"Afternoon Tea" (being a story in three parts)

[Sindarin]

Part One:

The Shire.

It was mid-afternoon in Hobbiton, and at Bag End, Frodo Baggins was settling in for afternoon tea.

The fire of the hearth was well stoked and the kettle water heating nicely. There were many luscious cakes ornately set out upon the kitchen table; and from outside the open window, the birds were cheerfully singing songs of the day from atop the verge.

"I wonder where Bilbo is?" Frodo asked himself, "He is going to be late. The tea water is nearly ready, and I fear it will get cold by the time he arrives."

Suddenly, Frodo heard a faint and somewhat hesitant knocking at the front door of Bag End.

"Bilbo?" asked Frodo quickly, opening the door to his home.

Yet Bilbo it was not, but the Hobbit Samwise Gamgee.

"Sam!" exclaimed Frodo with a pleasant and inviting smile.

"Hello, Mr.Frodo," replied Sam,
"I was just passing by and wondered if you'd like to go watch the townsfolk set up the decorations for Mr.Bilbo's birthday this evening?"

Frodo smiled. "Well, I would like to, Sam, but I've just now settled in for afternoon tea."

"Well, okay then, Mr.Frodo," replied Sam, "I should be going now."

"Wait, Sam, don't leave just yet. Perhaps you'd care to join me?"

"Well, I don't know...I wouldn't want to intrude or nothing."

"Nonsense, Sam. It would be no problem. Please come in."

"Why thank you ever so much, Mr.Frodo," said Sam, receding into the below-ground dwelling with Frodo.

Frodo closed the circular door behind them, and the two Hobbit's sauntered into the kitchen.

From the open window nearby, the birds continued singing, and a cool summer breeze found its way into the dining room.

The sweet aroma of the many appetizing pastaries invited Samwise like nothing else ever had before.

"Everything looks so heavenly, Mr.Frodo," exclaimed Sam, "you have quite a culinary talent."

"Thank you, Sam," replied Frodo.
"Although I can't take all the credit. Bilbo baked many of them as well, just before he left for his walk today."

"How is Mr.Bilbo, by the way? I haven't seem him for quite some time."

"He's been busy working on his book, chronicling the many adventures he's had with Gandalf the Grey. I believe this is the first time he's left Bag End in days, since most of his time now is spent at his writing desk. Although he has talked about going live the rest of his days with the Elves at Rivendell, I doubt he will ever leave the Shire."

Sam sat himself at the spacious dining table, and helped himself to a spiced apple cake.

Frodo carefully took the simmering kettle from the fire, poured the boiling water in two cups which held light, etheral bags containing aromatic herbs and tea leaves, placed the kettle back upon the fire to keep warm, served the hot drink to his friend, and sat down at the table.

"Thank you so very much for inviting me to tea, Mr.Frodo."

"You're quite welcome, Sam," replied Frodo, as he sipped his tea with cheer, "I'm glad you decided to join me."

"What comforting moments like these were for a Hobbit," thought Frodo.

Indeed, blissful occasions like afternoon tea in the Shire, however simplistic it was, were certainly a time to be cherished by all.

"Golly gee, Mr.Frodo," said Sam, "one hundered and eleventy-one years old...Mr.Bilbo's birthday party tonight will most likely be the one fondly remembered by all of the Shire for years to come."

"I do believe you're right, Sam," replied Frodo, taking an apricot-plumb cake for himself,
"Bilbo is one of the oldest Hobbits living in the Shire. Almost everyone's been invited."

"Is that a fact?" asked Sam. "Mr.Bilbo sure does look good for his age, doesn't he? I wonder what his secret of longevity is?"

"If I had to take a guess," laughed Frodo, "it's probably some type of daily Elvish therapy."

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was," smiled Sam.

What then followed, proceeding the laughter of the two Hobbits, was a long, heartfelt silence like no other.

The two long-time friends drank their tea and ate their cakes with quiet mirth.

Frodo then decided to speak...

"Have you seen Rosie Cotton lately, Sam?"

Samwise appeared quite embarrassed by Frodo's question.

