Chapter 10 The Land of Children
Eladlín stole quietly through the brush and waited for a few moments. His escape was successful. He carefully traced his path back to the brook and waded through the shallow water. He pulled back the foliage on the old willow and peered through. His breath left him in a short hiss of amazement. Before him lay an elaborate farming community that had obviously been there for thousands of years. But instead of small houses, the people lived in hills! Each knoll concealed a tiny family, even though Eladlín himself could barely fit through one of the doors. His curiosity fueled by his findings, Eladlín snuck up to the window of the closest building, where he observed a family seated around the evening dinner table. To his amazement, he found that they were not ordinary people, but strange, miniature folk with gigantic, hairy feet. He leaned even closer to the window and slipped on the wet grass, throwing a fist into the window and breaking the glass. He sat dazed for a moment as the head of the family ran outside, a blunt axe in his hands. He found Eladlín laying on the ground and grabbed a fistful of his shirt. He let out a loud whooping noise, and in one fluid motion hundreds of doors opened and people spilled out of them, each armed with their weapon of choice.
"What is it?"
The farmer growled menacingly. "He's one of the big folk, though he's not but a child."
Eladlín looked up and spat, "I am more than just a child."
The farmer kicked him, and he quieted. "Silence. I have no tolerance for trespassers."
"Let me go! I have done no wrong!"
"Aye, we shall see about that. Constable Peregrin!"
A younger farmer walked out of the crowd, "What shall we do with him?"
"Lock him up. He has broken my window, and he will pay."
Peregrin picked Eladlín up gently and lead him away from the crowd. "You picked the wrong hobbit to mess with, little master."
"Did you say 'hobbit'?"
"Aye, that is the name of my people. Come along then, and my wife shall fix you up. What company have you come with? Is Radagast your leader?"
"Yes."
"Then our law will fall in your favor. Radagast is one of the few big people trusted 'round these parts. What is your name, anyways?"
"Eladlín, son of Lord Elros."
"Best not to mention the Lord part. Shan't hold well with the others. I am Peregrin Took*, but you may refer to me as Pippin. Now, I do not claim to know my big people well, but I am sure you must be a child, regardless of what you said back there."
"I am old enough." replied Eladlín stoutly.
Peregrin gave a small, lopsided grin. "Come along, Master Eladlín. I shall find Radagast in the morning and you will be free to pass as you please. Though I suggest you do not sneak up on a hobbit again. We are a people easily rattled."
"I noticed."
This produced yet another grin from the cheery hobbit, and Eladlín found himself liking Pippin more and more by the minute. He was average size for a hobbit, with curly light brown hair and rather large ears. His hands were rough and callused, though Pippin was no mariner. He tilled the earth with the aide of his small pony, and such work led to rough hands.
A few minutes later, they arrived at Pippin's home. "Come along then, lad. The missus will be wanting to see you."
A loud, feminine voice called out from the kitchen, "That you, Pip? What was all the ruckus?"
"'Twas Farmer Maggot calling out the country alarm."
"Well, why would he do that? I thought those big dogs of his could fend for themselves."
"Well, lass, 'tis a bit more complicated than that." he said as he led Eladlín into the kitchen.
"Lands alive!" exclaimed Pippin's wife as she dropped the silver tea kettle with a large clunk. Eladlín immediately bent over and picked it up, as tea was blossoming forth all over the floor. He handed it out to her, and she took it back with a shaky hand. "But you...big folk..." she gasped, clearly at a loss for words.
"Rose, may I introduce Eladlín of the Big People? Eladlín, this is my wife, Rosie Took."
"Puh-puh-pleased to me-meet you." she sputtered.
"Likewise, Milady." he replied, figuring that manners of the High Table would suit him well in this situation.
"Ah, now there's no need to be using fancy terms on my Rosie." said Pippin as he wrapped his free arm around her waist.
The movement seemed to reassure her. "Thank you, Pip." she replied sarcastically.
