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Post by Stormrider on May 15, 2015 11:00:37 GMT -6
Belle woke up to the cheerful chirping of birds. She yawned, rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, and threw her blankets off.
Although it was Thrimich (Spring) in The Shire, there was still a nip of cold in the air. She sighed. Her robe and slippers were on her rocking chair in the corner across the room. With a quick leap off her bed she landed just in front of the rocker and quickly slipped her slippers on and shrugged into her robe.
**sigh** "ooo! These are cold!" She exclaimed. Squeezing her eyes tight, she wished for them to be warm and cozy. Suddenly there was a spark and her slippers grew warmer. Belle's eyes flew open and she looked at her feet and noticed just a hint of smoke wafting away.
She pulled off a slipper and examined it and then the other one. They both looked ok--no trace of any burning...but they both still felt warm and cozy.
"That's odd." She thought but thought nothing more about it.
* * * * * Over the next few weeks though she noticed other odd incidents of sparking and warming: her cold oatmeal became warm when she wrapped her fingers around the bowl, she didn't need to put the iron on the warming plate when she was doing some ironing, she just touched it, and other minor oddities.
However, when she zapped her pain-in-the-neck little brother, Tobin, because he made her angry after he teased her about being "hot," the little brat squeeled on her to mother. He ran to mother with his red hair singed black in a couple of places. Mother was aghast when she saw him and wanted to know what Belle was doing with the lighting flint.
"I told all of you not to play with the flint and fire." Mother's arms were crossed over her chest and she was angrily tapping her foot on the cold stone floor. Belle hung her head in confusion as she did not know how she had done it at all, nor the other strange things that had been happening to her. She squinted her eyes and shook her head and blushed a deep red and suddenly Mother's apron hem sparked and caught fire but went out immediately when she yelped causing Belle to open her eyes wide.
"Come here, Belle. Do you have a fever? Mother went thru the normal motherly illness checks and only found that Belle was a bit warmer than she should be. "You are going back to bed with a cold cloth on your forehead." Mother announced "Tobin, go get Doc Feverpure to come and take a look at Belle." Tobin nodded dutifully and scooted out the front door in a flash.
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Post by Stormrider on May 16, 2015 7:04:31 GMT -6
Doc Feverpure did not arrive immediately. He was several hours in coming but Tobin came back to say he had a line up of patients and would be here as soon as he could. In the meantime, Mother fussed around Belle and told Tobin and Belle's older sister, Mary Jane, to keep out of Belle's room. Tobin and Mary Jane went out to the front porch and whispered together.
"What did Belle do this time?" inquired May Jane. Tobin pointed to his burnt hair.
"Ah! Why is Belle so fascinated by fire lately?" Mary Jane asked.
Tobin shrugged his shoulders, curling his finger around a lock of his unsinged hair. "She has been doing weird things but I don't see her with any flint." mumbled Tobin.
"Hmmmm" said Mary Jane deep in thought. "I remember a tale about another hobbit lad, I think his name was Burtrand, years ago before we were born who had pyromania issues and he was sent away somewhere. That was the last anyone heard of him."
Tobin looked scared at hearing that and started to sob. "I don't want Belle to be sent away even if she would burn off all of my hair!"
Mother came out on the porch and gave Mary Jane and Tobin some chores to do to keep them occupied and out of the way. They scurried off: Mary Jane to the market for food and Tobin to the yard with the push mower.
Doc Feverpure arrived shortly after that and gave Belle a thorough examination. Mother stood by wringing her hands and looking worried while Doc mumbled. "mmmmm" "hurrumph" "hmmmm" "ah" "mmmm" Finally he sat back removed his stethescope from his ears and the magnifying glass from his eye. Stepping out of the room and beconning Mother, Doc said, "I do not see anything physically wrong with the lass."
Mother frowned, "But I didn't find any flint on her after she singed Tobin's hair. But I suppose she could have set it down somewhere before I sent her to bed."
"For the time being, give her a tablespoon of this elixir in the morning and before bed. Keep a close eye on her and see if she does anything else curious and, errrr, flammable. Hide the flint, too." prescribed Doc. "Give her a tablespoon now." Mother took the elixir and nodded.
