Chapter 6
From Crickhallow
"Merry, just a little closer!" said Pippin while he stood on Merry's shoulders so he could peer into Bag End's window that was on the far side so no one would see them. This window was to Frodo's study and the two had just seen Gandalf enter Bag End with Frodo.
"I can't see a thing!" stated Pippin again.
"I can't move with you standing on my shoulders!" snapped Merry.
"Why are you complaining, Mer! You're much bigger than I am! Now, take just a couple of steps. I'm almost close enough to see in!"
Merry held with one hand around Pippin's foot and another against the outer wall of Bag End to steady himself. He lifted his leg and took one step, but Pippin began to wobble and his arms began rotating in a circular fashion.
"Pip! Stop messing around! I can't hold you if you keep your squirming up there!" snapped Merry again at his wayward cousin. "Steady yourself!"
Pippin did not like being up so high and it made him all the more nervous. He quickly grabbed onto the shutter of the window with both hands and his leaning only caused his unbalancing himself all the more. He tumbled against the wall of Bag End with a loud bang.
Merry grabbed Pippin by the back of his collar and pulled him away from the wall. He held his mouth shut. "They had to hear that! Quickly behind that bush!"
They both scampered off to hide.
Sure enough Gandalf stuck his head out of the window and looking in both directions. Seeing nothing he closed the shutters and pulled down the window.
"There up to something!" said Merry. "And I betting it has to do with something that Bilbo left behind for Frodo!"
Pippin looked wide eyed at his cousin. "What are you thinking that could be?"
"I've seen Bilbo walking one day and the Sackville-Baggins was a coming on the other side. Old Bilbo took out something gold from him pocket..." Merry stopped and looked at his cousin and thought better of telling him anything more because Pippin was known not to keep a good secret.
"Well, what did you see?" asked Pippin becoming so intrigued with Merry's story.
"I better not say anything more just yet, Pip!" said Merry as he looked at his cousin. "Frodo is acting more queer than ever. Something is up and I feel Frodo is in big trouble. We need to concern ourselves with helping him and not tellin of silly stories!"
"What are you two doing behind those bushes!" shouted Sam as he caught the pair of feet sticking out from the bush.
Merry and Pippin jumped being so startled by being caught by Sam.
"Nothing, Sam! And be quiet about it!" said Merry as he shhhished him. Merry pointed to the closed window to the study and watched as Sam looked up towards the window.
Sam looked suspiciously at Merry and then over at Pippin. "What is going on, sir; if you don't mind me asking?" Sam folded his arms and glared at the two.
Merry cast a worried brow to Sam. "It's Frodo, Sam! Haven't you noticed his been acting more oddly than usual. I'm telling you, Sam. Our Frodo is in trouble!"
Sam's eyes widened in fear and worry. He knew he could trust Merry and Pippin. If they thought something was up, than something was. "Mr. Frodo, in trouble. Well if trouble has a hold of my master, it'll take getting through me first!" Sam clutched his fists tightly as his eyes shifted side to side.
"We need your help, Sam!" said Merry as he put his arm around his shoulder. "Frodo is not talking, trying to protect us, as it were. But we need to find out what's really going on. You can slip in and out of Bag End with ease, being Frodo's gardener and all. They'll not think twice of you listening in on what Gandalf and Frodo are talking about!"
Sam nodded as he listened to Merry's plan. He agreed readily to help his master.
Merry and Pippin watched Sam slip into Bag End and knew within moments that he would have the facts on Frodo.
While they waited, they saw Fatty Bolger walking with a letter in his hand. Fredegar walked with a skip to his steps because he just came from the messenger's shop. This was the tenth letter he had received from Poppy and they had begun to get to know each other through their letters. Fredegar would send her poetry and told her things that he had never spoken to another person. Letting her see his true heart. With every letter, Fredegar was falling madly in love with Poppy. Even she had admitted her special feelings for him. Fredegar's heart soared in thinking of the next few weeks when he would finally be able to met Poppy face to face. She had asked him in her letter to come to the North Farthing to meet her family. Fredegar was so lost in his thoughts of Poppy that he did not notice Merry and Pippin standing in front of Bag End.
Merry turned to Pippin. "If we're going to start a conspiracy to help Frodo, then we'll need Fatty on this as well."
