Author's Note:
Whoa... the nest chapter is up quite fast... well, hope you all will enjoy it. It may get marysue at some point, you have been warned. Thanks to the reviewers, especially
Mirwen Sunrider for her constant reviewing and encouragement.
Okay, so just sit back once again with your whatever bevarages you have at the moment and relax and enjoy. CHAPTER 9 UP!
Disclaimer: LOTR owned by Tolkien
Chapter 9 – The Party! (Part 2)
The next firework burst up into the cloudless night sky, revealing a great tree in the black backdrop as the sparklers flowed down and disappear within seconds. Great cheers erupted from all sides of the fields as most invited guests had already arrived and tucked in to the great barrels of ale and food prepared for the party in great merry. Lanterns and torches were already lit to illuminate the entire field.
I looked at the dark sky from my seat and looked back to see hobbits dressed in their best laughing and joking under the night sky around me. Many young hobbits male and female were already dancing in couples as the hired orchestra played lively hobbit tunes. Just then, I heard another firework being fired up into the sky and I shifted my gaze to the other tall person in the party, who was seen smiling and laughing away as the hobbit children crowded around him for more. I smiled at the merry expression of Gandalf and shook my head at his love for hobbits.
Everything is going according to the story… I thought, noticing Bilbo darting around the tables and tents, greeting guests and chatting with them as a good host he was. But… that nauseas… I hope that nothing wrong will happen though…
I caught a few hobbits looking towards me and I gave them a nod and a friendly smile, hoping that somehow, they had come to accept my presence here. After all in the afternoon, Frodo and Bilbo introduced me to most of them when they arrived; this involved shaking hands with very hesitant hobbits.
Luckily, it seems that they did and they gave a slight nod and too a small smile, before resuming back to their conversation.
"The fireworks are beautiful, aren't they Ms Jacqueline?" Sam said in amazement as a great fish erupted into the sky of red and blue. "They definitely are my dear Sam." I agreed and I noticed Rosie dancing the 'springle-ring' in the circle of dancers. She caught my gaze and gave a pretty smile and a wave before resuming into the dance. I grinned at her and waved back, noticing Sam staring at her as always longingly.
"Sam, you should pull up your courage to her. Now is the chance! She's one rare female hobbit to have for life!" I encouraged. Sam hesitantly looked towards the dancing Rosie and looked back to his lap.
"I… I don't know Ms Jacqueline… look at her, she's being surrounded by many male hobbits and they are all good looking…" Sam protested weakly. I turned back my gaze to the dancing ground and indeed, many male hobbits were trying to capture her attention, but none honestly were as handsome as Sam… okay… perhaps one or two, but Rosie after dancing with them, brush them off without a second look. I could see Frodo dancing quite well in the circle, his cheeks flushed from the dance as he twirled a female hobbit beside him.
"Sam, how do you know if Rosie likes any of them? Give it a shot! Besides, you have not been dancing so far!" I sighed, watching another firework fly up. Sam said nothing but just drink his cup of ale in silent. I groaned mentally and just patted Sam at the back, before resuming to watching dancing hobbits in content. Just then, Pippin came and sat beside me, his face brimmed with his smile.
"How are you enjoying yourself so far Jacqueline?" He said merrily, holding my hand with a tight squeeze. "It's good, with the food and fireworks." I grinned. I pulled Pippin closer to me.
"So when are we going to execute your plan?" I whispered into his pointed ear. "Soon. I will give you the signal when it arrives!" Pippin whispered back, looking towards Sam, whose attention was all on Rosie, "at least we need not worry of Sam catching us, since his eyes are filled with Rosie!" I laughed and nodded knowingly. Suddenly, Pippin grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my seat with surprisingly great strength from his lithe body.
"Pippin? What are you doing!" I cried in surprise as he pulled me nearer to the dancing circle. My eyes widened. "No way! I am not going to dance!" I protested as I tried to pull away from Pippin's strong grip but to no avail. My feet were bare in Bilbo's insistence and I could feel the cool grass beneath it.
"Oh come on Jacqueline, you promised two dances for me! I will dance slow…" Pippin countered, his jade eyes saddened and his expression looked so forlorn. "I…" Before I could even stop to consider on dancing, Pippin placed his hand on my waist and with a great grin, he pulled me along with him into a fast moving pace into the dancing circle. "Pippin! Wait!"
