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 4

Over the next few days Gandalf was pleased to report that Frodo was on the mend.  His appetite improved and plenty of restful sleep soon restored the sparkle to his eye.  Laughter was again a frequent accompaniment to meal and leisure times. Pippin and Sam sang many a hobbit tale to the delight of the assembled company and even Gandalf entertained them with tales of his many exploits.

As Frodo's health improved he began to find the constant concern and ministrations of his friends increasingly irksome.  Sam had insisted on moving a spare bed into Frodo's room so that the hobbits could take it in turns to 'keep him company', despite Frodo's attempts to point out that it wasn't necessary.  He began to suspect that they also had a rota for keeping him company in the day, as he never seemed to get a minute to himself.

Legolas noticed his increasing agitation and decided to mention it to Gandalf. 'I know he is much better Gandalf but I sense that he is building up to another crisis. He has not yet recovered his strength and any set back would be unwelcome. Do you think I should warn the King?'  Gandalf observed the hobbits for a while.  'Do not fret my friend. I understand you concern but I would council you to wait awhile. I feel sure that whatever is brewing will resolve itself before too long'. The wizard winked at the elf and smiled a conspiratorial farewell. 

Things came to a head even more quickly than Gandalf had expected!

The fire was burning low.  Supper was over and the friends were sitting around the table in the Kings chamber. The banter rippled around and back again.  Merry and Pippin being particularly garrulous.  Everyone was on the receiving end of their ribbing, everyone except Frodo.

Sam leaned over 'Can I get you anything Mr Frodo'?

'No thank you Sam, I'm fine'.

Gimli passed the table 'OK Frodo?'

'Thank you, I'm fine!'

Frodo sat and stared at his hands clasped tightly on the edge of the table. With an exasperated sigh he pushed his chair back, got up and walked around to the serving steward.  'Could I have a large jug of ale, thank you'. He stalked back to his chair and sat down. He filled his tankard, drank down the ale and set it down on the table with a bang. 'See' he said to nobody in particular 'I can look after myself!'

There was a short embarrassed pause and then the general buzz of conversation resumed. Sam looked puzzled but noting Frodo's uncharacteristic agitation decided against commenting.

A few minutes later Pippin leaned over and tapped Frodo's hand. ' Frodo, would you like some fruit?' This was the final straw Frodo leapt to his feet and banged his hand loudly on the table.

'That's it, he shouted 'I've had enough of this!

'

'If one more person asks me if I'm alright? or too hot? Or too cold? , Or hungry? Or thirsty? or if I'm OK? …… I will do something that we may all regret. Is that clear'?

'I am not a cripple'

'I am not delicate'

' I am not made of glass'

'And I do not need waiting on hand and foot' he shouted, getting louder with each sentence.

The company had fallen into shocked silence. Merry rose to try and calm down his cousin

'SIT DOWN' I have not finished yet ' said Frodo pushing Merry non to gently back into his chair. Gandalf looked at Legolas, winked and whispered something quietly to the King.

Frodo took another mouthful of ale then continued

'I'm just a small Hobbit who got roped in to something too big

I have been hunted, I've been hurt and I've been frightened

I'm only here because my friends fought and battled to protect me

Only here because Sam crawled through Hell with me on his back,

 Only here because when at the last I couldn't complete my task poor, pathetic Gollum did it for me'.

'So please, STOP. Can't you see you breaking my heart? And I WON'T HAVE IT'

With this he banged the goblet on the table so hard that it shattered…He pushed back his chair, picked up the jug of ale and stomped to the door.  He turned to the guard at the door and pointing a finger at him instructed him to follow.  The guard looked to the King for confirmation. The king nodded his assent. With this Frodo turned, bowed and leaving the room, quietly closed the door. 

When they reached his room Frodo turned to the sentry 'Do not, under any circumstances, let anyone enter in here tonight. Is that clear?  'Yes Sir'.

Frodo gave a tight smile and whispered 'Thank you' as he closed the door.

In the hall there was a stunned silence. The Hobbits were shocked and poor Sam looked as if he would burst into tears. They all turned to the king in shame and horror. To there surprise the King and Gandalf were rapidly progressing from chuckles to full blown laughter.

'I don't think this is funny sir' said Merry indignantly. This just seemed to increase the laughter.

'My friends' gasped Gandalf trying to regain composure, 'I thing we have just witnessed a rare natural phenomenon ….a True Hobbit Eruption!!' with this he again dissolved into laughter.

The Hobbits still looked puzzled 'Do not worry my friends. I think we can safely say that our own dear Frodo has truly returned to us. Anger and spirit are far more healthy than the quiet acceptance that we have seen of late. It does me good to see our dear little friend fired up with indignation. Don't you agree?' 'Now I think we may have a little fun with our friend!

******

The morning was well advanced when a small curly hobbit head peeped sheepishly out of the door. Gimli was standing with his back to the door. He turned to face Frodo his Axe held in readiness across his chest. Frodo's faltering smile froze as he saw the grim expression of the dwarf.

'The King demands your attendance in the Royal Chamber' pronounced the dwarf

'Will you come quietly or should I send for reinforcements Mr Baggins'

'Gimli I…. I don't…'

'You have two minutes to make yourself presentable'

Frodo scurried back into the room. He dunked his head into the washing bowl to try to clear the ale induced headache.  He pulled on a clean shirt and wiped his face.  His head was pounding and his mouth dry. He noticed the now empty ale jug and groaned.

'Come Mr Baggins don't keep the King waiting'. Frodo moved as quickly as his hang-over would allow. Gimli silent and grim followed two paces behind. When they got to the entrance of the Kings chamber Faramir stepped forward and barred the door.

'Do you seek the justice of the King?'

'Yes'-Whispered Frodo.

'Do you come in peace'? Frodo nodded miserably.  Faramir moved aside motioning Frodo forward. In side the room was dim. His eyes to the ground Frodo moved forward towards the King. He was aware of other eyes upon him but he didn't raise his head. In truth his head was spinning and he could feel sweat breaking out on this forehead. He was lifted up onto a stool in front of the King.

'Frodo Baggins of the Shire' began Faramir 'you are here to answer for your conduct; that you damaged royal property, manhandled one of the Kings loyal servants and that you caused a disturbance in the presence of your King.'

Someone coughed in the background

'Do you have anything to say'?

'I'm sorry' he whispered miserably.

'Speak up'

'I'm sorry, please…. please forgive me'

Aragorn, now smiling moved to stand in front of Frodo who still looked at the floor. 'It is my judgement that you Frodo Baggins should be returned to the care of you Uncle, the venerable Bilbo Baggins that he may decide your fate!!!'

 Frodo sensing the sudden change of atmosphere looked up, realisation slowly dawning through his still fuzzy brain. 'Why, of all the mean dirty tricks… Strider I'm ashamed of you. taking advantage of my little aberration' He looked around at all the familiar faces now laughing and clapping. The King picked him up and enfolded him in a tight embrace. 'Welcome back Frodo' he whispered. He set the hobbit down on a chair next to the Lady Arwen. 'Forgive our little jest Frodo; it is so good to see you smile. Now I think you had better have something to eat. If you don't mind my saying you look a little fragile!!'

 'I feel worse…. I knew  ale was a bad idea!!!!!'

*****

* TBC*

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