Author's note : Frodo Baggins of Bag end played the part of Frodo. We did this in 'present tense.' so I'm sorry if it seems a little odd. It just seemed like it was too much trouble to go through and change everything. Angeline is the Aunt that took care of Frodo in Bucklberry after Bilbo found out that he was being overlooked. This particular chapter takes place when Frodo is 23 and newly arrived at Bag End. The story that Angeline tells Frodo is made up by me. Anyway, sorry for the present tense nature of it. I hope you like.
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Chapter 16 Nothing to Offer Her
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The morning was quiet, it was about two weeks after hed last seen her. He didnt really know what was real and what was not anymore because he felt that something was wrong. The bracelet that she had been wearing.he couldnt explain it but he hated it, and he had been fretfull and uncommunicative with her and hated himself for it. He longed to tell her he was sorry, but she hadn't returned. When he finally was well enough to eat, and Angeline arrived, Gailethil had vanished, without explanation. Hed just simply woken up one day and she was gone. Frodo had been bed-ridden since then, he was both getting better...and not improving. Somedays it almost seemed like he was going to get out of bed, but others he just did not have the will to get up. It was this that Bilbo came home to, not from Rivendell, but from one of his adventures.
He was always off on trips. Angeline had been taking care of Frodo.
Angeline came in with a bowl of mushroom soup and bread, a smile upon her lips. "Sweetie, I just got a letter from your Uncle, he's on his way home." she said softly, setting the tray down and then putting her hand to his forehead.
Today is not one of his better days. . .he feels hot to her touch, running a fever again and in a fretful mood, fussy and miserable, to judge from his expression. There are shadows beneath his eyes, as if he has slept poorly, and he looks very pale. The news, however, sparks a curious light in the bright blue eyes, and he looks up at her eagerly.
"He's coming? Uncle Bilbo's coming back? Will he come and see me?"
This much excited chatter provokes a bout of coughing, and he curls unhappily onto his side, struggling to breathe.
"Yes of course he is, sugar, he should be here actually sometime today or tomorrow morning judging by the date on the letter. He sent it from Bree. Would you like me to read it to you?" she chatters as though nothing is wrong, though her little fingers rub his back soothingly and she stirs some medication into his apple juice while he is not looking. Sometimes Frodo is easier to deal with when he does not know what it is he's getting. "Here, sweetie, take some of this, it'll calm your throat." there are crushed pieces of ice in the juice.
"Please. . .I'd love that. . . ." Tweenager that he is, Frodo has become increasingly difficult on some points, but juice with crushed ice never fails to soothe him, and he snuggles into his aunt's arm as she helps him up, eagerly sipping the juice, though he makes a tiny face. "There's medicine in this, isn't there?" he complains fretfully after a moment. Sulking a bit, he looks up at her, beginning to break into a sweat again.
She smiles gently, "Never could fool you when it comes to your juice now, can we, Sweetie?" she touches his cheek. "You wouldn't take it, and of course I had to find a way." she explains, but she presses him to drink again, and dabs a cloth to his forehead and cheeks, wiping at the sweat. "Sip just another...and I'll put it aside and read you the letter, alright? What has you so fretful, my little one? Tis more than just being ill. I can see it in your eyes, you know that if you want to talk you can always talk to me." she contines to apply the cool cloth. "I won't judge you, you're my baby. You don't have to keep it inside."
He drinks obediently, still making a slight face, though he finishes the juice. "I don't like that medicine's all," he whimpers. Her touch and the cool cloth seem to quiet him a little. . .he merely curls against her, fighting another near-bout of coughing.
At the reassurance and question, however, he is quiet for a moment. . .then bursts into tears, beginning to sob piteously.
"I. . .I. . ." He gulps. "Remember. . .wh-when I told you. . .a. . .about. . .Gailethil?"
She nods gently, a little smile on her lips but the smile is only for his sake. She lets him cry, holding him tightly in her arms and dabbing occasionally at his cheeks to wipe away the tears. Bilbo's letter sits on the table near the bed, yet waiting. "I remember…" but does she really understand? For Frodo's sake she always tried her best. She remembered being at Primula's house and the strange things that went on there from time to time, so she was not all that surprised when Frodo had told her that first time. "What about her, Sweetie? What is it?"
Snuggling into her arms, he nods.
"Sh-she was here. . .when I was. . .still throwing up a lot. . .but then after I. . .started eating again. . .a bit. . .she left. . .but she always t-talks with m-me first, and. . .she's gone, and I h-haven't seen her since. . . . And sh-she was all excited about her. . .her n-new b-bracelet. . .she probably d-doesn't w-want to c-come back. . .I w-wouldn't blame h-her. . . ."
