Chapter Note:  Both lightning and meteor strikes have been known to fuse sand into glass (called “fulgurites”).  The color is usually a translucent tan, gray, white, or black.

It’s been awhile since I publicly thanked... hugged... appreciated my wonderful beta-mom, who is so helpful in the polishing of these stories that I should list her as co-author.  You’re a marvel, mom -- thank you so much for sharing this world with me.

Responses to reviews are located at the end of the chapter.

DISCLAIMER:  Of course.  The characters don’t belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.

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ESTEL’S BIRTHDAY

Chapter 6 -- Hobbity Healing

March 1

Barking wildly, Scamp raced off toward the trees.  Aragorn quickly handed Pippin to Sam and leaped to his feet.

We’re under attack, was the Ranger’s first thought.  Then, impossible, we’re in the Shire.  Impossible or not, he ran to where Arthad and the pony stood, both shifting nervously, and debated retrieving his sword from where it lay sheathed among his gear.  Bilbo ran to the nearby cart, and Aragorn realized that the hobbit had the same idea as he.

“Bilbo, keep Sting hidden and stay here with the boys,” Aragorn told him, realization dawning as to what had most likely occurred.  “I believe I know what’s happened, and I don’t think we’ll need weapons.  Keep everyone together.  I’ll be back soon.”  With that, he strode off on his long legs, using Scamp’s barks as a guide.

“Bilbo,” Frodo whispered when the old hobbit returned, “what was it?  Did you ever hear anything like that before?”

“No, Frodo lad,” Bilbo admitted.  “But whatever it was, it’s stopped.”  He took deep breaths to calm himself, wishing that the sun had not yet set so that he could survey the surrounding area.

“Stay close, Master Pippin,” Sam said, keeping Pippin from running after Scamp.

“Pip, are you all right?” Frodo asked anxiously, kneeling in front of the child.

“Something was loud,” Pippin said accusingly.

“Estel’s gone to see about it,” Bilbo said in a deliberately jovial voice.  He knew he had to get everyone busy enough to stay at camp and not be tempted to follow Aragorn.  “I believe there are dishes to be washed.  Sam, would you help me with these pots?”

“Glad to, Mr. Bilbo,” said Sam, glad for some useful activity.  He moved toward the pan of water holding the supper dishes.

“But Bilbo,” Frodo gasped indignantly, “We have to see what---”

“Frodo,” Bilbo interrupted him softly, “Estel asked that we stay together, and wait for him.  He’ll let us know if he needs any help.  We have a C-H-I-L-D to look after, and I believe a certain little lad needs his bath.”

Frodo looked back at Pippin, who was still glaring at him -- but now for a different reason.

“No,” Pippin declared.  “I don’t want any...”  The protest was cut off by a huge yawn.

“Come on, Pip,” Frodo sighed, scooping the child up into his arms.  “Just a short bath, then to bed and a story.”  He quickly prepared the toddler for a bath, and carried him to the makeshift tub.  Settling the sulky tot into the pan of warmed water, Frodo rolled up his sleeves, reached for the soap and a cloth, and began gently but thoroughly scrubbing his young cousin -- who immediately began splashing and enjoying himself.

“Peregrin,” Frodo chuckled, “which of us is taking this bath?”

“Cheep cheep cheep!” Pippin sang and splashed, “duckies go cheep!”

When Pippin was clean and starting to splash less and yawn more, Frodo lifted him out of the water, quickly toweled him dry, then wrapped him up in a thick blanket.

“I’ll find his nightclothes and tuck our little duckling into bed,” Frodo said to Bilbo.  “I need to change into dry clothes, myself.”  He cast a worried look toward the trees before disappearing into the tent with his warm, drowsy bundle.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Aragorn moved quickly through the grove of trees, his senses alert, and soon came to where Scamp was dashing about in a wide circle.  There was a strange smell to the air, like something seared and burned.  As the Ranger came closer, Scamp ran in front of him, beginning to bark once again.  Aragorn tried to go around her, but Scamp immediately ran in front of him again.

“Are you trying to keep me back?” Aragorn asked, impressed with the little dog’s protective instincts.  “You’re quite the guardian, aren’t you?”  He bent and patted her, wishing he had brought a torch.  From what little he could see under the dark trees, it appeared as if something had hit the sandy ground and formed a wide, circular depression.  Everything was quiet except for a faint hiss, but slowly, crickets began to chirp once more, and Scamp grew calmer.

“Something fell, didn’t it?” Aragorn murmured to the pup.  “Something from the sky...”  He looked up through the branches, lost in thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bilbo smiled with relief as Scamp bounded back into camp.  The pup, with the knitted cap still tied onto her head, dashed to her water dish and started slurping noisily.

“Where’s Estel?” asked Frodo anxiously, emerging from the tent.

“I hear him talking to Ollie,” Sam replied.  “Here he comes.”

“Is Pippin settled down?” Bilbo asked Frodo.

“Settled, but fighting sleep,” Frodo sighed.  “He wants to say good night to Estel, and---”  He groaned as his young cousin followed him out of the tent, sleepy but determined, dragging a blanket behind him.  “Come here, you rascal.”  Frodo scooped up Pippin and held him as Aragorn joined the hobbits around the campfire.

