Author's Note: I have followed the dates in the family tree for Sam's birth year. The Tale of Years contradicts this and says 1383 but I decided to go with 1380.

March 1430 SR

It all started during the visit to Gondor. Frodo happened to mention that it would be Sam's fiftieth birthday the following Astron and that they should think about how to celebrate it. A speculative gleam entered Pip's eyes.

       "Just you leave it to us, Fro. I know exactly what to do. It can be your surprise too. Trust us, it will be fun."

       Words to strike terror into the heart of anyone who knew what could follow. Frodo rolled his eyes and wondered just what he had let himself in for. He remembered a good many colourful incidents which had started with those innocent words.

                                                                          ************

       "Hope you two are ready. We're going to Bree tomorrow!" Merry and Pip breezed in to the kitchen. They had been staying at Bag End for Merry-lad's and Elanor's birthdays.

       "Bree? Why Bree?" Sam looked up, surprised.

       "It's part of your birthday festivities - we're going to see old Barliman."

       "Seeing dear old Barliman is always fun but it seems a strange way to begin Sam's birthday celebration." Frodo was occupied changing baby Pip's shirt, which was covered in bits of his breakfast - egg and butter and jam.

       "Don't be difficult, Fro. This is your surprise too. We told you, just enjoy it."

       "Why do I suspect that the words 'Trust us. It will be fun' are marching in the direction of this conversation?" Frodo worked a clean chirt over the wriggling hobbit's head. "Now where's Pip-lad? Oh there you are! Peepbo!" This was answered with a gleeful squeal.

       Sam glanced sideways. "Pardon me if I'm wrong, but didn't they say that about the 'exploding ale barrel' incident?"

       "Uh-uh." Frodo had a nappy pin clenched between his lips.

       "And the 'Bilbo's party fireworks' incident?"

       "Mmmm." Frodo wrestled the baby into a position suitable for fixing a nappy, encountering fierce resistance as he did so.

       "And the 'sightseeing in Rivendell, damaged hornets' nest, angry snake, Ranger and future King in river' incident?"

       "That too." Frodo did his best to ignore the chortling and unrepentant pair although he was choking back his own laughter. He was fighting the baby, who did not seem to want his trousers on and was kicking wildly.

        "The what?" Rose enquired. "I remember the exploding barrels and the fireworks, but what's all this about hornets and snakes and Aragorn in a river?" She watched Frodo bounce the properly clean and tidy baby. Little Pip's feet danced on his uncle's knees and he made all sorts of approving gurgles. He disliked being dressed or undressed but was perfectly happy once the process was over.

        "Once I was up and about after Weathertop, we wanted to see Rivendell and Strider volunteered to show us round. Of course, he grew up there so we couldn't have had a better guide. Bear in mind that this was supposed to be a gentle recuperative outing for me!" He glared at his cousins. "The Elves packed us a magnificent picnic and we set off. It was a glorious day, very warm for October - I think the weather in Rivendell was always gentle and temperate - and we had elevenses in a glade. Then we walked on, into the valley. Aragorn showed us all sorts of things - plants, birds and animals - which we might otherwise have missed. At some point Pip spied a large hornets' nest high on a tree, and decided he wanted it as a trophy. By that time of year it should have been empty, but Imladris is, as I said, a little different. I tried to persuade Pip that it wasn't a good idea to try and reach it anyway, but he wouldn't listen to me and Aragorn had wandered further down the path. Pip's answer was 'Trust me, it'll be great fun' and the next thing I knew, he had found a branch and was whacking the nest for all he was worth, trying to dislodge it. Only it wasn't that easy to dislodge....."

        "Weren't empty neither!" Sam retorted. "Blessed things came zooming out and they were not exactly happy about being disturbed. They were enormous! Big as blue tits and in a fury."

        "We ran and they followed. I don't know what Aragorn thought was happening as we all hurtled down the path and barrelled past him, yelling." Frodo wiped his eyes and fought back the giggles.

       "He caught on quick though. Took one look at the hornets and took off after us. He had the advantage with those long legs of his, and led the way into a thickly wooded area where we hid in the bushes. Strider said the they would find the sap in the leaves unpleasant. We sat there for ages before the wretched things grew tired and flew off - I think there were some very ripe berries nearby so they went and fed on those." Sam finished slicing a large ginger cake into generous portions.

        "Then we ate lunch and had a rest before setting off again. We found some beautiful blackberries but the bushes were growing on a quite precarious ledge over a stream. Merry and Pip were not put off and scrambled up to gorge themselves. Merry slapped me on the back and said: 'Trust me, it'll be fun!' Sam and I were more cautious, luckily. I thought I could hear a strange hissing noise, and when I looked into the heart of the bush I saw a large and very cross-looking adder. Usually they slip away if they can but this one was spoiling for a fight. Aragorn grabbed the two of us and threw us across the stream and then reached in to the bushes and plucked these two out. He threw them over......"

       "None too gently, I may add," said Pippin ruefully, helping himself to cake.

       "Then he turned and went to jump, but his clothing was caught in the bushes with all the thorns, and his shirt ripped, he missed his footing and landed on his bum in the water!" Sam laughed.

       "We tried not to howl, honestly, but his face was such a picture that we couldn't help it." Merry was giggling at the memory, and Rose was crying with laughter and wiping her face with her apron.

       "Even the snake looked nonplussed! It peered over the edge at him and then slithered off - proably went to tell its family it had encountered the strangest beings. We helped the Ranger out of the water and couldn't resist making jokes about his finally having a bath. He took it in good part, I have to say."

       "You should have seen Arwen and Elrond when we returned. Their faces! Glorfindel had to walk away because he was laughing so much, and the Twins teased poor Strider unmercifully for days. Gandalf just shook his head and muttered, 'Hobbits!' when he heard."

       "Anyone would think we're irresponsible," Pip muttered, and was drowned out by the shrieks of laughter from the residents of Bag End.

       "We're not going to lead you into any trouble. We're just going to Bree," added Merry, sounding aggrieved.

       "Which probably means some sort of adventure, profuse apologies to assorted villages and huge amounts in compensation!" Frodo replied.

       "You won't be saying that when you find out what the surprise really is," Merry grumbled, and then became very mysterious and would say nothing more.

                                                                         ************

       Sam, Merry and Pippin were at the stables, saddling the ponies for the trip. Rose had requested a quiet word with Frodo and the two of them were in the study.

       "I wouldn't normally ask," Rose said, "But I need some extra money to buy the foodstuffs for the birthday and some bills will fall due this week."

       "My dear Rose, you know you can just come and take whatever money you need. You don't have to ask."

       "Couldn't do that. It wouldn't be right. I don't want to ask Sam because we're trying to keep this secret. Merry and Pippin have also placed orders at the butcher's and the grocer's, and the Valar knows what they've ordered!"

       Frodo opened a little drawer at the back of the dest and took out a bag of money. He counted some gold King's coinage and several Shire pennies into her hand. "Is that enough?"

       "More than enough, I hope! I don't think we're going to be feeding an army but you never know when those two have made the arrangements. .Even I don't know what's going on because they haven't told me much."

       "No shortage of money here, thankfully. Well, my cousins are somewhat predictable so I daresay an Elf and a Dwarf may be joining the party."

       "I couldn't say - just had a few nods and hints. Thank you for this." Rose pocketed the money in her apron and Frodo returned the money bag to the drawer and made a quick note in the ledger.

       "If you find you need anything else you are to help yourself, you hear?"

       "Merry Gamgee! Come back here at once and put some clothes on!" Elanor's voice echoed down the passageway.

       "No!" This was followed by giggling and the sound of pattering feet on the polished wood. Merry-lad appeared in the study doorway, wearing nothing but a smile and a hat which even his baby brother had grown out of.

       Frodo and Rose struggled not to laugh. Frodo considered the little faunt carefully, his head tilted slightly. "Is this what Hobbiton and Bywater society will be wearing for the summer?" he enquired gravely, trying not to notice that Rose had turned away and was making most unladylike snorting noises. "I should ditch the hat if I were you though, lad. It's doing nothing for you, sitting on your head like a pimple on a pumpkin, as Bilbo used to say." Behind him, Rose guffawed.

       "There you are!" Ellie arrived and stood behind her brother, hands on hips, the very picture of exasperation. "You can't run about with no clothes on. It's not proper!"

       "Off you go now, Merry-lad. Let Ellie get you dressed. Naked hobbits aren't allowed any elevenses." Frodo did his best to look stern and the child allowed his sister to take his hand and lead him back to the nursery, her scolding gradually fading as they moved out of earshot.

       Rose slumped weakly on to the chair, giggling hysterically. "That child! Mum says it's a phase. Jolly did it too, I remember. I'm sure his namefather never did such things."

       "Oh yes he did. He once ran through my Aunt Menegilda's sitting room in the middle of one of her ladies' teas, as naked as the day he was born. Aunt Lalia almost choked on her cucumber sandwich and Aunt Gilda's face was a picture - and not one you would want on the wall!"

       "What were you doing there?" Rose mopped her face.

       "She liked me to hand round the cakes and sandwiches. I hated it - all those old aunts pinching my cheek and telling me I needed more meat on my bones. Lalia was terrifying, of course. Poor Ferumbras had to wait years to really be the true Thain because as long as she was alive he deferred to her. She referred to herself as Thain and no-one was brave enough to contradict her.She was the most tyrannical old fiend I've ever met. She could have taught Sauron a few things, I'm sure. Then there was Great Aunt Freesia, who had eyes like gimlets. She could have bored a hole through marble!"

       "Sounds a bit like my old Gammer Brown. She was a right old dragon and we were scared stiff of her."

       Merry poked his head round the door. "Stop sweet-talking the Mayor's wife and grab your pack, or we'll be at Frogmorton before you've set out!" He ducked as Frodo threw a cushion at him.

       His pack was by the door but he had left his jacket in his bedroom. Rufus was sprawled on the bed, sunning himself and studiously ignoring the towel Rose had placed on the counterpane to minimise the hairs.

       "You are a bad cat," Frodo said, tickling the exposed belly. Rufus rolled and gave Frodo an upside-down grin, his paws waving. "Rose will have things to say to you if you leave hairs all over the place. And no doubt I shall get the blame!"

                                                                         ************

       In the lane the ponies were waiting. Bill and Strider were to be semi-retired after this trip, although they would no doubt still have outings, and they would continue to pull the cart for a while. Sam had a new young pony, one of Bill's sons out of Pippin's mare, and Frodo had a beautiful pony gifted to him at Yule by the King of Rohan. Limlight was one quarter horse, and not just any horse, because his grandsire was the mighty Shadowfax. He was a magnificent looking beast, pale as starlight and swift as the wind, with a mane and tail the colour of milk. He graciously allowed Sam to brush and feed him but would carry no-one but Frodo, unless it was one of the children. Frodo would not have been strong enough to ride him before his illness, but now he enjoyed it. He had never been so frighteningly exhilarated as he had been the first time he rode him. He doubted if Limlight would do anything so mundane as pull a cart.

       For now though it was dear old Strider who stood patiently in the lane, and Frodo rubbed the velvety nose and gave him an apple. This prompted sour looks from the other three ponies and he was forced to go back to the kitchen and grab some more.

       The four enjoyed travelling together and these occasions were even more precious with Frodo happy and chatting freely. They trotted down the hill, waving to little Violet Sandyman and Teazel Shortburrow, Sam's niece, who were playing at the end of New Row. On the way through Hobbiton, Merry and Pip stopped for a word with various stall holders, and they did the same in Bywater. One of the tradesmen called to Sam.

       "Having a party, Master Samwise?"

       "Don't ask me, I'm just the birthday hobbit! These rascals have told me nothing." Jolly laughter followed them out of the market square.

       Lunch at the Floating Log set them up, and after a rest and a pipe they set off again. The lanes were full of spring flowers and in a field near Whitfurrows the hares were leaping and boxing and bounding. They reined in their ponies and sat watching the display, smiling to see the creatures so joyful on a breezy day.

       To their left was the cottage where Frodo had lived with his parents, and Merry was surprised to see his cousin turn towards it where he had avoided the place for years. Sam eldest sister, Daisy, lived there now, and she walked round the side of the cottage when she heard voices.

       "Well, well! Turning up like four bad pennies, eh?" she chuckled. Sam looked aghast.

       "There's no call to be speaking like that to Mister Frodo, our Daisy!"

       "Mister Frodo knows I'm jesting, and so do the Captains. I only do it to rile you, little brother."

       Frodo laughed. "Looks like you've bested him again, Daisy. How's Ned? And the children?"

       "Fit, fat and thriving. Will you come in for tea?" She twinkled at Pippin. "There's fruit cake, jam sponge and my Mum's special tea bread."

       Pippin whimpered. "We'd love to," he squeaked.

       Sam's brothers always said that Daisy had a tongue like a sacking needle, but she had a heart of gold and would defend her family to the death. She made her guests comfortable and filled them with tea and cake until they could barely move.

       They rode into Buckland and arrived at Brandy Hall, where they would spend the night. Esme was scurrying about in a cleaning frenzy, which happened in the Spring, and Saradoc was busy reviewing the contents of the wine cellar. The Hall was not quite as chaotic as in Frodo's childhood. Fewer members of the family lived there and the Master's apartments were very peaceful. Estella and Diamond joined them from Crickhollow and they spent a happy family evening, talking and eating. The two wives were both expecting babies and were safely past the most dangerous time. There was much teasing that Merry and Pippin had been very busy in the weeks following their return from Gondor and these two babes were the result.

                                                                        ************

       After an enormous breakfast they set off early, in order to reach Bree before nightfall, although they were travelling at a brisk trot. On their return from the Quest they took things slowly because Frodo's health was poor; now they cantered swiftly along the East Road, the Old Forest to their right. There was power there, but no menace these days, at least none that disturbed them.

       "I wonder why the trees aren't frightening any more?" Sam wondered.

       "I think there are several reasons, although they still have the power to menace those who would threaten them," said Frodo. "With Sauron gone, the darkness has lifted from much of Middle-earth's old dark places. Merry and Pip have the 'tree-light' in them, according to Treebeard, as they drank Ent draughts, and the trees recognise them as brothers. But I think the main reason is that we're not the timid hobbits we once were, and perhaps the Old Forest, like Fangorn, is a place where you are brought face to face with your own darkness. Makes me very glad I never tried to go in there when I was so full of despair and torment - I hate to think what I might have seen or done."

       The others were silent, wondering what would have happened to Frodo. Merry had the horrible notion that his cousin would most likely have been driven to slay himself, and he shivered. He glanced at Sam and knew that the gardener was thinking the same. He leaned over to whisper to Pip, whose eyes widened in horror at the thought.

       "Look!" Sam cried, pointing up. They followed his gaze, and there, hovering against the scudding clouds and patches of blue, was a giant Eagle. "Do you suppose it's Gwaihir?"

       "It could be. A flight from the Misty Mountains would be nothing to him - a few flaps of those enormous wings."

       "I wonder if they fly to Valinor and back? They belong to Manwe after all." Pip shaded his eyes.

       "I don't know. I should have asked Gandalf - although they are not to be used as messengers, Pip, so you can take that look off your face right away. They are not carrier pigeons!"

       Merry started to laugh. "I'm certainly not going to tie a note to Gwaihir's leg!"

       "Ass!"

       They settled in a meadow and ate lunch, an excellent picnic prepared by the kitchen staff at the Hall. When all had eaten as much as they could, they sprawled back, smoking pipes and watching the clouds change shape. Merry and Pip argued about each one while Sam and Frodo smiled and listened.

       "That one looks like a ram - see the curly horns?" Merry indicated a patch.

       "More like a Balrog to me!"

       "Balrog my arse! It's a ram!"

       "That one over there looks just like Gandalf's hat."

       "That? It's a collapsing meringue - and don't you dare tell me that Gandalf's hat ever looked like a collapsed meringue!"

       "Not that one, blockhead! THAT one!" Pip pointed with the stem of his pipe.

       "Oh. Well yes, I suppose it does, now you come to mention it."

       "See! You're such a grouch. Now that one over there seems to be a horse."

       "A speeding horse - Shadowfax perhaps?"

       "Or Fro's new pony." Pip gestured to a particularly fluffy cloud. "That looks like whipped cream - or mashed potato. I like either."

       "I thought we would return to food sooner or later," Frodo murmured to Sam.

       "I heard that!"

                                                                        ************

       They caught the grazing ponies and continued. The day was hastening as the road curved and they looked to their right, where mist lurked in the hollows of the Barrow-downs. The chilly mounds were tinged with shadow as the sun slipped behind the Tower Hills, and a heavy darkness fell upon the Old Forest. Even at noon in the height of summer it was a sinister place. The road was safe and that was where they were staying. The ponies began to trot a little faster, perhaps sensing the village ahead and the promise of food and shelter.

       The gates were still open. The gatekeeper was chatting to a friend as they arrived. He saluted, recognised the Captains and held the gate for them. The lights of The Prancing Pony called enticingly as they rode up the slope and through the arch between the inn's two wings. Merry called for Nob, who greeted the hobbits politely and the ponies like old friends, and the four pushed open the door and stepped inside.

       Barliman Butterbur, slightly greyer but otherwise unchanged, was holding forth on some important local topic but he halted and greeted them with genuine delight.

       "Mister Brandybuck! Captain Meriadoc, I should say. And Captain Peregrin! And the Mayor and Mister Baggins, all together again. Unless you're being Mr Underhill again, sir? No? Well, if this isn't a sight to gladden the heart. Your rooms are all ready for you, gentlemen." He bustled round and shook their hands, shouting for Nob to take the bags.

       "You booked the rooms?"

       "Of course we booked the rooms. We've been planning this for months."

       Another man emerged from behind the bar, his hands full of foaming mugs. Merriman Butterbur looked like a younger version of his father - just as red-faced, with slightly more hair and a better memory. He beamed at the hobbits over the beer froth and said he hoped to talk with them later, as he carried the drinks to a somewhat rowdy table in the corner.

       They followed Nob along the passage to their rooms, where jugs of hot water and fresh towels were waiting. Pip flopped on one of the beds while Frodo stretched.

       "Tired, Fro?" Merry asked anxiously.

       "No, just ironing out the knots from a day's riding. Why, what would you have said if I'd said yes?"

       "Left you to sleep for a while of course."

       "You have to remember, I'm an elderly hobbit these days," Frodo said with a cheeky grin.

       "Rubbish!" Merry rubbed his hands. "Come along then - freshen up and let's be off for some food. I could eat a horse and the cart as well!"

                                                                        ************

       The Common Room sounded full, with voices raised in song and merriment. They elected to go to the parlour, which was quieter, and eat there. Merry pushed the door and they walked in. One side of the room was almost in darkness. Only one other table was occupied, and so dimly lit was that part of the room that they could see little of the four Men who sat there huddled together, deep in conversation. They gave the hobbits a cursory glance and went on with their discussion, and Merry led the way to the illuminated area and selected a hobbit-sized table. They decided what they would eat and Merry and Pippin departed for the bar, leaving Frodo and Sam gazing at some of the pictures on the wall above their table.

       Behind them, the Men had obviously decided to leave, or go instead to the Common Room. Chairs scraped as they were pushed back. Soft footfalls padded across the floor and then, to their alarm, one of the Men was standing immediately behind them. The two hobbits glanced sideways at each other, wondering what to do, when suddenly a very large hand descended onto Sam's shoulder.

A very large hand descended on Sam's shoulder and a familiar voice said:

       "Really, Samwise, is this any way to greet the friends who have travelled far to be with you for such a special birthday?"

       Frodo looked at the ring on one of the long fingers, shrieked with joy and hurled himself at the Man. Sam was only just behind him, his mind still struggling to come to grips with the identity of the laughing Ranger in his simple dark green garb.

       "I'm sorry, Sam, but I could not resist the temptation to surprise you." Strider was on his knees, clasping the hobbits to him as tightly as he could.

       "Ah, you did at that," Sam replied levelly. "Thought we was about to be robbed or something. Never dreamed you'd be here."

       "We travelled fast and light," added Faramir, coming forward to greet his friends. He crouched to hold them, and was followed by two other Men. Their hoods flung back, the faces revealed were those of Beregond and his son.

       "We have left the ladies and Prince Imrahil in charge of the Kingdom. When Merry and Pippin mentioned this birthday we made plans to come and see you. Not a long visit but we hope to see how hobbits enjoy themselves."

       Merry and Pip strode in, laughing at the joke, and were also embraced. Pip was delighted to see Beregond and Bergil again. The young man was travelling into strange lands for the first time and was thoroughly enjoying the adventure.

       "You're coming into the Shire?" Frodo asked when he had recovered his breath.

       "I would not normally disobey my own laws, but permits have been granted to all of us."

       Pippin waved the documents. "Signed by the Thain and the Master. All they require now are the signatures of the Mayor and the Master of Bag End."

       "Esme and Saradoc knew about this? Ooooh, just wait till I see them!" Frodo laughed.

       Merry chuckled. "It's why Mother was somewhat distracted."

       "I can't believe this," Sam murmured. "That you'd come all this way for my birthday!"

       "My dear Sam, it is an honour to share it with you." Strider smiled, his hands clasping Sam's shoulders as he leaned forward to kiss his brow.

       "This permit refers to 'The Ranger Thorongil, otherwise known as Estel' - is that what we're going to have to call you?" said Frodo.

       "I assume many of the hobbits know I use the name 'Strider' so inside the Shire I shall be introduced as Thorongil. Faramir shall be Cirion, a simple Ranger from the South."

       "Fancy the two of you coming along. Is this your first trip in Northern lands?" Frodo hugged Bergil and his father.

       "Yes, I have never travelled further than Edoras and this young scamp has never been further than the Mering Stream until now, but an invitation to the Shire is a rare honour indeed, and not one to pass up." Beregond threw off his cloak.

      "It's so exciting!" added Bergil. "We stopped off at Edoras, and the people there were so welcoming. It was wonderful to see King Eomer in his own hall. I wouldn't have missed this journey and I can't wait to see the Shire and meet all the lovely hobbit lasses I've heard so much about."

       "And we're coming too!" said a gruff voice. Gimli stomped in, followed by his golden-haired friend, and there were more joyous greetings. Frodo was almost smothered by the luxuriant red-brown beard as the Dwarf hugged him.

       Legolas smiled. "It seems to me that your beard has grown even longer, Gimli. Is it the air in the Glittering Caves which causes this phenomenon?"

       "Good dwarven ale probably has something to do with it - although I swear it grows when you sing, you exasperating Elf!"

       "You've been sneaking into Fangorn and drinking ent-draughts behind my back."

       Gimli rumbled with laughter. "I wouldn't dare! Besides, I want to be able to step inside Bag End without bumping my head on the ceilings."

       "And we are not being left out, even if we do have to duck. We would enter upon our knees if necessary, " cried a melodious voice, and there were the Twins, both clad in soft blue and grey tunics, their dark hair braided simply.

       "We have a great desire to look upon the beauties of the Shire once more, and to see Bag End," said Elrohir, kneeling to greet the hobbits.

       "Not to mention the lure of Mistress Rose's cooking and all those hobbit parties," added Elladan.

       "I shall be interested to see how the mallorn tree has grown since our last visit."

       Legolas smiled. "You will see that she is a little different from those in Lothlorien. Her roots are deep in the Shire, not the Golden Wood, and she has acquired some.............hobbity sensibilities."

       Elladan threw back his head and released a burst of musical laughter. "That I have to see - a hobbity mallorn!"

       "Come along, the private dining-room awaits." Merry led the way down the passage, past the common-room and into the dining room, where a notice on the door stated Private party. No entry. Chairs and tables were quickly pushed together and Beregond and his son hurried to the bar to fetch more ale. They returned with a keg and two large baskets of buttered rolls which Pippin promptly grabbed.

       "I'm starved!" He munched happily. "Mmmmm! That's good."

       "Starved, Peregrin? That must be extremely distressing for any hobbit and particularly for you. What led to this dire state of affairs?" Aragon enquired, maintaining a concerned expression.

       "We've had nothing but travel rations today."

       "Rations?!" Frodo cried. "You call a Brandy Hall picnic 'travel rations'?"

       "Well, I suppose not," Pip conceded. "I'm just filling up the corners while I wait for our food."

       "I thought you did that after the meal, not before?" Bergil asked.

       Pip shrugged. "I'm a Took. We're not the most conventional hobbits."

       "A Brandy Hall picnic sounds more like a feast," Aragorn said to Frodo, who nodded.

       "There was a cold chicken, plus ham and cold beef, pie, crusty bread and butter, mushrooms, tomatoes, and fresh apples and pears, plus ale and lemonade. Even Pip cannot claim to be starved on that little lot!"

       Merriman Butterbur and a young lad arrived just then with many dishes containing stew, beef and onion pie, fluffy mashed potato, cold pheasant and sausages. Pippin smiled dreamily and everyone tucked in. The Elves ate less than the Men, but Gimli and the hobbits were still cheerfully filling up the corners when everyone else had declared themselves full. The conversation, which had more or less stopped, now resumed over pipes and ale.

       "How is baby Pip? Melian is saying a few words and learning to stagger. She crawls at such a pace her nurse cannot keep up with her, and little Theodwyn is almost as fast."

       "He has just learned to say 'Da' and 'Fuh' which might be 'Fo' and Elanor is 'Lellellell' or something like that. A fourteen month old hobbit is not as advanced in development as those of Men and Elves."

       Sam smiled. "He always says, 'Fuh' and holds his arms out to Frodo."

       "You helped him into the world, didn't you?" said Aragorn, lighting his pipe with a spill from the fire.

       Frodo nodded. "Yes, and that was terrifying. I was running round like a headless chicken I'm sure. Thank goodness I had Lord Elrond's book to refer to. Not sure I was very much help but..........."

       "Rose said she doesn't know what she would have done without you. You were very efficient." Sam turned to the visitors. "You'll have to excuse Merry-lad though. He's taken a dislike to wearing clothes and likes to run round naked, which has earned Ellie's disapproval."

       Faramir laughed heartily. "Little Elboron was like that - his sisters have never shown the slightest inclination to strip off but when he was about two years old he was constantly leaving his clothes in a pile somewhere and dashing about wearing nothing but boots."

       Aragorn grinned and darted a glance at the Twins. "I believe it is quite a common phase, particularly with young lads," he murmured. Elladan and Elrohir nodded, grinning infuriatingly at their foster brother.

       "Estel did something similar for a while when he first arrived in Imladris. Adar was very amused."

       "Oh dear, I do believe he's blushing!"

       Frodo giggled. "I was only telling Rose yesterday that Merry did it too - ran through one of Aunt Menegilda's ladies' teas. I don't know how I kept a straight face."

       "You didn't," said Merry. "You laughed so much Grandmother sent you out of the room a little later."

       "No, I managed not to laugh at you. It was Aunt Asphodel having an attack of the vapours and Lalia slapping her face which started the giggles. I thought they were about to have a fight, and then I imagined them throwing cream buns at each other and I lost control altogether."

                                                                           ************

       An invitation was issued to Barliman and his son to join the group in the parlour when the inn was closed. Everyone was keen to see the landlord's reaction when he saw Strider again and realised he was in the presence of the King. Aragorn contrived to conceal his face whenever anyone looked in, to increase Barliman's astonishment. He was quite gleeful about this, and Pippin thought he had never seen the rather stern-faced Man look so young and mischievous.

       At last they heard the bell ring to signal closing time, followed by footsteps in the passage outside, and various voices bidding the inn-keeper 'Good-night.' Nob clanged the gates and locked them, and closed and bolted the door. Moments later Barliman and his son entered rather hesitantly, carrying tankards.

       "It's very kind of you to invite us in, sirs."

       "Not at all, Barliman. We're glad to talk with you again," said Merry

       Mr Butterbur looked at Legolas and the two Imladris Elves with awe. "To think I have three of the Fair Folk in my inn!"

       "It is a pleasure to meet you at last, Master Butterbur," murmured Legolas. "Mithrandir - Gandalf - often spoke of you and his delight at spending time here."

       "Gandalf said that? My word!"

       "Master Gimli, you have visited us before," said Merriman. "It is good to see you again."

       Gimli and Merry introduced Beregond and Bergil, who pleased the Butterburs by admitting that although they had never visited Bree they had been drinking the Pony's excellent beer for some time.

       When Barliman was safely seated and - even more important - his tankard was firmly on the table, the dark-haired Ranger in the corner finally spoke.

       "It is good to see you again, Barliman my friend. How is business?"

       Barliman looked hard at the man tucked down in his chair. Something about the long legs and the way the hooded grey eyes flicked from one to another obviously tapped a memory in the lumber-room of the inn-keeper's mind. The beard and hair were better trimmed than they once were, but the features had not changed.

       "S.......Str........er..........Your Majesty!" he stuttered at long last, slipping out of his chair and falling to his knees. His son followed suit.

       "Get up, both of you. Be seated, I beg you. Barliman, I believe I owe you an apology. I was unpardonably rude when I was last here."

       "No, no, sire, you were never rude......."

       "Oh but I was. I had no right to say things like that. I hope you will overlook the lapse."

       The inn-keeper looked as though he would ride into battle if Aragorn asked him, never mind forgive him a few harsh words. "I daresay I was being a bit dense at the time, sire. I am more than honoured to have you and your friends here, and I have to say that business has never been better. We didn't know what the Rangers did for us until they left to ride to your aid. We soon found out once they'd gone. Now there are no ruffians, the law is properly maintained, the Greenway is a safe road and we have travellers and all sorts flocking to the Pony. We still see a great deal of the Rangers and the Lord Steward of Arnor himself stays here when he visits Bree."

       "My cousin should be here tomorrow. He was leading a patrol up the Greenway and is half a day behind us, so hopefully he will finally have a chance to meet the Ringbearers." Aragorn called Faramir forward and introduced him. "This is Prince Faramir of Ithilien, Steward of Gondor. He has never travelled to these lands before, but he seems to be enjoying himself."

       "I am indeed. I have heard many tales of Bree, from Mithrandir and from my king. We have been drinking your fine ale for some years, Master Butterbur."

       "Ah, Gandalf put a blessing on it, sir, and though I should think that's worn off by now, there still seems to be some magic about it."

       "There is. I see you are proud to supply the Royal household." Aragorn refilled his tankard.

       "We are. Although we'll take down the sign immediately if it offends you, sire." Merriman was still very over-awed in the presence of the King and so many nobles.

       "Not at all. In fact I have a small gift for you." As Aragorn spoke, Bergil fetched a parcel from behind the table and handed it to his King, who held it out to Barliman.

       The innkeeper removed the oiled wrappings and thick cloth which protected the contents. Inside was a crest of painted and silver- gilded wood - the White Tree and Seven Stars topped with the crown. It bore the legend  'By Appointment to His Majesty King Elessar Telcontar and the Royal House of Gondor and Arnor, Suppliers of Fine Ales.'

       "It is a Royal Warrant. Only a few are granted each year and those merchants and traders who supply the palace vie for these. Things can become quite......competitive." Aragorn started to laugh. "Three or four years ago we almost had a war in the merchants' area of the city. I had to give them a serious talking-to."

       Barliman thought he would not want to be on the receiving end of a talking-to from King Strider. He examined the Warrant carefully, his chest puffing out with pride until the buttons on his waistcoat almost popped off. Just wait until the landlord of that disreputable low tavern at the other end of the village saw this!

       "Thank you, sire. I.......I don't know what to say. That such a thing should happen in my lifetime! What would my old father have thought, I wonder?"

       A noise outside roused Frodo's curiosity and he went to the window. A figure was staggering along on the other side of the street, shouting at anything or anyone who blocked his path or offered him a perceived insult. Frodo sighed.

       "I see Ted Sandyman has not improved himself or tried to curb his drinking."

       "Ah, so that's Sandyman, is it?" Aragorn stood behind Frodo, peering into the darkness. "I assume he doesn't drink here?"

       "No sire, he most certainly does not," Barliman replied. "He is barred from this establishment - always causing trouble, he was. Picking fights every night and then going home to beat his wife and children. He drinks elsewhere, in The Cat and Fiddle. Theylet anyone in. No standards at all!"

       "His wife has left him, so I hear, and not a moment too soon," Merriman sniffed. "I heard he almost killed the oldest lad."

       "Yes, she returned to the Shire and is now living at New Row, next door to the Gaffer's old place. She and the children have suffered a great deal, but the Shire has the power to heal such hurts, and even the youngest child is happier, thanks to our Elanor." Frodo smiled.

       "I'm so looking forward to meeting the little ones," said Aragorn, re-seating himself. "I can imagine nothing more delightful than a group of happy hobbit children

       "Would the Lord Tarondor like to visit the Shire too?" asked Merry. "He is the Steward of Arnor, and we are part of that. I think we should invite him, and the Lord Halboron."

       "I'm sure they would be most honoured, my dear Merry, but we don't have passes for them....." Aragorn began. Frodo waved a hand.

       "Sam and I will sign them, and Merry and Pip can sign on their fathers' behalf. I should like to meet your cousins, and I agree with Merry that the Steward of Arnor should see the Shire. We will always be grateful to the Rangers for their protection, and perhaps it would be nice for them to see what they have been protecting."

       Aragorn chuckled. "Well, since you put it like that, how can anyone possibly refuse? My cousins have been longing to meet you for eleven years."

       "How come we've never met them before?" asked Sam.

       "When many of the Rangers came south to take the Paths of the Dead and fight the last battle, Tarondor and Halboron were fighting orcs and some of the Men of Angmar up near the Ettenmoors. Tarondor was badly injured and would have died but Halboron, who had taken an arrow in the shoulder, somehow managed to get him to Rivendell, with Lord Glorfindel's help. Lord Elrond was able to heal him, but he was not fit to travel when the party from Rivendell travelled south. By the time you arrived there they had left and returned north to clear out the small pockets of orcs and any who had made their way back to the Misty Mountains. Merry and Pip have met them though, once in Gondor and several times here in Bree."

       "Yes, and they speak very well of them. At least your cousins will have some idea what to expect from hobbits, and if they're not deterred by Merry and Pip then we shouldn't be too much of a shock for them!" Frodo ducked Pip's hand and grinned wickedly.

       Merry yawned. "Don't know about you, but I'm tired. I suppose it is rather late."

       Frodo looked at his pocket watch. "Nearly one-o-clock. I suppose we should think about turning in, or it will be morning before we've had any sleep."

       Tankards were drained and the group made their way to their rooms. The Butterburs bade them good-night and the lights in inn were gradually extinguished.

                                                                          ************

       By the time the friends assembled in the dining room for breakfast, the sun was up and the Elves had been for a walk. A plump, kindly woman was placing serving dishes on a side-table, glancing nervously at the tall Ranger as she did so. She remembered him as Strider and knew him to be the King, and she was rather flustered by the knowledge. .

       "Thank you, Carrie. It is Carrie, isn't it?"

       "Yes my lord. You do have a good memory."

