Authors Note: We hope that you all enjoy this story and don't give us too many flames! Princess-Celede and Beechiki. :)
Disclaimer: See first chapter.
Ivy straightened her long slender back, groaning slightly as the muscles flexed. The knots of the long days work unwinding slightly. She had been working many hours in the pipe weed fields, in the past month. As Bilbo Baggins' birthday was fast approaching and it would require vast amounts of high quality weed.
Ivy smiled gently as she thought of the kind old hobbit that she lived with. She had lived with many families over the years, but there was no doubt in her mind that Uncle Bilbo and Frodo were the closest to her heart. She bent down again and continued to remove the weeds from around the plants. Ivy whispered to the plants words that would encourage them to grow. Ivy remembered very clearly the day she had first spoken with a plant. It had been long ago only a few years after she had arrived in Hobbiton.
She had been about forty years of age but physically she was a young girl of about ten. Ivy had been young and full of spirit; she had been racing through fields of corn like she often did playing games and pinching mushrooms with her young hobbit friends. These fields of corn had been tended by the Maggot family for generations and would continue to be for many more. Ivy had stopped suddenly when she thought that she had heard something whisper her name. She looked around her with curiosity and the leaves on the closest corn stalk began to rustle slightly, and much to her surprise she could understand.
"Welcome, Lady of the Earth, we enjoy your company, stay in our fields as long as you like,"
Ivy despite an urge to run back to her home had stayed and gingerly reached out and stroked the leaves.
"Who are you?" She whispered in a delicate voice.
"We are the corn of Maggots most southern acreage"
Ivy frowned slightly.
"Why are you talking to me, are you real?"
She heard a faint chuckle reverberate around her.
"Yes my dear we are quiet real, we talk to you because you are the only one who can hear,"
From that day on Ivy had had conversations with almost every living thing she passed in the Shire, and much to farmer Maggots delight he had a bumper crop that year and every year that followed. Many more years passed and over time the Hobbits of the Shire began to notice Ivy's gift. Eventually, Ivy was asked if she would work with the pipe weed crops, and as she had not had the opportunity to talk with them yet she readily agreed. That had been nearly a thousand years ago. She had known many plants in those fields and mourned their passing and celebrated the birth of their saplings. She felt, as close to them as she would her own kin.
The pipe weed of the southern fathering had long been known through out Hobbition, and all of Middle Earth as the best that could be had. This had been true ever since Ivy had started her work tending the plants. Rumor had it that even the great kings of men, indulged in the smoking of the weed she so lovingly tended.
Ivy stood once again and surveyed the fields. She had done enough work for today, she wanted to go and help Bilbo bake some cakes for the party. Knowing Bilbo, he would get all in a bother, and poor Frodo would be left to bake for nearly five hundred hobbits!
She brushed the dirt of her simple cotton skirt and started to make her way back towards Bag End. The plants rustled a reluctant farewell, and she was forced to stop for a moment and comfort them with a promise of return tomorrow.
She walked along the well-beaten paths; it always took her a long time to walk anywhere. As every blade of grass and every plant, cried out for her attention as she neared. Usually she politely put them off, promising to return when time permitted. This she always did filling every minute of her spare time wandering around the shire listening to the whisperings of the living earth. Today, however, she was idle and stopped to give attention to all those who sought it. Bilbo would be baking all day there was plenty of time for her to help.
When she finally neared Bag End it was almost dark. The last rays of sun slipped away as Ivy closed the gate behind her and started up the path to the front door. Lost in the whisperings of her friends she had forgotten time. Ivy had always had a poor concept of time. Ivy was immortal but this was something she was unaware of. She had been told from her youngest days that she was human, and as she didn't know any, how was she to know she wasn't? Ivy believed that she was living a normal mortal life, albeit a longer one than that of the hobbits.
Ivy sighed with sadness as she pushed open the front door. Soon it would be time for Bilbo to pass and she would once again be left to deal with grief. The grief of losing a friend that she had known for so long. Ivy's slight frown quickly melted into a warm smile as Bilbo hurried out of the kitchen to welcome her home. She hung her cloak on a hook near the door.
"Welcome home my dear," he exclaimed.
Ivy knelt down and gave him a hug filled with warmth and affection.
"I am sorry I did not help you bake, Uncle. I got lost in my wanderings again."
Bilbo nodded knowingly and chuckled.
"Please do not worry. Frodo helped me most willingly, although I am not sure that I helped as much. But come, an old friend of ours is visiting."
