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 6 Alarms and Excursions It was mid morning when the King returned to the palace.  He had journeyed out early with Faramir and the Captain of the Palace Guard to inspect the repairs and reconstructions in the lands that lay about the citadel. The most important works were well in hand but it was obvious that completing the task would be the work of many months.

He sighed as he sank down into a cushioned chair.  There were still many envoys to see, many alliances that would need strengthening before peace and security were assured. Moments of tranquillity were a treasured commodity that he had to grab when he could.

The house steward knocked quietly and entered carrying a tray of food.

The king looked up 'What second breakfast already?' he asked with a grin

'I'm sorry Sire, I didn't realise you'd had a first breakfast!' the steward replied looking puzzled

'I haven't, its just that certain Hobbit customs seem to be invading the palace'.

'Oh Sire, that reminds me. Mr Frodo asked me to give you this' the steward handed over the letter addressed in Frodo's rather shaky script.

'Why did he not give it to me himself?' the King looked up sharply, a ripple of concern crossing his brow.

'Forgive me Sire, I don't know', continued the steward 'He came and got an early breakfast before dawn. He seemed content sir, though he didn't say much.'

 The steward stood deep in thought for a moment. 'Now I think of it Sire, I believe he was dressed for outdoors. He had a cloak and a pack with him and he took a fair sized picnic for one Hobbit.'

The King dismissed the steward with thanks and turned his attention to the letter in his hand.

Sire

Forgive me for not seeking your council.

I do not wish to cause concern to you or to any

of my friends.  I am quite well and only in need of

peace and solitude for a brief time.  I am well

prepared and will return in a day or two.

Please keep Sam busy- he will not understand!

Frodo.

Aragorn re read the letter and smiled, though he admitted to himself a sense of unease.

'Silly, stubborn Hobbit' he sighed 'Will I ever understand these folk'

His reverie was disrupted by an approaching commotion from the corridor. A posse of Hobbits accompanied by Legolas and Gimli burst through the door.

'Please Sir, he's gone, we've looked everywhere and no one has seen him' gasped Sam, a note of rising panic in his voice.

'And a good morning to you too' said the King with a smile. He looked from face to face and held up his hand to quell the babble of concerned voices. ' I take it you are referring to Frodo?' he said as the Hobbits looked to him for reassurance.

'Friends, I do not know where Frodo has taken himself off to but he has left me word of his intentions. Do not fret; he is a fully-grown Hobbit, used to tramping the countryside on his own. He seeks only a day or two of peace and solitude- I think we should allow him that, don't you?'

'But why did he have to go slipping off in the night, on his own, with no word to anyone' blurted Sam, his face a picture of distress.

'Because Sam' said the King kindly, his arm on the shoulder of the agitated Hobbit, 'if he had told you of his intention would you have let him go on his own'!

'No Sir of course not, he needs looking after' said Sam indignantly.

'Then I think you have answered your own question Sam.  Frodo felt the need of solitude and he knew this was the only way to achieve it without causing a fuss.'

'But he still shouldn't have done it and I shall tell him so when I see him!'

The King beckoned to Legolas and muttered to him quietly.

Legolas nodded and smiled.

'Master Sam, it appears that you have an unexpected holiday today. I would be grateful for your expert advice in choosing a planting scheme for the Queens garden' said the Elf with a warm smile. He put his arm around the Hobbits shoulder and guided him towards the door.

'I haven't time for gardening when I should be looking for Mr Frodo' muttered Sam as they left the Kings chamber.  The other companions took their leave and followed.

'Sam, you are the only gardener I know who would complain at being given a royal appointment' joked Pippin as they moved off down the corridor.

It was not until later in the day that Faramir learned that Frodo had disappeared. He was concerned for his friend. He stood at the high wall overlooking the plain below, his mind lost in thought. Suddenly his expression changed and a smile light up his face.

He lost no time. He made his preparations and seeking out one of the guards to accompany him he left the palace.

As they approached the grotto he motioned the soldier to stop. He moved forward quietly and, remaining hidden from sight he scanned the grotto.  He saw a small figure sitting by the stream. He smiled to himself, and making sure to remain out of sight, he returned to the soldier.

'The Halfling is in your care. He is not to know he is guarded unless you think he is in danger. You will be relieved of your watch at sundown! Any questions?

'No my Lord. I will guard him well. It is an honour'.

'Guard him well, he is very special!'

Faramir returned to the King, relieved to be able to reassure him of Frodo's safety.

'Thank you my friend, though I'm not sure Frodo will be so happy if he finds out he is under surveillance, even of such a benign nature.' The king chuckled.

'I am willing to face his wrath, Sire, so long as he is safe!' Faramir took his leave but turned back at the door 'should I tell his companions? Sam is beside himself with worry!'

'Just tell them that he is safe and that it is my 'request' that they do not go looking for him. One errant Hobbit is enough for one day'.

************

Frodo sat on the edge of the pool watching the sun sparkle on the falling cascades. Small fish glistened and flashed in the water, coming close enough to tickle his feet.

The water was icy cold. 

He breathed deeply, inhaling the fresh, clean air of the sunlit glade, and for the first time in many months he felt truly relaxed. He removed his waistcoat and shirt and lay down on the soft grass letting the warmth of the sun soak away all thoughts and concerns. He closed his eyes, tuning his hearing to the music of the water and the song of the breeze as it whispered through the trees.

When the sun got too hot he retreated to the shade of the trees. He drank the sweet water from the stream and though it was many hours since breakfast he found he wasn't hungry for the picnic in his bag.  Using his cloak as a pillow he rested back against the smooth bark of a tree trunk. His mind drifted back to the shire, to Bag End and the happy days of his youth.  He thought back to the quest, blanking the more painful episodes that he didn't want to face yet. He brought to mind all those people who had helped him, a small Hobbit, on a journey through terror and fear; the members of the fellowship, Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, the Elves of Rivendell and Lothlorian, Faramir and even poor, pathetic Smeagol. Why had they done that for him? He pulled a notebook from his pack and began to make notes for Bilbo. He tried to remember the songs and tales he had learned on his travels to add to Bilbo's collection.

As evening fell he ate a small supper, wrapped himself in his cloak and settled into a deep untroubled sleep, lulled by the voice of the waterfall and watched over by a thousand bright stars.

*TBC*

A/N

Many thanks to all you lovely people who have taken the time to read my story and post reviews. I treasure every one.

Thank you

Helen

Please forgive the presentation. I am losing all formatting despite following instructions.  I know this makes the stories unattractive and difficult to read. Thank you for your patience.  If anyone has any suggestions they will be gratefully received. Thanks