Chapter 7: Midsummer's Day
Thanks again and again and again! I'll write a personal a/n to all of you, but this chapter is very long as it is! Ok, here's another chapter until my teachers let me breathe. ;)
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
The Free Fair was what every youthful-hearted hobbit looked forward to every summer. The lush and empty field of White Downs was embellished with stands and tables, flags and streamers. The children in the area would always sneak a peek at the field or large carts that rode into the plain. Rumors were always spread by the little ones of enormous booths of food in the meadow and performers and musicians of all kinds were arriving for the event. Of course, all of the gossip was pulled a little bit to the extreme but everyone couldn't help to imagine the fair being so extravagant.
Soon, Midsummer's Day was approaching and crowds of hobbits that day were traveling west for the celebration early in the morning. Farmer Cotton and Mrs. Cotton brought their picnic of food and all the boys had collected their money they had saved over the year. Soon the Cottons were out walking towards the white cliffs of the Delving,
The Gamgees were also heading for the White Downs and the Gaffer would bring up the talk of the watermelon-eating and the roasted pumpkinseeds from the biggest pumpkin grown so far this year. May and Marigold chattered all day to Sam (since he was the only one who could take up there endless talking patiently) about the events. Sam never knew what to expect from the fair since every year was different, but he took the bag of coins from Farmer Cotton, and some of his own, just in case.
Just over the hill, the hobbits that arrived gasped at the sight of the once-a-year event. The banners and flags were whipping in the slight breeze and the colorful stands were full of things to buy or win. Little children ran towards the play areas and shows and many of them were given balloons.
The Cottons came down the flat of the field and they walked together throughout the fair for a time. Mrs. Cotton spotted a stand of sewing items, yarn, and ribbons and hurriedly skipped over to it. Nibs and Nick both went over to throwing-stand and waited in line to test their aim. Rosie found some of her girlfriends around jewelry booth and visited with them.
The Gamgees came down the grassland as well and May and Marigold found the hula-hooping area and waited there. Every hobbit that went to the festival faithfully every year knew that May Gamgee had been the hula-hooping champion for years. Not only could she hula-hoop one ring, but two longer than anyone. The Gaffer found Daddy Twofoot by the pumpkins and helped with the rearranging and setting up, all the while waiting to taste the sweet pumpkins.
Sam looked around for a while and ran over to Frodo sitting down alone; they drank and watched the musicians play and Sam sat down next to them with a mug of ale.
"Sam! Great to see you here at last, my friend!" Frodo said and he took a drink from his own cup.
They talked lightly and Sam kept his eye out for the Cottons, more on the lines of looking for Rosie. Sam wasn't the only one looking for Rosie. A hobbit was busy displaying his pitching skills at a booth in front of many flirting lasses, and his brother Polo waited for his turn.
Frodo and Sam got up after they mugs were dry and Frodo spotted two familiar faces sitting down at a long table of pies.
"Now how did you two rascals manage to help judge pies this year, eh?" Frodo laughed and Pippin cocked his head to the side.
"As a matter of fact, Merry and I have particular tastes for such fine pies as these and have become exceptional experts on pie-eating," Pippin exaggerated, raising his eyebrows.
"On the other hand, you could also just say that they were short a few judges this year, but any excuse works as long as we get to try ALL these delicious pies in front of us!" Merry explained and he licked his lips.
Pippin rubbed his hands and pointed to the treats in front of him, "Blueberry, peach, or cranberry apple? Why must there be so many hard decisions?!" Pippin laughed and took a piece out of the dish.
Merry continued talking while he decided on the pie, "Did you know that me and Pip here were going to set up our own booth here?" Merry asked and Frodo and Sam laughed. "Well it's true! To set up a booth here is free of charge and we planned on making a palm-reading stand." Merry explained and Sam and Frodo laughed even harder.
"Oh, come now!" Pippin said with stuffed cheeks, "I can read your palm! Give me your hand, Sam!" Pippin swallowed and Sam gave him an open palm.
Pippin traced his finger over Sam's palm with cranberry-apple filling on it and stared at it for a long time. "Let's see...," He pondered, "You will have a long life!"
