[alaklondewen]

The first light of the new day filtered through the blue curtains in Ben Took’s guest room and hit Ferdibrand’s upturned face. Being only half conscious he rolled on this side and rubbed his eyes with his fists. He pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. After a good stretch and one last yawn, he stood up and crossed the room to the water basin next to the dresser to splash water on his face.

Ferd slipped quietly out of the bedroom and down the hall. No one else was moving in the house, so he grabbed two apples from the kitchen and out the back door he went. The fresh morning air hit his face, and he breathed in deeply before taking a bite of one his apples. This morning was full of excitement and the promise of adventure. Ferd couldn’t help but skip all the way to the river bank where he knew the others would be waiting. Sure enough, four hobbits were already standing around the boat.

“Morning!” Ferd called as he stepped through the trees that lead to the bank. Everyone turned and waved excitedly at him.