Author's note : Due to problems, my chapters were a bit screwy. There are 12 chapters for Icicles in the Night. This mail includes Chapter 10 , 11 & 12 because I'm confused now by ff.net and because I started writing too many stories.J
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Chapter TEN
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I headed back to Bag End wearily, it was early in the morning when I finally decided to head home. I couldn't really ignore the fact that I was extremely depressed. Everything in my life was going wrong right now and to top it all off I had to leave the Shire. Sometimes I thought that life conspired against me. Even before my parents died I had not really had much chance to live like other hobbits. I was never very healthy and once or twice gave my mother quite a scare.
Reading the journals was making me even more depressed because I missed Bilbo. Sure, he hadn't always let me have my own way_but I loved him. He had been like a father to me and I couldn't understand why he'd simply left like that. Did he know how much it would hurt_how much it would remind me of when my parents had left? I never got a chance to say goodbye, I never got a chance to do anything other than accept what was happening.
But that was it wasn't it? That was my life_I leant on a fence and steadied my feet. The wine never really helped, it just _ dulled the pain. I stumbled along the fence, breathing heavily. Sometime ago I had stuffed the wineglass into my pocket and began to wonder why Bag End seemed so far away. That was when I slipped and fell into a snow bank and groaned. I'd hurt something_
I staggered to my feet and then collapsed_pain shot through my right foot and I shuddered. As I lay there in the snow bank, shivering and in pain I glanced up to the sky and saw snow began to fall once again. Tears caught in my eyes as I tried to struggle, but completely failed to get to my feet, I tried to look at the ankle and paled when I saw the swelling. Frodo Baggins_you darn fool.
I looked up and down the road_no one would be up at this time of the morning. I shook snow from my hair_it was coming down a little faster now. There was nothing for it but to crawl to Bag End_otherwise I would sit here and freeze to death. I gritted my teeth and began to pull myself to the roadside, that's when I heard a female voice squeak in surprise.
"Sir? Sir_are you hurt?" I recognized the voice_and sighed with relief. It was Sam Gamgee's sister Marigold, young_about 31 I thought_but she had quite a bit of sense. I looked up at the figure who was looking quite as astonished as myself to find someone else on the road this morning. She wrinkled her nose a little_I think she smelled the wine_When I raised my head she gasped in surprise. "Mr. Baggins! Oh Dear_Oh Dear_let me help you." she hurried over and knelt beside me.
Marigold was a comely lass, of stocky build and dark-blonde locks that fell about her hazel eyes. She had her brother's look to her, but beyond that they were as different as carrots and cinnamon. "Hullo_" I managed weakly, my cheeks red with embarrassment to having been caught in such a disgraceful state.
"Goodness Gracious, Mr. Baggins, what happened_oh dear, your poor ankle, you must have slipped on that nasty sheet of ice. Here_.take my hand and lean on me." she held out her small hand and I looked at her dubiously, she was not that big of a lass and I would easily clear a foot over her. "Come now, Mr. Baggins_I'm not as frail as one of them Bracegirldles_take my hand now." her voice held quite a bit of determination and I sighed and finally accepted her help.
"Marigold Gamgee_isn't it?" My words to me came out slurred and unsteady_but I was quite sure who -she- was. The lass nodded and to my surprise easily managed to help me rise. I winced, cringing at the pain and found that my fingers were not working properly. I draped my arm around her and she held me up miraculously.
"Yes, Mr. Baggins. That's it_lean on me now. Steady_" she glanced about, "Dear me the snow is starting to come down very hard. We have to get you home."
"Home_" I sighed softly, my head swimming, "Home is far away_"
She half carried_half dragged me up to Bag End as the snow kept falling heavier and heavier. Once we got there, she had to fumble in my pockets for the keys because I was too incoherent to do anything but giggle briefly when she found the wine glass. She shook her head, and at that moment I wondered_what had she to shake her head about? She was up this early too_and what was she doing outside and alone? I gazed at her_she really was a comely lass_and full of spirit.
Marigold unlocked the door and thankfully managed to get me inside and down on the nearest chair. I literally fell on it wincing in pain from my ankle. I didn't notice then_but the rest of me was pretty numb with cold. The fire in the fireplace was dying out as Marigold shut the door. This would never do_she should be alone in Bag End_with me_at this hour.
"Run along home, now_Th-Thank-you." My teeth chattered as I gazed at her. She was bundled up in thread-bare sweaters and scarves but at least she had the sense to dress warmly. Her cheeks were rosy pink from the cold outside and she shook her head furiously.
"I wouldn't think of it." she marched straight over to the fire place, "I'll just put a log on the fire and set you up comfy and then I'll go fetch Sam. Just you sit there, now and don't you be doing anything foolish like trying to get up." Her voice was stern_and I smiled a little.
"Yes, Ma'am_" I watched her as she put a few more logs in the fire and then came back over to me. She found a wooden chair and a footrest and brought them over. The fire now rose warm and full and I was thankful of the heat. She took off her gloves and rubbed her hands together a bit, watching me in concern. I chuckled a little to myself, because I had a feeling I knew what she was thinking. She was literally in the lion's den. I was as harmless as a mouse, though with all the rumors about hobbit on, I wasn't surprised at her reaction.