"Well, there's a new one," Sam chuckled as Pippin shushed him and continued, "You will find much success in life in many things and---in 7, um, weeks, your dreams will...come true!" Pippin exclaimed loudly and Sam rolled his eyes.
"I don't suppose you got that from the crease in everyone's hand that looked like a '7' did you?" Sam joked and Pippin shrugged, "Hey, it's worth a try for a bit of pocket change. Check in 7 weeks and if I'm right, you owe me big, you ol' Mr. Skeptic!" Pippin said proudly and Sam promised.
After the pie judging was over, everyone gathered 'round to see Lobelia Sackville-Baggins win the 'Best Pie-Baking' ribbon, like she had every year for a decade. Then, the pie was passed out and Frodo and Sam helped themselves to a warm piece of apple pie with Merry and Pippin (who surprisingly had still enough room to fit in more).
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Rosie walked down the rows of booths and stands and stopped occasionally at things that caught her eye, such as art canvases, books, and music. She heard the commotion of the award to Lobelia's pie and decided to eat later when the watermelons were judged and cut for eating.
She walked by another art booth and stopped to look at one that caught her eye. It was a collage of many flowers, all painted to look like one big, golden poppy from a distance.
She felt someone brush by her side and bent down at her level to look at the watercolors. "Quite an abnormal painting, don't you agree?" Nolfarm exclaimed and she straightened up.
"I find it quite beautiful," She responded and he nodded. "In a way, I suppose." Nolfarm said and he sighed.
He stood by her as she wandered into the open tent of art and after a while, she turned to Nolfarm. "Is there anything you want, Nolfarm?"
He grinned and nodded smugly, "Just being in your company is all I need, Rosie." He said smoothly and he took her hand, "As a matter of fact, I have a little something for you, Rosie."
He guided her out the tent and to an empty bench, away from the lasses he had been winking at earlier. He grabbed the bouquet of roses he had kept under the bench and handed them to Rosie, "I do not know a better way than telling you how I feel than giving you this, m'love." He said romantically and kissed her cheek.
She took the roses, which were all in bloom, and stared skeptically at Nolfarm. His eyes were dark and clear, unlike the gazed look she usually saw at the bar, so she knew he could not be drunk. She wasn't sure where he was leading to, and tried not to think about what it might be, so she looked over his shoulder and saw that a crowd was forming around rope performers.
"Look! The rope-walk has begun," She jumped up from the bench and looked back down at Nolfarm, "Thank you for the roses, Nolfarm. They're lovely. Maybe I'll see you later," She said quickly and found her way into the crowd, somewhere away from Nolfarm. She brushed her cheek and roamed puzzled through the crowd. There was nothing in that kiss and wondered why Nolfarm wasted his time with her when she knew he could get any giggling young lass out there.
Nolfarm cracked his knuckles absentmindedly and stared blankly at the crowd. He could not get why she walked away; what had he done wrong? He sighed and walked off and planned mentally another time to try and propose to Rosie Cotton.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
A sound of jingling coins was still planted in Samwise's mind, and he excused himself from Frodo and his cousins after he had finished his pie. He looked at every table and saw his mother still lingering around the tents of sweet spices and cooking supplies.
A booth of gardening tools, seeds, and pots were out on display and he had to tear himself away from them. He knew he couldn't use his money selfishly on himself, and he had someone else on his mind.
He placed his hand around the pouch in his pocket and shook it forgetfully, thinking about what he could purchase. Then faint chimes reached his ears like songs of morning birds and he walked into a covered tent where he heard the sound.
Little music boxes were playing and wind chimes clanged together gently. He picked up the boxes one at a time and wound them up. Each one was sweet and melodious in there own way, but he was drawn to a certain music chime. The sides of the open, white box was hand-painted with blue and pink flowers and when he turned the wind-up knob, he could see the spool turning; the keys hit the raised points on the spool and out came the sweetest and forlorn melody he had ever heard. There was no way he could describe its pureness and everytime he rewound it, it reminded him of the brilliance he saw in Rosie's eyes.
