A Elbereth: I really appreciate your comments about my characterization
of Bilbo; I find him harder to write than Gimli!
Ancalime: Your hamster muse is quite imaginative! I have to find me one of those. (But remember that Bilbo had this illness 75 years ago (when he was 25); *way* before he found the Ring.)
Annemarie (Aimee): I'm very glad you're enjoying the story. I have no plans to discontinue interacting with the reviewers, as that would be ignoring one of the most wonderful parts of fanfiction.net --- communication between enthusiasts of LOTR fan fiction. This give-and-take is the very reason I write LOTR fan fiction and post it here; this site allows for a mutually supportive, interactive forum where we grow and learn as authors, and everyone gets a chance to share their creative ideas. I use this "space" (as many others do) as a way to humbly thank reviewers for support, constructive criticism, and often fascinating ideas, as well as to "break down the wall" between author and reviewer. Reviewers keep us writing and spur our imagination into areas we'd never dream of going otherwise; how else can an author say "thank you"? Anyone who feels that my comments are a bit lengthy or misplaced is welcome to just scroll past them.
AthenaPeter: My sharp-eyed mother, who reads every word of every chapter before I post it, is thrilled that someone complimented the proofreading!
CodedMessage: Thank you for your comments! I suppose I don't let my characters get "injured or sickened beyond belief" because injury and/or illness are never the "point" of my stories. (I say more about this in my note to helga.) And no, I'm not published. Sigh. At the moment, all I want to write about are hobbits!
helga: You get it *exactly*. I'm not writing a story for the sole purpose of putting Frodo (or anyone) through an illness; I'm using the complication of an illness as a device to tell a larger story --- about people being unexpectedly brought together, forced to meet a challenge none of them were quite prepared for. It's an atmosphere that can bring out strength, weakness, good decisions (and possibly not so good), and learning new things about others and themselves. That's part of what the whole LOTR story is about, for me.
katakanadian: Precognitive delirium??? What a great phrase.
Obelia medusa: I'm honored to receive your very first review ever! As to speed of writing, my best tools seem to be 1) watching almost no TV; and 2) thinking about the stories a LOT. My Disclaimer, below, is extremely accurate.
Ruth: I'm not sure what you're referring to. I never abandon stories, or leave them incomplete for long. I currently have three "works in progress". "Quarantined" and "Reunion in Minas Tirith" are updated as frequently as I can manage it; and "Avalanche", which concludes on Friday, has been updated weekly (which is wonderfully fast and was very difficult to do!). I have no other unfinished stories, nor anything I've abandoned or have any plans to abandon.
Talking Hawk: Your story ideas are very creative! And thank you for the comments on "Whispers of the Dragon" --- I was/am very proud of that story.
Tatl Alaria: No, the drink from Chapter 4 is just a painkiller, not a sedative. Swamp malaise makes you sleepy enough all by itself.
AUTHOR NOTES: In S.R. 1391, Bilbo is 100 years old and Frodo is 22 (just barely into his "tweens"). AU story; however, what was Frodo's early life with Bilbo like? How did he meet Gandalf? Why was Aragorn so dedicated to the safeguarding of the Shire? Perhaps this tale can give possible answers to those questions.. I hope you enjoy it.
My thanks to the FrodoHealers website and its members for inspiration; additional thanks to Llinos and Marigold, for advice and encouragement.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional and do not claim to be. This is a work of fiction. No medical treatment or description of illness in this story should be taken as anything more than the author's own opinions and plot devices.
DISCLAIMER: Of course. The characters don't belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.
___________________________
QUARANTINED
Chapter 5 --- A Precious Life
S.R. 1391, April 27
Someone was holding him. Frodo slowly became aware that he was in someone's lap, large arms surrounding him. It had been so long since he'd been in anyone's lap.. it was nice.. Things seemed to drift for a few minutes, then he gradually realized that a soft flow of beard was cushioning his cheek. Gandalf. He was wrapped in Bilbo's favorite quilt, curled up in the wizard's lap, in his own familiar room. As relieved as Frodo had felt, entering his tweens at last and leaving childhood behind, Gandalf's size was making him feel like a little child again. It was all right, just this once.. He sighed, his eyes closed, warm and secure inside the nest of blankets and large hands and lap.
