[Primrose Bolger]

An invitation to Larien

Ginger colored at the question. ‘Ferdy. Well, he’s my fellow. Lives with his family in Hobbiton.’ The thought of him caused her to blush even more deeply. Wanted as it was, this new tie between her and Ferdy was new. And she found it hard to name it. Giving herself a breather from further consideration, she took a gulp of cider. ‘Anyways, we’d be happy to have you walk about with us.’

From the corner of her eye she caught the door to the kitchen opening. Buttercup’s voice called to her, saying they needed to set the conies and vegetables stewing for supper. ‘Oh! I’ll need to get the flour and such measured out for the biscuits,’ Ginger said, half to herself. She looked up at Larien as an unexpected thought came to her.

‘Say, if you’re not busy, would you like to help us out in the kitchen. I’m sure there are more carrots and taters to be chopped for the stew. And you can help roll and cut the biscuits with me later when it’s nearer to supper. And there’s the rest of the tarts, too, to drizzle with icing. Buttercup and Ruby will be there. they’re older than me, but real nice. You’ll like them, I think.’ She got up from her chair as she waited for her new friend’s answer.