Disclaimer: I DO NOT own LOTR (Lord of the Rings)! On my birth certificate it plainly says "Amy Enre" not "J.R.R Tolkien" He is my favorite author and I would never dream of stealing his best piece of work. No sueing needed here! Have a good read! LOL
Chapter 1- Unanswered Questions
Far away the sound of chirping birds awoke Lillian Cotton Baggins. Her dreams that had been peaceful now faded. Her eyes flew open. "Another day" she thought as she got dressed.
In the hallway she lit the oil candles, adding a little light to the gloomy fog that surrounded Bag End in the early morning. Outside the dreary fog made the pre-dawn sullen and mysterious. Lilly, no one but her parents called her Lillian anymore, knew the sun would stay hidden for at least five more hours or so and with it just about every Hobbit would stay sleeping. The fog parted a bit as she made her way down the lane leading away from her home. It was cold out for a summer's morning and Lilly wrapped her shawl tighter around her face as she walked. Soon Bag End was lost in the thick mist.
It seemed like ages before Lilly reached her parent's home, number six North Bagshot Road, even though it was just a short walk. Her father Posco Cotton was sitting in a chair by the fallen fire. Only the hot embers sent tiny bits of warmth, crackling and sputtering lightly. Lilly softly touched her father on the arm. He jolted awake. "Wh- why did you do that for?" Lilly laughed. "I know that laugh" Posco yawned, leaning closer to see in the dim light. "Lillian?" "I did not mean to wake you, Father, I am sorry. Mother...is she any better?" Lilly questioned. A worried look came over Posco's face. Lilly sighed. "Her cough has gotten worse and I believe she is starting to go delirious. I am afraid she wont last much longer." He grasped Lilly's hand tightly and for awhile neither daughter nor father spoke. When Lilly could stand it no longer, she turned away to face the wood pile saying "Let me start another fire, it is cold and dark enough in here worrying about Mother's state with not the warmth of a fire."
After the embers had had their feast of wood, Lilly wrapped her father in a blanket and scurried into an even colder room. The room that held her mother, crippled by Whooping Cough. Even without a fire the room had the smell of sickness and the deep-bearing chill of death. Lilly found that her mother was awake, even though she no longer had the conception of time. The normal glow of Marigold's eyes was now a dull, lonely, clouded green. Marigold gave a loud cough, sending her body rocking with spasms. The sight brought tears to Lilly's own green eyes. Her mother, once regaining her breath, motioned Lilly to her bedside. "I need to tell you something, Linda—" But more coughs interrupted her sentence. Lilly gasped and took a step back. "Linda?" Linda Cotton Chubb was her older sister and had died 2 years ago in childbirth. More tears gushed from Lilly's eyes to remember the past. "I'm Lillian, Mother." Lilly took her mothers cold hand as Marigold looked at her sadly. Lilly realized that her mother was just too sick to understand. she sighed at this, whipping the tears away from her face, she pulled the blankets up around her mother. As she left she whispered to the shadowed room "Please get better, Mother. A sister was hard enough."
The first rays of the sun filled the sky as Lilly took her normal seat by Linda's grave. Today was going to be hot but there was a light wind brushing the dewdrops that still clung to the grass blades. It would be a wonderful summer day and again Lilly would be stuck inside, washing clothes, scrubbing floors, and making beds. She didn't mind. She loved her family dearly. Lifting her head to the dawn she made the wish she made every morning she visited her sisters grave, the safety of her family. The wind picked up and blew Lilly's golden-brown hair behind her. After taking a deep breath of the freshness, she ran her hand along the top of the headstone. Soon the smooth stone would be weathered from the elements of nature. "Linda, how would you comfort me in this time, if you were still among the living?"