"...Rosie Cotton?" replied Sam slowly. "What makes you think I've "seen" her?"

"Well," continued Frodo, "I know for a fact you are very fond of her. Isn't it true you've favored her for quite a few years?"

"Well, I..." he slowly began to answer with uninhibited shyness.

Yet before Samwise could conclude his sentence, there was an interrupting, and rather loud series of knocks at the front door.

<to be continued...>

[A! Elbereth]

Finally! A great story to read by our very own member! I like what I've read. I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment! good job so far. :thumbs: :) ;)

[Illuvatar]

Yes! Very well done....

Sorta snares ya' right in......

Please...do continue:p

[Sindarin]

Thanks for the feedback. :thumbs:

I'm so glad you like the story. There are other LOTR stories I'm working on, and will definately post in a few weeks. :)

I'm writing Part Two of "Afternoon Tea" at the moment, and should have it posted sometime tomorrow evening.

[A! Elbereth]

Splendid! I just love these kinds of stories!

[Sindarin]

Part Two:

The incessant knocking at the door of Bag End continued ever steady; every strike upon its wooden framework was quick and strong in sound.

"I wonder who that could be?" said Frodo.

He and Sam stood up from the dining table, and walked to the doorway of the burrow, both wondering who, or what was making all that noise?

Frodo opened the door of his home to the world outside, and he heard his name spoken from an anonymous, yet familiar voice.

"Hello, Frodo."

It was the estimable Hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck, and with him was the fanciful Piligrim Took.

"Why, Merry and Pippin!" Frodo exclaimed,"My dear friends, what brings you to Bag End at this hour?"

"We stopped by to wish Bilbo a happy one hundered and eleventh birthday." continued Merry," "Is he home?"

"I'm sorry to say, he isn't." said Frodo, "He's gone for a walk, and he hasn't come back yet."

"That's odd," said Merry, "I wonder where in the Shire could he be?"

"As do I, my friend. I'm getting quite worried." Frodo added.

"When did he leave?" asked Pippin.

"He left right after second breakfast and should've returned by now." replied Frodo,
"Bilbo never misses afternoon tea."

"Speaking of afternoon tea," said Pippin, "are those spiced butter cakes I smell?"

"Indeed they are, Pippin." smiled Frodo, "Would you two care to join Sam and I in haveing some tea and pastary with us?"

"Would we?!" stated Pippin, with a rather amusing smile on his face.

"Thank you so very much, Frodo." said Merry, as he and Pippin strolled into Bag End with un-feigned glee, and sat themselves down at the kitchen table.

Frodo poured the now moderately hot tea for his newly acquired guests, which they accepted with thankful appreciation, and began to consume their portions of both butter and cream cakes, accompanied by servings of many sweet and gelatinous fruit preserves on the side; Frodo sat comfortably next to Sam at the table, who were both situated across from Merry and Pippin - who also sat side-by-side.

At this time of day, the fire upon the hearth was gradually beginning to cease and fade away, and yet the few golden flames which now remained were still aflutter with life, and their heady warmth was most comforting to the four Hobbits.

"Where do you suppose Bilbo is?" asked Pippin.

"I haven't the slightest idea." replied Frodo.

"Hasn't he been talking about going on holiday lately?" asked Merry.

"Indeed he has," said Frodo, "he's often mentioned to me on several occassions that he wishes to re-visit the Lonely Mountain and Mirkwood for one last time. He wishes to travel the lands of Middle Earth again and to relive many of his exciting experiences."

"You don't suppose he's left already, do you Frodo?" asked Merry.

"I doubt it," he replied, "Bilbo wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. Besides, he wouldn't miss his birthday party for all the riches in Moria."

"All the riches in Moria, eh?" said Pippin, "That's a fearless statement if I ever heard one."

"Perhaps, if we ever get to Moria, we should take Bilbo up on that wager and see." smiled Merry.

Frodo laughed. "Come on, fellas, let's be realistic. When would we ever have the opprotunity to see the Mines of Moria?"

"Perhaps you're right." said Pippin with a smile.

