Many Aspects
Part Two By Gillian
October 1420 S.R.
Sam watched Frodo carefully the next morning, but all trace of his illness seemed to be gone.
"How's your neck?" Frodo asked, reaching eagerly for a pumpkin scone.
Sam fingered the bandage gingerly. "A little sore," he admitted. "I suppose it'll leave a scar."
"A hard one to explain too," Frodo agreed sympathetically.
"Yes, it is a scar, Mrs. Burrows," Sam said in a mock polite voice. "How did I get it? Well, a murderous elf tried to cut my throat because I got Mr. Frodo pregnant. Yes, the garden is looking nice this year. Good day."
Frodo snorted through a mouthful of scone and Sam brushed at the crumbs on his waistcoat.
"Sorry," Frodo said, brushing at the crumbs with sticky fingers. "Anyway, let's face it, Sam. Coming home with a scar is the least thing we'll have to explain."
"Actually," Sam said steadily. "While we're talkin' about explanations... What did you think you were doin' last night? You left safe hidin' to face that murderer!"
"They were going to kill you," Frodo pointed out mildly.
"They were goin' to kill me anyway. Your job was to protect yourself and the babe."
"As if you would have stayed still while I was in danger!" Frodo applied himself to another scone. "Anyway, I had a plan."
Sam surveyed him skeptically. Frodo's mouth was shiny with butter and he had jam on his chin. Resisting the urge to lick it off, Sam frowned sternly. "A plan?"
"I was trying to keep them busy until the others could find us."
"Ah, clever plan," Sam nodded thoughtfully. "Let them brutally stab you to death until help arrives. Our only hope now is that the baby inherits my common sense."
"Fft!" Frodo scoffed through a mouthful of scone.
Sam patiently wiped more crumbs from his waistcoat.
"Sorry," Frodo said again. He paused with his hand over the last scone and looked hopefully at Sam. "You didn't want this, did you?"
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On the way out of their door Frodo stopped short at the sight of a woven basket. It was full of huge red-green apples and his eyes lit up as he picked one up eagerly. Sam hefted the basket and studied it.
"I wonder who's left this here? Maybe it's not for us."
"Um," Frodo said, eyes wide over a giant mouthful.
"Why would anyone leave us a gift?"
"We'll ask Nestadren when we see him," Frodo mumbled, chewing blissfully.
They walked hand in hand out into the morning sunlight, turning their faces away from the Mallorn tree by unspoken agreement.
"Are you really okay, Sam?" Frodo asked, squeezing his hand gently.
Sam put his hand to his throat but Frodo shook his head. "I don't mean that."
"Oh." Sam kept walking, enjoying the morning sun. "It's not the first time I've killed, Frodo."
"Orcs are a bit different from elves, Sam."
"Not when they're trying to kill you," Sam retorted. "Or me either for that matter." He stopped and turned to face Frodo, taking his other hand now too. "I'm all right," he reassured his love gently. "I don't know what I could have done different last night, but I'm not goin' to drive myself crazy worryin' about it. You're fine, and that's all I can find room in my heart for today."
"We're fine," Frodo said huskily, lifting their linked hands and laying them on his swollen belly.
"Are you really?" Sam asked, and he wasn't talking about the illness now. "You've spent a long time convincin' yourself and me that you don't want this. Is it really all right with you now?"
"It's completely all right now," Frodo said, eyes shining, lips curving into the sweetest smile Sam had ever seen. "Sam, when I saw him last night... I wish I could describe it to you. I've been so caught up in how he's been changing me, how he's made me feel, I never even let myself think about him. Not the way you did, right from the beginning. But seeing him, Sam."
"Tell me?" Sam pleaded, feeling a little jealous.
"Seeing him was like... Well, remember what you said to me, not so long ago? About how proud and possessive it made you feel? Touching me like this?" Frodo stroked their hands, still curved warmly on his belly.
