Red String
Ah! Aniron
Sam looked up from his reading. Bag End was quiet, as usual. He placed down his book and stood, heading for the door that was rapidly being knocked upon. "I am coming, please be patient!" he hollered, and opened the lavish green door of Bag End. He smiled at first, and then frowned. Miranda Chubb and Aunt Lilly Chubb stood there, both 'un-prepared' dressed and both had soot over their face. He looked at them confusedly, but saw the large crowd that they had brought, and he let them into Bag End, closing the door. Miranda was helping her Aunt walk, and Sam ushered them into the sitting room.
"Samwise, who was at the door?" Rosie asked. She entered the sitting room, drying her hands and let out a small gape of surprise. Miranda smiled weakly, while Aunt Lilly just smiled. Rosie looked at Sam with wonder, who just shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what to say or do, he had no idea why they had come in such 'un-prepared' clothing.
"We should explain." Aunt Lilly said, breaking the silence. Miranda looked down sadly. "Seems as if one of the neighbor's cattle got loose from its pen last night, and knocked over one of the street laps….it, fell in front of my hole…and, it caught fire." Sam's mouth fell open into a gasp and Rosie looked horrified. "Miranda and I were able to get out just fine, but we weren't able to save much. We attracted a large crowd, seems like we are cattle now." She laughed, and Sam shook his head at the humor the elder hobbit tried to input.
"So you are staying at the inn, I take it?" Sam asked. Miranda nodded, being rather silent on the whole ordeal. "It really isn't fit for a healer, I reckon, don't get me wrong Ms. Chubb." Aunt Lilly waved her hand as if to dismiss the comment. "What are you going to do…?"
"Well, I can replace all of the herbs and things." Aunt Lilly said cheerfully. "And clothing is also replaced."
"I believe Samwise meant more of what are you going to do for living arrangements." Rosie said. "And maybe all that wonderful china and dishware you had…" Miranda turned her face away. "But, Aunt Lilly, what are you going to do about getting a new hole? Things like that are too expensive."
"We'll just move in with our in-laws for the time." Aunt Lilly sighed with an annoyance, very appalled by the idea of having to live with annoying in-laws. "But it is the only thing that we can do."
Sam shook his head. "It's winter now, Ms. Chubb; it isn't suitable to be traveling around like that. Perhaps Mayor Whitfoot can help you out…it was an accident after all. I'm sure he can find a foster home for you until the weather is well enough for you to go hole-hunting." He heard feet approaching and turned seeing his dear master standing in the door way of the sitting room, his hands in his pockets.
Frodo looked almost weary. He had dark circles and bags underneath his blue eyes, which also seemed drained of energy. He seemed to sulk or be weighed down as if he carried his burden again. He looked around at the room, and slight surprise came to his eyes when he saw Aunt Lilly and Miranda there. He returned his gaze to Sam. "No Sam, we do not need to ask for Whitfoot's help." He said slowly, as if it were hard for him to say a word. "Until winter is over, Ms. Chubb and Miss Miranda can accommodate themselves here in Bag End. There is plenty of room in the bedroom hall." Sam nodded wearily and Frodo turned, leaving the room.
Rosie looked at Sam and gave a nod, and the Gamgee left the room to follow his master. Rosie turned to the two hobbit lasses before her. Both were dressed in their long night gowns, a think jacket over them and soot all over their faces. "Come now, ladies, we should get you washed up for dinner….where have you been all day if the fire happened last night?"
"Dealing with the sheriff and neighbors." Aunt Lilly replied. She walked after Rosie, and stopped in the door way to see Miranda looking out the window. "Mira, dear, come on!" she called, heading after the Gamgee. Miranda turned away from the window slowly and followed after them.
~*~
Miranda removed the soot from her face, cleaning under her eyes and her cheeks. She looked into the mirror of the washroom, keeping the wash towel near her face. It had been a hellish night since the neighbors cow had gotten loose, and the hole set a flame. They weren't able to save anything….not even one thing. She looked down at the gray and black covered towel, running her fingers over it. Everything had gone past since the night before like a daydream…or perhaps some horrible controllable night mare that she couldn't wake up from. Her eyes turned to the door as Rosie opened it, holding a black bodice and skirt, a pale grey shirt to go under it.