"Anyway," continued Frodo, "Bilbo wouldn't leave now, because he's expecting Gandalf the Grey to arrive soon."

"Gandalf the wizard?" asked Merry. "You mean he's coming here to Hobbiton?"

"Yes, that's right." answered Frodo.

Pippin's eyes immediately lit up like a pair of stars, and began to shine brightly. "You don't suppose he'll be bringing any of his world renowned fireworks with him, do you?"

"Well," began Frodo, "I would think so, yes."

Upon hearing this, Merry and Pippin instantly, yet guilefully glanced at one another, as if they were mentally in tuned with the others' miscievous thoughts.

"Pippin," asked Merry, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I think so." replied Pippin.

A long, uncomfortable silence ensued...

"Yes..." said Merry, "...why not?"

"We'd be foolish not to!" exclaimed Pippin with a smile.

"Hold up a second," said Frodo, inquisitively, "what are you two on about?"

"If you two are thinking what I think you're thinking, don't." warned Sam.

"Sam's right, you two," added Frodo, "Gandalf wouldn't appreciate it if any one of you ---"

"Nonsense." interrupted Merry, "Besides, it was only a thought."

"Nevertheless," said Frodo, "neither one of you should meddle in the affairs of a wizard. Even if it's at a birthday party."

"Well...you're probably right, Frodo." said Pippin.

"Of course he's right," replied Sam.

"At any rate," said Frodo, "it's getting late, and I should go search the Shire for Bilbo, and ask around to see if any of the other Hobbits have seen him anywhere."

"Sounds like a good idea to me," said Sam. "I'll go with you."

"As will Pippin and myself." said Merry, "Trust me, we'll help you and Sam find Bilbo
by sunset, and in time for his party."

"Then we should get going." said Frodo, "The hour is late, and we have much ground to cover."

<to be continued...>

[Black Rider]

wow! i like it! the foreshadowing is really well done :thumbs:

[Sindarin]

Thanks. :)

Part Three is on it's way, and hopefully will be posted tomorrow. :thumbs:

[Sindarin]

Part Three:

Over an hour had passed, and the sun overhead shone upon the provincial grace of the Shire like almost no other that day.

A near shivery wind was rising steadily from the east of Hobbiton, and Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin were still on the search for the lost Bilbo Baggins, who was yet nowhere to be found.

Since their departure from Bag End, the four steadfast Hobbits had divided in order to cover more ground, endlessly seeking over hill, over dale, across fields, and through farmlands; asking every Hobbit they knew, and even some they didn't, each saring the same hope that their fellow countryfolk just might have an idea in knowing the wherabouts of Mr.Bilbo Baggins.

"This is impossible!" commented Pippin, "We've looked almost everywhere for Bilbo!"

"Pippin's right, Frodo," said Merry, "No one knows where he is. Perhaps we should just go back home and wait until he turns up on his own. It's getting late."

As much as he didn't want to think it, Frodo was partially in agreement with his friends.

Time indeed had passed into shadow since they left Bag End earlier that afternoon, and the hour was getting late.

Bilbo's birthday celebration was less than three hours away, and all of Hobbiton was looking to turn out in his honor.

"Perhaps it was time to return home." thought Frodo, "At this hour, Bilbo was most likely on his way, if not there already."

"You're right, fellas." said Frodo. "We should ---"

"--- Frodo Baggins!" said a voice without silence from a commonplace field of wheat as golden as the sun above.

The four Hobbits turned in the direction of whence the voice came, and from the stalks of amber grain walked out the elderly Hobbit farmer, Ewan Smythe.

"I thought that was you I saw, young Baggins." Farmer Smythe continued. "What brings you and your friends this far out into the Shire?"

"We were looking for Bilbo," answered Frodo, "he left for a walk this morning, yet he never returned."

"Is that so?" Ewan asked.

"'Tis so, farmer Smythe, yes." replied Frodo, "Do you know where he is?"

"Have you seen or heard anything on where he might be?" asked Merry.

"Indeed I have." replied Ewan.

"Where is he?" exclaimed Frodo.

"Why, I believe he's returned to Bag End, my young friends."