My bare feet tried to pace along with Pippin's experienced ones as Pippin guided me into the dance with great vigor, my head bobbing an inch over everyone's. "There ya go Jac, you are doing great! Seems like our teachings have finally pays off! Now I shall do a twirl on you…" Pippin commented, pleased at my footwork and did a twirl as said. "If all that training did not work, then I would have step on your toes already!" I said with a slight pant and stumbled a little, but Pippin managed to pull me back to track and laughed merrily, giving me a mischievous wink. I scowled, but in the end, I laughed along and enjoyed the dance with him.
After two dances had ended, Pippin gave a deep bow and a kiss on my palm. "Thank you Milady for the wonderful and amusing dance," he winked, causing me to laugh as I tried to catch my breath. "And you too Pippin. Now, I think I shall have a break…" I said in relief and I was about to leave Pippin's side to Sam when Merry appeared beside Pippin.
"I see you have managed to make our dear Jacqueline dance! Good job Pippin. May I cut in?" Merry grinned at his cousin who nodded and grinned at me. "She's an excellent student Merry! Go on! I will be checking Gandalf."
I was about to protest but with the change of the music in the air; Merry took my waist and gripped my hand. "You had two with me," Merry reminded with a wink and within a second, I was swept into the circle. I sighed, not bothering to hide a smile on my face as I tried not to hit Merry's toes.
After dancing with Merry as promised, (with lots of toe stepping and laughing from Merry), being quite into the mood, I pulled a reluctant Sam into the circle, dancing with him in a slower pace. At the same time, I chatted with him about random stuff like gardening and Old Gaffer, trying to bring his mind away from Rosie for a while and have fun.
"Sorry Sam, may I cut in?"
Sam and I turned our head to the voice and saw Frodo standing beside us, his face flushed from his dancing. "Frodo!" I said happily for I did not manage to see much of him in the party. Sam gave a smile to Frodo.
"Of course Mr. Frodo. Though I had much fun dancing with Ms Jacqueline, I am quite tired of dancing. I shall go take some ale," he said, and with a bow to me, he excused himself and disappeared into the crowd. I hope that hobbit could muster up some courage, I thought and stared at the retreating Sam, not noticing Frodo had already held my waist and gripped my right hand gently.
"He's still quite shy over Rosie…" Frodo said softly as he led me into the circle. The orchestra had played another tune, but this time, it's much slower, which allow me to be able to follow Frodo's footsteps without stumbling.
"It can't be helped, Sam's like that…" I whispered as Frodo did a twirl on me. "It's been a long time since we last chat like this… you are always not around in Bag End."
Frodo gave a light laugh as he tightened his grip on my waist and his pace became faster along with the music. "I am sorry Milady for unable to spend more time with you, but I shall make it up to you by having more dances with you."
I gasped in horror. "You better not be kidding me! Can't you do something else to make it up? Please, no more dancing!" Frodo grinned at me and pulled me even closer to him.
"You are doing quite well Jacqueline… and you have been spending too much time with Sam, Merry and Pippin all this while… so I want to be with you as long as I can…" Frodo whispered, his blue eyes gazing towards mine. I could not help but give a small and gentle smile to the adorable hobbit in front of me.
"Say Frodo, do you like me?" I asked curiously, and my question seemed to shock Frodo lots, for he halted in his step, causing me to nearly fall over him, but his grip held me steady. I stared at Frodo ridiculously, wondering why he suddenly stopped when I saw his face reddened deeply. I widened my eyes at his redness and without knowing why, I too blushed slightly at the awkwardness between us, looking down to the floor.
After a few seconds which seems like hours to me, I felt Frodo moving, and the two of us dance again, but this time more slowly.
"I was just joking Frodo, you need not answer that," I said softly, trying to break the awkwardness, but Frodo shook his head and gave a soft smile.
"I like you Jacqueline… you are a really great friend that us hobbits could have. You have told me much of your world, and showed me much care and friendship you could give," Frodo whispered and did a twirl again, "I enjoyed your company a lot… and… I like your smiles, for they give much security and warmth to people's souls."
"Why, I did not know I could have such an effect on people, perhaps I should charge these people money for every smile I give then," I grinned. Frodo laughed, and the awkwardness between us seemed to blow away with it. I continued, "But for you, dear Frodo, I am going to charge you free, so you can always come to me and talk alright? Treat this as a birthday present for you."
