Gayalondiel - Glad you like the way the hobbits are portrayed. I love
writing hobbit fic because they're so sweet! As for Aiden and Mira, time
will tell if this is the real thing.
Bookworm2000 - I picture the result of the medicinal tea as being similar to what happens to me about half an hour after taking two Nyquil liquicaps - orbit! Those hobbits are sly, aren't they? Give Aiden and Mira a little time and let nature take its course. Who knows what will happen?
Kay - Bilbo Baggins, matchmaker! I'm glad you like the OC's. I've just realized that I've trotted out a large number of them in this fic! Aiden's cute when he's wonky!
Aratlithiel - OUR Frodo? Brawling in pubs? How prophetic! (For the curious, please see "Nigh On September", originated by Aratlithiel and helped along with an action scene by yours truly.) What a lucky turn of events that a pretty, unattached healer should meet our conveniently available wounded hero, eh?
Krista - Perhaps Aiden has indeed found someone special. We gave Frodo a break from the angst here, since I owe him big time for all I subjected him to earlier. Hope he forgives me! We'll be seeing Merry's reaction to Frodo's decision about Hobbiton soon.
Pebbles - Thanks for your review! Will Merry throw a wrench into Frodo's plans to go to Bag End? Read on! You'll find out!
FrodoBaggins1982 - It would be fun to have a further story regarding Aiden and Mira. I'd be willing to think of that in the future, maybe as a side project. It likely wouldn't be posted here, though, unless I can get the Tolkien characters into it somehow. I'd like to hug Bilbo myself. He cares so much for Frodo! And will anyone who has never heard an adult say "you'll understand someday" please stand up? Uh huh. I thought so.
Curious Cat - I thought a little break from the angst was deserved. And yes, it was good to see Dolan do something to redeem himself. You may not get to hear him admit that he made a mistake, but at least he tried to put things right before he rode off into obscurity.
Midgette - Hurrah for Aiden! He needs someone to love him as he deserves.
TTTurtle - The sequel is being written right now, and will be titled "Baggins of Hobbiton". Frodo is older than Merry by just enough to have a better understanding of the concept of falling in love, or being smitten by the charms of the opposite sex. I have a feeling Merry will get the point soon enough!
Heartofahobbit - A lot of good questions! Aiden deserves a future, and he will have one. As for the ruffians, there are answers ahead. I don't plan any nasty vengeance from them toward Aiden at this point, though. I would like to see Aiden again in future stories, if the plotbunny will let him in.
Iorhael - Ahh, yes. What to do with those two naughty hobbits back in Buckland. We'll deal with them! More angst for Frodo? Maybe just a little more. I know he has a few things he wants to say to them!
Fool of a Took - Wondering if I'll twist the plot again? Maybe so, maybe no. I do plan to see Aiden rewarded for his kindness. Merry's mind just isn't on romance yet. Give him a few years, and he'll be chasing the lasses all over Buckland!
Chapter 23 - An Invitation
~*~The Prancing Pony, morning~*~
"You're up and about early," Bilbo observed as Aiden poured himself a cup of tea. His left arm was in a sling, but otherwise he looked and felt much more like himself.
"I must be truthful, Bilbo," Aiden said as he placed the kettle back over the fire. "Sleeping on so small a bed is starting to put some amazing knots in muscles I was unaware that I had."
Bilbo laughed at the statement, admitting to himself that it was bound to be true. A hobbit - sized bed just couldn't be comfortable for a man of Aiden's height. "Hmm, yes. I can imagine," the aged hobbit answered, glancing across the room to where Frodo lay sleeping.
The lad was getting stronger by the hour, it seemed, and Bilbo was pleased to see such immediate progress. They really should be starting for Buckland soon, now that Frodo was recovering. He looked back up at Aiden and smiled ruefully.
"He's quite fond of you, you know," Bilbo told the man who stood beside him. "He has good reason to be." Bilbo was extremely glad that Frodo had made the acquaintance of the young merchant. Had Aiden not intervened, Bilbo was not certain he would ever have seen Frodo again.
"Thank you, Bilbo. I am fond of him as well." Aiden sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Frodo may be young yet, but he has a great heart within him. He has been a good friend."
At that moment, Frodo's heretofore peaceful rest came to an abrupt end as one small fist flailed in the air, as if to ward off the advance of an invisible assailant. His brows knit together and he began to mumble. As the mumbling became louder and more agitated, both Bilbo and Aiden moved as one toward Frodo, intent upon waking him and freeing him from the grip of the obviously unpleasant dream.
