Kairoc runs into Omfast. Omfast gets a fit, Fraibert tries to calm him, and Finigrin helps Kairoc escape. Kairoc also plays his sister Amethyst.
An open cobblestone square bustling with people and sounds, a sensible spot for the heart of Tookland. The town is a busy one, with an abundance of residences and shops. There is a path up a hill to the southwest and another leads southwards to a more rural district. An old tree stands in the northwest corner of the square, and there are several postings upon it. A comfortable wooden bench sits next to the tree, where hobbits often sit to relax.
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Obvious exits:
Kairoc comes strolling up the road. Kairoc has arrived.
RL (Arizona) time is Thu Jan 03 13:02:45 2002 (+time). IC time is about 11 AM on Trewsday Rethe (March) 15, 1425 S.R.
IC Weather Conditions: There is a bit of moisture in the air, almost a thin mist which seems to be dissipating. In the distance some clouds may be seen moving slowly across the sky on this Rethe day.
Fraibert arrives from the northeast. Fraibert has arrived.
The sound of pattering hobbit feet can be heard softly in the dissipating mist, and it is quite obvious that the hobbit is running. Soon after the first sign of running steps is heard, the source is seen. A small hobbit, no more then 2’5” (quite young as well) weaves in and out of other hobbits, followed closely by an older hobbit, who seems to be quite angry, “Kairoc Brandybuck, when I get my hands on you!” The small hobbit, apparently named Kairoc calls back, “’Twas an accident, dear sister, an accident,” though he does not slow in his pace.
Meanwhile, Omfast is busy examining some onions at a stand while the traveling salesman looks him up and down. “Hmmm... These look good, my man. They will do fine for the Smial Gardens. How much?” Just as the merchant is about to reply, Omfast’s feet are swept away by a small hobbit. The onions flies high into the air, and Omfast flies into the cart. “WHAT WAS THAT???” he shouts.
Kairoc is knocked off his feet as he accidently hits something, which happens to be Omfast. He looks up and winces, suddenly very nervous, “Um... Please forgive me!” he says, briefly glancing over his shoulder at his now smiling sister. He coughs lightly, and goes around picking up the onions, not knowing what else to do.
Omfast’s face grows darker and darker as he tries to get up again, only to hit his head on one of the poles which is looming at an angle. The merchant in the meantime, has decided to help Omfast by pulling him by one of the legs. Omfast tries to hold on to the cart, and manages to nearly topple it, such that the merchant decides to let go of Omfast’s leg. With that, Omfast not only falls further onto the counter, but down the other end and disappears from sight. After a moment of silence a furious howl is to be heard, and Omfast rises from the shadows, teeth showing and his hands clutching an invisible enemy. “Who... who... who did... this... ??” he hisses.
Fraibert’s face shifts from pure suprise to a small smile at the corner of his worn lips. Fraibert slowly moves over towards the clearly furious hobbit and says, “Relax my fellow. I’m sure it was all a mistake. Do not get angry yet.” Then he gestures towards a nearby rock says, “Come, come take a seat.”
At first Kairoc nearly drops the onions as he looks at the furious hobbit. “’Twas an accident,” he sqeaks, just as Fraibert comes to his rescue... or at least he hopes.
Omfast scrambles onto the counter and leaps out. The merchant spreads his arms and says, “Now, sir, please...” But Omfast dodges him. He starts for the small hobbit while his sister is still watching. Unfortunately, he steps on one of the onions and looses his balance. He throws his arms around, struggles for a moment, and manages to skid to a stop right in front of the elderly hobbit who has been trying to calm him. Surprised, Omfast looks at the old man who’s blocking his way. “Uh... now... this little wretch...” While he talks Omfast tries to sidestep the old hobbit, but the other two shift effortlessly. Finally Omfast drops his hands and sighs, “Ah, well... No harm done, right? I, uh, need to catch my breath...”
Fraibert looks suprised at this outburst of behavior. “Yes, indeed, no harm is done,” he said with a quick smile, “I’m certain that this little one did not mean to injure you.” Fraibert again gestures towards the nearby rock, “you should sit down and relax for a bit. I’m certain that will help you.” Then he turns towards the little hobbit and says sternly, “And what do you have to say? Running around tripping respectable hobbits?” though this is hard to take serious since Fraibert retains a smile at the fringe of his mouth.
Kairoc stands trembling, “It was an accident,” he squeaks again, carrying the onions over to the merchant, and leaving them there, before slowly approaching the two older hobbits, thinking of apologizing in the right way.
Omfast sits on the rock but shakes his head and says, “Learn some manners, you lout! What did you have to come weaseling through the crowd, eh? Have you no eyes? Can you not see?” With a look at the old hobbit his voice dies down, however, and he says, “Anyway, the least you can do is help that poor man.” With that, he gets up again and bends down for some onions.
Fraibert looks at both hobbits as a warm smile dawns on his face and says, “I’m quite alright, thank you. Perhaps I should introduce myself. I am Fraibert Bolger.” “And I’m fortunate to make the acquaintances of?” he inquires, his blue eyes twinkling with delight.
Kairoc looks up at Fraibert, “Kairoc Brandybuck at your service, sir,” he says with a low bow, before helping to pick up onions, which looks rather comical, as he can only really carry two, maybe three at a time, because of his tiny size.
Omfast puts the last of the onions onto the cart, wipes his hands, and returns to Fraibert and Kairoc. “Omfast Cotton, at your service,” he says. “And what did you do, young Kairoc, to be a-chasing through the market at this time of day?” and with that he shoots a significant look at the lass which had been chasing the boy.
Fraibert bows toward both hobbits and says “I am certainly glad to have made your acquaintances,” and then he looks over at Kairoc saying, “please do be careful when you are running. There are oldder hobbits such as myself about.” Then leaning on his cane he turns towards the female hobbit Omfast had glanced at and says, “Please do come here.”