Just then, the Orchestra had played their last note of their tune and Frodo stopped with me, breathing deeply from the dance. "Then, I thanked you for this wonderful gift Milady," Frodo whispered as he took my right hand and kissed it gently, signaling the end of our dance. I gave a grateful smile and reddened slightly at his action.
"Turn around Jac," Frodo said, and I looked at him questioningly but I complied with his request. I turned behind, wondering if there's someone behind me when I felt something is placed at the top of my braid. "What are you doing Frodo?" I asked curiously, as Frodo pulled me back towards him and smiled. He took my right hand and placed a bunch of small white daisies onto my hand that had a beautiful red ribbon tied at the stalks. I looked at it in awe as I felt the soft petals with my fingers gently.
"Sam was growing these daisies in his garden when I dropped by, and they somewhat reminded me of you… so I asked Sam to let me have some." Frodo explained softly, reddening slightly.
"Then on my hair…"
"I have used some of the daisies as decorations for your hair. You look really nice with them." After hearing that, I quickly reached for the braids, feeling the petals on them. I could not help but give Frodo a tight hug and a light kiss on his right cheek.
"Thank you Frodo for the flowers and the dance." I whispered and gave a big smile to Frodo, who smiled back. Just then, Gandalf appeared beside us and asked if he may cut in. Frodo graciously let him.
"Frodo, make Sam dance with Rosie!" I grinned. Frodo laughed and gave me a wink before disappearing into the crowd.
"So taking a break from the fireworks Gandalf?" I said, turning to the smiling old wizard. Gandalf gave me a mysterious smile and said nothing, taking my plump hand into his wrinkled and bony fingers and led me into the circle once more into a face paced dance, which I dreaded the most.
"After the party Gandalf, will you be leaving?" I asked curiously. Gandalf gave a thoughtful look. "I still do not know yet Child, depends… depends. But for now, let us both enjoy the warmth and fun of the hobbits." I laughed and agreed.
Now, I was standing at the kitchen tent, where Merry and Pippin were busy washing the dishes under Gandalf's supervision, both covered in soot at the face.
"Make sure you two scrubbed every single dish clean," Gandalf said seriously, smoking his pipe. Merry and Pippin groaned and continued their washing. I looked at the two pitifully and sighed.
In one of their pranks, they wanted to set off the largest firework they could find in Gandalf's wagon. They had asked me to join in, after all, Gandalf and I seemed quite close, but I refused their offer for this particular prank, knowing what would happen later on. I warned them to be careful in firing that firework, trying not to disclose too much of the movie to them, but in the end, they fired it in a nearby tent and created a big commotion in the Party, with a great dragon swooping down from the air and flying up again to the sky, bursting into a gigantic firework of gold and sliver. They got themselves caught in the end by Gandalf, and now, they were punished.
"Now I know why Jacqueline warned us to be careful where we set that firework," Pippin said sadly as he scrubbed a plate. Gandalf heard that and he raised an eyebrow at me. I grinned sheepishly.
"So you helped those two rascals out in their pranks Jacqueline?" Gandalf said, with a grim smile. I gulped at his expression. "I only helped out at the pushing the birthday boys' heads into the cake. Nothing else. I did warn them about stealing fireworks from you though," I said nervously, remembering just now when Bilbo and Frodo had to cut the cake and I did my share of the prank by smashing them on the face with some cake. Of course, Bilbo and Frodo fought back with me with their own cakes. Gandalf said nothing and puffed out circles of smoke thoughtfully.
"You are become more and more like those two since you spent so much time with them," the old wizard reprimanded from his spot causing me to feel guilty. "But… at least the pranks made Bilbo and Frodo laugh right guys?" I defended, turning to Merry and Pippin, who nodded furiously.
"That's right! At least it caused much fun and laughter in the Party. Without us, this Party would have been not exciting!" Pippin continued, and Merry gave a defiant look.
Gandalf looked at us and laughed heartily. "Indeed… indeed… I would have wondered why you two have become silent in you actions today. Anyway, continue washing you two and you Child, shall wipe the dishes."
The two hobbits groaned and did as they were told. Whereas for me, I took a cloth and started wiping without complaint.
"At least, you are with us to suffer, Milady," Merry winked in his washing. Pippin looked at me apologetically and I gave him an assuring smile.