"Put your foot up here, Mr. Baggins, and let me take a look at it." she directed calmly. I did as I was instructed and she smiled softly. I leaned back and let her tend to my foot _and as she did, I gazed at the fire_and remembered another lass_
--begin flashback--
"Frodo." Chloe shook her head in amusement as I gazed at her. We were lying in my bed and her arm was wrapped around me in comfort. The fire in my room was burning steadily and despite the hell of the last few days I was finally feeling warm and cozy. They had had their hands full with me for I had not kept anything down until recently, Chloe had tried her best to get me to take even the easiest of food, but nothing had stayed down_until she directed Bilbo to prepare a strange mixture of spices in a simple chicken broth. She had patiently dipped bread into the broth and placed tiny pieces into my mouth while I chewed and swallowed hesitantly.
She'd told me stories of the wood, and calmed me enough that I would eat. The bread was soft enough that it had trickled easily down my throat and there was something in the broth that was making me a little lightheaded and drowsy. Bilbo had come in earlier and tried to tell Chloe to leave me to sleep, but I wasn't having any of that. I was warm for the first time in days and my stomach didn't feel like it was going to heave. After I ate the broth_she had given me some of the medicine that had been left behind from the last time I had a fever like this.
After I had laid down for a while and been calm I found that I was finally comfortable enough that I could sleep, my voice hoarse still though and my throat numb with pain I whispered, "Chloe_thank-you_I_like you_please don't go away_." My eyes drooped as I struggled to keep them open.
"I like you too Frodo." she had said, and for some reason_that had lifted my heart and I smiled weakly. "Sleep now, and don't try and talk." she directed gently.
I obliged and finally drifted off to sleep, wondering..wondering if she would still like me later.
"Frodo_" I heard a voice calling urgently.
---end flashback--
"Mr. Baggins__Frodo_Mr. Frodo_are you alright?" Marigolds urgent tone shook me back to reality and for a moment I thought she was Chloe_.a little deliriously I reached out to touch her face_even through fingers that were numb with cold.. I wanted Chloe. "Mr. Baggins?" her eyes were wide and her lips trembled. Full lips_I cursed that I was too weak to move_and my hand dropped down.
"Go on now_" I managed to get out, suddenly my temper was rearing its ugly head, and my eyes were showing their disappointment when I realized who she was. I glared at her for not being the one I wanted. "Go on home little girl_I'll be alright. Thank-you. You've done enough." I reached into my pocket and plucked out a few silver coins, dropping them into her stunned hand.
She dropped the money on a nearby table and rose steadily, her eyes flashing though she was trying to remain calm and polite. Well now_a Gamgee with spirit. I smiled at her sardonically. "I don't want your money, Mr. Baggins. I was just trying to help you." she wrapped her scarf around her neck, "Clearly_YOU don't want to be helped." she could not resist snaping. As she did, her cheeks flamed with color and and she strode over to the door, opening it_to a blast of snow and wind that literally sent her sprawling. She let out a yelp and jumped to her feet. Quickly, she rushed to the door and shut it, latching it with a panting breath.
"It seems." I tried hard to be as stoic as I possibly could. "You're my guest for the night." The absolute -last- thing I wanted was someone else in Bag End tonight.
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
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Marigold stood with her back to the door, regarding the Master of Bag End with an expression that bordered on a mixture of pity and fear. She didn't really have a choice at the moment. She was practically stuck here for the next few hours at any rate. Hopefully she could get home by then and explain to Mamma that it had taken longer than she thought at the cottons to bring the baby's fever down. But this one_she couldn't tell exactly what was wrong with him though she suspected it had a great deal to do with too much wine given the glassy look in his bloodshot eyes. No sleep? That was likely the case too. He held his hands under both arms, crossed over his waist, warming them, and he still shivered every now and then, trying not to let her see. In turn_she knew he was studying her. He wouldn't find much to look at for she was quite bundled in -proper- winter clothing. Why someone would go out in only a coat and a scarf in weather like this she would never know.
Marigold cleared her throat, advancing towards the fire. She frowned as Frodo's eyes followed her every move. "Your hands should warm up soon, Mr. Frodo." she said cheerily, "Should I make some tea? Could be just the thing to warm you up."
"There's a bottle of wine in my study, I would appreciate it if you would get it." Frodo said mildly.
"Wine." she repeated, eyeing him with a hint of disproval in her eyes. "Begging your pardon, Mr. Frodo_but I think that tea_"
"I'll thank you not to recommend what is or is not good for me, Miss Gamgee. I can take care of myself. " he snapped, his eyes flashing. "Now, are you going to get it or not?"
She meant to speak...but drew her lips together in a thin line. With a frown she began to unwrap her scarf as she walked in the direction he indicated. "Yes, Sir." She nodded crisply. Shaking her head, she had no idea why Sam liked working for him. He had the manners of a goat. She paused as she opened the door to his study and took a look inside_and frowned.