Frodo's head ached, though the pain was still somewhat dulled by Aragorn's painkilling drink. His neck was starting to ache as well. He started to lift his head, to look up, but that made his neck hurt worse and a soft whimper escaped his lips. Gandalf shifted just slightly, and brought his hand up to the back of Frodo's head and neck. He began to stroke softly, his long fingers gently massaging in just the right places.
"Bilbo tells me you have a new little cousin," Gandalf said. His voice was quiet, soothing. "Your Uncle Paladin must be beside himself with joy; an heir at last, I believe. Peregrin. Such a grand name for such a tiny one, isn't it? We'll have to work out how he's related to you, young Frodo. You have so many cousins, I suppose it's easy to lose track."
Frodo felt the rim of a mug pressed to his lips, and he opened his eyes.
"It's just water." Frodo gulped down the cool water, trying not to move his head too much. "There we go, that's enough for now."
Frodo liked the wizard's soft voice. He listened quietly.
"Perhaps you can lend Aragorn some of your more expendable cousins, my boy. He has hardly any family, you know. Hardly anyone at all. But a brand- new friend now, I think."
"Gandalf," whispered Frodo. "Who is he? What.. what does he..?"
"Ah," said the wizard. "Aragorn is a Ranger. Rangers are very brave and good Men who protect weaker folk from harm and keep the roads safe. And so much more, Frodo, so much more. Like your Uncle Bilbo, Aragorn is older and wiser than he appears. More beneath the surface than you would imagine." He chuckled. "Much like some hobbits I know!"
Frodo was relieved to discover that he had stopped shaking with cold. He felt so nice and warm now, almost too warm. Warm and sleepy. But so dizzy..
"Aragorn is quite a special person. I suspect you might be quite special as well. Your Uncle Bilbo wouldn't adopt just anyone, let me assure you."
"Bilbo.." Frodo murmured.
"I sent Bilbo off to get a little rest; it's quite late. I'll stay with you for a bit, if that's all right?"
"Oh, yes."
"Are you happy here with Bilbo?"
"Oh, Gandalf, I love him so very much. I never thought I would be happy.. ever again."
"I'm very glad to hear that. Now, you must tell me if you need quiet, Frodo. We can just sit and be quiet together."
"No, please talk. I don't want.." A slight chill swept over Frodo again and he closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm scared," he whispered.
"I know. It's all right." The wizard brought the mug back to Frodo's lips and helped him take another drink. "Bilbo believes that you two were destined to find each other."
"I think so, too," Frodo whispered.
"You don't mind that he is a bit out of the ordinary? Most think he is, you know."
"'Course he is," Frodo said. "He's kinder and more wonderful than anyone."
The wizard smiled.
"You're different than I imagined, Gandalf," Frodo said. "Very nice, not at all.."
"Yes?"
"Blustery. Dangerous."
The wizard chuckled at the lad's choice of words. "I can be both of those things, Frodo, but I will try to behave myself for a few more days."
"Aren't you.. leaving soon? Aragorn's better."
"We'd both like to stay until *you're* feeling better."
"Oh," Frodo sighed, one hand curling contentedly in the wizard's long beard. He had forgotten what it felt like to have so many people care about him at the same time. He fought desperately to stay awake; there were so many questions he wanted to ask.
"Gandalf, when you found Aragorn, couldn't you just.. heal him?"
"No, Frodo."
"Oh." Frodo thought about that. "What *can* you do?"
Gandalf laughed. "Frodo Baggins, I believe you are the first person, be he hobbit, Man, Elf, or Dwarf, who has ever had the courage to ask me that question."
Frodo smiled, then winced as he felt the pain in his head growing again. "Hurts.." Gandalf's long fingers resumed their gentle, soft stroking along Frodo's neck and shoulders.
"Bilbo has shared his stories with you, of his adventure and what he experienced outside the Shire."
"Yes."
"There are some very evil things in Middle-earth, my lad --- creatures with dark hearts and Shadows that want to spread. I help fight the Darkness, Frodo."
"Creatures like Gollum and the Mirkwood spiders?"
"Something like that."
Another, stronger chill shook Frodo, followed by a flush of heat that left him limp and confused. "Bilbo.."
