- After All is Said and Done -
Part Three : The Party
By Tippy
- A/N: Here's part three. I'm thinking that there will be only one more part after this one, FYI. ^-^;;
Oh...and I'm aware that Sam had more children (Bilbo, Primrose, and a slew of others) but they weren't...uhhh...born yet. Yeah. That's it! *shifty glances*
*** IMPORTANT: In 'The End of the Third Age', the nickname that Tolkien *actually uses* for Sam's son, Frodo, is 'Fro'. Read the book, because we see one of young Frodo's siblings calling him 'Fro' : thus it's not some silly nickname I just made up. ;P
Last of all... for the love of all that is sacred, will authors PLEASE stop writing Legolas/Mary Sue fics! They've bogged down the LotR section, and I can't even find the really, really good fics that I like reading, anymore, because the L/MS ones have taken over! All the other fics get lost amidst them...
ARGH! *grumbles incoherently for several minutes*
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The morning light splayed it's golden fingers across Frodo's face as he woke, yawning deeply. The bedroom was bright, and Frodo felt fresh, healthy, and ready to embrace a new day. He had battled off his fever the day prior, and was now back to normal.
He climbed out of bed, stretching his lean arms, then surveyed the bedroom.
On a stand near the doorway, Frodo spotted a basin filled with water. He plunged his head in, washing his neck and face.
A towel, yellow as a canary's breast and twice as soft, sat beside the basin. Frodo rubbed at his dripping hair, then changed into a fresh set of clothes laid out on a wooden chair.
Unbeknownst to Frodo, several pairs of wide hobbit-eyes were peering at him from the doorway.
"So *that's* Frodo Baggins?" A young voice whispered.
"Yes, whom we heard about in all those stories. Pip told me that he's Ellie's beau, too!" Another voice hissed back.
"Are you sure, Ham?" The first voice responded, a little too loudly.
"Shhhh!" A third voice broke in.
Frodo was in the middle of buttoning up his vest, but his hands paused. A slight smile spread across his face.
"Now, who could possibly be whispering? Perhaps little birds outside my window? Come now, let me take a good look at you!"
Three hobbits in their early tweens appeared in front of Frodo, looking somewhat ashamed. The oldest looked to be around twenty-three, and she had curly golden ringlets that spilled across her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes were light grey, and filled with mirth.
The other two hobbits seemed to be about nineteen or twenty - still mere children. The eldest of both was a male, with curly brown hair and hazel eyes, while the youngest's hair was a chocolate hue, pulled back in a fat bun, and her eyes were a deep brown.
All three, though, had one thing in common - Sam's round, kindly, good-natured face.
"My name is Goldilocks." The golden-haired female said boldly. "But you may call me Goldi. This is my brother Hamfast - called Ham, by most - and my sister Daisy. And you are the famous Frodo of the Nine Fingers, right? Pippin says that you and Elanor are...are, well, *smitten* with each other! And that you are Ellie's *beau*!"
Daisy squealed with delight, and covered her mouth with her hands, giggling. But Hamfast was more interested in Frodo's deeds of old.
"If you'll pardon my asking, Mister Frodo, but could I see... well, that is, would you show us your, uh, hand?"
Frodo smiled amusedly, then held out his left hand. The three hobbits gaped in awe and reverence.
"Elves and dragons! So you *are* really the old Ring-bearer..." Goldilocks said. "Though not exactly old in appearance, I should say. Pip sneaked a look at you yesterday, and said that it was the Undying Lands that made you young again. Is that true?"
Frodo nodded. "Indeed. And I should like to see your other siblings very much. Samwise told me about you three, and also said that Merry and young Rose are out in Tuckburough for a while. That leaves Pippin and Frodo for me to meet, yet."
"They are in the kitchen eating breakfast, Mister Frodo, sir! Mother sent us to wake you, anyway!" Daisy chirped, then lead the way towards the kitchen.
Bag End still looked very much the same, Frodo mused, as he walked down the long passage.
"This is the kitchen!" Ham exclaimed, leading Frodo in.
Elanor, Sam, Rose, and two other hobbits sat around a large table.
"Good morning, Mister Frodo!" Rose and Sam said, as he took a seat across from Elanor.
