Logs-Shire trip: Lei searches for caranlas

Budge Ford
A small hobbit settlement with half a dozen houses. A narrow plank bridge crosses The Water. The bridge looks a little unsafe... if the stream is low, you can also cross at the old ford, which gave the town its name. The Water is low, slow, and lazy now, and it looks very muddy. Small insects swarm over the river and through the cat-tails along its banks, occasionly being gobbled by a passing fish. The trees are in full leaf, and there are flowers blooming everywhere, speading their lovely scents far and wide.
Obvious exits:
Bolger Smial leads to Bolger Smial.
Fife Hall leads to Fife Hall.
North leads to Scary.
South leads to Village of Whitfurrows.
================================= +SHIRE TIME =================================
RL (Arizona) Time is Sat Feb 28 14:46:55 2004 (+time).
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IC Time is 8:20 PM on Friday, Afterlithe (July) 20, 1431 S.R.
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IC Weather Conditions:
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A beautiful summer's night in the Shire; it is pleasantly warm, and under the bright light of the stars there's nothing more you could wish for. The waning gibbous moon can be seen in the sky.
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Despite the late hour of the day, not quite all of the hobbits of Budge Ford have retreated to the safety, and the warmth of their happy little Smials.. At least a few small children still play in the street, watched over mostly by the wind, as well as the attentive eyes of a few parents, peering carefully, covertly, through the windows of the aforementioned happy little hovels, their eyes cheerful, bright, and only mildly interested in the doings of the children as they (The children, that is), flutter about the ground in some sort of hiding game, eyes bright with cheerfulness... However, one by one, they filter in, beckoned to hearth and the remnants of a second supper by parents, and their own weariness.. Eventually, only a very few are left, one of which is, in fact, Nilcogar Bolger, himself seated on a small, rickety little stool, out front of the Bolger Smial, with his attention trained on the garden, and, in particular, a rather sloppy little patch of mismatched flowers that seem to only be surviving ... Barely. Carefully, the child reaches down beside himself and plucks up a small, dented iron watering can, which he uses to sprinkle a faint trickling of water on the poor bits of fauna, a hopeful gleam to his features.

The black blanket that is the darkness of the night is broken momentarily by what seems to be a shifting grey shadow- one that drifts carelessly up toward the ford, and then it appears to be gone- disappeared into nothingness. A moment later and it will reappear, and take shape- a figure; tall, slender and moving with grace and determination, completely at ease beneath the cover of stars, under which it walks. Drawing up on the seated hobbit now she walks by, sparing nothing more than a passing glance at first he, then the flowers; brilliant blue eyes hidden like the rest of her features beneath a hood of blue-grey.. Feet that whisper on the road below walk onward, and then she stops still and turns..
"Excuse me, little-one," Drifts the voice from beneath the hood; one melodious and tinted with a strange accent unfamiliar to these parts; gentle, lilting and trying to appear unthreatening.. "I wonder if you could aid me..."

As she approaches him, Nilcogar, at first, seems not to notice in the slightest, his brows furrowing together tightly, his gaze locked upon the somewhat poorly-looking patch of flowers immediately in front of him - A bit of a splotch in the otherwise wonderfully coordinated garden. Letting out a sigh, the lad seems ready to pluck up his old tin watering can again, but stops short as he's addressed, gasping a faint gasp and turning about to face the hooded stranger, his eyes widening like little saucers in his head almost immediately as he tilts his head quite a ways back, straining to peer upwards from his seated position, "O-oh..! Hello there.. Who are you, Miss..? I don't think I've ever seen you before.. Um.. Um.. You.. Er.. You aren't here to eat me, are you? Because.. You should know that mama and papa are inside, and they won't like it if you do that."

Those blue eyes shift to regard the garden momentarily, and a sense of doubt lingers over the figure and this grows more so as her attention is turned to the hobbit lass. "Greetings... I am not here to eat you, no," That voice again, now intertwined with faint amusement, but growing irritation and yet it remains calm, and gentle.. and then there is a pause; one hesitant though only momentary, so her question comes soon after her last words have faded from the summer air. "Are they your flowers?" And now one hand extends from the folds of her cloak to unfurl and reveal one slender pointing finger; the point directed at the sickly garden bed.. "I wish to find a certain herb.. if these are yours and you know of flowers, perhaps you will be able to help me..."

