Hello! Here's chapter 6-Happy Independence Day! To all those of an
American persuasion!
Chapter 6- A honour bestowed
The morning of Elanor's Tadaura started with a bustle of activity. The makeshift targets from yesterday's archery competition were cleared away and tables and chairs were being set up on the Party Field. Gamma Cotton had come over with the food that she had been preparing over the last week to help with the last minute preparations.
Three different spice cakes had been prepared along with the special Tadaura candy flavoured with aniseed that had to be made in advance in order for it to cool and season properly. Small meat pies with carrots, peas and potatoes had been left to cool overnight. Mushroom and onion tartlets completed the many finger foods that were going to adorn the tables before the proper sit down portion of the celebration began. Many casks of ale had been ordered specially from the Golden Perch and no small quality of wine had been laid in for those guests who were of an Elven persuasion.
Rosie marshaled the various comings and goings with the talent of a battle commander, with only a few meat pies and tartlets and casks of ale going missing. In fact she did know where they had gone, but trying to separate hobbit men from fresh mushroom tartlets was well-nigh impossible. *Might as well try stop the Brandywine River flowing, you'd have about as much luck!* Rosie thought as she counted three less tartlets than she had had a hour ago, shaking her head.
Eowyn and Arwen were packing the wicker basket sitting on the table with the little meat pies that had just been brought up from the pantry by Faramir, who, receiving his next set of orders had gone to around up Elladan and Elrohir to move the casks of ale and wine from the storeroom to the cart for transport to the Party Field. Sam had been very nervous about Rosie employing the White Lady of Rohan and the Elven Queen of Gondor as kitchen help over the last couple of days, but Rosie had explained very calmly that they had both asked to help and as Rosie had been noticing the troubled look in Arwen's eyes she felt it was best to give the Lady something to occupy her time. Part of what ailed her, Rosie could not say, but she had noticed something of a strain between her and Aragorn when they had first arrived. Rosie thought, *she has been looking at wits end, poor dear and it can only help to keep her busy and feeling useful. It is the best thing really*, her hobbit good sense told her. In looking at Arwen, who was sitting down due to the fact that she was well-gone with child, Rosie thought she was right in accepting Arwen's offer of help, she had more colour in her cheeks and her eyes looked lively as she gently laughed at something Eowyn had just said.
At that moment, the door to the basement burst opened and Merry fell into the room spilling a wooden box filled with green tablecloths and silver mugs. He quickly righted himself and dusting off his waistcoat said simply, "Door was stuck" by way of explanation for his less than gracefully entrance.
A laugh came from just inside the basement door and Aragorn emerged carrying the second box that Bag End's mistress had asked for, "And it had nothing to do with the fact that you have two left feet, would it!"
The former ranger twinkled at Rosie, who laughed, saying, "Merry, I think that you make yourself purposefully useless so I will send you from the kitchen to avoid further havoc."
"Well, has it worked?" Merry asked hopefully.
"No!" Rosie chuckled, "Now get out there and help Faramir load the cart! Honestly!" She looked at Aragorn slightly aggrieved, "I don't know how you achieved anything during the Ring War with Merry and Pippin at your side. Disasters waiting to happen, they are." she said looking at Merry.
Aragorn laughed, "Well, they had their uses."
Rosie hmphed as if she found that hard to believe and slapped Merry's hand as it was reaching for yet another mushroom and onion tartlet, "Scoot!" and she whapped his backside in the direction she wanted him to move.
Merry, all wounded pride and innocence, retorted, "All right! I'm going!"
"And take Pippin with you! I'm not sure where he is, but he's bound to be shirking some sort of work in favour of a good smoke," Rosie called.
As Rosie was dressing down Merry, Aragorn had gone over to the table where Eowyn and Arwen were working. She looked back at the table and caught Aragorn placing a hand on Arwen's shoulder which she instinctively bent her head closer to his hand and then looked up at him to smile, their eyes locking, Aragorn reaching an unthinking hand to stroke Arwen's raven black hair. They had clearly forgotten the presence of anybody else in the room. Rosie saw that the earlier tensions were obviously starting to lessen, but she also felt they still needed a bit of help. She interrupted gaily, "Aragorn, Arwen, we're almost finished in here and we still need some blossoms to use as decorations for the tables. Could you go and pick some boughs in the woods past the gate." She said holding out a large wicker flower basket.
Aragorn embarrassed to realise he'd forgotten there were other people in the room immediately said, "Of course we will." and started to help Arwen up from her cushioned seat on the bench. Arwen looked at Rosie, eyes smiling and twinkling just a bit. Rosie returned the smile warmly as she watched them leave hand in hand, flower basket lying forgotten on the table.
Eowyn watched them leaving, and said knowingly, "We're not done in here, are we?"
Rosie turned back the White Lady of Rohan, whom she had begun to think of as a friend, "Oh no, not by a long shot! But I just thought they needed the time alone more than we needed the help. "
"I think so, too. Something has been troubling the two of them. Faramir has been concerned of late about Aragorn, but he is unsure of what to do."
Rosie said looking at the door, "I think they are starting to work it out, I think they just need time," she finished thoughtfully, then turning her mind to the task at hand, "Which by the way, is something we don't have a great deal of! Poppy!" She called for the dark-haired maid, "Get in here and take this basket to the cart where the boys are! And make sure that Mr. Pippin and Mr. Merry do not eat the lot before we get it to the Party Field. I swear those two could eat us out of house and home if we let them!"
