Author's note: Big thanks to those who reviewed the first chapter. I appreciate it very much! I've made some changes while writing this so there's only a few AU themes in the story. As always, I don't have a problem with constructive criticism. If anyone finds any mistakes, please let me know in your review (no flames!) or email me. That way I can correct the errors and it'll help improve my writing. Thanks :-)
Disclaimer: I don't own Tolkien's characters. The Puddifoot family belongs to him, but I own Tansy.
Category: Drama, romance and angst
Pairing: Frodo/ OC
Other Characters: Sam, Rosie, The Cotton family and Bilbo
Rating: G
Chapter two: Welcome to Bywater
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The doorbell rang in a frenetic, melodious rhythm. Bilbo scurried toward the front door, hoping it was Frodo and when he yanked the door open he let out a relieved sigh at the sight of his nephew.
"I thought you were the Sackville-Bagginses. Come in, come in," Bilbo said hastily, grasping Frodo's arm and hauling him inside the parlor.
Frodo watched his uncle trot back swiftly to the door and closed it.
"Uncle," Frodo questioned, "What's going on? Sam told me something happened at Farmer Cotton's farm."
"What Sam told you is correct, my boy." Bilbo plopped down onto the chair in front of the fireplace that had been sleeping for the moment.
Frodo followed him and sat in a chair beside his uncle. For some time now, he noticed Bilbo didn't seem to age. There were several lines that could be seen in the corners of Bilbo's eyes, mostly when he smiled, but not many of a hobbit his age. Frodo especially thought about it on Sam's birthday and found it rather odd, then he dismissed the thought. This wasn't a proper time to talk about it.
Bilbo went on. "I've heard it from the Gaffer when I was at the Market...talk of a lass found by Farmer Cotton at Bywater Pool. He feared her dead but she's not and he took her to his home."
Frodo scrunched his brows. "What happened to her? And who is she?"
"I don't know yet. Rosie is looking after her, but I reckon we will hear more news soon."
____________________________________________________________
At Bywater, not far from the farm was Tom Cotton's home. Inside, his daughter sauntered down the tunneled hall. She headed for the room where the lass slept and then she hesitated. Rosie heard muffled footsteps. She turned to see her father in the distance.
"Let us know when she's awake."
"I will," said Rosie.
Slowly, her fingers entwined around the knob of the round door. Gently, she opened it and entered the room. Rosie eased toward a chair that was perched beside the bed. She sat down and watched the lass, who Rosie guessed to be in her late tweens, had been tucked under the covers. She remembered when Farmer Cotton brought her to the house. Her dress was soiled with mud. Rosie cleaned her up and found a comfortable nightdress for her to sleep in.
The lass slept restlessly, moaning in her sleep. Her plump face turned slightly to the left. At first her brown hair seemed dull until it was caught in the sun, revealing just a tad of red shimmering through tousled curls. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open. She blinked several times and then she turned her face in the direction of where Rosie sat.
Rosie gave her a warm, inviting smile. "I hoped you would awaken soon."
"Wha-what happened?" The lass uttered softly.
"During the morning, my father found you at Bywater Pool. He brought you here at the farm."
"The farm?" she said, barely audible. "Farmer Cotton's farm?"
Rosie nodded.
"And--you're his daughter...Rosie?"
She nodded again with a smile that raised her pink cheeks.
"I've heard much talk about you and other folk in hobbiton, though I haven't seen many in the other parts."
Rosie stared at her curiously.
"What's your name?"
The lass moved her lips but no words were said, as if she was reluctant to tell Rosie her name.
Rosie added, "You're safe here."
She sighed and rolled her eyes up to the ceiling. They stayed there for a moment, then shifting back to Rosie.
"I'm Tansy...Tansy Puddifoot."
"You're a Puddifoot!" Rosie exclaimed and relieved to know who she was. "I too know about the Puddifoots...well from the folk around here. But I can't say I've seen a Puddifoot and so it's a pleasure meeting you, Tansy."
Tansy smiled warily. Despite Rosie's loving hospitality, Tansy was unconvinced about her family name being accepted by the Cottons, and especially those who were wealthy.
Rosie sensed Tansy's apprehension and leaned closer to her.
"You're welcome here. But I need to know how you ended up at Bywater Pool."
Tansy bit her lip, then she proceeded to tell Rosie what happened.
"I left my home."
"Why?"
Tansy nervously clenched her fists together that lay above the covers.
