Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Frodo Holmes and Samwise Watson own themselves, I merely am their scribe. Please enjoy and review.
The Scarlet Strand
Ch 1 The Return home
221B Bagshot Row, Bag End. I saw it as my carriage came up the drive. My home for almost 20 years. For a while, I despaired of ever seeing it, or Holmes, again. It seemed an eternity since Holmes and I had parted, he to return to Hobbiton, while I would be sailing from Anfalas. We had followed a rather convoluted trail of The Missing Treaty of Gondor, which someday will see the light of day, but not yet.
As the carriage stopped, I wearily exited. I barely had the strength to stand. Suddenly, Holmes was beside me, helping me to stand. "Watson," said the beloved voice, "welcome home, my friend. Come, I have tea ready." With that, I found myself, at last, in that dear place.
There was a fire already going, taking the chill from the room. Holmes helped me to his chair in front of the fire. "But, Holmes," I started to protest, "this is your chair."
"Please, Watson, sit. I would rather you sit in warmth." With that, Holmes went to the kitchen and brought back some tea and biscuits, along with a jar of honey. He brought them to me, then set a small table in front of me so I could eat without leaving the chair.
Holmes keen eyes were brimming with unshed tears. "I can see you have a hard time it, my friend. I have moved your things over here. From now on, we will share 221B Bagshot Row. I have come too close to losing you. I would rather keep an eye on you here. There will be plenty of room for all of us," said Holmes, with a small smile.
I could hold my emotions in no longer. It had been some time that I could just let the tears fall, and not feel as though I had to be strong for everyone. Holmes said nothing, but let me rid myself of all anxiety.
Afterward, he brought a basin of warm water, and bade me wash my face, then made some fresh tea. I fell asleep before he could return, for I knew I was home, and I was safe. Nothing could touch me here, for I was among friends. I knew Frodo would want the whole story, but not now, not tonight. It will take many nights, many things I knew would be painful to recall, but I also knew I would be safe, and made whole again.
