"Chapter Two:
The Arrival"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sun beat down on Celalcien's long brown hair, causing strands of red to flash in her mane. Beautiful Summer weather had welcomed her to Hobbiton, though she wasn't really sure what she was doing there. In fact she was never sure what she was doing anyplace. It seemed to be her lot in life to simply explore and wonder Middle-Earth. Maybe someday it wouldn't be that way, if she ever felt at home someplace, but for now...this worked.
The streets of the town were dusty as she walked, children played and sung and the adults seemed content with their work. A few, however, did raise a quizzical eye at the newcomer.
She continued on her way, looking for a place that might offer a decent meal. Not that she needed to find a place, she could have just hunted down a few rabbits or something, but a hot meal made be someone besides her sounded good. She could cook just fine, however, the same old things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner got a little boring.
Suddenly her search was interrupted by a small flying object.
It would have hit her in the head if she wouldn't have caught it. The thing turned out to be a red ball, well worn and beat up, but still quite enjoyable.
After a few moments Celalcien was aware of eyes watching her. Looking over to her right she saw a young hobbit staring at her, his brown hair sticking out in every possible direction. "Excuse me, miss. May I have my ball?"
Celalcien was about to respond when a voice interrupted the meeting.
"Pippin! I told you were going to hit someone with that thing!"
The small hobbit turned to face the voice.
"It didn't hit her, Merry, she caught it." he replied.
Lal smiled. "He's right, the ball didn't hit me, it just came close."
For the first time the other hobbit seemed to really notice her. He was only an inch shorter than Lal and was obviously a few years older than Pippin.
"Sorry about that. He's attached to that ball, though his aim isn't always the best."
At this last remark Pippin glared at the older hobbit, who ignored the youngster and added, "By the way, I'm Meridoc, better is known as Merry. And, this little rascal here is Peregrin, everyone calls him Pippin, though."
Lal smiled again, "I'm Celalcien." she didn't bother to give a shorter version of her name. Her thoughts were on the two hobbits, they didn't seem as leery of her as most.
All three stood there in uncomfortable silence, Pippin was the one to break it. "Can I have my ball?"
Celalcien nearly laughed, Pippin could hardly wait to get his hands on the toy again.
"Can you catch it?" she asked in a nearly taunting manner.
" 'Course I can."
Merry just shook his head.
"Okay, Pippin. Go long." about to throw the ball she stopped short at the younger hobbit's voice.
"Wait a minute! You're a girl!"
"So, I'm a girl. So what?" another smile pulled at the corner of her mouth as she placed her free hand on her hip impatiently.
"You can't throw it far enough!"
"Pippin!" Merry cut in, a little embarrassed at his companion's behavior.
"You don't think I can throw it far enough?" she asked, ignoring Merry's interruption.
Pippin didn't say anything else but shook his head "no".
"Well, I still say go long, it's the only way you're going to catch it."
Pippin didn't so much as squirm.
Without another word Celalcien threw the ball. It's course took it to the other side of the street and further, Pippin began to run after it but wasn't able to catch up with the ball before it plunked into a field someways off.
Merry whistled a long note then turned to her. "Good arm."
"Thank you." she quipped.
"I'm thinking it's going to take a while to find that ball." Merry stated, running his fingers through his curly blond hair.
"Yeah, probably. I guess I threw it pretty hard."
Merry chuckled a little at that, then changed the subject. "You're not from around here, are you?"
"I thought that fact was obvious."
"It is, just thought I'd ask anyway. Where you from?"
Celalcien looked away. "Nowhere."
"Everyone's from somewhere."
"Not me." she answered.
Silence fell between them once more. Neither knew what to say. She was obviously somewhat closed to the subject of her whereabouts.
"Any good places around here to eat?" she finally asked.
Merry just looked at her a moment as if it were a stupid question, then he answered, "Yeah, but are you looking for a place to eat, or a place to eat and stay while your in town?"
She thought for a moment. She had planned on just sleeping in the nearby woods, but...perhaps sleeping inside someplace would be best for now.
