PeachPawz: Thanks for the kind words. Although the words don't always come when I call them. LOL Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Ch 10 Travel plans

Greetings, mellon nin! Please accept my sincerest apologies for not continuing my story. I hope you will forgive me. It has been a nasty winter, and several hobbits have been taken with the Winter Sickness. Fortunately, both Holmes and myself managed to stay healthy, thank Eru!

I will continue, if you so desire. I believe the last we saw each other, plans had been laid to uncover the thief or thieves, and to recover the wand…

We adjourned to the Thain's study to study our plans and to make sure nothing was overlooked. Peregrin was due to ride out in about two or three days to check on the harvest, and to see to the needs of the elderly hobbits that he was responsible for. It was decided that he should go and see to his duty first.

"I will tell you where your wand is, if you wish. However, I would counsel you to leave it. It will come to no harm, and it is my belief that it would tipping our hand sooner that what is really necessary," said Holmes.

"My dear Holmes, by all means do tell me where it is. I quite agree that it should stay where it is, wherever that may be."

"Very well." With that, Holmes told us where it was. Peregrin laughed so hard, he had to sit down. "That is preposterous! But what a place to put it! I must say, I should have noticed. However, let it stay there for now. My only question is, will the perpetrators leave before we are ready to unmask them?"

"I don't believe so. They will not leave until they think they can do so without anyone being the wiser. Therefore, go on your travels. I will stay here, if that meets with your satisfaction."

"We are in your debt, Mr. Holmes. I, for one, feel that everything will go as planned. We will do as you say." With that, Diamond rose on her toes and planted a kiss on Holmes' cheek. We then left the study and went our separate ways, Pippin and Diamond to pack for the journey, and Holmes and I to see to our weapons.

I see it is getting late, and Anar is setting. I think is time for us to part for tonight. Quel esta, mellon nin.