Mathoms

"This is a string," explained the dark-haired lad with great seriousness. "Very useful. You can't go adventuring without a good length of string in your pocket."

"He caught a trout...this big," Drogo proudly showed by putting his palms almost a foot apart from each other, "Just with that string of his and a stick."

The nine-year old frowned at his father. "Father," he chastised with obvious forbearance, "I am giving Bilbo my birthday presents, if you please."

"Oh," said his father apologetically. "I'm sorry, son. Please carry on."

Frodo shot his father an intense gaze meant to quell further interruptions, but ruined the effect by flashing a mischievous grin along with a quick lift of his eyebrows and a pert crinkling of his nose. He cleared his throat and returned to the business at hand. "Stones," he said gravely, showing three smooth pebbles which had obviously been picked with great care from the water-worn shallows by the bank of the Brandywine. "For throwing or for shooting with slingshot. They fly very well; I've tried them."

Bilbo nodded his thanks.

The lad picked another item. "Biscuits. For eating on the journey. They keep well and taste good. The ones Mother made are especially tasty, but I suppose any biscuits will do," he said. "You can keep the handkerchief wrapper."

"Thank you," said Bilbo solemnly.

The lad peered at him with a pleased smile. He offered another item, an old, rather rusty key; quite big, and with a very intricate design. "Key. For opening secret doors," he said.

"Of course," Bilbo received the gift gratefully. "I'm sure this will come very handy."

Frodo nodded. He picked another item. "Candle. For seeing in the dark," he said, offering the stub of candle. "You have to light it first."

"I'll remember that," said Bilbo.

The last item was a lock of dark hair, tied with a bit of blue yarn. "My hair. So you will remember the color," he said.

Bilbo nodded and pocketed the treasure. "Thank you so much," he said.

"Do you like them?" the lad asked anxiously.

"I couldn't ask for better birthday presents," Bilbo replied sincerely.

Frodo smiled broadly and leapt into Bilbo's arms. "Oh, Bilbo! Happy birthday!"

fin