Merry and Pippin ran to Fatty's side. "What are you up to, Fatty?" asked Merry.
Fredegar shifted his eyes from side to side with Merry on one side of himself and Pippin on the other side. He stammered not wanting them to find out that he had written a letter to meet a wife. "I-I-I have here.....um....Nothing!" He placed his letter into his pocket quickly.
"Never mind about your little secrets, Fatty. We've got trouble here in the Shire. Trouble happening with Frodo! We need your help with this!" said Merry.
Fredegar's eyes lifted up to Merry and then to Pippin in surprise. "Frodo is in trouble! Sure, you can count on me! I'd do anything to help Frodo!"
Merry whispered as he explained to Fredegar. "We don't have all the facts yet! Samwise is listening in on Frodo and Gandalf. Something is up, I tell you! Frodo is doing his best to keep us from it. We must keep a close eye upon him. Seeing how we are his friend and relations and all, he really needs us now!"
Fredegar remembered seeing Frodo in his father's store the other day. "Frodo has been selling off items from Bag End. Selling them really cheap and quiet like! I heard him tell my father not to say a word to others as he is parting with his goods!"
Merry's eyes widened. "Then he is planning on leaving! I knew it! He's going after Bilbo!"
Pippin swallowed hard with the news. "He can't be leaving us! Going off on an adventure without us!"
"Don't worry yourself none, Pip! If we watch him careful enough, we'll catch him red handed trying to leave!" said Merry.
Fredegar turned and stared at Bag End. He pointed to Sam as he just came out of the front door. "There's Sam, let's find out what he heard!"
The three raced up to Bag End and were shocked to see Sam's white shocked face. Merry grabbed Sam by the shoulders and shook him. "What did you hear!"
Sam eyes began to tear as he looked into Merry's eyes. "You're right, Mr. Merry. My master is leaving! Leaving for Rivendale! I heard Gandalf telling him not to say a word to anyone! Frodo is going to ask me to go with him and I will! I'll go to whatever end for my master! He'll be announcing it shortly at his birthday party!"
Merry snapped another question to Sam. "Did he say anything about the trouble he is in?"
Sam shook his head sadly. "No, but Mr. Gandalf's voice was very worrisome! Trouble is following him, that much I can tell from Mr. Gandalf's voice!"
"Don't worry yourself overly much, Sam. I promise you'll not be going alone with Frodo. We're coming with you!" said Merry.
Sam perked up knowing that Merry and Pippin would know what to do to help his master.
Fredegar stammered at hearing Merry's speech. "I-I-I can't go. I can't go with you all! I must stay here in the Shire!"
Merry looked at Fredegar. "It's okay, Fatty. I understand and all. It'll be Pippin and myself accompanying Frodo and Sam. However, you can keep the trouble from following us. Through them off our trail, as it were!"
Fredegar nodded thankfully that he still would be able to help Frodo without leaving the Shire. He had met the girl that he would marry and if he left now, he'd never get another chance to marry her. He tapped the letter in his pocket as he thought about Poppy. His letters that he had received from her were promises of a life that he had only dreamed about.
The four agreed to keep an eye open constantly tailing Frodo around the Shire.
A few days went by and just like they had promised each other someone was always just a few feet behind Frodo.
While sitting at the Green Dragon, Frodo sipped casually on his ale. He tried over and over again to work up the courage to begin packing and finding a buyer for Bag End. However, he always found and excuse not to. His nerves were raw, especially when Gandalf suddenly had to leave.
Frodo didn't visit like he normally did whenever he stopped by the Green Dragon but sat by himself at the counter. Merry, Pippin, Sam and Fatty sat at the table and carefully watched him.
Two older hobbits that lived on the far side of Bywater talked with each other. "My cousin's be telling me about queer folk about the boarders. Strange folk, not hobbits by all-accounts. Dark riders asking all sorts of questions!"
Frodo looked the older hobbit in horror as his eyes widen in fear. His heart raced in his chest and he turned to take a look around the tavern. He spotted Merry, Pippin, Sam and Fatty. If he had troubles finding a reason to start his packing he now was totally convinced. He had no time to wait for Gandalf. He must act now and quickly.
Frodo put on a courageous smile when he walked up to his friends and sat down next to them. Merry did not take his eyes off of him for a second as he worried about his friend.