       "I remember when you and Merriman were wed. You came from Archet, didn't you? Your children must be quite grown-up by now."

       "Yes, my lord. Perriman is fifteen and Kate is thirteen now. Doesn't seem five minutes since they were born." She hesitated. "Do you have children, sire?"

       "Yes, I have three, a son and two daughters. When they are a little older I hope they will travel to all parts of the kingdom and learn to appreciate many different people"

       "I hope we shall see them one day, my lord, and your Queen also." Carrie bobbed a curtsey and returned to the kitchens to fetch more food. With four hobbits at the breakfast table there would be a need for further supplies, particularly as one of them was Captain Pippin.

       Frodo never really woke up in the mornings until he had drunk several cups of tea. He smiled at the others and returned his cup to its saucer for the second time, and sighed happily as he surveyed the various dishes and platters.

       The sound of clattering hooves in the yard was followed by laughter and cheerful greetings, and brisk footfalls in the passage outside. Lords Tarondor and Halboron strode in and knelt before Aragorn.

       "My liege lord."

       "Up, cousins." The King embraced the two and raised them. "Some of this company you know, and two you have been anxious to meet for many years." He smiled. "May I present Frodo and Samwise."

       Both hobbits were somewhat embarrassed when the two Men knelt before them and addressed them with reverence.

       "My lords, this is an honour and a privilege."

       "We are delighted to meet you at last, my lord Tarondor, but we have no titles. We are hobbits of the Shire. Call me Frodo, as a friend."

       "And I'm Sam. I'm just a gardener, you know."

       Tarondor embraced them both. "I heard that you were much more than that."

       "I'm still a gardener first and foremost. Though I'm a husband and father too these days." He smiled proudly as Halboron held his hands and kissed his brow.

       Aragorn chuckled as he introduced his cousins to the rest of the company. "You'll find that Sam can be exasperatingly modest. The Gamgee stubborness is something to behold. He and Frodo will each argue the other one is the hero, and one of these days Merry or Pippin will be forced to take drastic action."

       "We should enjoy spending time with you."

       "And you will have the opportunity to do so. You two are also invited to the Shire, and this is a rare invitation so I should take advantage of it." Aragorn beamed at his cousins.

       "We would be overjoyed to visit the Shire and join you on the occasion of Sam's birthday. Are you sure it will be permitted?"

       "Of course," said Merry. "Frodo and Sam have signed the permits and Pip and I have signed for our fathers. Don't worry, you won't be chased off by the Bounders. The more the merrier, I say."

       "I assume you have not yet broken your fast?" Aragorn enquired as they all took their seats. "Will you have a Ranger breakfast or a hobbit one?" The Northern folk usually broke their fast with bread, meat and ale.

       The two dark haired Men looked at the brimming plates and dishes. "I have never had a hobbit breakfast but it all looks far too tempting. What do we have - bacon, sausages, tomatoes, eggs, mushrooms..........and that is....?"

       "Fried bread," Pip replied. "It's the best!"

       "Quite a recommendation," murmured Halboron. "I'm starving."

       "Then you should tuck in before Pip eats it all," said Frodo with a laugh.

       Carrie Butterbur appeared with two enormous teapots of fresh tea, and everyone set to with enthusiasm.

                                                                          *************

       "Where does Peregrin put it all?" Halboron asked much later as he and his brother watched in hypnotised fascination while the hobbits continued to eat.

       "He has a hollow leg," replied Frodo with a straight face.

       "Or two," added Merry.

       "Ah, but I don't put on any weight, do I?" Pip said smugly.

       "You wait. It will all catch up with you when you're sixty-five. You'll be the fattest Thain in Shire history," Frodo chuckled. Merry made a loud snorting noise which he did not bother to disguise.

       "Fatter than Lalia? Thank you for that, Fro!"

       "Not at all, my dear Pip."

       "These four corrupted Gondorian nobility and three of the First Born with their bawdy drinking songs last year when they came to Gondor. You simply have not lived until you've spent an evening drinking with hobbits and learning all about 'The Virgin of Staddle' and the 'Maid of Michel Delving' - who doesn't remain a maid after the second verse and turns out to have some surprising talents and a very supple spine! Not to mention 'Nineteen Nights in Nobottle'!" Aragorn explained.

       "All thirty-five verses!" added Faramir with a grin.

       "Ah, but we gave you the censored version."

       Aragorn pretended to glower at the four impudent faces. "You sang me an incomplete version? I am most displeased, Peregrin. I shall have to think of a suitable punishment for such disobedience. How long is the full version?"

       "Seventy-nine verses, but we never sing the uncensored version in polite company. And I think Bergil is too young to hear Verse Seventy-One."

       "I'm of age!" cried Bergil indignantly.

       "Oh, so you are. I always forget that Men come of age so much earlier," said Pippin.

       Frodo twinkled. "I suspect even the Elves are too young for Verse Seventy One!"

       "We are quite unshockable, but I suspect our Little Leaf may be scandalised," said Elladan mischievously.

       Legolas smiled serenely. "I've been in Dwarf taverns. Anyway, do you think the Elves of the Greenwood know only romantic songs and epic poems?"

       "What happens in Verse Seventy One?" asked Faramir, nearly exploding with curiosity.

       "We couldn't possibly tell you while we're sober. You'll have to wait till we're really drunk. Although we may not sing Seventy One in any great detail even then."

       "Why not?"

       "It's anatomically impossible," said Frodo.

       "How do you know?" Merry enquired.

       "Don't look at me like that, Merry Brandybuck! There are some uses for which vegetables were not intended!" said Frodo with finality.

       Aragorn looked round with great satisfaction at the laughing friends. "You see?" he said to his cousins, who were finding much amusement in the exchanges. "Happy hobbits - where would we be without them?"

       An hour after breakfast the group was assembling in the yard where Nob was helping to saddle the ponies and making a great fuss of Bill. There was one great surprise for the hobbits; Gimli now had a pony of his own, a very placid beast from Rohan, which had been chosen for him by King Eomer.

       "Silly creature took a liking to me and I canna be rid of him," he said gruffly, but he stroked the pony's head and talked softly in Dwarvish when he thought no-one was looking.

       The bags were loaded on the pack horses of Rivendell and Gondor, and the group set off, waved away by the Butterburs. Barliman and his son were preparing to fix the Royal Warrant to the front of the inn, above the door.

       Bree was sparkling in the sunshine of a Spring day. The streets were clean and the windows of the shops and houses gleamed. People stopped to look at them, to greet the hobbits, bow to the Steward of Arnor and marvel at the Elves. Some of them thought one of the Rangers looked a bit like Stick-at-Naught Strider, but had the Captains and the Steward not said that he was now the King? The king would obviously not be riding through the streets of Bree, dressed in plain tunic and trousers with a dark green wool cloak, looking like any other Ranger, so they shrugged and went about their business.

       Thus it was that King Elessar Telcontar rode out of the West Gate of Bree, and the group turned towards the Old Forest and Buckland. Mist still hung over the Barrow-downs and there was no sign of Tom Bombadil as they made their way along the road. Second breakfast and elevenses were taken on pony and horseback but they stopped for lunch to the north of the road, away from the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest, lest the horses be frightened. Even Aragorn gave the trees a wide berth and much respect as he could feel the power in them. The conversation was animated and cheerful and the journey seemed to take no time at all. They passed the Forest and turned off onto the road to Brandy Hall, where a great welcome was prepared.

As was only proper, Saradoc had invited the Thain and his family to Brandy Hall to greet the King. Paladin, Eglantine, their daughters and sons-in-law, together with the grand-children, Freddy Bolger and Reginard Took, were all lined up outside the Hall as the party arrived. Legolas chuckled as Gimli slithered off his pony's back, in contrast to the grace of the three Elves. The Master bowed and Esme swept into a low curtsey as Aragorn dismounted and greeted them.

      "Master Saradoc! Mistress Esmeralda! At last, one of my ambitions has been fulfilled." He raised her. "I have longed to meet you both for many years."

       "The feeling has been mutual, your majesty. We so enjoy receiving your letters and almost feel that we know you - if that is not disrespectful."

       "Not at all. I'm sure you've been curious about the disreputable individual who took your son and his cousins off into the wild."

       "They all speak of you with deep love, sire."

       "You raised two of the most remarkable beings and helped to make them who they are. That is quite an achievement."

       "Thank you, sire. We have always looked upon Frodo as our son, since the death of his parents. It was an honour to raise them." Saradoc called Paladin and Eglantine. "This is Thain Paladin and his wife." Pippin watched the meeting between his beloved parents and his King with a lump in his throat.

       "Ah yes. I have long wished to meet the parents of my smallest - and hungriest - knight."

       Eglantine laughed. "I hope he doesn't eat you out of house and home when he comes to Gondor, your majesty." Aragorn chuckled.

       "We have to re-stock the palace kitchens every time, but it is well worth it."

       Beregond and Bergil were greeted with cries of recognition and received with gratitude by the Thain and his Lady especially, knowing how they had befriended Pippin in the White City.

       Estella and Diamond came forward and curtseyed and Aragorn was thrilled to see that both lasses were pregnant. He congratulated the prospective fathers but was unable to resist a little teasing.

       "I see you two have finally managed to do something useful! See what a little absence can do?"

       Merry introduced the two additions to the party, and it turned out that Saradoc and the Steward knew each other slightly, having met in Bree several times. Everyone seemed delighted to welcome them, and soon the more formal greetings were abandoned for those between friends. Young Primula found herself raised and embraced by the King, who smiled at her in recognition.

       "The lovely Mistress Primula, I presume? You were named after Frodo's mother, I believe?"

       "Yes, sire. My mother was only five when she died but she remembered her well."

       "And who is this?" The King looked down as a tiny hobbit lass patted his leg.

       "That is Persimmon, my daughter, sire. I do apologise........" Pervinca was horrified to see her saucy little girl clasp the King's leg.

       Frodo laughed. "This little one is very cheeky and demanding. Now, madam," he addressed the child, "This is Lord Estel, who is my very dear friend." They had decided not to refer to Aragorn as King in the hearing of the young children in case they blurted out his true identity to the rest of the Shirefolk.

       "Fo's fwiend? Then my fwiend too," she declared, increasing her grip.

       "I am more than flattered, little blossom," Aragorn laughed, and swung her up into his arms. "Mistress Pervinca, there is no need to apologise for one so delightful. She knows what she wants, do you not?" He smiled at the child who clung trustingly round his neck and she nodded vigorously, her auburn curls bouncing. She showed no fear of the tall Men and Elves. "I think this little lady will be another adventurous and curious Took."

       Tarondor was carrying Peridot, Pimpernel's youngest, and the two little girls enjoyed surveying the company from their vantage points as everyone moved into the Hall.

       Inside, Pervinca claimed the youngest member of the Took family from the nursemaid. Her second son was only three weeks old, his sleepy old-young face almost hidden by the shawl.

       "Have you decided on a name yet?" Frodo asked, stroking the petal soft cheek with one finger.

       "Yes, we've named him after Sam." Pervinca was the picture of proud motherhood.

       "What was that?" said Sam in shocked tones. "You can't do that! Er.......I mean........it means 'Half-wise' and I don't think it would be proper to saddle a child with that sort of a name, beggin' your pardon, Miss Pervinca. Besides, he's gentry and I don't think naming him after a gardener is quite............" He tailed off and looked helplessly to Frodo for support, which was not forthcoming.

       Pervinca gave him a positively wicked smile. "Sam?" she said sweetly. "If you mention the word 'proper' I shall lock you in the cellar! You're a dear friend, a hero and part of the family, and Ev and I are proud to name our son after you. I don't care what the name is supposed to mean. To me it means loyalty, love, friendship and courage, and if he grows up to be half the hobbit you are I shall be very, very proud." She was pleased to see Sam turn the colour of a ripe tomato at this.

       "Quite right!" Everard said. "Officially he is Perhael, but among his family and friends he will be Sammie. And if any interfering busybody has anything to say about it, I shall take great pleasure in giving them a kick in the pants!"

       Frodo and Aragorn laughed, but were very moved by this gesture of love towards Sam. Pervinca saw the tears glittering in the King's eyes and turned to him. "This means a lot to you, doesn't it, sire?"

       Aragorn swallowed. "Yes, it does. Both Frodo and Sam went through things no-one should ever have to bear, and it warms my heart to see them both given the credit they deserve, particularly in their own land."

       Sam peered at the infant. "Since you put it like that, and since Frodo is giving me that look, then I can only say I am flattered and honoured that you would name your child after me. He's a bonny little lad." He found himself holding the baby, who opened his eyes and gave him an appraising look. "There, my hinny. I'm your uncle - and your namefather apparently. You'll be a fine lad too. What do your brother and sister think of you?"

       Young Abelard shrugged. "He's alright I suppose, but I wanted a puppy."

       Aragorn laughed. "Which would certainly have surprised your parents! I think you'll find he is just as much fun when he has grown a bit." The child remained unconvinced.

       "He doesn't do very much, except eat and sleep and cry."

       "And pooh!" added Persimmon with all the superiority of an older sister no longer in need of swaddling, and the entire company collapsed in hysterics.

       Aragorn was delighted to meet Freddy Bolger at last. "You showed great courage in leading the resistance against Saruman's ruffians, Master Fredegar. I am sorry you had to suffer so much at their hands and I hope it has not coloured your view of the world of Men."

       Freddy had been nervous at the prospect of meeting the King, but he soon realised that there was nothing to be afraid of. "No, sire. Those ruffians were not truly representative of Men. Some of them were half-orcs, according to Merry, though I don't want to think about how that may have been achieved. As for what I went through - it wasn't pleasant, but others experienced a lot worse. I think the Black Riders were the most terrifying. Ordinary Men or orcs are only mortal, but those.........."

       "The Nine were indeed the most terrible of the servants of the Dark One, and I can understand why you feel as you do. However, they, like their dark master, are gone from Middle-earth, and your valiant brother-in-law helped to destroy their leader."

       "We're all very proud of Merry - of all of them. And it is an honour to meet you at last, sire."

       Frodo was pleased to see his cousin Reginard again. "Reggie! You're not using your stick?"

       "No, I only need it when the weather is cold and damp. That is the only time my leg gives me any trouble."

       "What happened to your leg, Master Reginard?" Aragorn asked, settling himself on a couch with Persimmon snuggled in his lap.

       Reggie and Frodo explained about the accident which had left him with a badly smashed leg, and how the doctor and the healer had managed to save it. Aragon nodded and asked a few questions. Then he smiled.

       "I can give you a list of the treatments for the pain and stiffness, and there are some exercises which will help. You were lucky to keep the leg though. I have seen such injuries cause the loss of the limb, and worse. I will say it again - hobbits are remarkable."

       "I owe our healer a great deal. She insisted that the doctor try to save it when he was all for removing it."

       "It would be nice if more of the Shire doctors came to study in Gondor. The young one from Hobbiton was a very good pupil at the Houses of Healing." Aragorn looked up as Faramir sat beside him, baby Perhael in his arms. "I have often wondered how he would have dealt with Frodo's illness if he had been in the Shire at the time. I am certain he would have been more sympathetic than his father, who sounds rather old-fashioned."

       Esme asked the question which had been in her mind for a long time. "If you had been here when Frodo was ill, could you have cured him, sire?"

       Aragorn sighed and pondered the question. "I might have been able to alleviate some of the pain and possibly helped a little with the despair, but I do not believe that I could have cured Frodo. It took a far greater effort than any human agency could provide. Frodo was healed by the Grace of the Valar and the intercession of Gandalf and the Lady Galadriel." He looked at Frodo, his face deeply serious for a moment. Then the mood lifted and he laughed. "To see Frodo well again is a miracle I never thought to witness and I marvel at it constantly. To watch him eating breakfast this morning was a joy."

       "Speaking of food.......," murmured Pip, "........I'm hungry."

                                                                          *************

       The guests were shown to their rooms. Saradoc had ordered some rebuilding the previous year, and the rooms in the new wing were larger. Beds and chairs there were the right size for Men and Elves, and Aragorn suspected that Merry and Frodo had helped with the cost. Merry was now very wealthy with his stipend from Rohan and both he and Pip were almost as rich as their fathers. Frodo tried to refuse the wealth Aragorn wished to bestow on him, but when the King would permit no refusal he had sighed and accepted. He used a lot of his money to help others, to rebuild the Shire and to ensure than everyone had a roof over their heads and enough food on the table. Aragorn knew the Sackville-Baggins holdings, pipeweed plantations and other investments had passed to Frodo following the discovery of Lotho's murder. Sam had told him that when the roof blew off the grange at Frogmorton, and the winter's supply of grain for several villages was threatened, Frodo paid for it to be replaced. He had also offered shelter and a home to Ted Sandyman's wife and family, not even charging rent until the woman was able to earn a living, and he was paying for the first Shire school to be built. The King smiled and shook his head to clear the tears in his eyes. Frodo was the dearest, kindest and most amazing soul in Middle-earth and if he lavished every bit of wealth in the Two Kingdoms on the small hobbit it would still not be enough for all he had endured.

      Aragorn washed and changed his clothes and stepped out into the corridor, joining his fellow travellers.

       "It seems strange to be somewhere so .........so safe," murmured Tarondor. I know Pippin is carrying his sword and is serving as your bodyguard while you're here, but it is most odd to be in a place where the dangers of life seem not to intrude."

       "Life among hobbits is a joy. They experience such pleasure from the simple things in life - food, ale, pipeweed, song, the beauty of the land - but to assume that they themselves are simple is to underestimate them. Those four had never left the Shire before but they set off without question when they knew what Frodo held. All of them endured injury and physical trials which would have finished most of us, and my greatest fear was that Frodo would not live, for that deadly thing almost destroyed his soul."

       Faramir nodded. "Pippin was almost crushed by a troll and Merry helped to kill the Witch-King. I suspect few Men coud have endured such danger."

       Legolas agreed. "I believe the ability of those two to survive such things may have been increased after their stay in Fangorn Forest. The ent-draughts strengthened them and gave them greater ability to fight off physical and spiritual injury. Their stay in Fangorn and the meeting with Treebeard was no coincidence. It was the will of the Valar."

       "You are right, mellon nin. Those ent-draughts worked wonders. Hobbits are tough anyway and whatever Treebeard gave them made them even tougher - as well as making them grow. They are now the tallest hobbits in history." Aragorn grinned. "I must say, it didn't affect their appetites - unless it made them even greater!"

       "Merry was saying something about hobbits inventing the smoking of pipeweed. I did not realise the hobbits were responsible for that. How very wise of them!" said Halboron.

       Aragorn laughed helplessly for several minutes, to the astonishment of his cousins. "Gandalf always said the hobbits would sit on the edge of destruction and discuss such things. Yes, they did perfect the art of smoking, and the cultivation of the best strains of pipeweed. They love to discuss their history. Just don't get them started on family history and relationships. Poor Boromir never did grasp the importance of knowing the third cousin of one's second cousin twice removed!"

                                                                          ************

       Tarondor and Halboron had never seen so much food. The banqueting hall was impressive and all the tables were full of the most appetising dishes they had ever seen. Aragorn was seated between the Master and the Thain, and what made the meal even better was the friendship and gentle humour which had sprung between them all. Esme found herself seated between the Steward of Gondor and one of the Queen's brothers, while Eglantine sat next to the Steward of Arnor and Prince Legolas. Pippin was excused guard duty at the table and sat with Beregond and his son, Merry and Frodo sat with Halboron and Gimli, Elrohir was chatting with Pearl and Freddy and Sam and Legolas shared a deep discussion about plants.There was no ceremony or obvious protocol - Aragorn had warned his cousins that the hobbits did not allow such petty considerations to come between them and a good dinner. However, they did all stand and face West before seating themselves, to the surprise of the Northern Rangers.

       "I did not realise that hobbits followed this same custom," Tarondor whispered to Eglantine as they sat down.

       "We never used to do this, but Merry and Pippin always observed the Standing Silence after their return, and it seemed right somehow. We also feel that we have Men and Elves and the Valar to thank for our lads' safe return and it is the least we can do to show our gratitude."

       After a wonderful mushroom soup they tucked into great joints of roast beef with many different vegetables, golden roast potatoes and parsnips, batter puddings and gravy, followed by rhubarb crumble with cream. All was served on the finest china, with the best silver cutlery and fine crystal goblets. The visitors were very impressed with the quality of the wine, a rich, fragrant Southfarthing Red. After the meal they drank an excellent plum brandy and the Men and hobbits smoked their pipes.

       Saradoc rose to speak, formally welcoming his guests. "Your Majesty, my Lord Stewards, Lords of Imladris, friends, welcome to Buckland. It has long been a dream of mine to meet you all, and to see you here, well-fed and content, makes us very happy. We have been exchanging letters, my lord Aragorn, since my son returned home, and I feel I know you and can think of you as a friend. Having met you, I can understand why they all set off with you, because you inspire trust and confidence. You took great care of them and your pursuit of those foul uruk-hai was a deed which deserves to be famous. It would have been easy to place other considerations before the lives of two hobbits, but you did not, and for that we are all supremely grateful. When our wanderers returned, all changed, they were insistent upon one thing - that the King was the finest Man in Middle-earth and uniquely suited to the task of uniting the Free Peoples. Your concern for the welfare of the Shire, and your love for our travellers, has touched us deeply.

"Welcome to you all, my lords. As we hobbits say, may you always have enough to eat and drink, enough weed for your pipes, and may the hair on your toes never grow thin!" He bowed and sat down to laughter and applause.

       Aragorn smiled and answered the bow, but he saw that Paladin also wished to say something, so he indicated that he wished to hear the Thain before responding.

       "My lord Aragorn, and all our friends, thank you for paying us this visit. As usual, my brother-in-law has made a wonderful speech and said almost everything I would wish to - which is one of his most irritating habits, I may add. I have to confess that I was perplexed and worried when my son and nephew disappeared, and thoroughly speechless when they returned with tales of far-flung places, fantastical creatures and more adventures than old Bilbo Baggins. Not to mention the fact that both of them appeared to have grown a good ten inches! But, as Saradoc says, the one thing all four of them were agreed on was that the King was a special individual, and now we have met you we agree wholeheartedly. I want to thank you for looking after them - as much as you could in the circumstances - and for your continued concern for the Shire. Only one thing - we can no longer say 'When the King comes back' when we mean something which will never happen. Perhaps we should change it and say 'When Sam Gamgee forgets how to grow taters'!" There was much loud laughter at this. "Sire, this is a very proud day for all of us and I thank you all for doing us so much honour."

       Aragorn stood, bowed to Paladin and then gazed at the assembled hobbits for a moment. "Master Saradoc, Thain Paladin - my friends - I shall not make a long speech since I can see you will suffer severe neck strain if you have to look up for too long, and the Bree-folk did name me Longshanks for a reason! I think I speak for us all when I say that the welcome afforded us today has been overwhelming. I have travelled in many lands but I have never received such a genuinely warm welcome. I've never been so well fed either! Gandalf once said that hobbits are remarkable creatures and I soon came to learn he was right. No-one has had a greater impact on the future of Middle-earth than those four hobbits who left the Shire so bravely and who were unfortunately so changed by events. I wish they could have retained their innocence but thankfully all have come through and are very strong characters. When Merry and Pippin suggested we give Sam a surprise for his birthday we were only too happy to join the fun. That's another thing about hobbits - they have helped me to rediscover a sense of mischief I did not know I had. So here we are, and thank you so much for allowing us to visit the Shire. And if all the food and drink is this good you may not be able to get rid of us. Perhaps we should move the capital here!"

       "That calls for another brandy!" chuckled Saradoc and handed the decanter to Aragorn. The pipeweed jar went round again and soon everyone was chattering like old friends. Conversation flowed easily with everyone relaxed and animated. It was easy to be comfortable in the presence of hobbits and the visitors immersed themselves in the jollity. Aragorn and his brothers talked of life in Rivendell, Faramir shared anecdotes of his childhood with his much-admired older brother, Legolas and Gimli told of their work in Ithilien and the Glittering Caves and Bergil and his father were full of interesting stories of the courts of Gondor and Ithilien.

       It was late when the party broke up and began drifting towards their rooms. The arrangement was for the visitors to stay for another full day and night before travelling on to Hobbiton.

       "Does Rose know about this?" Sam asked Merry.

       "We didn't tell her everything but we told her to expect some tall guests. Can you imagine how furious she'd be if we gave her no warning at all? I can't see her allowing Aragorn to sleep in a tent in the garden!"

       Frodo sniggered. "No indeed. The tea towel would be over-used, certainly! Although, knowing our Rose, I should imagine she has some suspicions about the identity of some of the guests."

       "I doubt she knows about Faramir and the King though. And she doesn't know about Tarondor and Halboron at all. Won't she be surprised?"

       "Flummoxed, I should think. Although she will rise to the occasion, I've no doubt."

       "I have already discovered one thing about this visit," Tarondor admitted to his hosts before they departed for their beds. "I shall need a larger size in belts and clothing by the time I leave this wonderful land."

       "Just don't send us your tailor's bill then!" quipped Pippin quickly, and no-one laughed louder than the Steward of Arnor, unless it was the King himself.

Aragorn stirred, his eyes flickering open. He was used to waking up in the open, and after his coronation it had taken some time for him to grow accustomed to sleeping in a bed. His reflexes were still finely honed and he registered that he was inside, but not in an inn and not in his room at the Citadel with Arwen beside him. He was in a room with a rounded ceiling and round windows, surrounded by clean, lavender-scented linen. Ah yes, he was at Brandy Hall and had just enjoyed one of the best nights' sleep he had ever had.

       It was light outside and the liquid song of a blackbird poured into the Spring sky. A song thrush took up the counterpoint, and then a wren joined in, her song astonishingly loud for such a small bird. Hearing voices, Aragorn slid out of bed and went to the window, to see three Elves smiling up at the blackbird, who was perched on a branch just outside.

       "All this comfort and a serenade to wake me! I may never go back to Gondor at this rate."

       "Ah, the slug-a-bed is finally awake!" Legolas chuckled.

       "The brandy last night proved better than any sleeping-draught. Although I'm not that tardy, Legolas. Dawn has only just broken."

       "That was not quite the expression Pippin used. I believe he referred to sparrows' flatulence," said Elladan with a smile.

       "The 'crack of sparrow-fart'! Yes, that sounds like Pip. Is anyone else around at this hour?"

       "The servants are all up and busy, and I saw Mistress Esmeralda just now." Elrohir peered into the low bush to see the wren's nest.

       A sound behind him caused Aragorn to turn. Pippin, in full uniform, entered the room carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.

       "Did you sleep well, Aragorn?"

       "As well as I've ever slept in my life. All that fresh air, good food and brandy."

       "And you're still up at the crack of.........dawn! Once a Ranger, always a Ranger, eh?"

       "Something like that," Aragorn agreed, helping himself to fresly-baked biscuits and sipping tea. "Remind me to institute this morning ritual in Gondor. What a civilised way to start the day. Is Faramir awake?"

       "Still snoring like Gimli last time I checked. Your cousins are up though."

       "They would be. Is anything planned for today?"

       "The day is all yours - though at some point we should ask Frodo to take you through the maze. And you did say you wished to visit his parents' grave. The children will wish to spend some time with you too - they're very excited about your visit."

       "And I'm excited to be with them. I think I should bathe and tackle breakfast, even though Tarondor is correct when he says we'll need a larger size in clothes before we leave." Aragorn finished his tea.

       "I'll show you to the bathing-room. Frodo was just going there, Sam is up and about and Bergil was almost awake when I took him his tea."

       "Lead on then, Pippin."

                                                                         ************

       The bathing-room was warm and steamy. Frodo was in a hobbit-sized tub, singing to himself as he soaped his hair. He glanced round as they entered, and greeted Aragorn cheerfully.

       "Sleep well, my friend?"

       "Like the proverbial log - or do I mean like Sam?" Aragorn climbed into one of the Man-sized tubs and settled back in the scented water.

       Frodo laughed. "Dear Sam does not sleep so deeply these days. He had to keep one eye open at all times during our journey, and since then he has had me and young children to listen for in the night. He's a lighter sleeper now."

       "Sam is truly one of the most remarkable beings I have ever met. I remember him in Rivendell, shy as he was, giving Lord Elrond orders about your care. And the strangest thing was that my adar accepted it! He had an enormous respect for Sam."

       "Sam discovered his strength and courage and his true character on that journey. It had always been there but he did not know it." Frodo rinsed his hair. "He has a talent for settling Shire disputes, and much more patience than I have." He glanced over at Aragorn. "That is some scar! How long have you had that one?"

       Aragorn looked down at the scar across his stomach and smiled ruefully. "That was my first battle-wound. We were battling orcs in Northern Eriador and one of the little brutes sliced me. I was lucky my brothers were around or I might not have made it." He chuckled. "It is one of the more impressive ones."

       Frodo smiled. "Sorry, that was rude of me. I am the last person to be commenting about another's scars, but that one looks as though it should have been fatal."

       "You never have to worry about offending me, my dear friend. Yes, it was a bad wound - though not as dangerous as that deceptively harmless-looking one on your shoulder." The scar from the Morgul wound was small, and now was a faded pink star rather than the cold white line it had been until Frodo's illness. Aragorn still winced at the memory of that night on Weathertop, and at his first sight of the two hobbits when the Eagles brought them out of Mordor. Even Gandalf had tears in his eyes as they stripped the two starved, blackened bodies, noting burns, blisters and cuts on legs and feet, the wound on Sam's head, and the ooozing, bloody mess round Frodo's neck, where the Ring had chafed. The spot on his chest where the Ring had rested looked almost like a burn, blistered and weeping. The spider's bite left two large lumps on the back of his neck, which filled and re-filled with pus, and the third finger on his right hand was a bleeding stump.

      Frodo stood, wrapped a towel round himself and stepped onto the rug near the fire. "I am not as self-conscious about my scars as I used to be. Everyone tells me they are honourable reminders, and I think they are, in a way." He looked down at the fine mesh of tiny white marks on his legs, caused in those hours of struggle on the rocks and shale of Mount Doom. "A reminder not to go hiking in Mordor without boots too!"

       Aragorn laughed, partly out of relief that Frodo was able to joke about his ordeal. Faramir entered the room and looked surprised and pleased to see two of his dearest friends laughing, and he was even happier when Frodo explained the reason for the laughter.

       "You'll have to be quick, Faramir, or breakfast will have vanished. Pip was up early so he'll be extra hungry by now."

       "I shall be as fast as I can." He plunged into a tub.

       "And I must brush up my toes. Aunt Menegilda would have sent me out of the room if I'd turned up to breakfast with my foothair standing up in all directions." With his towel round his waist like a skirt, Frodo put one foot on the edge of the bench and brushed the dark hair which grew in curling profusion. Aragorn and Faramir watched, never having seen this before. They seemed thoroughly intrigued, which amused the hobbit greatly.

       Sam arrived with Frodo's clothes and Pip carried Aragorn's and Faramir's. Soon all three were dressed and hurrying to the breakfast-room, where Diamond, Estella, the Thain, the Master and their families were about to sit down. They all bowed to the King and the Steward but both Men indicated that there was no need.

       "You are eating for two, my dearling, not six!" Pippin teased his wife, eyeing her loaded plate. Diamond swatted her husband round the head.

      "So what is your excuse?" You're eating for ten, from the amount on your plate!" 

      Pippin smiled smugly. "I always eat for ten but I burn it all off - full of nervous energy."

      Frodo kissed Diamond on the cheek. "I've told him he'll be the fattest Thain ever. He'll have to be carried everywhere, like Bombur." He kissed Estella too.

       Merry nodded. "Fro's right. Six stout young hobbits will have to carry you all round the Smials."

       Estella gave him the sort of wifely look every husband dreads. "If you make a single comment about my loaded plate there will be trouble!"

       "Wouldn't dream of it," Merry said, giving her one of his most wheedling smiles.

       "I'm glad you can face breakfast, or don't hobbit lasses suffer nausea in the mornings?" said Aragorn.

       Diamond grimaced. "Oh yes, we do, my lord. Thankfully we are over it now though. It was most unpleasant while it lasted."

       "I do have a safe remedy for it, which will not harm the child. I shall write it out for you - for next time," he said, his grey eyes sparkling.

       "Did your lady suffer while carrying, my lord Aragorn?"

       "Yes, but the midwife said that it was a sign the babe was healthy and well settled."

       The rest of the party arrived just then, and everyone was amused at the eagerness with which the Men joined the breakfast table. While the Elves contented themselves with eggs on toast the Men and Gimli opted for some of everything.

       "Where are the children this morning?" Beregond asked.

       "They have their breakfast in the nursery. They're too fidgety at this time of day. They would be swarming up your legs faster than orcs up a siege-ladder!" Pippin chuckled. "Persimmon can be very determined."

       "So we'd noticed!"

       Pervinca sighed. "That child is the most stubborn, contrary, outrageous...............Mother, stop smirking like that. What are you trying to say."

       Eglantine laughed. "Only that she is nowhere near as bad as her mother used to be! The number of times you defied me are more than I can count. I'm amazed that you finally matured into a sensible wife and mother - although there's still some of the old fire there."

       Pervinca was actually blushing. "I am mortified to be so described in such noble company."

       Everard chuckled and squeezed her hand. "My dear, you were exactly as your mother says - quite a fearsome little thing - and then one day you grew up and I fell in love with you."

       "You fell in a ditch too, as I recall," said Pervinca, dissolving into helpless giggles, which set everyone else off.

                                                                          ************

       It was decided to begin with a visit to the grave of Drogo and Primula Baggins. All were keen to pay their respects to the two who had produced such a remarkable individual. Before setting out, Frodo took the party to the library to see the portrait of his mother which had been painted just before her marriage. It was a large portrait in a fine gilded frame and it filled the space above the fireplace. It had been painted at the command of her father, Gorbadoc Brandybuck, on the occasion of her betrothal to Drogo Baggins, and had been done by a master artist from Combe.

       Primula Brandybuck was standing in the garden, beside a carved wooden seat. She was wearing a white dress tied with a blue ribbon round her waist, and there were blue flowers in her chestnut curls and round the brim of the large straw hat she held by the trailing ribbons threaded in her fingers. She had the same vivid blue eyes as her son and a heart-shaped face of exquisite beauty, her high cheekbones giving her features a refinement lacking in most hobbits but not uncommon in the Tooks. Aragorn thought of the legend about Elven blood in the Took line and wondered again if it was true. A small dog frolicked with a ball at her feet and a large fluffy cat sat on the seat next to a bouquet of creamy-white roses. There was a gentle, loving quality about the young hobbit lass which seemed to confirm everything Aragorn had heard about her from Bilbo and Frodo, and which had continued in her son.

       "She is so beautiful," said Legolas softly. "No wonder your father fell in love with her."

       Tarondor nodded. "I have never seen such fine features in any other hobbit except you, Frodo. And that is where those amazing eyes of yours come from."

       Frodo smiled. "I suppose every lad thinks his mother the most beautiful creature in the world, but she was lovely, wasn't she?"

