Water ran down in a small stream, Origo was shivering, his fur was wet and the wind made him colder then ever. Origo did know it, but there were more large puddles in his way. The forest was wild and cold. The wind was picking up.
The wind and the trees created a sound that scared the pup. The wind sounded like a large group of orcs charting and yelling at the top of their voice.
Origo's fur was drying, but that didn't mean he was getting warmer. A few spots of mud were drying on his fur. His paws were really mud and cold.
The puppy would stop every so often, looking around. Ori was continually whimpering. There was no one around to help him.
His mind went back to Diamond. He really needed her, but the pup was going to give up hope. But, what Origo didn't know was that Diamond was getting nearer and nearer to him.
She was in a cart on her way back to the Shire. But she was not alone. Her husband, Peregrin Took, was with her. Another hobbit was with them. Her name was Dolly. Dolly had come along with Pippin as he went to Rivendell.
Diamond was holding a small bundle in her arms. There was a tiny baby in the warm bundle.
This was Faramir Took. The first and only son of Peregrin.
Faramir had a full head of fine hair. It was the exact same colour as Pippin's. Faramir's eyes were closed, he was sleeping peacefully in mother's arms.
"I wonder how the others are doing" said Pippin.
He had been looking at his wife and son. Diamond looked over at Pip.
"The others?" she asked.
Pippin smiled.
"At home. Sam and Merry" he answered.
Diamond smiled and looked away. She had completely forgotten about her friends back home. She wondered what they were all doing.
"Do you think their alright?" asked Pip.
Diamond took a deep breath, her eyes slowly ran down to look at her son.
"Yes Pip, I do"
Faramir started to stir, his small hand rubbed his face. But his eyes didn't open. Diamond smiled as he moved. The first time since they had left Rivendell.
Near by, Dolly was sleeping near by. A blanket had been pulled over her body, but her feet had been exposed. The wind blew her hair as the cart moved along.
There was a basket by Dolly's feet. The basket was a wicker basket, with a handle rising over and meeting the other side of the basket. Inside were packets of Elven bread. The bread was wrapped in a brown cloth, wrapped in the middle by a small bit of string.
Diamond yawned and put her hand over her mouth. Pip looked over at her. He could see Diamond yawning and looking tired.
"Should I take him and you can rest?" asked Pip.
Diamond smiled.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
Pippin nodded. So, Diamond slowly placed her hand under Faramir's head. Pippin held his hands. Diamond carefully past her son over to Pippin.
"Watch his head" Diamond said.
Pippin smiled as he held the small bundle in his hands. Diamond looked at him. It was the first time that she had seen him in a different light. He seemed to be older some how.
Diamond yawned again and settled down. The cart rattled on, bumping over stones and small rocks. Diamond settled down, her head rested her head on the planks of wood that made up the bottom.
Her head rattled as the cart rolled on.
Her thoughts were deep. The Shire's beauty came into view. The trees and rolling green grass hills, the small lake that she had grown up near.
The warm breeze ran over her face. The sun was shining and the leaves were still on the trees. Their greenness was brilliant in the sunlight. They waved in the gentle breeze. Flowers blew in gentle wind.
A hobbit walked though a large, open field. He was young looking, with golden hair. He holding a basket full of food. There was a bottle of wine or two.
Pippin's eyes darted over to the side. Beside him was a girl. Diamond Took was her name. she was shorter then Pippin.
"What about here?" Pippin asked, stopping.
Diamond stopped as well.
"What about the trees over there?" asked Diamond.
She nodded towards a small forest on the field. Pippin smiled.
"Sure" he said.
So, the two of them continued walking again. The sun was high in the sky. Pippin and Diamond's feet were bare, for hobbits didn't wear shoes.
A few minutes later, the trees came closer and closer to where they were. There were shadows laying on the floor. The sun was beating down on the two figures walking towards the trees.
Pippin and Diamond reached the shadows. It was much cooler in the shade. Pippin looked around.
"I think here should do it" Pip said.
On the ground were pinecones. Diamond smiled as Pippin put the basket down. He then picked up a large blanket. He unfolded it and laid it on the grassy floor.
"Wow" Diamond said, she had been looking over at the grassy plain before her.
Pippin was getting plates out when he stopped. He looked over at the girl standing there.
"What?" he asked.
Diamond put her hand on her forehead, blocking the sunlight out.