"I grew tired of where I live, never seeing the other parts of Hobbiton. My parents refused to let me go and when I insisted, they told me to leave. I begged them to please let me stay. Where else can I go? But I offended them by my actions and I am now disowned." She paused, tears welling in her eyes. "Rosie, I only wanted to visit other places."
Rosie reached out and smeared a tear away from the corner of Tansy's eye.
Tansy sniffed and continued. "I packed some of my things and at dawn is when I left. I did not know where I was going or what would happen to me. I traveled what seemed like hours until I was too weak to go any further."
"And," Rosie interrupted. "That's when you ended up at Bywater Pool?"
Tansy nodded and then she gasped. "My things!"
"Don't worry. They're safe and sound. I put them inside the chest."
Tansy peered around the bed, staining her weak body until she saw a cherry wood chest at the bottom of the bed.
Rosie thought those words would be of some comfort to Tansy. Instead, her pudgy fingers clutched onto the ruffled collar of her white nightdress.
"Well," said Rosie, "I better let my parents know you're awake.
Frightened, Tansy lifted her head from the pillow.
"What's going to happen?"
"You just rest now."
Tansy nodded and eased her head back onto the pillow.
Rosie comforted her with one of her warm smiles and then she left the room.
___________________________________________________
Farmer Cotton paced impatiently around the parlor. His wife, Lily relaxed in her chair.
She reached across the table, picking up a small plate and the porcelain cup that sat upon it. Lily sipped some tea she made earlier. Her eyes peeked at Tom who continued his flustered pacing. She remained calm; at least that's what she wanted him to think. And when Rosie entered the room, Lily almost choked on her tea. Quickly, she plunged the cup and plate back onto the table and then she leaped from the chair to join her husband.
"How is the lass?" asked Farmer Cotton. "Has she awakened yet?"
"Yes," Rosie answered in a dry, tense voice. "She's weak but with proper rest, she'll mend."
Lily interrupted, "Did she speak?"
Rosie nodded. "Her name is Tansy Puddifoot."
Farmer Cotton's brows arched a few inches.
"Puddifoot? I haven't seen `em round here. Well? What was she doing down at Bywater Pool?"
"She--," Rosie began and faltered, fearing what her parents would think once she continued. "Tansy left her home."
"She left? What do you mean she left?"
Rosie's hands were hidden behind her back while twisting her fingers around each other.
"Tansy wanted to see the other parts of Hobbiton. She's never been anywhere except where she lives. This upset her family and they demanded she leave."
Farmer Cotton's eyes narrowed sternly. "And now she has no home. I know what you're thinking, Rosie, that she stays here. If something terrible happened to her family, then that would be different. But her leaving because she wanted to see other places? Sounds like she's one of those queer folk, wanting to go on adventures. Adventures will get you in trouble. You see what it's done already for...what's her name?"
"Tansy," Rosie whispered, then she raised her voice, only a little as she was careful not to disrespect her parents. "It's not like she wanted to leave the Shire--,"
"Nevertheless," he interjected, "She caused trouble with her family."
"Where can she go? They don't want her to come back."
Farmer Cotton sighed deeply. "Rosie, how can I let her stay here. She needs to be with her family."
"If they would let her come back she would go. For now, what are we to do? We can't let her leave. She has no money. And besides, you brought her here only to send her back out again?"
"Now, Rosie Cotton--,"
They were interrupted by Cotton's sons: Tom, Nick, Jolly and Nibs barged through the door and into the parlor.
His sons stood there with inquisitive stares on their faces.
"Finished with your chores already?" he asked them and knew they were curious about Tansy. "Go on, mind your business now and get back to your chores."
Disappointed they turned and had gone back out to the farm.
Rosie broke the awkward silence and spoke again. "When Tansy is well, I'll tell her it's best she go back home."
"No," said Farmer Cotton. "I'll--I'll decide what I'm to do with her."
_______________________________________________________
"I'm done here, Mr. Frodo."
Sam stood from the soil, wiping some off his hands.
"I told you I would be done before sundown."
"It already looks splendid!" Frodo exclaimed. He shivered slightly from the cool air that sneaked inside his chestnut jacket. Frodo slipped his hands inside the pockets, pulling both sides of the jacket together to keep out the chill.
"Sam, what would we do without you..."
Frodo wondered what distracted his friend. His eyes followed Sam's gaze and to his surprise, it was Rosie who entered past the gate and gracefully she climbed the steps. A Sapphire-blue cloak draped around her. The breeze caught it and it flowed behind her like gentle waves of the sea.
