Excuse the run-on sentences, whoops! Oh, and the other character's names
hehe, not all that creative when it comes to names and such. Ok, now for an
a/n!
MadamStella: Aww gosh, I love ya! Yes, Sam and Rosie should get together and have kids, but you gotta remember the rating of this story. LOL, yeah none of that will be happening in here. Wow, my own religion, I feel so special! But Stellaism is what I'm converting to, haha!
Aemilia Rose: Don't worry about Nolfarm, he won't show up in his chapter *whew!*
Loveofthering: Yeah, Sam is insecure at times and eventually he'll get over it. *wink*
Ron-Weasley-Luver: Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter! She'll get it soon. ;)
Isadora quagmire: Nolfarm is not a very popular character, is he? LOL ;)
Galaxy3: Oh, we all feel sorry for Sam--- let's hug him! *hugs*
Lollipopsaretears: I'm glad you liked Pippin and Merry in it! 7 weeks, eh? Hmm, keep that in mind...
***Ok, this chapter has two parts because of the length it turned out to be, so part two will continue in chapter 10 (which is technically 9). Enjoy and thanks!
Chapter 8: Exchanging Vows
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
It was only a matter of weeks until the Cottons received their invitation to Halfred and Poppy's wedding (even though they both assured them they were invited no matter what). It was a lovely white card with elegant script written by a scribe. Lily loved any sort of wedding and fitted and stitched their outfits every hour for every week, or so it seemed.
The Gamgees were especially busy and the date of Halfred's wedding was postponed so they could arrange the right dates for both families. Poppy and Halfred came down more often, exchanging ideas for their marriage. Poppy had decided on wearing her mother's own wedding dress and the Gaffer prepared many flowers in their garden to be used for the event.
The end of September came and they chose the traditional party field to perform their marriage ceremony. Under the leaves of the Party Tree, a garland of flowers was built as a doorway where Poppy and Halfred would wed.
There were a total of eight bridesmaids and groomshobbits: Daisy. May, Marigold and Poppy's sister, Peony, paired with Hamson, Sam, and Poppy's younger brothers, Juniper and Larkston. In their own changing tents, they dressed up attractively for the big celebration. Bell tucked and decreased every wrinkle until their outfits were flawless. Bell became great friends with Poppy's mother, Dolly, within the little time they had met. Dolly primped everyone's hair and was the only one allowed to see Poppy before the matrimony.
Sam never felt so excited for his brother or so---pampered. He never spent too much time worrying about his skin or hair, but here he was in front of a mirror, so polished and orderly. His hair was curled and Dolly had even gone so far to make sure that his hands were smooth and scrubbed. His adjusted his collar and examined himself in his new sky-blue suit.
May finished pinning up her hair and looked at her reflection, "Can you not wait, Sam? Halfred has found the love of his life and I cannot wait for the reception party! Nothing can ruin this day!" She beamed and she gave him a peck on the cheek.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Tom knocked on the closed door, "Mother! We are ready!" He said.
"Only a minute, Tom!" Lily called back and she finished buttoning the back of her dress. Rosie started on the strings on her corset and pulled tight like her mother had taught her. She despised wearing it; it was always too tight fitting for her but her mother insisted her to if she wanted the dress to fit. She laced it up and hooked the rest and let herself adjust to the stiff feeling before moving very suddenly.
Her mother came over and held the dress up against Rosie's chest, "Beautiful! You'll look so lovely tonight!" She said and in no time, Rosie had the dress on as her mother tied the golden ribbons in the back. It was a deep yellow and many layered and Rosie absolutely loved it. Mrs. Cotton finished the dress and found some extra ribbons from her dress to add to her hair, which was loosely held up off her neck.
Lily untucked a ringlet of hair from behind Rosie's ear and gave her a big kiss on the cheek, "My daughter...I'll be a wreck on your wedding day, y'hear? Such a beautiful young woman you are!" She said and Rosie hugged her mother who started to cry.
"Mama, it's only a wedding and it's not even mine. I'm not getting shipped off in a weddin' gown with a lad tonight!" She laughed and Lily opened the door.
