Chapter 7: Frodo
Chapter rating: R (very mild slash and three-way)
Frodo-lad was allowed to stay at Bag End after his trip to and from Overhill, rather than returning to Uncle Tom and Aunt Marigold's place. Uncle Frodo was feeling much improved. So much so, that Rosie and Elanor had already taken the work cart over to Hobbiton to retrieve the rest of the family. Frodo-lad was greatly relieved to see his Uncle Fro back at his worn wooden chair in the brightly-lighted study. The two sat and chatted about the Overhill estates for quite awhile in the stillness of the late afternoon air.
Frodo could hear Sam's merry whistling from the kitchen garden on the west side of the Bag End gardens. 'Far too quiet, what with only three bachelors here,' Frodo thought as he dismissed Frodo-lad. Frodo was quite proud of his namesake. The boy had shown remarkable courtesy and thoughtfulness in dealing with a delicate situation. And he had politely thanked his Uncle Tom Cotton for not only helping him with his trip to Overhill, but also for letting the lad apprentice with him, if only for a few days. 'A clear head, good with numbers, and a quiet, thoughtful manner,' Frodo mused. 'I shall have to discuss with Sam about furthering his education. The boy could take over for me eventually.' Frodo was also secretly tickled to hear from Tom that Widow Puddlifoot had called the lad 'Master Baggins.' 'Bilbo would be proud, too,' he mused.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of children's laughter brought in from down the Hill. They were coming. He could hear Pippin's cry above the rest. "No! I wanna see him first!"
"Nobody is going to get to see him until I say so, and that's that!" Rose's clear voice rang out. "Meriodoc Gardner! Get back here this instant! Stop tormenting the cows and take them to the barn. You're all to stay by the cart until I say so."
"Daddy!" That shriek was Goldilocks. More cries of "Daddy!" from various small voices. "Hello, pumpkin!" That was Sam. "Everyone, follow me."
Frodo picked up his tea cup and headed into the living room, steeling himself for the expected onslaught of excited children.
Rose came into the living room, carrying two large vases filled with water. "I think you're going to need these," she said as she kissed him and set the vases on the fireplace hearthstone. "Sam's only going to let them come in two at a time. Don't worry. We won't let them overwhelm you."
Frodo smiled in relief. "Let the party begin."
Merry and Hamfast were the first in. Merry carried flaming red hollyhocks in one hand. Little Hamfast toddled in with a fist full of bright pink zinnias. "Dese for you, Uncle Fro," he lisped and thrust the slightly crushed flowers into Frodo's lap.
"Thank you, Hammie," Frodo smiled and admired the flowers before putting them into a vase. He bent down and picked up the toddler, putting him in his lap. Hammie planted a very wet kiss on Frodo's cheek, then wiggled down.
Merry kicked his toes on the rug while he waited his turn. As Hamfast left the room, Merry gave the hollyhocks to Frodo. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"I am too," Frodo said, admiring the huge flowers before putting them in the vase with the zinnias. "I missed you all. Did you have a good time over at Aunt Marigold's place?"
Merry scowled. "No. I didn't have my toys and they don't read you stories before going to bed. And I had to sleep on the couch. I like it better here." He shifted his weight from one leg to another. "Can I go now?"
Frodo smiled at the innocent honesty. "I'm glad all of you are back, Merry. We'll have plenty of stories later. You can send in whoever is next."
Merry smiled. "Good." He started to leave the room, then thought better of it and ran back to Frodo, hugging him tightly before scampering out the door.
Pippin and Goldilocks came in carrying yellow snapdragons and orange daylilies. "Daddy has lots of these," Goldilocks exclaimed as she presented the lilies to Frodo.
"I know," Frodo replied. "I can see them from any window in the smial. Here, little golden girl. Climb up into my lap."
"Me too," Pippin shouted, not wanting to miss anything.
"Patience, little Pip," Frodo gently said as Goldie reached for his arms. "Put the flowers in the vases, please. Umph. You've grown bigger, Goldie."
She giggled and gave Frodo a kiss. He returned the kiss to her plump rosy cheek, then set her down and picked up her older brother. Pippin immediately started fingering the brass buttons on his weskit. "I missed you, Uncle Fro."
"I missed you too, Pip," Frodo smiled and gave the little boy a kiss atop his curls.
Pippin looked at his uncle. "I dreamed you had died, but Auntie Mari said you wouldn't. Does it still hurt?"
Frodo was surprised at the unexpected look of concern on the normally happy- go-lucky child's face. "I'm much better now, Pippin. Sometimes it still hurts a little, but not like it used to."
Goldilocks played with the flowers in the vase, rearranging them to suit her sense of color. Pippin had undone a couple of buttons on his weskit. "Can I touch it?" he whispered, pointing to Frodo's left shoulder.
Frodo shifted a little and unbuttoned a few buttons of his shirt. He pulled back the fabric to let the little boy see the scar. "Go ahead," he gently said. "You can touch it. It doesn't hurt me anymore."
Pippin cautiously placed a small index finger on the hard white scar tissue. Satisfied that it didn't hurt his uncle, he placed his whole palm over the scar.
"See?" Frodo said. "It's just a scar now. Nothing to be afraid of."
Pippin looked intently into Frodo's face, then decided everything was all right. The smile on his face let Frodo know that he had somehow allayed the lad's concerns. "I'm glad you're better," Pippin said as he climbed out of Frodo's lap and grabbed Goldie's hand.
