[alaklondewen]

Ferd charged after Tom and the others lagging a little behind even though his pants were a bit looser than when they set out on their boat two weeks before. Suddenly the trees parted, and the hobbits stood in what appeared to be a wide clearing.

“What is this place?” Penny asked. Her voice was filled with awe as she turned around soaking it in.

Ferd searched his memories for stories about the Old Forest. Why would there be an area this big without any trees in the middle of the forest? He thought turning in the same way as Penny. Then it hit him…this was the Bonfire Glade!

“Olo! Do you remember the stories of when the trees attacked the Hedge?” Ferd called to Olo who was facing the opposite direction. Spinning around slowly, Olo met Ferd’s gaze. A broad smile covered Ferd's round face.

“Yes,” Olo drew the word out as though he already knew what Ferd was going to say next, and the hobbit gradually matched Ferd’s grin.

“This must be the Bonfire Glade!” Ferd was ecstatic and he began to dance around the circle, but stopped short when an old branch reached out and scraped his arm. He covered the scratch with his other hand and gave the tree and hateful glance. Then turning back to his companions who were by now curious as to why he was making a fool of himself, he called out, “We’re almost home! The Gate can’t be but a couple of hours from here!”

What followed seemed a little chaotic. The hobbits began jumping up and down and hugging one another, and then hugging Erendal who appeared to be uncomfortable with receiving the affection. Finally they decided to sit and have a small bite in the clearing before making their way home.