She strokes the side of his head after applying the cool cloth once again, "Well, most girls like jewelry, Frodo. Why wouldn't she want to come back? What happened, sugar?" she has another glass of apple juice ready for him, this time...no medication in it. "Drink some of this, please...no...no medication. What you've had will work upon you." and her eyes are kind and soft as she looks down at him tenderly. She does believe he saw something, for she remembered one day in his mothers burrow. Long ago. Perhaps she ought to tell him that story after the letter, it might make him feel better.
Still teary, he drinks, sipping slowly yet still choking now and then. "Sh-She. . .he's her b-best friend, and. . .I th-think he likes her. . .but she gave *me* her p-pendant, but. . . ." He trembles, shaking as if with terrible chills, though he sweats like one on a summer day. "Auntie, what d-do I h-have to offer? I'm ill all the time. . .and Secondborn. . .not like them. . . ."
"No..." she smiles softly draws another blanket up around him, and continues to wipe at the sweat, tenderly and gently, the cool water glistening on his pale skin. "You are unique, Sweetie. You are no ordinary hobbit, you know. Well...if she gave you something than that means she likes you doesn't it? Why don't we find something...something that you can give to her? All that we females really want, sweetie, is love. And if you can love, that it all that you really need to give. But why would she not come back? Did you say something? I am sure she knew you were sick...and not yourself."
He shakes his head, still shivering, huddling into the blankets. "I d-don't *think* I s-said. . .anything. . . . She knew. . .she takes c-care of me. . .usually she just c-comes when I'm s-sick. . . . I do l-love her. . .v-very much. . . ."
Another short bout of coughing, and the tweenager chokes. . .he is clearly very upset today, easily startled. . . .
"Well..." Angeline continues to administer the gentle treatment, "Sweetie I am sure that she will be back, she always is isn't she? I would reckon that she knew you were jealous, and did not yet know how to deal with it. Its nothing to be ashamed of, and only natural. " To a hobbit, thats clearly a rather sound explanation, considering she has no idea what else he would be so upset about. "Here now...I've an idea. You know how your mama used to take care of me when I was a little one? I have something...something that she gave me before she got married. I think." she dabs the cool cloth at his tears. "I think maybe you could give it to her, since it was once your mama's. Would that help?"
Frodo allows her to console him with this. . .and the offer piques his interest, causing him to smile a little, looking curiously into her eyes. The chill seems to ease a little as she sponges his face, and he snuggles into her arms.
"Perhaps so. . .what was it? Surely you. . .sh-should keep. . .it i-if Mamma. . .g-gave it to you. . . ."
"I think your Mama would want you to have it, Sweetie. Shall I tell you its tale? I was very sick like you, you see…quite unnatural, but I think it had something to do with an epidemic that was going around at the time. I was a most susceptible young lass. " she continues to apply the water, soothing him with her fingers and her voice. "I can remember it clearly, your Mama had a most unusual voice, like a whisper on the wind, it was so quiet…and yet it filled a room when she spoke. And here." she pulls from a pocket in her gown a little pin, shaped like a primrose with a tiny pearl blinking in the center. What is eye-catching…is that it seems to be made from Mithril…but is probably just silver. "She told me that one day long ago her great grandmother gave it to her and said that it is passed on through the generations when a person you care about needs it the most. It brings hope. She said it was magical, and certainly it seemed to be. Shall I tell you?"
He nods eagerly, eyes wide. . .and his dry lips brighten into a tiny smile as he looks at the pin.
"Please do. . .only. . .I'd like some more to drink while you tell it, please. . .so thirsty. . .and my throat. . . ."
Curling up a bit more, he looks up at her, waiting for the story.
"Very well then." she lets him have something more to drink and then curls Frodo up in her arms. It almost seems like his mama's voice once again. "This tale is a tale of magic in the shire, she said.. A long time ago…a very long time ago… there was a Knight named Aetharial. He was brave noble, handsome and very wealthy. He came from far away lands, a lord in his own right with a long history of great battles and bravery. But it was finally time for him to go home to his lands…he was coming home…passing through the Shire on the East Road. He was tired, and his heart was heavy. Throughout so many of his battles he had never once won the heart of a lady, nor had he found one that he would desire above all else. He felt sure…sure that he would die a lonely old man in his far away keep. " she takes a deep breath, and strokes Frodo's cheek tenderly, letting him have another sip as she works the words into her mind in order to continue. Angeline was always very good at telling tales.
Her little charge continues to sip, listening with rapt attention. . .and for the first time in days, he seems quieter, less fussy and restless. . .almost as if it were Primula comforting him, cuddling him in her arms.
