Chapter Eight---Reunions and Repercussions
A/N: Yes. I know I totally messed up the distance between Bag End and Michel Delving. I'm not good with that sort of Bilbo-ish mappy thing, at all. So let's just pretend they actually were that close. Or something. O_O
When Frodo and Sam returned to Bagshot Row they handed Bell her packages and sat down at the round table, sullen looks on both their faces. After organizing her new items, Bell sat down with them, concern evident on her round, tanned face.
"What's wrong, my dears?" She asked softly. "Did something happen at the market?"
Frodo sighed. "It's nothing, really. Just my stupid cousin Lotho Sackville-Baggins...he said some nasty things to Sam and me."
"What did he say, exactly, Frodo-love?" Asked Bell. The lad proceeded to explain the events of the afternoon, and every once in a while Sam would grimace and nod in agreement. When he was finished, Frodo put him head down a bit, dark curls covering his face, and sighed. Sam patted his hand and he smiled.
"He said all that?" Bell asked, aghast. "Why, someone needs to teach that lad some manners! Speaking of Mr. Bilbo like that, and you too, Mr. Frodo. Not to mention you, Sam-love..." she sighed, clearly thinking that if she had her way, Lotho would be getting quite a thrashing right then.
"It's all right, Mum. Mr. Frodo knew what to do." The two Gamgees smiled at Frodo proudly, and he blushed.
"I just told him off, that's all. But I can't help thinking...I wouldn't want him to try and get even. Everyone was staring and laughing at him after we left." Bell shook her head, and smiled reassuringly.
"There's nothing to worry about, love. He'll leave you alone now, I'm sure."
"You don't know Lotho as well as I do, Mrs. Gamgee," Frodo sighed.
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The next day, the business about Lotho had been quickly forgotten with the arrival of the Tooks and Brandybucks. Frodo and Bilbo were reading, shaded by a large tree the Gaffer worked on planting some flowers a little ways away. When the large pony-cart pulled up, Frodo saw Merry running towards him, followed by three auburn haired lasses.
"Frodo," the four cried, practically in unison. The lad in question got up, and greeted each of them with a hug.
"Pearl, Nellie, Vinca, it's wonderful to see you all again," he said to his three lass cousins, while Merry bounced impatiently.
"Are we going to go to the fairgrounds soon, Cousin Frodo?" Asked Merry impatiently. Frodo nodded.
"We will, Mer. In a bit. You all have to get settled in Bag End first."
"Hobbiton is wonderful Frodo," sighed Pearl. "You should have invited us sooner!" Frodo laughed. Out of his lass cousins, Frodo was closest with Pearl. Both hobbits were quiet, studious, and rather shy; so they understood each other quite well. Nellie and Vinca, on the other hand, were bouncing balls of energy, running around constantly, and talking nonstop.
By this time, the adults, including Bilbo; who had gone over to help unload the cart, had come over, and Frodo embraced his aunts and uncles.
"It's so good to see you again, Frodo-lad," said Eglantine, enthusiastically.
"It's good to see you too; Aggie," replied Frodo, and Bilbo couldn't help but chuckle a bit to himself. When Frodo had been a young lad, he couldn't pronounce his Aunt Eggie's name correctly, so the nickname of Aggie had stuck from then on. On top of that, Eglantine had confided in her nephew that she disliked being called "Aunt Aggie."
"It makes me feel so old, and formal," she had said.
After talking and catching up for a while, the adults decided to go in and get settled. Frodo followed, but Bilbo stopped him, smiling.
"My dear lad, we have more than enough help here. You may go, if you like. Just be sure to mind your cousins." Frodo grinned.
"I will. And I promise we'll be back by elevensies." Frodo gave his Uncle a kiss, and went off with Pearl, Nellie, Vinca, and Merry to see the fairgrounds.
On the way there, they spotted Sam on an errand for his mum, and ran up to meet him.
"Hullo Sam!" Called Frodo, waving. His cousins followed close behind.
