Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Middle-Earth. I don't even own my
computer! All characters, locations, etc. belong to the Tolkien Estate.
A/N: Ally, thank you for the review! I'm glad you like the story. :) I haven't written any other fanfics yet, but I probably will. :) And, also a huge thanks to everyone else that reads and/or reviews! :)
Chapter VII
The next day dawned more pleasant than the previous two had. The rain that had hindered the company's travel came to an end; and a bright blue sky was beginning to peek out through the dark clouds. While the terrain was still harsh, and made for difficult walking, it was far more pleasant than walking in the rain.
Frodo was especially happy with the change in the weather. The painful chill that gripped him had eased up a bit as the sun began to return; he lay out in it for a little while that morning, basking in its warmth. He had even managed to have a small serving of bread and soup for breakfast. The entire company was relived to see him eat something, as it was the first time he'd eaten in longer than a hobbit should go without. Sam was particularly overjoyed by this change in his Master's condition. Although, he watched Frodo like a mother hen in any case; fearing the Shadows would return and he wouldn't be by his Master's side to help him through it.
Aragorn had gone out scouting earlier that morning. He wanted to determine which direction their path would lead them in next. The Ranger was pleased with the ring-bearers improved condition, but he knew it was only temporary; and because of that Aragorn was anxious to reach Rivendell. Due to the nature of Frodo's wound, it was not possible for him to simply recover on his own, without the help of some higher power. During his years in the House of Elrond, Aragorn had learned some about the ways of healing. Often it happened that a patient would appear to be well, and then take a turn for the worse; which if not watched closely, could prove to be fatal.
Merry had exhibited a great deal of concern for Frodo. They had been dear friends for as long as Merry could remember, and he hated to see Frodo suffering so. Merry was just as overjoyed as the others were at the return of Frodo's appetite and his seeming recovery. He decided to breakfast with Frodo, and attempt to reminisce a little- hoping to cheer Frodo up and give him something to hold on to. "Frodo," Merry stated, grinning like no tomorrow, "Do you remember that day in the Shire, one summer many years ago- when I was just a lad, how we snuck into Blanco Hornblowers Pipe Weed shed and stole a whole rack of leaves? He never did find out who took it! The fun we had!" Merry finished, his voice filled with mirth. Frodo couldn't help but smile. He was glad to see Merry so jolly once more; Frodo knew that his friend had been concerned for his safety and well-being lately. Frodo shifted a little beneath his blankets, trying not to give in to the weariness that had suddenly begun to overcome him. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Oh my dearest Merry how could I ever forget?" Frodo smiled weakly, "We certainly did have him going 'round in circles for days didn't we!" Frodo could sense that Merry knew he had forced the smile. Merry glanced sidelong at his friend, and then relaxed his smile into a straight face. "Frodo, are you alright? I don't want you to overexert yourself…" Frodo interrupted Merry before he could continue, he knew where things were headed, "I am quite alright Merry," Frodo lied, "I'm just a little weary of the Sun, nothing more." He forced another smile. Merry jumped up, "Well then, let me assist you!" Frodo started to shake his head, "No Merry, I-". Merry ignored Frodo's protest, and started to lift his friend, blankets and all, to move him into the shade of a nearby tree. Frodo winced as Merry lifted him from the ground; he hoped Merry hadn't noticed.
Merry had taken note of Frodo's discomfort, and he had also heard the note of weariness in his friends' voice- but did not speak of it. Instead, he went to Sam. "Sam, did Strider leave any of those Athelas leaves out of his pack before he left?" Sam paled a shade, "Yes Mister Merry, why do you ask?" Merry was careful of how he spoke, knowing that Sam was very protective of Frodo and allowing the entire truth to be known would surely only cause the poor hobbit more anxiety. "Oh, 'tis nothing, he just wants to rest a wee bit before we start off today, and the Athelas would help him to relax." Merry finished, trying to mask his concern with a tiny smile. Sam wasn't quite convinced, but quickly boiled the Athelas water and tended his Master. Frodo was grateful for the Athelas treatment, but wondered how Sam knew that the dull ache was beginning to strengthen again in his shoulder.
