By lunchtime the next day Rose was threatening to strangle Sam, who was pacing about like a caged lion. She finally relented and said he could go into the garden after lunch, which pleased him greatly. She was also keen to keep Ivy Sandyman's mind off the recent troubles and had been down to New Row that morning to invite the Sandyman family and May and her tribe to lunch. She had a plan.

       Not wishing to turn up empty-handed, Ivy made a blackberry crumble to take to Bag End. She was rather nervous since she felt her cooking could not compare with the fare cooked by Mistress Rose, but she had been quite pleased with her efforts. She made sure her offspring were washed and tidy and when May was ready they all made their way up the Hill. Teddy had never been inside the smial before and was overwhelmed by the size and splendour. This was where the King himself had stayed!

       Rose sniffed. "Blackberry crumble - that's Frodo's favourite. That will make his day."

       "Mmm! I can smell blackberries." Frodo strolled into the kitchen. "You made this, Mrs Sandyman? What a wonderful surprise. I have to confess that blackberries are my favourite, and it smells delicious."

       Ivy glowed. "I doubt it's as good as anything Mistress Rose makes, but I wanted to contribute something."

       "It looks as good as it smells, and I can hardly restrain myself from tasting it right away. I'm afraid I'm as bad with blackberries as I am with mushrooms." Frodo looked so contrite that Ivy could not help smiling.

       During the meal Rose casually said that she was planning to make jam that afternoon and would be grateful for some help. May was only too pleased to offer and after some initial hesitation - due to a lack of confidence rather than unwillingness to assist - Ivy also said that she would enjoy helping. The children were organised and despatched to the kitchen garden and orchard to pick fruit while young Lily took the two smallest Gamgees off for their nap.

       "Firm fruit in the baskets and over-ripe and squashed fruit in the basins please," Rose said. "And make sure those two....," she nodded at the Captains, "...........don't eat it all!"

       Ivy found herself smiling at the way Rose talked to the future Thain and Master, treating them like a couple of naughty tweenagers. The two hobbits appeared not to mind; indeed they positively begged to be scolded, flicked with the tea towel and smacked across the knuckles with a wooden spoon.

       In the kitchen garden Ellie, Rosie-lass, Violet, Cousins Teasel and Salvia and Tansy Bunce picked strawberries and chattered as lasses will..

       "You are allowed to eat a few," Ellie assured Violet. "Go on, try one."

       Vi popped one into her mouth and gasped as sweetness burst on her tongue. She had never tasted anything so delicious. "It's so lovely! Da grew strawberries once but they were small and nasty and bitter."

       "Just like him," Merry muttered to Pip as they worked their way along the raspberry canes.

       Pip sniggered and stuffed another raspberry into his mouth. "You're right there!"

       In the orchard Teddy Sandyman was at the top of a ladder, filling a basket with plums. He had been rather shy at first, but was beginning to feel like one of the family. He could see why everyone seemed to gravitate towards Bag End, which had an atmosphere of such happiness and warmth that it was impossible to be sad there for long. He found himself whistling and Sam took up the melody as he picked up the windfalls with young Will's assistance..

       Much against Sam's better judgement, Frodo was also picking fruit, aided by the two younger Shortburrow lads Tilbert and Hobson. He was filling baskets with peaches and apricots which grew in profusion in the walled garden, protected from wind and frost and facing south. No-one else this far north could grow such fruit but Sam Gamgee managed it, and Bag End generously shared its bounty with the rest of the neighbourhood.

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       "Ted grew 'em once but they were shrivelled and sour - just like him!" said Ivy tartly."These are splendid - Master Sam can grow anything, I see." She nibbled a strawberry.

       May laughed. "He's been growing strawberries since he were a faunt. Beat the Gaffer to first prize at Hobbiton Fair when he was only twelve."

       The firm fruit went to the larder for bottling, pies and for distribution among the neighbours while the over-ripe fruit was picked over and sorted and placed in a saucepan with sugar. The three ladies worked well together, talking and laughing as they went about the familiar tasks. Rose stirred and sieved, May washed and cleaned the fruit and Ivy washed jars and placed them in the oven until they were needed. Lily sat nearby, quietly working on some of Rose's mending. Frodo had spent the morning writing labels and Ivy looked at the fine lettering in admiration. She had learned her letters because her father Clem Broadfoot, unusually for a hobbit, believed in a bit of education for lasses as well as lads. She had even managed to teach the older children secretly, but Ted found out and was furious, and she had never dared to show the younger two. Since their return to Hobbiton Ellie had begun to teach Vi and Will was learning from Master Samwise.

       "He does have beautiful handwriting," Rose agreed. "I love to watch him write in Tengwar - the Elvish letters. I sometimes think he's more like an Elf than a hobbit anyway."

       "The wasps are gathering," said May. "That's the only problem with jam."

       Rose poured a large spoonful of jam onto a saucer and placed it on the table. "That'll keep 'em quiet for a while."

       "That's a good idea!"