* * *
Sikando Baggins awoke to the light of the dawn peeping in the slates of the stable. A soft neigh behind him made him jump. He whirled around to see a jet-black horse nibbling on hay at the back of the stall. Sikando sighed, remembering that he had fallen asleep in stables again next to his new horse, Essa. He had gotten Essa for his 8th birthday, just a week before. Since then, he hadn't been able to leave the beautiful horses side. At only 8, Sikando had a gift with animals. Wild Llamas flocked to him in the fields and the tiny number dogs in The Shire loved to play with him. Essa neighed and nudged her master. Sikando laughed. "You want to go out to North Field again?" The horse whined softly, bobbing her head. North Field had the greenest grass and the best view of Hobbiton. All the Hobbits loved it there and it was where Sikando liked to take Essa. Without rope or halter, the boy led the horse to the field where he could sit and think as she ate.
* * *
Silver and Star Baggins, Sikando's sisters, were each busy with tasks of their own in the first lights of day. This was the best time to get chores done and have the rest of the day free for fun. This was Silver's favorite saying. Work before play. As Sliver set the table for breakfast and cut apples for a pie, Star brought out her birthday present book and pushed her summer school work aside. The knife Silver was using to cut apples found her skin. "Why does that always happen to me?" she whispered to herself. She surveyed her injury. Nothing but a few drops of blood. " How can The History of Hobbits, Volume 1 be so funny Star?" Silver asked her sister who was laughing for the millionth time that morning. Star looked up. "I am not reading that!" she insisted. " The book Mommy and Daddy got me is really funny!" Silver looked at the pie again. What was harder? Making an apple pie or watching Star out off her schoolwork? Silver smiled and turned back to the pie.
* * *
Before returning home from Linda's grave Lilly made a stop at the Well. Her friends Robin Brandybuck and Rain Took were already there. As Lilly filled her bucket she told them the latest news on her mother. Rain looked depressed and Lilly wasn't even going ask why. In fact, she already knew why. She had started a plan. From rumor Lilly had heard tales that Rain and Pippin had been fighting. She didn't want to believe that. Even though Rain acted down a lot, being sad wasn't a crime. Robin, usually bubbly in attitude now also sulked. She only told Lilly that she hoped things with her mom would get better and walked off. Rain followed soon after.
When Lilly walked into Bag End the smell of apple pie filled her nostrils. She managed a smile. Silver always had a way of making Lilly high in spirit again. She tried to push the thought of her sister away but like her soul, the thought of Linda lingered as well. A knock at the door made her jump.
* * *
From a window of the great castle in Mirkwood the Elven Princess looked down at the path that ran through her kingdom. Elves scurried every which way, looking for family and friends after Morning Sun Ritual. The Morning Sun Ritual was preformed once a month by the Lowers, common, non-royal Elves of Mirkwood. They would go to the Eastern Oak Tree and find a ripe acorn. They would re-plant it somewhere by the tree as the sun began to rise. The covering of the acorn symbolized the shielding of evil. The acorn being bathed in the dawn meant happiness for an entire rotation of the sun and moon. Also the acorn is legendary to have to past ancestors in them. The Elves believe the earth represented Purity and the entire ritual was to wake Protective Spirits of the Past.
At the end of each month, the Greenleaf's would go to the western Oak Tree to perform the Resting Ceremony. Beyond the Hills their ancestors have been buried. As the sun sank behind the trees Legolas would take an acorn and wrap it in a green leaf. Then Icira would hold each up to the dying day and ask the Spirits to rest for the night and awake tomorrow as the Lowers summoned them. Faorie would take the wrapped acorn and plant them into the ground. Analia would water them with Cold Water from the longest stream in Mirkwood. The river was blessed, it is thought, the Spirits drink from the river before departing to the Undying Lands.
Icira sighed and opened the window. Many of the Lowers stopped to wave at the solitary Greenleaf that stood alone actually watching the activity of her own race. Her children seemed to be by her side and Legolas at her side always. Today he and the kids had gone to visit Legolas's parents, the King and Queen.
The fresh air seemed to do wonders to one's mind, especially after the Morning Sun Ritual when the Spirits had awoken. Yet Icira felt a disturbance in the atmosphere, and something told her that the disterbance was not a positive one.
