TITLE: "Brandywine"
AUTHOR: Mainframe
RATING: PG
PAIRING: None so far
Disclaimer: The Hobbits belong to J. R.R. Tolkien and are not of my creation and I make no money from this or other stories involving them, this is purely a non-profit fiction of my creation in honour of the book & movies. However this storyline is mine.
SUMMARY: It's been raining none stop for over a month in the shire and Bilbo is being driven mad by three young hobbits with too much energy to spend. But is his solution to the problem a wise one or could it led to disaster?
NOTES: Whoa! Sorry about another delay, I swear my Boss has got it in for me. Talk about an exhausting workload. Anyhow no need to be concerned I WILL be finishing this story, which seems to have been the general concern. Also I would like to say that I have been working on a follow on series from "Brandywine" but cannot post it yet for it will give the game away with the current story, fear not I have not been idle. This new fic will centre on the hobbit lads, but Merry will be at its centre.
A huge thanks to you all for your wonderful feedback, it is what keeps me writing! And also to Llinos (I didn't know you knew of my fic), I am completely speechless that you like it that much! I am a regular reader of your work and your standard...glad you like it!
To Newttef and Plienje glad you are enjoying it so far! And Trilliah...Yeah I did warn ya! Frodo, glad you enjoyed last chapter. As always feedback is really appreciated so speak up (no flames)!
Brandywine
1 Chapter 9: Bright Eye's
As soon as Hamfast was out of sight Bilbo had broken out into a brisk run. His head swam as he found himself assailed by memories of Frodo. His birth and how his dear cousins Drogo and Primula had permitted him to hold the small bundle of dark curls that would grow into the young hobbit lad that he held so dear, he was only a few hours old then, but was old enough to capture Bilbo's heart.
Bilbo had never had any children of his own. He had preferred discreet and fleeting encounters with the fairer sex every once in a while, usually on one of his infrequent trips to Bree. Aside from that he preferred to remain a bachelor and free to do as he pleased, he had always done things on impulse and loathed the thought of ever having to change and loose his independence. If he stopped and thought about it, he had been forced to change his ways since Frodo had come to live with him at Bag-End, but the young lad was so sweet and unobtrusive that he could barely remember what it had been like before his arrival.
His throat constricted as he wondered what it would be like not to have Frodo around, the lad had such a kind nature and expressive face, every morning those bright blue eyes would sparkle as he received a cheery "Good Morning Uncle".
A tear escaped him and was lost in one of the many laughter lines on his weathered face, he felt very old, so much older than he thought possible, how he wished Gandalf were here right now, he would have been able to find Frodo in an instant.
Bilbo pushed all such thoughts from his mind and quickened his pace with renewed vigour.
*Hold on my boy, I'm coming! *
He turned the next corner skidding on the waterlogged path, but managed to regain his footing, never once breaking his concentration as he continued to scan the river, which now appeared black and thicker than it should in the darkness. His eyes once again flicked to the opposite bank for any sign of life, finding none and moving on.
The soft orange glow of the lamp washed over something pale and unmoving a short distance ahead. Indeed Bilbo was so absorbed in scanning the surface of the water and the opposite bank that he almost tripped over one of the ivory pale legs that lay strewn across the path.
"Frodo!"
Recovering himself Bilbo quickly knelt down next to the prone, naked form of his nephew, carefully setting the lantern to rest beside him and stripping his pack all in one fluid motion. He lightly brushed the tumble of soft, wet curls from Frodo's face to reveal the delicate slack features. It was deeply unsettling. He gently pressed two fingers against his neck and waited. He found what he was searching for and allowed the comforting thump of Frodo's pulse to beat against his fingers a few seconds before wincing at how cold the child was. After a quick examination making certain there were no broken bones, Bilbo carefully turned him over and wrapped one of the blankets from his pack tightly around his frail form.
He was so still. So silent! It reminded the old hobbit just how fragile life was and how easily it could be snuffed out.
