There once was a hobbit by the name of William Bunce. He had curly blonde hair, brown eyes, and was very "well rounded". The problem, though, was that William Bunce was considered by many hobbits to be very peculiar. For example, you may have already known that there is a certian standard held by many respectable hobbits on how a hobbit should conduct himself. You may drink beer to the point of a stupor, you may smoke pipeweed as much as you wish-though I hear that this is indeed hazardous to your lungs-you may garden until the cows come home, and you are free to live a very quiet, peaceful living as best you can.
But you musn't enage yourself frequently with "outlandish" folk, you must not talk about anything dangerous-like, for instance, going off into the blue-you must not be adventurous, and you must not exhibit anything outside the normal hobbit demeanor. To do so would earn yourself a public scorn of some sorts. Unfortuntaly for Mr. Bunce, he could not not do these forbidden things.

I could not tell you when these frightful habbits started, but up to this very point Mr. Bunce would always talk to outlandish folk whenever he could, he would always talk about going off into the blue,-which is a very stupid act if you were in the Shire-he would constantly leave his home for an extended amount of time-usually just to go to the South Farthing-and aside from being just plain weird, he would often invite many of his neighbouring hobbits to join in on his little endeavours-another stupid thing to do.

William found that desires were unquenchable. The world would never stop growing for him, and whenever the world would grow to Mr. Bunce, so to would his desires to explore grow with it.
He found these whims to be simply unbearable during the fall. Whenever the place had a crisp golden feel to it, William would drift off into countless reveries, imagining himself in forests and undtrodden plains.
His desires would grow and grow, until finally, he made a very stupid decision. He decided that the Shire was simply too small, and seeing that the world was an awfly big place-especially for a hobbit-he concluded that it was high time he set out to see what else there was.

So, he packed his things. First some blankets, then food, then a map, then some more food, then a cloak, then even more food, then cloths, he then ate some of the food he packed, then realizing how foolish it was to eat said food he compensated for it, then he packed his pipe, some pots and pans, some tobacco, his walking stick, and then left.

I should mention at this point that despite Williams many horrific short comings, he did manage to scrounge one friend. This friends name was Falco Buffin. Falco had black curly hair, blue eyes, and was rather skiny for a hobbit. Despite that last dissapointing note, Falco was a very respectable hobbit. He acted as a hobbit should, never talked of anything that revolved around adventures, and rarely would entertianed any forgieners-and in some cases he would engage them just to be nice.
But upon this certian starry evening, while he was sipping some tea infront of his fire side, Falco recieved a knock on his door.

"One moment." said he as he wondered who would be out and about at this time of night.

He opened the door and saw William standing there with a gleem in his eye.

"William! Why are you up at this hour?"
"Well, I could ask you the same thing. But I didn't come just to ask silly questions. Rather I came to ask you one important question."
"Alright then, spit it out."
"Would you like to accompany me on my expedition?"

Needless to say, Falco shut the door. But William knocked again, and again, and again until finally it became unbearable. Falco agreed to join him. They both ventured out into the night with a good amount of accoutrements. It was either fate or a miracle that kept both William and Falco secret during their walk. For William was whistling very loudly, and Falco wouldn't stop whining on how he was "taken against his will". Either way, now one spotted them, and they secretly passed on into the mist of the night.

OOC: I don't know where this thread is going, I was thinking that maybe William would find himself in a dangerous situation in which the plot of the story would focus around him and his companions getting out of it.
Anyone is welcome, all I ask is that you write respectively, and stick within the Tolkien lore.

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"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

(I can have Ruth Ann join them out of the Shire, if you would like. )

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For sure...go ahead.

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"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

(Awesome.. I will just wait until you get to the woods though.)

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The two hobbits stayed their course for one day and a half. They then rested at Whitfurrows for the afternoon, and continued to Stock until finally, late at night, the bunked in a small inn.
The idea of the trip was to head for Bree. There William would get a good taste of the outside world, while not traveling too far for Falco. Falco had once been to Bree, and regrettably, hated it. But because of his promise, he continued on with William, hoping that this would be the last time William would ever consider him to go "out and about".

They both woke up rather stiff; after all this was there first night of sleep since they left Hobbiton. They packed up there things and convened at the tavern to discuss whether or not they should pass through the Old Forest.

"It is simply too dangerous William." began Falco. "Why must we pass through that forsaken place, when we could take the crossing at Brandywine! From there we could stay on the safe road and not worry about anything dangerous at all!"

"Not for me." replied William. "It may be safer, but it's also back-tracking. We would get to Bree quicker by going through the forest and then cutting through the downs. Besides, think of how many more things we would see taking this route!"

Flaco, of course, did not care for said things that could be seen. He simply wanted this whole journey over with.
So they continued on, both arguing their case until finally the afternoon struck; a decision had to be made.