* * *
Robin Brandybuck entered her room with food and tea. Quietly she set the tray down on the bedside table. As she poured warmed medicine onto a spoon her husband, Merry, stirred. "Robbi" he muttered. "Shush" Robin said smiling, stroking his cheek. Alda, their daughter, rushed into the room. Robin jumped to her feet. "You know daddy has a cold, Alda, OUT NOW!" Alda turned back out into the hall, muttering sorry. Robin smiled. Outside her horse and wagon was filled for Alda to spend a few nights with Lilly. Robin hoped she wasn't intruding.
* * *
The suds and water sloshed around the bath bucket as Rain Took walked up the hill to her home. Even as the morning turned to afternoon and the sun found its place in the sky, Rain lugged. "Belle!" she called. No answer. "Belle!" again nothing but the wind was heard. Setting the bucket down she rushed inside. Belle wasn't in the house and in the study she bumped into Pippin. They glared at eachother for a few seconds and then Pippin made his way to door. Rain stopped him. "Is Belle at Farmer Maggots again?" she fumed. Pippin shook his head and walked out of the door. Rain's heart filled with anger and annoyince as she walked up the beaten path to Farmer Maggots. She hoped she could think up a good excuse and get to her daughter before the farmer did.
* * *
"A message for a Lillian Cotton Baggins of Bag End" a messenger elf gruffly said. Lilly thanked the elf and took the letter. She opened the seal. Silver pulled her mother into a chair so she could see too.
It read:
Dear Lilly,
It has been many seasons since your last visit with us and I would be filled with joy if you would join me here at this time. My heart feels heavy from daily routines and I long for change. Somehow, I feel as though I excepted Rain and Pippin to start arguing soon. Legolas, my children and I will try our best to help in this indeed sorroful problem. Bring as many as you feel fit and I hope to see you soon.
Icira
Just as Lilly finished reading the letter Star ran into the room. "Robin and Alda just pulled up!" she said, excitedly. Lilly thrust the letter to Silver and rushed to help with Alda's bags. "I don't remember inviting them… oh I hope nothing is wrong!"
In the kitchen Lilly told Robin about Icira's letter. This cheered Robin up slightly. After swallowing the last bit of water from the glass, Robin told Lilly about Merry's cold. This frightened Lilly and made her think of her mother and sister. If Merry continued to be sick, he might catch Whooping Cough as well. Lilly finished the water in a few gulps. Robin's long brown hair tangled in knots. " Lets write Icira back while I'm here." she suggested quickly. Lilly laughed. "I knew that would cheer you up!"
* * *
When Frodo walked into his house that evening, instead of finding Star reading, Silver baking, and Lilly washing clothes, he found a great hub-bub of commotion and not the faintest idea of why any of it was going on. "I am away for a day and half of the night and this happens." he said to himself. Lilly and Robin were hunched over the desk in the study trying to write something and failing. The girls were outside picking flowers in the garden and Sikando was passed out on the sofa. Frodo couldn't help but smile. Lilly rushed to him when she heard him come in the door. "You just missed Super but we kept a bit warm for you" she smiled, motioning into the kitchen. "I promise when you finish eating, Robin and I will explain everything." She hurried away back into the study. Sure to her word, as soon as Frodo finished eating, Lilly threw his dishes into the soapy water in the sink and quickly put the kids to bed. When all was quite, they sat by the blazing fire and talked way into the early hours of the next morning. Frodo couldn't brush the feeling that something was wrong with Lilly's plan, but he couldn't place it. "Don't you trust me?" Lilly asked, brushing her hair. "I trust you" Frodo took her in a hug. "It's just, you like to jump at everything, should you not slow down and think about what you are doing first?" Lilly shook her head. "I know what I'm doing, Frodo, Rain and Pippin are in trouble and I found the best solution for it." Frodo sighed. He wasn't sure. In fact their lives would change drastically in just a few weeks.