Rose and Daisy came in next, bearing white rose buds and cheerful yellow daisies. Rose-lass prompted little Daisy to hand over the flowers, but Daisy suddenly decided to keep them for herself.
"You're supposed to give them to Uncle Fro," Rose sighed and rolled her eyes in frustration.
"Mine!" Daisy pouted, crushing a petal or two.
"There now, Daisy," Frodo gently said, "yes, they are yours. You may keep them. I have plenty of flowers already." He turned and smiled at Rose. "But I love seeing the prettiest Rose in the Shire again."
Rose blushed and handed him her roses. "Sam-Dad let me pick out which rose to bring you. I hope you like them. Daddy says their from old Mister Bilbo's part of the garden."
"They are indeed." Frodo brought the tiny white buds to his nose, deeply inhaling their sweet scent. "I think these are my favorite roses in the whole garden. Thank you." He leaned over and put them into the vase with the snapdragons. Frodo kissed Rose, but little Daisy was too absorbed in pulling the petals off her flowers to be bothered with kisses. Rose-lass sighed again and picked up her little sister, heading out of the room. Just as they reached the doorway, Daisy decided she had had enough of the flowers, and dropped them on the floor.
"Bye bye," Daisy called out as they disappeared down the hallway.
Frodo-lad came in carrying little Sammie. The lad had a tangle of purple and blue sweet pea vines. The baby was kicking excitedly. Frodo took Sammie from Frodo-lad and cooed at the infant. He was rewarded with a beatific smile and excited uncoordinated waving of chubby little fists. One managed to grab hold of his hair, painfully yanking the lock down towards Sammie's drooling mouth.
"Ouch!" Frodo exclaimed, trying to pry his lock of hair out of Sammie's surprisingly strong grip. The baby would not let go, pulling harder instead. It took almost all of Frodo's strength to gently pry open the tiny fist and rescue his crushed curl.
Frodo-lad chuckled and put his flowers in one of vases. "Sammie says he's glad to see you," the boy teased. "He's stronger than he looks, just like you." Frodo-lad retrieved his littlest brother from Frodo's arms. "Mom says dinner will be ready in about an hour. Would you like me to come get you then?"
Frodo nodded. "Thanks, lad," he said as the brothers exited the room, pulling the door shut behind them. Frodo was left alone in the living room with two vases full of colorful and fragrant flowers. He was relieved the greetings had been accomplished with a minimum of chaos. 'Thank the stars Sam and Rose know how to manage a horde of excited children. I pity Marigold and Tom.'
Family dinner was a joyous occasion. The children automatically went to their assigned locations on the benches around the long table, happy to be back at their own smial. Frodo moved to his accustomed position at the head of the table. Rose and Sam waited at the opposite end nearest to the stove and sink. Frodo knew Rose had talked with the children, since everyone was still standing as he slowly walked to his chair. He said not a word, but winked at Rose before sitting down. At that signal, everyone settled into their chairs or onto the long bench. And yet they still said nothing except for an occasional "Shush" from one of the girls. The quiet was strange and slightly uncomfortable.
The silence was broken by baby Sammie letting out a shriek of happiness. Pippin and Daisy immediately got the giggles, causing Rose and Sam to also start laughing. Everyone laughed at finally being back together again. After the laughter and chatter faded, Frodo pulled himself up by gripping the sides of his chair.
"A toast," he said, raising the filled wine goblet in front of his empty plate. "To family, my beloveds. Each and every one of you. Sam. Rose. Elanor. Frodo. Merry. Pippin. Goldilocks. Hamfast. Daisy. Sammie." He looked directly as Sam and winked. "And the new little girl to be."
Sam stared at Frodo, then turned and stared at Rose, open mouthed. "Another?" he stammered. "So soon?"
Rose blushed and nodded.
"Oh goodie! I get a another baby sister!" Goldilocks exclaimed, clapping her hands in joy.
"Baby!" Hammie squealed.
"Ugh. Another girl," Merry muttered, crossing his arms and scowling.
"Let's eat!" Pippin yelled as he waved an empty spoon in the air.
"Yes, let's eat." Frodo smiled, drank a sip of wine and then sat down. "Pass the potatoes, please."
Rose gave Frodo a look which would have withered a five-hundred year old oak tree. "I'll get you later, you scoundrel," she said, handing the still- flabbergasted Sam a plate of roasted chicken.
After dinner Frodo retreated to his living room chair, carrying a cup of medicinal tea in one hand and a refilled goblet of wine in the other. He knew Rosie had brewed the noxious medicine especially strong to get back at him for announcing her pregnancy at the dinner table. But he thought the look on Sam's face was worth the punishment.
Frodo-lad came into the living room, carrying toddler Daisy on one hip, followed by Merry, who led Pippin by the hand. The rest of the children filed in following Elanor, with the exception of Sammie who was with his mother. The children gathered about Frodo's feet, jostling for room and who could be closest.
"Merry, come closer," Frodo said.
Merry stood with his hands in his pockets before his uncle.
Frodo tilted his head and squinted. "Let me see you smile."
Merry's toes curled under in slight embarrassment at being singled out, but he smiled anyway, showing off a gaping hole where a front tooth had been. Pippin started giggling when Merry stuck part of his tongue out through the gap, causing its neighbor to wiggle.
Frodo smiled and beckoned the lad to climb up in his lap. "Oh, my eyes are not much good anymore. I can't see a tooth where one used to be. Where did it go?"