He quickly withdrew the coins from his slacks. There was just enough to buy it for her, but barely enough to buy anything else that day. He purchased it without a second thought and set it safe in his other pocket. He went out to search for Rosie.
The crowd that was growing by the minute had reached the booth Sam was at and he smiled brightly when he finally caught a sight at what everyone was looking at.
The rope-walk had become and the family line of ropers came from Tighfield to perform a little act. Even old Andwise the Roper had gotten up on the rope and walked across without a flaw in his step. Many of the younger hobbits volunteered to try and most of them fell on the mat below them after the first step.
Sam clapped loudly in the air when Hamson came on the rope self-consciously and did a quick fancy-step on the rope. He bowed after he got off and smiled sheepishly. Every year he would help set up the rope-walk, but never performed in public before. Sam noticed his sisters in front, and in May's right hand was her well-won hula-hoop, and a blue ribbon on her shoulder. He told himself he would have to look after his big sister sometime with all the lads passing by her way.
After the roper's once-a-year act, a loud horn was blown and the mob of hobbits hurriedly scurried over to the West Side of the fair. It was everyone's favorite time at the festival: the carving of the largest watermelons and pumpkins of the summer.
In the crowd, he spotted Rosie in her summer dress of green and he hastened to her side.
"Sam! I have been looking for you! Your brother is so talented up on there!" She said smiling. He nodded and they walked over to the many rows of long tables.
The hobbits clapped and cheered as the watermelons and pumpkins were placed up high for everyone to see. The Mayor had the honor of cutting the largest watermelon and was given the first piece. The entire group of hobbits hooted and clapped and the watermelon was handed out to all the old and young hobbits of the Shire there.
Frodo had his part in handing out the plates of melon and after he was finished, he sat down with his own next to Rosie, across from Sam.
"I almost forgot why I look forward to the Free Fair every year!" Frodo laughed and he took a bite out of the watermelon. Frodo and Rosie had light conversation while they ate, and Frodo always kept the opportunity open for Sam to come in and talk, but he kept quiet and listened.
"If you don't mind, I'll be gettin' up to get me another piece. May I get you one more, Frodo Baggins, sir, while I am up? And you, Sam?" She asked and Frodo tilt his head.
"Now Rosie, you're not at the Green Dragon. I can gladly get my own piece," Frodo argued with a grin but Rosie wouldn't hear to it and went to get her and Frodo another piece while Sam shook his head.
When Rosie was away, Frodo leaned back and eyed Sam. "Sam-lad, you must at least talk, or even make eye-contact with her for the matter! And don't be givin' me that look like I don't know what is going on between you and her. I can see it in your eyes, Sam. Your old friend is not blind in Bag End all the time," He winked and Sam blushed.
"But what of, Mr. Frodo? I always get so tongue-tied 'round her and carryin' a conversation with her is harder than anything," Samwise confessed and Frodo stood up.
"Speak of what you feel comfortable with. I know you must like something in common," He advised and he walked to Rosie on her way back to the table.
"Where are you off to, Frodo-sir?" She asked with the watermelon plates in her hands.
"I think I might have had too much after all, Rosie. I'll be taking a walk around the fair. Give Sam my share of the melon," He said and she sat down next to Sam.
After they ate their second piece quite silently, Sam kneaded his hands nervously. What Frodo had said was buzzing in his mind and he knew he wouldn't say anything more by sitting there so he stood up.
"Rosie, would you like to take a walk around? I gather that it is only a little while until the fair will be ending," He said and they both got up to walk together.
They stopped by the art Rosie had looked at both found things to talk about around that booth.
She felt the most comfortable with Sam and smirked curiously as they came up upon the golden poppy collage she had seen earlier, "What do you think of this picture, Sam?"
Sam looked at the deep yellows in the petals, "I think it's beautiful simply---I mean, is that what you think?" Sam asked and Rosie smiled, "Yes, of course I do." She said and she could never see how Nolfarm could disagree.
They walked on and Rosie talked of her pony Cobfoot and their walks and Sam briefly mentioned Mr. Frodo's vegetable garden, just to talk about anything. They passed by a spice and herb booth and Sam took Rosie over to it.
