Title: Tomfoolery
Author: Maddy Lake Deep
Rating: G
Character(s): Frodo and Sam
Category: Humor/Drama
Summary: A bored Frodo decides to have a little fun with Sam, or does he? No slash. Response to Rachel's short story challenge #2 on the Yahoo group, 'Magical Shire fanfiction' Frodo POV.
Disclaimer: Don't own any characters in Middle-earth.
Author's note: I imagined this happening not long after Frodo meets Sam. Any feedback and constructive criticism is welcome!
Tomfoolery. Someone told me that once at the Green Dragon inn. I asked what it meant and he said mischief, referring to what I had done with Farmer Maggot's mushrooms. I thought…what a queer name and why did this stranger remind me of what happened that day, and not only that day. There were other things I've done when living in Buckland. I was merely having fun. Is there anything wrong with wanting to have fun? Uncle Bilbo is busy at the Market. I'm at the window now, watching Sam tend the summer garden. There has to be something for me to do? Hmm…I have an idea!
I grabbed a bucket, hurried outside and down the stairs. Sam was whistling until he saw me and stopped his tending.
"Mr. Frodo? Where are you going?"
"I'm off to the creek to get some water."
"The creek?"
"Well, while my uncle is at the market and you're busy with the garden, I thought of cleaning up."
"Okay. I ought to be done here in a little while, sir."
I smiled and rushed off. It hadn't taken me long to get to the creek where I filled the bucket with water. Then I hurried back again before Sam was done. The den, that's where I'll put the bucket and after finding some rope, I stood on a ladder. Leaving the door open a little, I tied the rope around the handle and then on the nail. At first it seemed the bucket would not sit on top of the door but I steadied it. I also wanted to check to see if the rope was tight enough but that's when I heard…
"Mr. Frodo? I'm done."
I grabbed the ladder and put it back into the closet. Now could I get by the door without knocking the bucket down?
"Mr. Frodo?"
Sam was coming closer. I had to be quick and careful. The bucket shook a little but I managed to squeeze inside without knocking it over. And then I sat down at the desk.
"Mr. Frodo, sir?"
"I'm in here, Sam."
Slowly the door creaked open and when the bucket of water spilled all over Sam, I could not help but burst out in laughter at seeing him drenched.
"Well now," he said to me while wiping water off his face. "that's why you wanted water from the creek."
I hoped he would laugh or even chuckle, and when I saw the rope loosen from around the handle…
"Sam!" I sprang toward him, shoving him away from the bucket that struck the floor. "It could have hit your head. Oh, Sam, I am sorry. I don't know why I did that. I was bored and wanted to have some fun, but…it was a stupid idea."
"It's all right, Mr. Frodo."
"No, it's not all right. Do you forgive me?"
Sam looked at me. I could see in his eyes that he was indeed upset, but his face softened and he managed a smile.
"I forgive you," is all he said and left the den. I plopped down onto the chair, feeling so foolish.
Tomfoolery. A queer name it is and I didn't like it one bit. But now that I've thought about it…the stranger at the inn…he was right.
End