Chapter Twenty-Six
Nina stood in front of the mirror with no expression upon her face whilst her mother sorted out the white wedding dress that she was wearing. Portia and Nissa still had no come up with any solution . . . but Portia had gone to Bag End secretly to talk to Holly, and try to think up something.
Meruda Roper staggered into Nina's bedroom and smiled in satisfaction at the sight of his daughter, the first to be wedded off.
"If only Friado could see it right now," he sighed.
"Dear, you know it's bad luck if the groom sees the bride before the ceremony," Lilla winked to her husband, doing the last finishing touches to the dress.
"Let him see me then," Nina muttered, through gritted teeth. Meruda sighed.
"You'll feel differently in a few years, when you and Friado will have had eight children and be living happily together"
"Impossible," she sighed a long sigh. "What makes you think I'll say 'I do' at the wedding?!"
Meruda and Lilla exchanged glances and paused for a while. "You'll say it" Meruda said, exiting the room. "Now hurry with that dress. The cart shall be here in a few moments"
Nissa was next in, wearing what was the bridesmaids dress. She did look beautiful, with flowers tucked into her hair. She stood in front of Nina and shrugged, showing a gesture that there was no news of Portia. Nina let out a huff as Lilla stood up and examined the dress again.
"Wonderful! Absolutely beautiful, what do you think Nissa?!"
Nissa pulled a face and looked up and down the dress. "The right dress, just need the right groom"
"I know the perfect groom, if only I was allowed to be with him" Nina hinted.
"Now, now girls!" Lilla scolded. "What's happened has happened and we're going to forget it all and live like we used to do! Do not act so childish; this is a very important day for your father and I"
"For you maybe" Nina commented.
"Now where on earth is Portia? Why she insisted on going out for some bread at this time in the morning!" Lilla shook her head, putting her hands on her hips.
"She'll be here" Nina said. "Because if I can't have my own friends at my 'wedding' then I shall have my sisters"
Lilla sighed. "Now where's your vail? Ah, I left it in my bedroom, wait here"
As Lilla walked out, Nissa sat beside Nina on the bed. "She'll be back," Nissa said. "She promised she wouldn't let anything happen"
"Losing all hope now to be honest Nissa," Nina held back a sob. "I mean . . . whenever Frodo and I try to do anything together, or run off together, something always happens to prevent us from doing so. Holly said it was fate Frodo and I found each other - but now, I'm not sure it is. If it was fate, it wouldn't let all these bad things happen to us. It's as though it's a sign that I was meant to be miserable and marry Friado after all"
"Don't be silly," Nissa grasped her hand. "When I read your diary that day, I *knew* it was about Frodo. Not some other hobbit you only dreamed about. Now come on, it *is* fate, I know it is. If it wasn't, then how come you have a beautiful baby girl by Frodo? Nina, I may not be in love at the moment, but I am older . . . when you're in love, you have to go through these obstacles . . . it's almost as if they're testing just how much you do love each other. If you and Frodo can get through this . . . then, it's true love and therefore its fate"
Nina smiled, grasping Nissa's hand back too.
"It's brought us closer together, don't you think?" she smiled.
Nissa nodded. "I feel like I know you a whole lot more Nina. We never really talked much did we . . . some sister I am!"
"You're a brilliant sister Nissa . . . and a perfect aunt for my Lömadia"
Nissa smiled just as Lilla came back into the bedroom with the vail. "There," she smiled, planting it on Nina's head and pulling the vail over her face. "Beautiful"
//
Afternoon, and there was still no sign of Portia. Nina began to get nervous - she was already at the place on a large open field where the ceremony would take place. She was inside a large tent and there she'd stay until the music began playing. Nissa had been in and out all the time with no news, cradling Lömadia in her arms.
"Mama and Papa are getting suspicious" Nissa said, shaking a little. "Portia still has not arrived!"
Nina paced up and down in the tent, her fingers twiddling with one another, her breathing heavy with fright and worry. But when Portia ran back into the tent, Nina's heart skipped a few beats and jumped up into her throat.
"Where were you?!" she hissed. "I've been so worried!"