       "Aye, laddie, she was," murmured Gimli. "A rare beauty."

       "Is this the only picture of her?" Faramir asked. He only had one precious picture of his own mother and wished there were more.

      "We have one at Bag End with all of us. Bilbo had it done when I was small. And I have a small picture of my father when he came of age."

       "That portrait has been done by a master of his craft," said Elrohir. "The details are wonderful - the fur of the cat and dog, the lines of the dress and the way your mother's hair lifts slightly, as though stirred by a soft breeze. It is a superb work."

       Aragorn nodded. "He has also revealed her character and the fact that she was so obviously in love. She cannot hide that fact, nor does she wish to. She is hugging her secret to her heart but the shine in the eyes gives it away. I wish I could have met her," he added wistfully.

       Frodo tucked his arm through Aragorn's. "I wish you could too."

       He led them out through the side door and round to where the gardener and his lad stood waiting with several large bouquets of spring flowers. They bowed to the Men, Elves and Dwarf, and both hobbits beamed at Frodo.

       "I've taken some extra vases down there, Master Frodo," said Mat Brockhouse. "It all looks a picture with the primulas in full flower too."

       "Thank you so much, Mat. My mother loved her nameflower."

       "Ah, and she was just as beautiful too. I remember her sitting in the garden with you when you were little. I thought she was a princess out of a book."

       Frodo's face lit up. "Yes, she was beautiful. We've just been looking at her portrait. I remember that day though. You were helping your father and grandfather, although you weren't much older than me."

      "Aye, just as Master Samwise always helped his father, even when he was little more 'n a faunt. We gardeners seem to start young."

       They set off down the heavily wooded path. Great dollops of cream primroses trailed away between the trees and small early periwinkle flowers were peeping shyly through the undergrowth. The warmth had drawn the squirrels out and they scampered about, searching for their winter stores and hurtling up and down the large, gnarled trees. Legolas paused as a strange laughing noise rang through the wood.

      "What was that?" Gimli asked, still not entirely at ease in woodland.

       Frodo laughed. "That's a yaffle."

       "A what?" asked several curious voices.

       "A woodpecker. We call them yaffles in the Shire."

       Aragorn looked thoughtful. "I've never heard that one. How interesting." He cocked his head and listened as the woodpecker started on a tree nearby, drumming his beak into the wood.

       "Why do they do it?" asked Gimli.

       "He is looking for insects which live in the bark. They seem to know where the burrows are - perhaps they can hear them." Frodo looked intently into the wood and then pointed. "Look! There he is, on that beech tree over there."

       He was a striking looking bird with his vivid plumage glossy in the sun, and the chuckling laugh made everyone smile. Despite the solemnity of their errand they were cheerful as they scuffed through the leaves.

                                                                           ************

         On their return from the burial ground, Frodo took them to the kitchens to see Aster. The party arrived back in the Master's apartments laughing uproariously and minus Aragorn.

       "Where is he?" asked Pippin.

       "Aster decided to give our King a cookery lesson She's teaching him how to make apple pancakes with cider sauce!" Frodo collapsed on a couch and wiped his eyes.

       Esme went pale. "She hasn't tried to........make him wear a pinny, has she?" Merry howled.

       "Aragorn in a pinny! That would be worth sketching for posterity! Oh, this I have to see!"

       "No, I doubt she'd find an apron large enough - but she was certainly giving him orders."

       Merry, Pip, Frodo and Sam tip-toed back to the kitchens and peered round the door. Aragorn was whisking batter with Aster adjusting his grip on the whisk until she was satisfied.

       "That's very good, my lord. Now when the fat is hot enough we'll put a measure in and start them off. How's the sauce doing?"

       The King lifted a saucepan lid and stirred the sauce. "Thickening nicely, Mistress Aster." He looked up and grinned at the hobbits. "Off with you, you scoundrels. The pancakes will be ready soon." He turned back to concentrate on what his teacher was telling him about turning pancakes, leaving four semi-hysterical hobbits to stagger along the corridor.

       Half an hour later, the door opened and Aragorn entered, triumphantly bearing a very large tray with two heaped plates of pancakes, a jug of sauce and a large dish of clotted cream. He looked very pleased with himself.

       "Enjoy your cookery lesson?" Sam enquired.

       "Very much. I haven't been called 'young man' for a long time, and I'm older than Aster. I told her so but I don't think she believed me."

       "Are we about to be poisoned?" asked Merry.

       "Certainly not! Mistress Aster tasted them and pronounced them fit for a king."

       "I should think so, as they were made by one!" Pip tried a mouthful and nodded. "My! That is very good. Warrior, healer, king - and cook! What a gifted individual you are, Strider!"

       "So this is elevenses?" enquired Tarondor round a mouthful of apple-filled pancake. "I think we should add it to our meal breaks. This is too good to miss - and your cooking is improving no end under the instruction of our friends in the Shire. If only you'd been able to produce this sort of thing during our Northern patrols!"

       "Instead of having to rely on the culinary efforts of these two?" Aragorn indicated the Imladris twins, who contrived to look offended at the insult to their skills.

       Faramir laughed. "Tarondor, if you think the twins and my lord Aragorn are bad cooks, you have never tried to eat anything produced by my beloved wife! I believe there was a stew on the way to Helm's Deep which proved almost as bad as anything the orcs provided for Merry and Pippin!"

       Gimli shuddered. "I said I wasn't hungry, and my pointy-eared friend hid for the night. Aragorn ate it and regretted it, and I believe King Theoden took a diplomatic nap so he would not have to refuse. Poor Lady Eowyn, she had a great many talents but they did not include cooking."

       Aragorn laughed. "That stew was certainly..........different."

       Esme laughed. "I'm sure your wife has learned to cook since, my lord Faramir?"

       "She has improved, but not to a great degree. Her heart is not in it, I'm afraid."

       Pippin licked sauce from his fingers. "Ah, the finest cooks anywhere are in the Shire, and one of the finest of them all is our beloved Rose. Wait till you taste some of her special dishes - you will not want to leave."

                                                                          ************

       To walk off their meals and work up an appetite for lunch, everyone decided to take a walk in the grounds, through the maze and along the river bank. The hedges inside the maze were now so tall that even the Men and Elves could not see over the top, so everyone followed Frodo. The Elves, with their excellent sense of direction, were able to follow the twists and turns, and the tracking abilities of the Rangers gave them some assistance, but Gimli found it very confusing.

       "Yet you find your way through the Caves of Aglarond with no trouble at all," said Legolas, puzzled.

       "I can follow seams and mineral traces underground. Up here it is just hedges and they all look the same."

       "No they don't. That hedge is completely different in the way the stems fan out."

        "Only an Elf would notice that!"

       "Only a Dwarf would follow seams!"

       Everyone tried not to grin at the usual good natured bickering between the friends. The two never went more than half a day with squabbling over something, and insults were often traded, though without malice. They were extremely fond of each other, although neither would admit it.

       The children scampered ahead, turning frequently to make sure they were not lost. Persimmon was holding Frodo's hand and chattering merrily to Aragorn about her dogs and cats at Great Smials.

       "Fo told torwy about his kitty. Do you know lots of torwies, Uncle Estel?"

       He laughed and lifted her, so she could see over the hedges. "Yes, little one, I know some stories. Perhaps I shall tell one or two after lunch, if your Mama agrees."

       Pervinca smiled. "I'm sure we'd all love to hear your stories, my lord."

       "I know a song," Persimmon said, and began:

                  "The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea......"                                                                  

        She was delighted when the King took up the song in his deep, musical baritone, and many of the children joined in, giggling as they sang about the pig selling the ring through his nose, and the happy pair being married with the turkey to officiate.

        Frodo guided them round corners, laughing. "I didn't know you knew that one, Aragorn. I thought it was a Shire nonsense song."

       "I remember Carrie Butterbur singing it to her little son one night at the 'Pony.' I tend to remember that sort of thing. Carrie came from Archet so they must know it in the Bree-land."

        "I've always thought that a ring through a pig's nose must have been much too big for the cat to wear on her toe - or even round her leg."

       "Dear old Fro, always so pedantic!" Pip said, ducking the inevitable swat.

       When they emerged from the maze they walked along the bank beside the river. It had been a wet winter and the levels were high and fast flowing, and the waters foamed. No wonder the hobbits called it the Brandywine. All knew that this was the river which claimed the lives of Frodo's parents and their unborn child, and Aragorn glanced frequently at his dear friend.

       "Frodo, if this distresses you we can turn back to the house."

       "I'm fine. I taught all the younger cousins to swim in this water and went boating on it. The only place I could never bear to visit was the spot where my parents were brought out, but I took Sam, Rose and the children there eighteen months ago and that seemed to help. I still have a fondness for the river - well, I am part Brandybuck and it is in the blood."

       Persimmon tucked her hand in Frodo's and gazed up at him. She sensed that there was something sad about the place although she did not understand what. Her brother, at eleven, knew the story. Uncle Frodo had been the same age when the tragedy occurred, and he wondered how such a thing could be borne.

        Merry started to chortle and pointed to a large bush on the opposite bank. "I remember the occasion when Frodo was swimming here and a lot of the girl cousins arrived. He was terribly embarrassed to be caught naked by so many girls - I'm sure Pearl had something to do with it - but he managed to swim to the far bank and had to hide in that bush for hours. Good thing it was a warm day or he'd have caught a chill!"

        "Thank you for regaling all and sundry with tales of my tween embarrassments, Merry! I shall have to dredge up a few of yours - there are so many to choose from after all!"

       "I don't think I was even there," said Pearl indignantly. "That sounds like the sort of thing Pervinca would have done, but I think she would have been too young.

        On the way back to the Hall they found some mushrooms and collected them enthusiastically. Tarondor and Halboron had never seen hobbits looking for mushrooms before.

       "Quite the experience, eh cousins? Hobbits and mushrooms! Even in Hollin and on the banks of the Anduin they found many edible varieties to augment our supplies. They have hundreds of recipes too."

       Halboron smiled broadly. "I think I'm becoming as bad as Pippin - I'm hungry again!"

                                                                              ************

       Following a light luncheon, everyone relaxed in the Great Hall. Persimmon had pouted and whimpered and begged not to be sent for a nap, and was curled up in Legolas' lap. The other small ones were all on laps and snuggled between adults, and the older ones were seated nearby, waiting for the promised stories.

       "We can always tell stories about you, Estel," Elladan offered. "There was the time you placed the stag beetle in Glorfindel's empty wine goblet........."

       "Yes, or the occasion when you brought that huge toad in and left it in Adar's study," added Elrohir helpfully.

       "We could always tell everyone about that hornets' nest in Rivendell and you ending up in the river," said Pip, equally helpfully.

       "Since that entire episode was down to you and Merry and Tookish impetuousness, I shall save that one," Aragorn replied with feigned severity.

       Faramir and the others looked very disappointed. "Oh, I was hoping to hear about that."

       "We'll tell you later," said Pip in a conspiratorial whisper.

       Aragorn smiled at Persimmon. "What would you like to hear, little mistress?"

       She fluttered her long eyelashes and popped a finger in her mouth as she considered. "Monsters and scawy things," she said.

       Aragorn raised his eyebrows in unspoken query at Pervinca, who rolled her eyes.

        "She likes such things and doesn't scare easily, my lord."

       "What was the most frightening thing you encountered, my lord?" Pinto asked. Aragorn considered the question carefully.

       "The Balrog was terrifying - even Legolas was disturbed when Gandalf told us what was coming - and the trolls were massive. The mumaks were so large I couldn't believe it when I saw them. I thought nothing could bring them down. The Nine were probably the most powerful and much to be feared, for they wrought damage by their very presence. Merry experienced the Black Breath twice, and Frodo was stabbed by the Witch-king at Weathertop. Personally, the most frightening of all was when I confronted Sauron through the palantir. To feel him trying to probe my mind was worse than anything I had ever known, and I knew I could not allow him to gain control. I had one chance to wrench the palantir to my own use and losing that battle was something which did not bear thinking about. It took every ounce of strength and is not something I should wish to try again."

        "Have you seen a dwagon?" Persimmon asked, scrambling into Aragorn's lap and reaching up to touch his beard.

       "I have never seen a dragon, but I have met several who did see one. Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Gloin had all seen Smaug, and Bilbo went into the dragon's lair."

       "I want to see a dwagon."

       "Dragons are fine in storybooks, but not so good in real life. The fire-drakes breathe flame and cause lots of damage. They take every bit of wealth, as Smaug did, and they are vain and unpredictable. I think a real-life dragon would be much too scary, even for you, madam." He wagged a finger at her and she giggled.

       "Have you ever been really scared, Strider?" Frodo was genuinely curious.

       "Well, once upon a time, many years ago, when I was young and living in Imladris, I was kept awake by strange noises outside my window, hissing and low moaning. The twins had filled my head with all sorts of stories about monsters and I lay there thinking some ghastly thing was about to leap through the window. The grunting noise seemed to grow louder and eventually I decided I had to see the horror and perhaps surprise it before it saw me. I rushed to the window and looked down, and saw.................."

       Everyone was leaning forward, intent. "Saw what?"

       Aragorn started to laugh. "I saw a hedgehog with his head stuck in a flowerpot! The poor thing was grumbling and snuffling and trying to back out of the thing. He was just exhausting himself and getting nowhere. I jumped down and managed to free him and he stomped off, still hissing and grumping to himself. After that I resolved never to be that scared again without good cause."

       The assembled company laughed long and hard at the thought of the future King cowering under the bedcovers.

       "We have hedgehogs at Bag End - they make a lot of noise, especially when they are mating."

       Pippin snorted. "Which answers the question of how hedgehogs make love - the answer being very noisily as well as carefully!"

       "You are incorrigible, Pippin," said Tarondor when he ceased laughing. "I have never had so much fun as I have in the past two days. We really must spend more time with hobbits."

       "You'll change your mind when I tell you what these two did to poor Aragorn in Rivendell and on the first part of the journey. I'm surprised they're still alive after some of the tricks they pulled. I almost killed them on several occasions!" Frodo fixed the impudent pair with a look which would have made a Balrog think twice.

       "Salt in the sugar, acorns sewn into my shirt, they short-sheeted my bed, put pepper in the wine and yet did all this with such charm and jollity that I could never be angry with them. It is strange, but hobbits have that effect."

       "Is it teatime yet?" asked Peridot. "I'm hungry."

       Faramir looked down at the little hobbit lass in his lap."Funny you should mention it, little one, because I believe I'm hungry too. Hobbit hunger appears to be contagious."

        In the evening the friends gathered to tell tales and sing. Pippin played the guitar and Freddy and Reggie took up pipe and tabor. Frodo and the King sang the Lay of Luthien and Legolas and the twins sang a song of praise to the Valar. Primula and her brother and cousins danced, and the hobbits taught the Men the bawdy 'Watkin's Ale' with much laughter.

       Frodo's thoughts strayed; somewhere, beyond the edge of the family seated round the fire, drinking punch and singing, were two long gone but never forgotten. They knew, and they were proud of him, and for Frodo that was more than enough to fill his heart with joy.

Following another splendid breakfast, Frodo went to his room to pack. When he returned to the gathering in the Great Hall he realised that Aragorn was missing.

       "I think he went out through the side door," said Saradoc.

       Frodo walked along the wooded path. The gate had been left open so he knew he was going in the right direction, and soon he spied the tall, dark-haired figure at his parents' grave. Not wishing to intrude, Frodo stood behind a tree, but he could not help hearing the murmured voice of the King as he talked softly to the two hobbits he had never met.

       "We shall all look after Frodo. He is as a brother to me, and shall never want for anything. If I gave him the entire Gondorian treasury it could never be enough for all he has done. I hope you are proud of him, for he is the most selfless individual I have known." He stroked the weathered wooden marker with its simple inscription. "You gave such a gift to Middle-earth. Thank you."

       As he stood, Aragorn saw Frodo and held out his arm to embrace the hobbit.  "I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to come here and think. I felt I had to thank them for the gift of their son, on behalf of all Middle-earth."

       Frodo was surprised to find himself weeping at this. There were times when he still felt guilty for not giving up the Ring voluntarily and he was often startled and embarrassed by the love and admiration others had for him. He knew that Aragorn's love for him was genuine and he was grateful, although he often felt he did not deserve such devotion from this noble Man.

       "Oh Frodo, my dear, dear friend. There is no need for you to feel guilty. Gandalf told you that no-one could have resisted it at that point. You did all you could, and everyone knows that. No-one reproaches you and you should never reproach yourself."

       "I know." Frodo wiped his eyes. "It is false pride really, as Gandalf said. After all, if the great and the good were unable to conquer it, what hope did I have? Why should I be different?"

       "Sam, Merry and Pippin did conventionally heroic things. They fought enemies they could see. You were battling something unseen but it was able to probe your mind and affect you in ways their foes did not. You held out far longer than I would have done."

       "It's just...........I don't always feel worthy of all this love. It's rather overwhelming sometimes."

       "Why don't you let me be the judge of that. I do not give my love lightly, and I say you are worthy. Your parents know that too." He crouched and enfolded the hobbit in his arms. "We all feel guilt, Frodo. I feel very guilty, and I know Gandalf and Elrond did too."

       "Why should you - or they - feel guilty? You did your duty and Gandalf was here, there and everywhere, doing what had to be done and looking after Pip, saving Faramir, confronting Sauron's forces."

       "We all regretted the fact that we could not relieve you of that burden. We all saw what it was doing to you and could do nothing about it. I felt so powerless, and I could not allow the Ring to know how I felt. Gandalf warned me that the Ring would work on me through that guilt if I showed the slightest fraction of weakness. I feared you would hate me for leaving you to cope with it. I know that Gandalf was worried you would reproach him for it when you awoke."

       "Had you taken it I would still have desired it, and hated you for taking it from me. And it would have changed and corrupted you, or Gandalf. No-one could have risked that, which is why I left the company. It worked on me by showing me how I could heal the damage to the whole of Middle-earth and even promised to restore a King in Gondor. It also tried to set me against Sam in the hope he would tire and turn back."

       Aragorn threw back his head and laughed. "It could never imagine a loyalty like Sam's! I should imagine it grew more and more exasperated at the stubborn Gamgee character!"

       Frodo chuckled too, and wiped the last of his tears. "Dear Sam says that he may be 'Half-wise' but he is not going to do the bidding of a piece of jewellery! Only Sam could say such a thing."

       "Indeed. Never deny us the chance to show you our love, my friend. I am overwhelmed that you have never uttered a word of reproach for the way we Big People handed you the task."

       Frodo looked at Aragorn, his expression a mixture of affection and wry humour. "You didn't 'hand me the task' - I volunteered for it if you remember. Remind me never to volunteer to carry something which Gandalf, assorted Elves and a future king won't touch with a ten foot pole!" He smiled. "Sorry for howling like that - being loved so unconditionally is disconcerting for me."

       "We are only following your parents. They loved you unconditionally, as parents are supposed to do, and that is how we feel. Never push away those who love you."

       "I don't these days - not really. I'm not allowed to for a start! The children won't be turned away, and Sam, Rose and the family have become equally determined." He tucked his handkerchief back into his pocket and gazed at the grave again. "Do you know, the Ring even whispered to me that it could give me back my parents. I don't know if it was lies or if Sauron knew how to...........," he shivered, "...........raise the dead, but I closed my ears to it at first. Later it became much more difficult to ignore, and I began to wonder if it was possible. Isn't that terrible?"

       "No, Frodo, merely natural in the circumstances. The Ring grew stronger the closer it came to its Master, and you were growing weaker. It would choose the most likely route to your soul that it could find and would have probed your mind to find your most vulnerable points. The loss of your parents was something it could latch on to. Did you not tell me once that it also played on your desire to keep the Shire safe, and to see Sam and your cousins home again? To Sam it gave a vision of Mordor as a garden, but he resisted out of his great love for you. It is not that Sam is stronger or better than you, but he had not been carrying it for months, listening to that insidious voice, and Sam lacks your imagination. He is an essentially practical hobbit with a large core of stern hobbit-sense inherited from his Gaffer. For the Ring it must have been like hitting a stone wall!" Aragorn chuckled, and Frodo joined in.

       "Dear Sam, he is so overwhelmingly practical. The first time he ever visited Great Smials he remarked that it must be 'bloody difficult to heat!' Tina went into giggles and Pal thought it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. Ask him to plant something and there's a ten minute lecture on why it wouldn't grow in that particular place!"

       They walked slowly back to the Hall, enjoying the birdsong and the antics of the squirrels along the way. A group of acrobatic blue tits were cavorting on the branches, eating the fat which the cooks hung out for them, and robins were chattering furiously and becoming more territorial than ever as they prepared to build nests.

        Back at the Hall Sam stared at Frodo with great concern, noting the signs of recent tears. He frowned and Legolas whispered hastily:

       "Calm yourself, Sam. Aragorn would never upset Frodo deliberately."

       "I know. I just worry, is all."

       Merry glanced at his cousin. "Are you alright? You've been weeping."

       "Just a bit overcome. Sometimes the love others have for me is more than I think I deserve and I'm a little overwhelmed."

       "We love you for a reason, you silly so-and-so!" Merry ruffled Frodo's hair and then pinched his cheeks, kissed him on the nose and darted off before his cousin could box his ears.

       Aragorn reassured Sam. "I'm afraid I was talking to his parents about how much we care for him. He still feels he doesn't deserve it sometimes."

       "Ah, doesn't happen so much now. I think he knows what I feel."

       "Oh yes, you love him dearer than a brother. Rest assured that he feels the same about you."

       Sam's honest features lit up like a party lantern. "He does?"

       "Can you doubt it? He looks for you and when you enter a room he relaxes. You were always his light in dark places, Sam, even more so after Bilbo left."

       "He's always needed someone to care. Guess I'm good at that."

       "The best, Sam. The best there is."

                                                                           ************

       The horses and ponies were lined up outside, all harnessed and saddled, except for Arod and the horses belonging to the Twins. Since Gimli had acquired his pony, Legolas rode Arod Elf-fashion, although he added a decorative bridle and small bells for special occasions. The children were very interested in the horses, feeding them apples and peppermints, although Persimmon pouted because the guests were leaving.

       "Uncle Estel not go!" she declared, clutching Aragorn round the legs. He lifted her and sat her on his mighty horse, a great black steed from Rohan with a white star on his forehead.

       "We shall see you in a short time, at Uncle Sam's party. Can you dance, little mistress?"

       She nodded and patted the horse enthusiastically.

       "Then you and Peridot shall dance for me."

       "And Wosie-lass! She's my fwiend."

       "A trio of pretty little hobbit maids - what could be nicer?

       Merry and Pip were remaining behind. Bag End would be very full, so the Tooks and Brandybucks would travel to Great Smials and stay there, and journey to Hobbiton early on the morning of the birthday.

       The kitchen staff had packed a picnic lunch for all the travellers and were thanked profusely. Bergil was surrounded by the prettiest kitchen maids as he peered into the basket to see what had been provided. There was enough for at least three meals and he supposed that hobbits would find it almost impossible to journey for half a day without at least two meals - four if Pippin had anything to do with it. To those who were used to riding or marching all day without a halt it was an undreamed-of luxury.

       "We'll see you at the Dragon in a couple of days. Seven o-clock and don't be late! If we have enough to drink we may persuade all the patrons to sing the uncensored 'Nineteen Nights......' If we're really soused we might even include Verse Seventy-One!" Merry called, giving Gimli a leg-up onto his pony.

       "I wish I knew what happens in that verse," Faramir muttered as he thanked Saradoc for his hospitality. Saradoc laughed.

       "It's obscene, my lord."

       "Frodo said something about vegetables and anatomical impossibility."

       Saradoc nodded sagely. "That's right. Not that the other verses are much better. I haven't heard it for some years but I seem to remember a young lady doing something inventive with warm raspberry jam.........." He shook his head. "We're hobbits so food always tends to sneak in, even in that sort of song."

       Pippin sniggered. "Uncle Sarry! You know the words to that? I'm scandalised!"

       "Scandalised? You have never been scandalised in your life, Pippin! You young people always think you've invented such things. I was singing that song years before Frodo was a twinkle in his father's eye."

       Aragorn handed a reluctant Persimmon to her father. She kissed him once more, giggling as his beard tickled her face.

       "Bye-bye, Uncle Estel. See soon." She scrambled out of Everard's grasp and ran over to hug Legolas and the Twins, then the other Men and her beloved uncles Frodo and Sam. He father smiled fondly as he watched Sam lift her to hug Gimli.

       "She takes after her mother. Fierce, stubborn, willful, saucy and bewitching. Even your Steward, your cousins and various Men, Elves and a Dwarf are helplessly wrapped round her little finger."

        Aragorn smiled. "I know. So am I. Wonderful, isn't it?"

                                                                         ************

       The Bounders at the bridge had been told about the visitors, although they were unaware of the true identity of some of them. The papers with the signatures of Master, Thain, Mayor, Mister Baggins and the King himself, together with the seals of Gondor were very impressive, and they bowed low, particularly to the Steward of Arnor. They were waved through and paused to look at the Shire, which was bathed in warm sunshine, the trees showing pale green leaf buds and some already dressed in pale pink blossom. Here and there were little cottages and smials with bright gardens, flapping washing and chimneys puffing smoke, while livestock grazed contentedly and new lambs bounced and played in the fields.

       Aragorn reined in his horse and looked around. "This is even more beautiful than I ever dreamed."

       Bergil was twisting in the saddle to see all of the landscape. "I've never seen anywhere so......so lush and green. Ithilien is lovely but this is just so full of trees and flowers."

       Beregond and Faramir exchanged looks, both thinking how terrible it must have been for the returning hobbits to see their land scarred and ruined.

       The road was quiet with only occasional travellers, who stood aside and bowed. Even the most nervous hobbits who had suffered at the hands of the ruffians could see that these Men were different, with their clear eyes and fine features. The presence of the Elves and Gimli, whom most hobbits knew, at least by sight, was reassuring, and the Mayor and Mister Baggins seemed happy and content.

       They passed through Bridgefields and Whitfurrows, where they were introduced to the villagers and just outside, they settled on a grassy bank to eat their lunch. One of the more enterprising local hobbits sold them a large keg of ale and looked at the coin he had been given by the Lord Thorongil.

       "The King looks a bit like you, my lord," he said shyly.

       "Yes, there is a family likeness. I am his cousin," said Aragorn with a smile.

       "I'd like to meet him one day - he sounds a thoroughly good Man, from what we've been told by the Captains, and Mister Baggins and the Mayor."

       "The King is looking forward to meeting the Shirefolk, I can assure you. He admires the courage and joy of hobbits, and plans to come to the Brandywine Bridge on his journey to his Northern Lands. I have to say he has also developed quite a liking for Shire ale too."

       "Perhaps you can tell His Majesty that when he comes to the Bridge we will bring him the finest ales in the Shire."

       "I shall certainly tell him so." Aragorn bowed to the hobbit, who returned to his home brimming with tales of the Men and their good breeding and respect for hobbits.

        Frodo laughed. "You're outrageous, Strider, and far too good a tale-teller. 'The King is looking forward to meeting the Shirefolk' indeed!"

       "Perfectly true! I am looking forward to meeting them." He twinkled at Frodo and tapped the keg. "I have to try it - it would be rude not to."

       After a leisurely lunch they proceeded towards Frogmorton, pausing to see the cottage where Frodo spent his childhood and be introduced to Sam's sister Daisy, who soon recovered from her nervousness and produced apple cake for all.

       The steeds trotted along, making good time. They passed the lane on the right, which led up to Oatbarton in the Northfarthing, and continued westward, the sun shining before them. Trees hung over the road, new leaves whispering quietly, shading them from the glare, but it was warm. Cloaks and jackets were removed, pipes lit, and they laughed and talked while the miles sped past. By the time they reached the Three Farthing Stone the news of their coming had spread, courtesy of the Shire's fastest communication system - gossip - and several little groups of curious hobbits were standing shyly beside the road.

       Their arrival in Bywater created a huge stir. Stallholders and shoppers, farmers and goodwives all gawped at the sight of the tall, clear-eyed Men on their great horses, the two soldiers and the graceful Elves. Flora and Dora, who ran the candle stall, called to Frodo in excited, high-pitched voices.

       "Mister Baggins! We put your candle order on the cart with the other goods. The butcher and grocer sent a lot of things to Bag End and they said there was room for your candles. I hope that was alright?"  The twin sisters spoke together and often finished each other's sentences. Both widows, they were small and dumpy, with bright shawls and lots of tinkling jewellery.

       "Yes, that's fine. May I present our friends - Prince Legolas I think you know, and the Lord Gimli. This is the Lord Tarondor, the Steward of Arnor, and his brother, Lord Halboron, and this is their cousin, the Lord Thorongil. The handsome gentleman over there is Lord Cirion of Gondor, and those two are Captain Beregond and his son, Captain Bergil, who have also come all the way from Gondor. And the elegant Elves on the grey horses are the Lords Elladan and Elrohir, who are twins, like you."

       The two ladies twittered as they greeted the strangers, who dismounted and spent some time looking round and meeting many intrigued hobbits.

       Bergil found a beautifully carved horse at one of the stalls, just the thing to take back for a young cousin, and Faramir spotted a smooth wooden frog which would delight young Elboron. They promised to return and make many purchases in the next day or two, and left the folk of Bywater gossiping animatedly as they made their way out and up the road towards Hobbiton.

       Sam pointed out the two inns as they rode past, and some of the old gaffers outside called cheery greetings. They invited the guests to come and drink with them, and Aragorn called back that they would be joining them in two days, which seemed to satisfy most of the drinkers.

       The folk in Hobbiton were just as bemused but welcoming, and then it was out and over the bridge, past the Mill, where young Teddy Sandyman was sweeping and scrubbing the steps. He waved and they waved back, Frodo explaining who the lad was.

        The light was fading as they made their way up the Hill. In the West the sky was full of pink and gold, which reflected in the windows of the smials in New Row. The lights in Bag End's windows promised a wam welcome and Bill and Strider quickened their pace, prompting the horses to follow suit.

       At the stables the horses were rubbed down and settled, with plenty of hay and water. There were several open stalls as well as the closed stables, so there was room for them all, and the field was full of fresh Spring grass. Arod rolled on his back and rubbed his face in the sweet grass, much to Legolas' amusement, and after a moment's thought, Aragorn's great horse did the same, although he managed to look slightly bashful when he rose, as though he thought it was not a dignified thing for one of the Mearas to be doing.

       Sam waved the others to hide as he rapped on the door. Rose opened it, light streaming out into the garden and flooding the steps, and she embraced her husband joyfully, then hugged Frodo.

       "I knew you'd be back tonight, so I've made supper. Anyone with you?"

       "Hello, Rose." Gimli stepped into the light, followed by Legolas, and they were welcomed and hugged.

       "I guessed you two would come to Sam's party. Can't keep away, eh?"

       "These two decided to come along too," said the Elf, beckoning to the Twins. "Your cooking and the prospect of a talk with the mallorn have brought them here."

       "You're most welcome, my lords." They bowed and kissed her hands.

       "We found these two skulking around in Bree, and they've come a long way, so we took pity on them." Frodo stood aside to reveal Beregond and Bergil, who lifted Rose off her feet and swung her round.

       "It's my handsome young Captain of the Guard! And Captain Beregond! Welcome, welcome." She laughed and straightened her apron as Bergil set her down.

       "Then we found these two disreputable characters at the Pony. I'm sure we can find somewhere for them to sleep," Frodo added with a smile.

       Rose stared at the two smiling Men. Even she had not expected these two to turn up on her doorstep. "My Lord Aragorn! And Lord Faramir! But.....what......... oooohh, welcome to you both, my dears! To come all this way for Sam's birthday..........." She would have curtseyed but both Men were on their knees, hugging her and laughing. She wrapped her arms round their necks and kissed them both.

       "You should have seen Sam and Frodo when we revealed ourselves in Bree! They thought we were villains up to no good and out to rob them!"

       "It's just as well I tidied the place today - I'd have been ashamed for you to see the place in a state. You'll have to excuse any mess - the children don't always put their things away."

       Faramir shook his head. "We've come to see you all, not inspect the place for dust. This is a home, not a monument, dear Rose.

       "Now, my lovely Rose, I hope you don't rush for the tea towel, but we have brought two more guests with us. My cousin, the Steward of Arnor, and his brother were in Bree, and Frodo and Sam thought they should join us. They have long wished to meet the Ring-bearers, and Frodo thought it would be good for the Steward of Arnor to see the Shire he has been protecting for so long." Aragorn called his cousins forward. "May I present Tarondor, Lord Steward of Arnor, and his younger brother Halboron, a real scamp. He is the 'Pippin' of my own family. Cousins, this is Mistress Rose Gamgee, a remarkable hobbit in her own right."

       "Mistress Rose, I hope we have not inconvenienced you by our joining the party. We have longed to see the Shire, and it is a great pleasure to meet you and to see the Mistress of Bag End at last."

       "I echo my brother. This is the most perfect place in the whole of Middle-earth."

       Rose curtseyed. "My lords, you are more than welcome. The more the merrier, I say. Not quite sure where you're all going to sleep yet, but I'm sure I'll think of something. Come in, come in. Just mind your heads near the chandelier."

       "Yes. Gandalf was always knocking it - and bumping his head on the doorframe."

       "Where are the children?" Aragorn asked, ducking as he entered the hallway.

       "The younger ones are in bed and asleep, I hope. Ellie and Fro are getting washed and into their night things." She led the way into the parlour. "I'll have to find some more large chairs. The couch is a good size and very strong, and the big chair there was the one Gandalf always used during his visits. You should have his old room too, my lord," she said to Aragorn.

       "I am happy to share - Tarondor and I often shared a room or a tent."

       "Not since your accession, my lord King. You should enjoy Mithrandir's room - we can sleep in our bedrolls on the floor or in the garden." Rose was horrified at the Lord Tarondor's suggestion.

       "Garden? I'll not have my guests sleeping in the garden! We have a few guest bedrooms these days - added a bit more to the place seven or eight years ago, last time the Lords Elladan and Elrohir visited. The hill is quite large so we enlarged the place to take up all the room available. Might be a bit of a squash but I'm sure we'll manage."

       The parlour sideboard was full of supper dishes - a large ham, a chicken and mushroom pie, cold parsnip pie, salad, crisp new bread, creamy butter, and a pear and almond tart. Bergil's eyes almost popped out of his head at the sight, and Halboron whistled, much as Pip would have done.

       "I'll just go and do another pan of bubble-and-squeak," Rose said, and darted out of the room.

       "What's bubble-and-squeak?" Faramir enquired, waiting for Aragorn to sit before settling himself in Mithrandir's large chair.

       Frodo laughed. "It's boiled potatoes and cabbage, mixed together and fried until crisp and golden, usually in beef dripping or goose fat. Goes perfectly with cold meat."

       "Carrie serves it at the Pony sometimes." Aragorn stretched his long legs. "It's very tasty."