Bilbo reached out slowly, speaking quietly as he did. "Frodo, wake up, lad. You're dreaming, my boy. It's all right - " As his fingers brushed against Frodo's cheek, the young hobbit woke with a violent start, recoiling and breathing hard. The wild look in his eyes began to diminish as reality reappeared around him.
Bilbo immediately pulled the shaking youth to him in a protective embrace. "Dreams, Frodo, nothing more. They cannot hurt you, lad." Frodo grasped Bilbo's shoulders and hung on for dear life as he tried to force the images from his mind. Aiden stood by the bedside, feeling powerless to help his young friend.
Suddenly Frodo's eyes opened and he looked up at Aiden from within Bilbo's embrace. He reached out with one hand toward the man who had risked so much to save him, and Aiden bent to grasp the small hand in his. Moments passed in silent understanding as Frodo battled tears and the spectre of recent, terrifying memories.
"Thank you," Frodo said to both of them as he wrestled the dream away from his mind and into the shadow from whence it came. "I thought I was there again, with them." He was breathing normally again and was fully awake, aware of his surroundings.
"You've nothing to fear now, my lad," Bilbo told him firmly. He was trying not to imagine Frodo alone in his room at Brandy Hall, fighting off such nightmares with no one nearby to notice or ease his distress.
Would Frodo want to move to Bag End with him? So much had been happening that he hadn't yet had the time or privacy to speak with the boy. Perhaps there would be a quiet moment sometime soon when he could broach the subject.
"I would like to make a suggestion," Aiden said suddenly. "I am certain you will all be leaving for the Shire soon, but before you go, I would like to offer you the hospitality of my home. It would please me greatly if you would consent to spend your last night in Bree at my house."
Frodo smiled at the idea. "May we, Uncle Bilbo?" he asked. "It would be so much better than here at the inn." He had liked the clean, quiet little house, and it would be nice to be there just once more.
"I see no reason why we should turn down such a fine invitation," Bilbo answered. They would be leaving soon, it was true. Frodo was mending quickly and Sara and Merry must return home soon. They were in for it as it was, but Esmeralda's wrath would strengthen with every day of their absence.
"I shall consider the matter settled, then," Aiden said. "I will be leaving for home shortly to prepare." He had never hosted four hobbits before, and if what Frodo told him about their eating habits held true, he had some work to do. "When can I expect you?"
"How are you feeling, Frodo?" Bilbo asked the young hobbit solicitously. "We will consider journeying home only when you feel you're up to it."
Frodo stretched and rose, taking a brief inventory as he did so. His muscles didn't ache so badly anymore, and the worst of the discomfort from his back had faded. The marks from the beating were now beginning to itch as the healing process continued, and were really more annoying than painful.
"I feel much better, Uncle," Frodo replied. "Would it be too soon if we came this evening?" Frodo's question was directed to Aiden. "I think you'll need some help about the house with your arm as it is. How are you going to go about making supper that way?"
Aiden laughed, but he had to admit Frodo was right. "You do have a valid point, Frodo. If I'm to cook supper for five, I will indeed require more than one good hand to do so."
"I'll help you," Frodo said happily. "I know my way around the kitchen as it is."
"Frodo insisted upon lending a hand about the house," Aiden told Bilbo, and the old hobbit beamed proudly. "I had to all but chase him away from the washbasin after meals, and if I failed to get there ahead of him, he was cooking the meals for me."
Frodo's face reddened a little, but he kept smiling. "It was the least I could do under the circumstances," he countered, thinking of all that his new friend had done and risked for him.
"Then I shall expect you by late this afternoon." Aiden laid a hand on Frodo's shoulder. "Until then, my friend." He nodded to Bilbo, picked up his cloak and left the room quietly, so as not to wake Saradoc or Merry who were still sleeping.
"A very fine friend you've made, my boy," Bilbo acknowledged. "You'll miss him, won't you lad?"
"Yes, Uncle. I know I will," Frodo answered rather sadly. His expression brightened again as he thought of something. "I don't think he's going to be lonely, Uncle."
Biblo chuckled softly, immediately understanding what Frodo was getting at. "That healer likes him, I believe. They make a handsome pair indeed."
"Gossiping again, Bilbo?" Saradoc said sleepily. He sat up and put his feet on the floor, grumbling under his breath about the cold surface. He poked Merry a couple of times, and received sleepy protests for his troubles. "On your feet, lad. The day begins."