*What I would not give to see you open your eyes and smile at me right now my boy*
Just then Halfred came rushing up the path towards them thankfully breaking his train of thought, he sighed in relief. If he was perfectly honest with himself he was uncertain weather he would be able to carry Frodo back to the cart, his strength was waning as the rush of adrenaline began to subside.
"Hal, lad! Over here!"
"Master Bilbo! Master! Da sent us ta come an help ya!"
Halfred puffed as he squatted next to the two hobbits. His eyes locked on Frodo's unconscious form, he couldn't quite catch his gasp in time as he took in Frodo's appearance. He looked a ghost, far worse then his brother or Mr Merry, but Hal managed to subdue asking the question that he yearned to ask *is he dead? *
Frodo's face was all that could be seen from within the blanket, a wet tangle of almost black curls lay thickly framing his face, his skin though illuminated by the lamp held no natural colour of it's own. His thick long lashes rested firmly against his high cheekbones. His jaw was slack, leaving his delicate lips slightly parted, if not for the dire circumstances Hal would have mistaken it for deep, peaceful sleep. But even in sleep no one is that still.
Bilbo took the opportunity to sit down on the grass, ignoring the immediate discomfort as water quickly saturated the seat of his breeches. He shifted Frodo, with Hal's help into his lap, he was anxious to raise him from the warmth stealing earth.
While they waited for Hamson to catch up Bilbo continued to gently rub Frodo's limbs through the blanket, first one hand and then the other, slowly moving to rub in larger circle at his back. His head came to rest in the crook of Bilbo's neck as the old hobbit gently rocked him, all the while chatting to him about everything and nothing.
Hal squatted in silence, listening as his old Master spoke to Frodo as if they were back at Bag-End chatting over lunch, the fact that Frodo was limp and unresponsive didn't seem to bother him. Hal for a fleeting moment wondered if his Master had gone over the edge in his distress and wondered if he should say something.
It was then that Bilbo's efforts were rewarded, he stopped in mid-sentence as he heard a soft moan escape Frodo's lips, he felt his head move against his chest and when he looked down to his joy he saw Frodo's heavy-lidded eye's open a crack and two thin lines of cobalt stare up at him.
Frodo was exhausted with the effort of moving his head and it took him time to focus on who was holding him, then as the mists cleared Bilbo's face swam into view.
"Uncle?" His voice was nothing but a whisper, but it was enough.
Bilbo was grateful then of the darkness that surrounded them, for it helped to conceal his suspiciously moist cheeks as he cracked a grin from ear to ear.
"Frodo my lad! I don't know, off adventuring without me?" He chortled.
Frodo found it very draining to speak and his throat felt raw and dry, he swallowed audibly.
"Sam....S-Sam, Merry..." He breathed but the effort drained the last of his strength and he could no longer hold his head up.
Bilbo felt the tiny tremors of Frodo's struggle to maintain his position and carefully lowered him further down into his lap, allowing his head to rest at a more comfortable position in the crook of his arm.
Halfred couldn't hide how his voice shook, nor the haunted expression in his deep hazel eyes such was the concern for his younger brother, but he steeled himself. He was already in his late tween's and had not been treated as a child for many years; it was time to live up to what being grown involved. Frodo's words sank in and he suddenly realised that he had yet to inform Bilbo that his nephew was safe.
"We found Master Brandybuck Sir. He's back at the cart with da and Sam" He paused as Bilbo continued to fuss over his semi-conscious nephew, watching as his Master tried to rub warmth back into one of his slender hands that pocked out from beneath the fabric.
Bilbo was overjoyed "Did you hear that my lad, nothing to worry your head about, their safe. Oh Hal, that is good news! How is he?"
Halfred was not a well-spoken hobbit, out of all the Gamgee's his was the broadest dialect. He preferred to let Hamson do the talking, right on queue Hamson padded into view puffing and panting but having overheard the exchange.
"He's doing fine Sir, he was a little unsure of where he was at first but da's takin care of him right now. How is Mr Frodo Sir?" He squatted next to his brother who shot him a silent thank you.
"Wonderful! Oh that is one less weight on my mind" He exclaimed then went on to answer Hamson's question "We need to get him back to Bag-End."