“Estel, is everything all right?” Frodo asked.

“As far as I can tell, everything’s fine, Frodo.”

“What made the noise, sir?” Sam asked.

Aragorn smiled at the anxious hobbits.  “Do you remember what we were talking about, that something strange occasionally falls from the sky?  I believe we were witness to just such an event.”

Frodo looked puzzled.  “But why would something fall?  And from where?”

“I truly do not know,” Aragorn responded, “and until I can investigate the area in daylight, I am not certain what has fallen.  But I do not believe we are in any danger.”  He smiled and touched the boy’s shoulder in reassurance, and Bilbo thought he saw the Ranger wince.

“Estel, are you hurt?” asked Bilbo suddenly.

“Nothing serious,” Aragorn said with a chuckle.  He held up his right index finger, which showed the redness of a burn.  “I was foolish enough to ignore Scamp’s warning, and touched something where the sand had been disturbed.  It was too dark to see clearly, and what I thought was a rock, was not.  I am anxious to go back in the morning to see it clearly.  It almost seemed as if a portion of the sand had turned to glass.”  He wiggled his finger ruefully.  “Very hot glass.”

“Sam, fetch some cold stream water in a cup or pot, please.  Frodo, where did we put the salves and bandages?” asked Bilbo briskly.

“There, in that pack,” Frodo pointed, his arms still full of sleepy Pippin.

“Bilbo,” Aragorn protested as Sam dashed off, “you needn’t---”

“Nonsense,” Bilbo said firmly.  “Ah, thank you, Sam.  Estel, sit down so we can tend to you.”

With a resigned sigh, the Ranger sat down by the fire and found himself surrounded by solicitous hobbits.  Before he knew what was happening, he found his finger eased into a potful of cold water.

“The cold will help keep any blistering down,” Frodo said matter of factly.  “Later on, we can put Bilbo’s salve on your finger; it’s wonderful.”

Meanwhile, Pippin was watching the procedure anxiously.

“What’s wrong, Pip?” Frodo asked.

“Kiss it,” Pippin urged.

“What?”

“Mummy says you have to kiss a scwatch to make it better,” the toddler explained.

“I see,” Frodo grinned.  He deposited Pippin into the Ranger’s lap.  “You kiss it, Pip.  Just like mummy does.”

Pippin pulled Aragorn’s finger out of the water and kissed it, making a little smacking sound with his lips.  He smiled up at the Man, satisfied that everything would now be fine.

“Thank you,” Aragorn said tentatively.

“Don’t the Elves know about that particular healing technique?” Bilbo asked with a grin.  “You really must tell Lord Elrond about it, the next time you see him.”

“I’ll think about it,” Aragorn chuckled.

“I’ll get more cold water,” Sam said, going to refill the pot at the stream.  “Mr. Estel,” he asked anxiously when he returned, “is it over?  What if somethin’ else falls?”

“Be at ease, Sam,” Aragorn assured him.  “Such an event as what has occurred this night is so rare as to be nearly legendary.  We will investigate in the full light of morning, but do not let your hearts be troubled.  There is still great beauty to be enjoyed.”  He motioned upward to where the star showers still painted bright trails overhead.

“Estel...” Frodo said hesitantly.

“Yes?”

”Tomorrow morning, after we see what’s in the trees, can we... take a walk?” Frodo asked the Ranger.  “We haven’t really been able to spend any time together.  Just the two of us.  What I mean is---”

“I would love that, Frodo,” Aragorn said, smiling fondly at the tween.

“Good,” Frodo said happily.  “Now, how about that story, Pip?  Maybe something about...” His voice trailed off when he realized that the toddler had fallen fast asleep in Aragorn’s arms.  “Finally,” he sighed with relief.

“I’ll take him,” Bilbo chuckled, gathering up the sleeping toddler.  “Frodo, why don’t you and Sam get Aragorn some tea.  I’ll join you shortly.”

“What an interestin’ day,” Sam said.

“Indeed it has been,” Bilbo agreed with a laugh.  “What was that you were saying about remembering few of your birthdays, Estel?”

“Trust me, my friend,” Aragorn grinned, “I will not soon forget this one!”

** TBC **

Aiko-chan:  Don’t panic!  Whatever happens, it’ll be cushioned by fluff!

Ainu Laire:  Your cliffhanger is a riot!  My gosh, the things Aragorn has experienced that no one will ever know about... :)

aprilkat:  I’m so happy you’re enjoying this!

Arrina:  Your sister says I never write cliffies?  Hmm... I’m afraid that “Avalanche”, “Quarantined”, “Mind to Mind”, and a few others just might have a few cliffies here and there...!

Auntie Meesh:  Thank you so much for highlighting the lines you liked in Chapter 5 -- you picked two of my favorites.

Baylor:  Thank you for all your lovely reviews.  (Somehow I guessed that you didn’t mind the fact that Pippin is in this story.)  I’m so pleased that you like my portrayal of Bell, and that Frodo is maturing over the course of these stories.

bobo baggins:  Your cat is named Arwen?  Love it!