Not the tidiest of hobbits...certainly...papers were strew about from an open window. No -wonder- it was so cold in Bag End. She moved towards the window and shut it. She screwed up her nose at the stale smell of wine and glanced about her eyes falling down upon a tray of...barely eaten dinner...and more than one empty bottles of wine. Afraid of disturbing anything less he take her to task for it she found one that was half full and bit her lip. He needed more than wine. Sam wouldn't like it if she let him drink himself to sleep. She smiled a bit...and opened the window...and poured the wine bottle out. It appeared to be the last one in the room too. Poor Mr. Frodo would have to settle for Tea.
Marigold chuckled a little to herself, and made her way quickly to the kitchen, hoping that there would be something already prepared and perhaps it would need heating up. She carried the tray of day old half eaten food and dumped it. Thankfully...Sam had control over the kitchen and it -was- in order.
"Marigold?" Frodo called irritably. "What are you doing back there?...I'm thirsty..." She thought she might have heard a whimper...but decided it was her imagination.
"I'll be along in a minute, Mr. Frodo." she called back earnestly.
Frodo fretted a little, he really didn't -want- anyone there. Sighing he was beginning to wonder why his hands weren't warming up...they seemed awfully cold...he stared at the fire, his mouth desperately dry. He needed a drink.
"I'm...having trouble locating that wine..." Marigold stalled as she began the task of preparing something a little better for her brother's master.
There was no answer from Frodo.
She finally returned to the front room, holding a small tray after about five or ten long...anxious minutes. What on earth was she doing back there? Frodo wondered...and then he scowled when he saw her. She held a tray...he looked at it with a grimace...there was a bowl...and a cup of tea. Certainly no wine in sight! She'd been in his kitchen.
Marigold was of course smart enough not to bring the tray right over to him and set it down just out of reach, she had taken off her coat and was wearing a nice_faded green sweater and woolen skirt. Had he been alert_he would have noticed how tired and drawn she looked having spent the last fourty-eight hours caring for the Cotton baby who had been sick with a raging fever. She was certainly not going to let someone like Frodo Baggins get to her after that. Had he realized that, he probably would have just let her do what she wanted to do and that was to get something in his stomach and put him to bed. But sadly_..Frodo was not himself.
"How -dare- you!" the young master blurted out, his eyes flashing, he almost stood up, but his head reeled and he fell back down on the chair shaking. Marigold frowned and went over to him, he flinched away_but she wasn't about to put up with any nonsense_even though had he been in a normal state_he'd be quite capable of pushing her away. She felt his cheeks_ice cold_and glanced down to how he was holding his hands underneath his arms. She frowned a little,
"Let me see one of your hands_" she ordered softly, in the tone an older relative would give to a younger one.
Frodo hesitated at first. All he really wanted was something to drink_his throat felt like sandpaper. Sighing_he finally pulled one out for her to look at. She took it gently_hers weren't hard and calloused_like he'd expected them to be_most working class hobbits did not have soft hands. He allowed his mind to marvel at them for a while, forgetting everything else. They were also warm.
She turned his hand over and peered carefully at it under the firelight. It was freezing to touch, and with both her hands she began to rub it gently on both sides. She saw with regret that the tips of his fingers were near blue with cold.
Frodo started_then he half smiled, looking up at her. His mind had been focusing on her hands, but really she was quite a comely lass. He looked away though, controlling himself as best as he could. She wasn't Chloe_he had to keep that in mind. She was Sam Gamgee's sister and he had no right to even -think- anything. Come on Frodo_He willed himself. You haven't had that much wine have you? His mind swam and the room was beginning to spin. His stomach didn't feel at -all- well.
His mind was reeling....and he felt nautious. He could hear her words..."Some tea may help you feel better, Mr. Frodo..." But she wasn't who he wanted to hear. His lips trembled. He remembered another face...another who had not looked at him with pity...Not her...no...his stomach churned and he was going to be sick...very very sick.
He whimpered, clutching the girl to him, but as he moved his stomach disagreed with him -entirely -...and the bitter contents of a night spent in self degradation came churning upwards and the unfortunate Gamgee encountered the worst of Frodo Baggins...down her back.
* * *
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CHAPTER 12 -- ICICLES IN THE NIGHT
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Marigold could not have been more surprised at what had just happened. Frodo whimpered miserably…almost collapsed entirely upon her. His weight was nearly more than she could carry and she frantically tried to get him back onto the chair. "Mr. Frodo…Mr. Frodo?" She tried to wake him up but to no avail. "Hello?"
Frodo was passed out.
Marigold sighed trying to hold him up. Well…she supposed that the first thing to do was clean him up…maybe that -would- wake him…and she had to get out of her own shirt now thanks to him. The Gamgee grumbled. He was awfully heavy…and she didn't know if she'd be able to get him all the way to his room…in fact…she didn't even know where his room was! She did know where his study was though...and there was a couch there so she resolved to try and get him there. It was near the Kitchen and she'd be able to prepare some warm water to clean him off.