"Welcome! Now Rosie, what about my dinner?"
"Ah men! Do you ever think about anything else?" Pippin shook his head, and she rolled her eyes. "Give me a minute, and I'll set out an extra place for the young one."
Pippin led Eladlín into a small family room, and they settled themselves on two wooden chairs. "Now then lad. Tell me of your journey. Where are you headed?"
"To Lindon, land of the elves."
"I should imagine so! Fine tales are told of that land, though they are hard to come by in these parts. We have a great mistrust of your kind, as I believe I've told you before."
Eladlín started to reply, but he was interrupted by Rosie calling them to supper. They walked into the kitchen and sat down before the magnificent spread. Eladlín went to butter his bread, but Pippin stopped him. "Wait a moment." he told him sternly. Pippin bowed his head for a few brief seconds, and then reached for another slice of bread. Seeing Eladlín's confused look he told him, "We must thank nature for what it has given us. 'Tis only fair, considering what we rob her of daily."
Eladlín smiled to show his understanding, and Rosie ventured a question, "What are you big folk doing in Tookland, anyways?"
"I am afraid I cannot answer truly, miss..."
"Ah, just call me Rosie." she interrupted.
"Rosie 'tis then. Anyways, I am not sure of our path, I know only of our destination. We were chased out of the mountain pass by Wargs and orcs early this morning."
Pippin gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "There are no beasts of that sort in this land."
"I beg to differ, sir. One of our company was almost slaughtered this morning, and would have been if Radagast had not saved him."
Pippin gave Eladlín a stern look. "I will have no tomfoolery in my house, lad. You understand me?"
"But I speak the truth!"
Pippin stared hard into his eyes, and sighed. "I see it in your face, you speak truth. Dark times are a-coming to this world then. We have lived in peace for many a year, since my grandfather's grandfather, at least. I should hate to see the world left to ruins."
"What do you mean by that, Pip?" asked Rosie quietly.
"I wish I knew. I just remember my father's words of a time when nothing grew in Middle Earth. It just burned. 'Twas a barren wasteland."
Rosie gave a small shiver. "Speak not of it Pip. Such talk will ruin a meal."
"Too right you are lass, too right."
Shortly thereafter the meal was finished and Pippin led Eladlín into a small guestroom. He placed a small lantern on the end table. "Is there anything else you'll be needing lad?" Eladlín shook his head no, and Pippin continued, "Goodnight then. And I am sorry, but I must lock the door. I trust you, but the others do not. Call if you need me, and I'll gladly let you out."
"Thank you for your kindness."
Pippin smiled softly, "Sweet dreams lad."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whoa. Wait a minute. Didn't I just put out a chapter, like, a week ago? Hold on. Guess I'm gonna just have to hole this on my computer for a while...just kidding! actually, this chapter came really fast (I did it in a half an hour which is like light speed for me). Well, I'm sorry to say that no one gets cookies, because no one guessed Eladlín's location...he was on the outskirts of the Shire, and now he's in Tookland. As to where he will go next.well that will just ruin it, won't it? Thanks for all the reviews everyone! Keep them coming!
Jo March~ I swear to God I'll catch up with your story one of these days. I reviewed a couple of chapters last time I think, which should put at about two behind.ehh ok I know, I know I'll get to in the next time I have a moment.
Yes, I am aware of the fact that Peregrin Took existed during the Lord of the Rings period, not Elros'...I just like the name. Who says they can't be reused?
And about Farmer Maggot...throughout his writing (if you have ever read "The Return of the Shadow: History of the Lord of the Rings volume 1") Tolkien hinted that Farmer Maggot was anything but your average hobbit. In fact, its actually unclear as to whether he was really a hobbit or not. According to Tolkien, he had a connection with Tom Bombadil, which could make him, if not immortal, then at least very long-lived. If this was so, it would also explain his relocating from Tookland to Buckland...
