Yesh, I love to toture Frodo. Sorry, Frodo. Lot's of Frodo angst fics! But
this chapter is just a fluffy sort of chapter. Just wait 'till the next few
chapter! Mwa ha ha ha ha...
-I do not own LOTR or any of its characters.obviously.-
~*~
Merry and Frodo had been really great friends for a really long time. Whatever they did, they did together. It was very hard to separate them when needed.
Starting out his new life at Brandy Hall wasn't very easy for Frodo, with his parents dead and everyone not paying much attention to him since he was a Baggins.
After everyone had gotten over the fact that he was so cute, that is. When he first came to Brandy Hall, every young girl was staring at him wherever he went, and it was very hard for the adult women to keep back the impulse to squeeze his cheeks. He hadn't exactly liked going to bed with his cheeks sore.
When they weren't raiding kitchens, or getting they're cheeks pinched, they were either catching frogs at the pond or just talking quietly. Today was one of those days where they were talking quietly together, walking through the small woods by Brandy Hall. Well, no to quiet, but quiet enough so that no one could clearly hear them.
"You know, I feel sorry for you cousin!" Merry said jovially to his older cousin.
"Oh, really? And whys that?" Frodo replied curiously.
"All those hobbit women back at Brandy Hall! Pinching your cheeks all the time, and saying how cute you are! I'm glad it's not me!" Merry said, laughing.
"Your just jealous 'cause I'm much more adorable than you!" Frodo said, giving him a mischeivous glance.
"Frodo, I wouldn't be jealous of you if you had all the prettiest hobbit ladies pinching your cheeks and squeeling!" This brought a laugh from both hobbits' lips.
They fell into silence after that for a while, and Frodo stopped in front of a low tree with many branches sticking out. He climbed onto the lowest branch, and proceeded in climbing up the tree and sitting on a wide branch high above Merry.
Merry peered up at him, a look which clearly said "You're crazy".
"Are you insane, Frodo Baggins?!" Merry said exasperatedly. "You're not scared of hights?"
"Not that much, no." Frodo replied casually. He extended an arm to Merry. "Want to try it?"
Merry stood uncertainly, shifting a bit. He finally looked up at him. "No thanks! Come down here!"
Frodo sighed and climbed down carefully. He landed neatly next to Merry, and paused for a moment. He yawned and sat down at the roots of the tree looking up to the sky.
Merry crawled into Frodo's lap carefully, and snuggled up against him. Frodo put his arms around him, and immediately felt Merry relax and slowly drift into a deep sleep.
Frodo stared up at the sky silently a while longer, not as tired as Merry. He felt sleepy, and decided that he would only have a quick nap. He settled Merry in a more comfertable postion, and drifted into a light dose.
After only about an hour, Frodo was awakened by a small sound. Not to loud, but just loud enough to reach his sharp ears, and wake him up. Frodo wondered groggly where the noise had come from. Then he heard another noise, hardly farther than a few feet behind them. Frodo looked down at Merry, still deeply asleep in his arms. He got up slowly, settling Merry comfortably aginst the base of the tree, and got on his hands and knees and started crawling toward the bushes that lined the back of the tree that had been such a good resting spot.
Frodo peered through the small green leaves of the bush, and what he saw nearly made him cry out in surprise.
One of the Big Folk was laying only a few feet away from him, sleeping peacefully. His travel worn cloak was spread across him like a blanket, his long legs spread out, taller than Frodo himself. His scruffy appearance reached his face too. His hair was wet and dirty looking, in much need of a brush. His face was scruffy, little hairs pricking out in many places. What a weird sight! Frodo had never seen anyone with facial hair before, no hobbit had it. Would he wake up if I were to come to close to him, maybe even touch his face? Was this one of the ruffians Bilbo had told him about when visiting him?
His own curiousity was overhwelming him, he couldn't take it anymore. Before he knew what he was doing, he had already climbed out of the bushes and closed the distance between him and the man.
He slowly knelt next to him, and cautiously lowered his hand and felt his hair. The hair was knotted and in terrible need for a wash. He moved his hand to the man face and felt the small pricks of hair sprouting there. Very interesting, very interesting indeed. Frodo moved his hand back to the man's hair, and felt it again, but as he did, the man moved slowly onto his side, facing Frodo.
