Lord of the Rings: In the end, it doesn't even matter
By: Allison James
Disclaimer: No, I don't own any of J.R.R. Tolkein's characters, I only own the made-ups. DO NOT STEAL! No money is being made from this, and all that blah. If you DO decide to sue? Ok, I'm good for up to…checks pockets $1. 25! Take me to court!
Summary: Ten years after the Hobbits return to the Shire, Aragorn, Legolas, Faromir, and Gimli come to visit them. What they find shocks and angers them.
Chapter One: Visitors
It was a chilly October morning in the year 1430 by Shire reckoning. In Bag End, the day had already begun. Small voices of Hobbit-children rose and fell in laughter. The laughter was not shared by the sober-faced adults. Lily, Frodo's wife of eight years watched as her four children got ready to go to the newly established Hobbit school. They were brave like their father, and wise like their mother. Frodo and Sam were talking about going fishing later that day. She planned to use what they caught for dinner. Her children were joined by Rosie's five, and the mothers looked at each other with sadness as the nine small, gold heads vanished behind the hill.
-#-
Aragorn was stiff in the saddle, though he'd never admit it. He could just hear his companions, Faromir, Legolas, and Gimli poking fun at him for it. Faromir called for a halt by a small brook, and they dismounted. The little party stretched, and reached into their saddlebags to eat the noon meal.
"I can't wait to see them again." Spoke Legolas. "I wonder how they are faring? Are they well? Do they have families?" Aragorn nodded his consent. He and Arwen had two children. A boy named Ramod-age nine, and a girl, Leandra-age five. Faromir stood.
"We should hurry if we want to get there before the sun sets." The others agreed, and soon they were within the boundaries of Hobbiton.
-#-
"I'll get it Rosie, don't worry!" Lily called to her friend. They were almost out of yarrow, and it only grew on the outskirts of the town, and it was her turn to get it. She began the long walk. When she got there, she began picking. She heard the clopping of horse feet and stood up. Four beautiful horses were trotting towards her. The riders were 'big people'. She looked at the crests' on their shields, and recognized them from Frodo's stories. She stepped out boldly. "Hello. Aragorn? Legolas? Gimli? And I apologize sir, but I do not know who you are. You are from Gondor, but I do not remember…"
Faromir looked in surprise as the small woman named his companions with perfect precision.
"I, lady," he began and bowed on his horse. "Am Faromir." She nodded.
"Oh, yes. Now I remember. Are you coming to see Frodo?" She asked. Aragorn nodded.
"Yes, do you know him? Where is he?" The woman drew herself up to her full height and snorted.
"Know him? I'm his wife! Yes I know where he is!" Aragorn bowed to hide a smile growing on his face.
"I apologize ma'am. Will you take us to him?" She nodded, gentle again.
"But since I have walked all this way here, surely you won't mind carrying my herbs?" Legolas took the sack from her, and they started back.
Lily looked up at the sky. The children should be home a few minutes after she got there. "Hurry up!" She urged the men. When they reached The Burrow, she could see the looks of apprehension on their faces at the size of the door frame. "Oh, don't worry." She admonished. "It's quiet roomy inside, even for you I'd say." Doubt on his face, Faromir went in first, and was pleasantly surprised. The hole was deep enough for even Aragorn to stand without having to slouch. Lily went to the kitchen to help Rosie. "They should be home soon!" She called. "Make yourselves comfortable until then!" Rosie giggled and added, "While you still can!" Gimli looked confused.
"What do you mean Ms…" "Mrs. Gamgee." Rosie inserted. "And you'll see!" Lily could barely hold back her laughter at the look on their faces.
A noise very much like a herd of stampeding horses soon reached the guest's ears. The door was thrown open and nine hobbit-children ran in. They stood motionless for a few moments, gawking at the strangers, then threw themselves upon them.
"Whoa!"
"Are you real?"
"You're BIG!"
"Oooh! Pointy ears!"
"That's an elf!"
"Just like from Daddy's stories!"
"They ARE real!" cried one of the children as he pulled on Legolas' ears.
"He's shorter, a dwarf!" Eight of the children talked non-stop, except for one little girl, smaller than the rest. Her eyes had grown as big as saucers, and she was craning her small neck to see them. Finally she spoke.
"It's Aragorn." She said, pointing to the king. Aragorn laughed.
"I seem to be recognized everywhere today!"
The door opening again cut off his words. "DADDY!" All of them screamed at once, and ran to their respective fathers. Both Frodo and Sam were knocked off their feet by the greeting, and laid on the floor, covered by their children, trying to get their breath back. Frodo was grumbling something about 'Little Orcs' when he saw the guests.
"Aragorn! Legolas! Gimli! Faromir!" He grinned up at them. "Please sit! Have you met my family?"
"Just your charming wife…congratulations." Gimli said softly. Frodo beamed with obvious pride.
"Well, these are my children. Demitri-he's nine, Jenna-seven, Kindel-five, and Calle-three." He said, pointed out his children from the bunch. All had blue eyes except for Calle. She had bright green eyes. It was then Sam's turn.
"My beautiful wife, Rosie, then there's Elanora-ten, Frodo-eight, Daisy and Pansy are twins-six, and Dego is four." Legolas laughed at the dramatic way each child bowed as they were introduced.
"And where is Merry and Pippin? Do they have families?" The entire house fell silent instantly. Frodo spoke slowly, voice showing no emotion.
"Yes, they both have families, and they will most certainly be at the Gathering tonight. Which would make an excellent excuse to go." He said, looking at his wife. She glared at him, and the visitors got the feeling this was a frequent argument, but in front of guests, she didn't want to disagree.
"Very well. Let's go after dinner." She said as she and Rosie started to get the children ready.