Frodo looked over at his companion. Many knew him as Samwise the Brave, but Frodo knew him better as Samwise the Stouthearted. Sam had a look of grim determination upon his face.
Frodo knew what others called him behind his back. Frodo the Fair. He figured it was not the worst title that one could have, but he felt that it implied that he was weak and fragile. Well, this should prove something to the people! Frodo and Sam, the only two brave knights left of their company.
Frodo clutched at the hilt of his sword. He felt so powerful and in control. Nothing was beyond he or Sam. They would prevail where others thought to be more valiant and skilled in such ways had failed. Neither hobbit feared the impending doom. They knew they could reach their destination.
"Looks like we have finally made it out of this retched forest, Frodo." Sam said.
"Yes we have Sam. It is good to finally see the sun's bright face again. Maybe for the last time." Frodo said, grimly.
"We'll make it Frodo. We have survived where others had failed." Sam said, assuredly. He quickly squeezed Frodo's pale hand to help reassure him.
"Of course, Sam. You're right." Frodo smiled at him.
Suddenly, a loud crack of thunder cracked out across the sky in angry zigzags! Frodo awoke with a start. He was dreaming! And what a dream too! 'Oh, to be a hero!' Frodo thought. 'Now that would be amazing!"
Another loud crack of thunder interrupted his thoughts. There really was an angry storm going on outside! The rain was pouring down hard now and the wind was whipping through Frodo's open window. He quickly shut and latched the window, but not without a bit of a struggle. He fell back into his bed, which seem to totally engulf his small body.
As the storm continued to rage outside, Frodo's thoughts went back to his dream. Frodo suddenly realized that it was terribly unlikely that he would ever be a real hero. There were so many (as much as he hated to admit it) who were stronger and more built for such things than he. He sighed in frustration. Frodo began to feel that he would never be able to be or do anything great. 'I'm only a small, way too thin, pale, delicate, weak hobbit with big, scary, blue eyes.' He thought, suddenly feeling depressed. Some of his thoughts were things that Lotho had said about him when they had first met.
Frodo wanted to cry out in frustration, but he held it back. Suddenly, he seemed to snap out of it when something wet and warm fell down his cheek. It was a tear. He quickly wiped it away. 'What brought this about anyway? It must be this storm. So dark and dreary.'
Frodo got back up off the bed and stood with a bit more confidence, pushing those depressing thoughts about himself away for the time being.
The storm did not seem to be letting up. In fact, it seemed to be getting worse! He heard a branch of a tree crack and fall to the ground outside his window with a loud thud. Then Frodo could hear footsteps outside his door.
"Did the storm wake you, lad?" Bilbo's voice could be heard coming from behind the door.
"Yes it did, Uncle." Frodo answered. Frodo walked towards the door and opened it. He smiled up at Bilbo.
Bilbo looked down at the small hobbit before him. Frodo's hair was sticking up in various places from his pillow. His expressive eyes, small slits as he squinted at him. How lucky Bilbo felt to have such a sweet boy living with him. Bilbo could not imagine anything better that he could do than taking care of this young one.
Frodo suddenly launched himself at his Uncle, hugging him fiercely. Bilbo caught the boy in surprise and hugged him back.
"There, there, lad. Are you afraid of the storm?" Bilbo asked in all seriousness.
Frodo pulled away a little. "Of course not, Uncle! I'm just happy to be here with you." He looked astonished at the thought that Bilbo would think a lad of his age could possibly be afraid of a storm!
"Well, I'm certainly glad. I would feel terrible if you did not like being here with me Frodo-lad."
Frodo's blue eyes brightened as he laughed. "Oh never think such things, Bilbo!"
Bilbo also laughed, hugging the boy a little tighter. Frodo winced at the firmer grip around his body.
"Oh! I'm sorry Frodo. I forgot about your back." Bilbo said, releasing him. He looked down at Frodo in concern. There was a bit of a grimace adorning his elvish-like face.
"It's alright. It does not hurt as much as it did." Frodo said, smiling sadly.
"I'm glad Frodo. What would you say about getting some breakfast together?" Bilbo said, hoping to divert Frodo's attention from his back.
"I like that idea!" Frodo said smiling.
Frodo quickly dressed and then joined his Uncle in the kitchen. Suddenly frantic knocking came from the front door.
Both Frodo and Bilbo rushed to the door wondering who could possibly out in such weather.
Bilbo got to the door first, knowing his way around Bag End better, and quickly swung the door open. It was Sam! And a very drenched Sam from the looks of it.
"Samwise, what are you doing out in this horrid weather?" Bilbo questioned, his voice edged with worry.