Frodo started, he had better go, or he would risk waking him up. Frodo slowly rose to his feet, and placed one foot infront of him, carefully placing it on the ground. But he had not been paying attention to where he placed it, and so it had landed on a twig.
SNAP!
The twig snapped in two mercilessly. The man's eyes snapped wide open, and in a flash, had hold of Frodo's small ankle.
With a cry, Frodo threw himself back, but with the man's large hand tightly wrapped aorund his ankle, he landed on his backside, and the struggling began.
Frodo was flailing madly, crying out every few seconds, and the man was trying to catch one of his flailing arms, trying to prevent him from hurting himself or him.
He finally caught Frodo's right arm, and held it tight. Frodo cried out in terror, and tried to pull his arm free of the man's grasp, as well as his ankle.
"Please, calm down Little One!" The man said, trying to keep his voice calm.
"No! Let me GO!" The last word was punctuated from a kick to the stomach with Frodo's free foot's heel. The man doubled back, let go of Frodo's wrist, and started rubbing his stomach with his hand. He still held Frodo's ankle in his other hand, tightly.
Taking advantage of the man's disablement, he yelled to his companion; "Merry! MERRY!"
As if on cue, Merry burst through the brush, pausing in bewilderment to take in this bizarre sight. But this only deterred him a second, and in a flash he had run across the clearing, and was on the man's side, pulling at the man's long lank hair.
"Let go of my cousin!" Merry yelled, and started pulling the man's hair harder, while Frodo continued to struggle. This went on for a few minutes, the yelling and struggling and pulling.
But finally it ended when the man found both Merry and Frodo's collars, and stood up, with them hanging about a foot or two from the ground.
Frodo struggled for a bit, scratching at the man's hand and kicking at empty air, but finally stopped with a whimper. Merry stayed completely still, staring at the man with frightened grey eyes.
All the while the man examined the two hobbits. The smaller one looked like most other hobbits; sandy hair, grey eyes, though thinner than some, he looked like most hobbits would.
But Frodo, Frodo's appearance stunned him. If he hadn't curly hair, big furry feet, and was a bit taller, he could pass for an Elf. Frodo's fair skin almost glowed in the sunlight, and he seemed to have an inner light like an Elf. Large, morning-glory blue eyes, dark curly hair, innocence that shone like a diamond. This hobbit was very special, beautiful in many ways.
He was brought out of his small reverie by another small whimper from Frodo. The hobbit had shut his eyes tightly, and had curled up as best he could while he was feet from the ground. A single tear slid down the soft cheek.
The man suddenly felt very sorry and guilty. He set both hobbits down, and sat on the ground before Frodo, while Merry scampered behind Frodo, and started rubbing his back.
"Shhhh, Little One. It's ok, it's ok, I won't hurt you." The man soothed. Frodo opened his large eyes, overflowing with tears.
"Wh-who are you?" Frodo asked, choking a little.
"Oh, I'm sorry for not telling you that earlier! Please call me Estel." Estel told the young hobbit.
"I am Frodo Baggins, and this is Merry Brandybuck." Frodo said, brushing his tears away and pointing to Merry."Isn't Estel elvish?"
Estel chuckled a bit, relieved that Frodo was ok. "Yes it is! Do you know what it means?"
Frodo smiled and nodded. "It means hope."
Estel nodded. "Yes, it means hope. Where did you learn that?"
"I learned it from my Uncle Bilbo, he been teaching me ever since we met when I was ten."
"How old are you now?" Estel puzzled.
"I'm thirteen now." Frodo answered.
"Uuuh, excuse me, Mister Estel sir?" Merry's tentative voice emerged into the conversation unexpectedly. Both Frodo and Estel turned their heads to look at Merry. Merry gulped and continued, "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing in the Shire, and so close to Brandy Hall?"
Frodo's eyes widened a bit, he had been so engrossed in the conversation, that question had not crossed his mind. He looked expectantly at Estel.
Estel considered them for a moment, then finally spoke; "I am a Ranger, I protect the Shire from-" He paused, considering his words carefully. "Whatever is out there."
"Estel?" Frodo caught Estel's attention again. "Why do you have an elvish name?"
Estel smiled. "Because I was raised most of my life in Rivendell, after my parents died."
Frodo's eyes widened even more in wonder. "Rivendell? Isn't that where Elves live?"
"Yes, it is."
"What's it like?"
Estel grinned widely. So curious! "Rivendell is a ver beautiful place. It has gardens and beautiful stone sculptures, and many elves."