"It came out two days ago, Uncle Fro," Merry giggled. "Rose said a fairy would bring me a copper for it, but she didn't."
"I think the fairy must have looked in the wrong house," Uncle Frodo solemnly said. "Maybe she looked here in your bedroom and couldn't find you."
"Will she come back tonight?" Goldie asked.
Frodo turned to Merry again. "Do you still have the tooth?"
Merry shook his head, a tear coming to his eye. "I lost it."
"We can fix that," Frodo gently said. "Frodo-lad, please bring Merry and me some paper and a charcoal." When the writing materials arrived, Frodo carefully wrote 'I, Frodo Baggins, do swear that this good boy, Meriodoc Gardener, lost a tooth two days ago.' He handed Merry the charcoal. "I've signed it. Now you sign it. Put your mark down below mine."
Merry carefully drew a circle on the paper with the charcoal, then put a dot in the middle. Frodo had each child sign the document. For those too young to sign their names or make a mark, he rubbed charcoal over their thumbs and took a thumbprint. Then he carefully printed each child's name as a witness.
He folded the paper and gave it to Merry. "Place this under your pillow tonight. I am certain with so many witnesses, the fairy will understand and will leave you that coin."
Merry smiled and kissed Frodo on the cheek. He hopped off his lap. "I'm going to bed right now!" he exclaimed, and dashed out of the living room. "Mom! Look what Uncle Fro did..." could be heard down the hallway.
"I believe it's time for all children to go to bed," Frodo said. He was tired. Very tired. But happy. The children took turns kissing him goodnight, then disappeared down the hallway and filed off into their bedrooms. Frodo knew they had been warned by Rosie to not bother him with whining for a bedtime story. At least, not yet. Maybe tomorrow he would restart his nightly duty. But not tonight. He was too tired.
Night had finally fallen and the last rays of the sun had melted into the Western clouds. 'Should be clear tomorrow,' Frodo thought as he headed down the hallway and into the bedroom. Rose was already there, settling a sleeping Sammie into the well-worn crib. Soon he would be moved in to share a room with an older brother or two. But for now the five month old spent the night within easy reach of a parent or two. Or three.
Sam entered the room and closed the door behind him. "The girls are too excited for sleep yet. Elanor's reading fairy tales to them. Maybe that will calm 'em down." He grunted as he unfastened his braces and removed his trousers. "You would think I'm the one pregnant, what with this belly and all."
"Tush," Rose smiled, "'tis your own cooking. And besides, I like my husbands with a little meat on 'em."
"Guess that leaves me out," Frodo countered as he also removed his clothes in preparation for sleep.
"You don't get off that easy. Sam and I will soon have you filled out with a nice little round belly too." Rose came over and slipped into his waiting arms, giving him a quick kiss before turning around and lifting her hair. Frodo unlaced her bodice and snuck a quick kiss of his own on her exposed neck.
"You must be feeling better," Sam laughed as he unbuttoned his shirt. "But you're slipping a little. It's not like you to make that sort of announcement in front of the children and all." He turned to Rose. "And why are you keeping your pregnancy a secret from me, Rose-love? Why tell Frodo but not me?" Sam sat on the little wooden stool beside the communal wash basin and began to scrub his feet. Rose was demanding about keeping the sheets clean.
Rose stepped out of her skirt and roughly kicked it into a corner. "Don't you go blaming me for that little trick, Samwise Gamgee." She turned and snagged Frodo by his shirt tail. "And don't you try to get out of this by hiding behind my skirts, Frodo Baggins. I'm tired of this little game the two of you have been playing for years. You started it tonight. Now finish it. Tell Sam the truth."
Sam stopped his ministrations and looked up at Frodo. "What?"
Rose flopped onto the bed, naked and still slightly miffed. "Go on. Tell him. I'm not keeping your secrets any longer."
Frodo joined her on the edge of the bed, gently stroking her leg. His lips tightened and then relaxed as he turned to face Sam. "I'm the one who told Rose about her pregnancies, Sam. I've been able to see all of them long before she knows."
Sam continued to wash his feet. "Doesn't really surprise me," he quietly said. "I've suspected that you can predict the future for some time now."
Frodo was stunned. "I thought...I didn't know you knew. What tipped you off?"
"Sometimes you get the same look on your face as when we looked into the Lady Galadriel's mirror," Sam said as he toweled his feet dry. "Then within a week or so Rose tells me she's pregnant. Same pattern's happened six times now. Can't be lucky guesses. I figured you'd tell me when you thought it right. Lots of strange things happen when you deal with Elvish folk, and you and the Lady seemed to have some sort of understanding when she gave you that blessing. But we both know seeing the future ain't the same thing as it coming true. That's why I figured you were reluctant to tell me."
Frodo bowed his head. "You are right. The future is never certain. There are always possibilities which escape our limited ability to see. That's why I very seldom tell anyone about what I think is going to happen."
"But you told Rose about the pregnancies," Sam said.
"Not all of them," Rose suddenly spoke. "Frodo, why didn't you warn me about the miscarriages?"
Frodo looked at her, tears shining in his eyes. "I couldn't see them. I had no idea about them. I'm sorry, Rose, but I just didn't know. And I was so unsure about little Sammie that I hesitated for weeks. Perhaps it is not for me to see my own future. Perhaps it is better for all involved if I never mention my visions again."
Sam came over and stroked Frodo's curls. "I don't think you should keep it all shut inside. After all, it's a gift bestowed on you by the Lady. I think you should use the gift." Sam looked sideways at Frodo. "Wait a minute. You've been using this gift all along, haven't you?"
