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: Sorry about the delay, I'm in the process of leaving my job and packing to move to Ireland so things are a bit mad at the moment. Hope the length of this chapter will help to make up for the wait though!
STORY WATCH: XENOBIA HAS UPDATE CLOUDBURST...enough said! Rachelstonebreaker has posted a prologue for her story series "Pub Politics". This outline clarifies the story to date and shows us what a perfect, 100% grasp she has of the characters and their interaction and several chapters...not to mention the truly enslaving new series "Recovery" which is already at chapt 3!. Llinos updated "Recapture" again while I blinked...you call that writers block? Smashing stuff! Wooho! Frisky's updated "Hopeless Life" chapt 14 is up and it's a cracker...great style of writing I must say! Ice Princess has written a cool series "A Ghost In The Night" *sniff* poor Frodo. At www.nindaiwe.com Orangeblossom has written "For the Love of the Language" nice little, stand on it's own piece. Victoria Bitter has written a beaut, called "Clean", it's one of my all time fav fic's I can only recommend that you read all her LOTR's fic's for they are all wonderful, if you haven't already! "Soil" by Astra was written as a challenge, and glad I am that it was! X rated for it's nature, I cannot praise it enough! And finally Mira Westing has started a new captivating story called "Solace", for all those Merry fans, it looks to be a winner!
Brandywine
1 Chapter 12: It Begins
Laura Goodbody was exhausted, it had been a long week and the last few days had been particularly trying. Halfred had found her just as she had left the Burrows smial; Rosemary's male child had succumbed to the stomach sickness less than half an hour ago, he had been too young to fight it. She had left her condolences with the grieving family and left her husband, Bill, with some herbs and instructions to make a tea of them. They would help Rosemary to sleep; it was all she could do to help her now. Bill had gratefully accepted them and offered to pay for her services...her Mistress would be furious if she found out, but she refused the coins and with a quick teary hug she left.
*Elbereth! I need an ale! *
Tears streamed down her face as her feet took her in the direction of the nearest pub; she could definitely do with a half-pint or two. Poppy her teacher had told her many times that she was too sensitive to others pain, that she could not afford to get so attached to her patients. Laura had thought her cruel that day, but years later as they both tended to a dying patient (and old friend of Poppy's), she had seen the pain in her teachers eye's as the light had left her friends body. She hadn't wept as Laura had found herself doing, not a tear in sight and yet Lara knew that inside she was crying with the rest of them.
Laura wiped at her face with her handkerchief and silently wondered how many years it would be before she too would be able to hide her emotions as well as Poppy could.
Just then, as the cool night air helped to dry her cheeks, a gasping, panic- stricken Gamgee lad almost bowled into her. He clung to her as she gently placed her spare handkerchief over his mouth and instructed him to breath through the folded layers of cloth. When his breathing calmed, she removed the cloth and pushed back his damp curl, it revealed Halfred Gamgee, Hamfast's second eldest. He quickly explained what had taken place as the two of them started out at a brisk pace towards Bag-End, Halfred automatically taking her soft brown leather bag as he continued his story.
Bilbo looked up as he heard a knock on the door closely followed by Laura's head poking round its edge.
"Miss Goodbody! Come in! Come in!" He motioned her towards the bed.
"Good evenin to ya Master Baggins, now then, what's this I heard about these three lads, tis a bad time ta take a dip?" She teased and gave a wink; she found that this approach often took the tension out of things. It worked as she observed Bilbo's shoulders relax a little.
Bilbo backed away from the bed as Laura busied herself with taking their temperatures, checking their eye's and listening to their breathing. Bilbo, Halfred and Hamfast buzzed around her so closely however that in the end she had to ask them to leave the room, just until the examinations were over.
Once she was alone the examination went much faster, she found Merry to be the best out of the three. For although she could hear congestion in his breathing, Bilbo had told her that he had been conscious and coherent and been able to drink something.
She pulled back the covers to the foot of the bed and firmly began to apply small, quick pressures, tracing his bones from head to toes. She felt a warm hard knot under the flesh over one rib and frowned, tracing its shape repeatedly before continuing her probing search. When she was satisfied there were no new broken bones, she gently rolled him onto his side so that he faced Frodo and repeated the process, noting the bruising that lightly coloured his upper chest and back. She frowned, he had taken a beating not too long ago, and a pretty thorough one at that. She settled him back down and moved on to her next patient.
Frodo Baggins concerned her. He was as white as fresh snow and just as cold; she flinched as she searched his body for breaks, his collarbone protruded too much and a faint ripple of ribs could be seen. His hips were very prominent and his stomach flat and clearly muscled, unusual for a hobbit. As she felt down one slender leg he flinched slightly, his knee had a rather large graze across it and needed to be cleaned, for she could quite clearly see small stones in amongst the gore. After she was satisfied he was in one piece, she listened to his breathing once more, first one side of his chest, then the other. What she heard she didn't much like, water.
He whimpered in his sleep and tried to reach out, she took his hand in hers as she replaced the covers and soothed him "There, there now. Try to get some sleep young Master".
"Bilbo?"
"He's here lad, try to get some rest it's very late" But before she could even finish her sentence she discovered that he had done just that.
"Poor mite" She murmured to herself before moving onto Samwise.
Sam's sturdy little body was already beginning to return to a more normal pallor thanks to their combined body heat and the raging fire, which Hamfast had stacked high before he was shooed out.
Laura noted that aside from scrapes and scratches all down one leg and bruising to his right wrist, he was fine. After tending to all the cuts she ran her fingers over the strange bruise patterns on the wrist, after several long moments she realised that this must have happened when Mr Merry caught him. It looked painful and swollen and whilst not broken, would be pretty useless for at least a week. She lightly rubbed a salve into the aggravated joint and bandaged it tightly.
She heard a soft sound from behind the door and suppressed a giggle before in a clear voice said "You can come back in now Master Baggins, Master Gamgee, I've finished".
A rather red-faced Hamfast and apologetic Bilbo entered followed by a silent Halfred.
"I'm sorry Miss Goodbody, but where our children are concerned..."
"I know Sir, it does my heart good to see it"
"How are they?" Asked Bilbo, as Hamfast gently stroked through Sam's curly, his callused, work-hardened fingers hovering in mid-motion over the heavily bandaged wrist, afraid to touch it.
