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Old 09-14-2002, 01:52 PM   #81
piosenniel
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Sting

The two hobbits were awakened by the loud squawks of the now thoroughly entangled bird.
An indignant demand brought them to their feet.

'Get me out of here, you half-witted halflings!'

[ September 14, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]
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Old 09-14-2002, 04:05 PM   #82
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Boots

Startled by the squawking, Hob rolled over and quickly rose.

Shush, you crazy bird, and be still. Bein' passed the Downs and under fair light don't mean you won't still raise the dead with that noise. Quiet now and I'll let yous loose. What do you mean sneaking'in on us like this?

Despite the harshness of his words, Hob's tone was gentle and he held his hand out, willing to let the angry crow peck him if that would help calm the bird down. Hob squatted low beside the netting and rubbed his nose with his free hand.

Erling, you do gets us into some scrapes. I've never afore met a bird what talks. How does we loose the net without lettin' it get away? And without costin' me half me fingers?

Hob looked at his friend with a grin, a tired grin, but a grin nonetheless.

[ September 14, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]
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Old 09-14-2002, 05:06 PM   #83
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Sting

The hobbit ranger and his apprentice were sheltering beneath some trees for the night. Once again Rose struggled to get an arrow into the center of a tree. She was doing better now. By the time she stopped she had hit the tree a few times.
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Old 09-14-2002, 08:28 PM   #84
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Sting

Interesting dilemma we have before us, don't we, Hob? I was planning to let the bird go, since crow isn't exactly my idea of breakfast, and I could never eat a talking bird.

* Erling somehow managed an even tone of voice, though he continued to blink in astonishment at his most unusual catch. A talking bird? *

But maybe you're right, Hob. Let's not be so quick to let it loose. This bird could be magical. Maybe it will grant us a wish in exchange for its freedom.

* Erling smiled hopefully, and not unkindly, at the crow. Rekindling the campfire back to life, the Hobbit could see that the bird was fortunately unharmed. He gently eased the net to give the crow a bit of breathing space, but not so much so that the bird could break free. * [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ September 14, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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Old 09-14-2002, 08:39 PM   #85
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Sting

'I am not deaf!' came the exasperated voice from the net. 'I have no magic, nor can I grant you any wishes!'

Though mine would be to peck your wooden heads until some sense came into them! he thought to himself.

He fixed the hobbit holding him with a beady eye. 'Just let me out of here, if you please. I have come to speak with you about your mission.'
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Old 09-14-2002, 09:05 PM   #86
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Sting

Perry and Rose were on the trail again. Earendur had gone his own way to ferret out more information. After much thought, Perry had decided not to head south, but to continue west across the mountain pass and try to catch up with the family of Harfoots who had met such mishap. He feared that, if left on their own, they would never make it to Bree.

Perry decided he would escort the family towards Bree and the Shire, and try to meet up with one or more of the messengers. Until he met and spoke with them, he didn't feel that he could wholeheartedly endorse them or their project. If he could speak with them and be convinced of both their goodness and effectiveness, then it might be a different story. He could even be persuaded to join in the rescue himself.

But there was one more thought at the back of his mind. Perhaps, one out of all these messengers would discover that the settled life in the Shire was not really to his liking. Or perhaps some of the messengers would begin to understand that, without the Rangers patrolling the roads, there would be no safe haven of the Shire.

Perry thought fondly of Rose and her work with the bow. He saw definite improvement in her aim. She was quite pig headed and would keep at it for hours if he did not come and top her.

And when he had gone a round with her and her sword, he was also pleased to discover that she did have at least some skill in thatarea as well, which was extremely unusual for a hobbit woman.

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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Old 09-14-2002, 09:50 PM   #87
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Sting

Osle took he baby from the flagging Avice, and held out his hand to help her up the bank. “It’s not far now”

“You said that an hour ago.“ mumbled Ceo groggily.

Enid smiled to herself. She didn’t need Osle to tell her where she was. Hadn’t she traveled these same trails for most all of sixty years? She had followed Ruddoc through this same area when she was carrying Osle. But the family had walked since they had left the old peddler, near two days ago. They were now some twenty miles from Old Ford, and finally felt safe enough to seek another hole to spends a few days before continuing South.