Gandalf sighed; the boy was getting worse. He bent close. "It's all right, I've got you."
Frodo's thoughts cleared, but a strange, swirling heaviness was pulling at him. He didn't want to sleep.. not yet.. "Tell me more about.. Aragorn," he murmured.
"Let's see now." Gandalf kept his voice low. "He speaks several languages and has learned many skills. He has traveled to so many places --- farther even than Bilbo, if you can imagine such a thing." Gandalf felt the boy relax, his breathing growing deeper and slower. "There's so much of Middle- earth for you to someday see and explore, Frodo, so many different kinds of people, languages, cultures. A remarkable place, altogether. Quite a remarkable place."
Gandalf let his voice soften and fade as his small burden slid back into sleep. After a few minutes, he stood up and gently lay his bundle of sleeping hobbit back in the small bed.
When he was sure Frodo was sleeping soundly, Gandalf left the room and walked thoughtfully to the front door of Bag End. Opening it, he stepped outside and breathed deeply of the sweet air from Bilbo's fragrant gardens. He pulled out his pipe and filled it with the excellent pipe-weed Bilbo had given him; 'Old Toby', he had called it. Gandalf was certain Aragorn was going to enjoy it greatly; another Shire treasure to be protected, to be sure.
The wizard had never believed in coincidence; that Aragorn and this hobbit lad had formed such an instant, unlikely friendship, under these most unlikely of circumstances --- that these two had met at all --- were interesting things to ponder. He had never known the grave, reserved Aragorn to grow so attached to anyone, so quickly. At least, the wizard thought with a smile, not to anyone mortal.
The wizard stood quietly on Bilbo's front porch for awhile, thinking. Mortal life, he mused. It was so fragile; the smallest thing, the least mistake, and a precious life gone. How many mortals had he known in his long life? Yet so few friends. Two of them, a resilient ex-burglar and the hidden heir of kings, were here, at Bag End. And now perhaps another; this unusually endearing child.
But not just another child; a Baggins. Gandalf chuckled softly to himself. Another remarkable Baggins.
** TBC ** (For those who have asked, Yes --- there's a lot of Aragorn/Frodo interaction coming in future chapters; and we will learn about Aragorn's delirium.)
Ancalime: Your hamster muse is quite imaginative! I have to find me one of those. (But remember that Bilbo had this illness 75 years ago (when he was 25); *way* before he found the Ring.)
Annemarie (Aimee): I'm very glad you're enjoying the story. I have no plans to discontinue interacting with the reviewers, as that would be ignoring one of the most wonderful parts of fanfiction.net --- communication between enthusiasts of LOTR fan fiction. This give-and-take is the very reason I write LOTR fan fiction and post it here; this site allows for a mutually supportive, interactive forum where we grow and learn as authors, and everyone gets a chance to share their creative ideas. I use this "space" (as many others do) as a way to humbly thank reviewers for support, constructive criticism, and often fascinating ideas, as well as to "break down the wall" between author and reviewer. Reviewers keep us writing and spur our imagination into areas we'd never dream of going otherwise; how else can an author say "thank you"? Anyone who feels that my comments are a bit lengthy or misplaced is welcome to just scroll past them.
AthenaPeter: My sharp-eyed mother, who reads every word of every chapter before I post it, is thrilled that someone complimented the proofreading!
CodedMessage: Thank you for your comments! I suppose I don't let my characters get "injured or sickened beyond belief" because injury and/or illness are never the "point" of my stories. (I say more about this in my note to helga.) And no, I'm not published. Sigh. At the moment, all I want to write about are hobbits!
helga: You get it *exactly*. I'm not writing a story for the sole purpose of putting Frodo (or anyone) through an illness; I'm using the complication of an illness as a device to tell a larger story --- about people being unexpectedly brought together, forced to meet a challenge none of them were quite prepared for. It's an atmosphere that can bring out strength, weakness, good decisions (and possibly not so good), and learning new things about others and themselves. That's part of what the whole LOTR story is about, for me.
katakanadian: Precognitive delirium??? What a great phrase.
Obelia medusa: I'm honored to receive your very first review ever! As to speed of writing, my best tools seem to be 1) watching almost no TV; and 2) thinking about the stories a LOT. My Disclaimer, below, is extremely accurate.