"Sam, are you attempting to test me on my knowledge of herbs and spices? You don't think I have forgotten what you've taught me, have you?" She joked and Sam gave a cheeky smile.
He pointed to certain herbs and such and every one that he taught her, she remembered. He taught her some other spices and even Sam learned of some new spices he had never used. They walked off and Rosie held her head up high, "So? How did I do, Cook Samwise?" Rosie asked playfully and Sam nodded shortly.
"You could be my personal assistant now," Sam joked and they laughed. "I cannot believe you remembered them all though." He said and Rosie placed her hands on her hips.
"And why would I forget something you told me, Sam?" Rosie cocked an eyebrow and Sam muttered shyly at the thought of her remembering.
The chime box lay heavy in his pocket and he was wondering when he should give it to her. He fumbled with it secretly and lost his nerve everytime. She swung a handful of roses by her side, and Sam had noticed them earlier. He glanced down and commented, "Those are some lovely roses you have there, Rosie."
Rosie brought them up to her chest, "Oh, these? I suppose they are quite attractive---Nolfarm gave them to me." She said mildly and Sam took his hand out of his pocket, "Oh, they---they are nice."
Everything Frodo advised him slipped from his mind and he self-consciously looked down at his feet. They walked in utter silence and Sam hated how shy he became all of a sudden. Rosie didn't know what to say either and she swung the roses down by her side again with a lost of words.
The sun was setting and the fair was closing fast. The Gamgees and Cottons were talking together by the east side and Sam nodded Rosie goodbye, not sure when he would ever give her the music box. Finally they departed down the hill and after a deep breath, Sam waved to Rosie and she waved back.
Rosie's brothers carried toys and prizes and such from their winnings and Farmer Cotton wrapped his arm around his wife, who carried a large bag. Rosie walked by her mama and she clapped her hands, "Oh, Rosie-dear, I found such the most darling fabric and ribbons to make for your dress to the Gamgee wedding!" She yelped and Rosie smiled at the thought of the wedding.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Thanks again and again and again! I'll write a personal a/n to all of you, but this chapter is very long as it is! Ok, here's another chapter until my teachers let me breathe. ;)
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
The Free Fair was what every youthful-hearted hobbit looked forward to every summer. The lush and empty field of White Downs was embellished with stands and tables, flags and streamers. The children in the area would always sneak a peek at the field or large carts that rode into the plain. Rumors were always spread by the little ones of enormous booths of food in the meadow and performers and musicians of all kinds were arriving for the event. Of course, all of the gossip was pulled a little bit to the extreme but everyone couldn't help to imagine the fair being so extravagant.
Soon, Midsummer's Day was approaching and crowds of hobbits that day were traveling west for the celebration early in the morning. Farmer Cotton and Mrs. Cotton brought their picnic of food and all the boys had collected their money they had saved over the year. Soon the Cottons were out walking towards the white cliffs of the Delving,
The Gamgees were also heading for the White Downs and the Gaffer would bring up the talk of the watermelon-eating and the roasted pumpkinseeds from the biggest pumpkin grown so far this year. May and Marigold chattered all day to Sam (since he was the only one who could take up there endless talking patiently) about the events. Sam never knew what to expect from the fair since every year was different, but he took the bag of coins from Farmer Cotton, and some of his own, just in case.
Just over the hill, the hobbits that arrived gasped at the sight of the once-a-year event. The banners and flags were whipping in the slight breeze and the colorful stands were full of things to buy or win. Little children ran towards the play areas and shows and many of them were given balloons.
The Cottons came down the flat of the field and they walked together throughout the fair for a time. Mrs. Cotton spotted a stand of sewing items, yarn, and ribbons and hurriedly skipped over to it. Nibs and Nick both went over to throwing-stand and waited in line to test their aim. Rosie found some of her girlfriends around jewelry booth and visited with them.