"Yeah." she finally said. "Someplace to eat and stay for a while."
"Well then, let me grab Pippin and I'll show you the way."
Celalcien agreed and they headed towards the field. Pippin's head could be seen bobbing along the edge of the neatly tended rows.
"Pippin!" Merry yelled.
The younger hobbit turned and looked at them. "Come on, I'm going to show Celalcien where the The Ivy Bush is."
"But I haven't found my ball yet." Pippin replied.
Lal looked over the ground and spotted the small round object. "It's right there." she yelled, she and Merry were still a good ways off.
"Where?" he asked.
"Right there!"
Merry squinted and looked ahead, then asked the same question Peregrin had. "Where? I don't see it."
Celalcien sighed. "It's right over there. I'll show you." With that she took off running, her feet hardly seeming to touch the ground. After reaching near the center of the field she bent down and picked up the ball, then ran back.
Pippin stood there, mouth hanging open. "How'd you do that?" he asked when she had reached them.
"Do what?"
"Run like that." he stated as if she's asked the simplest question in the world.
Lal shrugged, "I guess you could say that it's in my blood."
A confused look crossed Pippin's face.
"Well, should we get to the inn?" Merry asked.
Celalcien nodded and tossed Pippin the ball.
The three started back to the road in silence. The walk wasn't too long and the late afternoon breeze felt good.
Pippin tagged behind the other two, walking at his own pleasurable pace.
Celalcien looked back at him, then asked Merry, "How old is he?"
"Thirteen." he answered.
"Ahh, well, that would explain the daydreaming."
"What?"
"Take a look back there, he's in another world."
Merry turned and looked at Pippin. He was, indeed, in another world. Sure he kept in sight of them, following as he should, but his eyes were not focused on anything present.
"Huh, never noticed that before."
Lal looked at the older hobbit, "What? You never daydreamed when you were younger?"
Merry shrugged. "I guess I probably did."
Lal laughed a little and they continued on their way.
Soon they reached The Ivy Bush and all three of them walked in. There were a few people inside, but not many.
Nearly everyone looked up when they entered. Celalcien felt a little uncomfortable with most eyes in the small front room on her. Merry and Pippin, however, seemed perfectly accustomed to this.
"This way." Merry said looking at her.
She followed him as he made his way to the fireplace, which had a fire burning in it despite the warm day. A single hobbit sat there staring at the flames, he looked older than Merry but wasn't by any means along in years.
"Frodo!" Merry said in a loud whispered.
Frodo started a little at the sound of his name, then looked up. "Hullo Merry! What are you up to?"
The blond shrugged, "Not much. Just showing Hobbiton's latest visitor around a bit, I guess."
Frodo glanced at Celalcien and smiled a bit. "Glad to meet you. I'm Frodo Baggins."
"Celalcien, uh, also known as Lal." she replied, wondering a little at this open greeting.
At this time Pippin, who until that moment had been forgotten, came running up.
"Frodo!" he cried. "Tell us one of Mr. Bilbo's stories."
Frodo laughed a little. "Not right now, Pip. I'm afraid that it's not the appropriate time."
"Then when is?" the youngster asked.
"When company's not around." Frodo answered.
Pippin sighed and walked away in search of something else to entertain him.
"Pull up a chair." Frodo offered the two of them.
Both Merry and Lal did so.
"What do you think of Hobbiton?" Frodo asked.
"From what I've seen of it, it's nice. Pretty quiet."
"A little too quiet at times." he sighed.
Lal laughed a little, in spite of her manners.
"What?" Merry asked.
"Nothing much, it's just that I was always told that hobbits were a little, uh, leery of outsiders."
Both her companions smiled. Then Frodo said, "Most of us are. We're to odd bunch. That is Merry, Pippin, Sam and I are. 'Too curious' is what the Gaffer calls us. Always says we're headed for trouble."
"He's only been right a few times though, and that was when we were in Maggot's fields, picking a few mushrooms." Merry added.
