Chapter 10: Home
Their return back through the southern branch of the Emyn Uial was uneventful, but rather uncomfortable. Since their rations were running low and Bilbo couldn't tell how long they would have to be away from civilization, he cut back on their food so that they only ate 2 meals a day. And that mostly consisted of dried fruits and stale bread. This was quite a hardship for Frodo. The still-growing lad was used to the normal six-a-day in the Shire.
The wind was at their backs, blowing steadily from the far away frozen north. Frodo felt the bitter cold even at mid-summer, and ended up putting on every ounce of clothing he had brought. Following safe paths marked by the Dunedain allowed them to come through the hills without incident, save for one disturbing reminder. At one fork in the road they ran across another of the markings with an X under the star. They could see a pit down the trail, its sides caved in a long time ago. With much caution, they investigated the pit, only to find the skeletal remains of a large elk trapped within. Frodo swallowed hard; relieved that it was not his remains which were trapped there for all time.
They descended into the gently rolling high pastures and grasslands close by the borders of the North Farthing not far from where they had traveled before. Along the way they spied a lone shepherd and his two black-and- white sheepdogs moving a flock. They paused in their hiking to watch the graceful work of hobbit and beasts.
The shepherd was moving a rather large number of sheep into the lush summer highlands. Control of the flock was maintained by the shepherd, the use of his staff, and the two dogs. The low-slung dogs were sent to move, turn and stop the flock through a series of different whistles. One set of whistles controlled the movements of the mostly black dog, while another, slightly different-pitched set of whistles controlled the white-and-black speckled dog. The three worked in harmony to move the sheep past a dangerous bog and into greener pastures beyond. It was a graceful dance repeated year after year and generation after generation.
Frodo and Bilbo made camp out in the open fields that night, since there were no huts to be seen. Frodo thought they had come down a bit more easterly than when they exited the Shire. Bilbo thought they must be inside the Shire borders, but no markers were seen. The only indications were more pasture lands and fewer stands of dark woodlands.
The next day brought warmer weather and the gradual appearance of fenced paddocks and orchards. They were definitely in the Shire now. They eventually reached the old North Dwarf road and ended up spending the night in Oatbarton at the Inn. again Bilbo and Frodo relaxed with a home-cooked meal and warm bath, then retired to the pub for a beer. Bilbo was not in the mood to entertain the crowd this evening, so they settled into a back booth and quietly observed the room.
"You know, Uncle Bilbo, those Dunedain are like that shepherd we saw the other day," Frodo said as he sipped his brew.
"And how's that?" Bilbo asked.
"Well, sheep don't realize that the shepherd and his dogs are actually protecting them," Frodo quietly said. A group of locals at the bar burst into laughter at a private joke. "It's like that with the Dunedain protecting the Shire. I never knew they were out there in the Wild, patrolling our borders. I don't think anybody in the Shire realizes it either. We take for granted that our homeland is safe and organized and free from danger, just like the sheep take for granted their safe pasture. They don't know about all the work the shepherd does for them."
"I can see your point," Bilbo nodded and began to finger the ring in his pocket. "And now that you've had your adventure, what do you think?"
Frodo thought about it before replying. "I never realized how dangerous places outside the Shire are. I must admit that I was quite relieved to see the first farm house yesterday. I think I took for granted how good life is here in the Shire. I had never been that hungry or that cold before."
Bilbo chuckled to himself slightly. Frodo had done a lot of growing up on this trip.
The bar was filled with farm hands and country lasses drinking and flirting with each other in a never-ending dance of courting and mating. The warmth of the close friendships and family units in the little community on the edge of the Shire brought home how truly wonderful it was to live a quiet, content life in safety and peace.
"We come back out of the Wild and I see orchards and well-tended vegetable gardens and pasture lands full of sheep and cattle," Frodo continued. "We hobbits think it nothing to walk in safety throughout the Shire without being armed or having to worry about the paths we tread or where our next meal will come from. Even the poorest hobbit in the meanest hole lives much better than those poor Dunedain."
"Are you sorry you went on this adventure?" Bilbo asked.
"Oh, don't get me wrong, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo said. "I loved going on this journey with you! We found the pass through the Emyn Uial and I updated your map. We discovered that the lake was enchanted. Met up with real Numenorians. I mean, Dunedain, along the way who proved to be friends. We even found ancient Elvish ruins. But." Frodo cupped his mug with both hands.
"But." Bilbo prompted.
"But living out in the Wild is a lot harder than I ever imagined," Frodo said as he gazed into his beer.
