Chapter 9: It's Only Fair
Frodo's visit came to an end the Wednesday of his second week at Crickhollow. It was planned for all four to travel to the Free Fair together in Michel Delving. The Free Fair was the largest and most popular event in the entire Shire. Hobbits from all four farthings came to sell and buy goods grown or raised or made, enter contests, play games, and of course, eat and gossip. Due to the Occupation the year before, there had been no Fair. But this year, it was going to be bigger than ever.
"Come now, or we'll be late!" Pippin called from the front doorway of the cottage. He was practically bouncing as he waited for the others.
"It's a heartening sight to see you so excited, Pip," Frodo said, making his way to the door carrying a brown satchel - wearing a cheerful smile.
"This will be the first Fair for which I have my own pony to enter in the pony races," Pippin replied, watching Frodo walk passed him to the stables. "I do not wish to miss my chance to enter!"
Merry appeared beside him holding a small shoulder bag. "We will be there in time, cousin," he reassured, then followed Frodo.
"ESTELLA!" Pippin called, after a minute passed of waiting in bursting impatience for the last of the household to emerge.
A door slammed and hard footsteps paddled up the hallway. Estella brushed passed him carrying a satchel, and muttered, "You're impossible."
Pippin grinned broadly and shut the door.
The trip to Michel Delving would take two days, or three days at most. They traveled at a good rate that Wednesday, making it all the way to Bag End by midnight. Sam had stayed up waiting for them. But when they entered, tired and sore, they found Sam asleep in the rocking chair near the hearth. Frodo woke him, and sent Sam to bed, which was just what the rest of them did as well, and the other three followed his lead.
The sun had risen too fast for Estella, but she dragged herself out of bed and shuffled into the Bag End kitchen. Rosie was already there, preparing breakfast. Her face brightened in a smile upon seeing Estella.
"Good morning, Miss Bolger! Rested up?"
Estella snorted loudly, then covered her mouth. "I'm sorry. The bed was much up to comfort, but I do think I need a little more rest."
"That is quite all right, Miss Bolger." Rosie removed several stripes of bacon from the frying pan, adding a few eggs sunny-side up to simmer in the grease. "I understand having to travel so far yesterday."
"Thank you, Rosie. I know we've only met once, but please call me Estella. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Rosie, still smiling, shook her head. "No, you just rest yourself. I'll take care of breakfast."
While Rosie cooked, the two lasses chatted and got to know each other better. Rosie was a very easy lass to talk to, and didn't hold back at chatting about basically anything. When they heard movement coming down the hall, she sent Estella to the cellar to retrieve the milk.
After breakfast, Merry and Pippin offered to clean up and Estella added that she'd start on second breakfast. Sam and Rosie went to pack the box wagon borrowed from the Cotton Farm. Frodo elusively disappeared into his study until second breakfast was served.
They left Bag End half an hour after second breakfast: the four companions riding their ponies; Sam and Rosie driving the wagon packed with food, blankets, and bedrolls. They had no goods to sell, but they weren't worried. They knew that next year's Fair they'd have plenty to bring.
The companions traveled at good rate that day though sometimes, out of anxiousness or excitement or both, Pippin would spur his pony and race up the path. Merry would let out a mock-heave and take off after him. Sam and Rosie were completely oblivious to anything around them. They sang and laughed together in the pony trap - Sam holding the reigns with his right hand, Rosie cuddled under his left shoulder.
There was much chatter between the four companions about past Fairs and how wonderful they had been.
"Merry," Frodo started, trotting beside his cousin. "Remember the year we lost Pippin?"
"How could I forget?" Merry answered, a grin spreading across his lips. He glanced to his right at Pippin, who slapped a hand on his face and shook his head in a manner of 'not again'.
Estella perked in curiosity. Frodo took noticed, and went on. "Our lil' Pip was four years old that year. Merry and I gave in to his pleas to be brought to see the stock animals. We became distracted around the goats." Merry chuckled under his breath at the shared memory as Frodo continued. "Pippin wandered off. We frantically searched everywhere for him, and finally found lil' Pip in the pigpen wallowing with the pigs."
Merry erupted with laughter. "He was covered from head to toe in mud!"
"The pigs were better playmates than you two were," Pippin accused. "I honestly believe you wanted to get rid of me."
"Oh, we never want to get rid of you, Pip," Frodo said, smiling innocently.
Pippin only mock-pouted in reply, and turned to Estella. "Which is your favorite year at the Fair, Stella?"
She pondered for a moment peering out at the rolling fields they were passing then answered, "It was the year the strawberries were plenty and sweet. Freddy and I were in our early tweens. It was Freddy's idea to snatch a whole basket of strawberries. We hid just outside the Fairgrounds, and ate until they were all gone. We were sick the rest of the day and in horrible trouble, but it was worth eating those delicious strawberries."
Her companions laughed aloud. "Leave up to ole' Fatty" Merry added.
