Chapter 8: To Tell a Tale
The familiar sound of ponies trotting caught Estella's ear, and she smiled with delight. Her two charges were finally back from their two week visit to Bag End. It had taken some convincing, but Merry had let Estella stay at Crickhollow as long as Melilot and Mentha came to stay with her. The lasses had a lovely time, and it was a great change for Estella to have female company for such a long period of time. The sisters had to be back at Brandy Hall though, and Estella was left to herself for two days. The lonely pangs had started that morning, but now Merry and Pippin were back.
She stepped outside the round door to greet them, but found three riders instead of two trotting up. The smile Estella wore sunk slightly. The third rider was Frodo Baggins. There was something about him that made Estella nervous. She knew he had done a great deed for the Shire, though she still didn't understand the full concept of the One Ring. Merry hadn't continued the story of the Quest since the first week she had come to live there. She wasn't going to ask for the rest of the story either. It had been hard enough for him to get through the lightest parts.
"Hello Stella!" Pippin greeted, hopping off his pony. "How was your visit with Melilot and Mentha?"
"Hello Pippin! It was very pleasant to have them here," she answered, patting his pony's neck. She watched Frodo slide off his own pony. "I see you brought home a guest. Good day, Mr. Baggins."
"Good day, Miss Bolger," Frodo greeted, pleasantly. He smiled at her, but it was a sad smile. "I've been assured that you would not mind a third companion for a couple weeks."
"I would not mind, but I cannot see where I have authority over that matter." Estella glanced at Merry, who had joined them as well, but he just threw her a small smile and did not respond to the exchange. Instead, he grabbed for Pippin and Frodo's reigns.
"I will see to the ponies," he said, before leading the ponies to the stable.
"I will help," Estella offered, following behind him as Pippin and Frodo made their way with their bags into the cottage.
Merry began un-strapping the saddles as Estella fetched water and oats for the ponies. It was a routine they had done dozens of times together. But when Estella had done her chore, she leaned against the stall and watched Merry absently stroke his pony with its brush. His face appeared troubled over something, but what - Estella wondered.
"Is anything amiss, Merry?" she asked.
"What?" Merry looked at her as if he'd just realised she was there. He shook his head. "Nothing, Stella."
"I assume you had a fine time in Hobbiton?"
"Very fine, lass." He replaced the brush in the bucket hanging on the stall, and pushed his way out the stall door. "It was a pleasure to see Sam and Rosie finally together. Rosie fed us well, though I prefer your cooking over any other's now."
Estella lowered her head, blushing. She followed him as they left the stable.
"We were such good company to Frodo, he finally accepted the offer to come and stay here for a couple weeks before the Free Fair during mid-summer. I am glad of that. I worry over him often."
"I can tell."
With that, they stepped into the cottage and said no more on the matter.
Putting aside her nervousness, Estella tried her best to make Frodo comfortable. She only spoke to him when he spoke to her; it was safer that way. She wasn't quite sure how to talk to him yet. Maybe because there was something about him that haunted her. She wished she knew why.
During the day, the cousins kept company with one another either outside walking the countryside or in the study talking for hours. They were in the study mostly in the evening, leaving Estella alone to cook supper. She'd call them for supper, and afterwards, they'd sit outside by the earthen firepot and smoke their pipes. Estella enjoyed the time, sitting quietly beside the cousins as they recalled mischievous stories of childhood. She knew Merry and Pippin were little scoundrels as children, but was surprised to find Frodo created some of his own mischief as well. He seemed to light up unexpectedly as they told the stories.
One night, eight days into Frodo's stay, Estella stirred from sleep. Sweat lay heavy on her brow; her heart beating rapidly. She had, had an awful dream, but could not remember it. Awful dreams were common in the cottage, mostly among her two charges. They never talked about their late night travesties - Pippin pacing up and down the hallway or Merry sitting at his study desk rubbing his eyes furiously - but Estella had witnessed them several times. She knew, though, to respect their privacy when it came to matters of their journey.
She had interrupted Pippin's pacing one night in her first month there. He snapped his head toward her, eyes wide and frantic and staring wildly at her as if he wondered why she was there. Estella stood rooted in her spot until he shook off his crazed expression, grabbing her by the arm and leading her back to her room. He warned her, stern but gently, not to disturb him or Merry when they were awake in the middle of the night.
Estella's own dreams of death and loss weren't as devastating, but they did shake her up a bit. She paddled into the kitchen to fetch a glass of water.
