01-13-2002
Meet Jaell Brandybuck: Chapter Eight
Merry looked so curious as to what Frodo had to say. Frodo stopped walking and turned Frodo to face him. "You cannot tell a soul, Merry. You must remember that and always remind yourself." Merry nodded, anxious to hear it all. "I want to pursue a relationship with Jaell [my eyes widened at this point] but every time I go near to talk to your father or mother about it all, they keep talking about Sam. And Sam… I do not presume Jaell would want to break his heart…" I walked away, letting them to each other.
I really, really need to leave… I need to go far away… perhaps to visit my friends? Yes, I will go visit my friends. Turning around, I looked at them. "Perhaps I will be seeing you both soon? Only time will tell!" I said it rather oddly and their faces expressed just that. I rushed home, I heard them not too far behind me and Frodo still yapping like a squirrel on too much cake.
I went into the home as quietly as I possibly could and saw my traveling rucksack and immediately began filling with amenities I knew I would need. Yes, some skirts. Extra shoes… When did I get this blouse? I like to humor myself as I pack, and I did just that. I did not notice Merry and Frodo in the doorway, watching me with wonder. I finished filling the sack to capacity with some food and fire amenities as well. I closed it as well as I could manage and slung it over my shoulder and hooked my own special dagger to my waist belt and was about to go on my way only to see two shadows blocking my way.
"I must leave, you can not stop me." Merry chuckled.
"What would mother say?" I shrugged, as if not to care but my thoughts said otherwise. Oh, mother, I hope she will be okay without me for a bit.
"Yes, and what would your father say, Jaell? Or me? Or even Sam!" I bit my lip at Frodo's statement.
"Forget them… I don't like being a pawn in a game of love. I need to think, I need to be on my own for a bit, I need to… just leave!" Merry laughed.
"As if your life has been so very hard… dearie, you need to sleep, not to leave." Frodo gave him a sidelong glance.
"Perhaps she's right… I've felt that way before in my own self." He wrapped his arms around me and I placed my head on chest, letting go of my silent tears. He whispered to me and Merry could not hear. "Jaell… if you can wait two years, I'll make your waiting worthwhile." I looked up at him, definitely puzzled.
"Eh?"
"Just wait… two years… that's all I ask." I thought for a moment, breaking away from him.
"I suppose that's possible." I sighed heavily as Frodo wiped my tears away. Merry patted Frodo on the back.
"Thank you, friend." Frodo nodded to him and slightly yawned.
"I shall be going. And don't forget, Jaell!" He winked at both of us and was on his way. I sat on my bed and Merry sat next to me.
"Don't worry, sister. It'll be okay. Perhaps you should just worry about taking care of the household and yourself for a while instead of pleasing others…?" Yeah, that's exactly what I want. To be a maid and not be able to think about the things and to write and to be free. Great.
"Good night, Merry." He nodded and got up.
"Good night." He walked off down the short hallway to his room where I could here him rustling before settling down in bed. I got comfortable under my covers and blew the candle out. It would be a long time before I would fall asleep that night.
More to come…