It was dark when they arrived on the bordering edge of the Fair campgrounds. Tents and wagons of all shapes and colors littered the wide field. Small fires here and there flickered like orange stars. It had been decided last they had seen Fredegar that Merry, Pippin, and Frodo would stay with him in his tent while Estella stayed with Melilot in her family tent. Fred and Melilot's tents were staked up next to each other, which didn't surprise them. Sam parked the wagon on the other side of Fred's tent. He and Rosie would sleep under the stars inside the box of the wagon.
Everyone ate a quick supper then were off to bed.
Estella woke to the sounds of hobbit folk bustling all around. Melilot's father and mother were gone along with her older brother, Merimas. Melilot was awake, but Mentha lay still on her bedroll, sound asleep.
"Good morning, Stella," said Melilot in a dreamy voice. "How did you sleep?"
Estella sat up, stretching. "Very well, thank you."
"Merimas' snoring did not bother you?" Melilot asked, standing and helping her friend up as well.
"I don't recall hearing any snoring."
"You're lucky! Massy is loud enough to wake folks in the next farthing."
"I'm use to sleeping through snores. It must be from all those years of having a room next to Freddy."
"Freddy snores?" Estella laughed at Melilot's stricken look.
After nearly dragging Mentha from her bedroll, the three lasses washed and dressed then had breakfast. The day was sunny and clear. The Fairgrounds were teeming with hobbit folk wandering through booths and the stock tents. The pony track was farthest from the campgrounds, on the other side of the stock tents.
The lasses strolled through the crowd, arms linked together, halting at craft booths to admire the talent displayed. At elevenses, they finally met up with some familiar faces as they waded through the camping tents to their own.
"Sister! Mel! Where have you been?" Fredegar asked, tromping up to them and kissing their cheeks.
"Exploring," Melilot said, teasingly.
"Hello!" a chipper voice greeted.
"Hello Pippin, Merry!" Estella greeted back as the two cousins walked up along with another Brandybuck cousin she recognized as Berilac. "Have you lads eaten?"
"That was our next stop," replied Pippin, grinning.
"Come with us," Estella said. "We'll feed you."
They ate luncheon together, chatting lively about happenings of the Fair. Pippin was bursting with excitement. The first pony race was set between luncheon and afternoon tea. Fred, Merry, Pippin, and Berilac hurriedly ate the sandwiches and apples the lasses gave them, and were off to prepare for the race. The lasses were not far behind them. The stands would be filling up fast, and they wanted to get a good seat.
Standing at the bottoms of the stands Frodo. Estella waved and stepped up to him.
"Good day, Mr. Baggins."
"Good day, Miss Bolger," Frodo greeted, smiling. "I am waiting for Sam and Rosie. Would you lasses care to join us?"
Estella looked at Melilot and Mentha, and they nodded. The newlywed Gamgees came soon enough, and all six hobbits found an empty space at the top of the stands they could all fit on.
Less than five minutes later, a horn echoed through the stands. The crowd was on it's feet, cheering. The ponies were off! Merry and Pippin weren't hard to spot. Their livery gleamed above all other garb, and they were, of course, the tallest hobbits in the race. Estella followed the ponies, enthralled by the energy filling the racetrack. Pippin was in the lead with Merry not too far behind, and Fred two ponies behind them.
She could hear to the left of her Sam screaming, "Go Pippin!" And to her right, Melilot and Mentha screaming, "Hurry Freddy!" Above all the noise, Frodo was laughing to near tears next to her. She glanced at him, surprised and delighted to find him so jovial. She did not know whom to root for, but on the last round, she saw Merry bend low to his pony's ear. Then the pony shot off, right passed Pippin and into the lead!
Estella gasped, delighted beyond belief. She finally settled for a name. "Go for it, Merry!" And the race was over. Estella hopped on the balls of her feet. Merry had won!
Frodo was first to make it out of the stands. He dashed to the finish line, and caught Merry in a hug as he slid off his pony. Estella more slowly made her way from the stands. The crowd had already started to leave. She walked over just in time to see Mayor Whitfoot presenting Merry with a blue ribbon and a bag of silver coins.
"Congratulations!" Estella said, catching him around the neck. "I thought for sure Pippin was going to win."
"I thought I was too," Pippin muttered, holding his red ribbon limply and pouting.
Merry pulled away, holding Estella's waist. "Well, you know me. I'm full of surprises." Then he turned to Pippin. "Oh, stop sulking!
"Don't worry, Pip. There's always next year," Frodo added, clasping his young cousin's shoulder.
"Be thankful you got second place," Fredegar roughly put in as he walked his pony toward them. "I didn't even make it in the top three."
Melilot swept over, throwing her arms around him. "It's all right, Freddy. I think you did wonderfully, even if you didn't win a ribbon."
He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Thanks, Mel."
"As a consolation," Merry started in the direction of the stables. "I'll buy you two a few rounds of ale in the beer tent."
Pippin grinned, and Fred shrugged. "Sounds good to me."