Not seeming able to read into the deeper emotions of his companion, even in the slightest, Nilcogar continues with his somewhat sour look, though he doesn't appear quite so apprehensive of the stranger as he did just a moment ago, already relaxing.. Just a little.. Around the much larger creature, as he turns and waves his hand towards the small patch of sickly-looking flowers somewhat hesitantly, "..Umm.. Oh.. Well, those there are mine.. They're the flowers that mama gave me to watch over.. Except.. I sit here all the time, with my book, and I watch them, and watch them, and watch them, and I give them water, and I talk to them, and everything, except they never seem to get any better.. Mama said I might give them too much water, but that's silly, because everyone knows that flowers drink water.. Oh well.. Oh! I might be able to find it, though.. Even if I don't know what it is, I bet it's in my big book of flowers! .. What kind are you looking for, anyways, Miss? Is it a pretty flower, or an ugly one? Big and tall, or little and small?" As he listens to his own 'inadvertent' little rhyme, the hobbit lad dissolves into giggles, holding his hand over his mouth as he peers upwards, still a faint bit of apprehension evident in his features.

The stranger doesn't even look to the flowers again as he begins speaking, but listens intently- that faintly amused smile growing all the while. "It sounds like you take good care of them, and there are not many that would think to talk to them..." she comments- at last turning her gaze to the patch. And now she steps forward and bows her head that she can better regard them. "Too much water? I think perhaps your mother is right... It may be silly, but.. you drink water, do you not? If someone had a whole river, and poured that whole river into your mouth... do you understand me?" Although the story is not finished, the moral is there, and again those eyes are trained on the hobbit- hooded head tilting to the side ever so slightly..
"What I am looking for is not so much a flower as it is a herb.. it is red, and it only grows in the sunlight.. it is probably small.. I have only seen it once before in the Shire and then it was small and frail.. perhaps it would smell faintly like salt, this herb..."

A vaguely proud expression crossing over his features, and more or less evacuating his last lines of anxiety, Nilcogar gives a swooping nod of his head as he twists himself about to again face his much larger companion, smiling broadly from one side of his mouth to the other, "Wow..! .. You really think so..? Well, I do try to take care of them.. Sometimes, though, I'm so caught up in playing that I forget to water them.. But I always give them twice as much water the next time I see them, so that's probably alright.. Oh.. But.. Hmm.. I suppose that makes sense..." As the river analogy is made, the Bolger lad blushes a faint shade of pink, sighing quietly as he continues his response, albeit perhaps a little less excitedly, "Well, I guess that's true.. I couldn't drink all the water in the Brandywine, and I'd become drownded if someone threw me in.. Hm.. Oh well.." Pausing quietly, the child only pipes up again as the flower is described to him, his features perking up considerably, "Oh! I know that flower.. Er.. Plant.. I think! I'm sure there's a picture in my book..!" That said, the lad ducks down and, reaching under his stool, he pulls out a massive (Comparatively) book, easily as big as his head, carefully grappling it in his chubby little hands as he pulls it up into his lap, ".. Hm.. Here we are.. Let's see..."

"Ah, you see.. I'm certain, however, that if you did not water them quite so much, then they would be as beautiful as the rest of the gardens here," The stranger pauses now to carry out a sweeping arc of her hand that incorporates the rest of the garden beds.."And, you understood my story.. And just think that flowers are much smaller, and so perhaps all the water in that can is enough to make them drown.. So, perhaps water them just a little less every day until they appear healthy again, and then only water them that much unless the days have been very hot. Perhaps you could try singing to them, also. I have heard this has some effect on their growth.." she instructs- though appraising his efforts at growing flowers, her voice holds a certain quality that could be akin to a patient tutor..
"You know it?!" Surprise can not be hidden from her voice now as blue eyes alight with renewed energy. "It is called Caranlas.. it is red," she repeats- attention now focused on the book.

His cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink, Nilcogar nevertheless nods in agreement with the much larger figure of his conversational companion, shifting in his stool a little uncomfortably as he moves the giant book about his lap, struggling to turn the pages slowly, without tearing them, and yet plagued forward by excitement, his features twisted in curiosity as his eyes scan over the pages, one by one, dismissively, before turning to the next, "Well, I guess you're right.. I.. I shouldn't give them so much water.. I'm awful sorry, of course.. I didn't mean to hurt them.. I'd never do anything to hurt my flowers, of course..! Why, they even have names.. Mmm.. Oh.. Anyways, I'm not so good at singing.. But.. Well.." Pausing, just a moment, the lad pipes up his voice in a certainly inharmonious discord, a faint croaking song coming from his parted lips, "Lalala.. The rain falls on the flowers from way, way, way up above! The rain, the rain.. Lalala.. " Blushing even more darkly, the boy starts to flip through his book with renewed force, before finally stopping, with a short exclamation, pointing with one free finger towards one of the opened pages, towards a small, red herb, carefully drawn to exact detail.

The pleasant sound of a hobbit whistling punctuates the quiet and warm evening. Soon, 'round the bend, from behind the Bolger Smial, appears another hobbit, his hair reddish in the lantern light as he passes by--perhaps another of those carrot-headed Bolgers? Well, he's certainly no aristocrat, or at least, doesn't dress the part--his clothes look weatherworn indeed, and as he fumbles for his pipe, even the pouch looks worse for wear. After struggling with his tinder box, he's got his pipe alight, and puffs on it a few times, standing still. Then he raises his eyes, turning his head, hearing the song that seems to have answered his whistling. Stepping gingerly, Percival Took--for that's who he is--approaches Nilcogar and the rather peculiar Big Person, worry and yet, a degree of excitement, written in the lines of his face.

"Good evening, all," he says merrily, drawing on his pipe, forcing his gaze from the Big Person. "Nilcogar--isn't--isn't it a bit late for you to be out?" he asks, very little enthusiasm behind his question. He clears his throat nervously. "Did I hear something about flowers?"


The figure stands unmoving; eyes trained on the book as the pages are turned. If she feels the same excitement as the hobbit lad she does not show it (though it is hard to show emotion when one's face is concealed by a hood), but simply watches and waits as the flowers flash by... "Of course you didn't!" she now reassures- gently comes that voice again; one pleasant to listen to, for most ears... "Perhaps it is best that you talk to them," this could be almost taken as an insult to his singing, "For I think any more songs about water and rain would frighten them out of their wits..." and now there is a certain amount of teasing hidden within that voice- and a playful smile has graced her lips... "Ah, you see.. that is Caranlas, is it no--"
Attention is diverted elsewhere as movement catches her eye, and that hooded head is turned. Perhaps for any wishing to catch a glimpse, now would be the time, for pale face is briefly reflected in the moonlight; nose, lips, and then she turns herself and is shrouded in darkness again. Gaze fixed now on the newcomer she nods her head once, "Greetings. We were talking of a herb; caranlas."

The copper curls of another Bolger lad make his way out to the Ford, holding a little notepad in his hand. He lifts it up, trying to glance at some writing on it and then drops it. A faint "tsk tsk" comes from his lips as he looks down, slow steps leading him down the path. His nose wrinkles and his face strains in effort as the little noises comes out.

Eyes darting open a little wider as the faint sounds of whistling strike his ears, Nilcogar shuffles uncertainly in his stool, though he doesn't quite stand, burdened as he is by the weight of the massive text situated in his lap.. He does, however, twist himself about in a fashion that's sure to be uncomfortable, turning his body around to face the approaching Took lad and giving a precarious wave of one of his arms, nearly seeming to throw himself to one side of his perch as he does so, "Oh, hello there, Mister .. Mister.. Well, I'm sure I've met you.. I think.. But.. Anyways, I'm Nilcogar Bolger, and this is my new friend.. Uh.. Oh! I don't think I've askede her name yet .. Anyways.... Er.. We're talking all about my flowers, and how I shouldn't sing them scary songs.." Giggling quietly, playfully, the lad composes himself again in short order, and sets out in his continued ramblings, "Well, you see, it's a good idea.. We're also talking about this pretty red plant, just like the one I have in my book here..! I've never seen a real one, though.. She calls it 'Caranlas'.. That's a funny name, don't you think? I think.. Hmm.. Redleaf..! Redleaf sounds better."