Frodo walked across the room to lightly shake his sleepy cousin. "Wake up, Merry. It's time for breakfast." Merry stopped fighting the inevitable and sat up, rubbing his eyes. Upon seeing Frodo up on his feet and color in his face again, the younger lad sprang out of bed and hugged him ecstatically.
"Frodo! You look so much better!" Merry's words came out in a rush as he embraced his favorite cousin. "I knew you would be all right." He had been so worried when he had seen that strange dark - haired man carrying Frodo into the room, almost unconscious and wrapped in a cloak. All he had wanted then was to see his cousin laughing and smiling, and now his wish was granted.
"Easy, Mer! You'll knock me right back down again," Frodo chided him gently. "I'm feeling just fine now, thanks to everyone here." He disengaged himself from Merry's embrace. "I'll tell you the entire tale over breakfast," he promised.
True to his word, Frodo told everyone the entire story from the moment he had awakened to find Reginard and Bargo in his room right up to the last, terrifying moments after Bilbo had stopped Gavin from strangling him. He paused here and there to answer Merry's many questions, and a few from Bilbo and Saradoc. The Master of Buckland was glowering angrily by the end of the tale.
"Frodo, I must apologize." As Frodo looked at him in surprise and confusion, Saradoc continued. "I cannot help but think that all you have endured might have been prevented had I but noticed - "
Frodo shook his head. "I'm to blame as well," he said thoughtfully. "I didn't tell anyone about a lot of things, and I should have. I kept far too much to myself regarding Reginard and Bargo."
"Those lads have a great deal of music to face when we get back to Buckland," Saradoc said sternly.
Bilbo's eyes shone with anger. "A tune that will be unpleasant to their ears, but must be played nonetheless." He turned his gaze to Frodo. "Rest assured, lad. They'll be held accountable for this. You'll have naught to fear from them again."
Frodo considered for a moment. "I don't know that what I feel is fear, exactly," he began uncertainly. Did he truly fear the two anymore after all that he'd seen and experienced recently? "I'm angry with them, Uncle, but I don't think I fear them."
Bilbo looked at Frodo sharply and a smile crossed his face. "What a brave lad you are, Frodo," he said proudly. "If you have no fear of them, they have no power over you."
Frodo looked down at his plate and smiled. Bilbo was right! If he didn't fear his enemies, they were diminished, small and insignificant things with no authority. Bargo and Reginard paled in comparison with things he had seen and survived these past few days, and he would no longer look at them with fear in his eyes.
~*~
The four hobbits took their luncheon in the common room of the Prancing Pony, gathered about a table that was built to suit their size. Butterbur puttered about busily, and paused by their table to ask after them.
"Would any of you like an ale, little masters?" He said jovially. "It's a fine brew and reasonably priced," he cajoled, ever the salesman.
Bilbo thought for a moment. He looked at Frodo meaningfully, and replied in the affirmative. "Yes, my good man, I believe I would like to sample the brew you speak of. One half - pint please, and one for the lad too."
Frodo looked a bit surprised, although Butterbur did not. Apparently the innkeeper couldn't tell the difference between a tween of twenty - one years and a grown hobbit of thirty - three.
"Don't gape, lad. You're the same age I was when my old Da stood me my first half," Bilbo told Frodo. "Not that I want you hanging about the pubs all day and night, mind you, but you're a right big lad now and able to take your ale accordingly."
Saradoc ordered an ale as well, and Merry waited in anticipation for his father to order one for him also. When that failed to happen, he crossed his arms in consternation.
"Can I have one too, then?" Merry wheedled. "I'm almost as old as Frodo."
Saradoc rolled his eyes. "Merry, Frodo is twenty - one years old. You're not yet a tween, and - "
"But I'm close," Merry said evenly. "Just a half - pint won't do me any harm, Father."
"Don't be so stuffy, Sara," Bilbo chimed in, taking Merry's part as Frodo looked on in amused silence. "What harm could it do?"
Saradoc sighed. Everyone was against him. "You may have a few sips of mine, but don't tell your mother," he said sternly. Almost as an afterthought, he pointed a finger at Bilbo and said, "You either, you rascal!"
"My mother is no longer living," Bilbo quipped, his gaze not flinching from Saradoc's. Frodo fought the laugh that felt like it was starting all the way down at his toes and working its way upward, gaining strength as it went. He gave in to it as a huge grin invaded his face.
"Wise - apple!" Saradoc shot back. The laughter spread around the table to engulf the entire party, a wave of mirth that was welcome and undeniably deserved.
