Chapter 9
The Master of Bag End
Paladin talked for hours with both Bilbo and Lobelia. After each interview Paladin needed a strong drink. The two of them tried to convince Paladin that the other was crazy, lazy and totally unfit to take care of Frodo. Paladin never heard such gossip or fighting amongst two hobbits before. His head throbbed as he tried to weed out what was true and what they were trying to convince him of. Finally Paladin had enough and he called everyone into his office.
This time Bilbo refused to sit anywhere near Lobelia and chose rather to stand in the back of the room. Frodo sat along side Paladin and listened intently for his decision at to where he would live.
Paladin cleared his throat as he began his speech. "Never in my life had I heard such fighting among hobbits. Even the longest married couple had never fought this much in their entire 70 years of being married. I worry about Frodo being raised by hobbits who can not control their tempers long enough in the presence of a child. I find your behaviors appalling and inexcusable. Therefore it is my decision that Frodo will not live with either one of you. I have also talked with another family who truly wants to take care of Frodo. I have chosen this for Frodo in his best interest." Paladin stood and opened his door and a well-dressed hobbit entered with a beaming smile on his face and greeted Frodo as he turned around to face everyone.
"Dinodas!" said Bilbo in a shocked tone of voice.
"Yes, I have petitioned Paladin weeks ago in the case that a suitable relative could not be found. Frodo, I would love to bring you back to Buckland to live with my wife and me. We now have a baby boy born last week. We have named him Drugo in memory of your father. We loved him dearly as we love my sister, your mother." Dinodas said to Frodo bending down to him.
"Thank you so much Dinodas, I do appreciate you wanting to take me in with your family. But Dinodas, I want to stay with Bilbo. Bilbo needs me as much as I need him. Please understand how I feel. I love both you and your wife very much. I grew up with you both at Buckland and I love Buckland. But being at Bag End and being with Bilbo some how seems right for me." Frodo tried to convince him.
Bilbo looked up into Frodo's eyes and smiled at him as he folded his hands in front of him. He too knew that he needed Frodo just as much.
Paladin cleared his voice as he reached for another glass of his strong drink. This has been a very frustrating experience and he needed to make the hard decision for Frodo. He looked at Frodo and said, "Frodo, I want to you be happy and live a life that hobbit children should live. But Frodo at this time, I can not see this for you in Bilbo's care. However, when you reach the age of 20 years, you can petition me again and I will allow you to choose where you want to live after that. But for now Frodo, you must live with Dinodas."
Frodo nodded in agreement to Paladin, but Frodo's heart was breaking and he did not know how he could possibly leave Bilbo. Frodo ran to Bilbo and flung his arms around Bilbo's plumb waist and openly cried. Bilbo placed his arms around Frodo and held him tightly.
Bilbo bent down on his knee and he faced Frodo, telling him, "Frodo, maybe Paladin is right. It may be better for you to stay at Buckland, but that does not mean you will never live with me at Bag End someday. Bag End is your home as well as mine. I will always keep my door open for you anytime you want to come home. I promise I will visit Buckland more often and you can spend a week with me now and again. Remember Frodo our roads are never too long for us to stop seeing each other. Go now with Dinodas and be happy as I want you to be."
"Dinodas, take good care of the boy for me, he is a very special little lad." Bilbo said as he placed Frodo's hand in Dinodas.
"Bilbo, we will be at your birthday party next week to celebrate both your 91st Birthday and Frodo 13th. Also Bilbo remember, our door is always open to you." Dinodas smiled and shook Bilbo's hand and turned taking Frodo with him.
Lobelia half smiled as she too turned and walked out of Tuckborough and into her carriage as she returned home with her husband and Daisy.
Bilbo lifted his traveling bag and slung it over his shoulder. "No hard feelings, Paladin. You have done right by the boy. Thank you for being so wise. Well the road is a long one and there is much waiting for me at Bag End."
Bilbo whistled a little tune as he marched down the dirt road heading for Hobbiton.
Bilbo paced looking down the dirt road for the Buckland carriage. He could not wait to see Frodo. He missed the boy more than he thought that he would. Bilbo laughed thinking about the gift he had specially made for him. He knew how much Frodo was going to treasure it.
Bilbo spent the entire week getting ready for their birthday the very next day. He invited all the hobbits from Hobbiton to help celebrate the big event and did not spare a coin to make it as special as he could. The entire town worked diligently preparing for this day. Extra tables were brought in and a dance floor was added and a small stage where the fiddlers would play. The hobbit women made beautiful banners and bright colorful draping to adorn the new stage. They made lanterns and hung them on strings of wire mounted on tall poles around the party tree. They made special trays of food that the hobbits loved most of all. They made one of the biggest birthday cakes that Hobbiton had ever seen. The hobbits rolled large kegs and lined them up. It was going to be a night, long remembered by every hobbit that attended, all but one. Lobelia was not invited.