The hobbits found themselves waiting for another hour before Aragorn finally returned to the camp. His face was drawn with worry and regret. "We must head back South," he ordered, "If we stay our course as it is now we will eventually reach the Ettendales, and that is a strange land to me. Troll country, it is." The Ranger sighed as he looked at the hobbits' faces, he felt as though they surely thought that he was ever the bearer of bad news. Aragorn noticed the pained expression that had returned to Frodo's fair face. He walked over to the ring-bearer and felt his pale cheek. "Cold as ice." Thought Aragorn. He scolded himself inwardly; this delay could cost them severely. "How are you feeling Frodo?" Frodo thought for a moment, he knew that he couldn't lie to the Ranger; but he didn't want to be completely honest either. "I… 'Tis nothing, really. I'm just a little tired, that's all. I didn't sleep well at all last night." Frodo sighed, but he was forced to cut it short as a sharp stab of pain shot through his left side. Aragorn frowned gently, deciding not to tell Frodo the whole truth as to why he hadn't slept. Apparently the ring-bearer didn't remember much, if anything, from the awful night they had all had. Aragorn decided that it would probably be best if Frodo weren't told. "I would think not. You were quite ill, Frodo." Aragorn stood up and surveyed the horizon. He guessed by the sun that it must be nearly noon. "We must be off as soon as possible. We need to get as far along as we can before we make camp tonight."
When all was made ready, Aragorn went to Frodo. "Frodo I know you're hiding something from me- but speak not of it now. I'm sure it will reveal itself in time. You don't feel as well as you lead us all to believe." Frodo looked surprised, and then frowned, thinking "Am I really that bad at hiding my pain?" He spoke up, as if to prove that he was indeed feeling well, and asked, "Strider, I wish to ride Bill alone today. He has been carrying an extra mount for too long… he deserves a break from such a load- especially in these hills." Frodo forced a smile. Aragorn surveyed Frodo carefully, a little surprised at the hobbits stubbornness and determination, "If… if you think you can manage it, Frodo. But you must let me know if you become too weary. It would not do for you to fall off!" Frodo almost regretted Aragorn allowing him to ride alone, as he felt the weariness increasing rapidly, beginning overcoming him. But he smiled anyway and replied, "Thank you, Strider."
Aragorn lifted the ring-bearer carefully, and sat him upon Bill the pony. The Ranger then left Frodo, and went to gather his own pack. He had been gone only a few minutes when Frodo felt an unexpected spell of dizziness come upon him. He swayed and started to slide from Bill's back, and hit the ground with a cry. Sam, who had been feeding Bill bits of tender grass, rushed to his Master's side. "Mister Frodo!" Sam cried, "Are you alright?" Frodo groaned, and winced as he felt that the pain in his shoulder had returned. "Y- Yes… Sam, I'll be fine." Sam raised Frodo to his knees, but stopped as Frodo cried out in pain, and fell back to the ground. "No! No… Sam, please. I'm fine." Frodo gasped, "Get Strider, please. He… he will help me… back onto Bill." Frodo tried to smile reassuringly. Sam looked doubtfully at his Master, noticing how Frodo had paled even further since his fall. Frodo's voice interrupted Sam's thoughts, "Sam… Go, please. Now. Tell Strider to hurry." Frodo winced as the cold feeling returned to his feet, moving up his legs, and he began to breathe heavily. Merry rushed to Frodo's side, and was distraught as he saw the tears in Frodo's wide eyes. Eyes that were so haunted by pain and fear. "Frodo?" Merry questioned. Frodo's breathing rate increased dramatically, and then, without warning, it stopped altogether. Frodo never even heard Merry's question; the Shadows had already possessed his mind and body.