"Couldn't sleep either, Miss Bolger?"
Estella nearly dropped the glass she had taken from the cabinet. She steadied herself on the counter, and turned to face her overlooked company. "Mr. Baggins," she huffed, breathlessly.
"I am sorry if I frightened you." Frodo stood, leading her to a chair. "What do you need?"
"A glass of water," she replied, sitting. "But I can get it myself."
"That's all right." Frodo moved to the sink to pump water into Estella's glass. "You've waited on me quite enough these passed days."
"Thank you. You are most kind," she said, taking the glass from him. Frodo sat down beside her. "But you do not need to apologise for frightening me. It is dark, and I should have lit a candle before traipsing in here." She took a sip then sat up straight, remembering Pippin's warning. "I'd best get back to my room."
Estella nearly let out a squeak when a hand caught her wrist. "Miss Bolger, do you mind keeping company with me for a small while?"
"No, I do not, Mr. Baggins." She sat back down in the seat she had occupied.
The silence of the night surrounded them for several minutes. Estella fidgeted, desiring to ask Frodo why he was awake and why he wanted her company. It was then that she noticed a faint light illuminating under the table. She wanted to peek and see what it was, but Frodo seemed to not have noticed it.
Her curiosity was cured when he set a small crystal phial on the table. It glowed soft light at his touch that bathed the kitchen with light and made shadows melt away. Estella's jaw dropped open, her eyes fixed on the phial. She had never seen such a wonder in her life! How did it glow?
"A light in dark places." The murmur brought Estella out of her trance. She raised her eyes slowly to meet Frodo's.
"If you do not mind me asking, Mr. Baggins," Estella started, hesitatingly, "what is it, and where did you come by this light?"
" 'Tis the Star of Earendil. It was a gift from the Lady of the Golden Wood." When he noticed the puzzled look on Estella's face, he added, "She was an elf - Galadriel of Lothlorien."
Estella nodded. "Oh, yes, Merry mentioned her in his tale of the quest."
Frodo cocked his head slightly. "Merry has told you about the quest?"
"Not the entire story, only until the breaking of the Fellowship." A pained expression crossed Frodo's brow like needles had been stuck into his skin. Estella, knowing the sensitivity of Travellers, hastily changed the subject. "Are you finding your stay enjoyable?"
Frodo's face lifted and he smiled, though a sad smile. "Yes, it has been a pleasure to have such a long visit with my cousins. We have not been together this long since we arrived from our journey. You are quite a mistress of this home, Miss Bolger. How has your time been here so far?"
Estella averted her eyes to the table, running a delicate finger around the rim of her glass. "Very well, though at times, terribly rough. I find myself milling over the details of my father's illness, but it is not as prominent as it was when I first came here. I enjoy keeping the cottage in order, and watching over my two charges."
"Wonderful to hear. I was surprised when my cousins informed me you had come to stay with them. It's not everyday a hobbit-maiden comes to stay with two bachelors, but I understand your need to."
Estella stared deeply into Frodo's blue eyes, finding a mix of emotion from sorrow to joy to something unknown. But, she also saw an understanding of loss. "Thank you, Mr. Baggins."
Frodo nodded in reply. "Not to sound too blunt, but do tell, have my cousins behaved themselves as gentlehobbits should?"
It took a moment, but Estella finally nodded vigorous as if to emphasize her answer. "Yes, they have very much so. Though I am surprised Pippin has not tried anything. He is quite a rascal. Maybe it's our age difference."
Frodo laughed inwardly. "Yes, the age" he said then in a whisper which seemed not to be for Estella's ears, "and, you're much more suited for Merry."
"Excuse me, Mr. Baggins?" Estella said softly, wondering if she had heard right.
"Oh, nothing," Frodo replied, waving his hand as if shooing a pesky fly away. He stood suddenly. "I must get back to my bed before the night is worn away. Thank you for keeping me company, Miss Bolger. I feel somewhat better. It was a nice to finally talk with you alone."
"The same, Mr. Baggins."
She had slipped in so quietly, Merry nearly jumped out his chair when her face appeared beside him. "I see you're most comfort here, you walk in unannounced or permitted," he jested, replacing his quill in its holder.
"Please forgive my disrespectfulness, Merry." Estella lay a hand on his arm. "But, I need to know now."
Merry quirked an eyebrow at her. "What is so important that you need to know now?"