Though for just a moment does he see her fair cheek, Percival is struck absolutely dumb. His eyes widen to veritable saucers, and his mouth hangs ajar. "My... lady," he says when words kindle once again to his tongue. "I--" he manages, turning about as the sounds of another relation catch his attention. "Do you come so far to speak of flowers to little ones?" Looking once again at the cloaked and mysterious woman, he gives a shy grin, blinking excitedly.

To Nilcogar's babbling, Percival reluctantly turns: "Mister Took, Percival Took, a cousin--distant, but still yours. I admit, I'm not in Budge Ford often, but I do know you, even if I'm just some mister to you by now." Percival gives a smile to the young Bolger. "It was some years ago the last time I was through, in fact..."

"Ailith Raynil," The stranger introduces herself, nodding her head to both of them by way of formal greeting. A faint smile is directed to Nilcogar and his giggling though she does not move, nor join him in his merriment.. "Ah, well it has two names, actually. And one of them is Redleaf. Are you certain you do not learn of herbs as your profession!?" Although somewhat surprised, she certainly adds to this by the tone in her voice, now..
Eyes are turned to Percival, though briefly. "I am searching for a herb... this hobbit was tending to flowers, so I thought perhaps he knew where I would find what I seek..." She says no more, for again she is distracted elsewhere- sharp gaze settling on another newcomer.. One hand reaches up to tug at the front of her hood and draw it further over her head as one afraid of catching a chill, despite the summer air.

The arriving lad sighs and stops his efforts, shaking his head. He glances once more at his little pad, and then tucks it into his pocket. It is not until then that he sees he is not alone, and his lips stretch wide. He starts waving at them until his gaze lands on the taller shape. His hand remains in a mid-wave and immediately, his feet patter their way to the three.

His attention drifting between Percival and the hooded stranger, little Nilcogar giggles even more brightly, his laughter bubbling and boiling as his rotund little form shakes with little tremors, "Hmm.. Wow! You seem to be awful .. surprised to see a stranger, Mister.. Mister Percival. Your eyes are big and round, just like mama says mine get when I'm really scared..! Except you don't seem too scared.." Giggling a little more, his cheeks turn a pale shade of pink, and his eyes light up with excitement as he listens to 'Ailith's' introduction, and to her next few comments, ".. Wow! .. Really? I didn't know that at all, honest..! I just thought that Redleaf would be a neat name for these kinds of plants, because.. Well, I don't know, really, but they sure look like it, don't you think...? Hmm.. Maybe I'm a Herb Hobbit, and I don't even know it..! Wow.. I could become a flower-grower when I get older, and maybe I could even grow the prettiest flowers in the whole.. Whole Budge Ford..! Or maybe even all of the Shire!" Grinning at his own imaginative little thoughts, the lad peers off into the distance, quietly, only barely turning his head towards the other lad, Abegard, as he patters his way closer.

"Then you come to the right place," says Percival softly, his eyes moving from Nilcogar to the woman. "The Shire, especially in the summer months grows more full and lush with herbs and flowers than, my guess is any other place in the whole world. But then, I've only been to Bree..." he trails off with a light laugh. The Took shoots a slightly unamused glance at Nilcogar's comments, reddening, and narrowing his eyes so they do not seem so shocked and amazed. "Perhaps I can help you find this herb? What does it look like?"

An amused chuckle escapes from somewhere beneath the hood at Nilcogar's words and those eyes are shifted back to regard Percival; perhaps searching for verification of the younger hobbit's words..."Yes, it is called Redleaf, though I often forget this name," She affirms quietly to Nilcogar, "Perhaps you should! For certainly you now know how much to water your plants, and you seem to like taking the care of them.." For a moment her grasp on the common-speech slips, though quickly she looks to Percival, and again speaks; " have been here before in summer, and it is indeed beautiful, and certainly more beautiful than Bree..." And then, at his question, that pale hand reappears, the finger is outstretched and pointed to the book on Nilcogar's lap. "It is that herb there, the Redleaf.. it grows only in the sunlight, and smells slightly of salt.." Pattering feet no distraction now, she looks hopefully to Percival..

Abegard arrives finally at the site and stands closer to the hobbits than to the hooded woman. He then waves at each hobbit, patting the Nilcogar's head lightly. His eyes rest, however, on the Big Person. Wide open blue orbs move up and down nervously, glancing at her with intense curiosity.