"Aye, I know. But there's no doubt you'll be attracting eyes tonight, especially one pair," Her mother commented and Rosie smoothed her dress. She turned to her mother, questioning her with a quizzical look, "What do you mean, Mama?"
But Lily was out the door and down the stairs, "Come now, Rosie-dear! We will be late!" She called and Rosie bit her lip. She took one last glance at her looking glass and took a deep breath as she tried to walk in her corset, shrugging off what her mother said.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
The Party Field was highly ornate, almost as elaborate as the Free Fair itself. Everyone was seated and the Cottons found a seat for themselves by the aisle.
Halfred waited at the end of the altar of blossoms with the Thain and soon the bridesmaids were escorted by the groomshobbits and the flower-lasses and the ring-bearer made their way down the walkway. Everyone turned around and watched and Rosie smiled when she saw Marigold being escorted by Sam. Samwise smiled back.
The quartet of strings started and when the pipes began in softly, Poppy made her way down with bluebells in her hands. Her lace-trimmed gown of white gleamed under the sun and the beadwork on the face of her dress was of little pearl-colored flowers.
Sam stood on the right side of his brother with the other groomshobbit- lads. He could tell by his brother's eyes how happy he was this day and how smitten he was with Poppy.
The wedding lasted for nearly three-quarters of an hour, but no one seemed to care (except for the restless children who wanted to play and eat). The marriage of Poppy and Halfred Gamgee was brilliant in its own pleasant and subtle way and after the vows were spoken, the Thain granted them a happy long life together and Halfred kissed his bride.
The sun was starting to sink, which was unusual for hobbit weddings since they took place during mid-morning. Great torches, candles and lights were put up to get ready for the nighttime party. Long tables of appetizers and meals were set out and many of the hobbits headed out towards the tables to eat. There were many a hobbit that came to the wedding, even Master of Bag End, Frodo Baggins, and some Tooks from up north. Halfred greeted anyone that wanted to come, invitation or not, and he spent all his time otherwise by his new wife.
The band of musicians set up west of the altar and a big clearing was made for anyone willing to dance. On the right side were dining tables, more food booths, and just behind was the ever-large Party Tree. The cake was set up on the other side of the dance floor where the groom and bride would sit.
The sky was dark with the coming of night and the little fires on the torches glowed like immense fireflies. Rosie made her way 'round to the eating booths but decided she wasn't hungry. There was too much excitement around to be sitting down to eat.
Nellia Goodbody spotted her, wandering and greeting various people and she grabbed her arm. "Rosie! There are so many out on the dance floor! Come on, let's go!" Nellia yelped and Rosie ran with her. She tried to walk as fast by her side until she grabbed her stomach. She had become out of breath in only a few steps and she kneeled down.
"Wait---," She gasped and she felt the corset tightening as she tried to breathe, "Before I try dancing in this thing, I have an idea. Come with me for just a split minute," Rosie urged and they sneaked behind the thick bark of the Tree.
Rosie checked either side of the tree and started to untie her ribbons on her dress and whispered, "Make sure no one comes over here!"
Nellia finally caught up on what she was doing and gasped, "Rosie! Don't you be doing what I'm thinkin' you are doing!"
But Rosie was and soon, her dress was loose and she had ripped the accursed corset off and tied her dress back on. "There! Now I can move!" She cried and even though the dress didn't fit as well as it did with it on, she didn't care. She threw the corset up onto a branch of the Tree and it hung there like an abandoned kite. They giggled madly and before long, they had ran out of the clearing to dance to the music.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
It was custom for the groomshobbits and bridesmaids to dance once together with the bride and groom, and then let the newlyweds have the floor to themselves. Sam took his sister's arm and when the music started, Marigold and Sam, along with the other dance couples, were out on the floor. Halfred and Poppy joked around with their dancing, even though both of them were quite experienced dancers.
