The morning rose crisp and clear. The clouds seemed thin and high as the sun rose. Birds were singing as the sun rose in the east.
Chimneys bellowed out thick black smoke that could be seen for miles away. Hobbiton was nestled snugly on a hill side. Patches of white snow were dotted around the country side. Remnants of the harsh weather at this time of year.
Rivers and lakes deepened and their current strengthened as the water that made up the snow melted. The lake that Hobbiton encompassed rose by a few inches. On the banks of the river, small fragile sheets of ice clung to long pieces of grass.
Yet life did not seem to stop in the depth of the river. A few fish continued to swim around, oblivious to the temperature of the water around them.
Schools of small fish swam together around the pond. A few times, one would break that glassy effect on the surface of the lake. The ripples spread out across the surface of the lake.
Hobbits in every house hold were rising from their sleep. One hobbit had already been up since first like an hour or two ago. She yawned as she sat in a chair. But she was not the only one there. a young child was held in her arms. His name was Pippin, after a friend.
"Open up dear" said his mother as she scooped up some mush from the bowl.
But Pippin did not want any of the food. He cried as he laid there. Samwise walked in and smiled.
"How's my little lad?" he asked, looking down at him.
"I don't think he's hungry" Rosie answered, placing the spoon back into the bowl.
Samwise smiled.
"Why don't you come here, lad" he said, taking him from Rosie.
Rosie smiled as she sat there. Tiredness was still clinging to her as she sat there. She took a deep breath and got up, picking up the bowl and placed it on the worktop near the sink.
"I better get Elanor up" she thought as she walked out of the room.
The house seemed to be at its cleanest since last week. Rosie smiled as she knocked on a large wooden door. On the other side, her daughter was sleeping. The door was slowly opened. Light poured in as Rosie saw her sleeping daughter.
She walked in.
"Elanor?" she asked, shaking her daughter.
Elanor slowly woke up. The light from the corridor was a bit bright for her.
"Elanor? Get up now" her mother told her.
The small girl grumbled and turned over. Rosie smiled and walked out again. But Elanor still did not rise. She eyes were still closed as she slipped slowly back into sleep.
Noises echoed down the hall way. It grew louder and louder as more work up. Frodo had awoken, but continued laying in his bed. Frodo smiled as he smelt his breakfast from his room.
This made him feel wide awake now as he sat up in the bed. He took off his duvet and got out of bed. Frodo was wearing a white top and white shorts as his pyjamas.
His door was opened, the smell of his breakfast became stronger as he slowly walked down the corridor to the kitchen. The tiles were colder then the air around him.
A minute later, he entered the kitchen, yawning as he went.
"Morning, dear" said Rosie.
A few pans had been placed on the hot stove. A cracking sound came, then a quick fizzle. Rosie placed the egg shells on the work top. The rate of sizzling slowly started to quieten. Frodo sat upon his seat and yawned as he reached for some toast.
Rosie looked towards the door. Elanor had yet to make her presents known. Rosie took a deep breath, but carried on preparing breakfast.
Elanor had, in fact, started to have a dream again. Yet her sleep was not as deep as before she was woken. After what seemed only minutes, Elanor was woken for the second time.
"Breakfast is nearly ready" said her mothers voice.
Rosie stood there for what seemed a minute before her daughter opened her eyes. There was a tense moment between the two of them. Rosie smiled and walked out again.
Rosie's words then suddenly came back into the mind of the young child.
"Your grounded starting tomorrow"
Elanor took a deep breath. She slowly removed the duvet. The warmth was instantly lost as she sat up. The day was still brightening.
The young girl, although still sitting on her bed, was now very bored. The prospect of going on was not on the list today. The house now felt like an impenetrable cage.
Elanor yawned as she stood on the freezing tiles. Noises echoed down the hall way. Elanor did not like having such a big family around. A few times, she felt very left out as she watched her mother being busy with her younger brothers and sisters.
"And it's always me that gets the blame" she said to herself as she walked down the corridor.
The smell of eggs and bacon wafted down the corridor. hunger struck the young girl. She smiled as she turned into the room. Rosie was placing strips of crispy bacon on a white plate. But not all strips were cooked. Many more were to be placed in the pan.