"Right then." began Falco. "If you are so resolute on taking the path through the Old Forest, I will just have to meet you on the other side! I will take the Brandywine crossing and try to get to the end of the Forest as quickly as possible!"

"Very well then!" said William. "You may take your stupid path, but as for meeting you on the other side...that is a different matter all together!"

That was the last thing they both said. The two hobbits payed their dues for the stay, and stormed out the tavern. William made for the Bucklebury Ferry, and Falco moved towards the Brandywine Bridge. Although, about half way there, Falco had a change of heart. Seeing that this whole adventure was something he detested, he concluded that he had three choices to make.
One was to carry on. Two was to hed back to Hobbiton. And the third decision was to go back to William and walk with him.

"I will certianly not walk this road alone." he said to himself.

So option one was scratched.

"I will not head back to Hobbiton without William. The road ahead is too dangerous for him to take alone."

So option two was scratched.

"I suppose then," he thought with dread, "that I must go back!"

It took a good deal of humility, but Falco did return to William. Just before the Ferry took off Falco managed to catch a ride with William, and they both made up, said their apologies, and tried best as they could to forget the whole incident.
Of course, the idea of heading into the Old Forest was a silly one, and Falco knew this. But he could not deter William from his course. So, he decided shut up and make the best of what was possibly one of the worst things that would happen to them.

They reached the port in a decent amount of time. By then a thick fog had settled on the realm, giving the place a dead-like look. They marched on to the gate, and with one great knock it opened. There before them stoof the Old Forest.

It was wreteched to behold. Everything seemed twisted and bent. The flowers-which were scant few to begin with-were absolutely destroyed by the season. The tree's hung over the path as if they were staring right at the hobbits. Everything was shrouded behind a veil of mist, so much to the point that Falco and William could only see ten feet in front of them.
They set their pace at a wary speed. Their eyes darted to and fro at the slightest crack or flick they heard. A crow cocked overhead. A whistle here, and small snap there, and everything else was shrouded.

It was not long before the hobbits fell victims to the terrible power of that place. They didn't realize it, but the trees began to discreetly move. Slowly the path began to take a new form, a more dangerous form. The trees were leading them somewhere.
Slowly the two hobbits were led deeper and deeper into the woods.

"This is fantastic!" Willliam said. "Look at this place! It is so erie, yet in a beautiful sense."

"Fantastic!" cried Falco. "We are lost! The tree's are doing heaven knows what, and we are heading deeper into the woods! See, it's already getting thicker and darker!"

"Do shut up Falco! You're ruining the moment."

They pressed on until finally they could not go anywhere anymore. They were simply pressed in on all sides. There was no path. But no sooner had they reached this dead end, that a path did clear for them.
The shuffling of trees could be heard quite clearly now. The hobbits knew what was happening, and the also knew that the trees knew that they knew what was going on.
They quickly resolved to take the only way out, not knowing whether or not it lead to safety.

"Trees moving!" thought William. "Who would have thought they could! I thought it was only legend."

Finally they had to stop. Night came on them and they were exhausted.
So they set out there blankets, ate a little food, and made a nice place to rest. They did not dare start a fire, seeing that these trees had some inteligence scared them from burning wood.
All became silent, and only the breathing of the hobbits could be heard.

Suddenly, there was a tick.

"William!" whispered Falco, "Stop tickling my ear!"
"Flaco," replied William in a whisper, "why in the name of anything good would I be tickling your ear?"
"Well if it's not you......"

Whoosh! Flaco was lifted up into the air at an enormous speed. It suddenly dawned on both of them that the trees were attacking!

"Help!" cried Falco.

William sprung into action. He quickly got up and ran in the opposite direction. (I assure you he was indeed looking for help). But no sooner had he taken three steps, a gaint branch lifted him up into the air.

"Help!" they both cried. "Help!"

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"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

Ruth Ann peeked from behind a tree. She had not traveled through this forest much, but, with the sound of screams, it seemed like she was having a whole lot better day that someone else.

Arriving at the campfire, Ruth Ann swatted down to the ground and picked up a piece of tomato. "What do we have here?" she informaly questioned herself and tossed the tomato back on the ground. The screams came from right behind her. It was only a matter of time before the person noticed her and began to yell out: Little Lady Help instead of just the regular Help.

"Coming," Ruth Ann Underhill yelled out to whoever was on the other side of the illedged conversation. She peeked her head out behind a tree to see two hobbits being flung up in a tree.

"Let's see.. I have heard of this before," Ruth Ann herself leaning against a tree, "Oh yes! Merry and Pippin told me of it after their little excursion out into the wilderness. Hmm.. and what would you two like me to do?"