She looked from parent to parent and was about to speak when there came a frantic knocking at the front door. Bilbo was the closest to the door and motioned Ham to return to Sam's side...the lad seemed to visible strengthen under his fathers touch.
Laura waited patiently; she did not wish to repeat herself. She heard a soft feminine voice float through and seconds later Bell Gamgee flew through the door and to her son's side.
"Bell! What are ye doin here? I told Hamson to..."
"I know what you told him. And I'll have none o' it! The lads have work in the morn and we've all had a fright, I told him and Daisy ta keep home an get some rest" She replaced Hamfast at Sam's side as he moved aside and stroked his cheek lightly.
"Your place is at home, I'll see ta Samwise, you jus take care o' the others" Hamfast understood Bells natural instinct to be with their sick lad, but was also embarrassed by her boldness in front of his Master. What would he think?
"My place is with my boy when he's sick an needs me most"
"Quite right Mrs Gamgee, you are more than welcome to stay at Bag End as long as Samwise takes to recover, if you wish?"
Bilbo had been listening to the quiet whisperings and understood Ham's dilemma *your stubborn sense of place old friend, really! * He had never been one to stand on ceremony; so long as Miss Goodbody was to stay at the smial he saw no impropriety in the offer.
Bell's eye's sparkled as a smile settled on her lips, she looked from Bilbo to her husband, ultimately she would respect her husbands wishes, but the offer had been more then she could have hoped for.
Hamfast frowned and looked at his sons pale face and injured hand then back to his wife's pleading eyes and sighed giving her a comforting embrace as he spoke.
"Thank ye Mr Bilbo, we'd like that very much"
A silence fell in the room and as all anxious eyes's turned to Laura, she took that as her queue.
She spoke directly to Bilbo first "Mr Merry is not doin too badly at all Sir. He's a might colder then I hoped but nowhere near as bad as I first thought" she paused then uncertain if she had leave to openly question Bilbo.
"And?" He asked impatiently. When she did not continue and looked to the Gamgee's he understood "There is nothing that I do not trust Master Gamgee's family to hear, please..."
She gave a small nod and continued, "I need ta know if you can tell me how long ago Mr Merry's rib healed. Ya see it could cause a problem or two later if I don' know all now"
The confusion on his face told her all she needed to know, and helped to set a small nagging part of her mind at ease. Not him.
Bilbo's eyes raged with anger, a complete contrast to his face, which had become carefully blank after the initial shock, wore off. "My nephew has a broken rib?"
His voice was steady and calm and had Ham not known his Master as well as he did, you would never have known there had been a change. But even his very stance had grown more aggressive as Laura explained her findings in great detail to him, and, careful of the three lads modesty, peeled back the covers enough to expose the faded bruises.
She placed his hand over the area and allowed him to feel for himself, informing him that it seems to have been a clean break, and was more likely to have been a crack then a complete break. It was a maximum of four weeks old, for the skin over the small lump still remained hot to the touch, a good sign it was knitting together properly.
As the covers were replaced Bilbo rested his hand on Merry's head and began to stroke his eyebrow with the pad of his thumb, a contented sign broke from Merry making the old hobbit chuckle, he had always enjoyed that as a child and still did apparently.
"I don't know how it happened or why...but I shall not be satisfied until I have those answers" He spoke more to himself than to anyone in particular "How did you manage to hide this from me my lad?" He asked the sleeping Brandybuck.
"You'd be surprised how quick they bounce back when their tha age Sir, lad migh'n a known it were worse than a bad bruise"
Bilbo pulled himself together. Merry was fine, Miss Goodbody had confirmed that much and aside from the start of a cold he would heal. "And my lad Frodo, what of him?"
Laura paused, trying to make certain she worded everything correctly, the last thing she wanted to do was to alarm Mr Bilbo more, he'd already had enough to deal with for one night, too much. But she wouldn't lie to him either.
"Mr Frodo...concerns me Sir" She hated the fear that leaked into his hazel eyes "There's no breaks or nothin like tha, cept a small wound ta the knee, but I took care a that. Were goin ta have ta keep a close watch on him tonight; I can hear water on his lungs. He's too weak ta take the poundin it'll take ta get most of it out right now, but this will lead ta fever and it'll happen soon". She drew a deep breath; she hated giving bad news.
"But he'll get through this...right?"
"I won't lie to ya Sir, there's a small chance he won't...but he's stronger than he looks... an he has you. I'm sure he'll pull through"
All eyes were on the grief-stricken hobbit. Bells pleading eye's drew Laura's attention back to her son and her face softened, it was a small gesture but enough to convey her message. Bell took a shuddering breath and a tear escaped her as she smiled down at Samwise, while Ham ruffled his curls. Halfred did not understand the exchange but when he saw his parent's reaction he felt a weight had been lifted.
"I'll do everythin within my skill ta save him Mr Bilbo, there's already been one death tonight...I'll be darned if ther'll be another!"
The force of her words took Bilbo by surprise. Laura was a very soft and gentle hobbit of average build with a plain face, deep brown eyes and long, loosely curled light-brown hair. She was the true embodiment of everything hobbit. Bilbo knew her word was her bond.
"I know you will Laura, I'm trusting you with the most precious treasure I posses" He rubbed his tired eye's and felt the need to be alone at that moment, he had to compose himself. "I shall be in the kitchen making some tea for everyone" he announces, and before Bell could offer, he was gone. Ham rested a hand lightly on her shoulder, she understood and wove her arm around his waist and gave Laura her full attention.
Laura blushed at Bilbo's faith in her before moving onto Bell. "Mr and Mrs Gamgee! You'll be pleased to hear your boy's as strong as an ox! He's goin ta be just fine." Bell was ecstatic and if possible fussed even more over Sam while Hamfast shook Laura's small, muscular hand firmly before inquiring about his bandaged wrist.
"Ah, well! That would be Mr Merry's doin I'm afraid, he seems ta have a strong grip, but that's just as well now, isn't it?"
"Aye. I owe Master Brandybuck a debt...but is it broken, Mama?"
