Things became peaceful for quite some time. After Frodo's 'potato incident', it seemed to Merry and Pippin that their friend was learning to cope; or he had told Sam. They wanted desperately to believe that Frodo had told Sam how he felt after all this time, finally ending this madness. But they knew that was less than likely. There may be a scratch here and there every once in a while, but nothing too serious. Frodo spent a lot of time writing, about his journey to Mordor and about the One Ring, so no one saw him much anyway. Sometimes his wound made by the Nazgul would ail him, and everyone was at his side the whole time. That seemed to be the only thing that was hurting Frodo.
But when Rose announced her pregnancy, things changed. Frodo got worse, much worse. The scratches would be more frequent. With the progression of the child, the scratches turned to wounds that seemed to get deeper and deeper. When the child was born, they had named her Elanor, as suggested by Frodo. One evening, Frodo had taken Elanor outside to stop her from crying. Poor Sam and Rosie hadn't a wink of sleep for days. Frodo had now suffered, for Elanor's bawling was not easily heard in his study.
He held the baby close to his chest and rocked her gently, crickets chirping all around. Merry and Pippin had been on their way home from the inn when they spotted Frodo.
Merry nudged his companion. "Hey Pip, you see that?" he whispered.
Pippin squinted a bit and leaned forward. He had a bit too much to drink. "What is it?" Pippin whispered back.
Merry watched, understanding in his eyes. "It's Frodo," he answered. "He's lullin' Elanor lass to sleep."
Pippin smiled sweetly. "Ya see that, Merry? I always knew our good old Frodo didn't resent Rosie... or the baby for that matter." He tilted his head a bit, wobbling slightly. "I think who he really resented was himself." He looked questioningly at Merry. "Think that's why he hurts himself so much?"
Merry shushed Pippin. He was talking a bit too loudly. But then Pippin stumbled and Merry caught him and Merry could not help but to laugh. "You know, Pip, I think you are smarter when you're drunken then when you aren't."
Pippin laughed too, not registering the insult. The two continued along, leaving Frodo to his endeavor.

'.~*~.'

Quick Author's Note ~
Well, I know it's short... but it's just a teensy transition until the story picks up again. I should have the next chapter up really soon. Thanks to all who have been leaving reviews. I love getting them! Keep'em coming! Writers love feedback... it's how we get by - lol. ^.^