she thought of all this babysitting talk. Deciding he didn’t want to wait any longer for her to awaken (and because it would give his stomach a break from watching his mother cook), the young hobbit decided May a slept long enough. Pulling himself up slowly with the weight of the wagon, he tiptoed to where May laid slumbering peacefully. Henry, after searching the ground a moment, saw his Grandpa’s cane leaning against the back of the wagon. Grandpa Fordo was sitting in the back of the cart, apparently dozing. The young hobbit quietly snatched his grandfather’s cane and proceeded to poke his sister in the ribs. At first he prodded gently, but when May did not respond, Henry jabbed her avidly until she cried out.

“Oh, good, you’re awake,” Henry smiled over his sister and quickly placed the cane behind his back.

03-24-2004, 11:09 AM	#64
alaklondewen Song of Seregon Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Following the road less traveled Posts: 1,193	Henry Chubb When their father had proposed babysitting, Henry and May had quickly agreed. Henry had often helped his father on the Whitfoot land, but the boy had never been paid before…for anything. The prospect of having real money, that wasn’t just a couple of pennies from his father for being good, seemed surreal to the young hobbit. The money had been all Henry was worried about the night before, but now that the morning sun was rising, he wasn’t so sure he wanted to spend his time watching those Whitfoot kids. He had wanted to do some exploring the next time they stopped…maybe into the forest a bit. The night before he’d heard some queer tales about that place, and he wanted to check it out for himself. But not with those Whitfoots around…I won’t be able to do anything! He glanced over toward Alora and Crispin. The lass was kind of cute, but he bet that Crispin would keep him busy. I bet I have to entertain that kid everywhere we go. Henry sighed and pulled his knees up to his chin. This was going to be a long trip. Sitting with his back against the wagon’s wheel, he turned his attention to his mother who was hurrying around the fire making breakfast. He could still taste the mushroom pie from the night before, and he was certainly looking forward to what she would prepare this morning. His mother had always been a great cook and knew how to make due with what little provisions they had. Looking around the circle, Henry saw that most of the travelers were up, packing, and preparing small breakfasts for their families. May, however, was still stretched out sleeping in her makeshift bed. Henry was very curious as to what she thought of all this babysitting talk. Deciding he didn’t want to wait any longer for her to awaken (and because it would give his stomach a break from watching his mother cook), the young hobbit decided May a slept long enough. Pulling himself up slowly with the weight of the wagon, he tiptoed to where May laid slumbering peacefully. Henry, after searching the ground a moment, saw his Grandpa’s cane leaning against the back of the wagon. Grandpa Fordo was sitting in the back of the cart, apparently dozing. The young hobbit quietly snatched his grandfather’s cane and proceeded to poke his sister in the ribs. At first he prodded gently, but when May did not respond, Henry jabbed her avidly until she cried out. “Oh, good, you’re awake,” Henry smiled over his sister and quickly placed the cane behind his back.