"I am in need of your help, my friends," stated Frodo in-a-matter-of-fact kind of way. "Especially you, Merry!"
Merry sat up in his chair with interest as he stared at Frodo. "What kind of help, Frodo?" Merry's heart skipped a beat in the hopes that Frodo would tell them everything that was going on. He listened intently.
"You know I have not been happy since Bilbo had left. Bag End is just too big for me alone. I decided to sell Bag End and find another place somewhere in Buckland. That is where you come in, Merry. Can you help me find a much smaller place so I can retire there?" asked Frodo.
Ted Sandyman looked over his shoulder as he over heard Frodo talking with his friends. He leaned his chair a little closer so he could hear every word.
Merry sat back in his chair, a bit disappointed, but willing to help Frodo in any way that he could. "I'll do some asked around and I'll back to you as soon as I hear word."
Frodo looked at his friends and a deep sadness entered his thoughts. He did not know how he was ever going to be able to say good-bye.
"I'll need all your help, if you're willing. Everything has to be packed up and moved. If you could bring your carts by once a new hobbit hole can be found. I'll be in your debt!"
Sam turned to Mr. Frodo and looked into his eyes. Sam caught the deep worry and sadness of his master. "You can always count of me, Mr. Frodo. I'd always help you no matter what!"
"I know, Sam," said Frodo, smiling at him. He was so thankful for Sam and his friendship with him. He could always count on him for anything. It broke Frodo's heart thinking about Sam. He knew he would not ever understand him just leaving without telling him why. Sam's heart was just too big!
Ted Sandyman slowly made his way out of the tavern unnoticed by the five hobbits. He had big grin on his face as he took one more glance at them and turned to rush down the street.
Pippin ordered another round of drinks as Frodo again settled himself in the chair and barely talked the rest of the evening. His mind kept wandering away from the conversation. Merry and Pippin both noticed it. They also noticed the Fatty was quiet as well, however he had a silly grin on his face the entire evening. Merry looked at Pippin and then back at Fatty. "So what is up with you, Fatty? You've done nothing but sit there the entire night with the silliest of grins!"
Fatty moved closer to his friends and began to whisper as everyone leaned closer to hear him. "I shouldn't be saying a word, but you are all my friends. I do have a secret! I have found me a special lass who has asked me to met her family. In the next couple of weeks, I'll be leaving to the North Farthing!" said Fatty as he almost burst out giggling from happiness.
Sam's eyes widened with surprise. He looked at Fatty and smiled. "Congratulations, Fatty! I am very happy for you, sir!"
Fatty held his finger up to his lips to keep his friends quiet. "I'm not wanting it to get around just, yet. Keep this among just us for now!" said Fatty.
Frodo reached his arm around Fatty and pat his back. "I'm very happy for your, Fatty! It's good to hear something wonderful happening for a change!"
Both Merry and Pippin asked at the same time. "Who's the lass?"
Fatty again shook his head to quiet them. "I'll not be saying anymore! I'll tell you when I know how everything is going to turn out!"
By the time the five hobbit's left the Green Dragon, Frodo heard talk that he had gone broke and spent all the money his uncle had given him and had to sell Bag End.
Frodo shook his head and knew how fast rumors could get spread around the Shire. He knew he must be very, very careful.
~*~
The next morning, Lobelia and Lotho both showed up at Frodo's front door. It had surprised him immensely. Frodo invited them in. They sat long enough to work out the sale of Bag End, then Frodo insisted that they had to leave immediately. He told them that they could have Bag End after midnight of the following day. He also told them that he would have a key to Bag End at the Gamgee's home and they could get the key there.
The two Sackville-Baggins argued that the Gamgee's would steal Bag End empty if he did so. This made Frodo angry and told them to leave at once!
Frodo went back into his study after the S.B. had left. He found the key and placed it into his pocket. Turning he went to wake up Merry and Pippin who had spent the night with him.
Frodo sat on the Merry's bed and asked him. "Merry is the guesthouse of Crickhallow still vacant?"
Merry nodded, "Yes, Frodo. But that place is tucked far away from any traveled area in Buckland! Why, would you want to pick that place for your home?"
