Author's Note: Set as somewhat AU during the approach and ascent of
Caradhras, this story is written in alternating viewpoint, shifting between
Aragorn and Frodo; it should be fairly easy to tell which is which. This
chapter is told by Aragorn.
While I'm sure you all know this, as a disclaimer I must nonetheless add that all medical treatment information is developed purely for fictitious use and should not be attempted in actual real life practice. Please consult your health care professional for medical advice.
I'll announce tonight those who were correct and can expect to get the preview draft of my latest. :) Thank you all for guessing! WONDERFUL ideas everyone had of the voice's identity! That said, I would like feedback via reviews regarding this story's continuation: would you all like to see this end quietly here, or continue? Either way, I'll be writing another fic set on Caradhras, and of course others. . .I'm not going to stop writing, by any means. But this will just affect whether I continue with this now or add some new project sooner. Thoughts?
Re FrodoHealers on Yahoo group: still trying to get it moved. :P Feel free to ignore the warning if at all possible; honestly, there is no "adult" content to the group. I read EVERY posting personally before approving it to go through. But Yahoo help is no help. . . . My apologies.
As always, thank you all SO much for your wonderful patience, encouragement, e-mails, and reviews! I apologise for taking so long in updating. I do, however, have important and relevant news: please click on my author name here to see details in my info.
For permission to reproduce, please contact frodobaggins@frodo.com
DISCLAIMER: The characters, places, and story of The Lord of the Rings are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien and consequently of the Tolkien Estate, with select rights by Tolkien Enterprises. This piece appears purely as fanfiction and is not intended to claim ownership of Tolkien's work in any way. Please e-mail me if you have concerns. This is a non-slash fiction: no slash or sexual connotations are implied or intended.
CARADHRAS
Chapter Thirteen: Hope Unexpected
"There now. . .careful. . .good."
With Sam easing Frodo carefully out of his clothing, Merry carefully holding the wraps I have already removed, I study the Ringbearer's small features: flushed bright pink with high fever, tense with delirious murmurings despite my attempts to reassure him, still holding him close. The Ring sparkles upon its chain about his neck, a perfect circlet of gold. . . .
Forcing my eyes away, I wait for Sam to complete his task before laying Frodo down carefully. "All right, Pippin. . .Legolas. . . ."
Silently the two begin assisting me with the packing, even Pippin's countenance sombre and anxious. Indeed, the air is heavy with the silence: no one speaks, though everyone looks on anxiously, Sam and Merry holding Frodo's things ready. . .Gandalf, staff in his lap, head bowed. . .Boromir, his expression one of worry. . .Gimli, shaking his head sadly. . . .
Despite his lack of initial reaction, Frodo suddenly cries out, startling us all. Pippin jumps, though Legolas sets to soothing the still-delirious hobbit, laying a calming hand upon his brow.
"Ssshhh. . .it's all right, Frodo. Be still. Aragorn is trying to help you. . .we are trying to help you get better. I know 'tis difficult to bear, little one. . . ."
Much to my relief, Frodo gradually quiets, leaving me to finish packing him carefully as I try to estimate. It seems folly to attempt this, but I fear the risk of chilling him is less than it would be to leave damp compresses on his body or to use similar means. . .and there is nothing for it; if the temperature does not come down, he will not survive. I have seen it on occasion before. . . . There is still a risk: this small cave is hardly a warm place, but it seems the best we have: I can see the back, where there are no further passages, so we are protected, and Gimli and Boromir have shielded the entrance with what curtain we could prepare of blankets and cloak-fastenings. Even at that, they stand close, further blocking any possible draft with their sturdy frames. Carefully I shift beside Legolas, keeping my back to them to provide additional protection for the small Ringbearer.
The only sounds are Frodo's soft whimpering, the soothing voice of Legolas, and the wind whipping outside the cave.
It seems an interminable wait, but at last I sense Frodo's forehead growing cooler beneath my touch. His whimpering seems to have quieted for now: he lies still, though not eerily so, resting calmly. Nodding to Merry and Sam, I finally lift him back into my arms, brushing away the snow to quickly wrap him in dry blankets, swaddling him close.
"Strider?"
I look down to find his blue eyes open: clear now, though somewhat confused.
"Yes, Frodo? I'm here."
"I. . .I don't understand. . . ." Before I can reply, he continues. "But I'm thirsty. . .please, could I have. . .something to drink?"
"Of course." With some relief I smile, nodding to Sam, who is already filling a cup with tea, sweetening the herbal mixture with honey.