"Oh, that's really nice!" said Pippin. He sarcasm was well recieved by all, yet not so appreciated.

"When did he return?" Frodo asked.

"Why, he left here just before you had arrived." replied Ewan.
"I was speaking with him only a moment ago; he was telling me how he had spent most of the day
in the forests of Ruel, thinking up ideas for his memoirs. In fact, he had just returned from there when I met up with him near my farm."

"Then we just missed him by only a few minutes." said Sam.

"Indeed you did, young Samwise." commented Ewan. "Yet if you hurry, there still may be time for you to catch up with him on his way back to Bag End."

"Then we should be going," said Frodo, "Farmer Smythe, thank you so very much for your information. It's been a great deal of help to us."

"You're quite welcome, Frodo," smiled Ewan, "and do take care of yourself, Master Baggins. I forsee you accomplishing a great many things in your life, and I hope by the heavens above that I shall be there to see them."

It was nearing dinner across the Shire by the time Frodo and his companions made their way back into the town of Hobbiton.

Merry and Pippin left for their homes, and Sam accompanied Frodo back to Bag End where their journey had began.

Although still daylight, the soft glow of candlelight could be seen through the windows of the Baggins household, and wisps of grey smoke were arising from the stone chimney.

"I guess Bilbo's home, Mr.Frodo." said Sam with a sign of relief.

"I do suppose he is, Sam. Thank you for all your help today."

"It wasn't nothing, Mr.Frodo, I'm always glad to help."

"You know what, Sam," said Frodo, "with a friend like you at my side, we can accomplish anything."

Sam smiled. "I do believe you're right, Mr.Frodo...I do believe you're right."

Frodo and Sam said their goodbye's for the moment, and parted ways.

Sam walked back to his home, and Frodo into his.

Young Baggins was welcomed by Bilbo and the aroma of dinner cooking above the fire. Although supper would be later enjoyed at Bilbo's party, Frodo took a moment to reflect on how enjoyable the time of life truly was.

Over dinner, both Frodo and Bilbo were entertained by the others' stories about the day's travels throughout the Shire.

Afterwards, as Bilbo was enjoying a smoke of Tovy weed from his pipe as he worked ever dedicated on his novel, Frodo decided to take a brief walk outside.

"Perhaps I'll bring something to read." Frodo thought, as he walked over to the bookcase and randomly selected a title with gold lettering on the cover: The History of Arda.

"This looks interesting" Frodo commented as he walked out the door.

Young Baggins walked as he read, stopping at a small sanctuary of trees, and sat beneath the leaves of a grand old oak, shaded from the sunlight above.

Frodo continued to read, deeply immersed in the world of old.

"Perhaps I might be able to visit the elves someday." Frodo thought.

At that moment, his thoughts were briefly interrupted by the pleasant sound of a song from afar.

He momentarily discontinued from his reading and stood up from the ground below and the shade of the tree.

As the singing became clearer, he knew who at once who it was...

Frodo smiled greatly, and ran immediately toward the direction of the songs' creator.

"He's finally arrived!" Frodo thought with gaiety, seeing the old wizard entering Hobbiton upon a horse drawn cart filled with fireworks.

...it was Gandalf the Grey.

The End.

[A! Elbereth]

Wonderful! And you are so great at telling it. I hope to see more from you one day! ;) :thumbs:

[Sindarin]

Thank you for saying so. I greatly appreciate it you kind words. :thumbs:

I'm currently working on something simple, or at least I hope it will remain as such for the moment.

As soon as its completed, I will post it immediately. :)

[A! Elbereth]

Great! I can't wait to read it!

[Illuvatar]

Very well done Sindarin!

I enjoyed it very much! Especially the thoughts that elude to future adventures!

Keep up the good work! :thumbs:

[Black Rider]

wow, that's awesome! i can't wait to read the next ones :thumbs:

[Goldilocks]

Great job Sindarin! Excellent!:hooray:

[Sindarin]

Thank you, Goldilocks.

[A! Elbereth]

:thumbs:

sorry just felt like doing that lol ;)