"I need peace and quiet for my retirement! I don't want to be bothered any longer!" said Frodo. He looked at Merry and knew that his friend was not believing him. But for Merry's sake he must convince him.
"Is that the real reason, Frodo?" asked Merry in hopes that Frodo would confide in him.
Frodo only nodded. To distract his friend from asking any more questions he told him that he had sold Bag End this morning to the Sackville-Baggins. "We need to hurry, Merry. They bought Bag End and want me out by tomorrow at midnight!"
Merry jumped from his bed and began to get dressed. "Don't worry Frodo. I'll take the first load over to Crickhallow and then speak to my father. I'll get him to sign the papers this morning!"
Frodo looked at Merry with thankful eyes and his heart ached knowing he would never live at Crickhallow. He knew as soon as he would send Merry and Pippin back their homes that he would be leaving shortly after words. He only hoped his friend would forgive him someday for not saying a proper good-bye. Frodo's heart was torn into. "Will you go get Sam and Fatty? Have them bring their carts to the back of Bag End!"
Merry and Pippin were out the door within minutes and returned shortly with the two hobbits and carts.
Fatty waited by his cart when Merry came over to him. "You head out first, Fatty, to Crickhallow. Unpack everything that's in your cart and all the other carts that I'll be send you. Set-up the hobbit hole at Crickhallow just like it was at Bag End. Then Frodo will not miss Bag End so overly much!"
Fatty nodded his head and climbed into his cart. Snapping his reins he began his journey to Crickhallow. Merry followed behind him and turned after the Branywine Bridge to his home in Buckland. He waved at his friend as they parted.
~*~
Fatty stopped the cart in front of the hobbit hole by Crickhallow and climbed down. The hobbit hole was so much smaller than Bag End and was weather beat from lack of care and paint. It broke Fatty's heart to see Frodo making this move from his magnificent home in Hobbiton. Fatty felt his heart become sadden thinking how much he was going to miss his friend, Frodo. That's if he was truly going away. Opening the door, he heading down the long corridor and looked side to side at the empty rooms. He planned out how he was going to make his home just like he remembered Bag End should have looked. He took his time cleaning and moving the boxes and furniture.
He had the study almost set up just like it was at Bag End and he waited for the next cart to pull up. Seeing the desk, Fatty sat down in the chair and opened the top drawer. There was paper and an inkwell and he thought about Poppy and wanted to answer her last letter. He pulled her letter out again and reread it. He smiled at the pretty scroll of her penmanship and imagined her lovely hands as she wrote this letter. He stared at the last part of her letter and took in each word that she wrote. 'My father has agreed that we should be married and in the few letters that I have received from you, I look forward to giving you my answer when you arrive at our farm."
Fatty's heartbeat wildly in his chest and could not wait until he would take the coach to the North Farthing and finally get to meet her. He whispered to himself. "Oh, Poppy! Please, see me for what is in my heart and not just see the fatness that surrounds me!"
He searched for the quill and finding one, he sharpened it with his knife and dipped it into the inkwell. Carefully he began his letter to Poppy.
"My dearest love, I say this without ever seeing you, but know in my heart from your letters that, I love you. I would be the happiest hobbit in the entire Shire if your answer is, "yes". My heart has only known loneliness but just knowing that you excite and you are but a few miles away, gives me hope to hold on too, for a life that I only dare dream about. I would give you my life and all that I own to be my wife. I would honor and respect you and do everything that I could to make you happy. I know if you looked deep into my heart you would see the love that would always be there for you. Until my arrival, I give you my heart to hold until I can see your beautiful face. All my love forever, Fredegar...."
He folded the parchment and sealed it. Tucking it into his pocket he would mail it as soon as he could find a messenger.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ MLynnBloom :I home sick with the flu and fever, but still I wanted to write the next chapter! I have a lot of plans for Merry and Estella to meet each other and for Freddy! But poor Fredegar, he is so in love with Poppy...I hope I can keep this interesting and enjoyable to keep reading and find out how this triangle of events will turn out for him.
Skittles Are Candy: Poor Estella is so lost in thinking she is Poppy! Everything seems to keep Estella from finding out who she truly is! Thank you so much for your review! It keeps me writing....
ShireElf : The triangle is just getting started and they will have to go through so much until Freddy finds what he has been searching for all of his life.....
