01-13-2002
Side note: to the person that reviewed me, Merry meant 'cousin' to Frodo as a term of endearment, not actual reference to being cousins. Thank you. :)
Meet Jaell Brandybuck: Chapter Nine
For several months, Frodo and I kept our 'romance' hidden from others, as no one would have suspected us to be seeking a relationship with one another. Sam was the biggest believer in a relationship between himself, and myself but he knew so little. Far less than he should have known, bless his innocent heart.
Frodo and I would do unsusceptible, 'friendly' things. We'd read books of Hobbit history, geography, of Elves, and the such together in the forest, hearing each other's inputs and takes on such things. Frodo and I also loved just walking in the forest, singing and speaking tales and chants we had heard from Elves or from Bilbo a bit ago. We'd also 'accidentally' meet at the market, enabling us to walk and talk more as well. Whenever Sam was in sight Frodo would split and give me a signal that meant "Later…"
Such was one day, Frodo and I were milling about the fruit stands when Sam came strolling by and saw me. Frodo left, pretending that we were done with our conversation and touched his eyebrow. I smiled to myself and pretended to look at different fruit while Sam placed himself next to me.
"Oh, Sam Gamgee! You startled me half to death." I was decent at feigning shock.
"Please accept my apologies, milady. I meant no such thing!"
"It's quite alright, Sam. Would you care to help me?" I nodded my head toward my paid market baggage.
"Oh! Where is my head today!" He picked them all up, to my marvel and walked me back to the house.
"I do not know how to thank you, dear Sam." A small hug followed. "Thank you again." He nodded and was on his way. I went inside to put the things away as I heard small rustling outside the window in the brush only to see Frodo's head pop up out what seemed to be nowhere.
"Hullo there, fair lady!" I laughed at his childishness at the moment.
"Oh, Frodo. It's been almost a year…," I spoke while putting things in the cupboards, "why do I have to keep waiting until another year passes? Why can't you tell me now why I've been waiting to head off to Rivendell or Mirkwood in search of comfort with my friends?"
His smile faded. "I cannot tell you… you must understand." Then he disappeared. I sighed and continued my work, trying to figure out what could have been on his mind that weighed him down as much as it did.
More to come…