#24 Filling In The Gaps

"So," the hobbit began as his grandchildren gathered around eagerly awaiting another tale. "What story shall it be tonight?"

"The Quest!"

"Uncle Pippin and the Steward of Gondor!"

"How you met Strider!"

"Gandalf and the Fire Monster!"

Ten high pitched voices all piped up together demanding their own favourite story as Rosie looked up from her needlework and smiled in their direction. If her Samwise couldn't be working away in his beloved garden, then his next favourite pastime was sitting in his overstuffed armchair, surrounded by an adoring audience all eager to hear him spin one of his fantastic yarns. How true they all were, she wasn't quite sure, oh yes, she knew all about the elves and the war and Frodo's quest, but it had all been so long ago and far away and as time went by the stories got longer and wilder, with strange flying monsters, magical rings and eagles big enough to carry a full grown man, that she had begun to wonder. Sam wouldn't lie exactly. No, she wasn't saying that, but, well, he had always loved a good story and who was to say he hadn't added a few embellishments over the years, just to keep the little ones on the edge of their seats. Just inserted a few monsters here and there, a little danger to liven things up, filling in the gaps to make what had been basically a long hike to a faraway kingdom seem much more dangerous and exciting than it was.

"All right then." Sam laughed delightedly. "I'll tell you how I first met Strider as was, the King of Gondor, although we didn't rightly know who he was at first see. We thought he was a villain out to kill your uncle Frodo, aye, he looked like a proper nasty 'un then I can tell you…"

Sam's voice faded unto the background as Rosie shook her head indulgently and took up her work once more. She had heard this particular tale any number of times now, it was one of Sam's favourites, although she could never understand why and she was certain that if it ever made its way to the ears of the king of Gondor he would not be best pleased. It was a good job that hobbits and The Shire were much too unimportant for that to ever happen…


A/N

Thanks for reading and especially for those of you who have commented on this little series. I do love reading your reviews ;)

Lord Illyren - I have often imagined Thranduil trying to hold on to every memory of Legolas' childhood like any parent. Especially one who can see their home becoming a war zone. It must be heartbreaking to know that however much you want to you can not protect your child from danger forever.