"Hullo Mr. Frodo!" Called the younger lad, waving back. "Are those your cousins?" Frodo nodded. "Let me introduce you." Sam felt a bit shy at the thought of meeting Tooks and Brandybucks, but smiled anyway.
"Merry, girls, this is my good friend, Samwise Gamgee. Sam, this is Pearl, Nellie, Vinca, and Merry," he said, pointing to each cousin in turn. They smiled back at him, and Sam instantly felt more comfortable around them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sam," said Pearl politely.
"Frodo's said nothing but good things about you...although he seems to be that way in general," Merry mused. Sam laughed, while Frodo playfully pushed his cousin in the shoulder.
After introductions were finished, the group continued toward their destination, Sam now having joined them. As six hobbits rambled through grass that was as green as freshly picked apples, the sun shone with unusual brightness and soft golden warmth. The sky was so clear, it appeared an almost white blue, with no visible clouds, tinkling laughter of hobbit children and the sound of work being for the upcoming Mid-Year's Day festivities being heard all around.
Once they reached the White Downs where the fair was to be held, the results of all the hard work was evident. Wooden booths had been set up as far as the eye could see, and some residents of Hobbiton were getting an early start on theirs'. By the next day, each would house a different attraction, activity, or shop for the Free Fair. The anticipatory excitement was almost palatable.
"Oh, Frodo, the Fair will be so exciting. I can hardly wait till tomorrow," sighed Nellie.
"Neither can I, Nellie-lass. I'm just happy to be back in time to go with all of you," Frodo replied.
"Will you leave us again next year, Mr. Frodo?" Asked Sam quietly. Frodo sighed.
"I don't know, Sam. I suppose it all depends. But we're together now, and that's what matters. Now. Who's hungry? I've brought some snacks for us, since I figured you would be." The cousins and Sam cheered, while Frodo set up the small spread of snacks he had brought in a tiny wicker basket. There were apples, a chunk of cheddar cheese, some dried meats, and a few of Bilbo's favorite toffee's Frodo had managed to smuggle out of Bag End. As the group ate, Frodo told of his exploits in Hobbiton since the adoption to the curious Took lasses, and Sam listened in awe to their stories of adventures at Tuckburough.
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That evening, Bag End was filled with much more noise than usual, as three children, two tweens, and five adult hobbits went about the business of eating, drinking, and merrymaking until sundown. After kissing his aunts, uncles and little cousins goodnight, Frodo headed to Bilbo's study, where the old Hobbit was staying up late; writing. He was aloud to go to bed later, being the oldest there, and relished his special before-bed time with his uncle.
"Hullo Bilbo," he called, stepping into the cozy, deep red room and sitting down in an armchair next to the old hobbit.
"Hullo, my lad. Just finishing up some more of my book, but that's nothing new," said Bilbo, taking a puff of his pipe, "I'm not sure if it will ever be finished," he chuckled, a warm, hearty, sound. Frodo smiled.
"I'm sure you will, Uncle Bilbo," replied his nephew, yawning.
"Get some sleep, lad. Tomorrow is the Fair, and you want to have your energy up."
"All right, Uncle. Goodnight," he yawned again, padding out of the study.
"You deserve a day of carefree fun, my lad," thought Bilbo, as he got back to his writing.
Mid-Year's day dawned with beautiful, but extremely hot weather, weather, much to the delight of the residents of Hobbiton. After quick breakfasts, almost everyone in the town was ready to get up and go to the Free Fair and sample all that there was to see.
As the precession of Hobbits headed out from Bag End they were quickly joined by the Gamgees, who were leaving Bagshot Row. When Frodo spotted May, he quickly swiped off his hat, and smiled, handing it to her.
"A promise is a promise, May-lass."
"Thank you Mr. Frodo!" She cried, giving him a sloppy kiss on a pale cheek.