" No. Badly bruised though, he won't be able ta move it for a week and won't be able to work with it proper for a month after I'm afraid. If ya put him ta work before then it could grow ta be a permanent weakness"
Hamfast raised his hands in a defeated gesture. "No, no I woul'nt hear of it, what you say goes"
Laura smiled. Just then Halfred gave a yawn and rubbed at his eyes, as all the adults smiled fondly at the lad, Ham decided that now the emergency was over there was no point in him being kept from his bed any longer. It would also give him the opportunity to relay the good news to his brother and sisters, who were probably still awake worrying. With goodbyes and a kiss from his mother he left, but not before he found Bilbo in the kitchen staring intently at a wall as he waited for the kettle to boil. He felt so sorry for his master, it was a private moment and he wished now that he had not sort to say goodbye to him.
Bilbo saw the lad frozen in indecision in the archway and stirred, visibly pulling his facade back in place as he smiled wearily at Halfast. He shocked him even more when he drew him into a quick hug and clapped him on the back.
Bilbo had never been what Hal would call a 'touchy feely' hobbit or a father figure, not like his own mother was or his father at times. He mused it must have something to do with not being a proper dad himself, although since Frodo had come to live at Bag-End there had been a definite softening in his old master.
A small cloth-covered basket was handed to him and on reflex he took it. The aroma of peppermint sticks, cinnamon rolls, and various other sweet treats filled his nostrils, making his mouth water despite his exhaustion.
"It's a thank you of sorts," he said in answer to the lads questioning look. "I don't think even Trixiebell could have been swifter on an errand of such importance".
Halfred blushed and cleared his throat before pushing the basket back into Bilbo's hand. "It weren't nothing Sir, I was glad I could help" But he allowed his eyes to linger on the basket before returning them to Bilbo.
Bilbo chuckled and ruffled his hair the way he would Frodo's and firmly pushed the gift back into Halfred's hand, before shooing him towards the door. "Now none of that infamous Gamgee stubborness, I've already got your father and Samwise to contend with, thank the Lady Bell is here!"
Halfred's eye's sparkled, fatigue washed away as the cool night air hit his face, he found himself laughing before he could catch it, yes it was true his family really were a stubborn lot, and Samwise was growing to rival his father!
Bilbo grinned and gave him a wink and a wave before closing the door and returning to his task. The kettle had boiled and he had already arranged two trays on the table each sporting an old brown teapot, as he carefully poured water into the first Laura entered and without a word began to potter around gathering cups, saucers and teaspoons that were on the draining-board; neatly placing them on the trays she stood back and waited as Bilbo returned the kettle to it's hook.
When everything was prepared and ready to be taken through he stepped back and regarded her, she was watching him intently. Her face was open and friendly and she seemed to be waiting for him to speak, she tilted her head to the side in puzzlement and Bilbo realised that he had been staring at her for longer than was polite. He mumbled an apology and grasped the first tray, but her small, surprisingly strong hand stayed him. He set the tray back down and sat, dropping heavily onto one of the chairs; she seated herself opposite him and waited. Bilbo looked to the ceiling and let a shuddering sigh escape him before giving her his full attention.
Guilt lay heavy upon his shoulders as he spoke, "If anything happens to those boys...to my boy, I'll never forgive myself" he cut her off before she could comfort him, he did not want to hear another 'it's not your fault'. "Don't tell me it isn't! I asked them to collect apples when I knew the river would be swollen and should have remembered that 'THAT' orchard was the only one left with fruit. I did not and now this is the end result!"
Laura regarded him carefully; it was obvious he was very tired and more obvious that he would not sleep until his young ward was out of danger. She took a silent breath and steeled herself deciding to take a gamble, this was going to be difficult "I weren't about ta say it weren't your fault sir, for obviously it is" She set about pouring tea into two cups and heaped sugar and something else into Bilbo's, he needed it.
Bilbo was shocked, but nodded mutely; now it had been said by another out loud he felt as if slapped hard. He looked at the tea set in front of him and trembled. Laura afforded herself a quick glance as she sipped the hot liquid; he was barely holding himself together now.
"Drink yer tea sir" She watched as he obeyed without question. "Yes sir all your fault..." He winced at her harsh tone, laced with sarcasm and set his empty cup down. "After all it was you who sent 'em there"
"Please..." He whispered, she nearly gave in at the sound of the broken tone, but continued.
"...And not to mention the fact that you caused the rain!" She slowly sipped allowing what she had said to sink in. He looked at her with unshed tears pooled in his tragic, brow eyes. "That's right, and you made Samwise fall inta the Brandywine right? Master Frodo and Master Merry too! You do get around sir"
He almost smiled, but a tear escaped its dam and he irritatedly swiped at it with the back of his hand. She changed tactics then and completely disarmed him with one quick, bold motion. She drew him into a warm embrace and held him fast until he settled and allowed his head to rest on her shoulder. She rocked the older hobbit as she would an infant, even though she had to lean over to do it. She was not the tallest of hobbits.
It had been many a year since Bilbo found himself comforted in such a bold manner, in fact to his recollection the last time had been on his adventure to the Misty Mountains. Just before the battle when Bard of the Lake people was negotiating with a very stubborn Thorin over the Arkenstone, an heirloom of great importance to the dwarf Thorin. Bilbo had 'acquired it' for Bard in the hope that Smaug's treasure would be shared out equally and thus prevent any lose of life. But Thorin was stubborn and a greed possessed him that day, and being a creature of no hobbit sense (for hobbits do not value such gems and mettles above life. You cannot eat them, nor drink them, nor sleep on them. A practical race are hobbits.).
Thorin's words of anger, betrayal and hatred towards Bilbo had wounded him more deeply then he allowed anyone to see. Except Gandalf, the old wizard and dear friend had comforted him in much the same manner when all was said and done and the problem resolved. But that had been decades ago; yet tonight, for the first time in long years Bilbo took the comfort offered him gladly. He was so tired.
"Nothing will happen to him and it's not your fault" She pulled back at length, just enough to stare into his weary, embarrassed face. "I've seen you out and abou' with the wee one in town, he glows when your near, an I see wha a wonderful, gentle lad he's growin ta be. Lads don' stay like tha without love" She sat back on her heels and allowed him to compose himself.
Her words were rich and comforting, like salve to a wound and Bilbo, though deeply embarrassed at his outburst felt the burden dissolve. But he was tired now and could not suppress a yawn. "Please Miss Goodbody..."
"Laura" She corrected.
"...Laura. I must apologise for my behaviour, I really do not know what has come over me, I'm usually much better at dealing with these kinds of things than this."