Angeline continues the tale, and her efforts to comfort little Frodo. "It was way past nightfall as he made his way through Waymeet. A curious figure on his old steed and in his dented armor, scratched by many a wound and fell beast. His hair was long, hung down below his shoulders and his face was that of an old man though he was not old by any means, just tired. Weary of the life of the traveling life of battles and death. He was not welcome in the shire, for it was during a time when we did not trust the big folk at all, so he did not stop in any of the towns. It so happened that he became very tired and his horse needed a rest. So between Waymeet and Great Smials he set up a little camp in a clearing by the side of the road, sure that he was safe in the Shire. For what could possibly happen here? Peaceful folk, the little ones. No savage beasts in the land, nor terrible magic, nor fell sorcerers. He could rest, and be off again in the morning."
Frodo listens with increasing attention. . .though he still coughs, shivering a little despite her comforting arms.
She fingered the little pin, and the pearl gleamed brightly, you could almost…see yourself in it. "And so he did. But lest you be thinking there is no magic in the shire, this tale will tell you true. Frodo, he went to sleep…and that was when one of his old wounds began to hurt him again…and bleed. So there he was, practically helpless…yet…he was not alone. Suffering a little through great pain he forced his eyes to open…and that was when he saw her. Twas not an elf, no. Twas nothing like an elf. In the shire, we have many things, and this is one of our best kept secrets, so mind you don't go spreading it around unless to someone you are sure will not share the tale." she brings another quilt about him tucking him in.
His eyes widen, and at once he seems to brighten.
"I promise! Please. . .please tell me. . .Mamma would have. . . . What was she?"
"She was exquisite, the most beautiful creature that he had ever seen in all the many many years of his travels. Her skin was alabaster, and her eyes were the brightest blue that you could ever imagine. As clear as the azure skies and as bright and warm as a roaring fire. Her hair was like spun silk, waving down to her knees and black as a raven's wing. Her lips were full and soft like the petals of a red red rose, and gossomer wings that sparkled like rainbows fluttered from behind her. She was…no more than half a foot tall and clothed in a little white dress that sparkled in the starlight. She was perched upon a leaf that was caressed by dew. She was the most enchanting female that he had ever laid eyes on, and he could not take his from her.
"How does this be?" she wondered as she gazed at the knight. "That the oldest and the bravest rests in my mound?"
"I am old." he nodded, "And if I die now…twould be a death I would welcome, for I would have seen the brightest light that this world has to offer." and he meant her, and she knew it, for Fairies…Fairies always knew what you were thinking. Twas their gift, and their curse..and why they remained out of site.
"Brave Knight. I can give you one wish since you have found my mound, what would you have?"
"You see Frodo." Angeline explained. "If you find their fairy mounds they will grant you one wish, and then you will be unable to tell others where they live."
Frodo listens, gasping with delight as he listens, his countenance lighting up. He nods for more juice, taking it with a little more interest now, still clinging to Angeline.
Angeline was quick to respond and lets him take another sip, smiling warmly.
"I would wish…" he gazed upon her, and twas his dearest dream that he was thinking of. "To spend the end of my days with you. For there cannot be anything that I would rather have. My home, my lands, everything…mean nothing to me without love. I spent all my long years searching for it…and never found it until now."
She knew he spoke the truth, but was loathe to give him what he desired. She had not choice…he had wished it…and he would not be living long. Fairies were kind souls at heart, and they did not like to see the creatures of the world suffer. They often tried what they could in small helpful ways to take care of the other races. You know how you leave home sometimes, and think perhaps that you left the fire going, but when you return it is put out? That is their work. Or when you are missing a favorite trinket, and look everywhere for it, and suddenly it turns up in the oddest of places? Fairies. Whenever something good happens that you cannot explain, that is probably something they have done. Or when you are feeling lonely, and in need of comfort and laughter, suddenly you feel happy for no reason at all. Fairies. "I will go with you, Brave Knight, for you have done your service to this world. But as a human shall I be." and she began to grow tall and beautiful. Her healing skill stopped the bleeding of his wound enough so that he was able to reach home with her on his arms. A fortnight later, they were married.
Frodo nods, smiling.
"Gailethil's like that," he whispers weakly, coughing again.
She rubs his back gently, the fingers working softly. "He only lived another two years…Brave Sir Aetharial. But on the eve of his death…she gave birth to a child. A half human…half fairy. Before he died though, he put in her hands this small pin…for his child to wear when she was grown to remind her from whence she came for the pearl was from the shores of the sea where his keep resides. If you look closely, you can almost see it in the pearl. He gave it to her because she loved him, and he said.
"This pin has been passed down from ages before, my father gave it to me when I set out on my quest. He said that it brought hope when there was none, and was a reminder of what is. A reminder that the one who holds it is very special to the one who gave it. I love you." and so he died.