The Gamgees came down the grassland as well and May and Marigold found the hula-hooping area and waited there. Every hobbit that went to the festival faithfully every year knew that May Gamgee had been the hula-hooping champion for years. Not only could she hula-hoop one ring, but two longer than anyone. The Gaffer found Daddy Twofoot by the pumpkins and helped with the rearranging and setting up, all the while waiting to taste the sweet pumpkins.
Sam looked around for a while and ran over to Frodo sitting down alone; they drank and watched the musicians play and Sam sat down next to them with a mug of ale.
"Sam! Great to see you here at last, my friend!" Frodo said and he took a drink from his own cup.
They talked lightly and Sam kept his eye out for the Cottons, more on the lines of looking for Rosie. Sam wasn't the only one looking for Rosie. A hobbit was busy displaying his pitching skills at a booth in front of many flirting lasses, and his brother Polo waited for his turn.
Frodo and Sam got up after they mugs were dry and Frodo spotted two familiar faces sitting down at a long table of pies.
"Now how did you two rascals manage to help judge pies this year, eh?" Frodo laughed and Pippin cocked his head to the side.
"As a matter of fact, Merry and I have particular tastes for such fine pies as these and have become exceptional experts on pie-eating," Pippin exaggerated, raising his eyebrows.
"On the other hand, you could also just say that they were short a few judges this year, but any excuse works as long as we get to try ALL these delicious pies in front of us!" Merry explained and he licked his lips.
Pippin rubbed his hands and pointed to the treats in front of him, "Blueberry, peach, or cranberry apple? Why must there be so many hard decisions?!" Pippin laughed and took a piece out of the dish.
Merry continued talking while he decided on the pie, "Did you know that me and Pip here were going to set up our own booth here?" Merry asked and Frodo and Sam laughed. "Well it's true! To set up a booth here is free of charge and we planned on making a palm-reading stand." Merry explained and Sam and Frodo laughed even harder.
"Oh, come now!" Pippin said with stuffed cheeks, "I can read your palm! Give me your hand, Sam!" Pippin swallowed and Sam gave him an open palm.
Pippin traced his finger over Sam's palm with cranberry-apple filling on it and stared at it for a long time. "Let's see...," He pondered, "You will have a long life!"
"Well, there's a new one," Sam chuckled as Pippin shushed him and continued, "You will find much success in life in many things and---in 7, um, weeks, your dreams will...come true!" Pippin exclaimed loudly and Sam rolled his eyes.
"I don't suppose you got that from the crease in everyone's hand that looked like a '7' did you?" Sam joked and Pippin shrugged, "Hey, it's worth a try for a bit of pocket change. Check in 7 weeks and if I'm right, you owe me big, you ol' Mr. Skeptic!" Pippin said proudly and Sam promised.
After the pie judging was over, everyone gathered 'round to see Lobelia Sackville-Baggins win the 'Best Pie-Baking' ribbon, like she had every year for a decade. Then, the pie was passed out and Frodo and Sam helped themselves to a warm piece of apple pie with Merry and Pippin (who surprisingly had still enough room to fit in more).
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Rosie walked down the rows of booths and stands and stopped occasionally at things that caught her eye, such as art canvases, books, and music. She heard the commotion of the award to Lobelia's pie and decided to eat later when the watermelons were judged and cut for eating.
She walked by another art booth and stopped to look at one that caught her eye. It was a collage of many flowers, all painted to look like one big, golden poppy from a distance.
She felt someone brush by her side and bent down at her level to look at the watercolors. "Quite an abnormal painting, don't you agree?" Nolfarm exclaimed and she straightened up.
"I find it quite beautiful," She responded and he nodded. "In a way, I suppose." Nolfarm said and he sighed.
He stood by her as she wandered into the open tent of art and after a while, she turned to Nolfarm. "Is there anything you want, Nolfarm?"
He grinned and nodded smugly, "Just being in your company is all I need, Rosie." He said smoothly and he took her hand, "As a matter of fact, I have a little something for you, Rosie."
He guided her out the tent and to an empty bench, away from the lasses he had been winking at earlier. He grabbed the bouquet of roses he had kept under the bench and handed them to Rosie, "I do not know a better way than telling you how I feel than giving you this, m'love." He said romantically and kissed her cheek.