From Crickhallow
"Merry, just a little closer!" said Pippin while he stood on Merry's shoulders so he could peer into Bag End's window that was on the far side so no one would see them. This window was to Frodo's study and the two had just seen Gandalf enter Bag End with Frodo.
"I can't see a thing!" stated Pippin again.
"I can't move with you standing on my shoulders!" snapped Merry.
"Why are you complaining, Mer! You're much bigger than I am! Now, take just a couple of steps. I'm almost close enough to see in!"
Merry held with one hand around Pippin's foot and another against the outer wall of Bag End to steady himself. He lifted his leg and took one step, but Pippin began to wobble and his arms began rotating in a circular fashion.
"Pip! Stop messing around! I can't hold you if you keep your squirming up there!" snapped Merry again at his wayward cousin. "Steady yourself!"
Pippin did not like being up so high and it made him all the more nervous. He quickly grabbed onto the shutter of the window with both hands and his leaning only caused his unbalancing himself all the more. He tumbled against the wall of Bag End with a loud bang.
Merry grabbed Pippin by the back of his collar and pulled him away from the wall. He held his mouth shut. "They had to hear that! Quickly behind that bush!"
They both scampered off to hide.
Sure enough Gandalf stuck his head out of the window and looking in both directions. Seeing nothing he closed the shutters and pulled down the window.
"There up to something!" said Merry. "And I betting it has to do with something that Bilbo left behind for Frodo!"
Pippin looked wide eyed at his cousin. "What are you thinking that could be?"
"I've seen Bilbo walking one day and the Sackville-Baggins was a coming on the other side. Old Bilbo took out something gold from him pocket..." Merry stopped and looked at his cousin and thought better of telling him anything more because Pippin was known not to keep a good secret.
"Well, what did you see?" asked Pippin becoming so intrigued with Merry's story.
"I better not say anything more just yet, Pip!" said Merry as he looked at his cousin. "Frodo is acting more queer than ever. Something is up and I feel Frodo is in big trouble. We need to concern ourselves with helping him and not tellin of silly stories!"
"What are you two doing behind those bushes!" shouted Sam as he caught the pair of feet sticking out from the bush.
Merry and Pippin jumped being so startled by being caught by Sam.
"Nothing, Sam! And be quiet about it!" said Merry as he shhhished him. Merry pointed to the closed window to the study and watched as Sam looked up towards the window.
Sam looked suspiciously at Merry and then over at Pippin. "What is going on, sir; if you don't mind me asking?" Sam folded his arms and glared at the two.
Merry cast a worried brow to Sam. "It's Frodo, Sam! Haven't you noticed his been acting more oddly than usual. I'm telling you, Sam. Our Frodo is in trouble!"
Sam's eyes widened in fear and worry. He knew he could trust Merry and Pippin. If they thought something was up, than something was. "Mr. Frodo, in trouble. Well if trouble has a hold of my master, it'll take getting through me first!" Sam clutched his fists tightly as his eyes shifted side to side.
"We need your help, Sam!" said Merry as he put his arm around his shoulder. "Frodo is not talking, trying to protect us, as it were. But we need to find out what's really going on. You can slip in and out of Bag End with ease, being Frodo's gardener and all. They'll not think twice of you listening in on what Gandalf and Frodo are talking about!"
Sam nodded as he listened to Merry's plan. He agreed readily to help his master.
Merry and Pippin watched Sam slip into Bag End and knew within moments that he would have the facts on Frodo.
While they waited, they saw Fatty Bolger walking with a letter in his hand. Fredegar walked with a skip to his steps because he just came from the messenger's shop. This was the tenth letter he had received from Poppy and they had begun to get to know each other through their letters. Fredegar would send her poetry and told her things that he had never spoken to another person. Letting her see his true heart. With every letter, Fredegar was falling madly in love with Poppy. Even she had admitted her special feelings for him. Fredegar's heart soared in thinking of the next few weeks when he would finally be able to met Poppy face to face. She had asked him in her letter to come to the North Farthing to meet her family. Fredegar was so lost in his thoughts of Poppy that he did not notice Merry and Pippin standing in front of Bag End.
Merry turned to Pippin. "If we're going to start a conspiracy to help Frodo, then we'll need Fatty on this as well."
