Chapter 2
The Locket
The Hobbit hole of the Sackville-Baggins was bigger than most hobbit size dwelling, but not as big as the more prominent hobbits and certainly not as big as Bag End.
Even though Lobelia worked extra hard to impress the prominent hobbits of Hobbiton with the many things the Sackville-Baggins collected through the years. Still she was not well liked. Hobbits loved to eat and when they could eat well, they attended Lobelia's parties. She understood this and made sure her guests had the best of everything. She tried to impress them with the things that decorated her hobbit home, but they would only politely nod. She never really quite figured out it was her ill temper and her reputation that the fine folk of Hobbiton did not trust. Lobelia thought it was the size of her smaller hobbit hole and wanted a bigger home. She had her eye upon Bag End and knew that after Bilbo's death, her husband would be the next to inherit this impressive home on the Hill.
In amongst the many shelves and chest of the Sackville-Baggins hobbit hole were many books, vases, clay pots and fine delicate candleholders. Otho, Lobelia's husband had inherited this home from his father, Longo Sackville- Baggins. Each item had a home within the light-colored walls with its rounded doorways and short hallways. Lobelia hired servants to keep it taut and tidy. The center of her home where all the rooms seemed to join together, as with most hobbit holes of Hobbiton, was the common room and that is where her guests had gathered for her party for her new born son, who she had named Lotho.
What Lobelia prized the most in her home were the silver spoons that prominent hobbits would hand down from generations to generations. Each bearing their initials of their family name. Lobelia was very proud to have finally gotten her family's spoons away from Bilbo Baggins and his family spoons to boot, which she would make sure that he would never get back again! The very day that Lobelia heard that Bilbo was presumed dead, she entered Bag End to claim it. She sold off most all of the Baggins's furnishings, but she did not have time to find the very thing that she wanted more than just the spoons.
Bilbo chuckled when he caught Lobelia's reaction to the locket from the corner of his eye. She placed the locket in her pocket and turned angry eyes upon him. Forcing herself to smile, she walked over to the next group of hobbits to introduce her infant son and collect more gifts.
Bilbo just caught the gesture from her angry look and he broke out in a hearty laugh. He quickly turned his attention back to Frodo and Primula who sat next to him.
A horrid, ear piercing screech that made the back of your hair stand out, was heard coming from the baby the Lobelia cradled in her arm. Bilbo cringed at the sound of that baby's cry.
"Now Lotho, you just had your bottle, you can not be hungry again," Lobelia said as she cooed at the baby she carried.
"Lotho, now that's a name fitting for a Sackville-Baggins. If you ask me," Bilbo stated from the corner of his mouth to Primula and she giggled from behind her fingers.
"Well, I am going to find another cup of tea," said Bilbo while he stood and excused himself from the table. Most of the servants were tending to the guests so Bilbo thought this was the perfect time to initiate his well thought out plan.
Bilbo made his way to the kitchen in between the hobbits that pressed closer to each other to give Bilbo some room. He placed his hand into his vest pocket and fingered his magic ring that he kept there. His eyes shifted from side to side to make sure no one was watching him when he made his way into the kitchen. Seeing only one lass preparing to bring a tray of tea to the guests. Bilbo clutched his ring and quickly placed it on his finger, then disappeared.
"I'll have a cup of tea ready for you in just moment," she said turning to speak to Mr. Baggins, who she knew entered the kitchen. She circled around, but saw know one was there. "I was sure I saw Mr. Baggins just seconds ago!" she said to herself and scratched her head thinking that she must be very tired and was beginning to see things. She turned back to begin to pour the tea into the cups on the tray, but noticed that the spoons that she placed on her tray were now missing. Lifting up the tray, she checked to see if they were under it, just to make sure. Her eyes darted all over the kitchen counter, but there were no spoons anywhere. She shuttered to think what Lobelia would do if she did not find those spoons.
Bilbo pulled the ring off his finger when he past through the kitchen door and placed his magic ring back into his vest pocket. He tapped his pocket with three quick taps and a proud smile on his lips. His plan could not of been better. Bilbo could now go home and relax.
