Chapter4
I looked upon my daisy colored door with building dread. After staring at it for so long, I knew I would never forget its color again.
Personally, I was scared stiff. I found myself wishing that this were the way into the Mines of Moria, instead of the door to home. Thinking this way got me to remember that my books were still inside.
Then, my brain began to race at a pace that was beginning to match my pounding heart. What if somebody found my books? I wondered what mother would do with them...scenes of burning pages and binding flashed through my mind.
And what about my father? I hadn't even met him yet. He was probably an even bigger terror than mother was.
I looked at the door for a few more seconds before I overcame my fear. Biting my lower lip I opened the door and was greeted with . . . . . . . . . .complete and total silence.
What? Where was the screaming, the yelling and the 'where were you? Who were you with?' shouts. More importantly, where was everybody? My parents?
I walked uncertainly throughout the hole...no one was here, for sure now.
Hmmm . . . . . . . well, I was hungry whether they were here or not.
I walked to the kitchen and found half of a loaf of bread, and some strawberry preserve. I moved them over to the table and went to the cellar. I then found the small remains of a rind of cheese, and some smoked meat. I brought those too.
My stomach was growling uncontrollably. I poked a finger in the jam, and inserted it into my mouth.
Keeping it there, I looked for a knife . . .I would need it for the foods I had picked.
I found one, stuck in the cutting block.
I then polished off my meek provisions (meek for a hobbit that is) and headed towards my room.
Once inside, I walked past the mirror, and was again startled at my appearance. Even covered in berry juice, crumbs, and sweat I looked good. I smiled. I loved the new me.
Then I remembered that my hair was still a total disaster from earlier today. I looked for some water, and some sort of basin. It was a time like this, when I missed a good old' sink, and bottle of shampoo.
I didn't find anything.
I panicked. I went back through the whole hole in search of a pump or something. I didn't find one of those either. "Damn!" I swore quietly.
So I tried to find what I needed next, instead...an outfit.
I opened my wardrobe and marveled at all the dresses. Blues and reds, greens...at least one of every color. Then I realized my family must have money. And quite a bit, as it would seem.
I picked a leaf green one (hoping to bring out my eyes a little more) and a fresh white bodice.
On my dresser I found a jewelry chest, and in it were a few coins (which I removed) and various mismatched earrings and necklaces.
I then found and chose a matching set of black pearl earrings, with a black pearl necklace set in silver, on a silver chain.
Then I went in search of the privy I had a plan . . .
In the privy I found what I was looking for, flint, two candles, and tallow soap with inset lavender. It was perfect. I went back to the kitchen, swiped my map, and headed out the door.
I was just going to take a quick dip in the brook. Some pretty thick trees and whatnots surrounded it, so I figured I would be ok.
After lighting the candles, I shed my clothes and jumped in.
Now, let me tell you this, the water was FREEZING. I took as little time as possible to wash.
I was in, scrubbing my hair (with just plain soap! GAG) rinsing, and then I was done. And I mean done. I snuck out; dried off with my dirty clothes, squeezed out my sopping hair as best I could, and put the new ones on.
The dress fit like a glove. I guessed it must have been one of my favorites. I slipped into the bodice and laced it. A little tighter than normal. I was wanting to bring out my chest . . .um . . .area . . .um . . . more.
By the light of the candles, I fastened the necklace, and popped the earrings in. I then squeezed out my hair even more. I didn't want my back to be wet.
I began to walk back home. Letting my feet do the thinking, since they seemed better at it than my head at this point. I reached my destination without a problem. And standing there, on my doorstep were Rosie and Estella.
Both were dressy, but not as dressy as I was. I blushed, and gulped. They heard me and turned around. I gave a little smile.
"Where were you Merna? We thought you left without us." Rosie said good- naturedly. She smiled at me. "You look good tonight. Any special reason?" She added with a wink.
I blushed again. She had hit the nail on the head. I guess I was sort of hoping Pippin would notice me.
Estella was wearing a robins egg blue dress with an even lighter bodice, and Rosie was in dark green. Both had their hair up. While mine was hanging.
Rosie gave me one of her I-know-what-you're-thinking looks and smiled. "Would you like us to help you put your hair up, Mern?" she asked.
