Chapter 16 – The Green Dragon

6 months later –

"Its about ruddy time" cried Rosie Gamgee pulling her best friend into a warm hug.

"Aye" agreed Sam "We wondered when he would make a honest Hobbit of you Robin"

Robin smiled at them both "It has been exactly 16 months since first I met Frodo and I have known since that day that I would marry him" she blushed at been so open in front of her friends.

"Though if she had told me that it would of saved a lot of time" joked Frodo walking into the room. The others laughed.

Frodo had asked Robin to marry him on the eve of September and she had accepted gladly.

A couple of days later they were celebrating the engagement together.

"If you wish it I would like to set the date for the wedding" said Robin

"Of course my love, when did you have in mind?" answered Frodo

"I would like it in 19 days" said Robin "On your birthday"

"Oh Robin it is your day, you do not want it to be overshadowed by my birthday" Frodo said despairingly "I implore you to reconsider"

"Nay, I shall not" answered Robin stubbornly "I missed your birthday last year Frodo so this shall be my special gift to you"

"Then it is a gift that is I receive warmly with all my heart" said Frodo kissing his bride to be then enthusiastically jumping up he cried "Let all know that on the 22nd September we shall be wed and I shall be made the happiest Hobbit alive." Robin jumped up clapping her hands

"Oh Frodo I do love you" she cried "I cannot wait for us to spend the rest of our lives together"

It was the evening of 5th September and Frodo, Robin, Samwise and Rose had just finished eating their evening dinner. Rose had gone to check on Elanor who had just started teething and the other three were resting in the parlour.

"I have an idea" said Robin suddenly "Why don't we all go to 'The Green Dragon' this evening?" She looked to the other two enthusiastically.

Frodo looked uneasy "I do not think that is such a good idea. Hobbits of good character such as yourself do not enter into such establishments, Robin"

"But you do Frodo" She commented "Ahh but of course I am a female Hobbit coming from and marrying into very well to do family's so I shouldn't reduce myself to socialise with the lower classes."

"No of course not" replied Frodo somewhat flustered "I just think you wouldn't like it"

"I have been in Inns before Frodo…" her voice was sharp.

"Ok, ok" interrupted Sam "Frodo, if Robin wants to go to the 'The Green Dragon' we should go, it will be nice to have an evening out and Robin…" he turned to her "If it is too much then we shall not stay long. Is that acceptable with everyone?"

The other two agreed though Frodo still looked uncomfortable about it.

So an hour later the three of them set out from Bag End walking through Hobbiton to the 'The Green Dragon' inn, which sat on the outskirts of Bywater. Entering through the large front door they were greeted immediately by the landlord Mr. Benji Grubb.

"Welcome, welcome my admirable Hobbits. Sam, how is the baby and dearest Rose? Mister Baggins…" he bowed low "You honour my humble inn with your presence, and the beautiful Miss Took, you brighten the darkest places"

They all thanked him for his kind words and Robin shook his hand "Your speak agreeably master landlord, though in just over 2 weeks I shall be Miss Took no longer"

Frodo looked worriedly at her but she quieted him with a glance "Hush Frodo, the good landlord will know sooner or later. Mister Baggins and myself are to be married, Benji and we would like to invite you to come."

"Oh congratulations" cried the Landlord pulling Robin into an enthusiastic hug then doing the same to Frodo who didn't look at all happy about it.

""You shall have a free ale on the house" the excited landlord continued to usher them through to the lounge.

The pub was fairly busy with Hobbits. They were mostly locals from Bywater and Hobbiton but there were also a few strangers there on business. Sam knew a lot of the Hobbits and they were greeted warmly by most of the customers.

The ale flowed freely that night and all the Hobbits were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Even Old Grubb had joined in the entertainment with a very amusing song about a talking pig and his trip to market. Frodo sat by Robin all night observing the goings on, though he did not join in, he was obviously enjoying himself.

"It is nice to see you happy" Robin whispered to him.

He turned to her with a smile, "I will always be happy from now on"

Just then a rousing cheer went up as Sam stood on his chair clinking his glass extremely loudly.

"My dear Hobbits of the Shire and Buckland," he started, swaying slightly from the over copious amounts of alcohol. "May I take this opportunity to express my delight at living among a people that are so stout and resilient, and have the strength to continue making this country a worthy place to live"

Very loud cheers went up about the room. They all knew of Sam's feats and adventures, and to have a Hobbit of such renowned character praising them was wonderful.

Wiping his mouth after a long draft of beer Sam continued "And I also have something to announce" The room quietened (as much as was able) to listen to Sam's news. Frodo stiffened at Robin's side. She placed a calming hand on his leg and he relaxed under her touch.

