Visiting and Happy Endings
I can't believe this is the last chapter of BEB, sans epilogue. Wow. This has been an amazing, hobbity, fun journey, and I thank you all for taking
it with me. *hugs* Enjoy, everyone.
When the news that young master Frodo was going to be all right reached Number Three Bagshot Row, Sam and his siblings sighed with relief and cheered with delight. Sam noticed the new lines on his mum's face had smoothed, and she appeared to fully relax for the first time in weeks. Every child desperately wanted to visit Mr. Frodo as soon as they could, but Bell knew all six Gamgee lads and lasses at once would be a trifle overwhelming, as the boy was still ill. It was finally decided that, as soon as Frodo was well enough, that Sam could be the first to pay a visit, which everyone agreed was good and fair, as the little lad loved his Mr. Frodo more than anything.
When Sam entered Bag End for the first time in a long while the next week, he found Mr. Bilbo fixing a pot of tea in the kitchen, looking weary but complacent, and very happy to see the little lad.
"Hullo, Samwise," he smiled. "Frodo is resting in his bed. I'm afraid he's still too ill to come out and see you, but you may go visit him, if you like." Sam nodded eagerly, and thanked the old hobbit, as he scurried off to Frodo's bedroom. Bilbo smiled to himself.
"Seeing Sam again will do the lad no end of good," he thought, as he gathered the things for the upcoming afternoon tea.
When Sam reached Frodo's bedroom, he gingerly opened the door, not knowing quite what to expect. He saw the lad lying in the big bed, propped up on pile of fluffy pillows and reading a book quietly. Sam quickly rushed over, and Frodo's face lit up in sheer delight.
"Oh, Sam. My dear Sam!" He cried. "I've missed you *so* much." Sam leaned up to give the tweenager an enormous hug, trying to be as gentle as he could. Getting a good look at Frodo, he was inwardly shocked at how much paler and thinner his master had become, shadows visible under his large blue eyes, which stood out even more on the chalk white face. His delicately pointed nose was beet red, and his gaunt cheeks slightly flushed. Sam also noticed large piles of fresh and used handkerchiefs, storybooks, and an assortment of nasty looking herbs and medicines surrounding the large bed. He inwardly remembered how worried he had been, and looked up at his friend earnestly.
"Mr. Frodo, I'm so glad you're all right. All of us were worried sick, and I was afraid...I was afraid..." The tiny lad didn't finish before he started to cry, embarrassed to be causing Frodo any more trouble, when he noticed the lad soothing him and drying his tears with one of the many handkerchiefs surrounding them.
The boys spent what seemed like hours sharing the thoughts and fears they had had for each other, both feeling a new sense of relief and closeness. Sam, much to Frodo's amusement, took quickly to playing nurse, and tried his best to make sure his beloved friend was comfortable and content. He worried, as every once and a while, Frodo would let out a dreadful hacking cough and seemed to be in pain, although he assured Sam it was nothing to worry about.
"Mum told me Mr. Gandalf was *here* at Bag End! Is it true?" Sam asked, eyes wide and face bright with curiosity.
"Yes," said Frodo with a hint of wistfulness, "He was here, but I'm afraid I don't remember much of his visit. I was very ill those days, Sam, although I wish I could tell you all about him. He did give me this, though, the night before he disappeared," he continued, pointing to the long, silvery scarf wrapped around his slender neck. "I'm supposed to return it when I see him again. I believe it was his way of saying goodbye, which I don't think wizards often do," he contemplated. Sam smiled and nodded in agreement.
Very soon, however, Frodo began to grow a bit weary, and Bilbo gently explained that he was still quite ill, and needed his rest. Sam got ready to leave, a bit sad at having to say goodbye so soon, and gave his friend a parting hug that was greatfully accepted.
"Goodbye, Sam. It was so wonderful to see you again. I can hardly wait until I'm up and about, and we can finally play in the snow," said Frodo, "I'll be better soon, won't I, Uncle Bilbo?" He asked hopefully. Bilbo tried to disguise the sadness in his eyes.
"I'm sure you will, my lad," he lied, ruffling Frodo's already sleep- toussled curls. Sam smiled in delight, before bidding the two Bagginses a final goodbye and heading out into the winter afternoon.
*****************************************************
The next few weeks were difficult for Bilbo and his nephew. Frodo was still quite weak, and although his fever was gone, a nasty cough and cold remained. Bilbo had his hands full taking care of him, but did not complain or mind a bit. He was simply happy his lad was still with him, and more than ever, he tried to remember what Bell had told him: "That boy loves you more than anything. You're all he has. Try not to dwell on the future. Enjoy every moment you have with Frodo."
"Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo began one day, while the two sat in their usual chair by the fire. Frodo was feeling better that day, so Bilbo let the lad wander about a little, as he had been bedridden for so long. Soon he had tired out, however, and curled up with Bilbo comfortably.
"What is it, my lad?" Bilbo replied.
"I was just thinking...our first year together is almost over, and it's so hard to believe! To think, this time last year I was at Brandy Hall and we were finally starting to take down the Yule decorations..." Bilbo smiled, but Frodo's face fell a bit at the thought of Yule, which he had all but missed this year. His uncle noticed, and an idea began to form in the old Baggins's head.
"Yes, my lad, this has been a wonderful year, for the most part," Bilbo replied.
"I'm just sorry I was ill for most of it. It must have been such a nuisance for you..." mumbled Frodo sadly, under his breath. Bilbo heard him, and squeezed the boy's shoulder.
"It couldn't be helped, my dear lad, and was no nusicence at all." He noticed Frodo looked sad, and he hugged the boy tightly. "Don't let it trouble you. I'm so happy you're here at Bag End with me, silme, and I wouldn't change anything that has happned for the world." Frodo smiled broadly.
"Neither would I."
***************************************************************
When Frodo was asleep that night, Bilbo began to put his plan into action. Hurrying to the market in secret and getting everything ready, with the help of the Gamgees, he was soon ready to show Frodo the surprise. When the boy awoke from an afternoon nap the next day, Bilbo stood in the doorway, smiling.
"Good afternoon, Uncle," Frodo said, stretching and yawning. He noticed Bilbo had a barely conceled expression of mirth in his blue eyes. "What is it?" Asked the tweenager curiously, as he got out of bed.
"You'll see in half a minute, my lad. Come along, now." Frodo took Bilbo's hand, and the two Bagginses, both excited, walked toward Bag End's main foyer.
When they entered, Frodo let out a loud, amazed gasp. The whole room was decorated in the grandest Yule fashion, with boughs of deep green and blood red holly, ivy, and beautiful winter shrubs wrapped around every corner, nook, and piece of furniture. Two beautiful winter wreaths hung, one on the door, and one adove the fireplace. Smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves drifted from the kitchen, where, to Frodo's delight, he discovered the Gamgee family sitting around the table in anticipation for his appearence, and noticed Bell was preparing all his favorite holiday foods. He was soon engulfed in an enormous hug from the six children, and he grinned at Bilbo in delight.
"Did you plan...all of this?" He asked in amazement, while continually being surrounded by bouncing, excited lads and lasses. His uncle nodded.
"With a lot of help from the Gamgees, here. I didn't think it was fair for you to miss Yule, my lad, simply because of how ill you'd been. So, we decided to have it a bit late." Frodo's smile split his face, and he appeared happier than Bilbo had seen him in ages.
Soon the group sat down to the amazing feast that had been prepared, the centerpiece being, to everyone's delight, Bilbo's famous goose. There was a myraid of other delights, as well, including fresh mulled cider, baked apples, and a creamy, buttery heap of mashed potateoes, half of which was eaten in a flash by Ham and Hal. Everyone talked, laughed, sang, ate, and generally made merry long past the end of the meal itself. Frodo had to admit, he felt better and happier than he had in a long while.
Later, when the ten hobbits sat together by the fire, with snow falling peacefully outside, Frodo sighed happily.
"Thank you. All of you...this has been so wonderful. I couldn't imagine a better Yule if I tried." Bilbo grinned back at the lad micheviously.
"You haven't even opened your presents yet, my lad!" He said. Frodo gasped.
"But...I didn't get presents for any of you...It wouldn't be right," he frowned.
"Frodo-love, I think that can be excused this year," said Bell gently, sqeezing his hand. He smiled back at her warmly.
"All right then," he said. "But I promise, come next Yule you will all have the very best gifts in the whole Shire."
********************************************************
Sundown finally came, and it was already well past Sam and the girls' bedtime. Ham and Hal begged to be allowed to stay later because they were older, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. After many hugs and goodbyes, the large smial was almost empty again with only Frodo and Bilbo remaining. The remains of the celebration surrouned them: ribbons, papers, decorations, and the crumbs that were the last remaining signs of the feast. Frodo was quickly growing tired, and Bilbo noticed his coughing and sneezing had started up again. Soon the tweenager was snugly tucked in bed, looking content and happy.
"Thank you, so much, for everything, Uncle Bilbo. This is the best home I could have asked for," Frodo said, yawning. Bilbo just hugged him tightly, and gave him a kiss goodnight, before getting up to leave.
"It's not a problem, my lad. Bagginses need to stick together, after all." Bilbo said. As he closed the door gently, he noticed his nephew grin, and smile that reached all the way to his blue eyes.