Frodo let out a contented sigh at the news, Sam and Merry were safe and his Uncle was here with him, Bilbo had found him, as he knew he would. He felt himself drift into sleep, safe in the knowledge that he was in his Uncles arms.
Bilbo studied his nephew's unresponsive features once more. The lad had exhausted himself.
"The sooner we get them into dry cloths and warm beds the better. Lads one of you will have to take him"
Reluctantly Bilbo relinquished Frodo to Ham. Hamson was a strong, well built hobbit much like his father in appearance, he lifted the unconscious boy into his arms effortlessly and waited while Halfred and Bilbo quickly gathered up the lanterns and retrieved most of the contents of Bilbo's pack that had been unwittingly pulled out in his haste to retrieve the blanket.
Each taking a lantern Bilbo lead with Hamson in the middle and Halfred bringing up the rear, careful to ensure that the path was well lit the hobbits quickly made their way back towards the waiting cart.
Hamfast had just managed to rock Merry into an exhausted sleep when he spotted in the distance the flickering from the lanterns. He gentle lowered Merry next to Sam and set about padding the cart out with blankets.
Hamson reached the cart after Bilbo and handed the smaller hobbit to his father while Bilbo bundled him in another blanket, until like Merry and Sam he too was cocooned and placed next to Merry. Hamson and Halfred were then instructed to sit one next to Frodo and the other next to Sam on the opposite side and to hold them as securely in place as possible, they still had a long journey ahead.
Bilbo jumped up into the driving seat and Hamfast took his place next to him, Bilbo turned and leaned down into the back of the cart and placed the back of his hand against first Frodo's cheek and then Merry's. He could not reach Sam but Hamson caught on and placed his hand against his brother's face. Bilbo registered the shock in Hamson's features, as he turned wide-eyed to his Master, questioningly.
"Hot?" It wasn't a question.
"Yes sir, burnin"
"Keep them covered"
"Yes Sir" Hamson and Halfred said in unison.
Bilbo turned back to Hamfast who bit down on his blade of grass with more force then was needed.
"Aye, they've fever" he stated, it was not a surprise to him.
"How long have Merry and Sam been like this?"
"Bout ten minutes, no longer. There's nothin we can do for em here"
Bilbo's command sounded shrill and louder then it should as he set Trixiebell at a fast trot, the wet grass prevented them from travelling faster.
Bilbo ordered the pony into a full gallop as they returned to the road, Hamson and Halfred held tight to the three boys as they were jostled by the uneven surface, there was no way of avoiding it they had to hurry. Bilbo frantically mulled over various ways to save time. Bag-End would already be nice, warm and dry thanks to the Gamgee sisters, which just left the healer.
"Halfred, when we pass Hobbiton run and fetch the healer, tell her it's an emergency"
"Yes Sir"
It was not voiced but was agreed non the less that Sam was to be cared for at Bag-End with Merry and Frodo. It was now very late into the night and both adults knew it would be hard to place the healer at this time of night, there had been an outbreak of stomach sickness that had been unwittingly brought back from Bree and all five healers were run off their feet and scattered to the Four Fathings with the small epidemic.
After what seemed like forever to Halfred the carts motion slowed and he stirred, looking up he realised that they were just passing by the outskirts of Hobbiton; Bag-End was less than ten minutes drive away. Halfred rubbed the sleep from his eyes and jumped from the cart, shaking off the aches from the uncomfortable journey. As he tore into the soft glow and gentle murmurings of town he heard his father shout to him
"No dawdling and mind yer manners!"
"Yes Da!" He shouted over his shoulder as he cart broke into a trot.
Halfred ran from smial to smial, each time being sent in a different direction tracing the pattern that the healer had made. As time wore on Halfred felt his stomach begin to churn and tears flowed freely. He banged at the door he'd been directed to, but to his dismay that was where the trail ran cold, for the healer had left over an hour ago and had not told the Bolger's were she was due next. Halfred ran off into the night in a blind panic before Mrs Bolger could offer any comfort or assistance to the obviously distressed young Gamgee.