"Full well do I know what you mean! Every time Pippin and Merry have visited Emyn Arnen the cooks have flown into a panic thinking their storerooms will be laid bare. Oh, but they are dear ones, though." Eowyn laughed merrily, her eyes flashing.
Rosie chuckled, "Well, they do slip into your heart, that I'll warranted them that." she shook her head, "Well now, what else?"
***
Earlier that morning...
While walking to the creek, Sam knew it was best to get out Rosie's hair when she was in battle commander mode so he took the time to search out Frodo. He has become increasingly over the amount of time Frodo spent alone and he decided that it was best not to allow Frodo alone to fret anymore than could be helped. Rosie could easily handle things without Sam fussing over every last detail. It was one of the things that he loved about her. Her confidence and strength and level headedness were always amazing to Sam. They made a wonderful partnership he mused and they had made a equally wonderful daughter, he thought as he spied little Eleanor, still wearing the unwilted flower that Celeborn had made for her in her blond curly hair, walk over to Frodo and hand him a bunch of weeds...er ...flowers that she had just yanked out of the ground. He looked at her and took them distractedly, again lost in thoughts that Sam did not ever want to ponder. She tried to again to gain his attention by grabbing a dandelion from where she was standing and tried putting it in his hair. This time he was shaken from his troubled reverie to really look at her. He cleared a few blond strands away from her tiny face and the smile he gave her as she giggled, chased the away the shadows that too often threatened and he proceeded to tickle her into squealing submission.
"She is truly a wonder, Sam," Sam turned and saw Gandalf walking up just behind him.
"She takes after her mother, that's why." Sam replied staring after Frodo and little Elanor.
Gandalf looked at the young hobbit and marveled at his inability to see his own good qualities. "She takes after you," the Maia averred gently, "She gives love freely and never expects anything in return. Frodo responds to that. As he always has." Gandalf said pointedly.
"He comes alive with her, and sometimes only with her." Sam said a concerned look crossing his face, looking up at Gandalf. "It warms my heart to see it and yet..." Sam stopped unsure of how put into words what he was feeling. He looked again at Gandalf, "Why only her, sometimes," Sam finished hurt evident in his voice. "I sound like a horrible father, jealous of his own daughter."
Gandalf waited for the stout little hobbit to stop berating himself before he answered, "Can you not think why, Samwise?"
"No,"came the upset, uncomprehending reply.
"Because," Gandalf began gently, "He doesn't have to remember with her. With her he is simply Uncle Frodo. There is no blame, no fault, no thought that he has failed, or so he thinks. He can be himself with her and forget times past. With everyone else he is forced to remember."
"But he did not fail! He more than succeeded and he tried so hard!" Sam's voice came vehement voicing the arguments that he so often had with Frodo in the early days after the Ring War, "He endured so much!" Tears came to Sam's eyes as they always did when he thought about everything his dear master had braved.
"I know, Sam. I know that and you know that, and I think even Frodo, at least part of the time knows it, but you see when the shadow falls upon he thinks he failed. Claiming the ring at the end and having it torn from him, to him says failure. Also there is a small part of him that still needs the Ring, even though he knows full well that it had to be destroyed and he can't forgive himself for that yearning."
"Each anniversary" Sam weighted the word with unfortunate, but unavoidable meaning, "is harder for him to bear than the last. I'm scared Mr. Gandalf."
Sam looked at the Maia, earnest eyes searching ageless ones for an answer but shying away from the one he saw there, unwilling to accept the possibility. "Is there nothing to be done?" he asked uselessly.
Gandalf gently replied, "All that can be done will be done. The rest is up to Frodo," placing an arm around the stouthearted little hobbit. Sam nodded and looked at Frodo playing with little Elanor, "Let us leave them."
Frodo saw Gandalf and Sam walk away talking, and felt somewhat aggrieved. He looked at little Elanor, "They talking boring talk again, aren't they my little flower bud. Why can't people mind what their own business." As soon as he said it he felt bad and knew that he shouldn't say such things. They were only concerned. He understood that. What they could not understand, what they could not see was how empty he felt inside. Sam was constantly telling that he was too hard on himself. That in no way was he a failure. Frodo wanted to believe him. He wanted to feel whole again, but he did not. He could not. When he thought about what happened at the crack of Mount Doom, it brought only shame. He had claimed the Ring, the one thing that he had swore he would not do. As he reached up with his right hand to finger the jewel at his neck he caught sight of three fingers and a thumb. If it had not been for Gollum ...he closed his eyes and stopped that train of thought through a sheer force of will. It did not do to dwell, he told himself.
It was Elanor's Tadaura today and he refused to dwell, well any more than he had already, Frodo thought ruefully. He looked back to Elanor, gathered her in and gave her a hug and a kiss. He looked the little smiling child with the big blue eyes and wistfully recalled what it was like to have a memory untainted by...certain things. He supposed that's why he spent so much time with the sunny child. She reminded him of a time when he also had been as innocent as she. So much had been lost and much had been gained both good and bad. *Sam is always saying that time heals all wounds,* Frodo sighed, *I would like to think that it is true, but I just don't know*.
He had been very happy to see all of his friends again. It had done him a world of good rehashing happy times and creating new ones. Frodo smiled as he thought of two nights ago in the Green Dragon. A great time had been had by all, himself included. Of course the morning after had had its drawback but it had been worth it. He had felt himself again, if only for a few hours. Frodo knew he needed to put this morning's thoughts aside and he was determined to be happy today. He stood up and looked about the meadow and felt the cool breeze of the early Shire spring. He felt the re- born life around him and the little girl's hand in his. He would fight this thing, today was not a day for giving up. Today was a day for re- affirming life and not dwelling on past mistakes and failures. Taking a deep breathe Frodo purposefully strode back to the house to see if there was anything else he could do in preparations for the party, strong in the resolution to ignore the small shadow growing on his heart.