"We're quite a way from Hobbiton" she said.
Pippin looked where Diamond was looking. The large Party Tree could be seen peaking over the ridge of the hill. Clouds sailed over head. On the ground, their shadows quickly ran. Birds flew over head, tweeting as they go.
Pippin smiled and turned around. He then walked back to the basket and got out a bundle of knives, forks and spoons. Diamond then looked around as well. She smiled.
"I hope your brought enough, I'm really hungry" Diamond told him.
Pippin smiled.
"I hope I did too" he answered.
Diamond smiled as she sat down on the rug. Pippin sat down as well. He picked up one of the plates and handed it to Diamond. Diamond then placed it on the soft rug.
The rug had creases in it that ran like canyons along the surface. The rug was white and clean. But it had a few small stains in them.
"You know, I could get these stains out for you" Diamond told him.
Pippin had started to get small packets out of the basket.
"Oh, Diamond, it's alright for now. You don't have to" he answered.
Pip then got out a small package. He smiled as he put it in the middle. On the rug, there was a stick of butter and a pile of bread rolls. A small packet of fresh chicken, packets of vegetables. There were also jars of honey and fresh jam. Pippin popped open the jars and placed them down. He then picked up two knives and placed one in each jar.
The wind blew around them as Pip got out two mugs. He placed them down, then picked up the flasks.
He then placed the lid down and smiled.
"I brought some ale with us" he said as he poured.
The ale started to bubble as it filled.
"Your not going to get drunk and make me carry you home, are you?" asked Diamond.
Pippin stopped pouring the ale.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
Diamond looked at her feet that were in front of her.
"Last time you went out drinking, you drank so much that I had to carry you back to your home. Do you know how hard it is to carry you?" asked Diamond.
Pippin was now very confused, he then continued to pour the rest of the ale into the two mugs. He then handed one to Diamond.
In the real world, Pippin was watching his wife. His mind was asking a lot of questions. But the biggest one was the most important.
When was the right time?
Gondor was on his mind again. He missed the white city. Pippin had so many memories of that city. The many towers reaching up to the sky. The many levels that the city was built upon.
He could see the sun hitting the white stone. For miles around, the city glinted in the sun light.
Pippin took a deep breath and closed his eyes, letting the wind touch him.
Pimpernel bent down and opened the oven door. The heat touched her face. The flames were flickering in an evil heat. Nelly slid the trey into the small oven. She then shut the door with a small click.
The girl then stood up. May and Marigold had been cutting vegetables. The carrots had been done along with the potatoes, parsnips, sprouts. The stuffing was waiting to have water added to it.
"I think I'll go and set the table" Pimpernel told them.
The sisters nodded. The two of them were cutting the potatoes up. There was a pan of cold water on the table as well. When ever they would cut it into two, they would put it in the water.
Pimpernel was as the cupboard. She reached up to get the plates down. They scrapped against each other. Nelly placed them on the work surface. She then picked them up again, having a better grip.
The girl then walked out of the kitchen, along the small corridor to another room. She opened the door to revile a large, round table. There were seven seats around it, each with their own space.
The wood was bare and polished. There were very few marks on the wood. Pimpernel carefully placed the plates on the surface of the wood. She then walked around the table to a small chest of draws.
She opened up one of the draws and looked inside. Inside, there were small table cloths and table mats. Pimpernel smiled and took out the large table cloth. She walked back over to the table and place it on the table.
Pimpernel pulled out of the chairs and placed the plates on the chair. She then picked up the cloth and unfolded it. She placed it on the table. It took her a moment to get it into place. The draw was still open as Pimpernel got the table mats out.
A few moments later, she had placed the seven mats in their position on the table. Pimpernel then went back to the kitchen. She smiled as she saw the pan full of potatoes.
"Are you done?" she asked.
May nodded.
"We just need to do the parsnips and sprouts now" May answered.
Elsewhere in Hobbiton, Pearl and Pervinca were on their way to their sisters. It was the norm for hobbits arrive early for dinner. Vinnie had a basket with her. She had chocolate muffins as well. Yet, she did not know that May had brought some as well.
The wind blew in their faces as the cloud gathered. The sun was now lowering it's position in the sky.
"Feels like it's going to snow" said Pearl.
She sounded very cold as she tried to warm herself up. Pervinca smiled.
