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"I can't believe that young Mister Baggin's and the Gaffer's son have gone missing too!" exclaimed the old hobbitess, as she swept up the last of the leaves from the footpath. Dolly rolled her eyes, and stole a glance at her older cousin. Bramblerose was sat on the front step, head in hands, eyes distant.
"Cheer up Bramblerose!"
"Eh?"
"I'm sure your sweetheart will return!" Dolly chimed, with a sly grin. It took years of practice to avoid the fox-maiden's swat at her head. Bramblerose glowered hotly at the snickering girl, before storming down the path.
"Oh come on Bramble, I was kidding!" her cousin called after her, still giggling. She received a 'humph!' in response, causing the hobbitess to cackle some more.
"Best chase her down" she exclaimed, hurrying after the muttering girl.
Hobbiton was as always, bustling with the inhabitants, selling the latest crop of potatoes or carrots, as the children played in the fields, under the watchful eye of their elders. The sun was high in the sky, as Bramblerose approached the watermill, a dancing Dolly following behind her.
"Braaamblerose! You're takin' this to heart! Is he in your heart, fox lass?" The fox-maiden, stopped in her angry stride, and whirled to face Dolly, ready to give her an earful. The two collided.
"OW! Blimey, you're in a sore mood these days." the dark-haired hobbit complained, as Bramblerose sighed.
"I'm sorry, it's just…I'm worried y'know?"
The hobbitess raised an eyebrow, as Bramblerose sat down on the rough stone dyke, and clucked her tongue.
"I understand dear girl, I'm sorry to tease." she said, with an apologetic smile. Bramblerose shrugged, and rang a hand through her wispy bangs.
"Its alright…I just -"
Suddenly the halfling seemed to be distracted, as two elderly gentlemen walked by, their voices low.
Dolly, sensing the change, looked at her in concern.
"What is it?"
"SSSSH!" Bramblerose hissed sharply, before the men moved out of range. Eyes wide, Bramblerose hopped down from the wall, as her cousin stepped forward.
"Well?!"
Pale hazel eyes met chestnut in worry.
"From what those gents were saying, the young Brandybuck, Merry, and his Took friend, Peregrin…Pip….are now missing as well!"
Dolly stepped back, her face pale.
"Why are folks disappearing all of a sudden!?"
Bramblerose approached her, realizing her cousin's dismay. Pippin had always been a dear friend of Dolly's, since they were similar in age. The red-haired girl shook her head, eyes troubled before finally admitting..
"I…I know where Mister Frodo and Samwise went."
Dolly's head flew up sharply
"You do?! Why didn't you-"
"I was sworn not too. It's…something big Dolly. They're on some trip…have to get out of the Shire."
Her voice dropped an octave
"Something's after Mister Frodo, Dolly. I'm…worried, Dolly."
Dolly placed a hand on the girl's slim shoulder and a determined look crossed her face.
"Well…I'm glad to hear that their whereabouts are somewhat certain….as for Merry n' Pip…"
She paused, quick mind thinking.
"We should go looking."
This caught the fox-maiden off-guard.
"WHAT?!"
But nothing could shake the hobbitess, and her mind when it was set. Her face softened, eyes gentle as she gazed at Dolly…
So like Sweetpea.
-------------------------------
"I still think you're mad"
Dolly sighed, as Bramblerose shot ahead, tail flashing in the pale moonlight. It'd been two days since Dolly had firmly decided to set off and find all the missing young lads, after leaving a note for her mum. Sweetpea, in her mind's eye, would sigh in annoyance, as the two girls always seemed to take off on some ridiculous adventure, that ended in them turning up on the doorstep, muddied beyond all belief. She grinned in the twilight at the thought, as Bramblerose looked back, eyes bright. The plump hobbitess smirked.
"And I think you're pleased to be coming along. I know you and your queer fascination with old Bilbo's tales. You're having the time of your life!" Dolly pointed out, as she heaved her backpack a little higher.