Kairoc thinks, “Y’know... I don’t even know... she just got mad at me and started chasing me...” he replies to Omfast. His sister begins making her way over to the three other hobbits. She rolls her eyes in a long suffering way, as she hears what Kairoc has to say.
Omfast grins at the young lady and waves, “So you finally caught up with him, eh? What did he do this time?” He runs his hand through his hair, trying to put it back into shape. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of him if he keeps on a-running like he did. Just remember, lad, if I find you breaking them flowers in the Great Smial gardens, I’ll have you for it!”
“Perhaps you should introduce us, Kairoc.” suggested Fraibert looking again at the female hobbit. “This may serve to settle this issue once and for all.”
The bell above the Bakery Shoppe door gives a little tinkle as Finigrin Brandybuck pushes it wide open. He tucks something into his left trouser pocket and steps out into the square. A commotion nearby catches his pointy ears and he spies a familiar little hobbit who looks like he’s in a world of trouble...
Kairoc opens his mouth to introduce his sister, when she cuts in, “Amethyst Brandybuck, at your service, gentlesirs,” she says with a curtsy. Kairoc frowns, but says nothing, but he is obviously irritated.
Omfast beams at the young lass and says with a chuckle, “Omfast Cotton, at your service, and your family’s – possibly with the exception of young Kairoc... But lets have the explanation for that furious chase, now.”
Fraibert looks thoughtful for a second. Then he proceeds and says, “Well yes, it would be nice to know how this began.”
Finigrin wonders if he should stay out of this affair or step in for Kai. He scratches his head, and, popping a chocolate covered Tookie from his pocket, decides that Kai might be appreciative of a little help. Strolling over, he says, “Well, hello there Kai! I was wondering what had kept you.” He give a little wink, unnoticed by all but Kai. “You were supposed to meet me nearly a quarter hour ago!” He stops, noticing the look on the lady-hobbit’s face, and puts on his best gentlehobbit demeanor. “Hello, m’lady” he says with a bow. Oveila pages: If you want to do something for it, maybe you can get in touch with Sam and plan something inconjunction with her Grange thingy.
Amethyst frowns, “That may be, but he didn’t have to drop his pipe upon my new dress before he left!” she snaps. Kairoc gives an innocent look, “That... was not an accident,” he says, ducking under his sisters swung arm.
Omfast is nonplussed, “Whaat?” he says as he gets up. “Didn’t I tell you to get some manners, young boy?” He tries to grab Kairoc by his sleeve, “Watch out, Ms. Brandybuck, he’s trying to get away!”
Fraibert signs loudly then sharply says, “Will you stop?! One accident is enough today!” Leaning on heavily on his cane he appears wearied possibly due to his outburst. Quietly, almost a whisper, he says, “Yes, that is enough for today.”
“Yer not helping yerself!” Fini mutters under his breath. Then, turning to Amethyst, he says, as politely as he can while trying to lie on the spot, “Er, miss, Kai was probably just in a hurry to... uh meet me in the... Inn... for a for our appointment.” He bows again, this time a little less regally and much quicker. “Finigrin Brandybuck, travelling painter. Kairoc commissioned a portrait...” Fini stops short, his brain catches up with his mouth and he hopes for Kai’s sake that she’s buying this...
Kairoc gives a terrified look towards Fini, though he hides from all but Fini. Amethyst beams, “A painter?! Oh, I must see some of your work, I love art!” she says, in excitment. Kai just prays that Fini is in fact a painter.
Omfast starts following Kairoc as he talks, ever faster. Around Fraibert, around Amethyst, around the cart. Finally the two break out in a run and Omfast works himself into another ire, “Oh no, young lad, you won’t get away this time!” With that, he follows Kairoc into the crowd and is lost from sight. Amethyst, Fraibert and Finigrin remain behind. Occasionally, Omfast’s roar can be heard as he probably misses Kairoc around yet another corner.
Fraibert pushes hard on his cane and upon righting himself shouts, “Finigrin, Kairoc. Stop this nonsense! I do not have time for this!” Then releasing his hard grip on his cane he relaxes a bit and looks at his watch. “Oh my, time has certainly gone by! I apologize, I must go immediately!” Fraibert then turns and hobbles towards the road.
Fraibert heads northeast toward the Stock Road. Fraibert has left.
Finigrin smiles shyly “Well, miss, I’d be happy to show you some. And if I ever find a hole to set up in, I should be honored to paint your portrait...” He pours on the charm as thick as it will drip. “Though I’m certain that the paints could ne’er do your beauty justice.” He gives her a little wink, but trys to keep tabs on Kai from the corner of his eyes. After all, Kai is his only lifeline out of this prediciment.
Kairoc dodges Omfast, “Will you leave me be?” he asks, “Please sir, I have no quarrel with you, and I do not wish to ever have quarrel, this is only sibling difficulties.”
Omfast tries to catch the young lad, but to no avail. He stops, panting, and shakes his fist at the anonymous crowd. He mutters, “I won’t forget you, lad, no I won’t.” He shakes his head, checks wether his purse is still there, runs his fingers through his hair again, and looks around. He starts muttering to himself as he walks from stand to stand, “Now, where was I. Onions, right. Gotta get some onions. Tulips would be nice, too. Buy them now, as my mother used to say.” And with that, he is lost in the crowd.
Amethyst smiles, “Well it was nice meeting you, I’ll have to see some of your art a little later, right now I’m going to go chase my brother again,” she says, running off.
Finigrin waves to Amethyst as she runs off after her brother. “Fare thee well!” He shouts. “... and good luck to you, Kai!” he adds under his breath.
#Elendor