       "We can thank my Granny Brown for that one!"

       With the wasps eating themselves to a standstill, they returned to the saucepans. Four types of jam were bubbling on the stove, filling the air with the delicious smells of strawberries, raspberries, apricots and plums. The Bag End kitchen was truly a wasps' Paradise.

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       When all the fruit was picked and in the kitchen, the children played. Violet watched enviously as the Gamgee children and their cousins were carried in turn round the garden on the shoulders of the Captains. Ellie noticed her friend's wistful expression and whispered in her Uncle Pippin's ear. A few moments later he walked to the little lass, crouched down and spoke to her gently.

       "Would you like a go, Violet? I won't let you fall, I promise, and I won't make you go higher than you're comfortable with."

       She nodded slowly, a small grin curving her mouth. The Thain's son was the tallest hobbit she had ever seen, but he was kind and quite handsome, with friendly green eyes and sandy auburn curls, and he was always laughing and was sometimes as silly as a tween, although she had seen him in his uniform, guarding the King, and he was not silly then.

       He lifted the child carefully and paused when she was only three inches off the ground and twinkled at her. "Is this too high?"

       "No, sir." She smiled.

       "You don't have to call me sir, little flower. Is this too high?" She was level with his knees.

       "No.....Mister Pippin." She began to giggle.

       He lifted her level with his belt. "Now is this too high?"

       "No........." She was laughing now.

       "Alright then, shall we go all the way to the top?"

       "Yes please!" She squealed delightedly as she was lifted onto Pip's shoulders and he began to trot round the garden, keeping a secure hold on her ankles as she bounced. Her small hands rested on his curls and she was laughing more than Ellie had ever seen.

       Ivy saw her daughter having fun and almost wanted to run to her and hug her but she kept her counsel. Rose patted her shoulder they shared a smile before returning to their work. Later Vi arrived in the kitchen and Ivy scarcely recognised her pale, wary, frightened little girl in the lass before her, glowing with a mixture of happiness, sun and strawberry juice, her hair escaping its ribbons and her eyes sparkling with pleasure.

       "You've got roses in your cheeks, petal," Ivy said, kissing her daughter's sticky cheek.

       "Mister Merry and Mister Pippin have been playing with us. Did you see me up on Mister Pippin's shoulders?"

       "Yes, I did. You looked to be having a lot of fun. I hope you remembered your manners?"

       "Yes, Ma. Missus Diamond's had a lad-baby so Mister Pippin's a da now. I think he'll be a very nice da."

       "I'm sure he will." Ivy scrubbed Violet's face clean with her handkerchief and the little lass darted out again, calling to Ellie.

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

       A shadow passing over caused the children to look up. Some of the little ones cried out in amazement.

       "Sam-dad! It's one of the Eagles!" Ellie yelled.

       "Where's he going to land? There's no mountains in the Shire."

       Everyone rushed out and looked up at the top of the Hill, where the great bird was folding his wings carefully. He bowed low to the Ringbearers.

       "Lord Frodo, Lord Samwise. I apologise if I have alarmed the little chicks. I bear letters from the Lord Elessar and Lord Manwe wished them to be delivered in haste." He tweaked a roll from the thong on one leg and presented it it to Frodo. "In the centre is a letter to Thain Paladin - if you will see it delivered, Sir Peregrin and Sir Meriadoc?"

       They saluted and bowed. "We will indeed."

       "Lord Elessar knows what happened - he saw it all in the seeing-stone. I have also been asked to deliver letters to the Lords Tarondor and Halboron."

       "Aragorn saw it? The attack by Ted?" Frodo was startled. "He must have been very shocked. I hope he's not going to scold me like Merry did. Thank you, Lord Meneldor. We are honoured by your presence."

       "His Majesty was far too relieved to see you alive and relatively unharmed to scold you, Lord Frodo. Besides, he would never scold his most beloved friend."

       Ellie had climbed up and was standing in front of the bird. She stretched up to stroke the patch of white feathers on his chest. "You carried my Sam-dad from the fire. Poor Lord Meneldor, that must have hurt very much, to be burned. I touched the stove once and I had a blister for a week."

       Meneldor made a noise which sounded very much like laughter; Elanor's small hand tickled. "A few scorched feathers were a small price to pay for the honour of carrying your father out of Mordor, small mistress. The Lord King healed the burn and the white feathers are a mark of great honour. We three are the envy of my kin."

       "Thank you to all of you for saving Sam-dad and Uncle Frodo." She curtseyed gracefully.

       Meneldor touched her cheek with one of his large primary feathers. "They do not lie, who call you 'the Fair' Mistress Elanor. Fair of face and of spirit."

       Rose smiled and climbed up to stand beside her daughter. She proffered a large piece of lamb. "I never allow my guests to leave with empty bellies, sir. You have flown all the way from Gondor and you must be hungry."

       "Lady Rose, I can see why our friend Mithrandir was so fond of the hobbits of the Shire. I will accept your kind offer, and then I must turn northwards once more, and seek Lord Tarondor in Annuminas."

