Chapter Note:  As each new chapter begins, some time has passed on Tol Eressëa.  Even though the children are all still very young, I would think that they would mature quickly -- mentally, verbally, and emotionally -- being around patient and loving teachers who encourage their gifts and have thousands of years of wisdom on which to draw.

This chapter references The Silmarillion, “Of the Beginning of Days”.

HEALED

Chapter 4 -- Earth and Sea

“For you little gardener and lover of trees, I have only a small gift.” Galadriel, The Fellowship of the Ring

“Gently, Pip,” Sam said.  He guided the boy’s small hands as they set the seedling into the moist earth.  “Try to listen to what the plant is saying; it knows what it needs.”

“I am trying,” Pippin sighed.  “I think they only talk to you, Sam.”

“Not so,” Sam smiled.  “Every living thing has its own song; it’s up to us to listen, and learn what is being said.”

Celebrían chuckled quietly.  “Not so” was an expression Elrond used often.  She, Gandalf, and Elrond walked nearby, enjoying the look and feel of Sam’s exquisitely sculptured garden -- one of many, all unique.  The flowers and fountains attracted many of the tiny, colorful birds that still delighted Merry no end, and Pippin had learned to imitate the songs and trills of most of them.

“Sam is one of the few who can keep Pippin still for such a length of time,” Elrond smiled.  “That lad has more energy than the other four combined.”

“Pippin grew up the first time with three older sisters,” Gandalf said, “and now has four brothers.  He will learn different things from each of them.”

“Let it hear your song,” Sam was suggesting.

Pippin got down on his belly and began to sing, softly -- of warm earth, and soothing rain, and fresh green, growing things.  Sam could sense the seedling responding to the love and attention.  He nodded.  “Now try again,” he encouraged the lad, and Pippin lay quietly, trying to hear whatever the plant had to say.

“His voice grows ever more beautiful,” Celebrían said.

Elrond chuckled.  “Bilbo is writing a new song for Pippin to sing with him.  I told Erestor that he will soon have competition in the Great Hall.”

“What did he say?”

“He agreed!  There are few...” Elrond’s voice died as, from different directions, Frodo, Merry, and Bilbo came running as if summoned -- then halted at the very edge of the garden.

The air seemed to shimmer and pulse.  The entire garden lit up, and from behind a tree stepped the source of the light -- a woman of indescribable beauty.  Her gown gave the impression of layers of cloud briefly hiding the sun, and its colors were of pure greens, gentle earth, the sparkle of dew on early-morning grass...

Gandalf and Elrond bowed their heads, and Celebrían sank to her knees -- but Sam and Pippin jumped to their feet.  Sam hastily brushed the dirt off his tunic, and Pippin’s, as the beautiful lady approached them.  For the rest of his life, Sam would swear that she was just his height -- or had he, for a moment, become her height?  Pippin would remember that, as she approached, a music grew in his ears the likes of which he would spend a lifetime trying to reproduce.  He realized that it was the garden -- every tree, flower, and blade of grass singing in harmony -- at last he heard its song.

“Sam,” the lady said softly, “hold out your hands.”  Sam did so, and she gently deposited into them a round fruit, bursting with promise, banded in silver and gold.

“When the Tree chooses to bear fruit,” she continued, “it is safeguarded by he or she best prepared to receive and nurture it.  Continue to follow your heart, my child, and do not doubt yourself.  I am never far away.”

Dazzled, Sam felt a faint touch upon his forehead -- a caress, or perhaps a kiss.  The radiant woman caught and held the eye of each child for a moment, and Celebrían, too, felt a gentle kiss on her forehead -- then the light slowly faded, and the lady was gone.

“Who...” Frodo could barely speak.  “Who was...”

Pippin looked dazed.  Merry ran to his side, and Pippin clung to him.  Bilbo dug his toes into the soil.  Something felt different... something...

“Sam,” Elrond said quietly, “there are very few who have seen Yavanna -- and fewer who have been honored with her words and trust.”

“Who is she?” Sam begged.  He held the glowing fruit gently.  “Is this from the special tree?”

