Frodo Baggins looked at the red dragonoid Parker Dooley's abode. The place was a mess with the scrolls scattered about and unrolled. It was only cleaned up, thanks to Parker's quick actions. Still, Frodo would have preferred a much cleaner house, as he was already used to Bilbo leaving maps, books, and scrolls strewn about Bag End.
Frodo retained his perkiness. That managed to come back, after his hassle at the healer's house in Bywater. He had a fair face, almost elven, with bright blue eyes. His brown, curly hair was ruffled up due to the wind. As for his clothes, they were a white dress shirt, a brown waistcoat, a velvet jacket, red suspenders, and brown knee breeches that revealed his curly-haired hobbit feet.
Frodo shook his head, watching Parker clean up as much as he could. He sighed, glad someone paid attention to this mess.
"Parker, you're all right," Frodo said finally, getting the black clawed dragonoid's attention. "Bilbo was the same way."
"I won't have my guests sitting in… this mess!" Parker admitted, managing to find the table and chairs. "Here. You and Allanon sit down. I'll pour you some tea."
"That really isn't necessary," Frodo said, sitting down. He nearly forgot the Druid, who wore purple robes and was donned in short black hair. This Druid wasn't here to relax. Although, Frodo was surprised to see a pink feminine dragonoid enter the estate. The hobbit was nearly entranced by her… no! He needed to snap out of it.
"Parker! Oh, hi Parker's friends," the pink dragonoid waved to Frodo and Allanon.
"Lily," Allanon said, his voice deep and resounding.
"How do you know her?" Frodo asked, confused.
"She's Parker's mate," Allanon announced, softly.
"We're not mates!" Parker shouted, bringing out the tea on a wooden tray. "Here you are." He set the tea tray down in front of Frodo and Allanon. "Sorry. It's a mixture of herbs grown around here. Not to worry. It should liven your senses."
Frodo hardly heard Parker close the front door when he tried the hot tea. It tasted like apple and raspberries. Right away, his senses became alert, allowing him to finally become awake. He enjoyed this concoction. He finished his tea fast before going after second, only to catch Lily giggling at him.
"What?" Frodo asked, confused.
"That particular brew has caffeine in it. I wouldn't drink too much if I were you." Lily admitted, facing Parker and saying, "You were going to tell them this tea has caffeine, weren't you?"
"Of course." Parker smiled, returning to Frodo and patting him on the back. He told Lily, serious, "But let's be clear: after what I went through, I'd rather have my guests awake than have them drugged." He sat down between Frodo and Allanon, while Lily sat across from him. "No. It's better this way." He asked Frodo, curtly, "How's the tea? Good?"
"The best," Frodo said, drinking a little more before setting the teacup down. "I think we have herbs similar to this in the Shire. Kingsfoil, they call it."
"Oh, we have that here!" Parker announced. "That's not what's in this drink! It's another herb, but I can't remember its name."
"Sage," Lily inquired.
"No!" Parker chuckled. He said, serious, "No. I remember it now. This tea has Elderberries. They grow near here and are very potent in flavor. Makes one's senses alert."
"We can discuss tea later," Allanon said, getting the trio's attention. "Another matter has come up and its coming soon. I've seen it, as I'm sure Frodo's seen this as well, in his visions."
Frodo gulped. Did they have to bring this up again? He looked at Parker and Lily, telling them cautiously, "There's supposed to be a silver hilt in this land. If we find it, then we can find the Jedi responsible for bringing it here."
"Jedi?" Lily asked, confused.
"They're supposed to own these hilts. They're valuable." Frodo said, sipping a little of his tea again.
"Parker," Lily perked up, clasping Parker's hand, "we could go and look for this weapon! Maybe it will be of great value to us. It could be worth something!"
"No Lily," Parker shook his head. "I don't do this for money." He paused. "If this weapon belongs to the Jedi, then they should keep it." He added, "No, I don't want to get mixed up with them."
"Why not?" Frodo asked, curious.
"Well—"
Boom!
The house shook, as did the table, chairs, and even the tea kettle. Frodo did his best to hold his teacup and saucer, which was painted with intricate pink flowers on the front and sides. Oh, it was too much pink! He looked up at Parker and Lily, who both held the table. The hobbit's gaze met Allanon, who meditated.
At last, the sonic boom stopped and all was still. At least until various dragonoids, people, and other creatures shouted, running towards something outside. Frodo set his tea down, before standing up and approaching the door. He was blocked by Parker, who held the front door's latch before the hobbit had the chance to flee.
"You're not going out there." Before Frodo protested, Parker added, "Not without me." He added, curious, "When we first met, I made a promise to protect you. I'm still willing to do that."
"Go with him," Allanon said, also standing up. "I'm going with Lily. We're going to find that hilt."
"We are?" Lily asked, confused.
Frodo moved away from the door, watching Allanon approach it with kind eyes. The hobbit didn't understand. First, the Druid took him out of his home, and now he was supposed to find out where that boom came from? Oh, wait. He was already planning on doing that.
"I thought we were doing this together," Frodo asked Allanon, confused.
"Stay with Parker," Allanon said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You two will need each other for what's coming." He looked up at Parker, watching the dragonoid open the door for him and Lily. "Thank you." He walked out of the house without saying another word.
"But what?" Frodo asked, his words fading as he watched Allanon disappear down the street.
"Wait for me!" Lily called, telling Parker fast. "Take care of him."
"I will. Don't worry about me." Parker said, hugging her and kissing her on the cheek. Shortly after Lily left the house, Parker caught Frodo's smug look. "What?"
Frodo rolled his eyes, his smug expression turning to silliness. "So, you and Lily?"
"It's not what it looks like," Parker said, embarrassed.
"Oh, I think it is," Frodo said, heading outdoors. "Now, where did that boom come from?"
"I don't know," Parker said, locking the front door and joining Frodo. A moment later, he pointed out a strange well, that stood next to the spring. "It could have come from there!"
Frodo looked, seeing the crowd back away. Whatever it was, it must lead to somewhere. Somewhere good. Still, any adventure with friends was worth it. "Come on, Parker!" He said, heading straight for the crowd.
*.*.*
Thanks for reading. :)
References:
The Jedi are from the "Star Wars" series. Allanon is from Terry Brooks' book series, The Shannara Series.