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Post by Stormrider on May 16, 2015 9:30:17 GMT -6
Mary Jane, Tobin, and Belle were practicing their instruments (Mary Jane a harp, Tobin a horn, and Belle a flute) when Father came home from the woods. He had been out gathering logs for his woodworking profession. Mother was watching for him and met him at the gate to fill him in on the morning catastrophy and Doc Feverpure's diagnosis, or lack of one. Father was deeply concerned. "I will take her with me to the shop and teach her some woodworking skills on the morrow. It is high time she learned a craft and she has picked up the whittling tool with me already and may be interested in following my footsteps." proclaimed Father. Mother nodded in relief. "Be careful of all your wood and home made products!" Mother warned. "Aye I will at that." assured Father.
Mary Jane was already learning her trades: cook from Mother and Jeweler from Esmerelda Charm in Michael Delving. Tobin was still a bit young to learn a craft and showed no inclination to any yet. He preferred to go fishing with his buddies and sleep under the tree on the bank of the pond or stream while waiting for the fish to bite. At least he and his buddies did bring fish home from their lazy days of fishing.
* * * * * The next morning was beautiful: lots of sunshine and a slight breeze to keep it from getting too terribly hot. Belle was actually quite eager to learn woodworking and was glad that Father had finally suggested it. She had already whittled some animal figures--bears, birds, wolves, deer, spiders (these were hard to do with their skinny legs)--frogs, slugs, puppies, and kittens--that she gave away to some of the younger hobbit lads and lasses much to their delight.
The first day of "work" Father showed her how to sand the boards for a dresser and make wooden pegs so they could hammer the pieces in place. The day progressed and Belle didn't have any incidents. She and Father continued to go off to work each day and out into the woods to gather more wood types. One day out in the woods, Father was attempting to build a small fire to heat their noontime meal, but the wood was a bit damp and it wouldn't take. Father wanted to see what would happen, so he asked Belle if she could spark the fire on her own. Belle looked at Father in surprise. "I...I...I...don't know if I can." Father said to give it a try anyway. She closed her eyes and thought very hard, and sure enough she was able to give a very good spark in the tindling and was able to get the fire started. Father jumped back in surprise because he hadn't thought there was anything to the "wild claims" of his wife and children.Belle thought she was in trouble when he jumped, but not to alarm her, he just thanked her and said, "Now that was handy." He planned totalk to Doc Feverpure in the morning.
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Post by Stormrider on May 16, 2015 22:16:28 GMT -6
The next morning Father and Belle headed off to the woodworking shop. He gave Belle some tasks to do that she already knew how to do and he said he had to leave for a bit and would return soon. Belle nodded and went to work.
Father was the first to arrive at Doc Feverpure's office so Doc took him in to his office. Doc sat behind his cluttered desk and waited for Father to speak first. "Yesterday, I asked Belle to spark a fire for us out in the woods. The wood was a bit damp and I was having a difficult time with the flint. At first she was not sure about trying it or that she would be successful but I asked her to give it a try anyway. She looked a bit frightened that I had asked her to do this but she closed her eyes and concentrated very hard and sure enough, she got enough of a good spark to get the kindling to catch."
Doc asked, "Did it seem like an easy task for her? How long did it take to get her spark?" Father answered, "To me it did not seem like it was very difficult at all. She did concentrate but it came easily enough. Do you think she has a mental disability and needs to see one of them fancy Doctors in Bree who are very expensive?"
Doc took out his pipe, packed in a wad of Old Toby, lit it, sat back in his chair, took several draws off the pipe, and blew a wonderful heart shaped smoke ring before he answered. "I don't believe Belle is 'touched in the head' as you suggest. I have looked through my medical journals after your wife asked me to see Belle. I found something in a very ancient tome that I believe relates to Belle's ability...for ability it may very well be. It is rare and has not occurred often in The Shire."
Doc blew dust off a large bound stack of yellowing papers that was in the middle of his desk. He flipped through many pages and finally settled on a page with beautiful script that looked like nothing Father had ever seen before. Glasses perched on the end of his nose, he began to read :"There are many Elves and Dwarves in my school of gifted children, however, humans are rare, and hobbits exceedingly unheard of yet there are a few. Elf and Dwarf families expect their offspring to have a 50 to 70 percent chance of showing signs of being one of the 'magical' classes: Rune-Keepers, Lore-Masters, or Minstrels early in life around the age of 2 or 3. Human children may show one of these talents when they reach the age of puberty and then only about 10 percent. Hobbits are very rare and fall in to the 1 percentile. They begin to show signs in their tweens." (NOTE: The tweens are the years between childhood and coming of age 20 to 32)
Father stood up abruptly, "What do you mean gifted children and what are Rune-Keepers, Lore-Masters, and Minstrels? I say leave this...what did you call it? a 'gift' ...to those other races. Elves and Dwarves are more suited to this nonsense. I am frightened by what you have just read to me."