~*~To be continued~*~
Bookworm2000 - I picture the result of the medicinal tea as being similar to what happens to me about half an hour after taking two Nyquil liquicaps - orbit! Those hobbits are sly, aren't they? Give Aiden and Mira a little time and let nature take its course. Who knows what will happen?
Kay - Bilbo Baggins, matchmaker! I'm glad you like the OC's. I've just realized that I've trotted out a large number of them in this fic! Aiden's cute when he's wonky!
Aratlithiel - OUR Frodo? Brawling in pubs? How prophetic! (For the curious, please see "Nigh On September", originated by Aratlithiel and helped along with an action scene by yours truly.) What a lucky turn of events that a pretty, unattached healer should meet our conveniently available wounded hero, eh?
Krista - Perhaps Aiden has indeed found someone special. We gave Frodo a break from the angst here, since I owe him big time for all I subjected him to earlier. Hope he forgives me! We'll be seeing Merry's reaction to Frodo's decision about Hobbiton soon.
Pebbles - Thanks for your review! Will Merry throw a wrench into Frodo's plans to go to Bag End? Read on! You'll find out!
FrodoBaggins1982 - It would be fun to have a further story regarding Aiden and Mira. I'd be willing to think of that in the future, maybe as a side project. It likely wouldn't be posted here, though, unless I can get the Tolkien characters into it somehow. I'd like to hug Bilbo myself. He cares so much for Frodo! And will anyone who has never heard an adult say "you'll understand someday" please stand up? Uh huh. I thought so.
Curious Cat - I thought a little break from the angst was deserved. And yes, it was good to see Dolan do something to redeem himself. You may not get to hear him admit that he made a mistake, but at least he tried to put things right before he rode off into obscurity.
Midgette - Hurrah for Aiden! He needs someone to love him as he deserves.
TTTurtle - The sequel is being written right now, and will be titled "Baggins of Hobbiton". Frodo is older than Merry by just enough to have a better understanding of the concept of falling in love, or being smitten by the charms of the opposite sex. I have a feeling Merry will get the point soon enough!
Heartofahobbit - A lot of good questions! Aiden deserves a future, and he will have one. As for the ruffians, there are answers ahead. I don't plan any nasty vengeance from them toward Aiden at this point, though. I would like to see Aiden again in future stories, if the plotbunny will let him in.
Iorhael - Ahh, yes. What to do with those two naughty hobbits back in Buckland. We'll deal with them! More angst for Frodo? Maybe just a little more. I know he has a few things he wants to say to them!
Fool of a Took - Wondering if I'll twist the plot again? Maybe so, maybe no. I do plan to see Aiden rewarded for his kindness. Merry's mind just isn't on romance yet. Give him a few years, and he'll be chasing the lasses all over Buckland!
Chapter 23 - An Invitation
~*~The Prancing Pony, morning~*~
"You're up and about early," Bilbo observed as Aiden poured himself a cup of tea. His left arm was in a sling, but otherwise he looked and felt much more like himself.
"I must be truthful, Bilbo," Aiden said as he placed the kettle back over the fire. "Sleeping on so small a bed is starting to put some amazing knots in muscles I was unaware that I had."
Bilbo laughed at the statement, admitting to himself that it was bound to be true. A hobbit - sized bed just couldn't be comfortable for a man of Aiden's height. "Hmm, yes. I can imagine," the aged hobbit answered, glancing across the room to where Frodo lay sleeping.
The lad was getting stronger by the hour, it seemed, and Bilbo was pleased to see such immediate progress. They really should be starting for Buckland soon, now that Frodo was recovering. He looked back up at Aiden and smiled ruefully.
"He's quite fond of you, you know," Bilbo told the man who stood beside him. "He has good reason to be." Bilbo was extremely glad that Frodo had made the acquaintance of the young merchant. Had Aiden not intervened, Bilbo was not certain he would ever have seen Frodo again.
"Thank you, Bilbo. I am fond of him as well." Aiden sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Frodo may be young yet, but he has a great heart within him. He has been a good friend."
At that moment, Frodo's heretofore peaceful rest came to an abrupt end as one small fist flailed in the air, as if to ward off the advance of an invisible assailant. His brows knit together and he began to mumble. As the mumbling became louder and more agitated, both Bilbo and Aiden moved as one toward Frodo, intent upon waking him and freeing him from the grip of the obviously unpleasant dream.