Frodo didn't say anything. Rose sat up and wrapped him in her arms.
Sam forced the two of them to scoot over and let him also sit on the bed. He shook a finger at Frodo. "No more secrets. Out with it. Have you ever known that something was going to happen; something bad, and then took matters into your own hands to change the future? Cause I think you have."
Frodo looked quite uncomfortable. "Yes," he finally whispered.
"When?" Rose asked.
"There's been a couple of times when I've envisioned Bag End burning," he said quietly. "Burning from the inside out. Those times I cancel trips away from the smial so I could be here when needed."
Sam sighed, crawled past the two and lay down on his side of the bed.
"The time Frodo-lad accidentally set fire to the wardrobe?" Rose asked.
Frodo nodded. "I placed large vases of water in every room of the smial that week. I didn't know exactly where the fire would start, or what would be the cause, but I tried to be prepared."
"So that's why you suddenly took an interest in my roses," Sam smiled and shook his head. He leaned over, pulled Frodo down onto the bed and kissed him. "Very clever, Mister Baggins. But then, you've always been very, very clever."
Rose also lay down. "They say confessions are good for the soul, and we've been hearing quite a few confessions tonight. Sam, it's time you told Frodo your secret."
Now it was time for Frodo's eyebrows to raise in surprise. "What secret?"
Sam sank back into his pillow and looked at the ceiling. "Well, um, me and Elanor, well, um, we've seen you...I mean...I think the two of us can see you glowing sometimes."
"Glowing?" Frodo asked. "Like that time in Rivendell when Gandalf said I was getting transparent?"
"Yes," Sam said. "It's three times now I've seen the glow on you. All three times when you've been very ill. This time Elanor saw it too."
"Oh stars," Frodo whispered. "I hope I didn't frighten her too badly."
"She thought you were a ghost," Rose said, "but Sam explained it to her. Don't worry, she's not afraid of you. I think she understands."
Frodo looked at Sam. "It was after my bath three days ago when I was sitting in the chair in the boys' room, wasn't it?"
Sam nodded.
"You've known about it all along, haven't you?" Rose asked, her keen eyes locked onto Frodo.
This time it was Frodo's turn to nod. "If I look at my hand, it's almost as if I can see through it. But after I close my eyes for a few minutes and clear my head a bit, the thin feeling dissipates and I think I'm back to normal. I don't particularly like the feeling, though it is strangely comforting and warm. Sometimes I want to relax into it and disappear altogether. But something in me won't let me go into that comfort." Frodo sighed. "Oh well. That's the way things are with me now. I can no more change that than I can change the color of my eyes. I'm surprised that you never told me that you knew, Sam."
A faint blush spread across Sam's tanned cheeks. "I didn't know that you knew about it. I mean...you of all people deserve to have a normal, peaceful life here with those you love. I didn't want to jeopardize that by pointing out yet another weird thing to you about yourself. I was afraid you would leave us. I'm sorry."
Frodo reached over to stroke the sandy curls. "It's all right, Sam. I know how different I am. But I've come to accept the changes. Maybe a few years ago I might have opted out; left Middle Earth altogether and gone to live with the Elves. But not now. Not now that you two have shown me such love and healing as I didn't know existed anywhere; not even in Tol Eressea. How could I leave you and Rose and the children? Why, I would have missed playing the role of the tooth fairy."
"What?" Rose asked. "Who lost a tooth this time?"
"Merry," Frodo smiled and rolled out of bed. He went over to his wardrobe, put on his nightshirt and retrieved a copper penny. "I'll be right back."
He returned in a short while, draped the nightshirt over the back of a chair, and climbed back into bed between Sam and Rose. The three snuggled into their accustomed arrangement, limbs tangled and twined about each other in a way only the three would ever find comfortable. Sam pulled the light sheet over Frodo as Rose pushed her corner of the sheet away. Sam blew out the lone candle and darkness descended.
"So. I've confessed to a secret, and so has Frodo," Sam's quiet voice disturbed the silence. "Don't hold back, Rose."
"Me?" the sleepy reply came amidst a yawn. "I have no secrets."
"Of course you do," Frodo whispered and wiggled his back into her arms, sighing as her breasts slid in silken mounds against his naked skin.
"I keep other people's secrets," she said as her right arm snaked across Frodo's waist and her hand began caressing his chest. "I have no secrets of my own any more. Can't keep a secret in the Shire with Sammie's looks giving me away."
Sam chuckled and moved in closer to Frodo. His hand reached out and found those of his wife. After a brief caress, Sam's hand continued down beneath the covers and stroked Frodo's hip.
Frodo chuckled with his eyes closed. "Children. Can't wait till they're teenagers. Oh, how many secrets will you keep then, Rosie?"
"As many as I deem fit," she replied. "It's part of being a mother. Now go to sleep, Sam, and stop playing with Frodo. He needs his rest."
"I'll stop playing with him if you stop playing with him," Sam grumbled, but then let his hand rest against both of their flesh. "Goodnight, Rose- love. Goodnight Frodo."
"'Night," came the hazy reply. Silence and stillness returned to the bedroom. Frodo could already hear the quiet little snoring of Rose behind him. Sam's joined hers after a few minutes. Frodo lay still in the dark warmth, terribly content. His last thoughts before sweet sleep overcame him were of Elanor. A grown up Elanor standing on a grassy hillside looking West. Looking towards the Sea, waving, and smiling.