"Not to worry, we've sorted it . . . we went to the Locks and talked to the Mayor. Sam, Merry, Pippin, Holly, Rose and I all gave statements on what has happened the last year between you and Frodo and the mayor said he *knew* Frodo *had* to be innocent!" Portia grinned.
"So . . . it's ok?"
"They've set him free! They're coming to arrest Friado for lying to the court and accusing a well-liked hobbit in the community!"
"When are they coming?!"
"During the ceremony!" "Before the 'I do' part?!"
"Most likely!"
"Oh, Portia!" Nina cried in happiness, hugging her sister tightly.
"Look, Nina, as soon as they arrest him, you follow me out of here. They're waiting on the hill for you - the mayor shall be there as well to witness you and Frodo together!"
"Frodo's there?!"
Portia nodded with a smile. "They've set him free and given him money and gifts for all the trouble caused by it all"
"What about Lömadia?!"
"I'll tell Nissa too, she'll follow us out too. You know, Friagrin and Sogrin gave statements too"
"They did?!"
"On their views of Friado . . . they said they always thought he was fishy! They made the mayor laugh out loud with their statements - calling Friado names and such!"
Nina laughed. "Only they could do such a thing!"
"They're on the hill too. They're going to take you to Bag End"
"For good"
"Friado won't be able to get you now"
"Portia! This is the best news ever!" Nina hugged her again and again.
"Ah, there you are!" Lilla said, opening the tent and looking to Portia. "Where have you been?!"
"Nowhere" Portia answered. "Just doing what's right, as you've always taught us Mama"
"What have you been up to? You better had not been to the Locks . . ."
"Me? The Locks? Ha!" Portia called. "Why on earth would I go there?!"
"To try and ruin things?!"
"Me? Oh no mama, you should know by now that I'm a sheep - I follow everything you and Papa do! Baa!"
"Oh don't make jokes out of Portia Roper!" Lilla sighed and walked out.
Nina burst out laughing with Portia. "A sheep?!" Nina laughed.
"Sheep do follow one another!"
"Yes, but, a sheep?! Mama won't be suspicious now will she?!"
Portia shrugged. "So what if she is? Nothing can stop us now!"
//
As the music started, Nina only felt excitement, walking out. She saw that her Mama and Papa were surprised to see a smile on her face. Portia and Nissa, the bridesmaids walked up behind her, trying to stifle their childish gimmicks and giggles. Friado stood at the alter, very shocked to see Nina's face.
'Maybe she's beginning to co-operate' he smiled to himself.
Nina reached him and moved closer to him.
"Don't get your hopes to high . . . darling" she whispered, making him look at her and frown.
"Dearly beloved . . ." the vicar started, making Meruda shake with excitement, witnessing his daughter's marriage.
"Stop this wedding!" everyone turned around as sheriffs came running up the aisle. Nina smiled as her father jumped up, blocking the sheriffs path to the alter.
"Now see here!" he called. "This here is my daughters wedding you are interrupting!"
"Sorry, Sir, but we have an arrest to make" the sheriff moved past him and towards Friado. "Friado Broadbeam, you are arrested for making false accusations about an innocent hobbit. You are also charged with the rape of Miss Nina Roper and lying to the Mayor of Hobbiton"
"Now, come on" Friado let out a smile. "There's something wrong here . . ."
Gasps and whispers came from the crowd, staring at the Roper's and the Broadbeams. Friabo Broadbeam leapt up.
"Now, there must be some mistake! Frodo Baggins raped this girl - you already have the thief in custody"
"No, see, Mr Broadbeam . . ." Nina started with a smile. "It wasn't Mr Baggins who raped me, it was your son - right after he found out I was pregnant"
Friabo looked to his son. "Tell me this isn't true Friado . . ."
"She was having an affair! What was I supposed to do?!"
Meruda and Lilla leapt up, tears over Lilla's face.
"You raped my daughter?!" Meruda called.
"She deserved it!" he muttered as the Sheriffs tied up his hands behind his back.
"And you'll deserve what you'll get in the Locks my son," The Sheriff said.
As more whispers and gasps came from the crowd, the sheriffs took Friado away.
"Come on, Portia said to Nina and Nissa, leading them away and running off.
"Stop!" Meruda called after them, but they didn't.
