[Child of the 7th Age]

The next morning Bullroarer was up quite early as he had a number of tasks to attend to. Some were terribly sad, such as going to speak with the families of the girls who had been killed, sharing his memories with their parents and kin of the many fine things they'd done and how their sacrifice would always be remembered. It was not an easy job, and he wished that it might have turned out otherwise. But he also knew that, when you went out the door into the wild world beyond, dangers like those were always present and, without the girls' sacrifice, many more would have died from hunger in the Shire.

He set Branda and Carl in charge of distributing all the seeds and foodstuffs that the Elves had given to them. The five sleighs had been loaded with goods as well as the wagon and all the pack ponies that they'd taken on the journey. Every village was sending one or more couriers with a small wagon or cart to load up supplies. The provisions would then be taken back and passed out to whichever hobbits were in most desperate need. There should be just enough to go aroound. They would still have to tighten their belts and scrimp by many days, but at least no one should take ill or perish for lack of basic foods.

While Branda was working on organizing and handing out the food, Bullroarer went into the pen where his ponies were kept and picked out a particularly handsome bay mare, one who was heavy with foal, He arranged to have the pony delivered to Branda's wife and little girl so that it would be waiting in his yard when he arrived home after the party.

Branda had promised to stay for the festivities, but said he'd need to hurry home then. "What's the rush?" Bullroarer bellowed. You're welcome to bring your kin here. They can stay a day or two until you get things squared away with the food."

Branda turned and shook his head no, "I don't think that's a good idea. You'll need to use Carl to finish up. You see your wife was holding a letter for me from my family. I'm going to be a daddy again. My wife found out right after I left, and now she's expecting in the early spring. Granny says if I don't get back soon to tend to my family, she'll personally skin me alive."

Bullroarer shook his head and laughed, "We can't be irritating Granny. You'd best get home right quick. After all, it was Granny's sage advice that pulled us out of more than one mess. Make sure to tell her that."

"And congratulations on that baby! At least, that's one piece of news I won't worry about my wife hearing. I'm going now to speak with her about some of those personal developments we had on the trail! I expect to get an earful or two! Wish me luck."

Branda grinned and scratched his head, "I know what you mean! You can be a hero out on the road, but, back home, I'm just the fellow who catches the fish and runs around to please my women folk."

Two hours later, Bullroarer stumbled out his front door again, mumbling something unintelligible under his breath, but looking none the worse for wear. He straightened up and bellowed out to several hobbits standing near, "Everything is just fine. My dear and understanding wife is preparing a large feast for us tonight. Your families have been told, and will be coming too, at least those who are well enough to make the trip." He winked in Branda's direction.

"Feel free to put on your best clothes, or use some of the ones the Elves sent home with us." Bullroarer pointed to a trunk filled with children's clothing, which seemed to fit the hobbits just fine, except for a seam or two that needed to be loosened about the waist, even with the dirth of food in the Shire!

Several of the hobbits pitched in to help Mistress Bullroarer and her servants, so that by evening everything had been properly prepared in the great hall. Tables were laid with fresh linens, and lovely bowls of flowers set out. The hobbits had no idea how she'd magically been able to come up with those. A little space was cleared for dancing between the many tables, and several neighbors with fiddles and flutes had come over to lend their skills. But, best of all, was the food. Platters and piles of it, beyond belief. More food than many hobbits remembered in a very long time. The youngsters kept sticking their heads through the door and trying to sneak in, only Mistress Bullroarer had a large broom and kept swatting them back and telling them to wait for everyone to get here. As night fell over the village, the guests began to arrive to welcome the travellers home and thank them for all they had done.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]