"I have respected yours and Pippin's privacy for a good while, and have restrained from asking, but please finish what you have started!"
At Estella's desperate plea, Merry heaved exasperatedly. "What is it that I have started, lass?"
"You never told me the rest of your story," she began, hurriedly. Merry straightened in his chair, slightly alarmed. "I was not going to ask, but how did you and Pippin escape those monsters? And, what happened to Frodo and his gardener? I can tell it was something troubling; it's written on his face."
Merry smile for a brief moment then the smile faded. "Very observant, Stella. I'll tell you what I can of the rest of the story. You may read it in whole when Frodo has finished writing it. Does that suit you?"
"It will suit me just fine." Then she waited for him to begin.
Merry moved his chair sideways to face her better. They would be alone for most the day. Pippin had taken Frodo fishing by the Brandywine. It was his day to spend with their elder cousin, and knowing Pippin, he'd take up the whole day.
"Boromir had died shortly after we were capture, though we did not know for sure until later," he began. For most of the story, Merry kept his eyes locked on the floor or his hands, only looking directly at Estella during the lighter parts of the journey. It was plain to see why Merry did not desire to talk about the quest. Estella was enthralled by the description of the Ents then horrified at the attack of the Witch-king on Pelennor Fields. She finally was told the importance of the Ringbearer's task. The ring desperately need to go into the fiery pit that was Mount Doom so all of Middle-earth could escape the clutches of this evil spirit that would consume all. She would never look at Frodo Baggins the same again.
When Merry's tale came to an end, he met her eyes, tears glistening in his. He had held the tears back for the entire story, but now they threatened to wash away his steely exterior. Estella automatically reached out, and embraced him. He returned the embrace, clinging to her for support.
"I'm so thankful to be home; to see the Shire again. To know that we are all safe, and no harm will come again."
"Now I too can be thankful for what has been done to save this world." Estella pulled away, wiping the tears from her eyes and his, as well, with the trim of her apron. "Thank you, Merry, for telling me."
Merry grasped her hand, brought it to his lips, and pressed a gently kiss on top. "You are truly welcome, Stella." Then he moved away from her before he went too far. "Let us see to supper. Pip and Frodo will be home soon. I'll help you tonight."
The familiar sound of ponies trotting caught Estella's ear, and she smiled with delight. Her two charges were finally back from their two week visit to Bag End. It had taken some convincing, but Merry had let Estella stay at Crickhollow as long as Melilot and Mentha came to stay with her. The lasses had a lovely time, and it was a great change for Estella to have female company for such a long period of time. The sisters had to be back at Brandy Hall though, and Estella was left to herself for two days. The lonely pangs had started that morning, but now Merry and Pippin were back.
She stepped outside the round door to greet them, but found three riders instead of two trotting up. The smile Estella wore sunk slightly. The third rider was Frodo Baggins. There was something about him that made Estella nervous. She knew he had done a great deed for the Shire, though she still didn't understand the full concept of the One Ring. Merry hadn't continued the story of the Quest since the first week she had come to live there. She wasn't going to ask for the rest of the story either. It had been hard enough for him to get through the lightest parts.
"Hello Stella!" Pippin greeted, hopping off his pony. "How was your visit with Melilot and Mentha?"
"Hello Pippin! It was very pleasant to have them here," she answered, patting his pony's neck. She watched Frodo slide off his own pony. "I see you brought home a guest. Good day, Mr. Baggins."
"Good day, Miss Bolger," Frodo greeted, pleasantly. He smiled at her, but it was a sad smile. "I've been assured that you would not mind a third companion for a couple weeks."
"I would not mind, but I cannot see where I have authority over that matter." Estella glanced at Merry, who had joined them as well, but he just threw her a small smile and did not respond to the exchange. Instead, he grabbed for Pippin and Frodo's reigns.
"I will see to the ponies," he said, before leading the ponies to the stable.
"I will help," Estella offered, following behind him as Pippin and Frodo made their way with their bags into the cottage.
Merry began un-strapping the saddles as Estella fetched water and oats for the ponies. It was a routine they had done dozens of times together. But when Estella had done her chore, she leaned against the stall and watched Merry absently stroke his pony with its brush. His face appeared troubled over something, but what - Estella wondered.
"Is anything amiss, Merry?" she asked.
"What?" Merry looked at her as if he'd just realised she was there. He shook his head. "Nothing, Stella."
