Title: Hobbit Problems
Author: Fire Pendant
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Dun worry peoples, I dropped the attempt to try and own Lord of the Rings and it places and characters and etc. I'll just borrow them and return them after I'm done, hopefully in one piece ^_-
Time Period: Early January. A few days after the fellowship set off from Rivendell, so almost to Hollin.
Ages: Aragorn-87; Boromir-40; Gimli-139; Legolas-703; Merry-36; Pippin-28; Sam-35; Gandalf-??; Frodo- at the moment…50
Summary: Startling a wizard is not a good thing is it? Well, poor Frodo finds out the hard way one cold morning in the woods. And now the whole fellowship has to pay for Gandalf's actions. (no slash, smut, or sex)
Chapter 1: Wizards are Quick to . . . Startle?
Pippin looked around the camp from his view on the ground. Frodo was sitting on a log next to the fire talking to Strider and Gandalf; Boromir sat not to far away, seeming to be deep in thought; Gimli sat in front of the fire leaning against the log sharpening his axe, as well as smoking a pipe. Hmph, they must be warm, warm indeed; paying no attention to us poor hobbits freezing in this cold, indeed what a cruel world. His gaze strayed to the edge of the camp where Legolas stood on watch duty. That Elf, wearing not the coats given to the fellowship by Lord Elrond, but his own light wood-elf clothing, wasn't he freezing?
"M-Merry!" chattered Pippin, elbowing his cousin pitifully, while attempting to keep his cloak tightly around him and pull the blankets to him at the same time. Even though Strider had lit a fire, it did little to help their warmth as the cold wind was blasting unmercifully into them.
"What is it, Pippin?" asked Merry, looking at his cousin.
"I-It's c-cold, Merry," stuttered Pippin, scooting closer to him.
"I know it is, Pip, I know. But it wouldn't be fair to Frodo if you steal his blankets, would it?" chided Merry, putting an arm around the younger hobbit. Pippin shook his head and let go of the blanket he had taken out of Frodo's pack. The mentioned hobbit was still eating and talking with Aragorn and Gandalf.
A sudden warmth and heaviness enveloped them and Pippin sneezed as something tickled his nose. Merry was surprised to see a rather large black fur cloak draped around them. A few feet away Boromir sat, his own blanket wrapped around himself. But his ever-present black, fur cloak was gone. Two pairs of green-blue and green eyes locked with one pair of clear grey. Boromir gave them a small nod before ducking his head and rocking himself back and forth in an effort to keep warm, now that he was without his cloak.
*
Frodo smiled softly at the kind act Boromir had done his cousins, though he could not help but feel a bit envious of Merry and Pippin's warmth. The Elves of Rivendell had supplied them with many thick cloaks and winter coats, but none could battle the chill that soon settled in their bones. Quickly, he drank the rest of the hot soup Sam had managed to make in the cold blustery weather, not caring if it nearly scalded his mouth. It warmed his body for one thing, and secondly it wouldn't taste too good cold.
A yawn found its way out of Frodo and he got up. Maybe now was a good time for some shut-eye. Slowly, he made his way towards his pack to retrieve his blanket. Funny, he could have sworn he hadn't of taken it out before, so why was it all over the ground? Another chill wind gusted through the camp and Frodo quickly picked it up. It didn't matter how it got out, just as long as it was still there. He settled down next to Merry (Pippin had hogged up all the space closest to the fire, not that Frodo envied him all that much. It wouldn't be too good if a spark managed to blow out and land on anyone's cloak, a wildfire and burnt fellowship was the last thing anyone needed.).
* *
"Wake up, Frodo. It's time to eat, and then we go," said Aragorn, shaking Frodo gently. All that came out of this attempt was a muffled grumble and the hobbit curling up and pulling the blanket over him. Pippin gave a little snicker.
"That's not how you wake Frodo up!" grinned the young Took, mouth full of bread.
"Yeah!" chimed in Merry, "Frodo can sleep through the loudest fireworks, believe me. You should have seen him at Bilbo's birthday party."
Aragorn looked up, "Then if what I am doing is incorrect, I shall leave you to do it." he smiled, getting up and sitting down next to the fire where he began to quickly eat some breakfast.
Pippin glanced at Merry and the two smiled mischievously. With the force and energy that only these two hobbits could make, they pounced on Frodo, yelling and laughing.
"You heard what Strider said," hooted Pippin, tickling Frodo mercilessly.
Merry chortled and started pulling away Frodo's blankets. "Yeah, come on you lazy Baggins. Let's get a move on it!"
Frodo immediately came awake with a yelp and began fighting for his life (and his blankets). Merry and Pippin suddenly felt themselves being roughly pulled off of Frodo. "Now look here. No need t'be roughin' and shoutin' at Mr. Frodo. Give 'im a heart attack, you will," scolded Sam, looking pointedly at the two hobbits whilst helping Frodo up, though a twinkle in his eyes belied his scolding.