He patted Frodo on the top of his head and said his good-byes to all while his feet almost danced out from the door of the Sackville-Baggins's hobbit hole.
Lobelia soon entered after finally getting her little Lotho back to sleep and tucked in warmly in his crib. Seeing Primula standing next to some hobbit women, she approached her. "My dear, would you allow me to finally get a look at that beautiful locket Bilbo gave to Frodo, I would so much appreciate seeing it."
Primula looked over to little Frodo and then back over to Lobelia. "I do not know, Lobelia. Frodo insisted that I keep the locket around my neck and made me promise to never take it off."
"What he does not know, could not hurt him. It will only take just a minute. Please dear, it would make me so happy just to see it," said Lobelia with a pleading look to Primula.
"Okay, for just a moment then," Primula unclasped the necklace and handed it to Lobelia.
With one glance at the locket, Lobelia knew it matched the locket that Bilbo had given her. Quickly as can be, Lobelia needed to distract Primula for just a moment. Her eyes turned to little Frodo who sat upon a chair next to his father. "Oh, now what is that boy doing!" Lobelia snarled trying to get Primula to look away. The second that Pimula glanced to see her son, Lobelia traded the worthless locket for Frodo's locket. "Here, my dear, you better take your locket back and see to that boy of yours."
Primula quickly latched the locket around her neck and headed back towards the table where Frodo sat quietly waiting for his mother to return.
Lobelia now had Frodo's locket in her pocket and then noticed that her guests were becoming uncomfortable. She saw that their teacups had become empty and were looking towards the kitchen for the servant to bring them their tea. Lobelia excused herself from her guests and smiled making her way into the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" shouted Lobelia at the girl who was looking inside a cupboard.
The servant turned around in shock seeing Lobelia standing there glaring at her. "I am sorry, madam, but I can not seem to find the spoons! I had set them upon this tray, but now they have disappeared!" said the girl who had begun to tremble with fear.
"What do you mean, you can not find no spoons!"
"I thought I saw Mr. Baggins coming into the kitchen, but when I turned around to greet him, it was as if he had disappeared." The girl trembled again the closer Lobelia came to her.
Lobelia picked up a large, wooden cooking-spoon and hit the girl's fingers that rested on the counter top with a very hard blow. The girl cried out in pain, clutching her fingers to her chest.
"I warned you not to let Bilbo get within inches of those spoons. I am taking this out of your wages until very spoon has been paid for!" Lobelia shouted at the girl.
She burst into tears running from the kitchen, sobbing.
Lobelia put on a fake smile and picked up the tray with the tea, as if nothing had ever occurred. She greeted her guest and filled their cups with the tea.
When Lobelia approached Primula to pour her a cup a tea, Primula refused it. "I am sorry Lobelia, but I must get our little Frodo back home. It was such a wonderful party and your son................well, what can I say, babies are just so special!" Primula saw Drogo across the room and waved to him to join her. "Thank you again for inviting us. Good-bye Lobelia."
Drogo took his wife and Frodo's hand while they began their walk home. It was such a beautiful mid-afternoon that Drogo challenged them to have a small race home. Frodo laughed with glee seeing his parent and their playful nature with each other.
Primula picked up Frodo and twilled him in the air. Frodo hugged his mother's neck tightly with his small little arms. "I love you, Mama," said Frodo looking up into her eyes. Frodo paused and with a look of surprise at her neck, stated. "Mama, our locket is gone!"
Primula touched her neck to feel for the locket, but it was not there. "It must of fallen when we where running home. Let's retrace our steps and see if we can find it."
They searched and searched, but they could not find the necklace anywhere. Frodo began crying. "Don't worry, Frodo. I will tell everyone that I lost my locket and someone is sure to find it," said Primula and hugged her little boy.
~*~
Everyday Frodo would go out to search for the locket, but he never found it. He found other items such as a pin or button. He even found an old locket that was tarnished and had paint that peeled off the side but nothing that looked like his locket that Bilbo gave him when he was born.
Frodo was heartsick from loosing his treasured locket. He knew he would never see it again.
