Chapter Two
Nina awoke early that next morning; slipping out of the house while everyone else was still sleeping. There was no sunset like the Shire's…a beautiful orange sun with a pink green sky and a warm feeling.
Climbing to the top of her hill – this particular hill being Nina's special place, the place she went too to think and have time to herself – she sat down on the top of the hill and leaned back against a large oak tree, admiring the glamourous views and sights of the Shire which she could never take for granted.
As she set her sights on the marvellous views, she was not prepared for the shock she had when another hobbit stepped out from behind the trees.
"Oh, I beg your pardon Nina; I didn't mean to frighten you like that!" Frodo Baggins knelt down beside her.
"Oh, its okay" Nina smiled. "I didn't know anybody else was here"
"I see you've come to watch the sunset" Frodo looked out on the horizon and Nina nodded. "Mind if I join you?"
"No, not at all" Nina patted the grass beside her and Frodo seated himself comfortably.
There were a few moments of silence until Nina spoke. "How are Sam and Rose?"
"They're doing just fine. Didn't get much sleep last night- Elanor had a nightmare"
"Is she okay?" Nina didn't know exactly what to say, she didn't why know why at that moment she felt embarrassed and shy.
Frodo smiled and answered. "She's fine. How are your family?"
Nina shrugged. "My father's extremely happy- he's finally found a family with a son that wishes to choose from me or my sisters for a wife"
"Oh" Frodo answered. "Isn't that good news?"
"No" Nina answered. "It's an auction – if he chooses me my father says I must marry him. But I don't love him"
"Have you met him?"
"No"
"Then how can you be sure that you don't love him? Maybe you'll meet and you'll fall head over heels for him" Frodo said.
"But I know that I'll never love him. I know it in my heart; he's not the hobbit I wish to marry. Auction or no auction"
"But what hobbit do you wish to marry?"
Nina looked up at him, but could not answer truthfully. "He's…someone who I can't have"
Frodo looked at her earnestly. "It must be hard for you to have that family history…knowing you must marry against your will…"
At that moment, the sun rose into the air. Frodo turned and watched it but Nina kept her focus upon him. He was more beautiful than a thousand sunsets across Middle Earth – her free spirited character always had thoughts like that racing through her head.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Frodo said, as the sun came fully up, the sky filling up with colours of pink and green.
"Yes" Nina answered, studying his face, wanting to feel his touch and taste his kisses. She scolded herself mentally; her brain telling her not to think such thoughts about a friend like that. But he was too perfect and had too perfect features that she could not ignore. Why couldn't her father aim her at Frodo? But then again, Frodo wasn't in love with her…what kind of marriage would that be?
When finally, the sun was out and brightness swept over the sleeping Shire, Frodo stood up and held out his hand for Nina. She took it gratefully and stood up.
"Would you like to accompany me for breakfast?" Frodo asked. "Although I am afraid that my skills don't lie in the kitchen, but Rose makes delicious meals."
Nina smiled. "Yes, I would like that"
Frodo took her hand with a smile and she followed him down the hill – her heart fluttering.
Samwise Gamgee stepped out of Bag End, and relit his pipe. He felt guilty that he had lit up his pipe almost unknowingly and Rose had bellowed at him to put it out. She despised smoking in the house – especially with little Elanor running around and a newborn on the way into the world. Sam shook his head with guilt and sat on the porch, looking out on the morning view of the Shire. His face brightened when he spotted Frodo walking towards Bag End with Nina Roper.
"Good morning Miss Nina" he smiled to the young woman. "I hear congrats are in order, for your father told all at the inn last night"
Nina's face dropped and she looked to Frodo. "Thank you Sam but I think you should say your congratulations to my elder sisters" she replied. "I have chosen not to take part in this"
"Oh" the gardener gave a simple nod and looked to Frodo who for some reason was blushing monstrously. "Anything the matter Mr Frodo?"
"Me? Why nothing is wrong Sam!" Frodo smiled. "Shall we go in? I cannot wait to try Rose's cooking"
"Will you be joining us Miss Nina?" Sam asked the youngest Roper.