Ivy followed Bilbo into the sitting room where Frodo was perched on a chair opposite an elderly bearded man. A man she had met many times before, and whom she knew was dear to the hearts of both Frodo and Bilbo. Gandalf had always stayed distant from her. She frowned disapprovingly at the man who brought mischief into the peaceful life of Hobbiton. He was labeled in these parts as a 'peace disturber', although she did rather enjoy his fireworks.
"Hello Gandalf." said Ivy, "It is good to see you again. Are you are here for Bilbo's Party?"
"Yes, m'dear. Although I had hoped to have a chat with Bilbo alone. Why don't you and Frodo go along to bed? I won't keep your uncle long"
"Yes, of course. Goodnight Uncle, Goodnight Gandalf" Ivy said as she turned towards her bedroom, with a puzzled look on her face. What could Gandalf possibly want to talk to Bilbo about?
BANG! Pop…pop...pop……
A loud explosion followed by a soft, popping, buzzing noise sounded throughout the clearing where a large number of hobbits were gathered to celebrate Bilbo Baggins' eleventy first birthday, and to consume any food that happened to be lying around. Several hobbits who had been chatting animatedly jumped with a start at the sudden intrusion to their conversation, but then relaxed and laughed, realizing it was only one of Gandalf's fireworks. Gandalf was happily setting them off at various intervals for the hobbit children to enjoy.
A small number of young hobbits were gathered around Bilbo sitting cross-legged on the grass and listening intently to one of his tales about trolls, although they were occasionally distracted they found themselves gazing in awe and pointing to the large and very bright fireworks over head. Someone nearby fell off their chair and landed into a cake that one of the hobbit families had brought with them and nearby hobbits chuckled at the poor soul and then resumed chatting.
Ivy sat over to one side of the party, watching the adult hobbits dancing and enjoying the freshly brewed ale and the best weed in the shire that Ivy herself had grown since seedlings. Yet she could not resent them for smoking it because they enjoyed it so much.
"Ivy?" asked Frodo, coming over to her table, "Would you like to dance?"
Ivy nodded in response and stood up. Frodo took her soft, pale hand into his own and led her to the area that had been reserved for dancing. They made their way to the dance floor. Frodo stopped as they passed Samwise Gamgee his most faithful friend.
"Why don't you ask Rosie to dance?" Frodo asked Sam, nudging him in the side.
"I think I'll just have another ale," mumbled Sam, getting up from his table and making his way over to the ale barrels where there were several drunken hobbits singing in slurred baritones.
Frodo laughed, and pushed Sam into Rosie Cotton, the barmaid at the infamous Green Dragon Inn. Frodo and Ivy twirled happily around the dance area. Frodo, falling over in his drunkenness, stumbled and brought Ivy down with him. Laughing Ivy stood and brushed her skirt down. Frodo attempted to get her to dance again, but Ivy politely refused, not wanting to be embarrassed another time. Frodo continued to dance anyway; doing complicated jumps and bobs to the fiddler's music.
Gandalf watched from the opposite side of the party with twinkling eyes and a smile filled with mirth. He had known Ivy since she was a newborn. She was blessed with her Mother's unusual chestnut brown hair and strange green eyes. She had also inherited a small part of her mother's gift, a special gift that helped living beings to grow. She had only a little of her father in her. Yes, he smiled, more of her mother than her father.
Bilbo made his way to the large pile of empty ale barrels that had accumulated under a tree, during the night's festivities. He stepped up on top of the nearest one and turned to face his friends and family.
"My dear friends, I have lived among you for many years, more than I care to remember. You are all dear to me in your special way, and I thank you for enjoying my eleventy-first birthday with me."
Ivy smiled as a loud cheer rose from the crowd. She shuffled over slightly as Frodo sat on the bench next to her. She felt something gnawing at the back of her mind. A shadow of doubt and concern grew steadily larger and more powerful. She shifted nervously in her seat, and Frodo looked across at her, worry etched on his face. Before he could say anything Bilbo started his speech once again.
"I fear my time has come. I have tarried long, too long perhaps. Now it is time for me to go..."
Ivy noticed him fingering something that was concealed inside his pocket. She could not have known what it was, but she did not like the feeling of dread that it was emanating. Bilbo slipped on the ring of power and disappeared. At that moment, a blinding pain struck Ivy and she fell to the floor, grabbing at her head. Frodo was torn between tending to his friend and searching out his Uncle.