Bilbo reached out slowly, speaking quietly as he did. "Frodo, wake up, lad. You're dreaming, my boy. It's all right - " As his fingers brushed against Frodo's cheek, the young hobbit woke with a violent start, recoiling and breathing hard. The wild look in his eyes began to diminish as reality reappeared around him.
Bilbo immediately pulled the shaking youth to him in a protective embrace. "Dreams, Frodo, nothing more. They cannot hurt you, lad." Frodo grasped Bilbo's shoulders and hung on for dear life as he tried to force the images from his mind. Aiden stood by the bedside, feeling powerless to help his young friend.
Suddenly Frodo's eyes opened and he looked up at Aiden from within Bilbo's embrace. He reached out with one hand toward the man who had risked so much to save him, and Aiden bent to grasp the small hand in his. Moments passed in silent understanding as Frodo battled tears and the spectre of recent, terrifying memories.
"Thank you," Frodo said to both of them as he wrestled the dream away from his mind and into the shadow from whence it came. "I thought I was there again, with them." He was breathing normally again and was fully awake, aware of his surroundings.
"You've nothing to fear now, my lad," Bilbo told him firmly. He was trying not to imagine Frodo alone in his room at Brandy Hall, fighting off such nightmares with no one nearby to notice or ease his distress.
Would Frodo want to move to Bag End with him? So much had been happening that he hadn't yet had the time or privacy to speak with the boy. Perhaps there would be a quiet moment sometime soon when he could broach the subject.
"I would like to make a suggestion," Aiden said suddenly. "I am certain you will all be leaving for the Shire soon, but before you go, I would like to offer you the hospitality of my home. It would please me greatly if you would consent to spend your last night in Bree at my house."
Frodo smiled at the idea. "May we, Uncle Bilbo?" he asked. "It would be so much better than here at the inn." He had liked the clean, quiet little house, and it would be nice to be there just once more.
"I see no reason why we should turn down such a fine invitation," Bilbo answered. They would be leaving soon, it was true. Frodo was mending quickly and Sara and Merry must return home soon. They were in for it as it was, but Esmeralda's wrath would strengthen with every day of their absence.
"I shall consider the matter settled, then," Aiden said. "I will be leaving for home shortly to prepare." He had never hosted four hobbits before, and if what Frodo told him about their eating habits held true, he had some work to do. "When can I expect you?"
"How are you feeling, Frodo?" Bilbo asked the young hobbit solicitously. "We will consider journeying home only when you feel you're up to it."
Frodo stretched and rose, taking a brief inventory as he did so. His muscles didn't ache so badly anymore, and the worst of the discomfort from his back had faded. The marks from the beating were now beginning to itch as the healing process continued, and were really more annoying than painful.
"I feel much better, Uncle," Frodo replied. "Would it be too soon if we came this evening?" Frodo's question was directed to Aiden. "I think you'll need some help about the house with your arm as it is. How are you going to go about making supper that way?"
Aiden laughed, but he had to admit Frodo was right. "You do have a valid point, Frodo. If I'm to cook supper for five, I will indeed require more than one good hand to do so."
"I'll help you," Frodo said happily. "I know my way around the kitchen as it is."
"Frodo insisted upon lending a hand about the house," Aiden told Bilbo, and the old hobbit beamed proudly. "I had to all but chase him away from the washbasin after meals, and if I failed to get there ahead of him, he was cooking the meals for me."
Frodo's face reddened a little, but he kept smiling. "It was the least I could do under the circumstances," he countered, thinking of all that his new friend had done and risked for him.
"Then I shall expect you by late this afternoon." Aiden laid a hand on Frodo's shoulder. "Until then, my friend." He nodded to Bilbo, picked up his cloak and left the room quietly, so as not to wake Saradoc or Merry who were still sleeping.
"A very fine friend you've made, my boy," Bilbo acknowledged. "You'll miss him, won't you lad?"
"Yes, Uncle. I know I will," Frodo answered rather sadly. His expression brightened again as he thought of something. "I don't think he's going to be lonely, Uncle."
Biblo chuckled softly, immediately understanding what Frodo was getting at. "That healer likes him, I believe. They make a handsome pair indeed."
"Gossiping again, Bilbo?" Saradoc said sleepily. He sat up and put his feet on the floor, grumbling under his breath about the cold surface. He poked Merry a couple of times, and received sleepy protests for his troubles. "On your feet, lad. The day begins."