       "I vote we just stay here forever," said Bergil, sitting on the rug next to Legolas.

       Rose returned to ask if the visitors wanted tea or ale and wine. Sam hurried to the cellar to fetch a cask of ale and some wine bottles. When everyone had a mug or a glass, they sat back and soaked up the comfortable atmosphere of the cosy parlour.

       "So this is where little Pip was born?" said Aragorn.

       "Yes, in front of the fireplace. Poor Frodo panicking and trying to be brave for my sake, and me trying to be brave for him. We must have made a proper pair!"

        "Mum?" A small face appeared in the doorway and a little hobbit lass edged into the room. She wore a floor-length nightgown and her hair, which was tied in two bunches, was the colour of sunlight. She had a heart-shaped face, a pert nose dusted with very pale freckles, and large eyes of an unusual colour. "Sam-dad!" She raced to hug her father and then, remembering her manners, she approached the guests. She looked steadily at them all, smiling at Legolas and Gimli, then stood before Aragorn and gazed at him without fear. He accepted her appraisal with a gentle smile.

       "You're the King," she said at last, and swept into a deep curtsey.

       "She's been practising that curtsey for years," said her father proudly.

       "And I have never seen one better executed. How do you know who I am, my lady Elanor?"

       "Well.............that's the Ring of Barahir," she said, nodding down at his hand. "I've seen pictures of it in Uncle Fro's books. And we have your portrait in the dining-room. But mostly it's your eyes."

       "My eyes?"

       "They're clear and noble and ......and....kingly."

       Aragorn held her hands gently in his, and looked at her for several minutes. "The Shire was always beautiful, but it is even lovelier since you were born to grace it, fair mistress."

       Ellie darted a glance sideways at her parents, her mouth a round O of delight, then she wrapped her arms round the King's neck and hugged him.

       The other guests were introduced and greeted. They found Ellie a most delightful child, full of intelligent questions, an almost Tookish curiosity and a loving heart. Gimli produced a small case from his tunic and handed it to the child.

       "For your birthday, Elanor. I know it is a little late, but I hope you like it. It matches the remarkable colour of your eyes."

       The little lass opened the case carefully. Inside, under a layer of midnight blue velvet, was a single stone on a beautiful mithril chain. She gasped when she saw it, and looked at Gimli, unable to speak.

       Aragorn helped her to remove it from the box and he fastened it round her neck. "The stone is called an aquamarine, and it does match your eyes. It looks lovely, my fair Elanor."

       "Thank you, my Lord King. Thank you, dear Uncle Gimli!" She hugged and kissed the Dwarf.

        "It is indeed very beautiful, Master Gimli. That is so kind of you," said Rose.

       As they were all about to eat, another head appeared. This one was the image of his father, with a mop of wheaten curls, hazel eyes, a snub nose covered in freckles, broad shoulders and broad feet.

       "Your Majesty!" The boy bowed low, and Aragorn lifted him, his face wreathed in smiles.

       "It seems the Gamgee children cannot be fooled. How did you know?"

       Frodo-lad smiled. "The Ring of Barahir, and we have seen your picture and pictures by Uncle Merry. But you look like a King anyway."

       The guests were properly introduced to the boy, and he was soon comfortably seated on Faramir's lap while his sister snuggled with the King. They begged and pleaded not to be sent to bed, and Sam and Frodo added their pleas to those of the guests.

        "Drat it, I'm outnumbered! Oh well, I suppose it will do no harm just this once, and I doubt you'd sleep anyway because you're both too excited." Rose disappeared and returned with two large pans of sizzling bubble-and-squeak which she cut into wedges. The company stood and faced the West, and Tarondor was touched to see that the children did it without being prompted. Then they sat down and soon everyone was eating, exclaiming at each mouthful.

        "Oh my goodness! This is delicious! Wonderful, Rose. I thought the food at Brandy Hall would be hard to beat but you exceed them all."

        Rose blushed at the King's praise. "Get along with you, flatterer! I declare there won't be a lady in the Shire who won't be swooning at your feet."

        "Including Hyacinth Bracegirdle," added Frodo slyly.

        "That's it," said Faramir. "I shall insist we have bubble and squeak whenever we serve cold meat."

        Rose chuckled. "We often serve it with leftover cold meat from the joint. It is mostly done on wash-day, when the womenfolk have little time to cook a full dinner. Ah now, I can see you're surprised that we ever have leftovers, but we do."

       "We weren't going to say anything of the sort," Legolas protested, but the twinkle in his blue eyes gave him away.

        "Yes, you were," muttered Gimli. "Superb, as always, Rose. No-one anywhere in Middle-earth cooks as well as you."

         "The Lady Galadriel was right - you are silver-tongued, Master Dwarf," Rose teased.

         Another figure entered the room. Rufus strolled in, paused to stare at the Men and Elves, then walked to Aragorn and sat before him, his green-gold eyes steady.

        "See? Even Rufus knows you're the King," said Frodo.

        "Cats are very intelligent and intuitive creatures. They do say a cat may look at a King, and he is certainly doing that. Hello, my handsome lad." The King held out his hand and Rufus graciously sniffed the fingers, decided that he liked their owner and rubbed affectionately, rumbling gently all the while. He visited all the newcomers, bestowing gentle affection on all, then returned to his Master and stared at the table until he received his share of the ham.

       Sam wagged a finger at his children. "Now don't go giving the game away by mentioning the King during the party."

       "But what are we supposed to call you, my lord?" asked Ellie, handing round a dish of candied sweets to fill up the corners.

       "Why not the same as the Brandybuck and Took children? They have taken to calling me 'Uncle Estel' and I think you should too."

       "Is that what Persimmon is calling you?" Frodo-lad enquired

       "Oh yes, she was very happy to call me 'uncle'."

       Ellie nodded. "We'll remember. And you're Uncle Cirion," she said sleepily to Faramir. "I'm so glad you've all come to visit. There's so much I want to show you."

       "Plenty of time in the morning, sleepyhead. Your brother is already nodding."

       Rose ushered her two sleepy children out, after many hugs and kisses for the guests, and Sam began to clear the table. Aragorn and Tarondor joined him, and when Rose reached the kitchen she found the King at her sink, sleeves rolled up, washing plates while Faramir dried and Sam and Legolas put them away.

       "Elves and dragons! You're doing a very good job, I must say. If you ever need work I'll take you in any time, my Lord Estel."

       Aragorn bowed. "I am flattered. I enjoy tasks such as this, Rose. There is only so much fun to be had signing State papers, meeting ambassadors and hearing legal cases."

       They made their way to their rooms. Aragorn would occupy Gandalf's old room; Faramir and Beregond were to share a room, as were Tarondor and Halboron. Gimli went to his usual room, Bergil was happy to sleep on the couch in the study, and the Elves would stay out under the stars, with Legolas in the great oak tree, happily cradled in its branches.

Aragorn woke refreshed and eager to explore. A light tap on his door as he was musing, and Frodo entered, carrying a tea tray.

       "Did you sleep well, my dear friend?"

       "Better than ever. Must be something in the air here in the Shire - and all the food too. Arwen will see there is much more of her husband when he returns, I fear."

       "Nonsense! You'll wear it all off, just like Pip." Frodo set the tray on the bedside chest.

       "So Gandalf slept in here? Must have been the only time he had an undisturbed night's sleep - he spent so much time travelling, riding, sleeping under hedges or in his cart. He must have been supremely grateful for those times in the Shire, enjoying the peace, not having any more demands on his time than meals and a stroll into the village."

       "You sound rather wistful, my dear Strider. Is kingship as onerous as I fear?"

       "Not onerous exactly, but now I am a king I am not allowed to forget the fact very often. This trip is proving benficial - it reminds me of my life as a Ranger - and I hope I shall be allowed to get my hands dirty and help Sam in the garden, and play with the children, and be disgracefully drunk and kick up my heels, like the horses last night."

       "I think we'll allow you to do all that. It will do you good to behave like a hobbit. You're an honorary hobbit anyway, you know that?"

       "I am extremely flattered, my friend." Aragorn finished his tea. "I do not want to spend too much time idling, pleasant though it is. A bath, if I may, and breakfast, and time with you and the children."

       "We have two bathrooms now, and Gimli's friends came and saw to all the plumbing, so we have hot water from the water tank behind the stove. Come with me and I'll show you. The bath is a good size so you shouldn't feel too cramped."

                                                                            ************

       The kitchen appeared to be the hub of activity in Bag End. Beregond was feeding little Pip, Bergil was helping to cut Merry-lad's bread and butter and little Rosie was sitting on Rufus' cushion with the cat in her lap, holding his dish while he licked up creamy porridge.

       "Hello, my little maid. You must be Rosie-lass?" Aragorn crouched to look under the table, anxious not to frighten the child. He need not have worried. She smiled, gently eased Rufus off her lap and crawled out.

       "Uncle Estel? Ellie said you were here. Are you hungwy?" She held out her arms and happily allowed him to lift her, showing no alarm at finding herself more than six feet off the ground.

       "Yes, I rather think I am. Have you met your other uncles yet?" he asked, sitting down with the tiny hobbit lass in his lap.

       She nodded vigorously. "Leg'las 'n' Gimli 'n' Bewegond 'n' Bergil......," she popped her finger into her mouth and thought hard,. "................ummmm..........."

       "I do not think you have met me yet," murmured Faramir, sitting beside Aragorn. "I am your Uncle Cirion, and there's Tarondor and Halboron, and the Twins - Elladan and........?"

       "Elwohir?" Rosie ventured, leaning over to hug another new-found uncle. "Are you here for Sam-dad's birfday?"

       "We are indeed. We would not miss such a special occasion, and we have travelled a long way." He stroked the cat, who had hopped on to the bench beside him and was gazing up with a particularly searching look.

      Rose was performing miracles at the stove, producing platefuls of perfectly cooked bacon, eggs, sausages and mushrooms with her usual calm. Aragorn realised that she was the still point around which everything and everyone revolved. She had as much power in her own realm as Galadriel had held over Lothlorien.

       "Pip, my little lad, you have grown since we saw you last." Aragorn held out a hand to the baby, who crowed with delight and grabbed his fingers.

       "He still has a fine appetite," Beregond observed. "I don't remember Bergil clearing his dish like that when he was that age. Pip never spat anything at me once!"

       Rose chuckled. "Most of us know better than to waste good food, even at that age. Mind you, Ellie used to spit cabbage at me, I must admit. I think that's because small children find cabbage and the like rather bitter. She wouldn't eat sprouts either but now she likes them."

       "Spwouts? Pfffft!" muttered Rosie-lass, much to everyone's amusement.

       "No I never liked them as a child either. They tasted terrible and my mother used to get cross but Adar just said it was natural for children to dislike them and that I would grow to like such things."

       When everyone had a full plate, Rose lifted Merry-lad from his high chair and allowed him to greet the visitors properly. He toddled round to meet everyone and then ambled back to Bergil and climbed on his lap.

       "He's taken a shine to you. Just be prepared that he might wander off and come back minus his clothes at some point." Rose smiled. "My twin brother, Jolly, did that too."

       "Is that his real name or just his disposition?"

       "His given name is Wilcome after Da's brother, my uncle Will, but he's always been called Jolly. He was a very happy baby and I was a grump."

       "I find that very difficult to believe, dear Rose." Aragorn smiled down at little Rosie, who had settled beside him and was devouring her own breakfast at quite a rate.

       "Slow down, miss, or you'll have a tummy-ache," said her mother, filling a third teapot with hot water. "Now, I'm taking requests for tonight's dinner, so if you can think of anything you'd like to try, tell me."

       Bergil looked eager to speak, but politely deferred to his King and Steward. Rose thought he looked like Pip when he was bursting to say something, leaning forward in his seat, fidgeting.

       Aragorn smiled. "Whatever you cook will be superb, but I think young Bergil has a request and I'm sure it is one we agree on."

       "Beef and kidney pudding?" the young man said hopefully.

       "Ah! I thought you might want that, as Sam mentioned it in Gondor. Right - beef and kidney pudding it is. You can help me if you like - we'll start directly after lunch."

       "Where is Sam? And Legolas and Frodo?"

       "Up at the stables, seeing to the horses. Have you met Frodo's new pony? King Eomer sent him as a Yule gift. He's a bit high-spirited but adores Frodo and is very good with the children."

       "Yes, he's magnificent. How wonderful that Frodo is strong enough to ride him. He could never have done so at one time."

       The door opened, and voices sounded in the passage as the others trooped in. Frodo and Sam washed their feet in the garden room before entering the kitchen, and Rose grinned.

       "As you can see, they're well-trained," she giggled, dishing out breakfast for the new arrivals.

       Frodo's hair was sticking up in odd ways and Sam hastened to explain.

       "Limlight decided Frodo hadn't had a good enough wash this morning and decided to give him another! Groomed him very carefully, he did."

       Legolas gave a light-hearted laugh. "Yes, and then Arod joined in! You should have seen them carefully washing Frodo's face and hair."

       "They seem to have done a very..........er..........thorough job," murmured Aragorn, and no one laughed harder than Frodo.

                                                                          ************

       "Now Sam, we have a gift for you. We know that Frodo received gifts on his actual birthday last year, but that was in Gondor. We understand that, in the Shire, it is not considered polite to give gifts on the day but they can be given before. Is that correct?" Elrohir asked.

       "That's right. Hobbits consider that only close kin usually give gifts and they're given before the day - or at least before the party. Otherwise it looks as though they're paying for the party and that is just not done."

       Elladan and his brother beckoned him outside, and everyone followed, curious to know what the gift could be. In the garden was a long box, which Sam had noticed the Twins carrying slung between their horses on the ride from Bree. There was a large blue ribbon round it now.

       "We have looked after these as tenderly as we could, opening the box to give them air in the evenings. Half the gift is from us and half from our Daeradar."

       "Lord Celeborn? Well that's very kind of him, I'm sure. I would hardly expect a great Elven lord to know it was Sam Gamgee's birthday, much less send a gift."

       "Stop selling yourself short, Sam," said Aragorn with a smile. "The birthday of one of the Ring-bearers, a pre-eminent citizen of Middle-earth, is no small matter."

       Sam opened the box, handing the ribbon to Ellie, who stood beside him. When he lifted the lid he saw that there was a lot of packing.

       "Open that end first," said Elladan, who seemed quite excited for an Elf. "Those are from us."

       Sam pulled the straw away from one end, and gasped in surprise. "Elven lilies! Look Frodo! Elven lilies from Rivendell - your favourites! Oh they're beautiful. They have to go under Frodo's window."

       Young Fro leaned forward to have a closer look, bewitched by the sight of Elven lilies. He had heard his father talk about them, their bright colours and intoxicating perfume.

       "Thank you both. I never dreamed I'd be growing lilies from Rivendell in these gardens."

       "There are fifty plants, five of each colour. They should grow well in a sheltered area."

       "The plants at the other end of the box are from Daeradar."

       The removal of all the straw revealed fifty more small pots, each with a tiny plant in. Sam peered at them; he had seen then before but for a moment he could not identify where. Then he cried out in surprise and pleasure.

       "Elanor! It's the sun-star of Lorien! Ellie, it's your name flower, my lass. But these have never been seen outside Lothlorien. They only grow there and in the Blessed West."

       Ellie squealed and ran to look. There were no flowers but there was something dainty and other-worldly about the little plants which made up for the lack of golden flowers.

       "The same could be said of the mallorn, but the Lady gave one to the Shire," Aragorn reminded Sam.

       "They flower in Winter in Lorien, but Daeradar says they might do something different here, as the winters are colder. Perhaps late Summer and Autumn?" Elrohir smiled at the children. "I see young Master Gamgee is already a gardener of note."

       "Daeradar sent a letter, explaining why he has sent these. Here we are." Elladan produced a letter from the pocket of his tunic and handed it to Sam, who looked quite overwhelmed. He opened the fine silk envelope and began to read but was too moved by the content to continue. He handed the letter to Aragorn and wiped his eyes. The King took the sheet of paper and read aloud:

       My dear Master Samwise,

        I hope that the occasion of your birthday will be a very happy and joyous one, and I am sorry that I cannot be there to see it. I thought long and hard about what I could send to you, for you are a rare and special individual. There is nothing you crave, for you have all that is important to you - a loving wife, beautiful, healthy children and the brother of your heart healed and happy - all your treasures, and a garden to tend. You have never desired more than this, and no-one is more deserving of all that he has.

       The only fitting gift for a gardener is more plants, and the sun-star should be seen by those who appreciate beauty. The time of the Elves is over, but a mallorn is now blooming in the outer world, and I felt that the elanor should also be seen by many. There is no better land than the Shire, for hobbits are the future guardians of all that is green and good in the world, and there is no finer guardian among hobbits than yourself.

       I do have another reason for gifting these to you. In your land, when a young girl weds, it is traditional to wear a garland and carry a posy of flowers, and if, as so often happens, the lass has a flower name, then those garlands and posies would include her name-flower. Your daughterElanor is young yet, and will not wed for many years, yet she will be called 'the Fair' because of her beauty, and when she weds it is only right that she should wear and carry the flower whose name she bears. If these are planted now, there should be plenty to adorn her on her wedding-day, and I hope I may be there to see them.

       Have a very happy birthday, keep your treasures close to you and know that you will always have the admiration and respect of

       Celeborn.

       "Oh my!" Rose wiped her eyes. "Bless the dear soul!"

       "How kind and thoughtful - we must all thank him," Frodo murmured, blinking back the tears.

       "Aye. I must write to him - you two are going back to Rivendell?" Sam asked. The Twins nodded.

       "Can I write to Lord Celeborn too?" Ellie whispered. "He sounds so very kind and I'd like to thank him."

       "I'm sure he would be honoured and delighted to receive a letter, Elanorelle," said Aragorn, holding the child close. "Just make sure you invite him to your wedding."

       "And who will the groom be, I wonder?" Frodo said, a mischievous smile on his lips. "A certain distant fifth cousin from Greenholm?"

       Ellie snorted and stuck her nose in the air, but she could not hold in her giggles or be angry with her uncle. "He might be - one day! He's not as silly as most boys, and he doesn't mind if I beat him at games."

       "What's this?" cried Legolas. "A swain already? I shall inspect this lad to see if he is good enough for my little Elanorelle."

       "His name's Fastred, and he's a very sweet lad. Dotes on Ellie, carries her things and makes daisy chains for her, even when the other lads tease him for it." Rose smiled. "He's a bit like Sam, and a bit like Frodo too - likes his books and loves walking."

       "Speaking of walking - shall we go and greet the mallorn? You wanted to see her and find out how hobbity she has become." Frodo addressed the Twins, and everyone began to make their way down to the party field. Rose went inside to see to baby Pip and Merry-lad, Fro went with the adults, and Ellie and Rosie accompanied them as far as New Row, where they were planning to call on their Aunt May and play with their cousins and Violet Sandyman. Little Violet, Cousin Teasel, Tansy Bunce and Ellie were now firm friends and Violet was less nervous than she had been on her arrival less than two months previously.

       May and Ivy Sandyman gawped at the sight of the group of Men and Elves and a Dwarf who strolled down the Hill. Ivy felt quite panicky, remembering the ruffians, but May calmed her.

       "Sam and Mister Frodo are with them and they're laughing. Prince Legolas is there too, and the Twins from Rivendell. They're the Queen's brothers, you know. I don't know who those Men are but they ain't ruffians, that's for sure."

       "Prince?!" Ivy squeaked. "That Elf is a Prince? Oh my stars!"

       "Aye. His father is none other than King Thranduil of Mirkwood - the Greenwood I should say now. You must remember him from old Mister Bilbo's stories - he locked up the Dwarves and they had to escape. One of them was Lord Gimli's father, Gloin, but Gimli seems best friends with the Elf now. They go everywhere together." She waved to her brother. "Party guests, Sam?"

       "Aye, you nosey minx! I thought Daisy was the curious one of the family. Yes, surprise guests, all arranged by Merry and Pippin. May I present the Steward of Arnor, the Lord Tarondor, and his brother, Lord Halboron. The very handsome gentleman in the dark blue is their cousin, the Lord Thorongil, and the other very handsome gentleman is the Lord Cirion, from Gondor. This scamp is Bergil, a young Captain in the City Guard of Gondor, and the older gentleman is his father, Captain Beregond of the White Company of Ithilien. You remember him - Pip killed the troll who was threatening his life, and was flattened by it. Legolas and Gimli you know, and the Twins, Lords of Rivendell. These two ladies are my sister May, and Mrs Sandyman."

       "Ladies. The pleasure is all ours," Aragorn murmured as they curtseyed to him and his cousins. "Mistress May, Sam tells me that you are the most like your mother, in looks and manner. I do wish I could have known her - she sounds a very sweet and motherly woman."

       "Yes, my lord, she was. I'm like her to look at but I don't know if I have her patience. Rose is strangely like her in that way."

       "Mrs Sandyman, I am pleased to meet you. We saw your husband briefly, while we were in Bree."

       Ivy was surprised to find herself answering firmly and without fear. "I expect he was drunk, my lord. I'm sorry to say he usually is. I hope no-one thinks too badly of me for leaving him."

       "Not at all," said Aragorn gently. "You stayed far longer than many would have done. The effects on your children were becoming detrimental, and your first duty as a mother is to them. You did the right thing, I'm sure. I hope we shall see you at the party?"

       "Yes, my lord. I wasn't sure at first, but Master Samwise insisted, and the children are eager to attend."

       "I'm sure they're looking forward to it. I know we are."

       "Indeed. I have heard much of hobbit parties and have long wished to see one for myself," said Tarondor.

       May chuckled. "I hope you don't all end up with sore heads, my lords."

                                                                          ************

       The mallorn would flower on Sam's birthday. The buds were fat and ready to open, waiting only for that special day. The bright gold of the flowers would look like flame when lit by the morning sun, almost as if the tree were on fire.

       Legolas rested his hand on the bark of the mallorn and felt the tree's presence. He smiled and bade the others to feel it, and the Twins and Aragorn touched the bark reverently.

       Aragorn had learned to feel the life force of trees while a child in Rivenedell. In Lorien the trees had a melancholy, a seeming awareness that the time of the Elves was fading. This tree retained an inherited memory of that, which lingered on the edges of knowledge, but this mallorn drew nourishment from the rich, loamy soil of the Shire. A joyous upwelling of pleasure seemed to fill the sap; this tree witnessed cheerful parties and bucolic celebrations, when the hobbits adorned her branches with ribbons, danced around her and poured cider or ale round her roots as they shared their happiness with her. Small children slept beneath her shady branches and on special occasions she was decorated with lanterns and gifts.

       "You are right, Legolas. She does have a hobbity heart." The branches rustled above him and one branch bowed so low it brushed his face, despite the fact that there was little wind.

       "She knows who you are," said Frodo softly. "Sometimes, on very hot days, the branches move to cool us without any breeze at all."

       Frodo-lad patted the tree and gave her a quick hug, which prompted much rustling of the buds.

       "Hello, my beauty," said Sam, and Aragorn felt a rush of awareness in the tree as the little gardener's voice reached her. A sound seemed to ring around the Party Field, of rushing streams and tumbling waterfalls, and he wondered if the tree was laughing in greeting to the one who planted and tended her.

       "She is happier than those in Lorien," said Elladan. "This is what they must have been like when they were first planted, in Ages long ago."

       "Also she is young, although much larger than I would have expected for one not twelve years old. There is mischief and joy there. She feels much loved by the hobbits."

       "They come from far and wide to see her. She is the wonder of the Shire." Sam sounded like a proud father. "On the day of the party we'll decorate her with lanterns and ribbons. We'll put out the tables and everyone will bring food. Frodo's organised an open air kitchen, just like Mr Bilbo had for his eleventy first, though I don't think we're having a pavillion like he had."

       "You are confident about the weather then?" said Faramir, walking round the tree and looking up.

       "Oh yes, it's always nice for Sam's birthday. It wouldn't dare be otherwise," Frodo teased.

       They wandered back to Bag End for elevenses, and this gave the visitors an opportunity to examine the place properly. The magnificent smial took up the whole of the Hill overlooking Hobbiton. The great oak tree which grew on top had survived Sharkey and his ruffians, and the gardens had been replanted. As well as flowers, there were orchards, a walled kitchen garden for vegetables and soft fruit, and behind the Hill were fields and paddocks for the horses. The garden was a riot of Spring colour and fragrance, mostly from the wallflowers, and the round green door swung wide as they approached.

                                                                          ************

       An exploration of Bag End, both inside and out, took up the time before lunch. Aragorn thought it the most perfect place he had ever seen, with a peace which rivalled the Last Homely House. They saw the orchard, and the place where Lotho's remains had been found the previous year. Young plum trees grew there now, new leaf growth appearing already.

       They visited the stables, to be greeted by the horses and ponies. Bill nudged Sam's pockets and snickered when an apple was produced. Gimli's pony was obviously very fond of the Dwarf and that affection was returned, although Gimli was always scrupulous in addressing Arod in friendly terms. The large horse and the stocky little pony spent much time together and seemed to have developed a bond as strong as that of their riders.

       Lunch was a riotous and informal affair, taken in the garden. Aragorn could not recall feeling as free since before the Quest, and he could tell that the others shared his thoughts. They ate salad and cold meat, fresh-baked bread and good local cheeses, and Rose brought out treacle tart for dessert. Tales were swapped and pipes smoked as they sat in the sunshine. Rufus trotted under the table from one to another, scrounging scraps. He was a hobbity cat and positioned himself under the table between the baby's and Merry-lad's high-chairs because that was where the most food fell.

       "Rufus, you are shameless!" Frodo laughed, chopping cold chicken for the cat. Rufus looked at him with wide-eyed innocence and pretended to wash his paw.

       "I think you'd better have my birthday gift now, Sam my lad," said Gimli, and disappeared into the smial. He was soon back, holding out a box. Sam opened it carefully and the children crowded round to see what the Dwarf had given their father. It was a set of hand tools for the garden - trowel, small fork with tines which gleamed and looked very sharp, and a pair of rose clippers with the finest edges Sam had ever seen.

       "They're superb, Gimli! Just the right size and almost made for me, as it were."

       "They were made for you, lad. Last time I was here I drew a line round one of your gardening gloves and took the paper with me. I made these in my workshop, and the grip should be perfect for you."

       "I shall treasure these all my life, Gimli. Thank you so much!"

       "They should last a lifetime. When I make something I make it to last." Gimli waited until young Fro's attention was elsewhere and handed Sam a smaller box, which contained a matching set for the child, and would be Sam's birthday gift to his son. Sam smiled his thanks and signed that he would settle up later.

       They all helped with the washing-up, which amused Rose, to see so many Men and Elves scrambling to carry plates and cups, to wash and dry and put things away in cupboards and carry sleepy little hobbits to their afternoon naps. When all was done, Sam, Aragorn and the Elves went out to place the new plants in the garden. Frodo would have gone with them but Sam told him firmly to rest awhile, and he sighed, recognizing that set of Sam's chin. He took a book and went to sit on top of the hill, in the shade of the oak tree. Gimli took Beregond and Faramir for a tour of Hobbiton and district, with Ellie and Fro in tow, and Aragorn's cousins went for a stroll to the Mill.

       Bergil rolled up his sleeves and prepared to help Rose in the kitchen. He was curious to know how she would cook the amounts needed for such a large gathering.

       "Bless you, I have plenty of large basins. Always prepared, that's Rose Gamgee!" She fetched a crock of flour from the baking pantry and suet from the ice cellar and began to chop the beef and kidney.

       "But where will you cook the puddings? Four big basins - they'll need four saucepans and if the stove is full of those, how will you cook the other vegetables, and the potatoes?" The young man was very puzzled.

       "All in good time, my young Captain. Can you wash mushrooms and chop onions?" He nodded and she directed him to find plenty. "You'll find that if you keep the top end on the onions, instead of cutting it off, that they'll be kinder to you."

       He was surprised, but had to admit that it seemed to work. He chopped them quite finely and then dealt with the mushrooms, cutting the larger ones but leaving the tiny ones whole.

       "Excellent! I can see you'll make a good cook - and a good husband some day, I don't doubt!" Rose chuckled to see him blush. "Are you courting yet? I won't tell your da." She winked conspiratorially.

       "There is a young lady I have taken a liking to - as you're already spoken for, Mistress Rose."

       "Get along with you! Pretty, is she?"

       "Very. She thinks I'm an idiot though."

       "I daresay all lasses think that about lads at one time or another." Rose buttered four enormous basins. They would have been large by the standards of Men; to a hobbit they were huge. Baby Pip could have been bathed in one.

       "How do I get her to notice me?"

       Rose paused and pondered the question. "Be fascinated by her conversation, and let her know how kind you are."

       "I wish I was as dashing as some of my friends. They have no touble finding lasses to talk to."

       "Ah, but are they the sort of lasses you would like to spend time with? I'll let you into a little secret, my lad. Most women - and I think it is probably the same for the race of Men as with us - would rather have a gentle heart than a pretty face. Not that you aren't handsome, but we tend to see beneath the surface. A kind heart and a thoughtful disposition will achieve far more than all the swagger in the world. Take her a bunch of flowers - doesn't have to be ten feet high. A simple bunch of wildflowers and a question about whatever she is interested in will go a long way. I think I fell in love with Sam when he started spoutin' poetry."

       "I'll remember that. Thank you." He watched as Rose began to chop the suet very finely. When she was satisfied she seasoned the flour and added it to the suet, then mixed it with water until it was sticking together. She turned the ball out onto a floured board and rolled it out very thinly, then lined the basins.

       "Now we add the meat, the seasoning and a pinch of herbs, and the onions and mushrooms." She piled quantities of everything into each basin and added a mix of water and a little dark ale, plus a little flour for thickening. Then she rolled out the rest of the suet pastry, less thinly this time, and made lids for each pudding.

       Bergil buttered four rounds of kitchen paper and these were placed on the top and smoothed half way down the sides before being tied with string. He placed his finger on the knots and Rose smiled at him. She took four spotlessly clean cloths and wrapped each basin, knotting these two or three times, then took Bergil by the hand and led him into the scullery/wash-house.

       "Now, this is where we cook the puddings. The fire is lit and the water in the copper is boiling. This is where I normally do the washing. See those holes either side in the brick, inside the hole, above the water? That's where this goes." She took up a long metal rod and showed his how it fitted into the holes. "We tie the puddings on the pole and then fit it in place. The puddings will be suspended above the boiling water and we put the lid on so they cook in the steam. This frees up the stove for the potatoes and veg, and leaves the oven clear for other things, such as bread, pies and cakes."

       "That is so clever! I'm sure I'd never have thought of that." Bergil carried the pole back to the kitchen and they double-knotted the cloths and threaded them onto the sturdy metal pole.

       "Sam taught me a good few knots. Most of his family are rope-makers, so he knows all about it. His uncle Andy, and his eldest brother, Ham, are both ropers in Tighfield."

       "I think Sam knows a great deal about everything. He is an excellent woodcarver and a fine cook, as well as being a gardener and a healer, particularly for livestock." Bergil carried the heavy pole, now bearing the four basins like odd fruit, into the wash house and fitted it into its slots. Rose put the lid in place and dusted her hands.

       "There! I reckon we deserve a little rest now, then I'll rope in those Elves and a lord or two to do the veg."

                                                                          ************

       Aragorn was digging in the orchard, making small holes for the elanor plants, which had been well watered and were now being gently patted in. Sam felt they would grow well in the shade of large trees and the soil in the orchard was full of leaf litter and good compost.

       The King was enjoying himself. He liked to help in the herb garden at the Citadel but to be in the gardens of Bag End, his back warmed by the sun and his nostrils full of the fragrance of early blossom, was to experience something of the life of the hobbits. He and Sam were singing the Lay of Luthien as they worked, and from the side of the smial, the three Elves joined in as they planted the lilies under Frodo's window.

       Up on the roof of Bag End, Frodo was humming with the singers. His book lay open beside him and he was tickling Rufus as the cat sprawled across his knees. As he looked down into the garden he saw Tarondor and Halboron and called to them.

       "Why don't you come and join me. I'd welcome the company and we have not had time to become acquainted." He patted the grass and they climbed up and flopped beside him.

       "So this is where you lived with your uncle - cousin, I should say?" Tarondor scratched Rufus behind the ear.

       "I came here often with my parents, and after they died I came to stay for a few weeks. When I was twenty one, he adopted me officially as his heir and brought me to live with him. I loved Esme and Sarry and I enjoyed my life at Brandy Hall, but I truly felt I belonged here. I still went to visit my other family at the Hall and Great Smials but this was my home. I wasn't expecting to inherit everything - I just loved Bilbo and wanted to spend time with him, learning from him, going hiking through the Shire and having adventures. No one was more surprised than me when he left me everything, but I was saddened that he had to leave in order for me to do so. I would have traded every penny just to have him back. The Ring took him from me too, really."

       The Men both felt compelled to place a reassuring hand on the slight hobbit's shoulders and bestow a comforting squeeze. Frodo smiled at them and cocked his head to listen to the singing.

       "But I have a large family. Sam and Rose have pulled me back from the brink many times and have surrounded me with so much love. It is almost as though they are my parents now."

       "I would think being looked after by those two remarkable hobbits must be quite an experience," Halboron murmured.

       Frodo laughed. "Oh yes. Not to mention being disciplined by a hobbitess with a tea towel and a talent for finding the most sensitive part of the ear!"

       Below, the singing had stopped. Rose's voice, firm but insistent, was heard saying, "Right. I want some volunteers to help with the vegetables. Who knows how to peel potatoes? And if you don't know after a couple of thousand years I reckon it's time you found out!"

       "This," said Tarondor in an almost imperceptible whisper, "I have to see!"

Bergil was pinching himself because he did not quite believe what was happening. He was sharing Bag End's kitchen table with three Elven princes and the King of Men, and they were all meekly preparing vegetables under the piercing gaze of a hobbit woman less than four feet tall. Rose was stirring a pan of custard on the stove with one hand while cradling baby Pip on her hip, rocking slightly from side to side.

       Beregond, Faramir, Sam, Frodo, Gimli and the King's cousins peered in, grinning. Aragorn grinned back, plying a small sharp knife with some skill as he peeled potatoes. Bergil was doing the same, as there seemed to be a mountain of the things.

       "Rose, you would have been a wonderful army commander. That is how we get volunteers in the army - 'I want you, you and you!'"

       Rose laughed. "Don't think you've got away with it, Captain Beregond. You'll be doing them tomorrow!"

       Elladan was dealing with the parsnips - not a vegetable he had encountered before in their uncooked state. However, a small knife was a familiar weapon to an Elf, and he was managing to peel them with little difficulty. They were going into a pan to be roasted. His brother was tackling the carrots, and Legolas was remonstrating with a large white cauliflower, which seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

       "That cauliflower fighting back, laddie?" queried Gimli. There was a very undignified snort from Halboron.