Sam shook his head, water flying every which way off of his wet curls. Some of the droplets hit Bilbo in the face. Sam pushed around the older hobbit so that he was in front of Frodo. There was a trail of water behind Sam and began to pool on the floor. He lifted up his arms and whimpered. Frodo would have laughed if the situation had been different.
Frodo picked the child up, not caring about how wet he would get. Frodo hugged Sam tightly to his chest. Frodo felt his shirt soak through as Sam began trembling. Frodo became shocked at this. "What's wrong dear Sam?" He asked, voice breaking a little in his concern.
"There's…there's…there's…"
"Shh…Sam. Calm down. Breath." Frodo said, as he began rubbing Sam's back. Sam's trembling slowed a little at Frodo's soothing touch.
"Yes…Mr…Frodo…sir!" Sam said, trying to catch his breath. After a few seconds he began again. "There's a hobbit stuck in the river!"
"What?" Frodo said quietly. His grip began to loosen on Sam. The small amount of color that Frodo actually had in his cheeks began to fade away at an almost alarming speed. Things that he'd rather not think about suddenly came back to him like a flash. Frodo remembered being 12 years old and hearing the news of his parent's death.
"No!" Frodo cried suddenly. He would have dropped Sam, if Bilbo hadn't of taken the small hobbit into his own arms.
Frodo stood very still for a second and then without warning, he ran out the door. He could not let this happen! He could not allow someone else to lose a family member as a result of drowning, not if he could help it!
Sam began crying loudly at Frodo's absence. He tried to struggle out of Bilbo's grip, but he only held on to him harder.
"Frodo!" Bilbo yelled after the boy. The storm was dangerous and Bilbo would not allow for Frodo to get hurt. He quickly sped out the door in the direction that Frodo had gone, with Sam still in his arms.
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A/N: Well, Lotho didn't show up in this chapter like I thought he would, but since you are all so smart I know you know when and where he will make his appearance. There is also something I would like to point out incase it was not noticed. Did anyone see how Sam only called Frodo, Frodo in his dream? This is important. That is how Frodo sees Sam, not as his servant, but friend. That is why Sam is his equal in the dream and not a servant.
Another thing I wanted to mention. I don't know if anyone wondered how I came up with the title for this Fanfiction. If you notice from my pen name, I'm a Beatles fan. This title came from them. Ringo specifically. He was always saying interesting things that became Beatles songs such as, A Hard Day's Night, Eight Days and Week, and Tomorrow Never Knows. Some Kind of Friendly was actually the original title to the first song Ringo ever wrote entitled, "Don't Pass Me By." I for some reason have always liked Some Kind of Friendly, so I decided to used it for the name of this story. It's fun trying to think of what exactly it means! Well, now onto the reviewers!
Obelia medusa: Thanks for your long review! I know I was talking to you about this earlier, but I hope you liked my added Frodo thoughts and a bit more description. I really hope it added to this chapter! And you know that I am also way too easily amused! I'm still waiting in anticipation for my Huck Finn DVD! But, I'm thinking Saturday looks good.
aelfgifu: Wow! Thanks for reviewing every one of my chapters! It makes me feel special that you took the time to do so. For some reason Frodo-angst is just too irresistible. And thanks for all your comments on Frodo, I'm glad you think he's a lovely read in my story. He is lovely! I don't know how evil Lotho really is. He has nothing truly evil influencing him like your Merry, but we shall see. I think Lotho is very close to learning a lesson! Or at least he should. And of course I will continue to read and comment on your story. When are you updating by the way?
Michelle Frodo: Well, I'm Evil Frodo then for writing a short chapter last time! But, it makes me happy to know that you thought it sweet. I hope this chapter was longer for you! I'm so glad that you love how I describe Sam. I love describing him. He is so sweet! Oh man! Obelia and I love Huck Finn! Of course little Elijah is adorable! You know I've read Huck Finn also. Don't know if I'll ever read Tom Sawyer though. He seems to be such a jerk to Huck in Huckleberry Finn. I don't know. I occasionally listen to soundtracks. I have both the Titanics, both the Lord of the Rings, Oliver, and Grease. (The one with Olivia-Newton John and John Travolta that is.) I like orchestra music sometimes when I go to bed. It's very soothing. Haven't heard the Huck Finn soundtrack though.
Katini Petitedra: Well, don't get sick from eating weird things!
hmsgirl: Oh! You are so right! Of course Frodo is special. More so than he will ever realize!
Trilliah: Thanks for your review. I'm glad you like the way I write Lotho. I'm beginning to like him myself, especially since I know what I have planned for him in the future. I never thought Lotho should be stupid. That would make his nastiness less effective, I think. And he will be more fleshed out in later chapters. Yes! Frodo is a sweetie! And Sam is the best! You will see more of Sam and Frodo's relationship and more of Lotho also. I hope you continue to enjoy this!
Please review!