Nora's Birthday Surprise

I've been extremely grateful to everyone who has read my stories on here and given me feedback over the course of the past year.  I am especially grateful to Nora for all the amazing illustrations she has made for them, as well as for being one of the people to most consistently pester me when I start to slack off on writing. I have no talent at drawing whatsoever, so as a way of expressing my gratitude and to wish you a very happy 18th birthday, I wanted to write a story.  It's been slower going than I expected, in part because it grew much longer than I originally intended (something I'm used to now...).  I'm sorry that it's late, but I hope you enjoy it.

Table of Contents

Part 1 | Part 2

Nora's Birthday Surprise

Part 1


Detective Inspector Eldorion stared far into the distance as he leaned against the railing on the back porch of the Needlehole Sheriff's Office. His eyes did not really take in the starry sky above him. The moon had set nearly an hour before and almost all the lights in the village had been extinguished, allowing the multitude of stars to shine without being obscured by anything else.

The muffled sounds of Sgt Herring's Fjordian snoring roused the DI from his absentminded trance. His partner, Sergeant Ringo Herring of Fjordlandia, was sleeping in the nearer of the two bedrooms inside. It was nearly 5 AM, but Eldo could not sleep. Rest had not come easily to him since the mission to Bree-land so long ago.

The cold night air bit deeply, and in the late November night sunrise was still several hours away. Finally, Eldo sighed and turned to go inside. If he did not sleep at all he would be totally lost the next day. Normally he might have accepted that, but tomorrow was a special occasion for personal reasons.


The sun had been up for several hours when Agent Nora climbed down from her rented pony cart onto Main Street, Needlehole. Two familiar faces were waiting for her at the foot of the steps leading up to the Sheriff's Office. Their coat collars were turned up against the chilly November air.

“How are you doing, Nora?” called Sgt Herring. “What's the temperature in Fjordlandia at this time of year again?”

“About 60 below,” Nora said cheerfully. “Just about right for an afternoon walk in the woods.”

“I'm sure it's just fine once all the feeling in your limbs has gone away,” said DI Eldo. The smirk on his face softened to a genuine smile as he met Nora's eyes. “It's good to have you back.”

“It's great to be back!” said Nora. “I'm glad I was able to catch up with Nana and Hannah and everyone else but I wanted to spend my birthday with you two.”

“Speaking of which, happy early birthday!” said Sgt Herring. He gave Nora a tight hug. “Should we go inside to get out of the cold?”

“Don't tell me that you're already so used to southern weather that this is bothering you,” Nora said playfully.

“Well I never!” said Sgt Herring. “I was just speaking out of concern for Eldo here. Look at him, he's shivering already.”

“I aaawwm...” Eldo began through a stifled yawn. “I am not. I can stand outside for as long as either of you.”

“Well, there's no need to put it to a competition,” Sgt Herring said graciously. “May I?” he turned to Nora as he picked up her bags.

“Please,” she said with a smile.

Eldo took the steps two at a time in order to hold open the door for Ringo and Nora. He smiled at Nora as she passed.

“We've already got a bedroom set up for you,” said Ringo as he carried Nora's bags down the hallway. “It's a bit small, but then again, this whole place is.”

“Yeah, I had no idea there were three bedrooms in here!” said Nora.

“Nah, there's only two,” said Eldo. “But Ringo and I are doubling up so you can have your own spot.”

Nora's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “What do you mean by 'doubling up'?”

“All we're doing is sharing a room,” Ringo said as he walked back. “Eldo, being the consummate gentleman that he is, insisted that you had to have your own bed to sleep in, so he volunteered to give up his.”

“That's so sweet of you,” Nora said to Eldo. “I feel bad about you having to sleep on the floor or wherever, though.”

“He knows that he's always welcome up on the mattress with me,” Ringo said with a devious wiggle of his eyebrows.

Nora threw him a dirty look.

“Anyway,” Eldo cleared his throat. “We've been pretty busy lately. The Hobbit is going to be the biggest movie release in the history of Forumshire and we have to prepare the theatre here for the official release in a couple of weeks.”

“Come to think of it, is there even a movie theatre in Needlehole?” asked Nora. “I don't think I've ever actually seen one here.”