"Rosie?" said Sam, surprised and delighted to see her.
She smiled. "Hello, Sam, Frodo. I need to talk to you both, and to Bilbo."
"So," Frodo asked concernly, "You have more news."
Rosie nodded.
He tilted his head toward the door, his hand grasping the knob.
"Would you like some tea?" he asked Rosie.
"Yes, thank you."
__________________________________________________________
They sat inside the parlor along with Bilbo and listened attentively to what Rosie explained to them.
"For now, Tansy is a guest at our home and then my father will decide if she will stay."
Bilbo shook his head. "Oh, dear. I hope the poor lass will be all right."
Frodo stood near the fireplace that had been awake that evening. He leaned against the mantle, his arms crossed defensively against his chest. Although he tried, Frodo was unable to hide his incredulous expression.
"Mr. Frodo?" said Sam. "What is it?"
"I was thinking, why would the Puddifoots demand she leave? It doesn't make sense to me."
"I know," Rosie agreed, "But for now, she's a guest at our home."
Frodo didn't utter another word.
Rosie hated the silence that chilled the atmosphere despite the warm, crackling fire.
She broke it to say, "It's getting dark. I better be on my way."
Sam leaped from the chair. "You're going back alone? I won't have you do that. I'll escort you home."
Rosie stood onto her hobbit feet and grinned. "Thank you, Sam."
Sam rushed over to the peg where her cloak hung. Gently, he grasped the cloak and clothed it around Rosie's shoulders.
"You're so kind," Rosie complimented while fastening the cloak together with a sapphire jeweled broach. She looked up and smiled again at Bilbo and Frodo. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Frodo and his uncle said together.
While Sam escorted her to the door, he looked back at Frodo with a wide grin. A grin that boasted he was taking Rosie home.
Frodo acknowledged him with an encouraging smile, ecstatic about the opportunity Sam had to be with Rosie.
After Sam and Rosie had gone, Frodo uncrossed his arms and walked away from the fireplace. He stopped near Bilbo's chair, noticing the way he stared at the fire, as if he was in a strange trance.
"Uncle, are you all right?"
"Hmm?"
"Bilbo?"
It seemed Frodo's voice echoed from a distance, whispers at first, and then it grew louder, startling Bilbo who looked up at his nephew.
"Oh, yes, yes. I'm fine. Just tired. I'll be off to bed soon."
Frodo wanted to believe Bilbo was fine but he decided to leave him alone. It still amazed him, the way he looked at his age.
"I'll be in my room," said Frodo.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, uncle."
Bilbo waited and listened for the door. He had to make sure, not until he heard the door. A creaking sound reached his hobbit ears and then the 'click' of a door that had closed. Bilbo sprang from his chair. He looked up at the mantle. No, it wasn't there. He remembered now. Bilbo smiled, patting the side pocket on his trousers. His right hand slipped inside the pocket and grasped his cherished treasure. He held it up. Firelight fell upon it, casting a soft glow that disclosed the golden beauty of the treasure he found--the ring.
*Beautiful it is. My...precious*
Bilbo remembered when he found it. It belonged to the Gollum creature, but he had to use it to escape. What fun it is to be invisible. Suddenly, his grin vanished. Something troubled him. Something he could not comprehend, like a menacing presence watching him. He never sensed it before, not until he found the ring.
*Maybe I should not keep this ring. I'll get rid of it. Yes, I must do it*
"No!" Bilbo said aloud, frightening himself and he hoped Frodo didn't hear him.
He listened for the door again.
Silence.
Relieved, Bilbo slumped back into the chair. He opened his hand to look at the ring again. Bilbo shivered, torn between wanting to get rid of it and keeping what he loved.
His fingers lovingly cradled themselves around the ring. There, as he sat in his chair, he pressed his cheek against the hand that held the ring, nurturing it.
*My precious*
__________________________________________________________
Frodo stared outside his bedroom window. A few traces of twilight, wispy shades of indigo and lavender graced the sky over the hills of the Shire. While his eyes beheld the riveting sunset, Frodo's thoughts had wandered.
Sam and Rosie...
*If only he would tell her how he feels*
At the Green Dragon, couples dancing. So happy together, blissfully in love.
Frodo squeezed his eyes and slowly he shook his head. Silently, he spoke to the memories of that night.
*Why do you come, only to torment me? I don't want to think about it. Leave me alone. Please, leave me alone*
Frodo opened his eyes again.
