Chapter Two:
The Hobbit, the Elf and the Wardrobe.
Everything happens for a reason, at least that is what I learned from Gandalf, what I also learned though throughout my many years of Middle Earth is that when ill will happens upon their lives, they like to blame others for their misfortune. Dwarfs blame Elves, Elves blame Men and Men blame everyone. Or so I have read in one of Bilbos' many books and journals. Hobbits though, while there may not be half as many adventurous tales as the other races, they mind their own, only wanting comfort in their Hobbit-holes. Well, most of the time.
Perhaps it was the fact that Frodo was raised a good part of his life at Bags-End with Bilbo that adventure called him in his dreams. And while elves don't sleep, I still pondered the thought of amazing journeys at night while Middle Earth slept. I was only waiting for the right moment... Is what I told herself, but part of me thought that moment would never come. So, instead, I took up gardening with Hamfast Gamgee who later passed it onto his son, Samwise. Now while Hamfast was very calm and had a love for re-telling stories of old, Samwise was quite the oppisite, I suppose me being an elf, was something to talk about! I even caught him staring at me at times. Through out the many years, he held a steady loyalty and friendship to Frodo and I even with myself being the odd one in the group. But if you ask me, that Peregrin Took and Meriadock Brandybuck were the queerest of our party.
Life in the Shire was just like it has always been; comfortable. Each day, when the sun started to rise up over Bags-End, I left my study, left whatever book I may have been reading or plant I was analyzing, to make Frodo some tea and a hardy breakfast for himself and I. Like most hobbits, I loved eating! Then, after cleaning up, I grab my bow and arrow Gandalf himself gave to me on a visit. I practice till midday, made my way back to home and start gardening with Samwise. When the end of the day draws near, what I do varies; I may have a brew with Merry and Pip, read with Frodo, or relax with Gamgee near the old tree. While there may be some differences with each sun rise, they always never stray to far from normal.
It did change though, when I saw Gandalf again I thought it would be a joyous occasion. One to celebrate since we have not have the Grey Wizard in the Shire for almost nine years! I was home alone, while Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pip were at The Green Dragon. I just was about to finish kneading some dough when I heard a knock at the door. Looking up from my concentration, I wiped my flour stained hand onto my brown pants, I'm sure I look like a mess! I thought, before bending my knees slightly and opened the door. What I thought was going to be a hobbit, was actually a human.
'"Gandalf?" I questioned, surprised by his appearance. He ducked down a bit and entered the cozy hobbit-hole, he held a face of panic and looked disheveld. "Gandalf?" I said again, taking in a sight I have never seen before. "Do you know where Frodo is?" He asked, looking around the many candle lit hallways. "Well, he should be coming back soon." I replied, making my way to the kitchen. "I'll go and make you some tea, have a seat..." I yelled from the hearth.
We talked for only a few minutes before Frodo appeared, just as shocked as I was with Gandalf.
Frodo welcomed his old friend with surprise and great delight. They looked hard at one another. Before Gandalf broke into his famous smile ''You look the same as ever, Frodo!''
"As do you my good friend!" Frodo replied; but looked at me as if saying this was not the truth. Secretly he thought that Gandalf looked older and more careworn. He pressed him for news of himself and of the wide world, and soon they were deep in talk, I stayed beside them, enjoying a rare moment with two life-long friends while they stayed up far into the night until they both nodded off to sleep by the warming fire. I kissed their heads, putting a blanket on both, then went off to my study.
After serving both the hobbit and wizard a late breakfast, I made my way outside to help Samwise with some weeds that have been bothering us both for a week! The day was a beautiful one, spring was on the wind and the trees were giddy with warmth. The sun warmed the grass under my strong bare feet, while laughter could be heard all around. Today was a good day! I wrapped up my pant legs and rolled up my sleeves before grabbing a pair of gloves.
"Good morrow Ms Alyan." Sam greeted me with a smile. I turned around, just finishing up a small patch next to the wooden fence. "You're late again Mr. Gamgee! What, were you to busy gawking at Rosie more?" I laughed lightly at my friend. "Now that's not funny Alyan." He replied with a frown. I gave him some shears and we walked to the problem area: closest to the window. We chatted away while the breeze went through our short hair, until one nosy hobbit decided to eaves-drop on Frodo and Gandalfs conversation. "Samwise Gamgee, what are you doing?" I whispered harshly before he covered my mouth and motioned for me to listen.
They talked of a ring, how it held the power to create a shawdow of Middle Earth if fell into the wrong hands, I knew what they were talking about, Bilbo had books covering the Dark Years and the defeat at the inhuman Sauron at the hands of Isildur who then took the ring for his self, claiming the One Ring for a heirloom for his mighty family and a weregild for his fallen father and brother in hopes to receive large amounts of gold for such a prize. He soon passed on, many say because that is what the ring willed. Soon, talking of the Ring of Power turned into whispers and those whispers became quite after many centuries.
So what did Frodo have to do with this ominous tale of woe?
I hoped you enjoy the revised version of this chapter!