Sam stepped on Marigold's feet every few turns and Marigold laughed every time, "Sam, when was the last time you've danced?" And Sam smiled back, "It seems obvious said that you dance quite often, so maybe you should teach me a bit about footwork!" Sam laughed and Marigold blushed.
"Now, Sam, no business of yours who I'm dancing with---not as if I am..." Marigold hinted and grinned, "On the other hand, let me show you how this easy four-step goes and we'll move on from there."
She taught him different waltzes and fast-footed jigs and would occasionally count the rhythm out loud for him. Sam caught on quite fast, but would occasionally trip over his own big feet when he looked up from the ground.
Soon the floor was free and Halfred had a long slow dance with Poppy. It wasn't until the song ended that Halfred welcomed everyone back on the floor and everyone requested fast and quirky songs to dance to.
Sam spotted Rosie dancing to the music and he looked back at the tap on the barrels of ale. Just one drink, he decided and knew he was only stalling to talking to her. He sighed and ended up joining his family and relatives at a table with his beer.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Nick and Nibs came staggering over to their mother down the hill and gasped for breath, "What did we miss?" And Bell pointed a threatening finger, "The cutting of the cake! Stay now with your newlywed brother and stop playing around it your nice suits!" She scolded and they nodded with flushed faces and went to get a slice of cake.
Nellia sat at a table with her baby son while her husband reminisced with old Bolger friends of his. She fed her baby bites of cake and he grabbed it with his tiny fingers and squished it in his fist. He giggled and waved his hands in front of his face and Sam came around and kissed his head.
"Sam, dear cousin! Enjoying yerself?" She asked and Sam nodded while he ate.
"Dell's nearly two years already, true?" Sam asked and Nellia beamed.
"Yes, my little Delfolac will be two in January!" Nellia said and kissed Dell's nose while she spoke in a baby tone.
Sam ate quietly and laughed at Dell's messy table manners. His changing tent was in sight from where he was and he wrung his hands nervously. The music maker he had bought for Rosie almost two months ago lay in there and something in the back of his mind had pushed him to bring it along to the wedding just in case.
"Samwise, what's wrong? Something troubling you?" Nellia asked as she cleaned Dell's cake mess. Sam shrugged it off and shook his head and Nellia put the plates aside.
"Sam, we both have family blood in our veins. There's something on your mind and I know it---it's a relative instinct," She bantered and she raised her eyebrows curiously.
Sam chewed at his tongue and gave up to her persuasive stares, "Okay, if you must know, I'm a all tied up inside. I sort of, no, not just 'sort of'-- - I have taken a liking in someone. Well, not just someone...a lass." He stuttered and Nellia giggled. "That's what I had already figured, Sam. Now out with it: What's the trouble?"
Sam scratched his head and mumbled, "I don't know! I mean, I could just go up and ask her to dance or offer her a drink, but I can't! Maybe something is wrong with me...otherwise I could go up now and give her some gifts I have for her." Sam said and Nellia smiled at his shyness.
"Oh, what are you waiting for, Sam? Go ahead and live a little other than sitting here deciding on it! Who is she?" Nellia asked eagerly and Sam looked over her shoulder.
"Behind you, right there. She's in yellow with her family, the Cottons," Sam muttered and Nellia suddenly got up and grab him by the collar of his suit.
"Sam, you 'fraidy cat! Get up and speak to poor Rosie! Now, now!" Nellia said firmly as she pushed him forward and Sam whipped around.
"What?! You know Rosie!?" Sam sputtered and Nellia laughed at the horror on his face. She pushed him away and Sam stood there. Nellia had her reasons with Sam and with Rosie; she could clearly see that Rosie liked Sam, even if Rosie hadn't even noticed it herself. She could tell by the letters she wrote to her and how many times she would mention Sam in them. And now that she knew Sam liked her, it was only a matter of time until they would be off like herself and her own husband.
Sam couldn't believe his own cousin knew Rosie, nonetheless be one of her good friends. Now, he could do two things: go back and argue with cousin Nellia or toughen up and speak to Rosie.
He took a deep breath and hesitantly walked over to Rosie.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
The Wedding Part will continue in the next chapter! Thanks and remember to come back or review---or both!