"With your permission" Nina replied.
"Oh Nina! You should know that you are most welcome in this household whenever you wish! Rosie has made more than enough food! Welcome, welcome!"
Nina smiled and walked into Bag End. Rose was busy in the kitchen and squealed with delight when she saw Nina. Hugging her frantically, Rose told her how lucky she was – she may be getting married very soon.
"Um…no Rose" Nina said gingerly. "I'm afraid my father is getting over active over this whole situation. I will not be taking part, no matter if this hobbit chooses me or not"
"Oh," Rose looked down embarrassed. "But surely you must be in want of a husband?"
"Indeed I am" Nina sat down beside Frodo. "A husband of my own choice"
Rose shrugged. "I thought you would have been happy"
Nina gave a weak smile. "I'm sorry Rose, thank you for your congrats but I think my sisters would appreciate them a lot more"
After breakfast was served, Nina tried desperately to avoid the subject of her supposed 'soon-to-be-husband'. Why couldn't she just choose for herself? Surely she was entitled to her own happiness? Surely she was allowed to refuse if she disliked this hobbit? Being so free-spirited, Nina would often protest against things she thought were wrong – and this, was one of these subjects. She felt like a piece of meat being auctioned off to the highest bidder – she had heard this Broadbeam family were rich and powerful.
"Good morning fellow hobbits!" Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took had invited themselves into Bag End full of joy and hyperactive characteristics.
"Why Nina!" Pippin called out. "What are you doing here lass?"
"Frodo invited me over" she smiled as her best friend trugged into the kitchen and slapped her elder brother on the back.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck! I am not your slave!" Holly Brandybuck threw Merry's pack on the floor and put her hands on her hips.
"Oh, my poor baby sister" Merry teased. "Why are you moaning instead of shouting your congrats to your friend?"
Nina lowered her eyes – oh no, not again…
Holly looked to Nina with sympathy instead of joy. Being Nina's best friend for so long, the youngest Brandybuck knew her friend well.
"Tell Portia and Nissa I wish them all my happiness" she said and Nina smiled.
Through all this, Frodo had remained silent and Holly looked to her cousin.
"Good morning cousin" she smiled to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she hugged him.
Frodo smiled and greeted her by returning the hug. "I can read your mind" she whispered into his ear and Frodo pulled away and looked at her.
"Well, I am afraid I must be leaving" Nina stood up as Merry and Pippin seated themselves.
"Oh, you do not have to leave Nina" Holly said, then looked to her brother and his friend. "I told you two to wash before you came out this morning! Now you've scared poor Nina away!"
Pippin and Merry groaned. "You are not our mother my dear sister" Merry answered and Holly put her hands on her hips.
"If I was, I'd have you locked up in your room all day!" but the youngest Brandybuck could never keep a straight face whilst arguing with her brother. Merry and Pippin chuckled as Holly burst out into a fit of giggles and hugged Pippin.
"Your sister is a treasure!" Pippin laughed and Holly punched him playfully, then stood up beside Nina.
"I shall walk you home" she offered and Nina smiled.
"Wait" Frodo got up. "You seat yourself down cousin, you look terribly hungry and I'd be more than happy to walk Nina home"
Holly frowned to her cousin. "But Frodo, I have had a large 1st AND 2nd breakfast today. Unless my family have not been properly feeding me…"
"Oh" Frodo blushed and Holly smiled knowingly.
"On the other hand…" she said, sitting beside Pippin. "My feet are weary…after carrying Merry's pack around all morning. I shall take up your offer. Goodbye Nina"
Frodo smiled and Holly winked to him, making him turn pink. My, his youngest cousin was very confusing at times!
"Thank you Rose for the meal" Nina smiled politely and waved to everyone else.
Frodo and Nina seemed to have a lot to talk about, walking back to the Roper household, both of them avoiding the subject of the Broadbeams. Instead, Nina asked about the Elves and Rivendell and longed to hear more about Lothlorien.
"Can you teach me some Elvish?" she asked hopefully.