"Where's Gandalf?" asked Pippin, shaking out the dirt that had had collected in his brown curls, from his rough deposit on the ground. His lively green eyes scanned through the camp for any sight of the grey wizard.
"He's probably out in the forest thinking to himself. Wizards do that you know," huffed Gimli. "He doesn't need troublesome little hobbits, such as yourself Master Took, to bother him."
Pippin's little chest puffed out in mock indignation at the dwarf's jest. "We'll just see about that!" He turned to the rest of the fellowship. "I'll go look for Gandalf and bring him back."
"Oh no you don't," said Merry, pulling Pippin back, "People shouldn't mess around in wizards' affairs. Especially you, Pip, he'd probably get so exasperated with you and turn you into some sort of . . . unnatural thing!"
"That means I'll go and fetch our wandering wizard," declared Frodo. As he walked out of the eves of camp he could hear Pippin's small protests. "But Merry! What about Frodo? He's a 'people' too you know."
"Shhh, Mr. Pippin, just eat or else your taters will get cold, an' Mr. Strider, you as well. Besides, Gandalf knows Frodo, and at least he is a well-be'aved gentle-'obbit," admonished Sam.
Frodo chuckled. Pippin was such a lively young tween; he should know that Gandalf was only jesting around when threatening to turn others into 'unnatural things'. The wizard would never do that to anyone . . . or so he thought.
* *
Gandalf walked through the woods, muttering to himself. Thoughts of why Frodo had even wanted to journey on this Quest or be the Ringbearer still heavy in his mind. The hobbit could have given the burden to someone else; there were many great people at the Council: Elves of legend and great power, strong and stout dwarves, great men of Numenor, and not to mention one of the Maiar sent by the Valar themselves to protect Middle Earth. But none had had the courage to take the One Ring into their responsibility save this peace-loving hobbit.
Not even my foresight can see what path this journey shall take. I fear for Frodo's life, and also for his companions. I shall lead them to the safest path possible. Nothing shall harm them as long as I am still drawing breath. Gandalf sighed in the brisk morning air and released an elegant smoke-ring into the air before turning back towards the camp. The fellowship was awaiting him, no doubt, and ready to go.
A crackle of twigs caught his ear and made him freeze and glance around suspiciously. He had told Aragorn not to let anyone out of the Man's sight, so therefore everyone should still be at the campsite. The sound of breathing and the rustling of snow and foliage broke through the still morning air, and Gandalf readied himself for the encounter.
* *
Frodo glanced around the forest, hopeful of catching a glance at the wizard. Now where could Gandalf be? He parted a clump of dry and dead bushes and a bright light suddenly blinded him, he could hear a powerful and commanding voice resonating though the air and a hot searing pain suddenly washed through him. But just as quickly as it came, it disappeared into a numb tingly feeling, and then . . . blackness.
Chapter 2: Mr. Frodo!?
Aragorn crashed though the forest brush. He had left camp abruptly, no doubt offending Sam as he hurried after Frodo. "Well 'e didn't 'ave to practically spill 'is taters on the ground. Waste of some good taters; that's what my old gaffer would say," muttered Sam as Aragorn dashed away.
"Aragorn, looking for Frodo I might guess?" asked an old familiar voice. Aragorn spun around, a relieved look on his face.
"Where is Fro-" he stopped at the sight of a bundle of cloaks in Mithrandir's arms, "Oh Valar, no," Slowly, Aragorn stepped towards the wizard, "He . . . he's not…?" he fell to his knees, a slight fearful tremor in the ranger's voice.
"No, but he almost tread on that path just a few moments ago," whispered Mithrandir, his face sorrowful as he looked away for a moment.
"What do you mean?" hissed Aragorn. He wanted to hunt down the person that had hurt Frodo, and kill the person that dared to lay hands on the hobbit.
"I'd rather tell the whole fellowship of this matter first, Aragorn. Please understand," said Mithrandir, and with that, the wizard started towards the camp, bundle still in his arms.
* *
Sam's eyes widened at the sight of Strider and Gandalf coming back to camp, and Gandalf holding something wrapped in his long grey cloak, or rather…someone. "Where's Mr. Frodo?" asked Sam.
"What happened? Is he going to be alright?" demanded Merry and Pippin at the same time.
Gandalf managed to give them all a small smile, "Don't worry, Frodo's not hurt. He's fine, if you can call the state he's in fine."
"What happened to Mr. Frodo?!" pleaded Sam leaping to his feet.