Eldo looked vaguely guilty, but Ringo responded for him. “Unfortunately, the only place in Needlehole with a large enough screen is Mrs Figg's. She has a lot of seating room too, though I have to say, she usually shows films of a very different nature.”

“I don't think I want to know any more,” Nora said delicately.

“We'll be sure to set aside time to get ready for you birthday!” Eldo assured her. “Our main job right now is beefing up security in case any purists decide to attack movie theatres, but that isn't much of a concern until the film is delivered here.”

“Isn't the premiere happening on November 28, though?” asked Nora. “That's my birthday!”

“Just the official premiere in Michel Delving,” said Eldo. “They'll roll out the red carpet for all the stars and show the film to the VIPs in attendance, but it won't be made available to us plebes until the middle of December.”

“That's a shame,” Nora said with an exaggerated pout. “I was hoping that I might be able to see the movie on my birthday.”

“Sorry about that,” Eldo said with a rueful grin.

“It's okay!” Nora said brightly. “The important thing is getting to spend time with good friends, right?”

“Definitely!” said Ringo.

“I know you had a long trip, but do you want to see where we'll be showing the film?” asked Eldo. “We have to go over there to check the security measures anyway.”

“Sure, I'd love to!” said Nora.

“Be warned, it's not the most wholesome of places,” said Ringo.

“Please,” said Nora. “I think I can handle it.”

The three policehobbits left the Sheriff's Office and made their way to Mrs Figg's House of Eels and Pleasure. Mrs Figg's was located on a side-street directly off Main Street and was visible from some distance due to the large mechanical eel waving back and forth overhead.

“I still can't believe that thing is allowed in the zoning code,” muttered Nora.

“It wasn't before Mrs Figg came here,” Eldo said brightly. “But she has a way of getting what she wants, especially from men.”

“I suppose you speak from experience,” Nora said darkly.

Ringo chuckled, but Eldo looked offended. “I assure you, I have more than enough self-control to keep my personal and professional affairs separate.”

Nora looked skeptical. “Just how many of these affairs do you have?”

Eldo blushed but said nothing.

Nora giggled in spite of herself. “You know, I think you've been a bad influence. Fjordlandia seemed so dull compared to the lunacy of this place.”

“I know what you mean,” said Sgt Herring. “I don't know if I could go back to working in a normal police force since I met this guy here.” He gave DI Eldo a friendly push on the shoulder.

“Whatever you're referring to, I'm sure it wasn't my fault,” DI Eldo said loftily as he adjusted his collar. “I am the very model of a modern Detective Inspector.”

Eldo pushed open the front door and strode into Mrs Figg's with an air of familiarity about him. Ringo and Nora followed, and Ringo took the lead down a flight of stairs just off the lobby. “The theatre is in the basement for what should become obvious reasons,” he explained.

“Do I really want to know?” asked Nora.

“Probably not,” grinned Ringo. He pushed open the large double doors at the bottom of the stairs and flicked on the lights to illuminate a surprisingly large theatre with several hundred feet and a massive screen.

“Wow, this is not at all what I was expecting!” Nora said as she stepped through the doors. “It actually looks like a fairly nice facility.” She paused and glanced down. “Wait a minute, why is the floor sticky?”

Ringo gave her a meaningful look.

“Oh my God!” Nora yelled in understanding. “That is disgusting!”

“It's just something you have to deal with in a place like this,” Eldo said with a shrug.

“Oh, of course you'd be fine with it,” snapped Nora. She quickly backed out of the theatre and stood in the doorway, trying to wipe her shoes clean on the floor outside.

“Anyway, we just have to sweep for recording devices and make sure all the exits and entrances are properly locked,” Ringo explained. “If you'd rather not stay here we can meet you back at the Sheriff's Office when we're done.”

“I might take you up on that...” Nora said distractedly. “Will you be long?”

“Just a couple of hours,” said Ringo. “We just have to be sure the purists aren't able to sabotage the movie. Why they gave that job to Eldo of all people I don't know, though.”

“What do you mean?” asked Nora.

“Eldo has some purist leanings of his own,” Ringo said slyly. “I believe he used to associate with some of the people who went on to found the Front to Advance Purism.”

“That was a long time ago,” said Eldo. “I've grown up since then.”