***
The Party Field looked festive and gay. The early spring sunlight settled upon the field and the gentle golden beauty of the Mallorn tree in the first budding of spring colours lent a special radiance to the air. Tables laden with the meat pies and mushroom tartlets, among other foods that been prepared specially, had been set up around the perimeter of the field and the area in the middle left open for dancing. It was Poppy's job to give out the special Tadaura candy to all the little hobbit boys and girls and a few of the bigger ones. Rosie, Gamma Cotton and Eowyn were flitting about to make sure that everything was as it should be and nobody was left wanting. All of Hobbiton and a fair few from Bywater had been invited along with the guests staying at Bag End. There was dancing and talking and much ale drinking to be done before the presentation and blessing from one of the family.
Elanor, dressed in her prettiest little frock of yellow linen and lace, was a picture to behold. Her hair had been brushed until it shone and Celeborn's flower was placed securely behind one ear. Her blue eyes glowed with excitement looking at the crowd from on high as Legolas carried her on his shoulders weaving his way through the mostly hobbit sized crowd towards Sam, Rosie, who had just sat down and Frodo sitting at the head table under the Mallorn tree. "My little flower bud!" exclaimed Frodo, "How high up in the tree you bloom!"
Legolas laughed, "Aye! She is my little blossom!" He reached up and gently lifted Elanor from his shoulders and placed her on the ground, kneeling as he did so. "Aye, Gil-eg nin!" the elf's eyes shining and his voice musical, "We've had a wonderful time exploring all round the Party Field, haven't we?" he said, looking into the little girl's merry blue depths. At that Elanor kissed Legolas on the cheek and threw her arms around him. Legolas laughed joyously, hugging the child and returning the kiss on a soft rosy cheek, "Oh Gil-eg lend nin! Scoot back to your parents now."
Instead she made a beeline for Frodo and clambered up to sit on his lap. "Oh I see," Rosie said, "Can't be bothered with mum when Uncle Frodo is about." feigning hurt, but with eyes twinkling approval.
"What can I say? My little flower bud has come back to her favourite honeybee! Bzzz! Bzzz!" Frodo exclaimed happily. Elanor giggled at the bee sounds emanating from her favourite uncle. Frodo was completely captivated.
The band struck up a reel and Frodo bounced the little girl on his lap, saying, "How would you like to dance?" Elanor gurgled her approval for such an idea. So the dark-haired Hobbit and the small blond angel went out onto the grassy area and began to dance, Elanor's feet lightly on top of Frodo's as he guided them through the music. Frodo laughed to see the look of sheer delight on the little child's face as they danced, the shadows retreating completely for a while.
***
The dancing and gaiety continued unabated for the better part of the afternoon with the food, ale and wine flowing freely. Eowyn's gay laugh was heard among the crowd as she tried gamefully to dance with Merry in one of the more intricate hobbit country dances involving much ducking under the arm of one's partner. Needlessly to say the results were not as graceful as was usual from the participants in the dance, but the spirit in which it was performed was not lacking a whit. Faramir sat on the ground admiring his wife's determination, if not her graceful flow across the green grass, and grinned, sipping the last content of his mug, when Frodo and Pippin, carrying a small cask on his shoulder, sat down at his side. Pippin noticing the empty state of the Steward's mug, cried, "You've got to try this." He took Faramir's mug and ran the tap of the cask until the froth was pouring down the side of the mug then handed it back Faramir's waiting hand.
He had a quick gulp and savored the strong, yet slightly sweet brew. Pondering the slightly off-white froth clearing to reveal a darkish amber liquid, Faramir said, "Mmmm, now that's a fine ale!" taking another taste, a look of pleasure again crossing his face.
Frodo laughed and said, "You've got to love a man who respects a fine brew!"
"It is the brew from the Year of Plenty," Pippin chimed in, "Frodo laid by a nice store of it and still has a fair few casks left."
Faramir slapped Frodo on the back saying, "You know, I don't think I visit you nearly enough!" Frodo laughed. And they all sat back and watched Merry and Eowyn...err..dance. The music ended and the two determined dance partners joined the little group sitting on the grass.
Pippin said to Merry, "That was truly impressive. You dancing. Does the phrase pig-on-stilts have any meaning for you!"
Frodo chimed in, "No, we shouldn't be so hard on the poor boy. After all, two left feet is a handicap that Merry's worked hard to overcome." He got up quickly to avoid the blow that he knew would be forth coming. Merry's hand grabbed for a spare acorn and it glanced off Frodo's nose to the amusement of all, including Frodo as he rubbed his nose ruefully and sat down again.
Faramir laughed and then turned his attention on his wife, "You were, as ever, graceful as a gazelle, my love," Faramir said, a mischievous glint in his eye, leaning over and kissing her flushed face, "one that's seven months pregnant and about to foal that is." Eowyn quickly whapped him upside the head, laughing, "Troll!"
Faramir feigned innocence, "Pippin, Frodo! Merry! Take note! There is no pleasing a woman! You give them a simple compliment and you get beat for your troubles!" Eowyn eyed him through slits. Faramir laughed, "Very well, I will make amends. Try this!" He handed her his mug of ale. She eyed him suspiciously but took a drink, immediately her eyes lit in appreciation of fine ale. "This is delicious! Where did you get it?"
Frodo said, "It's from the crop of the Year of Plenty!"