Still smiling cheerfully, Nilcogar tilts his head up towards Percival now, giving a bright nod of his head forwards as he speaks in a clear, childish voice, befitting his little form, "Well, that's true.. I bet that my mama knows more about flowers than anyone else in the whole wide Shire..! Well.. She's really, very, very good with them, anyways.. If I had've asked her, I bet I could have saved even the Great Secret Mystery Garden from being eaten by those mean animals.. Oh well.." Trailing off sadly, the hobbit lad turns his attention slowly towards the large book in his lap, lifting it up and turning the opened page towards Percival so that the picture of a small red herb is easily visible on one of the pages, "Hm.. She says it's called Redleaf.. Just like I thought it should be called..! I must be a very smart and wise little hobbit... Anyways, I've never seen one, of course, but I'm sure that mama will have... Teasel is her real name, even though I call her mama, of course, but.. You shouldn't go see her right now.. Wait until morning, and then I'm sure she'll be able to tell you just where you can find it.. I bet!" Grinning even more broadly, the child turns his eyes finally towards Abegard, waving one arm up to swat at the other's arm as he's patted in the head, ".. Oh..! Hello.. You look awful surprised, eh..? Don't be afraid, though, she said she wouldn't eat us."

"I am glad you've found what you need, then," Percival says, bowing his head to the lady. "Yes, Nilcogar," says Percival, with a laugh. "And I think this may be the first time that 'wise' and 'smart' are used in their typical connotation, as opposed to you being 'wise' and 'smart' in the pesky way. Perhaps you'vee a vocation in herbs in your future?" he says merrily. To the other fellow, Percival gives a sympathetic nod. "No need to look afright, friend!" The Took narrows his eyes in the dark, leaning toward the other Bolger. "Say--I think I know you..."

"Then perhaps tomorrow I shall come and visit your mother, if you think she may know where to find the caranlas," Ailith says, lifting her head to look across at the house and then giving it a slow nod. "Oh, I have not found the herb yet," she addresses Percival now- voice laced with concern, "Merely a picture of it.. I do not know if it grows still in the Shire.." A sigh escapes the hidden lips of the figure now, "Though I think it is quite.. wise, of this young hobbit here to know the name of this plant, when he had not heard it before.." Blue eyes shift and turn kindly to Abegard and she nods solemnly to Nilcogar's words, "Certainly I shall not eat you.. I do not think you need to fear being eaten here, in this Shire.."

Abegard's eyes remain fixed at the tall woman the small voice of Nilcogar's and the curious question of Percival reach his ears but he seems not to heed them. However, he does notice the Took turning towards him and with a startle, as if waking from a dream, he faces at him blinking stupidly. His eyes travel to Ailith as she nods at him, but what she means to tell him, he cannot make out in the dark and under her hood.

Seeming a little flustered now, by all the attention given to him, Nilcogar blushes a faint shade of crimson and silently traces a single finger along the lines of the red herb drawn in his book, grinning quietly, but certainly more subduedly than just a moment ago, and only really speaking up again as his mother is mentioned, with a gentle nod of his rotund, round little head towards the big-person, "Oh, I'm sure she'd know where to find it.. Or, if she doesn't, at least she'd know where to find someone who does.. She's one of the smartest hobbits I've ever met, you know.. And you're right, I think.. Even though Uncle Bedibert is always telling me scary stories about monsters and stuff that live in the Shire, I've never seen a one, and I've been here for years, and years, and years...! I think that this place is really great to live, because there aren't any giant dragons or 'Sniffers' eating me in my sleep, and that's awful good. Even the Big Folk are nice.. um.. Except.. Except for that one that was mean.. But we got rid of him, and that's for sure..! Long, long ago... Whew. Wow, though.." Peering towards Abegard, with a quiet little giggle, the Bolger child adds, quickly, "You sure look nervous!"

