Desolation

An Invitation and Explosion

"Momma, Momma!" Janelle comes running in as fast as her little legs will take her. She was nought but ten yet, and full of the unquenchable energy of the young. There are twigs in her hair and grass stains dot her dress, but her hand clutches a fine letter, gilded with gold. "The invitation! Its come!!!" Momma springs up from her chair.

"Finally! I had begun to think we had been forgotten." But no, for indeed on the letter was written in a fine cursive: To My Esteemed Bluehills. Momma opens the letter and reads the text aloud. Janelle, Josiah, Jostin, and myself gather round her ancient rocking chair as she speaks.

"To the family of Mister Jeremiah Bluehill-- you, and all your relations are cordially invited to the eleventy-first birthday party of Mister Bilbo Baggins, and the twenty-eigth birthday party of Mister Frodo Baggins. This spectacular event shall include more than enough food for all and a wonderful fireworks display by Gandalf the Grey. Please be in the South Meadow at promptly five o' clock on September the 22nd." Below this, in a small text read: "Respond with the number coming to Mister Baggins at Bag End promptly." Just as she finishes reading, the round front door opens, and Poppa enters. We all cheer as he sets down the groceries.

"Now, what's all this about?" Janelle runs to him and he scoops her up in his arms, though she is far too old to be held.

"The invitation has come. Momma was just readin' it to us. O, please say you'll let us go!" Janelle whispers secretly in his ear.

"Yes, Poppa. Please say yes!" Jostin and Josiah, the twins dance around his legs. "Say yes, say yes, say yes!" They chant loudly, grinning and laughing all the while.

Poppa laughs merrily and sets Janelle down, who joins the twins in their boisterous chant. "And what of my two lovely ladies by the window? What say they?"

I look over at Momma, who hides a wide grin behind her hand. She nods at me, and gives me a playful wink. "We both say yes, yes, please!" 

"Jessa only wants to go 'cause Pippin'll be there!" Josiah teases. I blush. There's more than an inkling of truth in that.

"Alright, alright. Although I'm not quite sure why, you all seem to be excited about this party. I guess we'll have to go and see what it's all about." Poppa winks at Janelle as she joins hands with my brothers and runs around the room, shouting and jumping and cheering. Momma hurries to the study to write a response. Poppa walks over and ruffles my hair. "Now, who is this Pippin Josiah was talking about?"

"Oh, him," I blush again and push his hand away. "Pippin's my friend. That's all."

Poppa gives me a knowing smile and opens his mouth to ask another question, but Momma calls my name first.

"Jessa, would you run this up to Bag End for me?" I nod and took the letter from her hand, happy to have evaded Poppa's questioning. I leave my house whistling softly, a smile on my face. The sun is bright and there is a cool breeze whispering in the branches. 

The walk to Bag End is an easy one, especially on such a beautiful day. I open the gate to the driveway and take a step up the path.

"Mr. Bilbo isn't home." A voice calls close behind me. I jump, my heart racing.

"Peregrin Took! Don't scare me like that!!" I turn around to glare at the mischievous hobbit. He smirks, shrugging his shoulders.

"Calm down, Jessa. It's all for fun. Will I see you at the party tonight?"

I hold up the letter proudly. "Absolutely."

Pippin smiles, then scratches the back of his head. "Good. Um-- Jessa, maybe, you and I, I mean, I was wondering if--"