"Must be a wonderous place." Frodo mused.
"'Tis very wonderous." Estel said.
Frodo crawled over to sit by the man. Merry followed behind, always weary about Estel. He still did not trust the man, although his cousin did. How could Frodo be so trusting? Especially of a man? He was so tall, and strong, and had so many weapons!
Frodo was just to trusting. If he carried on being this trusting, he would get himself into some things that he wouldn't like to be in.
"Why would you want to protect us Hobbits?" Frodo asked.
Estel considered his words. "We protect you because you live such peaceful lives, and are so gentlehearted. We don't want you to get hurt, we want you safe." Estel didn't add that he didn't think a hobbit could protect himself from what was out there anyway. But Frodo seemed satisfied with his answer, and sat silent for a few moments.
"Where do you sleep?" Frodo asked.
"There are more rangers, and we have a place to sleep, but I like to sleep under the stars. It reminds me of Rivendell." Estel answered.
They continued talking for a long while, sometimes Merry joined in, but most times he decided to stay out. He still did not trust the Ranger that much.
Merry cleared his throat after a long while. "Frodo, I think we have to go back to Brandy Hall. It's getting late."
Frodo looked up at the setting sun, sending purple, red, orange, and blue hues across the approaching night sky. He sighed slowly, his heart sinking.
"Yes, you're right Merry, we should get going." He stood up, Merry doing the same. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Estel." He bowed to the man politely.
"Yes, pleasure." Merry said, but didn't bow in the slightest.
"Yes, 'twas a pleasure to meet you too, Frodo and Merry." He bowed low, then kneeled in front of Frodo. "I look forward to seeing you again sometime, Frodo." He gave the small hobbit a hug, Frodo started at first, but warmed up to it, and hugged the Ranger back. "Goodbye, Little One." Estel said quietly.
"Goodbye, Estel." And with a final hug, Frodo and Merry left the clearing, not speaking a word until they got back to Brandy Hall.
Estel lay back down again, the leaves crunching softly under him, drawing his cloak close about him. What a nice hobbit lad Frodo was. Such a fair lad too. He genuingly wished he would see him again.
~*~
Ok then, that's it for now! Hope you liked it! And sorry I haven't been updating my other fics, I'm being a lazy butt for now..
*huggles Frodo plushie*
-I do not own LOTR or any of its characters.obviously.-
~*~
Merry and Frodo had been really great friends for a really long time. Whatever they did, they did together. It was very hard to separate them when needed.
Starting out his new life at Brandy Hall wasn't very easy for Frodo, with his parents dead and everyone not paying much attention to him since he was a Baggins.
After everyone had gotten over the fact that he was so cute, that is. When he first came to Brandy Hall, every young girl was staring at him wherever he went, and it was very hard for the adult women to keep back the impulse to squeeze his cheeks. He hadn't exactly liked going to bed with his cheeks sore.
When they weren't raiding kitchens, or getting they're cheeks pinched, they were either catching frogs at the pond or just talking quietly. Today was one of those days where they were talking quietly together, walking through the small woods by Brandy Hall. Well, no to quiet, but quiet enough so that no one could clearly hear them.
"You know, I feel sorry for you cousin!" Merry said jovially to his older cousin.
"Oh, really? And whys that?" Frodo replied curiously.
"All those hobbit women back at Brandy Hall! Pinching your cheeks all the time, and saying how cute you are! I'm glad it's not me!" Merry said, laughing.
"Your just jealous 'cause I'm much more adorable than you!" Frodo said, giving him a mischeivous glance.
"Frodo, I wouldn't be jealous of you if you had all the prettiest hobbit ladies pinching your cheeks and squeeling!" This brought a laugh from both hobbits' lips.
They fell into silence after that for a while, and Frodo stopped in front of a low tree with many branches sticking out. He climbed onto the lowest branch, and proceeded in climbing up the tree and sitting on a wide branch high above Merry.
Merry peered up at him, a look which clearly said "You're crazy".
"Are you insane, Frodo Baggins?!" Merry said exasperatedly. "You're not scared of hights?"
"Not that much, no." Frodo replied casually. He extended an arm to Merry. "Want to try it?"
Merry stood uncertainly, shifting a bit. He finally looked up at him. "No thanks! Come down here!"
Frodo sighed and climbed down carefully. He landed neatly next to Merry, and paused for a moment. He yawned and sat down at the roots of the tree looking up to the sky.
