Summer Escapades: Prologue - Starry Nights and Dreams

Disclaimer: The characters from The Lord of the Rings belong to the franchises for Tolkien ™ and The Lord of the Rings ™. I do not claim possession of any copyrighted characters. Any and all other characters belong to me and may not be used without my permission.

Rating: PG

Characters: Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin

Just an average, ordinary summer in the lives of young hobbit boys. Or is it? Sometimes, the unexpected can occur whether you intend it to or not. Here's another The Lord of the Rings story I wrote ages ago and never posted. Please R&R.

Update: 10/5/12 - This fanfic is under revision with some major editing being done, I believe for the better. Enjoy!

Frodo's dark curls rested against the summer green of the hill grass as he stared at the stars twinkling so far away yet appearing almost close enough to touch. Folding his arms beneath his head, Frodo listened to the sounds of his cousins' gentle snoring. A smile quirked across his face briefly at a peculiar snort which had to come from Merry, and he rolled to one side, shifting his head to watch them. Eighteen-year-old Merry slept with his mouth open, as usual, and ten-year-old Pippin had his hands curled under his head as if they were a pillow. Sighing, he turned back to the indented grass and sank comfortably into it.

Memories flooded his mind, and Frodo closed his eyes, letting his mind wander where it willed. Ah, yes the times we've had; Merry, Pip, Sam, and I, and there'll be many more to come. Frodo was only thirty-two and had not come of age as of yet, though his time was drawing near. If not for Merry and Pip, I'd be a much more serious lad. They've done me good, and I couldn't be blessed with better relations, though Eru knows their parents can be pig-headed at times. It must be inherited for Merry and Pip can be just as stubborn, as can I. Frodo chuckled softly, then hastily quelled his laughter when Merry shifted idly in his sleep, his mouth moving as if to awaken. I'm glad they talked me into this little venture, it'll do us all good. They knew how badly I needed to get away.

Frodo had been delighted with the attention from young hobbit lasses at first, but the novelty was swiftly wearing off. He could barely turn in a half circle without bumping into one who would burst into a fit of ridiculous high-pitched giggles that could shatter ear drums. Rolling his eyes, Frodo shook his head. I'm afraid they'll be quite disappointed for I'm hardly ready to marry yet. Over thirty already and I've had almost no adventures, at least not what one would call adventures. Perhaps something will come along during this trip and liven things up. A camping trip should be more then just walking, fishing, and sleeping; we need some excitement.

A jaw-popping yawn interrupted his thoughts, and Frodo's eyes finally drooped sleepily. Cautiously climbing to his feet, Frodo made his way to his blankets that lay a few feet from his cousins. Lying down and snuggling into the covers, Frodo's eyes drifted shut and he was swept away in a sea of dreams, not knowing that his desire for excitement was going to be rewarded with far more then he bargained for.

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