"I shall do my best to try, although it is not an easy language to learn"
Nina smiled. "We have forever" she replied. "And I will be a good pupil"
Frodo smiled back. "I am very sure you shall"
"Especially the Elvish songs…and I long to hear about Galadriel and Elrond and…"
Frodo laughed, making her stop.
"Something you find amusing?" she frowned.
"I was just thinking how much alike me you are!" he said. "I remember being so much like you before the quest. And Gandalf's words to me where: 'Far too eager and curious for a hobbit. I find that most unusual' I find that you, too, Nina Roper, are a curious hobbit"
"I am" Nina let out a light laugh. "I guess we are more a like than we once thought"
Frodo stopped as they neared the house and Nina turned to face him.
"I shall see you soon" she said politely. "Thank you for walking me home"
"Oh, Nina…how about we meet up at the hill again? Sometime this evening?"
Nina tried to keep her excitement in. "Of course…"
With one last smile, Frodo turned and headed home.
"Don't you dare" came a voice from behind her.
"Portia!" Nina called shocked as her elder sister came out from behind a tree.
"Don't you go to the hill tonight" Portia warned. "Don't think that I do not know, because I can tell. You love him"
"What are you talking about dear sister, we are merely friends" Nina said, walking towards the house.
"Do not deny it Nina Roper, I know your mind" Portia said. "You may be chosen to wed the Broadbeams son. And if you are chosen…you will be married…"
"I know that Portia, I am not stupid"
"Then why are you getting mixed up with Frodo Baggins?"
"Because we have fun together…besides, shouldn't you be forcing me away from the Broadbeams? I know you would very much like this hobbit for a husband"
"That I do" Portia answered. "But even if you do not get picked, believe me there will be others, other suitors who would wish for you as a Bride. And Papa will accept for you. You say you do not wish to take part…I'm afraid dear sister you have no choice. We are forbidden to marry at our own will. There is no way out"
Nina looked down as Portia walked back into the house.
"Papa cannot force me!" Nina called to her sister but it made no difference. Nothing made any difference anymore.
Nina awoke early that next morning; slipping out of the house while everyone else was still sleeping. There was no sunset like the Shire's…a beautiful orange sun with a pink green sky and a warm feeling.
Climbing to the top of her hill – this particular hill being Nina's special place, the place she went too to think and have time to herself – she sat down on the top of the hill and leaned back against a large oak tree, admiring the glamourous views and sights of the Shire which she could never take for granted.
As she set her sights on the marvellous views, she was not prepared for the shock she had when another hobbit stepped out from behind the trees.
"Oh, I beg your pardon Nina; I didn't mean to frighten you like that!" Frodo Baggins knelt down beside her.
"Oh, its okay" Nina smiled. "I didn't know anybody else was here"
"I see you've come to watch the sunset" Frodo looked out on the horizon and Nina nodded. "Mind if I join you?"
"No, not at all" Nina patted the grass beside her and Frodo seated himself comfortably.
There were a few moments of silence until Nina spoke. "How are Sam and Rose?"
"They're doing just fine. Didn't get much sleep last night- Elanor had a nightmare"
"Is she okay?" Nina didn't know exactly what to say, she didn't why know why at that moment she felt embarrassed and shy.
Frodo smiled and answered. "She's fine. How are your family?"
Nina shrugged. "My father's extremely happy- he's finally found a family with a son that wishes to choose from me or my sisters for a wife"
"Oh" Frodo answered. "Isn't that good news?"
"No" Nina answered. "It's an auction – if he chooses me my father says I must marry him. But I don't love him"
"Have you met him?"
"No"
"Then how can you be sure that you don't love him? Maybe you'll meet and you'll fall head over heels for him" Frodo said.
"But I know that I'll never love him. I know it in my heart; he's not the hobbit I wish to marry. Auction or no auction"
"But what hobbit do you wish to marry?"