The fairy was devastated for quite some time…and she came back to the shire with her child, whom she could never raise as a fairy for the child had mixed blood. She kept her until she was about five, and then was sure that she would grow…as a halfling. With a heavy heart she knew she had to let her go, and she placed her one day outside a burrow that the child would surely be taken care of in. For the hobbits within had no children. The fairy diminished and went back to her mound, always watching from afar. But before she went she gave the pin to the child and told her the story of it. Most of the child's memory was gone, and yet was so beautiful and obviously of good birth, the hobbits from that burrow took her in and adopted her, unbeknownst to everyone else they raised her as their own. So she lived and passed the pin down from generation to generation. It came from one to the other then to your mother, and to me. And now…to you."
If Frodo was pale before, he is whiter than the sheets now. . .and tears fill his eyes as he stares up at his aunt.
"You mean. . . ."
A terrible fit of coughing seizes him.
"We do not know, Frodo. Tis a secret that only the Fairy's can tell you the truth of." She comforts him as best she can rocking him a little and having him drink a little more of the juice to ease the coughing.
"Now Sweetie. I know." she curls him in her arms. "Let me just put this right here." she puts it on the table. "And when she comes you can tell her the story...and give it to her. I'm sure she will forgive whatever you did or said."
"Well, My Lad." a voice comes from the hallway, "IF this don't beat all. No welcome for your uncle, in bed again, eh?" Bilbo stands in the doorway in his traveling outfit, looking quite weary, but it appears he must have been walking all night in order to get home.
"Uncle Bilbo!"
Frodo fairly attempts to spring from bed, to run to Bilbo. . .but he is too weak even to leave Angeline's arms, and he falls back against her, beginning to cough again, shivering through a sheen of icy sweat. Nonetheless, his expression is eager, and he puts out a small hand, anxious for his uncle's affection. "Bilbo - " the boy musters between coughs. "I'm sorry - I - I got sick again - "
Bilbo looks quite tired, but he comes right over to the bed and takes the little one's hand. "Now My Lad, don't you fret about that. You'll be right as rain soon enough." he kisses the top of Frodo's head and looks at Angeline in concern. "How is he?" His rather dirty hands touch his nephew's cheeks and forehead with a little frown though he smiles right after to reassure Frodo.
Angeline smiles as best she can. "I was hoping that you would make it back sooner than tomorrow. He really needs you just now. He's been very upset."
Frodo begins to cry again, not in the waves of sobs, but in tears nonetheless. He seems quite feverish, and very emotional just now. . .and very fussy for his beloved uncle.
Bilbo takes the time to ease off his coat with Angeline's help. "Thank-you for taking care of him." he smiles at his relation, one of the few he really liked. He washes his hands and then takes Frodo in his arms in a gentle hug. "Now then, lets see what we have here, eh? Angeline would you please make a pot of ginger tea, I quite fancy some right now and I'm sure my dear boy here would too. Thank-you."
Angeline lets Bilbo comfort the little one and makes her way out to the kitchen.
"I'll be right back." she assures Frodo.
Frodo nods a little, clinging to Bilbo as the elder Baggins takes him into his arms.
"I-I-I've missed you," he sobs. "And I got so sick. . .I threw up all the time for days and days, and then I still can't breathe, really, and. . .and. . .Gailethil was here, but she left. . . ."
The words spill over each other as the tweenager chatters, finally going limp in Bilbo's embrace. "I wanted you to c-come home. . . ."
"I know, my lad. I missed you too. She was here? Why did she leave? Usually she stays until you are better. I dont understand it." he pulls back Frodos hair and gently strokes his back.
"Everything will be allright. I'm here now. Agneline will bring some nice tea. You like ginger tea, right Frodo?" he tucks the covers back around the boy, still holding him.
"She h-had a new b-bracelet. . .from h-him. . . ."
Sobbing, Frodo nods weakly at the question. "Yes, sir. . .I do. . . ."
The little tween snuggles into Bilbo's arms, the combination of covers and loving uncle seeming to calm him a little. "I d-don't know why she left, except. . .if sh-she d-doesn't. . . ."
"From him…Him who?…what do you mean if she doesn't My Lad? Of course she'll come back, she always does." He pats Frodo's back and cuddles him like a baby. His hand rubs against Frodo's back as he struggles to keep his strength. He's been walking a long time. Frodo however always seems to give him the strength he needs. Angeline brings in the pot of tea, but does not stay…because it seems that Frodo wants to be alone with his uncle right now.
Gradually Frodo's tears begin to ease up. "Her friend there. . .I think m-maybe he. . .likes her. . . ."
He begins to cough once more, his small features heated with fever.
