NOTES : Okay. In Chapter 16, the very last bit where Frodo and Gailethil are talking about the Bracelet, its actually the year 2990 in both Rivendell and the Shire. I should have put that there, but forgot.J Sorry. Frodo Baggins of Bag End is playing the part of Frodo, she is an author here and we're writing some parts of this story together. I hope that these notes help. I know time travel can be confusing. As to a note on how we're writing this, we're doing this almost like 'roleplaying'. This would be a roleplaying log except we're actively writing the story and talking about it while the responses are being written. This is why its in 'present' tense. Not all chapters will be in present tense because not all of them are roleplayed. More notes : Frodo used the spices, and that's why he got sick. He only uses them sparingly and being a hobbit does not associate food with being what is the cause of his illness. The methods that the evil doers chose was perfect. For the elf, a pretty bauble, For the hobbit, something in his food.
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CHAPTER 18 --- A Special Present ---
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Bilbo arranges the covers around Frodo and he smiles, coaxing some tea into him. "I know you've been fretting, my boy. But I hope you remember what I promised when I went off last time. I've something for you." He takes his time about the covers and the tea, clearly trying to gain Frodo's attention away from despair.
"What is it?"
Curious, Frodo looks up at him, though his small face remains pale, and he leans listlessly against Bilbo, as if feeling tired and sick, starting to cough once more.
He rubs Frodo's back a little with a soft tender motion to ease the pain. "Tis a letter." he smiles and reaches into his pack that lays near the bed, digging out the sealed envelope. He lays it on his lap, and coaxes a bit more tea into Frodo before explaining anything more about it. "For you."
Trembling, the boy looks from uncle. . .to letter. . .to uncle.
"It's. . .it's about her, isn't it? They're wanting to prove she isn't real. . . ."
"Why don't you open it and find out." Bilbo's voice is calm as he touches Frodo's cheek. "I'm sure everything will become clear, my lad." he sets the tea aside for the moment, smiling warmly.
Frodo reaches tentatively for the letter, his small hands shaking as he begins to cough again, the shadows beneath his blue eyes deepening. He looks feverish and quite worn out. . .and anxious.
Bilbo helps him to open the letter and unfolds it, breaking the seal for him. "There you are, my boy. Don't be afraid."
-BEGIN LETTER--
Dearest Frodo,
How are you? I hope you are doing well, and Bag End is as wonderful a place to live as you thought it would be. Your Uncle Bilbo was just here and we had a very nice talk, he says that he is going to be back around again sometime soon. I showed him my pictures of you, and have enclosed one of them for you. He said you would like that. The weather is very nice in Rivendell, and yesterday I went for a walk in the garden. I wish that you could come here, but your uncle says that you don't have the strength to make the trip and that you are not of age to be going anywhere. He suggested that I write a letter and tell you how I feel. It is such a great relief to know that you are real and that you still think about me. All those times we were together…we still don't quite understand it. Uncle Elrond says that I cannot leave Rivendell, and he will not tell me why. Daddy says that I must abide by his wishes, though I wish I could come to you. Maybe we'll still see each other. I don't know.
Today in the Hall of Fire Lindir pleased your uncle by singing one of his songs. It was a glorious feast and I sat at his side He thanked me for looking after you, but there really was nothing else I could have done. You are the light in my life as you are in his.
Perhaps someday you will have the strength to make the trip, it is a long journey, and a wonder that your uncle made it through here alive at all. He says he had help from dwarves. I don't really know where to begin, I have so many questions and so many ways in which to tell you how I feel. It feels strange to know that you will actually get this letter, that you are there…so far away, yet so much closer than you have ever been. Your Uncle said it would take time for letters to pass between us, but if you write to me, I will write back. You live, and you thrive at Bag End, he said, it makes me so happy to hear. For now…we can look up at the stars…and be seeing the same sky.
I love you.
Gailethil.