Doc stared at Father until Father sat back down. "I understand your trepidation and that you and your wife are deeply concerned about Belle. We do not know that this is the case with her for sure, however, her starting that fire could be a show of her talent. Continue to watch her closely and possibly encourage her to demonstrate more of what she can do but do not make a big fuss of it. Just remain calm and try to act as if it is normal. Watch out for any uncontrolled instances where her sparks could lead to something dangerous."
Father frowned. "What if she is one of those 'gifted children'? What do we do then?"
"Belle would need to be sent to one of these schools to learn to control, develop, and use her talent wisely and for the good of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth."
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Post by Stormrider on May 18, 2015 2:26:06 GMT -6
Father returned to the shop and found Belle hard at work. They were working on a bed frame and dresser set with a lot of scroll work and etching. It was coming along splendidly. Father was troubled after hearing what Doc had to say. He would follow Doc's orders and encourage Belle to see what else she might be capable of doing but he didn't want the neighbors to get wind of it. News traveled fast in The Shire. Anything out of the ordinary was especially quick to travel to every corner of The Shire and also had a habit of getting twisted and distorted in the telling until it was an enormous tale with more fiction than fact.
The morning was uneventful as far as Belle went. They stopped work for a bite to eat at Noonsies at the Bird and Baby Inn. Carlo Blagrove, the tavern-keeper, was very busy this afternoon and had Largo Boffin, his bar hand, hopping from table to table. There were vendors from Needlehole, Bywater, Scary, Hobbiton, Tuckborough, and Woodhall in town today bringing their wares to the Auction Hall. Belle loved to see the wares from all the vendors and going to the Auction Hall was always a special treat for her. She loved listening to the Auctioneer's voice as he called out the items and bids. It amazed her that anyone could talk so fast.
After lunch they returned to the shop and continued working. Hereward Loamsdown from The Ivy Bush in Hobbiton had placed an order with Father for a new sign for the Inn. It would require some wood burning for the lettering and designs. This would be a good time to test Belle's ability.
"Belle, I would like you to practice something on this scrap piece of wood. I would like you to write the words "The Ivy Bush" on it in your best handwriting and let's see how nice your script is. But, I want you to try it like you did when you started the fire on the damp kindling in the woods the other day."
Belle was surprised again with Father's request. She chewed on her lower lip and stammered, "But I don't think I can do that. It is too much for me. I was lucky with the spark for the fire and this will need a much longer spark and I don't know how well I could "write" with it."
"That is why I would like you to try it on the scrap wood first." Belle nervously came over and closed her eyes tightly and concentrated. Nothing seemed to happen. Father urged her to keep trying. Still nothing happened. Father was beginning to think the fire starting incident and hair synging were just odd incidents and began to relax.
Belle kept trying and still nothing happened and then she had an idea! She opened her eyes, took the scrap board, and began to trace the words with her finger. She concentrated and after several attempts her finger started to feel warm. When the sparks came she began to write with her finger. Soon a "T" appeared and then an "H." The lettering was rather ragged and uneven--some spots the wood was burned deeper than others. Her finger was cooling down and she turned her hand so she could look at the tip of the finger she had used. She could not see anything out of the ordinary with her finger--it was the same old finger. She smiled in spite of her surprise.
Father's relaxation was gone. It was replaced with awe, fear, and worry. Belle looked up at her father and her smile faded and she began to cry. "What's wrong with me Father?"
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Post by Stormrider on May 19, 2015 6:15:28 GMT -6
Father hugged Belle and reassured her, "Hush Lass, we will get through this. What has been happening to you is indeed strange and frightening but I don't think it is anything that will hurt you."
Belle's sobbing began to stop. "What do you mean?" * snort * Father patted Belles back and stood back and looked at her. "I was out to see Doc Feverpure earlier this morning. He has an ancient tome with some fancy scrolly writing in it--the kind of writing I've never seen before. Doc is older than he looks and has been practicing healing for a long time. I don't know his history exactly, but he did learn healing out in Ered Luin. I suspect it was one of those elvish scripts in that tome of his.
Belle sniffled but was listening intently to her father. Doc read a passage from that tome to me about percentiles of the different races who had special talents." Belle stopped her sniffling and asked, "What talents, Father?" He continued, "He mentioned Rune Keepers, Lore-Masters, and Minstrels, whatever they are. He said to keep encouraging you to try your 'talent' but watch so you don't get out of control and start trouble--I guess he meant a fire. And we should not let the nosey neighbors know about it either."