And now, only a faint light of indigo remained in the distant sky.
***************************************************
TBC
A/N: Hope you liked this chapter. Hit that button and let me know :-)
Disclaimer: I don't own Tolkien's characters. The Puddifoot family belongs to him, but I own Tansy.
Category: Drama, romance and angst
Pairing: Frodo/ OC
Other Characters: Sam, Rosie, The Cotton family and Bilbo
Rating: G
Chapter two: Welcome to Bywater
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The doorbell rang in a frenetic, melodious rhythm. Bilbo scurried toward the front door, hoping it was Frodo and when he yanked the door open he let out a relieved sigh at the sight of his nephew.
"I thought you were the Sackville-Bagginses. Come in, come in," Bilbo said hastily, grasping Frodo's arm and hauling him inside the parlor.
Frodo watched his uncle trot back swiftly to the door and closed it.
"Uncle," Frodo questioned, "What's going on? Sam told me something happened at Farmer Cotton's farm."
"What Sam told you is correct, my boy." Bilbo plopped down onto the chair in front of the fireplace that had been sleeping for the moment.
Frodo followed him and sat in a chair beside his uncle. For some time now, he noticed Bilbo didn't seem to age. There were several lines that could be seen in the corners of Bilbo's eyes, mostly when he smiled, but not many of a hobbit his age. Frodo especially thought about it on Sam's birthday and found it rather odd, then he dismissed the thought. This wasn't a proper time to talk about it.
Bilbo went on. "I've heard it from the Gaffer when I was at the Market...talk of a lass found by Farmer Cotton at Bywater Pool. He feared her dead but she's not and he took her to his home."
Frodo scrunched his brows. "What happened to her? And who is she?"
"I don't know yet. Rosie is looking after her, but I reckon we will hear more news soon."
____________________________________________________________
At Bywater, not far from the farm was Tom Cotton's home. Inside, his daughter sauntered down the tunneled hall. She headed for the room where the lass slept and then she hesitated. Rosie heard muffled footsteps. She turned to see her father in the distance.
"Let us know when she's awake."
"I will," said Rosie.
Slowly, her fingers entwined around the knob of the round door. Gently, she opened it and entered the room. Rosie eased toward a chair that was perched beside the bed. She sat down and watched the lass, who Rosie guessed to be in her late tweens, had been tucked under the covers. She remembered when Farmer Cotton brought her to the house. Her dress was soiled with mud. Rosie cleaned her up and found a comfortable nightdress for her to sleep in.
The lass slept restlessly, moaning in her sleep. Her plump face turned slightly to the left. At first her brown hair seemed dull until it was caught in the sun, revealing just a tad of red shimmering through tousled curls. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open. She blinked several times and then she turned her face in the direction of where Rosie sat.
Rosie gave her a warm, inviting smile. "I hoped you would awaken soon."
"Wha-what happened?" The lass uttered softly.
"During the morning, my father found you at Bywater Pool. He brought you here at the farm."
"The farm?" she said, barely audible. "Farmer Cotton's farm?"
Rosie nodded.
"And--you're his daughter...Rosie?"
She nodded again with a smile that raised her pink cheeks.
"I've heard much talk about you and other folk in hobbiton, though I haven't seen many in the other parts."
Rosie stared at her curiously.
"What's your name?"
The lass moved her lips but no words were said, as if she was reluctant to tell Rosie her name.
Rosie added, "You're safe here."
She sighed and rolled her eyes up to the ceiling. They stayed there for a moment, then shifting back to Rosie.
"I'm Tansy...Tansy Puddifoot."
"You're a Puddifoot!" Rosie exclaimed and relieved to know who she was. "I too know about the Puddifoots...well from the folk around here. But I can't say I've seen a Puddifoot and so it's a pleasure meeting you, Tansy."
Tansy smiled warily. Despite Rosie's loving hospitality, Tansy was unconvinced about her family name being accepted by the Cottons, and especially those who were wealthy.
Rosie sensed Tansy's apprehension and leaned closer to her.
"You're welcome here. But I need to know how you ended up at Bywater Pool."
Tansy bit her lip, then she proceeded to tell Rosie what happened.
"I left my home."
"Why?"
Tansy nervously clenched her fists together that lay above the covers.
"I grew tired of where I live, never seeing the other parts of Hobbiton. My parents refused to let me go and when I insisted, they told me to leave. I begged them to please let me stay. Where else can I go? But I offended them by my actions and I am now disowned." She paused, tears welling in her eyes. "Rosie, I only wanted to visit other places."