"I can't run in this bloomin' dress!" Nina complained as Portia ran behind her, picking up the back of the dress that trailed on the floor. Her eyes glimmered as she saw figures on the top of the hill. "Frodo!" she yelled, slipping and using all her might to climb the hill slope faster.
When she finally caught up with him she leapt into his arms and hugging him tightly to her. He kissed her longingly and everyone around rushed up and jumped on them in a group hug.
Frodo let out a laugh at everyone's behaviour.
"I wanted to see their faces!" Holly let out a happy groan.
Nina laughed and hugged her friend quickly. "You!" she teased. "How do you do it?!"
"Wasn't just me . . . Portia helped think of it!" Holly chuckled. "So how's little Friado?!"
"Gobsmacked!" Nissa laughed. "But got his just desserts!"
"Now, come n, break it up!" the Mayor chuckled, pulling everyone away from Nina and Frodo. "Have to say, very sneaky trick Miss Roper. You're sister told me about the preacher disguise!"
"Why, thank you Mr Mayor!" Nina chuckled, as Frodo kissed her cheek.
"We've apologised over and over again to Mr Baggins, but I'm afraid the only way we can let this one go is to give that Broadbeam all he deserves"
"Good enough for us!" Sam called.
"You are hereby broken from the engagement to Friado Broadbeam and you are now free to marry whomever you choose"
"Hmm . . . who will you marry?!" Holly chuckled.
"That's a tough one," Nina laughed, pressing her forehead to Frodo's and kissing him lightly. "Can't think of anyone, can you?!"
"Nope," Frodo shrugged. "But can marry me if you want to?"
Nina shrugged with a sly grin. "Well, I'm going to have to aren't I?!"
Nissa screamed in delight and handed over Lömadia to her.
"Come on, let's get you home" Frodo took her hand and led her down the hill, towards Bag End with all their friends following. Nina sighed in happiness, she was free at last.
-NOT the end!!!! Yes, sorry but there's gonna be MORE! You think I was gonna end it without a wedding?! Tut, Tut. If only it was the last of Friado . . . hint, hint. ;) You ain't rid of him yet . . . twilight zone . . . enjoy!!!!
Nina stood in front of the mirror with no expression upon her face whilst her mother sorted out the white wedding dress that she was wearing. Portia and Nissa still had no come up with any solution . . . but Portia had gone to Bag End secretly to talk to Holly, and try to think up something.
Meruda Roper staggered into Nina's bedroom and smiled in satisfaction at the sight of his daughter, the first to be wedded off.
"If only Friado could see it right now," he sighed.
"Dear, you know it's bad luck if the groom sees the bride before the ceremony," Lilla winked to her husband, doing the last finishing touches to the dress.
"Let him see me then," Nina muttered, through gritted teeth. Meruda sighed.
"You'll feel differently in a few years, when you and Friado will have had eight children and be living happily together"
"Impossible," she sighed a long sigh. "What makes you think I'll say 'I do' at the wedding?!"
Meruda and Lilla exchanged glances and paused for a while. "You'll say it" Meruda said, exiting the room. "Now hurry with that dress. The cart shall be here in a few moments"
Nissa was next in, wearing what was the bridesmaids dress. She did look beautiful, with flowers tucked into her hair. She stood in front of Nina and shrugged, showing a gesture that there was no news of Portia. Nina let out a huff as Lilla stood up and examined the dress again.
"Wonderful! Absolutely beautiful, what do you think Nissa?!"
Nissa pulled a face and looked up and down the dress. "The right dress, just need the right groom"
"I know the perfect groom, if only I was allowed to be with him" Nina hinted.
"Now, now girls!" Lilla scolded. "What's happened has happened and we're going to forget it all and live like we used to do! Do not act so childish; this is a very important day for your father and I"
"For you maybe" Nina commented.
"Now where on earth is Portia? Why she insisted on going out for some bread at this time in the morning!" Lilla shook her head, putting her hands on her hips.