Belle thought about this as she calmed down some more. "Father, I would like to find out more about Rune Keepers, Lore-Masters, and Minstrels." Father nodded. "Tonight we will have a family discussion and invite Doc over for dinner. Why don't you take the afternoon off and ask Mother to prepare a nice meal for tonight. I will invite Doc on my way home from work."
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Post by Stormrider on May 20, 2015 7:08:55 GMT -6
Mary Jane, Belle, and Tobin were practicing their instruments in the parlor. Belle was practicing her lute this time and Mary Jane and Tobin their harp and horn. Belle was more musically inclined than the other two and played several instruments besides the flute and lute--theorbo, clarinet, and harp--she had even tried Tobin's horn and was able to blow a decent tune with it. Tobin wanted to learn the drums much to mother's and father's annoyance. He had found himself some sticks that he asked Belle to whittle for him and went around the house beating on things and was starting to get good rhythms on the various household items: table, pots, drinking glasses, fire kettle etc.
The aroma from the kitchen was lip-smacking. Mother was preparing coney stew (with celery, carrots, peas, and onions), mushroom pies, honey nut cake with orange marmalade, tater and onion soup, and for dessert lavender and lemon cake. There was her famous mulled cider, coffee and tea, and Carlo Blagrove's hearty ale from the Bird and Baby Inn.
At precisely 8:00pm sharp, there was a knock on the door. The children were wrapping up their music lessons and Father was smoking some Old Toby in his worn but comfortable chair by the fireplace. Mother had the dinning room table set for the evening meal. Father rocked out of his chair and ambled over to the front door and welcomed Doc Feverpure.
"Good evening, Doc. Nice evening isn't it?" Doc answered, "It is at that. Clear sky and lots of twinkling stars. Very nice evening." Mother bustled out of the kitchen. "Doc, please make yourself comfortable at the table. The children will be here shortly. Would you like something to drink as you settle in?" "Yes, a cup of tea will do." As Doc and Father settled at the table, Mother scurried off to the kitchen to bring out her whistling tea pot. When she returned, the children were also settling in at the table.
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Post by Stormrider on May 20, 2015 20:24:19 GMT -6
The meal started out with light banter and when dessert arrived, they began to discuss Belle's new "talents." Father was the first to bring it up. He told Doc about the wood burning "experiment" that afternoon. Doc observed Belle closely and Belle returned his stare.
"How difficult was the wood carving for you, Belle?" Doc inquired. "It was the most difficult of all the instances I have had. Starting the damp fire was very easy but this required more concentration and I thought it may not even work at all." Belle answered thoughtfully.
"Can you tell me of any other things you have been able to do even if they seem small and insignificant?" Tobin blurted out, "I can! Belle burned my hair!" Doc turned to Belle to confirm that. She nodded and shot Tobin a dirty look. "He made me angry because he said I was 'hot'! I didn't even have to think about it and all of a sudden I saw smoke coming off his head."
"I warmed up my slippers and robe one cool morning, I warmed up my oatmeal with my hands around the bowl, and heated up the clothes iron with just a touch." Belle continued.
No one spoke for a while after Belle's disclosure. Finally, Doc cleared his throat. "Hrrrmphf!" He pushed back his chair and got up from the table. Walking across the room, he pulled a small rock out of his pocket and placed it on a small table. "Belle, I would like you to aim at the stone and see if you can 'throw' sparks at the rock."
Belle stood up and moved so she had a clear path to the stone. She closed her eyes and concentrated . . . nothing happened. Then she opened them and stared at the stone and concentrated some more . . . still nothing. She squinted her eyes at the rock . . . again nothing. She raised her arm and pointed at the rock . . . nope still nothing. Belle shrugged and sat back down at the table.
"Well, it seems this has been a hoax all along then." murmured Doc."Other than a delightful meal, this has been a waste of my time."
Father and Mother were shocked. Mary Jane and Tobin were surprised. They had all seen Belle do the things she had mentioned. "But we know Belle does odd things." they all protested.
"Well, I haven't seen a darn thing and only hear the 'tales' you are spinning for me." continued Doc. "I don't know what you people are trying to do here. Why would you want to fake this?"
While Doc denounced her ability and her family protested what he said, Belle was getting angry. The more Doc denied she was true, the angrier she got. She abruptly stood up and with both hands stretched out toward the stone across the room and her feet planted wide apart, eyes ablaze, she sparked a stream of brilliant light all the way across to the stone and blasted it to oblivion!