Eowyn took another gulp and handed the mug back to Faramir who immediately took a drink and closed in for another kiss from his wife, this time slightly longer, "Hmmm, tastes even better this way!" Faramir concluded, as they broke apart, his gentle blue eyes fired with delight and focused on Eowyn. Eowyn flushed, "My lord!" smiling and bending in again for another ale-flavoured kiss.
Frodo's heart twisted just a little bit looking at the two. He was unsure if he would ever have what Faramir and Eowyn seemed to have for each other. He could not be happier for them and could not think of two people who deserved happiness more but it still panged a bit. He, of course, said none of this and instead teasingly said, "Love birds! I tell you, Pip, it's disgusting! We'll not get a word of sense from them now!" Frodo beamed at the couple. The two broke apart slightly embarrassed.
Faramir stood up and said "Why don't we all have a dance!" he suggested holding his hand down to Eowyn, as the next jig started up.
***
The afternoon wore on to more merriment, not only did the little group on sitting on the grass dance many dances, but Celeborn and Galadriel were seen on dancing upon the grass alongside Sam and Rosie. Frodo danced with various partners and laughed like he had not laughed in quite a while, which went a fair way to lifting the spirits of all that knew him.
Just before the sit down proportion of the meal came time for little Elanor to be presented to the community. The tradition said that she be presented by her parents or an especial loved one as chosen by the parents to be given into the community of hobbits to mark the occasion of her second birthday and safe passage from infancy into childhood. Sam and Rosie had discussed earlier who it would be. Actually there was not much discussion, the choice made itself, really.
Frodo did not know that they had decided to bestow this special honour unto him until Sam walked over to him at the start of the rite and asked, "Mr.Frodo, would you present little Elanor, it would mean a lot to both Rosie and I."
Frodo's blue eyes grew large, filled with tears and happiness as he said through a throat suddenly too tight to manage more than a whisper, "Oh Sam!" He gulped once and continued in a slightly clearer voice, "I would be honoured." He bent to pick up little Elanor. "Come on, my little sweet pea!" and with Sam and Rosie walked past his many friends to the spot where the presentations had always been done. Right under the Mallorn tree. Granted it was now a different tree that lent its shade to the field but the spot remained the same. Frodo stood under the branches of the communal tree and made a little speech, as was custom. There were few set words for the presentation. The only real requirement was that they be spoken from the heart.
Frodo cleared his throat and spoke in a voice as clear as he could make it, "I wasn't expecting to be doing this, but I am honoured all the same." he paused, thought and then started up again, "My dear friends have come into my house and made it a home. Into that home they brought the most special present they could possibly have given me." At this he looked at little Elanor in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. "After this sweet little treasure was born, Sam and I discussed what to name her, I suggested Elanor for the beautiful little flowers that grew in far-away Lothlorien. I could never have guessed that my little flower bud here would grow to so resemble those sprightly flowers, so tiny, so beautiful and golden. But I supposed I shouldn't be surprised, thinking that two of the kindest people I have ever known are her parents." Frodo looked at Sam and Rosie and saw that they both were beamingly happy, bashful tears streaming down Sam's face. Frodo gulped to keep tears from streaming down his own. He looked into smiling blue depths of Elanor's eyes said, "Elanor, my sweet little flower bud, may the community love and protect you." he turned to look at the assembled guests. "May the community of her friends and family guide her steps so that she can grow to be everything she was meant to be." Elanor's delighted squeal burst through the aura of solemnity and everyone laughed and severally exclaimed their congratulations for the happy family.
Frodo walked back to Sam and Rosie and their gathered friends. Sam looked bashfully at Frodo and dashed the tears from his eyes, struggling for the right words, finding none eloquent enough, he blurted out, "That was beautiful, Mr. Frodo! Thank you!"
Frodo's face crumbled and wide-eyed with tears he said, "No, Sam. Thank you! I meant every word." He smiled and hugged Sam as best he could seeing as he still held little Elanor in one arm.
Gimli walked up, his eyes suspiciously bright and said gruffly, "That was beautiful and straight from the heart, lad."
Legolas stood beside Gimli, tear tracts evident on his fair face, "Beautifully done, Frodo." his quietly musical voice said, he reached out to stroke little Elanor's golden hair saying, "Gil-eg lend nin! you are part of the community now, spread that laughter where ever you go!" Elanor graced him with a smile and then a great big yawn.
"Oh dear," Rosie said, "I see a little missus is getting tired, well it has been a long day for you, hasn't it." She reached for and Frodo delivered the tot into her mother's arms, "I think that it is time for a nap, Hmmm! What do you say?" Elanor yawned again as if in answer to her mother's question. "Come on, sweetheart, I'll take you for a little nap!"
Just as they were about to leave, Arwen caught her arm, saying, "Do you mind if I come?"
Rosie said, "Certainly, if you chose," looking a little confused, Arwen had never asked such a thing before.
Arwen turn to Aragorn, looked into his eyes and then kissed him on the cheek, and then followed Rosie to the little tent that had been specially set up for naps for the overtired young ones.
Faramir stepped to Aragorn's side, saying, "What was that about?"
Aragorn looked rather non-plussed and looking after his wife walking with Rosie, said truthfully, "I have no idea, but I suppose in the fullness of time we may find out. Or not." At this he turned to give Sam his congratulations.
It came time for the sit down portion of the celebration and plate upon plate were set before the celebrants . Sam and Rosie continued to soak up the congratulations from all comers graciously. All ate until it seemed they could eat no more, and a very glad time was had by all. It was a celebration in true hobbit style.
