Luck of the Lost

by Gnomish Wrench of Reorx

A young hobbit comes across something that will change his life forever, but what will be the ultimate fate of this hobbit? Can he survive with it? Or without it? Be fore warned: there are additional creatures, and the characters are mostly, if not all, OCs. Also be aware of the fact that it starts out rather slow, and it only shows its true colors later on.

6. A beloved friend

The months passed quickly, and the young hobbit was planning something very important. Although he wouldn't admit it to anyone, and it was far from completion, he was still hard at work. Just what he was preparing for shall come later, all shall be revealed in due time. In his quest to find perfection, he stumbled across an old friend. He hadn't seen her in quite a while; though unknown to the young hobbit, not out of lack of his friend's trying; not for four years now.

"Megumi!" Marco was elated to see his beloved friend. He had never expected to see her in the markets again. He always thought that he name was rather strange, it didn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the town's, but now, as it rolled off of his tongue for the first time in many long years, her name sounded more natural than ever.

She was surprised at first, but when she saw the young hobbit running towards her, her shock turned into delight. "Marco!" She called out. She dropped her basket and met him half-way, arms outstretched. He returned the gesture. The two collided hard. Although it seemed to onlookers as if they used most of their energy simply racing to one another, the hug that resulted made them think that the two could crush a tree. Words alone could not describe the reunion, or how the hobbits felt.

He had known her since they were children. They had been the best of friends. She fell out of his reach after her mother died and her father could no longer stand up to the painful memories that haunted him. They had moved to the other side of the River Lune. Many thought he was mad, for there was little beyond the river but mountains. It didn't matter why she had left anymore, what was important was that her father was growing older and due to his declining health he was forced to move back into the Shire. It was strange having her back, but it was a welcome change.

He couldn't wait to show her all of the things that had changed, and stayed the same. Little did he know, she already knew one of the biggest changes. She picked up her basket and the two finished their shopping together.

The day grew older and Megumi invited the young hobbit over for tea. Without thinking the young hobbit graciously accepted. Megumi had a gift for him, but she did not know how this small gift would eventually seal his fate. The tea was a deep crimson color, and rather bitter, but the two hobbits liked it that way. It perfectly complimented the sweet finger cakes. They talked for hours; the night spread its black wings over the town. Winter solstice was drawing ever nearer, and the nights grew longer.

Megumi gave him his gift at parting. It was a dog, larger than most of its kind, and just big enough for the young hobbit to ride on. Riding dogs weren't the most common mount, but they were quite respected. This one was blacker than the darkest alabaster and clearer than a moonless night where no stars shined. The small ears and snout suggested luxury. The short curly tail confirmed it. The face was wrinkled, and the paws were delicate. The dog's bulgy eyes shone brightly.

"This particular type of dog is called a pug." Megumi stated. "They can be rather clumsy at times, but when it matters they are rather sure-footed. He may not look very fast, but he may surprise you." She finished with "I would like for you to take him with you, he can keep you company if you get lost." Gratefully the young hobbit accepted. The reigns felt natural in his hands, and when he mounted his new friend he found that this "pug" was far more comfortable than any of the ponies he had ridden. The soft fur tickled his feet. The young hobbit expressed his deepest thanks and headed home.

With his new friend he managed to get home without getting lost. He put the dog into the woodshed and went inside; he would tend to it later. Aalyeh was surprised to see him home so early. By now she was accustomed to him getting very lost. She had been trying to make a new tea pot as a gift for her loved one. It was supposed to be a surprise, so she hid her work quickly. The young hobbit brought in the goods he bought and laid them out on the table. The young hobbit and his beloved dryad gazed into each other's eyes for long minutes before proceeding with night's tasks.