A waning moon glimmered on the broad, black flow of the Anduin below them as they came to the top of the bank. Osle signaled with his hand for the others to stop, handed Lianth to his mother, and crept forward to scout the smial. Most of the holes were protected by strong herbs and incantations meant to discourage animals from taking over the site between occupants, but one never knew when bear, cat or wolf might move in. Avice had a fine cloak made from the skin of just such a trespasser. Or used to have it. It had been left behind when they fled.

Silently the hobbit crept forward, checking the ground for signs of recent life. Then he stole slowly towards the mouth of the smial.

“It’s taken!”

Osle leapt back in surprise, and the rest of the family jumped and clutched each other, startled awake by the raucous voice.

Then Osle laughed out loud. Laughed for the first time since the hill top. “Well, surely there is room to share with a hungry, tired family, Frodo?”

Out of the hole-mouth popped the most disreputable, rumpled, Hobbit anyone was liable to see. He had to be at least one hundred, He could have been older than that. His back was crooked, one eye was glazed by a milky cataract. When he smiled it could be seen that more than half his teeth were gone. Above his lip and on his chin hung white stringy wisps of whiskers. His feet were white too, and remarkably furry, even for the Halfling Folk. He wore a leather vest, winter and summer, and his ragged trews were held up by a very old, but genuine piece of Elven rope, of which he was very proud.

All in all, Frodo the Stoor was the most miserable, mangy example of Halfling Kind that anyone was like to find in these parts. Everyone loved him.

He grinned widely at the family and made a grand gesture for them to enter the den. Then his arm dropped and his smile faded as he looked over the people before them, and scanned their faces.

“Where’s Ruddoc?” he asked, quietly and sadly.

[ September 14, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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Old 09-15-2002, 01:44 PM   #88
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The Eye

As they rode on past Staddle, Amaranth looked around at the holes and wondered what it would be like to settle down here. Surely they couldn't be bothered too much by the Men of Bree around the hill, or they wouldn't stay. She sighed and looked back at the road. She'd commited herself to this journey to the Shire, and besides, she liked the company.

As they came around a bend in the path, they could see a group of Hobbits standing around, apparently picking fruit from the nearby trees. The three of them stopped to say hello. They exchanged pleasantries and learned that these Hobbits were, indeed, quite happy in Staddle and didn't want to go anywhere. As they were about to turn back onto the road, a voice piped up from the back of the group. It was a pretty little lass, and as she pushed her way to the front of the group, she said, "Baracas, is that you? It can't be!"
The big Hobbit was nearly speechless. "Linna? is that you? Linna!"
"Baracas! I thought I'd never see you again! What are you doing here?"
Baracas had leapt off his pony and they embraced eagerly.
"Well, I'm one of the Messengers from the Shire. Linna, come with us, with me, back to the Shire. I don't want to leave you again."
She stepped back and looked over at Dinodas and Amaranth, who were watching with somewhat confused interest. When she saw Amaranth, her jaw tightened and she took another step back. "No," she said, her voice determined. Still staring at the other lass, she continued, "No, it looks like you don't need me on this journey."
"What?" Confused, Baracas followed her gaze and shook his head, "No, no! She's just someone I found along the way. She's no one!"
"Really? Oh, Baracas, I would love to go with you, but I can't. My nother is ill...I-I can't leave her." She stood,looking at him sadly, then turned away. "Goodbye, Baracas. I'll remember you."
Near panic, Baracas stood, staring frantically back and forth between the ponies the departing lass. He caught Dinodas' eye once, and the other lad gestured him away. "What are you waiting for, Baracas? Go on! We can continue the mission." Dinodas had left a lass behind in the Shire and he well understood Baracas' dilemma.
This was all the encouragement Baracas needed. He ran after Linna, shouting, "Wait!"
She ran back to him and they disappeared into the trees, arm in arm, and were never again seen by anyone from the Shire.

Amaranth gave Dinodas an inscrutable look. "Why did you do that?" She asked.
Dionodas just shook his head and said, "It would be too hard to explain. Let's go."
Amaranth shrugged. She climbed off the pack animal and mounted Baracas' pony. Now that he was no longer with them, she could have a proper riding pony. The two of them turned and continued down the road.