And Bilbo cared for him throughout the night, gradually bringing Frodo back to the land of the living as was always able to do trying desperately to ease his fears for twas quite obvious that the poor lad was beside himself with worry and that was what was keeping him from getting better.
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Chapter 16 Nothing to Offer Her
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The morning was quiet, it was about two weeks after hed last seen her. He didnt really know what was real and what was not anymore because he felt that something was wrong. The bracelet that she had been wearing.he couldnt explain it but he hated it, and he had been fretfull and uncommunicative with her and hated himself for it. He longed to tell her he was sorry, but she hadn't returned. When he finally was well enough to eat, and Angeline arrived, Gailethil had vanished, without explanation. Hed just simply woken up one day and she was gone. Frodo had been bed-ridden since then, he was both getting better...and not improving. Somedays it almost seemed like he was going to get out of bed, but others he just did not have the will to get up. It was this that Bilbo came home to, not from Rivendell, but from one of his adventures.
He was always off on trips. Angeline had been taking care of Frodo.
Angeline came in with a bowl of mushroom soup and bread, a smile upon her lips. "Sweetie, I just got a letter from your Uncle, he's on his way home." she said softly, setting the tray down and then putting her hand to his forehead.
Today is not one of his better days. . .he feels hot to her touch, running a fever again and in a fretful mood, fussy and miserable, to judge from his expression. There are shadows beneath his eyes, as if he has slept poorly, and he looks very pale. The news, however, sparks a curious light in the bright blue eyes, and he looks up at her eagerly.
"He's coming? Uncle Bilbo's coming back? Will he come and see me?"
This much excited chatter provokes a bout of coughing, and he curls unhappily onto his side, struggling to breathe.
"Yes of course he is, sugar, he should be here actually sometime today or tomorrow morning judging by the date on the letter. He sent it from Bree. Would you like me to read it to you?" she chatters as though nothing is wrong, though her little fingers rub his back soothingly and she stirs some medication into his apple juice while he is not looking. Sometimes Frodo is easier to deal with when he does not know what it is he's getting. "Here, sweetie, take some of this, it'll calm your throat." there are crushed pieces of ice in the juice.
"Please. . .I'd love that. . . ." Tweenager that he is, Frodo has become increasingly difficult on some points, but juice with crushed ice never fails to soothe him, and he snuggles into his aunt's arm as she helps him up, eagerly sipping the juice, though he makes a tiny face. "There's medicine in this, isn't there?" he complains fretfully after a moment. Sulking a bit, he looks up at her, beginning to break into a sweat again.
She smiles gently, "Never could fool you when it comes to your juice now, can we, Sweetie?" she touches his cheek. "You wouldn't take it, and of course I had to find a way." she explains, but she presses him to drink again, and dabs a cloth to his forehead and cheeks, wiping at the sweat. "Sip just another...and I'll put it aside and read you the letter, alright? What has you so fretful, my little one? Tis more than just being ill. I can see it in your eyes, you know that if you want to talk you can always talk to me." she contines to apply the cool cloth. "I won't judge you, you're my baby. You don't have to keep it inside."
He drinks obediently, still making a slight face, though he finishes the juice. "I don't like that medicine's all," he whimpers. Her touch and the cool cloth seem to quiet him a little. . .he merely curls against her, fighting another near-bout of coughing.
At the reassurance and question, however, he is quiet for a moment. . .then bursts into tears, beginning to sob piteously.
"I. . .I. . ." He gulps. "Remember. . .wh-when I told you. . .a. . .about. . .Gailethil?"
She nods gently, a little smile on her lips but the smile is only for his sake. She lets him cry, holding him tightly in her arms and dabbing occasionally at his cheeks to wipe away the tears. Bilbo's letter sits on the table near the bed, yet waiting. "I remember…" but does she really understand? For Frodo's sake she always tried her best. She remembered being at Primula's house and the strange things that went on there from time to time, so she was not all that surprised when Frodo had told her that first time. "What about her, Sweetie? What is it?"
Snuggling into her arms, he nods.
"Sh-she was here. . .when I was. . .still throwing up a lot. . .but then after I. . .started eating again. . .a bit. . .she left. . .but she always t-talks with m-me first, and. . .she's gone, and I h-haven't seen her since. . . . And sh-she was all excited about her. . .her n-new b-bracelet. . .she probably d-doesn't w-want to c-come back. . .I w-wouldn't blame h-her. . . ."
She strokes the side of his head after applying the cool cloth once again, "Well, most girls like jewelry, Frodo. Why wouldn't she want to come back? What happened, sugar?" she has another glass of apple juice ready for him, this time...no medication in it. "Drink some of this, please...no...no medication. What you've had will work upon you." and her eyes are kind and soft as she looks down at him tenderly. She does believe he saw something, for she remembered one day in his mothers burrow. Long ago. Perhaps she ought to tell him that story after the letter, it might make him feel better.