Nina looked up at him, but could not answer truthfully. "He's…someone who I can't have"
Frodo looked at her earnestly. "It must be hard for you to have that family history…knowing you must marry against your will…"
At that moment, the sun rose into the air. Frodo turned and watched it but Nina kept her focus upon him. He was more beautiful than a thousand sunsets across Middle Earth – her free spirited character always had thoughts like that racing through her head.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Frodo said, as the sun came fully up, the sky filling up with colours of pink and green.
"Yes" Nina answered, studying his face, wanting to feel his touch and taste his kisses. She scolded herself mentally; her brain telling her not to think such thoughts about a friend like that. But he was too perfect and had too perfect features that she could not ignore. Why couldn't her father aim her at Frodo? But then again, Frodo wasn't in love with her…what kind of marriage would that be?
When finally, the sun was out and brightness swept over the sleeping Shire, Frodo stood up and held out his hand for Nina. She took it gratefully and stood up.
"Would you like to accompany me for breakfast?" Frodo asked. "Although I am afraid that my skills don't lie in the kitchen, but Rose makes delicious meals."
Nina smiled. "Yes, I would like that"
Frodo took her hand with a smile and she followed him down the hill – her heart fluttering.
Samwise Gamgee stepped out of Bag End, and relit his pipe. He felt guilty that he had lit up his pipe almost unknowingly and Rose had bellowed at him to put it out. She despised smoking in the house – especially with little Elanor running around and a newborn on the way into the world. Sam shook his head with guilt and sat on the porch, looking out on the morning view of the Shire. His face brightened when he spotted Frodo walking towards Bag End with Nina Roper.
"Good morning Miss Nina" he smiled to the young woman. "I hear congrats are in order, for your father told all at the inn last night"
Nina's face dropped and she looked to Frodo. "Thank you Sam but I think you should say your congratulations to my elder sisters" she replied. "I have chosen not to take part in this"
"Oh" the gardener gave a simple nod and looked to Frodo who for some reason was blushing monstrously. "Anything the matter Mr Frodo?"
"Me? Why nothing is wrong Sam!" Frodo smiled. "Shall we go in? I cannot wait to try Rose's cooking"
"Will you be joining us Miss Nina?" Sam asked the youngest Roper.
"With your permission" Nina replied.
"Oh Nina! You should know that you are most welcome in this household whenever you wish! Rosie has made more than enough food! Welcome, welcome!"
Nina smiled and walked into Bag End. Rose was busy in the kitchen and squealed with delight when she saw Nina. Hugging her frantically, Rose told her how lucky she was – she may be getting married very soon.
"Um…no Rose" Nina said gingerly. "I'm afraid my father is getting over active over this whole situation. I will not be taking part, no matter if this hobbit chooses me or not"
"Oh," Rose looked down embarrassed. "But surely you must be in want of a husband?"
"Indeed I am" Nina sat down beside Frodo. "A husband of my own choice"
Rose shrugged. "I thought you would have been happy"
Nina gave a weak smile. "I'm sorry Rose, thank you for your congrats but I think my sisters would appreciate them a lot more"
After breakfast was served, Nina tried desperately to avoid the subject of her supposed 'soon-to-be-husband'. Why couldn't she just choose for herself? Surely she was entitled to her own happiness? Surely she was allowed to refuse if she disliked this hobbit? Being so free-spirited, Nina would often protest against things she thought were wrong – and this, was one of these subjects. She felt like a piece of meat being auctioned off to the highest bidder – she had heard this Broadbeam family were rich and powerful.
"Good morning fellow hobbits!" Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took had invited themselves into Bag End full of joy and hyperactive characteristics.
"Why Nina!" Pippin called out. "What are you doing here lass?"
"Frodo invited me over" she smiled as her best friend trugged into the kitchen and slapped her elder brother on the back.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck! I am not your slave!" Holly Brandybuck threw Merry's pack on the floor and put her hands on her hips.
"Oh, my poor baby sister" Merry teased. "Why are you moaning instead of shouting your congrats to your friend?"
Nina lowered her eyes – oh no, not again…
Holly looked to Nina with sympathy instead of joy. Being Nina's best friend for so long, the youngest Brandybuck knew her friend well.