They were an odd sight walking to the Downs; mixed and matched Tooks, Brandybucks, Gamgees, and Bagginses. But it also looked right, somehow. Bilbo walked next to Frodo, who was carrying May on his slender shoulders as she giggled happily. Goldie and Sam followed close behind, Merry pumping his shorter legs to keep up with them. His Da soon picked him up however, and he laughed as he rode on Saradoc's strong shoulders.
When they finally arrived, the children were surprised to see how much had been set up so quickly. The booths and stands were each set up with different attractions, games, and good things to eat. As Bilbo, Aggie, and the other adults left to explore what interested them, the children spilt up as well. Pearl, Vinca, and Nellie went to look at the handmade dolls, Frodo and Sam went to see the games, and Merry and the other Gamgee children wanted to watch the dancers. They had all planned to meet later for luncheon, and there was every kind of food to choose from. For now, Frodo and Sam were happy just to spend time together.
"Look, Mr. Frodo!" Cried Sam, "There's a lass giving pony rides!"
"You can go over there, if you like, Sam. I'm going to look at these books." Frodo pointed to a stand filled with dusty, leather-bound volumes that was manned by an old, smiling hobbit. Sam nodded, waving and running off.
Unbeknownst to Frodo, however, there was whispering about him in the bushes nearby. Whispering, specifically, coming from one Lotho Sackville- Baggins.
Lotho sat on the dirt and grass covered ground behind the shrubs with two other lads: Milo Boffin, Falco's brother, and Ted Sandyman, the miller's son. Neither considered Lotho a friend in any particular way; he was more of an accomplice in the schemes and pranks the three loved to play. And they were certainly planning one now.
"All right lads, here's the plan," he whispered harshly, and the other two boys leaned in to get a better listen.
"I'm not letting that mad Baggins boy get away with humiliating me at the market. He's going to get his, mark my words."
"That boy looks like a lass," sniggered Ted, and all three laughed.
"So what are we gonna do?" Asked Milo curiously.
"Yeah, what is this brilliant plan of yours?" Wondered Ted. Lotho, with a smug look on his face, began to explain.
"Brandybuck has been cooped up in Brandy Hall since May, you know," Lotho said smugly.
"Why?" Asked Milo. "Doesn't he live with Mad Baggins now?"
"Yes, you cottonbrain. He left because...the plants make him sneeze." The three boys burst out laughing.
"Who's ever heard of a Hobbit that can't be around plants?" Snickered Ted. "Are you serious, Lotho?" The rotund Hobbit lad nodded.
"Trees, flowers, shrubs, everything," Lotho confirmed. "Leaves him red-faced and helpless for hours. It's quite a sight. And that's where my plan comes in. You see..." Lotho lowered his voice to a whisper, and began to detail his idea to his attentive, sniggering companions.
*****************************************************
"Bilbo would love these," mused Frodo, as he examined a pile of poetry books, finally deciding on a slim, deep blue volume. "I think I have just enough coppers to pay for it," he muttered, digging around in his pocket and coming up with seven coins, a wrinkled handkerchief, and a few pieces of lint. Handing the money to the bookseller, Frodo smiled as he wished the lad a pleasant Mid-Year's Day.
"I'm sure it will be, thank you!" Replied Frodo, as he walked off with his purchase.
Wanting to take a quick moment to write something inside the cover to his Uncle, he walked a bit and took a seat under the closest tree. Taking out a quill from his pocket, and dipping it into the tiny bottle of silky black ink he had also purchased, he began to write.
"Dearest Uncle Bilbo,
Happy Mid-Year's Day, Your Loving Nephew,
Frodo," he inscriped.
Putting the pen and ink away, he felt a sudden, strong tickle in his nose, and looked up, suddenly noticing that the tree he had been sitting under was practically covered in pink, blooming flowers.
"Silly me," he thought, "Well, I'm done, anyway. I'll just get up and find Sam...he's probably wondering where I've gone off to..." but he never got to do so, because Lotho's portly form came out of nowhere to block his way, the two boys surrounded by the canopy of flowers which had begun to fall.
