Chapter 2

Second part of my fanfic. I hate to brag but Chapter three is excellent :)

Chapter 2

With cheeks as red as roses and Ithilien bows in his hands , Faramir sprinted back down the winding steps in a record time of… twenty four minutes and thirty two seconds.
“That really was pathetic.” Boromir grinned. “Even dad could have done better than that.”
“Well you try then if you think you could do better.” Retorted Faramir, obviously not impressed by Boromir’s sarcasm.
“Come on now Faramir! There’s no need to get angry about it is there?” The glare that came back at him was deadly.
A Gondorian archer approached the two brothers who seemed to be having a staring , or rather , glaring contest. He coughed and they both looked up. “Sorry, I was just wondering whether we are still doing target practice today or not. After all , that’s what we came here for isn’t it?” He hoped he didn’t sound rude and guiltily fell back into his position by the target.
“Yes , yes we are doing target practice today , it’s just my brother here , can’t get organised. Okay everyone, line up by your arrows and get ready.” The group of fifteen archers got prepared. Bows and arrows in hand , the first five stepped up and aimed at the target. Faramir nudged Boromir. “What?”
“I’m hot.”
“So?”
“Well , can I wear something a little more comfortable?”
“Faramir , we’re doing target practice and you’ve delayed us long enough already. Besides , your idea of something comfortable is a pair of shorts and standing by these men they might mistake you for a target and I don’t think anyone would find you very attractive with arrows sticking out of your-“
“Boromir! Faramir!” They both turned around in surprise to see their aging father standing behind them. He grabbed them both by the shoulders and took them to one side.
“We have a situation upstairs!”
“Sorry , what?” Faramir asked.
“We have a situation … UPSTAIRS!! Listen boy!” Denethor shouted. “Nobody must know , follow me.”
“Well I don’t think it’s going to be a secret for long seeing as you just shouted in front of fifteen irresponsible archers…” Boromir said turning round to look at the faces of fifteen confused faces.
“Good point my son , why didn’t you tell me Faramir?!” And he hit Faramir over the head with his hand.
Boromir and Faramir (Rubbing his sore head as he went.) followed their father leaving the archers completely perplexed.
“Oh , sorry lads, you’ll have to train on your own.” Faramir shouted to them.
“On our own?!” Shouted one , but he had gone.
“Well then , stuff the training, who wants a beer?” Asked another. They all agreed and put down their bows and arrows and made their way to the nearest pub.

Back at the Brandywine it was coming up to hobbit teas time and with a glass of lemonade and a spread of sandwiches on the picnic blanket ,four hobbits were having a whale of a time. Sam had come along as he had some business to talk of that was of some importance. “I’ve heard that Bilbo is to be having an amazing birthday party. Everyone has been talking about it and nearly everyone in the shire has been invited!” Sam said , his eyes excited and wide.
“Yes , Bilbo said it would be a night to remember.” Merry replied. Pippin picked up yet another sandwich and added “ Yes ,and I heard the food will be good too!”
Frodo gazed out beyond the river. He watched the pond skaters dance upon the water like ballet dancers. Silver fish rose to the surface of the river and gulped away at the air , their skins like knight’s armour , glinting in the sunlight. “But I have a feeling he may be going and won’t be coming back again.” Sam , Merry and Pippin turned to Frodo who looked falourn. “What do you mean Mr Frodo?” Sam asked. “ Has he said something?”
“Well , he’s been talking about going to Rivendell , you know, where the elves live and I’ve noticed he’s been quietly packing things away. In fact the house is awfully more tidy than it used to be and you know how unorganised he can be sometimes. He’s planning something , I know he is.”
“Haven’t you talked to him about it?” Merry asked.
“I have and he just made it seem like it was a temporary thing.” He gave a short sigh and got up. “Well , I have to go , it’s getting darker , the party is only four days away. We have a lot of planning to do.”
With that they all picked up the plates and the crumpled blanket , covered with crumbs and shoved what they could into the basket. Pippin noticed a spare cake and nabbed it while he had the chance. Frodo walked like he had a massive weight on his shoulders that made his walk look laboured and hard. They all followed him back to his house.
“Where is Bilbo anyway?” Merry asked. “I would have thought he’d be here all the time. He has a lot to organise as you said.”
“Yes,” Frodo replied. “I know. He’s probably out walking.”
“Well , we’d better get going then. Come on Pip, and you Sam. We’ll see you later.” And they walked out but Pippin quickly ran back in again and took an apple.
“Do you ever stop eating Pip?” Frodo smiled.
“Nope.” He replied and quickly ran back out again before he was missed by the others.

To be continued...