SILENCE HOPED FOR
"How long before the river subsides, do you think?" Gandalf matched Elrond's ground eating stride, as they returned to the house.
"An hour perhaps. A group of my household rides to meet them."
Gandalf had guessed at a silent exchange when Elrond's gaze grew distant. At the courtyard entrance, they leapt aside as a group of riders sped past, trailing several spare mounts. "Do they know what Frodo carries."
"I deemed silence the wiser course at present. Some here are ancient and powerful warriors."
"Then let us hope that the Ring also chooses to remain silent."
END
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SILVER HIGHWAY
Frodo quickly grew to love the sea. In all weathers he would walk the cliffs or stroll along the sand, cooling his toes within arcing wavelets. Its wild storms overwhelmed, dragging him from introspection to sweep away remaining nightmare. In calmer mood, it soothed, dissolving his pain like a gentle mother's kiss.
The changing colours fascinated; deep green to leaden grey and stormy brown to sapphire blue. But he liked it best when summer sun tipped each wave, to form a sparkling silver highway from West to East. Then he shaded his eyes for white sails and faithful Sam.
END
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Tolkien is vague about the building, showing it in one of his drawings (although whole) and, I believe, in a map. I'm going for a more Victorian gothic option.
THE OLD GRANGE
Nobody knew it's age, or who built and named it, but the Old Grange had stood by Hobbiton Road for as long as anyone could remember. Possibly built as a farm or inn, its blank square window and doorways, clearly declared its 'big folk' heritage.
Tradition said it was haunted, so nobody dared knock it down and children gave it a wide berth. Parents said it was because the remaining walls were unsafe, but in truth, the sharp angled ruins were a little disquieting even to them.
Tumbled stone was left to the shrouding ravages of ivy, nettle and briar.
END
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THE WHEEL WILL TURN
Ted wished that his grand-parents had built the mill further upstream. It was said an overshot wheel was much more efficient, but without extensive digging for a leat, which the stupid folk of Bywater had firmly vetoe'd, it was impossible. Burglar Baggins had stirred up that village meeting, to be sure.
Not that there was additional grain to make such a change worthwile, but Ted fancied having the best mill in the Shire; perhaps even the only one. Wouldn't that be a step up on that meddling Baggins pair, lording from their high hill?
His day would come. Just wait.
END