The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Gathering-In, or The Quest of the 24 Messengers.

Bêthberry · 09-06-2002, 08:00 PM

Despite the warm sensation of the summer sun on their bodies and the scents of summer blooms on the air, the Messengers were becoming tired of riding. Not just their muscles, but the bones of their hips also were protesting the long ride. There was only so much stretching and rubbing a hobbit could do.

Hob rode ahead to talk with Ardo.

I know some of yous have yer hearts set on Bree, but Marcho figured that Staddle would give us quieter rest. Bree's too full of men and too empty of our kind. There's plenty of hobbit folk in Staddle that'll be offerin' us a home cooked meal tonight and an interested, helpful ear about the Gatherin'. Why spend our time tellin' the Big folk about it and risk angerin' 'em?

Ardo listened thoughtfully to Hob, looked at his honest face, and nodded agreement. They would push on.

By dusk this largest group of Messengers had reached Staddle, on the other side of the hill from Bree. They had ridden mainly through small country fields and untilled woodland and most had never before had a chance to see the calm beauty of this land. The air had been fresh and sweet and the sun warm and for a time it seemed as if all was right with the world. Now, they were tired and thinking of roast mutton and fresh bread and taters and greens and berry pies.

The hobbits of Staddle were an old settlement, oldest in all Bree-land if you took their word for it. They were huddled in smials and some largish houses around two roads which crossed the main street. In all there were maybe twenty families and each had tried to outdo the other in the warmth and hospitality of their welcome for the heroes of The Gathering. There would be many full and satisfied bellies this night in Staddle.

Hob looked over at his friend Erling. There's a family at the end of the main street at the foot of the hill who's waitin' for us. By name be Broadbelt. Go you there and let them know we've made it. I'll sees to the ponies and the carts.

Erling was happy to announce their arrival at the large smial of the Underhills. He could smell the stew and fresh bread baking.

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

09-06-2002, 08:00 PM	#51
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Despite the warm sensation of the summer sun on their bodies and the scents of summer blooms on the air, the Messengers were becoming tired of riding. Not just their muscles, but the bones of their hips also were protesting the long ride. There was only so much stretching and rubbing a hobbit could do. Hob rode ahead to talk with Ardo. I know some of yous have yer hearts set on Bree, but Marcho figured that Staddle would give us quieter rest. Bree's too full of men and too empty of our kind. There's plenty of hobbit folk in Staddle that'll be offerin' us a home cooked meal tonight and an interested, helpful ear about the Gatherin'. Why spend our time tellin' the Big folk about it and risk angerin' 'em? Ardo listened thoughtfully to Hob, looked at his honest face, and nodded agreement. They would push on. By dusk this largest group of Messengers had reached Staddle, on the other side of the hill from Bree. They had ridden mainly through small country fields and untilled woodland and most had never before had a chance to see the calm beauty of this land. The air had been fresh and sweet and the sun warm and for a time it seemed as if all was right with the world. Now, they were tired and thinking of roast mutton and fresh bread and taters and greens and berry pies. The hobbits of Staddle were an old settlement, oldest in all Bree-land if you took their word for it. They were huddled in smials and some largish houses around two roads which crossed the main street. In all there were maybe twenty families and each had tried to outdo the other in the warmth and hospitality of their welcome for the heroes of The Gathering. There would be many full and satisfied bellies this night in Staddle. Hob looked over at his friend Erling. There's a family at the end of the main street at the foot of the hill who's waitin' for us. By name be Broadbelt. Go you there and let them know we've made it. I'll sees to the ponies and the carts. Erling was happy to announce their arrival at the large smial of the Underhills. He could smell the stew and fresh bread baking. [ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.