"I like to announce an engagement of some notoriety. Please raise your glasses and toast my good, good friends Mr. Frodo Baggins and Miss Robin Took who are to be married the week after next" The roar was deafening and Robin could feel her self redden. She stood up pulling Frodo with her. Many of the Hobbits came up to shake Frodos hand and wishing them the best of luck. There was also many drinks been bought for them as was tradition when a wedding was announced. As the commotion started to die down, a loud evil laugh was heard coming from the bar. The majority of the Hobbits turned to see who was laughing including Robin, Frodo and Sam.

Stood at the bar were two Hobbits. They were sneering and they had twisted wicked smiles on their faces. It was them that were laughing. One of them started clapping slowly then he walked over to the trio.

"Can I help you sir" Frodo asked politely, facing the stranger

The Hobbit looked mockingly at him "So Mr. Baggins you are marrying a Took. A Took! I presume it is just out a mere kindness for the girl for of course you don't actually love her. If you want my opinion the Took's should stay in their own land and leave decent folk to decent villages." He looked round at the group; his friend agreeing audibly from the back

Both Robin and Sam gasped indignantly. Sam cursed under his breath and Robin stepped forward to challenge the Hobbit but Frodo held out his arm to stop her.

Keeping his voice calm he said "And I would let any free thinking Hobbit have his own opinion but I cannot allow you to speak about my fiancé in that manner"

The room was silent. The Hobbit jeered back "And I thought the Bagginses were honourable folk. My mistake, you cannot be if you are taking up with a Took. And we all know what kind of females come from Tookland don't we?" He laughed obnoxiously at his own joke.

"I think you better leave" replied Frodo quietly. Sam was red with frustration and Frodo knew that trouble would start if the stranger remained.

"You disgusting rat" spat Robin "I've a mind to…"

"Oh you are pretty when your angry Miss Robin" Interrupted the Hobbit sarcastically "Sure you don't want to marry me. Oh but I'd never marry a Took whore"

Robin lunged viciously at him but was once again stopped by Frodo.

"Now, Now" came Mister Grubbs voice "We shall not have trouble in here. Geddy…" he said addressing the stranger "I thinks you had about as much ale as is good for you, now why don't you leave the good couple alone eh?"

"Bah!" spat Geddy "I'm only telling what's right. I have nothing against Mr. Baggins, or I hadn't" he wheeled around, drunkenly heading towards his friend at the bar.

After that the atmosphere in the pub was tense and some of the Hobbits made their excuses and left. Those that remained sat down muttering amongst themselves. There were no songs to be sung again that night. Geddy and friend stayed at the bar and carried on drinking their ale. "That Frodo Baggins needs teaching a lesson me thinks" Geddy muttered to his friend.

"What an awful Hobbit" cried Robin not caring who heard.

"Yes he is" replied Frodo more quietly "But do not heed what he says my love, he is uncouth and rude and I am shamed that he is a residence of Bywater."

"Yes" said Sam "He does not know you Robin, but if he says one more thing like that he won't know what's hit him"

"We cannot contest this with violence, Sam" interrupted Frodo sternly "I do not think he shall bother us again."

They continued to finish their drinks but now the laughter and chatter was muted though Sam tried his best to raise the mood.

When they had finished Frodo stood to get another round in at the bar. As he rose he turned and walked straight into Geddy.

"Oh I'm sorry" Frodo said sincerely

"Yeah you should be" snarled the other Hobbit pushing Frodo in the chest.

The expression on Frodos face changed and he grabbed Geddys hand, twisting it round. Frodo was no match for the other Hobbits strength though and Geddy easily escaped from the hold.

"You shouldn't of done that Mr. Baggins" Geddy said mockingly.

Frodo held his hands up in a submissive gesture. "I do not want to fight with you" he said slowly. He then continued to walk past Geddy towards the bar.

Robin looked on scared for her fiancé, she was glad when Frodo had seemed to diffuse the matter. When Frodo had turned his back it was then that Robin saw the glint of silver at Geddys side.

"NO" She screamed rising from her chair. Her legs felt like lead and it seemed to her that time had slowed. All she could think of was getting Frodo away from the knife. Frodo turned hearing Robins cry and saw Geddy threateningly approach. Robin didn't have time to think, she ran as fast as she could crashing into Frodo from the side. He fell hard to floor and Robin nearly followed but turning she steadied herself and managed to stay on her feet. Firstly she noticed she was looking straight into the evil dark eyes of Geddy then a shot of excruciating pain wracked her body. The male Hobbit stood back looking at his blood soaked hands then with a quick glance at Robin he fled out of the front door. Robin looked down to see the knife protruding from her belly and the blood that already drenched the front of her dress. She cried in pain as she wrenched the knife out. As the floor came up to meet her she screamed Frodos name before slipping into darkness.