Bilbo smiled and quietly nodded.
"I'm glad to be back in the Shire." Frodo looked up. "Back home. When we reach Bag End, it will be all the more sweet for going away. Thank you for taking me on my own adventure, Uncle Bilbo. But thank you even more for taking me to live with you. You are my family, and I will always treasure coming home no matter how far I may travel."
A lump suddenly appeared in Bilbo's throat. He took a deep breath, put away the ring, reached across the table and patted Frodo's hand. "When we arrive at Bag End I'm going to do a little business in Hobbiton. I realize I've never formally signed the papers making you my heir. Of course, it won't become fully legal until your coming of age when you turn thirty- three. But I want to ensure everything's properly done and those blasted Sackville-Bagginses won't try to cheat you out of your inheritance."
Frodo started to protest but Bilbo quickly shushed him. "My boy, I've always known you were the brightest of all my relations, but I never realized how happy and proud you could make an old bachelor like me." He took Frodo's hands in his. "You are my joy. Never forget that, Frodo."
"I won't, Uncle Bilbo." Frodo smiled. They raised a silent toast to each other and drained their mugs.
--------------
They arrived at Bag End late the next evening. Hamfast was pulling the front door closed and about to blow out the entrance lantern when Bilbo and Frodo rounded the corner of Bag Shot Row. Sam was carrying Bilbo's backpack, jabbering excitedly with Frodo.
"Hold on Hamfast!" Bilbo called out.
"Why, Mister Bilbo! You're back early I see." Hamfast reopened the door and quickly went inside to relight come candles in the entranceway. "Hope everything went well, sir."
"In deed," Bilbo smiled. "Samwise, why don't you put my things down in the hallway and help Frodo unpack. Your father and I can relax and have a beer or two. Oh, and Hamfast? Could Samwise spend the night here at Bag End? I'm sure Frodo is fair bursting to be with someone closer to his own age than an old codger like me."
"Could I, Da???" Sam pleaded.
Hamfast looked hard at Bilbo and shook his head slightly. A little grin appeared in the corner of his mouth. "All right, but be home for lunch tomorrow."
Sam whooped in glee. Bilbo removed his sword and cloak and dumped them on a pile in the hallway. Sam and Frodo disappeared down a hallway chattering excitedly about Elves and stern hooded Men and haunted lakes.
"Tis good ta have ya back home, sir." Hamfast broke into a full-fledged smile.
"It's good to be home," Bilbo said. The two old friends retrieved a couple of mugs of beer from the cellar and took them out into the cool of the night garden. They could hear the boys laughing through the open windows of the smial.
"I think Frodo's had enough adventure to hold him for quite a few years," Bilbo chuckled. They sat down in the old wicker chairs beside the herb garden's sundial and outdoor table.
"What about you, Mister Bilbo?" Hamfast asked as he took a long drink. "You've been mighty close and anxious about something lately. I was just as afraid as young Master Frodo the other day when we both thought you had gone off with them dwarves."
Bilbo leaned back fully in the garden chair. A sliver of the new crescent moon was rising over the Hill. Crickets chirped in the fragrant evening air. Another burst of laughter could be heard coming from Frodo's room. Bilbo put his feet up on a little garden stool and took a long sip from his brew.
"No, my friend. I've put my adventuring days behind me for the time being," Bilbo said. "We're all really quite blessed here, you know? The Shire doesn't have the troubles of the rest of Middle Earth. We're sheltered and protected from the great Shadow that lies on other's lands. Complaining of things which are really only petty annoyances compared to what other folk have to endure. And most of the time we don't even know how well off we are."
"You're right on that point, Mister Bilbo," Hamfast said. "Look at me. I got the best wife in the world and a bushel full of happy and healthy children. Can't complain none about things at all. Things is right and good and true here in the Shire, and I'm awful glad to not get mixed up in anyone else's troubles."
"I never really knew the pleasures and the heartbreaks of children until young Frodo came to stay with me," Bilbo quietly said. "I know what you mean in that you are blessed with home and family. I've seen some of the evil in the world whilst on my travels. Horrible creatures and terrible war. But I can tell you one thing. Even if the Shadow comes again into the world, and even if that great evil comes to the Shire, there is still hope and beauty and love beyond it's reach."
"Aye, that's true," Hamfast agreed. "Ya can see it in the stars and in the heavens; feel it in the good earth and rain; and hear it in our children's voices. And no matter how far ya roams, even if ya ain't in the Shire no more, the Shire will always be in yer heart."