Sam seemed to be in a world of his own. His gaze seemed to stretch for a hundred miles as he picked up a piece of buttered toast with one hand.
He took a deep breath and looked down at his youngest son. For a moment, Sam's day dream seemed so real. But then, it was not. Sam seemed to quieten as his mind was transported to just a few years past. Frodo Baggins was laying next to him. Ash covered both of their faces. The air around was thick and sulphurous.
Darkness surrounded the two stranded hobbits. Thoughts of home crossed Sam's mind now and again. The beauty of the Shire and the cool breeze of a summer's morning.
"Sam?" said a voice, snapping him from his daydream.
Sam looked up to see his wife standing there. for a moment, Sam was lost. His eyes panned down to Rosie's hands. Held in her grip was a plate and, on the plate, was a warm bacon sandwich.
"Oh, sorry love, I was miles away" he answered.
He took the plate and placed it on the table mat before him. A mug of cooling tea was cooling on the middle table mat.
Sam smiled as he looked at the crispy bacon that was nestled in between the soft bread. Samwise, with one hand, the other holding his son, picked up the sandwich.
Sam's life could get no better then what it was at this moment. But the same could not be said for other hobbits.
The day seemed to be strange for Estella Brandybuck as she made her way to the kitchen.
Rosamunda had already made herself busy with breakfast. Like the Gamgee's household, the smell bacon radiated from the kitchen. The chimney bellowed out black smoke into the clear, crisp sky. A gentle breeze carried the column away to the east. Birds were tweeting as they flew around another clear day.
A small creature was sleeping in the coldness all night. The small puppy shivered as she lay near to a large tree. Drips of freezing water were falling to the soft ground below. A few of those cold drips landed on the fur of the small pup.
Abira whined as a drip landed on her fluffy head. For the umpteenth time, she had been woken from her well needed sleep.
The noises grew louder as she was pulled from her sleep. For a moment, she was back in Pimpernel's bed. But, as her eyes opened, strange surroundings met her eyes. The puppy slowly lifted her head, wondering where she was.
"Origo" she thought.
She started to think of all the things that they had been though. Normally, it had Origo that helped her though things. But when the time came, she could not help. All she could do was to try and find Ivy and Origo again.
"I know where they are headed, but its just how long they have been travailing for"
Abira stood up and stretched. Tiredness still hung on her, but her focus was now in finding Ivy and Origo again.
But Origo and his small fairy were miles away. The great east road was fast approaching. But this was not the first time that Origo had been the road. In fact, it had only been a week or two since coming back from Rivendell.
Ivy, on the other hand, had been all around Middle-Earth many times before. to the fiery Mountain of Doom in Mordor, to the calmness and tranquillity of Hobbiton.
As she fluttered her way against the strengthening wind. hunger was getting to Origo as his pace had slowed. He whimpered as he hung his head.
"Puppy? What's the matter?" Ivy asked, fluttering in front of him.
"Hungry" he whimpered.
Ivy took a deep breath and landed on the floor.
"Would you like some turkey?" she asked, forgetting that Origo could not remember a thing.
The puppy tilted his head. Ivy then took a deep sigh.
"You don't know what turkey is, do you?" she asked.
Origo slowly shook his head.
"Is it nice?" he asked.
It was hard for Ivy to be asked this question. She knew that it was her fault. But she had to be there for the pup.
"Yes puppy, it is very good" she answered.
Origo's little tail started to wag gently.
"Could I have some?" he asked.
Ivy gave a small smile. It would be the first time that Origo would be fed by her. And it wouldn't be the last.
"Sure you can" Ivy said.
Ivy smiled as she moved back a bit. Origo blinked twice. On the second blink reviled a large plate and a pile of turkey. Origo looked at the plate to the fairy.
Ivy was smiling.
"It's a bit hot, so be careful" Ivy told him.
A new smell hit Origo's small wet nose. He whined and moved away, not liking it.
"But puppy, its your favourite" Ivy told him.
But Origo shook his head.