There was silence as Gandalf set the bundle in his arms, on the ground, standing, and unwound his cloak. There was shocked silence after the revelation. Sam dropped to his knees in horror and gaped. "Mr. Frodo? That's Mr. Frodo?!" he croaked. Merry and Pippin were just as stunned.
"Merry, that's Cousin Frodo?" asked Pippin tugging on Merry's sleeve, "That can't be him, Merry. It can't!"
The whole fellowship stared at the figure Gandalf had revealed. A mop of unruly brown curls, creamy pale skin, a small round nose, a round and tubby stomach, and small hobbit feet barely covered in hair. It was a younger version of Frodo, and almost half as tall as the original.
Merry slowly walked towards the small hobbit and reached out to touch Frodo's face, as if trying to prove to himself that his was real; when all of a sudden, a pair of bright blue eyes opened wide.
*
Curiousness filled them as the pools of blue stared at the large, grown-up hobbit before him. There was something familiar about him, but the little hobbit just couldn't place it. "Do you know where my mama is?" he asked looking around. The scenery looked like the woods out near Brandybuck Hall; Cousin Bilbo often took him out on hikes, now that he was old enough. He was a brave and wonderful hobbit, and he was six. At least, that's what Bilbo always told him.
But the grown-up hobbit just stared at him, mouth open as if he were trying to catch flies. Frodo giggled and quickly covered his mouth with his hands trying to hide the giggles, not wanting to hurt the other hobbit's feelings. That wouldn't be proper, wouldn't it?
"Now, now Frodo, you want to treat others the way you want to be treated alright?" came his mother's voice in his head.
"Well, this is most definitely a surprise." said a lilting voice nearby. Frodo turned and gasped. It was the most beautiful being he had ever seen in his life! He ran towards the being and gaped. It had long golden hair that was braided back elegantly. Silver-blue eyes regarded him kindly, its skin was unblemished, and he held a bow in his hands.
Suddenly, Frodo remembered the tales Bilbo had told him whenever he came to visit. Shyly, Frodo tugged on the hem being's tunic. "What is it little one?" came the musical voice.
"Are you an Elf? Cousin Bilbo tells me lots an' lots of stories with Elves in them, and big nasty dragons, and ugly Orcs." asked Frodo bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement. The Elf nodded with a smile and Frodo gave a squeal of excitement. Wait until Bilbo heard about this! He, Frodo Baggins of the Shire had met a real live Elf! Folco was going to be so jealous! He had never met a real live Elf before!
*
Legolas smiled at the young hobbit before him. So, this was what the Ringbearer looked like when he was younger. How in the world did he get this way? He cast a knowing glance at Mithrandir, and smiled at the wizard. Well, at least he didn't turn Frodo into anything . . . abnormal.
Gimli gave a grunt beside him, "Well this is certainly a strange development in the fellowship. The Ringbearer get a few years shaved off him. What are we going to do now? We can't take a wee little lad to the fires of Mordor!" announced Gimli. Soon the dwarf was too occupied to even hear the answer to his question, for Frodo, hearing the dwarf speak was shaken out of his daze of staring at the Elf and decided to crowd the dwarf.
"Are you a dwarf? Do you like dragons? Can you make pretty toys?"
Legolas grinned at the question-bombarded dwarf. Gimli looked rather ruffled at receiving so much attention but gruffly answered all of the inquiries presented to him.
*
Aragorn stared pointedly at Gandalf, the wizard caught his eye and shrugged, "He startled me." he said. Aragorn raised an eyebrow. That wizard…startled?
"What are we to do now?" asked Boromir, eying the little hobbit, "We shall be held back now even more, with this little one."
Gandalf drew himself up, as everyone looked in his direction for his opinion (save Frodo, he was content with staring at the Elf and dwarf). There was some silence as Gandalf weighed his decisions in his mind, "We shall continue our journey."
"But…"
"No buts, Samwise Gamgee! Frodo will be perfectly fine as long as we all now take extra precautions to make sure he's safe and that we go along the countryside undetected," said Gandalf, drawing his eyebrows together and watching the fellowship members for their reactions. Sam was of course worried half to death over and harm that might now come over the little Frodo; Merry and Pippin were looking at their cousin, almost fascinated at seeing him…small; Gimli grunted, he was fine with the decision so far; Legolas' face was impassive, but his eyes glimmered in some concern; Boromir was clearly doubtful, as he was when Merry and Pippin were ordered on the trip, now there would be more 'baggage' weighing them down; and Aragorn, the ranger seemed calm, he met Gandalf's gaze with a confident look.
"Don't worry Mithrandir, we can do this," whispered the Ranger.
Gandalf nodded and took a few steps forward before turning back around, "Well, what are you all doing? Are we going or not?"
And with that, the fellowship set off with Frodo walking amazedly next to Sam, who had taken his hand. Here started their journey.