"Good morning, everyone." Frodo responded, smiling round the table. The other hobbits, he soon found out, were Sam's sons; Frodo - who was thirty-one - and Pippin - twenty-nine. Pippin had curly auburn hair and dark eyes, while Frodo appeared to be a younger replica of Sam - golden brown hair, and warm, brown eyes.
"My, how confusing this will be with two Frodos running about!" Frodo said, a smile his face, as as Rosie served him some mushrooms and bacon.
"It's alright, we call the younger Frodo 'Fro', anyway. And I'm sure my children will respect you and call you '*Mister* Frodo', or 'sir'." Sam said, between bites of bread.
The meal went on pleasantly - consisting mostly of the hobbit-children asking Frodo various questions - until Frodo remembered something rather important.
"Oh! I nearly forgot! Happy birthday, Elanor!"
Elanor laughed, then replied, "I thank you, Mister Frodo, but my birthday isn't 'till next week! I've just decided to hold the party tonight, for various reasons."
"Indeed. I look forward to this evening, anyhow." Frodo said, sipping his tea.
Pippin and some of the younger hobbits began to giggle, but Samwise stopped them with an angry look.
"Mister Frodo, I daresay you'll be wantin' to visit Mister Meriadoc and Mister Peregrin! Alas, Merry is off in Minas Tirith - he's been there for the past year, leastways - but Pippin is still around, down in Tookland. He's gotten himself married to a nice hobbit-girl - Diamond, from Long Cleeve. They're old like me, of course, but I know Mister Peregrin will be right happy to see you, as I've invited him over tonight for some talking. I'll be needin' something to do while all the young hobbits are out merry-making!"
Elanor glanced up. "Oh, but Father, Mister Frodo will be at my party! He won't be sitting up here in the kitchen talking to you and Mister Took!"
Sam clicked his tongue. "Elanorëlle, I dursn't think Mister Frodo will want to spend his entire evening with children. We have much to discuss!"
Raising his hand, Frodo spoke. "I will go to the party, then afterwards, if it isn't too much trouble, Sam, I'll come and spend time with you and Pippin. I *did* promise Ellie, after all."
"Alright then." Sam set down his fork, then stood up. As he talked, his voice sounded slightly hurt. "I'm going out to run a few errands. I'll be back a little later."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bright lanterns dotted the field behind Bagshot Row, as Frodo made his way down the path towards it. The evening was cool and clear, and the sound of lively music filled Frodo's ears. He paused at the edge of the field, gazing at the many hobbits - about a *hundred* in all, and primarily in their tweens - laughing, dancing, and supping.
"Frodo!" A clear voice called out. Elanor ran up the path to greet him, her red-gold hair loose, with the sides drawn back in a blue clasp. Her dress was also blue - with many petticoats underneath the 'skirt' part, and white cross-stitching around the edges. "Frodo," She repeated, as she reached him. "Isn't this exciting? Everyone has shown up, but I wondered when you would get here! Although, I didn't tell anyone that Frodo Baggins is coming. You see, they'd all be clamouring to talk to you all night, which wouldn't leave me a chance to dance with you!"
Frodo felt his cheeks redden, but he held out his arm and Elanor took it. "Well then, Ellie, if I am not to be Frodo, what shall I call myself? When I went to Bree - back in the days of the Ring - I took on the name Underhill. Perhaps I shall be... hm, Drogo Underhill. For my father's name was Drogo."
Elanor smiled, and her eyes shone. "Very well then, Master Drogo. Come, I shall introduce you to my friends!"
The hobbit-girl lead Frodo over to the party. Many wooden benches and tables had been set up on the grass, forming a large circle around the spot reserved for dancing. The band from Woody End had set themselves up near a tent that was filled with an eclectic assortment of tables covered in various foods and drinks; in our times, called a buffet.
Various coloured lanterns and lights were strung in the branches of surrounding trees, making for a festive, exciting mood.
Seated on most of the aforementioned benches were Elanor's friends, who greeted Frodo warmly as she introduced him to them.
"This is Drogo Underhill, up from... ah, Willowbottom." Elanor said smiling brightly, arm in arm with Frodo.
"Indeed?" One of the friends said. "My second cousin Lily lives there! Lily Sandheaver, perhaps you know her?"