"Hey, at least even washing can be a fun job with you two around," I grinned and ruffled the two's heads with my free hand. The two hobbits pouted and laughed.
Just then, from our position, I could hear a couple of cheers erupting from the dining area. "Speech, Bilbo… let's have a speech, now!" and Bilbo stood up, his back facing from where I was watching. My heart started to beat very fast as my eyes followed his movements up the stage. I could see he was readying himself for what he was about to do, his last speech… for the Shire.
"My dear People," he began composedly with a small smile as the flood of heads turned towards him expectantly. Shouts of "Hear, hear!" could be heard from a couple of impatient groups. I smiled at the scene in front of me, wishing I could have my handphone now to videotape this moment. Frodo's yell of "Speech!" was heard quite distinctively as the lamplight played on Bilbo's smiling features. Just then, my eyesight began to waver. I nearly dropped the plate I was holding and used my free hand to grab something to support me.
"Jacqueline what's wrong? Did we push you too hard on the dancing?" Pippin's concerned voice rose into my ears and I realized I had grabbed his arm. I shook my head in assurance as Merry turned his attention away from Bilbo's and looked at me worriedly. "But you look pale," He noted. I could see Gandalf was still focused on Bilbo and I gave a shaky smile.
"Don't you boys worry, I am okay. Just slightly dizzy that's all."
Merry and Pippin looked at me unconvinced, but returned their attention back to Bilbo. I let out a breath I was holding and looked to the stage, seeing Bilbo had one of his hands in his vest pocket, where I believed the Ring was. So it has begun…
"My dear Bagginses, Boffins, Tooks, Brandybucks, Grubbs, Chubbs, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, and Proudfoots — "
"Proudfeet!" shouted an pompous elderly voice from somewhere in the back of the gathering, near the kitchen tent. I grinned.
"Proudfoots," said Bilbo firmly, his smile fading slightly. "Also my good Sackville-Bagginses that I welcome back at last. Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday!"
"And Frodo's thirty-third," I said softly under the cheering and applause, knowing that Frodo did not mind of not being mentioned by his uncle. He should be somewhere near the stage, beaming at his uncle, just like in the movie.
"Now," shouted Bilbo, licking his lips, "I have called you all together for a Purpose. Or perhaps it should be said, Three Purposes. First, I mean to tell you that I am immensely fond of all of you, and that eleventy-one years are too short a time to live amongst such excellent and admirable hobbits." Much approval and pleased comments erupted from the audience from his compliment.
But Bilbo's voice came abruptly over them, "I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." Then there was a great uncomfortable silence overcoming the audience.
"And the second Purpose, of course, is to celebrate the birthdays of both my nephew, Frodo, and me. He comes of age and into his inheritance today. Together we score one hundred and forty-four. Your numbers were chosen to fit this remarkable total: One Gross, if you will pardon the expression. Thank you very much for coming to my little Party." The silence grew deeper. I turned to Merry and Pippin.
"What does one gross means?" I asked curiously. The two hobbits did not answer and continued to look at the stage. I looked towards Gandalf and saw him looking grimly at Bilbo.
"Thirdly, and finally," Bilbo said solemnly, causing me to turn back towards the stage, "I wish to make an announcement." The last word was spoken with such loudness and intensity that everyone jumped and sat up apprehensively, even Gandalf, who sat rigid.
Then another wave of nauseas overwhelmed my senses, but it was weak. I gripped the rag I was holding tightly, as Bilbo's tone softened, though I could still hear faintly of what he was going to say next.
"I regret to announce that this is the end. I am going now." Everything, the lights, the banners and the brightly colored streamers did not seem so cheerful anymore. My eyes widened as Bilbo breathed deeply, swallowing, staring down at his feet. His gaze slipped up to Frodo at the front, paused a second, slid over to the back where Gandalf was, and lastly came to rest on me. He swallowed again and gave a shaky smile. My heart thumped loudly against my chest.
"Goodbye."
Just then, my eyesight wavered wildly as I lost my balance and fell to the floor in a thud, as though a tidal wave had hit me, causing the plate I had in my hand to fall and shattered into pieces.
"Jac! Are you alright!" Pippin cried as he knelt down beside me, watching me gasped for air. "You are scaring me, what's happening to you?" Gandalf stood up suddenly and I saw him raising his staff and aimed on the stage. Within seconds after that, a great burst of light erupted, causing much gasps of shock and wonder in the audience as the burst of light gradually faded.