-End Letter-
Frodo begins to read. . .and at once his eyes widen. He gasps, beginning to cough in the excitement. "Bilbo! She - it's - did you - see her?"
He smiles, eyes twinkling. "Yes, Frodo. I saw her. Read on, now…but calm yourself…and have a little tea, eh?"
He obeys, reading and allowing his uncle to give him small sips to drink, snuggling into the blankets, his eyes alight.
"She. . .oh, Bilbo, THANK you! Please, you must tell me all about her. . . ."
"There now, my boy. Did I not say everything was going to be alright." he touches Frodo's chin fondly and then smiles, "Well now, that will take quite some telling. Perhaps…over something to eat. I'm a bit famished myself. Its been a long journey and I could fancy a bit of pie, and some bread, and muffins and perhaps seedcakes, soup and I see your Aunt made some nice apple-cinnamon cobbler. She said the exact same thing, you know when her uncle took -me- to see her. Tell me all about him."
Frodo beams excitedly, nodding.
"I'm hungry, too. . .for cobbler, and soup too. . .and maybe muffins. . . . Do you think Auntie might have made mashed potatoes, or mashed pumpkin? I'd like that. . . ."
Angeline appears at the door way, and moves towards the bed. She smiles when she sees Frodos excited expression. "Well now, there's a site for sore eyes. Tis been a while than we've seen that smile around here. What is it Bilbo?"
"My lad here has found his stomach it seems, and I dare say I could use a bite. Be a dear and organize a little something for us? Lets see...I saw you had some pumpkin ready when I passed through the kitchen. So lets say : Mashed Pumpkin, blueberry muffins, that apple-cinnamon cobbler, some mushroom soup would be grand, and pie if you've some ready, fresh bread I could really do with and cheese. If you've got any biscuits or scones or toast...that would just hit the spot. Some juice for the lad and me old wine for me. Going to need a pick me up since the lad here will have me up all night askin' questions." Bilbo dips into the envelope and unfolds the picture for Frodo while he speaks to Angeline. Its a lovely image of Frodo smiling as he's lying in his bed. It seems quite old, as though it was done many many years ago.
Frodo begins to cry. . .but these are tears of joy, and he beams as he raises fragile fingers to brush the page, beginning to sob.
"Oh, Bilbo. . .it's. . .can we frame it? and hang it by my bed, please, so I can look at it every day?"
"Oh dear me...what a beautiful portrait." Angeline peers over Bilbo at it. "Who drew it? Looks like someone who must know you very well, sweetie."
:"Of course, Frodo my boy. Only the finest wood and as soon as it can be done so nothing damages it." Bilbo grins, and wipes at the overwhelmed young hobbits eyes tenderly.
"Gailethil drew it. . .she made this when I was so sick with pneumonia, after Mamma and Papa died. . .remember that?"
He beams, nodding eagerly. "Gailethil came then and took care of me, and she was so glad when Uncle Bilbo came, and when you came too and said you'd take care of me. . .but she's the one who made me hold on, and try to be brave. . . ."
"Aye my lad, we both remember." Bilbo ruffled Frodo's hair. "Angeline, I don't understand it any more than you do. But I spoke with Gailethil's uncle. Hir Elrond half-elvin at great length and since her birth these things have been happening. They were relieved to know the truth of the matter finally. Seems she is…a special sort. Like Primula was, you remember, I think."
"Yes, Bilbo." Angeline sat on the bed for a minute and took Frodo's hand squeezing it gently. "I'm very happy for you, my little one." she looks to Bilbo, "Will you be taking him there?"
"Not yet." Bilbo shook his head. "He is too weak to withstand the journey. And far too young. There are dangers…more than his health, and I will not risk it. Please…bring the food, and we will discuss it later. And Angeline…."
Angeline smiles, "Yes, Bilbo?"