Their return back through the southern branch of the Emyn Uial was uneventful, but rather uncomfortable. Since their rations were running low and Bilbo couldn't tell how long they would have to be away from civilization, he cut back on their food so that they only ate 2 meals a day. And that mostly consisted of dried fruits and stale bread. This was quite a hardship for Frodo. The still-growing lad was used to the normal six-a-day in the Shire.
The wind was at their backs, blowing steadily from the far away frozen north. Frodo felt the bitter cold even at mid-summer, and ended up putting on every ounce of clothing he had brought. Following safe paths marked by the Dunedain allowed them to come through the hills without incident, save for one disturbing reminder. At one fork in the road they ran across another of the markings with an X under the star. They could see a pit down the trail, its sides caved in a long time ago. With much caution, they investigated the pit, only to find the skeletal remains of a large elk trapped within. Frodo swallowed hard; relieved that it was not his remains which were trapped there for all time.
They descended into the gently rolling high pastures and grasslands close by the borders of the North Farthing not far from where they had traveled before. Along the way they spied a lone shepherd and his two black-and- white sheepdogs moving a flock. They paused in their hiking to watch the graceful work of hobbit and beasts.
The shepherd was moving a rather large number of sheep into the lush summer highlands. Control of the flock was maintained by the shepherd, the use of his staff, and the two dogs. The low-slung dogs were sent to move, turn and stop the flock through a series of different whistles. One set of whistles controlled the movements of the mostly black dog, while another, slightly different-pitched set of whistles controlled the white-and-black speckled dog. The three worked in harmony to move the sheep past a dangerous bog and into greener pastures beyond. It was a graceful dance repeated year after year and generation after generation.
Frodo and Bilbo made camp out in the open fields that night, since there were no huts to be seen. Frodo thought they had come down a bit more easterly than when they exited the Shire. Bilbo thought they must be inside the Shire borders, but no markers were seen. The only indications were more pasture lands and fewer stands of dark woodlands.
The next day brought warmer weather and the gradual appearance of fenced paddocks and orchards. They were definitely in the Shire now. They eventually reached the old North Dwarf road and ended up spending the night in Oatbarton at the Inn. again Bilbo and Frodo relaxed with a home-cooked meal and warm bath, then retired to the pub for a beer. Bilbo was not in the mood to entertain the crowd this evening, so they settled into a back booth and quietly observed the room.
"You know, Uncle Bilbo, those Dunedain are like that shepherd we saw the other day," Frodo said as he sipped his brew.
"And how's that?" Bilbo asked.
"Well, sheep don't realize that the shepherd and his dogs are actually protecting them," Frodo quietly said. A group of locals at the bar burst into laughter at a private joke. "It's like that with the Dunedain protecting the Shire. I never knew they were out there in the Wild, patrolling our borders. I don't think anybody in the Shire realizes it either. We take for granted that our homeland is safe and organized and free from danger, just like the sheep take for granted their safe pasture. They don't know about all the work the shepherd does for them."
"I can see your point," Bilbo nodded and began to finger the ring in his pocket. "And now that you've had your adventure, what do you think?"
Frodo thought about it before replying. "I never realized how dangerous places outside the Shire are. I must admit that I was quite relieved to see the first farm house yesterday. I think I took for granted how good life is here in the Shire. I had never been that hungry or that cold before."
Bilbo chuckled to himself slightly. Frodo had done a lot of growing up on this trip.
The bar was filled with farm hands and country lasses drinking and flirting with each other in a never-ending dance of courting and mating. The warmth of the close friendships and family units in the little community on the edge of the Shire brought home how truly wonderful it was to live a quiet, content life in safety and peace.
"We come back out of the Wild and I see orchards and well-tended vegetable gardens and pasture lands full of sheep and cattle," Frodo continued. "We hobbits think it nothing to walk in safety throughout the Shire without being armed or having to worry about the paths we tread or where our next meal will come from. Even the poorest hobbit in the meanest hole lives much better than those poor Dunedain."
"Are you sorry you went on this adventure?" Bilbo asked.
"Oh, don't get me wrong, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo said. "I loved going on this journey with you! We found the pass through the Emyn Uial and I updated your map. We discovered that the lake was enchanted. Met up with real Numenorians. I mean, Dunedain, along the way who proved to be friends. We even found ancient Elvish ruins. But." Frodo cupped his mug with both hands.
"But." Bilbo prompted.
"But living out in the Wild is a lot harder than I ever imagined," Frodo said as he gazed into his beer.