"Just seeing you like this," Sam confessed huskily.
"Yes," Frodo said, the smile on his lips reminding Sam of what else he had said and done that night. He felt his ears start to turn red and Frodo chuckled softly.
"Well it's like that for me too, Sam. Seeing him, so tiny and new, curled up asleep inside me. Feeling him, kicking and squirming as he stretches and yawns. My child. Our child, Sam. We're so lucky."
"I know," Sam smiled back at him.
"You've always known," Frodo reproached him gently. "I used to wipe your nose for you, Samwise Gamgee, when you were a nipper. When did you get so much smarter than me?"
Sam just smiled as wisely as he could manage and leaned in for a kiss.
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Their footsteps led them to Lord Elrond's pavilion and they paused politely at the steps, looking for the tall figure of the Master of Rivendell. Instead they were greeted by the sight of a much more normal sized figure, sitting on a soft cushioned bench with a warm woolen blanket around his shoulders.
Frodo's eyes lit up. "Bilbo!" He rushed forward and hugged the old hobbit fiercely. "When did you get here?"
"This morning, Frodo. Lord Elrond told us you didn't know we were coming. He said you'd been ill, but I must say, my boy, you look fine." One gnarled hand stroked a flushed cheek. "Wonderful in fact!"
"You do too, Uncle," Frodo said fondly. "I've missed you!"
"Hello, young Samwise," Bilbo said affably. "Letting this scamp drag you away from home again so soon?"
"Where on earth have you been, Bilbo?" Frodo said, perching on the bench next to his uncle with his arm still around frail old shoulders. "Here I left you enjoying a peaceful retirement and when I come looking for you, I find you've taken off with Gandalf again."
"Kill any more dragons?" Sam asked innocently.
"I might have, I might have," Bilbo said comfortably. "Gandalf had some business to take care of and he invited me to come along for the ride, so to speak. We didn't mean to be away nearly so long, but we rather lingered on the road I'm afraid. Dawdled dreadfully."
Then he seemed to really focus on Sam for the first time, and his bleary eyes widened. "Whatever have you done to your neck, youngster?"
Sam raised a hand to the bandage and glanced at Frodo. "Uh, an accident," he ventured. "In the garden."
"Some accident," Bilbo chuckled. "You look like someone's cut your throat! It's not like you to be clumsy. If I remember right, the garden is where you're at your best."
"I wouldn't say that," Frodo said innocently. "Sam has a lot of hidden talents, Uncle," he went on cheekily.
Sam felt his blush starting again and rose to his feet. "I'll leave you two alone to chat," he said hastily.
"No, don't go," Bilbo insisted.
Sam cast Frodo a warning glance before sitting back down.
"I want to hear all about this mysterious visit of yours, lads. Gandalf and I were well away from Rivendell when my old friend suddenly started smiling and chuckling like you wouldn't believe. Thought the old fellow had finally smoked one pipe too many, if you like. But then he said you were here in Rivendell and you were being cured. Is it true, Frodo?"
Frodo smiled happily and nodded. "It's true, Uncle."
"Well, you do look good," Bilbo said again, as if still surprised. "Finally putting on some weight too, I see."
Frodo darted a nervous look at Sam, then smiled and shrugged. .
"Proper double chin you're getting," Bilbo continued genially and Frodo's face lost its smile instantly.
His hand flew to his face. "Double chin?"
"Why, you quite remind me of your grandfather Fosco. Roundest hobbit I ever knew."
Frodo was looking pale now and Sam forgave him his earlier teasing and tried to change the subject.
"So, Mr. Bilbo. Where is Gandalf?"
"He and Elrond disappeared a while back. Something's going on I think, they wouldn't say what. Don't want to worry an old hobbit like me, I expect. What do you think, Frodo? One hundred and thirty! I've nearly passed the Old Took!"
"I did think of you on your birthday, Bilbo. Sam and I had a toast to you."