Merry crawled into Frodo's lap carefully, and snuggled up against him. Frodo put his arms around him, and immediately felt Merry relax and slowly drift into a deep sleep.
Frodo stared up at the sky silently a while longer, not as tired as Merry. He felt sleepy, and decided that he would only have a quick nap. He settled Merry in a more comfertable postion, and drifted into a light dose.
After only about an hour, Frodo was awakened by a small sound. Not to loud, but just loud enough to reach his sharp ears, and wake him up. Frodo wondered groggly where the noise had come from. Then he heard another noise, hardly farther than a few feet behind them. Frodo looked down at Merry, still deeply asleep in his arms. He got up slowly, settling Merry comfortably aginst the base of the tree, and got on his hands and knees and started crawling toward the bushes that lined the back of the tree that had been such a good resting spot.
Frodo peered through the small green leaves of the bush, and what he saw nearly made him cry out in surprise.
One of the Big Folk was laying only a few feet away from him, sleeping peacefully. His travel worn cloak was spread across him like a blanket, his long legs spread out, taller than Frodo himself. His scruffy appearance reached his face too. His hair was wet and dirty looking, in much need of a brush. His face was scruffy, little hairs pricking out in many places. What a weird sight! Frodo had never seen anyone with facial hair before, no hobbit had it. Would he wake up if I were to come to close to him, maybe even touch his face? Was this one of the ruffians Bilbo had told him about when visiting him?
His own curiousity was overhwelming him, he couldn't take it anymore. Before he knew what he was doing, he had already climbed out of the bushes and closed the distance between him and the man.
He slowly knelt next to him, and cautiously lowered his hand and felt his hair. The hair was knotted and in terrible need for a wash. He moved his hand to the man face and felt the small pricks of hair sprouting there. Very interesting, very interesting indeed. Frodo moved his hand back to the man's hair, and felt it again, but as he did, the man moved slowly onto his side, facing Frodo.
Frodo started, he had better go, or he would risk waking him up. Frodo slowly rose to his feet, and placed one foot infront of him, carefully placing it on the ground. But he had not been paying attention to where he placed it, and so it had landed on a twig.
SNAP!
The twig snapped in two mercilessly. The man's eyes snapped wide open, and in a flash, had hold of Frodo's small ankle.
With a cry, Frodo threw himself back, but with the man's large hand tightly wrapped aorund his ankle, he landed on his backside, and the struggling began.
Frodo was flailing madly, crying out every few seconds, and the man was trying to catch one of his flailing arms, trying to prevent him from hurting himself or him.
He finally caught Frodo's right arm, and held it tight. Frodo cried out in terror, and tried to pull his arm free of the man's grasp, as well as his ankle.
"Please, calm down Little One!" The man said, trying to keep his voice calm.
"No! Let me GO!" The last word was punctuated from a kick to the stomach with Frodo's free foot's heel. The man doubled back, let go of Frodo's wrist, and started rubbing his stomach with his hand. He still held Frodo's ankle in his other hand, tightly.
Taking advantage of the man's disablement, he yelled to his companion; "Merry! MERRY!"
As if on cue, Merry burst through the brush, pausing in bewilderment to take in this bizarre sight. But this only deterred him a second, and in a flash he had run across the clearing, and was on the man's side, pulling at the man's long lank hair.
"Let go of my cousin!" Merry yelled, and started pulling the man's hair harder, while Frodo continued to struggle. This went on for a few minutes, the yelling and struggling and pulling.
But finally it ended when the man found both Merry and Frodo's collars, and stood up, with them hanging about a foot or two from the ground.
Frodo struggled for a bit, scratching at the man's hand and kicking at empty air, but finally stopped with a whimper. Merry stayed completely still, staring at the man with frightened grey eyes.
All the while the man examined the two hobbits. The smaller one looked like most other hobbits; sandy hair, grey eyes, though thinner than some, he looked like most hobbits would.
But Frodo, Frodo's appearance stunned him. If he hadn't curly hair, big furry feet, and was a bit taller, he could pass for an Elf. Frodo's fair skin almost glowed in the sunlight, and he seemed to have an inner light like an Elf. Large, morning-glory blue eyes, dark curly hair, innocence that shone like a diamond. This hobbit was very special, beautiful in many ways.
