Disclaimer: I do not own the Hobbit.
Just another filler chappie until BotFA, a whole other month away for Australia. I am getting myself ready for the battle but after watching the clip for 'The Last Goodbye' I find myself a blubbering mess still.
I hope you enjoy this interlude.
The air was sweet with Autumn. Crisp and fresh, carrying with it leaves that fell to the ground like dancers dressed in skirts of amber and oak. Or so Marie's ageing mind thought as she stood on a pavilion looking out onto the grand circle of Rivendell, where the elves had greeted to dignitaries of the men, dwarves and elves from across the Free Lands of Middle Earth not days ago. Now they would bid farewell to the same representatives and also the nine members of the Fellowship.
Guardians and companions to the Ring Barer.
Her dear Frodo.
Marie would never forgive herself for giving her nephew such a burden. It should have been her's to bare, she found the ring after all. But then again she had been unwittingly corrupted by its influence for sixty years. Now it would poison Frodo.
Marie thumped the cane into the ground. She would not allow herself to think such things. Frodo would not fall as she did. He was younger, stronger.
'You have been wrong before.'
The old hobbit shook her head. She hated that persistent voice, for always held a grain of truth.
Putting that behind her, Marie observed those who had come to the circle early. It was mostly those who were curious about such a group that would venture out into the Wilds. Frodo had recounted the events of the council the day before. How when he stepped forward before the arguing crowd, Gandalf the Grey had vowed to guide him to the land of Mordor, and the mortal men Aragorn son of Arathorn, Boromir of Gondor, the Dwarf Gilmi, the Elf Legolas, and the hobbits Sam, Merry and Pippin came forward to protect him.
Such grand propriety hid the ever present danger of the task and the Fellowship was to be sent off as heroes of the Free Folk.
Marie was quite amazed just how many volunteered for the task, but glad of it. Frodo would not be alone his quest.
It would be hard to say goodbye to him, know that it could well be her last.
A party of silver bearded dwarves came into sight, keeping clear of the prying eyes of the elves. One dwarf in particular caught Marie's attention. She smiled. He may have lost the red in his hair, but she'd recognise those beads in his beard anywhere.
She made her way down from the pavilion, slowly due her ailing limbs, and walked towards the dwarves. She could hear them grumbling in the native tongue, some of which Marie could finally understand.
"Aye a poor excuse for a meal it was." Gloin grunted, his voice had grown harsher over the years, "Not a skint of meat to be found. Just like the last time."
"At least they offered food again and not insult."
The group turned at the newcomer as she tottered towards them. A strange little woman in a blue shawl and wielding a cane. Gloin's face squinted for a moment before the recognition dawned on him. The mess of curls and green glimmer in her eyes gave her away.
"Bless my beard." He said, "Could it be, after all these years?" He chuckled and threw open his arms, "Mistress Baggins. Well met, well met indeed."
Marie embraced her friend, patting his back as he crushed her tightly into his chest. "Nye on sixty years since last I laid eyes on ya." He drew away and took a good look at her.
"It's good to see you too Gloin." She said patting his hand.
The other dwarves left the old companions to the reunion. Gloin placed the hobbit's arm in his and together they walked closer to the circle. "Such strange time that we should met again don't you think?" He asked, indicating to the courtyard of Rivendell.
"Fate is a funny thing Gloin. Perhaps it is fitting that the veterans of a quest are here to witness the beginning of another. I understand you son is among the nine." Marie said.
"Oh aye." Gloin puffed out his chest with pride. "My wee lad is here. The image of me in my prime. Oh his mother will be so proud."
'Or worried sick.'
"Tell me how goes Erebor? Is it as grand as you'd hoped it would be?"
"And more my dear. There is never a moment where the fires die out. There is music in the halls, the people craft the finest of wares. Oh it is everything that is meant to be."
Marie could very well see it.
"You must come. We have enough provisions for one more and you would have the finest welcome in all of Middle Earth. Bofur and others would be more than pleased to see you again."
"If only it were that easy for me to travel so freely Gloin. I may not be long for this world."
Gloin looked down at the hobbit in surprise. "You can not be sure of that lass."