Still teary, he drinks, sipping slowly yet still choking now and then. "Sh-She. . .he's her b-best friend, and. . .I th-think he likes her. . .but she gave *me* her p-pendant, but. . . ." He trembles, shaking as if with terrible chills, though he sweats like one on a summer day. "Auntie, what d-do I h-have to offer? I'm ill all the time. . .and Secondborn. . .not like them. . . ."
"No..." she smiles softly draws another blanket up around him, and continues to wipe at the sweat, tenderly and gently, the cool water glistening on his pale skin. "You are unique, Sweetie. You are no ordinary hobbit, you know. Well...if she gave you something than that means she likes you doesn't it? Why don't we find something...something that you can give to her? All that we females really want, sweetie, is love. And if you can love, that it all that you really need to give. But why would she not come back? Did you say something? I am sure she knew you were sick...and not yourself."
He shakes his head, still shivering, huddling into the blankets. "I d-don't *think* I s-said. . .anything. . . . She knew. . .she takes c-care of me. . .usually she just c-comes when I'm s-sick. . . . I do l-love her. . .v-very much. . . ."
Another short bout of coughing, and the tweenager chokes. . .he is clearly very upset today, easily startled. . . .
"Well..." Angeline continues to administer the gentle treatment, "Sweetie I am sure that she will be back, she always is isn't she? I would reckon that she knew you were jealous, and did not yet know how to deal with it. Its nothing to be ashamed of, and only natural. " To a hobbit, thats clearly a rather sound explanation, considering she has no idea what else he would be so upset about. "Here now...I've an idea. You know how your mama used to take care of me when I was a little one? I have something...something that she gave me before she got married. I think." she dabs the cool cloth at his tears. "I think maybe you could give it to her, since it was once your mama's. Would that help?"
Frodo allows her to console him with this. . .and the offer piques his interest, causing him to smile a little, looking curiously into her eyes. The chill seems to ease a little as she sponges his face, and he snuggles into her arms.
"Perhaps so. . .what was it? Surely you. . .sh-should keep. . .it i-if Mamma. . .g-gave it to you. . . ."
"I think your Mama would want you to have it, Sweetie. Shall I tell you its tale? I was very sick like you, you see…quite unnatural, but I think it had something to do with an epidemic that was going around at the time. I was a most susceptible young lass. " she continues to apply the water, soothing him with her fingers and her voice. "I can remember it clearly, your Mama had a most unusual voice, like a whisper on the wind, it was so quiet…and yet it filled a room when she spoke. And here." she pulls from a pocket in her gown a little pin, shaped like a primrose with a tiny pearl blinking in the center. What is eye-catching…is that it seems to be made from Mithril…but is probably just silver. "She told me that one day long ago her great grandmother gave it to her and said that it is passed on through the generations when a person you care about needs it the most. It brings hope. She said it was magical, and certainly it seemed to be. Shall I tell you?"
He nods eagerly, eyes wide. . .and his dry lips brighten into a tiny smile as he looks at the pin.
"Please do. . .only. . .I'd like some more to drink while you tell it, please. . .so thirsty. . .and my throat. . . ."
Curling up a bit more, he looks up at her, waiting for the story.
"Very well then." she lets him have something more to drink and then curls Frodo up in her arms. It almost seems like his mama's voice once again. "This tale is a tale of magic in the shire, she said.. A long time ago…a very long time ago… there was a Knight named Aetharial. He was brave noble, handsome and very wealthy. He came from far away lands, a lord in his own right with a long history of great battles and bravery. But it was finally time for him to go home to his lands…he was coming home…passing through the Shire on the East Road. He was tired, and his heart was heavy. Throughout so many of his battles he had never once won the heart of a lady, nor had he found one that he would desire above all else. He felt sure…sure that he would die a lonely old man in his far away keep. " she takes a deep breath, and strokes Frodo's cheek tenderly, letting him have another sip as she works the words into her mind in order to continue. Angeline was always very good at telling tales.
Her little charge continues to sip, listening with rapt attention. . .and for the first time in days, he seems quieter, less fussy and restless. . .almost as if it were Primula comforting him, cuddling him in her arms.