"I don't like it" he whined.
Ivy took a deep breath and the plate vanished into midair. Ivy took a deep breath, knowing that Origo could not carry on with the journey until he had had some food.
"What would you like then?" she asked, knowing that Origo had no idea what food even was.
Origo gave the fairy a blank look. Ivy then thought of new food for Origo.
"What about this?" she asked.
A plate of hot sausages appeared from nowhere. Origo's attention was now on the plate. He seemed to think nothing of appearing and disappearing plates.
Once again, the puppy shook his head. The plate vanished and reappeared again with entirely new food. Beef was next. For a moment, Origo seemed to like it. But, taking a small lick, decided that he didn't.
"Your very difficult pup" she said as another plate appeared.
Smoked salmon lay steaming on the white plate. Origo did not even look at what lay before him. His energy levels were now so low that he could be seen shivering. Ivy could see that Origo was deteriorating quite quickly. He would not last another day and night in the coldness of winter. She took a deep breath.
"There is" she started, thinking.
"One more thing I could do" she said.
Origo whined, wondering what else the fairy could do.
"Well, I could make you warmer" she told him.
Origo tilted his head, wondering what she meant.
"Warmer?" he asked.
Rosamunda stood up from her seat. She carried an empty plate over to the sink and placed it nearby. Estella sat down at the other side of the table. She too had an empty plate. A bacon sandwich had once been sitting on the plate. But now, it was all gone. Eaten by Estella.
"I'll just go and give this to Fredegar" Rosamunda said as she picked up the plate.
Her words lingered in the silent air. The plate was then picked up, a sandwich, which had been cut into two, was laying on the white surface. Scratch marks from breakfasts, lunches and dinners past were the only evidence that the plate had even been used.
The candles glimmered on the plate as Rosamunda made her way down to the corridor to her son's room. she arrived at the closed door and knocked three times.
Fredegar took a deep breath. Company was not what he needed right now. the door clicked out, echoing though the silent room.
"Fredegar?" a voice asked.
There was no reaction from her son. Thoughts circled though the head of Fredegar. His father was mainly clinging onto the forefront of his mind.
Fredegar was not willing to talk to anyone else. All he wanted to talk to was his father. But his father had gone. Regret clung onto the hobbit's heart. Hunger echoed up from his stomach.
"Fredegar?" asked her mother again.
"I've brought you some food" she told him.
But still, no evidence that Fredegar could hear her. this was breaking Rosamunda's heart. The clicking clock and the crackling fire were the only sounds for what seemed like hours as she stood there.
"Maybe he isn't ready yet" she thought.
She plated the plate on the bedside table and, without another word, left the room.
A river run right beneath the small puppy as she stood on the fragile log. She placed her second paw out. the log jolted a bit.
Another puppy was watching her from the opposite bank. Abira looked either side of the large log. There was only a few inches of error either side. Any more either way and she would fall in.
Another puppy was standing on the bank that she was heading to. This puppy was worried, very worried indeed. The other puppy took another step.
"That's it, slowly" he whined as a strong breeze ruffled him.
The girl puppy took yet another step. She was now two feet from the edge. A crack had gone right the way though the fallen tree. Unknown to either of the pups, the tree would give way.
But when? Neither of them knew.
The girl continued making her way across. A loud noise came from under her paws. She stopped suddenly and looked down. The next second, the part of the tree that she was on collapsed under her weight.
Everything seemed to happened in slow motion. The log hitting the water created a wave that grew and grew. Droplets of water flew in near enough every direction. The pup hit the water as well. The current seemed to drag her under.
"No!" the first puppy barked as he watched his friend get dragged away in the cold water.
The girl was struggling to keep her head above the water. Without thinking, the boy pup ran along the side of the raging torrent.
A few times, the pup almost hit a tree, but dodged just in time. His focus was now on his one and only friend. She was being dragging quicker then he could run. But he did not give up.
The river seemed to run like this for hour upon hour. But there was a shallow bend in the river just a few hundred meters down. But every second was critical for the small puppy.
