THE CHANGING OF THE YEAR.
Away down south, Gaffer Gamgee heard they now started the new year in March. Something to do with what Mr Frodo and his Sam did down there.
Folk in the Shire were slow to adopt such new-fangled ideas, however, so tonight they would be celebrating Yule as they always had. In Ham's opinion, it was the proper time to do so, as that was when the Sun returned. 'twas not proper to go changing it and in his eyes this new King had too high an opinion of himself.
Besides, Mr Frodo was never well enough to celebrate in March.
END
THE HOBBIT'S NEW CLOTHES
Frodo never bothered with the long mirror in his bedroom. Stepping into his tweens, he was more interested in climbing and hiking, and Bilbo frowned, asserting that his nephew's appearance perfectly reflected that fact. Returned from his final fitting with Bilbo's tailor, Frodo examined himself in the glass.
Gone was the 'Terror of Brandy Hall.' In his place was a dapper young gentlehobbit of means, and Frodo was not altogether sure that he was comfortable with the change. The new jacket confined and he sneaked his battered old suit back into the wardrobe, unwilling to forget the 'Terror' just yet.
END
EVENSTAR
As Nessa at world's dawning, she danced on emerald sward, blessing with each feather step. Guardian trees she threaded, Luthien's distant daughter, pale feet caressing leaf and glowing petal. Around shimmering face flowed midnight hair, as errant clouds drift across the moon, and slender arms spread wide to life with all its pending doom.
Soft lips exhaled a music, clear and sweet, to pierce the silvered silence of waiting summer's eve. High Valar sighed a breeze that trembled leaves in whispered harmony, and melancholy nightingale descanted to unwitting maiden melody.
Yet, father's tears could not prevail as Hope delivered mourning.
END
RIVER
As a child, Frodo had contracted influenza. Long summer days, frolicking with friends had stuttered to stillness in his darkened room. Recovering, he was shocked to learn that time had continued without him. Playmates had explored new places, created games, argued and made up. Cousins had been born and elders died.
That was his first inkling time moved differently for everyone, just as it did for him now. His friends raced on, excitedly exploring this rediscovered world, marrying, having families. He stood upon the bank of time's river. For Frodo time was frozen, mind still halted at that fiery precipice.
END
NOT FORGOTTEN
Rose smiled, watching her children, carefree in Bag End's bright summer garden. At first glance they played Blind Hobbit's Bluff, with Elanor as still as a statue. The rest raced about her in a giggling melee, some more successfully than others, for Ruby and Robin had only recently mastered walking upright.
Suddenly Elanor shouted, "Troll!"
Everyone came to a squealing, giggling halt as she whipped off her blindfold. Reaching as far as she could Elanor touched her brother, Frodo. "You're it!" she announced, gleefully handing over the blindfold.
A new game. It seems Bilbo Baggins was gone but not forgotten.
END