"No need for any o' tha" She said reproachfully. The question I want answered is: How do ye feel now?"
Bilbo thought about that for a moment and smiled. "Much better now. Thank you Miss Goo...Laura, you are very kind" he yawned again "I had better get these to Bell and Ham before the tea gets cold. Ham and I still have to bring two of the spare beds through to Frodo's room; they cannot stay as they are. And I know that being near one another will comfort them"
"No Mr Bilbo Sir, I think the only thing you'll be doin' is goin ta bed, I'll watch them for you"
Bilbo shook his head, trying to shake away some of the mist that was slowly muddling his mind. Hamfast came in at that moment, just in time to watch his employer and friend slump forward in his chair and onto the table. Laura caught his head before it hit the wooden surface and gently lowered it, and staying Hamfast's questions with a gesture as he hurriedly approached
Ham picked up the cup Bilbo had drunk from and sniffed. He drew back and gave Laura a very disapproving look before she motioned him to help her get Bilbo to his bedroom. After a little careful manoeuvring on their part and a hand from Bell opening doors and pulling the sheets back, they tucked Bilbo in. Leaving him fully clothed except for his weskit and braces, which Bell had helped Laura remove. He was deep in sleep and didn't stir once.
"You shouldn' done that, it weren't right and you had no right!" He hissed at Lara as Bell quietly closed the door behind them.
"Would ye rather he collapsed on his own later? He's been at the end o' his tether with guilt over this whole mess and ye know it! His lad is gonna need him whole to get through what's comin! He can't be there for the boy when he's asleep on his feet!" She barked back, surprising herself as well as Ham. Come to think of it she could do with rest herself, but she would not find it tonight. "I've already got three patients, given another hour or so an I'd a had four!"
Bell gave her a troubled look as she came to stand by her husband. "Ham's right Laura...I don't like this. What did ye give him? He's out like a light!"
"Just a few odds an ends mixed in the proper proportions. He'll sleep through the night an a good bit of tomorrow too" Ham was really not happy, she continued. "But when he wakes he'll feel ten years lighter! Now are you gonna help me bring in the spare beds or not? The boys also need nightshirts"
"I didn't bring Sam's nightshirt!" Bell voiced. But Bilbo had already placed three of Frodo's baggy, pale blue, cotton ones over the back of a chair, Laura instructed Bell to dress all three while she and the Gaffer sorted out the furniture arrangements.
Soon the beds were in place and Merry and Sam were carefully placed one in each, Hamfast found a new respect for Laura, despite his earlier disapproval, she knew her trade well and was not afraid of hard work; and that was something he could trust in. Though average height for a hobbit- lass she was as strong as a lad. She smiled at him as she wiped the sweat from her brow, catching his look of disbelief. "Bein a healer ain't an easy job" She chuckled.
Bell had to help unpick Merry's fingers from Frodo's, as Ham lifted him from Frodo's bed; Merry seemed to have a death-grip on his cousin. Bell seated herself comfortably in-between Sam's bed and Frodo's while Laura brought through the tea and laid out various powdered herbs and dried leaves just in case. She mixed a bit of honey with lemon and a small amount of sugar in a jug of boiling water and set it on the mantelpiece to cool. Then handed a cup of tea to Ham and Bell, laughing outright when they waited for her to drink hers first; after checking the boys several times they settled down for a quick chat. Soon Bell finally persuaded her husband to go back to the smial and rest, after Hamfast had departed the two women regarded each other for a few moments, relaxing as the fire crackled. Bell broke the silence first.
"What possessed you ta...ta drug Master Bilbo like that?" She could barely say it let alone think it.
Bell sighed, in truth she was starting to have second thoughts about that plan, she knew that if Poppy got wind of her antic's...especially with a Baggins, she was for the sack, no question about it. "It felt right," She said at length staring into the fire.
Her mind flicked back to the image of Rosemary's baby, limp in his mothers shaking arms, Rosemary desperately trying to warm his cold limbs. That's when the keening had started; soft at first, but it grew in volume until it was painful to hear. He'd had no life; he'd never know what it was like to know the simple pleasure of walking, or getting into mischief with his friends, his first crush and starting a family.
Frodo stirred and she was at his side immediately, he did not wake, just pulled a little at the neck of his nightshirt. She gently pulled his raking fingers away before he left a mark and undid the top three buttons, allowing the fabric to part. It hadn't been tight before. Indeed she could have fitted a mans fist into the gap, but it probably felt tight to the child. She smoothed back his curls and felt his forehead; he was hot now, too hot. The fever was surfacing; she drew back all the covers except a thin, single layered green woollen, blanket and a summer thin sheet. He immediately quietened. Bell checked Sam and Merry but confirmed with a shake of her head that they were fine; Laura resumed her seat and pulled an old clay pipe from within the folds of her skirts. Bell stared wide-eyed at her as she lit it and took several puffs. She offered it to Bell.
"I've never tried it" She admitted a little shyly, but accepted it as she moved away from her child and towards the chair opposite Laura, but not before a quick visual once over confirmed Sam was sleeping comfortable.
She coughed and spluttered after her first suck and quickly handed it back to Laura who gently rubbed and patted her back she doubled over, eyes watering.
"How can you smoke tha thing?" She croaked.
"Ha. My da, he caught me messin with his best weed when I were younger" She took another puff "He made me smoke everythin I'd spilt. Thought I'd never look at it again. Bu I found I quite liked it" She chuckled softly "To the end o' his day's he regretted that"
Bell poured herself some more tea and smiled as she wiped the remaining moisture from her eyes. She listened for a long time as Laura explained the complex herbs and their uses and some things that she had found worked herself, which she was very proud of. To Laura's amusement she found that Bell was fast asleep and had been for a while by the looks of it. *Da always said I could talk a race* She mused to herself before slowly taking the finished cup and saucer from Bell's hand, she moved over to take Bells place between the beds and began her vigil.
Frodo grew restless once again, fetching a bowl of cold water and a cloth she gently patted his sweaty face and neck; in slow circular motions she drew the cloth across his exposed collarbone. When she began to dab at his face again she realised that his eyes were half open, though she doubted he was aware of his surroundings, he began to pant heavily as she moved her hand back and forth in front of his eyes looking for a response. She found none.
*So it begins* she thought sadly as tears leaked from his eye's.