Hey everyone! thanks for reading! please reveiw and if you have any ideas (non-negitive) please post.Robin Brandybuck and Rain Took are the names based upon my friends. It is not intentionally made to be taken to heart. I'll update every now and then so be looking for a more exciding chapter 2. dont bail out on Lilly now. Many new surprises are in store if you wait for Chapter 2. Have a Happy New Year
Ruby
Chapter 1- Unanswered Questions
Far away the sound of chirping birds awoke Lillian Cotton Baggins. Her dreams that had been peaceful now faded. Her eyes flew open. "Another day" she thought as she got dressed.
In the hallway she lit the oil candles, adding a little light to the gloomy fog that surrounded Bag End in the early morning. Outside the dreary fog made the pre-dawn sullen and mysterious. Lilly, no one but her parents called her Lillian anymore, knew the sun would stay hidden for at least five more hours or so and with it just about every Hobbit would stay sleeping. The fog parted a bit as she made her way down the lane leading away from her home. It was cold out for a summer's morning and Lilly wrapped her shawl tighter around her face as she walked. Soon Bag End was lost in the thick mist.
It seemed like ages before Lilly reached her parent's home, number six North Bagshot Road, even though it was just a short walk. Her father Posco Cotton was sitting in a chair by the fallen fire. Only the hot embers sent tiny bits of warmth, crackling and sputtering lightly. Lilly softly touched her father on the arm. He jolted awake. "Wh- why did you do that for?" Lilly laughed. "I know that laugh" Posco yawned, leaning closer to see in the dim light. "Lillian?" "I did not mean to wake you, Father, I am sorry. Mother...is she any better?" Lilly questioned. A worried look came over Posco's face. Lilly sighed. "Her cough has gotten worse and I believe she is starting to go delirious. I am afraid she wont last much longer." He grasped Lilly's hand tightly and for awhile neither daughter nor father spoke. When Lilly could stand it no longer, she turned away to face the wood pile saying "Let me start another fire, it is cold and dark enough in here worrying about Mother's state with not the warmth of a fire."
After the embers had had their feast of wood, Lilly wrapped her father in a blanket and scurried into an even colder room. The room that held her mother, crippled by Whooping Cough. Even without a fire the room had the smell of sickness and the deep-bearing chill of death. Lilly found that her mother was awake, even though she no longer had the conception of time. The normal glow of Marigold's eyes was now a dull, lonely, clouded green. Marigold gave a loud cough, sending her body rocking with spasms. The sight brought tears to Lilly's own green eyes. Her mother, once regaining her breath, motioned Lilly to her bedside. "I need to tell you something, Linda—" But more coughs interrupted her sentence. Lilly gasped and took a step back. "Linda?" Linda Cotton Chubb was her older sister and had died 2 years ago in childbirth. More tears gushed from Lilly's eyes to remember the past. "I'm Lillian, Mother." Lilly took her mothers cold hand as Marigold looked at her sadly. Lilly realized that her mother was just too sick to understand. she sighed at this, whipping the tears away from her face, she pulled the blankets up around her mother. As she left she whispered to the shadowed room "Please get better, Mother. A sister was hard enough."
The first rays of the sun filled the sky as Lilly took her normal seat by Linda's grave. Today was going to be hot but there was a light wind brushing the dewdrops that still clung to the grass blades. It would be a wonderful summer day and again Lilly would be stuck inside, washing clothes, scrubbing floors, and making beds. She didn't mind. She loved her family dearly. Lifting her head to the dawn she made the wish she made every morning she visited her sisters grave, the safety of her family. The wind picked up and blew Lilly's golden-brown hair behind her. After taking a deep breath of the freshness, she ran her hand along the top of the headstone. Soon the smooth stone would be weathered from the elements of nature. "Linda, how would you comfort me in this time, if you were still among the living?"
* * *
Sikando Baggins awoke to the light of the dawn peeping in the slates of the stable. A soft neigh behind him made him jump. He whirled around to see a jet-black horse nibbling on hay at the back of the stall. Sikando sighed, remembering that he had fallen asleep in stables again next to his new horse, Essa. He had gotten Essa for his 8th birthday, just a week before. Since then, he hadn't been able to leave the beautiful horses side. At only 8, Sikando had a gift with animals. Wild Llamas flocked to him in the fields and the tiny number dogs in The Shire loved to play with him. Essa neighed and nudged her master. Sikando laughed. "You want to go out to North Field again?" The horse whined softly, bobbing her head. North Field had the greenest grass and the best view of Hobbiton. All the Hobbits loved it there and it was where Sikando liked to take Essa. Without rope or halter, the boy led the horse to the field where he could sit and think as she ate.