I nodded. "That would be great. And I'm positive that I have a couple pairs of earrings that would look great on you two." I added, wanting to offer something in return. They both smiled . . . . . . . . . .
And then we were on our way. The girls with new earrings in, and me with a fashionable bun, a few strands hanging down here and there. We walked, like normal.
When we were close to the Dragon I could tell. You could hear it from blocks away. There were shouts, the clinking of glasses, music and laughter.
And there was a smile plastered on my face bright enough to putout a troll's eyes.
Then we walked in. It was smoky, loud, and rather crowded. My eyes scanned the place, while other's eyes scanned us. I could feel a blush creeping up.
In the back, seated at a round table were Frodo, Pippin, Sam, and Merry. They waved us over. I nodded, and mouthed 'in a second'. Rosie walked back, but Estella and I started towards the bar.
She looked at me, "Ales?" she asked. My smile got bigger, and I nodded again. That prompted a smile from HER. "What's the matter, cat got your tongue tonight? Or should I say Pippin?" she said with a glint to her eyes.
"Hmmm? And what about you, Miss? I could have sworn you and Merry were sharing a bit of eye contact before. Or maybe I was mistaken?" I said innocently.
The smile I got, told me I wasn't. I looked back over at my shoulder at the table.
I could tell Rosie was trying to make intelligent conversation with Sam, but wasn't getting far. He was as red as a beet, and as shut as a clam. Frodo and Merry looked on in comfortable amusement.
I was startled out of my peaceful observations by Estella. Who picked exactly that moment to place our order, rather . . .um . . .loudly.
"HEY! Three ales over here!" she hollered. I winced. She had done that right next to my ear. But I know over the hubbub, her voice must have sounded perfect.
And trust me, I really did know...I was still hearing the echoes. I brought a hand up to my ear, and smiled when I felt the small peak at the top of it. I LURVED being a hobbit.
Three flagons slid down the bar. Estella caught two of them like a pro, while I was left to try to maneuver the last one into my hand with out spilling it all.
I succeeded, barely. I looked around for Estella, who was already at the table. You know, hobbits may look roundish and slow, but they aren't. I scurried after her. Holding my drink with care.
Then, before someone could bump me so I'd spill, I found a clear place against the wall, and took a swig. A rather large swig. I sputtered a bit, before regaining control. It was definitely not what I had been expecting.
But, believing that I would get to be a better drinker with practice, I took another sip. The second one wasn't so bad. And with my fresh and never- been-tampered-with tasted buds, I could actually pick out the taste of the honey in it.
Now, you all probably know that hobbits are big on eating. But what they don't tell you is that they're even bigger on eating sweets (in particular.)
The honey was delicious, and it had me liking barley ale even more. I took another sip, and made my way over to the table.
(Just so you know) me, being only fifteen in the normal world, I had never had more than a sip of wine cooler here and there. So now, after only a couple sips of ale, my vision was starting to get white and cloudy around the edges.
I have to say, I didn't hate it. And my tongue was beginning to become rather fuzzy and numb feeling. I really didn't mind that either, to be truthful.
When I reached the table, I was pleased to see the look on Pippin's face. He caught my eye, and I smiled at him. He smiled back, and nodded. I took a seat.
I was in between Estella, and Frodo. Pippin was across the table. I turned and looked at Frodo, he looked like he was enjoying himself, but I could tell he wasn't. My spirit shrunk thrice fold. And my heart hurt for him.
I reached over, and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Hello Frodo." I said quietly. He looked at me with those blue, blue eyes of his, and grinned.
"'Ello Merna." He said cheerfully. He was gazing at me right in the eyes. And I prayed that he would see my recognition and empathy for him there.
I don't know if he did or not. He broke the connection, and turned away. I felt defeated. But shrugged it off.
I looked around the table, at all the enjoyable faces of the 'boys', and began to greet each one of them.
"Hello again Merry, you haven't got another surprise for me again, have you?" I said with mirth, enjoying our little inside joke. Estella and Rosie raised their eyebrows, but said nothing as Merry blushed slightly.
I turned my eyes on Sam, "And Samwise Gamgee, no doubt 'bout that. How's your gaffer?" I asked pleasantly.