Rosie reached out and smeared a tear away from the corner of Tansy's eye.
Tansy sniffed and continued. "I packed some of my things and at dawn is when I left. I did not know where I was going or what would happen to me. I traveled what seemed like hours until I was too weak to go any further."
"And," Rosie interrupted. "That's when you ended up at Bywater Pool?"
Tansy nodded and then she gasped. "My things!"
"Don't worry. They're safe and sound. I put them inside the chest."
Tansy peered around the bed, staining her weak body until she saw a cherry wood chest at the bottom of the bed.
Rosie thought those words would be of some comfort to Tansy. Instead, her pudgy fingers clutched onto the ruffled collar of her white nightdress.
"Well," said Rosie, "I better let my parents know you're awake.
Frightened, Tansy lifted her head from the pillow.
"What's going to happen?"
"You just rest now."
Tansy nodded and eased her head back onto the pillow.
Rosie comforted her with one of her warm smiles and then she left the room.
___________________________________________________
Farmer Cotton paced impatiently around the parlor. His wife, Lily relaxed in her chair.
She reached across the table, picking up a small plate and the porcelain cup that sat upon it. Lily sipped some tea she made earlier. Her eyes peeked at Tom who continued his flustered pacing. She remained calm; at least that's what she wanted him to think. And when Rosie entered the room, Lily almost choked on her tea. Quickly, she plunged the cup and plate back onto the table and then she leaped from the chair to join her husband.
"How is the lass?" asked Farmer Cotton. "Has she awakened yet?"
"Yes," Rosie answered in a dry, tense voice. "She's weak but with proper rest, she'll mend."
Lily interrupted, "Did she speak?"
Rosie nodded. "Her name is Tansy Puddifoot."
Farmer Cotton's brows arched a few inches.
"Puddifoot? I haven't seen `em round here. Well? What was she doing down at Bywater Pool?"
"She--," Rosie began and faltered, fearing what her parents would think once she continued. "Tansy left her home."
"She left? What do you mean she left?"
Rosie's hands were hidden behind her back while twisting her fingers around each other.
"Tansy wanted to see the other parts of Hobbiton. She's never been anywhere except where she lives. This upset her family and they demanded she leave."
Farmer Cotton's eyes narrowed sternly. "And now she has no home. I know what you're thinking, Rosie, that she stays here. If something terrible happened to her family, then that would be different. But her leaving because she wanted to see other places? Sounds like she's one of those queer folk, wanting to go on adventures. Adventures will get you in trouble. You see what it's done already for...what's her name?"
"Tansy," Rosie whispered, then she raised her voice, only a little as she was careful not to disrespect her parents. "It's not like she wanted to leave the Shire--,"
"Nevertheless," he interjected, "She caused trouble with her family."
"Where can she go? They don't want her to come back."
Farmer Cotton sighed deeply. "Rosie, how can I let her stay here. She needs to be with her family."
"If they would let her come back she would go. For now, what are we to do? We can't let her leave. She has no money. And besides, you brought her here only to send her back out again?"
"Now, Rosie Cotton--,"
They were interrupted by Cotton's sons: Tom, Nick, Jolly and Nibs barged through the door and into the parlor.
His sons stood there with inquisitive stares on their faces.
"Finished with your chores already?" he asked them and knew they were curious about Tansy. "Go on, mind your business now and get back to your chores."
Disappointed they turned and had gone back out to the farm.
Rosie broke the awkward silence and spoke again. "When Tansy is well, I'll tell her it's best she go back home."
"No," said Farmer Cotton. "I'll--I'll decide what I'm to do with her."
_______________________________________________________
"I'm done here, Mr. Frodo."
Sam stood from the soil, wiping some off his hands.
"I told you I would be done before sundown."
"It already looks splendid!" Frodo exclaimed. He shivered slightly from the cool air that sneaked inside his chestnut jacket. Frodo slipped his hands inside the pockets, pulling both sides of the jacket together to keep out the chill.
"Sam, what would we do without you..."
Frodo wondered what distracted his friend. His eyes followed Sam's gaze and to his surprise, it was Rosie who entered past the gate and gracefully she climbed the steps. A Sapphire-blue cloak draped around her. The breeze caught it and it flowed behind her like gentle waves of the sea.
"Rosie?" said Sam, surprised and delighted to see her.
She smiled. "Hello, Sam, Frodo. I need to talk to you both, and to Bilbo."