Merry and Pippin ran to Fatty's side. "What are you up to, Fatty?" asked Merry.
Fredegar shifted his eyes from side to side with Merry on one side of himself and Pippin on the other side. He stammered not wanting them to find out that he had written a letter to meet a wife. "I-I-I have here.....um....Nothing!" He placed his letter into his pocket quickly.
"Never mind about your little secrets, Fatty. We've got trouble here in the Shire. Trouble happening with Frodo! We need your help with this!" said Merry.
Fredegar's eyes lifted up to Merry and then to Pippin in surprise. "Frodo is in trouble! Sure, you can count on me! I'd do anything to help Frodo!"
Merry whispered as he explained to Fredegar. "We don't have all the facts yet! Samwise is listening in on Frodo and Gandalf. Something is up, I tell you! Frodo is doing his best to keep us from it. We must keep a close eye upon him. Seeing how we are his friend and relations and all, he really needs us now!"
Fredegar remembered seeing Frodo in his father's store the other day. "Frodo has been selling off items from Bag End. Selling them really cheap and quiet like! I heard him tell my father not to say a word to others as he is parting with his goods!"
Merry's eyes widened. "Then he is planning on leaving! I knew it! He's going after Bilbo!"
Pippin swallowed hard with the news. "He can't be leaving us! Going off on an adventure without us!"
"Don't worry yourself none, Pip! If we watch him careful enough, we'll catch him red handed trying to leave!" said Merry.
Fredegar turned and stared at Bag End. He pointed to Sam as he just came out of the front door. "There's Sam, let's find out what he heard!"
The three raced up to Bag End and were shocked to see Sam's white shocked face. Merry grabbed Sam by the shoulders and shook him. "What did you hear!"
Sam eyes began to tear as he looked into Merry's eyes. "You're right, Mr. Merry. My master is leaving! Leaving for Rivendale! I heard Gandalf telling him not to say a word to anyone! Frodo is going to ask me to go with him and I will! I'll go to whatever end for my master! He'll be announcing it shortly at his birthday party!"
Merry snapped another question to Sam. "Did he say anything about the trouble he is in?"
Sam shook his head sadly. "No, but Mr. Gandalf's voice was very worrisome! Trouble is following him, that much I can tell from Mr. Gandalf's voice!"
"Don't worry yourself overly much, Sam. I promise you'll not be going alone with Frodo. We're coming with you!" said Merry.
Sam perked up knowing that Merry and Pippin would know what to do to help his master.
Fredegar stammered at hearing Merry's speech. "I-I-I can't go. I can't go with you all! I must stay here in the Shire!"
Merry looked at Fredegar. "It's okay, Fatty. I understand and all. It'll be Pippin and myself accompanying Frodo and Sam. However, you can keep the trouble from following us. Through them off our trail, as it were!"
Fredegar nodded thankfully that he still would be able to help Frodo without leaving the Shire. He had met the girl that he would marry and if he left now, he'd never get another chance to marry her. He tapped the letter in his pocket as he thought about Poppy. His letters that he had received from her were promises of a life that he had only dreamed about.
The four agreed to keep an eye open constantly tailing Frodo around the Shire.
A few days went by and just like they had promised each other someone was always just a few feet behind Frodo.
While sitting at the Green Dragon, Frodo sipped casually on his ale. He tried over and over again to work up the courage to begin packing and finding a buyer for Bag End. However, he always found and excuse not to. His nerves were raw, especially when Gandalf suddenly had to leave.
Frodo didn't visit like he normally did whenever he stopped by the Green Dragon but sat by himself at the counter. Merry, Pippin, Sam and Fatty sat at the table and carefully watched him.
Two older hobbits that lived on the far side of Bywater talked with each other. "My cousin's be telling me about queer folk about the boarders. Strange folk, not hobbits by all-accounts. Dark riders asking all sorts of questions!"
Frodo looked the older hobbit in horror as his eyes widen in fear. His heart raced in his chest and he turned to take a look around the tavern. He spotted Merry, Pippin, Sam and Fatty. If he had troubles finding a reason to start his packing he now was totally convinced. He had no time to wait for Gandalf. He must act now and quickly.
Frodo put on a courageous smile when he walked up to his friends and sat down next to them. Merry did not take his eyes off of him for a second as he worried about his friend.
