Little, but Brave
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Chapter 1 Party planning
Illwyn Took ran through the fields, following her brother. His reddish brown hair danced to the rhythm of his movements.
An angry scream cut through the air: 'Damn Tooks! Just wait until I get you!"
The reason the evil farmer chased Illwyn and Peregrin, her brother, was because the two stole food from him every week; first it was carrots, then cabbages and now mushrooms. Everyone knew that eating wasn't safe anywhere when those two were around, same with fireworks. But above all, they were mischievous when Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin's best friend, joined in. Usually Illwyn joined in the pranks, but sometimes not. Then she reads a book under the Big Tree, or walked around the village, enjoying nature.
Sometimes she met a friend, for example Rose. Then she stopped and talked to her for a moment.
Sometimes she met Bilbo Baggins, the uncle of Frodo Baggins, a friend of Pippin (Peregrin's nickname). Then she talked to Bilbo about his birthday and how he wanted to leave the Shire. She helped him with this, because Frodo was not allowed to know because he would then want to come along. And Bilbo didn't think that was a good idea, because he then said to her: "I think Frodo is still in love with the Shire, with the rivers and the woods and the animals."
Frodo lived with Bilbo because his parents were killed. He adored Bilbo, so it would be difficult to get Bilbo away without being noticed.
Illwyn was initially very sad when Bilbo told her he was leaving.
"But," he would say. "It will take a long time."
And then he talked about his adventures and that he would finish his book. He said he wanted to see the Lonely Mountain again, and that he would travel to Rivendell. So after explaining why he wanted to leave, Illwyn understood. She also felt that there was not much to do in the Shire anymore.
At one point in Bilbo's story he said that Gandalf would also play a role, and Illwyn stared at him with her mouth open.
"Gandalf?" Gandalf the Grey? When will he come?'
Bilbo laughed cheerfully and said, 'Calm down, my child. He will be here in a week."
"Okay," she said very happily.
"But I have an assignment for you," said Bilbo.
"What then?" Illwyn asked curiously.
'You must keep Frodo busy when I have to pack up and go away. That will take about fifteen minutes. Would you do that?'
"Yes, Master Bilbo."
"Illwyn, you are an angel, you know."
Illwyn laughed cheerfully and said, "You can say the same about yourself."
A week later Illwyn was busy planning the party and making decorations and cakes and pastries. But everyone was busy with things for Bilbo's big party.
Illwyn looked every day expecting to see Gandalf's cart, alas, she was disappointed every time. The morning before the feast, Illwyn woke with the feeling that Gandalf would come this day.
As a result, her day couldn't get any worse.
She happily got up and quickly dressed. She ate a few slices of bread and then walked into the hall.
"Where are you going?" a familiar voice asked.
She turned around and saw Pippin.
"Out, idiot. Reading a book under the Big Tree."
Pippin rolled his eyes and said, "Were reading?" Why don't you come with me and Merry?'
"No, I'm not coming, I want to read," Illwyn said firmly. "Tell Mom and Dad I started reading."
And behind those words she walked away.
Illwyn walked to the Great Tree and sat down. She opened her book and started reading. Actually, she didn't find her book interesting, so she closed it and placed it on the floor next to her.
She closed her eyes, imagining that she was jumping from tree to tree, that she could fly like an eagle, just like in the fairy tales she loved to read. She would fly over the Sea, and the lands beyond.
Illwyn was so caught up in her daydream that she didn't notice anyone sneaking up on her.
"Hello, Illwyn," said a deep, familiar voice.
She was shocked and immediately stood up. Then she saw who was standing in front of her. He had a long, gray beard, a blue pointed hat, was about two meters tall and had a cheerful twinkle in his eye.
"Gandalf, is it really you?" Illwyn asked cautiously.
"Yes, it is me, Illwyn." Gandalf smiled at her.
"Gandalf! It's been so long! I thought you would never come again. Bilbo told me you were coming last week."
"Yes, Illwyn. But wizards are never late and arrive exactly when they want.' He looked at her sternly.
Illwyn tried to hold back a laugh, but when Gandalf started, she joined in.
"It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf," she cried, jumping onto the cart and hugging him.
"I'm glad to see you too, Illwyn," he said, when Illwyn had released him. 'Have a seat. Did Bilbo tell you the plan?"
"A little," she said, taking the seat next to Gandalf. "But not the last part. What are you doing?'
"I cannot tell you," said Gandalf. "Bilbo insisted."
"But why not?" Illwyn asked, pouting.
"Gosh, you're so curious, Illwyn. Typical Took.'
"You mean the right dose of curiosity?"
Gandalf laughed. 'You have an answer for everything. How is Frodo doing?'
"Good," said Illwyn. 'I think. I don't know him that well either. He's one of Pippin's friends, not one of mine.' Illwyn stared at the ground.
"No?" asked Gandalf, noticing something.
"No," Illwyn said, still looking at the ground.
"Fine then, just don't say it."
"What?" Illwyn looked at the wizard.
'Nothing, nothing. Oh, look, there it is.' Gandalf stopped the horses.
Frodo emerged from the bushes.
"You're late," he said, crossing his arms.
'No that is not me. Wizards are never late, Frodo Baggins, they come when they please. Exactly the same thing I said to Illwyn here."
"Hi Illwyn. Come Gandalf, Bilbo is looking for you.' Frodo jumped onto the cart and sat down next to Illwyn.
They sat for a while, silent and enjoying the trees and hills.
When they came close to Illwyn's house, she asked Gandalf to stop, got down and shouted, "See you tomorrow Gandalf, goodbye Frodo!" and disappeared down the road.
"Hello, Illwyn!" called Frodo. He turned around again and asked, "Is there any news?" Tell me everything."
"You are curious. That's unnatural for a Hobbit. Life in the world goes on as usual, and no one seems to know the existence of the Hobbits. I'm glad of that,' said Gandalf darkly, taking a drag from his pipe.
Frodo looked ahead again and they were silent for a while. Gandalf held the reins loosely in his hands and the horses walked quietly along.
"I had better go," said Frodo. "Hello Gandalf, see you at the party!" He jumped from the cart and walked into the forest.
"Hello, Frodo!" Gandalf rode on to Bilbo Baggins' house.
Illwyn jumped from rock to rock. She didn't feel like going home, so she walked to a stream and sat on the bank; to be able to think.
She understood why Bilbo left the Shire. There was nothing left to do, except steal food from farmer Van der Maden. In itself it wasn't that boring, but eventually it started to get boring.
I'll talk to Bilbo tomorrow, she thought.
She looked at the sun shining brightly. She quickly walked home, hoping to make it in time for lunch.