- After All is Said and Done -
Part Four : Heartbeat
by Silvertine
- - -
- A/N: So, here's part four. And after much thought, I've decided that this will have A LOT more chapters on the way, as this story is going to get considerably more complicated with a few twists and turns and such.
- Suggested Music: "Higher" by Creed
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Frodo breathed in deeply, savouring the cool night air and the peace. Distantly, he could hear music and the sounds of the party, but he felt little desire to return to it. The trees seemed to lean over the path, almost like a natural roof, and the moon shone round and pale in the black sky.
Elanor gripped Frodo's hand tightly, and Frodo was quite glad it was dark so the hobbit-girl couldn't see his red cheeks.
"You know, this reminds me of a song Bilbo used to sing when we'd go traisping through the woods at night." He suddenly remembered as they walked along.
"Really?" Elanor responded, "Please sing it for me!"
"Well, the final part goes something like this-
'Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!
Fire and lamp, and meat and bread,
And then to bed! And then to bed!'"
Elanor laughed in delight. "That's lovely, Frodo! I like that - 'Away shall fade! Away shall fade!'" She sang, her voice high and clear.
"When I was about your age, it was one of my favourite walking tunes." Frodo said calmly.
Elanor halted, turning to face Frodo and clutching both his hands in her small, pale ones.
"Do not speak like that, please... it makes me think of you as the great hero 'Frodo of the Nine Fingers', and not as my friend..." Her eyes searched his in desperation, though what they searched for Frodo did not know.
"Ellie, perhaps we should return to the party." Frodo said slowly, but the obstinate hobbit-girl shook her curls.
"No, no. Frodo - ever since I met you, I - oh, Frodo, forgive me!" She exclaimed, then suddenly drew forward and firmly planted her lips on his, still gripping his hands. It was a short, abrupt kiss and Elanor drew back quickly, watching as Frodo's sapphire eyes grew impossibly large and shocked.
She took in a little breath, then slowly said, "Frodo, I want to know how you... I... I *need* to know how you feel about - about me." She replied, her voice small but pleading.
Frodo was taken aback - from Ellie's kiss and her words - and he swallowed hard. Elanor was very pretty, especially at that moment - with her eyes so wide and glassy, and shadows pooling across her face and the moon illuminating the outline of her firm chin. And she had such a beautiful personality - bright, optimistic, opinionated, and caring. Frodo found himself smiling slightly, and whether it was the large amount of ale he'd consumed, or the enchantment of the dark, peaceful forest - he decided to confess that he felt very strongly for Elanor. And so--
"I feel..." He said gently, gazing at Ellie. "I feel..." It was then, unfortunately, that the alcohol consumed that night, as well as the fact that Frodo still had slight traces of his fever - decided to make itself clear. "I feel... I feel like i'm going to be sick!" He suddenly clapped his hand over his mouth, then turned and stumbled to the edge of the path.
Elanor gaped as Frodo retched, then her nursing skills kicked in and she went over to him, laying a hand gently on his convulsing back. Frodo groaned, and Elanor smoothed the damp, dark curls back from his pale forehead.
"Are you all right?" She asked slowly. "I'm sorry... I should've realized that you were still a bit ill. It's all my fault - making you come to my silly party, when you should've been in bed resting! But come, let's head back to Bag End and make you some tea and put you to bed."
"That sounds good..." Frodo said weakly, and Elanor wrapped an arm around his waist to support him. They slowly made their way back down the path and eventually reached the edge of the Party Field.
"Well, it's not much further to Bag End, so come along." Elanor said gently.
"Go back to the party, Ellie. It's not fair that you have to take care of me during your Coming-of-Age. I refuse to take you away from a celebration that's being held in *your* honour!" Frodo pointed out. "And I can make it back to Bag End, I think..."
"Look, Frodo. I'll be frank - there's no one else I'd rather spend my Coming-of-Age with then YOU, even if it means me sitting by your bedside and making you tea." Elanor said, tightening her arm around Frodo's waist and starting to walk towards Bag End.