Ruth: I'm not sure what you're referring to. I never abandon stories, or leave them incomplete for long. I currently have three "works in progress". "Quarantined" and "Reunion in Minas Tirith" are updated as frequently as I can manage it; and "Avalanche", which concludes on Friday, has been updated weekly (which is wonderfully fast and was very difficult to do!). I have no other unfinished stories, nor anything I've abandoned or have any plans to abandon.
Talking Hawk: Your story ideas are very creative! And thank you for the comments on "Whispers of the Dragon" --- I was/am very proud of that story.
Tatl Alaria: No, the drink from Chapter 4 is just a painkiller, not a sedative. Swamp malaise makes you sleepy enough all by itself.
AUTHOR NOTES: In S.R. 1391, Bilbo is 100 years old and Frodo is 22 (just barely into his "tweens"). AU story; however, what was Frodo's early life with Bilbo like? How did he meet Gandalf? Why was Aragorn so dedicated to the safeguarding of the Shire? Perhaps this tale can give possible answers to those questions.. I hope you enjoy it.
My thanks to the FrodoHealers website and its members for inspiration; additional thanks to Llinos and Marigold, for advice and encouragement.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional and do not claim to be. This is a work of fiction. No medical treatment or description of illness in this story should be taken as anything more than the author's own opinions and plot devices.
DISCLAIMER: Of course. The characters don't belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.
___________________________
QUARANTINED
Chapter 5 --- A Precious Life
S.R. 1391, April 27
Someone was holding him. Frodo slowly became aware that he was in someone's lap, large arms surrounding him. It had been so long since he'd been in anyone's lap.. it was nice.. Things seemed to drift for a few minutes, then he gradually realized that a soft flow of beard was cushioning his cheek. Gandalf. He was wrapped in Bilbo's favorite quilt, curled up in the wizard's lap, in his own familiar room. As relieved as Frodo had felt, entering his tweens at last and leaving childhood behind, Gandalf's size was making him feel like a little child again. It was all right, just this once.. He sighed, his eyes closed, warm and secure inside the nest of blankets and large hands and lap.
Frodo's head ached, though the pain was still somewhat dulled by Aragorn's painkilling drink. His neck was starting to ache as well. He started to lift his head, to look up, but that made his neck hurt worse and a soft whimper escaped his lips. Gandalf shifted just slightly, and brought his hand up to the back of Frodo's head and neck. He began to stroke softly, his long fingers gently massaging in just the right places.
"Bilbo tells me you have a new little cousin," Gandalf said. His voice was quiet, soothing. "Your Uncle Paladin must be beside himself with joy; an heir at last, I believe. Peregrin. Such a grand name for such a tiny one, isn't it? We'll have to work out how he's related to you, young Frodo. You have so many cousins, I suppose it's easy to lose track."
Frodo felt the rim of a mug pressed to his lips, and he opened his eyes.
"It's just water." Frodo gulped down the cool water, trying not to move his head too much. "There we go, that's enough for now."
Frodo liked the wizard's soft voice. He listened quietly.
"Perhaps you can lend Aragorn some of your more expendable cousins, my boy. He has hardly any family, you know. Hardly anyone at all. But a brand- new friend now, I think."
"Gandalf," whispered Frodo. "Who is he? What.. what does he..?"
"Ah," said the wizard. "Aragorn is a Ranger. Rangers are very brave and good Men who protect weaker folk from harm and keep the roads safe. And so much more, Frodo, so much more. Like your Uncle Bilbo, Aragorn is older and wiser than he appears. More beneath the surface than you would imagine." He chuckled. "Much like some hobbits I know!"
Frodo was relieved to discover that he had stopped shaking with cold. He felt so nice and warm now, almost too warm. Warm and sleepy. But so dizzy..
"Aragorn is quite a special person. I suspect you might be quite special as well. Your Uncle Bilbo wouldn't adopt just anyone, let me assure you."
"Bilbo.." Frodo murmured.
"I sent Bilbo off to get a little rest; it's quite late. I'll stay with you for a bit, if that's all right?"
"Oh, yes."
"Are you happy here with Bilbo?"
"Oh, Gandalf, I love him so very much. I never thought I would be happy.. ever again."