*************
Chapter 6- A honour bestowed
The morning of Elanor's Tadaura started with a bustle of activity. The makeshift targets from yesterday's archery competition were cleared away and tables and chairs were being set up on the Party Field. Gamma Cotton had come over with the food that she had been preparing over the last week to help with the last minute preparations.
Three different spice cakes had been prepared along with the special Tadaura candy flavoured with aniseed that had to be made in advance in order for it to cool and season properly. Small meat pies with carrots, peas and potatoes had been left to cool overnight. Mushroom and onion tartlets completed the many finger foods that were going to adorn the tables before the proper sit down portion of the celebration began. Many casks of ale had been ordered specially from the Golden Perch and no small quality of wine had been laid in for those guests who were of an Elven persuasion.
Rosie marshaled the various comings and goings with the talent of a battle commander, with only a few meat pies and tartlets and casks of ale going missing. In fact she did know where they had gone, but trying to separate hobbit men from fresh mushroom tartlets was well-nigh impossible. *Might as well try stop the Brandywine River flowing, you'd have about as much luck!* Rosie thought as she counted three less tartlets than she had had a hour ago, shaking her head.
Eowyn and Arwen were packing the wicker basket sitting on the table with the little meat pies that had just been brought up from the pantry by Faramir, who, receiving his next set of orders had gone to around up Elladan and Elrohir to move the casks of ale and wine from the storeroom to the cart for transport to the Party Field. Sam had been very nervous about Rosie employing the White Lady of Rohan and the Elven Queen of Gondor as kitchen help over the last couple of days, but Rosie had explained very calmly that they had both asked to help and as Rosie had been noticing the troubled look in Arwen's eyes she felt it was best to give the Lady something to occupy her time. Part of what ailed her, Rosie could not say, but she had noticed something of a strain between her and Aragorn when they had first arrived. Rosie thought, *she has been looking at wits end, poor dear and it can only help to keep her busy and feeling useful. It is the best thing really*, her hobbit good sense told her. In looking at Arwen, who was sitting down due to the fact that she was well-gone with child, Rosie thought she was right in accepting Arwen's offer of help, she had more colour in her cheeks and her eyes looked lively as she gently laughed at something Eowyn had just said.
At that moment, the door to the basement burst opened and Merry fell into the room spilling a wooden box filled with green tablecloths and silver mugs. He quickly righted himself and dusting off his waistcoat said simply, "Door was stuck" by way of explanation for his less than gracefully entrance.
A laugh came from just inside the basement door and Aragorn emerged carrying the second box that Bag End's mistress had asked for, "And it had nothing to do with the fact that you have two left feet, would it!"
The former ranger twinkled at Rosie, who laughed, saying, "Merry, I think that you make yourself purposefully useless so I will send you from the kitchen to avoid further havoc."
"Well, has it worked?" Merry asked hopefully.
"No!" Rosie chuckled, "Now get out there and help Faramir load the cart! Honestly!" She looked at Aragorn slightly aggrieved, "I don't know how you achieved anything during the Ring War with Merry and Pippin at your side. Disasters waiting to happen, they are." she said looking at Merry.
Aragorn laughed, "Well, they had their uses."
Rosie hmphed as if she found that hard to believe and slapped Merry's hand as it was reaching for yet another mushroom and onion tartlet, "Scoot!" and she whapped his backside in the direction she wanted him to move.
Merry, all wounded pride and innocence, retorted, "All right! I'm going!"
"And take Pippin with you! I'm not sure where he is, but he's bound to be shirking some sort of work in favour of a good smoke," Rosie called.
As Rosie was dressing down Merry, Aragorn had gone over to the table where Eowyn and Arwen were working. She looked back at the table and caught Aragorn placing a hand on Arwen's shoulder which she instinctively bent her head closer to his hand and then looked up at him to smile, their eyes locking, Aragorn reaching an unthinking hand to stroke Arwen's raven black hair. They had clearly forgotten the presence of anybody else in the room. Rosie saw that the earlier tensions were obviously starting to lessen, but she also felt they still needed a bit of help. She interrupted gaily, "Aragorn, Arwen, we're almost finished in here and we still need some blossoms to use as decorations for the tables. Could you go and pick some boughs in the woods past the gate." She said holding out a large wicker flower basket.
Aragorn embarrassed to realise he'd forgotten there were other people in the room immediately said, "Of course we will." and started to help Arwen up from her cushioned seat on the bench. Arwen looked at Rosie, eyes smiling and twinkling just a bit. Rosie returned the smile warmly as she watched them leave hand in hand, flower basket lying forgotten on the table.
Eowyn watched them leaving, and said knowingly, "We're not done in here, are we?"
Rosie turned back the White Lady of Rohan, whom she had begun to think of as a friend, "Oh no, not by a long shot! But I just thought they needed the time alone more than we needed the help. "
"I think so, too. Something has been troubling the two of them. Faramir has been concerned of late about Aragorn, but he is unsure of what to do."
Rosie said looking at the door, "I think they are starting to work it out, I think they just need time," she finished thoughtfully, then turning her mind to the task at hand, "Which by the way, is something we don't have a great deal of! Poppy!" She called for the dark-haired maid, "Get in here and take this basket to the cart where the boys are! And make sure that Mr. Pippin and Mr. Merry do not eat the lot before we get it to the Party Field. I swear those two could eat us out of house and home if we let them!"
"Full well do I know what you mean! Every time Pippin and Merry have visited Emyn Arnen the cooks have flown into a panic thinking their storerooms will be laid bare. Oh, but they are dear ones, though." Eowyn laughed merrily, her eyes flashing.