"Bravo!" shouted Doc. "I knew if I got you angry something would happen!" Doc was clapping excitedly while everyone else at the table had mouths agape and wide eyes. Belle stood proudly with a slight smirk on her face.
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Post by Stormrider on May 21, 2015 20:49:24 GMT -6
Everyone began talking at once.
"Belle and I could set up a hair dresser shop and Belle could dry peoples hair or use her fingers as curling irons!" dreamed Mary Jane.
"Oh! My goodness sakes." exclaimed Mother. "She could be useful around the house heating things."
"What an asset Belle will be in the shop!" grinned Father. "You must learn to do the wood burning we practiced today."
"Wow! Look at the stone! It is nothin' but powder!" exclaimed Tobin who had zipped over to the table where Doc had placed it. Everyone turned to look at the powder Tobin was sprinkling onto the table. "She can protect me against that bully, Buster, who is mean to all the smaller kids."
"Heh! heh! heh! Very impressive if I do say so myself." smiled Doc.
Belle listened to everyone thoughtfully. They all had a new impression of her now that she had this ability. It seemed as if they all wanted to make use of her ability to help them. She would have no time to herself being pulled this way and that to do this and that for all of them! She was pretty impressed herself with what she could do, but she still wanted to be just plain old Belle.
She had a growing curiosity to know which of those 'people' she was: lore-master, rune-keeper, or minstrel . . . and what she would be capable of doing . . . and how she would put the new talent to good use, other than doing chores. Deep down, she really didn't mind helping with chores around the house or in the shop, but she thought there was much more that could be done with her newfound fiery abilities.
As everyone carried on with plans for Belle's new talents, Doc observed Belle as expressions played across her face showing her wonder, concerns, and determination. "Ahem ahem!" Doc cleared his throat. "Let us not become distracted with all your plans for Belle. I imagine there are many questions that need to be asked and answered first. And this should be kept quiet for now."
Belle spoke up next. "Am I a lore-master, rune-keeper, or minstrel? What is the difference between them? Wht do they do with their abilities?"
"Very good questions and a very good place to start!" answered Doc.
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Post by Stormrider on May 22, 2015 23:56:22 GMT -6
"Hrrumm, Brrum," began Doc. "A Lore-master harnesses the powers of nature. He or she can make lightning strike, use water to make sticky mud, or throw a fireball made from a chemical concoction. He is a seeker of knowledge and a guardian of wisdom. He uses ancient secrets and lore along with his chemical concoctions for his work."
"A Lore-master is in tune with the beasts of Middle-earth and is able to call upon them to help him. They work together and the lore-master must take care of and control his pets so they are strong and able to help out. Some pets include ravens, bears, lynx, eagles, sabre-tooth tigers, and bog guardians."
Belle and her family listened raptly to Doc's description of the Lore-master. "I like chemistry and animals." commented Tobin. "I would like to be a Lore-master!" Mary Jane and Belle looked at each other and rolled theirs eyes. Doc chuckled, "A young lad's dream come true, I would say!" The rest of the family laughed.
"Now a Rune-keeper is able to dig deeper into the physics-altering powers of creation through what is known as the 'true names' of the Valar, the guardians of Ilúvatar who created the world in song. He or she wields powerful lost language in the form of Runes to blast destruction or restore his or her allies' strength. His power is true 'magic.' "
"Magic!" blurted Tobin. "I would like to be magic like a Rune-keeper!" Mary Jane and Belle rolled theirs eyes again. Doc roared out loud. Father and Mother smiled at each other.
"Lastly, we have the Minstrel." continued Doc. "He or she is able to draw power from the 'Music of the Ainur'--the music that brought the world into being. He or she gives hope, inspiration, and renewal by using his knowledge of ancient songs and lore. He can bolster morale, provide motivation, and demoralize foes through his ballads, cries, and calls."
"I like music and am good at it!" Tobin said in a sing-song voice. "I would like to be a musical Minstrel!" Everyone in the room burst out laughing.
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Post by Stormrider on May 24, 2015 11:42:18 GMT -6
As the laughter died down, Doc steered the discussion in a more serious direction. "Well, Tobin, as I told your Father, the chance for hobbits who might show signs of these talents is only 1% and two hobbits in the same family is highly unlikely." Tobin's face fell and he stomped his foot "I'm never the lucky one!" Doc reassured him, "You may well be glad that you have NOT shown any indication of having this talent for it is a serious business and not one to take lightly. Talents of this kind are meant for a great calling, and although helping with mundane tasks is nice, there is much more important work for which to use them."