Eladlín stole quietly through the brush and waited for a few moments. His escape was successful. He carefully traced his path back to the brook and waded through the shallow water. He pulled back the foliage on the old willow and peered through. His breath left him in a short hiss of amazement. Before him lay an elaborate farming community that had obviously been there for thousands of years. But instead of small houses, the people lived in hills! Each knoll concealed a tiny family, even though Eladlín himself could barely fit through one of the doors. His curiosity fueled by his findings, Eladlín snuck up to the window of the closest building, where he observed a family seated around the evening dinner table. To his amazement, he found that they were not ordinary people, but strange, miniature folk with gigantic, hairy feet. He leaned even closer to the window and slipped on the wet grass, throwing a fist into the window and breaking the glass. He sat dazed for a moment as the head of the family ran outside, a blunt axe in his hands. He found Eladlín laying on the ground and grabbed a fistful of his shirt. He let out a loud whooping noise, and in one fluid motion hundreds of doors opened and people spilled out of them, each armed with their weapon of choice.
"What is it?"
The farmer growled menacingly. "He's one of the big folk, though he's not but a child."
Eladlín looked up and spat, "I am more than just a child."
The farmer kicked him, and he quieted. "Silence. I have no tolerance for trespassers."
"Let me go! I have done no wrong!"
"Aye, we shall see about that. Constable Peregrin!"
A younger farmer walked out of the crowd, "What shall we do with him?"
"Lock him up. He has broken my window, and he will pay."
Peregrin picked Eladlín up gently and lead him away from the crowd. "You picked the wrong hobbit to mess with, little master."
"Did you say 'hobbit'?"
"Aye, that is the name of my people. Come along then, and my wife shall fix you up. What company have you come with? Is Radagast your leader?"
"Yes."
"Then our law will fall in your favor. Radagast is one of the few big people trusted 'round these parts. What is your name, anyways?"
"Eladlín, son of Lord Elros."
"Best not to mention the Lord part. Shan't hold well with the others. I am Peregrin Took*, but you may refer to me as Pippin. Now, I do not claim to know my big people well, but I am sure you must be a child, regardless of what you said back there."
"I am old enough." replied Eladlín stoutly.
Peregrin gave a small, lopsided grin. "Come along, Master Eladlín. I shall find Radagast in the morning and you will be free to pass as you please. Though I suggest you do not sneak up on a hobbit again. We are a people easily rattled."
"I noticed."
This produced yet another grin from the cheery hobbit, and Eladlín found himself liking Pippin more and more by the minute. He was average size for a hobbit, with curly light brown hair and rather large ears. His hands were rough and callused, though Pippin was no mariner. He tilled the earth with the aide of his small pony, and such work led to rough hands.
A few minutes later, they arrived at Pippin's home. "Come along then, lad. The missus will be wanting to see you."
A loud, feminine voice called out from the kitchen, "That you, Pip? What was all the ruckus?"
"'Twas Farmer Maggot calling out the country alarm."
"Well, why would he do that? I thought those big dogs of his could fend for themselves."
"Well, lass, 'tis a bit more complicated than that." he said as he led Eladlín into the kitchen.
"Lands alive!" exclaimed Pippin's wife as she dropped the silver tea kettle with a large clunk. Eladlín immediately bent over and picked it up, as tea was blossoming forth all over the floor. He handed it out to her, and she took it back with a shaky hand. "But you...big folk..." she gasped, clearly at a loss for words.
"Rose, may I introduce Eladlín of the Big People? Eladlín, this is my wife, Rosie Took."
"Puh-puh-pleased to me-meet you." she sputtered.
"Likewise, Milady." he replied, figuring that manners of the High Table would suit him well in this situation.
"Ah, now there's no need to be using fancy terms on my Rosie." said Pippin as he wrapped his free arm around her waist.
The movement seemed to reassure her. "Thank you, Pip." she replied sarcastically.