Finally Bilbo could see a small carriage approaching as it just entered Hobbiton Square and made its way up the winding roads heading towards Bag End. He could barely make out the shape of a small boy riding with an elderly hobbit.
Bilbo ran to greet them as Frodo descended from the carriage into his open arms. Bilbo hugged Frodo tightly and wished him a Happy Birthday. Dinodas shook Bilbo's hand as he too greeted him.
"Where is the rest of your family? I was excepting more than just the two of you." Bilbo inquired.
"I am sorry, Bilbo but Doreen could not make it. Our baby has a touch of a cold and could not travel in an open carriage. I will only be able to stay for just one night." Dinodas told him as he paused a moment looking at Frodo with a huge smile on his face. He then continued, "however, Frodo will be staying on the entire week."
Bilbo smiled as he said, "You have given me a wonder Birthday gift, Dinodas. I would so enjoy having Frodo here with me for the week. Come now, it is a celebration and we have much to do to get ready."
Bilbo led them into Bag End and Frodo raced to his bedroom that he claimed the last time he stayed at Bag End. Lying on his bed where two wrapped gifts and labeled in Bilbo's elegant handwriting. "To Frodo on his 13th Birthday."
"Go ahead and open it, Frodo." Bilbo told him as he sat on his bed and watched the boy.
Frodo torn open the packages and fell silent as he touched the delicate paintings of his mother and his father. Tears swelled in his eyes as he traced his fingers over the shape of his mother's face.
"I had them specially made just for you Frodo, so you would always remember your mother and your father. One of the Bucklander's painted it for me to give to you. He knew your mother and father well as he painted them from his memory."
"Oh Bilbo, they are wonderful. I will treasure them forever." Frodo said as he sat next to Bilbo on his bed not being able to take his eyes from the small paintings.
The night of the party all the hobbits gathered together as the fiddlers struck up their bows and began playing a lively tune. Husbands grabbed their wives as they spun them around the new dance floor and shy hobbits men asked even more shyer hobbit woman to dance. Even the smaller children joined in and danced around the floor.
Kegs of ale were open and the old hobbit men stuffed their pipes with Old Toby. They handed out their opinions to anyone whether they cared to listen or not.
When the night wore on and everyone was having a grand time, the cake was brought out as all the guests "oohed" and "aahed" at the sight of a huge birthday cake full of 91 lit candles. Voices joined as one, when they all sang the birthday song to Bilbo and Frodo. All but one, a silent figure with a dark veil falling from her bonnet gulped down a large piece of cake, at a lonely table, in the far corner from the party tree.
Bilbo never shook so many hands before nor was patted on the back as much as he was this evening. He felt exhausted as the even finally came to a close.
He led Frodo back to Bag End and tucked him into his bed, saying, "good night".
When Frodo's eyes closed in sleep, Bilbo smiled to himself thinking about this small child who had touched his heart so. Living alone all of his years, he never expected to share his live with anyone. But now he looked forward to each time the boy would visit and he longed for the day when Frodo would turn 20 years old, so he could stay at Bag End permanently. After all Bag End was going to be Frodo's someday and everything that Bilbo owned.
After every visit Bilbo was sadden when Frodo had to go back to Buckland, but he delighted each time a grand party was planned and he could spend the extra time with him.
A month passed on and another party was planned at Tuckborough as Saradoc and Esmerelda's Wedding day finally approached. Bilbo and Frodo enjoyed another week with each other.
The years passed quickly and Bilbo watched Frodo grow into a responsible tween. His beautiful face only changed from that of a child to the handsome strong face of a young man. It was time that Frodo took his rightful place at Bag End under the Hill.
Again he petitioned the Thain of Tuckborough to grant that Frodo now reside in Hobbiton under the care of Bilbo and he waited impatiently for the messenger to deliver his reply.
The Post Service-messenger knocked on the Sackville-Baggins door and waited impatiently for someone to answer. His eyes darted over the yard quickly before again returning his attention back at the door. Thinking that he should try again, the messenger knocked louder. He could see the door knob beginning to open and the creaking of the hinges when Lobelia answered his beckoning knocks.
"What do you what!" bellowed Lobelia Sackville-Baggins.
"I have a letter for you from Tuckborough! It looks like it came from the Thain." The Post Service-messenger held the letter in his hand while he scanned the folded parchment and could clearly see the Thain's seal.
Lobelia snatched the letter from the messenger quickly, "Never mind you reading this! It's none of your business who is sending me letters!"