Frodo smiled weakly. "Uh, I just moved there. I don't know anyone in Willowbottom very well yet, I'm afraid."
The friend nodded, accepting Frodo's answer easily. "Well, my name is Ruminas Tunnelly, but most call my Rumi! I'm from Pincup, actually, but I've been working up at the quarry by Scary, this past year." Ruminas clapped Frodo on the back, then drew him aside from Elanor. "I see Ellie is quite taken with you! I've known her for a few years, now - enough to see that that what she deserves is a fine gentlehobbit. You take good care of her, Drogo!"
Frodo's flushed slightly. "But Elanor and I are only frien--"
"--Drogo! Would you care to dance? The band has started up!" Elanor broke in, not noticing that Frodo and Ruminas had been talking.
"All right." Frodo replied, still red.
Elanor gave him two bells, then took two for herself. She then grabbed Frodo's hands and they joined into the vigorous Springle-ring dance.
"This is lovely, isn't it?" Elanor exclaimed, her hair swinging about as she and Frodo twirled around, as all the other hobbits were doing.
"I only did this dance once, and that was when I was your age! At mine and Bilbo's joint birthday party; my Coming-of-Age, too!" Frodo replied, his voice loud so Ellie could hear it over the din.
She laughed, and they danced for about half an hour more, until Frodo decided that he wanted a drink.
The two were oblivious to the stares they got, as they walked arm in arm to the drink table, talking and laughing to each other.
"Just who *is* this Drogo, anyway?" One hobbit said to another. "I've never seen him before, let alone around Elanor! When did she meet him, I wonder..."
Meanwhile, Frodo and Elanor were sipping at mugs filled with good beer.
"This is terribly exciting, isn't it?" Ellie said happily, over the rim of her mug. "I didn't expect my party to be so wonderful! Come, let's go take a quick walk to cool down, and then we can dance a some more!"
Frodo nodded, slightly dazed. He had only recovered from his fever the day prior, and still felt slightly tired and a bit, well, *off*.
"Alright." Instead of taking Frodo's arm, though, Elanor grabbed his hand and they left the main festivities, heading towards a path that wound alongside the Party Field.
- To be continued, of course. :) -
Part Three : The Party
By Tippy
- A/N: Here's part three. I'm thinking that there will be only one more part after this one, FYI. ^-^;;
Oh...and I'm aware that Sam had more children (Bilbo, Primrose, and a slew of others) but they weren't...uhhh...born yet. Yeah. That's it! *shifty glances*
*** IMPORTANT: In 'The End of the Third Age', the nickname that Tolkien *actually uses* for Sam's son, Frodo, is 'Fro'. Read the book, because we see one of young Frodo's siblings calling him 'Fro' : thus it's not some silly nickname I just made up. ;P
Last of all... for the love of all that is sacred, will authors PLEASE stop writing Legolas/Mary Sue fics! They've bogged down the LotR section, and I can't even find the really, really good fics that I like reading, anymore, because the L/MS ones have taken over! All the other fics get lost amidst them...
ARGH! *grumbles incoherently for several minutes*
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The morning light splayed it's golden fingers across Frodo's face as he woke, yawning deeply. The bedroom was bright, and Frodo felt fresh, healthy, and ready to embrace a new day. He had battled off his fever the day prior, and was now back to normal.
He climbed out of bed, stretching his lean arms, then surveyed the bedroom.
On a stand near the doorway, Frodo spotted a basin filled with water. He plunged his head in, washing his neck and face.
A towel, yellow as a canary's breast and twice as soft, sat beside the basin. Frodo rubbed at his dripping hair, then changed into a fresh set of clothes laid out on a wooden chair.
Unbeknownst to Frodo, several pairs of wide hobbit-eyes were peering at him from the doorway.
"So *that's* Frodo Baggins?" A young voice whispered.
"Yes, whom we heard about in all those stories. Pip told me that he's Ellie's beau, too!" Another voice hissed back.
"Are you sure, Ham?" The first voice responded, a little too loudly.
"Shhhh!" A third voice broke in.
Frodo was in the middle of buttoning up his vest, but his hands paused. A slight smile spread across his face.
"Now, who could possibly be whispering? Perhaps little birds outside my window? Come now, let me take a good look at you!"