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: Sorry about the delay, I'm in the process of leaving my job and packing to move to Ireland so things are a bit mad at the moment. Hope the length of this chapter will help to make up for the wait though!
STORY WATCH: XENOBIA HAS UPDATE CLOUDBURST...enough said! Rachelstonebreaker has posted a prologue for her story series "Pub Politics". This outline clarifies the story to date and shows us what a perfect, 100% grasp she has of the characters and their interaction and several chapters...not to mention the truly enslaving new series "Recovery" which is already at chapt 3!. Llinos updated "Recapture" again while I blinked...you call that writers block? Smashing stuff! Wooho! Frisky's updated "Hopeless Life" chapt 14 is up and it's a cracker...great style of writing I must say! Ice Princess has written a cool series "A Ghost In The Night" *sniff* poor Frodo. At www.nindaiwe.com Orangeblossom has written "For the Love of the Language" nice little, stand on it's own piece. Victoria Bitter has written a beaut, called "Clean", it's one of my all time fav fic's I can only recommend that you read all her LOTR's fic's for they are all wonderful, if you haven't already! "Soil" by Astra was written as a challenge, and glad I am that it was! X rated for it's nature, I cannot praise it enough! And finally Mira Westing has started a new captivating story called "Solace", for all those Merry fans, it looks to be a winner!
Brandywine
1 Chapter 12: It Begins
Laura Goodbody was exhausted, it had been a long week and the last few days had been particularly trying. Halfred had found her just as she had left the Burrows smial; Rosemary's male child had succumbed to the stomach sickness less than half an hour ago, he had been too young to fight it. She had left her condolences with the grieving family and left her husband, Bill, with some herbs and instructions to make a tea of them. They would help Rosemary to sleep; it was all she could do to help her now. Bill had gratefully accepted them and offered to pay for her services...her Mistress would be furious if she found out, but she refused the coins and with a quick teary hug she left.
*Elbereth! I need an ale! *
Tears streamed down her face as her feet took her in the direction of the nearest pub; she could definitely do with a half-pint or two. Poppy her teacher had told her many times that she was too sensitive to others pain, that she could not afford to get so attached to her patients. Laura had thought her cruel that day, but years later as they both tended to a dying patient (and old friend of Poppy's), she had seen the pain in her teachers eye's as the light had left her friends body. She hadn't wept as Laura had found herself doing, not a tear in sight and yet Lara knew that inside she was crying with the rest of them.
Laura wiped at her face with her handkerchief and silently wondered how many years it would be before she too would be able to hide her emotions as well as Poppy could.
Just then, as the cool night air helped to dry her cheeks, a gasping, panic- stricken Gamgee lad almost bowled into her. He clung to her as she gently placed her spare handkerchief over his mouth and instructed him to breath through the folded layers of cloth. When his breathing calmed, she removed the cloth and pushed back his damp curl, it revealed Halfred Gamgee, Hamfast's second eldest. He quickly explained what had taken place as the two of them started out at a brisk pace towards Bag-End, Halfred automatically taking her soft brown leather bag as he continued his story.
Bilbo looked up as he heard a knock on the door closely followed by Laura's head poking round its edge.
"Miss Goodbody! Come in! Come in!" He motioned her towards the bed.
"Good evenin to ya Master Baggins, now then, what's this I heard about these three lads, tis a bad time ta take a dip?" She teased and gave a wink; she found that this approach often took the tension out of things. It worked as she observed Bilbo's shoulders relax a little.
Bilbo backed away from the bed as Laura busied herself with taking their temperatures, checking their eye's and listening to their breathing. Bilbo, Halfred and Hamfast buzzed around her so closely however that in the end she had to ask them to leave the room, just until the examinations were over.
Once she was alone the examination went much faster, she found Merry to be the best out of the three. For although she could hear congestion in his breathing, Bilbo had told her that he had been conscious and coherent and been able to drink something.
She pulled back the covers to the foot of the bed and firmly began to apply small, quick pressures, tracing his bones from head to toes. She felt a warm hard knot under the flesh over one rib and frowned, tracing its shape repeatedly before continuing her probing search. When she was satisfied there were no new broken bones, she gently rolled him onto his side so that he faced Frodo and repeated the process, noting the bruising that lightly coloured his upper chest and back. She frowned, he had taken a beating not too long ago, and a pretty thorough one at that. She settled him back down and moved on to her next patient.
Frodo Baggins concerned her. He was as white as fresh snow and just as cold; she flinched as she searched his body for breaks, his collarbone protruded too much and a faint ripple of ribs could be seen. His hips were very prominent and his stomach flat and clearly muscled, unusual for a hobbit. As she felt down one slender leg he flinched slightly, his knee had a rather large graze across it and needed to be cleaned, for she could quite clearly see small stones in amongst the gore. After she was satisfied he was in one piece, she listened to his breathing once more, first one side of his chest, then the other. What she heard she didn't much like, water.
He whimpered in his sleep and tried to reach out, she took his hand in hers as she replaced the covers and soothed him "There, there now. Try to get some sleep young Master".
"Bilbo?"
"He's here lad, try to get some rest it's very late" But before she could even finish her sentence she discovered that he had done just that.
"Poor mite" She murmured to herself before moving onto Samwise.
Sam's sturdy little body was already beginning to return to a more normal pallor thanks to their combined body heat and the raging fire, which Hamfast had stacked high before he was shooed out.
Laura noted that aside from scrapes and scratches all down one leg and bruising to his right wrist, he was fine. After tending to all the cuts she ran her fingers over the strange bruise patterns on the wrist, after several long moments she realised that this must have happened when Mr Merry caught him. It looked painful and swollen and whilst not broken, would be pretty useless for at least a week. She lightly rubbed a salve into the aggravated joint and bandaged it tightly.
She heard a soft sound from behind the door and suppressed a giggle before in a clear voice said "You can come back in now Master Baggins, Master Gamgee, I've finished".
A rather red-faced Hamfast and apologetic Bilbo entered followed by a silent Halfred.
"I'm sorry Miss Goodbody, but where our children are concerned..."
"I know Sir, it does my heart good to see it"
"How are they?" Asked Bilbo, as Hamfast gently stroked through Sam's curly, his callused, work-hardened fingers hovering in mid-motion over the heavily bandaged wrist, afraid to touch it.