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: Susan Delgado ]
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Old 09-15-2002, 02:17 PM   #89
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Sting

Rose and Perry had carefully tracked the Harfoot family. The ranger knew the location of most of the traveller's holes in this area, having sampled them all at various points in his life. Rose ran ahead spying out this hidden cave and that burrow in a stream bank, but they had no luck.

They had progressed about 18 miles from the Old Ford, when they noticed there seemed to be another set of hobbit footprints travelling separately. Perry grinned as he looked down at them. It was clearly the prints of an old one slowly making his way on his own, and that could only mean one thing!

"Come," he said to Rose. "I know exactly where this one will head." The two sprinted the last two miles, and came out on a bluff. They looked down on a party in serious discussion. One was Frodo, whom Perry knew well, and the other was the Harfoot family which had lost their da.

If ever a hobbit could use a resting place for wise but old bones, that hobbit was Frodo. Of all the travellers on the route, he was one of only a few who was totally blind to whether a hobbit was a Stoor or Harfoot or Fallohide. Being a Stoor, Frodo would probably urge the family to head south towards his old fishing and hunting grounds.

Perry stood up and shook his head. He knew that the south had recently seen great and ravenous wolves. This was no place for a hobbit family with young or an older one like Frodo. What should he do? And then Perry made a decision. He would try to talk some sense into them to get them to go west. His decision made no sense to him. He had absolutely no use for a place like the Shire. But something told him the folk standing there might find it a friendlier place than the ones they had dwelt in before.

Perry asked Rose to run ahead and extend greetings. The family might be a bit friendlier to a young girl than to see a Ranger striding in with sword and bow, even if that Ranger was a kuduk. Hopefully, Frodo would vouch for him to the family, as they had known each other casually for a number of years.

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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Old 09-15-2002, 02:38 PM   #90
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Boots

Hob pulled his hand back a bit as Erling loosed the net.

So it's spyin' on us, you're doin', is it? You wants to know our business, assumin' we have any? Who's so eager to be knowin' the habits of some simple hobbits? You don't look like crebain to me.
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Old 09-15-2002, 03:21 PM   #91
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Sting

The crow spoke as clearly and politely as he could to the two hobbits, though his body was still constrained by the foul netting.

'Let us start again, if you will.' he said. 'My name is Camlost, a long time friend to the Rangers, both Man and Hobbit, who frequent this area. I am their eyes and ears so to speak, as well as for that old peddler in grey who sometimes wanders in your lands.'

He looked at both of them, but their thoughts were remarkably well guarded for such a pair of apparent simpletons. Perhaps they had a larger portion of native wit than he gave them credit for.

'We knew from the first about the Gathering In and the Messenger pairs who had been sent out to accomplish it. We would like to aid you if we can. I can bring you news of those hobbits you seek, if you wish. We are always on the look-out for ways to keep them safe. Will you accept my offer of assistance?'

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]
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Old 09-15-2002, 04:07 PM   #92
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Sting

Fina and Ceo had tried to stay awake to hear the interesting talk of the old folk, but after a bowl of coney stew from the pot Frodo had hanging over the fire, they had given up and curled up in the hole like a couple of fox cubs, and fallen into exhausted sleep.

Without tears, for there were none left, Osle and Enid had told Frodo of the terrible death of Ruddoc, and the mysterious meeting with the "old peddler" and how he had helped them.

"I don't know why we trusted him, Frodo. By the One, I don't know how he even managed to approached us. I can usually hear a Big One coming from a mile away. But there he was, cart and all."

"I don't think anyone had a thought to run," said Enid, slowly and thoughtfully, "It was as if we just turned ourselves over to him, like a child trusting its Ma to make everything all right." She looked over and smiled at Avice, who smiled back as she nursed Enid's grandchild. "But you called him one of 'Big Folk', my son, and I don't think that's right. He may look like one, but the one we met two days ago is no Man, I think."

Frodo poked up the fire with a stick and chuckled. "You're right there, good Enid. That one is no Man. And how would I know? 'Cause the first time I ever saw the Grey Wanderer, I was all of ten years old. Ten! And he hasn't changed a bit from that day to this. I'll never forget it, either. There was something about him, as you said, though he plays the role of a kindly old peddler. I don't know what role he's really here for in Middle-earth, but have no doubts, he's a friend to Hobbits, one of the few we have." Frodo looked out on the broad, black river that he loved. "And he helped you do right by my friend Ruddoc. If I ever see him again, I'll thank him for that."