Angeline continues the tale, and her efforts to comfort little Frodo. "It was way past nightfall as he made his way through Waymeet. A curious figure on his old steed and in his dented armor, scratched by many a wound and fell beast. His hair was long, hung down below his shoulders and his face was that of an old man though he was not old by any means, just tired. Weary of the life of the traveling life of battles and death. He was not welcome in the shire, for it was during a time when we did not trust the big folk at all, so he did not stop in any of the towns. It so happened that he became very tired and his horse needed a rest. So between Waymeet and Great Smials he set up a little camp in a clearing by the side of the road, sure that he was safe in the Shire. For what could possibly happen here? Peaceful folk, the little ones. No savage beasts in the land, nor terrible magic, nor fell sorcerers. He could rest, and be off again in the morning."
Frodo listens with increasing attention. . .though he still coughs, shivering a little despite her comforting arms.
She fingered the little pin, and the pearl gleamed brightly, you could almost…see yourself in it. "And so he did. But lest you be thinking there is no magic in the shire, this tale will tell you true. Frodo, he went to sleep…and that was when one of his old wounds began to hurt him again…and bleed. So there he was, practically helpless…yet…he was not alone. Suffering a little through great pain he forced his eyes to open…and that was when he saw her. Twas not an elf, no. Twas nothing like an elf. In the shire, we have many things, and this is one of our best kept secrets, so mind you don't go spreading it around unless to someone you are sure will not share the tale." she brings another quilt about him tucking him in.
His eyes widen, and at once he seems to brighten.
"I promise! Please. . .please tell me. . .Mamma would have. . . . What was she?"
"She was exquisite, the most beautiful creature that he had ever seen in all the many many years of his travels. Her skin was alabaster, and her eyes were the brightest blue that you could ever imagine. As clear as the azure skies and as bright and warm as a roaring fire. Her hair was like spun silk, waving down to her knees and black as a raven's wing. Her lips were full and soft like the petals of a red red rose, and gossomer wings that sparkled like rainbows fluttered from behind her. She was…no more than half a foot tall and clothed in a little white dress that sparkled in the starlight. She was perched upon a leaf that was caressed by dew. She was the most enchanting female that he had ever laid eyes on, and he could not take his from her.
"How does this be?" she wondered as she gazed at the knight. "That the oldest and the bravest rests in my mound?"
"I am old." he nodded, "And if I die now…twould be a death I would welcome, for I would have seen the brightest light that this world has to offer." and he meant her, and she knew it, for Fairies…Fairies always knew what you were thinking. Twas their gift, and their curse..and why they remained out of site.
"Brave Knight. I can give you one wish since you have found my mound, what would you have?"
"You see Frodo." Angeline explained. "If you find their fairy mounds they will grant you one wish, and then you will be unable to tell others where they live."
Frodo listens, gasping with delight as he listens, his countenance lighting up. He nods for more juice, taking it with a little more interest now, still clinging to Angeline.
Angeline was quick to respond and lets him take another sip, smiling warmly.
"I would wish…" he gazed upon her, and twas his dearest dream that he was thinking of. "To spend the end of my days with you. For there cannot be anything that I would rather have. My home, my lands, everything…mean nothing to me without love. I spent all my long years searching for it…and never found it until now."
She knew he spoke the truth, but was loathe to give him what he desired. She had not choice…he had wished it…and he would not be living long. Fairies were kind souls at heart, and they did not like to see the creatures of the world suffer. They often tried what they could in small helpful ways to take care of the other races. You know how you leave home sometimes, and think perhaps that you left the fire going, but when you return it is put out? That is their work. Or when you are missing a favorite trinket, and look everywhere for it, and suddenly it turns up in the oddest of places? Fairies. Whenever something good happens that you cannot explain, that is probably something they have done. Or when you are feeling lonely, and in need of comfort and laughter, suddenly you feel happy for no reason at all. Fairies. "I will go with you, Brave Knight, for you have done your service to this world. But as a human shall I be." and she began to grow tall and beautiful. Her healing skill stopped the bleeding of his wound enough so that he was able to reach home with her on his arms. A fortnight later, they were married.
Frodo nods, smiling.
"Gailethil's like that," he whispers weakly, coughing again.
She rubs his back gently, the fingers working softly. "He only lived another two years…Brave Sir Aetharial. But on the eve of his death…she gave birth to a child. A half human…half fairy. Before he died though, he put in her hands this small pin…for his child to wear when she was grown to remind her from whence she came for the pearl was from the shores of the sea where his keep resides. If you look closely, you can almost see it in the pearl. He gave it to her because she loved him, and he said.
"This pin has been passed down from ages before, my father gave it to me when I set out on my quest. He said that it brought hope when there was none, and was a reminder of what is. A reminder that the one who holds it is very special to the one who gave it. I love you." and so he died.
