Chapter II: David's Birthday Celebration
* * *
In the many years Armand had spent in the Shire with his dear Uncle David, he had never seen such a large celebration. Indeed, it seemed that every hobbit within the Shire had shown up for his Uncle David's birthday party. The night was clear and the moon shone down with a brilliant glow, the torches blazed brilliantly while the fiddlers played a dizzying melody. Eventually he spotted his gardener, Danwise, at the dinner table, a large mug of ale in one hand as he sang gleefully along with the wail of the strings and horns. Armand smiled to himself, and began weaving through the crowds in the direction of his friend. Just as he had reached halfway, someone grabbed his upper arm, causing him to jump. He spun to be greeted by David's smiling face. The older hobbit's eyes sparkled with excitement and his cheeks glowed with the afterglow of ale. To the untrained eye, he might have seemed very happy, but Armand could spy some disappointment beneath his fair gaze.
"Quite a party, eh my boy?" David clapped Armand on the shoulder, pulling the auburn-haired hobbit out of his reverie. David pointed to the side of the band, "You see over there? Marius is poking about with something up his sleeve. He won't tell me what he's planning, but I'm dying to know! Why don't you sneak over there and see what he's planning?"
Armand eyed is uncle, confused by his strange phrases and words. Then it occurred to him - David was very drunk. Indeed, the Brandybucks had provided their stellar vintage, and considering how much David had paid . . . well, it was obvious that the drink was quite potent. Armand shook his head, "Alright, Uncle. You just stay out of trouble while I'm gone."
"You know me! I'm never in a bind, only surrounded by blinded folk, that's all. Now be a good boy and run along."
Indeed, Armand thought to himself, David enjoyed his drink a little too much.
He was only able to make out the familiar long blond hair and pointed crimson hat of the wizard, but strangely enough as he drew closer to his friend, the hat became less and less discernable in the crowd. Armand paused to allow a group of four hobbits to cross his path, only to find himself caught at the center of a dance. The wine flowed freely, and it seemed that everyone was celebrating Dark Sabbath early in honor of David's birthday. Everywhere there was merriment and mayhem, and despite the fact that he was acquainted with nearly everyone in attendance, Armand was struck by how alone he could feel in such a throng.
Marius meanwhile had prepared quite a show. All manner of foreign displays had been set. Of the wide variety of entertainments he had discovered in his long years, little could compare to the splendor of a fireworks show. But before the spectacle, Marius was dabbling in a bit of creative pleasure. He drew a swath of pale blue across his canvas, mirroring the effect of moonlight upon the hair of a particularly dark- headed hobbit. His subject was a bit troublesome and not particularly beautiful, but he painted on without care. This night, he would indulge in his creative skill without hesitation. If he disliked one portrait, he could always paint another.
In this manner, Armand stumbled across Marius and beheld for the first time the magnificence of such a painting. He stood for a long moment, his eyes traveling across the colors, the lights and darks, the whole of the canvas before, ever so slowly, he turned to the wizard who had wrought such work. "I . . . I never knew you painted, Marius."
The wizard chuckled, dabbing the final touch upon the portrait. With a wave of his hand he dismissed his restless subject who gladly disappeared into the throng of partygoers. "I paint a little, yes." The blond wizard smiled, and then cocked an eyebrow, "But watch this. . ." He pointed off into the shadows, and a loud boom filled the crisp night air. The crowd gasped in delight as a streak of red flew into the sky pitching a whistle through the hills of the Shire. It climbed to an amazing height before bursting into a flower of color. While the fireworks distracted the crowd, Armand noticed two hobbits illuminated by the brightness of the fireworks as they crept away from the shadows where the rocket had emerged. He shook his head and smiled knowingly.
"Excuse me, Marius, but it seems we have a couple of thieves back there." Armand winked to him before trailing the shadowy figures back to the kegs of ale. It was as he expected: Sybelle Tooke carried the large firework beneath her arm while Benji Brandybuck led her away from the crowd. Armand snuck up behind the two as they refilled their goblets.
"What in the world are you two doing?" Armand bellowed from behind. Sybelle let out a shriek, nearly dropping her enormous firecracker to the ground while Benji jumped, spilling ale over his clothes.