Osle made a noise in his throat, and looked down at his feet. Frodo waited a moment, then asked quietly. "And what of you all, now? What is this he told you about going to the West? Hobbits living in their own country? Living in a country with no Blind-Feet? And 'Messengers' coming out to look for us? Is this where you're thinkin' of going, Osle?"

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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Old 09-15-2002, 08:37 PM   #93
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Sting

* With a nod to Hob, Erling loosed the net still more, so that Camlost was free to move about or fly where he would. *

Hallo, Camlost. We'd be much obliged for any news you can spare of the Hobbits we seek. Your offer of assistance is most welcome. And I'm carrying some parched corn with me, if you'll accept it as a small gift, begging pardon for your capture.

As for the grey-clad peddler, what does he trade in, so that we might better barter for information?

* Erling made no mention of setting a coin or two aside for buying information from the old peddler, knowing full well the greedy reputation of crows around such shiny treasure. Nor did he make a move towards bringing out any parched corn ... yet. *

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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Old 09-16-2002, 04:34 AM   #94
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Sting

Rose climbed down to the hole where the hobbit family had gone in. Then taking a deep breath she knocked lightly on the door.
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Old 09-16-2002, 06:59 AM   #95
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Sting

(O.O.C. - Rose, I don't think these smials have doors. Were talkin' some pretty primitive Hobbits, here. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] )

The rapping of a hand on a support beam near the tunnel mouth had an immediate effect on the family, waking the children who grabbed their small bundles and started scooching for the exit tunnel. Enid held up a hand to stop them, signaling for quiet. Osle drew his father's knife.

Frodo appreciated caution as well as the next Hobbit, but he could see that Ruddoc's family was still effected by the events at old Ford. It would be a long time before they felt safe from invasion again.

Holding up his hand as well, he gave Fina and Ceo a grin and wink, then shouted "This one's taken! Move along, friend. No more room here."

[ September 16, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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Old 09-16-2002, 11:39 AM   #96
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Sting

Rose's small voice came wafting through the hole. "I'm a friend. A young lass whose feet are just as hairy as your own. So please don't bludgeon me. My uncle Perry is outside, and he'd just like to talk with you. He isn't trying to take your burrow away. He says Frodo should remember him."

"And I'm to remind Frodo with this----'remember the old days when you helped a frightened junior ranger chasing after a pretty hobbit lass.'--whatever that means." Rose did wonder exactly what that meant.

Cautiously, Rose took a step forward, and stuck her head inside the burrow.

[ September 16, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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Old 09-16-2002, 01:23 PM   #97
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Silmaril

Dinodas waved in the general direction of where Linna and Barocas had vanished.

"I hope they'll be happy," he muttered before nudging his pony forward. "As for me, I still have a journey to make."

He didn't realize he had said this out loud until Amaranth said.

"So do I, Dinny."
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Old 09-16-2002, 04:48 PM   #98
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Sting

ooc: Well I don't think a hobbit hole's complete without those little round doors. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] ::

Rose went into the hole her arms spread to show she was harmless. Uncle Perry had thought she would be more trustworthy if she was unarmed so she had left her sword, bow and quiver with him.

Inside she saw a hobbit family who had apperitly been settling down for bed. An older hobbit was making his way over to her and seemed to be thinking on past times. Finally he said. "Ah, yes I remember now. Perry's your Uncle? Well, let him come in. I'd like to talk to him."

Rose waved Perry over then turned to the family. "I'm sorry we've disturbed you." she said kindly.

[ September 16, 2002: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]
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Old 09-16-2002, 06:23 PM   #99
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Sting

'I thank you for loosing me!' said Camlost, as he ruffled his feathers and then settled them back into place. 'As to the peddler, I can tell you that coin is not what he deals in for trade. Information is more to his liking.' He preened two of his wing feathers that had gotten rumpled during the netting. 'And besides, I don't think you'll be seeing him around here any too soon, he's got some business tying him up at the moment in Mirkwood.'