"Go away, Lotho" muttered Frodo, trying to get up and walk past, but suddenly noticing that two other laughing boys were blocking him as well.
"Not so fast, Brandybuck. If you think you're going to get away with humiliating me at market, you're very wrong." Frodo tried his best to get away, attempting to push past the boys, but to no avail. Although he was a bit taller than Lotho, the three together were stronger, and Frodo couldn't make them budge.
"Lotho, this is ridiculous. Let me go this instant or I'll tell Lobelia about the incident with the rotten apples and the cat," he smirked, trying to remain calm. Lotho simply laughed in his face.
"Shut up, Brandybuck. She'll hardly believe you. Grab his wrists, lads." Ted and Milo did as they were told, taking Frodo's slender wrists and holding them tight enough so that he couldn't escape. If Frodo began to feel a bit scared, he didn't show it, didn't kick or scream or fight back. He simply stood quietly, as the other lads watched him, laughing madly. The wind had picked up, and the blossoms flew around them like a pink snow. The tickling in Frodo's nose had intensified, and he began to sneeze wildly, his blue eyes watering, as Lotho whistled non-chalantly and the two other lads continued their hold.
"Awww. Poor baby. Do you need a handkercheif?" Asked Lotho condisendingly.
"Please, Lotho," Frodo whispered, "I'm...I can't breathe properly. Please let me go." Milo's face softened a bit.
"Let 'im go Lotho. He's gettin' sick, can't you see? We don't wanna hurt him, do we?" Lotho just smiled scathingly.
"He'll be fine," he said breezily. "Probly just is faking it. But this is getting boring, anyway," he continued, looking at the wheezing Baggins as his eyelids drooped. "He'll be conked out in a bit, and we don't wanta get in trouble. Let's go." The other lads nodded, dropping Frodo's wrists and hurrying off after Lotho seconds before Frodo dropped to the ground, moaning. No one heard him, however, and the only sound was the soft falling of pink blossoms as he went unconcious.
A/N: Yes. I know I totally messed up the distance between Bag End and Michel Delving. I'm not good with that sort of Bilbo-ish mappy thing, at all. So let's just pretend they actually were that close. Or something. O_O
When Frodo and Sam returned to Bagshot Row they handed Bell her packages and sat down at the round table, sullen looks on both their faces. After organizing her new items, Bell sat down with them, concern evident on her round, tanned face.
"What's wrong, my dears?" She asked softly. "Did something happen at the market?"
Frodo sighed. "It's nothing, really. Just my stupid cousin Lotho Sackville-Baggins...he said some nasty things to Sam and me."
"What did he say, exactly, Frodo-love?" Asked Bell. The lad proceeded to explain the events of the afternoon, and every once in a while Sam would grimace and nod in agreement. When he was finished, Frodo put him head down a bit, dark curls covering his face, and sighed. Sam patted his hand and he smiled.
"He said all that?" Bell asked, aghast. "Why, someone needs to teach that lad some manners! Speaking of Mr. Bilbo like that, and you too, Mr. Frodo. Not to mention you, Sam-love..." she sighed, clearly thinking that if she had her way, Lotho would be getting quite a thrashing right then.
"It's all right, Mum. Mr. Frodo knew what to do." The two Gamgees smiled at Frodo proudly, and he blushed.
"I just told him off, that's all. But I can't help thinking...I wouldn't want him to try and get even. Everyone was staring and laughing at him after we left." Bell shook her head, and smiled reassuringly.
"There's nothing to worry about, love. He'll leave you alone now, I'm sure."
"You don't know Lotho as well as I do, Mrs. Gamgee," Frodo sighed.
***************************************************************
The next day, the business about Lotho had been quickly forgotten with the arrival of the Tooks and Brandybucks. Frodo and Bilbo were reading, shaded by a large tree the Gaffer worked on planting some flowers a little ways away. When the large pony-cart pulled up, Frodo saw Merry running towards him, followed by three auburn haired lasses.