"There's no harm in being a little nervous," Percival says with a slow nod toward Abegard. "Some hobbits are just--well, of fewer words than the rest. And honestly, it's a trait that might do the Tooks well, why, with all their chatter--have you ever been about a Took who wouldn't stop talking? It's right near embarrassing, sometimes, that's what it is, if you ask me," says the chattering Took, oblivious as usual. He turns toward the woman. "I would keep a look out for your, madam, if you would like. I travel the Shire nearly every day of my life, and I could--I promise--serve you well if you should wish. I would look high and far, near and ... far... and..." he pauses, frowning, as if he's lost track of what he's said. "I'd look everywhere possible," he finishes, matter-of-factly.

"Indeed, the Shire is certainly a safe place for Hobbits, and it is indeed very beautiful.. you are certainly lucky to have such a beautiful home, and free of dragons, indeed." Ailith confirms, a smile in her near sing-song voice.. "Though I understand your being nervous..I have heard it said that some of you have seen naught but hobbits before, though," Addressing Percival now, "I do not request your service! If you keep your eyes looking out for this red herb in the sunlight, then that shall be enough. I would not request for you to look high and far and near, but when you are in the places of sunlight to look for this herb.. and for that, I thank-you, for that is enough of a service to me.. "

Abegard remains silent. Glancing deeply into the hobbit's faces, trying hard to catch at least a small hint of the topic being discussed. The night hides their faces and the speed of their talk is great. He sighs.

Still grinning to himself rather broadly, Nilcogar carefully holds up his book towards Percival for only a few moments longer before pulling it down to his lap and closing it, with a dull thud.. Leaning forwards, he slides the thing under his stool again, turning his attention back towards the garden in front of him with only the faintest hint of a wistful sigh, "Well, I suppose that's true.. But not only Tooks, of course..! Papa tells me that I could talk and talk and talk a statue until it was so bugged that it would run away and never come back to see me again..! Or.. well, no, he doesn't say that, but that's what he means.." Grinning at himself, the lad hops up to his feet, free now of his burden, and does a bit of a happy twirl in the air before leaning over and picking up his beaten tin watering can, which he harmlessly empties on the ground next to him, "Well, we won't need this.. I'll get some new water when I have to feed them again.. Tomorrow, I guess.. Oh! And, I'll keep an eye out for your herb, too, Miss..! It might even have grown in the Great Secret Mystery Garden.. Maybe I'll have a look to see if there's anything left, later on..."

"I will look," says Percival, nodding solemnly as if accepting some sort of great Quest. "If I find any--well, I imagine I won't know how to find you--but I'll keep in mind just in case I do see you..." Percival looks out toward the horizon and sighs. "And I'm afraid I must depart, my friends. The evening is darkening, and I have to be at the Inn soon--good luck on all accounts." Percival smiles over to the quiet Abegard and gives him an encouraging wink. "Keep on the lookout for the Redleaf!" With that, the red-headed Took, bounds down the path, a very light spring in his step, and a whistle on his lips.

"Tomorrow sounds like a good time to water then.. and I thank-you also, then, for helping me. Where was this Great Secret Mystery Garden? I do not think I know of it, or where it was hidden, for it must have been hidden if it was a Great Secret..." Ailith asks- casting her eyes northward as one expecting to see a garden appear there.. "Perhaps I shall hear word of your find, then I shall come and seek you out. Either way, if you find the herb, I shall find you. Good night, master hobbit..." She says, nodding her head once in farewell, watching as he leaves and now stirring her body to life- she moves just slightly so that she can better face the two hobbits that remain.

The Bolger tween is amused at the talkative form of the little lad and a smile appears in his features. He turns towards Percival, who is now leaving and takes a nervous hand out, waving slowly to him. The book the little lad has closed calls his attention and he leans a little, trying to figure out it's contents.

The movement of the woman, however, makes him turn his face towards her and he again stares up to her, trying to figure out what makes this figure so peculiar to his eyes.


Grinning broadly as the Great Secret Mystery Garden is mentioned by the Big Folk, Nilcogar gives a swooping nod of his head towards her as he responds, "Oh, of course it was hidden..! It was behind the Smial, covered in grass and reeds and stuff.. It was right by the edge of the river, too... That's why it fell apart though, because the water flooded a little bit, and all the flowers drownded.. I was awful sad for a long while, too, but then my mama let me plant some plants in the garden, and let me take care of them, and everything.. It's lots of fun, of course..! And I can't wait until they grow big and bright, and strong.. Hmm. Oh! Good-night, though, Mister Percy...!" Waving one arm in the air beside himself towards the retreating form of the Took, Nilcogar pauses quietly for a few moments, before turning his attention towards Abegar, smiling a little, "Oh, you're quiet, though.. I hope you weren't too scared, were you? You look a lot older than me, though..! Hum.. I don't know if I've seen you before.. I think I have, but.. Huh.."