Bilbo trotted back towards Bag End, softly chuckling to himself. They would be talking about this for years! He thought rather proud of his dramatic exit. He slipped off the ring and put it back in his pocket and he busied himself-preparing for his departure.
Deciding that Ivy was in more immediate danger, Frodo leant over Ivy and brushed her hair out of her face. She looked up at him, her eyes slightly out of focus.
"Water, get her some water," he called out.
Pippin ran to get some from the refreshments table; Frodo maneuvered Ivy's head into his lap whispering soothing words to her, uncertain of what else he could do.
The guests at the party, had not noticed Ivy's fall they were to busy fussing over Bilbo's disappearance. The hobbits started to go home quickly, not liking the fact that their evening had been ruined by Bilbo's tomfoolery. Within twenty minutes, the field was deserted save Pippin, Frodo, Sam and Ivy. Sam lingered a few feet away from them, to give Ivy some room.
Pippin held Ivy's hand, a grim expression on his face, and Frodo encouraged her to sip water slowly. She murmured softy and turned her head to look at Pippin.
"Where's Merry?" she asked in a slightly slurred voice.
Pippin felt his spirits drop. Long had his heart favored Ivy, and her first words were of Merry!
"Gandalf sent him home after the fireworks…."
Ivy struggled to sit up. She winced as she felt the pain return to her head, albeit with a much less intensity.
"I have a feeling, I am going to have a sore head for a few days," She smiled softly.
"We had best get you home so you can rest, Ivy, and tomorrow I suggest we talk to Gandalf and see what caused you to faint so suddenly. It could not have been the ale, you did not drink enough"
The thought of talking to Gandalf made her groan and roll her eyes. Pippin reluctantly released Ivy's hand and the two hobbits walked on either of her sides, Sam trailing behind. They lead her back to Bag End and her soft bed.
Gandalf left the party only moments after Bilbo had disappeared. He walked back to Bag End swiftly his long grey robes flowing around his feet. He entered the door, which Bilbo had left slightly ajar in his haste and pushed it shut softly behind him. Crouching over so as not to injure his head, he walked through to the kitchen where he saw a much frazzled Bilbo packing a traveling bag full of food.
"Where do you think you are going, Mr. Baggins?" Gandalf's deep voice boomed in the small entry way.
Frodo escorted Ivy up the path that led to the front door of Bag End. Frodo had been living at Bag End since he had become orphaned at a young age. His parents were nothing but a fuzzy memory. Bilbo and Ivy and his mischievous cousins were the only family he had ever known. A few months after his arrival at Bag End Gandalf had asked Bilbo to take in another lonely sole and so Ivy had joined the Bag End bachelors, bringing a much needed feminine flair to the cozy home.
As they reached the door, Frodo opened it and the pair stepped inside. On the polished marble entryway, there sat a small gold ring. Frodo half carried, half led Ivy to the nearest chair and after making sure she was safely sitting. He walked back to the entrance hall, to shut the front door. His eyes flicked to the golden ring. He turned as he heard whispers rush around him. Frodo frowned and bent down to pick up the ring.
Frodo held the ring in his hand; it felt heavier than he expected it to. Gandalf was leaning forward in a chair near the fire; whispering to himself and smoking heavily, apparently having not noticed Frodo and Ivy enter.
"What happened, Gandalf?" Frodo whispered.
Gandalf looked up and frowned, drawing himself out of his stupor.
"What's wrong with Ivy?" He asked, ignoring Frodo's question.
"She took ill at the party. Right about the time Uncle disappeared" Frodo said.
"Yes," said Gandalf thoughtfully, "I thought she might have..."
Frodo frowned at Gandalf. Ivy rolled her eyes in the chair opposite. Who did he think he was talking about her like she wasn't there? She was sick, not dead!
Gandalf looked at Frodo as though he had only just realized he was there.
"Your Uncle has gone to stay with the elves. He's left you Bag End." Gandalf spotted the ring in Frodo's hand.
"Along with all his possessions" Gandalf held out an envelope and Frodo dropped the ring inside.
Gandalf sealed it with wax and handed it back to Frodo.
"Keep it secret... Keep it safe" Gandalf got up and grabbed his cloak and staff.
"Where are you going?" asked Frodo.
"I must see my head of order. He is both powerful and wise. He will know what to do. In the meantime, keep it safe" Gandalf said, referring to the ring.
"What about Ivy?" Frodo asked hurriedly, eager for the wizard's instruction on how to care for her.