MadamStella: Aww gosh, I love ya! Yes, Sam and Rosie should get together and have kids, but you gotta remember the rating of this story. LOL, yeah none of that will be happening in here. Wow, my own religion, I feel so special! But Stellaism is what I'm converting to, haha!
Aemilia Rose: Don't worry about Nolfarm, he won't show up in his chapter *whew!*
Loveofthering: Yeah, Sam is insecure at times and eventually he'll get over it. *wink*
Ron-Weasley-Luver: Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter! She'll get it soon. ;)
Isadora quagmire: Nolfarm is not a very popular character, is he? LOL ;)
Galaxy3: Oh, we all feel sorry for Sam--- let's hug him! *hugs*
Lollipopsaretears: I'm glad you liked Pippin and Merry in it! 7 weeks, eh? Hmm, keep that in mind...
***Ok, this chapter has two parts because of the length it turned out to be, so part two will continue in chapter 10 (which is technically 9). Enjoy and thanks!
Chapter 8: Exchanging Vows
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
It was only a matter of weeks until the Cottons received their invitation to Halfred and Poppy's wedding (even though they both assured them they were invited no matter what). It was a lovely white card with elegant script written by a scribe. Lily loved any sort of wedding and fitted and stitched their outfits every hour for every week, or so it seemed.
The Gamgees were especially busy and the date of Halfred's wedding was postponed so they could arrange the right dates for both families. Poppy and Halfred came down more often, exchanging ideas for their marriage. Poppy had decided on wearing her mother's own wedding dress and the Gaffer prepared many flowers in their garden to be used for the event.
The end of September came and they chose the traditional party field to perform their marriage ceremony. Under the leaves of the Party Tree, a garland of flowers was built as a doorway where Poppy and Halfred would wed.
There were a total of eight bridesmaids and groomshobbits: Daisy. May, Marigold and Poppy's sister, Peony, paired with Hamson, Sam, and Poppy's younger brothers, Juniper and Larkston. In their own changing tents, they dressed up attractively for the big celebration. Bell tucked and decreased every wrinkle until their outfits were flawless. Bell became great friends with Poppy's mother, Dolly, within the little time they had met. Dolly primped everyone's hair and was the only one allowed to see Poppy before the matrimony.
Sam never felt so excited for his brother or so---pampered. He never spent too much time worrying about his skin or hair, but here he was in front of a mirror, so polished and orderly. His hair was curled and Dolly had even gone so far to make sure that his hands were smooth and scrubbed. His adjusted his collar and examined himself in his new sky-blue suit.
May finished pinning up her hair and looked at her reflection, "Can you not wait, Sam? Halfred has found the love of his life and I cannot wait for the reception party! Nothing can ruin this day!" She beamed and she gave him a peck on the cheek.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Tom knocked on the closed door, "Mother! We are ready!" He said.
"Only a minute, Tom!" Lily called back and she finished buttoning the back of her dress. Rosie started on the strings on her corset and pulled tight like her mother had taught her. She despised wearing it; it was always too tight fitting for her but her mother insisted her to if she wanted the dress to fit. She laced it up and hooked the rest and let herself adjust to the stiff feeling before moving very suddenly.
Her mother came over and held the dress up against Rosie's chest, "Beautiful! You'll look so lovely tonight!" She said and in no time, Rosie had the dress on as her mother tied the golden ribbons in the back. It was a deep yellow and many layered and Rosie absolutely loved it. Mrs. Cotton finished the dress and found some extra ribbons from her dress to add to her hair, which was loosely held up off her neck.
Lily untucked a ringlet of hair from behind Rosie's ear and gave her a big kiss on the cheek, "My daughter...I'll be a wreck on your wedding day, y'hear? Such a beautiful young woman you are!" She said and Rosie hugged her mother who started to cry.
"Mama, it's only a wedding and it's not even mine. I'm not getting shipped off in a weddin' gown with a lad tonight!" She laughed and Lily opened the door.