Tbc ~
AUTHOR: Mainframe
RATING: PG
PAIRING: None so far
Disclaimer: The Hobbits belong to J. R.R. Tolkien and are not of my creation and I make no money from this or other stories involving them, this is purely a non-profit fiction of my creation in honour of the book & movies. However this storyline is mine.
SUMMARY: It's been raining none stop for over a month in the shire and Bilbo is being driven mad by three young hobbits with too much energy to spend. But is his solution to the problem a wise one or could it led to disaster?
NOTES: Whoa! Sorry about another delay, I swear my Boss has got it in for me. Talk about an exhausting workload. Anyhow no need to be concerned I WILL be finishing this story, which seems to have been the general concern. Also I would like to say that I have been working on a follow on series from "Brandywine" but cannot post it yet for it will give the game away with the current story, fear not I have not been idle. This new fic will centre on the hobbit lads, but Merry will be at its centre.
A huge thanks to you all for your wonderful feedback, it is what keeps me writing! And also to Llinos (I didn't know you knew of my fic), I am completely speechless that you like it that much! I am a regular reader of your work and your standard...glad you like it!
To Newttef and Plienje glad you are enjoying it so far! And Trilliah...Yeah I did warn ya! Frodo, glad you enjoyed last chapter. As always feedback is really appreciated so speak up (no flames)!
Brandywine
1 Chapter 9: Bright Eye's
As soon as Hamfast was out of sight Bilbo had broken out into a brisk run. His head swam as he found himself assailed by memories of Frodo. His birth and how his dear cousins Drogo and Primula had permitted him to hold the small bundle of dark curls that would grow into the young hobbit lad that he held so dear, he was only a few hours old then, but was old enough to capture Bilbo's heart.
Bilbo had never had any children of his own. He had preferred discreet and fleeting encounters with the fairer sex every once in a while, usually on one of his infrequent trips to Bree. Aside from that he preferred to remain a bachelor and free to do as he pleased, he had always done things on impulse and loathed the thought of ever having to change and loose his independence. If he stopped and thought about it, he had been forced to change his ways since Frodo had come to live with him at Bag-End, but the young lad was so sweet and unobtrusive that he could barely remember what it had been like before his arrival.
His throat constricted as he wondered what it would be like not to have Frodo around, the lad had such a kind nature and expressive face, every morning those bright blue eyes would sparkle as he received a cheery "Good Morning Uncle".
A tear escaped him and was lost in one of the many laughter lines on his weathered face, he felt very old, so much older than he thought possible, how he wished Gandalf were here right now, he would have been able to find Frodo in an instant.
Bilbo pushed all such thoughts from his mind and quickened his pace with renewed vigour.
*Hold on my boy, I'm coming! *
He turned the next corner skidding on the waterlogged path, but managed to regain his footing, never once breaking his concentration as he continued to scan the river, which now appeared black and thicker than it should in the darkness. His eyes once again flicked to the opposite bank for any sign of life, finding none and moving on.
The soft orange glow of the lamp washed over something pale and unmoving a short distance ahead. Indeed Bilbo was so absorbed in scanning the surface of the water and the opposite bank that he almost tripped over one of the ivory pale legs that lay strewn across the path.
"Frodo!"
Recovering himself Bilbo quickly knelt down next to the prone, naked form of his nephew, carefully setting the lantern to rest beside him and stripping his pack all in one fluid motion. He lightly brushed the tumble of soft, wet curls from Frodo's face to reveal the delicate slack features. It was deeply unsettling. He gently pressed two fingers against his neck and waited. He found what he was searching for and allowed the comforting thump of Frodo's pulse to beat against his fingers a few seconds before wincing at how cold the child was. After a quick examination making certain there were no broken bones, Bilbo carefully turned him over and wrapped one of the blankets from his pack tightly around his frail form.
He was so still. So silent! It reminded the old hobbit just how fragile life was and how easily it could be snuffed out.