~*~
Time marched on and Frodo grew into a fine twelve year-old. Summer was fast approaching and he was looking forward to going boating with his family. A lot of the Bucklander's enjoyed boating and Primula had tried many time to convince Drogo to go with them. Primula grew up boating and fishing with her older brother, Dinoda and her older sister, Asphodel. But Drogo, never touched foot in a boat before. He always watched his wife from the safe distance from shore every time her brother would take her out boating. He felt foolish being so afraid of riding in a boat, but it was unnatural for most hobbits to do. Their feet were meant to be on dry ground.
Drogo walked out of Brandyhall with his teacup in his hand. The morning air was cool and it promised to be another beautiful spring day. Drogo could see in the distance a hobbit bent working on an over turned boat while he labored with a brush in his hands. Approaching, Drogo could see that it was Dinoda.
Drogo watched Dinoda applying more wax on the bottom of his boat. "So Drogo, will it be this year that you might try riding in my boat?"
"I do not see why anyone would want to do such a thing. It is unnatural for a hobbit!"
Dinoda laughed at Drogo's comment and thought not to push the hobbit any more.
"Here, could you help me carry the boat over to the dock? Grab that end, if you please," stated Dinoda
Drogo lifted the boat and was amazed how such a heavy thing could stay afloat.
Laying the boat on the dock, they both eased it into the water. Dinoda tied it securely to the dock and then climbing in the boat.
"Would you just like to sit in the boat, Drogo and give it a try?" he asked one more time trying to encourage him.
Drogo looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was about. He feared that they would all laugh at him if he suddenly became too fearful and climbed back out again. Seeing no one was around this morning, he thought he might give it a try just for a moment. Summoning up all of his courage, Drogo placed one foot into the boat and held Dinoda's hand securely. He paused a moment and looking into Dinoda's confident eyes before he placed his other foot into the boat.
Drogo's knees began to shake with fear that seized him with the rocking of the boat. "Here Drogo, you must sit! It is not safe to stand in a boat." Dinoda gestured to the seat that was just behind him.
Drogo slowly lowered himself to the seat, holding on for dear life to the sides of the boat. Dinoda smiled knowing how hard this was for his brother in-law. "You see, safe as can be."
He sat just facing him, placing his hands on his knees and asked. "Now that you are securely sitting, would you like for me to take the boat out just a short ways and bring you back?"
Drogo could only nod while he closed his eyes in agreement to his brother in- laws question. Dinoda saw the perspiration that had began to run down his brother-in-laws brow. So he made sure to go very slowly and encourage him all that he could.
Dinoda untied the boat from the dock and took his paddle. Gently as possible, he stroked the water sending the little boat away from the dock.
He watched Drogo intently in hopes that he would relax enough to begin enjoying the smooth ride across the water.
Drogo slowly opened one eye and then the other, but keeping his hands firmly on the sides of the boat. After a few more minutes, he began to slowly relax and watched the water. He felt the ease of the boat floating on its surface and it began to calm him.
Dinoda made sure that he kept his strokes with his ores even, to make the boat ride as smooth as possible.
Drogo began to smile at his accomplishment of conquering his fears. He could see now, why his wife enjoyed these boat rides. It was very calming and relaxing to sit in the boat while it floated in the water.
Just as Dinoda promised he only took him out a short distance and returned back to the dock. Getting out of the boat and helping Drogo on to the dock. He asked him. "So what do you think of my boat now?"
"It was wonderful. I truly enjoyed the ride," said Drogo smiling at Dinoda. "I am looking forward to joining the others this summer for your boat rides."
"You will certainly surprise everyone when I tell them that you finally taken a boat ride with me," said Dinoda smiling with pride for his brother- in-law.
"Please do not tell anyone about this, I would love to surprise them myself the next time they all go boating. I could see all their faces when I climb in beside them. That will certainly surprise them. Thank you Dinoda for the boat ride. It was wonderful!"
"I promise not to say a word and you are very welcome! Anytime you want another boat ride, just ask." Dinoda climbed back into his boat after he grabbed his fishing pole and bait. Drogo watched him pull away from shore and paddled down the river.
There was an extra bounce in his step when he entered Brandyhall.