Perhaps there might be hope after all. Even in the most unexpected of places.
~To Be Continued??~
While I'm sure you all know this, as a disclaimer I must nonetheless add that all medical treatment information is developed purely for fictitious use and should not be attempted in actual real life practice. Please consult your health care professional for medical advice.
I'll announce tonight those who were correct and can expect to get the preview draft of my latest. :) Thank you all for guessing! WONDERFUL ideas everyone had of the voice's identity! That said, I would like feedback via reviews regarding this story's continuation: would you all like to see this end quietly here, or continue? Either way, I'll be writing another fic set on Caradhras, and of course others. . .I'm not going to stop writing, by any means. But this will just affect whether I continue with this now or add some new project sooner. Thoughts?
Re FrodoHealers on Yahoo group: still trying to get it moved. :P Feel free to ignore the warning if at all possible; honestly, there is no "adult" content to the group. I read EVERY posting personally before approving it to go through. But Yahoo help is no help. . . . My apologies.
As always, thank you all SO much for your wonderful patience, encouragement, e-mails, and reviews! I apologise for taking so long in updating. I do, however, have important and relevant news: please click on my author name here to see details in my info.
For permission to reproduce, please contact frodobaggins@frodo.com
DISCLAIMER: The characters, places, and story of The Lord of the Rings are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien and consequently of the Tolkien Estate, with select rights by Tolkien Enterprises. This piece appears purely as fanfiction and is not intended to claim ownership of Tolkien's work in any way. Please e-mail me if you have concerns. This is a non-slash fiction: no slash or sexual connotations are implied or intended.
CARADHRAS
Chapter Thirteen: Hope Unexpected
"There now. . .careful. . .good."
With Sam easing Frodo carefully out of his clothing, Merry carefully holding the wraps I have already removed, I study the Ringbearer's small features: flushed bright pink with high fever, tense with delirious murmurings despite my attempts to reassure him, still holding him close. The Ring sparkles upon its chain about his neck, a perfect circlet of gold. . . .
Forcing my eyes away, I wait for Sam to complete his task before laying Frodo down carefully. "All right, Pippin. . .Legolas. . . ."
Silently the two begin assisting me with the packing, even Pippin's countenance sombre and anxious. Indeed, the air is heavy with the silence: no one speaks, though everyone looks on anxiously, Sam and Merry holding Frodo's things ready. . .Gandalf, staff in his lap, head bowed. . .Boromir, his expression one of worry. . .Gimli, shaking his head sadly. . . .
Despite his lack of initial reaction, Frodo suddenly cries out, startling us all. Pippin jumps, though Legolas sets to soothing the still-delirious hobbit, laying a calming hand upon his brow.
"Ssshhh. . .it's all right, Frodo. Be still. Aragorn is trying to help you. . .we are trying to help you get better. I know 'tis difficult to bear, little one. . . ."
Much to my relief, Frodo gradually quiets, leaving me to finish packing him carefully as I try to estimate. It seems folly to attempt this, but I fear the risk of chilling him is less than it would be to leave damp compresses on his body or to use similar means. . .and there is nothing for it; if the temperature does not come down, he will not survive. I have seen it on occasion before. . . . There is still a risk: this small cave is hardly a warm place, but it seems the best we have: I can see the back, where there are no further passages, so we are protected, and Gimli and Boromir have shielded the entrance with what curtain we could prepare of blankets and cloak-fastenings. Even at that, they stand close, further blocking any possible draft with their sturdy frames. Carefully I shift beside Legolas, keeping my back to them to provide additional protection for the small Ringbearer.
The only sounds are Frodo's soft whimpering, the soothing voice of Legolas, and the wind whipping outside the cave.
It seems an interminable wait, but at last I sense Frodo's forehead growing cooler beneath my touch. His whimpering seems to have quieted for now: he lies still, though not eerily so, resting calmly. Nodding to Merry and Sam, I finally lift him back into my arms, brushing away the snow to quickly wrap him in dry blankets, swaddling him close.
"Strider?"
I look down to find his blue eyes open: clear now, though somewhat confused.
"Yes, Frodo? I'm here."
"I. . .I don't understand. . . ." Before I can reply, he continues. "But I'm thirsty. . .please, could I have. . .something to drink?"
"Of course." With some relief I smile, nodding to Sam, who is already filling a cup with tea, sweetening the herbal mixture with honey.
Perhaps there might be hope after all. Even in the most unexpected of places.
~To Be Continued??~