       "The wretched thing has a mind of its own." Legolas glowered at the unrepentant vegetable.

       "You know, if you chop it in half it will sit better on the board," Rose murmured.

       The aggrieved Prince of Eryn Lasgalen did as advised and then beamed at Rose. "Thank you. I was beginning to think there was a conspiracy!" He broke the two halves into florets and dropped them into the saucepan, then did the same with a second one.

       "We shall make a cook out of you yet, mellon nin," said the King.

       Halboron lost the battle, slid to the floor and howled with laughter. "This..............." he wheezed, "..........is priceless! I never thought I'd see the day..........."

       Frodo and Sam were both beyond speech, leaning on each other and shaking. Frodo shared Bergil's disbelief. He thought he had never seen anything more incongruous than three of the First Born and the great King of Gondor, knees tucked up, carefully preparing vegetables under the exacting tutelage of Farmer Cotton's daughter.

       Tarondor had joined his brother on the floor. "I think Rose could have had an army of orcs organised to do housework. What a talent! I shall have to bring the young Rangers to you for some training, Mistress Rose."

       "Don't know about that. I just said that the quicker the veg was done the sooner we could eat. Funny how that seemed to do the trick!" She set the baby in his high chair and poured the custard over some fruit and sponge cake in a large dish. Three more, already done, were nearby. "I'm assuming everyone likes trifle? Won't need a heavy pudding after the main course. I think four big bowls should be enough."

       Everyone confirmed that they did indeed like trifle. Saucepans were filled and set to boil, and the guests stretched cramped limbs and wandered into the parlour.

       Above the fireplace were two portaits. Aragorn, Gimli and the Elves noticed that the male hobbit looked a lot like Bilbo Baggins, curly light brown hair topping a good-natured face.. The hobbitess was quite lovely, with the refined features of the Tooks, large blue eyes and a mass of auburn ringlets.

       "Bilbo's parents," Frodo explained. "Bungo and Belladonna Baggins. She was a daughter of the Old Took, and sister to my grandmother Mirabella. Apparently she was very eccentric - Bilbo used to say that she was the one with the adventurous streak. She knew Gandalf because he often visited the Smials and was a great friend of Gerontius. Bungo built this smial for her, to her desires. She designed the gardens, especially the rose garden. The Gaffer told us that Lobelia ordered it dug up, and her ghost came back and frightened off the workmen. Lobelia couldn't find anyone to do it once word got round, so the rose garden is still here. I dread to think what Sam would have said if she had succeeded."

       On another wall was a painting of a small family group. The male hobbit was clearly another Baggins and the hobbitess was immediately recognised as Primula. They were seated, leaning forward, hands clasped around the baby seated on a blanket on the table in front of them. The child, not quite a fauntling, had a mop of dark curls and enormous blue eyes. He wore a white shirt and dark blue trousers, and clutched a huge grey toy cat which was larger than he was.

       "Oh Frodo!" Faramir whispered. "Weren't you just the most adorable baby?"

       Frodo laughed. "That did not last, as you can see."

       "I will disagree with that, tithen nin," murmured Aragorn. "You are clearly still that beautiful child of Iluvatar and your parents are still bursting with pride - even more than they are in this picture."

       "That cat is bigger than you there!" Beregond laughed.

       "That's Mister Tibbles. He's still around. I wanted to give him to Ellie when she was little but Sam was afraid he'd be too battered. He's like me, showing signs of wear and tear, but still has all his innards and is good for a cuddle now and then."

       Aragorn laughed and crouched to give his small brother a hug. "I had a furry dog which Lord Elrond gave me when I first arrived in Imladris. It remained on my bed there, even when I was out in the wild and only visited occasionally. Indeed, along with the Sceptre of Annuminas and my beloved Arwen, he also brought Huan with him when he came to Minas Tirith."

       Everyone laughed at the thought of the great warrior king being reunited with his childhood comforter.

       "At least you didn't take him with you when you went on campaigns," Frodo chuckled. "Out there, fighting orcs and leading the armies against the Dark Lord, and snuggling up with a furry toy at nights!"

       Rose and Sam served the ale and wine and the friends sat contentedly waiting for dinner. It was growing dark outside when Sam suddenly glanced out of the window, jumped up and grasped the King's hand.

       "Come on, you must see this!"

       Everyone hurried out onto the path. In the western sky, where the light still lingered, the clouds were tinged with red and gold, signifying a fine day to follow. Sam gently turned his King to face the north-west, and Aragorn saw a large flock of birds.

       "What are they?" he whispered.

       "Starlings. Watch, and see what happens now. This is one of the wonders of Arda."

       More and more birds joined the group, wheeling and swooping until the sky was black with them. They flew in intricate patterns, sometimes splitting into two or three groups, whirling in cylindrical shapes, in spheres, gradually flying lower but always moving and spinning in a dizzying gyroscopic aerial dance. Aragorn could not possibly calculate the numbers but it was possible there were a quarter of a million birds. The only sounds were the raucous cries and the sussuration of half a million beating wings. Lower and lower they flew, now rippling in a long ribbon, now splitting into sections. Then, possibly at some unknown signal, they began to tumble down, cascading like a waterfall of living flesh and feathers, into the woods to roost for the night. At last only one group was left, and then they too funnelled down and vanished, even as the last of the light disappeared, leaving only silence and stillness.

       For several minutes no-one spoke. Then Legolas said softly, "Great are the beauties and mysteries to be found in Arda. I do not think I have seen so many birds in one place before. The Shire is so full of wonders."

       "I remember Bilbo showing me the starlings when I stayed here once. I could not believe what I was seeing. How many do you think there were, Aragorn?"

       "It was impossible to tell, but probably a quarter of a million - perhaps more. No wonder the hawks and buzzards don't take them - they must be completely confused by those numbers and the constant swirling. There is safety in numbers for the birds."

       "Not such a common sight at this time of the year. Reckon you were lucky, Strider. Usually it happens more in the autumn when there's loose grain in the fields after harvest."

       Tarondor shook his head. "I can't believe how quickly they disappeared, pouring down into the woods like that. A truly amazing sight."

       Rufus had also been watching the great flocks, his eyes slightly narrowed and his mouth open, making small chattering noises. When the last starling vanished, he washed his paws and stalked indoors, his tail held high.

       Inside once more, they sat round the large dining-room table. The dining-room was surprisingly spacious, with a huge table, carpets, a large fireplace and pictures on the walls. On one wall was the massive picture presented to Frodo by the Twins on his birthday the previous year. It was a painting of the Fellowship gathered near the gates of Rivendell as they prepared to depart on the Quest. Other pictures included those of Aragorn, Arwen and the children and one of Faramir with his family. The children had their own, smaller table, and there was much jolly talk among the company. Sam poured a lovely pale pink wine which drew high praise, then he and Rose carried in the puddings. As each one was cut, the smell of cooked meat, onions, mushrooms and herbs assailed their nostrils. Bergil sniffed appreciatively, his face wreathed in smiles.

       "Mistress Rose, that smells so good! I have been imagining what this tastes like since Sam mentioned it in Gondor."

       Rose smiled. "I just hope you're not disappointed, my dear." She returned to the kitchen to fetch dishes of carrots and cauliflower, mounds of soft and fluffy mashed potato and golden-brown parsnips.

       When everyone had a full plate they stood and observed the Standing Silence. Aragorn bowed, hand on heart, then they sat and began to taste the wonders of Rose Gamgee's beef and kidney pudding.

       "I think we've all tumbled into Paradise. I have never tasted anything so incredible. Rose, you should write a Shire cookbook so the cooks at the Citadel can make these dishes. It won't taste quite like yours but I think these magnificent recipes should be better known in other lands."

       "Me? Rose Gamgee write a book?! Gracious! What a notion."

       "I don't see why not," said Frodo. "I can always do the actual writing."

       "Of course," added Faramir slyly, "It would involve a lot of research - trying out all those recipes, just to check they're absolutely right. Can we help with that?"

       "Ah, now I see where this is going! You're all going to write back to Eowyn and Arwen, saying you're staying in the Shire till Halimath, researching recipes!" Frodo looked delighted to have discovered their scheme.

       Tarondor sighed. "This is the finest food I have ever eaten. Mistress Rose, your talents are legendary and rightly so.

       "I have heard this dish described but no-one ever told me it tasted so wonderful." Halboron was doing a fair impersonation of Pippin, concentrating on clearing his plate.

       Bergil looked at Rose. "It tastes even better than I could possibly have imagined."

       "It is a shame King Eomer could not be here. He would love this. Even the wine is perfect, and Dwarves do not normally drink the stuff." Gimli paused for a moment and smiled encouragingly at the Elves, who were also eating with great enthusiasm.

       "Why did he not come with you? He could have done. We would have been happy to see him."

       Aragorn smiled. "He would have enjoyed that. Unfortunately, Lothiriel has not been well. She is expecting another child and slipped on the steps to Meduseld when they were icy, spraining her ankle. They were worried she would lose the child but thankfully all seems to be going well now, but he was reluctant to leave her."

       "Poor lass," murmured Rose. "I must send some jam and a fruit cake. Are you calling there on the way back?"

       "We shall certainly call at Edoras again and would be happy to deliver some treats for them. I hope there will be fruit cake for us too?" Aragorn added hopefully.

       "Get along with you! Since when have I not sent fruit cake? I'll make some tomorrow and put plenty of brandy in the mix. That way they'll keep a good while."

       "They don't need to keep very long," said Faramir with an impish smile. "We eat them too quickly for that."

       "I don't suppose Tarondor and Halboron have tried your fruit cake yet, Rose." Frodo raised his eyebrows at the King's cousins.

       "Alas, no, although we have heard a great deal about it."

       "There will be a chance to try it on Sam's birthday. You surely didn't think there could be a birthday without cake?"

       Even the Elves managed second helpings of pudding, and Legolas admitted that, despite its recalcitrance earlier, the cauliflower was an excellent and tasty vegetable.

       When no-one could eat another scrap they sat back, full but happy. The children were impatient for trifle but Rose told them to wait, and they accepted this, reluctantly. The tables were cleared and washing-up done in a short time, as the guests worked smoothly as a team. Sam shook his head in disbelief, as the King, both Stewards, Men, Elves and a Dwarf carried, washed, dried and stacked all the plates and cutlery.

       "Well, my Lord Faramir, tomorrow you shall see the memorial garden to Boromir. I didn't show you today because the white flowers were not quite open, but they will be tomorrow. The best place to see the overall effect is from the roof of Bag End, then we can go in and walk around properly."

       "I'm looking forward to seeing it, Sam. My brother would be greatly touched and honoured to be so remembered."

       "I'm sure he would," murmured Aragorn. He returned the last of the plates to the cupboard and carried two of the large bowls of trifle through to the dining-room.

       "Twifle! Hooway!" cried little Rosie, clapping her hands.

       "Hooray!" echoed Bergil and Halboron.

       Tarondor shrugged helplessly at Sam. "I told you he's the 'Pippin' of the family!"

       Sam looked completely incredulous. "I refuse to believe there's two of 'em!"

       "This is the impetuous Ranger who, on his first foray into enemy territory, told a rampaging orc that he smelled abominable and should try soap and water!" Tarondor gave his brother a meaningful look which Halboron chose to disregard.

       "It was the truth. He smelled worse than your boots after six months in the wild. Anyway, he was annoying!"

       "I see what you mean," Frodo said. "Pip dropped a stone in Moria and disturbed millions of goblins and a Balrog. They just can't resist. He looked into the Orthanc palantir and almost had his mind destroyed by Sauron, despite Gandalf's warnings. Oddly enough, some of Pip's actions, which should have been disastrous, turned out to be surprisingly useful. Not the appearance of the Balrog, I hasten to add, but Sauron's glimpse of him in the palantir led him to make the wrong conclusions and drew his gaze away from us. And Pip's offer of fealty to Lord Denethor turned out to be a fortunate one, particularly for you, Faramir, and for Beregond. Our dear foolish Took will likely turn out to be a great Thain when the time comes."

       "He's grown up a great deal in the last ten years. Not that he's stopped fooling around. He can still act like a total idiot and do daft things," said Sam.

       "It wouldn't be Pip otherwise."

       The trifle proved to be just as good as the rest of the meal, a rich concoction of fruit, sponge, custard and cream. No-one said much until every last scrap was eaten and spoons licked clean.

       Aragorn leaned back and loosened his belt. "Rose, that was so good there are no words to describe it. I beg you, write down the recipes for me before we leave."

       "I will do that, my dear lord Aragorn. I'll write down what I know, and ask my Mum and some of the other women in Hobbiton and Bywater for their favourites. Not quite sure what the Citadel's cooks will make of it but I'm sure they'll make a fair job of it."

       "Thank you, dearest Rose. Being here is a joy and I'm sure everyone will agree. You seem to know how to enjoy life here, in a way some people have forgotten."

       They staggered through to the parlour and flopped on couches and rugs. Rosie-lass cuddled on Aragorn's lap and beamed at her mother.

       "All corners full, Mummy!"

       The King agreed. "Yes, there is no corner left unfilled. I fear I may need to walk back to Gondor in order to lose the weight I shall have gained."

       "I think a little extra weight will do you no harm. I've always thought you're a bit too thin."

       "The citizens of Minas Anor will find another name for me - 'Flourdumpling,' just like your former Mayor."

        Rose went into peals of laughter. "I can't see you ever being as rounded as old Will Whitfoot. You'll meet him at the party and then you'll see what I mean."

       Frodo settled on the couch beside Aragorn and sipped at his wine. "You said you wanted to hear some of the stories of Merry and Pip and all their escapades?"

       The others nodded, keen to hear some of the famous stories.

       "Oh dear, where do I start? The first time Pip ever stayed here as a little faunt, he managed to cover himself and most of the kitchen - and Gandalf! - in flour and jam. Merry once dared him to climb the little ash tree along the lane and Pip decided he'd go one better and climbed the great oak! They raided Paladin's cellar once and when we found them, they were stark naked and had painted patterns all over themselves with Pip's paints."

       "What about the ale barrels at the Free Fair. Must have been........what.....seventeen years ago?" Rose suggested.

       "Oh yes! Those blasted barrels! The pair of them thought it would be a good idea to roll some of the ale barrels around while the election was taking place. Pip said his usual 'Trust me, it'll be fun!' Unfortunately they failed to realise that the barrels in question had been put to one side because the fermenting process had gone wrong. Naturally all the shaking and rolling caused the ale to froth and suddenly the barrels began to explode. Within minutes it was chaos, with folk scattering in all directions." He chuckled. "Saradoc, Paladin, Sam and I all ran towards the noise because we followed the golden rule."

       "And what is the golden rule?" enquired Elladan.

       "Wherever there's a commotion, there you'll find Merry and Pip. They were completely unrepentant and covered in ale froth which smelled like vinegar. Paladin hauled them back to the inn and gave them a bath!"

       "I seem to remember that those words began to strike terror in all of us, even in Rivendell. 'Trust us, it will be fun!' was usually the signal for Lord Elrond to clutch his head and Gandalf to thunder 'Peregrin Took!' in tones which brooked no argument." Gimli boomed a laugh.

       Frodo grinned. "On one occasion Merry was confined to his room while we were all staying at the Smials. I don't remember what he was supposed to have done but Esme put her foot down and that was that. Pip decided to cheer him up, so he dressed himself up in a dress of Pervinca's, used some of Pimmie's face paints and strolled round to Merry's window. Of course Merry thought it was hilarious - and he laughed even more when Cousin Ferdibrand took a fancy to the mystery lass and chased 'her' all over the gardens, begging for a kiss! It took Pip the best part of the afternoon to lose him, although another cousin - who shall be nameless - suggested allowing Ferdi that kiss just to see his face."

       Tarondor and Halboron laughed even more than the rest. "Yes, dressing up in ladies' clothing can cause problems," the older Man said, looking pointedly at Aragorn.

       "Don't tell me you've ever worn a dress, Strider," said Sam, grinning from ear to ear.

       Aragorn glanced at his cousins. "Thank you for dredging up this tale," he muttered.

       "Will you tell it, my dear cousin, or shall I?" beamed Halboron with a wicked smile.

       "I'll tell it, thank you. This was many years ago, when I was Captain Thorongil to those in Gondor. I was in Harad, which was quite a dangerous place to be, and I had carried out my mission and was on my way back to my ship when..........."

       "We should tell you that our Chieftain was wearing a rather fetching white and green gown and a yellow veil."

       "Not your colours, Aragorn!" Frodo was enjoying the tale.

       "No, definitely not, and the yellow veil was usually worn by.......how shall I put this?...........ladies of questionable virtue who worked the port area. I was on my way back to the docks when I was stopped by a couple of very ugly, very drunken sailors who asked me how much I would charge to give them a nice time."

       Rose was giggling. "I'm almost afraid to ask what happened next!"

       "I tried evasion but that failed abysmally, so I told them to follow me round the corner where I would give them an experience they would never forget! And I'm sure they never did forget it. I kneed one where it would do most good and punched the more offensive one on the jaw, then ran like an antelope and leapt aboard my ship. My own crew told me they had never seen anything funnier than me running full tilt for the quayside and clambering aboard, skirts flying!"

       The entire company collapsed and the children slid to the floor and rolled about in uncontrollable giggles for several minutes. Bergil's eyes were almost popping out of his head at the thought of the great King Elessar in a dress, being propositioned by a couple of drunken sailors.

       "How did you ......er.......What did you do about.......shape?" Sam asked, his hands more eloquent than his words. Aragorn laughed.

       "Two balls of thread tucked into little pockets inside the bodice. I found I could overhear quite a lot of interesting information in that guise because the women of Harad dress discreetly and no-one gives them a second glance when it comes to discussing politics or military matters. And men will talk a great deal when in their cups."

       Faramir was very taken with the thought of the King in a dress. "Perhaps a career on the stage calls?" He turned to the others. "It has never been acceptable for women to become players, although one or two are beginning to insist. The Stewards' Ruling was always that female roles must be played by men and usually young lads whose voices have not broken take the girls' parts. Times change though, and women who want to do this are no longer regarded as immoral, which can only be a good thing."

       "I thought the players were wonderful," said Rose. "We have mumming and such in the Shire, and a few strolling players, but they usually perform at fairs and in market-places. There are no proper theatres for them."

       "Do you have Morris-men?" asked Halboron. "I know they are very popular in the Bree-land."

       "Yes, Morris-men and the hobby-horse. Beltane is the festival for that, on the first day of Thrimidge. We have a maypole in the Party Field and there's dancing and lots of feasting - as usual!And at the end of Win'filth we have the Fright Festival, when we remember our loved ones who have died, and the children dress up and receive sweetmeats. Pumpkin and turnip lanterns stand outside the doors so everywhere looks very frightening. We went to Brandy Hall the year before last, and they do it better than anywhere else I've seen." Rose lifted her younger daughter, who was fast asleep, and carried her off to bed, telling the older two to make their farewells.

      Frodo-lad and Ellie went round the company, bidding them goodnight and giving and receiving many hugs and kisses. They hurried off to wash and prepare for bed and Aragorn promised to tuck them in.

                                                                          ************

       The King joined his friends outside for a smoke before bed. A few lights still shone in the windows of New Row, where May was no doubt settling her children and Ivy Sandyman was sewing. Frodo had insisted that she use something better than tapers and rushlights and had provided her with a proper lamp with a special glass which concentrated the light for reading and close work.

       On the slopes beyond New Row, Aragorn noticed a small building, just visible in the moonlight. Soft bleating noises could be heard from the byre.

       "Tully Noakes' sheep," Frodo explained. "When you import Shire wool in Gondor, a great deal of it will be from those sheep."

       Sam nodded. "Best wool in the Shire. I don't know if it's the pasture or Tully's care, or a mix of the two, but those sheep have the softest wool I've ever seen."

       "They're the most pampered creatures. Tully, bless him, will never let a weak or orphan lamb die if he can possibly help it. He takes them back to his cottage and tucks them in front of the fire with blankets, and feeds them with a rag soaked in milk. He lives in that middle cottage up there." Frodo pointed to a row of three stone cottages on the top of the ridge. "He's a widower now, but his daughter and her family live on one side and his son lives on the other. Totty is also a shepherd."

       "I should like to meet Mister Noakes and see these wonderful sheep."

       "We can introduce you tomorrow. Tully's always happy to talk to a fellow enthusiast."

       Faramir sighed contentedly. "There is a special kind of peace in the Shire. It seeps into the soul, I feel. We have been here but a short time, yet I feel so rested and content."

       Everyone agreed. The Elves lay on their backs, gazing at the stars. Suddenly, from the orchard, came a liquid outpouring of such exquisite beauty and poignancy that all stilled to listen. Somewhere in the branches, an unremarkable-looking brown bird was opening her throat and pouring forth her unique contribution to the song of Iluvatar. It formed a trilling cascade of notes which seemed to fill the Shire and rise to dance among the stars, until Earindil himself must surely hear it.

       "Tinuviel," Aragorn murmured. "Her song is glorious."

       "She sings most evenings in the spring and summer. I'm glad she's back again," said Frodo softly.

       A white shape sailed noiselessly past, as a barn owl set off to hunt. The Shire's small rodents should beware, particularly as another hunter was creeping along the garden path. Rufus was no longer a domestic pet; he was a mighty lion, stalking his prey through a jungle of grasses.

Pipes smoked, the Men, hobbits and Gimli returned indoors, leaving the Shire to the Elves, the hunters and the stars.

Drawn by the noise from the parlour, the three Elves entered the smial and walked silently to the doorway. The sight which met their eyes was amazing, to say the least. The High King, both Stewards, Halboron and Bergil were crawling around on their knees, being horses for little hobbits. Beregond held baby Pip securely on Halboron's back while the tiny lad squealed with delight; Frodo-lad was riding Faramir, Rosie-lass had attached herself to Tarondor and Ellie claimed the King to be Shadowfax, lord of horses. Merry-lad was on Bergil's back, squeezing his heels into the young man's sides and yelling, "Gee-up, horsey!"

       Gimli glanced up as the three appeared. "If the Lord Chamberlain and the Warden of the Keys could see their King now they would need reviving with burnt feathers and strong drink!"

       Aragorn smiled up at the Elves. "It would do both those gentlemen a power of good to come here and play with little hobbits. What a wonderful way to spend a morning!" He allowed his rider to pat him on the head and feed him a piece of apple, and tried not to laugh out loud at the dazed expressions on the three fair faces.

       Sam arrived to announce that breakfast was ready. Riders dismounted at great speed and hurtled down the passage to the dining-room, where platters of bacon, mushrooms, sausages and toast were waiting.

       Sam halted his children. "No matter how hungry you are, you must see to your horses first, you know."

       The little ones squirmed in impatience. "Aaaaawwwww! But Sam-dad.............."

       "No buts!" Sam held up his hand. "When you have livestock they must come first, and they have to be rubbed down and fed before you can eat."

       "That is very true, my little ones," said Aragorn, crouching down. "But on this occasion we will waive the convention, or the Elves and Gimli and your uncle will have eaten all our breakfast!"

       "I wish you never had to go back to Gondor, Uncle Estel," said Frodo-lad, taking the Man's hand.

       "My children said exactly the same thing to your parents and Uncle Frodo. Believe me, lad, if I could move the capital to Hobbiton, I would. But the Shire is not the place for hordes of visiting traders and diplomats. I want this place to remain a haven, so I know life here goes on in peace. But don't worry, for there will be many visits between our families. We are linked in love."

                                                                          ************

       From the roof of Bag End the view of Boromir's memorial garden was perfect. There were tall grasses in dark red, bronze and even black, which grew against the back wall and along the banks of the little spring. The predominant colour was red, with tulips at the back of the beds and wallflowers covering the rest and filling the air with a sweet perfume. In the centre, planted in white jonquils and narcissi, was the outline of the White Tree.

       "Sam, this is beautiful! You've gone to so much trouble and the effect is amazing." Faramir was touched.

       "We wanted to do something fitting. I hope Lord Boromir would have approved."

       "I think he would be overwhelmed to know he is remembered, and in such a way. He was no gardener but he did have an eye for beauty. Sometimes he would stop and admire the orchards full of blossom, and he loved the smell of flowers. I used to tease him that he should be able to smell nothing but horse and leather, but he had a keen sense of smell. It was why he was so good at detecting orcs."

       The went into the garden, to examine it more closely. The planting had been well-planned and the grasses and ornamental trees gave colour throughout the winter. The water trickled and gurgled over rocks and tumbled over a small waterfall into a pool in another garden.

       "The memorial to poor Smeagol. Lots of irises, and lots of frogs. Young Elboron would love it!" said Frodo.

       The irises were just coming into flower, in an astonishing variety of colours. Ahead of them as they walked, frogs bounced out of the grass and plopped into the pond with a series of splashes, then popped up to stare at the visitors.

       "It is sweet that he is remembered, for he helped to destroy the Ring, albeit unwittingly. I doubt he was ever a nice creature, even before the Ring was found, for he killed his friend within minutes of seeing it, but he paid the heaviest price one can imagine," Aragorn mused.

       "Yes, and deep inside Gollum there was still a trace of Smeagol."

       "I cannot help but feel guilty, Frodo, since he reverted back after we captured him." Faramir looked troubled.

       "It wasn't your fault. Gollum was always there, just under the surface. The slightest thing, the tiniest perceived insult, and there he was. It was like dealing with a child who is not right in the head, but with incredible strength. Gollum always intended to lead us to Shelob. Smeagol was less sure, but Gollum was the stronger character. It must have been almost impossible to fight him after so many years. I was afraid the same sort of thing would happen to me - that inside Frodo Baggins was some sort of Gollum-creature who would force me to do evil things."

       Aragorn enfolded Frodo in a fierce embrace. "Thankfully Frodo Baggins was too strong and pure for that to happen. Gandalf was almost sure such a thing would not occur with you, but a tiny part of him feared what might emerge when you were brought out of Mordor. It was his worst nightmare, he said, although he only spoke of it once. It was the only time I ever saw him really weep."

       "Poor Gandalf. I wish he could see us now, all together like this."

       "Do you not think he sees, muindor nin? He is a Maiar, and his thoughts often turn to Middle-earth, particularly the Shire and those he holds most dear. And they say there is an all-seeing stone there too. I would be willing to wager the fortunes of both my kingdoms that Gandalf knows all about this visit, and is chuckling away, puffing on his pipe and drinking ale if he can get it. With the Valar he will be Olorin, to the Elves he is Mithrandir, but Gandalf was the part he most enjoyed. He is with us in spirit, I have no doubt."

       "You're right. I miss him sometimes. Just to see those great bushy eyebrows of his, and the way they always seemed to knit together when he was about to bawl at Pip."

       "That's right - and the fireworks...........," Sam added wistfully. "I wish we could see those again. Who made those fireworks in Gondor last year, Strider?"

       "Gandalf shared that knowledge with a few of us before he departed. I pestered him once and he told me how they can be made."

       "It would have been nice to have some for this birthday, wouldn't it, Sam?" Frodo smiled at his friend.

       "It would have. I wish the children could see 'em."

       Aragorn and Faramir exchanged a grin and Elladan whispered something to his brother.

       "Come along, it's time for elevenses, and we said we'd introduce you to Tully." Frodo led the way round to the kitchen, where plates of sandwiches and a tray of warm gingerbread hobbits were waiting.

                                                                         ************

       The group walked along New Row and continued to the end of the lane, where there was a stile. The field beyond was full of sheep and lambs, and a figure could be seen sitting on a low wall, his dogs at his feet.

       "Tully! Tully!" Sam called, waving to the shepherd. Tully waved back and made his way down the slope towards them.

       "Morning, sirs. Morning Mister Frodo, Mister Mayor." He bowed to the Men and Elves. "Tully Noakes at your service, and your families'."

       Introductions were made and he shook hands with them all. He was a stout figure in cord breeches and a dark blue smock. Under the brim of a battered hat his face was like a winter apple, brown with rosy cheeks, and his brown eyes almost disappeared when he laughed, which he did frequently.

       "Mister Noakes, those are extremely fine sheep. I gather that much of the wool we import in Gondor is from your sheep, and I'm not surprised."

       Tully beamed. Any compliment to his beloved animals made him happy. "They are that. Very fine soft wool - a lot of it goes to make the best quality material - riding cloaks for high-born ladies, so I'm told."

       "Indeed. The Queen of Gondor has riding cloaks made from it," Aragorn replied.

       "I've heard she's the most beautiful woman in Middle-earth. Is that true, sir?"

       "Oh yes, that is certainly true." Aragorn smiled and looked down at the little lamb who was bouncing round the shepherd. "What is that on the little one's back? It looks like brown paper or parchment."

       "I suppose it is, sir. Y'see, that old ewe over there had two lambs a'ready when she gave birth to him. She was fair capped wi' the first two but she didn't want to know this little lad. I tried to get her to take him but she wouldn't have it, so I took him home with me for the night. I'm a silly sentimental old fool, or at least that's what some folks say, so I tucked him up and fed him goat's milk, kept looking in on him. The next morning I brought him back, tucked inside my jacket, and that's when I found this ewe here trying to give birth. She had one big lamb and it was stuck, and when it was born it was dead. Tried to make it breathe but I reckon it had been gone too long. I got my son to take the ewe away a bit and I skinned the dead lamb and tied the skin round this little fella. When I pushed him under her nose she sniffed him all over and washed him, and I could see she were letting him feed 'cos his tail was twirling round. Now she thinks he's hers and won't let him out of her sight."

       Aragon laughed. "I have done something similar with orphan kittens and puppies, mostly by rubbing food on their heads. If the mother is fairly good-natured it usually works."

       "Reckon I'll keep this 'un anyway. He's out of Farmer Cotton's prize ram, the one what wins prizes every year at all the fairs. He might win prizes himself one day, I'm thinking."

       "Your dogs must be a great help to you, Mister Noakes," said Faramir.

       "Difficult being a shepherd without a good dog, sir. They keep the sheep from straying, watch over them if I have a nap after lunch, and find them if they've managed to get into trouble. Takes a while to train them but they earn their keep, and the pups learn from their parents."

       "I see you have several different types of sheep."

       "Aye. Some are from Farmer Cotton's ram and the black-faced ones are from my cousin Harry's best one. Don't like to inbreed too much 'cos it ain't good for 'em."

       Tarondor leaned over the fence and scratched one woolly head. "They look in excellent condition."

       "I believe they should be kept in the best condition, fed the best grass, and when the time comes they should be killed quickly and painlessly, away from the others. I hate seeing 'em driven for miles before they're slaughtered. Most farmers in the Shire - the good ones anyway - feel much the same. Farmer Cotton looks after his livestock. That pet pig of his eats better than many poor folks in other parts of the world. Are you planning to call on him, gentlemen?"

       "I hope so. I should love to see the place where Mistress Rose grew up."

       "Oh, she's allus been a caution. Such a clever little lass, and she liked to come and see the lambs. She was good at looking after the orphans on her father's farm and she used to come and help my wife sometimes, if we were a bit snowed under with lambs."

       "Mistress Rose seems to be a remarkable person in all respects," said Halboron.

       "Young Sam certainly did the sensible thing, asking her to marry him. Never thought he'd pluck up the courage, but he came back from that journey a different hobbit." He glanced sideways at Frodo's hands, which were clasped together and resting on top of the fence rail. "Bless me, Mister Frodo, but you do have lambing hands! There are times when I wish my hands were smaller, when the little rascals get all tangled up inside their mothers. My daughter's quite good but these days I call on Dulcie, Totty's wife. She has tiny little hands and she's patient at sorting out the muddles."

       "I've watched lambs being born but I've never had to intervene, thankfully. I wouldn't know what to do."

       "You said you didn't know anything about helping babies into the world either, but you delivered little Pip." Sam winked at Frodo.

       "Will you be at Sam's party, Mr Noakes?" Legolas asked.

       "I will that. Wouldn't miss such a thing. It should be the best for years, certainly since Mister Bilbo's famous party. You ain't planning on disappearing, are you, Sammy?"

       "Not on my list of things to do. No-one's shifting me from my family - though I enjoy visiting other places."

       "Do they have sheep in Gondor?" Tully asked, curious.

       "Yes, there is a lot of farmland outside the city and in Ithilien, as well as elsewhere in Gondor, and we raise sheep and produce some wool, but the pastureland is not as rich as here in the Shire. I imagine you can raise more sheep per acre than we can." Aragorn leaned over the gate and lifted the little lamb he had been stroking. The creature settled in his arms and lifted its head to look at him.

       When Tully returned to his flock the party turned and walked back along New Row. In the garden of Number One, Rufus was crouched before a plump calico cat who was washing his head while pinning him down with a paw.

       "Your lady-friend giving you a wash, Rufus?" Halboron enquired.

       "That's his mother. Like all mothers, she never thinks he's done a good enough job of washing behind his ears," Frodo chuckled. "Her name is Sweet-Pea and she belongs to Widow Rumble."

       Little Violet Sandyman watched the group, her eyes wide. Ellie had told her about the visitors and she was intrigued because she had never seen an Elf before. She had seen the Lord Steward in Bree once or twice and was over-awed because he seemed so tall, and now she could see that one of the other Men was even taller.

       "Hello Violet," Frodo said gently. "Are you coming up to play with Ellie later?"

       The child looked up shyly. "Ma said I shouldn't because you have visitors and it wouldn't be ......polite."

       "Don't you worry about that. Come along after lunch - I know Ellie would like to see you and our visitors won't mind."

       "Fank you, Mister Baggins." She bobbed a little curtsey at the rest.

       Tarondor smiled. "She's looking less terrified. I remember the family in Bree, the older daughter haggard and nervous and that little one hiding in her mother's skirts. They stood out because most hobbits are friendly and cheerful."

       "Ted has a lot to answer for. And he'll blame everyone else - probably Sam and me - for them leaving. He won't face up to the fact that he's driven them away with his drunken cruelty and intimidation. He likes power over others because it makes him feel better about himself." Frodo sighed.

       "The same can be said for all who crave domination over others," said Aragorn. "Sauron knew he was loathed by all good and sensible people as well as by the Valar, so exerting power over those weaker than himself gave him some sense of self-worth. Saruman wielded power over Rohan because he knew his power over the White Council was diminishing. The Lady saw through him and wanted Gandalf to take over, because she knew Gandalf would not mis-use the position. When his hold over Rohan was broken he turned to the Shire instead."

       "Is it really true that the original Elendilmir was found in Isengard?" asked Sam as they sat on the grass and lit pipes. "Should have asked you before but what with the ruffians and marrying Rose and all, it completely went out of my head. I know you searched Isengard before you went South again."

       "Yes, we found it there - which suggests that Saruman searched the Anduin for Isildur's remains, since we know he was wearing it when the party was ambushed - and we also found a small box designed to hold a ring on a chain.........."

       "What a horrible idea!" Frodo exclaimed. "He not only wanted the Ring for himself but he searched the river and took the Elendilmir from Isildur's body. That is disgusting! How terrible that one of the Maiar could fall so low."