There was a pause, and then -- "By all the Valar, I'd swear you are the most incorrigible hobbit in existence! Nevertheless, I'm glad you're taking care of me, Elanor. And I'm honoured that you would give up your party to be with... with me." Frodo responded, as they neared the gate to the smial.
"You dear, silly hobbit! Do you think I give out kisses freely? No, only to those that I genuinely care about; and I'll have you know that you're the first I've ever kissed! So of course that means that I want to spend time with you."
Elanor pulled open the round, green entrance door to Bag End, and the two made their way inside.
Soft voices and firelight spilled out of one of the sitting rooms, and Elanor jerked her head in that direction.
"Father and the Thain, er - Master Took." She whispered.
"Perhaps I should go in..." Frodo said, his stomach feeling queasy.
"No, I'm afraid it's to bed with you, Frodo." Elanor replied, "I refuse to see you be ill all over the Thain." She added with a little giggle, tugging on Frodo's arm.
They made their way to Frodo's room and there Elanor made up his bed, and re-filled his basin with water.
She took a dressing gown out of the closet and then turned to Frodo, who was looking rather sick.
"Now, let's get you out of those clothes and into this gown." The hobbit-girl said.
Frodo's eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Well, I - uh - well now... I... I can probably manage..."
There was a pause, and then Elanor raised her eyebrows incredulously. "Alright, then let's see you unbutton your weskit."
Frodo reddened further, if that was possible, but his hands slowly reached for the button. His fingers, he realised, were *trembling* and *weak* - effects of his illness - and could only fumble.
Elanor nodded smugly. "You see? You're still weak, Frodo. By the Valar, who knows how you managed to stay on your feet at the party this evening. You need *rest*, Frodo. Rest!"
She moved forward and quickly set to work on the buttons, then carefully pulled off the burgundy weskit. Next, she was in the process of lifting off Frodo's shirt - which was now over his head - when there was the sound of a door creaking loudly.
Elanor bit down on her lower lip hard, drawing blood, and she slowly turned around, knowing instinctively who was there.
"Father," She said earnestly, "It's not what it look like!"
Sam's eyes were hard, and his jaw was set firmly. "Elanor Gamgee, I-"
Upon hearing Sam's voice, Frodo - who's view was still obstructed by his half-pulled up shirt - attempted to pull down said shirt, but only managed to get his arms caught as he struggled in the white garment. This caused him to lose his balance, and with the ungracefulness of a dwarf, Frodo met the wooden floor with a crash.
Elanor's eyes were wide as she whirled around to see Frodo on the floor, tangled in his shirt.
In spite of the situation, Elanor found a laugh bubbling up within her and it spilled forth, young and carefree.
Frodo stopped struggling and protested - "It's not that funny! And please, help me untangle myself!"
Elanor knelt down - still giggling - and carefully extricated Frodo from the garment. "There!" She exclaimed, helping the lad to his feet.
Sam's glare softened slightly, and immediately fixed upon Frodo. "Mister Frodo, come into the sitting room with myself and Mister Pippin." It was more of a command than anything, spoken rather stiffly. "And Elanor - go to your room. I have no words to describe my anger and disappointment in you right now, but I certainly will in the morning. *Go*!"
Elanor didn't need to be told twice. With a small whimper, she darted out of the room as quickly as possible.
There was a long pause as the two old friends faced each other. "Oh, Sam." Frodo suddenly broke out, shaking his head slightly. "I'm ill! She was only trying to aid me in getting ready for bed."
Sam's stare was cold. "Mister Frodo, I have always trusted you without a second thought, but now this is my own flesh and blood I'm dealing with, so I can't immediately believe all that you say. Sir, once again I ask, come into the sitting room with myself and Mister Pippin."
Now it was Frodo's turn to be angry. "No, Sam! Don't you see? *Nothing happened*, or was GOING to happen! Elanor was merely helping me! You're being blinded by your stubbornness! You don't even trust me anymore!"
