Title: A Taste of Light
Author: Breon Briarwood
Category/Rating: Gen/G
Summary: Frodo discovers a new taste sensation.
Disclaimer: Don't own them, never have, never will.
A/N: Based on a Genuine Shirebound Plot Bunny.
The first thing that caught Frodo's attention was the color. It seemed he had never seen anything so bright. After all the dark days in Mordor it was hard to believe such a color existed in nature. Such a small thing too, to catch his attention in the busy marketplace, but it glistened in the sun, calling out to him like a beacon.
Drawn to the merchant's stall, he picked up the item and was surprised to feel its bumpy skin, smooth and shiny, yet oddly rough. Frodo lifted it to examine it more closely and was astounded at its crisp, somehow 'clean' scent. It was invigorating, to say the least.
Intrigued by this unusual foodstuff, he tried to catch the seller's attention.
"Excuse me, Miss, please tell me, what is this?"
"Why, that's a lemon. Haven't you seen one before?"
"No, and I find it most tempting. Erm, how much?"
"For one of the Periannath? No charge - I insist!"
"Thank you." Frodo gave her a quick nod and quickly made his way back to his room. Picking up a small knife from his desk, where the still unused quills lay, he took his find over to the table.
The moment he cut into the fruit his senses were overcome. The interior of the fruit, even brighter, reminded him of the springtime sun in the Shire. The scent, only hinted at before, tingled in his nose and surrounded him.
Anxious to see if it tasted as bright as its promise, Frodo brought a piece to his mouth and sank his teeth into it.
His senses were immediately overwhelmed as the flavor burst in his mouth. Never had he tasted anything to compare. The sheer sensation of it brought tears to his eyes.
It was at that moment that Sam decided to come looking for his master.
"Mr. Frodo, sir! What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong Sam. Everything is fine."
"But you're crying..."
"Oh Sam, I have found the most marvelous thing. Look, it's called a lemon. Try a piece."
Sam gingerly sniffed at the offered piece, a look of surprise lighting his face. Then he took a bite.
"UGH!" Sam's expression was startling. His whole face seemed to pull together as if trying to close out the world.
Frodo couldn't smother his snicker fast enough.
"Oh Sam, I'm sorry - I don't mean to laugh, but - your face..." and with that Frodo burst into giggles.
"Iz na funneh!"
"It wasn't meant to be. I'm sorry."
"Ugh, sour!" Sam looked for a place to spit out the offending fruit.
"You really don't like it?" Concern marred Frodo's beautiful face.
"How could you eat that thing? It's so sour."
"Is it?" Frodo asked, "I thought it was wonderful myself."
"But sir-"
"No, Sam, you don't understand. You don't know what it's been like for me. Ever since we woke up, everything has been tasteless, like ash in my mouth. This I can taste! This has flavor, scent, a brightness to it. It's like a taste of light, beating back the darkness left in my soul. I don't know how else to explain it Sam."
"Mr. Frodo, why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't want to worry anyone. They are already far too concerned with my health. There are more important things to tend to."
"I think Strider and Mr. Gandalf would think differently about that. But, I won't say anything if you don't want me to." Sam thought for a moment, then said, "We went without for so long, maybe you just forgot how to taste? Mr. Frodo, do you think maybe the cooks could make something out of these things, something you could taste? Maybe if we tell them to make the flavors stronger for your meals? Do you think that would help?"
"It might, Sam. It might."
-End-