       "I am sorry we do not know where he found the body, or what he did with it. It would have been nice to bury Isildur properly and give him the funeral he never had." Aragorn offered his striker to Frodo, who lit his pipe and puffed reflectively.

       "The Ring absolutely hated Sam," he said quietly. Sam looked up but did not seem surprised.

       "No more than I hated it for what it was doing to you, m'dear. It tried whispering to me a few times, both before and after I carried it, but I just thought of Bag End and Frodo and flowers and wall-building, and it shut up. Reckon it went into a right sulk."

       Frodo almost rolled into a ball he was laughing so hard. "A sulk?! Oh me! that is so typical of Sam. Yes, I suppose it did. It hated Sam because it could not find a way to get through - you were like a stone wall yourself, my dear Sam."

       "Sam Gamgee don't listen to jumped-up bits of jewellery, no matter who speaks through 'em. I knew that whatever it said it didn't mean, so I ignored it."

       Tarondor and Halboron glanced at each other. "I am in awe, Sam. You ignored and refused what few in Middle-earth could ever have done. I would not, could not have held out against it," said the Steward of Arnor softly.

       "Nor I," said Aragorn. "Sam and Frodo managed to resist it, Frodo because of his purity and innocence and Sam because he was armed with a great love and selfless devotion to Frodo. Neither could have achieved the Quest alone, but together they were more powerful than Sauron could ever have imagined."

       "Sometimes the seemingly small and insignificant can achieve more than the great. After all, does it not take but one grain of sand to make a pearl?" said Elrohir with a smile.

       Sam agreed. "Ah, and it only takes one small weed seed and the whole garden can be covered in no time."

       Everyone chuckled at Sam bringing everything back to gardening, and they went inside to help prepare lunch.

                                                                          ************

       Over an informal lunch in the garden, the residents of Bag End explained more about Tully Noakes and his family.

       "Tully's wife died some years ago - she had a weak heart. They married young because Poppy managed to persuade her parents that she might not have very long and wanted to know the joys of marriage and motherhood in the time left to her. Totty was twenty and Prudence eighteen when their mother died, and she told them it had been worth it." Rose doled out more mushrooms for everyone.

       Frodo nodded. "Then they suffered more heartache during the troubles. Prudence was married to Cotman Carter by then and expecting her first child. When her pains began they asked Totty to go for the midwife. He hurried down to fetch Amber Goodbody but she was out at another confinement the other side of Bywater. Garnet Tunnelly was just finishing her apprenticeship then so she accompanied Totty back, but by then it was dark and a group of ruffians stopped them and asked why they were breaking the curfew. When they explained, the ruffians beat Totty quite badly, and hauled Garnet off to the Lockholes. Totty managed to crawl back home but there was no help for his sister."

       "What happened?" asked Aragorn, snuggling Rosie-lass in his lap.

       "The baby was eventually born but she had been starved of air for too long and her arm was dislocated very severely. By the time Doctor Aldo and the midwife arrived the next day the damage was already done. Poor little Columbine, she's such a sweet little thing, and she is starting to learn her letters but she's a bit slow, and the arm is badly withered. I think Porto wrote to you about exercises for her, and they do seem to be helping."

       "That is terrible! Yet another thing to lay at Saruman's door - and ultimately Sauron's." Aragorn looked saddened. "I hope they don't hide the child away?"

       Sam grinned. "You seriously don't think Frodo would allow that, do you? He talked them into bringing her to our wedding, and everyone was so taken with her that they've not hidden her away since."

       "I'm sorry to say that Lotho did nothing to stop that sort of thing, although I don't know how much control he had over the ruffians by then. After all, they put his own mother in the Lockholes."

       "Prudence and Cotman have two other children now, and they adore their sister. Little Columbine loves spending time in the fields with her grand-da - Tully says she's a natural shepherd - and Gilly Rumble is giving her extra tuition." Rose intervened in a scuffle between Merry-lad and his brother.

       "Gilly Rumble? Daughter of Widow Rumble?"

       "Yes, that's right. The youngest daughter. Not married, very studious lass. She is going to be one of the principal teachers at the new school. Oh! you must see the school - it's almost finished." Frodo looked and sounded very excited, and everyone smiled to see his enthusiasm. "I know, I never stop going on about the schools, but I think it's so important."

       "I've asked Porto to drop by - told him he'd meet a couple of old friends. I thought if he saw you in the village or the inn, he might blurt out who you are, so I told him to come along after lunch." Sam re-dressed a squawking Merry-lad and sat him on his knee.

       "I shall enjoy seeing his face when he realises we're here," said Aragorn, smoothing little Rosie's curls as she slumbered in his arms. "The Master of the Houses was very fond of him - said he was a quick learner and always open to new ideas."

       "Such a contrast to his father, who was a real stick-in-the-mud," Rose commented, handing round slices of coffee and walnut cake. The hobbits were not keen on coffee as a drink - except Pippin, who liked it and drank it while in Gondor - but they did use it in cooking. It grew in Harad and parts of Rhun, and Aragorn sent some to the Shire regularly.

       "Ah, so this is what you do with the coffee I send you, Rose," he said. "This is superb - please include this recipe in your collection. I don't believe the Citadel's cooks have made cakes with it. They do make that delectable dessert with sponge cake and cream though."

       "Oh yes, I've made that too. Soaking the sponge in wine or brandy makes it even better."

       "I imagine it does. You see, cousins, the hobbits can improve on any known recipe and any cuisine found in Middle-earth."

       "I have never eaten food like this anywhere else," Tarondor agreed.

       Gimli nodded. "I shall take a copy of your cookbook back to Erebor, Rose, and another to Aglarond, and insist that they try these dishes."

       Even the Elves thought a copy of the Shire's first cookbook would be an outstandingly useful addition to the libraries of Imladris and the Greenwood, and the large cake disappeared in seconds without the use of any magic whatsoever.

                                                                          ************

       "Come in, Porto." Frodo opened the door and Sam ushered the young doctor into the parlour where Gimli, Legolas, Beregond and Bergil were sitting.

       "My lord Gimli! Prince Legolas! Captain Beregond and Captain Bergil! I did not expect to see you here. How are you all?"

       "We are well, master physician. These are the lord of Imladris, sons of Lord Elrond and brothers to our lady Queen." Legolas introduced the Twins, who bowed.

       "Meet the Lord Steward of Arnor, laddie," added Gimli, beckoning Tarondor in. "And his brother, the Lord Halboron, both cousins of the King."

       "Porto Bindlimb at your service, and your family's. You are very like the King, I must say."

       "We are also bear something of a resemblance to this scamp," said Tarondor, laughing as Aragorn poked his head round the door.

       "My lord King! But.........but........how come you here? I had not heard that you were here."

       "Nay, I'm as here as Thorongil. We thought we should see you as you would realise, and we don't want the Shire-folk to know yet. The Thain will probably announce my true identity at the end of our visit, but I wished to see the Shire-folk as they are, not standing on ceremony or over-awed in any way."

       "It is a joy to see you again, sire. I am glad I have had warning or I might have given the game away when I saw you at the party." Porto embraced the King.

       "Or strolling round Bywater, or drinking in the Green Dragon, as we hope to do this evening. There is one more in our party." Aragorn called Faramir in, and the Steward greeted the doctor warmly.

       "Doctor Porto, you look well. How is life in the Shire suiting you? Everyone we have seen has looked disgustingly healthy."

       "I'm happy to say that most Hobbiton and Bywater residents are very well, my lord Prince. We have had few serious illnesses and only an occasional case of inoperable conditions. The Lady's blessing seems to have been partly responsible for this state of affairs, for which I give thanks daily."

       "Then I hope you will be able to join us this evening. We shall dine at the Ivy Bush, giving Rose a much-needed break from mass catering, and then we move on to the Green Dragon, where we hope to learn all the verses to 'Nineteen Nights in Nobottle' and any other ditties we should know about."

       Porto raised his eyebrows and a mischievous smile tweaked his mouth. "Including Verse Seventy-One?"

       "I certainly hope so!" said Faramir. "See? Even you know about it!"

       "Patience, my friend. I suspect we shall learn all about it tonight." Aragorn was amused at his Steward's eagerness to learn the lyrics of the Shire's most vulgar drinking-song.

        "And come home singing all seventy-nine verses I shouldn't wonder," said Rose.

       "Not in the presence of a lady, my dear Rose," Aragorn protested, looking as innocent as possible.

       "I know all the words anyway," she said casually. "I've got four brothers!"

       "We'll have tea and then get ourselves ready. You'll join us, Porto?" asked Sam.

       "With the greatest pleasure. I would not have missed this for anything."

       The hobbits ate sandwiches and cake while the Men and Elves contented themselve with tea. Having eaten their fill, everyone changed and the large and merry group set off in the direction of Hobbiton and the Bywater Road.

Hobbiton market provided a delightfully bustling welcome as the group of Men, Elves, one Dwarf and three hobbits arrived. The stalls were crowded with hobbits making the most of the fine weather to browse and gossip. Countless pairs of eyes turned towards the group, some registering alarm but most smiling or a little over-awed. The visitors wandered round, Sam and Frodo making introductions, and very soon even the most nervous old gammers and children were edging closer. Aragorn paused at the haberdashers' stall to look at some bolts of cloth. The hobbit in charge of the stall bowed.

       "We have more material at our shop in Bywater, my lord."

       "This is superb quality. I was admiring the rich red wool there. It is so fine and beautifully woven."

       Frodo sidled up beside Aragorn. "For Arwen? That deep plummy red will look perfect."

       Faramir joined them, attracted by some exquisitely creamy white cloth. It had a border of deep gold and would look sublime on Eowyn.

       The Men described how tall their ladies were and the hobbit swiftly calculated how much cloth would be needed for cloaks. The Twins also bought a length in a very delicate green, for their grand-father. The cloth was swiftly wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. Aragorn haggled cheerfully with the stallholder - hobbits enjoyed arguing a little over prices - and allowed himself to be beaten, handing over the silver coins with a smile. He asked that all their purchases be sent to Bag End and Cotman Carter volunteered to deliver them on his way home.

       Legolas was at the potters' stall and bought a fine vase to take to his father. The Men joined him and Faramir spotted something which would make delightful presents for little Finduilas and Princess Gilraen. Hobbit-sized basins and ewers were perfect for the little girls and would look just right in their respective bedrooms.

       "Could we carry these all the way back to Gondor without breakages?" Aragorn wondered.

       Cando Potter smiled. "Bless you, my lord, I can wrap those so well they will not break, especially if you pack them among your clothes. If they are properly cushioned they'll survive the journey."

       The pottery and china items were packed in a box of straw and added to the items to be transported up the Hill.

       Tarondor and Halboron made various purchases at the woodcarver's stall and Gimli admired the jewellery and metalwork. Sam managed to steer the Dwarf away before he bought a tankard for himself, because a fine one was already wrapped and labelled as Sam's present to his friend.

       The road to Bywater was not empty - market day in Hobbiton always brought lots of hobbits flocking to buy and sell, and Bywater was always busy. The large group walked at a leisurely pace and soon arrived at the Ivy Bush, an inn famous for its food. It tended to be favoured by the older hobbits, and many old gaffers spent a good deal of their time and money in there. The younger, more lively lads from the district liked the 'Bush' well enough but preferred the Green Dragon both for its ale and the clientele. It was said that if you wanted a good dinner you went to the 'Bush' but if you were after the finest ale and the chance to sing and dance - on or around the tables - then the only place was the Dragon.

       They were hailed by Merry, who had arranged for two tables and benches large enough for Men and Elves to sit comfortably to be delivered to the inn - they would be transferred to the Party Field later. A hobbit-sized table was tucked between the two large ones, which were set up in a partially screened area.

       Pippin appeared with a half-pint and he and Beregond returned to the bar to fetch drinks for everyone.

       "Sammie!"

       "Ham! Hal!" Sam spun round at the voices and found himself hugged by his brothers. Both had arrived for the birthday party and were staying at the Ivy Bush with their families.

       "Another charming reunion. You must be Sam's brothers - you are much like him," said Aragorn.

       The two hobbits bowed. "Hal more than me, my lord," said Hamson. "I take after my Gaffer's side of the family really."

       "I can see why the Hobbiton tug-o-war team won so often with you in the team," said Faramir.

       Hamson laughed. "Best time was when Lotho Pimple and the Hardbottle team fell face down in the mud! The Gaffer was fair dancin' with glee."

       "I can imagine!" said Aragorn. "I regret not meeting your father but I have had Sam quoting his wisdom for many years."

       Hal laughed. "I'm sorry to say that we used to mouth the words whenever Gaffer gave us one of his sayings. Though I find meself repeating the same things to my little 'uns now."

       Sam introduced the Lord Thorongil, the Steward of Arnor and the rest of the party, and they sat down to study the menu and order. Ham and Hal returned to the family dining-room but promised to return later with wives and children.

       Aragorn studied the chalked menu on the board above the bar. "Decisions, decisions.............It all sounds so marvellous I don't know what to choose."

       Extensive and careful deliberations followed as they considered their choices: roast pheasant, game pie, a rich beef stew, and liver and bacon casserole all sounded tempting. Finally, decisions made, they sat back and sipped at half-pints of light ale. It was then that Aragorn broached a question which had puzzled him for years.

       "Frodo, I often wonder why you no longer seem to suffer from the Sea-longing. You and Sam, more than any others of the Fellowship, endured for so long on lembas alone, and you were deeply afflicted by the Sea-longing, even after you declined the chance to go to Valinor. Yet now you seem to have shaken it off, which does not happen normally, I am sure."

       Frodo nodded. "I don't understand it myself. The longing just faded, some years ago - even before my last illness. I don't remember when I realised it no longer haunted my dreams. It seemed to be around the last time the spider bite troubled me. I don't understand why that ceased to cause problems either. It used to fill with greenish-black pus and caused agonising pain and fever, but after that last severe bout of it, it never did it again."

       Pippin glanced at Merry and fidgeted. He had hoped no-one would ever raise this point but now they had, and he wondered what Merry intended to say, if anything.

       "Pip, do you have ants in your drawers or are you nursing a guilty secret?" Frodo enquired.

       Pip shifted uneasily under the bright blue gaze and looked at Merry, whose face was unreadable.

       "I think it's safe to tell him now," Sam said quietly

       "Tell me what, exactly?"

       Pippin gave Frodo one of his most earnest looks. "We were so worried about you, Fro. You were suffering so much with that Morgul wound, the bite and we knew you had the Sea longing too. Sam was tied here - his love of the Shire, Rose, the children - but you just seemed to be fading."

       "When we last went to Gondor - just the two of us - around the time Rosie-lass was born, we met Treebeard near the Gap of Rohan. He asked after you and we told him all about your problems. He was most concerned. When we drank the ent draft he told us it would counter the effect of the lembas, and he seemed to think he could do something for you too." Merry looked especially serious.

       Pip took up the tale again. "He told us he would prepare something to help with the Sea-longing and the spider bite. He said he knew of nothing which would heal the Morgul wound though, but at least his concoction wouldn't do any harm. And he said it wouldn't make you grow taller."

       "Just as well," said Frodo drily. "I'm not sure I could stand the bother or the expense of a new wardrobe."

       Merry quirked a grin at his cousin. "On our way home we found Treebeard waiting for us. We had brought some small bottles and he filled them with a clear liquid and told us we were to add five drops to your tea twice a day but only when the Sea-longing was strong or when the spider bite was bad. He said we could also put a drop into the wounds......."

       "And he said we could put some in Sam's tea if he was ever troubled with a longing for Valinor." Pip turned to Legolas. "We did ask but he said it would only work on mortals. I'm sorry, Legolas."

       "Do not worry, Pippin. I can live with mine until the time comes, for what is a hundred years to an Elf? I am happy to be here with all of you."

       Pippin beamed. "When we arrived home, it was already Blotmath and the anniversary of the Morgul wound was past, although Sam told us it had been bad. We knew the worst time for the spider-bite would be in Rethe, so we made sure we were at Bag End for that anniversary. "

       Merry nodded. "We added the drops to your tea - letting Rose and Sam in on the secret - and when the wounds drained we put some in the holes."

      "And it worked!" Pip said triumphantly. "You stopped longing for Valinor and the bites healed at last. That just left the wound in your shoulder - and your melancholy, which nothing seemed to help."

       Aragorn shook his head. "That explains a good deal. I am very thankful that Treebeard was able to provide some relief for you, my friend."

       Merry peered at his cousin. "You're not mad, are you Fro?"

       "Of course I'm not. I'm very grateful to you both - and to Treebeard. I wish I'd known when we met him last year, so I could have thanked him." Frodo threw an arm round Merry's shoulder and reached across to clasp Pip's hand. Then he patted Sam's hand.

       Aragorn smiled. "We shall be happy to pass on your thanks on our way south. Treebeard keeps an eye on Orthanc and the Gap of Rohan."

       "I almost didn't believe it when he walked out of the woods and spoke to us on the way here." Bergil was wide-eyed at the memory. "To meet the oldest being in Middle-earth was overwhelming - I felt as though I was in a story." Faramir and Beregond nodded their agreement.

       "Not quite the oldest, for I think Tom Bombadil is older still," said Frodo with a smile. "Oldest and fatherless, that is what Lord Elrond called him, but who or what he is exactly, I do not know."

       "Nor do any who dwell in Middle-earth," murmred Legolas. "The spirit of the land, some say he is, and others that he is Illuvatar himself."

       "He was immune to the Ring, I know that. When he put it on he did not become invisible, and when I wore it he could still see me. His voice subdued Old Man Willow and the barrow-wight, and he seemed to have a great deal of power over Nature. We have not seen him for a while, but when we went to Bree last Spring - before our trip to Gondor - he was waiting for us and we stayed at his cottage for several days, talking to him about the events of the War and the Troubles. He seemed to know a lot about you, Estel."

       The King smiled. "He and I have met before, many years ago - and he knew who I was, even then!"

       "He was not bothered by Sharkey's Men. I think he can hide himself and his land if there is need."

       Frodo glanced up as Betsy Longsmial arrived with the first of the dishes.

       "I have considerable power, you know," said Pippin. "I shall make this food disappear!"

       "I think we're all going to manage that," laughed Faramir.

       The food was exceptionally good. Aragorn, his cousins, Frodo and Gimli enjoyed the robust liver and bacon casserole which was served with fluffy mashed potatoes, Faramir, Sam and Porto were full of praise for the beef stew, the Elves tucked into roast pheasant and Merry, Pip, Bergil and his father opted for game pie. It was all splendid, and for some time there was little talk as everyone gave themselves over to the serious business of eating.

      When the Men and Elves had finished, and the hobbits were filling up a few corners, Ham and Hal returned with their wives and children, to meet the visitors. Ham was married to his second cousin, Snowdrop Goodchild, and had six sturdy children. Hal had wedded Poppy Longsmial, daughter of the landlord at The Ivy Bush, and they had five young ones. The children were all wide-eyed and a little shy, except Hal's youngest, Bella, who clambered on to Aragorn's lap and settled herself.

       "Does that tickle, Lord Estel?" she asked, touching his beard.

       "At first, yes, but I have had a beard for many years, so it no longer tickles."

       Poppy was mortified at her daughter's impertinance, but she was reassured by the Man's laughter when she attempted to apologise.

       "You're off down to the Dragon soon then?" Hamson said to Sam.

       "Aye. We're going to get totally drunk and sing vulgar songs and stagger home late."

       "Reckon we have to come along and see that! Men and Elves singing Shire drinking songs ........Do they know 'The Maid of Michel Delving'?" Hal laughed.

       "Yes, Merry and Pip seem to have taught them most of our songs."

       "What? Even 'Nineteen Nights...'?"

       "Only the censored version. We're going to teach 'em the full one tonight."

       "Including Verse Seventy-One?" Hal whistled when Sam nodded in reply. "This I can't miss! What do you think, Ham? We're going to teach these Men and Elves the proper version of 'Nineteeen Nights.' Shame to miss that!"

       "Certainly would be. Count me in, Sammie!"

                                                                          ************

       Twilight had come and gone by the time they left the inn and walked along to the famous Green Dragon, where they were joined by all four of Rose's brothers.The inn sign was just visible in the light from the doorway, a large and undeniably green dragon with spikes on its tail and a somewhat humorous expression. It was, Aragorn thought with amusement, a decidedly hobbity dragon.

       "Welcome, sirs, welcome!"

       "Seats over here, my lords!"

       Within minutes they were settled and tasting some of the Shire's finest ale. Aragorn and Faramir had tried it because Merry and Pip often sent a barrel or two to Gondor, but for the others it was a new experience.

       "Superb!" said Tarondor. "Never have I tasted such fine ale."

       "Be warned though, cousin. Hobbit ale is extremely strong. Believe me, I know!"

       "Ah yes, didn't you and ...er.....Cirion end up on the floor after four pints of the stuff?" Halboron asked innocently. The hobbits smirked.

       "Yes we did - and it was more than a day before I could feel my legs again. I have learned to treat hobbit ale with due respect." Aragorn chuckled. "I should have listened to Gandalf. He warned me about hobbits' eating and drinking abilities."

       Faramir smiled but winced at the memory. "I have never had such a pounding headache. Every time I moved my head I saw stars."

       "No stamina, these Men," Merry remarked, to loud laughter.

       "Have no fear, my lord. We'll teach you how to drink like hobbits!" cried Rolo Twofoot.

       Aragorn placed several coins on the bar and set up the next round of drinks for everyone in the room, to whoops of glee. Even sour old Rusty Overhill, who viewed all Big Folk with suspicion, was beginning to warm to these Men.

                                                                          ************

       Anyone stepping inside The Green Dragon two hours later might have been amazed at the sight which met their eyes. A rowdy group of hobbits, Men, Elves and one very tipsy Dwarf were singing one of the Bree-land's most vulgar ditties -'Watkins' Ale' - while Tully Noakes conducted with a half-empty tankard and his son and son-in-law helped by prompting him whenever he forgot the words. Behind the bar, Daffodil Chubb flirted outrageously with young Bergil.

       "D'y'know, I thin' we're sozzled enough to sing 'Nineteen Nights'!" Pip announced, to cheers.

       "An' you have t' sing Verse Sev'nty One!" said Faramir.

       Oh come my sober, bashful lads           

       And listen to my song

       Of how a decent Shire lad

       Began a-doing wrong.

       Merry began, with the others joining in. It was an incredibly detailed song about one innocent hobbit lad and his stay in the Northfarthing village of Nobottle, where the ale was plentiful and the lasses only too willing to show him what he had been missing in the sober environs of Bywater. Each lass had a particular talent which was described at great length in the rousing verses - and while Bergil had heard of most of these skills, he had certainly never experienced any of them, except a few stolen kisses. He was grateful for the dim lighting because he was blushing long before they reached the fortieth verse. He had thought hobbits were modest and shy, but he was seeing another side to them if this song was anything to go by.

       Faramir almost fell off his chair as the words to the long-awaited verse finally arrived in his brain. No-one but a hobbit would think of using a parsnip for ...........what the young hobbitess in the song had just used it for!. It made his eyes water just thinking about it. It probably made the hobbit-lad's eyes water too.

       "See!" said Frodo. "Tol' you it was an.......ana.....tom'cally impossibibble!"

       "Only a hobbit would do that sort of thing with a veg'table!"

       "We're inventive, I gran' you tha' - but I thin' it would hurt."

       "Seems a waste of a good parsnip if y' ask me," said Sam sadly, to collective hysterics from everyone else.

       Verse Seventy-Three featured another young lass who could do things with mushrooms and parts of her anatomy which made everyone almost choke. Did everything revolve around food in the Shire?

       "Course it does!" said Ham Gamgee. "Besides, a lad needs to keep up his strength on these occasions! I reckon tha' song's why Hal moved to the Northfarthing!"

       Hal contrived to look shocked, but the grin on his face said that there might be a kernel of truth in Ham's remark. Jolly Cotton sniggered.

       Everyone was breathless and laughing when the song ended. Tully Noakes wiped his eyes and sat down, somewhat unsteadily.  "Haven' had so much fun in years!" He took a swig from his tankard and glared on finding it almost empty. A full one replaced it without a word being spoken.

       Rusty Overhill was sitting by the inglenook, chuckling to himself, an incident so rare that the landlord came out to look. "Well I'll be jiggered! You've got that miserable old bugger laughing! D'ye know, we alus said he'd only laugh when the King comes back!"

       For reasons he was unable to fathom, this remark caused much chortling among the visitors. Tarondor slapped the landlord - gently - on the back. "Now we have a King again, so you were right."

       Merry and Pippin danced in a rather wobbly fashion round the table, singing a song in praise of the inn's famous ale, and then the Men in the group treated everyone to a rousing rendition of some Gondorian drinking songs and a few from Arnor. The 'Cautionary Tale of the Maids of Lebennin' was extremely funny, a tale of innocent maids and naughty soldiers and a number of vulgar mis-understandings, which had all the hobbits cheering.

       The hour was late when they finally tottered forth into the night and made their slow and unsteady way back to Hobbiton. Merry and Pippin were staying at the Dragon so they had the easiest task, with only a short walk - or a stagger - down the corridor to their beds. Ham and Hal tiptoed into the Ivy Bush after many noisy 'good-nights' and a lot of laughter, and the Cotton lads departed for the farm. Porto bade them farewell outside Bywater, and hoped very fervently that he had no patients requiring complicated treatment during the night. He had thoroughly enjoyed himself, being very drunk and in the company of friends. The King could certainly handle his drink, he thought admiringly.

       The group made its way through Hobbiton. It was just as well the village square was empty, as none of the party was capable of walking in a straight line and they needed all the space they could find. Gimli was walking with exaggerated care, his arm linked through Sam's. Tully and Totty Noakes and Cotman Carter stumbled along behind, still chuckling. The Men and Elves walked in a long interlinked line, giggling and tripping. Frodo was walking on Sam's other side, feeling carefree and giggly. It had been a wonderful way to spend an evening.

       "I hope Rose has brewed some of the Gaffer's cure, Sam. Thin' we're goin' to need it in the mornin'."

       "She said she would. You know Rose - always pre.....pared." Sam hiccupped.

       "Samwise. You're drunk!" said Aragorn.

       "Me? An' you're not?"

       "I'm tipsy - and it's wonderful!" The others agreed. Even the Elves had abandoned their dignity and were almost skipping.

       The Noakeses turned left to weave their way up the little lane to the cottages on the crest of the slope.

       "G'night, my lords. G'night Mister Baggins, Master Sam."

       "G'night, my friends."

       Rose was waiting for them,her shawl draped around her shoulders and her pretty face wreathed in smiles. "Looks like you had a good time," she said. She had been to bed but had risen to feed baby Pip, who regarded the guests solemnly for a moment and returned to suckling.

       Rose was tickled by the efforts not to wake the children. Watching several very tall, very inebriated Men trying to tip-toe along Bag End's passageways was extremely amusing. When they started shushing one another she had to disappear into the kitchen before she had hysterics.

       Aragorn closed the bedroom door as quietly as possible, removed his boots and sat down on the bed. He would just rest for a moment and then undress and get into bed. It had been one of the most enjoyable evenings he had ever spent - good food, good ale, good company. What more could anyone want?

       Frodo found that Rose had thoughtfully placed a full water jug in all the rooms. He forced himself to drink two glasses, although it made him feel slightly sick, because he knew it would help in the morning. He undressed, cleaned his teeth and climbed into bed, where he fell asleep in seconds.

                                                                           ************

       When he awoke, Aragorn felt as though he had been run over by an eored - or a stampeding mumak. He had fallen asleep fully dressed, sprawled across the bed. His neck ached, there were goblins with hammers inside his skull and his tongue seemed to be wearing a fur coat. Merry's colourful phrase 'Mouth like a badger's arse' flitted across his brain and he groaned. He opened one eye very cautiously and found Rose looking down at him, affectionate pity written all over her face.

       "I reckon you could do with some of this," she said quietly, holding out a small glass.

       "Wha.....what is it?"

       "The Gaffer's famous pick-me-up. Will revive anyone not completely dead. Guaranteed."

       The King hauled himself up and swung round gingerly until he was leaning against the pillows. He took the glass and sniffed.

       "Just swallow it down. It's not too bad - there's a lot of mint in it."

       He did as he was told. For a moment nothing happened. It tasted of mint and ginger and seemed too mild to do any good. Then it was as though he had been picked up and shaken by a troll with a grudge: heat radiated through him, lights danced in front of his eyes and he thought his ears were going to explode. He was convinced he was going to die. Then, as suddenly as they had come, the effects vanished, and he found he could open his eyes without wincing.

       "That was............interesting," he mumbled.

       "I thought it best not to frighten you off by telling you it had a bit of a kick to it."

       "Mmmm. Just a bit. It works though. I'm feeling less giddy already. What does it contain?" The healer in him wanted to know. The Gaffer must have been quite a character and he found himself regretting that he had never met him.

       "I'll write it out for you before you return to Gondor. Now you stay there for a while and I'll bring you some tea. I'll just go and see to the rest of the afflicted." She prodded the fire into life and hurried off to administer the Gaffer's cure to all her guests.

       Frodo walked carefully into the kitchen, where Sam was already sitting at the table. Wordlessly, he poured some of his Gaffer's famous recipe into a glass and handed it to Frodo, who sniffed appreciatively because he liked the smell of mint, then swallowed it quickly.

       "Rose is just doing the rounds with it," Sam said, once Frodo was able to open his eyes and focus.

       "Yes, I heard her talking to Gimli. The children are being quiet this morning."

       "I think she gave them a talking-to." Sam opened the back door to a bleary-eyed Nibs Cotton, who had brought the milk supplies. "My word, Nibs, you look like death warmed up!"

       "Feel it an' all," mumbled Nibs. "Had about three hours sleep and my head's killing me."

       "You need some of the Gaffer's cure-all, my lad," said Sam, and gave a dose.

       "Woah!!! That bites back, Sam!"

       "You know what they say, lad. 'No pain, no gain.' That will do the trick - and put hair on your feet."

       Frodo poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards Nibs, whose eyes were streaming. "I think that's the cayenne pepper. Don't worry, Nibs. It'll wear off in a minute and you'll feel better."

       Bergil arrived, looking rather fragile but obviously better for a dose of Gaffer's medicine. He accepted a cup of tea and exchanged sympathetic glances with Nibs. Little Rosie-lass appeared soundlessly and patted him on the knee, then kissed her uncles and smiled at Aragorn and his cousins.

       "Silly," she said. "Too much beer not good."

       "Great fun though," Aragorn murmured, and everyone agreed.

It was decided among the residents of Bag End that a picnic in the Party Field was just the thing. Rose managed to supply huge amounts of veal and ham pie, cold ham and chicken, boiled eggs, salad, crusty bread, butter, milk, lemonade, fruit pie, jam, cake and any number of other items. The children fetched and carried and ran about willingly, packing baskets and keeping the tiny ones out of the kitchen.

       While these preparations were taking place, Frodo, Sam, Legolas, Aragorn and his cousins went to the stables, to muck out and groom the ponies and horses and turn them loose in the paddock. Gil-galad, Aragorn's great black horse, was enjoying his holiday. He gambolled and kicked up his heels and raced round with the hobbit ponies.

       "Silly beast," said Aragorn with deep affection in his voice.

       Limlight nudged Frodo and huffed in his ear, Bill shoved his tongue into Sam's pocket, and Molly upset the water pail.

       "I have had one bath today, my little lady," said Legolas with a soft laugh, mopping water off his boots. "You are a very naughty girl."

       "She certainly is," Sam agreed. "You have to watch her, 'cos she'll creep up on you and bite you in the backside!" Molly managed to look completely innocent, despite this slur upon her character. Her tail swished lightly as she munched some sweet grass and pretended that Sam was talking about another animal altogether.

       Tarondor patted Frodo's pony. "He is a magnificent animal. I saw Shadowfax once, when Mithrandir visited Eriador. This one has a look of Shadowfax - the arch of his neck and the way he carries himself."

       Borin, Gimli's stout little bay, bounced up and butted Aragorn, who laughed and patted him gently. Legolas smiled as Arod cantered over and groomed his small friend. Strider was busy rolling around in a patch of clover-rich grass.

       When all was done, they returned to Bag End to find the picnic ready and a group of over-excited little hobbits bouncing on the steps. Shouldering baskets and bags, everyone made their way down the Hill and into the Party Field. Rose spread cloths under the Party Tree and they began to lay out plates and cutlery.

       "Here come Uncle Merry and Uncle Pip!" Frodo-lad raced over, followed by his siblings, and the two tall hobbits were dragged towards the picnic site.

       Merry dropped neatly on to the rug. "I see you've all been dosed to the eyebrows! Your cure, Aragorn, or the Gaffer's?"

       "The Gaffer's. And most effective it was too."

       Pippin swung Rosie-lass up on to his shoulders. "That stuff gives you a smack round the head though."

       "I admit I was unprepared for the heat. I thought my head was about to explode."

       "I used somewhat intemperate language - and in front of a lady too!" said Faramir, still flushing with embarrassment at the memory.

       Rose shrugged. "Shouldn't worry about it. I'm a farmer's daughter with four brothers. I've heard worse. You should have heard what Jolly said when a cow stood on his foot once!"

       Everyone exploded into sudden laughter. "Rose, your candour is delightfully refreshing. I confess that most people try to protect my sensibilities these days. Why they assume I have never heard a profanity, I shall never know." Aragorn turned a giggling Merry-lad upside down. "And if I visit somewhere special they primp and fuss - everywhere is painted and whitewashed, the privy has red velvet all over it, and people spend far too much time bowing and scraping."

       Pippin grinned. "You mean Fro didn't decorate the privy with crimson velvet? How very remiss of him!" He clicked his tongue.

       "Firstly, we didn't know the King would be visiting, and secondly I can't imagine anything sillier!" Frodo laughed.

       "I try to tell people that I was a Ranger and have stayed in all sorts of places, from palaces to hovels and slept in ditches as well as canopied beds, but no-one seems to listen."

       "You're the High King - you could probably feel a pea through twenty mattresses or something," said Pip.

       "Now we all know I can sleep anywhere - on a clothesline, I believe Sam says. I would neither know nor care if there was a pea under one mattress, let alone twenty! And a privy is a privy, however you disguise it."

       As they sat talking and laying out the picnic, other hobbits began creeping into the Party Field to join them. Little groups began setting out their own blankets and unpacking bags. Sam's sister May arrived with her five children, and she had persuaded Ivy Sandyman to accompany her. Violet edged closer to Ellie and was soon sitting next to Gimli and gawping up at Legolas. Tully Noakes greeted everyone cheerfully, having left his dogs to watch over his flock. He brought his family to be introduced and to chuckle about the previous evening's entertainment. His daughter and daughter- in-law rolled their eyes. Prudence's daughter, little Columbine, was brought forward. She was a pretty child with light brown curls and a ready smile. One arm was withered but she did not try to hide it.