He was brought out of his small reverie by another small whimper from Frodo. The hobbit had shut his eyes tightly, and had curled up as best he could while he was feet from the ground. A single tear slid down the soft cheek.
The man suddenly felt very sorry and guilty. He set both hobbits down, and sat on the ground before Frodo, while Merry scampered behind Frodo, and started rubbing his back.
"Shhhh, Little One. It's ok, it's ok, I won't hurt you." The man soothed. Frodo opened his large eyes, overflowing with tears.
"Wh-who are you?" Frodo asked, choking a little.
"Oh, I'm sorry for not telling you that earlier! Please call me Estel." Estel told the young hobbit.
"I am Frodo Baggins, and this is Merry Brandybuck." Frodo said, brushing his tears away and pointing to Merry."Isn't Estel elvish?"
Estel chuckled a bit, relieved that Frodo was ok. "Yes it is! Do you know what it means?"
Frodo smiled and nodded. "It means hope."
Estel nodded. "Yes, it means hope. Where did you learn that?"
"I learned it from my Uncle Bilbo, he been teaching me ever since we met when I was ten."
"How old are you now?" Estel puzzled.
"I'm thirteen now." Frodo answered.
"Uuuh, excuse me, Mister Estel sir?" Merry's tentative voice emerged into the conversation unexpectedly. Both Frodo and Estel turned their heads to look at Merry. Merry gulped and continued, "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing in the Shire, and so close to Brandy Hall?"
Frodo's eyes widened a bit, he had been so engrossed in the conversation, that question had not crossed his mind. He looked expectantly at Estel.
Estel considered them for a moment, then finally spoke; "I am a Ranger, I protect the Shire from-" He paused, considering his words carefully. "Whatever is out there."
"Estel?" Frodo caught Estel's attention again. "Why do you have an elvish name?"
Estel smiled. "Because I was raised most of my life in Rivendell, after my parents died."
Frodo's eyes widened even more in wonder. "Rivendell? Isn't that where Elves live?"
"Yes, it is."
"What's it like?"
Estel grinned widely. So curious! "Rivendell is a ver beautiful place. It has gardens and beautiful stone sculptures, and many elves."
"Must be a wonderous place." Frodo mused.
"'Tis very wonderous." Estel said.
Frodo crawled over to sit by the man. Merry followed behind, always weary about Estel. He still did not trust the man, although his cousin did. How could Frodo be so trusting? Especially of a man? He was so tall, and strong, and had so many weapons!
Frodo was just to trusting. If he carried on being this trusting, he would get himself into some things that he wouldn't like to be in.
"Why would you want to protect us Hobbits?" Frodo asked.
Estel considered his words. "We protect you because you live such peaceful lives, and are so gentlehearted. We don't want you to get hurt, we want you safe." Estel didn't add that he didn't think a hobbit could protect himself from what was out there anyway. But Frodo seemed satisfied with his answer, and sat silent for a few moments.
"Where do you sleep?" Frodo asked.
"There are more rangers, and we have a place to sleep, but I like to sleep under the stars. It reminds me of Rivendell." Estel answered.
They continued talking for a long while, sometimes Merry joined in, but most times he decided to stay out. He still did not trust the Ranger that much.
Merry cleared his throat after a long while. "Frodo, I think we have to go back to Brandy Hall. It's getting late."
Frodo looked up at the setting sun, sending purple, red, orange, and blue hues across the approaching night sky. He sighed slowly, his heart sinking.
"Yes, you're right Merry, we should get going." He stood up, Merry doing the same. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Estel." He bowed to the man politely.
"Yes, pleasure." Merry said, but didn't bow in the slightest.
"Yes, 'twas a pleasure to meet you too, Frodo and Merry." He bowed low, then kneeled in front of Frodo. "I look forward to seeing you again sometime, Frodo." He gave the small hobbit a hug, Frodo started at first, but warmed up to it, and hugged the Ranger back. "Goodbye, Little One." Estel said quietly.
"Goodbye, Estel." And with a final hug, Frodo and Merry left the clearing, not speaking a word until they got back to Brandy Hall.
Estel lay back down again, the leaves crunching softly under him, drawing his cloak close about him. What a nice hobbit lad Frodo was. Such a fair lad too. He genuingly wished he would see him again.
~*~
Ok then, that's it for now! Hope you liked it! And sorry I haven't been updating my other fics, I'm being a lazy butt for now..
*huggles Frodo plushie*