Marie sighed, "Oh but I can be. I may have lived to a ripe old age but I'm not getting any younger or stronger. Besides, I have a vow to forfill."
At that moment the company had arrived in the courtyard, lead by the Ranger. Samwell had a set of reigns in hand and pulled along a stout pony. The elf Legolas crossed the circle in seconds and talked with the Ranger. Gloin growled at the sight of the elf. "Not too keen for that bloody prince being near Gimli. Called him a goblin mutant he did."
"Careful with your choice of words my friend." Marie warned him gently.
Yes she remembered the fair haired archer well. Whether he remembered her was an entirely different story all together.
The next to arrive were the duo Merry and Pippin walking with Gimli and the man from Gondor behind them. Gimli was very much like his father, baring his axes and battle helmet with honour.
Then came the wizard and Frodo. Gandalf glanced over and caught Marie's gaze. He waved her over.
There was hesitation in her step as she slid her arm out from Gloin's. Her free hand clutched the shawl around her tightly, the nerves making her tremble.
A fine example he was setting for the four young hobbits.
Ever the observant wizard, Gandalf saw her state and place a hand on her should. "From one Ring Barer to another, you would give him great comfort." He spoke in a soft voice and for a moment Marie's trembling hand was still. He always knew how to make her worries fade.
Frodo was standing at Sam's side, but he still managed to appear distant and alone. A travelling cloak was clasped around his shoulders and Sting hung awkwardly off his hip. Before she had given him the blade, Marie had whispered a silent prayer over it to protect her nephew as it had done so for her. Frodo saw her approach and his blue eyes brightened a little. He held out a hand for her. Marie took note of the warmth of his skin, an improvement from his ill term when he had arrived.
"Let me look at you my boy." She said, fixing the lapels of his coat and dusting off his shoulders. On any other day Frodo would tell her to stop fussing, embarrassed to be coddled like a child. But he said nothing, but sheepishly grinned and let his aunt do as she pleased. As she fixed his shirt, she felt a little bump in the material. A fine pattern of chain mail. Mithril.
"Good lad. You remembered." Marie whispered.
Frodo nodded.
"There is not much I can say that I have already taught you. Only this. Trust your companions Frodo, for in the end they will be the ones you can depend upon."
"I can not say I am without my fears Aunt Marie." Frodo said. Marie placed a hand on his cheek. "But still I must try to complete this task."
"Courage comes in all forms Frodo. You will find your's."
"Can you say that I will come back?"
Marie felt at lump swell in her throat. "I ... can not foresee such things, nor can I make any promises that you will. All we can do is hope." She drew him into an embrace and held him tightly. Her precious boy, and she would never see him again.
She tried not to cry, but she felt the stinging of tears in her eyes.
Marie held him for a good few minutes before letting go. By then the three other youths had come closer, hoping for any scrapes of wisdom she could impart upon them. "Now for you three rascals." She said to them, still holding Frodo's hand. "If you remember anything from my stories you'll find the answers you seek. The lessons of the past do help with the lessons of the preset. Be wise, be vigilant. And try not to cause too much trouble." She directed this to the Brandybuck and the Took. "All I can do I wish you safe travels. And warn you, you will not be the same hobbits as you are now."
"Aye Miss Marie." Merry said. Pippin nodded in agreement with his cousin but Sam still had a look of uncertainty. Poor lad had never been so far out of his element.
May all the luck in the world go with him, with all of them.
"Now, my dear hobbits. It's about time we move on." Gandalf told them. Marie saw why as Lord Elrond entered the courtyard. A hush came over the elves and they took their places around the Fellowship. Marie did not want let go of Frodo yet, but the wizard had spoke and she let him slip though her fingers, watching him walk away to join the other members of his company. Gandalf knelt down and gripped Marie's shoulder.
"Take heart Marie. I will guide him with the best of my abilities."
"You do that Gandalf." She looked him in the eye as she placed her hand over his, "You promise me that you will look after him. Promise me."
"I promise."
Marie let out a shaky breath. "Thank you."