"I am in need of your help, my friends," stated Frodo in-a-matter-of-fact kind of way. "Especially you, Merry!"
Merry sat up in his chair with interest as he stared at Frodo. "What kind of help, Frodo?" Merry's heart skipped a beat in the hopes that Frodo would tell them everything that was going on. He listened intently.
"You know I have not been happy since Bilbo had left. Bag End is just too big for me alone. I decided to sell Bag End and find another place somewhere in Buckland. That is where you come in, Merry. Can you help me find a much smaller place so I can retire there?" asked Frodo.
Ted Sandyman looked over his shoulder as he over heard Frodo talking with his friends. He leaned his chair a little closer so he could hear every word.
Merry sat back in his chair, a bit disappointed, but willing to help Frodo in any way that he could. "I'll do some asked around and I'll back to you as soon as I hear word."
Frodo looked at his friends and a deep sadness entered his thoughts. He did not know how he was ever going to be able to say good-bye.
"I'll need all your help, if you're willing. Everything has to be packed up and moved. If you could bring your carts by once a new hobbit hole can be found. I'll be in your debt!"
Sam turned to Mr. Frodo and looked into his eyes. Sam caught the deep worry and sadness of his master. "You can always count of me, Mr. Frodo. I'd always help you no matter what!"
"I know, Sam," said Frodo, smiling at him. He was so thankful for Sam and his friendship with him. He could always count on him for anything. It broke Frodo's heart thinking about Sam. He knew he would not ever understand him just leaving without telling him why. Sam's heart was just too big!
Ted Sandyman slowly made his way out of the tavern unnoticed by the five hobbits. He had big grin on his face as he took one more glance at them and turned to rush down the street.
Pippin ordered another round of drinks as Frodo again settled himself in the chair and barely talked the rest of the evening. His mind kept wandering away from the conversation. Merry and Pippin both noticed it. They also noticed the Fatty was quiet as well, however he had a silly grin on his face the entire evening. Merry looked at Pippin and then back at Fatty. "So what is up with you, Fatty? You've done nothing but sit there the entire night with the silliest of grins!"
Fatty moved closer to his friends and began to whisper as everyone leaned closer to hear him. "I shouldn't be saying a word, but you are all my friends. I do have a secret! I have found me a special lass who has asked me to met her family. In the next couple of weeks, I'll be leaving to the North Farthing!" said Fatty as he almost burst out giggling from happiness.
Sam's eyes widened with surprise. He looked at Fatty and smiled. "Congratulations, Fatty! I am very happy for you, sir!"
Fatty held his finger up to his lips to keep his friends quiet. "I'm not wanting it to get around just, yet. Keep this among just us for now!" said Fatty.
Frodo reached his arm around Fatty and pat his back. "I'm very happy for your, Fatty! It's good to hear something wonderful happening for a change!"
Both Merry and Pippin asked at the same time. "Who's the lass?"
Fatty again shook his head to quiet them. "I'll not be saying anymore! I'll tell you when I know how everything is going to turn out!"
By the time the five hobbit's left the Green Dragon, Frodo heard talk that he had gone broke and spent all the money his uncle had given him and had to sell Bag End.
Frodo shook his head and knew how fast rumors could get spread around the Shire. He knew he must be very, very careful.
~*~
The next morning, Lobelia and Lotho both showed up at Frodo's front door. It had surprised him immensely. Frodo invited them in. They sat long enough to work out the sale of Bag End, then Frodo insisted that they had to leave immediately. He told them that they could have Bag End after midnight of the following day. He also told them that he would have a key to Bag End at the Gamgee's home and they could get the key there.
The two Sackville-Baggins argued that the Gamgee's would steal Bag End empty if he did so. This made Frodo angry and told them to leave at once!
Frodo went back into his study after the S.B. had left. He found the key and placed it into his pocket. Turning he went to wake up Merry and Pippin who had spent the night with him.
Frodo sat on the Merry's bed and asked him. "Merry is the guesthouse of Crickhallow still vacant?"
Merry nodded, "Yes, Frodo. But that place is tucked far away from any traveled area in Buckland! Why, would you want to pick that place for your home?"