Celalcien felt a little lost in the conversation now. She hadn't the slightest idea who Sam, the Gaffer, or Maggot was. Apparently the confusion showed.
"There, we've done it, Frodo. We've lost her." Merry laughed a little. "I suppose that a little explaining's due."
However, before either had gotten a word out the door to the inn swung open and once again everyone looked up, including Lal.
Another hobbit had entered and was now receiving many greetings.
"Sam!" Frodo called out, waving a little.
The new comer smiled and made his way towards them. "Frodo! Merry! Isn't it a little warm to be sitting by the fire?"
"Hullo to you too." laughed Frodo.
"What's the news today?" Sam asked, not even seeming to see Celalcien.
"Ask her." Merry stated. "She's traveling trough, might know a thing or what."
Sam smiled sheepishly at her, a little embarrassed at his failure to notice the visitor.
"Sorry, didn't see you there for a moment."
Lal laughed, "It's not a problem, I'm Celalcien."
"Samwise Gamgee."
The two shook hands and fourth chair was drawn near the fireplace.
"I still say it's too warm for a fire." Sam grumbled.
"It wouldn't be so hot if you hadn't just got finished in the Gaffer's garden." Merry told him.
"How'd you know I was in the garden?"
Frodo laughed, "Two reasons, Sam. One: that's where you always are. Two: You've got a bit of dirt on your face."
Celalcien bit her lip to keep from giggling at this comment.
"Anyway, At least you know who Sam is now." Merry said, glancing Lal's way.
She nodded, "Yes, now I do. The other member of the 'odd bunch'." as you two put it.
Sam's face showed little bewilderment, but it soon left, his mind not keeping on the matter of her statement for too long.
"Anyway," Frodo began. "What is happening outside of the Shire?"
Celalcien began to tell a little of what she knew from various places.
The conversation was interesting and the fire kept on roaring until after the Sun began to sink. They talked through dinner and well into the night, until Celalcien nearly fell asleep in her chair.
The Arrival"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sun beat down on Celalcien's long brown hair, causing strands of red to flash in her mane. Beautiful Summer weather had welcomed her to Hobbiton, though she wasn't really sure what she was doing there. In fact she was never sure what she was doing anyplace. It seemed to be her lot in life to simply explore and wonder Middle-Earth. Maybe someday it wouldn't be that way, if she ever felt at home someplace, but for now...this worked.
The streets of the town were dusty as she walked, children played and sung and the adults seemed content with their work. A few, however, did raise a quizzical eye at the newcomer.
She continued on her way, looking for a place that might offer a decent meal. Not that she needed to find a place, she could have just hunted down a few rabbits or something, but a hot meal made be someone besides her sounded good. She could cook just fine, however, the same old things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner got a little boring.
Suddenly her search was interrupted by a small flying object.
It would have hit her in the head if she wouldn't have caught it. The thing turned out to be a red ball, well worn and beat up, but still quite enjoyable.
After a few moments Celalcien was aware of eyes watching her. Looking over to her right she saw a young hobbit staring at her, his brown hair sticking out in every possible direction. "Excuse me, miss. May I have my ball?"
Celalcien was about to respond when a voice interrupted the meeting.
"Pippin! I told you were going to hit someone with that thing!"
The small hobbit turned to face the voice.
"It didn't hit her, Merry, she caught it." he replied.
Lal smiled. "He's right, the ball didn't hit me, it just came close."
For the first time the other hobbit seemed to really notice her. He was only an inch shorter than Lal and was obviously a few years older than Pippin.
"Sorry about that. He's attached to that ball, though his aim isn't always the best."
At this last remark Pippin glared at the older hobbit, who ignored the youngster and added, "By the way, I'm Meridoc, better is known as Merry. And, this little rascal here is Peregrin, everyone calls him Pippin, though."
Lal smiled again, "I'm Celalcien." she didn't bother to give a shorter version of her name. Her thoughts were on the two hobbits, they didn't seem as leery of her as most.