She took the roses, which were all in bloom, and stared skeptically at Nolfarm. His eyes were dark and clear, unlike the gazed look she usually saw at the bar, so she knew he could not be drunk. She wasn't sure where he was leading to, and tried not to think about what it might be, so she looked over his shoulder and saw that a crowd was forming around rope performers.
"Look! The rope-walk has begun," She jumped up from the bench and looked back down at Nolfarm, "Thank you for the roses, Nolfarm. They're lovely. Maybe I'll see you later," She said quickly and found her way into the crowd, somewhere away from Nolfarm. She brushed her cheek and roamed puzzled through the crowd. There was nothing in that kiss and wondered why Nolfarm wasted his time with her when she knew he could get any giggling young lass out there.
Nolfarm cracked his knuckles absentmindedly and stared blankly at the crowd. He could not get why she walked away; what had he done wrong? He sighed and walked off and planned mentally another time to try and propose to Rosie Cotton.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
A sound of jingling coins was still planted in Samwise's mind, and he excused himself from Frodo and his cousins after he had finished his pie. He looked at every table and saw his mother still lingering around the tents of sweet spices and cooking supplies.
A booth of gardening tools, seeds, and pots were out on display and he had to tear himself away from them. He knew he couldn't use his money selfishly on himself, and he had someone else on his mind.
He placed his hand around the pouch in his pocket and shook it forgetfully, thinking about what he could purchase. Then faint chimes reached his ears like songs of morning birds and he walked into a covered tent where he heard the sound.
Little music boxes were playing and wind chimes clanged together gently. He picked up the boxes one at a time and wound them up. Each one was sweet and melodious in there own way, but he was drawn to a certain music chime. The sides of the open, white box was hand-painted with blue and pink flowers and when he turned the wind-up knob, he could see the spool turning; the keys hit the raised points on the spool and out came the sweetest and forlorn melody he had ever heard. There was no way he could describe its pureness and everytime he rewound it, it reminded him of the brilliance he saw in Rosie's eyes.
He quickly withdrew the coins from his slacks. There was just enough to buy it for her, but barely enough to buy anything else that day. He purchased it without a second thought and set it safe in his other pocket. He went out to search for Rosie.
The crowd that was growing by the minute had reached the booth Sam was at and he smiled brightly when he finally caught a sight at what everyone was looking at.
The rope-walk had become and the family line of ropers came from Tighfield to perform a little act. Even old Andwise the Roper had gotten up on the rope and walked across without a flaw in his step. Many of the younger hobbits volunteered to try and most of them fell on the mat below them after the first step.
Sam clapped loudly in the air when Hamson came on the rope self-consciously and did a quick fancy-step on the rope. He bowed after he got off and smiled sheepishly. Every year he would help set up the rope-walk, but never performed in public before. Sam noticed his sisters in front, and in May's right hand was her well-won hula-hoop, and a blue ribbon on her shoulder. He told himself he would have to look after his big sister sometime with all the lads passing by her way.
After the roper's once-a-year act, a loud horn was blown and the mob of hobbits hurriedly scurried over to the West Side of the fair. It was everyone's favorite time at the festival: the carving of the largest watermelons and pumpkins of the summer.
In the crowd, he spotted Rosie in her summer dress of green and he hastened to her side.
"Sam! I have been looking for you! Your brother is so talented up on there!" She said smiling. He nodded and they walked over to the many rows of long tables.
The hobbits clapped and cheered as the watermelons and pumpkins were placed up high for everyone to see. The Mayor had the honor of cutting the largest watermelon and was given the first piece. The entire group of hobbits hooted and clapped and the watermelon was handed out to all the old and young hobbits of the Shire there.
Frodo had his part in handing out the plates of melon and after he was finished, he sat down with his own next to Rosie, across from Sam.
"I almost forgot why I look forward to the Free Fair every year!" Frodo laughed and he took a bite out of the watermelon. Frodo and Rosie had light conversation while they ate, and Frodo always kept the opportunity open for Sam to come in and talk, but he kept quiet and listened.
