Disclaimers: I do not own The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien does. Elements from the ballet "The Nutcracker" can be found in this fanfiction story.
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Two plot generator-inspired stories in a row. Well, I'm having a severe writer's block for The Second Child. Also, I'm already in the Christmas mood, so I had to write this fanfic. I hope everyone enjoys reading this story. :)
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Pearl Took's mind wandered. There was a snowy kingdom, filled with so many fairies in winter garb, dancing their hearts out. Ah, how she wanted to be one of those fairies, melting their hearts, filling them with love and compassion. And this strange young gentle-hobbit who captured her heart. Who was he? Where would she find him? Was there anything she could do to help him?
"Ahem!" It was her psychiatrist, Fredegar Bolger, pulling her out of the shadows. "So, you're a gardener, but you dream of being in a ballet? How interesting."
"Hmm?" Pearl's thoughts returned to the present. "It's one thing I dream of."
"And yet you have these visions of becoming a ballet dancer." Fatty didn't believe her. Of all people!
"Is this a bad time? I'm sure I can come back later." Pearl stood up.
"No, no! Sit down, Pearl." Fatty said, gesturing her to a chair. Pearl did as he asked, even though she would rather choose to be onstage, before a live audience. "Pearl, I want to help you, but first we need to do something about those daydreams."
"Oh no!" Pearl cried out in shock.
"Oh yes, and I know just the hobbit who might assist you." Fatty turned towards the window. "He lives at Bag End. All he does is study day and night, dreaming of how he could make his way in the world as a published author." He turned to her now, smiling. "Do you know which hobbit I am talking about? He's all alone up there. We have to do something."
"Oh." She understood. Frodo Baggins lived by himself at Bag End. What could possibly be so interesting that he didn't bother showing his face to anyone? "If you really think it's necessary."
"Of course, I do!" Fatty was stunned. "What sort of friend do you think I am?" He stood up, gesturing Pearl to the door. "Now, you go to Bag End. I'm sure Frodo will enjoy your company. Oh! And one more thing." He passed to her a nutcracker wearing a blue uniform. "I think this will come in handy soon enough."
"Thank you." Pearl said, as she left the house. The nutcracker looked so alive, as if it had a mind of its own. Bag End. Oh, what was she doing? Wait. Did the nutcracker have Frodo's face? No! The face was gone, restored to Nutcracker form. How odd!
She moved up the hilly road, straight to a front green door and knocked. At first, she didn't hear anything. Was Frodo at home? Oh, she didn't know! No. The door opened, revealing a hobbit wearing a white dress shirt, brown knee breeches, and red straps. His brown hair was unkempt. Had he gotten enough sleep last night?
"Pearl, what are you doing?" Frodo asked, confused.
Pearl let herself into the house. "I just came by to check on you."
"I'm fine." Frodo closed the door. "Did Fatty send you here?"
"Can I spend the night? Mother would be mad if I didn't have a good night's rest. Of course, we are adults. We can do things on our own." Pearl explained.
"Of course, you can." Frodo grinned. He pointed to the nutcracker. "What's that? Did Fatty give that to you?"
"Frodo…."
"Look Pearl, the nutcracker… it's just a story, one I know all too well." He gestured down the hallway. "I'll be in the study. You know where the guest rooms are. Take your pick."
"Thank you." Pearl said, finding her way down the hallway and straight into one of the guest rooms. There were so many Yuletide candles lit up. Thunder and lightning burst from the window. It was raining? How odd. She set the nutcracker down on a smaller bed. It would be safe for now, or so she thought. How she longed to rest. Just a nap.
Frodo closed the door as Pearl relaxed on the bed. It was so soft and cozy. Just one night's sleep… one night to relive everything… one night to hope and dream… one night… to celebrate… Yule.
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Thanks for reading. :)