"I......um, I'm sorry Mrs. Sackville-Baggins. I mean no harm!" commented the Post Service-messenger while he began to back away from her and her bad temper.
Fast patting of hobbit feet approached the two standing in front of the door. The messenger began to turn to walk away when Lotho suddenly appeared directly behind him and ran into him. Knocking the messenger to the ground, his postal bag went flying from the impact and sent the letters spilling all over the yard. Lotho tripped over the messenger and sent him sprawling directly infront of his mother. Lobelia bent down and grabbed Lotho by the ear and pulled him up to stand. "You clumsy lad! Now look what you have done!" shouted Lobelia while she looked at the mess of letters scattered all over her yard. "You help pick up everyone of those letters!"
Lobelia held her hands upon her hip while she glared at Lotho and the messenger on their knees rushing to gather the letters. A familiar folded parchment caught her eye with a matching seal that she held in her hand. She quickly noticed that it was addressed to Bilbo Baggins at Bag End. Lobelia quickly walked over to the folder parchment and picked it up pretending to help the messenger. Taking a handful of letters in one hand and keeping an eye upon the messenger, she quickly put Bilbo's letter into her pocket unnoticed. Hand the stack of letters she had in her other hand to the messenger who now had gathered them all together placed them back into his bag before he stood up and said a mumbled, "Good day!" Scurrying off away from Sackville-Baggins' and anymore unfortunate mishaps with Lotho. Lobelia turned back to Lotho. "Get yourself into the house and clean yourself up! You're a mess as usual!"
Lotho dashed into the door while Lobelia was left standing alone in her yard. She took the folded parchment and broke the seal that was addressed to Bilbo. Reading his letter from the Thain it directed Bilbo when the next meeting was to occur for petition for Frodo to become his heir. Lobelia folded the parchment and placed it back into her pocket. A coarse smile broke the corners of her wrinkled lips while she turned and went into her home.
~*~
Weeks passed by and everyday Bilbo would check to see if he had a letter from Paladin and everyday the messenger only shook his head. Bilbo grew impatient while waiting for Frodo to come this day because he had decided that they would petition Paladin in person upon his arrival.
Bilbo did not have to wait too long. While he sat on the bench by his front door smoking his pipe and gazing out at the open sky before him, he heard a familiar song being sung that caught his attention. Just as Bilbo taught Frodo, he came walking to Hobbiton with a traveling bag on his shoulder and a walking stick in his hand. A 10-year old boy joined Frodo from behind with Dinodas when they walked up to Bilbo and greeted him. "Good day to you Bilbo!" said Frodo and reached out his arms to embrace his uncle.
"Oh, Frodo!" said Bilbo with a light joviality in his voice and gave him a warm hug in their greeting. Stepping back slightly, Bilbo looked up into Frodo's deep blue eyes that always had a sparkle each them they greeted each other. Bilbo realized just how much had a missed the lad. His eyes darted over to the ten-year old lad at his side.
"Please allow me to introduce to you this fine lad at my side. This is Meriadoc Brandybuck from Brandyhall. Saradoc's and Esmeralda's son!"
"Yes, yes, it is nice to meet you master Meriadoc! You look ever bit the Bucklander as your dear father!" commented Bilbo while he placed his hand upon Meriadoc's shoulder.
Merry beamed a bright smile in greeting Bilbo because he heard so many storied of him from his cousin Frodo. He was looking so forward to finally meeting him. "Good day to you Mr. Baggins!" and he extended his hand to greet Bilbo.
Bilbo chuckled at the small lad at Frodo's side offered his hand to him and shook it. Gazing at the child, Bilbo commented. "Formalities are very admirable for a fine lad as yourself. Your father has raised you well, master Meriadoc!" said Bilbo as he took a step backward to admire the lad.
For a ten-year old Meriadoc was small of his age and very thin. His light- brown thick curls hung just below his ears and just over collar of his shirt. It hadn't looked like a comb has been drug through it in sometime. Bilbo noticed that the lad has a mischievous look about him from the cocky grin upon his face and the gleam in his chestnut-brown eyes.
"Thankee, Mr. Baggins!" said Merry as he too sized up Bilbo from what Frodo had told him. He too was not what he had expected for such an adventure as Frodo had claimed.
Bilbo had a rounded belly and Merry noticed the soft texture of the palm of his hand. For an adventure, Merry thought there should at least be a callous or two from welding a sword and such things.
Merry could not help himself from his wondering about Bilbo and just decided to ask him. "Do you really have a sword and can I see it?"
Bilbo again chuckled at the curious lad. "Yes, certainly my boy!" said Bilbo as he side stepped to allow them to entering into his home. "Right this way! And when you convinced yourself my stories are true in which I know my nephew has been telling you, we have some packing to do right after you've rested and have eaten your lunch!"