"It's a good thing we are near the same size…or at least we were before," Rosie indicated to her stomach. Miranda let out a weak smile. Rosie unfolded the bodice, skirt and shirt, handing them to Miranda. Miranda took them and Rosie turned, allowing the hobbit lass to dress. "I was really surprised that Frodo decided on you staying so quickly, but there isn't a problem. Sam will be grateful to have someone here that can take care of Frodo when he is away."
Miranda smiled again, pulling the laces on the back of her shirt to make it tighter. "He has a good heart." She said softly. Rosie turned and helped Miranda fit into the bodice. "But, he won't let anyone but Sam close enough to help him…and even then, I think he doesn't let Sam that close." Rosie laced the back of the bodice. "Because….Frodo is afraid to hurt others with what he experienced…and also, he doesn't want to hurt himself." 'Maybe he doesn't want anyone close so it is not a painful good bye when he sails….' Miranda thought sadly. The truth was, her hope of him staying in Arda was fading quickly.
Rosie sighed. "I just wish he would open up, is all." She admitted, patting Miranda's shoulder. Miranda turned her head, seeing Rosie beginning to part her hair to braid it, she turned her head back to the mirror. "Frodo does care about you, Miranda, whether he denies it or you do not see it, but he does. It is hard for someone when they return from something life changing to be intimate with others. Give him time, Miranda, he'll be fine." She patted her back. "There we go, now, how about we start dinner?"
Miranda yawned, falling back onto the bed in the small room that Frodo had set aside for her. He'd been locked away all day….she had only seen him that once when he came out into the living room. She sighed, and began to undress herself and dress herself into the long night gown that Rosie had let her borrow. She then blew the candle out, and settled into bed, letting the darkness develop around her. She lay there, letting her thoughts wander. Finally her eyes closed and she drifted off into sleep.
She was woken to someone gently moving her forearm, as if to wake up. She found the ground was soggy beneath her, and that it was night. She looked over her shoulder, seeing Frodo sitting beside her, his hand on her arm. He wore his cloak of Lorien, and also a brown jacket, brown weskit and breeches, along with a white shirt. He smiled at her sadly.
"It's time to move on." He said.
Miranda some how knew what he meant, and she stood. She wore her own grey cloak from the Elves…but she could recall receiving it from Lady Galadriel. She looked around her, finding that she was in a Marsh, but she remembered coming into this marsh. Gollum had lead Frodo and Sam into it, her following. Sam got their things together, while Miranda stood as if in a daze, unsure what was happening. She felt Frodo squeeze her fore arms worriedly, and she looked up at him.
He didn't have the solemn distant look in his eyes. They were clear to what was happening around him, and what was going to be done. Miranda sighed, placing her hand on her forehead, feeling her head beginning to ache. Frodo held her close, resting the side of his head against hers. Miranda closed her eyes, relaxing into his loving embrace.
"He isn't back yet, sir." Sam said. "He imagine he ran off, the stinker."
"Sam, his promise will hold true for a little while more." Frodo spoke. Miranda found his voice to be calm, not filled with the sadness it was when she had spoken to him before. "He will be back shortly; he will not leave his 'precious' for too long." Miranda opened her eyes and looked at his neck. She saw a silver chain slightly uncovered from his shirt.
The Ring.
Gollum returned. Sam and Frodo turned to him, while Miranda closed her eyes again. "Come master, come! We shall take the safe path through the mist." He turned and began to head off. Frodo took Miranda's hand, and she opened her eyes, and began to follow Sam and Frodo. Soon the mist became heavy, and she gripped on to Frodo's hand tighter. He returned her gesture, and found a clearing. He looked around, as if lost, and brought Miranda closer. He walked to the edge of the small mound of marshland they stood on, and found nothing but the murky waters.