"Gandalf and I had a few toasts too that night," Bilbo said reminiscently. "But he also sorted out a few loose ends, interfering old fellow that he is. Still, we wouldn't change him, I suppose."
"Is this it then, Uncle? Or are you planning any more adventures?"
"Funny you should say that, my lad. Gandalf gave me quite a surprise on my birthday. It seems the elves have accorded me a special honor. I'm to sail away into the West with him and Elrond and the Lady Galadriel. What do you think of that then?"
"Bilbo!" Frodo exclaimed.
The old hobbit nodded and smiled, pleased with the reaction to his announcement. "Thought you'd be surprised. I was. And I thought long and hard about it too, I can tell you. But then I thought, well, why not? Sounds like another adventure to me."
"Gandalf is leaving?" Sam said in surprise. "And Lord Elrond?"
"And Lady Galadriel," Bilbo nodded. "I'm looking forward to seeing her, they say she's quite something."
"She's that," Sam agreed heartily.
"Of course, I'd quite forgotten that you've met her, my two travelers!." Bilbo shook his head at his own absent mindedness.
"But when is all this happening, Bilbo?" Frodo asked, his face pale.
"Oh, not for a little while yet, Frodo, so don't worry. Lots of things to do before we go. And Elrond said there was something here he must see finished."
"I'm glad you're not going yet, Bilbo" Frodo hugged frail old shoulders. "We will miss you."
"Well, lad," Bilbo said huskily, patting Frodo's hand clumsily. "I'll miss you too. But to tell you the truth, when Gandalf asked me, I wondered if you might be coming along too."
Sam felt a frission of shock go through him. "What?"
"I heard some talk of it from Elrond before Gandalf and I went away. That he'd invited you to go with him when he sailed. But now I see that cure of yours has done the trick, I don't think it's quite your time yet, somehow."
"No," Frodo agreed softly. He looked searchingly at Sam, stroking his tummy absently. "I still have a lot to do."
Sam felt Bilbo's words sinking into his brain. They'd invited Frodo to sail with them? All along Frodo had intended to sail away with the elves when their time came?
"I'll go get us some nice hot tea, shall I?" Sam volunteered, and this time he didn't wait for an answer. Once away from their sight he leaned against a tree and turned the thoughts over in his head. He remembered Nestadren saying that time wasn't their friend. How right he had been!
If they hadn't traveled to Rivendell when they did... If Nestadren hadn't been here... Frodo would have been leaving Middle Earth. Forever.
"Sam?"
Sam sniffed and rubbed at his eyes like a child. "I'm just getting the tea," he said thickly.
"Bilbo said not to worry about tea," Frodo said softly behind him. "He wants a nap." Strong young hands gripped his shoulders. "Come here."
Sam leaned back against Frodo's warmth, tilting his head back so he was looking at the blue sky through swimming eyes.
"It's all right, Sam," Frodo said gently. "That way is closed to me now, thanks to you and our lad here. You don't have to worry about me sailing away from you ever again."
"If we hadn't come here," Sam couldn't help saying, still haunted by might-have-beens. "If Farmer Cotton hadn't told me you'd been ill..."
"Strange isn't it? Thinking of the paths not taken. How close things came to being different."
"Why didn't you ever tell me?" Sam demanded hotly, turning to face him. "Would you ever have told me? Or would you have just sailed away?"
"There wasn't anything to tell, Sam, honestly. There never was a clear invitation, no matter what Bilbo thinks he heard. Elrond just let me know that I had the choice, that's all. He has the gift of foresight. He must have seen the poison at work in me even then."
Sam rubbed at his eyes. "Really? You didn't have it all planned?"
"Dear Sam," Frodo said tenderly, cupping his cheek and wiping a stray tear away with his thumb. "I'm not even sure I had any plans back then. I suppose it was in my mind that if things got too bad... That I had a way out."