"Mister Frodo, I'll not have you stand here and order me about like this! I... I--"
"Don't say it. I don't care to hear anymore words from you right now!" Frodo spat. Without another word, the angry hobbit strode out of the room.
* * *
"Ellie..." A quiet voice whispered into the darkness. A shaft of light from the partially opened door fell upon a weeping figure, as somebody entered the room. "Ellie, it's me. Frodo." The voice persisted.
The figure raised it's head from the bedspread, startled. "F-Frodo?" A hoarse voice whispered in reply.
The sound of the door closing met Elanor's ears, then she soon saw a small orange flicker by her bedside table. The flicker grew into a small glow as she realised Frodo had lit a candle.
He brought the candle up to his face so she could see it was him. "Hullo, Ellie." He said with a sad smile.
"Oh Frodo..." Elanor suddenly choked out, then clambered to her feet and went to him, throwing her arms around him as she wept bitterly. "It's not fair..." She sobbed, "I didn't mean anything... he thinks I'm horrid now... oh... ohhhh... it isn't fair..."
Frodo gently stroked the golden curls, slightly uncomfortable at the hobbit lass crying into his shoulder. "There there..." He soothed. "It's all right, Ellie... we'll think of something to sort this mess out..." Frodo's eyes suddenly widened as he struck upon something. "Elanor..." He whispered hesitantly, "Ellie, I don't belong here. You know that. I've tried to be part of the Shire again but it's so hard... I've seen so much more... oh Ellie, I can't stay here. I just can't. I need to leave... to go to Imladris - Rivendell. To see the Elves. I miss the Fair Folk oh so much, after being surrounded by them for such a long time... darling, come with me! To Rivendell! We could live with the Elves for the rest of our days and never know this kind of sorrow again!"
There was a silence as Elanor drew back slightly, looking Frodo in the eye. "Rivendell..." She murmured. "I have always, *always* wanted to see the Elves... all of my life. But to live with them? Oh Frodo... my dear, dear Frodo..." She whispered. "Yes! Yes! A hundred, thousand times... yes!"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TBC. =P
Part Four : Heartbeat
by Silvertine
- - -
- A/N: So, here's part four. And after much thought, I've decided that this will have A LOT more chapters on the way, as this story is going to get considerably more complicated with a few twists and turns and such.
- Suggested Music: "Higher" by Creed
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Frodo breathed in deeply, savouring the cool night air and the peace. Distantly, he could hear music and the sounds of the party, but he felt little desire to return to it. The trees seemed to lean over the path, almost like a natural roof, and the moon shone round and pale in the black sky.
Elanor gripped Frodo's hand tightly, and Frodo was quite glad it was dark so the hobbit-girl couldn't see his red cheeks.
"You know, this reminds me of a song Bilbo used to sing when we'd go traisping through the woods at night." He suddenly remembered as they walked along.
"Really?" Elanor responded, "Please sing it for me!"
"Well, the final part goes something like this-
'Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!
Fire and lamp, and meat and bread,
And then to bed! And then to bed!'"
Elanor laughed in delight. "That's lovely, Frodo! I like that - 'Away shall fade! Away shall fade!'" She sang, her voice high and clear.
"When I was about your age, it was one of my favourite walking tunes." Frodo said calmly.
Elanor halted, turning to face Frodo and clutching both his hands in her small, pale ones.
"Do not speak like that, please... it makes me think of you as the great hero 'Frodo of the Nine Fingers', and not as my friend..." Her eyes searched his in desperation, though what they searched for Frodo did not know.
"Ellie, perhaps we should return to the party." Frodo said slowly, but the obstinate hobbit-girl shook her curls.
"No, no. Frodo - ever since I met you, I - oh, Frodo, forgive me!" She exclaimed, then suddenly drew forward and firmly planted her lips on his, still gripping his hands. It was a short, abrupt kiss and Elanor drew back quickly, watching as Frodo's sapphire eyes grew impossibly large and shocked.
She took in a little breath, then slowly said, "Frodo, I want to know how you... I... I *need* to know how you feel about - about me." She replied, her voice small but pleading.
