Chapter 3 – An innocence lost

The week passed and Robin enjoyed her every day at Bag End, Frodo had also enjoyed her being there. The last night of her stay they all had dinner together and opened (and consumed) a few bottles of 1368 vintage winyard.

"I will be sad to leave," said Robin "I have enjoyed myself" she looked at Frodo. She had caught him looking at her a few times during her stay but he had never given her cause to think he thought more of her. Her likeness for him had grown in her though what she could do was beyond her. Apart from sharing naïve kisses with Pip when she was younger she was completely innocent in the ways of love.

That night she tossed restlessly in her bed. When the moon had risen high in the sky she rose and crept quietly to the kitchen. As she passed Frodo's room she noticed a light still burning inside. Whether it was the wine or a quick burst of confidence she didn't know but she wanted, nay, had to see him. She knocked quietly and slipped in forgetting that she was in her nightclothes. Frodo was sat at his desk. He turned and the sight before him took his breath away. She stood at his door dressed in a white night dress that came only to her middle thigh and her hair was loose about her shoulders. "Sorry to disturb you" she said "I couldn't sleep and I saw the light…"

"No, no its ok" said Frodo regaining his voice "Come in, please"

I wanted to thank you for letting me stay and to tell you …….." she faltered. Aware that he was looking at her, her confidence fell.

As he looked at her he felt the overwhelming urge to touch her that he had been feeling all week. He knew he shouldn't, he would only end up hurting her and probably breaking his own heart in the process. He looked away. Taking this as a sign, Robin jumped up "I'm so sorry, I'll go now"

"No don't" he stood and grabbed her hand "stay, please" he turned her round so he was looking directly into her eyes.

"I don't know why but I want you, I need to touch you" he whispered. His fingers touched her face and then trailed lightly down her neck. He lent over and his breath tickled her ear as he spoke "You are beautiful beyond the dreams of mortals" Robins heart pounded in her chest and her breath was short. She closed her eyes as he kissed her.

At first the kiss was soft but it starter to grow more and more intense, Frodo pressed against her grabbing her hard to him. Struggling, Robin pushed him off.

"I'm sorry" he gasped, his breath coming short "sorry, I don't know what came over me" he sat down on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands.

Robin warily placed her hand on his shoulder, as he looked up she saw the sorrow in his eyes. Plucking up courage she started "I….I want you too" she moved round so she was standing in front of him "Just be gentle with me"

He put his hand around her waist and pulled her down onto the bed. He caressed her face and kissed her gently on the lips. "Do you trust me?" he whispered. Robin knew in her heart that she did. "I trust you" she whispered back.

Robin had never felt anything like that night before. The passion she showed had surprised her, like it had been welling up for years and it had to be Frodo that let it out. He had been so gentle and had never rushed her, but though he had been in control all night she could feel a helplessness in him, a vulnerability that was screaming to be loved. He had cried at the end, holding her too him like he never wanted to let go. She had fallen asleep in his arms and she knew she would die for him.

Frodo stayed awake while Robin slept. He kept looking at her in amazement, that she could make him feel this way. Compared with his life she was a child but she had come to him with a need that he had never experienced before, and as her gasps came short and hoarse he let go of all the pain and worry that plagued him. He had felt her grip him and he had moaned, calling her name.

Pippin arrived early that morning to escort Robin back to Tuckborough and as he packed the cart she said her good-byes. "Goodbye dearest Samwise, It has been an honour making your acquaintance. If I found a husband as half as good as you I would be lucky"

"I'm sure you will find one a lot better" cut in Rosie laughing. Robin didn't laugh but glanced quickly at Frodo who was staring at her. "Goodbye Rosie, I hope it wont be too till long next time" Rosie hugged her with tears in her eyes "goodbye my love"

Frodo stepped towards her, pulling her into a quick hug he whispered into her ear "I will miss you". Robin turned quickly to hide the tears that were welling in her eyes. Climbing on to the cart Pippin put his arm round her "you will miss them?" Robin didn't say anything and as the cart moved away she couldn't look back. Robin left Bag End with a heavy heart, leaving behind a Hobbit she might just grow to love.