Ducking her head, Bramblerose smiled slightly. She was so easy to read! They were heading in the direction of Bree also. One thing Dolly did know well and that was a certain young Took's favorite haunts. She was no stranger to see them carrying bundles of various vegetables from various farmer's field.
Now they traveled in silence through the silver woodlands, the blue bells stirring gently as they past.
Bramblerose was in euphoria. The world at night…was her favorite place to be. Under the great moon, among the trees. Sometimes, she could almost hear the hum of the trees who grew here, but dismissed it to daydreaming.
The trip had been going well for both of them, the air cool and smelling of dew. Bramblerose and Dolly were dressed snugly in cloaks, Dolly's a soft rose color, while Bramblerose opted for her olive green one. They were, underneath, dressed in the garb of a typical hobbit-lass, Dolly in gentle yellows and Bramblerose in her dusky reds.
Only difference was, Bramblerose wore a gentleman's coat. Dolly hadn't dared to ask who's it was as she already knew. It was the last remaining article of Feanaro's in existence, a fine dark brown coat, split at the back. (very dashing, when on the foxling)
Bramblerose rarely wore it, as people frowned upon the gesture to her father. But now, here she was, wearing it proudly. Her hair was bound in a simple braid and looped over her head, and secured tightly.
Dolly's hung in a loose bun, which was currently falling about her tanned face.
It'd been under 2 hours, when suddenly, the night seemed to fall silent. No chirps of crickets, no occasional calls of frogs. Dolly stopped walking when she saw Bramblerose pause, head tipped to the side, as though listening intently.
Drawing close to her cousin, the hobbitess frowned at the tight expression on Bramblerose's face.
"What is it?" she whispered.
Eyes, almost yellow in the twilight, gleamed with fear.
"Something comes this way! We have to hide!!" she hissed softly, grabbing the younger girl's hand and dragging over to a patch of bluebells that hide a small ditch. Shoving her cousin into the small opening, Bramblerose glanced up, as the sudden ring of hoof beats could be heard thundering through the woods.
Whatever is was, the scent of death on the night air, made her dizzy with fear.
Eyes locking with Dolly's who was near invisible, she whispered "Don't move" and started running in a completely opposite direction, much to Dolly's horror. But in the back of her mind, she trusted Bramblerose's cunning and held her breath.
Meanwhile the foxling made sure to crack a few twigs, as the hoof beats suddenly picked up speed, in her direction. The scent that'd come to her on the still night air, hadn't been the scent of a normal horseman, but…something terrifying. The cloying scent of death.
Suddenly, both hobbits froze, as the most bone-chilling scream echoed through the trees. A high-pitched , blood-thirsty cry…of something that had picked up the trail. Dolly lay, heart pounding in her chest, as a thundering horse and rider flew past.
She didn't catch a good glimpse at the angle she was laying at, but what she managed to see, made her breathing hitch sharply.
There had been no face in the endless dark of the rider's hood.
Bramblerose, eyes wide in terror, in her hypersensitive state, could hear the jangle of the horse's bit , and the harsh breathing of the beast, as it crashed through the undergrowth. The foxling, feet ungluing themselves from the ground, made a dash for a low-branched oak tree.
As her tail disappeared into the leaves, an enormous beast of a horse burst into the small clearing, its cloaked rider's head moving back and forth.
Bramblerose remained clung to the branch, staring down at the creature, as it seemed to…sniff the air like a hound!
Resting her cheek against the rough bark, Bramblerose squeezed her eyes shut, as the horse and rider came closer. The scent was dizzying, so cloying and dark in every sense of the word. Her senses, the fox-sprite side of her, were reeling.
Please…please go away! she thought with all her might, a little hobbitess, hidden above one of the Nine Riders, a Nazgul.
She could not see for herself, but the foxling, pleading with all her might, to remain unseen, seemed to melt into the leaves and shadows. For she had awoken the ancient sprite's ability to truly become one with the world around them. This world and the next. And the Nazgul stared straight at where she lay…and saw nothing.
Slowly, the rider moved off in the opposite direction, gradually leaving the woods, to join its brethren in Bree…where the others had thought to discovered the Ring Bearer.