"Well, I wouldn't have let you go," Sam said fiercely. "I would have wrapped my arms around you so tight nothing could have taken you away from me!"
Frodo laid his cheek against Sam's, cupping the nape of his neck. "The past is gone, Sam, and we have a different future now. Can't you tell? He's kicking you hard enough!"
Sam chuckled damply. "Probably protestin' about all those pumpkin scones he has to share space with in there."
"Why did you let me eat so many, Sam?" Frodo said severely. "A double chin indeed!"
"I knew it would turn out to be my fault." Sam kissed Frodo's chin, still tasting jam there. "As if I would get between a pregnant hobbit and his food. I like all my arms and legs where they are, thanks very much." Then he wrapped his arms around Frodo, reassuring himself that he was here and well and that he wasn't going anywhere.
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"Sam?"
"Hmm?"
"What are we going to tell Bilbo?"
Sam tried to draw his mind away from Frodo's inviting pumpkin scent and warm embrace.
"We tell him that you're pregnant, Frodo. Otherwise you givin' birth is goin' to come as something of a shock to him."
"You make it sound easy, Sam. But he's an old hobbit! News like this could kill him."
"Rubbish," Sam scoffed. "Good news never killed anyone. You just have to build up to it, is all. Maybe lend him that book about Sian and Sial, or the warrior maid, Yivanna."
"That could work," Frodo mused. "Slowly sounds good."
"Not too slowly mind," Sam chided. "You're nearly six months gone."
"So I have plenty of time,' Frodo said reasonably. "And I'm sure he'll be so happy I'm cured that he won't get too upset at exactly how it happened."
Sam was a little doubtful about that, but he decided not to voice those doubts. This was going to be difficult enough for Frodo as it was. He tried to imagine having to tell this story to his gaffer and got another cold chill down his spine. The thought of that conversation was too horrible to imagine.
"I wonder where Gandalf is? Bilbo said he knew I was being cured. Do you think he knows about the baby?"
"Maybe. Do you want to go find him?"
"I don't think I'm ready to face him yet," Frodo said quickly.
"Well why don't we take our time with him too," Sam said reassuringly. "Maybe we could take a leaf from Bilbo's book and have a nap?" he suggested hopefully.
"Sounds good," Frodo hummed. Then he pulled away. "But before that..."
Sam's chest shook with laughter, he recognized that look. "Let me guess, pumpkin scones?"
"Actually I was thinking pumpkin soup," Frodo said greedily. "With thick crusty bread and salty butter. "Why, Sam? Are you hungry?"
"Considering someone ate all my breakfast as well as their own, yes, I could eat."
Frodo linked his arm into Sam's and began to haul him towards the kitchen. "Well, as long as you're hungry too," he said cheerfully.
888
Back outside their room was another basket and several wrapped parcels. Two elves were just laying another on the pile when Frodo and Sam arrived.
"Excuse us," the pretty elf maiden said with a smile. "We didn't mean to disturb your privacy."
"Did you leave all those for us?" Sam asked.
"Only this one," the taller elf said, indicating the top gift. It had a tiny white rose on a silver ribbon tied around it.
"Thank you," Frodo said politely. "But I'm afraid we don't understand." He exchanged worried looks with Sam. "Is it some elven holiday? Were we supposed to have gifts too?" Not giving gifts on appropriate occasions was a terrible embarrassment to a hobbit.
"No," the elf maiden assured him. "These are just tokens from the folk of Imladris. Apologies for the ill use you suffered while an honored guest here."
"Oh, but it wasn't your fault," Sam said awkwardly. "Everyone was out trying to help us last night, I remember that much."
"All the same," the elf said. "All who have left tokens wish to express their sorrow at the tragedy, and their support for you now."
"Thank you very much," Frodo said again, bowing as best he could. Sam followed his lead, and with merry smiles and nods the pair of elves walked away, hand in hand.