I shut my eyes from the whiteness, not saying anything as my mind began to race wildly. Bilbo… Bilbo has worn the ring…, I thought in panic as I shook my head, trying to rid my mind of the nauseas that had returned. "Where… where's Bilbo?" I asked Pippin, who turned towards Merry, who saw the entire scene. Merry did not answer for a moment.
"Bilbo… Bilbo, he… he disappeared into thin air…"
After Bilbo's disappearance, furious whisperings and yells came form the audience, about Bilbo's insanity and for more food and ale. I stood up shakily with Pippin's help and looked towards Gandalf, who had procured his pipe from somewhere, and began nonchalantly puffing smoke-rings. He caught my gaze and returned with a solemn yet knowing look. I sighed and bent down to pick up the remains of the shattered plate as I heard some of the audience had already resumed their feast and ale, despite seeing Bilbo left a few moments ago.
Bilbo… those hobbits did not know what they have lost in the Shire… a great storyteller and kind hobbit… I thought with a frown. I quickly picked up all the pieces and placed them in the pile of rubbish nearby.
"Jac, feeling better?" Pippin said softly as I washed my hand in a bucket of clean water for washing. I looked towards the jade eyed hobbit and gave a small smile. "Yeah… I am alright now. Sorry about that Pip," I assured, patting his shoulders lightly.
"Jacqueline, what should we do now?" Merry asked as the mutterings grew louder and I could even hear some about me causing Bilbo's disappearance. I frowned even further. That's when I realized that Gandalf had too disappeared.
To Bag End just like in the movie, to see Bilbo off and convinced him to leave the Ring to Frodo… I have to at least see Bilbo for the last time, to thank him! Oh yes! Frodo!
"Merry, Pippin," I said, causing the two hobbits to look at me in slight wonder. I gave them a weak grin and held both their hands. "Go find Frodo. He needs you two now."
The two hobbits widened their eyes at this, knowing that Frodo may need all the help he could get due to his uncle's disappearance. They nodded knowingly. "Then what about you Jacqueline?" Pippin asked, his worried eyes gaze towards mine.
"I have to do something very important…" I said softly, "stay beside Frodo til after the party. I will be back soon." With that, I left the Kitchen tent and made my way through the crowd out of the field. I bumped into the Sackville- Baggins, who looked pretty much enraged. When they saw me, they glared at me before they jostled roughly pass me and stalked away. I pointed a middle finger at them and stuck out my tongue before rushing out of the field, grasping my Party skirts up for easier brisk walking down the Road.
"That is why, I prefer shirts and pants than dresses, they are so much MORE comfortable and flexible," I murmured between pants as the moon above showered light on my path up Hobbiton Hill, seeing Bag End at the top against the black star-filled sky. I hope Frodo is alright back at the Party, he will be… I thought as I listened intently to the whisperings of the wind. I gathered up more of my skirt and break into a run, hoping that Bilbo had not left Bag End so soon.
When I finally reached the smial, I halted, trying to catch a breath and supporting myself using the fences. That's the first I had tried running up a hill for a fat girl like me… I thought wistfully as I wiped my perspiration with the back of my palm.
"You know, I had just figure out an ending for my book…" Bilbo's soft voice floated into my ears and I perked up. There, at the entrance, was Bilbo, dressed simpler with a green comfortable looking cloak around his neck and with his bag slung and his long wooden stick holding him steady. Gandalf stood behind him, his coal eyes looking at the old hobbit as Bilbo continued on, "… and he will live happily ever after…"
"You will, my old friend," Gandalf said warmly, and that was when the two friends noticed me at the gate.
"Jacqueline! My dear! Why, shouldn't you still be in the Party?" Bilbo exclaimed in wonder as I entered the garden and walked up to the porch.
"You suddenly disappear and caused much commotion in the Party, so I left, knowing you will be here…… so you are really leaving Bilbo…" I said, taking the hobbit's wrinkled hands into mine. Bilbo's eyes softened and gave an apologetic smile.
"I'm afraid so… it's been six months, hasn't it, since you came to Bag End with Gandalf?" Bilbo looked towards Gandalf, who smiled fondly at the memory. "Indeed it has, my old friend…" the old wizard said, his gaze locking to mine. I smiled at the memories.
