Setting: At minas Tirith after the crowning of the King. Friendship and Healing. Forgive me if people and timings are out of place, it is only for my story.

Disclaimer: I humbly borrow these dear characters from Master Tolkien and promise to give them back unharmed

Chapter 2

Darkness and Light

As the days passed the members of the fellowship spent easy hours together.  The evenings were especially pleasant. Sam ensured that Frodo's favourite foods were skilfully and temptingly presented and constantly encouraged his master to eat.  Frodo wasn't fooled by these attentions and did his best to humour his friend, though he had little interest in food and avoided the wine and ale on offer.  When Pippin teased him about his abstinence he proclaimed that the clean, clear water of Gondor was nectar after their parched throats in Mordor.  But in truth he was afraid of the effect the alcohol might have.  He envied the loose tongued, uninhibited boasting of his companions and marvelled at their resilience.  Frodo couldn't allow himself the freedom that the wine offered. He was afraid of what he might reveal under its influence, he had to keep a tight rein on his fragile emotions for fear of falling totally apart.

The night times were the worst. He often woke disturbed by nameless dark nightmares of fire and terror. He kept the lanterns burning all night and often sat up through the night reading or writing notes for Bilbo.  Avoiding sleep seemed the best way of keeping the dark shadows at bay. He got into the habit of resting outside in the sunshine, often sleeping in the gardens for several hours.  It became a common jest among the Hobbits that Frodo couldn't keep his eyes open and that maybe old age was catching up with him.  Frodo took the teasing in good part and cautioned Pippin to treat his elders and betters with more respect. But deep down to Frodo this was one more cause for anxiety.  He'd always known that possessing the Ring had stopped him from ageing, as it had with Bilbo, and now he was conscious that he didn't know how the passing of the Ring would affect him.  He missed the Ring as if he had lost a part of himself, it was a physical ache, a constant dragging hole.

His friends kept a close eye on Frodo, always solicitous of his every need.  Whatever they were doing they kept an almost unconscious check on him, often just coming by and giving a brief squeeze on the arm or a brief  'ok Frodo?' Frodo found this constant attention increasingly hard to cope with.

In an attempt to find some peace he retreated further into the worlds of the past, often spending long hours in the archives.  During one of these sessions Faramir joined him. The two sat in companionable silence, the stillness broken only by the rustling of fragile parchments.  Faramir was suddenly aware of Frodos' steady gaze upon him. Reaching out Frodo placed his small mutilated hand on the mans arm.

'I'm so sorry Faramir…… you too have paid a heavy price for our victory!'

Faramir gazed at the concern and compassion in the large blue eyes of the Hobbit. He couldn't speak for a lump in his throat. It took a few moments to marshal his emotions. He gazed out of the window at the familiar landscape that he loved so dearly and forced back the tears that threatened to spill down his pale face.

'It is a matter of great sorrow to me that my father died in such torment without our being reconciled; without knowing whether he was proud of me, or that he loved me as much as he loved my brother. All of my life…  I tried so hard to be the man he wanted me to be.  It's so hard Frodo, it overshadows everything, it's like a constant pain. To know that innocent men died so that I could be saved……  that Beragond was forced to take the lives of his fellow guards to protect mine….    So much evil Frodo, so much evil'.

Frodo joined him at the window and they gazed out, lost in silent contemplation. 'I would give anything to be able to share the joy of our deliverance with my brother, he would have been so proud!' The man of Gondor stared unseeing into the distance.

Frodo gripped the window ledge tightly 'I am sorry that I didn't know Boramir in happier times. I do know that he loved you and he spoke of you with pride. Our parting was an unhappy one for us both.' Frodo swallowed before continuing,  'He was a brave and loyal companion and he died saving my cousins.  For that I will always honour him'.  Frodo continued quietly 'I should not have judged him so harshly, the Ring tormented him as it did me and in the end I too failed the test…….' Frodo swallowed hard to suppress the tears that threatened to spill down his face and buried his head in his hands.

'Frodo how can you think you have failed.  Middle Earth is free and at peace because of you'

'No, not me Faramir, not me…..  '  Frodo sighed and turning sadly, returned to his chamber.

**********

Sam knocked quietly on the door

'Are you ready Mr Frodo it's supper time?'

Frodo opened the door and stood on the threshold.  'I'm very tired Sam.  Could you bring me a plate of something here? I think I'll have an early night.'

'Is everything ok Mr Frodo?' 'Do you want me to stay with you?'

'No Sam, you join the others and please give the King my apologies. I know Legolas promised some songs this evening and you wouldn't want to miss that would you!'

'Well if you're sure Sir'

'I'll be fine Sam.  See you in the morning'.

At the end of the evening as he made his way to bed Sam resisted the temptation to look in on Frodo in case he disturbed his sleep.

It was several hours later that Sam was woken by a cry. He rushed out into the hall and was met by Legolas and Merry

'What……What's happened?'

'I think it was Frodo' cried Sam reaching for the door.

They were met by the sight of Frodo collapsed on the floor next to the easy chair by the dwindling fire, he was still fully dressed and the book he had been writing in lay beside him.  Frodo was staring, a look of terror contorting his features.  He was breathing rapid shallow breaths and his hands were clasped tightly on the Queens jewel at his throat, his whole body rigid.

