Unexpected Meeting with a Most Kind Hobbit
13 Afterlithe
6 July 2002

Many weird and strange things can happen to a traveling hobbit: whether it is running into mysterious rangers or fire breathing dragons. This day however was especially strange, if you follow me. It is quite rare to run into one of my own kind even though I travel many miles through hill and dell. This particular day the Heren Istarion Fellowship was about to experience an unexpected meeting with a most kind hobbit.

We walked carefully and cautiously into a brightly lit room that was a buzz of all type of folk, big and small alike. Quite unusual for a hobbit like myself to mingle with all these queer folk, but the fact that I would find one of my own kind within this mix was quite comforting, if you follow my meaning. With my fellow companions at my side I approached the small hobbit silently and slowly, like all true hobbits should be able to do, sneaking round for mushrooms and such. The tiny hobbit, who stood sipping from a little steaming cup, raised his eyebrows, his eyes spreading wide in amazement at seeing one of his own kind approach. A taller, yet slightly shady looking hobbit stood nearby.

"Hullo?" he said, giving us all a broad hobbit grin as he took a quick drink of his steaming beverage. "How are you today?" He said in a wonderful voice singing with a highland lilt. With a sudden flash of excitement, and slight embarrassment, I realized that my companions had responded already except for me, who was so shocked at meeting one of my own that I continued to just stare in amazement until I realized that he was staring back waiting for a response.

"I'm feeling fine, thank you." I could feel my ears going red and my cheeks began to burn with embarrassment. The leader of my company, Anthony, saved the afternoon by clearing his throat and explaining our presence.

"Begging your pardon, Mr. Boyd, but we wished to present you with a token of our gratitude for your contribution to the memory of J.R.R. Tolkien, your faithfulness to his work, and your remarkable work on Mr. Jackson's Lord of the Rings.. On behalf of ourselves, Heren Istarion, the New York Tolkien Society, and our sponsor SideShow WETA, we present this bust to you."

Out of a black satchel emerged a small bust, an exact replica of the hobbit that stood before us. He stared in amazement as the beautiful piece of craftsmanship was placed in his hands.

"We would also like to thank you for allowing us to meet and have a little chat with you. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you," said the Lady Jessica, another of our humble fellowship. The small hobbit blushed, his eyes shining in pure bewilderment that some one could actually be honored to meet him. Such a humble little hobbit! "Is this really for me?" He asked.
"Of course it is." I mustered up the courage to squeak while giving his arm a little pat. "But, before you go, Mr. Boyd." I asked. "Could I beg a favor of you?"
"Certainly, your wish is my command." He said with a very proper hobbit bow.
"Could I trouble you for a hug?" It is so rare to meet one of my own kind, you know! He blushed again, and agreed. I was a very happy hobbit.

We continued to chat for a while but it soon became time for our hobbit friend to depart.. He was whisked away back into the forest of the world by a few rather rude goblinish looking folk, but we were comforted. His shady hobbit companion would be travelling with him, too keep him in proper view at all times. Right proper hobbit he is too. A pity he?s so tall.

I will never forget this day, when traveling ended up being more than a mere walk and ended in an adventure into the Shire.