Pippin dropped the apple he was eating, and ran to his cousin's side. He gasped as he saw the blue tint of Frodo's skin, and felt the icy cold of his cousin's hands. "Merry?" Pippin asked, his voice quaking, "What's going on?" Before Merry could answer, Frodo's eyes flew open… and he began gasping for breath. "Frodo!" Pippin nearly shouted, "Oh cousin, what happened? Are you alright?" Frodo lay on the ground with his eyes closed, trying take in air, but gasping as though none at all were coming to him.
At the same time, Sam returned with Aragorn and the Athelas water. The Ranger bent over Frodo and spoke gently as he stroked back the limp curls from the ring-bearers cold clammy forehead, "Frodo, what happened?" Frodo just shook his head. He wasn't able to speak, and even if he had been able to he couldn't have told anyone what had just happened to him- for he did not know.
Aragorn peeled back the layers of clothes and blankets in which the hobbit was wrapped; in order to bathe his wounded shoulder with the Athelas water. Frodo reached his right hand up weakly in protest. The Ranger forced it back to the ground, with little effort, and began to administer the Athelas treatment to Frodo's shoulder. Frodo groaned, and tried to pull away, but was held in place by Merry and Sam. Tears streamed down the ring-bearers face as the dark magic in his wounded shoulder fought the power of the Athelas water, causing the hobbit immense pain. Frodo clamped his mouth shut and swallowed hard, trying to stifle his cries. Within a few minutes, Frodo's breathing returned to the usual gasps, and his breaths sounded as if they were coming easier, and he appeared to have drifted off.
Aragorn finished tending Frodo, and rose to his feet. "We must go now. Traveling while he is unconscious will be easier for Frodo, and he will feel less pain." The Ranger paused, and then decided, "Pippin, you will ride behind Frodo in the saddle, to ensure that he does not fall off." Pippin nodded dutifully, and climbed aboard the pony behind his sick cousin, locking his arms securely around Frodo's waist. "My poor dear cousin!" Pippin said, tears still staining his rosy cheeks, "I'm so sorry you're ill Frodo…don't worry though, I shan't let you fall." Pippin reached up and stroked Frodo's damp curls before they started on their day's journey.
A/N: I'll try to have the next chapter up by tomorrow afternoon! Thanks for reading! :)
A/N: Ally, thank you for the review! I'm glad you like the story. :) I haven't written any other fanfics yet, but I probably will. :) And, also a huge thanks to everyone else that reads and/or reviews! :)
Chapter VII
The next day dawned more pleasant than the previous two had. The rain that had hindered the company's travel came to an end; and a bright blue sky was beginning to peek out through the dark clouds. While the terrain was still harsh, and made for difficult walking, it was far more pleasant than walking in the rain.
Frodo was especially happy with the change in the weather. The painful chill that gripped him had eased up a bit as the sun began to return; he lay out in it for a little while that morning, basking in its warmth. He had even managed to have a small serving of bread and soup for breakfast. The entire company was relived to see him eat something, as it was the first time he'd eaten in longer than a hobbit should go without. Sam was particularly overjoyed by this change in his Master's condition. Although, he watched Frodo like a mother hen in any case; fearing the Shadows would return and he wouldn't be by his Master's side to help him through it.
Aragorn had gone out scouting earlier that morning. He wanted to determine which direction their path would lead them in next. The Ranger was pleased with the ring-bearers improved condition, but he knew it was only temporary; and because of that Aragorn was anxious to reach Rivendell. Due to the nature of Frodo's wound, it was not possible for him to simply recover on his own, without the help of some higher power. During his years in the House of Elrond, Aragorn had learned some about the ways of healing. Often it happened that a patient would appear to be well, and then take a turn for the worse; which if not watched closely, could prove to be fatal.