Rosie chuckled, "Well, they do slip into your heart, that I'll warranted them that." she shook her head, "Well now, what else?"
***
Earlier that morning...
While walking to the creek, Sam knew it was best to get out Rosie's hair when she was in battle commander mode so he took the time to search out Frodo. He has become increasingly over the amount of time Frodo spent alone and he decided that it was best not to allow Frodo alone to fret anymore than could be helped. Rosie could easily handle things without Sam fussing over every last detail. It was one of the things that he loved about her. Her confidence and strength and level headedness were always amazing to Sam. They made a wonderful partnership he mused and they had made a equally wonderful daughter, he thought as he spied little Eleanor, still wearing the unwilted flower that Celeborn had made for her in her blond curly hair, walk over to Frodo and hand him a bunch of weeds...er ...flowers that she had just yanked out of the ground. He looked at her and took them distractedly, again lost in thoughts that Sam did not ever want to ponder. She tried to again to gain his attention by grabbing a dandelion from where she was standing and tried putting it in his hair. This time he was shaken from his troubled reverie to really look at her. He cleared a few blond strands away from her tiny face and the smile he gave her as she giggled, chased the away the shadows that too often threatened and he proceeded to tickle her into squealing submission.
"She is truly a wonder, Sam," Sam turned and saw Gandalf walking up just behind him.
"She takes after her mother, that's why." Sam replied staring after Frodo and little Elanor.
Gandalf looked at the young hobbit and marveled at his inability to see his own good qualities. "She takes after you," the Maia averred gently, "She gives love freely and never expects anything in return. Frodo responds to that. As he always has." Gandalf said pointedly.
"He comes alive with her, and sometimes only with her." Sam said a concerned look crossing his face, looking up at Gandalf. "It warms my heart to see it and yet..." Sam stopped unsure of how put into words what he was feeling. He looked again at Gandalf, "Why only her, sometimes," Sam finished hurt evident in his voice. "I sound like a horrible father, jealous of his own daughter."
Gandalf waited for the stout little hobbit to stop berating himself before he answered, "Can you not think why, Samwise?"
"No,"came the upset, uncomprehending reply.
"Because," Gandalf began gently, "He doesn't have to remember with her. With her he is simply Uncle Frodo. There is no blame, no fault, no thought that he has failed, or so he thinks. He can be himself with her and forget times past. With everyone else he is forced to remember."
"But he did not fail! He more than succeeded and he tried so hard!" Sam's voice came vehement voicing the arguments that he so often had with Frodo in the early days after the Ring War, "He endured so much!" Tears came to Sam's eyes as they always did when he thought about everything his dear master had braved.
"I know, Sam. I know that and you know that, and I think even Frodo, at least part of the time knows it, but you see when the shadow falls upon he thinks he failed. Claiming the ring at the end and having it torn from him, to him says failure. Also there is a small part of him that still needs the Ring, even though he knows full well that it had to be destroyed and he can't forgive himself for that yearning."
"Each anniversary" Sam weighted the word with unfortunate, but unavoidable meaning, "is harder for him to bear than the last. I'm scared Mr. Gandalf."
Sam looked at the Maia, earnest eyes searching ageless ones for an answer but shying away from the one he saw there, unwilling to accept the possibility. "Is there nothing to be done?" he asked uselessly.
Gandalf gently replied, "All that can be done will be done. The rest is up to Frodo," placing an arm around the stouthearted little hobbit. Sam nodded and looked at Frodo playing with little Elanor, "Let us leave them."
Frodo saw Gandalf and Sam walk away talking, and felt somewhat aggrieved. He looked at little Elanor, "They talking boring talk again, aren't they my little flower bud. Why can't people mind what their own business." As soon as he said it he felt bad and knew that he shouldn't say such things. They were only concerned. He understood that. What they could not understand, what they could not see was how empty he felt inside. Sam was constantly telling that he was too hard on himself. That in no way was he a failure. Frodo wanted to believe him. He wanted to feel whole again, but he did not. He could not. When he thought about what happened at the crack of Mount Doom, it brought only shame. He had claimed the Ring, the one thing that he had swore he would not do. As he reached up with his right hand to finger the jewel at his neck he caught sight of three fingers and a thumb. If it had not been for Gollum ...he closed his eyes and stopped that train of thought through a sheer force of will. It did not do to dwell, he told himself.
It was Elanor's Tadaura today and he refused to dwell, well any more than he had already, Frodo thought ruefully. He looked back to Elanor, gathered her in and gave her a hug and a kiss. He looked the little smiling child with the big blue eyes and wistfully recalled what it was like to have a memory untainted by...certain things. He supposed that's why he spent so much time with the sunny child. She reminded him of a time when he also had been as innocent as she. So much had been lost and much had been gained both good and bad. *Sam is always saying that time heals all wounds,* Frodo sighed, *I would like to think that it is true, but I just don't know*.
He had been very happy to see all of his friends again. It had done him a world of good rehashing happy times and creating new ones. Frodo smiled as he thought of two nights ago in the Green Dragon. A great time had been had by all, himself included. Of course the morning after had had its drawback but it had been worth it. He had felt himself again, if only for a few hours. Frodo knew he needed to put this morning's thoughts aside and he was determined to be happy today. He stood up and looked about the meadow and felt the cool breeze of the early Shire spring. He felt the re- born life around him and the little girl's hand in his. He would fight this thing, today was not a day for giving up. Today was a day for re- affirming life and not dwelling on past mistakes and failures. Taking a deep breathe Frodo purposefully strode back to the house to see if there was anything else he could do in preparations for the party, strong in the resolution to ignore the small shadow growing on his heart.