All three stood there in uncomfortable silence, Pippin was the one to break it. "Can I have my ball?"
Celalcien nearly laughed, Pippin could hardly wait to get his hands on the toy again.
"Can you catch it?" she asked in a nearly taunting manner.
" 'Course I can."
Merry just shook his head.
"Okay, Pippin. Go long." about to throw the ball she stopped short at the younger hobbit's voice.
"Wait a minute! You're a girl!"
"So, I'm a girl. So what?" another smile pulled at the corner of her mouth as she placed her free hand on her hip impatiently.
"You can't throw it far enough!"
"Pippin!" Merry cut in, a little embarrassed at his companion's behavior.
"You don't think I can throw it far enough?" she asked, ignoring Merry's interruption.
Pippin didn't say anything else but shook his head "no".
"Well, I still say go long, it's the only way you're going to catch it."
Pippin didn't so much as squirm.
Without another word Celalcien threw the ball. It's course took it to the other side of the street and further, Pippin began to run after it but wasn't able to catch up with the ball before it plunked into a field someways off.
Merry whistled a long note then turned to her. "Good arm."
"Thank you." she quipped.
"I'm thinking it's going to take a while to find that ball." Merry stated, running his fingers through his curly blond hair.
"Yeah, probably. I guess I threw it pretty hard."
Merry chuckled a little at that, then changed the subject. "You're not from around here, are you?"
"I thought that fact was obvious."
"It is, just thought I'd ask anyway. Where you from?"
Celalcien looked away. "Nowhere."
"Everyone's from somewhere."
"Not me." she answered.
Silence fell between them once more. Neither knew what to say. She was obviously somewhat closed to the subject of her whereabouts.
"Any good places around here to eat?" she finally asked.
Merry just looked at her a moment as if it were a stupid question, then he answered, "Yeah, but are you looking for a place to eat, or a place to eat and stay while your in town?"
She thought for a moment. She had planned on just sleeping in the nearby woods, but...perhaps sleeping inside someplace would be best for now.
"Yeah." she finally said. "Someplace to eat and stay for a while."
"Well then, let me grab Pippin and I'll show you the way."
Celalcien agreed and they headed towards the field. Pippin's head could be seen bobbing along the edge of the neatly tended rows.
"Pippin!" Merry yelled.
The younger hobbit turned and looked at them. "Come on, I'm going to show Celalcien where the The Ivy Bush is."
"But I haven't found my ball yet." Pippin replied.
Lal looked over the ground and spotted the small round object. "It's right there." she yelled, she and Merry were still a good ways off.
"Where?" he asked.
"Right there!"
Merry squinted and looked ahead, then asked the same question Peregrin had. "Where? I don't see it."
Celalcien sighed. "It's right over there. I'll show you." With that she took off running, her feet hardly seeming to touch the ground. After reaching near the center of the field she bent down and picked up the ball, then ran back.
Pippin stood there, mouth hanging open. "How'd you do that?" he asked when she had reached them.
"Do what?"
"Run like that." he stated as if she's asked the simplest question in the world.
Lal shrugged, "I guess you could say that it's in my blood."
A confused look crossed Pippin's face.
"Well, should we get to the inn?" Merry asked.
Celalcien nodded and tossed Pippin the ball.
The three started back to the road in silence. The walk wasn't too long and the late afternoon breeze felt good.
Pippin tagged behind the other two, walking at his own pleasurable pace.
Celalcien looked back at him, then asked Merry, "How old is he?"
"Thirteen." he answered.
"Ahh, well, that would explain the daydreaming."
"What?"
"Take a look back there, he's in another world."
Merry turned and looked at Pippin. He was, indeed, in another world. Sure he kept in sight of them, following as he should, but his eyes were not focused on anything present.
"Huh, never noticed that before."
Lal looked at the older hobbit, "What? You never daydreamed when you were younger?"
Merry shrugged. "I guess I probably did."
Lal laughed a little and they continued on their way.