Three hobbits in their early tweens appeared in front of Frodo, looking somewhat ashamed. The oldest looked to be around twenty-three, and she had curly golden ringlets that spilled across her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes were light grey, and filled with mirth.
The other two hobbits seemed to be about nineteen or twenty - still mere children. The eldest of both was a male, with curly brown hair and hazel eyes, while the youngest's hair was a chocolate hue, pulled back in a fat bun, and her eyes were a deep brown.
All three, though, had one thing in common - Sam's round, kindly, good-natured face.
"My name is Goldilocks." The golden-haired female said boldly. "But you may call me Goldi. This is my brother Hamfast - called Ham, by most - and my sister Daisy. And you are the famous Frodo of the Nine Fingers, right? Pippin says that you and Elanor are...are, well, *smitten* with each other! And that you are Ellie's *beau*!"
Daisy squealed with delight, and covered her mouth with her hands, giggling. But Hamfast was more interested in Frodo's deeds of old.
"If you'll pardon my asking, Mister Frodo, but could I see... well, that is, would you show us your, uh, hand?"
Frodo smiled amusedly, then held out his left hand. The three hobbits gaped in awe and reverence.
"Elves and dragons! So you *are* really the old Ring-bearer..." Goldilocks said. "Though not exactly old in appearance, I should say. Pip sneaked a look at you yesterday, and said that it was the Undying Lands that made you young again. Is that true?"
Frodo nodded. "Indeed. And I should like to see your other siblings very much. Samwise told me about you three, and also said that Merry and young Rose are out in Tuckburough for a while. That leaves Pippin and Frodo for me to meet, yet."
"They are in the kitchen eating breakfast, Mister Frodo, sir! Mother sent us to wake you, anyway!" Daisy chirped, then lead the way towards the kitchen.
Bag End still looked very much the same, Frodo mused, as he walked down the long passage.
"This is the kitchen!" Ham exclaimed, leading Frodo in.
Elanor, Sam, Rose, and two other hobbits sat around a large table.
"Good morning, Mister Frodo!" Rose and Sam said, as he took a seat across from Elanor.
"Good morning, everyone." Frodo responded, smiling round the table. The other hobbits, he soon found out, were Sam's sons; Frodo - who was thirty-one - and Pippin - twenty-nine. Pippin had curly auburn hair and dark eyes, while Frodo appeared to be a younger replica of Sam - golden brown hair, and warm, brown eyes.
"My, how confusing this will be with two Frodos running about!" Frodo said, a smile his face, as as Rosie served him some mushrooms and bacon.
"It's alright, we call the younger Frodo 'Fro', anyway. And I'm sure my children will respect you and call you '*Mister* Frodo', or 'sir'." Sam said, between bites of bread.
The meal went on pleasantly - consisting mostly of the hobbit-children asking Frodo various questions - until Frodo remembered something rather important.
"Oh! I nearly forgot! Happy birthday, Elanor!"
Elanor laughed, then replied, "I thank you, Mister Frodo, but my birthday isn't 'till next week! I've just decided to hold the party tonight, for various reasons."
"Indeed. I look forward to this evening, anyhow." Frodo said, sipping his tea.
Pippin and some of the younger hobbits began to giggle, but Samwise stopped them with an angry look.
"Mister Frodo, I daresay you'll be wantin' to visit Mister Meriadoc and Mister Peregrin! Alas, Merry is off in Minas Tirith - he's been there for the past year, leastways - but Pippin is still around, down in Tookland. He's gotten himself married to a nice hobbit-girl - Diamond, from Long Cleeve. They're old like me, of course, but I know Mister Peregrin will be right happy to see you, as I've invited him over tonight for some talking. I'll be needin' something to do while all the young hobbits are out merry-making!"
Elanor glanced up. "Oh, but Father, Mister Frodo will be at my party! He won't be sitting up here in the kitchen talking to you and Mister Took!"
Sam clicked his tongue. "Elanorëlle, I dursn't think Mister Frodo will want to spend his entire evening with children. We have much to discuss!"
Raising his hand, Frodo spoke. "I will go to the party, then afterwards, if it isn't too much trouble, Sam, I'll come and spend time with you and Pippin. I *did* promise Ellie, after all."