"Ah, that is a shame, for a secret mystery garden is certainly a sad thing to lose.. though I'm certain that in time your garden shall be as splendid as it was, and it won't be a mystery, so it shall be even better." Ailith reassures, directing a smile toward the younger hobbit lad. Curiosity then draws her gaze to the quieter of the two, and concern marks her brow.. presently a brief gust of wind whispers through the area and tugs gently at her hood- revealing those pale features just slightly and she seems almost luminous in what moonlight there is; almost appearing to shine with a pale energy.. "I do hope I haven't frightened you, for certainly that was not my intention.. though if I have, and you wish for me to leave, then I shall.. for I would rather walk beneath the stars alone, than know I stand here frightening people who I did not mean to frighten..."

Abegard smiles to Nilcogar, neither nodding or shaking his head. The wind twirls his curls up and down, making them twist and lift until they land back in their usual, messy form. His keen eyes are attracted to the lit up features of Ailith. Her fairness brings a smile to Abegard, who now stares amazed at her perfect features.

'not mean to frighten...' the words comes from the lips of the stranger and the Bolger's freckle-ladden face lights up, his lips stretching widely, baring the teeth. Immediately he shakes his head, with might, curls bouncing from side to side as he does. He points to her and then shakes his head again.

Another faint nod, and Nilcogar screws up his features in something of an unhappy face, sniffing sadly several times before he manages to speak again, his voice a little thinner and quieter than just a moment ago, and certainly not quite as ramblingly fast, "I sure hope you're right.. The Secret Mystery Garden was a really great thing that I was growing.. At first, I just wanted to grow it so I could get some pretty flowers to give to Bridgie-dear, but then I named all the flowers, and then I got to know them, too..! My favourite was Amoeba, who was a really cute flower.. All bright orange, with little yellow streaks by the edge of her petals.. It's awful sad that she died.. Oh well.. Oh, you don't have to leave, that's okay..! Um.. Since you promised you won't eat us, or do anything bad, I'm sure that it'll be alright.. Hmm.." Pausing, just a moment, he gestures vaguely towards Abegard, "Isn't that right?"

"He does not speak," Ailith mutters; a comment more made to herself in thought than directed to the other hobbits. "I know some things about growing, and I am certain your new garden will be equal to the old secret garden, and since it is not planted on the river, it shall not drown.." Unless he waters it too much of course, but she fails to mention that... Something about Abegard has captured /her/ curiosity now as she regards him and his mad head-shaking... "No, I shall not leave, then.." Very slowly does her head tilt, and sideways in puzzlement. "He does not speak, but why? Is he shy, perhaps?" All the while she looks directly at him- blue eyes searching his through the darkness; pale face moulded into a gentle frown of concern...

Abegard lifts his shoulders a bit as Nilcogar speaks to him, lifting his hands upwards and then shaking his head just slightly. The direct glance towards him brings rosy colour to his cheeks though he is not sure why. Finally he opens his mouth, but no sound comes out, just a halting sigh. Slowly he lifts his hands up, still gazing directly at the woman. "Abb..uh" He utters in half words, emitted among unclear sounds. Amused, he takes out his small pad and hands it to Ailith. On the leather cover, the words 'Abegard Bolger' shine slightly with the moonlight.

Finally smiling, just a little more broadly, Nilcogar seems to cheer up considerably as he listens to 'Ailith', finally breaking out into a grin as she concludes her assessment of the new garden, "Well, I certainly hope so.. And, you're right, of course..! Especially once I learn how to take care of them, just how they like.. It's too bad that they can't talk back to me, so they could tell me what they want me to do, or how hungry they are, or that sort of thing.. That would be awful useful, to be able to talk to flowers, and plants, and herbs, don't you think? They could tell you what they're good for, too, and if they're bad for your tummy, or if they're good, and all sorts of other things.. Hm..! I don't know why he doesn't speak, though.. I.. I think I might have seen him before, but I'm nt really sure.. Not exactly really sure.. Maybe he's a Bolger I've never spoken to.. That could be it..! But I'm not real sure.. Hmm.. Anyways.. Um.. I'm Nilcogar..! Hmm.." As a pad is brought out, the younger Bolger lad leans over and peers towards it, uncomprehendingly.