She didn't know how long she lay there, hidden from all eyes. It was the whispered voice of her dear cousin, Dolly, that brought Bramblerose back.
"Bramble?!" came the frightened whisper. Sliding down the branches, Bramblerose spotted her cousin a few yards away, and sighed in relief.
"Here I am, Dolly!"
To her surprise, the hobbitess seemed to look right…through her!
"Stop teasin' Bramble, where are you?!"
"I swear, I'm right here!" she protested, as her younger cousin huffed, face still pale from the fright.
"Nonsense! I can't see you!"
Bramblerose thought hard, as she remembered ( with a shudder) how invisible eyes seemed to sweep over her shaking body, and miss her entirely. Last thing she remembered thinking, was to remain unseen. Then, a slight tingle…now here she was! Invisible?
"Dolly. You can't see me? For I am right in front of you! I think I've discovered some sort of…power, that my sire may have had" she admitted, as Dolly whirled around, in amazement.
"Serious? That's incredible! Can't you stop it though?"
"I'll…try."
There was a few moments, before, much to Dolly's shock and awe, Bramblerose seemed to form from the very air! The shadows moved over her face to become part of the night again, and there her cousin stood!
"Amazing…" Dolly squeaked, before the two hugged in relief.
"What WAS that thing?!" she then asked, waving her hands for dramatic effect. The fox-maiden shook her head sadly.
"I do not know, but…I fear that may have been what hunted Mister Frodo. He did say something was looking for him!"
The younger hobbit shook her head in disbelief "…oh no! What if that… that thing got Merry and Pip?!"
Bramblerose's gaze hardened, as she began to stride through the trees, towards their destination. Dolly began to follow suite, as her cousin answered grimly
"We can only hope, Mister Frodo, dear Samwise, Merry and young Pippin are well, and mayhaps, together. And that we find them in Bree."
The two hobbits then continued onwards….towards Bree, and something far more than they anticipated. For what awaited them, only time could tell., as Frodo Baggins, accompanied by Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took encountered the stranger known only as….Strider.
"I can't believe that young Mister Baggin's and the Gaffer's son have gone missing too!" exclaimed the old hobbitess, as she swept up the last of the leaves from the footpath. Dolly rolled her eyes, and stole a glance at her older cousin. Bramblerose was sat on the front step, head in hands, eyes distant.
"Cheer up Bramblerose!"
"Eh?"
"I'm sure your sweetheart will return!" Dolly chimed, with a sly grin. It took years of practice to avoid the fox-maiden's swat at her head. Bramblerose glowered hotly at the snickering girl, before storming down the path.
"Oh come on Bramble, I was kidding!" her cousin called after her, still giggling. She received a 'humph!' in response, causing the hobbitess to cackle some more.
"Best chase her down" she exclaimed, hurrying after the muttering girl.
Hobbiton was as always, bustling with the inhabitants, selling the latest crop of potatoes or carrots, as the children played in the fields, under the watchful eye of their elders. The sun was high in the sky, as Bramblerose approached the watermill, a dancing Dolly following behind her.
"Braaamblerose! You're takin' this to heart! Is he in your heart, fox lass?" The fox-maiden, stopped in her angry stride, and whirled to face Dolly, ready to give her an earful. The two collided.
"OW! Blimey, you're in a sore mood these days." the dark-haired hobbit complained, as Bramblerose sighed.
"I'm sorry, it's just…I'm worried y'know?"
The hobbitess raised an eyebrow, as Bramblerose sat down on the rough stone dyke, and clucked her tongue.
"I understand dear girl, I'm sorry to tease." she said, with an apologetic smile. Bramblerose shrugged, and rang a hand through her wispy bangs.
"Its alright…I just -"
Suddenly the halfling seemed to be distracted, as two elderly gentlemen walked by, their voices low.
Dolly, sensing the change, looked at her in concern.
"What is it?"
"SSSSH!" Bramblerose hissed sharply, before the men moved out of range. Eyes wide, Bramblerose hopped down from the wall, as her cousin stepped forward.
"Well?!"