The Gamgee lass tried to revive him a little and managed…but he was groggy and could barely stand. The room was spinning and his stomach was still churning…he stumbled against her as she half dragged-half-carried him to the study and he collapsed on the couch. He gazed up at the ceiling his eyes swimming. It had been one of the worst days of his life and here he was…barely able to move and he was confused as to just who was with him and where he was. She put a pillow under his head and sighed. He was in terrible shape but he was too big for her to carry all the way to his bedroom. In fact…she didn't even know where It was. This would have to do.
Marigold arranged a couple of throw pillows under Frodo's head. She found a quilt lying down underneath his desk and shook it out. Carefully, she drew it around the master of bagend and tucked him into it. "You just rest here…I've got to find your room and get some clothes and some hot water and…" she wrinkles her nose. "Soap."
With that, she turned and stalked out of the room, indignant at her predicament. Dawn would come soon and her mother would not be looking for her…thinking she was at the Cottons safe. She hoped that Sam would come to check on Frodo but she wasn't sure he'd even be able to -get- to Bag End in that storm. Ah well…there was nothing to do but press on. She rummaged in a few chests in Frodo's bedroom and found a fresh shirt, as well as one that would probably fit her. Taking as little time as possible she drew off her sweater and tossed it into the hamper. The back of her skirt was also completely ruined. She sighed. She'd have to deal with men's breeches.
She rolled up the trouser legs of one of Frodo's extra pants and put those on. Far…far too big for her, but she didn't quite have a choice at the moment and she was certainly not going to spend the next few hours wandering around with her backside mussed and smelly. She found a shirt and pulled that on too, and also had to roll up the sleeves. She wasn't used to wearing such new material and was -quite- soft compared to the dresses she generally wore. Luckily…her hair had missed most of the indignity of what had happened, but nonetheless…to avoid possible future problems she decided to roll it up and pin it into a thick bun.
All that completed she went back to the kitchen and took the kettle off of the fire. She mixed a basin of cool and warm water and threw a couple of towels over her shoulder. Now, carrying towels…extra shirt and the basin she balanced everything quite skillfully as she made her way back to the study.
Frodo blinked at her from his position on the couch…confusion evident in his large blue eyes. She walked over and placed everything down easily. "There now, Mr. Frodo…feeling a bit warmer?" she asked as cheerily as she could muster.
"A little…" he managed…..he was trying to figure out what had happened exactly to wind him up here. His brain was not really focusing too well and he was quite embarrassed by everything. He was usually not so gruff and ill-tempered…but the day had really…well…not been his best.
"Lets get you cleaned up then." she said crisply…as though she might be talking to a child.
Frodo scowled, curling under the blankets into a little ball. "I don't need to…I think you'd best just find a place to lie down and leave me here. I'll be fine…" he turned away, burying his face in the pillows. He wanted to be alone…and wallow in his own misery. He didn't want company and least of all…he didn't want anyone mothering him. That was the LAST thing he wanted. He just wished that his fingers and toes weren't so cold…and that his stomach didn't feel so…icky.
Used to stubborn children, Marigold folded her arms with a pleasant smile, "Now then Mr. Frodo. I'm not going to leave you while you're still lying in your own filth." she chirped crisply. "You're in no state to argue, and I'll warrant you'll thank me in the morning. And I tell you what…I'll bring in a treat after that will be just the ticket to fix your stomach so you can sleep." she coaxed him gently out of the small ball.
"What kind of treat?" He wasn't interested in food, his stomach was altogether too dangerous right now for anything of the kind. He turned to look at her. She wasn't Chloe…Chloe had known exactly what he wanted and had always known how to make him feel better. Bilbo too. He wished they were both here with him now…wished with all his heart. He swallowed, misery showing in his eyes.
"It wouldn't be a treat if I told you what it was, eh?" she pulled down the blanket and began to cheerfully unbutton his jacket. "Lets get this off, shall we?" She helped him to sit up just a little and coaxed him to move his arms at the proper times so that she could pull off the wine-soddened material. His shirt underneath was just as bad. Laced with sweat and clinging to his body. She wrinkled her nose again and was glad she was used to smelling such fowl things.
She treated him as though he was no more than a child while undressing him, paying not a whit of attention to the red in his cheeks or any sensitive parts of his body. Once she managed to get him completely undressed she tucked him under the covers and piled his smelly clothes together. "I'm just going to take these out somewhere where we don't have to smell them." she says, "I'd suggest a good burning later today is in order… for that's all they'll be worth, believe you and me. Good gracious me, Mr. Baggins, how did you get yourself into this state, I wonder." Shaking her head she carried the clothes out of the study.
Frodo lay down miserably. It was nice to get out of his wet clothes…but…he wasn't sure how nice it was to be cared for by someone he hardly knew…and Sam's sister no less. He didn't know how he was going to explain this to the Gaffer…and he hoped…he hoped that he could keep control over his senses and his temper. She really was doing her best by him…and a small part of him that he'd buried away that night was glad she hadn't left him.