"I need peace and quiet for my retirement! I don't want to be bothered any longer!" said Frodo. He looked at Merry and knew that his friend was not believing him. But for Merry's sake he must convince him.
"Is that the real reason, Frodo?" asked Merry in hopes that Frodo would confide in him.
Frodo only nodded. To distract his friend from asking any more questions he told him that he had sold Bag End this morning to the Sackville-Baggins. "We need to hurry, Merry. They bought Bag End and want me out by tomorrow at midnight!"
Merry jumped from his bed and began to get dressed. "Don't worry Frodo. I'll take the first load over to Crickhallow and then speak to my father. I'll get him to sign the papers this morning!"
Frodo looked at Merry with thankful eyes and his heart ached knowing he would never live at Crickhallow. He knew as soon as he would send Merry and Pippin back their homes that he would be leaving shortly after words. He only hoped his friend would forgive him someday for not saying a proper good-bye. Frodo's heart was torn into. "Will you go get Sam and Fatty? Have them bring their carts to the back of Bag End!"
Merry and Pippin were out the door within minutes and returned shortly with the two hobbits and carts.
Fatty waited by his cart when Merry came over to him. "You head out first, Fatty, to Crickhallow. Unpack everything that's in your cart and all the other carts that I'll be send you. Set-up the hobbit hole at Crickhallow just like it was at Bag End. Then Frodo will not miss Bag End so overly much!"
Fatty nodded his head and climbed into his cart. Snapping his reins he began his journey to Crickhallow. Merry followed behind him and turned after the Branywine Bridge to his home in Buckland. He waved at his friend as they parted.
~*~
Fatty stopped the cart in front of the hobbit hole by Crickhallow and climbed down. The hobbit hole was so much smaller than Bag End and was weather beat from lack of care and paint. It broke Fatty's heart to see Frodo making this move from his magnificent home in Hobbiton. Fatty felt his heart become sadden thinking how much he was going to miss his friend, Frodo. That's if he was truly going away. Opening the door, he heading down the long corridor and looked side to side at the empty rooms. He planned out how he was going to make his home just like he remembered Bag End should have looked. He took his time cleaning and moving the boxes and furniture.
He had the study almost set up just like it was at Bag End and he waited for the next cart to pull up. Seeing the desk, Fatty sat down in the chair and opened the top drawer. There was paper and an inkwell and he thought about Poppy and wanted to answer her last letter. He pulled her letter out again and reread it. He smiled at the pretty scroll of her penmanship and imagined her lovely hands as she wrote this letter. He stared at the last part of her letter and took in each word that she wrote. 'My father has agreed that we should be married and in the few letters that I have received from you, I look forward to giving you my answer when you arrive at our farm."
Fatty's heartbeat wildly in his chest and could not wait until he would take the coach to the North Farthing and finally get to meet her. He whispered to himself. "Oh, Poppy! Please, see me for what is in my heart and not just see the fatness that surrounds me!"
He searched for the quill and finding one, he sharpened it with his knife and dipped it into the inkwell. Carefully he began his letter to Poppy.
"My dearest love, I say this without ever seeing you, but know in my heart from your letters that, I love you. I would be the happiest hobbit in the entire Shire if your answer is, "yes". My heart has only known loneliness but just knowing that you excite and you are but a few miles away, gives me hope to hold on too, for a life that I only dare dream about. I would give you my life and all that I own to be my wife. I would honor and respect you and do everything that I could to make you happy. I know if you looked deep into my heart you would see the love that would always be there for you. Until my arrival, I give you my heart to hold until I can see your beautiful face. All my love forever, Fredegar...."
He folded the parchment and sealed it. Tucking it into his pocket he would mail it as soon as he could find a messenger.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ MLynnBloom :I home sick with the flu and fever, but still I wanted to write the next chapter! I have a lot of plans for Merry and Estella to meet each other and for Freddy! But poor Fredegar, he is so in love with Poppy...I hope I can keep this interesting and enjoyable to keep reading and find out how this triangle of events will turn out for him.
Skittles Are Candy: Poor Estella is so lost in thinking she is Poppy! Everything seems to keep Estella from finding out who she truly is! Thank you so much for your review! It keeps me writing....
ShireElf : The triangle is just getting started and they will have to go through so much until Freddy finds what he has been searching for all of his life.....