Ivy looked up at Frodo.
"May I see it? Is that what made Uncle disappear?"
Frodo crossed the room and went to hand the envelope to Ivy.
"Don't!" Gandalf exclaimed as her delicate hand reached for it.
"Ivy you must never touch the ring. I fear for you safety, fair one,"
Ivy looked at Gandalf in a puzzled expression. She did not like being ordered around in her own home and Gandalf had always been abrupt with her, almost rude. So why was he calling her "fair one"? She nodded her head in acceptance; Uncle Bilbo had always trusted his judgment and despite her discontent so would she.
Gandalf stalked out of Bag End not turning back or hesitating to say farewell to either Frodo or Ivy. Ivy cradled her head in her hands and exhaled deeply.
Frodo placed the envelope in the bottom of a wooden trunk that was in the corner, covered in pages of Bilbo's scribbling. He went to Ivy and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Come, I think you should get some rest,"
Ivy stood up, still a little shaky on her feet and followed the small hobbit to her room. Frodo readied her bed for sleeping and retrieved her sleeping gown from the chestnut coloured wardrobe and lay in out on the bed for her.
"Good night Ivy,"
Ivy smiled weakly and nodded before turning to start changing. Frodo hesitated before leaving the room; Ivy noticed his presence and turn to face him once more.
"What bothers you, my brother?"
Despite tonight's confusing events Frodo felt a smile tug at his face at the endearment Ivy had used.
"I fear I will find no peace tonight. I fear for Bilbo and am uncertain of many things,"
Ivy nodded knowingly; her thoughts had been heading in a similar direction.
"Why don't you sleep near me tonight? I will not lie I would take comfort in your presence. This house feels so big with out Bilbo."
Frodo nodded, left the room and walked silently down the hall to his own room. He changed into his own nightclothes and then returned to Ivy's chambers. As he pushed open then door Ivy shuffled over in her bed; Frodo slipped under the warm covers and they huddled up close to each other, both uncertain and scared at the turn of events, this not so happy occasion had taken.
Ivy lay there for a few hours. The pain had subsidised but her mind was in a muddle and she could not sleep, despite her heavily drooping eyelids. She listened to Frodo's light, rhythmic breathing. She smiled and slid out of bed and padded silently across the room and slipped on her coat. She stopped and pulled the cover under Frodo's chin, tucking him in. She kissed him softly on the cheek.
Frodo was the closet thing to a brother she would ever have. She was fiercely protective of him, even thought he was more than capable of looking after himself. She opened the bedroom door and winced as it let out a loud squeak. She would have to look at that tomorrow.
She made her way out to the front garden and opened the front door slowly not wanting to wake Frodo. Ivy smiled as she stepped on to the grass with her bare feet. The garden's plants called out to her with joy at her recovery. She closed her eye and basked in the feelings of love that flowed from them. She sat down and crossed her legs pulling her coat in close around her, shivering gently. She watched the trees shift slightly to block the chilly wind for her.
"Thankyou my friends," She whispered.
She felt the approval radiate from the trees. They enjoyed being able to do something for her. After a few minutes after the plants had assured themselves that no harm had befallen her, their mood changed rapidly. Ivy who had begun relaxing in their soothing presence snapped her eyes open and looked around. The plants were frantic they were shaking and speaking in rapid, disjointed almost panicked tones. She reached out to the nearest daisy bush and lightly touched the leaves. Images burnt their way through her mind. Fire, pain and a barren wasteland devoid of any life at all, she felt tears slide down her face as she mourned for all the plants that had once flourished there.
As suddenly as the images had come they left again. She pulled her hand away from the bush and buried it in the grass. She was greeted with soft words of comfort.
"Ivy, the daughter of the earth. You must save us…our need is dire………the evil that spreads across Middle Earth is becoming to great,"
Ivy shook her head confused.
"I don't understand," She whispered.
"You will, you must leave the Shire soon, but you go with our blessing and good wishes. Please be wary of the dangers that lie ahead of you."
Ivy stood up and went inside. She did not think she could take anymore. The plants had settled but they were still exuding a sort of mild anxiety that was making her very on edge. She returned to her bed and lay down carefully, as to not disturb Frodo, who instinctively huddled closer to her as she lay down.
Despite having even more confused thoughts flowing through her mind she could smell the lavender that grew outside her window releasing extra scent to help her relax. She closed her eyes and sleep claimed her.
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