* * *
TBC
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Chapter TEN
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I headed back to Bag End wearily, it was early in the morning when I finally decided to head home. I couldn't really ignore the fact that I was extremely depressed. Everything in my life was going wrong right now and to top it all off I had to leave the Shire. Sometimes I thought that life conspired against me. Even before my parents died I had not really had much chance to live like other hobbits. I was never very healthy and once or twice gave my mother quite a scare.
Reading the journals was making me even more depressed because I missed Bilbo. Sure, he hadn't always let me have my own way_but I loved him. He had been like a father to me and I couldn't understand why he'd simply left like that. Did he know how much it would hurt_how much it would remind me of when my parents had left? I never got a chance to say goodbye, I never got a chance to do anything other than accept what was happening.
But that was it wasn't it? That was my life_I leant on a fence and steadied my feet. The wine never really helped, it just _ dulled the pain. I stumbled along the fence, breathing heavily. Sometime ago I had stuffed the wineglass into my pocket and began to wonder why Bag End seemed so far away. That was when I slipped and fell into a snow bank and groaned. I'd hurt something_
I staggered to my feet and then collapsed_pain shot through my right foot and I shuddered. As I lay there in the snow bank, shivering and in pain I glanced up to the sky and saw snow began to fall once again. Tears caught in my eyes as I tried to struggle, but completely failed to get to my feet, I tried to look at the ankle and paled when I saw the swelling. Frodo Baggins_you darn fool.
I looked up and down the road_no one would be up at this time of the morning. I shook snow from my hair_it was coming down a little faster now. There was nothing for it but to crawl to Bag End_otherwise I would sit here and freeze to death. I gritted my teeth and began to pull myself to the roadside, that's when I heard a female voice squeak in surprise.
"Sir? Sir_are you hurt?" I recognized the voice_and sighed with relief. It was Sam Gamgee's sister Marigold, young_about 31 I thought_but she had quite a bit of sense. I looked up at the figure who was looking quite as astonished as myself to find someone else on the road this morning. She wrinkled her nose a little_I think she smelled the wine_When I raised my head she gasped in surprise. "Mr. Baggins! Oh Dear_Oh Dear_let me help you." she hurried over and knelt beside me.
Marigold was a comely lass, of stocky build and dark-blonde locks that fell about her hazel eyes. She had her brother's look to her, but beyond that they were as different as carrots and cinnamon. "Hullo_" I managed weakly, my cheeks red with embarrassment to having been caught in such a disgraceful state.
"Goodness Gracious, Mr. Baggins, what happened_oh dear, your poor ankle, you must have slipped on that nasty sheet of ice. Here_.take my hand and lean on me." she held out her small hand and I looked at her dubiously, she was not that big of a lass and I would easily clear a foot over her. "Come now, Mr. Baggins_I'm not as frail as one of them Bracegirldles_take my hand now." her voice held quite a bit of determination and I sighed and finally accepted her help.
"Marigold Gamgee_isn't it?" My words to me came out slurred and unsteady_but I was quite sure who -she- was. The lass nodded and to my surprise easily managed to help me rise. I winced, cringing at the pain and found that my fingers were not working properly. I draped my arm around her and she held me up miraculously.
"Yes, Mr. Baggins. That's it_lean on me now. Steady_" she glanced about, "Dear me the snow is starting to come down very hard. We have to get you home."
"Home_" I sighed softly, my head swimming, "Home is far away_"
She half carried_half dragged me up to Bag End as the snow kept falling heavier and heavier. Once we got there, she had to fumble in my pockets for the keys because I was too incoherent to do anything but giggle briefly when she found the wine glass. She shook her head, and at that moment I wondered_what had she to shake her head about? She was up this early too_and what was she doing outside and alone? I gazed at her_she really was a comely lass_and full of spirit.
Marigold unlocked the door and thankfully managed to get me inside and down on the nearest chair. I literally fell on it wincing in pain from my ankle. I didn't notice then_but the rest of me was pretty numb with cold. The fire in the fireplace was dying out as Marigold shut the door. This would never do_she should be alone in Bag End_with me_at this hour.
"Run along home, now_Th-Thank-you." My teeth chattered as I gazed at her. She was bundled up in thread-bare sweaters and scarves but at least she had the sense to dress warmly. Her cheeks were rosy pink from the cold outside and she shook her head furiously.
"I wouldn't think of it." she marched straight over to the fire place, "I'll just put a log on the fire and set you up comfy and then I'll go fetch Sam. Just you sit there, now and don't you be doing anything foolish like trying to get up." Her voice was stern_and I smiled a little.
"Yes, Ma'am_" I watched her as she put a few more logs in the fire and then came back over to me. She found a wooden chair and a footrest and brought them over. The fire now rose warm and full and I was thankful of the heat. She took off her gloves and rubbed her hands together a bit, watching me in concern. I chuckled a little to myself, because I had a feeling I knew what she was thinking. She was literally in the lion's den. I was as harmless as a mouse, though with all the rumors about hobbit on, I wasn't surprised at her reaction.