The pup came to a slow and painful looking stop on hard rocks. The puppy lay in the calmness of the bend. Splashing came from the other side of the river as the other puppy rushed over to his friend.
"Mya?" he asked, making the cold water splash onto him.
But there was no sign of life that he could see. The puppy looked around. He was worried. Very worried. The water continued to flow around her wet fur.
"Mya, please get up" the puppy whimpered.
He nudged her with his head. But still, nothing happened. Origo was now on his own and his best friend needed help. So, he dragged her up onto the shallow bank, away from the water.
Yet this did not help much. Twigs and leaves lay on the ground around them. The opposite side of the bank was a small cliff. But it was too big for the small pup.
"There's no way I'm getting over that" he thought.
He knew that Tom Bombadil was just minutes away. But the puppy could not leave his friend laying there.
"Maybe I should go and find him" he thought.
But then, a stronger thought came into his head. An idea. Something that the pup had not done in a while. His shadow lengthened as he grew. His paws lengthened and grew into fingers.
It only took a few seconds to change into his other form. The puppy now stood as a young boy. he had black, shoulder length hair that looked usually clean, despite not being washed for many years.
His eyes were dark brown and intelligent, just like the small puppies he had just transformed from. The boy felt the warmth of sun on his skin. There seemed to be no imperfection about him. His feet were bare as his attention came to the small puppy, now at his feet.
"Mya?" he asked.
His voice was as fair as the wind. He kneeled on one knee and picked her up. Her small chest was rising and falling slowly.
The boy looked up and took a deep breath.
"Old Tom will help" he told himself.
Without another moment lost, the boy, carrying the small pup, ran off. His hair blowing in the wind as he crossed the river. The water splashed on his bare feet as he reached the other side of the river.
The broken tree was now resting on the bed of the river. Silt seemed to have erupted from the bed of the river when the tree fell on it. There was now a dirty line following the current of the water.
The sound of the trickling water lowered as the boy got further away. A few times, he looked down at the small pup in his hands.
Time was running out.
Elanor was now laying on her bed. She was staring up at the ceiling. Time seemed to stand still as noises echoed from the other side of the closed door.
The young girl had been grounded for the day. Elanor took a deep breath as she looked towards the door. The young girl suddenly stood up onto the cold tiled floor and walked towards it.
The door swung open and Elanor walked out. she stopped and looked either way down the corridor. One way led to the rooms that lay in the hill and the other the rooms that lead towards the door, such as the kitchen.
Elanor made up her mind and went towards the kitchen. She rounded the corner and saw her mother preparing lunch.
"I want to talk" Elanor said.
Rosie looked at her daughter.
"And I have told you that your grounded, go back to your room" she ordered.
Elanor took a deep breath, trying to keep calm.
"But I didn't do it!" Elanor told her.
Rosie, was had her hands covered in honey, was not in the mood to argue.
"Elanor, please would you just leave it be for a while. I am busy getting your lunch ready, I'll talk about it later"
To this, Elanor could not respond. She stood there, looking at her mother. She seemed to be more tired then usual. Her head throbbed as the headache grew worse. Elanor wanted to argue, but she felt as though she was now annoying her mother.
Elanor took a deep breath and turned around, leaving her mother standing at the work top. Rosie stopped for a few seconds as the headache became unbearable.
Every sound seemed to be louder and harsher on Rosie's ears. The laughter of her children, although beautiful, was grinding on her nerves.
"Are you alright?" asked a familiar voice.
Samwise had come into the kitchen. Rosie looked around and gave a smile that tried to hide what she was really feeling.
"I'm fine Sam, it's just.."
She stopped mid-sentence. She did not know quiet how to tell her husband.
"Just what?" he asked.
Honey continued to drip from her fingers onto the chicken that sat on the work top.
"Nothing, I'll be… I'll be fine" she said.
Deep down, she knew it was happening again. Yet she was not one hundred per cent sure of it.
Pippin was, yet again, sitting at the table in the kitchen. And, like the days before, Merry was sitting in the study. The ink in the small glass had nearly been all used up.
Pippin continued to write as he sat. A mug of ale, now drained, sat on the table mat near by. The fire had a healthy crackle to it as it sent the black smoke into the cold outside world above.