"I am sorry my dear, for leaving you and Frodo like this, but it is time… it is inevitable, and you knew that, with your knowledge…" the hobbit whispered, putting his hand to my right cheek and caressed lightly. Tears flowed down my eyes as I listened, leaning in to Bilbo's fatherly touch and warmth, which I knew I could not feel for a long time. I gave a sad smile and nodded.
"Thank you Bilbo… for everything. The dress, the book and so much more… I… I will never forget your lectures and… and your tales…" I hugged the old hobbit tight. "Thank you… for being a father to me…"
Bilbo chuckled as he patted my back consolingly. "Remember my dear, it's not the end… you told me we will meet again… and so we will…" he whispered into my ear as I held him tighter, suddenly, not wanting to let him go into his adventure and stay in Bag End. But he has to…, I thought sadly and I pulled away, wiping my tears and gave a confident grin.
Just then, Gandalf tapped on my shoulders and I turned to him, only to see a piece of paper on his hand, which was a portrait of Bilbo that I drew in ink. Below the portrait was a birthday greeting from me. I looked towards the old wizard in shock, wondering how he knew of the portrait but he pushed the paper gently into my hand and gave a knowing smile.
I thanked him and turned back to Bilbo, who was looking at the two of us curiously.
"Here Bilbo, happy birthday." I said, passing the old hobbit his portrait into his hands. Bilbo's eyes widened at the portrait. "I still haven't mastered the art of portrait drawing yet, but this is the best I could do. So hope you like it."
Bilbo's face broke into a jovial smile and held the paper closed to his chest. "It's a wonderful gift my dear… thank you. It shall be placed in my book as remembrance of you," he said, giving me another fatherly hug.
"Bilbo, it's running late. You better start your journey." Gandalf reminded solemnly as Bilbo pulled away from me and nodded.
"Take good care of Frodo, Jacqueline. At least he will not be alone in Bag End even when I am gone. Watch the two of them Gandalf."
"I will watch them with both eyes, my friend." Gandalf assured, "now go."
"Good bye Bilbo." I said, smiling towards Bilbo as he walked down the stairs and out of the gate.
With a last look towards the both of us, Bilbo gave a beautiful smile that showed much content and began to walk down the path, starting a new adventure on his own… to Rivendell, singing softly.
My gaze lingered at the disappearing form of Bilbo for a moment when suddenly, I felt a sharp pain at my head.
'The Ring… take the Ring now that the Halfling is gone… …'
A voice began to chant in my mind as I sank to the ground, clutching my head. I turned towards the entrance, only to find the side profile of Gandalf in the main hall and the One Ring that Bilbo had given up sitting innocently in front of me. As he bent down to try and touch it, the chanting got louder and louder with every inch.
"Gan… Gandalf…" I said weakly as I saw the look on Gandalf's face when he saw the Ring, my heart thumped louder and faster. My eyes widened as his fingers touched its exterior and suddenly, I was greeted with an image of the Eye, its black slit pupil focused on me.
'Take the Ring wizard… and bring the Child to me!' My eyes widened.
"Gandalf! Don't touch the Ring!" I shouted, as Gandalf pulled back his hand, too slightly shocked by the image of the Eye that entered his mind. He turned towards me and wordlessly helped me up, his face grim.
"Come inside Jacqueline, and stay away from the Ring," he said seriously as he guided me in and walked against the walls into the kitchen. The pull towards the Ring grew stronger than ever as I walked pass it, its taunting voice ever present in my mind, asking me to take it. My eyes stared at the Ring, and I could feel my body yearning for the Ring, fighting against my will to take it.
"Don't look at it," Gandalf instructed firmly as he brought his arm over my shoulder. He pull my head into his chest and led me into the Kitchen. I sniffed at his robe.
"You stink…" I murmured as I clutched his robe tighter. Gandalf gave a low strained chuckle. "Do I child?"
I nodded and let go of his grey robes, seating down at one of the chairs. Gandalf sat opposite me and we both sat in grim silence, each with our own thoughts.
To think just by one touching that Ring, it has such an effect on me… what's going to happen from now on? Frodo… I thought, looking at Gandalf who already had his pipe on and puffing, his face solemn.
After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence which seemed quite long, Gandalf took out his pipe and said the next few words that caused my heart to almost stop beating.
"Pack your bag Child, bring only necessary items. Once Frodo returns, we will leave."