"Oh, damn it! Armand! Don't blow our cover, now! We're just havin' a bit of fun, it's not like Marius'll miss it any. He's too busy paintin' his boring portraits to notice a few missing rockets!" Benji said. At the mention of the firework, Sybelle tucked the firecracker further under her arm, her eyes darting back and forth for sight of any pointy red hats that might pop out of the shadows. Armand laughed.
"Do you two ever learn? You're always getting into trouble! I swear one of these days you're going to get caught. You know Marius will find out somehow. He is a wizard after all."
"Yes," Sybelle whispered, "but can you imagine the look on his face when he sees this baby going off?" she giggled. The two ran off to find a safe spot to light the rocket. There would be no stopping them. Armand shook his head and noticed Danny again at the table. He moved carefully around the throng of dancers to reach his companion.
"Danny! Why aren't you out dancing like everyone else?" he ruffled the gardener's hair affectionately.
"Well, hullo, Master Armand! I was wondering when you were going to show your face." He laughed heartily. It seemed David wasn't the only one enjoying his drink this night. "I was just tasting this fine ale Master David's so graciously provided." He took another long swig of his drink before continuing, "Hey Armand! I think they're playin' my song!"
"Danny?" Armand laughed, picking up his own mug, "I never knew you had a song." Armand moved his mug just in time for Danwise's muddy boot to swing past. He looked up slowly, a disbelieving grin spread across his face. Danwise stood above his head, his muddy boots planted firmly on the table, and several other hobbits seated nearby moved their mugs away in annoyance. Danny cupped his hands around his flushed face as he cried out to the crowd.
"Excuse me! Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen! I apologize, but I'd like to dedicate this song, to the bestest friend a hobbit can have. I know not many folks know it, but today's not only Master David's birthday, but also Master Armand's birthday as well!" The crowd laughed and applauded giddily, cries and whistles filled Armand's ears as he felt a rosy flush rush up his cheeks. "Well, come on, Master Armand! Give the folks a hullo!" Armand reluctantly climbed on top of the table, nervously shoving his left hand in his back pocket. He waved to the crowd, realizing for the first time that evening just how many hobbits had come to this party. Dancers, drunks, chefs, gardeners, neighbors, children, and even Old Mr. Proudfeets raised their mugs to him; Armand nearly froze in his embarrassment. He was grateful when he saw his Uncle David weaving through the crowd. David clutched a mug in one hand, but somehow managed to climb onto the tabletop to stand beside his favorite nephew without spilling a drop.
"Can you believe it?" David cried. The older hobbit took a long gulp from his mug, as though in preparation, and then he handed the emptied glass to Samwise. His eyes shone with a strange light, and his bottom lip quivered in anxiety. Armand had to wonder why in the world he was so worried. This was certainly not the first birthday David had celebrated, but for some reason this was the drunkest Armand had ever seen his Uncle.
"Well, I must say," David chuckled, his fingers fumbling behind him, "I've certainly known some great hobbits over my many years. I don't know half of you as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as much as you deserve!" Armand had to snicker at that comment; it was good to know that the drink hadn't overly dampened David's wit. The crowd started to applaud, and then stopped suddenly as though they weren't quite sure how to react. It was priceless.
"I'm afraid." David continued, "I'm afraid, it is time. for me to leave." Armand narrowed his eyes and nudged his Uncle in concern. David glanced to his nephew, a painful smile flickering over his face, but he would not explain any further.
"What are you talking about, David?" Armand whispered. Still David didn't reply. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and then continued.
"I'll never forget any of you. you all mean so much to me." Were those tears Armand saw in his eyes? "Thank you.. and good-bye." And without any warning, David was gone. Armand blinked, feeling a trick had been played on him. He reached an uncertain hand out to where his Uncle had just occupied.
"Uncle David?" He felt a brush of wind behind him, sending a chill up his back. The crowd gasped, Danwise stared to where David had been standing, his jaw hanging wide. Armand stared into the questioning eyes of the noisy crowd before him, a flush creeping up into his cheeks again. They would want answers, and David had left him in charge of everything if he had to leave early. Armand had agreed, of course, but he hadn't expected this. He turned to see Danny's bewildered eyes focused on him, and shrugged helplessly.
"Thanks a lot, David." he mumbled under his breath. This was going to be a long night.
