The Ivy Bush was buzzing. According to Daddy Twofoot, who had been going about his usual wonderings, Gilia Brandybuck, cousin of Merry, was back in town for first time since any one could remember.
"I don't know what she's doing here," Daddy was saying. "I was just walking around and found myself in Buckland. I saw Master Merry speaking to a young Hobbit lady. I wasn't sure who she was at first, but then I recognised her. It's not hard you know, what with her face and every thing."
"Her face? Tell us about her face," cried the congregated Hobbits, who couldn't wait for some family history.
"Well, as you know, she was born not long after our Master Frodo, and she was perfectly normal, but then when she around 7, her home was burnt. She escaped, of course, but her face was disfigured. Her parents perished, so she…" he stoped suddenly, looking with fearful eyes at the door, where Merry, who had been listen ting to their conversation was standing in the doorway.
"So she what, Daddy? Continue your gossip with out fear, for Gilia can't hear you. Her reasons for returning are none of your businesses, but she is back, and she is looking for a peaceful home. Please don't make that impossible for her," he turned on his heel and left.
Merry arrived at Frodo's gate when he remembered he hadn't collected the wine he had been sent for. Cursing Daddy Twofoot, he marched up the path, thinking he could send Sam or Pippin for the wine. He found the three of them sitting round the table, talking about the day's happenings. Or at least, Sam and Pippin were talking; Frodo was just listening. As he didn't go out of Bag End as much as he used to, Frodo relied on Pippin, Sam and Merry to relay the goings on of the Shire.
"Ah Merry, did you get the wine?"
"No I didn't Frodo, I felt I had to tell you something before any one else tells you," he sat down across from Frodo, next to Pippin. Sam was sitting in his usual seat, next to Frodo. "Gilia arrived in Buckland today, I don't know where from. She says she here to visit her family, but feel she isn't telling the whole truth."
His unexpected news was meet with silence. Frodo, speaking from a dreamy half- trance, told Sam and Pippin to go and fetch more wine.
When they were gone, he and Merry had a good talk.
"What do you mean, not telling the whole truth? I thought the Elves were looking after her."
"I thought so too, but something has happened. Gili refuses to peak of it; I haven't the faintest idea what it could be."
"You don't think it could be- no, surely not?"
"Nim? Could be, could be." Frodo face grew from the concern as before, to plain terror.
"B-b-but I thought… Gala… how Merry, how?"
Merry shook his head sadly. "I don't know. I just hope-" but what he hoped Frodo never found out. Pippin and Sam arrived back just then, carry a large jug of wine between them.
"Merry, you'll never guess who we just bumped into," Pippin said loudly, grinning all over his face. "Gili! She was looking high and low for you, I told her to go back to your house, you'll be there soon."
A loud screeching cut through the air as Merry got up and left. Frodo, Sam and Pippin had a merry night, drinking and talking until the hours before dawn.