FRODO'S JOURNAL - A day in the life of a Hobbit of the Shire. (Pre-Quest Years)

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I was a little surprised and more than pleased when I received another invitation to the Great Smials, so soon after the Yule holiday, this time to celebrate the birth of Hugo and Zinnia Took’s first child, a daughter, whom they named, Iris.

Bennie was kind enough to offer me the use of Patience again. However, I was not in that much of a hurry to climb back into the saddle so soon after my unfortunate mishap. But Bennie reminded me that Patience had carried me safely to Tuckborough once before, and the only reason I had come to grief while riding her, was because I hadn’t known enough to trust to the wise, old mare’s judgement. So, in the end, I accepted and Patience and I sallied forth, on our way to Tookland, yet again.

Paladin and Eglantine were among the first to greet me, and as always, seemed quite glad to see me. I took it as a positive sign that Eglantine, in particular, welcomed me with a warm smile. Ever since Pippin had adopted the extremely active and curious stray kitten that had formerly resided with me, I hadn’t been so sure that I would be high on my cousins’ list of favoured relatives.

While Eglantine and I exchanged pleasantries, Peregrin, as yet, had not put in an appearance, which led me to ask, "How is Pippin?"

"Which Pippin would you be referring to? My son or the four-legged one?" She answered with a grin.

I had almost forgotten that Pippin had named the kitten after himself. (He’d gotten the idea from Merry, who had innocently remarked that the kitten’s inquisitiveness put him in mind of Pip.)

"I meant my cousin," I said, "but now that you mention it, how is the other Pippin?"

"They’re both fine and full of spit and vinegar." She replied rather proudly.

As if on cue, the two-legged Pippin made his entrance, with a loud, enthusiastic, "Frodo!"

He was followed by his namesake, who although, now grown a little larger, still romped and bounced behind with characteristic kitten energy.

"Hullo, Pippin." I returned his greeting, though mine did not quite achieve the same resonating volume. " I was just asking your mother about our furry friend here." I finished, with a nod at the kitten.

"He’s doing just fine!" Pip announced.

As if to prove it, Pippin II began to chase his tail, he then turned a somersault, and ended the display by batting at some nonexistent prey.

With a laugh I noted, "Well, I can see he’s still as lively as ever." To Eglantine I added, "I hope he hasn’t turned out to be too much trouble."

"On the contrary, Frodo, I’d like to thank you for sending him our way." She answered.

My eyebrows went up in surprise.

"He’s turned out to be one of the best mousers we’ve ever had." She explained.

"Oh, well then, you’re quite welcome!" I laughed, then said, "I’m just happy that he has a good home."

Eglantine smiled. "Perhaps it was selfish of us to take him when you might have had need of him."

"Actually, come to think of it, I’m not often troubled with mice at Bag End."

"That’s because there’s never much food at Bag End!" Pippin piped up. He was obviously thinking of how he had foraged through my cupboards in search of edibles on his last visit. "Frodo would much rather eat out and throw himself and his appetite on the mercy of his friends’ and neighbors’ tables!"

I was just about to open my mouth in defense of myself, when I was interrupted.

"Well then, we must see to it that Frodo and his appetite are well met."Eglantine said with a wink at her son. Turning her attention to me, she added. "As soon as you’re settled in Frodo, come to the kitchen. The table will be waiting, with enough sustenance to keep you satisfied until the next meal!"

Which it did, at that! The next meal happened to be the banquet for little Iris Took. The celebration was wonderful, with a seemingly endless supply of food and drink, generously provided by the Thain himself. It seemed rather a shame, however, that the baby wasn’t able to appreciate all the food and entertainment set forth in her honour. She retired from the festivities very early and slept the night away. As for me, I retired much later, but I slept through the night like a baby, myself.