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((can I join you guys with my character?? I can try to save you guys from the trees??))
((my character is named Draca))
((yes she's a girl))

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"Is all that we see or seem in a dream, but a dream?" -Edgar Allen Poe

[: ? # = $ ^ ~ +]


Normal is for Muggles!

OOC: For sure.

InC:

"Well madam," began William has he was being flung through the air. "To get us out of this predicament would be most helpful!"

"And hurry!" added Falco.

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"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

"You seem very very modest and polite while in a life or death situation," Ruth Ann continued in a casual tone, "Let's see what I can do. They don't like fire, or swords being stuck in their trunk for that matter. So, I will have to... put it to sleep."

Ruth Ann skipped to right in front of the tree and tried to remember what Tom Bombadil had told her the few times she had gone to visit him.

Instruct the trees, he would say, Instruct them.

Ruth Ann smiled and began to chant what Tom Bombadil had formerly chanted, "You let them out again, Old Man Willow! What be you a-thinking of? You should not be waking. Eat earth! Dig deep! Drink water! Go to sleep! Ruth Ann Underhill is talking!"*

Ruth Ann Underhill then backed away from the tree and let open a little spot in the ground for the two hobbits to be dropped onto.

* As written in The Fellowshing of the Ring.

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Plop went William. Plop went Falco.

"Well, that certianly wasn't the best landing I've ever had." William said while rubbing his bottom.

"Aye," agreed Falco. "But at least we're out that situation."

The two hobbits got up rather slowly. They brushed themselves off and straightened their clothes.

"Well then," William stated. "At least we'll have something to talk about. Now then, I believe proper thanks are in order."

Then turning to Ruth Ann William stuck out his hand for a shake and said:

"I am William Bunce and do so gratefully thank you for your service. This is my friend, Falco Buffin. I speak for him when I say thankyou very much. We are in your service."
"But first, would you mind telling me who might you be?"

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"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

"Ruth Ann Underhill," Ruth Ann shook William's hand and politely nodded her head, "but I am in need of no service, thank you. I get along rather fine out her in my own 'adventures'."

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"Your own adventures!" William exclaimed.
"You see Falco, I'm not the only one who likes adventures!"

"I see." Falco said. "Now I seem to be in the midst of two cracked people".

"Nevermind him Ruth, Falco here couldn't get excited about anything. So then, may I ask what type of adventure you are on?"

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"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

"Ann," she corrected William, "There are very few people who are only allowed to call me Ruth."

Ruth Ann paused for a moment and gave a indulged smirk over at Falco, the typical hobbit.

"I only said adventures for sake of not being able to find a better word," Ruth Ann explained, "my main advetnures are back to the Shire, for most of my time is spent out here."

"So.." Ruth Ann continued, "I would been on no real adventure right now, but I am presuming that you would be?"

(I am wondering when this is because I am wary in mentioning common names from Lord of the Rings.)

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Draca walked through the woods and jumped when she began to hear voices. She couldn't understand them. She walked towards where the voices seem to be coming from. As she walked she approached three hobbits. The elf hid behind a tree and tried to decide if they were a threat. She got out her dagger and quietly stepped out from behind the tree and waited for them to notice her instead of startling them.

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"Is all that we see or seem in a dream, but a dream?" -Edgar Allen Poe

[: ? # = $ ^ ~ +]


Normal is for Muggles!

At this moment several things happened at once, so it is key that I explain them to you very quickly. Firstly, William apologized for being too casual with Ruth Ann by only saying the first part of her name.

"I am," began William, "awfly sorry for any offense that I may, or may not have caused."

Then, William answered Ruth Ann's question.

"Well, we are, in a sense, on an adventure. Nothing of extreme importance, and certianly not professionally organized. We are headed to Bree, and then, depending on how we are, may continue."

Now, at this exact moment, Falco- who was slightly perturbed by William's comment of "may continue"- spotted something just inside the trees.
It was still night time in that part of the world, so the hobbit could barely see what he was looking at. But it appeared to him, that said figure was slender, and yet strong.

"There's something in the woods." he interupted.
"Well of course there is," William said, "there's always something there."
"No! I mean there's an actual person looking at us, and it seems that whatever it is, it's holding something."

Now all the hobbits felt stopped what they were doing. William began to look very intently in the direction Falco was looking.

"I see it." he whispered.

"Right then! Whoever you are, I demand that you make yourself known!"

The hobbits waited once more....

_________________
"Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in ME will never die. Do you believe this?'"

(John 11:25-26)-(NIV)

Draca walked out of her spot and walked towards them. She didn't speak. She firmly placed her dagger on the ground as to say that she wasn't a threat.

"I am Draca of Rivendell." she introduced herself and waited to see there reaction.

_________________
"Is all that we see or seem in a dream, but a dream?" -Edgar Allen Poe

[: ? # = $ ^ ~ +]


Normal is for Muggles!