"How very kind!" Frodo exclaimed, picking up the parcels and carrying them into their room. Sam picked up the basket and lifted the cloth.
"Mmm," Frodo sighed, dropping the parcels on the table and darting back to the doorway. "Do I smell cake?"
"Almond cakes I think," Sam said, sniffing appreciatively.
Frodo breathed the scent in deeply and sighed in dismay "I'm so full already! I shouldn't have had that second bowl of soup."
"Third," Sam said under his voice. Frodo made a face at him and he chuckled. "Anyway I wouldn't worry about it. I'm pretty sure your appetite will come back."
"Sam," Frodo said, sitting down at the table and unwrapping a parcel curiously. "Do you think this means the elves here, well, approve? Of the spell I mean?"
Sam pulled the soft paper off the parcel nearest him and grinned widely. "I think this is a vote of approval anyway," he said, holding up the smallest garment he'd ever seen.
"Oh my," Frodo breathed.
The shirt was pale like moonlight, long sleeved with delicate ties on the front. It was soft and light and seemed to shimmer as Sam turned it in his strong hands.
"It's a bit fancy for a hobbit babe," Sam said, delighting in the tiny little garment.
"Not for our baby," Frodo said firmly, taking the shirt in his own hands and stroking the delicate embroidered leaves on its collar. "To think someone here sewed this for us."
"They're good folk," Sam said stoutly, moved himself. "I suppose there's always one bad apple in a barrel. Or two."
"And this is soap," Frodo exclaimed, gesturing to his parcel. "Sweet and delicate for a baby. What's in that one?"
"I'm not sure," Sam said, pulling out two tiny little garments and holding them side by side. "Mittens?" he ventured.
"They're kind of wide for mittens," Frodo frowned, taking one and examining it. "Oh, wait, I know! They're, um, what are the called? They go on your feet."
"Feet?" Sam repeated incredulously.
"I've seen folk wear them under their boots and shoes. "Um, stockings, I think. Or is it socks?"
Sam held up the blue knitted items and studied them, then looked up at Frodo. "Socks? For a hobbit babe?"
Frodo's lips twitched. "It's a kind thought," he managed.
Sam tried to nod agreement but couldn't help his chuckles. A moment later Frodo was joining him and they collapsed into laughter. "Can you imagine his little face if we tried to put these on him?" Sam chortled.
"Oh, I don't know," Frodo said, wiping his eyes. "A night or two in these drafty rooms and even a hobbit's toes might need warming up."
"I can't imagine what it will be like," Sam said, turning the little socks over in his hands. "To have him born. In our arms, small enough that his feet would fit into these things."
"I know," Frodo said, stroking the moonlight shirt again. "What kind of parents will we be, Sam?"
"Unusual ones, I reckon. But he's loved and wanted, Frodo. That's all a child needs, beyond the basics like. I hope he has your eyes."
I like your eyes," Frodo said indignantly.
"And dark hair too," Sam continued thoughtfully. "Not this straw colored mess. It grows any which way, it does."
"I like your hair too. It's like sunshine. Anyway, you'll have him look just like me," Frodo protested. "I hope he has your teeth."
Sam gnashed them with a grin. "My old gaffer still has all his, and he's more than ninety."
"And if he's as loyal and true as you, Sam, we couldn't ask for more."
Sam wrinkled his nose in protest. "You're getting all soppy now," he accused. "It's these baby things, making you all moony."
Frodo threw the wrapping at him. "Soppy?" he repeated incredulously. "I'm not the one who sings to him at night."
"It puts him to sleep," Sam defended self-consciously.
"Or the one who's written out our entire family trees and left a little space for his name on each."
"Now that's just a hobby of mine," Sam hurriedly pointed out. "Anyway, let's get the rest of these opened."
"I'll let you change the subject for now," Frodo said graciously. "But I don't expect to be called soppy again any time soon."
"Yes, Frodo," Sam said dutifully. "You know, I never even gave a thought to clothes and such like. We haven't so much as a swaddlin' cloth for the lad!"