“It is, indeed,” Gandalf said, his voice warm and rich.  “Come.”  He sat in the grass, and the five children ran to sit before him.  “Let me tell you a very special, very old story -- a story of which you are now a part.  It is time you learned of the Valar -- the powers of earth and sea, wind, stars, and all that grows.  Now then, where to begin?”  Gandalf looked down into the five eager faces and smiled.  “Well then, a very long time ago...”

*~*~*~*~*

After supper, when the earth had cooled and the gardens were at their most fragrant, Sam planted the fruit near the house where it would get equal measures of sun and shade.  Bilbo and Frodo dug the hole into which Sam gently laid the fruit.  It was covered over, and Merry sprinkled the ground with sweet water while Pippin sang.  And neighbors came and joined in the song, and celebrated, rejoicing to be witnessing such a rare event.

Galadriel came to her daughter’s side and took her hand.  “You were correct,” she said softly.  “The Valar have read the hearts of these children, and hold them in high esteem.”

Celebrían nodded.  “What a blessing they are,” she replied.

As the evening wore on, Pippin fell fast asleep in Erestor’s lap and was carried to bed, soon joined by Merry and Sam.  Bilbo and Frodo lay on the soft grass, gazing at the stars.  The singing drifted around them like a sparkling mist, and after awhile, they, too, were nearly asleep.  Celebrían and Elrond came to gather them gently into their arms and take them to their beds.

“I’m not tired,” Frodo insisted as Celebrían tucked him in.  She smiled as Frodo yawned, his luminous eyes laboring to remain open.  “I want to stay up,” he murmured, “and hear... the singing...”

“Close your eyes,” Celebrían whispered, “and listen.  Just listen...”  And she sat with him until he fell into sleep, her heart full, and her eyes radiant with joy.

*~*~*~*~*

The next day, Elrond took the boys to the nearby stretch of beach that had become one of the family’s favorite spots.  Sam gathered smooth, sparkling stones with which he planned to adorn the area where the new Tree would grow.  Bilbo and Merry ran about, the sand warm and powder-fine beneath their feet, while Frodo stood with his eyes closed, his smiling face tilted up to the sun.  When he opened his eyes, he laughed and called out to Bilbo, Sam, and Merry.

“Look what Pippin’s doing,” Frodo said, pointing toward the surfline.  Elrond was walking idly along the wet sand, leaving large footprints which Pippin was diligently trying to step into with long strides and hops.  “Do you think he knows about his little shadow?”

They grinned as Elrond suddenly whirled about, grabbed Pippin, and lifted the young hobbit high above his head.  Pippin shrieked with glee as the Elf lord swung him about.

“Look!” Pippin cried as he hung upside down.  He pointed down into the clear water.  Hundreds of colorful fish swam unconcernedly around Elrond’s legs.

“They’re all so different,” Pippin observed.  “Like us.”

Startled, Elrond pulled the boy upright and into his arms, gazing with concern into the bright green eyes.  Did the hobbits feel unbearably different?  Were they self conscious about being so small, or that their hair was not the same as that of their friends?  Were they unhappy?

“Does it bother you, Pippin, that we all look different?”

“’Course not,” Pippin giggled.  “Everybody’s different.  It would be too boring, otherwise.”  He looked into the Elf lord’s ageless eyes, puzzled.  “Don’t you think so?”

“I certainly do,” Elrond smiled.  “Ah, young one, how did you grow so wise, so soon?”

“Look!” Pippin said again, pointing to where a flock of white gulls flew over the sparkling water.  And Elrond lifted him high, swinging him up, up... until Pippin felt that he almost had wings, himself.

** TBC **

Ainu Laire:  I never thought of this as a “holiday” story!  What a lovely thing to say.

aprilkat:  Believe me, it’s a challenge to give the five children separate personalities, especially since we know almost nothing about their childhoods.

apsenniel:  Hobbit toddlers make me, happy, too!  I love writing about them.

Arrina:  It was difficult for folks to recognize Frodo’s gifts in Middle-earth.  It took the Elves to truly “see” him.