Belle gulped when she heard this and everyone turned and looked at her. "What work do you mean? and which am I?" Doc answered her with a question. "From what I just told you about the classes, which do you think you fit?" Belle thought about it a bit. "Well, I don't seem to be able to do anything with water and mud and although I like animals, I do not attract them to me. I am not a Lore-Master." Doc nodded in agreement. "I do not know much about ancient languages and runes, so I am not a Rune-Keeper." Doc nodded again. "I do love music and it comes to me easily. I can listen to song and without having to read music or learn the notes, I can play it back right away. I like to sing and although I don't have the best voice, I do alright. I must be a Minstrel." Mother piped up, "You are wrong, Belle, your voice is very beautiful almost angelic." Everyone nodded in agreement. "Oh! I didn't know that!" said Belle.
Doc said, "Yes, Minstrel is the correct answer, for hobbits have never been Lore-Masters nor Rune-Keepers. Both Elves and Dwarves are Rune-Keepers and Elves and Humans are Lore-Masters. All four, Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Hobbits are Minstrels. However, not all show signs of the, let us say, 'magical' classes. Some are warriors such as Champions, Guardians, Hunters, Wardens, and even Burglars." Tobin perked up.
"Burglars? Everything you mention sounds like fighters, what would a burglar be doing in that list of heroes?" Doc answered "Burglars are mainly humans and hobbits. The Burglar is a master of stealth and misdirection and is able to confuse foes with clever tricks. They can sneak and attack from shadows, allowing them to take enemies by surprise! They can also sneak into a camp and retrieve valuable items that have been stolen from the Free Peoples or might be used against the Free Peoples." Tobin nodded thoughtfully at that.
"What important work are you talking about then? queried Belle. Doc cleared his throat and asked for glass of water. Mother hurried off and brought one back quickly. Doc took a long swallow and continued.
"You may not realize it nestled happily in the peaceful Shire, but there are dark forces in Middle Earth. There are goblins out and about in the land causing trouble. There are very aggressive and larger sized wolves known as wargs starting to appear in some lands along with their masters, the orcs who are a larger, stronger, meaner breed of goblin. Raiders, Brigands, and other troublesome groups are becoming more abundant and unruly. The Elven kin have sent me messages of their concerns and have asked me to keep an eye out for any hobbits that seem suited to any of the classes needed to combat these growing concerns. They especially asked me to watch for Minstrels among the hobbits." Everyone turned to look at Belle again.
"But I know so little about what I can do and how to use it. I don't know what I can do to help." Belle frowned. Doc answered: "That is something we need to discuss and plan for now. You should be taught by master minstrels and you will have to go to Ered Luin for schooling to begin with."
Mother and Father gasped. "But she is so young!" exclaimed Mother. "What if she doesn't want to fight this war?" Father spat. "She is a little lass after all, not a fighter!"
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Post by Stormrider on May 25, 2015 7:43:42 GMT -6
"The tweens is a perfectly prime time to start learning the minstrel craft. And as I mentioned before, Elves and Dwarves begin to show their talents by the age of 2 or 3 which is very young indeed for those races, especially Elves who have eternal lives if they are not killed. However, they learn slowly as they grow up while Hobbits and Humans can learn the basics much more quickly once their talents have been recognized and begin their schooling." Doc explained. "Belle, I know this is confusing to you. I am sure you had no thoughts of being a protector of middle earth. Whether you wish to join the 'fight' or not, you should have training in your skills. You wield a very powerful force and you must learn to control and manage it so you do not harm anyone because of lack of training. There is also the healing aspects of being a minstrel, too. Have you noticed any special talents in helping others in pain or hurt?"
Father answered, "Several times, after a particularly strenuous day in the woods chopping wood for my woodworking business, I have come home tired and sore. My wife and the girls have all taken turns giving me back rubs and massages. Whenever Belle has done it though, it seems there was more warmth and a deep soothing feeling in my achy muscles and bones than the other two. I always like it better when Belle does the job for me." Father looked apologetically at his wife.
"When we have sore throats, if Belle stirs the honey tea with her finger, it works better than when Mother stirs it with a spoon." added Mary Jane. "The sore throat seems to vanish while we are drinking it, just like that!"
