Chapter Rating: G
Chapter 12: Mathom House Party
December 22nd
The Hobbiton Rebuilding Meeting was held in the largest room available in the Shire…the Micheldelving Mathom House's "Great Room." The entire population of Hobbiton, Bywater, Bag End, and surrounding farms crowded into the grand hallway and adjacent rooms.
Everyone was overjoyed to see Mayor and Mistress Whitfoot in attendance. It was good to see the elderly gentlehobbit back at a public meeting, his wife at his side beaming with pride. Even though he was still too frail to resume all of his Mayoral duties, the townsfolk were pleasantly surprised when the Mayor officiated the meeting. Master Whitfoot did the introductions, hand shaking and formalities required of the occasion, then handed the meeting over to the Deputy Mayor.
Frodo explained the Hobbiton Rebuilding Plan's details and answered questions. After some discussion, the townsfolk approved Frodo's designs for new building construction and road works. Mayor Whitfoot made a grand speech afterwards, with much clapping and back-slapping. The business meeting was adjourned and the party commenced immediately.
The old, dusty Mathom House came alive with lights, music, ale and dancing. This was the first public celebration held since Sharkey's demise, and all were ready for a good time. Large groups of friends and relatives claimed tables and corners in various rooms. Merry and Pippin had reserved a small table back in the corner of the Great Hall for the Travelers and their guests. Folks came and went, but the main group consisted of Sam, Rosie, Merry, Pippin, Freddy, Peony Fairweather (Freddy's girlfriend), and Frodo.
The Traveler's Table (as it was soon called) hosted many guests during first hour of the party. Folk who had never met the famous foursome came by to make their acquaintance and to thank them for the rousting of the ruffians. Iris came over to personally congratulate Frodo on his plan, and was asked to join them at the table. A few others briefly met with Frodo, but the main body of folk were actually there to greet the famous Captains of the Shire-march. Pippin and Merry were the center of attention and couldn't have been more congenial. They were, of course, wearing their Gondor and Rohan outfits and drank out of matching silver goblets emblazoned with the White Tree crest – a gift of the actual King of Gondor himself, if one believed the rumor.
After the steady stream of well-wishers had dried up, Sam gathered his close friends around the table.
"Ahem…Pippin? Could I have your attention for a moment, Captain Took, sir?" Sam called out. Pippin grinned and reluctantly walked away from a beautiful young lass.
"Now that I have everyone's full attention," Sam winked at Pippin, "Rosie and I would like to make our own little announcement." Rose got out of her seat and placed her arm around Sam's waist. Sam cleared his throat and continued.
"Guess you all would have figured it out by now, but I'm real sweet on Miss Rosie Cotton," he began.
"No kidding!" Freddy interrupted.
"And I wanted you all to be the first to know," Sam continued by ignoring Freddy. "Rosie and me are jumping the broom come Mid-Summer's Day."
"Congratulations!" Pippin was grinning from ear to ear as he raised his goblet in salute.
"Yes, my deepest congratulations, Sam and Rosie," Frodo added. At that instant Frodo knew only pride in Sam and happiness for his joy. "May this joy keep him whole," Frodo silently prayed.
"About time!" Merry said as he rolled his eyes, then thought better of it as Pippin jabbed him in the ribs. "I mean, wonderful! This calls for a toast! OK everyone…here's to the happiest couple in the Shire, and I mean that with all sincerity."
"Here, here!" "Well said, Merry."
Merry continued, "And as a fellow Traveler, may I offer the happy couple the use of Crickethollow for your honeymoon? It's not too close, and it's not too far away, and it's a lot more private than the Cotton farm!"
"Oh, Merry, do you really mean it?" Rose asked.
"Indeed I do," Merry smiled. "You and Sam are welcome to it for your honeymoon. I'll make sure Pippin cleans up his mess before you come over."