* * *
In the many years Armand had spent in the Shire with his dear Uncle David, he had never seen such a large celebration. Indeed, it seemed that every hobbit within the Shire had shown up for his Uncle David's birthday party. The night was clear and the moon shone down with a brilliant glow, the torches blazed brilliantly while the fiddlers played a dizzying melody. Eventually he spotted his gardener, Danwise, at the dinner table, a large mug of ale in one hand as he sang gleefully along with the wail of the strings and horns. Armand smiled to himself, and began weaving through the crowds in the direction of his friend. Just as he had reached halfway, someone grabbed his upper arm, causing him to jump. He spun to be greeted by David's smiling face. The older hobbit's eyes sparkled with excitement and his cheeks glowed with the afterglow of ale. To the untrained eye, he might have seemed very happy, but Armand could spy some disappointment beneath his fair gaze.
"Quite a party, eh my boy?" David clapped Armand on the shoulder, pulling the auburn-haired hobbit out of his reverie. David pointed to the side of the band, "You see over there? Marius is poking about with something up his sleeve. He won't tell me what he's planning, but I'm dying to know! Why don't you sneak over there and see what he's planning?"
Armand eyed is uncle, confused by his strange phrases and words. Then it occurred to him - David was very drunk. Indeed, the Brandybucks had provided their stellar vintage, and considering how much David had paid . . . well, it was obvious that the drink was quite potent. Armand shook his head, "Alright, Uncle. You just stay out of trouble while I'm gone."
"You know me! I'm never in a bind, only surrounded by blinded folk, that's all. Now be a good boy and run along."
Indeed, Armand thought to himself, David enjoyed his drink a little too much.
He was only able to make out the familiar long blond hair and pointed crimson hat of the wizard, but strangely enough as he drew closer to his friend, the hat became less and less discernable in the crowd. Armand paused to allow a group of four hobbits to cross his path, only to find himself caught at the center of a dance. The wine flowed freely, and it seemed that everyone was celebrating Dark Sabbath early in honor of David's birthday. Everywhere there was merriment and mayhem, and despite the fact that he was acquainted with nearly everyone in attendance, Armand was struck by how alone he could feel in such a throng.
Marius meanwhile had prepared quite a show. All manner of foreign displays had been set. Of the wide variety of entertainments he had discovered in his long years, little could compare to the splendor of a fireworks show. But before the spectacle, Marius was dabbling in a bit of creative pleasure. He drew a swath of pale blue across his canvas, mirroring the effect of moonlight upon the hair of a particularly dark- headed hobbit. His subject was a bit troublesome and not particularly beautiful, but he painted on without care. This night, he would indulge in his creative skill without hesitation. If he disliked one portrait, he could always paint another.
In this manner, Armand stumbled across Marius and beheld for the first time the magnificence of such a painting. He stood for a long moment, his eyes traveling across the colors, the lights and darks, the whole of the canvas before, ever so slowly, he turned to the wizard who had wrought such work. "I . . . I never knew you painted, Marius."
The wizard chuckled, dabbing the final touch upon the portrait. With a wave of his hand he dismissed his restless subject who gladly disappeared into the throng of partygoers. "I paint a little, yes." The blond wizard smiled, and then cocked an eyebrow, "But watch this. . ." He pointed off into the shadows, and a loud boom filled the crisp night air. The crowd gasped in delight as a streak of red flew into the sky pitching a whistle through the hills of the Shire. It climbed to an amazing height before bursting into a flower of color. While the fireworks distracted the crowd, Armand noticed two hobbits illuminated by the brightness of the fireworks as they crept away from the shadows where the rocket had emerged. He shook his head and smiled knowingly.
"Excuse me, Marius, but it seems we have a couple of thieves back there." Armand winked to him before trailing the shadowy figures back to the kegs of ale. It was as he expected: Sybelle Tooke carried the large firework beneath her arm while Benji Brandybuck led her away from the crowd. Armand snuck up behind the two as they refilled their goblets.
"What in the world are you two doing?" Armand bellowed from behind. Sybelle let out a shriek, nearly dropping her enormous firecracker to the ground while Benji jumped, spilling ale over his clothes.