"Frodo," the four cried, practically in unison. The lad in question got up, and greeted each of them with a hug.
"Pearl, Nellie, Vinca, it's wonderful to see you all again," he said to his three lass cousins, while Merry bounced impatiently.
"Are we going to go to the fairgrounds soon, Cousin Frodo?" Asked Merry impatiently. Frodo nodded.
"We will, Mer. In a bit. You all have to get settled in Bag End first."
"Hobbiton is wonderful Frodo," sighed Pearl. "You should have invited us sooner!" Frodo laughed. Out of his lass cousins, Frodo was closest with Pearl. Both hobbits were quiet, studious, and rather shy; so they understood each other quite well. Nellie and Vinca, on the other hand, were bouncing balls of energy, running around constantly, and talking nonstop.
By this time, the adults, including Bilbo; who had gone over to help unload the cart, had come over, and Frodo embraced his aunts and uncles.
"It's so good to see you again, Frodo-lad," said Eglantine, enthusiastically.
"It's good to see you too; Aggie," replied Frodo, and Bilbo couldn't help but chuckle a bit to himself. When Frodo had been a young lad, he couldn't pronounce his Aunt Eggie's name correctly, so the nickname of Aggie had stuck from then on. On top of that, Eglantine had confided in her nephew that she disliked being called "Aunt Aggie."
"It makes me feel so old, and formal," she had said.
After talking and catching up for a while, the adults decided to go in and get settled. Frodo followed, but Bilbo stopped him, smiling.
"My dear lad, we have more than enough help here. You may go, if you like. Just be sure to mind your cousins." Frodo grinned.
"I will. And I promise we'll be back by elevensies." Frodo gave his Uncle a kiss, and went off with Pearl, Nellie, Vinca, and Merry to see the fairgrounds.
On the way there, they spotted Sam on an errand for his mum, and ran up to meet him.
"Hullo Sam!" Called Frodo, waving. His cousins followed close behind.
"Hullo Mr. Frodo!" Called the younger lad, waving back. "Are those your cousins?" Frodo nodded. "Let me introduce you." Sam felt a bit shy at the thought of meeting Tooks and Brandybucks, but smiled anyway.
"Merry, girls, this is my good friend, Samwise Gamgee. Sam, this is Pearl, Nellie, Vinca, and Merry," he said, pointing to each cousin in turn. They smiled back at him, and Sam instantly felt more comfortable around them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sam," said Pearl politely.
"Frodo's said nothing but good things about you...although he seems to be that way in general," Merry mused. Sam laughed, while Frodo playfully pushed his cousin in the shoulder.
After introductions were finished, the group continued toward their destination, Sam now having joined them. As six hobbits rambled through grass that was as green as freshly picked apples, the sun shone with unusual brightness and soft golden warmth. The sky was so clear, it appeared an almost white blue, with no visible clouds, tinkling laughter of hobbit children and the sound of work being for the upcoming Mid-Year's Day festivities being heard all around.
Once they reached the White Downs where the fair was to be held, the results of all the hard work was evident. Wooden booths had been set up as far as the eye could see, and some residents of Hobbiton were getting an early start on theirs'. By the next day, each would house a different attraction, activity, or shop for the Free Fair. The anticipatory excitement was almost palatable.
"Oh, Frodo, the Fair will be so exciting. I can hardly wait till tomorrow," sighed Nellie.
"Neither can I, Nellie-lass. I'm just happy to be back in time to go with all of you," Frodo replied.
"Will you leave us again next year, Mr. Frodo?" Asked Sam quietly. Frodo sighed.
"I don't know, Sam. I suppose it all depends. But we're together now, and that's what matters. Now. Who's hungry? I've brought some snacks for us, since I figured you would be." The cousins and Sam cheered, while Frodo set up the small spread of snacks he had brought in a tiny wicker basket. There were apples, a chunk of cheddar cheese, some dried meats, and a few of Bilbo's favorite toffee's Frodo had managed to smuggle out of Bag End. As the group ate, Frodo told of his exploits in Hobbiton since the adoption to the curious Took lasses, and Sam listened in awe to their stories of adventures at Tuckburough.