"I found a little sparrow out in the woods few months ago and it had broken one of its wings. I would not have seen it but it chirped at me and flapped its good wing as if it was trying to get my attention as I passed. I went over and picked it up and ran my hands over it and stretched out its wing and examined it. I noticed the bone was broken and worked the bones back together. I wasn't sure how to keep it in place though so I just rubbed it for a while. The sparrow was very patient with me and almost seemed to sigh when I handled it. After a bit, the bird chirped and flapped both of its wings, and it seemed as if it winked at me, and then flew off! I was very surprised." added Belle.
Doc listened to all the explanations. "These seem to indicate some healing talent in you. Both damage and healing are important areas of being a minstrel and both will have to be taught to you so you can hone these skills well. There is a Bard named Faellindiel, and a Healer, named Maegamel in Celondim who will take you under their wings and start you on your training. I will send a message to them that you will be arriving in a week or so. Your family may accompany you there so they can speak to anyone they like and see where you will be. They will be free to visit you, too. The Elves will be in touch with me soon and they will send an escort to take you to Celondim."
The family was very glad to hear that!
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Post by Stormrider on May 27, 2015 21:27:47 GMT -6
The next morning Belle woke to light rain pitter pattering on the roof. She yawned, stretched, and snuggled back under her covers and thought of the last instructions Doc had suggested to her.
"Remember not to let any of your neighbors know of your skills." he warned the family. "The Shire is a peaceful place and is yet unaffected by the troubles that are coming."
Turning to Belle he said, "We do not want any to know of your special talents . . . for now anyway. Someday it may be necessary to let them know that there are those with your abilities who will do everything in their power to protect The Shire and other regions of Middle Earth."
"In the next weeks while you wait for your escort to take you to Celondim, practice both aspects of your minstrel skills--harming and healing. But be careful that the harming side doesn't get out of hand! You should also keep working in your father's woodworking shop and learn as much from him as you can for now. Woodworking is a very useful craft for a minstrel."
Belle yawned again and rolled out of bed. She pulled the covers up neatly, fluffed the pillow, and hurriedly dressed for breakfast. Downstairs in the kitchen, mother was about to start the fire in the stove. Mother moved aside and smiled as Belle came up and lit the fire with her skill.
Tobin had a bit of a sore throat so Belle made a honey & mint tea concoction and warmed it and stirred it with her finger. Tobin drank it thankfully and was soon feeling much better. Mary Jane dropped a heavy pot on her foot and Belle ran her hands over her swollen foot and cured it. After breakfast Father and Belle headed to the shop and put in a full day and Belle worked on perfecting her letter wood burning as well as basic woodworking skills.
Every day in the weeks to come varied a bit with different skills being honed and Belle tried many different things. Before the family knew it, the day for departure was upon them.
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Post by Stormrider on May 28, 2015 5:27:48 GMT -6
The bags were packed and lined up in the entry way. After two weeks had passed, the bags had been set out while they waited for their escort to arrive. The exact day had not been given to them--only a general time frame for departure. One evening, into the third week of waiting, the family was sitting down at the table for dinner when suddenly there was a sharp series of knocks at the door.
The family exchanged glances as father excused himself and went to answer the knocks. The rest of the family stood and followed father. As father opened the door, the rest of them crowded closer. They had never seen Elves before and were very excited to finally get to meet one. The door swung open and to their amazement stood an elderly hobbit.
He was dressed in a gold velvet robe with deep purple trim and embroidery throughout. Upon his head of gray hair was a gold velvet pointy hat with a wide brim, also trimmed and embroidered in deep purple. He wore a flowing deep purple silk cloak trimmed and embroidered in, you guessed it, gold. The family was stunned. They weren't expecting a hobbit, especially one who was dressed so flamboyantly.
"Don't stand there with your mouths hanging open! Invite me in for what smells like a scrumptious repast. I am quite famished from my travels and have a thirst that can only be quenched by a good pint of ale or two." he commanded.
Father stammered, "Of course, of course, my good gentle hobbit. Please come in and make yourself at home." The family stepped aside to give him room as he swept into the room. He surveyed the room as he unclasped the golden leaf pin that held his cloak at his neck and handed it to Mary Jane who stood nearest to him. She took it gingerly and hung it on the cloak rack by the door. Then he removed his hat with a flourish and handed it to mother who took it and hung it up next to his cloak. This hair was gray and wavy and not quite shoulder length.
"Well, well, well. And you are Belle." he said as he approached her. "I can see the minstrel in you already! You have a dazzling aura about you that I can see."