"Thank-you for believing him. It has meant so much to us over the years." He then turns to Frodo. "You know, my lad. She's an artist of some talent. Hir Elrond uses her vision for great things. I have seen some of her work. She's got the most delicate hands."
"Yes, she does. . .beautiful hands, and so gentle. . . ."
He beams. "I'm not surprised. . .she's so special. . .the first thing I ever noticed were her hands. She always comes and just puts her hand on my forehead. . .and then I feel better. . . Tell me more about her, Bilbo, please. . .I want to hear everything!" He looks up at both of them. "And if I try to eat and rest and take all my medicine, I'll get better, and then I can go and see her, maybe?"
Angeline smiles gravely, and kisses Frodo on the top of his forehead, "I will let your Uncle decide that, sweetie, I'd best be going to fetch your supper before your uncle passes out from starvation himself." with that, she is gone swiftly to the kitchen.
"That will depend Frodo, you know our traditions. You are far too young right now, and your health has been in question for some time. What Elrond and I discussed was that you could write to her, and they would send someone to Bree to collect the letters on a more regular basis. There are great dangers on the road, Frodo, and you are not ready for it. Trolls not the least of it. I was not telling you stories when I spoke of the But." he smiled kindly, "Depending on how your health goes, we'll see. You must continue to build your strength. She did ask me to make sure of that. When I first came to Rivendell Hir Elrond and I spoke at great length. He showed me the pictures of you that she had drawn over 300 years ago, and some current ones. Quite astounded me, I must say. And it has amazed them since everything started. I also met her father. He said to me that she had been destined for something since her birth and they all knew that this was happening. They helped her to get through it and aye, even at times made it so that she could stay longer with their elvin magic. It became harder though, as time passed. My lad, she is so very beautiful…and very kind. You would have been amazed, I'm sure as I was. She spent a lot of time talking with me. It is clear to me at least...she does love you."
Frodo nods, beaming. . .and begins to cry with delight.
"She. . .she really asked about me, and wanted you to make sure I try to get better? How long ago did you see her?"
"I was able to secure a pony to Bree, so it didn't take me quite so long as before. Dwarves are accommodating chaps. You must mind to be very good to them when they show up in the Shire, Frodo, my lad. Handy friends to have, Dwarves. Lets see...almost 12 days ago now. While I was in Rivendell she had seen you, and bade me to make haste home. She said that she could not stay as long, and did not know why but that it was causing her head to hurt...And so here I am. Hir Elrond is checking into it, and perhaps they will find out what happened. She is very worried about you."
The little Baggins sighs with great relief, beaming.
"Oh, Bilbo. . .I'm so glad. . .I hope they find out soon, and help her. . .so she told you I was ill?"
"Aye that she did. Quite amazing. You know she's smaller than most elves, wouldn't be surprised if she has some mixed blood in her somewhere down the line. And do you know, Frodo, she sings?" he smiles at the delight on the little one's face. "She is very shy about it, but after Linder sung one of mine, I begged her and she relented. I quite admit dinner had never been so interesting. There was no one with her though Frodo, I recall you saying something about a 'him' earlier. Hir Elrond told me she was unattached, and then Heryn Arwen smiled and said she was attached...to you. What do you make of that? These elves.."
And shortly Angeline comes in with a lot of dishes upon a cart with wheels that folded into a table. It was something that Bilbo had had built for Bag-End because of its huge size. He always wanted to be able to eat wherever he wanted and not have to carry everything everywhere.
Frodo beams. . .but his expression darkens anxiously.
"Was she wearing. . .a little bracelet?"
Bilbo looked down at Frodo and nodded, "She was at first, but she had taken it off sometime while I was there. She was not wearing it when I left as I recall. Her head still hurt quite a bit, but Heryn Arwen had given her something for it so she was able to be about until I left. Oh, I don't think tis anything serious, Lad. Elrond did not seem to think so either, and said for you not to worry." This of course does not mean that she doesn't have the bracelet, just that she had not immediately put it back on.