"Don't you like snow?" she asked.
Pearl shook her head.
"I like the warmth better" she told her sister.
A minute or two later, the two of them reached Pimpernel's gate. There was a small round window letting some light out. Pearl unlatched the gate and opened it. She walked though and held it open for her sister.
"Thank you" said Vinnie, walking though.
Pearl smiled and closed the gate behind.
"I hope we're not the first ones there" Pearl said.
Vinnie smiled and knocked on the door. The two of them waited for a moment before hearing quick foot steps coming near to the door.
The door swung open. Before then, Pimpernel was standing.
"Vinnie, Pearl, your early" Nelly said.
Her two sisters smiled and walked inside. Nelly could feel the gathering coldness rushing into the house. The candles flickered as the wind touched them.
Pimpernel had no idea that in a few hours, her life would be at risk. Her beautiful house would be destroyed in a raging fire.
But first, she would have dinner with her friends and her family.
"Cheers" said May and held up her goblet.
The rest of the girls did the same. The seven of them drank up. Marigold drank most of hers in one go. She was the last to put her down.
Pimpernel picked up her knife and fork. Her plate was full of food. Roasted chicken was pilled onto her plate. The sound of knives and forks hitting plates. Each of them were eating happily. Silence was rare at hobbit meal times.
"This is good" May said.
Pimpernel smiled.
"I agree" said Estella smiling.
Pimpernel poked the fork into the crisp parsnips. They had been coated in honey before being roasted. She bite a bit off and chewed. The taste of honey met her. But it was sweeter and more delicious then normal.
She finished the parsnips and the spouts. The chicken was left untouched. Gravy had been poured over everything on her plate. May Gamgee picked up one of the many bowls of food. She picked up the spoon and scooped up some of the parsnips that were still in the bowl.
After a few spoonfuls, she placed the spoon back and put the bowl down.
Pimpernel had nearly finished her plate of food when she started to feel thirsty. Her eyes fell on her mug. She picked it up and looked inside. The last little bit sloshed around in the bottom. She downed the last bit.
She took the bottle of ale. The cork had been taken out and discarded.
Pimpernel poured the ale into her mug. The liquid bubbled as she poured the last bit in. Nelly then placed the bottle back. The other girls were still eating.
To the left of her, her sister Vinnie was sitting. Estella was next, followed by Daisy and May. Marigold and Pearl sat to the right of Nelly.
Each of the seven girls ate and ate. The food was almost all gone, only one or two lonely sprouts were left. But they were soon picked off.
Pimpernel was the first to finish. She placed her knife and fork down. Nelly then picked up her mug of ale and held it. She watched her friends eat. Pearl still had a large plate of food before her. She had piled more food back onto her plate.
"You not going to eat any more?" asked Vinnie.
Nelly looked around.
"I've had enough" she told her sister.
Vinnie then poked a sprout and ate it. Estella was the second one to finish, followed by Marigold and May. Daisy, Vinnie and Pearl were all still eating.
Soon, all of the hobbits had been fed. Their plates had been cleaned of food. Only the gravy and a few small crumbs were present. The bowls were in a similar state. It was the norm for hobbits to eat everything that was in front of them.
Pimpernel smiled and talked to her sisters.
"That chicken was lovely, how did you do it?" asked Pearl.
She had her mug in her hands.
"I just covered it in honey and roasted it. It's from one of my old cooking books. I didn't think it would have worked as well as it did" she answered.
Pearl smiled.
"Well, you'll have to give me that book or write down the recipe for me" Pearl told her.
Pimpernel smiled and nodded.
"I'll do it tomorrow" she told her sister.
"Could you make me one as well?" asked Pervinca.
Pimpernel looked around.
"Of course" she answered.
For the next few minutes, the seven of them talked. The light in the window had been dimming over the day. The sun was setting to the west. The clouds sailed over head, making the air even colder.
"Right, I think I will get the muffins in here now" said Pimpernel, getting up.
There was a hum of activity as the plates and bowls were gathered up. Pearl had stood up and gathered the plates up. she picked up the knives and forks and placed them on the plate.
She piled up the plates and picked them up. Pimpernel had already gone into the kitchen. She looked around as her sister came in. Pearl placed them on the table.
"I'll just go and get the bowls" Pearl said.
Pimpernel smiled as she got out two plates.
"OK" she said.