Pale hazel eyes met chestnut in worry.
"From what those gents were saying, the young Brandybuck, Merry, and his Took friend, Peregrin…Pip….are now missing as well!"
Dolly stepped back, her face pale.
"Why are folks disappearing all of a sudden!?"
Bramblerose approached her, realizing her cousin's dismay. Pippin had always been a dear friend of Dolly's, since they were similar in age. The red-haired girl shook her head, eyes troubled before finally admitting..
"I…I know where Mister Frodo and Samwise went."
Dolly's head flew up sharply
"You do?! Why didn't you-"
"I was sworn not too. It's…something big Dolly. They're on some trip…have to get out of the Shire."
Her voice dropped an octave
"Something's after Mister Frodo, Dolly. I'm…worried, Dolly."
Dolly placed a hand on the girl's slim shoulder and a determined look crossed her face.
"Well…I'm glad to hear that their whereabouts are somewhat certain….as for Merry n' Pip…"
She paused, quick mind thinking.
"We should go looking."
This caught the fox-maiden off-guard.
"WHAT?!"
But nothing could shake the hobbitess, and her mind when it was set. Her face softened, eyes gentle as she gazed at Dolly…
So like Sweetpea.
-------------------------------
"I still think you're mad"
Dolly sighed, as Bramblerose shot ahead, tail flashing in the pale moonlight. It'd been two days since Dolly had firmly decided to set off and find all the missing young lads, after leaving a note for her mum. Sweetpea, in her mind's eye, would sigh in annoyance, as the two girls always seemed to take off on some ridiculous adventure, that ended in them turning up on the doorstep, muddied beyond all belief. She grinned in the twilight at the thought, as Bramblerose looked back, eyes bright. The plump hobbitess smirked.
"And I think you're pleased to be coming along. I know you and your queer fascination with old Bilbo's tales. You're having the time of your life!" Dolly pointed out, as she heaved her backpack a little higher.
Ducking her head, Bramblerose smiled slightly. She was so easy to read! They were heading in the direction of Bree also. One thing Dolly did know well and that was a certain young Took's favorite haunts. She was no stranger to see them carrying bundles of various vegetables from various farmer's field.
Now they traveled in silence through the silver woodlands, the blue bells stirring gently as they past.
Bramblerose was in euphoria. The world at night…was her favorite place to be. Under the great moon, among the trees. Sometimes, she could almost hear the hum of the trees who grew here, but dismissed it to daydreaming.
The trip had been going well for both of them, the air cool and smelling of dew. Bramblerose and Dolly were dressed snugly in cloaks, Dolly's a soft rose color, while Bramblerose opted for her olive green one. They were, underneath, dressed in the garb of a typical hobbit-lass, Dolly in gentle yellows and Bramblerose in her dusky reds.
Only difference was, Bramblerose wore a gentleman's coat. Dolly hadn't dared to ask who's it was as she already knew. It was the last remaining article of Feanaro's in existence, a fine dark brown coat, split at the back. (very dashing, when on the foxling)
Bramblerose rarely wore it, as people frowned upon the gesture to her father. But now, here she was, wearing it proudly. Her hair was bound in a simple braid and looped over her head, and secured tightly.
Dolly's hung in a loose bun, which was currently falling about her tanned face.
It'd been under 2 hours, when suddenly, the night seemed to fall silent. No chirps of crickets, no occasional calls of frogs. Dolly stopped walking when she saw Bramblerose pause, head tipped to the side, as though listening intently.
Drawing close to her cousin, the hobbitess frowned at the tight expression on Bramblerose's face.
"What is it?" she whispered.
Eyes, almost yellow in the twilight, gleamed with fear.
"Something comes this way! We have to hide!!" she hissed softly, grabbing the younger girl's hand and dragging over to a patch of bluebells that hide a small ditch. Shoving her cousin into the small opening, Bramblerose glanced up, as the sudden ring of hoof beats could be heard thundering through the woods.
Whatever is was, the scent of death on the night air, made her dizzy with fear.