The Locket
The Hobbit hole of the Sackville-Baggins was bigger than most hobbit size dwelling, but not as big as the more prominent hobbits and certainly not as big as Bag End.
Even though Lobelia worked extra hard to impress the prominent hobbits of Hobbiton with the many things the Sackville-Baggins collected through the years. Still she was not well liked. Hobbits loved to eat and when they could eat well, they attended Lobelia's parties. She understood this and made sure her guests had the best of everything. She tried to impress them with the things that decorated her hobbit home, but they would only politely nod. She never really quite figured out it was her ill temper and her reputation that the fine folk of Hobbiton did not trust. Lobelia thought it was the size of her smaller hobbit hole and wanted a bigger home. She had her eye upon Bag End and knew that after Bilbo's death, her husband would be the next to inherit this impressive home on the Hill.
In amongst the many shelves and chest of the Sackville-Baggins hobbit hole were many books, vases, clay pots and fine delicate candleholders. Otho, Lobelia's husband had inherited this home from his father, Longo Sackville- Baggins. Each item had a home within the light-colored walls with its rounded doorways and short hallways. Lobelia hired servants to keep it taut and tidy. The center of her home where all the rooms seemed to join together, as with most hobbit holes of Hobbiton, was the common room and that is where her guests had gathered for her party for her new born son, who she had named Lotho.
What Lobelia prized the most in her home were the silver spoons that prominent hobbits would hand down from generations to generations. Each bearing their initials of their family name. Lobelia was very proud to have finally gotten her family's spoons away from Bilbo Baggins and his family spoons to boot, which she would make sure that he would never get back again! The very day that Lobelia heard that Bilbo was presumed dead, she entered Bag End to claim it. She sold off most all of the Baggins's furnishings, but she did not have time to find the very thing that she wanted more than just the spoons.
Bilbo chuckled when he caught Lobelia's reaction to the locket from the corner of his eye. She placed the locket in her pocket and turned angry eyes upon him. Forcing herself to smile, she walked over to the next group of hobbits to introduce her infant son and collect more gifts.
Bilbo just caught the gesture from her angry look and he broke out in a hearty laugh. He quickly turned his attention back to Frodo and Primula who sat next to him.
A horrid, ear piercing screech that made the back of your hair stand out, was heard coming from the baby the Lobelia cradled in her arm. Bilbo cringed at the sound of that baby's cry.
"Now Lotho, you just had your bottle, you can not be hungry again," Lobelia said as she cooed at the baby she carried.
"Lotho, now that's a name fitting for a Sackville-Baggins. If you ask me," Bilbo stated from the corner of his mouth to Primula and she giggled from behind her fingers.
"Well, I am going to find another cup of tea," said Bilbo while he stood and excused himself from the table. Most of the servants were tending to the guests so Bilbo thought this was the perfect time to initiate his well thought out plan.
Bilbo made his way to the kitchen in between the hobbits that pressed closer to each other to give Bilbo some room. He placed his hand into his vest pocket and fingered his magic ring that he kept there. His eyes shifted from side to side to make sure no one was watching him when he made his way into the kitchen. Seeing only one lass preparing to bring a tray of tea to the guests. Bilbo clutched his ring and quickly placed it on his finger, then disappeared.
"I'll have a cup of tea ready for you in just moment," she said turning to speak to Mr. Baggins, who she knew entered the kitchen. She circled around, but saw know one was there. "I was sure I saw Mr. Baggins just seconds ago!" she said to herself and scratched her head thinking that she must be very tired and was beginning to see things. She turned back to begin to pour the tea into the cups on the tray, but noticed that the spoons that she placed on her tray were now missing. Lifting up the tray, she checked to see if they were under it, just to make sure. Her eyes darted all over the kitchen counter, but there were no spoons anywhere. She shuttered to think what Lobelia would do if she did not find those spoons.
Bilbo pulled the ring off his finger when he past through the kitchen door and placed his magic ring back into his vest pocket. He tapped his pocket with three quick taps and a proud smile on his lips. His plan could not of been better. Bilbo could now go home and relax.