“Well anyway,” said Nora. “I'll leave you two to your job here. And, um, I hope you clean this place before you let in audiences to watch The Hobbit.”

“Don't worry, we will,” Ringo laughed. “We'll see you in a bit. We can make plans for your birthday then!”

The rest of the morning and early afternoon passed quikcly as the Eldo and Ringo confirmed that there were no suspicious devices planted in the theatre. They double-checked the building's security and talked with Mrs Figg about renting a steam cleaner for the theatre room later that week. By mid-afternoon they had completed everything they had planned to work on that day.”

“That look longer than I expected,” Eldo grumbled. “I hope Nora didn't get bored and wander off.”

“I thought you seemed in a better mood than normal ever since she showed up,” Ringo snickered.

“Shut up, Herring.”

“It's okay, we're friends. You can be honest with me.”

Eldo sighed. “Sometimes I have no idea how your brain works.”

“I think you do,” said Ringo with a playful look in his eyes.

“Just forget it,” said Eldo.

“Now, now,” Ringo said chastisingly. “There's no need to be a sourpuss when your crush is in town.”

“Fuck off,” said Eldo.

“I see you're even picking up her way of talking. How cute!”

“I'm going to be the better person and ignore you now,” said Eldo.

“I hope you do a better job of that than you normally do,” smirked Ringo.

Eldo grunted but said nothing.

“Hey man, we're bros,” said Ringo. “If you don't want to admit anything just yet, that's fine by me.”

“How generous of you,” muttered Eldo. But he turned his head away from Ringo and smiled slightly.


The trio enjoyed a walk around town in the late afternoon, but the sun set early so they returned to the Sheriff's Office as dusk began to set in. Ringo cooked a variety of Fjordian dishes while Eldo, who lacked much confidence in his culinary ability, helped set the table and wash up.

“So, what do you want to do for your birthday?” Ringo asked once they had started eating.

Nora finished chewing before responding. “Well, since The Hobbit won't be out on my birthday after all, I was thinking about that earlier. I was thinking it might be fun to take a hike through the woods. You guys could show me the secret hiding place of the Coal Scuttle you told me about.”

“I hadn't even thought about that place in a long time,” Eldo said through a mouthful of food. “Do you think it's still standing?” he asked Ringo, who was giving him a reproving look.

“I don't know, but we could certainly go find out,” Ringo said as he passed Eldo a napkin. Turning to Nora, he contined, “Would you be interested in having a party with our friends from the area?”

“That could be fun, so long as Odo doesn't try to make everyone have a really lame party according to all his moral rules,” said Nora.

“We were thinking about renting out the Muck and Duck,” Eldo said, this time without food in his mouth. “It's not the fanciest but it's bigger than this place.”

“That'd be really cool,” said Nora with a grin. “You guys are so sweet, thanks for putting so much thought into this.”

“It's our pleasure,” said Ringo. “We can start getting ready for the big day tomorrow.”

As they were finishing dinner, a loud buzzing came from the Palantir in the back office. “Let me go get that,” said Ringo, standing up quickly.

Less than a minute later he ran back into the dining room. “We've got to head out Eldo, there's an unexpected job tonight!”

“What is it?” asked Eldo, draining his glass and standing up as well.

“That call was from Mrs Figg, apparently there's someone at her place who needs to see the Sheriffs,” said Ringo. “I didn't ask anything more since we're so close but I said we'd be right over.”

Eldo nodded and put on his coat.

“Do you guys mind if I come along?” asked Nora.

“Not at all,” said Eldo.

The three policehobbits quickly left and hurried down the street to Mrs Figg's. Waiting in the lobby was Mrs Figg herself, wearing a slinky red dress and with one of her pussies meowing by her feet, and two weatherbeaten strangers.

“How are you this evening, Mrs Figg?” said Ringo as they came in. “I hope we didn't keep you waiting.”

“Not at all,” purred Mrs Figg. “It's these two gentlemen who wanted to see you.”

The taller of the two strangers stepped forward and extended his hand. “I'm Lt Halfwise of the Internal Security Service,” he said. Ringo took his hand and shook it.

“This is Mr Cieslik of WingNut Films,” continued Lt Halfwise. “We are escorting an item of particular importance to many people in Forumshire. Do you have somewhere secure we can talk?”

