Chapter 4 – Part 2 Chapter 4 – Part 1
Chapter 3 – Part 2 Chapter 3 – Part 1
Chapter 2 – Part 3 Chapter 2 – Part 2
Chapter 2 – Part 1 Chapter 1
by Silent Draco
Chapter 5, Part 1 – Visitations and Wonders
Healed now of all hurts, the Halflings came together again in a guest house on the Hill of Tuna, in Tirion the Fair. Frodo exclaimed with a laugh, “This is lovelier by far Master Elrond’s, the Last Fair and Homely House East of the Sea! And it will be my honor to serve my elders, as it were.” They laughed uneasily at this, but in some manner Frodo was now younger than both his companions. They soon dismissed this, for the subtle weavings of the Straight Path and the Undying Lands was far beyond their understanding. Instead, they became distracted by and delighted at the fine kitchen and food, and even more at the bath-room. One tub there might be, and a basin, but both contained wonders: through unseen means, both Water Cold and Water Hot would be provided through small metal freshets, in great supply, with no need to heat coppers on the stove! “Eldest or wisest first, Sam? In either case, you will need to wait.” Sam laughed at Frodo’s joke, the very same used on the foggy night at Crickhollow. They sang the Ode to Hot Water with great delight, serenading Bilbo as he went to clean up.
In the kitchen, they looked in the pantry for something comforting and home-like. Sam opened a door, and gave a great cry of joy: “Mushrooms, Mr. Frodo! Several kinds, all of a size and aroma to make the East Farthing’s best into mere grublets!” All three hobbits inhaled greedily, and then Sam explored a cool-cabinet. “Bless me, ’tis bacon, and smoked wonderful fine. Now if we but had …” “Onions?” replied Bilbo, reaching in another bin. “Sam, we have the makings of a feast here, with a loaf of bread and good butter at hand.” The three busied themselves with pans, plates, and cups for the wonderful water and a light but lovely wine. All thoughts of the Straight Path and time had passed completely from their heads. Sitting down to supper, they thanked and toasted their hosts and the Valar, Frodo recalling the ceremony at the hidden cave in Ithilien. No one spoke until the now-depleted bowl of mushrooms made its second round. “That was a proper early tea,” Bilbo said after wiping his mouth, “I don’t think I’ve ever had better. Thank you for cooking, Sam! Frodo, it’s for us to do the washing-up.”
While cleaning was underway, the came a rap like a heavy stick knocking on the door. Olorin peered down at Bilbo, clad in an apron over his waistcoat, and exclaimed, “What a sight! Bilbo Baggins cleaning up? Is there by chance time for a cup of tea among old friends, before the second feast begins?” Sam had a kettle on to boil, so after another rite of searching came a pot of fresh tea, cups, and a plate of toasted bread with fruit and butter. “We must accompany our guest, after all!” laughed Frodo brightly. Small talk and remembrances of the Shire soon spun about the table. Olorin leaned back and considered all three, thinking to himself: They are cleansed, healed, and purified, clear as glass for the reading. I see joy and calmness, and, ah, an added grace of departure when they are ready. The Valar made special allowances for them, if my eyes are true, Bilbo and Sam both appear younger and sprightlier from their healing. Awkward questions about the lands, and time, are thus avoided. And since I smell mushrooms cooked in bacon, such questions have undoubtedly already flown out the windows. It is well. I will cherish memories of them for the duration of Arda.
Bilbo looked over and asked, “Gandalf, are you considering something?” With a start, Olorin recalled to the present. “Yes, but my other duty now calls to me. My friends, hear the words of Finarfin, the High King of the Noldor:
To Bilbo, Frodo Baggins, and to the
Esteemed Samwise Gamgee, by Shore of Sea
We greet, and hail and then salute here thee,
O valiant, humble heroes, come as three!
Invited now thou art, a feast prepared,
To honor noble hearts with trumpets blared;
Our royal call now beckons all of thee,
To our Great Hall as Sun shall meet the Sea.
… and since it is now tea-time, your most humble herald wishes to inform you that in about an hour’s time you should be washed, groomed, and garbed for an audience with the High King and his court, to be followed by fete and feasting, which should probably conclude, hmm, around sunrise on the morrow.”
Astonished silence, followed by three sets of Halfling feet padding to different wardrobes and cabinets, preceded a despairing call: “we have nothing fit to wear!” Olorin chuckled, “My dear hobbits, recall the words of my Lord Tulkas. The Great Ones of the Valar, the Elder King Himself, hallowed your old travel garb. It would be lese majeste indeed, and a grave insult to King Finarfin, were you to wear anything less honorable!”
to be continued…