"My mess?" Pippin protested. "Guess who the real slob is, eh? Pay him no nevermind. Sam, Rosie. We would be honored it you would accept the use of our humble abode for your honeymoon." Pippin completed the offer with a sweeping bow which almost knocked over a passer-by. There was much merriment at the little corner table and the ale flowed as toast followed toast.
Frodo sat in the shadows in the back of the room, observing, but not really participating. He had positioned himself so that his back was in a corner. He was able to view the entire hall while remaining mostly concealed in shadow. Iris sat across from him. She was quite comfortable in quietly talking with him and not pressing him to do anything that might bring attention to himself. Sam and Rosie soon rejoined them at the table.
Pippin and Merry were having a grand time dancing with the lasses and drinking. Pippin was getting a bit tipsy and loud. The band began to play a vigorous dancing tune. It was a well-known popular line dance, so everyone began dancing. Pippin spotted Frodo in the corner and decided Frodo needed to come out and dance too.
Pippin grabbed Frodo by the arm and drug him out of his chair towards the dance floor.
"Pippin, no. I really don't want to dance," Frodo protested repeatedly. "Pip! Come on. Let go. I really don't want to." Frodo was getting agitated now.
"Come on, Frodo!" Pippin drug him further into the crowd. "It'll be fun!" Pippin actually got Frodo up onto the dance floor and started twirling Frodo around, much to Frodo's ever-growing displeasure.
Sam wasn't paying much attention to the scene developing on the dance floor until it was almost too late. As Pippin started twirling Frodo into the line dance, Sam noticed and became quite alarmed. He bolted out of his chair so quickly it toppled over with a clatter. He strode over to Pippin.
Frodo angrily grabbed Pippin and said quite loudly, "Pippin Took! Don't you ever lay a hand on me again!" and shoved Pippin away into the arms of a quite willing lass.
Frodo stomped off the dance floor, totally ignoring Sam. He went back into his chair in the corner. He was almost panting with anger. His face and neck were flushed with embarrassment. Iris noticed that he was unconsciously massaging his left arm again.
Meanwhile, back on the dance floor, Pippin was stunned at Frodo's reaction. The dance line snaked on without him.
"What's the matter with Frodo?" a bewildered Pippin asked Sam.
"Pip – you're still a fool of a Took sometimes," said Sam. "Let's go outside." Sam angrily grabbed Pippin by the coat and forced the much taller hobbit outside into the cold winter night. Sam herded Pippin past the few hobbits outside enjoying their pipes, and round to the dark side of the building.
"Pippin. Don't you ever lay hands on Mister Frodo, ever again! I know you don't mean nothin' by it, but you're sure not thinkin' straight tonight. Frodo's been through a lot worse situations than you'll ever know. And he ain't never goin' to be healthy again neither. He can't do that sort of physical stuff any more. You know that. You saw him on the journey back from Rivendale. But he don't want none but us to know. He just wants to be left alone for some peace and quiet. That means nothing unexpected. No startling him. No forcing him to do things he don't want to do. There's no telling what memories you just brought up for him right then. So get it through your thick block once and for all – never ever do anything what startles Mister Frodo, or I'll have at you. Understand?"
Pippin was abashed. "Gee Sam, I'm sorry! I didn't realize it would hurt him like that. Sam, I'm so sorry! Oh, what should I do now?"
The evident distress on Pippin's voice caused Sam to hesitate a moment. He laid his hands on Pippin's shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes.
"You owe Frodo an apology. Go on inside and get him an ale. Then, if I was you, I'd avoid him for the rest of the evening. He'll probably forget about it by morning."
Sam and Pippin walked back inside Mathom Hall. The dance was still going on as if nothing had happened. In fact, Freddy and Peony had joined the dancing at the end of the line. Frodo, Iris and Rosie were sitting at the table in an uncomfortable silence while the party swirled around them. Sam and Pippin navigated their way through the dancers and came over to the table.
"Frodo," Pippin said, "I'm sorry I grabbed you like that. Can I make it up to you by getting you an ale or something?"
Frodo looked up at Pippin and forced a small smile. "I'm sorry I lost my temper and pushed you, Pip. No harm done, really. An ale would be fine, thanks."