Frodo was taken aback - from Ellie's kiss and her words - and he swallowed hard. Elanor was very pretty, especially at that moment - with her eyes so wide and glassy, and shadows pooling across her face and the moon illuminating the outline of her firm chin. And she had such a beautiful personality - bright, optimistic, opinionated, and caring. Frodo found himself smiling slightly, and whether it was the large amount of ale he'd consumed, or the enchantment of the dark, peaceful forest - he decided to confess that he felt very strongly for Elanor. And so--
"I feel..." He said gently, gazing at Ellie. "I feel..." It was then, unfortunately, that the alcohol consumed that night, as well as the fact that Frodo still had slight traces of his fever - decided to make itself clear. "I feel... I feel like i'm going to be sick!" He suddenly clapped his hand over his mouth, then turned and stumbled to the edge of the path.
Elanor gaped as Frodo retched, then her nursing skills kicked in and she went over to him, laying a hand gently on his convulsing back. Frodo groaned, and Elanor smoothed the damp, dark curls back from his pale forehead.
"Are you all right?" She asked slowly. "I'm sorry... I should've realized that you were still a bit ill. It's all my fault - making you come to my silly party, when you should've been in bed resting! But come, let's head back to Bag End and make you some tea and put you to bed."
"That sounds good..." Frodo said weakly, and Elanor wrapped an arm around his waist to support him. They slowly made their way back down the path and eventually reached the edge of the Party Field.
"Well, it's not much further to Bag End, so come along." Elanor said gently.
"Go back to the party, Ellie. It's not fair that you have to take care of me during your Coming-of-Age. I refuse to take you away from a celebration that's being held in *your* honour!" Frodo pointed out. "And I can make it back to Bag End, I think..."
"Look, Frodo. I'll be frank - there's no one else I'd rather spend my Coming-of-Age with then YOU, even if it means me sitting by your bedside and making you tea." Elanor said, tightening her arm around Frodo's waist and starting to walk towards Bag End.
There was a pause, and then -- "By all the Valar, I'd swear you are the most incorrigible hobbit in existence! Nevertheless, I'm glad you're taking care of me, Elanor. And I'm honoured that you would give up your party to be with... with me." Frodo responded, as they neared the gate to the smial.
"You dear, silly hobbit! Do you think I give out kisses freely? No, only to those that I genuinely care about; and I'll have you know that you're the first I've ever kissed! So of course that means that I want to spend time with you."
Elanor pulled open the round, green entrance door to Bag End, and the two made their way inside.
Soft voices and firelight spilled out of one of the sitting rooms, and Elanor jerked her head in that direction.
"Father and the Thain, er - Master Took." She whispered.
"Perhaps I should go in..." Frodo said, his stomach feeling queasy.
"No, I'm afraid it's to bed with you, Frodo." Elanor replied, "I refuse to see you be ill all over the Thain." She added with a little giggle, tugging on Frodo's arm.
They made their way to Frodo's room and there Elanor made up his bed, and re-filled his basin with water.
She took a dressing gown out of the closet and then turned to Frodo, who was looking rather sick.
"Now, let's get you out of those clothes and into this gown." The hobbit-girl said.
Frodo's eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Well, I - uh - well now... I... I can probably manage..."
There was a pause, and then Elanor raised her eyebrows incredulously. "Alright, then let's see you unbutton your weskit."
Frodo reddened further, if that was possible, but his hands slowly reached for the button. His fingers, he realised, were *trembling* and *weak* - effects of his illness - and could only fumble.
Elanor nodded smugly. "You see? You're still weak, Frodo. By the Valar, who knows how you managed to stay on your feet at the party this evening. You need *rest*, Frodo. Rest!"
She moved forward and quickly set to work on the buttons, then carefully pulled off the burgundy weskit. Next, she was in the process of lifting off Frodo's shirt - which was now over his head - when there was the sound of a door creaking loudly.
Elanor bit down on her lower lip hard, drawing blood, and she slowly turned around, knowing instinctively who was there.