"Oh, damn it! Armand! Don't blow our cover, now! We're just havin' a bit of fun, it's not like Marius'll miss it any. He's too busy paintin' his boring portraits to notice a few missing rockets!" Benji said. At the mention of the firework, Sybelle tucked the firecracker further under her arm, her eyes darting back and forth for sight of any pointy red hats that might pop out of the shadows. Armand laughed.
"Do you two ever learn? You're always getting into trouble! I swear one of these days you're going to get caught. You know Marius will find out somehow. He is a wizard after all."
"Yes," Sybelle whispered, "but can you imagine the look on his face when he sees this baby going off?" she giggled. The two ran off to find a safe spot to light the rocket. There would be no stopping them. Armand shook his head and noticed Danny again at the table. He moved carefully around the throng of dancers to reach his companion.
"Danny! Why aren't you out dancing like everyone else?" he ruffled the gardener's hair affectionately.
"Well, hullo, Master Armand! I was wondering when you were going to show your face." He laughed heartily. It seemed David wasn't the only one enjoying his drink this night. "I was just tasting this fine ale Master David's so graciously provided." He took another long swig of his drink before continuing, "Hey Armand! I think they're playin' my song!"
"Danny?" Armand laughed, picking up his own mug, "I never knew you had a song." Armand moved his mug just in time for Danwise's muddy boot to swing past. He looked up slowly, a disbelieving grin spread across his face. Danwise stood above his head, his muddy boots planted firmly on the table, and several other hobbits seated nearby moved their mugs away in annoyance. Danny cupped his hands around his flushed face as he cried out to the crowd.
"Excuse me! Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen! I apologize, but I'd like to dedicate this song, to the bestest friend a hobbit can have. I know not many folks know it, but today's not only Master David's birthday, but also Master Armand's birthday as well!" The crowd laughed and applauded giddily, cries and whistles filled Armand's ears as he felt a rosy flush rush up his cheeks. "Well, come on, Master Armand! Give the folks a hullo!" Armand reluctantly climbed on top of the table, nervously shoving his left hand in his back pocket. He waved to the crowd, realizing for the first time that evening just how many hobbits had come to this party. Dancers, drunks, chefs, gardeners, neighbors, children, and even Old Mr. Proudfeets raised their mugs to him; Armand nearly froze in his embarrassment. He was grateful when he saw his Uncle David weaving through the crowd. David clutched a mug in one hand, but somehow managed to climb onto the tabletop to stand beside his favorite nephew without spilling a drop.
"Can you believe it?" David cried. The older hobbit took a long gulp from his mug, as though in preparation, and then he handed the emptied glass to Samwise. His eyes shone with a strange light, and his bottom lip quivered in anxiety. Armand had to wonder why in the world he was so worried. This was certainly not the first birthday David had celebrated, but for some reason this was the drunkest Armand had ever seen his Uncle.
"Well, I must say," David chuckled, his fingers fumbling behind him, "I've certainly known some great hobbits over my many years. I don't know half of you as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as much as you deserve!" Armand had to snicker at that comment; it was good to know that the drink hadn't overly dampened David's wit. The crowd started to applaud, and then stopped suddenly as though they weren't quite sure how to react. It was priceless.
"I'm afraid." David continued, "I'm afraid, it is time. for me to leave." Armand narrowed his eyes and nudged his Uncle in concern. David glanced to his nephew, a painful smile flickering over his face, but he would not explain any further.
"What are you talking about, David?" Armand whispered. Still David didn't reply. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and then continued.
"I'll never forget any of you. you all mean so much to me." Were those tears Armand saw in his eyes? "Thank you.. and good-bye." And without any warning, David was gone. Armand blinked, feeling a trick had been played on him. He reached an uncertain hand out to where his Uncle had just occupied.
"Uncle David?" He felt a brush of wind behind him, sending a chill up his back. The crowd gasped, Danwise stared to where David had been standing, his jaw hanging wide. Armand stared into the questioning eyes of the noisy crowd before him, a flush creeping up into his cheeks again. They would want answers, and David had left him in charge of everything if he had to leave early. Armand had agreed, of course, but he hadn't expected this. He turned to see Danny's bewildered eyes focused on him, and shrugged helplessly.
"Thanks a lot, David." he mumbled under his breath. This was going to be a long night.