Pippin was greatly relieved. "Lasses, would either of you care for another?"
"No thanks," replied Rosie. "I've got one going already."
"Come on Rosie," Sam said, "Let's dance." The tone in his voice made it clear that Rose didn't have an option out of it. So the two of them joined hands and quickly headed off to the dance floor.
"I'll have another," said Iris. Pippin quickly left to go get the ales. This left Iris alone with Frodo. He was still sulking in the shadows.
"Frodo," Iris asked, "what was that all about?"
Frodo glanced away from her gaze. "Oh, I dislike being forced to do things like dancing. He should know better. But he is a Took and I should not expect him to remember too many things after having a few ales." He actually smiled and chuckled faintly. But Iris could tell the laugh was forced. It seemed to her that his left shoulder was causing him quite a bit of pain now.
Pippin soon returned with three ales in hand; one for Iris, one for Frodo, and an almost empty one in his silver goblet for himself. He had a different cute young hobbit lass at his side. He drained the rest of his ale, set the goblet on the table, excused himself, and went off onto the dance floor with the young lady. Frodo just shook his head in amusement. Iris was relieved to have the tense situation resolved so quickly. But she was beginning to take Sam's concerns about Frodo quite seriously now. She noticed him massaging his arm. She suspected there was more to this than physical pain.
After a couple ales, Frodo asked Iris to dance a slow, easy dance. He was determined to hide from the physician the aching in his left arm. They danced quietly in the dark corner of the Mathom House.
As they danced, Frodo momentarily forgot the nagging pain in his shoulder. She smelled good. And it felt good to hold someone close. It had been so long since he had been this close physically to anyone, that he was momentarily overcome with the pleasure of touch, and dropped his guard. Iris could feel the tension in his body melt away as they swayed to the slow rhythm. When the music ended they were both reluctant to uncouple. He kissed her hand and she shyly smiled. But she was determined to not be put off by his outward show of gallantry. She knew he was in trouble.
Chapter 12: Mathom House Party
December 22nd
The Hobbiton Rebuilding Meeting was held in the largest room available in the Shire…the Micheldelving Mathom House's "Great Room." The entire population of Hobbiton, Bywater, Bag End, and surrounding farms crowded into the grand hallway and adjacent rooms.
Everyone was overjoyed to see Mayor and Mistress Whitfoot in attendance. It was good to see the elderly gentlehobbit back at a public meeting, his wife at his side beaming with pride. Even though he was still too frail to resume all of his Mayoral duties, the townsfolk were pleasantly surprised when the Mayor officiated the meeting. Master Whitfoot did the introductions, hand shaking and formalities required of the occasion, then handed the meeting over to the Deputy Mayor.
Frodo explained the Hobbiton Rebuilding Plan's details and answered questions. After some discussion, the townsfolk approved Frodo's designs for new building construction and road works. Mayor Whitfoot made a grand speech afterwards, with much clapping and back-slapping. The business meeting was adjourned and the party commenced immediately.
The old, dusty Mathom House came alive with lights, music, ale and dancing. This was the first public celebration held since Sharkey's demise, and all were ready for a good time. Large groups of friends and relatives claimed tables and corners in various rooms. Merry and Pippin had reserved a small table back in the corner of the Great Hall for the Travelers and their guests. Folks came and went, but the main group consisted of Sam, Rosie, Merry, Pippin, Freddy, Peony Fairweather (Freddy's girlfriend), and Frodo.
The Traveler's Table (as it was soon called) hosted many guests during first hour of the party. Folk who had never met the famous foursome came by to make their acquaintance and to thank them for the rousting of the ruffians. Iris came over to personally congratulate Frodo on his plan, and was asked to join them at the table. A few others briefly met with Frodo, but the main body of folk were actually there to greet the famous Captains of the Shire-march. Pippin and Merry were the center of attention and couldn't have been more congenial. They were, of course, wearing their Gondor and Rohan outfits and drank out of matching silver goblets emblazoned with the White Tree crest – a gift of the actual King of Gondor himself, if one believed the rumor.