"I have heard there are folk that have the ability to converse with trees.. It is not the same thing as talking to flowers or herbs, of course, but perhaps the trees can talk with the flowers and pass messages on to those folk... But of course, young Nil.." Ailith pauses halfway through the name, finding it stuck uncertainly on the tip of her tongue, not rolling as perhaps a name should.. "Young Nilc-ogar, it is easy enough to learn to read the flowers and herbs; to know when they are sickly, and there are many books, and many teachers that will tell you which ones heal you, and which ones do not..."
One slender hand is extended- pale and white in the moonlight and fingers grip the book and take it carefully. "Abe-gard? He is a Bulger, however- you see, it says this here.. or perhaps Bolger... You Shire-people have strange names to my mind..." Looking to Abegard again, whatever mild curiosity has been driving her now compels her to crouch down and hold the notebook out so he will take it from her again. Now at the height of the hobbits, she speaks; "You are Abegard? And why is it you do not speak?"

Abegard takes the pad with a bow and bears a smile, finally being able to understand the majority of the words spoken to him. To his name he nods again, patting himself in the chest and repeating proudly "Abb..uh". The words, half-croaking sounds, almost unintelligible. He doesn't seem to mind, however, and prepares to answer the second question.

Taking his hand to his chest once more he points to himself and then shakes his head. Immediately his hand moves open to his ear and he shakes it a little, still shaking his head. He repeats the action one more time.

His eyes widening not just a little, Nilcogar stares at his tall companion with rapt attention as he listens to her closely, his excited ramblings giving way to still, considering silence for several lengthy moments before he finally manages to pipe up, his voice filled with awe, ".. Wow! ... Well, that would be really amazing, even if it was only trees that you could talk to.. I bet a tree has lived a really, really long time, and it could tell you all sorts of neat stories...! My mama tells me that some of these trees were around before I was born, and before she was born, and before her mama was born, too..! That'd be great.. Of course, I guess I could learn.. But it's hard, because I don't know my letters yet.. Not all of them. I know some of them.. But.. Oh well.. I.. I have to go, anyways.. Mama will be upset if I stay outside too long.. I'll be sure to feed my plants tomorrow, when I have breakfast..! Mmm.. Yum. Not anything I'd eat, though.. Just water.. Water is pretty good, though. Anyways.. Bye!" Pulling himself up and then kneeling down on the ground next to his stool, the littlest Bolger lad grabs up his giant book from beneath it, wrapping his arms around it and, with only a single, sharp nod towards both of his companions, he races around the side of the Smial, disappearing into the gloom.

"They have lived for a long time.. for many long ages, and they could tell stories, if they cared for stories... But I do not know if they care for stories, or if they do not. I have not spoken to a tree, before. Perhaps one day I shall try. When you are older and you know your letters, then perhaps you should learn, for I think you would make a good Herb-Hobbit, if Herb-Hobbit is what you wished to be.." The voice that drifts from beneath the hood is again reassuring, though not in the way that is meant to comfort.
"Fare well, then, young Nil..cogar. Perhaps I shall meet you again before we depart this Shire.." And, with a nod of her head toward the young hobbit, blue eyes are turned back to Abegard. "Ah.. Perhaps I understand this now, though it is still strange to me.. If what you say is true, then it is not that you would not speak, but you cannot, and you cannot listen.. though I do not understand why..."
Eyes glance skyward once and then over the hobbit's shoulder toward the road. "I am afraid the hour grows long, and I am due back in camp soon... I think it best that I bid you Good-night, too.. It was nice to meet you, Abegard.. Perhaps we too, should meet again before we depart the Shire and I shall discover more about you then..." And, with a brief smile and another nod, she stands again to her full height and steps past the hobbit- moving off down the road and is soon just another fleeting grey shadow lost within the shifting lights cast by the moon.


The remaining Bolger smiles at those departing and after giving a short shrug, he departs as well.