"Tell Portia and Nissa I wish them all my happiness" she said and Nina smiled.
Through all this, Frodo had remained silent and Holly looked to her cousin.
"Good morning cousin" she smiled to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she hugged him.
Frodo smiled and greeted her by returning the hug. "I can read your mind" she whispered into his ear and Frodo pulled away and looked at her.
"Well, I am afraid I must be leaving" Nina stood up as Merry and Pippin seated themselves.
"Oh, you do not have to leave Nina" Holly said, then looked to her brother and his friend. "I told you two to wash before you came out this morning! Now you've scared poor Nina away!"
Pippin and Merry groaned. "You are not our mother my dear sister" Merry answered and Holly put her hands on her hips.
"If I was, I'd have you locked up in your room all day!" but the youngest Brandybuck could never keep a straight face whilst arguing with her brother. Merry and Pippin chuckled as Holly burst out into a fit of giggles and hugged Pippin.
"Your sister is a treasure!" Pippin laughed and Holly punched him playfully, then stood up beside Nina.
"I shall walk you home" she offered and Nina smiled.
"Wait" Frodo got up. "You seat yourself down cousin, you look terribly hungry and I'd be more than happy to walk Nina home"
Holly frowned to her cousin. "But Frodo, I have had a large 1st AND 2nd breakfast today. Unless my family have not been properly feeding me…"
"Oh" Frodo blushed and Holly smiled knowingly.
"On the other hand…" she said, sitting beside Pippin. "My feet are weary…after carrying Merry's pack around all morning. I shall take up your offer. Goodbye Nina"
Frodo smiled and Holly winked to him, making him turn pink. My, his youngest cousin was very confusing at times!
"Thank you Rose for the meal" Nina smiled politely and waved to everyone else.
Frodo and Nina seemed to have a lot to talk about, walking back to the Roper household, both of them avoiding the subject of the Broadbeams. Instead, Nina asked about the Elves and Rivendell and longed to hear more about Lothlorien.
"Can you teach me some Elvish?" she asked hopefully.
"I shall do my best to try, although it is not an easy language to learn"
Nina smiled. "We have forever" she replied. "And I will be a good pupil"
Frodo smiled back. "I am very sure you shall"
"Especially the Elvish songs…and I long to hear about Galadriel and Elrond and…"
Frodo laughed, making her stop.
"Something you find amusing?" she frowned.
"I was just thinking how much alike me you are!" he said. "I remember being so much like you before the quest. And Gandalf's words to me where: 'Far too eager and curious for a hobbit. I find that most unusual' I find that you, too, Nina Roper, are a curious hobbit"
"I am" Nina let out a light laugh. "I guess we are more a like than we once thought"
Frodo stopped as they neared the house and Nina turned to face him.
"I shall see you soon" she said politely. "Thank you for walking me home"
"Oh, Nina…how about we meet up at the hill again? Sometime this evening?"
Nina tried to keep her excitement in. "Of course…"
With one last smile, Frodo turned and headed home.
"Don't you dare" came a voice from behind her.
"Portia!" Nina called shocked as her elder sister came out from behind a tree.
"Don't you go to the hill tonight" Portia warned. "Don't think that I do not know, because I can tell. You love him"
"What are you talking about dear sister, we are merely friends" Nina said, walking towards the house.
"Do not deny it Nina Roper, I know your mind" Portia said. "You may be chosen to wed the Broadbeams son. And if you are chosen…you will be married…"
"I know that Portia, I am not stupid"
"Then why are you getting mixed up with Frodo Baggins?"
"Because we have fun together…besides, shouldn't you be forcing me away from the Broadbeams? I know you would very much like this hobbit for a husband"
"That I do" Portia answered. "But even if you do not get picked, believe me there will be others, other suitors who would wish for you as a Bride. And Papa will accept for you. You say you do not wish to take part…I'm afraid dear sister you have no choice. We are forbidden to marry at our own will. There is no way out"
Nina looked down as Portia walked back into the house.
"Papa cannot force me!" Nina called to her sister but it made no difference. Nothing made any difference anymore.