Frodo-lad was allowed to stay at Bag End after his trip to and from Overhill, rather than returning to Uncle Tom and Aunt Marigold's place. Uncle Frodo was feeling much improved. So much so, that Rosie and Elanor had already taken the work cart over to Hobbiton to retrieve the rest of the family. Frodo-lad was greatly relieved to see his Uncle Fro back at his worn wooden chair in the brightly-lighted study. The two sat and chatted about the Overhill estates for quite awhile in the stillness of the late afternoon air.
Frodo could hear Sam's merry whistling from the kitchen garden on the west side of the Bag End gardens. 'Far too quiet, what with only three bachelors here,' Frodo thought as he dismissed Frodo-lad. Frodo was quite proud of his namesake. The boy had shown remarkable courtesy and thoughtfulness in dealing with a delicate situation. And he had politely thanked his Uncle Tom Cotton for not only helping him with his trip to Overhill, but also for letting the lad apprentice with him, if only for a few days. 'A clear head, good with numbers, and a quiet, thoughtful manner,' Frodo mused. 'I shall have to discuss with Sam about furthering his education. The boy could take over for me eventually.' Frodo was also secretly tickled to hear from Tom that Widow Puddlifoot had called the lad 'Master Baggins.' 'Bilbo would be proud, too,' he mused.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of children's laughter brought in from down the Hill. They were coming. He could hear Pippin's cry above the rest. "No! I wanna see him first!"
"Nobody is going to get to see him until I say so, and that's that!" Rose's clear voice rang out. "Meriodoc Gardner! Get back here this instant! Stop tormenting the cows and take them to the barn. You're all to stay by the cart until I say so."
"Daddy!" That shriek was Goldilocks. More cries of "Daddy!" from various small voices. "Hello, pumpkin!" That was Sam. "Everyone, follow me."
Frodo picked up his tea cup and headed into the living room, steeling himself for the expected onslaught of excited children.
Rose came into the living room, carrying two large vases filled with water. "I think you're going to need these," she said as she kissed him and set the vases on the fireplace hearthstone. "Sam's only going to let them come in two at a time. Don't worry. We won't let them overwhelm you."
Frodo smiled in relief. "Let the party begin."
Merry and Hamfast were the first in. Merry carried flaming red hollyhocks in one hand. Little Hamfast toddled in with a fist full of bright pink zinnias. "Dese for you, Uncle Fro," he lisped and thrust the slightly crushed flowers into Frodo's lap.
"Thank you, Hammie," Frodo smiled and admired the flowers before putting them into a vase. He bent down and picked up the toddler, putting him in his lap. Hammie planted a very wet kiss on Frodo's cheek, then wiggled down.
Merry kicked his toes on the rug while he waited his turn. As Hamfast left the room, Merry gave the hollyhocks to Frodo. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"I am too," Frodo said, admiring the huge flowers before putting them in the vase with the zinnias. "I missed you all. Did you have a good time over at Aunt Marigold's place?"
Merry scowled. "No. I didn't have my toys and they don't read you stories before going to bed. And I had to sleep on the couch. I like it better here." He shifted his weight from one leg to another. "Can I go now?"
Frodo smiled at the innocent honesty. "I'm glad all of you are back, Merry. We'll have plenty of stories later. You can send in whoever is next."
Merry smiled. "Good." He started to leave the room, then thought better of it and ran back to Frodo, hugging him tightly before scampering out the door.
Pippin and Goldilocks came in carrying yellow snapdragons and orange daylilies. "Daddy has lots of these," Goldilocks exclaimed as she presented the lilies to Frodo.
"I know," Frodo replied. "I can see them from any window in the smial. Here, little golden girl. Climb up into my lap."
"Me too," Pippin shouted, not wanting to miss anything.
"Patience, little Pip," Frodo gently said as Goldie reached for his arms. "Put the flowers in the vases, please. Umph. You've grown bigger, Goldie."
She giggled and gave Frodo a kiss. He returned the kiss to her plump rosy cheek, then set her down and picked up her older brother. Pippin immediately started fingering the brass buttons on his weskit. "I missed you, Uncle Fro."
"I missed you too, Pip," Frodo smiled and gave the little boy a kiss atop his curls.
Pippin looked at his uncle. "I dreamed you had died, but Auntie Mari said you wouldn't. Does it still hurt?"
Frodo was surprised at the unexpected look of concern on the normally happy- go-lucky child's face. "I'm much better now, Pippin. Sometimes it still hurts a little, but not like it used to."
Goldilocks played with the flowers in the vase, rearranging them to suit her sense of color. Pippin had undone a couple of buttons on his weskit. "Can I touch it?" he whispered, pointing to Frodo's left shoulder.
Frodo shifted a little and unbuttoned a few buttons of his shirt. He pulled back the fabric to let the little boy see the scar. "Go ahead," he gently said. "You can touch it. It doesn't hurt me anymore."
Pippin cautiously placed a small index finger on the hard white scar tissue. Satisfied that it didn't hurt his uncle, he placed his whole palm over the scar.
"See?" Frodo said. "It's just a scar now. Nothing to be afraid of."
Pippin looked intently into Frodo's face, then decided everything was all right. The smile on his face let Frodo know that he had somehow allayed the lad's concerns. "I'm glad you're better," Pippin said as he climbed out of Frodo's lap and grabbed Goldie's hand.