Angeline smiles and starts to pour the wine for Bilbo who looks at her Gratefully. "What would you like to start with, Sweetie?" She asks Frodo.
Still, the little hobbit sighs with relief. . .and looks at the dishes with actual interest sparkling in his eyes.
"Ummmmmm. . .soup, maybe. . .easier to get down. . .and then some pumpkin, please? And juice. . .is it cranberry, or apple?"
*****
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CHAPTER 18 --- A Special Present ---
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Bilbo arranges the covers around Frodo and he smiles, coaxing some tea into him. "I know you've been fretting, my boy. But I hope you remember what I promised when I went off last time. I've something for you." He takes his time about the covers and the tea, clearly trying to gain Frodo's attention away from despair.
"What is it?"
Curious, Frodo looks up at him, though his small face remains pale, and he leans listlessly against Bilbo, as if feeling tired and sick, starting to cough once more.
He rubs Frodo's back a little with a soft tender motion to ease the pain. "Tis a letter." he smiles and reaches into his pack that lays near the bed, digging out the sealed envelope. He lays it on his lap, and coaxes a bit more tea into Frodo before explaining anything more about it. "For you."
Trembling, the boy looks from uncle. . .to letter. . .to uncle.
"It's. . .it's about her, isn't it? They're wanting to prove she isn't real. . . ."
"Why don't you open it and find out." Bilbo's voice is calm as he touches Frodo's cheek. "I'm sure everything will become clear, my lad." he sets the tea aside for the moment, smiling warmly.
Frodo reaches tentatively for the letter, his small hands shaking as he begins to cough again, the shadows beneath his blue eyes deepening. He looks feverish and quite worn out. . .and anxious.
Bilbo helps him to open the letter and unfolds it, breaking the seal for him. "There you are, my boy. Don't be afraid."
-BEGIN LETTER--
Dearest Frodo,
How are you? I hope you are doing well, and Bag End is as wonderful a place to live as you thought it would be. Your Uncle Bilbo was just here and we had a very nice talk, he says that he is going to be back around again sometime soon. I showed him my pictures of you, and have enclosed one of them for you. He said you would like that. The weather is very nice in Rivendell, and yesterday I went for a walk in the garden. I wish that you could come here, but your uncle says that you don't have the strength to make the trip and that you are not of age to be going anywhere. He suggested that I write a letter and tell you how I feel. It is such a great relief to know that you are real and that you still think about me. All those times we were together…we still don't quite understand it. Uncle Elrond says that I cannot leave Rivendell, and he will not tell me why. Daddy says that I must abide by his wishes, though I wish I could come to you. Maybe we'll still see each other. I don't know.
Today in the Hall of Fire Lindir pleased your uncle by singing one of his songs. It was a glorious feast and I sat at his side He thanked me for looking after you, but there really was nothing else I could have done. You are the light in my life as you are in his.
Perhaps someday you will have the strength to make the trip, it is a long journey, and a wonder that your uncle made it through here alive at all. He says he had help from dwarves. I don't really know where to begin, I have so many questions and so many ways in which to tell you how I feel. It feels strange to know that you will actually get this letter, that you are there…so far away, yet so much closer than you have ever been. Your Uncle said it would take time for letters to pass between us, but if you write to me, I will write back. You live, and you thrive at Bag End, he said, it makes me so happy to hear. For now…we can look up at the stars…and be seeing the same sky.
I love you.
Gailethil.
-End Letter-
Frodo begins to read. . .and at once his eyes widen. He gasps, beginning to cough in the excitement. "Bilbo! She - it's - did you - see her?"
He smiles, eyes twinkling. "Yes, Frodo. I saw her. Read on, now…but calm yourself…and have a little tea, eh?"
He obeys, reading and allowing his uncle to give him small sips to drink, snuggling into the blankets, his eyes alight.