***
The Party Field looked festive and gay. The early spring sunlight settled upon the field and the gentle golden beauty of the Mallorn tree in the first budding of spring colours lent a special radiance to the air. Tables laden with the meat pies and mushroom tartlets, among other foods that been prepared specially, had been set up around the perimeter of the field and the area in the middle left open for dancing. It was Poppy's job to give out the special Tadaura candy to all the little hobbit boys and girls and a few of the bigger ones. Rosie, Gamma Cotton and Eowyn were flitting about to make sure that everything was as it should be and nobody was left wanting. All of Hobbiton and a fair few from Bywater had been invited along with the guests staying at Bag End. There was dancing and talking and much ale drinking to be done before the presentation and blessing from one of the family.
Elanor, dressed in her prettiest little frock of yellow linen and lace, was a picture to behold. Her hair had been brushed until it shone and Celeborn's flower was placed securely behind one ear. Her blue eyes glowed with excitement looking at the crowd from on high as Legolas carried her on his shoulders weaving his way through the mostly hobbit sized crowd towards Sam, Rosie, who had just sat down and Frodo sitting at the head table under the Mallorn tree. "My little flower bud!" exclaimed Frodo, "How high up in the tree you bloom!"
Legolas laughed, "Aye! She is my little blossom!" He reached up and gently lifted Elanor from his shoulders and placed her on the ground, kneeling as he did so. "Aye, Gil-eg nin!" the elf's eyes shining and his voice musical, "We've had a wonderful time exploring all round the Party Field, haven't we?" he said, looking into the little girl's merry blue depths. At that Elanor kissed Legolas on the cheek and threw her arms around him. Legolas laughed joyously, hugging the child and returning the kiss on a soft rosy cheek, "Oh Gil-eg lend nin! Scoot back to your parents now."
Instead she made a beeline for Frodo and clambered up to sit on his lap. "Oh I see," Rosie said, "Can't be bothered with mum when Uncle Frodo is about." feigning hurt, but with eyes twinkling approval.
"What can I say? My little flower bud has come back to her favourite honeybee! Bzzz! Bzzz!" Frodo exclaimed happily. Elanor giggled at the bee sounds emanating from her favourite uncle. Frodo was completely captivated.
The band struck up a reel and Frodo bounced the little girl on his lap, saying, "How would you like to dance?" Elanor gurgled her approval for such an idea. So the dark-haired Hobbit and the small blond angel went out onto the grassy area and began to dance, Elanor's feet lightly on top of Frodo's as he guided them through the music. Frodo laughed to see the look of sheer delight on the little child's face as they danced, the shadows retreating completely for a while.
***
The dancing and gaiety continued unabated for the better part of the afternoon with the food, ale and wine flowing freely. Eowyn's gay laugh was heard among the crowd as she tried gamefully to dance with Merry in one of the more intricate hobbit country dances involving much ducking under the arm of one's partner. Needlessly to say the results were not as graceful as was usual from the participants in the dance, but the spirit in which it was performed was not lacking a whit. Faramir sat on the ground admiring his wife's determination, if not her graceful flow across the green grass, and grinned, sipping the last content of his mug, when Frodo and Pippin, carrying a small cask on his shoulder, sat down at his side. Pippin noticing the empty state of the Steward's mug, cried, "You've got to try this." He took Faramir's mug and ran the tap of the cask until the froth was pouring down the side of the mug then handed it back Faramir's waiting hand.
He had a quick gulp and savored the strong, yet slightly sweet brew. Pondering the slightly off-white froth clearing to reveal a darkish amber liquid, Faramir said, "Mmmm, now that's a fine ale!" taking another taste, a look of pleasure again crossing his face.
Frodo laughed and said, "You've got to love a man who respects a fine brew!"
"It is the brew from the Year of Plenty," Pippin chimed in, "Frodo laid by a nice store of it and still has a fair few casks left."
Faramir slapped Frodo on the back saying, "You know, I don't think I visit you nearly enough!" Frodo laughed. And they all sat back and watched Merry and Eowyn...err..dance. The music ended and the two determined dance partners joined the little group sitting on the grass.
Pippin said to Merry, "That was truly impressive. You dancing. Does the phrase pig-on-stilts have any meaning for you!"
Frodo chimed in, "No, we shouldn't be so hard on the poor boy. After all, two left feet is a handicap that Merry's worked hard to overcome." He got up quickly to avoid the blow that he knew would be forth coming. Merry's hand grabbed for a spare acorn and it glanced off Frodo's nose to the amusement of all, including Frodo as he rubbed his nose ruefully and sat down again.
Faramir laughed and then turned his attention on his wife, "You were, as ever, graceful as a gazelle, my love," Faramir said, a mischievous glint in his eye, leaning over and kissing her flushed face, "one that's seven months pregnant and about to foal that is." Eowyn quickly whapped him upside the head, laughing, "Troll!"
Faramir feigned innocence, "Pippin, Frodo! Merry! Take note! There is no pleasing a woman! You give them a simple compliment and you get beat for your troubles!" Eowyn eyed him through slits. Faramir laughed, "Very well, I will make amends. Try this!" He handed her his mug of ale. She eyed him suspiciously but took a drink, immediately her eyes lit in appreciation of fine ale. "This is delicious! Where did you get it?"
Frodo said, "It's from the crop of the Year of Plenty!"