Breon Briarwood:  It took me quite awhile to come up with a proper “mythology” for the star showers; I’m so glad it seems believable.

Caleigh Holmes:  Thanks, Caleigh!  I updated as fast as I could!

Cantora:  You don’t have to worry about Aragorn’s birthday being ruined -- any time he spends with hobbits is a good time!

Clever Hobbit:  Woof!  I suspect that Rangers can imitate many animal sounds -- why not puppies?  :)

cuthalion:  I gave a lot of thought to the “star showers”.  How I wish we all could have been there to experience that special night with Aragorn and the hobbits.

DreaminofLorien:  I like to think that Aragorn’s paternal instincts will be enhanced by his experiences with the hobbits -- especially toddler hobbits!

Elly Baggins: What fun to imagine that big Ranger trying to put a jacket on a tiny, squirmy hobbit lad.

Elven Kitten:  Yes, one of those meteorites... rocks... things!

Esamen:  I like your thoughts about Bilbo.  He’s certainly a very special hobbit, and it’s fun to learn more by writing about him.

fadagaski:  And Pippin loves you right back.

Frodo Freak2:  I suspect that Chapter 5 contained the only cliffie in the story.

GamgeeFest:  Yes, leave it to Pippin to have found Scamp some party clothes!

Gentle Hobbit:  I do seem to have a compulsion to find logical ways to explain things.  I’m so glad that the story of “Nienna’s tears” seems to work.

Grey Wonderer:  Sorry about the cliffhanger!  No puppies or ducks are in danger!

grumpy:  Cake for everyone!  I just know that Bilbo packed enough food for all of us.

Hai Took:  Nothing too scary in the trees!  Just a bit of galactic fluff.

Ice Ember:  Our dog hated wearing clothes.  Funny how some animals hate it, and some love it!

LaughingBrook:  Ducklings are adorable.  I can’t blame Pippin for wanting to take one home.

Lily the Hobbit:  I do believe that Aragorn would think about Hope quite a bit... even at this point in his life, he’s waited a long time for his destiny to unfold.

lindahoyland:  I didn’t realize just how much fun it would be to spoil Aragorn with food and fun until I started doing it.  He deserves it!  (I e-mailed a ‘thank you’ for your review of “As the Stars Looked Down”, but it bounced back.  So... thank you!)

LinweP:  It was fun to update this birthday story around THE birthday!

lovethosehobbits:  Aragorn just turns into an old softie around those hobbits.  I’m so glad to give them all a happy, relaxing time together.

Maura Labingi:  Hope the resolution of the mystery is satisfying!

melilot hill:  I’d love it if someone could illustrate a few scenes from this story.  If only I could draw...

Miss Aranel:  I’m so glad you discovered the story!  I hope you’ll read the prequels (“Quarantined” and “Reflections of the Past”) to get the full backstory of this ‘universe’.

my-fool-of-a-took:  Woof!  I’m glad you liked that scene!  Aragorn is such a softie around the hobbits.

Mysterious Jedi:  If it’s more you want, it’s more you get!  Hope you enjoy Chapter 6.

Parker:  Our dog (Twinkles) hated wearing clothes -- she always bit and pulled off anything we dressed her in.  Oh yes, Estel has a very gentle and patient soul -- and hobbits bring out the best in him, I think.

Pearl Took:  How could I resist tiny clothes for a tiny pup?  Fluff unending!

Pipwise Brandygin:  What fun to imagine that big Ranger trying to put a jacket on a tiny, squirmy hobbit lad.

Quiet Infinity:  It’s comforting to write a happy, fluffy story, as well.  What a joy to have folks to share it with.  (Scamp squirms out of your hug to lick your face then curl up in your lap.)

RogerGamgee:  My own dog could never tolerate wearing any clothes, so it was fun to write about a pup who seems to enjoy it!

Scifirogue-Klutz:  Thank you.  I’m pleased that you’re pleased.

sielge:  I update as often as possible!  Hope I didn’t make you wait too long.

SlightlyTookish:  Poor Pip finally got his bath, but it wasn’t all that traumatic for him after all.

smalldiver:  Oh yes, this story is 95% fluff, with or without things that go bump in the night!

springfairy:  I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying the story!

Tialys:  I enjoy ‘foreshadowing’, such as the discussion about the eagles.  Now that I think about it, Frodo was also talking about eagles in “Master of Bag End”, “Reunion in Minas Tirith”, and “Quarantined”, and I just had to give him a ride on one in “Return to Rivendell” -- I do love those eagles!

Tini-angel:  I not only allowed Pippin into this puppy story, but then little fluffy ducklings somehow wandered in, as well!  The cute police are going to lock me up for sure.  But in the meantime, I’m so happy you’re enjoying it!  :)

TinkerBell420:  Thank you for the kiss!  (blows kiss back at you)  It’s such a joy to write a happy, relaxing time for our hobbits and hard-working Ranger.  And as you see, Scamp did hold onto her cap!  Must be like Indiana Jones’ hat that never comes off... :)

Vilya0:  Pip and Frodo loved your hug!  Gosh, something “horrible” would never happen in a fluff-story.  Something interesting, maybe...