Shire Lass
“Alasse! Alasse!” Faramir Brandybuck called through the thick, lush woods of Buckland. His younger sister was forever running off.
Alasse was snuggled deep in the middle of the forest, nestled on a fallen tree, a book in hand, and notebook and pencil at her side. She was thought of as an odd one by everyone who knew her. Far too interested in everything and too curious for her own good. Often she was found scribbling ideas for adventures, and reading of ones that had been accomplished. Her favorite book of them all was There and Back Again; a Hobbit’s Tale by her great second uncle, Bilbo Baggins.
“Alasse Daisy Brandybuck!” Her brother threatened. This was the first call that Alasse had heard. She gathered her books and raced through the memorized woods, and into her house, Brandy Hollow. In a few minutes Faramir would come back, exasperated and exhausted, just to find her changing into a nicer dress, peacefully and calmly.
Today was Alasse’s 20th birthday, and she was entering her tween years. She would still be thought of as a young, reckless hobbit in the eyes of her 29-year-old brother.
~
The birthday party was only a small gathering of all the Brandybucks in Buckland. Festive lights were hung, music was being played for dances, ale was passed around (several times) and there was a good amount of food.
In this (Alasse’s) Brandybuck family the daughters and sons weren’t allowed to drink until they were 20, so there was much tempting and cheering on by Alasse’s friends. To everyone’s disappointment, she stopped after glass six, and ran to get sick in the bushes. The only hobbit who didn’t find great humor in that was Pearl, Alasse’s best hobbit friend.
Alasse and Pearl decided to disappear from the crowd for awhile, and they grabbed a lantern from an abandoned table.
Back in the girls’ secret spot they divided up some gifts of candy and sat back in quiet peace.
“Have you danced with Tuck yet?” Alasse asked mischievously.
“Of course! I haven’t let him catch his breath for the past hour!” Red-headed Pearl answered, her fair skin glowing. “And tell me why you turn down all of the lads except Nad?” Pearl’s voiced was drenched in disappointment.
“Because Nad is good friends with my brother, and is…more…I don’t know! He just doesn’t make me feel as awkward and shy than the other boys.”
“I should say not!” Pearl giggled. Alasse shot her a cross look.
The girl ate their candy in silence for a minute.
“People here are so boring.” Alasse said candidly, hoping Pearl wouldn’t take it personally.
“Of course we are! We’re hobbits!” laughed Pearl.
“Well hobbit or not, I am thirsty for an adventure.”
“And which one will it be this time?” Pearl teased, almost sarcastically.
“You just wait and see, Pearl Brandybuck!” Alasse snapped, eyes growing wide with temper.
“They’re calling you back to say good-bye” Pearl said quietly, as if it would end their small dispute, and led her friend back to the Party.
~
After the party Alasse lay awake, deep in thought for a long time. Her imagination had been running full of tales of adventures with dragons and dwarfs, elves and wizards, men and other beings she had never met before. Now she felt bored of daydreaming, and ready to ‘go’ and ‘do’.
Her family would never hear of it, though. Not a good thing for a well brought up hobbit. But she must get out, her heart would not be content in Hobbiton. She might give her family a bad name. There would be talk of her disappearance for days. Hmm… she needed a plan. Alasse sprang out of bed and lit a lantern.
She quietly grabbed one of her packs and the first thing she reached for was her favorite book. She was very grateful to Bilbo for supplying maps in his book.
Alasse would leave the next night, one last day in the Shire, if she never returned.
Chapter Two
The next day dawned beautifully, and Alasse spent luxurious time weaving through, what she realized to be – her beloved Shire.
When night fell, she sighed. She could feel the change in the air as she scribbled out a note to leave:
Going on adventure. Miss you and love you. – Alasse
Then she slipped on her cloak and grabbed her sack. The moonlight danced shadows on the trees as she slipped through Buckland Forest, which took her until the moon was about two hours from sinking. Then she stumbled upon a place, which must have been Tookville. Even though it was dark and most hobbits should be sleeping, Alasse kept to the edge of the wood.
Another hour or so passed as the moon continued to sink, when she heard a twig snap behind her back. She stopped and immediately turned around. She could barely make out the other hobbit in the dark. She could tell he was a male hobbit, about her age, and that he was staring back at her.
“Who are you?” She asked.
“It appears to me, I should be asking the same question, as you are standing on my property.” Was the young hobbits shrewd reply.
“My business is to be kept to myself – that’s all I want, for you to keep it that way.” Alasse begged.
“Why should I give you my word? Why is your business to be kept so private?” he asked in return.
“Because…” Alasse wondered what she could say, “I don’t want to cause a stir, and therefore be held back.”
“Held back?” The hobbit had doubt in his voice as he stepped closer, and examined her again. “Just where are you going?”
Alasse stuck her chin out, proudly. “On an adventure.” She boldly informed him. “ And now that I have told you my business, give me your name – and your word.”
“As for my name, that would be Till Took, nephew of Peregrin Took, Thane of the Shire. As for my word, I should like to offer it to you in a way other than secrecy.”
“Oh? And how’s that?”
Till bowed. “Till Took at your service, offering myself as your companion. A lass so fine and delicate as yourself should be needing someone to care for her and guard her.”
Alasse was pleased by his complements, and it showed in the tint of pink in her cheeks. “What interest have you in adventure?”
“Blood of my uncle runs through my veins. Need that be explained.”
“Not at all.” Fine, you may continue on with me. Let us get going.” She turned on her heal and began to move on. The hobbit ran after her.
“Wait, Lass! You know my name, now lend me yours!”
“So sorry.” The boldness left her voice for a second. “Alasse Brandybuck. And the same adventurous blood runs in me, as my father in Meridock Brandybuck, companion of your uncle.
They continued on, hobbit feet silently picking their way, reaching the end of the Shire by daylight. Now they were able to travel a stretch unnoticed. When the sun was nice and bright, the hobbits were quite hungry, and Alasse was in dire need of her maps.
To Be Continued....