"F. . .fine Miss. Thank you." Sam said shakily. I nodded, and grinned.
I looked at Pippin, but I could pretty much tell that he thought we had already greeted each other.
Then the, well, I guess you could call it a band, started to play again.
A rather soft, but fast little piece, with a lot, of strings (violins, but you knew that!) reed flutes, and a bit of drumming in the background. It was very festive, and had a good beat.
I found myself tapping my foot to the rhythm. I took another sip of ale. I can now proudly say, that I am almost addicted to the stuff. (Ha, ha! But not enough to be an alchie.)
When I set my mug down, I was met with Pippin's green eyes looking at me intently. There was a question in them. (Do I even have to say what it is? Fine, I will!) He wanted me to dance (there I said It. smiles)
I nodded and we stood up. We then walked to the dance, space...um...floor. Close to each other, but not touching. I could feel the heat radiating of his body.
When we reached it, he took my hand. I put my other one on his shoulder, while his rested on my hip. Rather comfortably too. I then realized that I didn't know what I was supposed to do next.
I almost pulled away from him, but Pippin began to guide me gently, just little pressures of his hands here and there. And soon I picked it up.
We got more daring. And soon were adding little dips, and turns to what I now knew to be a most basic hobbit dance. We were smiling like fools, and having a grand time. Our eyes were locked, and I felt like pouring my soul out to him.
The music stopped, but we continued. For a few more seconds. Then we broke apart. And Pippin bowed to me. I curtsied, and we with a laugh from both of us, we linked hands, and began to walk back to the table.
But I had a better idea. So I pulled gently on his hand, and began to lead him out the door.
I looked back and waved to the rest of our party. Estella, looked surprised, but Rosie and the rest looked comfortable. I winked at Estella, and continued on my way. Still hand in had with Pippin.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Author: Sorry to leave you hanging! Ha ha ha! No I'm not. SMILES I hoped you all liked it. If you did, REVIEW. And if you didn't, REVIEW anyway. Just don't be too harsh.
THANX!
And don't worry. New updates coming soon!
Pippinsgal011890
I looked upon my daisy colored door with building dread. After staring at it for so long, I knew I would never forget its color again.
Personally, I was scared stiff. I found myself wishing that this were the way into the Mines of Moria, instead of the door to home. Thinking this way got me to remember that my books were still inside.
Then, my brain began to race at a pace that was beginning to match my pounding heart. What if somebody found my books? I wondered what mother would do with them...scenes of burning pages and binding flashed through my mind.
And what about my father? I hadn't even met him yet. He was probably an even bigger terror than mother was.
I looked at the door for a few more seconds before I overcame my fear. Biting my lower lip I opened the door and was greeted with . . . . . . . . . .complete and total silence.
What? Where was the screaming, the yelling and the 'where were you? Who were you with?' shouts. More importantly, where was everybody? My parents?
I walked uncertainly throughout the hole...no one was here, for sure now.
Hmmm . . . . . . . well, I was hungry whether they were here or not.
I walked to the kitchen and found half of a loaf of bread, and some strawberry preserve. I moved them over to the table and went to the cellar. I then found the small remains of a rind of cheese, and some smoked meat. I brought those too.
My stomach was growling uncontrollably. I poked a finger in the jam, and inserted it into my mouth.
Keeping it there, I looked for a knife . . .I would need it for the foods I had picked.
I found one, stuck in the cutting block.
I then polished off my meek provisions (meek for a hobbit that is) and headed towards my room.
Once inside, I walked past the mirror, and was again startled at my appearance. Even covered in berry juice, crumbs, and sweat I looked good. I smiled. I loved the new me.
Then I remembered that my hair was still a total disaster from earlier today. I looked for some water, and some sort of basin. It was a time like this, when I missed a good old' sink, and bottle of shampoo.
I didn't find anything.
I panicked. I went back through the whole hole in search of a pump or something. I didn't find one of those either. "Damn!" I swore quietly.
So I tried to find what I needed next, instead...an outfit.
I opened my wardrobe and marveled at all the dresses. Blues and reds, greens...at least one of every color. Then I realized my family must have money. And quite a bit, as it would seem.