"She. . .oh, Bilbo, THANK you! Please, you must tell me all about her. . . ."
"There now, my boy. Did I not say everything was going to be alright." he touches Frodo's chin fondly and then smiles, "Well now, that will take quite some telling. Perhaps…over something to eat. I'm a bit famished myself. Its been a long journey and I could fancy a bit of pie, and some bread, and muffins and perhaps seedcakes, soup and I see your Aunt made some nice apple-cinnamon cobbler. She said the exact same thing, you know when her uncle took -me- to see her. Tell me all about him."
Frodo beams excitedly, nodding.
"I'm hungry, too. . .for cobbler, and soup too. . .and maybe muffins. . . . Do you think Auntie might have made mashed potatoes, or mashed pumpkin? I'd like that. . . ."
Angeline appears at the door way, and moves towards the bed. She smiles when she sees Frodos excited expression. "Well now, there's a site for sore eyes. Tis been a while than we've seen that smile around here. What is it Bilbo?"
"My lad here has found his stomach it seems, and I dare say I could use a bite. Be a dear and organize a little something for us? Lets see...I saw you had some pumpkin ready when I passed through the kitchen. So lets say : Mashed Pumpkin, blueberry muffins, that apple-cinnamon cobbler, some mushroom soup would be grand, and pie if you've some ready, fresh bread I could really do with and cheese. If you've got any biscuits or scones or toast...that would just hit the spot. Some juice for the lad and me old wine for me. Going to need a pick me up since the lad here will have me up all night askin' questions." Bilbo dips into the envelope and unfolds the picture for Frodo while he speaks to Angeline. Its a lovely image of Frodo smiling as he's lying in his bed. It seems quite old, as though it was done many many years ago.
Frodo begins to cry. . .but these are tears of joy, and he beams as he raises fragile fingers to brush the page, beginning to sob.
"Oh, Bilbo. . .it's. . .can we frame it? and hang it by my bed, please, so I can look at it every day?"
"Oh dear me...what a beautiful portrait." Angeline peers over Bilbo at it. "Who drew it? Looks like someone who must know you very well, sweetie."
:"Of course, Frodo my boy. Only the finest wood and as soon as it can be done so nothing damages it." Bilbo grins, and wipes at the overwhelmed young hobbits eyes tenderly.
"Gailethil drew it. . .she made this when I was so sick with pneumonia, after Mamma and Papa died. . .remember that?"
He beams, nodding eagerly. "Gailethil came then and took care of me, and she was so glad when Uncle Bilbo came, and when you came too and said you'd take care of me. . .but she's the one who made me hold on, and try to be brave. . . ."
"Aye my lad, we both remember." Bilbo ruffled Frodo's hair. "Angeline, I don't understand it any more than you do. But I spoke with Gailethil's uncle. Hir Elrond half-elvin at great length and since her birth these things have been happening. They were relieved to know the truth of the matter finally. Seems she is…a special sort. Like Primula was, you remember, I think."
"Yes, Bilbo." Angeline sat on the bed for a minute and took Frodo's hand squeezing it gently. "I'm very happy for you, my little one." she looks to Bilbo, "Will you be taking him there?"
"Not yet." Bilbo shook his head. "He is too weak to withstand the journey. And far too young. There are dangers…more than his health, and I will not risk it. Please…bring the food, and we will discuss it later. And Angeline…."
Angeline smiles, "Yes, Bilbo?"
"Thank-you for believing him. It has meant so much to us over the years." He then turns to Frodo. "You know, my lad. She's an artist of some talent. Hir Elrond uses her vision for great things. I have seen some of her work. She's got the most delicate hands."
"Yes, she does. . .beautiful hands, and so gentle. . . ."
He beams. "I'm not surprised. . .she's so special. . .the first thing I ever noticed were her hands. She always comes and just puts her hand on my forehead. . .and then I feel better. . . Tell me more about her, Bilbo, please. . .I want to hear everything!" He looks up at both of them. "And if I try to eat and rest and take all my medicine, I'll get better, and then I can go and see her, maybe?"