       Ivy leaned towards May. "Reckon that don't bode too well for Ted. Sounds as though the King wants him taken to Gondor. Serves him right!"

       "I doubt Strider will demand - he may ask, but demanding isn't his style," said Sam. "Thank you for coming all this way, my lord. It is a delight to see you in the Shire."

       "I regret this land is too flat for us to live here, for it is fair and beautiful. I always marvel at how green it is when I pass above it." Meneldor finished his meal, preened his flight feathers and bowed once more. "Farewell, my friends. Your chicks grow hale and fast, Lord Samwise.Thank you for your hospitality and kindness. If only many of the Men in Middle-earth would follow the example of the hobbits."

       "May the winds bear you where you will," said Frodo, bowing.

       "And may your eyries shelter you and welcome you at journey's end."

       Meneldor launched himself and everyone waited in trepidation, but a warm and gentle breeze from the West lifted his wings and he soared into the blue sky.

       May's family and the Sandymans were staggered. They had heard of the Great Eagles, and Will and Hobson once swore that they had seen one high above the Shire, but to meet one at such close quarters was awe-inspiring.

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

       Merry and Pip hurried down to the Quick Post station with the King's letter, then rushed back up the Hill, eager to hear the letter to Frodo and Sam. Everyone piled into the parlour, the children sitting on the floor. Frodo sat on the couch and broke the black seal with the A glyph, for it was a personal letter, not a formal document.

My dearest friends, 

You cannot begin to imagine my relief that you are both still alive and able to read these words. I witnessed the attack in the palantir and my horror was beyond description. I was certain that you, my dear Frodo, were dead. However, as Gandalf told me fequently, hobbits are remarkable creatures, and you the most remarkeble of all. When I saw that you were wearing the mithril shirt I was overwhelmed with joy. Indeed, you would have been amused to see me sitting on the floor, laughing and crying, my legs trembling too much for me to stand.

Porto seems to be doing all the right things - excellent stitching, tell him - and you both look hale. Rose and the children will make sure you obey the doctor's orders, as Ellie and Rosie-lass have been doing.

I am sure that everyone will look after Mrs Sandyman and her family, comforting them after a most distressing experience.

The Lord Manwe and the Wise know of what has occurred, and one of the Eagles has offered to take letters to the Shire, in order that they arrive in haste. My dear friends, I do not order or demand - not of you, who have already given more than anyone has a right to ask - but I would beg you to consider sending Sandyman to me here in Gondor. I know that you have been doubtful of the effectiveness of banishment, and should he harm anyone in Bree I believe that Frodo in particular will be assailed by guilt. I think he needs help as well as punishment, and be assured I will do what is necessary, but no more, nor will I act out of revenge but in justice and mercy. I have written to Thain Paladin, with a warrant for Sandyman to be taken into my cousin's custody, should you agree to my request. No doubt you will travel to Michel Delving to discuss the matter thoroughly with the Thain and Master.

Reassure Mrs Sandyman and the children that my thoughts are with them. In abandoning them, Ted has lost that which is worth more than gold, and I only hope I can force him to see that. They are a warm and delightful family and deserve the happiness which you and the good folk of Hobbiton will give them.

Arwen and the children send their love to you all. Tell Rose that the last batch of pickles has dwindled too quickly and Faramir and I have had to lock the rest in the Treasury. We made the mistake of serving some at a banquet last month and now everyone knows about Rose's culinary skills. The spiced tomato chutney seems to be exceptionally popular among the representatives from Harad, who signed a new trade treaty on the strength of it! Rose is now officially a diplomatic assistant to the Reunited Kingdom.

Look after yourselves and each other, my most precious of friends, the dearest of all hobbits. To have survived the darkness of Mordor only to fall to one of your own would have been too cruel to bear.

Your ever-loving and devoted friend,

Strider.

       Young Teddy's mouth fell open. Strider? The King called himself Strider? His face betrayed his thoughts and Frodo hastened to explain.

       "He was always known as Strider in Bree, and that is how we knew him at first. When he became King he took the Elvish word Telcontar as the name of his house. It means 'Far-Strider.' If we do send Ted to Gondor he will be judged wisely by a good Man"

       "Mister Frodo, I want you to know that we'll be happy with whatever you all decide in Michel Delving. P'raps Ted does need to go to Gondor and meet the King and be shocked out of his rotten ways." Ivy gathered her family about her. "We're so grateful to you for everything you've done for us."

       "Mrs Sandyman, I have watched you all start to heal since your return here, and we shall all help you to overcome any difficulties. Any trial can be overcome with the aid of good friends."

       Ivy, May and the children set off back down the Hill, laden down with jars of jam, fresh fruit, sandwiches and cake. Rose watched them go, grinning to herself. Her plan had worked very nicely, Ivy had spent an entire afternoon not thinking of her troubles, the children had all had a lovely time and she had a larder full of jam.