Frodo looked at his uncle. "But Bilbo, we only have just arrived and we're going to leave so soon?"
Bilbo followed the three guests into Bag End while he answered Frodo's question. "It can't be helped this time, Frodo. I've petitioned the Thain again and I've not heard nothing back. I feel it in my bones, something is not right with it! It will not be a moment too soon to begin our travels to Tuckborough!"
Mrs. Gamgee had prepared a luncheon for her husband's employer to greet Frodo and his guests. She had sent her boys to Bag End to deliver the prepared meal and to tidy Bag End. Samewise, her youngest child stood in the kitchen ready to serve the luncheon.
Bilbo was the first to greet Sam and introduce him to his guests. Frodo was shocked to see Sam. It had been only a couple of years since he had last seen the now twelve-year old boy. "This can not be Sam?" commented Frodo while he approached him. "You've grown some since the last I've see you!"
Sam's face blushed a rosy-pink color, while he looked downward towards his feet and slowly raised his eyes up to meet Frodo. "Yes, I have Mr. Frodo, sir!" he commented shyly. "And my mama tells me I'll keep grown until I'm as big as you!"
Sam's eyes darted towards the lad that stood by Frodo's side and watched him with curiosity. Frodo stepped to the side and introduced his cousin. "Sam this here is Meriadoc Brandybuck, all the way from Buckland!"
Sam extended his hand to Merry and shook it. "Nice to meet you there, Sam! I see you got lunch for us. You've made this all yourself?"
Sam lowered his head again and shook his head, "No, sir, Mr. Brandybuck! My mama made this for you all. She's the best cook in the county, if I can make out so bold in saying so, that is!"
"Sir?" asked Merry. "I'm not a sir nor a mister yet, Sam! Just plain Merry will do nicely!"
Sam nodded, but he was not sure if he should address his betters with their casual names. "Have yourselves a sit. Vittles are better tasted when they are warm rather than eating 'em cold, as my mama has always says so, anyway!" Sam rushed to the table and placed the warm biscuits on the table and pulled a chair out for Mr. Baggins to sit.
"Begging your pardon?" said Sam and dashed out of the dinning room into the kitchen to take the stew off the wood burning stove.
Taking thick potholders, Sam returned to the dinning room and began filling their bowls and placed the pot on a warm plate for it to rest upon the table.
Bilbo smelled the stew as the wonderful seasons steamed up from his bowl. Turning to Sam, Bilbo asked him. "Take a chair Sam and fill your bowl full!"
"No thank you, sir! I mean Mr. Biggins!" commented Sam. "I'll eat my stew in the kitchen!"
"Nonsense, Sam! Sit yourself down at my table and fill your bowl. After all I do insist!" said Biblo.
Frodo pulled out a chair and offered Sam to sit beside him. Sam scuttled over to the chair and smiled at Frodo just before he sat down. Making sure to be as quiet as possible because he did not want to interrupt the others while they talked. But Merry and Frodo kept asking Sam questions so he was included in their conversations.
Bilbo told them of his intent to petition Paladin to claim Frodo as his heir. The news made Dinodas sad to think how much he was going to miss Frodo, but he understood how much Frodo wanted to live at Bag End with Bilbo. Dinodas gave Bilbo his blessings and was happy for him and Frodo.
When Sam begun to clean up the dishes after the lunch, Bilbo began to collect his traveling bag and placed it by his front door. Returning back to his guests, Bilbo lit his pipe and joined them while they rested their stomachs before their journey would begin. Sam said his farewells to Bilbo and his guests before he joined his brothers to head back down the Hill to Bagshot Row.
When Bilbo's pipe finally went out, Bilbo announced to the group that they should gather their bags and begin their journey.
Bilbo was quiet and lost in this thoughts while they journeyed through the town of Hobbiton and then out onto the dirt trail that would lead them the Tuckborough. Merry would stop periodically to toss a rock and at a target that he aimed for. Like most lads of the Shire, tossing rocks at targets was a great was to pass the time especially when walking the long roads in the rolling hills that were before them.
Frodo watched Bilbo intently while he walked beside his uncle. He noticed something unlike that of other elderly hobbits. Bilbo never grew any older from all the time that he had spent with him. "Bilbo you have not changed a day since we first headed out to Tuckborough some 12 years ago," commented Frodo.
Bilbo smiled and puffed out his chest with pride. "It is the strong bloodline of Baggins that gives me my strength and just a little from the Took's side for my stubbornness that keeps me young, my dear Frodo!" said Bilbo winking and laughing while they strolled down the dirt path.
Hours behind them came a carriage from Hobbiton that had just left the stables to the long journey to Tuckborough.