"Alright then." Sam set down his fork, then stood up. As he talked, his voice sounded slightly hurt. "I'm going out to run a few errands. I'll be back a little later."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bright lanterns dotted the field behind Bagshot Row, as Frodo made his way down the path towards it. The evening was cool and clear, and the sound of lively music filled Frodo's ears. He paused at the edge of the field, gazing at the many hobbits - about a *hundred* in all, and primarily in their tweens - laughing, dancing, and supping.
"Frodo!" A clear voice called out. Elanor ran up the path to greet him, her red-gold hair loose, with the sides drawn back in a blue clasp. Her dress was also blue - with many petticoats underneath the 'skirt' part, and white cross-stitching around the edges. "Frodo," She repeated, as she reached him. "Isn't this exciting? Everyone has shown up, but I wondered when you would get here! Although, I didn't tell anyone that Frodo Baggins is coming. You see, they'd all be clamouring to talk to you all night, which wouldn't leave me a chance to dance with you!"
Frodo felt his cheeks redden, but he held out his arm and Elanor took it. "Well then, Ellie, if I am not to be Frodo, what shall I call myself? When I went to Bree - back in the days of the Ring - I took on the name Underhill. Perhaps I shall be... hm, Drogo Underhill. For my father's name was Drogo."
Elanor smiled, and her eyes shone. "Very well then, Master Drogo. Come, I shall introduce you to my friends!"
The hobbit-girl lead Frodo over to the party. Many wooden benches and tables had been set up on the grass, forming a large circle around the spot reserved for dancing. The band from Woody End had set themselves up near a tent that was filled with an eclectic assortment of tables covered in various foods and drinks; in our times, called a buffet.
Various coloured lanterns and lights were strung in the branches of surrounding trees, making for a festive, exciting mood.
Seated on most of the aforementioned benches were Elanor's friends, who greeted Frodo warmly as she introduced him to them.
"This is Drogo Underhill, up from... ah, Willowbottom." Elanor said smiling brightly, arm in arm with Frodo.
"Indeed?" One of the friends said. "My second cousin Lily lives there! Lily Sandheaver, perhaps you know her?"
Frodo smiled weakly. "Uh, I just moved there. I don't know anyone in Willowbottom very well yet, I'm afraid."
The friend nodded, accepting Frodo's answer easily. "Well, my name is Ruminas Tunnelly, but most call my Rumi! I'm from Pincup, actually, but I've been working up at the quarry by Scary, this past year." Ruminas clapped Frodo on the back, then drew him aside from Elanor. "I see Ellie is quite taken with you! I've known her for a few years, now - enough to see that that what she deserves is a fine gentlehobbit. You take good care of her, Drogo!"
Frodo's flushed slightly. "But Elanor and I are only frien--"
"--Drogo! Would you care to dance? The band has started up!" Elanor broke in, not noticing that Frodo and Ruminas had been talking.
"All right." Frodo replied, still red.
Elanor gave him two bells, then took two for herself. She then grabbed Frodo's hands and they joined into the vigorous Springle-ring dance.
"This is lovely, isn't it?" Elanor exclaimed, her hair swinging about as she and Frodo twirled around, as all the other hobbits were doing.
"I only did this dance once, and that was when I was your age! At mine and Bilbo's joint birthday party; my Coming-of-Age, too!" Frodo replied, his voice loud so Ellie could hear it over the din.
She laughed, and they danced for about half an hour more, until Frodo decided that he wanted a drink.
The two were oblivious to the stares they got, as they walked arm in arm to the drink table, talking and laughing to each other.
"Just who *is* this Drogo, anyway?" One hobbit said to another. "I've never seen him before, let alone around Elanor! When did she meet him, I wonder..."
Meanwhile, Frodo and Elanor were sipping at mugs filled with good beer.
"This is terribly exciting, isn't it?" Ellie said happily, over the rim of her mug. "I didn't expect my party to be so wonderful! Come, let's go take a quick walk to cool down, and then we can dance a some more!"
Frodo nodded, slightly dazed. He had only recovered from his fever the day prior, and still felt slightly tired and a bit, well, *off*.
"Alright." Instead of taking Frodo's arm, though, Elanor grabbed his hand and they left the main festivities, heading towards a path that wound alongside the Party Field.
- To be continued, of course. :) -