*******************************************************
That evening, Bag End was filled with much more noise than usual, as three children, two tweens, and five adult hobbits went about the business of eating, drinking, and merrymaking until sundown. After kissing his aunts, uncles and little cousins goodnight, Frodo headed to Bilbo's study, where the old Hobbit was staying up late; writing. He was aloud to go to bed later, being the oldest there, and relished his special before-bed time with his uncle.
"Hullo Bilbo," he called, stepping into the cozy, deep red room and sitting down in an armchair next to the old hobbit.
"Hullo, my lad. Just finishing up some more of my book, but that's nothing new," said Bilbo, taking a puff of his pipe, "I'm not sure if it will ever be finished," he chuckled, a warm, hearty, sound. Frodo smiled.
"I'm sure you will, Uncle Bilbo," replied his nephew, yawning.
"Get some sleep, lad. Tomorrow is the Fair, and you want to have your energy up."
"All right, Uncle. Goodnight," he yawned again, padding out of the study.
"You deserve a day of carefree fun, my lad," thought Bilbo, as he got back to his writing.
Mid-Year's day dawned with beautiful, but extremely hot weather, weather, much to the delight of the residents of Hobbiton. After quick breakfasts, almost everyone in the town was ready to get up and go to the Free Fair and sample all that there was to see.
As the precession of Hobbits headed out from Bag End they were quickly joined by the Gamgees, who were leaving Bagshot Row. When Frodo spotted May, he quickly swiped off his hat, and smiled, handing it to her.
"A promise is a promise, May-lass."
"Thank you Mr. Frodo!" She cried, giving him a sloppy kiss on a pale cheek.
They were an odd sight walking to the Downs; mixed and matched Tooks, Brandybucks, Gamgees, and Bagginses. But it also looked right, somehow. Bilbo walked next to Frodo, who was carrying May on his slender shoulders as she giggled happily. Goldie and Sam followed close behind, Merry pumping his shorter legs to keep up with them. His Da soon picked him up however, and he laughed as he rode on Saradoc's strong shoulders.
When they finally arrived, the children were surprised to see how much had been set up so quickly. The booths and stands were each set up with different attractions, games, and good things to eat. As Bilbo, Aggie, and the other adults left to explore what interested them, the children spilt up as well. Pearl, Vinca, and Nellie went to look at the handmade dolls, Frodo and Sam went to see the games, and Merry and the other Gamgee children wanted to watch the dancers. They had all planned to meet later for luncheon, and there was every kind of food to choose from. For now, Frodo and Sam were happy just to spend time together.
"Look, Mr. Frodo!" Cried Sam, "There's a lass giving pony rides!"
"You can go over there, if you like, Sam. I'm going to look at these books." Frodo pointed to a stand filled with dusty, leather-bound volumes that was manned by an old, smiling hobbit. Sam nodded, waving and running off.
Unbeknownst to Frodo, however, there was whispering about him in the bushes nearby. Whispering, specifically, coming from one Lotho Sackville- Baggins.
Lotho sat on the dirt and grass covered ground behind the shrubs with two other lads: Milo Boffin, Falco's brother, and Ted Sandyman, the miller's son. Neither considered Lotho a friend in any particular way; he was more of an accomplice in the schemes and pranks the three loved to play. And they were certainly planning one now.
"All right lads, here's the plan," he whispered harshly, and the other two boys leaned in to get a better listen.
"I'm not letting that mad Baggins boy get away with humiliating me at the market. He's going to get his, mark my words."
"That boy looks like a lass," sniggered Ted, and all three laughed.
"So what are we gonna do?" Asked Milo curiously.
"Yeah, what is this brilliant plan of yours?" Wondered Ted. Lotho, with a smug look on his face, began to explain.