Soon they reached The Ivy Bush and all three of them walked in. There were a few people inside, but not many.
Nearly everyone looked up when they entered. Celalcien felt a little uncomfortable with most eyes in the small front room on her. Merry and Pippin, however, seemed perfectly accustomed to this.
"This way." Merry said looking at her.
She followed him as he made his way to the fireplace, which had a fire burning in it despite the warm day. A single hobbit sat there staring at the flames, he looked older than Merry but wasn't by any means along in years.
"Frodo!" Merry said in a loud whispered.
Frodo started a little at the sound of his name, then looked up. "Hullo Merry! What are you up to?"
The blond shrugged, "Not much. Just showing Hobbiton's latest visitor around a bit, I guess."
Frodo glanced at Celalcien and smiled a bit. "Glad to meet you. I'm Frodo Baggins."
"Celalcien, uh, also known as Lal." she replied, wondering a little at this open greeting.
At this time Pippin, who until that moment had been forgotten, came running up.
"Frodo!" he cried. "Tell us one of Mr. Bilbo's stories."
Frodo laughed a little. "Not right now, Pip. I'm afraid that it's not the appropriate time."
"Then when is?" the youngster asked.
"When company's not around." Frodo answered.
Pippin sighed and walked away in search of something else to entertain him.
"Pull up a chair." Frodo offered the two of them.
Both Merry and Lal did so.
"What do you think of Hobbiton?" Frodo asked.
"From what I've seen of it, it's nice. Pretty quiet."
"A little too quiet at times." he sighed.
Lal laughed a little, in spite of her manners.
"What?" Merry asked.
"Nothing much, it's just that I was always told that hobbits were a little, uh, leery of outsiders."
Both her companions smiled. Then Frodo said, "Most of us are. We're to odd bunch. That is Merry, Pippin, Sam and I are. 'Too curious' is what the Gaffer calls us. Always says we're headed for trouble."
"He's only been right a few times though, and that was when we were in Maggot's fields, picking a few mushrooms." Merry added.
Celalcien felt a little lost in the conversation now. She hadn't the slightest idea who Sam, the Gaffer, or Maggot was. Apparently the confusion showed.
"There, we've done it, Frodo. We've lost her." Merry laughed a little. "I suppose that a little explaining's due."
However, before either had gotten a word out the door to the inn swung open and once again everyone looked up, including Lal.
Another hobbit had entered and was now receiving many greetings.
"Sam!" Frodo called out, waving a little.
The new comer smiled and made his way towards them. "Frodo! Merry! Isn't it a little warm to be sitting by the fire?"
"Hullo to you too." laughed Frodo.
"What's the news today?" Sam asked, not even seeming to see Celalcien.
"Ask her." Merry stated. "She's traveling trough, might know a thing or what."
Sam smiled sheepishly at her, a little embarrassed at his failure to notice the visitor.
"Sorry, didn't see you there for a moment."
Lal laughed, "It's not a problem, I'm Celalcien."
"Samwise Gamgee."
The two shook hands and fourth chair was drawn near the fireplace.
"I still say it's too warm for a fire." Sam grumbled.
"It wouldn't be so hot if you hadn't just got finished in the Gaffer's garden." Merry told him.
"How'd you know I was in the garden?"
Frodo laughed, "Two reasons, Sam. One: that's where you always are. Two: You've got a bit of dirt on your face."
Celalcien bit her lip to keep from giggling at this comment.
"Anyway, At least you know who Sam is now." Merry said, glancing Lal's way.
She nodded, "Yes, now I do. The other member of the 'odd bunch'." as you two put it.
Sam's face showed little bewilderment, but it soon left, his mind not keeping on the matter of her statement for too long.
"Anyway," Frodo began. "What is happening outside of the Shire?"
Celalcien began to tell a little of what she knew from various places.
The conversation was interesting and the fire kept on roaring until after the Sun began to sink. They talked through dinner and well into the night, until Celalcien nearly fell asleep in her chair.