"Aye, I know. But there's no doubt you'll be attracting eyes tonight, especially one pair," Her mother commented and Rosie smoothed her dress. She turned to her mother, questioning her with a quizzical look, "What do you mean, Mama?"
But Lily was out the door and down the stairs, "Come now, Rosie-dear! We will be late!" She called and Rosie bit her lip. She took one last glance at her looking glass and took a deep breath as she tried to walk in her corset, shrugging off what her mother said.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
The Party Field was highly ornate, almost as elaborate as the Free Fair itself. Everyone was seated and the Cottons found a seat for themselves by the aisle.
Halfred waited at the end of the altar of blossoms with the Thain and soon the bridesmaids were escorted by the groomshobbits and the flower-lasses and the ring-bearer made their way down the walkway. Everyone turned around and watched and Rosie smiled when she saw Marigold being escorted by Sam. Samwise smiled back.
The quartet of strings started and when the pipes began in softly, Poppy made her way down with bluebells in her hands. Her lace-trimmed gown of white gleamed under the sun and the beadwork on the face of her dress was of little pearl-colored flowers.
Sam stood on the right side of his brother with the other groomshobbit- lads. He could tell by his brother's eyes how happy he was this day and how smitten he was with Poppy.
The wedding lasted for nearly three-quarters of an hour, but no one seemed to care (except for the restless children who wanted to play and eat). The marriage of Poppy and Halfred Gamgee was brilliant in its own pleasant and subtle way and after the vows were spoken, the Thain granted them a happy long life together and Halfred kissed his bride.
The sun was starting to sink, which was unusual for hobbit weddings since they took place during mid-morning. Great torches, candles and lights were put up to get ready for the nighttime party. Long tables of appetizers and meals were set out and many of the hobbits headed out towards the tables to eat. There were many a hobbit that came to the wedding, even Master of Bag End, Frodo Baggins, and some Tooks from up north. Halfred greeted anyone that wanted to come, invitation or not, and he spent all his time otherwise by his new wife.
The band of musicians set up west of the altar and a big clearing was made for anyone willing to dance. On the right side were dining tables, more food booths, and just behind was the ever-large Party Tree. The cake was set up on the other side of the dance floor where the groom and bride would sit.
The sky was dark with the coming of night and the little fires on the torches glowed like immense fireflies. Rosie made her way 'round to the eating booths but decided she wasn't hungry. There was too much excitement around to be sitting down to eat.
Nellia Goodbody spotted her, wandering and greeting various people and she grabbed her arm. "Rosie! There are so many out on the dance floor! Come on, let's go!" Nellia yelped and Rosie ran with her. She tried to walk as fast by her side until she grabbed her stomach. She had become out of breath in only a few steps and she kneeled down.
"Wait---," She gasped and she felt the corset tightening as she tried to breathe, "Before I try dancing in this thing, I have an idea. Come with me for just a split minute," Rosie urged and they sneaked behind the thick bark of the Tree.
Rosie checked either side of the tree and started to untie her ribbons on her dress and whispered, "Make sure no one comes over here!"
Nellia finally caught up on what she was doing and gasped, "Rosie! Don't you be doing what I'm thinkin' you are doing!"
But Rosie was and soon, her dress was loose and she had ripped the accursed corset off and tied her dress back on. "There! Now I can move!" She cried and even though the dress didn't fit as well as it did with it on, she didn't care. She threw the corset up onto a branch of the Tree and it hung there like an abandoned kite. They giggled madly and before long, they had ran out of the clearing to dance to the music.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
It was custom for the groomshobbits and bridesmaids to dance once together with the bride and groom, and then let the newlyweds have the floor to themselves. Sam took his sister's arm and when the music started, Marigold and Sam, along with the other dance couples, were out on the floor. Halfred and Poppy joked around with their dancing, even though both of them were quite experienced dancers.
Sam stepped on Marigold's feet every few turns and Marigold laughed every time, "Sam, when was the last time you've danced?" And Sam smiled back, "It seems obvious said that you dance quite often, so maybe you should teach me a bit about footwork!" Sam laughed and Marigold blushed.
