In the warmth of Brandy Hall, Fennel the Hobbit found herself tasked with catering a quiet yet momentous gathering—young Frodo Baggins’ second birthday. Under the approving gaze of his parents, Drogo and Primula, and surrounded by close friends, Frodo giggled joyously as he tasted honeyed scones, mushroom pasties, rich beef stew, and caramel-drizzled apple tart. The highlight was a tiny seed cake, proudly presented by Fennel, who dubbed Frodo “a proper little gentlehobbit.” Unseen by all, fate loomed quietly, but for now, joy filled the hall.

The Moot at Bag End

Two weeks later, a rare gathering of the Wise convened at Bag End, hosted graciously by Bilbo Baggins. Elrond Half-elven had recovered a lost Palantír and a Dwarvish Ring of Power, compelling emissaries from Rivendell, Gondor, and the Grey Havens to deliberate their fate. Impressed by Fennel’s culinary success at Frodo’s celebration, Bilbo chose her to cater this historic moot.

Festivities and Contests

As delegates arrived, festivities began early. A friendly bake-off between Shire hobbits and elves from the Grey Havens delighted the attendees, ending in cheerful victory for the hobbits. Following this, an eating contest brought laughter and groans alike, especially as Adric the Rohirrim and Galaric, Fennel’s dwarf husband, bravely succumbed to their appetites and later paid dearly in an unfortunate chase scene.

Counsel of the Wise

As morning gave way to afternoon, the mood grew serious amidst an extravagant succession of meals—First Supper through Fourth Supper—each more splendid than the last. At the head of the table, Saruman the White asserted that Mordor’s darkening threat eclipsed all others, dismissing the Corsair menace led by Zor-El, the Black Númenorean from Umbar. He also advocated strongly for entrusting both the Palantír and Dwarvish Ring to his care at Orthanc.

Throughout the elaborate suppers, the fellowship discreetly conferred, growing wary of Saruman’s motives. Particularly Sylvaris, seated beside Legolas, convinced allies of Saruman’s duplicity. By Fourth Supper, the heroes’ voices prevailed—the artifacts would be escorted jointly by Gandalf and Saruman to Rivendell, and the threat of Zor-El would not be ignored. Saruman’s displeasure was unmistakable.

Theft in the Night

As the moot adjourned, the heroes’ quiet nightcap at Bag End shattered with a sudden crash. The guards, charged with protecting the precious artifacts, were found drugged and unconscious, victims of tainted food. Though the Palantír remained untouched, the Dwarvish Ring was stolen. Pursuit through the shadows of Hobbiton nearly succeeded—Sylvaris almost captured the thief, revealed as Morlanth, a mysterious agent of Saruman. Alas, Morlanth slipped away into the night.

Yet fate played a cruel trick upon the thief. Word soon reached the company that halfway between the Shire and Orthanc, Morlanth was ambushed by a dragon whose fiery breath melted the stolen ring, consuming Morlanth along with it. Thus ended the ring’s journey and the thief’s ambition.

A Feast to Remember

Through it all, Fennel’s culinary delights earned lasting praise:

  • Starters: Mushroom Pasties, Pickled Beets, Green Apple Salad
  • First Supper: Roasted Pheasant with Blackberry Glaze, Turnip Mash
  • Second Supper: Braised Mutton Stew, Cabbage Dumplings
  • Third Supper: Honey-Glazed Ham, Buttered Scones
  • Fourth Supper (Light): Cheese Platters, Seed Cakes, Blackberry Tartlets
  • Beverages: Southfarthing Ale, Old Winyards Red, Brandywine Cider, Miruvor for guests
  • Midnight Snack: Warm Seed Cakes (for those who lingered)

As the moot ended and the delegates dispersed, the heroes gazed thoughtfully eastward. A decision was made, but shadows yet stirred. Their journey, it seemed, was far from complete.

Characters

  • Sylvaris (Wood Elf Archer)
  • Adric (Human Rohirrim)
  • Conric (Human Weaponmaster)
  • Fennel (Hobbit Baker)
  • Mistriel (Grey Elf Seafarer)