The Master of Bag End
Paladin talked for hours with both Bilbo and Lobelia. After each interview Paladin needed a strong drink. The two of them tried to convince Paladin that the other was crazy, lazy and totally unfit to take care of Frodo. Paladin never heard such gossip or fighting amongst two hobbits before. His head throbbed as he tried to weed out what was true and what they were trying to convince him of. Finally Paladin had enough and he called everyone into his office.
This time Bilbo refused to sit anywhere near Lobelia and chose rather to stand in the back of the room. Frodo sat along side Paladin and listened intently for his decision at to where he would live.
Paladin cleared his throat as he began his speech. "Never in my life had I heard such fighting among hobbits. Even the longest married couple had never fought this much in their entire 70 years of being married. I worry about Frodo being raised by hobbits who can not control their tempers long enough in the presence of a child. I find your behaviors appalling and inexcusable. Therefore it is my decision that Frodo will not live with either one of you. I have also talked with another family who truly wants to take care of Frodo. I have chosen this for Frodo in his best interest." Paladin stood and opened his door and a well-dressed hobbit entered with a beaming smile on his face and greeted Frodo as he turned around to face everyone.
"Dinodas!" said Bilbo in a shocked tone of voice.
"Yes, I have petitioned Paladin weeks ago in the case that a suitable relative could not be found. Frodo, I would love to bring you back to Buckland to live with my wife and me. We now have a baby boy born last week. We have named him Drugo in memory of your father. We loved him dearly as we love my sister, your mother." Dinodas said to Frodo bending down to him.
"Thank you so much Dinodas, I do appreciate you wanting to take me in with your family. But Dinodas, I want to stay with Bilbo. Bilbo needs me as much as I need him. Please understand how I feel. I love both you and your wife very much. I grew up with you both at Buckland and I love Buckland. But being at Bag End and being with Bilbo some how seems right for me." Frodo tried to convince him.
Bilbo looked up into Frodo's eyes and smiled at him as he folded his hands in front of him. He too knew that he needed Frodo just as much.
Paladin cleared his voice as he reached for another glass of his strong drink. This has been a very frustrating experience and he needed to make the hard decision for Frodo. He looked at Frodo and said, "Frodo, I want to you be happy and live a life that hobbit children should live. But Frodo at this time, I can not see this for you in Bilbo's care. However, when you reach the age of 20 years, you can petition me again and I will allow you to choose where you want to live after that. But for now Frodo, you must live with Dinodas."
Frodo nodded in agreement to Paladin, but Frodo's heart was breaking and he did not know how he could possibly leave Bilbo. Frodo ran to Bilbo and flung his arms around Bilbo's plumb waist and openly cried. Bilbo placed his arms around Frodo and held him tightly.
Bilbo bent down on his knee and he faced Frodo, telling him, "Frodo, maybe Paladin is right. It may be better for you to stay at Buckland, but that does not mean you will never live with me at Bag End someday. Bag End is your home as well as mine. I will always keep my door open for you anytime you want to come home. I promise I will visit Buckland more often and you can spend a week with me now and again. Remember Frodo our roads are never too long for us to stop seeing each other. Go now with Dinodas and be happy as I want you to be."
"Dinodas, take good care of the boy for me, he is a very special little lad." Bilbo said as he placed Frodo's hand in Dinodas.
"Bilbo, we will be at your birthday party next week to celebrate both your 91st Birthday and Frodo 13th. Also Bilbo remember, our door is always open to you." Dinodas smiled and shook Bilbo's hand and turned taking Frodo with him.
Lobelia half smiled as she too turned and walked out of Tuckborough and into her carriage as she returned home with her husband and Daisy.
Bilbo lifted his traveling bag and slung it over his shoulder. "No hard feelings, Paladin. You have done right by the boy. Thank you for being so wise. Well the road is a long one and there is much waiting for me at Bag End."
Bilbo whistled a little tune as he marched down the dirt road heading for Hobbiton.
Bilbo paced looking down the dirt road for the Buckland carriage. He could not wait to see Frodo. He missed the boy more than he thought that he would. Bilbo laughed thinking about the gift he had specially made for him. He knew how much Frodo was going to treasure it.
Bilbo spent the entire week getting ready for their birthday the very next day. He invited all the hobbits from Hobbiton to help celebrate the big event and did not spare a coin to make it as special as he could. The entire town worked diligently preparing for this day. Extra tables were brought in and a dance floor was added and a small stage where the fiddlers would play. The hobbit women made beautiful banners and bright colorful draping to adorn the new stage. They made lanterns and hung them on strings of wire mounted on tall poles around the party tree. They made special trays of food that the hobbits loved most of all. They made one of the biggest birthday cakes that Hobbiton had ever seen. The hobbits rolled large kegs and lined them up. It was going to be a night, long remembered by every hobbit that attended, all but one. Lobelia was not invited.