“My saferoom is completely secure – and soundproof,” said Mrs Figg.

“We'll take you up on that,” said Lt Halfwise.

Mrs Figg led the others up a flight of stairs and deep into her building. Nora stuck close to Eldo and Ringo as strange noises came from behind many of the doors they passed. Lt Halfwise walked next to Mrs Figg while Mr Cieslik quietly brought up the rear.

“Here we are,” Mrs Figg said generously as she unlocked a large metal door. The others entered the large room behind, filled with safes, cash registers, and stacks of papers (many with names blacked out).

Once the door was closed behind them, Lt Halfwise spoke up. “As you all probably realize, we are escorting the official copies of The Hobbit to the premiere in Michel Delving,” he explained. “My associate, Mr Cieslik, is a trusted employee of Peter Jackson himself and is acting as courier. I was assigned by the Admin to act as security.”

“Excuse me, but where are the copies of the film?” asked Nora. “Would they be rather large?”

Lt Halfwise looked at her sharply. “No,” he said. “The Hobbit was shot on digital, so the master copies are discs. Three of them, to be precise. The two spares were brought along in case anything happens to the first copy.”

“I see,” said Nora. “Why only have one person here for protection though?”

“The higher-ups decided that it was better to emphasize secrecy than overwhelming might,” said Lt Halfwise. “Forumshire is unfortunately a hotbed for purist subversive activity. They didn't want to draw any undue attention so I was assigned this mission as someone with extensive counter-purist experience.”

Eldo stiffened slightly, but it was Ringdrotten who asked, “What do you need from us, gentlemen?”

“We will only be staying here for one night before completing the final leg of our journey to Michel Delving,” said Lt Halfwise. “We'll need bedding for that night and a secure place to store the films. We came to this address since our info said it was a designated theatre location for the wide release.”

“Right, I'll be showing the film to the public in a few weeks,” said Mrs Figg. “You can keep your discs in the main safe here – there's only one key and I keep it with me at all times. I'll have rooms prepared for your at once.”

Suddenly, the stranger Cieslik stepped forward. “Thank you very much for your offer, ma'am,” he said in a smooth voice. “However, security is our paramount concern on this mission, so with your understanding we'd like to sleep in the same room as the films are stored.”

Mrs Figg seemed somewhat taken aback, but quickly recovered. “I can have camp beds set up in here if you like,” she said. “It won't be the most comfortable, however.”

“That is of no concern,” said Mr Cieslik.

“If you say so,” Mrs Figg said doubtfully. “As a proprietor I can't be seen to provide sub-standard accommodations to my guests, though.”

“You're already doing us a great favor by lending us the use of your safe,” said Mr Cieslik, his voice becoming downright buttery. “I do sincerely appreciate it.”

Eldo and Ringo carried a pair of camp beds to the safe room, which Halfwise and Cieslik set up directly in front of the safe. While they were gone, Cieslik had apparently already stored the films inside the safe.

“Thank you for your assistance, officers,” said Lt Halfwise once they had finished. “We will contact you should anything occur. However, I understand from Mrs Figg that you have two have already personally inspected every inch of the security system here.”

“That is correct, Lieutenant,” said Ringo.

Lt Halfwise nodded. “Good evening, then.”

“Good evening.”

Back in the Sheriff's Office, Eldo collapsed on the couch in the front office while Ringo went into the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. Nora sat down in the armchair and gazed in Eldo's direction until Ringo returned.

“Sorry to have cut dinner off so abruptly like that,” Ringo said as he handed Nora a cup of coffee. “They didn't even notify us in advance. They must be really serious about secrecy for this film.”

“It's strange to think that three days out from the premiere, we're sitting just a few hundred yards from the only copies of The Hobbit in all of Forumshire,” said Nora. “It makes you wish they'd let us watch it early. What could it hurt?”

“You know what they say about paranoia and power,” said Ringo. “Though to be perfectly honest, I can see their concern. I'm just glad it's not very long until the wide release.”

“Yeah, you're right,” Nora said quietly as she sipped her coffee.

They sat quietly for a while until Ringo stretched and yawned. “You know, caffeine or not, I think I need my rest. We have lots to do tomorrow to get ready for your birthday,” he said with a wink.