She looked from parent to parent and was about to speak when there came a frantic knocking at the front door. Bilbo was the closest to the door and motioned Ham to return to Sam's side...the lad seemed to visible strengthen under his fathers touch.
Laura waited patiently; she did not wish to repeat herself. She heard a soft feminine voice float through and seconds later Bell Gamgee flew through the door and to her son's side.
"Bell! What are ye doin here? I told Hamson to..."
"I know what you told him. And I'll have none o' it! The lads have work in the morn and we've all had a fright, I told him and Daisy ta keep home an get some rest" She replaced Hamfast at Sam's side as he moved aside and stroked his cheek lightly.
"Your place is at home, I'll see ta Samwise, you jus take care o' the others" Hamfast understood Bells natural instinct to be with their sick lad, but was also embarrassed by her boldness in front of his Master. What would he think?
"My place is with my boy when he's sick an needs me most"
"Quite right Mrs Gamgee, you are more than welcome to stay at Bag End as long as Samwise takes to recover, if you wish?"
Bilbo had been listening to the quiet whisperings and understood Ham's dilemma *your stubborn sense of place old friend, really! * He had never been one to stand on ceremony; so long as Miss Goodbody was to stay at the smial he saw no impropriety in the offer.
Bell's eye's sparkled as a smile settled on her lips, she looked from Bilbo to her husband, ultimately she would respect her husbands wishes, but the offer had been more then she could have hoped for.
Hamfast frowned and looked at his sons pale face and injured hand then back to his wife's pleading eyes and sighed giving her a comforting embrace as he spoke.
"Thank ye Mr Bilbo, we'd like that very much"
A silence fell in the room and as all anxious eyes's turned to Laura, she took that as her queue.
She spoke directly to Bilbo first "Mr Merry is not doin too badly at all Sir. He's a might colder then I hoped but nowhere near as bad as I first thought" she paused then uncertain if she had leave to openly question Bilbo.
"And?" He asked impatiently. When she did not continue and looked to the Gamgee's he understood "There is nothing that I do not trust Master Gamgee's family to hear, please..."
She gave a small nod and continued, "I need ta know if you can tell me how long ago Mr Merry's rib healed. Ya see it could cause a problem or two later if I don' know all now"
The confusion on his face told her all she needed to know, and helped to set a small nagging part of her mind at ease. Not him.
Bilbo's eyes raged with anger, a complete contrast to his face, which had become carefully blank after the initial shock, wore off. "My nephew has a broken rib?"
His voice was steady and calm and had Ham not known his Master as well as he did, you would never have known there had been a change. But even his very stance had grown more aggressive as Laura explained her findings in great detail to him, and, careful of the three lads modesty, peeled back the covers enough to expose the faded bruises.
She placed his hand over the area and allowed him to feel for himself, informing him that it seems to have been a clean break, and was more likely to have been a crack then a complete break. It was a maximum of four weeks old, for the skin over the small lump still remained hot to the touch, a good sign it was knitting together properly.
As the covers were replaced Bilbo rested his hand on Merry's head and began to stroke his eyebrow with the pad of his thumb, a contented sign broke from Merry making the old hobbit chuckle, he had always enjoyed that as a child and still did apparently.
"I don't know how it happened or why...but I shall not be satisfied until I have those answers" He spoke more to himself than to anyone in particular "How did you manage to hide this from me my lad?" He asked the sleeping Brandybuck.
"You'd be surprised how quick they bounce back when their tha age Sir, lad migh'n a known it were worse than a bad bruise"
Bilbo pulled himself together. Merry was fine, Miss Goodbody had confirmed that much and aside from the start of a cold he would heal. "And my lad Frodo, what of him?"
Laura paused, trying to make certain she worded everything correctly, the last thing she wanted to do was to alarm Mr Bilbo more, he'd already had enough to deal with for one night, too much. But she wouldn't lie to him either.
"Mr Frodo...concerns me Sir" She hated the fear that leaked into his hazel eyes "There's no breaks or nothin like tha, cept a small wound ta the knee, but I took care a that. Were goin ta have ta keep a close watch on him tonight; I can hear water on his lungs. He's too weak ta take the poundin it'll take ta get most of it out right now, but this will lead ta fever and it'll happen soon". She drew a deep breath; she hated giving bad news.
"But he'll get through this...right?"
"I won't lie to ya Sir, there's a small chance he won't...but he's stronger than he looks... an he has you. I'm sure he'll pull through"
All eyes were on the grief-stricken hobbit. Bells pleading eye's drew Laura's attention back to her son and her face softened, it was a small gesture but enough to convey her message. Bell took a shuddering breath and a tear escaped her as she smiled down at Samwise, while Ham ruffled his curls. Halfred did not understand the exchange but when he saw his parent's reaction he felt a weight had been lifted.
"I'll do everythin within my skill ta save him Mr Bilbo, there's already been one death tonight...I'll be darned if ther'll be another!"
The force of her words took Bilbo by surprise. Laura was a very soft and gentle hobbit of average build with a plain face, deep brown eyes and long, loosely curled light-brown hair. She was the true embodiment of everything hobbit. Bilbo knew her word was her bond.
"I know you will Laura, I'm trusting you with the most precious treasure I posses" He rubbed his tired eye's and felt the need to be alone at that moment, he had to compose himself. "I shall be in the kitchen making some tea for everyone" he announces, and before Bell could offer, he was gone. Ham rested a hand lightly on her shoulder, she understood and wove her arm around his waist and gave Laura her full attention.
Laura blushed at Bilbo's faith in her before moving onto Bell. "Mr and Mrs Gamgee! You'll be pleased to hear your boy's as strong as an ox! He's goin ta be just fine." Bell was ecstatic and if possible fussed even more over Sam while Hamfast shook Laura's small, muscular hand firmly before inquiring about his bandaged wrist.
"Ah, well! That would be Mr Merry's doin I'm afraid, he seems ta have a strong grip, but that's just as well now, isn't it?"
"Aye. I owe Master Brandybuck a debt...but is it broken, Mama?"