"Welcome! Now Rosie, what about my dinner?"
"Ah men! Do you ever think about anything else?" Pippin shook his head, and she rolled her eyes. "Give me a minute, and I'll set out an extra place for the young one."
Pippin led Eladlín into a small family room, and they settled themselves on two wooden chairs. "Now then lad. Tell me of your journey. Where are you headed?"
"To Lindon, land of the elves."
"I should imagine so! Fine tales are told of that land, though they are hard to come by in these parts. We have a great mistrust of your kind, as I believe I've told you before."
Eladlín started to reply, but he was interrupted by Rosie calling them to supper. They walked into the kitchen and sat down before the magnificent spread. Eladlín went to butter his bread, but Pippin stopped him. "Wait a moment." he told him sternly. Pippin bowed his head for a few brief seconds, and then reached for another slice of bread. Seeing Eladlín's confused look he told him, "We must thank nature for what it has given us. 'Tis only fair, considering what we rob her of daily."
Eladlín smiled to show his understanding, and Rosie ventured a question, "What are you big folk doing in Tookland, anyways?"
"I am afraid I cannot answer truly, miss..."
"Ah, just call me Rosie." she interrupted.
"Rosie 'tis then. Anyways, I am not sure of our path, I know only of our destination. We were chased out of the mountain pass by Wargs and orcs early this morning."
Pippin gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "There are no beasts of that sort in this land."
"I beg to differ, sir. One of our company was almost slaughtered this morning, and would have been if Radagast had not saved him."
Pippin gave Eladlín a stern look. "I will have no tomfoolery in my house, lad. You understand me?"
"But I speak the truth!"
Pippin stared hard into his eyes, and sighed. "I see it in your face, you speak truth. Dark times are a-coming to this world then. We have lived in peace for many a year, since my grandfather's grandfather, at least. I should hate to see the world left to ruins."
"What do you mean by that, Pip?" asked Rosie quietly.
"I wish I knew. I just remember my father's words of a time when nothing grew in Middle Earth. It just burned. 'Twas a barren wasteland."
Rosie gave a small shiver. "Speak not of it Pip. Such talk will ruin a meal."
"Too right you are lass, too right."
Shortly thereafter the meal was finished and Pippin led Eladlín into a small guestroom. He placed a small lantern on the end table. "Is there anything else you'll be needing lad?" Eladlín shook his head no, and Pippin continued, "Goodnight then. And I am sorry, but I must lock the door. I trust you, but the others do not. Call if you need me, and I'll gladly let you out."
"Thank you for your kindness."
Pippin smiled softly, "Sweet dreams lad."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whoa. Wait a minute. Didn't I just put out a chapter, like, a week ago? Hold on. Guess I'm gonna just have to hole this on my computer for a while...just kidding! actually, this chapter came really fast (I did it in a half an hour which is like light speed for me). Well, I'm sorry to say that no one gets cookies, because no one guessed Eladlín's location...he was on the outskirts of the Shire, and now he's in Tookland. As to where he will go next.well that will just ruin it, won't it? Thanks for all the reviews everyone! Keep them coming!
Jo March~ I swear to God I'll catch up with your story one of these days. I reviewed a couple of chapters last time I think, which should put at about two behind.ehh ok I know, I know I'll get to in the next time I have a moment.
Yes, I am aware of the fact that Peregrin Took existed during the Lord of the Rings period, not Elros'...I just like the name. Who says they can't be reused?
And about Farmer Maggot...throughout his writing (if you have ever read "The Return of the Shadow: History of the Lord of the Rings volume 1") Tolkien hinted that Farmer Maggot was anything but your average hobbit. In fact, its actually unclear as to whether he was really a hobbit or not. According to Tolkien, he had a connection with Tom Bombadil, which could make him, if not immortal, then at least very long-lived. If this was so, it would also explain his relocating from Tookland to Buckland...