He patted Frodo on the top of his head and said his good-byes to all while his feet almost danced out from the door of the Sackville-Baggins's hobbit hole.
Lobelia soon entered after finally getting her little Lotho back to sleep and tucked in warmly in his crib. Seeing Primula standing next to some hobbit women, she approached her. "My dear, would you allow me to finally get a look at that beautiful locket Bilbo gave to Frodo, I would so much appreciate seeing it."
Primula looked over to little Frodo and then back over to Lobelia. "I do not know, Lobelia. Frodo insisted that I keep the locket around my neck and made me promise to never take it off."
"What he does not know, could not hurt him. It will only take just a minute. Please dear, it would make me so happy just to see it," said Lobelia with a pleading look to Primula.
"Okay, for just a moment then," Primula unclasped the necklace and handed it to Lobelia.
With one glance at the locket, Lobelia knew it matched the locket that Bilbo had given her. Quickly as can be, Lobelia needed to distract Primula for just a moment. Her eyes turned to little Frodo who sat upon a chair next to his father. "Oh, now what is that boy doing!" Lobelia snarled trying to get Primula to look away. The second that Pimula glanced to see her son, Lobelia traded the worthless locket for Frodo's locket. "Here, my dear, you better take your locket back and see to that boy of yours."
Primula quickly latched the locket around her neck and headed back towards the table where Frodo sat quietly waiting for his mother to return.
Lobelia now had Frodo's locket in her pocket and then noticed that her guests were becoming uncomfortable. She saw that their teacups had become empty and were looking towards the kitchen for the servant to bring them their tea. Lobelia excused herself from her guests and smiled making her way into the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" shouted Lobelia at the girl who was looking inside a cupboard.
The servant turned around in shock seeing Lobelia standing there glaring at her. "I am sorry, madam, but I can not seem to find the spoons! I had set them upon this tray, but now they have disappeared!" said the girl who had begun to tremble with fear.
"What do you mean, you can not find no spoons!"
"I thought I saw Mr. Baggins coming into the kitchen, but when I turned around to greet him, it was as if he had disappeared." The girl trembled again the closer Lobelia came to her.
Lobelia picked up a large, wooden cooking-spoon and hit the girl's fingers that rested on the counter top with a very hard blow. The girl cried out in pain, clutching her fingers to her chest.
"I warned you not to let Bilbo get within inches of those spoons. I am taking this out of your wages until very spoon has been paid for!" Lobelia shouted at the girl.
She burst into tears running from the kitchen, sobbing.
Lobelia put on a fake smile and picked up the tray with the tea, as if nothing had ever occurred. She greeted her guest and filled their cups with the tea.
When Lobelia approached Primula to pour her a cup a tea, Primula refused it. "I am sorry Lobelia, but I must get our little Frodo back home. It was such a wonderful party and your son................well, what can I say, babies are just so special!" Primula saw Drogo across the room and waved to him to join her. "Thank you again for inviting us. Good-bye Lobelia."
Drogo took his wife and Frodo's hand while they began their walk home. It was such a beautiful mid-afternoon that Drogo challenged them to have a small race home. Frodo laughed with glee seeing his parent and their playful nature with each other.
Primula picked up Frodo and twilled him in the air. Frodo hugged his mother's neck tightly with his small little arms. "I love you, Mama," said Frodo looking up into her eyes. Frodo paused and with a look of surprise at her neck, stated. "Mama, our locket is gone!"
Primula touched her neck to feel for the locket, but it was not there. "It must of fallen when we where running home. Let's retrace our steps and see if we can find it."
They searched and searched, but they could not find the necklace anywhere. Frodo began crying. "Don't worry, Frodo. I will tell everyone that I lost my locket and someone is sure to find it," said Primula and hugged her little boy.
~*~
Everyday Frodo would go out to search for the locket, but he never found it. He found other items such as a pin or button. He even found an old locket that was tarnished and had paint that peeled off the side but nothing that looked like his locket that Bilbo gave him when he was born.
Frodo was heartsick from loosing his treasured locket. He knew he would never see it again.