       "So you are Columbine? I heard that you were very pretty." Aragorn examined the limb casually.

       "And I also hear that you want to be a shepherd, like your grand-da." He squatted on his haunches to be nearer the ground and less intimidating.

       "Yes, sir. I like looking after the sheep. Grand-da says I'm a.........natural." She glanced at her grandfather, who laughed and patted her.

       "I'm sure you are. I hear that Doctor Porto has given you some exercises, to help your arm?"

       "Oh yes, and I can move it now - a bit." She lifted her arm and moved the hand slowly out to the side and back again."

       "She's very good about doing them too, my lord," Prudence assured the tall Man who was taking such an interest in her daughter. "Doctor Porto said the King himself devised them."

       "That is true, for he is a healer and works often in the Houses of Healing in Minas Anor. He learned how to heal from our father, Lord Elrond of Rivendell," said Elladan.

       "And the hands of the King have the power to heal also," added Elrohir. "I remember a similar case in the North, years ago, when our father helped a young man. He was able to use the arm quite well in time, and he was older than your daughter."

       Prudence and Cotman smiled in relief at this news. They could feel hopeful about their daughter's future.

       "Fancy the King doing such things! The kings in storybooks just seem to sit about on a throne all day," added Dulcie.

       Aragorn threw back his head and laughed very heartily. "That would bore this King to tears! He enjoys healing, and gardening - and cooking too, when he has the time. Meeting officials and ambassadors and reviewing laws and hearing criminal cases and going to war take up much of his time."

       "I reckon being a king is a bit like being a shepherd," Tully observed. "He has to look after his people the way I look after my flock. They all need looking after but some are sweet and obedient and do as they're told and some are stubborn old besoms who need a poke with a stick afore they'll do anything!"

       Aragorn almost lost his balance he was laughing so hard. "Now that is probably the best and most down-to-earth description of kingship I have ever heard!"

       Frodo was giggling helplessly. "Perhaps we should alert the King to this?" he managed.

       "Definitely," Gimli grunted. "If he hasn't already found out. And some of his most stubborn subjects are certain hobbits not five miles away!"

       "Not to mention Dwarves who never do as they're told," murmured Legolas, ignoring the smirks from the hobbits and the Rivendell twins.

       More greetings signalled the arrival of Sam's brothers and their families and Rose's brothers. The Party Field was filling up as energetic and hungry little hobbitlings began to play together while they waited for the food to appear. The mallorn approved of this because her swollen buds rustled and the silver branches swayed. Legolas rested his hand on the trunk, feeling the life force which connected all living things. No wonder this tree was so happy, surrounded by love and laughter and happy hobbits.

                                                                          ************

       Lazing around, full of food and comfortable, the visitors watched the younglings play. Someone brought a ball and a game of kick-ball began. Aragorn watched nostalgically.

       "Kick-ball! I haven't played that for over eighty five years!"

       "Often whole villages play each other - it can get quite rowdy sometimes," said Merry.

       "A hundred or so hobbits trying to knock each other senseless while chasing a ball round the market square! The worst is Rushock playing Nobottle, because they hate each other! And if a team from the Southfarthing comes up here there's always fisticuffs." Pip nibbled a piece of cheese.

       "I'm afraid my father banned it in Gondor, because it interfered with sword and archery practice," said Faramir thoughtfully. "Thankfully the King rescinded this and any small court or open area is often used by a group of lads with a ball and time to spare."

       "Lalia hated the game," said Frodo. "She was always trying to presuade Ferumbras to forbid the Shire-folk to play it but he knew better than that. Besides, he enjoyed watching - and was known to have a wager on the result sometimes!"

       Pippin nodded. "Didn't Lalia declare it to be.............," he adopted a falsetto voice, "............'a game of beastly fury and extreme violence!' Silly old bat!"

       Tarondor and Faramir were looking at each other. "What about a game? Two teams of mixed Men and hobbits - and Elves if they wish to join us."

       "An excellent suggestion, cousin!" Aragorn was on his feet. "Faramir shall captain one team and I shall take the other if I may. We shall pick teams."

       Aragorn and his cousins formed the heart of one team, with Faramir, Beregond and Bergil on the other. To everyone's astonishment, Frodo bounced up, removed his jacket and announced that he would take part. After a few moment's dumbfounded silence Aragorn claimed him for his team.

       "In that case you'll have to have Sam as well, because he won't take on Frodo or dispossess him of the ball," Merry pointed out.

       The Elves smiled indulgently and sat on the sidelines while Gimli volunteered to oversee the game. "Of course we Dwarves play kick-ball, laddie," he told a surprised Legolas. "Using an Orc head if we can get one! Young Dwarves need to let off steam, just like young hobbits."

       Merry and Pip joined Faramir. Ham and Hal Gamgee stepped up with their brother and Tom Cotton, while the other Cotton lads stood beside Faramir. Cotman Carter went with them and Totty Noakes volunteered for the Lord Thorongil's team. Wives and children moved around to allow them plenty of room and Jeb Sandyman strolled across from the Mill with his family and young Teddy. Within minutes both had joined in, goals were marked out and the game began.

       The Men were careful, making allowances for the smaller size of the hobbits. This proved a grave misjudgement, since the hobbits opted for low cunning and dirty tricks, and astonished their larger opponents with their speed and skill. Halfred Gamgee was a broad and bulky hobbit but he could twist and turn like an eel. He darted past Faramir and Beregond and kicked the ball past Bergil for a goal.

       "Come on, Uncle Estel!" Frodo-lad yelled, as the dark-haired Man ran the length of the field, dodging some determined tackling along the way. Then Jolly Cotton darted in and took the ball off Aragorn's toe without breaking his stride. Rose sniggered to herself - she would love to see her brother's face when he learned just who he had robbed of the ball!

       Nibs Cotton passed the ball to Jeb Sandyman and he managed to avoid Teddy's lunge before passing the ball back to Nibs, who kicked the ball as hard as he could. Halboron leapt for it but it was travelling too fast. Honours were now even.

       The children provided noisy vocal support, shouting for 'their' team. Even the lasses were screaming and waving, the excitement proving infectious. Frodo managed to whisk the ball away from Faramir and began to run, glancing up to see where his team-mates were. Spotting Sam, he lofted the ball up and over. Sam jumped and headed it neatly past Bergil, to the delirious admiration of the little Gamgees.

       "Sam-dad! Sam-dad's the best!"

       The battle commenced once more and surged to and fro. Everyone threw themselves into it with even greater enthusiasm. Merry finally managed to squeeze through the defenses, Pip tracking him and calling for the ball. Merry calculated his chances and pushed it quickly towards his cousin. Pippin flew past Tarondor and hoofed it into the goal.

       The match was declared an honourable draw and everyone flopped down for a rest and a drink. Frodo was grinning and everyone looked thrilled to see him.

       "Well, tall brother, how did you enjoy that?" Frodo stretched out on the blanket, hands clasped behind his head.

       "It was great fun - though I must say I am shocked to find that hobbits are willing to trip their opponents! And that was a very smart move of yours, Master Jolly. You were much too fast for me." He filled a mug with ale and passed it to the blushing hobbit.

       Rose leaned in to Sam. "I wonder if there's a punishment for taking the ball off the High King?"

       "Wonder what Jolly will say when the Thain reveals Lord Thorongil's real identity?"

       "He'll have visions of being taken back to Gondor in chains!" Rose giggled.

       "I suppose some of the tyrants in the past might have done that, but I can't see Strider going into a rage because he was beaten fair and square. He seems to find it amusing."

       May's children - Sam, Tilbert, Salvia, Hobson and Teasel - and Marigold's three - Tomson, Wilcome and tiny Lily - joined their Gamgee cousins around the guests. Lily, eighteen months old, greeted baby Pip with a sticky hug and then advanced on Aragorn.

       "Hug?" she said, holding out her arms.

        "Of course, my sweetling." The Man lifted her into his lap and cuddled the affectionate infant, unconcerned about the jam-covered fingers and face.

       "'m Lily!" she announced, tilting her face up to look into the kind grey eyes, her small brows lifting in query.

       "I'm your Uncle Estel." He smiled down at her as she yawned. "That's right, my little one. Close your eyes and dream awhile."

       Marigold looked worried. "I hope she's not being a nuisance, my lord."

       "Not in the least. A lap full of sleepy little hobbit is the most delightful thing. She's a lovely little lass, Mistress Marigold."

       Faramir turned to Sam. "So what is planned for your birthday tomorrow?"

       "Lots of surprises, so I'm told. I think Merry said something about an archery demonstration - you've never seen hobbit archers in action, have you?"

       "No, and I'm really looking forward to it. We know that hobbits are skilled with the bow and it will be interesting to see the contrasting styles of Men, Elves and hobbits."

       Merry joined them, munching a slice of pie. "Shire history says that we sent a band of archers to the aid of the last King of Arnor - King Arvedui - but it is said that none returned. We shall of course be willing to send aid our King Elessar should he require it."

       Aragorn smiled. "I'm sure the King hopes he will never need to ask. The peace in the North is a great joy to him."

       "Even Angmar has been quiet. They largely destroyed themselves in civil strife, and the remainder are too impressed by the help they received from the Shire to wage war." Tarondor lit his pipe.

       Five years previously there had been famine in Angmar, due to poor leadership and fighting between the leading factions. Aragorn had received troubling reports and had written to the Shire for their advice. Paladin, Saradoc and Will Whitfoot met with other Shire worthies, heads of families and the chief farmers and it was agreed to send grain to the starving. The ordinary folk in Angmar were humbled by this gesture and overthrew their warring leaders, and peace had finally settled on that troubled land. The new leaders asked that their country be taken under the protection of the Reunited Kingdom and the Steward of Arnor, together with a couple of Pippin's adventurous Took cousins, travelled there to advise on farming. Most people had forgotten the old skills, being forced to move about in order to scratch a living and avoid the continuous conflicts.

       "Have you been there lately?" Sam asked the Steward.

       "I have, and it is heartening to see the land coming back to life. The harvest last year was a good one and they were able to manage without outside aid. Settled areas and proper crops mean stability and barns for the grain. And now that cats are not shunned as harbingers of evil, the rodents are no longer taking the grain."

       Pip laughed. "Cousin Isumbrand really lost his temper when he saw how badly animals were treated. He gave them all a real dressing-down and told them the best thing everyone could do was take in a cat. No wonder their grain supplies were ravaged."

       Tarondor grinned at the memory of the scornful hobbit snarling angrily at the people of Angmar. "Attitudes are changing. The rat corpses and the undamaged grain seem to have convinced the people that cats are to be encouraged. Many of the strays have homes, every farmstead and settlement has two or three and even the wild cats find a bowl of milk left out for them."

       "I should think so!" said Frodo. He pointed to the edge of the Party Field, where Rufus and his mother were sitting together.

       Baby Lily slumbered in the arms of Lord Estel, her dark gold curls spread over his arm. Pip lay in his basket watching the clouds, Merry-lad claimed Bergil as a pillow and the other childen were racing round the mallorn. The afternoon slipped by and May's husband arrived, followed by Mr and Mrs Cotton and their daughters-in-law with a wagon full of food.

       "I thought you might like a break from cooking, Rosie love. If you gentlemen don't mind us butting in?"

       "Not at all, dear lady. Mistress Rose has told us that her culinary skills were learned from you, and this is a wonderful treat for all of us. I hope we have not inconvenienced you?" Tarondor kissed Mrs Cotton's hand and bowed.

       The tables intended for the party were set up and the food set out. The Men and Elves helped, to the astonishment of many hobbits. Rose's sisters-in-law gawped as the Steward of Arnor, his brother, his cousin and three Men of Gondor arranged tables and unloaded the cart. Blossom, Nibs Cotton's young and timid wife, had begun by staring at the Men in terror, but this was gradually replaced by a look of besotted admiration. She watched the Lord Thorongil as he shepherded the children to sit down and saw to it that the little ones were supplied.

       "Is that King of yours anything like his cousins, Rose?" she whispered.

       "Very like. Those Northern Men are a handsome bunch I must say."

       "I don't suppose they do the washing-up though," said Nibs confidently.

       "That's just where you're wrong, baby brother! The King himself does washing-up, and if it's good enough for the Heir of Elendil it's good enough for you, my lad!" She giggled at the almost comic dismay settling on Nibs' honest features.

       Mrs Cotton was standing by the wagon, laughing with the Captains. Merry and Pip were involved in one of their silly conversations and Lily Cotton was treating them like a couple of daft lads.

       "Get along you impudent pair! Mister Meriadoc, you're distracting me so that Mister Peregrin can sneak round and grab one of those pasties! Don't think I don't know what you're up to!" She shooed the grinning twosome back to the Party Field.

       "You have met your match in the women of the Cotton family," Frodo said. He and Halboron had been back to Bag End to fetch a keg of ale and some wine.

       The entire group settled down to eat. Frodo smiled to see the flowing conversations, even between Blossom and Aragorn. She had once said she would be too terrified to speak to the King yet there she was, chatting away as though she had known him for years. Violet Sandyman was sitting next to Legolas and seemed to be recovering from her initial shyness. Her mother was listening to Bergil's tales of life as a guard of the Citadel, young Lily and her brothers were seated near the Twins, and Mr Cotton was discussing farming with Faramir. Gimli and Beregond had commandeered the ale keg and were sharing with Hal and Ham Gamgee and the Cotton menfolk. All the Free peoples united in friendship. Sauron would be appalled to see such harmony and to learn that all his schemes had come to naught.

I've been rather naughty here and taken some liberties wih famous people from English history. King Edward II banned football because it interfered with archery practice, but this must have lapsed because Henry VIII did much the same. One of Henry's contemporaries, Sir Thomas Elyot, declared it to be ".........full of beastlye furye and extreme violence!" Nothing much has changed!

6th Astron 1430 SR

Aragorn was surprised to see Bag End's front door wide open. Frodo grabbed his hand and almost dragged him out, where the Elves were already gathered.

       "Now turn to your left," Frodo said.

       Aragorn turned and looked down the Hill and gasped. He had seen mallorn trees before but this was such a special tree in a special place. The mallorn's buds had opened to greet the morning sun and the tree looked as though its crown was on fire. Against the backdrop of the Shire with its lush green meadows, brown ploughed fields and the delicate green of new leaf in the woods, the white of blackthorn blossom and bright yellow forsythia, the deep gold of the mallorn was especially vivid. She seemed to have grown, even since the previous day, and her silver-white boughs lifted to salute the morning.

       "She always flowers for Sam's birthday," Frodo said softly.

       "The only mallorn west of the mountains and east of the Sea. She is beautiful." Aragorn saluted the tree with great respect.

       "Here is another beauty," said Elladan, gesturing towards the magnolia tree in the garden, its great creamy-pink trumpets open to celebrate the day.

       Faramir, Beregond, Bergil and the King's cousins joined them on the path. Never having seen such trees before they were overwhelmed by the sight of the golden fire which ringed the mallorn's crown like a halo.

       "I thought Ithilien was beautiful but the Shire is perfect," murmured Faramir.

       "One can only imagine what a whole forest of mallorns would look like," said Tarondor.

       Nibs arrived with the milk just then, and everyone went into the kitchen. Sam strolled down the passage from the nursery with Merry-lad on his shoulders.

       "Your tree is blooming, Sam," said Bergil.

       "Aye. She's a rare beauty."

       "Talking about me again, Sam?" Rose enquired, her eyes twinkling.

       "Always, Rosie, my love." He ducked as she swatted him lightly with a tea towel. "Is that any way to treat your husband on his birthday?"

       "It is when he starts lavishing more attention on his trees than on his wife," she said archly. "Not to mention telling bare-faced fibs!" She bounced out of the room with a chuckle.

       Breakfast was a cheerfully chaotic feast, punctuated with much laughter and merriment. When the last plate was washed and put away they all trooped into the parlour and brought out their birthday gifts.

       "Sam, this comes with love and respect for your courage, common sense and love." Aragorn handed over a large package. "I believe Arwen has added something too."

       Sam pretended to feel the parcel, turning it in his hands while the children groaned and fidgeted. When he felt he could not keep up the charade any longer, and his offspring were all begging him to open it, he did so. Inside was a silk waistcoat in a deep green embroidered with silver leaves, and a large book in blue leather. Sam read the title page and looked up, his face shining with delight.

       "A book of healing!"

       "The Master of the Houses' own book, Sam. I had it copied with his blessing."

       "This is wonderful - all the herbs and their uses. Thank you, my dear Strider." He embraced Aragorn.

       "It is my pleasure - and there will be more surprises before the end of the day."

       Faramir handed over a box. "This compliments the other gift, Sam. You'll be able to set up your own healing garden now."

       The box contained seeds and small cuttings from many of the healing herbs used in Gondor and Ithilien, as well as some which only grew in the North and had been brought from Rivendell by the Twins. Sam was thrilled and honoured and could hardly wait to begin planting his new treasures.

       Beregond and Bergil presented him with a magnificent new saddle and bridle for Bill. There was a statue of Bill in gold, from Eomer, which delighted Sam very much. Tarondor and Halboron were apologetic that they had not brought gifts.

       "Bless you, how could you? You didn't even know you were coming here until you arrived at the Pony. Anyway, we don't worry much about receiving gifts on our birthdays here in the Shire. Your gift is your being here with us."

       Legolas had brought fine beech and silver birch saplings from the Greenwood. The graceful trees were his father's favourites and he knew Sam admired them too.

       There were some fine new shirts from Rose and assorted little items from the children. Frodo's gift was a pocket watch, not unlike his own, with a chain. Gimli had made it and brought it with him.

       "To go across the Mayoral tum, Sam," he teased.

       "When I was a little lad I used to look at that watch of Mister Bilbo's and wonder what it would be like to have one." Sam put his thumbs in his weskit pockets and laughed.

       "Ah yes, that is most impressive," said Legolas and everyone agreed.

                                                                          ***********

       By the time they reached the Party Field preparations were well underway. Cooks from several Shire inns had begun to set up kitchens, others were unloading barrels from carts. On the far side of the field the Tooks and Brandybucks were arriving.

       "Uncle Estel!" a small voice cried, and Persimmon hurtled across the grass and threw herself at Aragorn. She wrapped her arms tightly around his calves and beamed up. "You've growed !"

       He laughed and swung her into his arms. "I doubt I've grown since you last saw me, Mistress Mischief!" He did indeed look very tall and noble in a dark blue velvet tunic embroidered in silver thread with the White Tree and seven stars. His suede boots and breeches were the same colour and his hair was lightly braided at the sides in the Elven style.

       Everyone smiled to see the Man with the little hobbit lass. Within minutes he had attracted more and could be seen walking around the Party Field with a following of younglings. Baby Lily squealed when she saw him, crawling across the grass at a rate and sitting on his boots until he picked her up. When he sat down he completely disappeared as they all clambered over him and settled for a story.

       Frodo chuckled. "They won't want him to leave. And I must say it's nice to see someone else buried under bouncing hobbitlings for a change!"

       Rose and her mother were arranging plates of cold meat, cheeses, bread, butter and other assorted edibles, assisted by the Elves and young Bergil. In the kitchen area there was intense preparation, with cooks scurrying about, chopping and mixing ingredients.

       Sam, wearing his suit from Gondor, was at the entrance to greet his guests and hand out the gifts. There was something for everyone and the children were amazed by the wonderful things. Young Will Sandyman received a beautifully carved pony which Sam had made. The lad was eager to work with the animals and had already developed a knack of dealing with them. For Teddy there was a carved hiking stick, as the older Sandyman lad enjoyed walking round the Shire when he was not busy at the Mill. The stick was decorated with skillfully carved flowers and animals. For Violet there was a toy rabbit, which pleased her immensely, and for Lily a pretty necklace of blue and green glass beads. The present for Ivy Sandyman had been in the mathom room - a footstool with a lid, and inside were all manner of sewing materials, silks, cotton reels and everything else the seamstress might require. She was overwhelmed. Little Columbine Carter was totally enraptured by the large toy lamb she had been given. She embraced Sam and then trotted round showing her mathom to everyone.

       Sam's brothers and sisters were all present, with their families. Daisy appeared to have taken charge of everyone and was keeping the children under control.

       All six Men were touched and honoured to be presented with beautifully carved hobbit bows. Gimli was delighted with his tankard and for Legolas there was a large selection of seeds and Shire plants to take back to Ithilien.

       The Men decided to take the opportunity for a little sword practice in the field next door. Pip went in to spar with the Lord Thorongil while Merry did the same with Faramir, watched with approval by their fathers and many other Shire hobbits. Eglantine was more than a little alarmed to see her son exchanging blows with the tall Man but Paladin assured her that Pippin was a very capable opponent.

       Tully Noakes looked on in admiration. "That is a magnificent sword, I must say."

       "You'll never see a finer one than that," murmured Frodo, standing alongside Tully and leaning on the fence.

       Young Hobson, Will and Teddy and many other teens and tweens were watching open-mouthed. Their opinion of the Men was growing and their respect for the Captains knew no bounds.

       Pip dodged, ducked low and nipped in under Aragorn's arm to aim triumphantly at his chest, only to have his sword whisked out of his hand and sent flying across the grass.

       "Blast it!" he cried, laughing. "You always do that to me, my lord."

       Aragorn clasped Pip's hand. "Fighting with you has forced me to be much more inventive, my dear friend. You have learned much since those days in Hollin - and so have I." He returned Pip's sword, hilt first, and Pip bowed as he took it.

       Tarondor and Halboron took turns to try their luck with their cousin and certainly their fighting styles were similar. Faramir and Beregond sparred together with their usual familiarity and Bergil and the hobbits spent some time practising together.

       Hyacinth Bracegirdle stared at Frodo with a glazed look in her eyes. He was wearing the forest green silk velvet suit made for him by Queen Arwen, with the cream silk weskit embroidered with small gold flowers. He blushed and shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny and sighed in relief when he saw Aragorn advancing.

       "Ah, Mrs Bracegirdle, may I introduce the Lord Thorongil and his cousins, Lord Halboron and the Steward of Arnor, the Lord Tarondor."

       The formidable lady curtseyed, her eyes widening by the minute. Frodo withdrew, leaving her fluttering and simpering as the Men bowed.

       "I see what you mean about the 'Gap of Rohan'!" Faramir murmured, to snorts from Merry and Pip.

       "I'm sure Aragorn will cope. Oh dear, I hope he will. We might have to mount a rescue."

       When their stomachs reminded them that food was required they returned to the Party Field for a combined Second Breakfast and elevenses. The smell of cooking from the large kitchen area was making everyone hungry but they contented themselves with ham and egg pie, sandwiches and cakes, washed down with lemonade or ginger ale. The children begged for more stories and Faramir told them of brave Captain Boromir of Gondor, while Pippin told them about Bilbo Baggins and his meeting with Smaug.

       It was Elanor who saw the old Man first. He was wandering down the lane from the direction of Overhill, past Bag End and clearly making his way towards the Party Field.

       "Who's that? Men aren't allowed in the Shire without permission, are they, Da?"

       Merry smiled and winked at his father. "It's alright, Ellie-girl. That Man has permission to enter."

       Frodo rose and looked hard at the figure. The old Man was tall, bearded and dressed in dusty brown robes. He looked vaguely familiar, or rather he looked much like another old friend. Several birds fluttered around him and a squirrel sat on his shoulder. Rufus and his mother were walking beside him too.

       "It can't be.................but.....it is...... It must be Radagast!"

       "A wizard!" cried Frodo-lad, leaping up. Other children looked equally excited when they heard this, although some were disappointed that Gandalf the Grey had not put in an appearance.

       "Merry, you and Sara knew he was coming?"

       Merry nodded. "He arrived at the Bridge the day after you left. Uncle Pal and Da invited him to come. He knew somehow that there was to be an important celebration. He stayed one night at the Hall and then made his own way here. Said he wanted to take a good look at the Shire on his way."

       "Greetings, my friends. I hope I am permitted to visit you and give my good wishes to Master Samwise on such an important occasion?" Reaching the gate, the wizard bowed to the byrding.

       "Mister Radagast sir, you are more than welcome. We have never met but I know you were Mister Gandalf's friend, and any friend of his is a friend of ours." Sam held out his hand and the wizard clasped it.

       Frodo stepped up and welcomed the guest. "Gandalf always spoke of you with great affection. You remain in Middle-earth willingly?"

       Radagast bowed. "I am honoured that Gandalf mentioned me. He was the greatest of us and deserves praise and honour and his return to the West. I am also honoured to meet you, Frodo Baggins, for there was no-one in Middle-earth whom Gandalf admired and loved more. Yes, I remain willingly, for there are hurts to heal and lands and creatures who need me yet. Gandalf's great task was to inspire the Free Peoples against Sauron, but perhaps mine is to heal the damage which Sauron caused." He looked at Aragorn and bowed deeply. "My lord King," he said quietly, "I see the Shirefolk do not yet realise who you are. I shall keep silence also but I rejoice to see you again."

       "Again?" Frodo echoed, curious.

       Aragorn smiled as they walked across the grass to sit on a bench. "In my wanderings over many years I sometimes met with Radagast as well as with Gandalf, although I was never sure if he knew who I was."

       "Not at first. Just as well, since I might have revealed you to the traitor Curunir. I still curse myself that I betrayed Gandalf to him inadvertantly, old fool that I am!"

       "I'm sure Gandalf never blamed you for that. Saruman deceived him too, as he deceived all except the Lady Galadriel. She alone seemed to discern that he was departing from the path he was supposed to tread."

       Sam introduced Rose and the children, and soon Radagast was supplied with a mug of ale and the pipeweed jar, while Marigold fetched pie and crusty bread and butter. Rufus sat at the wizard's feet and Sweet Pea curled up on his lap.

       "I see why Gandalf was so fond of the Shirefolk and so keen to pay regular visits!"

                                                                          ***********

       After lunch the archery demonstration began. Butts had been set up in the adjoining field and everyone produced their bows. Bergil was surprised when Esme joined them.

       "Oh! I had no idea that the ladies of the Shire were expert archers."

       "I was born a Took, my dear, and ever since the time of Thain Ferumbras the Second the women of the family have been taught to defend themselves and the Tookland. The Thain's younger brother, Bandobras the Bullroarer, advised him that they should."

       Everyone was surprised when Frodo returned from a trip to Bag End carrying his own bow.

       "You have a bow?" Aragorn asked. "I had no idea you were an archer."

       "So you think I'm a clumsy incompetent unable to hit a cow's backside with a shovel?" Frodo enquired with a mischievous twinkle. "Sara taught me to shoot when I was no more than twelve or thirteen."

       "Of course we don't think you're clumsy. I just never realised you knew how to use a bow. I'd have given you mine in Moria if I'd known! You are ever full of surprises, my dear hobbit. Is it Bilbo's?"

       "No, it belonged to my father. Not that I've ever killed anything with it. I only ever used it on targets. You know me, I could never kill a living thing. I haven't even touched it for about twenty years but when Merry mentioned this I began to practice again - secretly so Sam didn't notice."

       "And you'll still do better than me," muttered Merry ruefully. "I'm useless at archery."

       "Rubbish! There is nothing wrong with your skill as an archer. You just lose patience too quickly like the impetuous Brandybuck you are."

       The Elves shot first, making the whole thing look ridiculously easy. Legolas found the centre of the target most often, and was applauded loudly by the hobbits. The Men were also very skilled, and the Lord Thorongil was easily the most graceful although Lord Halboron was slightly more accurate. The hobbits astonished everyone. They were business-like in their approach but ruthlessly effective. The large group demonstrated individual marksmanship and then formed a square. The first row fired, then dropped to their knees to allow the second row to fire over their heads. This continued until the last column had released their arrows, then their commander, the Thain, called out and the front row stood up and fired again.

       Faramir applauded. "I should not like to be on the receiving end of that storm of arrows."

       "Indeed not," Aragorn agreed. "They are well-organised and very efficient. No wonder King Arvedui wished for their services. Hobbits continue to surprise us it seems."

       Paladin looked pleased. He had been drilling the Shire-muster for weeks for this event. "If we wish to, we can fire the arrows skywards, so they come down like hail behind enemy lines.Those ruffians certainly didn't hang around when we started firing!"

       Merry, Pip and Frodo acquitted themselves well when it came to the individual shooting. Merry decided to free his competitive Brandybuck side and was furious when his second shot hit the outer circle. His mortification was increased when his mother hit the centre with all three shots, although to her credit she had been trying not to.

       "Mer's so competitive," Pip confided in a loud whisper to Frodo, who grinned.

       "I'd noticed! I beat him at tiddleywinks when he was seven and he threw all the counters into the river. If he'd been bigger I'm sure I would have gone in as well!"

       Sam looked fit to burst with pride when Frodo scored almost as many points as Esme, and even Merry laughed and hugged his cousin and his mother.

       "Don't you go overdoing things now," Sam admonished as Frodo sat down and poured himself a glass of ginger ale.

       "I won't, Sam dear. But I am enjoying myself so much!"

       "I'm glad to hear it. That's the best birthday present I could have."

                                                                          ************

       Finally dinner was announced and the children, fresh from a nap, led the way to the tables. The feast was truly memorable - mushrooms with garlic and herbs, leek and potato soup, roast beef and goose, roast and boiled potatoes, stuffing, chestnuts, carrots, cauliflower, batter puddings, followed by trifles, fruit cobbler and sticky toffee pudding. The Men admitted themselves defeated long before the hobbits declared all corners to be full.

       "I'm leaving some space for the birthday cake," said Tarondor, patting his stomach and leaning back.

       "We also have things to do," Aragorn reminded him, and one by one the Men slipped away.

       Radagast and Frodo sat together, talking of the Ring, Gandalf, Aragorn and Frodo's recovery.

       "I have no doubt that Gandalf helped you. He loved you more than any other being in Middle-earth, and he must rejoice to know you are healed and happy in the Shire."

       "I know it was no dream. I felt Gandalf's presence, as surely as I feel you here now."

       "As Olorin the Maia he is able to move in all planes of existence to some extent, and was able to project himself to the wilderness in which you were trapped." The old wizard stroked Rufus, who sat beside him on the bench, and the cat arched his neck and purred, his eyes mere slits through which he observed his surroundings.

       The children sat around drowsily, too full of food to play for a while. Dusk descended slowly and the lanterns in the Party Tree were lit. Sam poured a libation of ale around the roots of the mallorn with an Elven blessing.

       Suddenly there was a strange noise, a crackling followed by a loud bang. Children jumped and lasses squealed. Myriad coloured stars sparkled in the sky, lighting the land below in vivid silver and gold.

       "Fireworks! Stars and glory! I wanted the children to know what Mister Gandalf's fireworks were like and my wish has been granted," Sam cried. He gathered his family about him and they followed the path of the bright stars.

       "Happy birthday, my dear Sam!" Aragorn called. "They may not be as good as the ones Gandalf brought for you but I hope you enjoy them."

       Brilliant reds, blues and purples exploded around and above them. The hobbits soon recovered from the initial surprise and were soon cheering and applauding for all they were worth. Pip and little Lily watched intently, smiling and cooing, and the others clapped each one. There were dazzling fountains of colour, huge eruptions and showers of brilliance, accompanied by pops, whistles and loud claps which sounded like thunder.

       When the display ended Aragorn returned to his seat, where Sam embraced him. "Thank you so much, dearest Strider. The little ones have always wanted to see fireworks."

       "My pleasure, Sam. Did you like them, Mistress Elanor?"

       "Oh yes, they were lovely! Thank you for bringing them, Uncle Estel."

       There was a sudden hush and many of the lanterns were extinguished. An excited buzz ran round the Party Field and the cake was carried in by the Twins, with Merry and Pip leading the way. The cake looked magnificent, covered in white and yellow sugar icing and decorated with fifty candles, all blazing away.

       "Come on, Sam, take a deep breath!" Pip shouted.

       Sam did as he was told and blew the candles out in one go, to exuberant cheers. Then he took a large knife and cut the cake, which was then whisked off by the cooks, to be sliced and served to the eager guests.

       "Mmm!" said Aragorn. "Rose, this is your best yet! And you iced it, Mistress May? It really is superb."

       Tarondor agreed. He and his brother were most impressed by their first sample of Rose's famous fruit cake. All the guests munched happily and toasted the Mayor's health, as well as that of the two blushing cooks.

       Frodo banged on the table with the gavel. "My friends, honoured guests........we have all gathered here to celebrate Sam Gamgee's birthday. He must realise by now that he is dearly loved by everyone. He is a loving husband, a doting father, a caring and conscientious Mayor, the finest gardener in Middle-earth and the bravest and most loyal friend in Arda. Sam, my dear, dear friend and brother, I hope this has been a special birthday. You are the most special person and you deserve only the very best. Happy birthday, dearest. We love you."

       "Happy birthday!" called the assembled company.

       Thain Paladin rose. "Friends, fellow hobbbits and honoured guests, I should like to say a few words. I first met young Samwise Gamgee when he was a lad, helping his father in the gardens at Bag End. He was quiet and a little shy but he certainly knew his onions - and his taters! Bilbo Baggins assured me that not only was Sam a fine gardener but Frodo's most loyal friend. Bilbo spoke truly, for Sam braved the fires and horror of Mordor to protect and care for his master. Since their return he has married and is now the father of five, and he has nurtured and cared for them and for Frodo, as well as caring for everyone in the Shire in his role as Mayor. He has more native common sense than anyone else I know, and we are lucky to have him. Happy birthday, Mayor Samwise!"

       Sam blushed a little but he rose, bowed and thanked everyone very simply. "This has been the best birthday I've ever had - surrounded by my family, my dearest friends, and with Mister Frodo well and healed. Thank you all."

       Paladin glanced at Aragorn, who nodded almost imperceptibly. "I do have one announcement to make, my friends. We have been delighted to welcome our guests and to share food and ale and pipeweed with them. I am reliably informed that they have enjoyed themselves - indeed anyone who was in the Green Dragon two nights ago can testify to that! However, two members of the party have been here under assumed identities - not, I hasten to add, for any sinister purpose but because they wished to see us as we are, behaving naturally. Had you known their true identities you would have all been on your best behaviour, and that would never do!" He waited for the laughter to die down. "The Man you know as the Lord Cirion is actually Prince Faramir, Steward of Gondor......."

       Gasps ran round the Party Field at this revelation. Several hobbits bowed to a smiling Faramir.

       Paladin continued. "The Lord Thorongil is also known by other names. The children have called him Uncle Estel, and indeed this is one of his many names. Estel he was named by the Elves. Thorongil he was in Rohan and Gondor long ago, and our Travellers were introduced to him as Strider, but at birth he was named Aragorn and he is now our Lord King Elessar. Greetings, Your Majesty, and welcome to the Shire."

       The stupefied hobbits all fell to their knees but Aragorn waved them back into their seats.

       "My dear friends, we have eaten and drunk together, played kickball, and sung outrageous songs. We are tied by the bonds of friendship and love, and as I once said to our beloved travellers, you bow to no-one."