"Well, it's not like we can pop off to the tailor and order a few outfits." Frodo smiled down at the newest gift. It was a rattle, delicately carved from one piece of wood, smoothed and shining. When shaken rings on one end rattled and settled back into place.
"All right," Frodo said, sniffing a little. "Maybe you can call me soppy, just this once."
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"Anyone at home?" A familiar voice called from outside and Sam flew to the door to answer it.
"Mr. Gandalf!" he said joyfully.
"Hello, Samwise." The old wizard patted his shoulder fondly. "And where's our lad?"
"Here! Gandalf!"
"Frodo, my boy!" Gandalf reached out and hugged Frodo to him, patting his back gently. Frodo hugged him self consciously and then blushed when Gandalf pulled back and looked down at the firm bulge between them.
"It's all right, Frodo, you don't have to make such a face at me," Gandalf said with his eyes twinkling. "Did you think my old eyes wouldn't be able to see this marvelous cure of yours? You glow like the sun, dear boy."
Frodo smiled, cheeks rosy with joy and relief.
"And you, Samwise Gamgee." Gandalf beetled his brows at him, eyes twinkling. "May I say? Good job! Splendid!"
Sam blushed scarlet and ducked his head, grinning from ear to ear all the same.
"I wondered what you would think of it all, Gandalf," Frodo confessed.
"I approve of anything that brings the roses back to your cheeks, Frodo. And I must admit to a little curiosity about this shining child of yours. I can't wait to meet him!"
"Then you're not goin' to leave before he's born?" Sam asked hopefully.
"I wouldn't dream of it. I'll see your son come into the world, Frodo, Sam. I'll see him stretch his legs and blink his eyes at the sun."
"But you won't stay to see him grow up," Frodo said wistfully. "He'll never get to see your fireworks, the way Sam and I did when we were young."
"There will always be another beginning or ending to look forward to, my dear hobbits. The story goes on and on, remember? But my part in it will soon be over. It's time for a rest and I've earned it!"
"I can remember feeling that way once too," Frodo said, as if recalling a distant dream. "As if I'd finished a long hard day's work and was stretching and yawning, ready for my bed."
"Precisely," Gandalf said. "But you've a new life to look forward to now. The future belongs to you two and Merry and Pippin, and that young one sleeping so soundly. You all worked hard for it too. It's only right you should enjoy it. Let this older generation sail away for their rest. We'll find it all the sweeter knowing you young folk are here making the most of it."
He rubbed his hands together and smiled broadly. "Now. Is that almond cake I smell?"
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"Gandalf," Sam said later after a pot of tea and some cakes that even Frodo managed to force down. "Mr. Bilbo mentioned you and Lord Elrond were talkin' about some troubles. Was it what happened last night?"
"Yes, Sam. I'm so sorry I didn't arrive in time to stop you both going through such a thing. I know Elrond is horrified by it all. When the Master of Imladris offers his protection he doesn't do it lightly."
"Will there be trouble for him?" Frodo asked worriedly. "And for us? Sam had no choice but to strike."
"Of course he didn't," Gandalf said reassuringly. "And Elrond is sure things will be smoothed over swiftly. All here can attest that the brothers broke all the rules of hospitality when they invaded Imladris and attacked you."
"As terrible as it was, I can't be sorry about how it ended," Sam said, a shiver running over his skin at the memory of those soft voices in the night, those swift shadows. "I don't think Frodo and I would have ever been safe from them while they lived."
"Elrond was doing his best to make sure that you would be, Sam," Gandalf said solemnly. "He was trying to negotiate your safety."
"Now he doesn't have to," Sam said stubbornly.
"As for me," Frodo said quietly. "I wish it hadn't had to come to death. There has been too much death, of late. I feel so well and happy myself, I would wish only that on others."