Merry had exhibited a great deal of concern for Frodo. They had been dear friends for as long as Merry could remember, and he hated to see Frodo suffering so. Merry was just as overjoyed as the others were at the return of Frodo's appetite and his seeming recovery. He decided to breakfast with Frodo, and attempt to reminisce a little- hoping to cheer Frodo up and give him something to hold on to. "Frodo," Merry stated, grinning like no tomorrow, "Do you remember that day in the Shire, one summer many years ago- when I was just a lad, how we snuck into Blanco Hornblowers Pipe Weed shed and stole a whole rack of leaves? He never did find out who took it! The fun we had!" Merry finished, his voice filled with mirth. Frodo couldn't help but smile. He was glad to see Merry so jolly once more; Frodo knew that his friend had been concerned for his safety and well-being lately. Frodo shifted a little beneath his blankets, trying not to give in to the weariness that had suddenly begun to overcome him. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Oh my dearest Merry how could I ever forget?" Frodo smiled weakly, "We certainly did have him going 'round in circles for days didn't we!" Frodo could sense that Merry knew he had forced the smile. Merry glanced sidelong at his friend, and then relaxed his smile into a straight face. "Frodo, are you alright? I don't want you to overexert yourself…" Frodo interrupted Merry before he could continue, he knew where things were headed, "I am quite alright Merry," Frodo lied, "I'm just a little weary of the Sun, nothing more." He forced another smile. Merry jumped up, "Well then, let me assist you!" Frodo started to shake his head, "No Merry, I-". Merry ignored Frodo's protest, and started to lift his friend, blankets and all, to move him into the shade of a nearby tree. Frodo winced as Merry lifted him from the ground; he hoped Merry hadn't noticed.
Merry had taken note of Frodo's discomfort, and he had also heard the note of weariness in his friends' voice- but did not speak of it. Instead, he went to Sam. "Sam, did Strider leave any of those Athelas leaves out of his pack before he left?" Sam paled a shade, "Yes Mister Merry, why do you ask?" Merry was careful of how he spoke, knowing that Sam was very protective of Frodo and allowing the entire truth to be known would surely only cause the poor hobbit more anxiety. "Oh, 'tis nothing, he just wants to rest a wee bit before we start off today, and the Athelas would help him to relax." Merry finished, trying to mask his concern with a tiny smile. Sam wasn't quite convinced, but quickly boiled the Athelas water and tended his Master. Frodo was grateful for the Athelas treatment, but wondered how Sam knew that the dull ache was beginning to strengthen again in his shoulder.
The hobbits found themselves waiting for another hour before Aragorn finally returned to the camp. His face was drawn with worry and regret. "We must head back South," he ordered, "If we stay our course as it is now we will eventually reach the Ettendales, and that is a strange land to me. Troll country, it is." The Ranger sighed as he looked at the hobbits' faces, he felt as though they surely thought that he was ever the bearer of bad news. Aragorn noticed the pained expression that had returned to Frodo's fair face. He walked over to the ring-bearer and felt his pale cheek. "Cold as ice." Thought Aragorn. He scolded himself inwardly; this delay could cost them severely. "How are you feeling Frodo?" Frodo thought for a moment, he knew that he couldn't lie to the Ranger; but he didn't want to be completely honest either. "I… 'Tis nothing, really. I'm just a little tired, that's all. I didn't sleep well at all last night." Frodo sighed, but he was forced to cut it short as a sharp stab of pain shot through his left side. Aragorn frowned gently, deciding not to tell Frodo the whole truth as to why he hadn't slept. Apparently the ring-bearer didn't remember much, if anything, from the awful night they had all had. Aragorn decided that it would probably be best if Frodo weren't told. "I would think not. You were quite ill, Frodo." Aragorn stood up and surveyed the horizon. He guessed by the sun that it must be nearly noon. "We must be off as soon as possible. We need to get as far along as we can before we make camp tonight."
When all was made ready, Aragorn went to Frodo. "Frodo I know you're hiding something from me- but speak not of it now. I'm sure it will reveal itself in time. You don't feel as well as you lead us all to believe." Frodo looked surprised, and then frowned, thinking "Am I really that bad at hiding my pain?" He spoke up, as if to prove that he was indeed feeling well, and asked, "Strider, I wish to ride Bill alone today. He has been carrying an extra mount for too long… he deserves a break from such a load- especially in these hills." Frodo forced a smile. Aragorn surveyed Frodo carefully, a little surprised at the hobbits stubbornness and determination, "If… if you think you can manage it, Frodo. But you must let me know if you become too weary. It would not do for you to fall off!" Frodo almost regretted Aragorn allowing him to ride alone, as he felt the weariness increasing rapidly, beginning overcoming him. But he smiled anyway and replied, "Thank you, Strider."