He hopped closer to the now seated hobbits. 'Why don't you tell me where you were bound and perhaps I can match you up with some information that will be to your liking in that area.' He looked at them expectantly, wondering where the one called Erling had the corn hidden.
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Old 09-16-2002, 09:36 PM   #100
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Silmaril

"Ah, well-met, Mr Goodbody! D'you mind if I come in? This may take a while."

The flustered hobbit flattened himself against the wall to get out of Ardo's path. "Of course! Please make yourself comfortable."

Ardo looked about the place. It was quite primitive; nothing compared to the smial in which he dwelt. Its walls were lined with thin strips of bark, its floors with nothing but the very soil of the land (although it was quite smooth and packed-in from the constant tramping of feet), and the door was also a large bark board, not circular or beautiful like Shire-doors. Yet Ardo wondered if this wasn't one of the cleaner homes he would see.

As Goodbody ushered Baggins into the hole, two children ran shrieking with laughter into the room. "Papa, papa, did you see? Drocas has got himself into a mess!"
Almost as if on cue, a crying toddler came in, his whole frontside plastered with mud. The father looked in surprise at young Drocas. "My, my, dear boy, you must've fallen right into the middle of the mud puddle! Now quickly go see your mother and see that she washes that off. We've got company; a man from the Shire. This is Mr. Baggins."
The children gaped up at Ardo in awe and revelry. "The SHIRE? The REAL Shire?"
"The one with the ghosts and the green hills and the--"
"Yes, children, that Shire. Now go on and see if y'can't help your mother with supper."

As the children ran off, whispering excitedly, Goodbody turned to Ardo, smiling ruefully. "They're a handful, they are. Can't sit still for a minute. Now, have a seat, Mr. Baggins, and let's get down to business."
"Right," agreed Ardo before clearing his throat. "I'm here as one of the 24 messengers, as you know already, and I am here to invite you to settle in the Shire."
Goodbody sighed. "I'd have gone already if I wasn't so uncertain. I'm not sure we could afford it, as I've got four other mouths to feed besides my own. I'd give anything for my family, but I think we're comfortable here in Staddle."
Ardo bit his tongue. He wanted to burst out with all of the wonderful things he discovered when he settled in the Shire, but it would be a bit too fast. He needed to talk things through calmly, not barrage the man with ideas that were too good to be true. That was the kind of thing that would get him kicked out of the house. So he started off slow.
"Mr. Goodbody, no doubt you would find comfort in your settlement here, but would you perhaps consider our proposal? You need not buy any land; it shall be given to you, should you choose to hearken to the Shire. You need only buy that which you have here in this household: A table to eat at, chairs to sit in, and so on and so forth. You'd find friendly neighbors, wide meadows where your children can play without worry... there are so many wonderful things about the Shire; I could not list them in an entire day. Your children would be educated, you would live in peace and comfort! You would never, ever have to move from place to place again! My dear sir, you say you would do anything for your family. If that is so, you would want to give them the best, wouldn't you? The Shire is what you'd find to fit the description."
Goodbody listened intently to Ardo's entire speech, his eyes widening as it went. By the end, a broad grin was plastered on his strong face, and he nodded. "Goodness, Mr. Baggins... I'm reconsiderin', sir, honest I am. I don't want to pass this up, by the way you tell it... you have a talent for solicitation, sir. But before I say yes or no, I have to know the details of the agreement. Would you tell me that?"
Ardo smiled as he pulled out the scroll. He read off the terms to Goodbody, and as he did he noticed the children peeking in curiously, as well as the wife, whose lips were drawn tight in an expression that clearly said, "Is this Mr. Baggins a phony?"
Ardo continued to read. As he finished, Goodbody straightened himself from his forward slumping position. "If you'd be so kind as to give me a day to discuss this with my family," and at 'family' the four heads disappeared around the corner, "I'll give you a definite yes or no tomorrow. Will y'be in Staddle that long?"
"Indeed I will, as will my companion Pippin. I'll alow you the time you request, and I'll check back at sunset tomorrow."

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: Ithaeliel ]
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Old 09-17-2002, 10:25 PM   #101
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Perry nodded in respect to Frodo and the family. Then, he went up to Enid, and slightly bowed his head, "I was sorry to hear about Rudoc's demise. I did not know your family well, but a death like this is doubly painful and hits us all hard."