"She'll be here" Nina said. "Because if I can't have my own friends at my 'wedding' then I shall have my sisters"
Lilla sighed. "Now where's your vail? Ah, I left it in my bedroom, wait here"
As Lilla walked out, Nissa sat beside Nina on the bed. "She'll be back," Nissa said. "She promised she wouldn't let anything happen"
"Losing all hope now to be honest Nissa," Nina held back a sob. "I mean . . . whenever Frodo and I try to do anything together, or run off together, something always happens to prevent us from doing so. Holly said it was fate Frodo and I found each other - but now, I'm not sure it is. If it was fate, it wouldn't let all these bad things happen to us. It's as though it's a sign that I was meant to be miserable and marry Friado after all"
"Don't be silly," Nissa grasped her hand. "When I read your diary that day, I *knew* it was about Frodo. Not some other hobbit you only dreamed about. Now come on, it *is* fate, I know it is. If it wasn't, then how come you have a beautiful baby girl by Frodo? Nina, I may not be in love at the moment, but I am older . . . when you're in love, you have to go through these obstacles . . . it's almost as if they're testing just how much you do love each other. If you and Frodo can get through this . . . then, it's true love and therefore its fate"
Nina smiled, grasping Nissa's hand back too.
"It's brought us closer together, don't you think?" she smiled.
Nissa nodded. "I feel like I know you a whole lot more Nina. We never really talked much did we . . . some sister I am!"
"You're a brilliant sister Nissa . . . and a perfect aunt for my Lömadia"
Nissa smiled just as Lilla came back into the bedroom with the vail. "There," she smiled, planting it on Nina's head and pulling the vail over her face. "Beautiful"
//
Afternoon, and there was still no sign of Portia. Nina began to get nervous - she was already at the place on a large open field where the ceremony would take place. She was inside a large tent and there she'd stay until the music began playing. Nissa had been in and out all the time with no news, cradling Lömadia in her arms.
"Mama and Papa are getting suspicious" Nissa said, shaking a little. "Portia still has not arrived!"
Nina paced up and down in the tent, her fingers twiddling with one another, her breathing heavy with fright and worry. But when Portia ran back into the tent, Nina's heart skipped a few beats and jumped up into her throat.
"Where were you?!" she hissed. "I've been so worried!"
"Not to worry, we've sorted it . . . we went to the Locks and talked to the Mayor. Sam, Merry, Pippin, Holly, Rose and I all gave statements on what has happened the last year between you and Frodo and the mayor said he *knew* Frodo *had* to be innocent!" Portia grinned.
"So . . . it's ok?"
"They've set him free! They're coming to arrest Friado for lying to the court and accusing a well-liked hobbit in the community!"
"When are they coming?!"
"During the ceremony!" "Before the 'I do' part?!"
"Most likely!"
"Oh, Portia!" Nina cried in happiness, hugging her sister tightly.
"Look, Nina, as soon as they arrest him, you follow me out of here. They're waiting on the hill for you - the mayor shall be there as well to witness you and Frodo together!"
"Frodo's there?!"
Portia nodded with a smile. "They've set him free and given him money and gifts for all the trouble caused by it all"
"What about Lömadia?!"
"I'll tell Nissa too, she'll follow us out too. You know, Friagrin and Sogrin gave statements too"
"They did?!"
"On their views of Friado . . . they said they always thought he was fishy! They made the mayor laugh out loud with their statements - calling Friado names and such!"
Nina laughed. "Only they could do such a thing!"
"They're on the hill too. They're going to take you to Bag End"
"For good"
"Friado won't be able to get you now"
"Portia! This is the best news ever!" Nina hugged her again and again.
"Ah, there you are!" Lilla said, opening the tent and looking to Portia. "Where have you been?!"
"Nowhere" Portia answered. "Just doing what's right, as you've always taught us Mama"
"What have you been up to? You better had not been to the Locks . . ."
"Me? The Locks? Ha!" Portia called. "Why on earth would I go there?!"
"To try and ruin things?!"
"Me? Oh no mama, you should know by now that I'm a sheep - I follow everything you and Papa do! Baa!"
"Oh don't make jokes out of Portia Roper!" Lilla sighed and walked out.
Nina burst out laughing with Portia. "A sheep?!" Nina laughed.
"Sheep do follow one another!"
"Yes, but, a sheep?! Mama won't be suspicious now will she?!"
Portia shrugged. "So what if she is? Nothing can stop us now!"