Belle stepped back at his approach in surprise. She hadn't realized there would be any telltale signs of her talent. "Oh!" she squeaked. "I didn't realize it showed."
"Now, now, don't be upset. Ordinary people cannot see your aura." the hobbit said as he moved toward the dining room. "It can be seen only by those who are great minstrels themselves." He took Belle by her elbow and directed her toward the dining area with him. The rest followed, intrigued.
"Errrrr, sir. We were expecting an elf." blurted Tobin who was not known for tactfulness. "Who are you?"
"That's what I like! A lad who asks direct questions for the questions he wants answered." smiled the odd hobbit. "My name is Burtrand Bellringer." Mary Jane looked up in surprise. That tale about the hobbit with pyromania had been true!
Burtrand continued, "Disappointed are you? Me not being an Elf? Har Har! Don't you worry lad, you will see enough Elves soon enough. Probably more than you will ever want to meet!"
"Oh no! I would never get tired of seeing Elves, sir!" answered Tobin. "And I am just surprised that you aren't an Elf, not disappointed."
Burtrand chuckled and the family began passing the food around the table.
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Post by Stormrider on May 28, 2015 7:24:47 GMT -6
Everyone had questions they wanted to ask so the meal was filled with interesting conversation.
"As Tobin mentioned already, we were expecting an Elf to escort us to Celondim." Father stated. Burtrand scratched his chin. "Hmmm, why would you have thought that? You live in a hobbit inhabited region of Middle Earth. An Elf knocking at your door would draw attention to your family." Father looked his guest up and down. "And an unknown elderly hobbit dressed so, errrrr, colorfully as you wouldn't?"
Burtrand chuckled. "You have a point there. I planned my arrival to coincide with hobbit dinnertime. Most hobbits are eager to sit down at the table and are not looking out their windows. I did not see anyone in the neighborhood." Mother piped up, "Don't be so sure of that. Our neighbor, Emerald Borings, is a busy body and quite nosey. I wouldn't be surprised if she ate her dinner sitting in her rocker at the front room window." Burtrand laughed.
"How did you learn of your minstrel talents, Mr. Bellringer?" queried Belle. Mary Jane nodded, "I've heard tales about a hobbit years ago who was a pyromaniac!"
Burtrand guffawed out loud at Mary Jane's comment. "Is that what the gossip said? My how word travels fast via the Nosey Hobbit Express and all the way across The Shire, too, for I grew up in Scary. There is truth to that tale after all."
"I was a mischievous lad and when I entered my tweens, I began to show the sparking talent. I was fascinated by it and went about lighting things up! Mum and Da were very upset with me. They forbade me to do it so I hid in the closet and took my toys with me and started them on fire there. However, a hem of a coat caught a spark and started on fire. It spread quickly and I exited the closet quickly in a cloud of smoke and flames. Luckily Da and Mum were there and were able to extinguish the fire quickly. It seemed huge to me at the time, but wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I burnt my fingers that time and was rubbing them when suddenly they stopped blistering and hurting. Da and Mum saw that and were amazed. Of course, like you Belle, they consulted the Healer and then I was sent off to Celondim for training."
"They said that you were never seen again." Mary Jane commented. Burtrand shook his head. "My family moved from Scary to Needlehole so they could be nearer to me for visits. I have been back to The Shire many times since. I have been looking for more Minstrels in The Shire and keeping a watch on the Borders along with the Bounders, although they don't know I am doing that. I've saved a couple of them from being pounced on by a goblin or two and have been thinning out the spying crebain varmint that have been circling The Shire."
"Have you found other hobbit minstrels?" asked Belle. "Sadly not too many. I've been looking for a good 65 years and have only come upon 5 others and you will make 6!"
Tobin wanted to know about the Elves and Celondim in Ered Luin. Burtrand told him that it was a beautiful region with many cherry and rowan trees and lovely spiraling white and golden buildings with red roofs. He explained that the land was hilly and that there were many streams, rivers, and waterfalls. "The Elves are very tall and slender and graceful. They have a cheery attitude and are very helpful and understanding. However, they can be very stern and forceful if need be. Their powers are very strong. They have had thousands of years to perfect them. But you will see all of this soon so I will not say any more."
Dessert and tea was served and then Burtrand rose to bid them farewell for the night. "I am staying at the Bird and Baby Inn tonight. I don't want to attract attention to your family. Tomorrow after breakfast, I will meet you north of Waymeet at the top of the hill going down to Rushock Bog about 10:00. Be on time and bring snacks with you!" At that he was out the door and headed down the street on foot.
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