"Put your foot up here, Mr. Baggins, and let me take a look at it." she directed calmly. I did as I was instructed and she smiled softly. I leaned back and let her tend to my foot _and as she did, I gazed at the fire_and remembered another lass_
--begin flashback--
"Frodo." Chloe shook her head in amusement as I gazed at her. We were lying in my bed and her arm was wrapped around me in comfort. The fire in my room was burning steadily and despite the hell of the last few days I was finally feeling warm and cozy. They had had their hands full with me for I had not kept anything down until recently, Chloe had tried her best to get me to take even the easiest of food, but nothing had stayed down_until she directed Bilbo to prepare a strange mixture of spices in a simple chicken broth. She had patiently dipped bread into the broth and placed tiny pieces into my mouth while I chewed and swallowed hesitantly.
She'd told me stories of the wood, and calmed me enough that I would eat. The bread was soft enough that it had trickled easily down my throat and there was something in the broth that was making me a little lightheaded and drowsy. Bilbo had come in earlier and tried to tell Chloe to leave me to sleep, but I wasn't having any of that. I was warm for the first time in days and my stomach didn't feel like it was going to heave. After I ate the broth_she had given me some of the medicine that had been left behind from the last time I had a fever like this.
After I had laid down for a while and been calm I found that I was finally comfortable enough that I could sleep, my voice hoarse still though and my throat numb with pain I whispered, "Chloe_thank-you_I_like you_please don't go away_." My eyes drooped as I struggled to keep them open.
"I like you too Frodo." she had said, and for some reason_that had lifted my heart and I smiled weakly. "Sleep now, and don't try and talk." she directed gently.
I obliged and finally drifted off to sleep, wondering..wondering if she would still like me later.
"Frodo_" I heard a voice calling urgently.
---end flashback--
"Mr. Baggins__Frodo_Mr. Frodo_are you alright?" Marigolds urgent tone shook me back to reality and for a moment I thought she was Chloe_.a little deliriously I reached out to touch her face_even through fingers that were numb with cold.. I wanted Chloe. "Mr. Baggins?" her eyes were wide and her lips trembled. Full lips_I cursed that I was too weak to move_and my hand dropped down.
"Go on now_" I managed to get out, suddenly my temper was rearing its ugly head, and my eyes were showing their disappointment when I realized who she was. I glared at her for not being the one I wanted. "Go on home little girl_I'll be alright. Thank-you. You've done enough." I reached into my pocket and plucked out a few silver coins, dropping them into her stunned hand.
She dropped the money on a nearby table and rose steadily, her eyes flashing though she was trying to remain calm and polite. Well now_a Gamgee with spirit. I smiled at her sardonically. "I don't want your money, Mr. Baggins. I was just trying to help you." she wrapped her scarf around her neck, "Clearly_YOU don't want to be helped." she could not resist snaping. As she did, her cheeks flamed with color and and she strode over to the door, opening it_to a blast of snow and wind that literally sent her sprawling. She let out a yelp and jumped to her feet. Quickly, she rushed to the door and shut it, latching it with a panting breath.
"It seems." I tried hard to be as stoic as I possibly could. "You're my guest for the night." The absolute -last- thing I wanted was someone else in Bag End tonight.
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
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Marigold stood with her back to the door, regarding the Master of Bag End with an expression that bordered on a mixture of pity and fear. She didn't really have a choice at the moment. She was practically stuck here for the next few hours at any rate. Hopefully she could get home by then and explain to Mamma that it had taken longer than she thought at the cottons to bring the baby's fever down. But this one_she couldn't tell exactly what was wrong with him though she suspected it had a great deal to do with too much wine given the glassy look in his bloodshot eyes. No sleep? That was likely the case too. He held his hands under both arms, crossed over his waist, warming them, and he still shivered every now and then, trying not to let her see. In turn_she knew he was studying her. He wouldn't find much to look at for she was quite bundled in -proper- winter clothing. Why someone would go out in only a coat and a scarf in weather like this she would never know.
Marigold cleared her throat, advancing towards the fire. She frowned as Frodo's eyes followed her every move. "Your hands should warm up soon, Mr. Frodo." she said cheerily, "Should I make some tea? Could be just the thing to warm you up."
"There's a bottle of wine in my study, I would appreciate it if you would get it." Frodo said mildly.
"Wine." she repeated, eyeing him with a hint of disproval in her eyes. "Begging your pardon, Mr. Frodo_but I think that tea_"
"I'll thank you not to recommend what is or is not good for me, Miss Gamgee. I can take care of myself. " he snapped, his eyes flashing. "Now, are you going to get it or not?"
She meant to speak...but drew her lips together in a thin line. With a frown she began to unwrap her scarf as she walked in the direction he indicated. "Yes, Sir." She nodded crisply. Shaking her head, she had no idea why Sam liked working for him. He had the manners of a goat. She paused as she opened the door to his study and took a look inside_and frowned.