Frodo walked across the room to lightly shake his sleepy cousin. "Wake up, Merry. It's time for breakfast." Merry stopped fighting the inevitable and sat up, rubbing his eyes. Upon seeing Frodo up on his feet and color in his face again, the younger lad sprang out of bed and hugged him ecstatically.
"Frodo! You look so much better!" Merry's words came out in a rush as he embraced his favorite cousin. "I knew you would be all right." He had been so worried when he had seen that strange dark - haired man carrying Frodo into the room, almost unconscious and wrapped in a cloak. All he had wanted then was to see his cousin laughing and smiling, and now his wish was granted.
"Easy, Mer! You'll knock me right back down again," Frodo chided him gently. "I'm feeling just fine now, thanks to everyone here." He disengaged himself from Merry's embrace. "I'll tell you the entire tale over breakfast," he promised.
True to his word, Frodo told everyone the entire story from the moment he had awakened to find Reginard and Bargo in his room right up to the last, terrifying moments after Bilbo had stopped Gavin from strangling him. He paused here and there to answer Merry's many questions, and a few from Bilbo and Saradoc. The Master of Buckland was glowering angrily by the end of the tale.
"Frodo, I must apologize." As Frodo looked at him in surprise and confusion, Saradoc continued. "I cannot help but think that all you have endured might have been prevented had I but noticed - "
Frodo shook his head. "I'm to blame as well," he said thoughtfully. "I didn't tell anyone about a lot of things, and I should have. I kept far too much to myself regarding Reginard and Bargo."
"Those lads have a great deal of music to face when we get back to Buckland," Saradoc said sternly.
Bilbo's eyes shone with anger. "A tune that will be unpleasant to their ears, but must be played nonetheless." He turned his gaze to Frodo. "Rest assured, lad. They'll be held accountable for this. You'll have naught to fear from them again."
Frodo considered for a moment. "I don't know that what I feel is fear, exactly," he began uncertainly. Did he truly fear the two anymore after all that he'd seen and experienced recently? "I'm angry with them, Uncle, but I don't think I fear them."
Bilbo looked at Frodo sharply and a smile crossed his face. "What a brave lad you are, Frodo," he said proudly. "If you have no fear of them, they have no power over you."
Frodo looked down at his plate and smiled. Bilbo was right! If he didn't fear his enemies, they were diminished, small and insignificant things with no authority. Bargo and Reginard paled in comparison with things he had seen and survived these past few days, and he would no longer look at them with fear in his eyes.
~*~
The four hobbits took their luncheon in the common room of the Prancing Pony, gathered about a table that was built to suit their size. Butterbur puttered about busily, and paused by their table to ask after them.
"Would any of you like an ale, little masters?" He said jovially. "It's a fine brew and reasonably priced," he cajoled, ever the salesman.
Bilbo thought for a moment. He looked at Frodo meaningfully, and replied in the affirmative. "Yes, my good man, I believe I would like to sample the brew you speak of. One half - pint please, and one for the lad too."
Frodo looked a bit surprised, although Butterbur did not. Apparently the innkeeper couldn't tell the difference between a tween of twenty - one years and a grown hobbit of thirty - three.
"Don't gape, lad. You're the same age I was when my old Da stood me my first half," Bilbo told Frodo. "Not that I want you hanging about the pubs all day and night, mind you, but you're a right big lad now and able to take your ale accordingly."
Saradoc ordered an ale as well, and Merry waited in anticipation for his father to order one for him also. When that failed to happen, he crossed his arms in consternation.
"Can I have one too, then?" Merry wheedled. "I'm almost as old as Frodo."
Saradoc rolled his eyes. "Merry, Frodo is twenty - one years old. You're not yet a tween, and - "
"But I'm close," Merry said evenly. "Just a half - pint won't do me any harm, Father."
"Don't be so stuffy, Sara," Bilbo chimed in, taking Merry's part as Frodo looked on in amused silence. "What harm could it do?"
Saradoc sighed. Everyone was against him. "You may have a few sips of mine, but don't tell your mother," he said sternly. Almost as an afterthought, he pointed a finger at Bilbo and said, "You either, you rascal!"
"My mother is no longer living," Bilbo quipped, his gaze not flinching from Saradoc's. Frodo fought the laugh that felt like it was starting all the way down at his toes and working its way upward, gaining strength as it went. He gave in to it as a huge grin invaded his face.
"Wise - apple!" Saradoc shot back. The laughter spread around the table to engulf the entire party, a wave of mirth that was welcome and undeniably deserved.
~*~To be continued~*~