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you. Frodo tells me you are a Ranger who tries to guard us hobbit folk from evil ways. I only wish there'd been more like you to help my Ruddoc out."

Perry touched his cap and sighed, "So do I, maam, so do I. But where will you go now? he continued. "Have you made other plans?"

Osle made his way forward with his elbows splayed, pushing everyone else aside, "You'll need to talk with me on that. My ma is tired to the bone, so I do our thinkin' now. But, to tell the truth, I'm not sure. We came upon a real strange 'un with a grey cloak and a cart, and he told us to git towards Bree, and find a Ranger or a messenger. We know you're a Ranger, but none of us--even Frodo--has the slightest idea what a messenger is."

So Perry tried to explain as best he could about the Shire and the messengers. And all the while he was talking, half of his brain was saying these folk really needed a refuge, and the other half was thinking how crazy he'd been to lead them on when he'd never even seen this "Shire" or talked to any messenger.

"So," he continued, "if you'd like to come with me in the directon of Bree and Straddle and Coombe, maybe we could find one of these folk and see what you think."

Every hobbit in that small burrow had a different response to this. Enid looked as if she'd just been offered a one-way ticket to Aman. The baby just kept balling, and the younger ones continued playing with Rose. Osle seemed a bit skeptical; it sounded too good to be true. Who would want the likes of them, anyway? There'd been plenty of small hobbit villages along the road, but no one had ever offered them a hole of their own. Plus, Frodo was pretty happy doing what he always did, and didn't think he'd like others sticking their nose into his business, even if they were hobbits.

It looked as if the whole idea was about to collapse when Avice, nursing her little one, looked up with hopeful eyes, "Please, couldn't we try? It wouldn't hurt to talk. We could always go off our own way, if the talkin' led nowhere."

By the end of the evening, everything had been agreed. They would all travel west together, even Frodo. The latter declared he had no intention whatsoever of leaving his Stoor clan to the south. But a bit of infomation gathering never hurt, especially when it was the warm summer months. The trip would need to be done in easy stages, what with the older one and the babe, and the mountain pass, but even Perry thought they could make it. And hobbits, especially those that wander about, are incredibly sturdy. Perry and Rose shared a meager dinner with the family, bringing out their own supplies to supplement the soup, and said good night till the morning.

[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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Old 09-18-2002, 07:58 PM   #102
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Mirkwood gasped Hob. Don't tells us, crow, that ye've flown from there now to find us! And you're plannin' ta take us back there? To this peddler who taught you to talk?

Now he was really wide awake and interested.
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Old 09-18-2002, 08:46 PM   #103
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Were he able to roll his eyes, he would have.

'No, that wasn't exactly what I had planned on telling you. I meant to get from you where you were bound. If I knew that I could tell you where some very likely candidates for your gathering-in are.' He hopped closer to Hob. 'You did have some place in mind that you were heading for, didn't you?'

'Mirkwood, indeed!', he muttered to himself. 'These two wouldn't last two seconds there!'
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Old 09-19-2002, 07:12 PM   #104
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Pippin followed the girl into her house. When the door closed behind them, she lit a rosy lamp and led him across the living room to an old hobbit asleep in an armchair. "Father," the girl said, her brown curls bouncing. "Father, there is a young lad here to talk to you." The hobbit awoke with a start. "Eh?" "Sir," Pippin bowed, "I am one of the Messengers of the Shire. It is a fertile land of plenty, and we are asking all of our fellow hobbits to come and share our land. There is no fee for your homestead- and there are plenty f helpful hands around to assist you in any way possible." He paused here to let the elderly hobbit think it through. "Young 'un, I can't just up and leave this place. I was born here and so was me daughter." He put his hand on the girl's shoulders as she crouched at his chairside. "My Jezabelle needs to be brought up proper, and 'ow can she do that if she be mving her home all crosscountry? However," he added at Pippin's crestfallen expression, "I do think yer offer is a mighty good 'un. Give me a night to think it over, and come back in the mornin'." Pippin bowed. "Yes sir- thank you, sir." And Jezabelle showed him out...

[ September 21, 2002: Message edited by: Aradaewen ]
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