Author’s note : Writing this in honor of Easter and the coming of spring… although, quite ironically, it is snowing in New York where I live… quite strange *blink*

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Disclaimer: I do not own either of these adorable hobbit-children, sadly!

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“Rosie, stop! Father said you have to stay by the door!” a frustrated tweenaged voice called. Tom Cotton was pursuing his evasive little sister, Rosie.

“But I want to see the babies!” Rosie insisted. Her young voice sounded so disappointed that the older brother refrained from deterring her further. Taking her by the hand, Tom led his sister to the shed housing a single hen and her peeping brood.

Rosie’s beautiful eyes widened with awe. The little girl was speechless. One chubby finger reached out to stroke a chick. “They’re different…”

“Their feathers come later. Rosie, spring brings new life.”