Miranda let out a soft shriek and clutched onto Frodo's arm as she saw a dead Elf lay in the murky waters. Its skin was pale and bloated, the armor shinning as the sun's rays shined down on it. She knew then where she was. She had awoken in the Dead Marshes.
Miranda felt Frodo's tight hold on her hand lessen into a soft hold. She looked up at him, seeing that he too was looking upon the fallen Elf, but his eyes seemed distant again, cloudy as if he were in a trance. Miranda grabbed onto his arm and shook it.
"Frodo, come on…we should call for Gollum." She advised, but he continued to stare at the Elf as if he had not heard or felt her. "Frodo!" she said demandingly but her voice shook with fear. His eyes widened as they gazed upon the Elf and he fell forward into the murky waters. Miranda let out a soft cry of surprise and got onto her hands and knees, fishing her hand around in the water for his shirt, bag, anything. It sent shivers up and down her spine as she nearly touched the dead faces of those in the water. "Frodo!"
Suddenly a hand came up and grabbed her wrist. She let out a shriek of terror as the hand was bloody; one of the fingers had been maimed and was bleeding uncontrollably. It pulled her into the waters and she shut her eyes, refusing to see those of the dead around her. She thrashed in the water, trying to find the way to the surface. Miranda opened her eyes, forcing herself to come to terms with her fear. There was nothing but blue around her and she swam to the surface, breaking through the water and gasping for breath.
She looked around, moving the wet curly bangs from her eyes, looking in all directions. She was in a river, a small stone bridge farther off. Miranda swam to the river bed, pulling and clawing her drenched body from the waters, shivering instantly. She coughed as the temperature had changed from water to land, water coming from her mouth. She let in a ragged breath, searching the bed with her eyes for her beloved. She caught glimpse of a body curled into a fetal position and forced herself to stand, heading towards it.
Miranda collapsed to her knees beside the body, bringing her shaking hands to the forearm and pulling it over on to its back. "Frodo!" she exclaimed with relief and happiness. He didn't respond. Miranda's smile faded and she leaned over, moving the drenched hair from his eyelids, placing her hand on his forehead. It was ice cold. She pulled her hand back quickly, fear striking her heart. "Frodo…." She said softly, placing her hand over his nose and mouth, and felt no air being taken in or released.
She leaned down, her head resting against his forehead as tears trickled down her face. Frodo lay unmoving, his right hand bleeding where his finger once was, the Ring no longer 'round his neck. She chocked back a sob, laying her head on his chest feeling that a part of her had been taken away, leaving an empty hole in her heart. Miranda curled her legs close to her chest, feeling as if someone had torn her heart from her chest, leaving her to die slowly of pain. She opened her eyes as footsteps approached, and saw grey dresses that covered the feet.
Miranda gazed up, seeing an Elf. The Elf looked at her, then behind herself, seeing that two males came over. The Elf Lady had long golden hair. She offered her hand to Miranda, who took it, as the two Elf Lords took the fallen Ringbearer's body into their arms and began to walk away.
"No, don't!" Miranda called through her tears. The Elf Lords stopped for a moment, but continued on. Miranda looked pleadingly up at the Elf Lady, who shook her head and headed after the Elf Lords. There was a song of mourning that filled the air. Miranda lowered her head, clenching her fists and crying. Frodo had been taken from her…spirit and body, unable to say good-bye. She fell to her knees and cried. She opened her eyes, finding a red string before her.
She picked up the small string. It was frayed at the center, on its last strand before snapping. She bit her lip, holding the string close. Everything became misty and limp, but she soon realized she lay on her side, in a fetal position where Frodo had been. She shivered, pulling her knees to her chest, slowly feeling everything become numb. The temperature of that around her was dropping to beyond the cold. Miranda closed her eyes, feeling death upon her. This was her largest fear of all.
Dieing alone.
Miranda shot straight up in bed, breathing heavily. Tears and sweat ran down her face as she looked at her hands. Her body was shaking horribly. She looked at her hands, seeing them shake as if a near-death experience had happened. She pulled the covers away, and headed down the bedroom hall. She just needed fresh air. She passed the living room, seeing a fire lit. Miranda peaked in, seeing Frodo sitting on the sofa with a cup in his hands, a blanket over his shoulders, and wearing a night robe.
