- 4 -
The Doctor had traveled all over in space and time, but he'd never had a visit quite like this one. His new acquaintances were certainly unique in his wide experience, which he found delightful. Although mischievous and extremely curious, there was no malice in them. Even their frequent arguments were obviously based in deep affection for each other and were conducted with much the same cheerfulness as their conversations.
Many of the rooms in the Tardis reflected certain eras or places which the Doctor had especially enjoyed. The kitchen was one, having the look of an early 19th century French chateau. It was large, decorated accurately, and the place of pride was given to a beautiful fireplace. All the hi-tech conveniences were either hidden away or disguised to fit the ambiance.
"Very nice," said Merry approvingly, laying his vegetables on the table.
"It's a little bigger than we're used to," Pippin added, "but I suppose when you wizards get together you need room."
Seeing another argument about to erupt, the Doctor intervened.
"So, what do you call yourselves?" he asked.
The two lads looked confused. "I'm Pippin and this is Merry," Pippin answered, looking at him worriedly. "Remember?"
"Oh yes," he laughed. "No, what I meant was, what do you call your people? What is your race?"
"Ohhh, I see. We're Hobbits. Some of the Big Folk call us the Small Folk or Halflings, but we call ourselves Hobbits."
"And your home? What do you call it?"
"Don't you know? You don't know where you are?" Merry was astonished. Even if not a wizard, he ought to know that. "You're in the Shire. I…"
Whatever he was about to say was lost as Pippin opened a cupboard and jumped back with a surprised gasp when a machine slid out smoothly onto the counter.
"I was looking for a pot for the stew," he explained. "What's this?"
"This" happened to be a food processor and the Doctor proceeded to demonstrate it for the amazed Hobbits. Anything that could quickly and neatly chop food got their approval. They quickly began feeding vegetables into the machine, exclaiming delightedly at the results. The Doctor hastened to grab a pot to hold everything and somehow soon there was a pot of stew cooking over the fire.
"There," Merry said with a satisfied nod. "That'll be ready in a bit. Now about the bread and jam…"
"Try another cupboard," Pippin advised from where he tended the fire.
The Doctor jumped up. "I'll get it," he said, anxious to forestall any further exploration of the Tardis machinery.
Before much time had passed, the three were gathered around the kitchen table eating sandwiches. The Hobbits had been astonished at pre-sliced bread and quite intrigued by peanut butter, which quickly got their rather mumbly vote of approval. In between mouthfuls they cheerfully answered the Doctor's questions about Hobbits and the Shire. Merry seemed content (for the moment) to sit and eat, but every time Pippin got up to check the stew he had to try another button or open another drawer. The Doctor quit trying to hold back and gave in to enjoying his unexpected guests.
Finally, elevenses were done. (How, the Doctor wondered, did such small people eat so much food?) Pippin announced that the stew would be ready in about an hour or so and could they please see some more of the magic smial? Somehow it seemed rather rude to push them out and take off while their food was cooking, so the Doctor led them on a carefully abbreviated tour of the Tardis. He fielded their questions as best he could about the rooms and contents, and slowly worked his way back to the kitchen.
From "The Girl in the Fireplace".