Finally Bilbo could see a small carriage approaching as it just entered Hobbiton Square and made its way up the winding roads heading towards Bag End. He could barely make out the shape of a small boy riding with an elderly hobbit.
Bilbo ran to greet them as Frodo descended from the carriage into his open arms. Bilbo hugged Frodo tightly and wished him a Happy Birthday. Dinodas shook Bilbo's hand as he too greeted him.
"Where is the rest of your family? I was excepting more than just the two of you." Bilbo inquired.
"I am sorry, Bilbo but Doreen could not make it. Our baby has a touch of a cold and could not travel in an open carriage. I will only be able to stay for just one night." Dinodas told him as he paused a moment looking at Frodo with a huge smile on his face. He then continued, "however, Frodo will be staying on the entire week."
Bilbo smiled as he said, "You have given me a wonder Birthday gift, Dinodas. I would so enjoy having Frodo here with me for the week. Come now, it is a celebration and we have much to do to get ready."
Bilbo led them into Bag End and Frodo raced to his bedroom that he claimed the last time he stayed at Bag End. Lying on his bed where two wrapped gifts and labeled in Bilbo's elegant handwriting. "To Frodo on his 13th Birthday."
"Go ahead and open it, Frodo." Bilbo told him as he sat on his bed and watched the boy.
Frodo torn open the packages and fell silent as he touched the delicate paintings of his mother and his father. Tears swelled in his eyes as he traced his fingers over the shape of his mother's face.
"I had them specially made just for you Frodo, so you would always remember your mother and your father. One of the Bucklander's painted it for me to give to you. He knew your mother and father well as he painted them from his memory."
"Oh Bilbo, they are wonderful. I will treasure them forever." Frodo said as he sat next to Bilbo on his bed not being able to take his eyes from the small paintings.
The night of the party all the hobbits gathered together as the fiddlers struck up their bows and began playing a lively tune. Husbands grabbed their wives as they spun them around the new dance floor and shy hobbits men asked even more shyer hobbit woman to dance. Even the smaller children joined in and danced around the floor.
Kegs of ale were open and the old hobbit men stuffed their pipes with Old Toby. They handed out their opinions to anyone whether they cared to listen or not.
When the night wore on and everyone was having a grand time, the cake was brought out as all the guests "oohed" and "aahed" at the sight of a huge birthday cake full of 91 lit candles. Voices joined as one, when they all sang the birthday song to Bilbo and Frodo. All but one, a silent figure with a dark veil falling from her bonnet gulped down a large piece of cake, at a lonely table, in the far corner from the party tree.
Bilbo never shook so many hands before nor was patted on the back as much as he was this evening. He felt exhausted as the even finally came to a close.
He led Frodo back to Bag End and tucked him into his bed, saying, "good night".
When Frodo's eyes closed in sleep, Bilbo smiled to himself thinking about this small child who had touched his heart so. Living alone all of his years, he never expected to share his live with anyone. But now he looked forward to each time the boy would visit and he longed for the day when Frodo would turn 20 years old, so he could stay at Bag End permanently. After all Bag End was going to be Frodo's someday and everything that Bilbo owned.
After every visit Bilbo was sadden when Frodo had to go back to Buckland, but he delighted each time a grand party was planned and he could spend the extra time with him.
A month passed on and another party was planned at Tuckborough as Saradoc and Esmerelda's Wedding day finally approached. Bilbo and Frodo enjoyed another week with each other.
The years passed quickly and Bilbo watched Frodo grow into a responsible tween. His beautiful face only changed from that of a child to the handsome strong face of a young man. It was time that Frodo took his rightful place at Bag End under the Hill.
Again he petitioned the Thain of Tuckborough to grant that Frodo now reside in Hobbiton under the care of Bilbo and he waited impatiently for the messenger to deliver his reply.
The Post Service-messenger knocked on the Sackville-Baggins door and waited impatiently for someone to answer. His eyes darted over the yard quickly before again returning his attention back at the door. Thinking that he should try again, the messenger knocked louder. He could see the door knob beginning to open and the creaking of the hinges when Lobelia answered his beckoning knocks.
"What do you what!" bellowed Lobelia Sackville-Baggins.
"I have a letter for you from Tuckborough! It looks like it came from the Thain." The Post Service-messenger held the letter in his hand while he scanned the folded parchment and could clearly see the Thain's seal.
Lobelia snatched the letter from the messenger quickly, "Never mind you reading this! It's none of your business who is sending me letters!"
