01-10-2002
Meet Jaell Brandybuck: Chapter Three
As I sat down after I walked away from Merry and Frodo, I glanced over to see Merry give me a goofy grin. He was such a kidder. After initial snack foods and drink, the band began playing with a start and everyone got into a dancing mood, as food and drink usually bid them too. I got up to see where Frodo was only to find him dancing center stage in the middle of the dancing grounds. Several girls pranced around him in a circle, a usual dance done at everyone's birthday. But I still somehow felt irked by that sight. Nothing crossed my mind as to why I felt that way. Suddenly, I heard a person clearing their throat rather loudly, as if to capture my attention.
"A-a-ahem!" I laughed to myself, for I knew who it was. I spun around on my heel to come face-to-face with little Peregrin Took (Pippin). He looked nervous… this little one was only two years behind me and an adorable one he was. He stuttered something out to this effect: "J-j-jaell? Would y-y-ou-ou li-like to da-da-da-dance with me?" I laughed and grabbed his arms and joined in the festivities.
After prancing around for about fifteen minutes, the band slowed, as was usual after a 'ruckus' to simmer down and eat the food on hand. Pippin grinned at me, "I'm hungry," and I nodded at him. As if he needed my permission to go eat. I stood there for a moment, catching my breath and taking in the beautiful fireworks and just the moment of everyone being together happily, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, curious as to who wanted my attention now.
"Hullo, Jaell." It was Samwise. I couldn't help but wonder where Frodo was. Samwise was only a bit older than I, and in my mother's thoughts, a "prime candidate" for marriage. I smirked at the thought. He was a precious Hobbit, of the timid ilk. I did love him but no more than I loved Merry as a brother.
"Yes, Samwise?"
"Um… I know this may sound inappropriate and you may be hungry…" he trailed off as I shook my head to the 'hungry' part. I was hungry for more fun but fun with someone else… "I know this is a slow song and all…" I gave a laughing smile.
"Samwise Gamgee, are you going to ask me to dance sometime tonight because I may get hungry sooner or later!" He laughed off his anxiety and nervously put his arm around me. I took his other hand and held it. "Sam, are you comfortable dancing with me in front of everyone?" He nodded, rather hopefully I noticed. As we started moving slowly to the gentle music, Sam smiled the biggest smile I ever saw. I smiled back and I saw my mother, beaming as if I had found the one to marry. I got a little scared at that point but still kept up the charade. "You know, Sam, we shouldn't take this too seriously." He nodded again. "Why are you so quiet?" He took a moment and thoughtfully answered.
"Because I don't want to say anything that may mess this moment up. I saw you come in and I thought you looked so beautiful, as you always have. I finally got the courage to ask you to dance but if it wasn't for Frodo, I never would have asked you, Jaell." I gave him a puzzled look… I suppose that concealed the thoughts racing through my mind. Frodo wanted me to come mostly because of a crush Samwise Gamgee has on me? Did he know beforehand that Sam wanted to dance with me this badly? I sighed, somewhat dejectedly. I looked around at all the people watching in between the moments they faced their plate to fork food into their mouths. They saw us as if we were meant to be, Samwise and I. I could feel their stares piercing us. I felt even more scared than before. "What's wrong, dear Jaell? Did I say something?" He stopped in his tracks and took his hands back. "Did I do something I ought not to? What's the matter??"
"No, Samwise, it's not you…" I caught sight of Frodo looking over curiously, I'm assuming to see if his 'plan' had worked. "You know what, Samwise? I think we should go have a bite to eat, alright?" He nodded and led me to the table he was sitting at before he had asked me to dance.
I watched him as he ate and drank, smiling at me every once in a while. Like a brother, he was… What's this? I saw Frodo beckoning to me, silently, as if to only catch my attention and no one else's. "Sam, I'll be back in a moment… no, no, don't stop eating, go ahead." He went back to his plate and I went to Frodo. "Yes?"
"So, Sam asked you to dance, did he?"
"Is that why you said to be ready to dance?"
"Yes, he's a wonderful chap, isn't he?" I nodded at that fact… but my mind raced. Do I like Frodo? Would I rather pursue a relationship with him rather than Samwise? The same things would go through over and over, making me mad.
"Listen, Frodo, thank you for inviting me… perhaps I should go now for I do not feel well at the moment." Frodo flashed a look of pure concern.
"Okay, Jaell. Shall I lead you back to the table? It is almost time for the 'private party.'" I nodded at his suggestion and he led me back to my family's area. I sat down slowly, looking back at Frodo who sat next to Merry and Sam. I saw Sam and he waved a turkey leg at me, as if to say "Hullo." *Sigh* Jaell, how could you have been so foolish as to think Frodo would feel the same? Did you not just figure out your own feelings tonight? Besides, Samwise isn't all that bad… Stupid thoughts. Stupid me. Stupid Hobbiton.
More to come…