Pimpernel picked up the two wicker baskets and placed them on the table. She uncovered the two batches of muffins and smiled. Pimpernel turned around and got out two large plates. From the corridor, laughing could be heard. Pimpernel smiled, knowing that they were having fun.
She placed two plates on the table.
She then started to pile the muffins onto the plates. It took her a few minutes to do so. Pimpernel then picked the two plates up and walked though into the dining room.
Then placed them on the table and went to her seat.
"Tuck in then" she said, reaching over and picking one up.
The other did the same. The muffin mix had been put into small baskets made of paper. There, they rose and filled the paper.
Pimpernel took hers off. A small bit of the muffin stuck to the sides of the paper. Nelly took a bite and chewed. The chocolate taste met her. She liked the taste.
"This is good" she said.
Pearl took a large bite. A small crumb stuck to her lip as she chewed.
"Hmm" was her reaction, not up to much talking while she ate.
The muffins started to disappeared quite quickly. The empty paper cups were piled up in front of each of them. Crumbs scattered the area before each of the hobbits.
All of the muffins had been eaten. The hobbits sat back in their seats. Pearl yawned and sat back in her seat. Her tiredness was greater then ever.
"I think" she said, yawning again.
"I think I should be getting home now"
Marigold was looking tired as well, her hunger had been tamed. For now.
"I agree" she said, yawning as well.
Pimpernel smiled and got out of her seat. The other then got up as well. The lit candles had been getting shorter and shorter. The wax created what looked like stalactites. The small beads of fire flickered as the hobbits got up.
There was now no light coming in from the outside. Marigold was the first one to leave the room, followed by May and Daisy. Pearl and Pimpernel gathered up the small bits of round paper. They placed them on the empty plates. Pimpernel picked up the two plates and walked out of the room. When she got to the kitchen table, she placed the plates down and walked back out.
The girls had now gathered at the front door. May, Daisy, Estella, Pearl, Marigold and Pervinca were all getting their coats out.
"I'll come and pick up my basket in the morning" said May.
Pimpernel nodded and hugged her. She hugged each of the girls there. The door was then opened and the six of them walked out.
"See you tomorrow" said Nelly as they walked away.
She waved and shut the door. Pimpernel took a deep breath. The hobbit then walked back to the kitchen.
It would be only one hour until the house was destroyed.
Pimpernel ran a large bowl of warm water. There was a lot of cleaning up to do before she could rest. The plug hole had been covered by a wooden plug. The water could not escape down the hole.
Pimpernel walked back over to the table and picked up the plates that they had used for dinner.
Meanwhile, Estella had reached her home. She opened the door and walked in. The whole house was cold and dark. The candles had been blown out when she had left.
The hobbit walked though to the kitchen where the fire was burning. But it was not a raging fire, it was now in crackling embers. Estella had a small cup full of thin bits of wood.
She picked one out and walked over to the fire. She poked the small stick into the fire and waited for a few seconds. Flames caught a hold of the wood. It instantly started to burn, turning black as it went up the stick.
Estella then stood up, her eyes on the flames. For she did not want it to go out.
The girl then walked over to the first candle and make the flames touch the wick. The flame seemed to jump over to the wick. It started to burn as she extinguished the small bit of wood. There was a small bit of smoke, but not much. The candle flickered merrily as she picked it up by the stand. Estella took the next couple of minutes lighting each one. The heat started to heat the house.
Estella then went to her room.
"I think an early night is in order" she told herself.
She had placed the candle back in it's holder. On her bed was a white gown. Estella got into her gown and folded her cloths and placed them on the floor.
But, she didn't get into bed right away. She walked over to a small writing desk. A book was laying on it. The book was her diary that she had been writing for a few years.
She sat down on the seat that was facing the desk. She picked up the book and opened it. Her fingers ran over the pages. Estella suddenly stopped at a random page. Her eyes ran over the date.
9th Winterfilth.
Her eyes then ran over some of the words.
Dear Diary, it was my birthday today. Presents were wonderful. Merry was really nice to me. I still think he likes me, even though he is not admitting it.
Estella gave a small smile. She had forgotten about Merry and his disappearance. This mad her quite upset, she had started to like him. Deep down, she wished that he would come back.
Estella flicked though the end of the book. There were not many pages left. Estella looked on the page opposite. The date read 19th Foreyule.