* * *
Silver and Star Baggins, Sikando's sisters, were each busy with tasks of their own in the first lights of day. This was the best time to get chores done and have the rest of the day free for fun. This was Silver's favorite saying. Work before play. As Sliver set the table for breakfast and cut apples for a pie, Star brought out her birthday present book and pushed her summer school work aside. The knife Silver was using to cut apples found her skin. "Why does that always happen to me?" she whispered to herself. She surveyed her injury. Nothing but a few drops of blood. " How can The History of Hobbits, Volume 1 be so funny Star?" Silver asked her sister who was laughing for the millionth time that morning. Star looked up. "I am not reading that!" she insisted. " The book Mommy and Daddy got me is really funny!" Silver looked at the pie again. What was harder? Making an apple pie or watching Star out off her schoolwork? Silver smiled and turned back to the pie.
* * *
Before returning home from Linda's grave Lilly made a stop at the Well. Her friends Robin Brandybuck and Rain Took were already there. As Lilly filled her bucket she told them the latest news on her mother. Rain looked depressed and Lilly wasn't even going ask why. In fact, she already knew why. She had started a plan. From rumor Lilly had heard tales that Rain and Pippin had been fighting. She didn't want to believe that. Even though Rain acted down a lot, being sad wasn't a crime. Robin, usually bubbly in attitude now also sulked. She only told Lilly that she hoped things with her mom would get better and walked off. Rain followed soon after.
When Lilly walked into Bag End the smell of apple pie filled her nostrils. She managed a smile. Silver always had a way of making Lilly high in spirit again. She tried to push the thought of her sister away but like her soul, the thought of Linda lingered as well. A knock at the door made her jump.
* * *
From a window of the great castle in Mirkwood the Elven Princess looked down at the path that ran through her kingdom. Elves scurried every which way, looking for family and friends after Morning Sun Ritual. The Morning Sun Ritual was preformed once a month by the Lowers, common, non-royal Elves of Mirkwood. They would go to the Eastern Oak Tree and find a ripe acorn. They would re-plant it somewhere by the tree as the sun began to rise. The covering of the acorn symbolized the shielding of evil. The acorn being bathed in the dawn meant happiness for an entire rotation of the sun and moon. Also the acorn is legendary to have to past ancestors in them. The Elves believe the earth represented Purity and the entire ritual was to wake Protective Spirits of the Past.
At the end of each month, the Greenleaf's would go to the western Oak Tree to perform the Resting Ceremony. Beyond the Hills their ancestors have been buried. As the sun sank behind the trees Legolas would take an acorn and wrap it in a green leaf. Then Icira would hold each up to the dying day and ask the Spirits to rest for the night and awake tomorrow as the Lowers summoned them. Faorie would take the wrapped acorn and plant them into the ground. Analia would water them with Cold Water from the longest stream in Mirkwood. The river was blessed, it is thought, the Spirits drink from the river before departing to the Undying Lands.
Icira sighed and opened the window. Many of the Lowers stopped to wave at the solitary Greenleaf that stood alone actually watching the activity of her own race. Her children seemed to be by her side and Legolas at her side always. Today he and the kids had gone to visit Legolas's parents, the King and Queen.
The fresh air seemed to do wonders to one's mind, especially after the Morning Sun Ritual when the Spirits had awoken. Yet Icira felt a disturbance in the atmosphere, and something told her that the disterbance was not a positive one.