"Father," She said earnestly, "It's not what it look like!"
Sam's eyes were hard, and his jaw was set firmly. "Elanor Gamgee, I-"
Upon hearing Sam's voice, Frodo - who's view was still obstructed by his half-pulled up shirt - attempted to pull down said shirt, but only managed to get his arms caught as he struggled in the white garment. This caused him to lose his balance, and with the ungracefulness of a dwarf, Frodo met the wooden floor with a crash.
Elanor's eyes were wide as she whirled around to see Frodo on the floor, tangled in his shirt.
In spite of the situation, Elanor found a laugh bubbling up within her and it spilled forth, young and carefree.
Frodo stopped struggling and protested - "It's not that funny! And please, help me untangle myself!"
Elanor knelt down - still giggling - and carefully extricated Frodo from the garment. "There!" She exclaimed, helping the lad to his feet.
Sam's glare softened slightly, and immediately fixed upon Frodo. "Mister Frodo, come into the sitting room with myself and Mister Pippin." It was more of a command than anything, spoken rather stiffly. "And Elanor - go to your room. I have no words to describe my anger and disappointment in you right now, but I certainly will in the morning. *Go*!"
Elanor didn't need to be told twice. With a small whimper, she darted out of the room as quickly as possible.
There was a long pause as the two old friends faced each other. "Oh, Sam." Frodo suddenly broke out, shaking his head slightly. "I'm ill! She was only trying to aid me in getting ready for bed."
Sam's stare was cold. "Mister Frodo, I have always trusted you without a second thought, but now this is my own flesh and blood I'm dealing with, so I can't immediately believe all that you say. Sir, once again I ask, come into the sitting room with myself and Mister Pippin."
Now it was Frodo's turn to be angry. "No, Sam! Don't you see? *Nothing happened*, or was GOING to happen! Elanor was merely helping me! You're being blinded by your stubbornness! You don't even trust me anymore!"
"Mister Frodo, I'll not have you stand here and order me about like this! I... I--"
"Don't say it. I don't care to hear anymore words from you right now!" Frodo spat. Without another word, the angry hobbit strode out of the room.
* * *
"Ellie..." A quiet voice whispered into the darkness. A shaft of light from the partially opened door fell upon a weeping figure, as somebody entered the room. "Ellie, it's me. Frodo." The voice persisted.
The figure raised it's head from the bedspread, startled. "F-Frodo?" A hoarse voice whispered in reply.
The sound of the door closing met Elanor's ears, then she soon saw a small orange flicker by her bedside table. The flicker grew into a small glow as she realised Frodo had lit a candle.
He brought the candle up to his face so she could see it was him. "Hullo, Ellie." He said with a sad smile.
"Oh Frodo..." Elanor suddenly choked out, then clambered to her feet and went to him, throwing her arms around him as she wept bitterly. "It's not fair..." She sobbed, "I didn't mean anything... he thinks I'm horrid now... oh... ohhhh... it isn't fair..."
Frodo gently stroked the golden curls, slightly uncomfortable at the hobbit lass crying into his shoulder. "There there..." He soothed. "It's all right, Ellie... we'll think of something to sort this mess out..." Frodo's eyes suddenly widened as he struck upon something. "Elanor..." He whispered hesitantly, "Ellie, I don't belong here. You know that. I've tried to be part of the Shire again but it's so hard... I've seen so much more... oh Ellie, I can't stay here. I just can't. I need to leave... to go to Imladris - Rivendell. To see the Elves. I miss the Fair Folk oh so much, after being surrounded by them for such a long time... darling, come with me! To Rivendell! We could live with the Elves for the rest of our days and never know this kind of sorrow again!"
There was a silence as Elanor drew back slightly, looking Frodo in the eye. "Rivendell..." She murmured. "I have always, *always* wanted to see the Elves... all of my life. But to live with them? Oh Frodo... my dear, dear Frodo..." She whispered. "Yes! Yes! A hundred, thousand times... yes!"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TBC. =P