*What I would not give to see you open your eyes and smile at me right now my boy*
Just then Halfred came rushing up the path towards them thankfully breaking his train of thought, he sighed in relief. If he was perfectly honest with himself he was uncertain weather he would be able to carry Frodo back to the cart, his strength was waning as the rush of adrenaline began to subside.
"Hal, lad! Over here!"
"Master Bilbo! Master! Da sent us ta come an help ya!"
Halfred puffed as he squatted next to the two hobbits. His eyes locked on Frodo's unconscious form, he couldn't quite catch his gasp in time as he took in Frodo's appearance. He looked a ghost, far worse then his brother or Mr Merry, but Hal managed to subdue asking the question that he yearned to ask *is he dead? *
Frodo's face was all that could be seen from within the blanket, a wet tangle of almost black curls lay thickly framing his face, his skin though illuminated by the lamp held no natural colour of it's own. His thick long lashes rested firmly against his high cheekbones. His jaw was slack, leaving his delicate lips slightly parted, if not for the dire circumstances Hal would have mistaken it for deep, peaceful sleep. But even in sleep no one is that still.
Bilbo took the opportunity to sit down on the grass, ignoring the immediate discomfort as water quickly saturated the seat of his breeches. He shifted Frodo, with Hal's help into his lap, he was anxious to raise him from the warmth stealing earth.
While they waited for Hamson to catch up Bilbo continued to gently rub Frodo's limbs through the blanket, first one hand and then the other, slowly moving to rub in larger circle at his back. His head came to rest in the crook of Bilbo's neck as the old hobbit gently rocked him, all the while chatting to him about everything and nothing.
Hal squatted in silence, listening as his old Master spoke to Frodo as if they were back at Bag-End chatting over lunch, the fact that Frodo was limp and unresponsive didn't seem to bother him. Hal for a fleeting moment wondered if his Master had gone over the edge in his distress and wondered if he should say something.
It was then that Bilbo's efforts were rewarded, he stopped in mid-sentence as he heard a soft moan escape Frodo's lips, he felt his head move against his chest and when he looked down to his joy he saw Frodo's heavy-lidded eye's open a crack and two thin lines of cobalt stare up at him.
Frodo was exhausted with the effort of moving his head and it took him time to focus on who was holding him, then as the mists cleared Bilbo's face swam into view.
"Uncle?" His voice was nothing but a whisper, but it was enough.
Bilbo was grateful then of the darkness that surrounded them, for it helped to conceal his suspiciously moist cheeks as he cracked a grin from ear to ear.
"Frodo my lad! I don't know, off adventuring without me?" He chortled.
Frodo found it very draining to speak and his throat felt raw and dry, he swallowed audibly.
"Sam....S-Sam, Merry..." He breathed but the effort drained the last of his strength and he could no longer hold his head up.
Bilbo felt the tiny tremors of Frodo's struggle to maintain his position and carefully lowered him further down into his lap, allowing his head to rest at a more comfortable position in the crook of his arm.
Halfred couldn't hide how his voice shook, nor the haunted expression in his deep hazel eyes such was the concern for his younger brother, but he steeled himself. He was already in his late tween's and had not been treated as a child for many years; it was time to live up to what being grown involved. Frodo's words sank in and he suddenly realised that he had yet to inform Bilbo that his nephew was safe.
"We found Master Brandybuck Sir. He's back at the cart with da and Sam" He paused as Bilbo continued to fuss over his semi-conscious nephew, watching as his Master tried to rub warmth back into one of his slender hands that pocked out from beneath the fabric.
Bilbo was overjoyed "Did you hear that my lad, nothing to worry your head about, their safe. Oh Hal, that is good news! How is he?"
Halfred was not a well-spoken hobbit, out of all the Gamgee's his was the broadest dialect. He preferred to let Hamson do the talking, right on queue Hamson padded into view puffing and panting but having overheard the exchange.
"He's doing fine Sir, he was a little unsure of where he was at first but da's takin care of him right now. How is Mr Frodo Sir?" He squatted next to his brother who shot him a silent thank you.
"Wonderful! Oh that is one less weight on my mind" He exclaimed then went on to answer Hamson's question "We need to get him back to Bag-End."