"In the end they made their own choices, Frodo. We can only pity them now that the depth of their hatred blinded them to all good sense and decency."
"Will we have to face such hatred again, Gandalf?" Frodo laid his hand on his belly and Sam shifted a little closer to him for comfort. "Nestadren, the healer who helped us has faced it his whole life."
"Do you know his story, Gandalf?"
"It was not one I was familiar with," the wizard confessed. "Although I have heard tell of such things before. Elrond and I have had a long conversation about this. He believes attitudes among the elves are vastly different now."
"It does seem as if some of the folk here are on our side in this," Frodo agreed. They showed their gifts to Gandalf and he admired them, especially the little shirt which he studied appreciatively. "It seems a little odd," Frodo continued. "That so many elven folk have left us their tokens, when Nestadren said so many disapproved of the spell that created his life, so long ago."
"Ah, but it was a long time ago, Frodo," Gandalf pointed out, picking up the tiny rattle and shaking it absently. "And there are many differences between that time and this. These are less... passionate times for elvenkind. They are winding down their lives here, and perhaps that makes them less judgmental."
"So it's not that they approve any more, they just can't be bothered to disapprove?"
"Sam," Frodo chided. "That's hardly fair to all the friends who've left us such thoughtful gifts."
"Maybe," Sam conceded. "But don't get me wrong, I'm not complainin' about it. I'll take indifference over scorn anytime. Not to mention murderous hatred."
Gandalf shook his head with a smile. "How cynical you've become, Sam! But I suppose I can't blame you, who have suffered at the hands of this prejudice. But I said circumstances were different, and they are. Think about it! When Nestadren's parents felt threatened they went away, left the company of other elves and returned only when he was born. But you and Frodo have been here the whole time, in plain sight of the elves who dwell here. From what Elrond has said, you have been somewhat of a revelation to them."
Frodo and Sam exchanged glances. "Us?"
"No elf looking at you, Frodo, could mistake the purity of the light within you. Elrond confided that often in these last months he has heard it said how joyous it is for the folk of Imladris to have you here, in their realm. Strolling amongst the trees and gardens. Your songs and laughter, your easy smiles. Your love shining like the child within Frodo."
Sam smiled proudly and laid his hand on top of Frodo's, resting as it usually was now, on his belly.
"And the hatred of the Eastfern brothers came as quite a shock, I think. Looking between them and you, it was apparent who walked in light, and who in shadow."
Gandalf studied their linked hands on Frodo's proud belly with a gentle smile. "My dear hobbits," he said fondly. "You'll never know how happy it makes an old man to see you two together. To know that even out of darkness a new light may shine."
Frodo and Sam smiled shyly and Gandalf chuckled and heaved himself to his feet.
"Well. Will I see you at dinner? I understand one of Bilbo's best poems is being performed in his honor."
"We wouldn't miss it," Sam assured him.
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The next few days Frodo spent his mornings with Bilbo, reading to him from his book and talking about old times. Sam left them to enjoy their reunion together, only popping in now and then to make sure Frodo wasn't starving.
Of Gandalf they saw little, he was closeted with Lord Elrond, appearing only at meal times to enjoy the feasting and the songs and poems. Frodo and Sam began taking their evening meals in the Great Hall again, despite Frodo's initial self consciousness.
Sam studied the faces of the elves the first time they entered and sat down next to Gandalf to dine, but he could see no hostility there, no disapproval. Only curiosity, and many open smiles. He let himself relax a little, but he also kept carrying his small dagger, which he'd had about his person since the morning of October the seventh. Watching Frodo smile and talk with Gandalf, so happy, so vulnerable, Sam didn't think he would ever be without it again. He could never bear to be so helpless again, not when he had so much to protect.
So Frodo spent his mornings with Bilbo and his afternoons with Sam, resting. Often when Sam popped in to check on them he'd find Bilbo snoring gently, leaning against Frodo with the younger hobbit's arm around him. There was a gentle sadness in the way Frodo cradled Bilbo in the crook of his arm, in the expression in his eyes as he smiled up at Sam.