After the steady stream of well-wishers had dried up, Sam gathered his close friends around the table.
"Ahem…Pippin? Could I have your attention for a moment, Captain Took, sir?" Sam called out. Pippin grinned and reluctantly walked away from a beautiful young lass.
"Now that I have everyone's full attention," Sam winked at Pippin, "Rosie and I would like to make our own little announcement." Rose got out of her seat and placed her arm around Sam's waist. Sam cleared his throat and continued.
"Guess you all would have figured it out by now, but I'm real sweet on Miss Rosie Cotton," he began.
"No kidding!" Freddy interrupted.
"And I wanted you all to be the first to know," Sam continued by ignoring Freddy. "Rosie and me are jumping the broom come Mid-Summer's Day."
"Congratulations!" Pippin was grinning from ear to ear as he raised his goblet in salute.
"Yes, my deepest congratulations, Sam and Rosie," Frodo added. At that instant Frodo knew only pride in Sam and happiness for his joy. "May this joy keep him whole," Frodo silently prayed.
"About time!" Merry said as he rolled his eyes, then thought better of it as Pippin jabbed him in the ribs. "I mean, wonderful! This calls for a toast! OK everyone…here's to the happiest couple in the Shire, and I mean that with all sincerity."
"Here, here!" "Well said, Merry."
Merry continued, "And as a fellow Traveler, may I offer the happy couple the use of Crickethollow for your honeymoon? It's not too close, and it's not too far away, and it's a lot more private than the Cotton farm!"
"Oh, Merry, do you really mean it?" Rose asked.
"Indeed I do," Merry smiled. "You and Sam are welcome to it for your honeymoon. I'll make sure Pippin cleans up his mess before you come over."
"My mess?" Pippin protested. "Guess who the real slob is, eh? Pay him no nevermind. Sam, Rosie. We would be honored it you would accept the use of our humble abode for your honeymoon." Pippin completed the offer with a sweeping bow which almost knocked over a passer-by. There was much merriment at the little corner table and the ale flowed as toast followed toast.
Frodo sat in the shadows in the back of the room, observing, but not really participating. He had positioned himself so that his back was in a corner. He was able to view the entire hall while remaining mostly concealed in shadow. Iris sat across from him. She was quite comfortable in quietly talking with him and not pressing him to do anything that might bring attention to himself. Sam and Rosie soon rejoined them at the table.
Pippin and Merry were having a grand time dancing with the lasses and drinking. Pippin was getting a bit tipsy and loud. The band began to play a vigorous dancing tune. It was a well-known popular line dance, so everyone began dancing. Pippin spotted Frodo in the corner and decided Frodo needed to come out and dance too.
Pippin grabbed Frodo by the arm and drug him out of his chair towards the dance floor.
"Pippin, no. I really don't want to dance," Frodo protested repeatedly. "Pip! Come on. Let go. I really don't want to." Frodo was getting agitated now.
"Come on, Frodo!" Pippin drug him further into the crowd. "It'll be fun!" Pippin actually got Frodo up onto the dance floor and started twirling Frodo around, much to Frodo's ever-growing displeasure.
Sam wasn't paying much attention to the scene developing on the dance floor until it was almost too late. As Pippin started twirling Frodo into the line dance, Sam noticed and became quite alarmed. He bolted out of his chair so quickly it toppled over with a clatter. He strode over to Pippin.
Frodo angrily grabbed Pippin and said quite loudly, "Pippin Took! Don't you ever lay a hand on me again!" and shoved Pippin away into the arms of a quite willing lass.
Frodo stomped off the dance floor, totally ignoring Sam. He went back into his chair in the corner. He was almost panting with anger. His face and neck were flushed with embarrassment. Iris noticed that he was unconsciously massaging his left arm again.
Meanwhile, back on the dance floor, Pippin was stunned at Frodo's reaction. The dance line snaked on without him.