"So," Frodo asked concernly, "You have more news."
Rosie nodded.
He tilted his head toward the door, his hand grasping the knob.
"Would you like some tea?" he asked Rosie.
"Yes, thank you."
__________________________________________________________
They sat inside the parlor along with Bilbo and listened attentively to what Rosie explained to them.
"For now, Tansy is a guest at our home and then my father will decide if she will stay."
Bilbo shook his head. "Oh, dear. I hope the poor lass will be all right."
Frodo stood near the fireplace that had been awake that evening. He leaned against the mantle, his arms crossed defensively against his chest. Although he tried, Frodo was unable to hide his incredulous expression.
"Mr. Frodo?" said Sam. "What is it?"
"I was thinking, why would the Puddifoots demand she leave? It doesn't make sense to me."
"I know," Rosie agreed, "But for now, she's a guest at our home."
Frodo didn't utter another word.
Rosie hated the silence that chilled the atmosphere despite the warm, crackling fire.
She broke it to say, "It's getting dark. I better be on my way."
Sam leaped from the chair. "You're going back alone? I won't have you do that. I'll escort you home."
Rosie stood onto her hobbit feet and grinned. "Thank you, Sam."
Sam rushed over to the peg where her cloak hung. Gently, he grasped the cloak and clothed it around Rosie's shoulders.
"You're so kind," Rosie complimented while fastening the cloak together with a sapphire jeweled broach. She looked up and smiled again at Bilbo and Frodo. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Frodo and his uncle said together.
While Sam escorted her to the door, he looked back at Frodo with a wide grin. A grin that boasted he was taking Rosie home.
Frodo acknowledged him with an encouraging smile, ecstatic about the opportunity Sam had to be with Rosie.
After Sam and Rosie had gone, Frodo uncrossed his arms and walked away from the fireplace. He stopped near Bilbo's chair, noticing the way he stared at the fire, as if he was in a strange trance.
"Uncle, are you all right?"
"Hmm?"
"Bilbo?"
It seemed Frodo's voice echoed from a distance, whispers at first, and then it grew louder, startling Bilbo who looked up at his nephew.
"Oh, yes, yes. I'm fine. Just tired. I'll be off to bed soon."
Frodo wanted to believe Bilbo was fine but he decided to leave him alone. It still amazed him, the way he looked at his age.
"I'll be in my room," said Frodo.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, uncle."
Bilbo waited and listened for the door. He had to make sure, not until he heard the door. A creaking sound reached his hobbit ears and then the 'click' of a door that had closed. Bilbo sprang from his chair. He looked up at the mantle. No, it wasn't there. He remembered now. Bilbo smiled, patting the side pocket on his trousers. His right hand slipped inside the pocket and grasped his cherished treasure. He held it up. Firelight fell upon it, casting a soft glow that disclosed the golden beauty of the treasure he found--the ring.
*Beautiful it is. My...precious*
Bilbo remembered when he found it. It belonged to the Gollum creature, but he had to use it to escape. What fun it is to be invisible. Suddenly, his grin vanished. Something troubled him. Something he could not comprehend, like a menacing presence watching him. He never sensed it before, not until he found the ring.
*Maybe I should not keep this ring. I'll get rid of it. Yes, I must do it*
"No!" Bilbo said aloud, frightening himself and he hoped Frodo didn't hear him.
He listened for the door again.
Silence.
Relieved, Bilbo slumped back into the chair. He opened his hand to look at the ring again. Bilbo shivered, torn between wanting to get rid of it and keeping what he loved.
His fingers lovingly cradled themselves around the ring. There, as he sat in his chair, he pressed his cheek against the hand that held the ring, nurturing it.
*My precious*
__________________________________________________________
Frodo stared outside his bedroom window. A few traces of twilight, wispy shades of indigo and lavender graced the sky over the hills of the Shire. While his eyes beheld the riveting sunset, Frodo's thoughts had wandered.
Sam and Rosie...
*If only he would tell her how he feels*
At the Green Dragon, couples dancing. So happy together, blissfully in love.
Frodo squeezed his eyes and slowly he shook his head. Silently, he spoke to the memories of that night.
*Why do you come, only to torment me? I don't want to think about it. Leave me alone. Please, leave me alone*
Frodo opened his eyes again.
And now, only a faint light of indigo remained in the distant sky.
***************************************************
TBC
A/N: Hope you liked this chapter. Hit that button and let me know :-)