I picked a leaf green one (hoping to bring out my eyes a little more) and a fresh white bodice.
On my dresser I found a jewelry chest, and in it were a few coins (which I removed) and various mismatched earrings and necklaces.
I then found and chose a matching set of black pearl earrings, with a black pearl necklace set in silver, on a silver chain.
Then I went in search of the privy I had a plan . . .
In the privy I found what I was looking for, flint, two candles, and tallow soap with inset lavender. It was perfect. I went back to the kitchen, swiped my map, and headed out the door.
I was just going to take a quick dip in the brook. Some pretty thick trees and whatnots surrounded it, so I figured I would be ok.
After lighting the candles, I shed my clothes and jumped in.
Now, let me tell you this, the water was FREEZING. I took as little time as possible to wash.
I was in, scrubbing my hair (with just plain soap! GAG) rinsing, and then I was done. And I mean done. I snuck out; dried off with my dirty clothes, squeezed out my sopping hair as best I could, and put the new ones on.
The dress fit like a glove. I guessed it must have been one of my favorites. I slipped into the bodice and laced it. A little tighter than normal. I was wanting to bring out my chest . . .um . . .area . . .um . . . more.
By the light of the candles, I fastened the necklace, and popped the earrings in. I then squeezed out my hair even more. I didn't want my back to be wet.
I began to walk back home. Letting my feet do the thinking, since they seemed better at it than my head at this point. I reached my destination without a problem. And standing there, on my doorstep were Rosie and Estella.
Both were dressy, but not as dressy as I was. I blushed, and gulped. They heard me and turned around. I gave a little smile.
"Where were you Merna? We thought you left without us." Rosie said good- naturedly. She smiled at me. "You look good tonight. Any special reason?" She added with a wink.
I blushed again. She had hit the nail on the head. I guess I was sort of hoping Pippin would notice me.
Estella was wearing a robins egg blue dress with an even lighter bodice, and Rosie was in dark green. Both had their hair up. While mine was hanging.
Rosie gave me one of her I-know-what-you're-thinking looks and smiled. "Would you like us to help you put your hair up, Mern?" she asked.
I nodded. "That would be great. And I'm positive that I have a couple pairs of earrings that would look great on you two." I added, wanting to offer something in return. They both smiled . . . . . . . . . .
And then we were on our way. The girls with new earrings in, and me with a fashionable bun, a few strands hanging down here and there. We walked, like normal.
When we were close to the Dragon I could tell. You could hear it from blocks away. There were shouts, the clinking of glasses, music and laughter.
And there was a smile plastered on my face bright enough to putout a troll's eyes.
Then we walked in. It was smoky, loud, and rather crowded. My eyes scanned the place, while other's eyes scanned us. I could feel a blush creeping up.
In the back, seated at a round table were Frodo, Pippin, Sam, and Merry. They waved us over. I nodded, and mouthed 'in a second'. Rosie walked back, but Estella and I started towards the bar.
She looked at me, "Ales?" she asked. My smile got bigger, and I nodded again. That prompted a smile from HER. "What's the matter, cat got your tongue tonight? Or should I say Pippin?" she said with a glint to her eyes.
"Hmmm? And what about you, Miss? I could have sworn you and Merry were sharing a bit of eye contact before. Or maybe I was mistaken?" I said innocently.
The smile I got, told me I wasn't. I looked back over at my shoulder at the table.
I could tell Rosie was trying to make intelligent conversation with Sam, but wasn't getting far. He was as red as a beet, and as shut as a clam. Frodo and Merry looked on in comfortable amusement.
I was startled out of my peaceful observations by Estella. Who picked exactly that moment to place our order, rather . . .um . . .loudly.
"HEY! Three ales over here!" she hollered. I winced. She had done that right next to my ear. But I know over the hubbub, her voice must have sounded perfect.
And trust me, I really did know...I was still hearing the echoes. I brought a hand up to my ear, and smiled when I felt the small peak at the top of it. I LURVED being a hobbit.
Three flagons slid down the bar. Estella caught two of them like a pro, while I was left to try to maneuver the last one into my hand with out spilling it all.
