There were those who tried to sneak in early, of course, some jostling to reach the tables first, others simply eager for adventure. A particular few were hoping to learn more about their enigmatic benefactor. These early birds met with no great misadventure, just a drenching as Goldberry's washing day cleared away the dust of summer drought in preparation for the Picnic. Weather could be unpredictable in the Old Forest.
By the appointed time, quite a crowd had gathered by the Brandybuck Gate. They looked beyond the hedge and saw the gnarled branches and twisted roots of the twinning trees and the dark shadows. Some might have had second thoughts. Yet the coolness under the branches was rewarding, invigorating, and off in the distance they heard haunting, enchanting music.
"Tolkien"--Brodbingnagian Bards
'Tis a cheating piper, come to bear us away, prophesied one voice.
Wrong story, someone else muttered. But many feet began to catch the beat and the baskets suddenly seemed lighter and the Forest brighter. Besides, everyone was hungry.
[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]