Eowyn took another gulp and handed the mug back to Faramir who immediately took a drink and closed in for another kiss from his wife, this time slightly longer, "Hmmm, tastes even better this way!" Faramir concluded, as they broke apart, his gentle blue eyes fired with delight and focused on Eowyn. Eowyn flushed, "My lord!" smiling and bending in again for another ale-flavoured kiss.
Frodo's heart twisted just a little bit looking at the two. He was unsure if he would ever have what Faramir and Eowyn seemed to have for each other. He could not be happier for them and could not think of two people who deserved happiness more but it still panged a bit. He, of course, said none of this and instead teasingly said, "Love birds! I tell you, Pip, it's disgusting! We'll not get a word of sense from them now!" Frodo beamed at the couple. The two broke apart slightly embarrassed.
Faramir stood up and said "Why don't we all have a dance!" he suggested holding his hand down to Eowyn, as the next jig started up.
***
The afternoon wore on to more merriment, not only did the little group on sitting on the grass dance many dances, but Celeborn and Galadriel were seen on dancing upon the grass alongside Sam and Rosie. Frodo danced with various partners and laughed like he had not laughed in quite a while, which went a fair way to lifting the spirits of all that knew him.
Just before the sit down proportion of the meal came time for little Elanor to be presented to the community. The tradition said that she be presented by her parents or an especial loved one as chosen by the parents to be given into the community of hobbits to mark the occasion of her second birthday and safe passage from infancy into childhood. Sam and Rosie had discussed earlier who it would be. Actually there was not much discussion, the choice made itself, really.
Frodo did not know that they had decided to bestow this special honour unto him until Sam walked over to him at the start of the rite and asked, "Mr.Frodo, would you present little Elanor, it would mean a lot to both Rosie and I."
Frodo's blue eyes grew large, filled with tears and happiness as he said through a throat suddenly too tight to manage more than a whisper, "Oh Sam!" He gulped once and continued in a slightly clearer voice, "I would be honoured." He bent to pick up little Elanor. "Come on, my little sweet pea!" and with Sam and Rosie walked past his many friends to the spot where the presentations had always been done. Right under the Mallorn tree. Granted it was now a different tree that lent its shade to the field but the spot remained the same. Frodo stood under the branches of the communal tree and made a little speech, as was custom. There were few set words for the presentation. The only real requirement was that they be spoken from the heart.
Frodo cleared his throat and spoke in a voice as clear as he could make it, "I wasn't expecting to be doing this, but I am honoured all the same." he paused, thought and then started up again, "My dear friends have come into my house and made it a home. Into that home they brought the most special present they could possibly have given me." At this he looked at little Elanor in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. "After this sweet little treasure was born, Sam and I discussed what to name her, I suggested Elanor for the beautiful little flowers that grew in far-away Lothlorien. I could never have guessed that my little flower bud here would grow to so resemble those sprightly flowers, so tiny, so beautiful and golden. But I supposed I shouldn't be surprised, thinking that two of the kindest people I have ever known are her parents." Frodo looked at Sam and Rosie and saw that they both were beamingly happy, bashful tears streaming down Sam's face. Frodo gulped to keep tears from streaming down his own. He looked into smiling blue depths of Elanor's eyes said, "Elanor, my sweet little flower bud, may the community love and protect you." he turned to look at the assembled guests. "May the community of her friends and family guide her steps so that she can grow to be everything she was meant to be." Elanor's delighted squeal burst through the aura of solemnity and everyone laughed and severally exclaimed their congratulations for the happy family.
Frodo walked back to Sam and Rosie and their gathered friends. Sam looked bashfully at Frodo and dashed the tears from his eyes, struggling for the right words, finding none eloquent enough, he blurted out, "That was beautiful, Mr. Frodo! Thank you!"
Frodo's face crumbled and wide-eyed with tears he said, "No, Sam. Thank you! I meant every word." He smiled and hugged Sam as best he could seeing as he still held little Elanor in one arm.
Gimli walked up, his eyes suspiciously bright and said gruffly, "That was beautiful and straight from the heart, lad."
Legolas stood beside Gimli, tear tracts evident on his fair face, "Beautifully done, Frodo." his quietly musical voice said, he reached out to stroke little Elanor's golden hair saying, "Gil-eg lend nin! you are part of the community now, spread that laughter where ever you go!" Elanor graced him with a smile and then a great big yawn.
"Oh dear," Rosie said, "I see a little missus is getting tired, well it has been a long day for you, hasn't it." She reached for and Frodo delivered the tot into her mother's arms, "I think that it is time for a nap, Hmmm! What do you say?" Elanor yawned again as if in answer to her mother's question. "Come on, sweetheart, I'll take you for a little nap!"
Just as they were about to leave, Arwen caught her arm, saying, "Do you mind if I come?"
Rosie said, "Certainly, if you chose," looking a little confused, Arwen had never asked such a thing before.
Arwen turn to Aragorn, looked into his eyes and then kissed him on the cheek, and then followed Rosie to the little tent that had been specially set up for naps for the overtired young ones.
Faramir stepped to Aragorn's side, saying, "What was that about?"
Aragorn looked rather non-plussed and looking after his wife walking with Rosie, said truthfully, "I have no idea, but I suppose in the fullness of time we may find out. Or not." At this he turned to give Sam his congratulations.
It came time for the sit down portion of the celebration and plate upon plate were set before the celebrants . Sam and Rosie continued to soak up the congratulations from all comers graciously. All ate until it seemed they could eat no more, and a very glad time was had by all. It was a celebration in true hobbit style.
*************