Old Tom Bombadil was a merry fellow;
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow
Odofur woke up, blinking his eyes, seeking out the source of the scrap of song he just heard. Someone was coming. He could hear those boots tromping along. Then another verse rang out, much closer now.
Hey derry dee, hey derry do
Old ash has a hobbit, yes its true
Branch, twig, root and bole
Hobbit is far from his hobbit hole
Tom will set him loose today
Then off he goes and on his way
And suddenly there he was. Larger than a hobbit, smaller than a man. A ruddy lined face with a full brown beard. He indeed had a blue jacket and bright yellow boots. A tall hat with a feather sat on his head. He reached for a branch of the ash.
“Who are you and what are you doing?” stammered Odofur
“I am Tom Bombadil, Master of the forest, trying to free you from old ash’s clutches. Better asked, who are you and what are you doing in my forest, young hobbit?”
“Well, I wanted to see what was on the other side of the river”
“That you can see from the other side just as well I would think. But never mind, let’s get you out.”
Tom whispered something to the ash, rubbed its branches vigorously then gave the bigger ones a squeeze. Slowly they drew away from Odofur, rising up until they were sticking out sideways like branches should in the forest. Odofur eased up to his feet and backed away from the tree.
“I am in your debt, Master Bombadil. I am a simple farmer and have no treasure to share. But I would welcome you to dinner across the river, a feast of thanks if you will. There’s room in the boat for two.”
“No, Tom lives in the forest, but not alone.”
Goldberry, Goldberry waits for me
At Tom’s house through the trees
With dinner of her own for us you see
Bread, butter, cream and honey from the bee
“Very well, then. I won’t keep you, but I am still in your debt, nonetheless.”
At that moment, there was a commotion just to the west of them. Two large men with swords suddenly emerged from the woods.
“You there, what is your business with the hobbit” the older man shouted.
“Separating him from the clutches of this old ash and sending him on his way. What is your business in my forest. A bit off the road for two men with swords. No ordinary men I would venture. Your countenance bears resemblance to the kings of old. Those who felled the forests to build their great fleets and in more recent time, the princes of lesser kingdoms who haunt the South Downs.’
“It is true. We are descendants of Elendil the Tall, and he through the line of Elros before Numenor was destroyed.” Aravir replied
“Then take care not to stray into my forest. The trees bear enmity for the destruction of your ancestors and will gladly snare you as they have this daring hobbit. An angry tree will make swift work of you and your swords.”
“And who would you be such that this is your forest.” Aragorn interjected
The figure before them bowed, removing his hat, then righted himself suddenly and burst into song.
Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow;
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow
“You are Bombadil?” Aragorn was incredulous.
“Did I not just say that? And who else would I be, young Dunedain?” Tom replied in a huff.
“We did not mean to trespass, Tom Bombadil” Aravir intervened.
“But trespass you have. Shall I turn you into a toad? Your son as a wood mouse?”
Aragorn gaped, glanced apprehensively at his father. Tom continued.
“I think not. I am no wizard. And you are not here to harm.”
“We had simply come to call on Odofur Oldbuck to reminisce on old times when he was young and not so skilled with a boat as he is now.” Aravir added
“Aravir? Is that really you?” Odofur exclaimed.
“It is and this is my son Aragorn who is learning the lands and ways of men in Bree, hobbits of the Shire, and whatsoever else dwells in between.”
“Well you seem to be in safe hands, young hobbit.”, Tom commented. “The forest is getting much too crowded for my tastes. I will be off.”
And with that, Tom Bombadil stomped off into the forest, headed east towards his home.
Men and hobbits in my woods
Much too busy, now they should
Head back west, over the river
So Tom and Goldberry can enjoy dinner
Hey derry dee, Hey derry dol
Tom is one merry old soul
And then he was gone. The two Dunedain stood there with drawn swords in front of a slightly astonished hobbit who had in the space of an afternoon more adventure than he cared to have in a lifetime.
“Well, it seems I have an escort back to my rowboat.”
“You do, and we shall ride alongside you to the other side.” Aragorn replied
“I am most grateful. Tom has declined my offer of dinner. Can I host you both, for your generous service in returning me to where I belong?”
“Provided we get a full account of your time in the woods and your encounter with Tom Bombadil” Aravir smiled
“Done!” replied Odofur