Not the tidiest of hobbits...certainly...papers were strew about from an open window. No -wonder- it was so cold in Bag End. She moved towards the window and shut it. She screwed up her nose at the stale smell of wine and glanced about her eyes falling down upon a tray of...barely eaten dinner...and more than one empty bottles of wine. Afraid of disturbing anything less he take her to task for it she found one that was half full and bit her lip. He needed more than wine. Sam wouldn't like it if she let him drink himself to sleep. She smiled a bit...and opened the window...and poured the wine bottle out. It appeared to be the last one in the room too. Poor Mr. Frodo would have to settle for Tea.
Marigold chuckled a little to herself, and made her way quickly to the kitchen, hoping that there would be something already prepared and perhaps it would need heating up. She carried the tray of day old half eaten food and dumped it. Thankfully...Sam had control over the kitchen and it -was- in order.
"Marigold?" Frodo called irritably. "What are you doing back there?...I'm thirsty..." She thought she might have heard a whimper...but decided it was her imagination.
"I'll be along in a minute, Mr. Frodo." she called back earnestly.
Frodo fretted a little, he really didn't -want- anyone there. Sighing he was beginning to wonder why his hands weren't warming up...they seemed awfully cold...he stared at the fire, his mouth desperately dry. He needed a drink.
"I'm...having trouble locating that wine..." Marigold stalled as she began the task of preparing something a little better for her brother's master.
There was no answer from Frodo.
She finally returned to the front room, holding a small tray after about five or ten long...anxious minutes. What on earth was she doing back there? Frodo wondered...and then he scowled when he saw her. She held a tray...he looked at it with a grimace...there was a bowl...and a cup of tea. Certainly no wine in sight! She'd been in his kitchen.
Marigold was of course smart enough not to bring the tray right over to him and set it down just out of reach, she had taken off her coat and was wearing a nice_faded green sweater and woolen skirt. Had he been alert_he would have noticed how tired and drawn she looked having spent the last fourty-eight hours caring for the Cotton baby who had been sick with a raging fever. She was certainly not going to let someone like Frodo Baggins get to her after that. Had he realized that, he probably would have just let her do what she wanted to do and that was to get something in his stomach and put him to bed. But sadly_..Frodo was not himself.
"How -dare- you!" the young master blurted out, his eyes flashing, he almost stood up, but his head reeled and he fell back down on the chair shaking. Marigold frowned and went over to him, he flinched away_but she wasn't about to put up with any nonsense_even though had he been in a normal state_he'd be quite capable of pushing her away. She felt his cheeks_ice cold_and glanced down to how he was holding his hands underneath his arms. She frowned a little,
"Let me see one of your hands_" she ordered softly, in the tone an older relative would give to a younger one.
Frodo hesitated at first. All he really wanted was something to drink_his throat felt like sandpaper. Sighing_he finally pulled one out for her to look at. She took it gently_hers weren't hard and calloused_like he'd expected them to be_most working class hobbits did not have soft hands. He allowed his mind to marvel at them for a while, forgetting everything else. They were also warm.
She turned his hand over and peered carefully at it under the firelight. It was freezing to touch, and with both her hands she began to rub it gently on both sides. She saw with regret that the tips of his fingers were near blue with cold.
Frodo started_then he half smiled, looking up at her. His mind had been focusing on her hands, but really she was quite a comely lass. He looked away though, controlling himself as best as he could. She wasn't Chloe_he had to keep that in mind. She was Sam Gamgee's sister and he had no right to even -think- anything. Come on Frodo_He willed himself. You haven't had that much wine have you? His mind swam and the room was beginning to spin. His stomach didn't feel at -all- well.
His mind was reeling....and he felt nautious. He could hear her words..."Some tea may help you feel better, Mr. Frodo..." But she wasn't who he wanted to hear. His lips trembled. He remembered another face...another who had not looked at him with pity...Not her...no...his stomach churned and he was going to be sick...very very sick.
He whimpered, clutching the girl to him, but as he moved his stomach disagreed with him -entirely -...and the bitter contents of a night spent in self degradation came churning upwards and the unfortunate Gamgee encountered the worst of Frodo Baggins...down her back.
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CHAPTER 12 -- ICICLES IN THE NIGHT
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Marigold could not have been more surprised at what had just happened. Frodo whimpered miserably…almost collapsed entirely upon her. His weight was nearly more than she could carry and she frantically tried to get him back onto the chair. "Mr. Frodo…Mr. Frodo?" She tried to wake him up but to no avail. "Hello?"
Frodo was passed out.
Marigold sighed trying to hold him up. Well…she supposed that the first thing to do was clean him up…maybe that -would- wake him…and she had to get out of her own shirt now thanks to him. The Gamgee grumbled. He was awfully heavy…and she didn't know if she'd be able to get him all the way to his room…in fact…she didn't even know where his room was! She did know where his study was though...and there was a couch there so she resolved to try and get him there. It was near the Kitchen and she'd be able to prepare some warm water to clean him off.