Rose and Daisy came in next, bearing white rose buds and cheerful yellow daisies. Rose-lass prompted little Daisy to hand over the flowers, but Daisy suddenly decided to keep them for herself.
"You're supposed to give them to Uncle Fro," Rose sighed and rolled her eyes in frustration.
"Mine!" Daisy pouted, crushing a petal or two.
"There now, Daisy," Frodo gently said, "yes, they are yours. You may keep them. I have plenty of flowers already." He turned and smiled at Rose. "But I love seeing the prettiest Rose in the Shire again."
Rose blushed and handed him her roses. "Sam-Dad let me pick out which rose to bring you. I hope you like them. Daddy says their from old Mister Bilbo's part of the garden."
"They are indeed." Frodo brought the tiny white buds to his nose, deeply inhaling their sweet scent. "I think these are my favorite roses in the whole garden. Thank you." He leaned over and put them into the vase with the snapdragons. Frodo kissed Rose, but little Daisy was too absorbed in pulling the petals off her flowers to be bothered with kisses. Rose-lass sighed again and picked up her little sister, heading out of the room. Just as they reached the doorway, Daisy decided she had had enough of the flowers, and dropped them on the floor.
"Bye bye," Daisy called out as they disappeared down the hallway.
Frodo-lad came in carrying little Sammie. The lad had a tangle of purple and blue sweet pea vines. The baby was kicking excitedly. Frodo took Sammie from Frodo-lad and cooed at the infant. He was rewarded with a beatific smile and excited uncoordinated waving of chubby little fists. One managed to grab hold of his hair, painfully yanking the lock down towards Sammie's drooling mouth.
"Ouch!" Frodo exclaimed, trying to pry his lock of hair out of Sammie's surprisingly strong grip. The baby would not let go, pulling harder instead. It took almost all of Frodo's strength to gently pry open the tiny fist and rescue his crushed curl.
Frodo-lad chuckled and put his flowers in one of vases. "Sammie says he's glad to see you," the boy teased. "He's stronger than he looks, just like you." Frodo-lad retrieved his littlest brother from Frodo's arms. "Mom says dinner will be ready in about an hour. Would you like me to come get you then?"
Frodo nodded. "Thanks, lad," he said as the brothers exited the room, pulling the door shut behind them. Frodo was left alone in the living room with two vases full of colorful and fragrant flowers. He was relieved the greetings had been accomplished with a minimum of chaos. 'Thank the stars Sam and Rose know how to manage a horde of excited children. I pity Marigold and Tom.'
Family dinner was a joyous occasion. The children automatically went to their assigned locations on the benches around the long table, happy to be back at their own smial. Frodo moved to his accustomed position at the head of the table. Rose and Sam waited at the opposite end nearest to the stove and sink. Frodo knew Rose had talked with the children, since everyone was still standing as he slowly walked to his chair. He said not a word, but winked at Rose before sitting down. At that signal, everyone settled into their chairs or onto the long bench. And yet they still said nothing except for an occasional "Shush" from one of the girls. The quiet was strange and slightly uncomfortable.
The silence was broken by baby Sammie letting out a shriek of happiness. Pippin and Daisy immediately got the giggles, causing Rose and Sam to also start laughing. Everyone laughed at finally being back together again. After the laughter and chatter faded, Frodo pulled himself up by gripping the sides of his chair.
"A toast," he said, raising the filled wine goblet in front of his empty plate. "To family, my beloveds. Each and every one of you. Sam. Rose. Elanor. Frodo. Merry. Pippin. Goldilocks. Hamfast. Daisy. Sammie." He looked directly as Sam and winked. "And the new little girl to be."
Sam stared at Frodo, then turned and stared at Rose, open mouthed. "Another?" he stammered. "So soon?"
Rose blushed and nodded.
"Oh goodie! I get a another baby sister!" Goldilocks exclaimed, clapping her hands in joy.
"Baby!" Hammie squealed.
"Ugh. Another girl," Merry muttered, crossing his arms and scowling.
"Let's eat!" Pippin yelled as he waved an empty spoon in the air.
"Yes, let's eat." Frodo smiled, drank a sip of wine and then sat down. "Pass the potatoes, please."
Rose gave Frodo a look which would have withered a five-hundred year old oak tree. "I'll get you later, you scoundrel," she said, handing the still- flabbergasted Sam a plate of roasted chicken.
After dinner Frodo retreated to his living room chair, carrying a cup of medicinal tea in one hand and a refilled goblet of wine in the other. He knew Rosie had brewed the noxious medicine especially strong to get back at him for announcing her pregnancy at the dinner table. But he thought the look on Sam's face was worth the punishment.
Frodo-lad came into the living room, carrying toddler Daisy on one hip, followed by Merry, who led Pippin by the hand. The rest of the children filed in following Elanor, with the exception of Sammie who was with his mother. The children gathered about Frodo's feet, jostling for room and who could be closest.
"Merry, come closer," Frodo said.
Merry stood with his hands in his pockets before his uncle.
Frodo tilted his head and squinted. "Let me see you smile."
Merry's toes curled under in slight embarrassment at being singled out, but he smiled anyway, showing off a gaping hole where a front tooth had been. Pippin started giggling when Merry stuck part of his tongue out through the gap, causing its neighbor to wiggle.
Frodo smiled and beckoned the lad to climb up in his lap. "Oh, my eyes are not much good anymore. I can't see a tooth where one used to be. Where did it go?"
"It came out two days ago, Uncle Fro," Merry giggled. "Rose said a fairy would bring me a copper for it, but she didn't."