Gandalf move his hand to place his long arm around her. His great scraggly beard tickled her cheek. "This will be our last meeting my old friend." She muttered. Gandalf pulled back and looked her with large grey eyes. He saw in her's the truth of her words and grew sad. "Keep watching over him when I can not."
"My dear Marie." Gandalf tilted her head and kissed her hair. "Farewell."
Marie closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of Old Toby as the wizard stood up.
There were so many farewells to be done, so much still to be completed. A great longing bloomed in her chest and she began twisting the iron ring around her finger slowly. She still hadn't said what needed be said, and she may be too late. Or not.
"Mithrandir." Lord Elrond said, swiping his arm out in an elegant manner. "By your leave."
"Yes yes, of course." Gandalf's long cloak swept up the leaves at Marie's feet as he went to join the Fellowship. Marie chose the option to return to Gloin side. The old dwarf was still waiting for her patiently as she made her way back, taking her arm again when her saw her struggling.
"The wee lad with the dark hair." He inquired, "That one your's?"
Marie was looking at the lad in question as he stepped forward to Lord Elrond.
"Aye, my nephew. But as good as any son one could wish for."
The Lord of Rivendell spoke to the Fellowship, bestowing upon the blessings of the Elves and to go with the grace of all Free Folk.
As he spoke, Marie whispered to her old friend, "You know Gloin, about your offer."
xxxx
Marie remembered her first encounter with her nephew.
During the late Spring the respectable Baggins family would have an afternoon tea by the Green Dragon. Sometimes members of other families were invited if they were seen fit to. Of course Marie wasn't entirely so respectable but none the less she attended when invited. She was content sitting with the much older, quieter members of the family and let the younger generation socialize and enjoy themselves.
The children ran about the edges of the party, engaged in a game of tag. Marie had been watching them scatter about in search of a hiding spots when she felt something move from under the bench she was sitting at. At first she dismissed it as one of her old cousins adjusting their feet. But they were at the other end of the table. With a quizzical look, she shifted her legs and pulled back her skirts.
It was a boy. A dark haired, pale, bright blue eyed boy.
He looked up at her with those wide eyes, drinking in the sight of her as if she had sprouted another head.
Marie stared back, a little perplexed as to what he was doing under there until it dawned on her. The sounds of competitive children grew louder as they came up from the lake. The boy said nothing, but in his eyes he pleaded with her not to give him away. She smiled and let her skirts fall back into place, acting as a curtain.
Four other boys passed by, calling out furiously before continuing onward to the behind the Green Dragon. Marie knocked on the table, "They're gone, cost is clear." He crawled out from behind her skirts, his white shirt covered in dirt. He dusted himself off furiously to look presentable, making Marie chuckle. "And guessing from the ruckus that lot just made, you would be Frodo I take it."
"Yes ma'am. Frodo Baggins."
"What a fine name. Marie Baggins of Bag end at your service."
The boy blinked and looked up and down at her. He must have heard her name before, and most likely not in a positive context. Those were the days when the whispers of 'Mad Baggins' started and went around quicker than a food platter.
"Are ...?" Frodo cut himself of and clasped his hands behind his back. A natural thing for a nervous child to do.
"Don't be afraid. What is it my dear boy?"
"My da says that you have been over the mountains. Is that ... true?"
"Oh yes, over the mountains and beyond the Great Woodland realm in the east."
"Where the Elves are?"
"Oh aye. There are Elves in the east, as there are here in the west. Why beyond the borders of the Shire and further still from Bree, the Elves dwell in the ancient Homely House of Rivendell."
There was something about the mentioning of Elves that sparked the boy's interest. He smiled, tilting him face down so that his chin sat on his collar bone.
"Would you like to know a secret Frodo?" She asked. The boy nodded and listened to the old hobbit's instructions on finding the best hiding spot. With a bow and a wave the young hobbit, Frodo Baggins, was off and away. Marie felt the oddest sensation of familiarity spreading in her chest, all from a few short minutes of knowing the child.
Those blue eyes reminded her of the past.
It was later when she learnt that the boy's father was her distant cousin Drogo Baggins, whom Marie remembered had married one of the Brandybuck girls.
A Baggins and a Brandybuck. A combination fit to rival that of a Baggins and a Took. No wonder Marie had taken such a quick shining to him.