" No. Badly bruised though, he won't be able ta move it for a week and won't be able to work with it proper for a month after I'm afraid. If ya put him ta work before then it could grow ta be a permanent weakness"
Hamfast raised his hands in a defeated gesture. "No, no I woul'nt hear of it, what you say goes"
Laura smiled. Just then Halfred gave a yawn and rubbed at his eyes, as all the adults smiled fondly at the lad, Ham decided that now the emergency was over there was no point in him being kept from his bed any longer. It would also give him the opportunity to relay the good news to his brother and sisters, who were probably still awake worrying. With goodbyes and a kiss from his mother he left, but not before he found Bilbo in the kitchen staring intently at a wall as he waited for the kettle to boil. He felt so sorry for his master, it was a private moment and he wished now that he had not sort to say goodbye to him.
Bilbo saw the lad frozen in indecision in the archway and stirred, visibly pulling his facade back in place as he smiled wearily at Halfast. He shocked him even more when he drew him into a quick hug and clapped him on the back.
Bilbo had never been what Hal would call a 'touchy feely' hobbit or a father figure, not like his own mother was or his father at times. He mused it must have something to do with not being a proper dad himself, although since Frodo had come to live at Bag-End there had been a definite softening in his old master.
A small cloth-covered basket was handed to him and on reflex he took it. The aroma of peppermint sticks, cinnamon rolls, and various other sweet treats filled his nostrils, making his mouth water despite his exhaustion.
"It's a thank you of sorts," he said in answer to the lads questioning look. "I don't think even Trixiebell could have been swifter on an errand of such importance".
Halfred blushed and cleared his throat before pushing the basket back into Bilbo's hand. "It weren't nothing Sir, I was glad I could help" But he allowed his eyes to linger on the basket before returning them to Bilbo.
Bilbo chuckled and ruffled his hair the way he would Frodo's and firmly pushed the gift back into Halfred's hand, before shooing him towards the door. "Now none of that infamous Gamgee stubborness, I've already got your father and Samwise to contend with, thank the Lady Bell is here!"
Halfred's eye's sparkled, fatigue washed away as the cool night air hit his face, he found himself laughing before he could catch it, yes it was true his family really were a stubborn lot, and Samwise was growing to rival his father!
Bilbo grinned and gave him a wink and a wave before closing the door and returning to his task. The kettle had boiled and he had already arranged two trays on the table each sporting an old brown teapot, as he carefully poured water into the first Laura entered and without a word began to potter around gathering cups, saucers and teaspoons that were on the draining-board; neatly placing them on the trays she stood back and waited as Bilbo returned the kettle to it's hook.
When everything was prepared and ready to be taken through he stepped back and regarded her, she was watching him intently. Her face was open and friendly and she seemed to be waiting for him to speak, she tilted her head to the side in puzzlement and Bilbo realised that he had been staring at her for longer than was polite. He mumbled an apology and grasped the first tray, but her small, surprisingly strong hand stayed him. He set the tray back down and sat, dropping heavily onto one of the chairs; she seated herself opposite him and waited. Bilbo looked to the ceiling and let a shuddering sigh escape him before giving her his full attention.
Guilt lay heavy upon his shoulders as he spoke, "If anything happens to those boys...to my boy, I'll never forgive myself" he cut her off before she could comfort him, he did not want to hear another 'it's not your fault'. "Don't tell me it isn't! I asked them to collect apples when I knew the river would be swollen and should have remembered that 'THAT' orchard was the only one left with fruit. I did not and now this is the end result!"
Laura regarded him carefully; it was obvious he was very tired and more obvious that he would not sleep until his young ward was out of danger. She took a silent breath and steeled herself deciding to take a gamble, this was going to be difficult "I weren't about ta say it weren't your fault sir, for obviously it is" She set about pouring tea into two cups and heaped sugar and something else into Bilbo's, he needed it.
Bilbo was shocked, but nodded mutely; now it had been said by another out loud he felt as if slapped hard. He looked at the tea set in front of him and trembled. Laura afforded herself a quick glance as she sipped the hot liquid; he was barely holding himself together now.
"Drink yer tea sir" She watched as he obeyed without question. "Yes sir all your fault..." He winced at her harsh tone, laced with sarcasm and set his empty cup down. "After all it was you who sent 'em there"
"Please..." He whispered, she nearly gave in at the sound of the broken tone, but continued.
"...And not to mention the fact that you caused the rain!" She slowly sipped allowing what she had said to sink in. He looked at her with unshed tears pooled in his tragic, brow eyes. "That's right, and you made Samwise fall inta the Brandywine right? Master Frodo and Master Merry too! You do get around sir"
He almost smiled, but a tear escaped its dam and he irritatedly swiped at it with the back of his hand. She changed tactics then and completely disarmed him with one quick, bold motion. She drew him into a warm embrace and held him fast until he settled and allowed his head to rest on her shoulder. She rocked the older hobbit as she would an infant, even though she had to lean over to do it. She was not the tallest of hobbits.
It had been many a year since Bilbo found himself comforted in such a bold manner, in fact to his recollection the last time had been on his adventure to the Misty Mountains. Just before the battle when Bard of the Lake people was negotiating with a very stubborn Thorin over the Arkenstone, an heirloom of great importance to the dwarf Thorin. Bilbo had 'acquired it' for Bard in the hope that Smaug's treasure would be shared out equally and thus prevent any lose of life. But Thorin was stubborn and a greed possessed him that day, and being a creature of no hobbit sense (for hobbits do not value such gems and mettles above life. You cannot eat them, nor drink them, nor sleep on them. A practical race are hobbits.).
Thorin's words of anger, betrayal and hatred towards Bilbo had wounded him more deeply then he allowed anyone to see. Except Gandalf, the old wizard and dear friend had comforted him in much the same manner when all was said and done and the problem resolved. But that had been decades ago; yet tonight, for the first time in long years Bilbo took the comfort offered him gladly. He was so tired.
"Nothing will happen to him and it's not your fault" She pulled back at length, just enough to stare into his weary, embarrassed face. "I've seen you out and abou' with the wee one in town, he glows when your near, an I see wha a wonderful, gentle lad he's growin ta be. Lads don' stay like tha without love" She sat back on her heels and allowed him to compose himself.
Her words were rich and comforting, like salve to a wound and Bilbo, though deeply embarrassed at his outburst felt the burden dissolve. But he was tired now and could not suppress a yawn. "Please Miss Goodbody..."
"Laura" She corrected.
"...Laura. I must apologise for my behaviour, I really do not know what has come over me, I'm usually much better at dealing with these kinds of things than this."