Pippin smiled as he finished the page. He placed the quill down and flicked back though the many pages he had done.
The title pages then came into view. There, a title stood out at him.
The Memories Of Diamond And Pippin
Pip smiled as he flicked to the first page. A lot of writing had been written here. His eyes began to read.
It was the year 3001. the date, September 22nd. Music and fireworks filled the sky as both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins celebrated their join birthday. Bilbo was 111 years of ages and Frodo, 33.
There was a large white gate and stairs had been built into the side of bag end on a warm, autumn day. The party atmosphere was getting higher as candles were lit.
Hobbits from near and far arrived. There were a few strangers as well, from across the boarders.
"Come on Pippin!" said a voice in his head as he continued to read.
The events of that day were flooding back to him. Pippin was a young boy, there was a lot of movement in his home. His three older sisters were getting ready.
"How about this?" asked one of them.
This was Pippin's older sister, Pearl. She fifteen years Pippin's senior. She took a deep breath, looking at the golden coloured dress.
"Yes dear, that looks perfect" her mother said.
Eglantine had gotten ready earlier then usual. She was rushing around, trying to make sure everyone was ready. Boredom had got the better of Peregrin as he got up from the bed.
All of the Took siblings had their own room. He opened the door and walked out. Voices echoed down the hall way.
Pippin came to Pervinca's room. he stood there, listening to what was being said.
"No, no, that's good" said a voice.
A moment later, Pimpernel came out of the room. she slowly closed the door and smiled as she saw her brother.
"Are you ready yet?" she asked.
Pippin shook his head.
"I need someone to tell me what to wear" Pippin told her.
She gave a warm smile.
"Come on, I think mother is a bit busy at the moment" Pimpernel told him.
The older and wiser Pippin gave a small smile. He suddenly realised that he had not taken his family for granted.
"Maybe is should try and make it up to them"
But that was easier said the done. Pippin took a deep breath as he closed the book. His own words had humbled him. a wake up call stronger then any other he had ever had before.
Pip slowly lifted his mug of ale up. The hobbit looked deep inside the mug. Inside, reflecting back at him, was an image of his self.
"I have to be there for them" he told himself.
"I can't let them down"
Pippin downed his ale and placed the mug back on the table. the book was opened again to the last page that had words.
The hobbit scanned over the last few words. He nodded to himself and picked up the quill again.
The party was now in full swing. Ale was being poured, gallon after gallon. Food was being eaten, mouthful upon mouthful.
The line to get in seemed to go on for ever. Minute after minute seemed to be wasted. And then, after what seemed like an hour to me, we were and the front of the line.
Bilbo was there to meet us.
"Eglantine!" he said warmly.
Pippin was holding his mother's hand. He had seen Bilbo many times before. Pippin was friends with Frodo.
"It's a pleasure you came" he said.
His attention then changed to the whole family.
"And look at this!" he said.
Pippin noticed that Bilbo's voice was a bit slurred as he greeted them.
"Peregrin Took, look at you" he said.
Pippin smiled.
"Hello" he answered.
Bilbo turned to a small table that had been set out next to the gate. Bilbo picked out five of the presents. He smiled as he turned around.
"These are for you, one each" he said, winking at Pippin.
All of the Took family took theirs and headed in. There was a lot of activity as more and more hobbits sat around tables.
Some of the hobbits were drinking, they had been from midday onwards. Laughter could be hear from near enough every direction. Piles of food could be seen in one tent and in the other, barrels of ale.
"Don't get into trouble" Eglantine told her only son.
Pippin looked up at his mother and gave a small smile.
"I wont" he lied.
Eglantine released her hand from her son's. Pippin was now free to do what he wanted. Unless his mother found out.
"Pippin!" a voice said behind him.
It was, of course, Merry Brandybuck. Pippin smiled.
"Hello" he answered.
"I see you've got one of Bilbo's presents as well" Merry said, looking at the box in Pippin's hands.
Pippin nodded.
"I haven't opened it yet" he said.
