A/N - I felt inspired to start writing this story shortly after joining the FrodoHealers group and reading some of the discussions. They are a good place to seek inspiration and support for new writers. This story will include mention of many of Sam Gamgee's children who were often named after major characters in LotR. Usually names used are refering to the Gardner (Gamgee) children but I will try to keep it obvious when I am refering to their older namesakes.

Here, for quick reference, are the names and birth years of all 13 kids
Elanor Gardner 1421
Frodo Gardner 1423
Rose Gardner 1425
Merry Gardner 1427
Pippin Gardner 1429
Goldilocks Gardner 1431
Hamfast Gardner 1432
Daisy Gardner 1433
Primrose Gardner 1435
Bilbo Gardner 1436
Ruby Gardner 1438
Robin Gardner 1440
Tolman Gardner 1442

This story takes place in 1433 so Frodo Gardner is ~10. Rose is pregnant with Daisy and the last 5 kids are nothing more than a few romantic notions ;)

Disclaimer: I hated creative writing in school and never wrote anything for 20 years after graduation. Does that sound like someone who could invent these characters and locales? All belong to Tolkien.


Ivy's revenge - Chapter 1

Da! Daa! Fo...Fodo get ivy bad, gasped two-year-old Goldilocks as she rushed up the path to the front door of Bag End.

That boy is getting to be as mischievous as Mr. Pippin, said Sam as he looked up from the weeds he was pulling, Well I do hope this time Ivy Bramble gives him what for. He won't stop teasing her until she does.

Goldilocks was getting frustrated. Not Ivy Bambu...bo...Bambo. Fodo fall tee.

Sam was on his feet in a flash and caught up Goldi as he raced down the path. What tree? Where? Is he alright? He shifted her to one hip as he paused at the gate, not sure which direction to go.

Plum tee. Gaffer Spinger place.

Is your brother alright? Sam almost shouted.

Not know. Nora say run fast. Goldilocks began to cry. She was already exhausted from the long run home and now she was being squished as her father carried her, and he sounded awfully upset.

Sam was starting to huff from the exertion of running uphill with a burden. Anxiety seemed to make his chest tight and he was forced to slow to a walk. He wondered why hadn't he heard anything. Shrieks of laughter from a nearby hole made him realize he probably did hear something and just thought it was more of the usual din of children's voices heard constantly in the Shire these days.

Finally arriving at the back of the orchard where there was a line of plum trees, Sam was relieved to see Frodo sitting up and chatting with his big sister. Setting Goldi on the ground, Sam broke into a run again for the last few steps to Frodo's side.

At a glance, he saw his shirtless squirrel of a son was covered in scratches and bruises, and one ankle was very swollen. Elanor had her sleeves buttoned down about her wrists despite the late summer heat.

What happened? Sam went to hug his son but Elanor shooed him back.

Don't touch him. Fro-bro landed in poison ivy, said Elanor with a glance over to the telltale leaves mingled in with less bothersome scrub at the foot of the plum tree. Leaves and broken twigs littered the ground.

Oh no. Sam had had a couple of experiences with the nasty stuff himself as a child and knew that it could easily be spread to others unless everyone and everything that had touched it was thoroughly washed. Then he noticed that Elanor was holding Frodo's hand. Nora, honey, you shouldn't be touching him either... Oh nooo... Not you too!

I had to help pull him out. I think I just got it on my hands and sleeves. He can't walk and I figured I should stay with him.

Sam wanted to admonish his children for choosing such a foolish place to go climbing but for now he knew it was more important to get them home and washed up so the inevitable rash to come wouldn't be so bad. His arms were already cramped from carrying his youngest child but he would just have to endure a little more. Wait here. I'll see if I can borrow a blanket from Master Springer.

A few minutes later, he was back with one and laid it out on the ground. Frodo-lad, is there any part of you that didn't touch the poison ivy?

My feet, I think. My ankle got caught in the tree when I fell and I landed feet up.

You should have seen it, Da, giggled Elanor. All you could see was a shaking bush with his feet waving at the sky. Sam had to smile at the mental image.

Well, son, I guess we'd better wrap you up good. Get on the blanket and I'll carry you in that. Sam then gathered the corners together to form a sack and slung it over his back with naught showing of little Frodo but his feet poking out like a baby kangaroo in its mother's pouch. Goldi trotted alongside. Elanor, run ahead and get some water heating for the bath.

Once they were back at Bag End, Sam carried Frodo all the way to the bath room before setting him down.

Sorry, Frodo-lad. Your bath won't be very warm since waiting for the hotter water will only let the rash to get worse. Careful. Put some socks on your feet before you pull your breeches over them.

Frodo looked at the socks with disdain but did as his father said. He could barely get the one over his right ankle which was rapidly turning purple. He then pulled off his breeches and sat on the edge of the tub and tugged the socks back off before stepping in.

Eee! That's cold! Do I have to? Frodo's eyes were pleading as he hovered over the shallow water. Maybe that wasn't really poison ivy. I don't have any rash.

And you won't for a couple more hours yet. Now get in and wash everything from top to toes. I'll go see if there isn't enough warm water to at least wash your hair with. Sam got up and headed for the smial but stopped suddenly at the door and called out. Miss Elanor Gardner, have you washed your arms and face yet? Hop to it. And make sure Goldi gets washed too.

TBC



Thanks for reading. All reviews accepted gratefully.