'Mr Frodo, Mr Frodo what is it' Sam tried to grasp his hands but he couldn't loosen the rigid grip. Legolas putting his hands on either cheek looked into the hobbits eyes and softly called his name, but there was no response.

'Merry' whispered Legolas 'send word that we need the King. Tell them it's urgent!' As Merry sped off Legolas picked up the stricken hobbit and carried him to the bed.

'Quick Sam I need warm blankets, then could you stoke up the fire, we need to keep him warm' Wrapping Frodo warmly Legolas continued to whisper words of comfort to the rigid bundle on the bed, caressing his cheek and chafing his cold hands.  After a few minutes Frodo shuddered and relaxed into the Elf's arms. He lay silent and unheeding, his eyes closed.

The King entered and passed quickly to the bed. Legolas explained what they had seen and done and then moved to Sams' side to allow the King to sit next to the bed.  Aragorn proceeded to examine the inert form beside him.  He was surprised and shocked to feel how frail and thin the Hobbit had become.

'I can feel no injury and he has no fever. I do not think this is a physical illness' He turned to Sam ' How long is it since he ate properly' his voice sharper than he intended.

'Forgive me Sam' he said as he saw the distraught look on his face 'this is not your fault'

 'Well Sire, I've been coaxing him but 'is appetite hasn't been good of late, he just picks at his food to please me. He always seems so tired sir, I mean he goes to bed before the rest of us, is last up to breakfast and then spends much of the day sleeping. It just don't seem right!'

'Then I don't understand, said the King. 'Why was he up in the night?' Looking around the room noting the numbers of lamps alight and the piles of books by the fireside a suspicion dawned of the reasons for Frodos nighttime activities.  'Never mind Sam I know you look after him well.  I should have taken more notice of you concerns when we spoke before. I am afraid I have neglected my duty to this little one.  Now, I think we need Gandalfs' help. Please could you fetch him Sam'?

Gandalf sat next to the silent, still Hobbit. He placed one hand on his forehead and the other on his chest. Breathing deeply he probed his dreams seeking an answer to explain Frodos state.  After a few moments Gandalf roused himself and closed his eyes.

'I am at a loss. I could see only darkness.  I could feel Frodos' presence but I fear that whatever assailed him was so powerful that he has retreated deep within himself, There was a barrier that I could not penetrate'.  Sam looked from the Wizard to the King in desperation 'Isn't there anything you can do, sir, please!' he begged.

'Sam, I think we have to let Frodo face this himself.  We will stay with him so that he knows he is not alone but I fear to try and force this.  I might do more harm than good, I fear to push him further into his darkness'.

As Sam looked at his beloved master his mind went back to his despair following the attack of Shelob when he had thought his master had gone forever.  His fear and despair raged inside him. 'I gave him up then, I will not do so again' he muttered. As he looked around the chamber in desperation a sudden thought came to him.   'Forgive me sire but I have an idea', he jumped down from the bed and moving over to the shelf he reached up to grab something and returned to the Kings side.

'She said it was a light in dark places sir. You'll know what to do sir'. The now trembling hobbit placed the light of Galadriel into Frodo's clasped hands.

'I don't understand Sam…'

'Please Sire'

The King looked in puzzlement from Legolas to Gandalf who stood close by. The Elf nodded in encouragement and Gandalf smiled.

'You were not named Samwise in vain my friend, if only every King had such a wise councillor'

Aragorn sighed and clasping Frodo's hands within his own he moved the glass vial until it touched the jewel at Frodo's neck. Whispering words of benediction and peace he extended his energy towards the hobbit.  Light began to glow between his fingers, dimly at first but getting stronger as the minutes passed until the whole room was filled with its radiance.

'Come back to us Mr Frodo, we need you here' whispered Sam

Frodo shuddered and the light quickly faded. A change came over him so quickly that the watchers were all taken by surprise. He lashed out in panic, catching Sam a glancing blow and sending him reeling onto the floor, winded but unhurt. His feet scrabbling against the mattress as he attempted to evade his unseen foe, his heart racing and a look of terror on his face.  The King quickly scooped the flailing Hobbit into his arms and restrained him gently but firmly.  'You are safe now little one, be at peace. No one can hurt you, you are safe' the king rocked and soothed the trembling form until his struggling ceased and he relaxed into the comforting embrace. Legolas helped the now distraught Sam to his feet.

'Can you open you eyes Frodo?' Frodo stirred and slowly opened his eyes, blinking at the brightness of the room.  He looked up into the eyes of the King who was relieved to see clarity and recognition in his gaze. Sam moved forward tears still wetting his cheeks. 'Don't cry Sam I'm awake, I heard you calling'

'How do you feel now Frodo'?

'I'm so very tired Aragorn, am I ill?'

'No Frodo, just worn out I think. I will give you something to help you sleep without bad dreams to disturb you. Do you need anything now'?

'No, just a drink thank you'

'Sam can you help Frodo get comfortable. I will prepare a sleeping draught'.

Within minutes Frodo was settled into bed, swaddled in warm blankets.  He swallowed the Kings potion with a grimace and closed his eyes. 'Thank you Aragorn, Sam' he whispered as he drifted off to sleep. 

'I will look in first thing in the morning Sam, send word if you need me'.

'Don't you worry Sire, I wont leave him!' Sam pulled the chair close to the bed and began his quiet vigil.

*TBC*