"If you don't mind, I'll be gettin' up to get me another piece. May I get you one more, Frodo Baggins, sir, while I am up? And you, Sam?" She asked and Frodo tilt his head.
"Now Rosie, you're not at the Green Dragon. I can gladly get my own piece," Frodo argued with a grin but Rosie wouldn't hear to it and went to get her and Frodo another piece while Sam shook his head.
When Rosie was away, Frodo leaned back and eyed Sam. "Sam-lad, you must at least talk, or even make eye-contact with her for the matter! And don't be givin' me that look like I don't know what is going on between you and her. I can see it in your eyes, Sam. Your old friend is not blind in Bag End all the time," He winked and Sam blushed.
"But what of, Mr. Frodo? I always get so tongue-tied 'round her and carryin' a conversation with her is harder than anything," Samwise confessed and Frodo stood up.
"Speak of what you feel comfortable with. I know you must like something in common," He advised and he walked to Rosie on her way back to the table.
"Where are you off to, Frodo-sir?" She asked with the watermelon plates in her hands.
"I think I might have had too much after all, Rosie. I'll be taking a walk around the fair. Give Sam my share of the melon," He said and she sat down next to Sam.
After they ate their second piece quite silently, Sam kneaded his hands nervously. What Frodo had said was buzzing in his mind and he knew he wouldn't say anything more by sitting there so he stood up.
"Rosie, would you like to take a walk around? I gather that it is only a little while until the fair will be ending," He said and they both got up to walk together.
They stopped by the art Rosie had looked at both found things to talk about around that booth.
She felt the most comfortable with Sam and smirked curiously as they came up upon the golden poppy collage she had seen earlier, "What do you think of this picture, Sam?"
Sam looked at the deep yellows in the petals, "I think it's beautiful simply---I mean, is that what you think?" Sam asked and Rosie smiled, "Yes, of course I do." She said and she could never see how Nolfarm could disagree.
They walked on and Rosie talked of her pony Cobfoot and their walks and Sam briefly mentioned Mr. Frodo's vegetable garden, just to talk about anything. They passed by a spice and herb booth and Sam took Rosie over to it.
"Sam, are you attempting to test me on my knowledge of herbs and spices? You don't think I have forgotten what you've taught me, have you?" She joked and Sam gave a cheeky smile.
He pointed to certain herbs and such and every one that he taught her, she remembered. He taught her some other spices and even Sam learned of some new spices he had never used. They walked off and Rosie held her head up high, "So? How did I do, Cook Samwise?" Rosie asked playfully and Sam nodded shortly.
"You could be my personal assistant now," Sam joked and they laughed. "I cannot believe you remembered them all though." He said and Rosie placed her hands on her hips.
"And why would I forget something you told me, Sam?" Rosie cocked an eyebrow and Sam muttered shyly at the thought of her remembering.
The chime box lay heavy in his pocket and he was wondering when he should give it to her. He fumbled with it secretly and lost his nerve everytime. She swung a handful of roses by her side, and Sam had noticed them earlier. He glanced down and commented, "Those are some lovely roses you have there, Rosie."
Rosie brought them up to her chest, "Oh, these? I suppose they are quite attractive---Nolfarm gave them to me." She said mildly and Sam took his hand out of his pocket, "Oh, they---they are nice."
Everything Frodo advised him slipped from his mind and he self-consciously looked down at his feet. They walked in utter silence and Sam hated how shy he became all of a sudden. Rosie didn't know what to say either and she swung the roses down by her side again with a lost of words.
The sun was setting and the fair was closing fast. The Gamgees and Cottons were talking together by the east side and Sam nodded Rosie goodbye, not sure when he would ever give her the music box. Finally they departed down the hill and after a deep breath, Sam waved to Rosie and she waved back.
Rosie's brothers carried toys and prizes and such from their winnings and Farmer Cotton wrapped his arm around his wife, who carried a large bag. Rosie walked by her mama and she clapped her hands, "Oh, Rosie-dear, I found such the most darling fabric and ribbons to make for your dress to the Gamgee wedding!" She yelped and Rosie smiled at the thought of the wedding.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~