The Gamgee lass tried to revive him a little and managed…but he was groggy and could barely stand. The room was spinning and his stomach was still churning…he stumbled against her as she half dragged-half-carried him to the study and he collapsed on the couch. He gazed up at the ceiling his eyes swimming. It had been one of the worst days of his life and here he was…barely able to move and he was confused as to just who was with him and where he was. She put a pillow under his head and sighed. He was in terrible shape but he was too big for her to carry all the way to his bedroom. In fact…she didn't even know where It was. This would have to do.
Marigold arranged a couple of throw pillows under Frodo's head. She found a quilt lying down underneath his desk and shook it out. Carefully, she drew it around the master of bagend and tucked him into it. "You just rest here…I've got to find your room and get some clothes and some hot water and…" she wrinkles her nose. "Soap."
With that, she turned and stalked out of the room, indignant at her predicament. Dawn would come soon and her mother would not be looking for her…thinking she was at the Cottons safe. She hoped that Sam would come to check on Frodo but she wasn't sure he'd even be able to -get- to Bag End in that storm. Ah well…there was nothing to do but press on. She rummaged in a few chests in Frodo's bedroom and found a fresh shirt, as well as one that would probably fit her. Taking as little time as possible she drew off her sweater and tossed it into the hamper. The back of her skirt was also completely ruined. She sighed. She'd have to deal with men's breeches.
She rolled up the trouser legs of one of Frodo's extra pants and put those on. Far…far too big for her, but she didn't quite have a choice at the moment and she was certainly not going to spend the next few hours wandering around with her backside mussed and smelly. She found a shirt and pulled that on too, and also had to roll up the sleeves. She wasn't used to wearing such new material and was -quite- soft compared to the dresses she generally wore. Luckily…her hair had missed most of the indignity of what had happened, but nonetheless…to avoid possible future problems she decided to roll it up and pin it into a thick bun.
All that completed she went back to the kitchen and took the kettle off of the fire. She mixed a basin of cool and warm water and threw a couple of towels over her shoulder. Now, carrying towels…extra shirt and the basin she balanced everything quite skillfully as she made her way back to the study.
Frodo blinked at her from his position on the couch…confusion evident in his large blue eyes. She walked over and placed everything down easily. "There now, Mr. Frodo…feeling a bit warmer?" she asked as cheerily as she could muster.
"A little…" he managed…..he was trying to figure out what had happened exactly to wind him up here. His brain was not really focusing too well and he was quite embarrassed by everything. He was usually not so gruff and ill-tempered…but the day had really…well…not been his best.
"Lets get you cleaned up then." she said crisply…as though she might be talking to a child.
Frodo scowled, curling under the blankets into a little ball. "I don't need to…I think you'd best just find a place to lie down and leave me here. I'll be fine…" he turned away, burying his face in the pillows. He wanted to be alone…and wallow in his own misery. He didn't want company and least of all…he didn't want anyone mothering him. That was the LAST thing he wanted. He just wished that his fingers and toes weren't so cold…and that his stomach didn't feel so…icky.
Used to stubborn children, Marigold folded her arms with a pleasant smile, "Now then Mr. Frodo. I'm not going to leave you while you're still lying in your own filth." she chirped crisply. "You're in no state to argue, and I'll warrant you'll thank me in the morning. And I tell you what…I'll bring in a treat after that will be just the ticket to fix your stomach so you can sleep." she coaxed him gently out of the small ball.
"What kind of treat?" He wasn't interested in food, his stomach was altogether too dangerous right now for anything of the kind. He turned to look at her. She wasn't Chloe…Chloe had known exactly what he wanted and had always known how to make him feel better. Bilbo too. He wished they were both here with him now…wished with all his heart. He swallowed, misery showing in his eyes.
"It wouldn't be a treat if I told you what it was, eh?" she pulled down the blanket and began to cheerfully unbutton his jacket. "Lets get this off, shall we?" She helped him to sit up just a little and coaxed him to move his arms at the proper times so that she could pull off the wine-soddened material. His shirt underneath was just as bad. Laced with sweat and clinging to his body. She wrinkled her nose again and was glad she was used to smelling such fowl things.
She treated him as though he was no more than a child while undressing him, paying not a whit of attention to the red in his cheeks or any sensitive parts of his body. Once she managed to get him completely undressed she tucked him under the covers and piled his smelly clothes together. "I'm just going to take these out somewhere where we don't have to smell them." she says, "I'd suggest a good burning later today is in order… for that's all they'll be worth, believe you and me. Good gracious me, Mr. Baggins, how did you get yourself into this state, I wonder." Shaking her head she carried the clothes out of the study.
Frodo lay down miserably. It was nice to get out of his wet clothes…but…he wasn't sure how nice it was to be cared for by someone he hardly knew…and Sam's sister no less. He didn't know how he was going to explain this to the Gaffer…and he hoped…he hoped that he could keep control over his senses and his temper. She really was doing her best by him…and a small part of him that he'd buried away that night was glad she hadn't left him.
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TBC