“I think I'll go to bed too,” said Nora. She glanced out the window. “It's pretty dark here, although at least you have some sunlight.”

“The benefits of living south of the Arctic Circle,” grinned Ringo. He tossed a pillow at Eldo. “Come on, you're not sleeping on the couch.”

“Oh yeah, where is he going to sleep?” asked Nora. “I feel like I'm kicking him out of his room by being here.”

“Don't think of it like that,” said Ringo. “He'll be just fine sleeping with me, won't you, Eldo?”

“Yeah … fine,” Eldo said through a yawn.

“Sleeping with you?!” Nora said, louder than she intended.

Ringo winked. “Must have been a Freudian slip.”

Nora insisted on staying with them until she was certain that Eldo had a sleeping bag on the floor and that it was sufficiently far away from Ringo's bed. Eventually, she bid them good night and went to her own room. The soft nighttime of sounds of the Forumshire winter floated through the air until she finally drifted off to sleep.


At the same time, a few blocks away in Mrs Figg's, Halfwise and Cieslik were both sleeping lightly in front of the of the safe in Mrs Figg's. The building was quiet until the deep hours of the night, when the lock of the safe room softly clicked open. A figure dressed in dark grey slowly pushed the door open on its well-oiled hinges and padded into the room. Halfwise stirred but did not waken.

Only the intruder's eyes were uncovered as they stared intently at the safe behind its two guards.

“Bingo.”

I know that's a lot of set up, but it was necessary for the rest of the story. The action will pick up in the next part. And I promise there will be no six month gaps between updates!

Mr Cieslik And Halfwise in cahoots with him!! (where is Halfy any way? And Orwell for that matter? They missed Norcs birthday!)

Great stuff Eldo, keep it coming.

OMG!!OMG!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

this is the best gift EVER!!omg! it's great! IT'S FUCKING GREAT! (I had to tell my mom and she was all like "print it out!" haha) You're writing is really good, and I may even risk saying this might be your best, the dialogue floated really well alongside the description of people and surroundings, brilliant!, I pictured it all so well, the cold weather lol no, but seriously, this is superb!

and I really love all that humor under everything they say xD the unspoken although, insisted on keeping them apart

this must be the best birthday present ever, i am so honored! really.. Thank you so much. It really touched my heart, it really did.

Pettytyrant101 wrote:(where is Halfy any way? And Orwell for that matter? They missed Norcs birthday!)

Pettytyrant101 wrote:Mr Cieslik And Halfwise in cahoots with him!! (where is Halfy any way? And Orwell for that matter? They missed Norcs birthday!)

Maybe this will shame him into coming back. Though as always, my standard disclaimer about fictionalized versions of people on here applies.

Great stuff Eldo, keep it coming.

Thanks, I'm really glad you like it! I'll post the rest of the story as soon as I can.

Norc wrote:OMG!!OMG!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

this is the best gift EVER!!omg! it's great! IT'S FUCKING GREAT! (I had to tell my mom and she was all like "print it out!" haha) You're writing is really good, and I may even risk saying this might be your best, the dialogue floated really well alongside the description of people and surroundings, brilliant!, I pictured it all so well, the cold weather lol no, but seriously, this is superb!

and I really love all that humor under everything they say xD the unspoken although, insisted on keeping them apart

this must be the best birthday present ever, i am so honored! really.. Thank you so much. It really touched my heart, it really did.

Aaaaaww! I'm really, really happy that you enjoy this. It's been a real honor seeing all the illustrations you've made and I wanted to give back. I had a bit of difficulty getting into a rhythm since I haven't done a lot of creative writing this semester but it's a ton of fun once I get under way. And it's always incredibly rewarding to know that there are people who read and enjoy my stuff.

BTW, am I correct in my understanding that you wanted DI Eldo and Sgt Herring to sleep together for real?

HAHA! omg.. no.. but.. well..I wouldn't like, stand in the way or anything ... lol.. ahem.. anyways!