"I think the fairy must have looked in the wrong house," Uncle Frodo solemnly said. "Maybe she looked here in your bedroom and couldn't find you."
"Will she come back tonight?" Goldie asked.
Frodo turned to Merry again. "Do you still have the tooth?"
Merry shook his head, a tear coming to his eye. "I lost it."
"We can fix that," Frodo gently said. "Frodo-lad, please bring Merry and me some paper and a charcoal." When the writing materials arrived, Frodo carefully wrote 'I, Frodo Baggins, do swear that this good boy, Meriodoc Gardener, lost a tooth two days ago.' He handed Merry the charcoal. "I've signed it. Now you sign it. Put your mark down below mine."
Merry carefully drew a circle on the paper with the charcoal, then put a dot in the middle. Frodo had each child sign the document. For those too young to sign their names or make a mark, he rubbed charcoal over their thumbs and took a thumbprint. Then he carefully printed each child's name as a witness.
He folded the paper and gave it to Merry. "Place this under your pillow tonight. I am certain with so many witnesses, the fairy will understand and will leave you that coin."
Merry smiled and kissed Frodo on the cheek. He hopped off his lap. "I'm going to bed right now!" he exclaimed, and dashed out of the living room. "Mom! Look what Uncle Fro did..." could be heard down the hallway.
"I believe it's time for all children to go to bed," Frodo said. He was tired. Very tired. But happy. The children took turns kissing him goodnight, then disappeared down the hallway and filed off into their bedrooms. Frodo knew they had been warned by Rosie to not bother him with whining for a bedtime story. At least, not yet. Maybe tomorrow he would restart his nightly duty. But not tonight. He was too tired.
Night had finally fallen and the last rays of the sun had melted into the Western clouds. 'Should be clear tomorrow,' Frodo thought as he headed down the hallway and into the bedroom. Rose was already there, settling a sleeping Sammie into the well-worn crib. Soon he would be moved in to share a room with an older brother or two. But for now the five month old spent the night within easy reach of a parent or two. Or three.
Sam entered the room and closed the door behind him. "The girls are too excited for sleep yet. Elanor's reading fairy tales to them. Maybe that will calm 'em down." He grunted as he unfastened his braces and removed his trousers. "You would think I'm the one pregnant, what with this belly and all."
"Tush," Rose smiled, "'tis your own cooking. And besides, I like my husbands with a little meat on 'em."
"Guess that leaves me out," Frodo countered as he also removed his clothes in preparation for sleep.
"You don't get off that easy. Sam and I will soon have you filled out with a nice little round belly too." Rose came over and slipped into his waiting arms, giving him a quick kiss before turning around and lifting her hair. Frodo unlaced her bodice and snuck a quick kiss of his own on her exposed neck.
"You must be feeling better," Sam laughed as he unbuttoned his shirt. "But you're slipping a little. It's not like you to make that sort of announcement in front of the children and all." He turned to Rose. "And why are you keeping your pregnancy a secret from me, Rose-love? Why tell Frodo but not me?" Sam sat on the little wooden stool beside the communal wash basin and began to scrub his feet. Rose was demanding about keeping the sheets clean.
Rose stepped out of her skirt and roughly kicked it into a corner. "Don't you go blaming me for that little trick, Samwise Gamgee." She turned and snagged Frodo by his shirt tail. "And don't you try to get out of this by hiding behind my skirts, Frodo Baggins. I'm tired of this little game the two of you have been playing for years. You started it tonight. Now finish it. Tell Sam the truth."
Sam stopped his ministrations and looked up at Frodo. "What?"
Rose flopped onto the bed, naked and still slightly miffed. "Go on. Tell him. I'm not keeping your secrets any longer."
Frodo joined her on the edge of the bed, gently stroking her leg. His lips tightened and then relaxed as he turned to face Sam. "I'm the one who told Rose about her pregnancies, Sam. I've been able to see all of them long before she knows."
Sam continued to wash his feet. "Doesn't really surprise me," he quietly said. "I've suspected that you can predict the future for some time now."
Frodo was stunned. "I thought...I didn't know you knew. What tipped you off?"
"Sometimes you get the same look on your face as when we looked into the Lady Galadriel's mirror," Sam said as he toweled his feet dry. "Then within a week or so Rose tells me she's pregnant. Same pattern's happened six times now. Can't be lucky guesses. I figured you'd tell me when you thought it right. Lots of strange things happen when you deal with Elvish folk, and you and the Lady seemed to have some sort of understanding when she gave you that blessing. But we both know seeing the future ain't the same thing as it coming true. That's why I figured you were reluctant to tell me."
Frodo bowed his head. "You are right. The future is never certain. There are always possibilities which escape our limited ability to see. That's why I very seldom tell anyone about what I think is going to happen."
"But you told Rose about the pregnancies," Sam said.
"Not all of them," Rose suddenly spoke. "Frodo, why didn't you warn me about the miscarriages?"
Frodo looked at her, tears shining in his eyes. "I couldn't see them. I had no idea about them. I'm sorry, Rose, but I just didn't know. And I was so unsure about little Sammie that I hesitated for weeks. Perhaps it is not for me to see my own future. Perhaps it is better for all involved if I never mention my visions again."
Sam came over and stroked Frodo's curls. "I don't think you should keep it all shut inside. After all, it's a gift bestowed on you by the Lady. I think you should use the gift." Sam looked sideways at Frodo. "Wait a minute. You've been using this gift all along, haven't you?"