"I......um, I'm sorry Mrs. Sackville-Baggins. I mean no harm!" commented the Post Service-messenger while he began to back away from her and her bad temper.
Fast patting of hobbit feet approached the two standing in front of the door. The messenger began to turn to walk away when Lotho suddenly appeared directly behind him and ran into him. Knocking the messenger to the ground, his postal bag went flying from the impact and sent the letters spilling all over the yard. Lotho tripped over the messenger and sent him sprawling directly infront of his mother. Lobelia bent down and grabbed Lotho by the ear and pulled him up to stand. "You clumsy lad! Now look what you have done!" shouted Lobelia while she looked at the mess of letters scattered all over her yard. "You help pick up everyone of those letters!"
Lobelia held her hands upon her hip while she glared at Lotho and the messenger on their knees rushing to gather the letters. A familiar folded parchment caught her eye with a matching seal that she held in her hand. She quickly noticed that it was addressed to Bilbo Baggins at Bag End. Lobelia quickly walked over to the folder parchment and picked it up pretending to help the messenger. Taking a handful of letters in one hand and keeping an eye upon the messenger, she quickly put Bilbo's letter into her pocket unnoticed. Hand the stack of letters she had in her other hand to the messenger who now had gathered them all together placed them back into his bag before he stood up and said a mumbled, "Good day!" Scurrying off away from Sackville-Baggins' and anymore unfortunate mishaps with Lotho. Lobelia turned back to Lotho. "Get yourself into the house and clean yourself up! You're a mess as usual!"
Lotho dashed into the door while Lobelia was left standing alone in her yard. She took the folded parchment and broke the seal that was addressed to Bilbo. Reading his letter from the Thain it directed Bilbo when the next meeting was to occur for petition for Frodo to become his heir. Lobelia folded the parchment and placed it back into her pocket. A coarse smile broke the corners of her wrinkled lips while she turned and went into her home.
~*~
Weeks passed by and everyday Bilbo would check to see if he had a letter from Paladin and everyday the messenger only shook his head. Bilbo grew impatient while waiting for Frodo to come this day because he had decided that they would petition Paladin in person upon his arrival.
Bilbo did not have to wait too long. While he sat on the bench by his front door smoking his pipe and gazing out at the open sky before him, he heard a familiar song being sung that caught his attention. Just as Bilbo taught Frodo, he came walking to Hobbiton with a traveling bag on his shoulder and a walking stick in his hand. A 10-year old boy joined Frodo from behind with Dinodas when they walked up to Bilbo and greeted him. "Good day to you Bilbo!" said Frodo and reached out his arms to embrace his uncle.
"Oh, Frodo!" said Bilbo with a light joviality in his voice and gave him a warm hug in their greeting. Stepping back slightly, Bilbo looked up into Frodo's deep blue eyes that always had a sparkle each them they greeted each other. Bilbo realized just how much had a missed the lad. His eyes darted over to the ten-year old lad at his side.
"Please allow me to introduce to you this fine lad at my side. This is Meriadoc Brandybuck from Brandyhall. Saradoc's and Esmeralda's son!"
"Yes, yes, it is nice to meet you master Meriadoc! You look ever bit the Bucklander as your dear father!" commented Bilbo while he placed his hand upon Meriadoc's shoulder.
Merry beamed a bright smile in greeting Bilbo because he heard so many storied of him from his cousin Frodo. He was looking so forward to finally meeting him. "Good day to you Mr. Baggins!" and he extended his hand to greet Bilbo.
Bilbo chuckled at the small lad at Frodo's side offered his hand to him and shook it. Gazing at the child, Bilbo commented. "Formalities are very admirable for a fine lad as yourself. Your father has raised you well, master Meriadoc!" said Bilbo as he took a step backward to admire the lad.
For a ten-year old Meriadoc was small of his age and very thin. His light- brown thick curls hung just below his ears and just over collar of his shirt. It hadn't looked like a comb has been drug through it in sometime. Bilbo noticed that the lad has a mischievous look about him from the cocky grin upon his face and the gleam in his chestnut-brown eyes.
"Thankee, Mr. Baggins!" said Merry as he too sized up Bilbo from what Frodo had told him. He too was not what he had expected for such an adventure as Frodo had claimed.
Bilbo had a rounded belly and Merry noticed the soft texture of the palm of his hand. For an adventure, Merry thought there should at least be a callous or two from welding a sword and such things.
Merry could not help himself from his wondering about Bilbo and just decided to ask him. "Do you really have a sword and can I see it?"
Bilbo again chuckled at the curious lad. "Yes, certainly my boy!" said Bilbo as he side stepped to allow them to entering into his home. "Right this way! And when you convinced yourself my stories are true in which I know my nephew has been telling you, we have some packing to do right after you've rested and have eaten your lunch!"