       Persimmon tugged at his boot. "Are you weally the King? Where's your cwown?"

       "The crown of Gondor is very large and heavy, and much too big to carry with us. In Arnor there is no crown, just a single jewel on a circlet............"

       "Which I took the liberty of bringing with us," said Faramir. He handed the Elendilmir to Tarondor, who placed it on the King's head. "There! Now you see your King."

       Jolly Cotton gazed at the Man, so full of kingly dignity, and glared at his brother-in-law and his unrepentant sister. "You knew he was the King! And you let me steal the ball away from him yesterday! How could you, Sam?"

       Sam allowed his mirth to spill over. "You should see your face! You're not going to be flung into the Lockholes you know. Strider don't mind - he praised you for it, didn't he?"

       "I'd never have done that if I'd known," said Jolly.

       "Exactly!" said Aragorn, who had overheard the conversation and was very amused. "Which is why I wnated to meet you all simply as Thorongil. The children don't mind, do you?" he enquired as the little ones crowded round.

       They smilingly shook their heads. "Can we have another story, Uncle King Estel?" they chorused.

       "You see? Gandalf was right - everyone should spend some time with hobbits." Everyone laughed to see their King sitting on the grass beneath the mallorn, covered in little hobbitlings, singing, playing counting games and telling tales.

       Gasps caused everyone to look up: the western sky was lit up by showers of shooting stars, gold, silver and bronze.

       "I think my good friend Olorin has decided to send a birthday gift of his own, Master Samwise," murmured Radagast.

       "Gandalf!" whispered Pippin, smiling tearily as he watched the flares of light, which seemed to take on familiar forms - golden trees, dragons, horses, elven boats, and one enormous burst which looked exactly like a mushroom. The hobbits cheered themselves hoarse.

       The display lasted almost half an hour and left everyone thrilled and delighted. It had been the perfect end to a perfect day, they agreed as they finally drifted away, many shyly embracing the King and his fellow guests.

       "No wonder you laughed so hard at what I said about kingship, my lord," said Tully as they stood together, smoking and sipping ale.

       "You were very wise and perceptive, Master Noakes. Kingship is a lot like that, and sometime people do need a prod or two before they can be persuaded to co-operate."

       "I hope you've enjoyed your birthday, Sam?" said Legolas.

       Sam's smile stretched from ear to ear. "I have that," he said softly.

7th Astron 1430 SR

       "Hello Nibs. How are you this morning? Recovered from the party? Here, let me help you with those churns."

       Nibs blinked. He wanted to pinch himself. The dark-haired Man now lifting the churns from the cart and greeting him like a friend was the High King of Arnor and Gondor. The hobbit shook his head bemusedly and followed Aragorn up the path. What was he supposed to call this Man now? Your Majesty? My lord? And his brother-in-law cheerfully addressed him as Strider!

       "Good morning, my lord. I suppose I'm used to being up early, parties or no."

       "I always wake early - too many years of sleeping under hedges or in strange and sinister places."

       Aragorn filled the milk jugs and then placed the other churns in the cold room and brought out the empty ones. "I've just made some tea." He gestured to the bench and Nibs sat down. Kings who knew how to make tea, wash up, cook and sew.....! Aragorn saw his expression and chuckled. "As you can see, I'm well-trained. And Rose has certainly sharpened my kitchen skills in the past week."

       "My sister certainly has a way with her. I always said it would be a very brave or foolish hobbit who tried to argue with her, and now I see that even kings obey her."

       Aragorn poured two mugs of tea and sat down. "I think I feel as Frodo does - Rose is the sister I never had. She has a gentle maternal side which reminds me of my mother, but there is such strength in her. It would put some Men to shame."

       Nibs agreed, and helped himself to a biscuit. "She never wavered, all the time Sam was gone. She always said 'I don't know where Sam is but I know he and Mister Frodo will be back and everything will be alright.' She knew, the day the Ring went into the fire. It had been so dark in the east, and we all wondered what was about to happen. It felt like it does before a storm, only much worse. Then the sky cleared and Rose started singing, and she said Sam was coming home."

       "A remarkable person, our Rose. Such faith and, it seems, some foreknowledge. If only my mother could have borne to wait a little longer.........." The King's voice tailed off on a note of regret and, without thinking, Nibs rested his hand over the Man's much larger one in unspoken sympathy.

       "I'm sure she is very proud of you, my lord, and she'll watch over you. It must be harder sometimes for those who watch and wait."

       Aragorn smiled, and Nibs realised that he would have followed this Man anywhere. "Staying for breakfast? Frodo and Sam will be back from the stables soon and Rose is dressing the little ones."

       Nibs stayed for breakfast, and before leaving he delivered a message from his mother, to say the Cottons would be proud if everyone from Bag End would come to the farm for dinner. Tables would be set up in the meadow and Lily Cotton was planning to serve her famous cottage pie.

                                                                          *************

       The menfolk arrived in Bywater for a meeting with the Thain, the Master and various Shire worthies and heads of families. Aragorn wished to discuss the edict forbidding Men to enter the Shire without written consent from its rulers, which was due to be ratified, and there were various other things to talk about. He also wanted to thank the hobbits for their generosity to the starving people of Angmar.

       Along the way hobbits had called out cheerful greetings to the King and his fellows. They were respectful but still with a warm friendliness which knowledge of the Lord Thorongil's true identity had not diminished. Several small children handed him posies of flowers and some of the farmers' wives shyly presented him with pots of jam or pickle.

       "They never feed a body right in foreign parts! Needs some good Shire provender, he does!"

       The Elves sniggered. "They think you're much too thin, Estel," said Elladan.

       "Thin? I'll need new clothes and new armour when I reach Gondor! I think I need to walk across Rohan to trim off all the extra weight I've acquired in the last week."

       Tarondor and his brother laughed. "I'm hoping to taste hobbit cooking when the new Shirriff and Ranger post is finished. It will be a good excuse to call in."

       Aragorn turned to Frodo. "I've been meaning to ask you a question. Now that Lotho Sackville-Baggins is no more, and Ted Sandyman is living in Bree, who is the most unpleasant hobbit in the Shire?"

       "Murdo Bracegirdle," said Sam and Frodo in unison, without hesitation.

       "I don't remember meeting him at the party."

       "You didn't. He is not allowed to leave the South Farthing. Murdo - and his almost equally horrible brother Marco - were the most guilty because they conspired with Lotho to put a stranglehold on farms and businesses. Murdo wrote most of the crooked contracts because he was Lotho's lawyer, and as crafty as two dozen Wormtongues. He also creamed off a good deal for himself because he wasn't above deceiving Lotho either. He is no longer allowed to practice law and has to do menial work, which he hates. He hates us because we put an end to all his schemes."

       "The best of the bunch is Jago, their cousin," Merry explained. "You met him at the party. His mother is a Boffin and he doesn't have the Bracegirdle nature."

       "Jago's father feels he's too old to be family head so Jago has taken over. He won't take any nonsense from Murdo and Marco either."

       Merry and Pip led the way to a shady spot under the trees in the square, where tables and benches were set. A very large chair was placed at the head of the tables and Paladin and Saradoc bowed as they conducted Aragorn to his place. Other family heads were there, including Farmer Cotton, Tully Noakes, Olo Proudfoot, Fredegar Bolger, Minto Hornblower, Will Whitfoot, Lando Tunnelly, Milo Burrows and Gordo Boffin, who was Frodo's lawyer, and Sam's too.

       Minto Hornblower placed two large jars of pipeweed on the table and everyone took their seats.

       "My friends, this is a joy to be able to discuss these matters face to face. When I drew up this edict about Men not being allowed in the Shire - and I included myself in that ban - I believed that you truly wished no Men to ever enter the Shire. However, Thain Paladin tells me that you wish to have the option to allow Men to enter at your discretion."

       "You will surely visit us again, my lord King?"

       "And King Eomer may wish to see Captain Meriadoc."

       "And what if Captain Beregond and his son want to visit Captain Peregrin?"

       "Or the Lord Steward and his brother need some good hobbit fare?"

       Aragorn laughingly held up his hands. "I see I am well and truly bested. It shall be as you desire - Men may enter but only if the Thain, the Master and the Mayor consent."

       Tarondor placed the newly worded scroll before him, a bottle of red ink was opened and Aragorn signed his name. Paladin, Saradoc, Sam and Frodo penned their signatures. Both Stewards did likewise, followed by the family heads. Three copies were signed: one copy, in red ink, went to the hobbits and would be stored at Michel Delving in the Council Hole, one would go into the care of the Steward of Arnor and the third was returned to Faramir's keeping to be deposited in the Citadel in Minas Anor.

       "Excellent! As far as other laws in the Shire, you may make your own. Any law decided by the Thain, Master and Mayor, in consultation with the heads of families, will be ratified automatically. I trust your judgement."

       "Thank you, my lord Elessar. If there is anything we are doubtful about we will ask the Lord Steward for advice. We are still learning how to deal with the outside world and all this diplomacy takes some getting used to," said Paladin

       Saradoc laughed. "We leave diplomacy to the smooth-talking Tooks. The Brandybucks call a spade a bloody shovel most of the time!"

       Frodo snorted in disbelief. "Pip is hardly diplomatic! In fact at one time he could cause an argument just trotting across the market square in Michel Delving. Too honest to be a diplomat - he once heard Mrs Proudfoot described as 'two-faced' so he walked up to her, looked her over very carefully and then shouted back to Merry 'She can't be two-faced. She wouldn't use this one if she was!'"

       Everyone howled with laughter at this, while Pip grinned and bowed.

       Various changes were discussed and some were agreed while others were delayed for a while, to give the Shire hobbits more time to think about the outer world. Aragorn was concerned that the hobbits might be exploited by wealthy merchants, particularly for wool, but the hobbits proved to be tough and canny negotiators. Wool for Harad and other countries outside Gondor would pass through the hands of the merchants in Minas Anor but the sheep farmers of the Shire had formed themselves into a Guild and were now allied to the Guilds of the Two Kingdoms.

       "If anyone should profit by the sale of this wool it should be us, I reckon," said Tully Noakes. "We've done all the hard work, looked after the animals, seen to the shearing, and like as not, our lasses have spun the wool, dyed it and woven it into cloth. We deserve to be paid a proper rate."

       "I agree, and I am delighted that you have become a Guild. The Merchants Guild cannot sell the wool for exorbitant prices without passing the money back to you." Aragorn paused as the innkeepers arrived with wine and ale.

       "Don't know about exorbitant, my lord. All we ask is a fair price. We have pretty much all we need. We barter most of our own goods within the Shire after all, but it would be nice to have funds to fall back on for emergencies. I know the Thain and Master and Mister Frodo see us right but they shouldn't have to bear all the costs for things." Lando Tunnelly took a long pull of his ale and beamed.

       "If only all my dealings were with hobbits," the King murmured. "Not everyone is so reasonable. Now tell me about the Shire schools." He sipped a cup of New Winyards and looked at the contents with appreciation. "And I will place an order now, if I may, for some of this year's pressing. Magnificent wine! The people of Gondor and Harad will be clamouring for it."

       Will Whitfoot chuckled. "Mister Frodo has been going on about schools in the Shire for years, but since his journey he is even more anxious for us to learn more of the outside world."

       Frodo was bouncing in his seat. "The first one is being built nearby - we'll show you afterwards. The children seem eager to begin, Garnet Tunnelly has agreed to teach simple healing, I shall teach poetry and history and we've even persuaded Gimli and Legolas to call in occasionally and teach them metalwork and archery."

       "It sounds as though you have everything planned. Sam said something about gardening."

       "Oh, naturally Sam will teach them about growing flowers and vegetables. He's the expert. There will be flowers surrounding the building and a vegetable patch for the children to tend."

       "My cousins can hardly wait for the new Shirriff and Ranger post to be finished. Undoubtedly the thought of all that appetising food will entice them to the Bridge regularly."

       Saradoc and Gimli spread the plans on the table for all to see. "There's a large kitchen with pantries and an ice cellar on the ground floor, plus bathing rooms and privvies, and the sleeping quarters and an office for hobbits, and upstairs we have the bedrooms and an office for Men. There are stables for both horses and ponies, a hayloft, and grazing land alongside the river. It provides a good view of the road and can be fortified if necessary."

       "I see my cousins are extremely interested in the kitchens," said Aragorn, grinning wickedly at Tarondor and Halboron.

       "Of course they are," said Will. "We Shire-folk enjoy cooking for our friends and I've no doubt we'll be delighted to cook for any Ranger who shows his face at the Bridge."

       "I won't be able to keep away," said Halboron, and everyone laughed.

       Aragorn looked around and spoke. "I have one more thing to say. Thank you to you all for your generosity to the people of Angmar. Without you they would have starved in their hundreds, but the grain and vegetables you sent helped to tide them over a sharp winter, and then they overthrew their self-serving leaders and placed themselves under the protection of the Reunited Kingdom. Your expertise gave them back their farming skills and they are almost able to be fully self-supporting. After this year's harvest they should be able to cope."

       "We could hardly see women and little 'uns starving when we had more grain than we could use. I gather they're being good to their cats again and have dropped all that superstitious nonsense?" Tully Noakes re-filled his pipe.

       "They wouldn't dare be otherwise since Isumbrand gave them a scolding," Pip chortled.

       "Now my friends, the only task left for me to do is to announce that tomorrow will be a half-holiday and feasts have been arranged in all four farthings, the Marish and Buckland."

        Cheers erupted all over the market-place and rebounded from the walls of the shops as every hobbit present gave vent to his or her true feelings.

                                                                          ************

       Lunch in Bywater was followed by more shopping, and the hobbits were left relecting on the contrast between Sharkey's 'gatherers and sharers' and the King and his fellows, who spent their coin freely and insisted on paying the proper price for everything.

       Aragorn found some beautiful little necklaces for his daughters and a lovely silver bracelet with a large pendant heart-shaped garnet for Arwen. A jewelled cloak-clasp for Eldarion completed his purchases, although all the Men went into a huddle and then bought a magnificent bolt of woollen velvet in a deep lavender, as a gift for Rose. The shopkeepers and stall-holders of Hobbiton and Bywater had earned more in one afternoon then they sometimes took in a week.

       The walk to the Cotton's farm took little time and soon they were settled in the meadow, drinking mulled ale and playing with the children while they waited for the cottage pie. Rose and the children were waiting for them and took them on a tour. They inspected the farm and met Patches the pig and her daughter Holly, born on First Yule. Patches was a calm old thing and cared not a jot who was scratching her back. Aragorn amazed his cousins, and young Bergil by milking a cow and Farmer Cotton laughingly offered him a job as cowman, should he ever tire of kingship.

       The cottage pie was every bit as good as they expected and they ate until there was nothing left and every corner was well and truly full.

       "I wish everyone was as easy to deal with as hobbits. No squabbling over silly clauses, no stalking off in affronted silence at some imagined insult......... Just common sense and a desire to sort things out before the next mealtime. I can see I shall have to knock some sense into some of the diplomats who appear before me."

       "Just tell them there are more important things to attend to - like dinner," said Pip cheerily, and Aragorn promised he would.

The soft light of a Spring morning filtered slowly across the fields and woods of the Shire as Aragorn made his way down to the mallorn. Golden-pink light dusted the vibrant leaves, which shimmered in a faint breeze. The silver bark was smooth beneath his fingers. He allowed the peace of the Shire to seep into his soul. He had spent his early life in the North, in the sheltered beauty of Rivendell and the wildness of Eriador, and he found the stone buildings and streets of the White City rather claustrophobic at times. He needed to be out in the wild, with wide horizons, trees, fields and open skies.

       The life force of the golden tree thrummed sympathetically, not unlike the White Tree in some ways but with a different note, another personality. He sat down with his back to it and opened himself to the nature of the tree and the warm homely peace of the countryside around him. He could feel those other mallorns, in Lorien and in the West, interconnected as all life is connected, part of Arda, the Valar, the power of Illuvatar. The blood of Westernesse flowed in his veins, filling him with an awareness of all life, all love. He breathed very deeply, rejoicing that this gift had been given to him.

                                                                          ************

       On his return up the Hill, Aragorn found little Violet Sandyman sitting on the bench near New Row. She was swinging her feet and watching the birds as they busied themselves with courtship and nestbuilding. In the fields at the end of the Row the puffs of creamy white which were Tully Noakes' sheep moved at a slow but steady pace as they cropped the grass.

       "Hello, Violet. May I join you?"

       The little lass nodded shyly. "Yes, Lord Estel." She moved a little to give the tall Man room to sit.

       For some moments they sat in companionable silence, then the child spoke, her head tilted as she gazed up into the face of the King.

       "Lord Estel, why is my da so nasty and unkind to us? Ellie's da is lovely and so is Mister Baggins. You're a da, aren't you? I'm sure you're nice to your little 'uns."

       "Yes, I love my children very much and I cannot imagine being cruel or hurtful to them. But there are those who feel insignificant and powerless and seek to boost their feelings about themselves by bullying those who are smaller and weaker. I suspect your father does not like himself very much. He likes feeling powerful but he has no real power. That is why he dislikes Sam and Frodo, and why he left the Shire when Sam became Mayor."

       Violet pondered this information thoughtfully. "Ma said he liked bullying when the Ruffians came. She said he stopped hitting her and my brothers and sister. I suppose that was when he was hitting everyone else instead." She glanced up and snuggled a little closer before adding confidingly, "I don't know why they got wed - he's never been nice. Grand-da Clem didn't want Ma to wed but Aunt Moss said they had to 'cause they'd put the cart before the horse, though I don't know what that has to do with anything."

       Aragorn Elessar, diplomat and King, hastily disguised his laughter as a cough and carefully schooled his expression. Bilbo had once referred to that as 'putting the afters before the soup' in a typically hobbity analogy.

       "All bullies enjoy wielding power. Sharkey was the same, and the Dark Lord himself."

       "You're powerful.You're the King but you don't bully people."

       "I was brought up to believe that with power comes responsibility. My adar - my father - taught me to wield power for the good of others."

       "He sounds nice, your da." Violet tucked herself under Aragorn's arm.

       "Lord Elrond was my foster father. My real father died when I was very young."

       "As young as me?"

       The King smiled. "I was only two when my father was killed by orcs. I was taken, with my mother, to Rivendell, where I forgot my real name for many years. It was put abroad that I had died of plague, for the Dark Lord was seeking me."

       "Your Mum must've been scared."

       Aragorn smiled. "She was scared for me once I began to go out with the Twins, and later with the Rangers. But she would never have tried to keep me in Rivendell. She accepted that I had a duty to our people. She was always relieved to see me come home again though."

       Violet absorbed this information. "I wish I had a proper da, but Ellie says I can borrow hers whenever I like. Do you think my da will ever change?"

       "I do not know, sweeting. People do change sometimes, but usually it takes a great shock for them to do so. I think it is possible for him to change his ways but he must want to. He must also stop drinking so much because that affects his behaviour."

       "Teddy won't drink at all because he's scared he'll be like da. He says he doesn't ever want to be like that."

       "I think your brother is very sensible and a nice lad. I doubt he will be like your father but he is wise to avoid strong drink."

       "Do you drink, Lord Estel?"

       "Only a little - normally!" He chuckled. "Drank far too much hobbit ale the other night, I must confess, but we just sang silly songs and laughed a lot. I drink a little wine sometimes and strong spirits very rarely. The Twins tricked me into drinking far too much when I was young and I regretted it very severely for two days. Since then I prefer not to be drunk That said, drink only brings out character traits which are there already. I suspect your da is bad-tempered even without any beer."

       "Captain Bergil says his da is fifty years old and Lord ....um.....Faramir is forty-six, and Mister Baggins says you're older than him, but you don't look it. Are you really that old?" She scrutinised his features for some minutes.

       "I'm much older. You see, Violet, my ancestors were given the gift of extra long life. I shall be a hundred next year."

       "Oh! I wanted you to be King for a long time."

       "By the grace of Eru I shall be King for a very long time - probably another hundred years or so. Don't worry, Violet, I'll be here for a while yet, keeping a close eye on the Shire and my favourite subjects, my dear hobbits."

       Violet wriggled and smiled up at him. "I'm glad. I hope you visit often." She stretched up and kissed his cheek.

       "Oh I shall, little one. The delights of the Shire and the wildness of the Northern lands will bring me home many times, I'm sure."

                                                                         *************

       "Hobbits know how to feast. They have been organising these events for weeks, although they did not know that everything was paid for by the King." Paladin chuckled. "We can now celebrate your being here, Lord Elessar, and show you how to throw a party."

       Aragorn glanced around at the assembled hobbits in the Party Field, the meat roasting over great fires, tables groaning with pies, pastries, cakes. "I discovered years ago that hobbits were very good company. And when I was a child of ten I watched enviously when Bilbo Baggins and a party of Dwarves caroused in Rivendell."

       "Just think - no-one believed his story when he returned to Hobbiton. Lobelia and Otho were furious. She tried to convince people that it wasn't Bilbo at all but an imposter. Can you imagine? Folk may not have believed his stories but everyone could see that it was Bilbo. Lobelia did not want to believe it because she was almost Mistress of Bag End." Saradoc helped himself to another tankard. "If she knew the current Mistress of Bag End was Tom Cotton's daughter she'd faint clean away!"

       "She always was an old snob," sniffed Eglantine, looking to Esme who nodded in confirmation. "What would she say about Sam being Mayor?"

       "Sam is an excellent Mayor - the best," said Frodo. "I think Lobelia might have accepted it graciously enough. She changed before she died, poor old thing."

       "I wish Ted Sandyman would change - preferrably into a toad!" muttered Merry. "He's the only one - well, him and the Bracegirdle Brothers!" He spat the name like a profanity. "We could put all three in a sack, throw it in the Brandywine and say 'There goes nothing!'"

       "Isn't that rather unkind to toads?" Frodo asked. "Sam likes toads. He's always chatting to them out in the garden, telling them to eat the bad insects. As for the Bracegirdles, Jago has them under very close watch at all times."

       "Good thing too. Murdo is devious and so low he could crawl under a snake with his hat on, and Marco is a thug. Uncle Pal says if they ever step out of line they will be on their way to Gondor so fast their feet will catch fire." Merry took another of Mrs Cotton's steak pies. "Sorry about the toads - I shouldn't say such things. Sam would be most displeased."

       "Tina and I had a chat with Ivy Sandyman earlier. I told her she has done the right thing in leaving him. The children are already recovering and with care so will she. No lass should be expected to put up with that sort of behaviour." Esme bounced little Pip on her lap and he made a lunge for the biscuit she was holding.

       "Emy!" he shouted.

       "There you are - Pip likes you," Frodo laughed. "That's the first proper thing he's said. Of course, he's after that biscuit, you know."

       Esme handed the baby the biscuit, which he sucked enthusiastically. "I seem to remember another little one demanding my biscuits whenever he sat on my knee," she said, smily slyly at Frodo.

       Merry spluttered. "Mum, you're embarrassing poor Fro."

       "Oh, it wasn't just Frodo who did that. You and Pippin did too - in fact Pippin nearly nose-dived to the floor several times when he saw food."

       "That certainly sounds like Pip!"

       Merry grinned as he turned to watch Aragorn greeting more hobbits, walking round the Party Field with that loping gait of his. "Stick-at-Naught-Strider indeed!"

       "Longshanks," muttered Sam with a smirk.

       "Just how many names does he have?" said Estella.

       "Too many, Mistress Estella," said Aragorn, appearing suddenly behind them. "Although 'Uncle Estel' is one of the nicest."

       Cornflower Bolger had thought she would be nervous around such imposing Men but was surprised to find herself talking quite easily, trying hard to remember Frodo's advice about speaking slowly and thinking before opening her mouth. Discovering that the Lord Estel was really the King had been a huge shock but she could not be afraid of this Man. He was kind, gentle and sympathetic, and he obviously loved Frodo like a brother. He was also enchanted by the hobbit children and asked if he could hold little Frodovacar, who was nine months old.

       "We wanted to name him after Frodo but Freddy managed to 'Bolger-ise' it after all."

       The King chuckled. "He's a bonny little lad, Mistress Cornflower."

       "He certainly likes his food, my lord. And he's taken to you, I must say. He does not normally go to strangers so easily." She watched the King cradle the baby gently, and the little lad gurgled and chortled. She had not thought that kings might be so ordinary, yet here was the High King of the Reunited Kingdom wiping dribble off a hobbit baby's chin and tickling the tiny feet with all the interest of a doting father.

       "My wife and the nursemaids grumble that sometimes I am the only one who can quiet my youngest daughter. I hope she is not leading them too much of a dance while I'm away."

       "They will be glad to see you safely home, my lord."

       "Yes, and I shall enjoy seeing them, but I love being here in the Shire. It is so green and peaceful, and the company of hobbits is a delight. I wish Gondor was a little closer."

       "I hope you will visit us again, with our lady Queen and the children. I have never seen the children of Men."

       "I shall indeed. The palace of Annuminas will be ready soon and I shall probably remain in the North for a year or two. I just need to make sure that Gondor will not be attacked in my absence, but that is less likely now that Rhun and Harad have made peace. Angmar here in the North is now under my protection and the evil which led to such disputes has long gone.Healing will take time but the process is underway."

       Cornflower looked across the Party Field to where Frodo was laughing uproariously at something Pippin had said. "He looks so well now. When I saw him at Pip and Merry's double wedding I really thought I would never see him again. He was so frail and distant, and I never saw him laugh like that, not for years."

       Aragorn sighed. "He suffered so much, and yet he wrote such cheerful letters that I convinced myself he was doing well. When Sam's letter arrived to say he was not expected to live I was beside myself. He did so much for all of Middle-earth and suffered such agonies of guilt and shame. His recovery is one of the greatest joys of my life." He led the way to Frodo's table.

       "Pip, you outrageous Took!" Frodo wiped his eyes and subsided, still giggling.

       "Care to share the joke, my dear friend?"

       "Oh, just Pip making very improper suggestions regarding Mrs Bracegirdle," Frodo managed to splutter.

       "Ah! She of the improbably large ..........er.... charms," Aragorn finished. His cousins were howling and even Legolas was grinning from ear to ear.

       The lady in question was advancing on them like a ship in full sail. "My lord King." She curtseyed, allowing Aragorn a view which gave him vertigo. Pip buried his face in Frodo's shoulder because he was almost hysterical and Merry was studiously pretending to look for something in the grass at his feet.

       "Good afternoon, dear lady," Aragorn murmured. He managed to ignore his sniggering cousins and friends and praised her famous steak and mushroom pie. They had a long discussion and she walked back to her family in a trance without even looking at Frodo.

       "Can you stay here? She's thoroughly smitten with you," Frodo said. "You're keeping her away from me."

       Aragorn grinned. "All I can say is that she must have extra strong stay laces. I should ask where she buys them. We could use those as oliphaunt tethers in the menagerie!"

       At this point everyone was treated to the sight of the future Thain snorting ale out of his nose.

                                                                          ************

       "Tell us one of your adventures!" the children - and a good many of the grown-ups - begged.

       "I don't think we've ever heard the full story of your journey to Mirkwood with Gollum," said Merry. Sam scowled and he added hastily, "If that's alright with you, Fro?"

       Frodo grinned and helped himself to a slice of cake. "I'd like to hear about it. Dragging him all the way to Mirkwood can't have been easy."

       Aragorn shuddered. "It wasn't! I have had few more unpleasant tasks, and I called Gandalf a number of very uncomplimentary names during the journey. I tracked Gollum for a very long time through the Dead Marshes. He knew every inch of that hellish place but I had been there before and was not unfamiliar with it. I tried to keep downwind of him - I could tell where he was because I could smell him, just as you could in the Emyn Muill, Sam. He could disappear for hours and I never knew where he went to, but he always popped up again. In the end I forged ahead and made a snare in the rough grass, and then had to hope that he would go that way. There was a little sheltered pool which I thought he might like. I was right, and the snare worked, grabbing his ankle. You should have heard the cursing and snarling! I had spent a lot of time with soldiers, mercenaries, pirates and all sorts of rough characters but I heard words that day that I have never heard before or since. I had to throw a rope round him, trying to avoid those awful teeth! A bite from him could have resulted in poisoning of the blood - not something I wanted to suffer out in the wilds!"

       "So Frodo might have suffered that if we hadn't been brought out of Mordor so soon after the bite?" Sam asked.

       "I'm sure he would. Gollum's few remaining teeth were very dirty as well as very sharp. I made sure he had no chance to bite me - although he tried, many times. I tied him up and drove him hard and far. I made him travel during the day whenever it was safe, which he hated. He would mutter about the 'Yellow Face' and curse horribly. I'm afraid I was not gentle with him, and we travelled at speed. Fortunately he was so exhausted when we did stop that he slept - probably more than I did. I had to keep him tethered, and if I dozed I tied him to a tree with an extra rope tied to me. If he could have freed himself he would have torn my throat out with his teeth, I have no doubt."

       Legolas had been listening intently. "He tried to attack one or two of his guards in Mirkwood but of course they were too quick for him. He alternated between snarling hatred and whining self-pity and endeared himself to no-one."

       Radagast was sitting quietly, puffing his pipe and listening to the story of Gollum. He had heard it before, from his friend Gandalf, who related everything during their last meeting, two months before Gandalf sailed. He studied Frodo carefully, wanting to see his reaction.

       Sam nodded. "He was like that - and I were none too gentle with him myself at times. I always suspected him of being up to something." He looked at Frodo. "I should have been kinder."

       "No, Sam. You were protecting me. And I doubt Gollum knew how to be anything but devious and sneaky. He had been buried away in that cave of his for five hundred years, lurking in wait for the odd goblin and becoming more and more warped. That would turn anyone peculiar, and I don't think he was ever a very nice creature, even before the Ring took him."

       Radagast agreed. "Gandalf said that Gollum murdered his friend within minutes of seeing the Ring. The Ring was not fully awake and was miles from Its Master, therefore I suspect that Gollum had those capabilities inside him already."

       Mr Cotton topped up the King's tankard and Aragorn smiled his thanks before continuing. "I was very relieved when I met up with Gandalf again and we were able to question Gollum. Not that this was an easy task, for he had been put to the question in Mordor and was not too distressed by our relatively tame interrogation. In the end Gandalf had to threaten him and reveal some of his power, but even then there was a greater fear on Gollum and he would not reveal everything. He did tell us something of the finding of the Ring and of Deagol, but by then I doubt he could distinguish truth from lies. His mind was completely ruined by five hundred years of contact with that thing. It was strange," he mused. "After seeing him I was torn between pity and revulsion, and I think that is how we all felt, all of us who encountered him?"

       "Exactly. Bilbo said that and I didn't really understand until I met him myself. He was pitiable but there was a side to him which disgusted me too, particularly when I realised that if I wasn't careful I would end up in a similar state." Frodo shuddered slightly.

       "I wasn't going to allow that," Sam muttered, and Frodo laughed and flung an arm round his friend's shoulders.

       "Dear Sam. You didn't allow it either, did you? You kept me sane with your stories and honest hobbit-sense."

       Merry, on Sam's other side, reached out and clasped one strong tanned hand. "Thank the Valar for Sam!"

       "Hear, hear!" Pip stood and stretched. "All this talking's made me hungry. I think it's time we had some more food. Come along, Mer." He started for the table and the stack of pasties.

       "What do you mean? You haven't been doing any talking!" Merry returned.

       "Alright, alright. Listening has made me hungry,"

       "Everything makes you hungry, Pip," said Frodo cheerfully, leaning over and helping himself. Mrs Cotton made the best pasties in the Shire.

       Radagast sighed contentedly and relit his pipe. "This is the most delightful experience I have ever had - no wonder Olorin said that everyone should have a hobbit or two in his care."

       "He said we were unquenchable - and incorrigible!" added Pip proudly.

       "He said you were a fool of a Took!" Merry replied, than dodged and ran round the Party Tree as Pip chased after him.

       "The Wise wouldn't be wise for very long if they had to put up with these two!" said Frodo, chuckling as he watched their antics.

                                                                          ************

       As dusk fell and the lanterns were lit, musicians began to play and hobbits started dancing, encouraging their guests to join them. Tarondor found himself dancing with Eglantine Took. He never ceased to be amazed at the enthusiasm and sheer joy in life which the hobbits displayed.

       "I shall be sorry to leave," murmured Faramir, gazing out over the darkening fields. "This place is so special. Now I understand why Frodo was willing to sacrifice so much to protect it."

       Aragorn nodded, tamping down the weed in his pipe. "Imagine how he felt on arriving home and finding it in ruins. No wonder he nearly broke under the weight of guilt and grief."

       "And blessings upon the Lady Galadriel for granting Sam the means to heal the damage," said Halboron.

       "Indeed. Otherwise there would still be massive scars upon this land. As it is the trees have shot up, the crops are abundant and the Shire is green and beautiful again.

       "Don't forget that it was Sam's common-sense and generosity which led him to share the Lady's gift with the whole Shire." Frodo smiled fondly as he watched Sam dancing with Rose, their faces glowing with joy and with love for each other.

       "He is quite remarkable. I'm sure many have said so but it's true," said Will Whitfoot. "He has a grasp of affairs and a knack for dealing with problems and disputes which is astonishing. I suspect he learned much from you, my lord Elessar."

       "He returned full of wisdom and confidence. That shy gardener's lad I met in Bree so long ago was transformed. The best way to put anything to the trial is to test it in the fires, like a sword. The weak will break but the finest will emerge stronger and more beautiful than ever. So it was with our Travellers. All four were tempered in the fires and are stronger and finer than before."

       "Even me?" Frodo queried. "I thought I broke in those fires."

       "No, my friend. You endured the fiercest flames of all and were seared to the core, yet now you are full of strength and great wisdom." Aragorn smiled into Frodo's eyes and the hobbit hugged his friend. Their wordless embrace touched all who saw it.

       "Alas! Tomorrow we must depart for Bree and a return to everyday life. I shall keep these few days in my heart." Halboron sighed regretfully.

       "You'll be back!" Frodo laughed. "You'll be calling at the new Shirriff and Ranger post for a few meals, I'm sure!"

       Merry smirked. "And I reckon we can feed you if you turn up on the doorstep in Crickhollow or at the Hall."

       Rose sat down with them. "You won't starve on the journey back. I've made fruitcake for everyone and there's bottled fruit, jam and pickles."

       "Rose, you are a queen among hobbits. Those pickles are a miracle - and the fruitcake beyond price."

       "Get along with you, flatterer! Just make sure you don't eat the batch I'm sending to Edoras. Poor Lothiriel could do with a treat, I daresay, especially if she's eating for two."

       "Come along!" bawled Pippin loudly. "I'm not playing this mandolin so you can all laze about! There's dancing to be done."

       The King stood and bowed to Rose. "May I have the pleasure of this dance, my lady?"

       Rose curtseyed. "You may, my lord."

       Sam took Elanor and Frodo offered his hand to little Violet, and they joined the throng beneath the mallorn. The morrow would bring partings, but hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship.