[ArwenBaggins]

Crispin let out a slight yelp and forced the old soggy piece of straw from his mouth. He saw little Alora bobbing helplessly in the river, waves rising ever-nearer her curly head.

"Alora!" He shoved the chewing item into his pocket and climbed over the bridge. Yes, his sister was a nuisance, but he couldn't have her drown! Jumping into the water, he pushed his way toward his little sister.

He was not a champion swimmer by no means; he was barely even 'good' at swimming. Right now, however, you could not tell. Crispin flapped and kicked against the current to the hobbit lass. "Alora! Alora! I'm coming, don't worry!" He soon reached the girl, who was flailing aimlessly and sinking fast.

Throwing his arm around her, Crispin struggled toward the shore. "Crispin! I'm scared!" Alora kept muttering, fear growing in Crispin as well. The water was cold and the current was strong...

They finally were within reaching distance of shore. Crispin was about to toss Alora onto the greenish-brown grass when he felt a thick cane around his neck. "Ack!" He flew upon shore, lying coughing and hacking for a moment.

Checking to see if Alora was indeed on shore as well, his eyes fell sharply onto the old Chubb. Great! Now that old goat will get all the recognition for saving 'two young hobbits' when only ONE needed saving! He struggled up from the ground and sat, sopping, in the grass with Alora, who had crawled up next to him.

"You two shouldn't play around! Be more careful, Whitfoots!" The last word was partly sneered, but not too obviously that anyone could hear. Fordogrim hobbled back to his wagon, leaving Crispin huffing angrily next to the bridge.