~*~
Time marched on and Frodo grew into a fine twelve year-old. Summer was fast approaching and he was looking forward to going boating with his family. A lot of the Bucklander's enjoyed boating and Primula had tried many time to convince Drogo to go with them. Primula grew up boating and fishing with her older brother, Dinoda and her older sister, Asphodel. But Drogo, never touched foot in a boat before. He always watched his wife from the safe distance from shore every time her brother would take her out boating. He felt foolish being so afraid of riding in a boat, but it was unnatural for most hobbits to do. Their feet were meant to be on dry ground.
Drogo walked out of Brandyhall with his teacup in his hand. The morning air was cool and it promised to be another beautiful spring day. Drogo could see in the distance a hobbit bent working on an over turned boat while he labored with a brush in his hands. Approaching, Drogo could see that it was Dinoda.
Drogo watched Dinoda applying more wax on the bottom of his boat. "So Drogo, will it be this year that you might try riding in my boat?"
"I do not see why anyone would want to do such a thing. It is unnatural for a hobbit!"
Dinoda laughed at Drogo's comment and thought not to push the hobbit any more.
"Here, could you help me carry the boat over to the dock? Grab that end, if you please," stated Dinoda
Drogo lifted the boat and was amazed how such a heavy thing could stay afloat.
Laying the boat on the dock, they both eased it into the water. Dinoda tied it securely to the dock and then climbing in the boat.
"Would you just like to sit in the boat, Drogo and give it a try?" he asked one more time trying to encourage him.
Drogo looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was about. He feared that they would all laugh at him if he suddenly became too fearful and climbed back out again. Seeing no one was around this morning, he thought he might give it a try just for a moment. Summoning up all of his courage, Drogo placed one foot into the boat and held Dinoda's hand securely. He paused a moment and looking into Dinoda's confident eyes before he placed his other foot into the boat.
Drogo's knees began to shake with fear that seized him with the rocking of the boat. "Here Drogo, you must sit! It is not safe to stand in a boat." Dinoda gestured to the seat that was just behind him.
Drogo slowly lowered himself to the seat, holding on for dear life to the sides of the boat. Dinoda smiled knowing how hard this was for his brother in-law. "You see, safe as can be."
He sat just facing him, placing his hands on his knees and asked. "Now that you are securely sitting, would you like for me to take the boat out just a short ways and bring you back?"
Drogo could only nod while he closed his eyes in agreement to his brother in- laws question. Dinoda saw the perspiration that had began to run down his brother-in-laws brow. So he made sure to go very slowly and encourage him all that he could.
Dinoda untied the boat from the dock and took his paddle. Gently as possible, he stroked the water sending the little boat away from the dock.
He watched Drogo intently in hopes that he would relax enough to begin enjoying the smooth ride across the water.
Drogo slowly opened one eye and then the other, but keeping his hands firmly on the sides of the boat. After a few more minutes, he began to slowly relax and watched the water. He felt the ease of the boat floating on its surface and it began to calm him.
Dinoda made sure that he kept his strokes with his ores even, to make the boat ride as smooth as possible.
Drogo began to smile at his accomplishment of conquering his fears. He could see now, why his wife enjoyed these boat rides. It was very calming and relaxing to sit in the boat while it floated in the water.
Just as Dinoda promised he only took him out a short distance and returned back to the dock. Getting out of the boat and helping Drogo on to the dock. He asked him. "So what do you think of my boat now?"
"It was wonderful. I truly enjoyed the ride," said Drogo smiling at Dinoda. "I am looking forward to joining the others this summer for your boat rides."
"You will certainly surprise everyone when I tell them that you finally taken a boat ride with me," said Dinoda smiling with pride for his brother- in-law.
"Please do not tell anyone about this, I would love to surprise them myself the next time they all go boating. I could see all their faces when I climb in beside them. That will certainly surprise them. Thank you Dinoda for the boat ride. It was wonderful!"
"I promise not to say a word and you are very welcome! Anytime you want another boat ride, just ask." Dinoda climbed back into his boat after he grabbed his fishing pole and bait. Drogo watched him pull away from shore and paddled down the river.
There was an extra bounce in his step when he entered Brandyhall.