"Now, Sam, no business of yours who I'm dancing with---not as if I am..." Marigold hinted and grinned, "On the other hand, let me show you how this easy four-step goes and we'll move on from there."
She taught him different waltzes and fast-footed jigs and would occasionally count the rhythm out loud for him. Sam caught on quite fast, but would occasionally trip over his own big feet when he looked up from the ground.
Soon the floor was free and Halfred had a long slow dance with Poppy. It wasn't until the song ended that Halfred welcomed everyone back on the floor and everyone requested fast and quirky songs to dance to.
Sam spotted Rosie dancing to the music and he looked back at the tap on the barrels of ale. Just one drink, he decided and knew he was only stalling to talking to her. He sighed and ended up joining his family and relatives at a table with his beer.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
Nick and Nibs came staggering over to their mother down the hill and gasped for breath, "What did we miss?" And Bell pointed a threatening finger, "The cutting of the cake! Stay now with your newlywed brother and stop playing around it your nice suits!" She scolded and they nodded with flushed faces and went to get a slice of cake.
Nellia sat at a table with her baby son while her husband reminisced with old Bolger friends of his. She fed her baby bites of cake and he grabbed it with his tiny fingers and squished it in his fist. He giggled and waved his hands in front of his face and Sam came around and kissed his head.
"Sam, dear cousin! Enjoying yerself?" She asked and Sam nodded while he ate.
"Dell's nearly two years already, true?" Sam asked and Nellia beamed.
"Yes, my little Delfolac will be two in January!" Nellia said and kissed Dell's nose while she spoke in a baby tone.
Sam ate quietly and laughed at Dell's messy table manners. His changing tent was in sight from where he was and he wrung his hands nervously. The music maker he had bought for Rosie almost two months ago lay in there and something in the back of his mind had pushed him to bring it along to the wedding just in case.
"Samwise, what's wrong? Something troubling you?" Nellia asked as she cleaned Dell's cake mess. Sam shrugged it off and shook his head and Nellia put the plates aside.
"Sam, we both have family blood in our veins. There's something on your mind and I know it---it's a relative instinct," She bantered and she raised her eyebrows curiously.
Sam chewed at his tongue and gave up to her persuasive stares, "Okay, if you must know, I'm a all tied up inside. I sort of, no, not just 'sort of'-- - I have taken a liking in someone. Well, not just someone...a lass." He stuttered and Nellia giggled. "That's what I had already figured, Sam. Now out with it: What's the trouble?"
Sam scratched his head and mumbled, "I don't know! I mean, I could just go up and ask her to dance or offer her a drink, but I can't! Maybe something is wrong with me...otherwise I could go up now and give her some gifts I have for her." Sam said and Nellia smiled at his shyness.
"Oh, what are you waiting for, Sam? Go ahead and live a little other than sitting here deciding on it! Who is she?" Nellia asked eagerly and Sam looked over her shoulder.
"Behind you, right there. She's in yellow with her family, the Cottons," Sam muttered and Nellia suddenly got up and grab him by the collar of his suit.
"Sam, you 'fraidy cat! Get up and speak to poor Rosie! Now, now!" Nellia said firmly as she pushed him forward and Sam whipped around.
"What?! You know Rosie!?" Sam sputtered and Nellia laughed at the horror on his face. She pushed him away and Sam stood there. Nellia had her reasons with Sam and with Rosie; she could clearly see that Rosie liked Sam, even if Rosie hadn't even noticed it herself. She could tell by the letters she wrote to her and how many times she would mention Sam in them. And now that she knew Sam liked her, it was only a matter of time until they would be off like herself and her own husband.
Sam couldn't believe his own cousin knew Rosie, nonetheless be one of her good friends. Now, he could do two things: go back and argue with cousin Nellia or toughen up and speak to Rosie.
He took a deep breath and hesitantly walked over to Rosie.
~·· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ·· ··· ··÷¦÷·· ··~
The Wedding Part will continue in the next chapter! Thanks and remember to come back or review---or both!