A quill had been resting on the top of the table. An ink well was sitting on top as well. It had a lid on.
Estella picked the small glass jar up and took the lid off. A drip fell back into the liquid below. She smiled and placed it back. The quill was then picked up.
Estella dabbed it in the liquid and looked down at the blank page before her. The candles flickered around her, they made the shadow of the quill dance around the page.
The tip of the quill touched the paper. Ink started to run off of the end of the quill. She looked down and wrote the date.
19th Foreyule.
The quill was taken away from the paper. Estella dipped the quill back in the ink. Unlike the other times that she had gone to write about her day, she did not take as long.
Dear Diary, today has been better then ever. I have just had a meal with Pimpernel and the others.
(Note: ask Pimpernel for recipe)
The rest of the day has been good as well. I think it might even snow tomorrow. I have my nice big coat and a warm house.
I might even visit Fredegar tomorrow as well. I'm sure that he'll need a good dinner if he is going out in the snow.
Estella then stopped. Merry had been pushed into her mind. Estella dabbed her quill in the ink again, then continued to write.
I'm started to worry about Merry. I haven't seen him around Hobbiton in a few days. He doesn't normally wonder off by himself. I have thoughts of bad things happening to him. I do hope that he is alright.
Estella stopped writing. She looked at the words that she had just written. They felt strange to her now. In her mind, they seemed to make sense. But out on paper, they were silly.
Estella had to tear herself away from ripping the page out and starting again. She quickly closed the book. Estella quickly got up and walked away. After a few paces, she stopped again. The book was calling to her. Estella slowly turned around and looked at book that lay on her table. The urge to go back over to it came in waves.
But she resisted the urge to do so. Estella walked out of the room and closed the door. It clicked, sending the sound though the house. The candles flickered as she walked past them. Her gown flowed as she walked to the kitchen.
Outside, there were lots of hobbits moving about. They were all looking in the same direction. Estella caught a glimpse of a massive fire. Her eyes were fixed on the flames.
Estella quickly walked though the corridor to the front door. She opened it quickly, letting it bang against the wall. The flames leaped up into the sky. The smoke was invisible against the dark sky. Embers floated into the air.
Estella was hypnotised by the flames. She knew exactly who was involved.
The coldness had deepened as the sun had gone down. Estella rushed back into the house and grabbed her coat. She put her arms though and quickly did up the buttons.
She then went back out of the door and closed it. On the hill, figures could be seen running in front of the fire. it took Estella a few minutes to get up to where Pimpernel had lived.
The heat from the flames rose the nearer she got to the burning hill. She could make out two figures. Pearl and Pervinca were standing there.
Near by, an unconscious Pimpernel and a coughing Hamson. Paladin took was ordering his daughter to be carried to his home.
"No buts Pearl, go and get the spare room ready" Paladin said.
Pearl and Pervinca turned around.
"Pearl?" asked Estella.
Pearl looked over and saw her friend.
"Pearl, what happened?" Estella asked.
The two of them embraced in a hug.
"I… I don't know" Pearl answered.
"We just saw the house on… fire and…" she stuttered.
Pervinca was quiet. She was looking back at the flaming house. There were books and pictures in there that could not be replaced. Cookery books that Nelly had been coping and using were all lost. Bottles of wine and ale that were generations old had exploded and been lost to the flames.
"Where are you going?" Estella asked.
Pearl took a deep breath, she felt so helpless.
"We have to go to my father's and set up the spare room for her" she answered.
Estella gave a small nod.
"She'll be alright" Estella told them.
Pearl gave a small smile. A smile that was of little hope.
"We have to go" she said, a hint of accepting the worst could be heard in her voice.
So, the two girls walked off. Each as silent as the other. Each were thinking of the worse scenarios that could have happened. Neither of them talked as they walked away from the fire.
Pearl took a deep breath. She still couldn't believe that it had happened. It took a few more minutes to get to their father's house. Pervinca opened the door and the heat hit them.
The two of them walked inside. The door closed.
"Oh, hello girls" said a happy voice.
It was their mother. The two girls were silent, they slowly took their coats off slowly.
"Your father is out, something must be happening"
Eglantine smiled. But her smile slowly vanished.
"Mum, it's Pimpernel" said Pearl.
Her eyes were not looking at her mother, but at the floor.
"What's happened to her?" she asked.
But there was no answer.