The Brightest Star Ch 6. Of Herbs and Marriage Proposals
A week passed like a Hobbit through a buffet, and Pippin was showered with Azaelia's family's praises. There was not a Featherdown in Tookland that had not taken him to Jolly Hare Tavern for an ale and supper at some point during that time, and come the end of every day, Azaelia found Pippin laying in the grass repenting food as no Hobbit should. Still, he made it clear he was grateful for everyone's kindness in assuring he not suffer an hour without a bite... or two or three dozen.
The weekend finally came, and Pippin woke up from spending the entire night on the couch of the Featherdown's home. The night before was full of much merriment as Lily and her daughters cooked up a monster meal, and Pippin and Azaelia's father, Avido, spent the rest of the evening entertaining the family with songs and stories and games. A bit too much ale was had, and the girls laughed at Pippin's lethargy as the hour grew late. As soon as he laid down on the couch, he was off to dreamland, and Azaelia spread a blanket over him before she went to bed.
Pippin stirred fairly early, and realizing it would not be long before more family and friends came and whisked him off to the tavern, he snuck out to avoid being barraged with food. Assuming his usual post-gustative position on the far-side of the hill making up the Featherdown's home, Pippin smiled at the sensation of the warm fingers of the rising sun.
In silent bliss, he remained for a good half-hour contemplating his future as a family Hobbit and all the perks that came along with marrying Azaelia, including the love of a good dozen or so excited Featherdowns.
There you are! he heard a tiny voice calling from the bottom of the hill. He opened his eyes and saw little Basil running toward him at a dizzying pace. She wore a grin so big he could see it shine a mile away. He reflected her smile with his own as she sat up to receive her, but his expression changed when he realized she did not intend to slow down.
she yelled, jumping right into his arms and slamming him flat on his back. She giggled and fussed on his chest as he tried to regain the air she just knocked out of him. She finally sat up, straddling his belly and laughing at his goofy face of surprise.
I found you! I found you! she giggled, lightly bouncing on his stomach.
Pippin held her still with his big hands enclosed completely around her abdomen as he tried to breath normally again. You're just as energetic as your sister, he gasped, May I ask what's so important that it required your knocking me breath out?
You're gonna play house with me! she said, bouncing some more.
Not if I can't breathe I'm not, he laughed, sitting up and placing her on his knees. How do we play house? he asked.
I'm the Mommy and you're the Daddy, she said, poking his shirt, And Ginger's the baby and-
Who's Ginger?
My dolly, silly, she said. She quickly stood up and pulled at his hand.
Is Lia playing too? Pippin asked as he got dragged along by the young lass whose looks deceived her strength.
Lia's the tweenage daughter who likes to get into trouble all the time, Basil added, starting to run with Pippin in tow.
Sounds about right, he said as they ran around the base of the hill to the front garden. Basil had already set up a small wooden table and chairs with child-sized cups and plates, along with a makeshift of a water bucket and a stool for a counter. Azaelia stepped out the front door just as Basil walked up the path.
No, no, you're not born yet! Basil scolded, shooing Azaelia into the house. She quickly did as she was told and watched from the edge of the open window. Pippin beamed at her and she blew him a kiss.
Basil grabbed both Pippin's hands and pulled him down to her eye level, and he stood on his knees. First we have to get married, she said, rooting around in her apron's pocket for something. She brought out a ring made of twine and handed it to Pippin. You have to propose.
Pippin suddenly got very serious and took Basil's little hand into his. He deepened his voice, saying, My dearest Basil, will you do me the greatest honor of having your hand in marriage?
Basil swung the back of her hand to her forehead in a dramatic swoon, rolling her eyes with a giant sigh. Pippin winked over at Azaelia in the second Basil looked away.
Oh Pippin! Of course I'll marry you! Basil said while Pippin slipped the ring on her finger. She kissed his lips and jumped into his arms, awaiting him to carry her over the threshold. He stood up and walked into the house, striding with over-acted gallantry as Azaelia laughed uncontrollably at his playfulness.
Lily and Avido walked up behind Azaelia and watched the lighthearted act before them. So you're going to run off with all my daughters, eh? Avido said with a chuckle.
Just try and stop me! Pippin said, spinning around with Basil still in his arms. Her dizziness just made her even more hyper.
Well, we'll be sure to announce the double wedding at the tavern tonight, Avido said, We have reservations for a splendid party in one of their private rooms and the whole family's invited. Since you've been so inclined to dining there as of late, I'm sure you'll enjoy the evening with us.
Azaelia was pleasantly surprised at this bit of news. Oh thank you both so much! she said, hugging her parents tightly. It'll be ever so much fun!
I can come can't I? Basil asked urgently.
Pippin stopped spinning and looked her in the eyes. Of course you can, my little wife, he said, kissing her on the nose. She giggled and hugged his neck.
Azaelia wrapped her ams around Pippin with Basil between them. I hope your stomach doesn't mind all these visits to the Jolly Hare, Pip, she laughed, kissing him on the cheek.
Pippin laughed and kissed her back. I can never turn down a night with a Featherdown or two.