Merry nodded then grabbed Frodo's arm. "You're coming too."
"No, really I…"
"Yes, you are," Pippin said, nabbing Frodo's other arm. "And you too, Sam! Come on!"
"Goodbye, lasses! See you tonight!" they shouted to the four lasses behind them as they made off for the stables.
Night had fallen, and supper had passed. The lads still hadn't made it back. As Melilot and Mentha helped their parents clean up after supper, Estella went to keep Rosie company as they waited for the lads to return. They sat on the back of the wagon, staring at the stars.
"Stella, may I share a secret with you?"
Estella looked at Rosie, startled. They had really just gotten to know each other a few days ago. "Well, I suppose," Estella sputtered, uncertainly. "If you trust me enough."
Rosie touched her hand. "Oh, I do trust you. You're very soft spoken and kind. Why, I doubt you wouldn't harm a fly."
Estella looked into her lap, sheepishly. "I don't know about that; maybe swat at one if it's by my food."
Rosie laughed then said in a whisper, "I think I'm with child."
Estella snapped her head up to see Rosie smiling broadly. She smiled back. "Oh, dear, I think that's wonderful. But you're not sure yet?"
"I've had all the signs of carrying. Now I must wait for my belly to grow to be completely sure."
"And it's only been two months since you and Sam were wed."
Rosie blushed; making her cheeks even redder in the firelight that drew shadows from nearby tents. "Well, we've been busy."
Estella let out a rare giggle. "Sam isn't as shy as he seems."
They talked for a while longer until a figure Rosie recognized right away came trudging to the wagon. Rosie squealed, and went to Sam. Estella watched, content at the sight of the newlyweds lovingly greeting one another. She sighed deeply, a pang of forlorn rising in her. She pushed off the wagon.
"I'll leave you two to each other," Estella said as she passed them. "Good night."
"Miss Bolger." Sam nodded to her, shakily. Merry's winning must have bought more than just a few mugs of ale.
"Good night, Stella," Rosie said, hugging her. "Thank you for keeping me company."
Estella did not much feel like preparing for bed. The stars were twinkling even brighter now that most fires were burning low. Sitting on the bench outside her brother's tent, she watched the stars a bit more while waiting for the rest of the lads. But she heard rustling in the tent.
I didn't see anyone else walk up with Sam - she thought. The rustling continued, peeking Estella curiosity. She cracked open the tent flap.
"Oh!" she gasped. "I'm sorry, Mr. Baggins. I wasn't sure who was in here."
"Quite all right, Miss Bolger," Frodo replied, tying his nightshirt closed. He stepped up to the flap.
"I'm waiting for the lads to return to wish them a good night."
"I think they will be around shortly. I would have returned sooner, but they literally manhandled me to stay. Thankfully Sam was there, though sluggard he was, to free me from my cousins' grasps!"
"Well, I hope they do not stay much longer."
"Oh, I assure you they will be back soon. Good night, then."
The flap fell closed, and Estella retreated to the bench again. It was soon when her ear caught snatched of song being sung by slurred voices. Some shouts from nearby tents were telling them to be quiet. Estella groaned as the voices drew nearer. She knew exactly whom they belonged to.
"If it isn't my baby sister come to tuck us in, no doubt!"
Estella got to her feet as they approached, Fred and Merry dragging Pippin between them on their shoulders. The poor tween's head bobbed dangerously.
"Fredegar Bolger, keep your voice down!" Estella hissed. "Folk are trying to sleep!"
"Oh, they'll get over it," Merry informed as he and Fred deposited Pippin onto the bench. He fell to the bench with a thud nearly sliding off. Fred and Merry didn't appear to be worried.
"It's awfully rude to wake them," Estella said, pushing Pippin safely back on the bench. "You two are drunker than a Breeland mull. It's high time for bed."
"You're right, little baby sister." Fred grabbed Estella, squeezing her until she could barely breathe. She smacked his arm getting him to let go. "Take Pippin with you, Fred. He doesn't need to stay out here all night."
Fred wobbled over to the bench, hoisted the taller hobbit with much difficulty on his shoulder, and trudged into the tent.
Estella turned to find Merry grinning wildly at her. His eyes gleamed in a strange light. "Good night, Merry. Sleep off your strong drink," she said, hurriedly. She brushed passed him, but he stepped in front of her, taking hold of both her forearms. She stared up at Merry, biting her lip nervously.
"You are the most beautiful hobbit lass in all the Shire," Merry announced. Estella stood, rooted to the ground, heart pounding - whether out of thrill or fear she could not tell. Merry's hold on her arms tightened severely as he leaned closer toward her. She tried to pull away, but could not.
Drunk and out of sense, Merry's lips connected with the spot between Estella's right
cheekbone and bridge of her nose.
"Get away, you sluggard!" Estella yelled, jerking out of Merry's grasp. He stared at her, glassy-eyed and confused. "Get in that tent this instantly!"
With that, she stalked away.