//
As the music started, Nina only felt excitement, walking out. She saw that her Mama and Papa were surprised to see a smile on her face. Portia and Nissa, the bridesmaids walked up behind her, trying to stifle their childish gimmicks and giggles. Friado stood at the alter, very shocked to see Nina's face.
'Maybe she's beginning to co-operate' he smiled to himself.
Nina reached him and moved closer to him.
"Don't get your hopes to high . . . darling" she whispered, making him look at her and frown.
"Dearly beloved . . ." the vicar started, making Meruda shake with excitement, witnessing his daughter's marriage.
"Stop this wedding!" everyone turned around as sheriffs came running up the aisle. Nina smiled as her father jumped up, blocking the sheriffs path to the alter.
"Now see here!" he called. "This here is my daughters wedding you are interrupting!"
"Sorry, Sir, but we have an arrest to make" the sheriff moved past him and towards Friado. "Friado Broadbeam, you are arrested for making false accusations about an innocent hobbit. You are also charged with the rape of Miss Nina Roper and lying to the Mayor of Hobbiton"
"Now, come on" Friado let out a smile. "There's something wrong here . . ."
Gasps and whispers came from the crowd, staring at the Roper's and the Broadbeams. Friabo Broadbeam leapt up.
"Now, there must be some mistake! Frodo Baggins raped this girl - you already have the thief in custody"
"No, see, Mr Broadbeam . . ." Nina started with a smile. "It wasn't Mr Baggins who raped me, it was your son - right after he found out I was pregnant"
Friabo looked to his son. "Tell me this isn't true Friado . . ."
"She was having an affair! What was I supposed to do?!"
Meruda and Lilla leapt up, tears over Lilla's face.
"You raped my daughter?!" Meruda called.
"She deserved it!" he muttered as the Sheriffs tied up his hands behind his back.
"And you'll deserve what you'll get in the Locks my son," The Sheriff said.
As more whispers and gasps came from the crowd, the sheriffs took Friado away.
"Come on, Portia said to Nina and Nissa, leading them away and running off.
"Stop!" Meruda called after them, but they didn't.
"I can't run in this bloomin' dress!" Nina complained as Portia ran behind her, picking up the back of the dress that trailed on the floor. Her eyes glimmered as she saw figures on the top of the hill. "Frodo!" she yelled, slipping and using all her might to climb the hill slope faster.
When she finally caught up with him she leapt into his arms and hugging him tightly to her. He kissed her longingly and everyone around rushed up and jumped on them in a group hug.
Frodo let out a laugh at everyone's behaviour.
"I wanted to see their faces!" Holly let out a happy groan.
Nina laughed and hugged her friend quickly. "You!" she teased. "How do you do it?!"
"Wasn't just me . . . Portia helped think of it!" Holly chuckled. "So how's little Friado?!"
"Gobsmacked!" Nissa laughed. "But got his just desserts!"
"Now, come n, break it up!" the Mayor chuckled, pulling everyone away from Nina and Frodo. "Have to say, very sneaky trick Miss Roper. You're sister told me about the preacher disguise!"
"Why, thank you Mr Mayor!" Nina chuckled, as Frodo kissed her cheek.
"We've apologised over and over again to Mr Baggins, but I'm afraid the only way we can let this one go is to give that Broadbeam all he deserves"
"Good enough for us!" Sam called.
"You are hereby broken from the engagement to Friado Broadbeam and you are now free to marry whomever you choose"
"Hmm . . . who will you marry?!" Holly chuckled.
"That's a tough one," Nina laughed, pressing her forehead to Frodo's and kissing him lightly. "Can't think of anyone, can you?!"
"Nope," Frodo shrugged. "But can marry me if you want to?"
Nina shrugged with a sly grin. "Well, I'm going to have to aren't I?!"
Nissa screamed in delight and handed over Lömadia to her.
"Come on, let's get you home" Frodo took her hand and led her down the hill, towards Bag End with all their friends following. Nina sighed in happiness, she was free at last.
-NOT the end!!!! Yes, sorry but there's gonna be MORE! You think I was gonna end it without a wedding?! Tut, Tut. If only it was the last of Friado . . . hint, hint. ;) You ain't rid of him yet . . . twilight zone . . . enjoy!!!!