"What's the matter with Frodo?" a bewildered Pippin asked Sam.
"Pip – you're still a fool of a Took sometimes," said Sam. "Let's go outside." Sam angrily grabbed Pippin by the coat and forced the much taller hobbit outside into the cold winter night. Sam herded Pippin past the few hobbits outside enjoying their pipes, and round to the dark side of the building.
"Pippin. Don't you ever lay hands on Mister Frodo, ever again! I know you don't mean nothin' by it, but you're sure not thinkin' straight tonight. Frodo's been through a lot worse situations than you'll ever know. And he ain't never goin' to be healthy again neither. He can't do that sort of physical stuff any more. You know that. You saw him on the journey back from Rivendale. But he don't want none but us to know. He just wants to be left alone for some peace and quiet. That means nothing unexpected. No startling him. No forcing him to do things he don't want to do. There's no telling what memories you just brought up for him right then. So get it through your thick block once and for all – never ever do anything what startles Mister Frodo, or I'll have at you. Understand?"
Pippin was abashed. "Gee Sam, I'm sorry! I didn't realize it would hurt him like that. Sam, I'm so sorry! Oh, what should I do now?"
The evident distress on Pippin's voice caused Sam to hesitate a moment. He laid his hands on Pippin's shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes.
"You owe Frodo an apology. Go on inside and get him an ale. Then, if I was you, I'd avoid him for the rest of the evening. He'll probably forget about it by morning."
Sam and Pippin walked back inside Mathom Hall. The dance was still going on as if nothing had happened. In fact, Freddy and Peony had joined the dancing at the end of the line. Frodo, Iris and Rosie were sitting at the table in an uncomfortable silence while the party swirled around them. Sam and Pippin navigated their way through the dancers and came over to the table.
"Frodo," Pippin said, "I'm sorry I grabbed you like that. Can I make it up to you by getting you an ale or something?"
Frodo looked up at Pippin and forced a small smile. "I'm sorry I lost my temper and pushed you, Pip. No harm done, really. An ale would be fine, thanks."
Pippin was greatly relieved. "Lasses, would either of you care for another?"
"No thanks," replied Rosie. "I've got one going already."
"Come on Rosie," Sam said, "Let's dance." The tone in his voice made it clear that Rose didn't have an option out of it. So the two of them joined hands and quickly headed off to the dance floor.
"I'll have another," said Iris. Pippin quickly left to go get the ales. This left Iris alone with Frodo. He was still sulking in the shadows.
"Frodo," Iris asked, "what was that all about?"
Frodo glanced away from her gaze. "Oh, I dislike being forced to do things like dancing. He should know better. But he is a Took and I should not expect him to remember too many things after having a few ales." He actually smiled and chuckled faintly. But Iris could tell the laugh was forced. It seemed to her that his left shoulder was causing him quite a bit of pain now.
Pippin soon returned with three ales in hand; one for Iris, one for Frodo, and an almost empty one in his silver goblet for himself. He had a different cute young hobbit lass at his side. He drained the rest of his ale, set the goblet on the table, excused himself, and went off onto the dance floor with the young lady. Frodo just shook his head in amusement. Iris was relieved to have the tense situation resolved so quickly. But she was beginning to take Sam's concerns about Frodo quite seriously now. She noticed him massaging his arm. She suspected there was more to this than physical pain.
After a couple ales, Frodo asked Iris to dance a slow, easy dance. He was determined to hide from the physician the aching in his left arm. They danced quietly in the dark corner of the Mathom House.
As they danced, Frodo momentarily forgot the nagging pain in his shoulder. She smelled good. And it felt good to hold someone close. It had been so long since he had been this close physically to anyone, that he was momentarily overcome with the pleasure of touch, and dropped his guard. Iris could feel the tension in his body melt away as they swayed to the slow rhythm. When the music ended they were both reluctant to uncouple. He kissed her hand and she shyly smiled. But she was determined to not be put off by his outward show of gallantry. She knew he was in trouble.