Frodo didn't say anything. Rose sat up and wrapped him in her arms.
Sam forced the two of them to scoot over and let him also sit on the bed. He shook a finger at Frodo. "No more secrets. Out with it. Have you ever known that something was going to happen; something bad, and then took matters into your own hands to change the future? Cause I think you have."
Frodo looked quite uncomfortable. "Yes," he finally whispered.
"When?" Rose asked.
"There's been a couple of times when I've envisioned Bag End burning," he said quietly. "Burning from the inside out. Those times I cancel trips away from the smial so I could be here when needed."
Sam sighed, crawled past the two and lay down on his side of the bed.
"The time Frodo-lad accidentally set fire to the wardrobe?" Rose asked.
Frodo nodded. "I placed large vases of water in every room of the smial that week. I didn't know exactly where the fire would start, or what would be the cause, but I tried to be prepared."
"So that's why you suddenly took an interest in my roses," Sam smiled and shook his head. He leaned over, pulled Frodo down onto the bed and kissed him. "Very clever, Mister Baggins. But then, you've always been very, very clever."
Rose also lay down. "They say confessions are good for the soul, and we've been hearing quite a few confessions tonight. Sam, it's time you told Frodo your secret."
Now it was time for Frodo's eyebrows to raise in surprise. "What secret?"
Sam sank back into his pillow and looked at the ceiling. "Well, um, me and Elanor, well, um, we've seen you...I mean...I think the two of us can see you glowing sometimes."
"Glowing?" Frodo asked. "Like that time in Rivendell when Gandalf said I was getting transparent?"
"Yes," Sam said. "It's three times now I've seen the glow on you. All three times when you've been very ill. This time Elanor saw it too."
"Oh stars," Frodo whispered. "I hope I didn't frighten her too badly."
"She thought you were a ghost," Rose said, "but Sam explained it to her. Don't worry, she's not afraid of you. I think she understands."
Frodo looked at Sam. "It was after my bath three days ago when I was sitting in the chair in the boys' room, wasn't it?"
Sam nodded.
"You've known about it all along, haven't you?" Rose asked, her keen eyes locked onto Frodo.
This time it was Frodo's turn to nod. "If I look at my hand, it's almost as if I can see through it. But after I close my eyes for a few minutes and clear my head a bit, the thin feeling dissipates and I think I'm back to normal. I don't particularly like the feeling, though it is strangely comforting and warm. Sometimes I want to relax into it and disappear altogether. But something in me won't let me go into that comfort." Frodo sighed. "Oh well. That's the way things are with me now. I can no more change that than I can change the color of my eyes. I'm surprised that you never told me that you knew, Sam."
A faint blush spread across Sam's tanned cheeks. "I didn't know that you knew about it. I mean...you of all people deserve to have a normal, peaceful life here with those you love. I didn't want to jeopardize that by pointing out yet another weird thing to you about yourself. I was afraid you would leave us. I'm sorry."
Frodo reached over to stroke the sandy curls. "It's all right, Sam. I know how different I am. But I've come to accept the changes. Maybe a few years ago I might have opted out; left Middle Earth altogether and gone to live with the Elves. But not now. Not now that you two have shown me such love and healing as I didn't know existed anywhere; not even in Tol Eressea. How could I leave you and Rose and the children? Why, I would have missed playing the role of the tooth fairy."
"What?" Rose asked. "Who lost a tooth this time?"
"Merry," Frodo smiled and rolled out of bed. He went over to his wardrobe, put on his nightshirt and retrieved a copper penny. "I'll be right back."
He returned in a short while, draped the nightshirt over the back of a chair, and climbed back into bed between Sam and Rose. The three snuggled into their accustomed arrangement, limbs tangled and twined about each other in a way only the three would ever find comfortable. Sam pulled the light sheet over Frodo as Rose pushed her corner of the sheet away. Sam blew out the lone candle and darkness descended.
"So. I've confessed to a secret, and so has Frodo," Sam's quiet voice disturbed the silence. "Don't hold back, Rose."
"Me?" the sleepy reply came amidst a yawn. "I have no secrets."
"Of course you do," Frodo whispered and wiggled his back into her arms, sighing as her breasts slid in silken mounds against his naked skin.
"I keep other people's secrets," she said as her right arm snaked across Frodo's waist and her hand began caressing his chest. "I have no secrets of my own any more. Can't keep a secret in the Shire with Sammie's looks giving me away."
Sam chuckled and moved in closer to Frodo. His hand reached out and found those of his wife. After a brief caress, Sam's hand continued down beneath the covers and stroked Frodo's hip.
Frodo chuckled with his eyes closed. "Children. Can't wait till they're teenagers. Oh, how many secrets will you keep then, Rosie?"
"As many as I deem fit," she replied. "It's part of being a mother. Now go to sleep, Sam, and stop playing with Frodo. He needs his rest."
"I'll stop playing with him if you stop playing with him," Sam grumbled, but then let his hand rest against both of their flesh. "Goodnight, Rose- love. Goodnight Frodo."
"'Night," came the hazy reply. Silence and stillness returned to the bedroom. Frodo could already hear the quiet little snoring of Rose behind him. Sam's joined hers after a few minutes. Frodo lay still in the dark warmth, terribly content. His last thoughts before sweet sleep overcame him were of Elanor. A grown up Elanor standing on a grassy hillside looking West. Looking towards the Sea, waving, and smiling.