"I assume you had a fine time in Hobbiton?"
"Very fine, lass." He replaced the brush in the bucket hanging on the stall, and pushed his way out the stall door. "It was a pleasure to see Sam and Rosie finally together. Rosie fed us well, though I prefer your cooking over any other's now."
Estella lowered her head, blushing. She followed him as they left the stable.
"We were such good company to Frodo, he finally accepted the offer to come and stay here for a couple weeks before the Free Fair during mid-summer. I am glad of that. I worry over him often."
"I can tell."
With that, they stepped into the cottage and said no more on the matter.
Putting aside her nervousness, Estella tried her best to make Frodo comfortable. She only spoke to him when he spoke to her; it was safer that way. She wasn't quite sure how to talk to him yet. Maybe because there was something about him that haunted her. She wished she knew why.
During the day, the cousins kept company with one another either outside walking the countryside or in the study talking for hours. They were in the study mostly in the evening, leaving Estella alone to cook supper. She'd call them for supper, and afterwards, they'd sit outside by the earthen firepot and smoke their pipes. Estella enjoyed the time, sitting quietly beside the cousins as they recalled mischievous stories of childhood. She knew Merry and Pippin were little scoundrels as children, but was surprised to find Frodo created some of his own mischief as well. He seemed to light up unexpectedly as they told the stories.
One night, eight days into Frodo's stay, Estella stirred from sleep. Sweat lay heavy on her brow; her heart beating rapidly. She had, had an awful dream, but could not remember it. Awful dreams were common in the cottage, mostly among her two charges. They never talked about their late night travesties - Pippin pacing up and down the hallway or Merry sitting at his study desk rubbing his eyes furiously - but Estella had witnessed them several times. She knew, though, to respect their privacy when it came to matters of their journey.
She had interrupted Pippin's pacing one night in her first month there. He snapped his head toward her, eyes wide and frantic and staring wildly at her as if he wondered why she was there. Estella stood rooted in her spot until he shook off his crazed expression, grabbing her by the arm and leading her back to her room. He warned her, stern but gently, not to disturb him or Merry when they were awake in the middle of the night.
Estella's own dreams of death and loss weren't as devastating, but they did shake her up a bit. She paddled into the kitchen to fetch a glass of water.
"Couldn't sleep either, Miss Bolger?"
Estella nearly dropped the glass she had taken from the cabinet. She steadied herself on the counter, and turned to face her overlooked company. "Mr. Baggins," she huffed, breathlessly.
"I am sorry if I frightened you." Frodo stood, leading her to a chair. "What do you need?"
"A glass of water," she replied, sitting. "But I can get it myself."
"That's all right." Frodo moved to the sink to pump water into Estella's glass. "You've waited on me quite enough these passed days."
"Thank you. You are most kind," she said, taking the glass from him. Frodo sat down beside her. "But you do not need to apologise for frightening me. It is dark, and I should have lit a candle before traipsing in here." She took a sip then sat up straight, remembering Pippin's warning. "I'd best get back to my room."
Estella nearly let out a squeak when a hand caught her wrist. "Miss Bolger, do you mind keeping company with me for a small while?"
"No, I do not, Mr. Baggins." She sat back down in the seat she had occupied.
The silence of the night surrounded them for several minutes. Estella fidgeted, desiring to ask Frodo why he was awake and why he wanted her company. It was then that she noticed a faint light illuminating under the table. She wanted to peek and see what it was, but Frodo seemed to not have noticed it.
Her curiosity was cured when he set a small crystal phial on the table. It glowed soft light at his touch that bathed the kitchen with light and made shadows melt away. Estella's jaw dropped open, her eyes fixed on the phial. She had never seen such a wonder in her life! How did it glow?
"A light in dark places." The murmur brought Estella out of her trance. She raised her eyes slowly to meet Frodo's.
"If you do not mind me asking, Mr. Baggins," Estella started, hesitatingly, "what is it, and where did you come by this light?"
" 'Tis the Star of Earendil. It was a gift from the Lady of the Golden Wood." When he noticed the puzzled look on Estella's face, he added, "She was an elf - Galadriel of Lothlorien."
Estella nodded. "Oh, yes, Merry mentioned her in his tale of the quest."
Frodo cocked his head slightly. "Merry has told you about the quest?"
"Not the entire story, only until the breaking of the Fellowship." A pained expression crossed Frodo's brow like needles had been stuck into his skin. Estella, knowing the sensitivity of Travellers, hastily changed the subject. "Are you finding your stay enjoyable?"
