[piosenniel]

It was a frosty, cold morning when they set out. The warm breath of the ponies sent trails of fog spiraling out into the early morning air as they stood in the yard waiting for the two footed travellers to come out of the house.

'Thank goodness it didn't snow again last night.' said Mrs. Took in passing to her husband.

Camelia, as she was known to her friends and family, had just finished the packing for Bandy, as she called him, and was now loading some wooden crates up with what foods they could spare for the companions. They were a fortunate family - a number of strong sons still lived near and they and their father had hunted far afield to bring in game and fish for the Took larder. She herself had had a small, but productive garden, and had come up with a wonderful new idea for getting small plantings through frosty periods. Cold frame gardening she called it. She and her sons would be helping neighboring families to set it up for themselves while Bandy and his group were away.

Bullroarer was holding a last minute meeting in the large front room. Maps had been spread out on the tables there and groups of hobbits were bent over them. He had divided the group into five sections, and each group had a leader, of sorts, with a map. Someone he felt the others in the group could go to for direction and advice as needed.

There were 6 copies of their route. One each had gone to Halwon, Giles, Carl, Dinodas, and Branda, the last of course being for Bullroarer himself.

Dinodas would be paired with Robin. Hal would take Gaddy and Daisy. Carl with Daffodyl. Giles with Autumn. Branda would oversee Emerald and Celandine. Lotho would ride with Bullroarer, himself - there was much they needed to discuss about dealing with the Elves.

There were some raised eyebrows at these pairings, but Bullroarer made it clear these were for travelling purposes only. When camped, the males and females would separate into their own groups. It was Camelia who had first brought this to the old campaigner's attention, and knowing many of the girl's families - she had been adamant about this arrangement.

Each day a different group would lead the others, scouting out the Great East Road before them as need be; that is, once they left the boundaries of the Shire.

Camelia brought in several pots of hot, sweet tea and each had a final cup before stepping out the door. She stood on the door step, and waved good-bye to them as they started down the road. Branda and his group led the way.

All her good wishes trailed down the road after them. And she thought they might need them, as she noted the once again Bullroarer had neglected to have the wobbly left rear wheel of the great wagon fixed.

'To Frogmorton!' cried the great voice of Bullroarer from the rear. 'The Floating Log!' rang out several voices in response, anticipating already a warm fire and a pint.

[ November 28, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]