"No need for any o' tha" She said reproachfully. The question I want answered is: How do ye feel now?"
Bilbo thought about that for a moment and smiled. "Much better now. Thank you Miss Goo...Laura, you are very kind" he yawned again "I had better get these to Bell and Ham before the tea gets cold. Ham and I still have to bring two of the spare beds through to Frodo's room; they cannot stay as they are. And I know that being near one another will comfort them"
"No Mr Bilbo Sir, I think the only thing you'll be doin' is goin ta bed, I'll watch them for you"
Bilbo shook his head, trying to shake away some of the mist that was slowly muddling his mind. Hamfast came in at that moment, just in time to watch his employer and friend slump forward in his chair and onto the table. Laura caught his head before it hit the wooden surface and gently lowered it, and staying Hamfast's questions with a gesture as he hurriedly approached
Ham picked up the cup Bilbo had drunk from and sniffed. He drew back and gave Laura a very disapproving look before she motioned him to help her get Bilbo to his bedroom. After a little careful manoeuvring on their part and a hand from Bell opening doors and pulling the sheets back, they tucked Bilbo in. Leaving him fully clothed except for his weskit and braces, which Bell had helped Laura remove. He was deep in sleep and didn't stir once.
"You shouldn' done that, it weren't right and you had no right!" He hissed at Lara as Bell quietly closed the door behind them.
"Would ye rather he collapsed on his own later? He's been at the end o' his tether with guilt over this whole mess and ye know it! His lad is gonna need him whole to get through what's comin! He can't be there for the boy when he's asleep on his feet!" She barked back, surprising herself as well as Ham. Come to think of it she could do with rest herself, but she would not find it tonight. "I've already got three patients, given another hour or so an I'd a had four!"
Bell gave her a troubled look as she came to stand by her husband. "Ham's right Laura...I don't like this. What did ye give him? He's out like a light!"
"Just a few odds an ends mixed in the proper proportions. He'll sleep through the night an a good bit of tomorrow too" Ham was really not happy, she continued. "But when he wakes he'll feel ten years lighter! Now are you gonna help me bring in the spare beds or not? The boys also need nightshirts"
"I didn't bring Sam's nightshirt!" Bell voiced. But Bilbo had already placed three of Frodo's baggy, pale blue, cotton ones over the back of a chair, Laura instructed Bell to dress all three while she and the Gaffer sorted out the furniture arrangements.
Soon the beds were in place and Merry and Sam were carefully placed one in each, Hamfast found a new respect for Laura, despite his earlier disapproval, she knew her trade well and was not afraid of hard work; and that was something he could trust in. Though average height for a hobbit- lass she was as strong as a lad. She smiled at him as she wiped the sweat from her brow, catching his look of disbelief. "Bein a healer ain't an easy job" She chuckled.
Bell had to help unpick Merry's fingers from Frodo's, as Ham lifted him from Frodo's bed; Merry seemed to have a death-grip on his cousin. Bell seated herself comfortably in-between Sam's bed and Frodo's while Laura brought through the tea and laid out various powdered herbs and dried leaves just in case. She mixed a bit of honey with lemon and a small amount of sugar in a jug of boiling water and set it on the mantelpiece to cool. Then handed a cup of tea to Ham and Bell, laughing outright when they waited for her to drink hers first; after checking the boys several times they settled down for a quick chat. Soon Bell finally persuaded her husband to go back to the smial and rest, after Hamfast had departed the two women regarded each other for a few moments, relaxing as the fire crackled. Bell broke the silence first.
"What possessed you ta...ta drug Master Bilbo like that?" She could barely say it let alone think it.
Bell sighed, in truth she was starting to have second thoughts about that plan, she knew that if Poppy got wind of her antic's...especially with a Baggins, she was for the sack, no question about it. "It felt right," She said at length staring into the fire.
Her mind flicked back to the image of Rosemary's baby, limp in his mothers shaking arms, Rosemary desperately trying to warm his cold limbs. That's when the keening had started; soft at first, but it grew in volume until it was painful to hear. He'd had no life; he'd never know what it was like to know the simple pleasure of walking, or getting into mischief with his friends, his first crush and starting a family.
Frodo stirred and she was at his side immediately, he did not wake, just pulled a little at the neck of his nightshirt. She gently pulled his raking fingers away before he left a mark and undid the top three buttons, allowing the fabric to part. It hadn't been tight before. Indeed she could have fitted a mans fist into the gap, but it probably felt tight to the child. She smoothed back his curls and felt his forehead; he was hot now, too hot. The fever was surfacing; she drew back all the covers except a thin, single layered green woollen, blanket and a summer thin sheet. He immediately quietened. Bell checked Sam and Merry but confirmed with a shake of her head that they were fine; Laura resumed her seat and pulled an old clay pipe from within the folds of her skirts. Bell stared wide-eyed at her as she lit it and took several puffs. She offered it to Bell.
"I've never tried it" She admitted a little shyly, but accepted it as she moved away from her child and towards the chair opposite Laura, but not before a quick visual once over confirmed Sam was sleeping comfortable.
She coughed and spluttered after her first suck and quickly handed it back to Laura who gently rubbed and patted her back she doubled over, eyes watering.
"How can you smoke tha thing?" She croaked.
"Ha. My da, he caught me messin with his best weed when I were younger" She took another puff "He made me smoke everythin I'd spilt. Thought I'd never look at it again. Bu I found I quite liked it" She chuckled softly "To the end o' his day's he regretted that"
Bell poured herself some more tea and smiled as she wiped the remaining moisture from her eyes. She listened for a long time as Laura explained the complex herbs and their uses and some things that she had found worked herself, which she was very proud of. To Laura's amusement she found that Bell was fast asleep and had been for a while by the looks of it. *Da always said I could talk a race* She mused to herself before slowly taking the finished cup and saucer from Bell's hand, she moved over to take Bells place between the beds and began her vigil.
Frodo grew restless once again, fetching a bowl of cold water and a cloth she gently patted his sweaty face and neck; in slow circular motions she drew the cloth across his exposed collarbone. When she began to dab at his face again she realised that his eyes were half open, though she doubted he was aware of his surroundings, he began to pant heavily as she moved her hand back and forth in front of his eyes looking for a response. She found none.
*So it begins* she thought sadly as tears leaked from his eye's.
Tbc ~