"Brandybuck has been cooped up in Brandy Hall since May, you know," Lotho said smugly.
"Why?" Asked Milo. "Doesn't he live with Mad Baggins now?"
"Yes, you cottonbrain. He left because...the plants make him sneeze." The three boys burst out laughing.
"Who's ever heard of a Hobbit that can't be around plants?" Snickered Ted. "Are you serious, Lotho?" The rotund Hobbit lad nodded.
"Trees, flowers, shrubs, everything," Lotho confirmed. "Leaves him red-faced and helpless for hours. It's quite a sight. And that's where my plan comes in. You see..." Lotho lowered his voice to a whisper, and began to detail his idea to his attentive, sniggering companions.
*****************************************************
"Bilbo would love these," mused Frodo, as he examined a pile of poetry books, finally deciding on a slim, deep blue volume. "I think I have just enough coppers to pay for it," he muttered, digging around in his pocket and coming up with seven coins, a wrinkled handkerchief, and a few pieces of lint. Handing the money to the bookseller, Frodo smiled as he wished the lad a pleasant Mid-Year's Day.
"I'm sure it will be, thank you!" Replied Frodo, as he walked off with his purchase.
Wanting to take a quick moment to write something inside the cover to his Uncle, he walked a bit and took a seat under the closest tree. Taking out a quill from his pocket, and dipping it into the tiny bottle of silky black ink he had also purchased, he began to write.
"Dearest Uncle Bilbo,
Happy Mid-Year's Day, Your Loving Nephew,
Frodo," he inscriped.
Putting the pen and ink away, he felt a sudden, strong tickle in his nose, and looked up, suddenly noticing that the tree he had been sitting under was practically covered in pink, blooming flowers.
"Silly me," he thought, "Well, I'm done, anyway. I'll just get up and find Sam...he's probably wondering where I've gone off to..." but he never got to do so, because Lotho's portly form came out of nowhere to block his way, the two boys surrounded by the canopy of flowers which had begun to fall.
"Go away, Lotho" muttered Frodo, trying to get up and walk past, but suddenly noticing that two other laughing boys were blocking him as well.
"Not so fast, Brandybuck. If you think you're going to get away with humiliating me at market, you're very wrong." Frodo tried his best to get away, attempting to push past the boys, but to no avail. Although he was a bit taller than Lotho, the three together were stronger, and Frodo couldn't make them budge.
"Lotho, this is ridiculous. Let me go this instant or I'll tell Lobelia about the incident with the rotten apples and the cat," he smirked, trying to remain calm. Lotho simply laughed in his face.
"Shut up, Brandybuck. She'll hardly believe you. Grab his wrists, lads." Ted and Milo did as they were told, taking Frodo's slender wrists and holding them tight enough so that he couldn't escape. If Frodo began to feel a bit scared, he didn't show it, didn't kick or scream or fight back. He simply stood quietly, as the other lads watched him, laughing madly. The wind had picked up, and the blossoms flew around them like a pink snow. The tickling in Frodo's nose had intensified, and he began to sneeze wildly, his blue eyes watering, as Lotho whistled non-chalantly and the two other lads continued their hold.
"Awww. Poor baby. Do you need a handkercheif?" Asked Lotho condisendingly.
"Please, Lotho," Frodo whispered, "I'm...I can't breathe properly. Please let me go." Milo's face softened a bit.
"Let 'im go Lotho. He's gettin' sick, can't you see? We don't wanna hurt him, do we?" Lotho just smiled scathingly.
"He'll be fine," he said breezily. "Probly just is faking it. But this is getting boring, anyway," he continued, looking at the wheezing Baggins as his eyelids drooped. "He'll be conked out in a bit, and we don't wanta get in trouble. Let's go." The other lads nodded, dropping Frodo's wrists and hurrying off after Lotho seconds before Frodo dropped to the ground, moaning. No one heard him, however, and the only sound was the soft falling of pink blossoms as he went unconcious.