I met Dumpo, my friend, when treating some wood. He came to use the workbench for his tailoring needs, I suppose.
I was so deep in work that wasn’t noticing him for a minute or even more. But then he was pleased to see I recognised him. And before I could bat an eyelid he presented me some new clothes he just made. I was so surprised!
“I can make more for you in a second,” he said. “I just need to catch up on everything real quick!”
I waited, and he made some more indeed! Although he ran out of leather it seems. Then we stayed a bit discussing all this leather and hunting stuff. But our talk was interrupted by the sound of flute nearby. Someone was playing a song!
Just before Dumpo came, I was turning wood into lovely musical instruments for my sister. But now I saw this hobbit playing a merry song on his flute and suddenly felt the desire to do something good for him. So I just gave him the flute I made as a present.
“Thank you,” he said. Then he finished his song…and started playing a lute.
Now that was interesting, and I was too kind this time. So I gave him all other instruments I had: a lute, a drum, a harp…even a theorbo.
“Take this so you can have some choice,” I explained.
Little by little some hobbits gathered around us and started dancing. The minstrel was playing an exciting song.
“I feel like going on a Journey!” Dumpo suddenly said, and others agreed with him. How odd, how thrilling it was.
After that we spent almost the whole night dancing and joking, and even speaking about ADVENTURES a little bit—I was amazed how the Shire-folk dared to talk like that...this is rather uncommon, isn’t it? Some songs were known to me and some were not, but anyway I had a great time listening to all of them. How nice it is in the Shire all the same, especially when there’s some music, good hobbits around and a lot of free time when you aren’t in a hurry...
“If only I could stay and listen to this for everlong,” Dumpo said when I was just about to leave. And he added, “Miss Melisenta, pleasure as always!” and perhaps I even blushed because of this ‘miss’. And so we parted.
Now, uh, now I have to gather some more wood! I still wish to make a present for my sister: she loves music and must be pleased with some good instruments. Have to hurry up if I want her to be surprised!