Frodo let out a contented sigh at the news, Sam and Merry were safe and his Uncle was here with him, Bilbo had found him, as he knew he would. He felt himself drift into sleep, safe in the knowledge that he was in his Uncles arms.
Bilbo studied his nephew's unresponsive features once more. The lad had exhausted himself.
"The sooner we get them into dry cloths and warm beds the better. Lads one of you will have to take him"
Reluctantly Bilbo relinquished Frodo to Ham. Hamson was a strong, well built hobbit much like his father in appearance, he lifted the unconscious boy into his arms effortlessly and waited while Halfred and Bilbo quickly gathered up the lanterns and retrieved most of the contents of Bilbo's pack that had been unwittingly pulled out in his haste to retrieve the blanket.
Each taking a lantern Bilbo lead with Hamson in the middle and Halfred bringing up the rear, careful to ensure that the path was well lit the hobbits quickly made their way back towards the waiting cart.
Hamfast had just managed to rock Merry into an exhausted sleep when he spotted in the distance the flickering from the lanterns. He gentle lowered Merry next to Sam and set about padding the cart out with blankets.
Hamson reached the cart after Bilbo and handed the smaller hobbit to his father while Bilbo bundled him in another blanket, until like Merry and Sam he too was cocooned and placed next to Merry. Hamson and Halfred were then instructed to sit one next to Frodo and the other next to Sam on the opposite side and to hold them as securely in place as possible, they still had a long journey ahead.
Bilbo jumped up into the driving seat and Hamfast took his place next to him, Bilbo turned and leaned down into the back of the cart and placed the back of his hand against first Frodo's cheek and then Merry's. He could not reach Sam but Hamson caught on and placed his hand against his brother's face. Bilbo registered the shock in Hamson's features, as he turned wide-eyed to his Master, questioningly.
"Hot?" It wasn't a question.
"Yes sir, burnin"
"Keep them covered"
"Yes Sir" Hamson and Halfred said in unison.
Bilbo turned back to Hamfast who bit down on his blade of grass with more force then was needed.
"Aye, they've fever" he stated, it was not a surprise to him.
"How long have Merry and Sam been like this?"
"Bout ten minutes, no longer. There's nothin we can do for em here"
Bilbo's command sounded shrill and louder then it should as he set Trixiebell at a fast trot, the wet grass prevented them from travelling faster.
Bilbo ordered the pony into a full gallop as they returned to the road, Hamson and Halfred held tight to the three boys as they were jostled by the uneven surface, there was no way of avoiding it they had to hurry. Bilbo frantically mulled over various ways to save time. Bag-End would already be nice, warm and dry thanks to the Gamgee sisters, which just left the healer.
"Halfred, when we pass Hobbiton run and fetch the healer, tell her it's an emergency"
"Yes Sir"
It was not voiced but was agreed non the less that Sam was to be cared for at Bag-End with Merry and Frodo. It was now very late into the night and both adults knew it would be hard to place the healer at this time of night, there had been an outbreak of stomach sickness that had been unwittingly brought back from Bree and all five healers were run off their feet and scattered to the Four Fathings with the small epidemic.
After what seemed like forever to Halfred the carts motion slowed and he stirred, looking up he realised that they were just passing by the outskirts of Hobbiton; Bag-End was less than ten minutes drive away. Halfred rubbed the sleep from his eyes and jumped from the cart, shaking off the aches from the uncomfortable journey. As he tore into the soft glow and gentle murmurings of town he heard his father shout to him
"No dawdling and mind yer manners!"
"Yes Da!" He shouted over his shoulder as he cart broke into a trot.
Halfred ran from smial to smial, each time being sent in a different direction tracing the pattern that the healer had made. As time wore on Halfred felt his stomach begin to churn and tears flowed freely. He banged at the door he'd been directed to, but to his dismay that was where the trail ran cold, for the healer had left over an hour ago and had not told the Bolger's were she was due next. Halfred ran off into the night in a blind panic before Mrs Bolger could offer any comfort or assistance to the obviously distressed young Gamgee.
Tbc ~