The fairy was devastated for quite some time…and she came back to the shire with her child, whom she could never raise as a fairy for the child had mixed blood. She kept her until she was about five, and then was sure that she would grow…as a halfling. With a heavy heart she knew she had to let her go, and she placed her one day outside a burrow that the child would surely be taken care of in. For the hobbits within had no children. The fairy diminished and went back to her mound, always watching from afar. But before she went she gave the pin to the child and told her the story of it. Most of the child's memory was gone, and yet was so beautiful and obviously of good birth, the hobbits from that burrow took her in and adopted her, unbeknownst to everyone else they raised her as their own. So she lived and passed the pin down from generation to generation. It came from one to the other then to your mother, and to me. And now…to you."
If Frodo was pale before, he is whiter than the sheets now. . .and tears fill his eyes as he stares up at his aunt.
"You mean. . . ."
A terrible fit of coughing seizes him.
"We do not know, Frodo. Tis a secret that only the Fairy's can tell you the truth of." She comforts him as best she can rocking him a little and having him drink a little more of the juice to ease the coughing.
"Now Sweetie. I know." she curls him in her arms. "Let me just put this right here." she puts it on the table. "And when she comes you can tell her the story...and give it to her. I'm sure she will forgive whatever you did or said."
"Well, My Lad." a voice comes from the hallway, "IF this don't beat all. No welcome for your uncle, in bed again, eh?" Bilbo stands in the doorway in his traveling outfit, looking quite weary, but it appears he must have been walking all night in order to get home.
"Uncle Bilbo!"
Frodo fairly attempts to spring from bed, to run to Bilbo. . .but he is too weak even to leave Angeline's arms, and he falls back against her, beginning to cough again, shivering through a sheen of icy sweat. Nonetheless, his expression is eager, and he puts out a small hand, anxious for his uncle's affection. "Bilbo - " the boy musters between coughs. "I'm sorry - I - I got sick again - "
Bilbo looks quite tired, but he comes right over to the bed and takes the little one's hand. "Now My Lad, don't you fret about that. You'll be right as rain soon enough." he kisses the top of Frodo's head and looks at Angeline in concern. "How is he?" His rather dirty hands touch his nephew's cheeks and forehead with a little frown though he smiles right after to reassure Frodo.
Angeline smiles as best she can. "I was hoping that you would make it back sooner than tomorrow. He really needs you just now. He's been very upset."
Frodo begins to cry again, not in the waves of sobs, but in tears nonetheless. He seems quite feverish, and very emotional just now. . .and very fussy for his beloved uncle.
Bilbo takes the time to ease off his coat with Angeline's help. "Thank-you for taking care of him." he smiles at his relation, one of the few he really liked. He washes his hands and then takes Frodo in his arms in a gentle hug. "Now then, lets see what we have here, eh? Angeline would you please make a pot of ginger tea, I quite fancy some right now and I'm sure my dear boy here would too. Thank-you."
Angeline lets Bilbo comfort the little one and makes her way out to the kitchen.
"I'll be right back." she assures Frodo.
Frodo nods a little, clinging to Bilbo as the elder Baggins takes him into his arms.
"I-I-I've missed you," he sobs. "And I got so sick. . .I threw up all the time for days and days, and then I still can't breathe, really, and. . .and. . .Gailethil was here, but she left. . . ."
The words spill over each other as the tweenager chatters, finally going limp in Bilbo's embrace. "I wanted you to c-come home. . . ."
"I know, my lad. I missed you too. She was here? Why did she leave? Usually she stays until you are better. I dont understand it." he pulls back Frodos hair and gently strokes his back.
"Everything will be allright. I'm here now. Agneline will bring some nice tea. You like ginger tea, right Frodo?" he tucks the covers back around the boy, still holding him.
"She h-had a new b-bracelet. . .from h-him. . . ."
Sobbing, Frodo nods weakly at the question. "Yes, sir. . .I do. . . ."
The little tween snuggles into Bilbo's arms, the combination of covers and loving uncle seeming to calm him a little. "I d-don't know why she left, except. . .if sh-she d-doesn't. . . ."
"From him…Him who?…what do you mean if she doesn't My Lad? Of course she'll come back, she always does." He pats Frodo's back and cuddles him like a baby. His hand rubs against Frodo's back as he struggles to keep his strength. He's been walking a long time. Frodo however always seems to give him the strength he needs. Angeline brings in the pot of tea, but does not stay…because it seems that Frodo wants to be alone with his uncle right now.
Gradually Frodo's tears begin to ease up. "Her friend there. . .I think m-maybe he. . .likes her. . . ."
He begins to cough once more, his small features heated with fever.
And Bilbo cared for him throughout the night, gradually bringing Frodo back to the land of the living as was always able to do trying desperately to ease his fears for twas quite obvious that the poor lad was beside himself with worry and that was what was keeping him from getting better.