Angeline smiles gravely, and kisses Frodo on the top of his forehead, "I will let your Uncle decide that, sweetie, I'd best be going to fetch your supper before your uncle passes out from starvation himself." with that, she is gone swiftly to the kitchen.
"That will depend Frodo, you know our traditions. You are far too young right now, and your health has been in question for some time. What Elrond and I discussed was that you could write to her, and they would send someone to Bree to collect the letters on a more regular basis. There are great dangers on the road, Frodo, and you are not ready for it. Trolls not the least of it. I was not telling you stories when I spoke of the But." he smiled kindly, "Depending on how your health goes, we'll see. You must continue to build your strength. She did ask me to make sure of that. When I first came to Rivendell Hir Elrond and I spoke at great length. He showed me the pictures of you that she had drawn over 300 years ago, and some current ones. Quite astounded me, I must say. And it has amazed them since everything started. I also met her father. He said to me that she had been destined for something since her birth and they all knew that this was happening. They helped her to get through it and aye, even at times made it so that she could stay longer with their elvin magic. It became harder though, as time passed. My lad, she is so very beautiful…and very kind. You would have been amazed, I'm sure as I was. She spent a lot of time talking with me. It is clear to me at least...she does love you."
Frodo nods, beaming. . .and begins to cry with delight.
"She. . .she really asked about me, and wanted you to make sure I try to get better? How long ago did you see her?"
"I was able to secure a pony to Bree, so it didn't take me quite so long as before. Dwarves are accommodating chaps. You must mind to be very good to them when they show up in the Shire, Frodo, my lad. Handy friends to have, Dwarves. Lets see...almost 12 days ago now. While I was in Rivendell she had seen you, and bade me to make haste home. She said that she could not stay as long, and did not know why but that it was causing her head to hurt...And so here I am. Hir Elrond is checking into it, and perhaps they will find out what happened. She is very worried about you."
The little Baggins sighs with great relief, beaming.
"Oh, Bilbo. . .I'm so glad. . .I hope they find out soon, and help her. . .so she told you I was ill?"
"Aye that she did. Quite amazing. You know she's smaller than most elves, wouldn't be surprised if she has some mixed blood in her somewhere down the line. And do you know, Frodo, she sings?" he smiles at the delight on the little one's face. "She is very shy about it, but after Linder sung one of mine, I begged her and she relented. I quite admit dinner had never been so interesting. There was no one with her though Frodo, I recall you saying something about a 'him' earlier. Hir Elrond told me she was unattached, and then Heryn Arwen smiled and said she was attached...to you. What do you make of that? These elves.."
And shortly Angeline comes in with a lot of dishes upon a cart with wheels that folded into a table. It was something that Bilbo had had built for Bag-End because of its huge size. He always wanted to be able to eat wherever he wanted and not have to carry everything everywhere.
Frodo beams. . .but his expression darkens anxiously.
"Was she wearing. . .a little bracelet?"
Bilbo looked down at Frodo and nodded, "She was at first, but she had taken it off sometime while I was there. She was not wearing it when I left as I recall. Her head still hurt quite a bit, but Heryn Arwen had given her something for it so she was able to be about until I left. Oh, I don't think tis anything serious, Lad. Elrond did not seem to think so either, and said for you not to worry." This of course does not mean that she doesn't have the bracelet, just that she had not immediately put it back on.
Angeline smiles and starts to pour the wine for Bilbo who looks at her Gratefully. "What would you like to start with, Sweetie?" She asks Frodo.
Still, the little hobbit sighs with relief. . .and looks at the dishes with actual interest sparkling in his eyes.
"Ummmmmm. . .soup, maybe. . .easier to get down. . .and then some pumpkin, please? And juice. . .is it cranberry, or apple?"
*****