The next second, Pippin lifted the lid. Inside, a large bag. Pippin picked out the bag. A funny sound came from inside the bag. Pippin opened it up and tipped some into his hands.
The small balls glinted in the many candles that had been lit.
"Marbles" he said, looking at the colours.
Some had blue veins running from side to the other, others had yellow, red, green and white.
"I got the same" Merry told him.
Pippin smiled. The music echoed around as hobbits continued to party. A figure, larger then any other, crossed into the middle of the large field. A light erupted from the end of this figures staff.
After a few seconds, a loud whooshing sound came from the ground. The sound grew as a light grew and something flew up into the air.
A few more seconds past before something exploded in the sky. Colours filled the sky, blocking out the light of twinkling stars.
A loud bang echoed around. cheers erupted from the congregated hobbits. After a second or two, they went back to what they were doing.
"Come on, lets find our table" said Eglantine.
Pippin smiled.
"I'll see you later" Merry told his friend.
Pippin nodded and followed his mother. A table had been set out.
"Ah, here we are" Paladin said, seeing the name on the piece of card.
Hunger was now getting to Pip as he placed the box on the table. The food was placed out on long tables. A stack of plates had been placed at one end of the line.
"Come Pip" said Pearl.
Pippin smiled. Hunger was now making his stomach rumble. The line for food was not as long as it was an hour or two ago. But there was still quite a long wait.
The line slowly moved on. Pippin picked up a plate for himself as he waited with his family.
"Hold out your plate dear" said his mother as she picked up a spoon.
She placed a pile of peas onto his plate. She did the same to hers as well and placed the silver spoon back in the bowl.
In the next one were honey roasted parsnips. Pippin smiled as his mother put more then the usual amount on. she looked down and gave him a wink, then moved on.
A large pile of different meats was next. Chicken, beef, turkey and ham. All had been freshly prepared that day. Pippin was getting more and more hungry as more and more food was piled on the plate.
After a minute or two, Pippin's plate was now very heavy.
"Alright, go and sit down" Eglantine said, placing the last of the food on her own plate.
Pippin smiled and walked back to his place. But it was easier said then done. A few times, Pippin had to steer away from the other hobbits. For they were now very drunk and very clumsy. But after a few obstacles, such as passed out hobbits, he got to the table.
Knives and forks had already been set out as Eglantine arrived at her place. She smiled as she placed her plate down next to her son.
"I'm only going to allow it just this once" Eglantine said, picking up a jug from the middle of the table.
Pippin smiled, knowing what was in the jog. His mother picked up her son's mug and started to pour a large amount of ale into it.
"Thank you" he said as his mother placed it before him.
But a drink was now what Pippin wanted. He picked up his knife and fork and started to eat like the rest of the party.
Food was the only thing that kept Pippin quiet long enough for his family to get some rest from his antics. Pimpernel was the last one to sit down. Her plate was as big as her younger brother's. But she did not start on her food right away.
Instead, she picked up her mug of ale as took a swig before placing it down again. She smiled as she picked up her knife and fork as well.
Laughter, music and the occasional bang above from a firework echoed around them. Ale was still being poured out in large quantities.
It was then Pippin spotted a familiar figure. Frodo Baggins walked around the party. he smiled and nodded to his friends and guests.
"Hello" said Frodo coming towards them.
Paladin stood up and smiled.
"Hello, Frodo" he said, extending his hand.
Frodo smiled and took it.
"Hello, Paladin, it is nice to see the family here" Frodo said, looking at the table.
"Thirty three years of age, ah?" Paladin asked.
Frodo gave a small nod.
"I am getting on in years now" Frodo joked.
Paladin nodded.
"Yet, there are more adventures to come" he said.
Pippin gave a small smile. he knew exactly what this meant now. for Frodo had been on an adventure, one that nearly cost him his life a number of times.
The clock continued tick past twelve in the afternoon. Lunch had been, surprisingly, forgotten as Pippin sat there. Hunger did not seem to bother him much as he continued to write.
Pippin's writing session was only broken by the door being opened. Merry wondered in. he smiled.
"I forgot about lunch" Merry said, smiling.