* * *
Robin Brandybuck entered her room with food and tea. Quietly she set the tray down on the bedside table. As she poured warmed medicine onto a spoon her husband, Merry, stirred. "Robbi" he muttered. "Shush" Robin said smiling, stroking his cheek. Alda, their daughter, rushed into the room. Robin jumped to her feet. "You know daddy has a cold, Alda, OUT NOW!" Alda turned back out into the hall, muttering sorry. Robin smiled. Outside her horse and wagon was filled for Alda to spend a few nights with Lilly. Robin hoped she wasn't intruding.
* * *
The suds and water sloshed around the bath bucket as Rain Took walked up the hill to her home. Even as the morning turned to afternoon and the sun found its place in the sky, Rain lugged. "Belle!" she called. No answer. "Belle!" again nothing but the wind was heard. Setting the bucket down she rushed inside. Belle wasn't in the house and in the study she bumped into Pippin. They glared at eachother for a few seconds and then Pippin made his way to door. Rain stopped him. "Is Belle at Farmer Maggots again?" she fumed. Pippin shook his head and walked out of the door. Rain's heart filled with anger and annoyince as she walked up the beaten path to Farmer Maggots. She hoped she could think up a good excuse and get to her daughter before the farmer did.
* * *
"A message for a Lillian Cotton Baggins of Bag End" a messenger elf gruffly said. Lilly thanked the elf and took the letter. She opened the seal. Silver pulled her mother into a chair so she could see too.
It read:
Dear Lilly,
It has been many seasons since your last visit with us and I would be filled with joy if you would join me here at this time. My heart feels heavy from daily routines and I long for change. Somehow, I feel as though I excepted Rain and Pippin to start arguing soon. Legolas, my children and I will try our best to help in this indeed sorroful problem. Bring as many as you feel fit and I hope to see you soon.
Icira
Just as Lilly finished reading the letter Star ran into the room. "Robin and Alda just pulled up!" she said, excitedly. Lilly thrust the letter to Silver and rushed to help with Alda's bags. "I don't remember inviting them… oh I hope nothing is wrong!"
In the kitchen Lilly told Robin about Icira's letter. This cheered Robin up slightly. After swallowing the last bit of water from the glass, Robin told Lilly about Merry's cold. This frightened Lilly and made her think of her mother and sister. If Merry continued to be sick, he might catch Whooping Cough as well. Lilly finished the water in a few gulps. Robin's long brown hair tangled in knots. " Lets write Icira back while I'm here." she suggested quickly. Lilly laughed. "I knew that would cheer you up!"
* * *
When Frodo walked into his house that evening, instead of finding Star reading, Silver baking, and Lilly washing clothes, he found a great hub-bub of commotion and not the faintest idea of why any of it was going on. "I am away for a day and half of the night and this happens." he said to himself. Lilly and Robin were hunched over the desk in the study trying to write something and failing. The girls were outside picking flowers in the garden and Sikando was passed out on the sofa. Frodo couldn't help but smile. Lilly rushed to him when she heard him come in the door. "You just missed Super but we kept a bit warm for you" she smiled, motioning into the kitchen. "I promise when you finish eating, Robin and I will explain everything." She hurried away back into the study. Sure to her word, as soon as Frodo finished eating, Lilly threw his dishes into the soapy water in the sink and quickly put the kids to bed. When all was quite, they sat by the blazing fire and talked way into the early hours of the next morning. Frodo couldn't brush the feeling that something was wrong with Lilly's plan, but he couldn't place it. "Don't you trust me?" Lilly asked, brushing her hair. "I trust you" Frodo took her in a hug. "It's just, you like to jump at everything, should you not slow down and think about what you are doing first?" Lilly shook her head. "I know what I'm doing, Frodo, Rain and Pippin are in trouble and I found the best solution for it." Frodo sighed. He wasn't sure. In fact their lives would change drastically in just a few weeks.
Hey everyone! thanks for reading! please reveiw and if you have any ideas (non-negitive) please post.Robin Brandybuck and Rain Took are the names based upon my friends. It is not intentionally made to be taken to heart. I'll update every now and then so be looking for a more exciding chapter 2. dont bail out on Lilly now. Many new surprises are in store if you wait for Chapter 2. Have a Happy New Year
Ruby