Frodo looked at his uncle. "But Bilbo, we only have just arrived and we're going to leave so soon?"
Bilbo followed the three guests into Bag End while he answered Frodo's question. "It can't be helped this time, Frodo. I've petitioned the Thain again and I've not heard nothing back. I feel it in my bones, something is not right with it! It will not be a moment too soon to begin our travels to Tuckborough!"
Mrs. Gamgee had prepared a luncheon for her husband's employer to greet Frodo and his guests. She had sent her boys to Bag End to deliver the prepared meal and to tidy Bag End. Samewise, her youngest child stood in the kitchen ready to serve the luncheon.
Bilbo was the first to greet Sam and introduce him to his guests. Frodo was shocked to see Sam. It had been only a couple of years since he had last seen the now twelve-year old boy. "This can not be Sam?" commented Frodo while he approached him. "You've grown some since the last I've see you!"
Sam's face blushed a rosy-pink color, while he looked downward towards his feet and slowly raised his eyes up to meet Frodo. "Yes, I have Mr. Frodo, sir!" he commented shyly. "And my mama tells me I'll keep grown until I'm as big as you!"
Sam's eyes darted towards the lad that stood by Frodo's side and watched him with curiosity. Frodo stepped to the side and introduced his cousin. "Sam this here is Meriadoc Brandybuck, all the way from Buckland!"
Sam extended his hand to Merry and shook it. "Nice to meet you there, Sam! I see you got lunch for us. You've made this all yourself?"
Sam lowered his head again and shook his head, "No, sir, Mr. Brandybuck! My mama made this for you all. She's the best cook in the county, if I can make out so bold in saying so, that is!"
"Sir?" asked Merry. "I'm not a sir nor a mister yet, Sam! Just plain Merry will do nicely!"
Sam nodded, but he was not sure if he should address his betters with their casual names. "Have yourselves a sit. Vittles are better tasted when they are warm rather than eating 'em cold, as my mama has always says so, anyway!" Sam rushed to the table and placed the warm biscuits on the table and pulled a chair out for Mr. Baggins to sit.
"Begging your pardon?" said Sam and dashed out of the dinning room into the kitchen to take the stew off the wood burning stove.
Taking thick potholders, Sam returned to the dinning room and began filling their bowls and placed the pot on a warm plate for it to rest upon the table.
Bilbo smelled the stew as the wonderful seasons steamed up from his bowl. Turning to Sam, Bilbo asked him. "Take a chair Sam and fill your bowl full!"
"No thank you, sir! I mean Mr. Biggins!" commented Sam. "I'll eat my stew in the kitchen!"
"Nonsense, Sam! Sit yourself down at my table and fill your bowl. After all I do insist!" said Biblo.
Frodo pulled out a chair and offered Sam to sit beside him. Sam scuttled over to the chair and smiled at Frodo just before he sat down. Making sure to be as quiet as possible because he did not want to interrupt the others while they talked. But Merry and Frodo kept asking Sam questions so he was included in their conversations.
Bilbo told them of his intent to petition Paladin to claim Frodo as his heir. The news made Dinodas sad to think how much he was going to miss Frodo, but he understood how much Frodo wanted to live at Bag End with Bilbo. Dinodas gave Bilbo his blessings and was happy for him and Frodo.
When Sam begun to clean up the dishes after the lunch, Bilbo began to collect his traveling bag and placed it by his front door. Returning back to his guests, Bilbo lit his pipe and joined them while they rested their stomachs before their journey would begin. Sam said his farewells to Bilbo and his guests before he joined his brothers to head back down the Hill to Bagshot Row.
When Bilbo's pipe finally went out, Bilbo announced to the group that they should gather their bags and begin their journey.
Bilbo was quiet and lost in this thoughts while they journeyed through the town of Hobbiton and then out onto the dirt trail that would lead them the Tuckborough. Merry would stop periodically to toss a rock and at a target that he aimed for. Like most lads of the Shire, tossing rocks at targets was a great was to pass the time especially when walking the long roads in the rolling hills that were before them.
Frodo watched Bilbo intently while he walked beside his uncle. He noticed something unlike that of other elderly hobbits. Bilbo never grew any older from all the time that he had spent with him. "Bilbo you have not changed a day since we first headed out to Tuckborough some 12 years ago," commented Frodo.
Bilbo smiled and puffed out his chest with pride. "It is the strong bloodline of Baggins that gives me my strength and just a little from the Took's side for my stubbornness that keeps me young, my dear Frodo!" said Bilbo winking and laughing while they strolled down the dirt path.
Hours behind them came a carriage from Hobbiton that had just left the stables to the long journey to Tuckborough.