That was why when the news of Drogo and Primula Baggins' death reached Hobbiton a year later, Marie's heart went out to the poor child left behind. She felt even more distress when in the following months since Frodo was taken in by his uncle she heard news of his troubling behaviour. She didn't know what exactly possessed her to take a trip to Buckland to visit the boy, but as soon as she saw the sullen look and the loss of the cheer in his smile she knew she couldn't leave him alone.
She had a large enough home, no children of her own and the Brandybucks already had many to care for. There was no reason why she shouldn't have been able to take him in.
It took a lot of convincing, but Rorimac Brandybuck gave his consent for Marie to take Frodo to Bag End where she would raise him as his aunt.
And raise him she did.
Frodo thrived in Hobbiton and under Marie's guidance gained a fascination for the world. She taught him good manners, but encouraged a little mischief every now and again, and a many number of other things, such as the reading of maps and the language of the Elves. She grew to love Frodo as if he was her own. And perhaps in another lifetime, with his dark curls and blue eyes that reminded her so much of him, he could have been.
xxxx
Marie had placed her quill in the pot when there came a knock at her door. "Come in." She called and turned in her seat. She wasn't surprised to see that her visitor was Lord Elrond. He still wore his crimson robes from that morning but lacked the circlet worn for decorum.
"Such a hasty decision made I thought I may have missed your departure." He said, his expression gentle and knowing of her intentions.
"You know I wouldn't leave without a goodbye Lord Elrond." Marie told him. She picked up the paper on the writing desk and folded it in two carefully. "And there is a reason for my leaving I can assure you."
"The Lonely Mountain."
"Aye." Marie placed he paper on her lap. "Master Gloin has kindly let me join their caravan back to Erebor, he did instigated the offer and it would be nice to see my old friends."
"Is that wise, with your condition?"
Marie ran a finger along the folded note. "If I don't do it now, there may not be a chance of me ever." She glanced up at the elf, "I have to see if it is how he envisioned it, with my own eyes." Elrond nodded. He did not need to question her further, he knew her well. Marie took the folded note and placed it in an elegant envelope, addressed to 'Frodo Baggins'.
"I left most on my affairs in order when I the Shire, as for here there is little I will be needing." She said with a groan as she went to stand up from the stool.
"You will be missed." Elrond offered a hand to her. He helped her to the large bed where her travel bag lay out half packed, her cane leaning against the bedside. Only few cloths and minor possessions would suffice. "You will not take your book?"
"There is no need. I've finished it." Marie said proudly, running her finger tips across the red leather where the silver pressed initials were. 'MB'. "Besides, I've told all my tales, penned my adventures. This last one is for myself and myself alone."
The elf on the edge of the bed and crossed his hands before him, "And you did not disclose these plans with your nephew I take it."
Marie placed the envelope on top of the book and packed the last of her clothes. "I've already done a terrible wrong against that boy. I would not add more to his burden."
"You had no understanding of the nature of that ring Mariellena, you are hardly to blame for what has come to pass."
"All the same Frodo must now bare it and its power." Marie frowned and shook her head, "I should have known better."
"Perhaps." Elrond said, "Oh perhaps Frodo was fated from the beginning to take the ring the Mordor, and you were always meant to find it. It did serve you well during your adventure east did it not?"
Marie knew she could not win against him. "Still, it corrupted me in the end."
"Not entirely." Elrond took her hand between his, "You parted with it, that is a feat in an of itself."
"It wasn't without difficulty." Marie admitted. She glanced at the book and the letter. "I have but one favour to ask my Lord before leave."
"Ask and it shall be done."
She slid her hand out from his and picked up the letter carefully. "I realise the likelihood of it is very slight, but should my Frodo return to Rivendell, would you see that he receives this ... and my book."
Elrond took the letter between his fingers. "A final letter of farewell I take it."
"An apology more like it, and few answers."
"Answers?"
Marie smiled fondly, "A child has many questions, and there were a few I never felt ready to answer. Until now."
The elf nodded, "I will see to it that this letter finds its place in his hands."
"Thank you. I can only hope that he will understand."