I succeeded, barely. I looked around for Estella, who was already at the table. You know, hobbits may look roundish and slow, but they aren't. I scurried after her. Holding my drink with care.
Then, before someone could bump me so I'd spill, I found a clear place against the wall, and took a swig. A rather large swig. I sputtered a bit, before regaining control. It was definitely not what I had been expecting.
But, believing that I would get to be a better drinker with practice, I took another sip. The second one wasn't so bad. And with my fresh and never- been-tampered-with tasted buds, I could actually pick out the taste of the honey in it.
Now, you all probably know that hobbits are big on eating. But what they don't tell you is that they're even bigger on eating sweets (in particular.)
The honey was delicious, and it had me liking barley ale even more. I took another sip, and made my way over to the table.
(Just so you know) me, being only fifteen in the normal world, I had never had more than a sip of wine cooler here and there. So now, after only a couple sips of ale, my vision was starting to get white and cloudy around the edges.
I have to say, I didn't hate it. And my tongue was beginning to become rather fuzzy and numb feeling. I really didn't mind that either, to be truthful.
When I reached the table, I was pleased to see the look on Pippin's face. He caught my eye, and I smiled at him. He smiled back, and nodded. I took a seat.
I was in between Estella, and Frodo. Pippin was across the table. I turned and looked at Frodo, he looked like he was enjoying himself, but I could tell he wasn't. My spirit shrunk thrice fold. And my heart hurt for him.
I reached over, and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Hello Frodo." I said quietly. He looked at me with those blue, blue eyes of his, and grinned.
"'Ello Merna." He said cheerfully. He was gazing at me right in the eyes. And I prayed that he would see my recognition and empathy for him there.
I don't know if he did or not. He broke the connection, and turned away. I felt defeated. But shrugged it off.
I looked around the table, at all the enjoyable faces of the 'boys', and began to greet each one of them.
"Hello again Merry, you haven't got another surprise for me again, have you?" I said with mirth, enjoying our little inside joke. Estella and Rosie raised their eyebrows, but said nothing as Merry blushed slightly.
I turned my eyes on Sam, "And Samwise Gamgee, no doubt 'bout that. How's your gaffer?" I asked pleasantly.
"F. . .fine Miss. Thank you." Sam said shakily. I nodded, and grinned.
I looked at Pippin, but I could pretty much tell that he thought we had already greeted each other.
Then the, well, I guess you could call it a band, started to play again.
A rather soft, but fast little piece, with a lot, of strings (violins, but you knew that!) reed flutes, and a bit of drumming in the background. It was very festive, and had a good beat.
I found myself tapping my foot to the rhythm. I took another sip of ale. I can now proudly say, that I am almost addicted to the stuff. (Ha, ha! But not enough to be an alchie.)
When I set my mug down, I was met with Pippin's green eyes looking at me intently. There was a question in them. (Do I even have to say what it is? Fine, I will!) He wanted me to dance (there I said It. smiles)
I nodded and we stood up. We then walked to the dance, space...um...floor. Close to each other, but not touching. I could feel the heat radiating of his body.
When we reached it, he took my hand. I put my other one on his shoulder, while his rested on my hip. Rather comfortably too. I then realized that I didn't know what I was supposed to do next.
I almost pulled away from him, but Pippin began to guide me gently, just little pressures of his hands here and there. And soon I picked it up.
We got more daring. And soon were adding little dips, and turns to what I now knew to be a most basic hobbit dance. We were smiling like fools, and having a grand time. Our eyes were locked, and I felt like pouring my soul out to him.
The music stopped, but we continued. For a few more seconds. Then we broke apart. And Pippin bowed to me. I curtsied, and we with a laugh from both of us, we linked hands, and began to walk back to the table.
But I had a better idea. So I pulled gently on his hand, and began to lead him out the door.
I looked back and waved to the rest of our party. Estella, looked surprised, but Rosie and the rest looked comfortable. I winked at Estella, and continued on my way. Still hand in had with Pippin.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Author: Sorry to leave you hanging! Ha ha ha! No I'm not. SMILES I hoped you all liked it. If you did, REVIEW. And if you didn't, REVIEW anyway. Just don't be too harsh.
THANX!
And don't worry. New updates coming soon!
Pippinsgal011890