Bilbo smiled and quietly nodded.
"I'm glad to be back in the Shire." Frodo looked up. "Back home. When we reach Bag End, it will be all the more sweet for going away. Thank you for taking me on my own adventure, Uncle Bilbo. But thank you even more for taking me to live with you. You are my family, and I will always treasure coming home no matter how far I may travel."
A lump suddenly appeared in Bilbo's throat. He took a deep breath, put away the ring, reached across the table and patted Frodo's hand. "When we arrive at Bag End I'm going to do a little business in Hobbiton. I realize I've never formally signed the papers making you my heir. Of course, it won't become fully legal until your coming of age when you turn thirty- three. But I want to ensure everything's properly done and those blasted Sackville-Bagginses won't try to cheat you out of your inheritance."
Frodo started to protest but Bilbo quickly shushed him. "My boy, I've always known you were the brightest of all my relations, but I never realized how happy and proud you could make an old bachelor like me." He took Frodo's hands in his. "You are my joy. Never forget that, Frodo."
"I won't, Uncle Bilbo." Frodo smiled. They raised a silent toast to each other and drained their mugs.
--------------
They arrived at Bag End late the next evening. Hamfast was pulling the front door closed and about to blow out the entrance lantern when Bilbo and Frodo rounded the corner of Bag Shot Row. Sam was carrying Bilbo's backpack, jabbering excitedly with Frodo.
"Hold on Hamfast!" Bilbo called out.
"Why, Mister Bilbo! You're back early I see." Hamfast reopened the door and quickly went inside to relight come candles in the entranceway. "Hope everything went well, sir."
"In deed," Bilbo smiled. "Samwise, why don't you put my things down in the hallway and help Frodo unpack. Your father and I can relax and have a beer or two. Oh, and Hamfast? Could Samwise spend the night here at Bag End? I'm sure Frodo is fair bursting to be with someone closer to his own age than an old codger like me."
"Could I, Da???" Sam pleaded.
Hamfast looked hard at Bilbo and shook his head slightly. A little grin appeared in the corner of his mouth. "All right, but be home for lunch tomorrow."
Sam whooped in glee. Bilbo removed his sword and cloak and dumped them on a pile in the hallway. Sam and Frodo disappeared down a hallway chattering excitedly about Elves and stern hooded Men and haunted lakes.
"Tis good ta have ya back home, sir." Hamfast broke into a full-fledged smile.
"It's good to be home," Bilbo said. The two old friends retrieved a couple of mugs of beer from the cellar and took them out into the cool of the night garden. They could hear the boys laughing through the open windows of the smial.
"I think Frodo's had enough adventure to hold him for quite a few years," Bilbo chuckled. They sat down in the old wicker chairs beside the herb garden's sundial and outdoor table.
"What about you, Mister Bilbo?" Hamfast asked as he took a long drink. "You've been mighty close and anxious about something lately. I was just as afraid as young Master Frodo the other day when we both thought you had gone off with them dwarves."
Bilbo leaned back fully in the garden chair. A sliver of the new crescent moon was rising over the Hill. Crickets chirped in the fragrant evening air. Another burst of laughter could be heard coming from Frodo's room. Bilbo put his feet up on a little garden stool and took a long sip from his brew.
"No, my friend. I've put my adventuring days behind me for the time being," Bilbo said. "We're all really quite blessed here, you know? The Shire doesn't have the troubles of the rest of Middle Earth. We're sheltered and protected from the great Shadow that lies on other's lands. Complaining of things which are really only petty annoyances compared to what other folk have to endure. And most of the time we don't even know how well off we are."
"You're right on that point, Mister Bilbo," Hamfast said. "Look at me. I got the best wife in the world and a bushel full of happy and healthy children. Can't complain none about things at all. Things is right and good and true here in the Shire, and I'm awful glad to not get mixed up in anyone else's troubles."
"I never really knew the pleasures and the heartbreaks of children until young Frodo came to stay with me," Bilbo quietly said. "I know what you mean in that you are blessed with home and family. I've seen some of the evil in the world whilst on my travels. Horrible creatures and terrible war. But I can tell you one thing. Even if the Shadow comes again into the world, and even if that great evil comes to the Shire, there is still hope and beauty and love beyond it's reach."
"Aye, that's true," Hamfast agreed. "Ya can see it in the stars and in the heavens; feel it in the good earth and rain; and hear it in our children's voices. And no matter how far ya roams, even if ya ain't in the Shire no more, the Shire will always be in yer heart."