Tolkien Fan Fiction
| 93 |
| Questions of a Young Hobbit |
Written for the A_L_E_C "Sun and Moon" challenge. For Alassante just because, and for Michelle for her birthday. |
“Bilbo?” “Yes, my lad?” “Is it true that when the world was new there were no sun or moon?” “So the ancient elvish reports tell it.” “But how do we know that is true?” “Well, there are, I understand, a few elves within Middle-earth who were there and knew the days before the sun and moon arose.” “Are there really?” “Well, elves don’t have to die at the end of an appointed time as do mortals, so, yes, it is true.” “And you’ve met elves?” A pause. Then, in low, almost sad tones, “Do you doubt me, Frodo?” “Oh, no, of course I don’t! It is only--well, you know how the Sackville-Bagginses always insist everything you say is a lie, and not even Merry or Pippin’s parents seem to take it all seriously.” His voice slightly bitter: “Well, of course not--they are not children, but responsible, adult hobbits who cannot admit that there may be folk about they have never met who might have done things they would rather not imagine.” A silence. Then, “Yes. I see.” Another silence. Finally, “Did my father believe you?” A snort. “Well, if he didn’t he had too much courtesy to confront me openly about it, and the same with your dear mother.” Again a silence. At last, “The sun and moon are beautiful, but I think I love the stars best.” Softly: “Yes, I can see that. But then you have more of an elvish feel to you than is normal with our kind.” “Will I meet elves one day--to talk to, I mean?” “I am certain you shall, my dear boy. I am certain you shall. And perhaps you just might meet one or two of those who can describe what it was like to waken beneath the light of stars, long ago on the shores of the Waters of Awakening....” At that Frodo shuffled somewhat nearer to lie pressed up against Bilbo, pleased to listen to the story the old hobbit wove as the two of them lay side by side atop the Hill, watching the stars wheel over them. |