"You cannot sleep either?" he asked. Miranda jumped, startled. She nodded, even though she doubted that Frodo could see her. Miranda came into the room and took a seat next to him. Frodo continued to look into the fire as Miranda placed her shaking hand on his, to find it warm and alive. She felt relief fill her, but she still was afraid. She knew what the dream was. It was her fear of Frodo being taken from her, him going over to the Sea, and being left to die alone.
"You're shaking." He said softly. Miranda pulled her hand away, looking at the ground. Frodo placed the cup onto the side table beside him, and took her hands into his. Miranda gulped, unable to hold his hands back the same since her shaking had steadily increased. Frodo pressed her hands together, his atop of hers, and looked into her eyes. Miranda returned the gaze, seeing that his eyes were again distant. It had been a dream.
"You've had a nightmare." He mentioned. Miranda closed her eyes sadly, lowering her head. Frodo squeezed her hands. "Your dream had fear…" he lifted her chin up with his hand, looking at her hazel eyes. "Fear and death." Miranda gulped down a knot in her throat and nodded weakly, feeling tears come to her eyes as the image of Frodo lying dead replied in her mind. He studied her for a moment. "I died…." He said, and Miranda closed her eyes tightly, feeling few tears run down her face. "I died on a bank of a river…leaving you alone."
"How...how do, do you know?" Miranda asked in a whisper.
Frodo was silent for a moment. "I've dreamt the same thing tonight." Miranda looked up at him, into his eyes. She saw the same solemn look and the light in his eyes, but also…sorrow, and possibly fear, maybe even regret. "It was dark," he said softly. "I couldn't feel my body…I heard you saying my name, but I could never move from the dark." Miranda wondered how he could speak of the slow death without crying. "I felt torn in my heart…as if a part of me was left behind."
Miranda leaned into his arms, letting him hold her. They both dreamt the same dream, from their own point of views. It had to be a sign. Something was connecting them…Miranda loved him, she knew now; she wondered if he loved her more than just a friend. She wanted him too, not just for her own health, but his own as well. Maybe love could help his heart mend after his journey. Miranda laid herself more into his hold, resting her head and shoulders against his chest. She did not want to be alone now that she had found the one she loved.
Frodo held her close, laying his head atop of hers. Her tears had eased; she just now lay in his arms as a child. "O môr henion i dhûr…" he sang softly. Miranda listened quietly, indeed was the language of the Elves beautiful. "Ely siriar, êl síla ai, aníron veleth…ai, aníron veleth." Frodo looked down at Miranda, seeing she had fallen asleep. He smiled sadly, holding her close and draping the blanket around her. He looked back at the fire. He thought back to what Queen Arwen had said unto him upon his leaving of the White City.
"Ú i vethed nâ i onnad." She had smiled, and placed her hand on his head. "Onnad meleth."
Frodo looked down at Miranda. "A beginning not an end…" he muttered to himself. "A beginning of love."
-*-
A/N: Long chapter! Yay! I'm proud of this…^^ AND yes, I know that this is Sindarin, not Quenya, and that Frodo knew Quenya. I couldn't find words in Quneya, so wah.
Translations:
"O môr henion i dhûr; Ely siriar, êl síla ai, aníron veleth…ai, aníron veleth" – From darkness I understand the night; dreams flow, a star shines, ah! I desire love, ah! I desire love (based of Enya's "Aniron" song from Fellowship of the Ring")
"Ú i vethed nâ i onnad; Onnad meleth" – Literal: Not the end…[it] is beginning. Beginning [of] love. (based off of Arwen's dialog to Aragorn in the flash back of The Two Towers – I know Arwen never said that to Frodo.)
Zam Kenobi: The actual idea came from Frodo's quote to Sam from the end of The Return of the King (though that was based on the book). Stupid Peter and Elijah and Sean for making us cry hehe.
ElegantArrow64: Being emotional is good; don't be afraid to show it. Pass some tissues please ~_^
FrodoBaggins87: Enya rocks!