I hope the next installment won't be long cuz this is great stuff, although my first guess is that the hooded, grey figure is Petty.. dunno why lol, why could that be? *cough Lotr edits cough*

You stories are just so entertaining, I sit here smiling and just giggling to myself.
But I have to go to bed now, I am brewing something :S almost threw up because I coughed so much today.. at the buss, God.. tears streams.. down my face (coldplay lyric.. song) Good night, and thank you again, lovely ending of the day ^^

Oh yes, typical Norc, I'm always the first to be accused when a purist crime occurs. Does it never occur I might be too drunk to commit crimes? (It should )

ps- hot tody is what you want- hot water, shot of whisky, dollop of honey- nothing quite as effective for a good nights sleep if youve got an annoying cough.

I feel the need to state that I had the entire story planned out before writing a single word so I can't be held responsible for any similarity (or lack thereof) to speculation posted here. And that's all I'm saying until it's done.

Norc wrote:HAHA! omg.. no.. but.. well..I wouldn't like, stand in the way or anything ... lol.. ahem.. anyways!

Uh-huuuuh.

I have to catch up on some other stuff that I neglected earlier today while writing but I hope to do some more writing later tonight. The next installment will hopefully be up within a day or two. Anyway, I hope you feel better soon, Norc!

that was brilliant! I promise to steam clean the yucky floors.

Thanks, Mrs Figg! And thank you for sticking with Needlehole through all the delays and changes the stories have experienced.

And a good steam cleaning will probably be good for everyone.

I am not surprised you can tell a good story, and the ambience was wonderful. I loved the little interchanges between you and darling Nora and I can't wait to hear more, if i am allowed that is. It is after all her special gift. But honestly, who knows, that is how Sherlock Holmes started out, a little bit each time and read by all from the Strand magazine. Very well done and i agree with mummy, you should print it out dear.

I'm glad you liked it, Leelee! I'd love to hear what you think of the rest so I hope you'll continue to follow the story.

The sticky floor was even more discussing since I imagined bare feet, since, hobbits you know..

good to hear you've planned the story ahead, that is always a good sign ^^

Now that has got to be the best present ever!
I join the cheer, excellent banter and the innuendoes are louder than before and very funny. I can tell you have fun writing this. It has a good flow and feels real.

And when I didn't think I could get more fond of Ringo, you give us flirty!Ringo.

“Whatever you're referring to, I'm sure it wasn't my fault,” DI Eldo said loftily as he adjusted his collar. “I am the very model of a modern Detective Inspector.”

That made me laugh. (Quietly, since I'm not at home.) A bit short and hairy feet, but besides that he sure does fit the profile.

That said though... It better have ambassador Amarie in there somewhere.

Right... thickness of windows by life-rafts and emergency exits... hm hm hmmm.

Thanks so much, Amarie! You've stuck with these stories from the very beginning so I was hoping you'd see this one too. I wanted to write something that was a bit lighter and more fun than some of my other more recent writing (both things I've posted here and stuff that isn't presentable yet). It was great getting to play with these characters again. I hope I didn't go overboard with the innuendo, but everyone seems fine with the porno theatre so I guess I'm safe.

I am very much looking forward to it. You drew me in from the first sentence, and having been an editor in a small city and tired of blah blah, that is a first in quite a while. I generally skim and get a feel, but I actually read the words. And it left me anxious for you to hurry and let us continue on down the road.

And, I have to agree with Am, if anyone in this world is an interesting, mega personaiity it is that girl. So, include lots of fish and oceans and amazing water craft, a ton of birthday waffles and , I just can't wait to read about her as well.

Eldorion wrote:but everyone seems fine with the porno theatre so I guess I'm safe.

*dies laughing* That gave me a good gigglesnort. We sure are special people here.

Oh, that reminds me. Ringo's Fjordian snore. In Fjordian that would be "Fjordiansk snork." Just thought I'd share since I found that a tiny bit funny.

I like flirty Ringo where did that come from
Fjordiansk snork sounds too posh. There should be some swearing or the mentions of Draugen.

I think in Ringo's case it might be more about karsk, untameable Trønder mustaches and the Giant Herring, but you never know.

Perhaps Ringo is toning it down so he won't scare the locals.

A little avant-gardiste isn't it?

Well,Ive just read it & I think its brilliant!, it flows smoothly, the dialogue is believable, the scenes are visually set in my mind & I feel like a "fly on the wall" looking in. Looking forward to reading the rest, Im itching to find out who the "dark" stranger is !, well done !