"I'm very glad to hear that. Now, you must tell me if you need quiet, Frodo. We can just sit and be quiet together."
"No, please talk. I don't want.." A slight chill swept over Frodo again and he closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm scared," he whispered.
"I know. It's all right." The wizard brought the mug back to Frodo's lips and helped him take another drink. "Bilbo believes that you two were destined to find each other."
"I think so, too," Frodo whispered.
"You don't mind that he is a bit out of the ordinary? Most think he is, you know."
"'Course he is," Frodo said. "He's kinder and more wonderful than anyone."
The wizard smiled.
"You're different than I imagined, Gandalf," Frodo said. "Very nice, not at all.."
"Yes?"
"Blustery. Dangerous."
The wizard chuckled at the lad's choice of words. "I can be both of those things, Frodo, but I will try to behave myself for a few more days."
"Aren't you.. leaving soon? Aragorn's better."
"We'd both like to stay until *you're* feeling better."
"Oh," Frodo sighed, one hand curling contentedly in the wizard's long beard. He had forgotten what it felt like to have so many people care about him at the same time. He fought desperately to stay awake; there were so many questions he wanted to ask.
"Gandalf, when you found Aragorn, couldn't you just.. heal him?"
"No, Frodo."
"Oh." Frodo thought about that. "What *can* you do?"
Gandalf laughed. "Frodo Baggins, I believe you are the first person, be he hobbit, Man, Elf, or Dwarf, who has ever had the courage to ask me that question."
Frodo smiled, then winced as he felt the pain in his head growing again. "Hurts.." Gandalf's long fingers resumed their gentle, soft stroking along Frodo's neck and shoulders.
"Bilbo has shared his stories with you, of his adventure and what he experienced outside the Shire."
"Yes."
"There are some very evil things in Middle-earth, my lad --- creatures with dark hearts and Shadows that want to spread. I help fight the Darkness, Frodo."
"Creatures like Gollum and the Mirkwood spiders?"
"Something like that."
Another, stronger chill shook Frodo, followed by a flush of heat that left him limp and confused. "Bilbo.."
Gandalf sighed; the boy was getting worse. He bent close. "It's all right, I've got you."
Frodo's thoughts cleared, but a strange, swirling heaviness was pulling at him. He didn't want to sleep.. not yet.. "Tell me more about.. Aragorn," he murmured.
"Let's see now." Gandalf kept his voice low. "He speaks several languages and has learned many skills. He has traveled to so many places --- farther even than Bilbo, if you can imagine such a thing." Gandalf felt the boy relax, his breathing growing deeper and slower. "There's so much of Middle- earth for you to someday see and explore, Frodo, so many different kinds of people, languages, cultures. A remarkable place, altogether. Quite a remarkable place."
Gandalf let his voice soften and fade as his small burden slid back into sleep. After a few minutes, he stood up and gently lay his bundle of sleeping hobbit back in the small bed.
When he was sure Frodo was sleeping soundly, Gandalf left the room and walked thoughtfully to the front door of Bag End. Opening it, he stepped outside and breathed deeply of the sweet air from Bilbo's fragrant gardens. He pulled out his pipe and filled it with the excellent pipe-weed Bilbo had given him; 'Old Toby', he had called it. Gandalf was certain Aragorn was going to enjoy it greatly; another Shire treasure to be protected, to be sure.
The wizard had never believed in coincidence; that Aragorn and this hobbit lad had formed such an instant, unlikely friendship, under these most unlikely of circumstances --- that these two had met at all --- were interesting things to ponder. He had never known the grave, reserved Aragorn to grow so attached to anyone, so quickly. At least, the wizard thought with a smile, not to anyone mortal.
The wizard stood quietly on Bilbo's front porch for awhile, thinking. Mortal life, he mused. It was so fragile; the smallest thing, the least mistake, and a precious life gone. How many mortals had he known in his long life? Yet so few friends. Two of them, a resilient ex-burglar and the hidden heir of kings, were here, at Bag End. And now perhaps another; this unusually endearing child.
But not just another child; a Baggins. Gandalf chuckled softly to himself. Another remarkable Baggins.
** TBC ** (For those who have asked, Yes --- there's a lot of Aragorn/Frodo interaction coming in future chapters; and we will learn about Aragorn's delirium.)