Frodo's face lifted and he smiled, though a sad smile. "Yes, it has been a pleasure to have such a long visit with my cousins. We have not been together this long since we arrived from our journey. You are quite a mistress of this home, Miss Bolger. How has your time been here so far?"
Estella averted her eyes to the table, running a delicate finger around the rim of her glass. "Very well, though at times, terribly rough. I find myself milling over the details of my father's illness, but it is not as prominent as it was when I first came here. I enjoy keeping the cottage in order, and watching over my two charges."
"Wonderful to hear. I was surprised when my cousins informed me you had come to stay with them. It's not everyday a hobbit-maiden comes to stay with two bachelors, but I understand your need to."
Estella stared deeply into Frodo's blue eyes, finding a mix of emotion from sorrow to joy to something unknown. But, she also saw an understanding of loss. "Thank you, Mr. Baggins."
Frodo nodded in reply. "Not to sound too blunt, but do tell, have my cousins behaved themselves as gentlehobbits should?"
It took a moment, but Estella finally nodded vigorous as if to emphasize her answer. "Yes, they have very much so. Though I am surprised Pippin has not tried anything. He is quite a rascal. Maybe it's our age difference."
Frodo laughed inwardly. "Yes, the age" he said then in a whisper which seemed not to be for Estella's ears, "and, you're much more suited for Merry."
"Excuse me, Mr. Baggins?" Estella said softly, wondering if she had heard right.
"Oh, nothing," Frodo replied, waving his hand as if shooing a pesky fly away. He stood suddenly. "I must get back to my bed before the night is worn away. Thank you for keeping me company, Miss Bolger. I feel somewhat better. It was a nice to finally talk with you alone."
"The same, Mr. Baggins."
She had slipped in so quietly, Merry nearly jumped out his chair when her face appeared beside him. "I see you're most comfort here, you walk in unannounced or permitted," he jested, replacing his quill in its holder.
"Please forgive my disrespectfulness, Merry." Estella lay a hand on his arm. "But, I need to know now."
Merry quirked an eyebrow at her. "What is so important that you need to know now?"
"I have respected yours and Pippin's privacy for a good while, and have restrained from asking, but please finish what you have started!"
At Estella's desperate plea, Merry heaved exasperatedly. "What is it that I have started, lass?"
"You never told me the rest of your story," she began, hurriedly. Merry straightened in his chair, slightly alarmed. "I was not going to ask, but how did you and Pippin escape those monsters? And, what happened to Frodo and his gardener? I can tell it was something troubling; it's written on his face."
Merry smile for a brief moment then the smile faded. "Very observant, Stella. I'll tell you what I can of the rest of the story. You may read it in whole when Frodo has finished writing it. Does that suit you?"
"It will suit me just fine." Then she waited for him to begin.
Merry moved his chair sideways to face her better. They would be alone for most the day. Pippin had taken Frodo fishing by the Brandywine. It was his day to spend with their elder cousin, and knowing Pippin, he'd take up the whole day.
"Boromir had died shortly after we were capture, though we did not know for sure until later," he began. For most of the story, Merry kept his eyes locked on the floor or his hands, only looking directly at Estella during the lighter parts of the journey. It was plain to see why Merry did not desire to talk about the quest. Estella was enthralled by the description of the Ents then horrified at the attack of the Witch-king on Pelennor Fields. She finally was told the importance of the Ringbearer's task. The ring desperately need to go into the fiery pit that was Mount Doom so all of Middle-earth could escape the clutches of this evil spirit that would consume all. She would never look at Frodo Baggins the same again.
When Merry's tale came to an end, he met her eyes, tears glistening in his. He had held the tears back for the entire story, but now they threatened to wash away his steely exterior. Estella automatically reached out, and embraced him. He returned the embrace, clinging to her for support.
"I'm so thankful to be home; to see the Shire again. To know that we are all safe, and no harm will come again."
"Now I too can be thankful for what has been done to save this world." Estella pulled away, wiping the tears from her eyes and his, as well, with the trim of her apron. "Thank you, Merry, for telling me."
Merry grasped her hand, brought it to his lips, and pressed a gently kiss on top. "You are truly welcome, Stella." Then he moved away from her before he went too far. "Let us see to supper. Pip and Frodo will be home soon. I'll help you tonight."