~FIN~
I can't believe this is the last chapter of BEB, sans epilogue. Wow. This has been an amazing, hobbity, fun journey, and I thank you all for taking
it with me. *hugs* Enjoy, everyone.
When the news that young master Frodo was going to be all right reached Number Three Bagshot Row, Sam and his siblings sighed with relief and cheered with delight. Sam noticed the new lines on his mum's face had smoothed, and she appeared to fully relax for the first time in weeks. Every child desperately wanted to visit Mr. Frodo as soon as they could, but Bell knew all six Gamgee lads and lasses at once would be a trifle overwhelming, as the boy was still ill. It was finally decided that, as soon as Frodo was well enough, that Sam could be the first to pay a visit, which everyone agreed was good and fair, as the little lad loved his Mr. Frodo more than anything.
When Sam entered Bag End for the first time in a long while the next week, he found Mr. Bilbo fixing a pot of tea in the kitchen, looking weary but complacent, and very happy to see the little lad.
"Hullo, Samwise," he smiled. "Frodo is resting in his bed. I'm afraid he's still too ill to come out and see you, but you may go visit him, if you like." Sam nodded eagerly, and thanked the old hobbit, as he scurried off to Frodo's bedroom. Bilbo smiled to himself.
"Seeing Sam again will do the lad no end of good," he thought, as he gathered the things for the upcoming afternoon tea.
When Sam reached Frodo's bedroom, he gingerly opened the door, not knowing quite what to expect. He saw the lad lying in the big bed, propped up on pile of fluffy pillows and reading a book quietly. Sam quickly rushed over, and Frodo's face lit up in sheer delight.
"Oh, Sam. My dear Sam!" He cried. "I've missed you *so* much." Sam leaned up to give the tweenager an enormous hug, trying to be as gentle as he could. Getting a good look at Frodo, he was inwardly shocked at how much paler and thinner his master had become, shadows visible under his large blue eyes, which stood out even more on the chalk white face. His delicately pointed nose was beet red, and his gaunt cheeks slightly flushed. Sam also noticed large piles of fresh and used handkerchiefs, storybooks, and an assortment of nasty looking herbs and medicines surrounding the large bed. He inwardly remembered how worried he had been, and looked up at his friend earnestly.
"Mr. Frodo, I'm so glad you're all right. All of us were worried sick, and I was afraid...I was afraid..." The tiny lad didn't finish before he started to cry, embarrassed to be causing Frodo any more trouble, when he noticed the lad soothing him and drying his tears with one of the many handkerchiefs surrounding them.
The boys spent what seemed like hours sharing the thoughts and fears they had had for each other, both feeling a new sense of relief and closeness. Sam, much to Frodo's amusement, took quickly to playing nurse, and tried his best to make sure his beloved friend was comfortable and content. He worried, as every once and a while, Frodo would let out a dreadful hacking cough and seemed to be in pain, although he assured Sam it was nothing to worry about.
"Mum told me Mr. Gandalf was *here* at Bag End! Is it true?" Sam asked, eyes wide and face bright with curiosity.
"Yes," said Frodo with a hint of wistfulness, "He was here, but I'm afraid I don't remember much of his visit. I was very ill those days, Sam, although I wish I could tell you all about him. He did give me this, though, the night before he disappeared," he continued, pointing to the long, silvery scarf wrapped around his slender neck. "I'm supposed to return it when I see him again. I believe it was his way of saying goodbye, which I don't think wizards often do," he contemplated. Sam smiled and nodded in agreement.
Very soon, however, Frodo began to grow a bit weary, and Bilbo gently explained that he was still quite ill, and needed his rest. Sam got ready to leave, a bit sad at having to say goodbye so soon, and gave his friend a parting hug that was greatfully accepted.
"Goodbye, Sam. It was so wonderful to see you again. I can hardly wait until I'm up and about, and we can finally play in the snow," said Frodo, "I'll be better soon, won't I, Uncle Bilbo?" He asked hopefully. Bilbo tried to disguise the sadness in his eyes.
"I'm sure you will, my lad," he lied, ruffling Frodo's already sleep- toussled curls. Sam smiled in delight, before bidding the two Bagginses a final goodbye and heading out into the winter afternoon.
*****************************************************
The next few weeks were difficult for Bilbo and his nephew. Frodo was still quite weak, and although his fever was gone, a nasty cough and cold remained. Bilbo had his hands full taking care of him, but did not complain or mind a bit. He was simply happy his lad was still with him, and more than ever, he tried to remember what Bell had told him: "That boy loves you more than anything. You're all he has. Try not to dwell on the future. Enjoy every moment you have with Frodo."
"Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo began one day, while the two sat in their usual chair by the fire. Frodo was feeling better that day, so Bilbo let the lad wander about a little, as he had been bedridden for so long. Soon he had tired out, however, and curled up with Bilbo comfortably.
"What is it, my lad?" Bilbo replied.
"I was just thinking...our first year together is almost over, and it's so hard to believe! To think, this time last year I was at Brandy Hall and we were finally starting to take down the Yule decorations..." Bilbo smiled, but Frodo's face fell a bit at the thought of Yule, which he had all but missed this year. His uncle noticed, and an idea began to form in the old Baggins's head.
"Yes, my lad, this has been a wonderful year, for the most part," Bilbo replied.
"I'm just sorry I was ill for most of it. It must have been such a nuisance for you..." mumbled Frodo sadly, under his breath. Bilbo heard him, and squeezed the boy's shoulder.
"It couldn't be helped, my dear lad, and was no nusicence at all." He noticed Frodo looked sad, and he hugged the boy tightly. "Don't let it trouble you. I'm so happy you're here at Bag End with me, silme, and I wouldn't change anything that has happned for the world." Frodo smiled broadly.
"Neither would I."
***************************************************************
When Frodo was asleep that night, Bilbo began to put his plan into action. Hurrying to the market in secret and getting everything ready, with the help of the Gamgees, he was soon ready to show Frodo the surprise. When the boy awoke from an afternoon nap the next day, Bilbo stood in the doorway, smiling.
"Good afternoon, Uncle," Frodo said, stretching and yawning. He noticed Bilbo had a barely conceled expression of mirth in his blue eyes. "What is it?" Asked the tweenager curiously, as he got out of bed.
"You'll see in half a minute, my lad. Come along, now." Frodo took Bilbo's hand, and the two Bagginses, both excited, walked toward Bag End's main foyer.
When they entered, Frodo let out a loud, amazed gasp. The whole room was decorated in the grandest Yule fashion, with boughs of deep green and blood red holly, ivy, and beautiful winter shrubs wrapped around every corner, nook, and piece of furniture. Two beautiful winter wreaths hung, one on the door, and one adove the fireplace. Smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves drifted from the kitchen, where, to Frodo's delight, he discovered the Gamgee family sitting around the table in anticipation for his appearence, and noticed Bell was preparing all his favorite holiday foods. He was soon engulfed in an enormous hug from the six children, and he grinned at Bilbo in delight.
"Did you plan...all of this?" He asked in amazement, while continually being surrounded by bouncing, excited lads and lasses. His uncle nodded.
"With a lot of help from the Gamgees, here. I didn't think it was fair for you to miss Yule, my lad, simply because of how ill you'd been. So, we decided to have it a bit late." Frodo's smile split his face, and he appeared happier than Bilbo had seen him in ages.
Soon the group sat down to the amazing feast that had been prepared, the centerpiece being, to everyone's delight, Bilbo's famous goose. There was a myraid of other delights, as well, including fresh mulled cider, baked apples, and a creamy, buttery heap of mashed potateoes, half of which was eaten in a flash by Ham and Hal. Everyone talked, laughed, sang, ate, and generally made merry long past the end of the meal itself. Frodo had to admit, he felt better and happier than he had in a long while.
Later, when the ten hobbits sat together by the fire, with snow falling peacefully outside, Frodo sighed happily.
"Thank you. All of you...this has been so wonderful. I couldn't imagine a better Yule if I tried." Bilbo grinned back at the lad micheviously.
"You haven't even opened your presents yet, my lad!" He said. Frodo gasped.
"But...I didn't get presents for any of you...It wouldn't be right," he frowned.
"Frodo-love, I think that can be excused this year," said Bell gently, sqeezing his hand. He smiled back at her warmly.
"All right then," he said. "But I promise, come next Yule you will all have the very best gifts in the whole Shire."
********************************************************
Sundown finally came, and it was already well past Sam and the girls' bedtime. Ham and Hal begged to be allowed to stay later because they were older, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. After many hugs and goodbyes, the large smial was almost empty again with only Frodo and Bilbo remaining. The remains of the celebration surrouned them: ribbons, papers, decorations, and the crumbs that were the last remaining signs of the feast. Frodo was quickly growing tired, and Bilbo noticed his coughing and sneezing had started up again. Soon the tweenager was snugly tucked in bed, looking content and happy.
"Thank you, so much, for everything, Uncle Bilbo. This is the best home I could have asked for," Frodo said, yawning. Bilbo just hugged him tightly, and gave him a kiss goodnight, before getting up to leave.
"It's not a problem, my lad. Bagginses need to stick together, after all." Bilbo said. As he closed the door gently, he noticed his nephew grin, and smile that reached all the way to his blue eyes.
~FIN~