Aragorn lifted the ring-bearer carefully, and sat him upon Bill the pony. The Ranger then left Frodo, and went to gather his own pack. He had been gone only a few minutes when Frodo felt an unexpected spell of dizziness come upon him. He swayed and started to slide from Bill's back, and hit the ground with a cry. Sam, who had been feeding Bill bits of tender grass, rushed to his Master's side. "Mister Frodo!" Sam cried, "Are you alright?" Frodo groaned, and winced as he felt that the pain in his shoulder had returned. "Y- Yes… Sam, I'll be fine." Sam raised Frodo to his knees, but stopped as Frodo cried out in pain, and fell back to the ground. "No! No… Sam, please. I'm fine." Frodo gasped, "Get Strider, please. He… he will help me… back onto Bill." Frodo tried to smile reassuringly. Sam looked doubtfully at his Master, noticing how Frodo had paled even further since his fall. Frodo's voice interrupted Sam's thoughts, "Sam… Go, please. Now. Tell Strider to hurry." Frodo winced as the cold feeling returned to his feet, moving up his legs, and he began to breathe heavily. Merry rushed to Frodo's side, and was distraught as he saw the tears in Frodo's wide eyes. Eyes that were so haunted by pain and fear. "Frodo?" Merry questioned. Frodo's breathing rate increased dramatically, and then, without warning, it stopped altogether. Frodo never even heard Merry's question; the Shadows had already possessed his mind and body.
Pippin dropped the apple he was eating, and ran to his cousin's side. He gasped as he saw the blue tint of Frodo's skin, and felt the icy cold of his cousin's hands. "Merry?" Pippin asked, his voice quaking, "What's going on?" Before Merry could answer, Frodo's eyes flew open… and he began gasping for breath. "Frodo!" Pippin nearly shouted, "Oh cousin, what happened? Are you alright?" Frodo lay on the ground with his eyes closed, trying take in air, but gasping as though none at all were coming to him.
At the same time, Sam returned with Aragorn and the Athelas water. The Ranger bent over Frodo and spoke gently as he stroked back the limp curls from the ring-bearers cold clammy forehead, "Frodo, what happened?" Frodo just shook his head. He wasn't able to speak, and even if he had been able to he couldn't have told anyone what had just happened to him- for he did not know.
Aragorn peeled back the layers of clothes and blankets in which the hobbit was wrapped; in order to bathe his wounded shoulder with the Athelas water. Frodo reached his right hand up weakly in protest. The Ranger forced it back to the ground, with little effort, and began to administer the Athelas treatment to Frodo's shoulder. Frodo groaned, and tried to pull away, but was held in place by Merry and Sam. Tears streamed down the ring-bearers face as the dark magic in his wounded shoulder fought the power of the Athelas water, causing the hobbit immense pain. Frodo clamped his mouth shut and swallowed hard, trying to stifle his cries. Within a few minutes, Frodo's breathing returned to the usual gasps, and his breaths sounded as if they were coming easier, and he appeared to have drifted off.
Aragorn finished tending Frodo, and rose to his feet. "We must go now. Traveling while he is unconscious will be easier for Frodo, and he will feel less pain." The Ranger paused, and then decided, "Pippin, you will ride behind Frodo in the saddle, to ensure that he does not fall off." Pippin nodded dutifully, and climbed aboard the pony behind his sick cousin, locking his arms securely around Frodo's waist. "My poor dear cousin!" Pippin said, tears still staining his rosy cheeks, "I'm so sorry you're ill Frodo…don't worry though, I shan't let you fall." Pippin reached up and stroked Frodo's damp curls before they started on their day's journey.
A/N: I'll try to have the next chapter up by tomorrow afternoon! Thanks for reading! :)