Auntiemeesh:  It is a bit sad that they won’t remember their past together, but remember that they all made this choice knowing exactly what would happen.  And you’re right -- they’ll have a long, happy time in which to make new memories.

Bodkin:  I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story.  As for why Pippin and Merry were given permission to sail... well, that’s part of the AU, I suppose.  I wish I could give a logical explanation, canon-wise, but it’s just a premise I’m enjoying writing about.

Breon Briarwood:  I know the feeling!  Can you imagine snuggling and cuddling all the sleepy, happy hobbit toddlers?  At least our stories bring us a bit closer to the “real” thing.

Caroly:  Thank you!  It’s such a relief to know that this premise works, as odd as it is.  I do like the idea that one’s “gifts” are part of one’s true nature, and might evolve further, given the right circumstances and encouragement.

Clever Hobbit:  Can you imagine how much I’m melting, just writing this story?  Hobbit toddlers... sigh.

Connie B:  I love your enthusiasm!  I originally planned this story to be three short chapters, but now believe it will be five (or possibly six).  I also might continue it at a later time if I get inspired.

cpsings4him:  Eeee, thank you for quoting so many passages that you liked!

Dreamflower:  I’m not being too specific about how fast the children are aging, but I figure it’s two or three years for every 20 that’s passing in Middle-earth.  I think that they would mature quickly -- both mentally and emotionally -- being around such patient, wise teachers as Elves and wizards. 

EllaG:  Toddler hobbits, Ella!  I’m in love, too.

Elven Kitten:  I honestly tried to tone down the “cute” in this chapter, and I was doing so well!  Until the end, and Pippin, you know, he’s just so... Oh well.

Gentle Hobbit:  Living amongst Elves, I have to assume that song and music is going to become a large part of the hobbits’ lives.

Giu:  Anytime you check in is wonderful.  Thank you for taking the time to read and comment as often as you do.

Gods-girl2004:  Thank you so much for your enthusiasm!

Larner:  25 years ago, when I first starting reading LOTR, my favorite character was Frodo-and-Sam.  I just can’t imagine Middle-earth without their friendship.

Lily the Hobbit:  You can repeat yourself as often as you like!  I’m so thrilled that you’re enjoying the story so much.

lindahoyland:  Believe me, I truly appreciate Aragorn fans following this story; it’s a real compliment.

Maura Labingi:  We definitely need a “toddler hobbit-y” genre, I think!

my-fool-of-a-took:  The line you highlighted as your favorite is the very last thing I wrote for Chapter 3.  Thank you!  I wasn’t sure about it.

Mysterious Jedi:  I truly appreciate you trusting me to take you to an AU place you’ll be happy you visited.

Nimrodel of Meneltarma:  Thank you!

Nivina:  Oh Nivvy, thank you!  You are most happily hugged back.

Pasha ToH:  I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the story so much.  I didn’t know what anyone would think of this strange concept.

Pearl Took:  Oh Pearl, if this story really does feel ‘soft’ and has a feeling of ‘grace’, I can’t tell you how wonderful that makes me feel.

Pipspebble:  I’m having such a wonderful time writing about these sweet children -- thank you so much for coming along for the ride.

Pipwise Brandygin:  Oh, you’re such a sweetie.  And you’re so right -- the hobbits retain the most important things, such as their essential natures and their bonds with one another.

Scifi Kane:  ...and little sis!  I love writing about something so unusual -- but so happy.  (Sends more hugs for both of you.)

tamie:  I love picnics, too!  It’s fun to write a gentle, huggable type of story.

The Burninator Named Trogdor:  I’m definitely in a non-angst “cycle” these days!  First “Reflections of the Past”, then “Estel’s Birthday”, now this.  I will be starting an angsty story around January, but at the moment... I’m enjoying the happy toddlers, too!

Tree:  I didn’t know what anyone would think of this story!  Thank you so much, dear one.

Vilya0:  “The Elves must have to watch out so they won't step on them!”  I agree!  Can you imagine how tiny the hobbits must seem to all of them?  I originally planned this story to be three short chapters, but now believe it will be five (or possibly six).  I also might continue it at a later time if I get inspired.