Chapter 7 – Part 1
Chapter 6 – Part 2 Chapter 6 – Part 1
Chapter 5 – Part 4 Chapter 5 – Part 3
Chapter 5 – Part 2 Chapter 5 – Part 1
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 7, Part 2 – The Joys of a Simple Garden
Turning to the Halflings, the king waved them toward the smial, saying “please, explore and enjoy!” The Halflings bowed again, opened the door, and stopped in wonder at the tall vestibule and vising parlor within. Feet soon padded across the left-handed corridor, and calls of wonder, excitement, and delight soon rang from windows and echoed out the open door. Three sets of pattering feet, and three gasping voices, soon re-emerged and began talking over each other. Gandalf raised his hand and spoke firmly but gently, “Yes, my friends, but you have honored guests at your front door. May we enter? I hope you do not attempt to ‘good morning’ me as once before, Bilbo.” His grin became an infectious laugh, and the Halflings bowed their honored guests into the parlor.
The vestibule became a bit crowded, but the hobbits were on their best manners. After a quick reminder that Bilbo was the senior present, he exclaimed “Welcome, Gandalf? Welcome, Your Majesty, and fair welcome to these of the Fair Folk; we are at your service and that of your families.” The king nodded in turn, and accepted these fair words. “A star shines on the hour of our meeting, in this place. May I introduce the Noldori who made this dwelling-place? Araunathaur, gifted with all petrine works in stone and rock; Moirendi, who studies the lore of flowers, plants, and fruiting trees; Siriendi, an aquatic Loremistress; and Pierindil, whose interests are in, hmm, more unruly trees, and the grasses and plants of fields and meadows.” These four and the hobbits bowed in turn, looking at each other with curiosity and great interest.
Bilbo again welcomed them, ushering their guests into the visiting-parlour while Frodo and Sam bustled with tea-things in the kitchen. “We are amazed, simply amazed at the styling! Much is so familiar that we could trot down the hallway without a lamp, but some of the details are rather puzzling to us”. The king gently whisked away a delicate question, noting that the Noldori present could answer those and other questions privately. “This is an auspicious public event, the first visit to a Pheriain home by an Elven king. My councilors had reports on the crafting, but I am most impressed that the details and scale are correct for you. The blend of a comfortable underground abode, with bright and inviting gardens at hand, makes a wondrous study in light, shadow, and color. You are commended for your work,” he said, nodding to the other Elves, “and from the clamorous reaction, it appears that our hosts are most enthusiastic about the results.”
Frodo and Sam arrived with tea-trays, holding two pots; cups and saucers; and spoons and other instruments. Sam made a sketchy bow and pattered back the hall toward the kitchen. He returned at a more sedate pace, bearing a tray laden with bread slices, scones, butter, two types of marmalade, and honey. Bilbo invited their guests to “… partake of elevenses, what we can offer at the moment. We are unsure of what may be stored in the pantries …” The king simply held out his cup, asking for some of the floral blend, for “Among our people and indeed all Free Peoples, you are most courteous to offer wholesome and pleasing food and drink. We thank you for your care, Young Ones.” The other Noldori smiled and murmured their thanks as well. Soon all became busy with a fresh set of pots, and conversation somewhat muffled and made sticky by sweet and buttery toppings, while one of the Elves whispered to Sam where he might find clotted cream and regular cream in the cold-cellar. Elevenses and luncheon became more relaxed and joyous when Frodo recalled where he had seen cases of the pale-golden wine in a cellar, and found a package of biscuits with a lesser heritage than lembas. Bilbo and Sam were soon singing ditties and songs from the heart of the Shire, while the Elves laughed and kept time, adding brief verse of their own.
Gandalf stirred, putting a hand to his breast, but then shaking his head with a mutter he stopped. Bilbo knew that motion of old; “Gandalf, were you reaching for your pipe? I’m afraid that I can’t find my spare, more’s the bother.” Gandalf sighed and nodded, but Sam piped up, “Mr. Gandalf, I may still have some Longbottom Leaf in me traveling pouch …” and scampered out to check his back. He returned with a shining face. “Aye, some leaf remains, and a spare pipe!” “Most blessed and wise hobbit! I thank you from the bottom of my beard, and a taste of Longbottom will evoke fond memories.” He gave the king an apologetic look, and focused on both his and Sam’s pipes. In moments, both glowed gently, wafting fragrant smoke. “Ahh, … but may I ask that we take seats in the garden outside? Your other guests may be unfamiliar with this custom. And Your Majesty, be cautious of asking about this; at one time, Theoden the King of Rohan – Calenhardon, the meadow-lands in the Gap south of the Mountains of Mist — asked the same to his peril. Two of their younger relatives, awash in the flotsam of ruined Isengard, were prepared to lecture on the subject, leaf, pipe and bowl varieties, curing methods and flavor, while the king and his escort (and I) stopped with our horses almost knee-deep in the floodwaters created by the Onodrim.” More laugher ensued as the hobbits led their guests out to less confined spaces.
Once settled on seats and stones, the Elves marveled as Gandalf and the hobbits created their own clouds. Bilbo had accepted a pipeful and was busy blowing smoke rings. Gandalf created small ships, horses, and barrels of vapor, sending these whisking through the staid set of rings. Moirendi gave a delicate sniff, and asked to examine some of the leaf. To Sam’s astonishment, she crumbled one leaf fine and smelled it, then nipped and nibbled a second. “This is asatar thornoaii, or galenas in our tongue, but an unusual strain.” With a sharp look, she asked “Master Samwise, did you obtain some from the herbal masters at Lorien?” He shook his head, abashed, and mumbled that it was the last of the Longblower Leaf, raised in the Shire’s Southfarthing. “Raised on some fine bottom-land as well, for the best flavor.” After some quiet discussion she continued, “The Healers will use this at times in a salve or skin poultice, or part of a blend to ease breathing and mind. Never have we heard of it used for pleasure.” Gandalf raised a hand hastily as Bilbo drew breath. “Old friend, the sun is partway up the sky. We would be here as Earendil takes flight this evening, should you begin to recount the full history!”
To be continued…