Eyes locking with Dolly's who was near invisible, she whispered "Don't move" and started running in a completely opposite direction, much to Dolly's horror. But in the back of her mind, she trusted Bramblerose's cunning and held her breath.
Meanwhile the foxling made sure to crack a few twigs, as the hoof beats suddenly picked up speed, in her direction. The scent that'd come to her on the still night air, hadn't been the scent of a normal horseman, but…something terrifying. The cloying scent of death.
Suddenly, both hobbits froze, as the most bone-chilling scream echoed through the trees. A high-pitched , blood-thirsty cry…of something that had picked up the trail. Dolly lay, heart pounding in her chest, as a thundering horse and rider flew past.
She didn't catch a good glimpse at the angle she was laying at, but what she managed to see, made her breathing hitch sharply.
There had been no face in the endless dark of the rider's hood.
Bramblerose, eyes wide in terror, in her hypersensitive state, could hear the jangle of the horse's bit , and the harsh breathing of the beast, as it crashed through the undergrowth. The foxling, feet ungluing themselves from the ground, made a dash for a low-branched oak tree.
As her tail disappeared into the leaves, an enormous beast of a horse burst into the small clearing, its cloaked rider's head moving back and forth.
Bramblerose remained clung to the branch, staring down at the creature, as it seemed to…sniff the air like a hound!
Resting her cheek against the rough bark, Bramblerose squeezed her eyes shut, as the horse and rider came closer. The scent was dizzying, so cloying and dark in every sense of the word. Her senses, the fox-sprite side of her, were reeling.
Please…please go away! she thought with all her might, a little hobbitess, hidden above one of the Nine Riders, a Nazgul.
She could not see for herself, but the foxling, pleading with all her might, to remain unseen, seemed to melt into the leaves and shadows. For she had awoken the ancient sprite's ability to truly become one with the world around them. This world and the next. And the Nazgul stared straight at where she lay…and saw nothing.
Slowly, the rider moved off in the opposite direction, gradually leaving the woods, to join its brethren in Bree…where the others had thought to discovered the Ring Bearer.
She didn't know how long she lay there, hidden from all eyes. It was the whispered voice of her dear cousin, Dolly, that brought Bramblerose back.
"Bramble?!" came the frightened whisper. Sliding down the branches, Bramblerose spotted her cousin a few yards away, and sighed in relief.
"Here I am, Dolly!"
To her surprise, the hobbitess seemed to look right…through her!
"Stop teasin' Bramble, where are you?!"
"I swear, I'm right here!" she protested, as her younger cousin huffed, face still pale from the fright.
"Nonsense! I can't see you!"
Bramblerose thought hard, as she remembered ( with a shudder) how invisible eyes seemed to sweep over her shaking body, and miss her entirely. Last thing she remembered thinking, was to remain unseen. Then, a slight tingle…now here she was! Invisible?
"Dolly. You can't see me? For I am right in front of you! I think I've discovered some sort of…power, that my sire may have had" she admitted, as Dolly whirled around, in amazement.
"Serious? That's incredible! Can't you stop it though?"
"I'll…try."
There was a few moments, before, much to Dolly's shock and awe, Bramblerose seemed to form from the very air! The shadows moved over her face to become part of the night again, and there her cousin stood!
"Amazing…" Dolly squeaked, before the two hugged in relief.
"What WAS that thing?!" she then asked, waving her hands for dramatic effect. The fox-maiden shook her head sadly.
"I do not know, but…I fear that may have been what hunted Mister Frodo. He did say something was looking for him!"
The younger hobbit shook her head in disbelief "…oh no! What if that… that thing got Merry and Pip?!"
Bramblerose's gaze hardened, as she began to stride through the trees, towards their destination. Dolly began to follow suite, as her cousin answered grimly
"We can only hope, Mister Frodo, dear Samwise, Merry and young Pippin are well, and mayhaps, together. And that we find them in Bree."
The two hobbits then continued onwards….towards Bree, and something far more than they anticipated. For what awaited them, only time could tell., as Frodo Baggins, accompanied by Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took encountered the stranger known only as….Strider.