Missing their closeness but with little to do in their garden with the year winding down, Sam found himself at a loose end for the first time in his adult life. Always he had had some task to busy himself with, but now he spent the mornings wandering the paths of Rivendell alone. It could be a terribly lonely place to be alone, he often thought.
One morning he found Nestadren sitting cross legged on a rock, looking out over the gorge with a somber face. Sam marveled at the elf's youthful appearance. Why, he seemed no more than a lad himself with his fall of fair hair and bright brown eyes.
Today his eyes seemed somewhat shadowed and sad.
Sam stopped uncertainly when he saw him, but the healer smiled and gestured to a nearby rock.
"Please, join me, Samwise," he invited graciously. "I'm getting a little tired of my own company."
"I know how you feel." Sam sat and rubbed his hands on his wool covered thighs to warm them. He was wrapped up warmly enough, but there was a definite chill in the air. Tugging his cloak around him, Sam hoped Frodo was inside in the warm.
"Is Frodo still with his uncle?"
Sam nodded. "They're enjoying each others company. Frodo's missed him more than he'll say. And even though Bilbo says it may be a a while before they leave, I think Frodo's dreading him leaving forever." Sam sighed sadly. "How do your folk do it, Nestadren? How do they say good bye to their loved ones forever?"
"Ah, but we will see each other again, Sam, in the Undying Lands. When my time comes I will see my parents there, waiting for me. United as they have always been."
"You sound as if you're leaving soon," Sam wondered.
"I had thought these last few years that my time was coming," Nestadren nodded, his eyes distant. "It seemed the sea was calling me, just sometimes, in dreams."
"Yes," Sam said, shivering a little at the memory of that call.
"You too, Sam?" Nestadren tilted his head curiously.
"They was just dreams," Sam said flatly. "Legolas was talking about it on the journey home, is all, so it must have got me thinkin'. Why should the sea call me?"
"Perhaps because one day you will sail away," Nestadren suggested. "Who knows?"
"Middle Earth is all I need. I'd rather live right now and not worry about livin' forever. Besides, if the sea was callin' me it was just because it was callin' him too." Sam remembered again how close it had all been, but he wasn't worried about it any more. Frodo had said it, they had a new future now.
"Would you have gone with Frodo then, Sam?" Nestadren asked curiously. "Even to the Undying Lands?"
"I went with him to the heart of Mordor," Sam chuckled. "The Undying Lands sound a bit of a doddle after that."
Nestadren laughed as if he couldn't help it. "I am glad to have met you both, Sam," he said sincerely and Sam blushed a little. "All the work I have done, the studies I have made... It all feels worthwhile, to have helped save Frodo, to have been a part of bringing new life into the world."
The healer looked down at his hands, slim and pale. "To have protected that life," he finished softly.
"You're thinkin' about Glamren, aren't you?" Sam realized.
"Have you thought about Silasigil?" Nestadren murmured.
Sam shrugged. "I suppose I should have been. It's caused so much trouble for Lord Elrond, such violence in this peaceful place."
"Imladris is no stranger to violence, Sam. Elrond was more distressed about his failure to protect you both. If you had been in your rooms when the brothers broke in..."
"It was close enough for me," Sam said ruefully, raising a hand to his sore neck. "And I guess it's easier for me than for you, Nestadren. I was the one with my throat bein' cut, my lover threatened, my unborn child in danger. Takin' a life is an easy choice in those circumstances."
"For an elf to take the life of another elf," Nestadren said lowly. "Is a terrible thing. It happens, but never lightly."
"Will there be trouble for you? You won't be leavin' will you?"
"Don't worry, Sam, I will not abandon you and Frodo. I will be here for the birth."
"Thank you," Sam said sincerely. "But I'm worried for you too. You're our friend, we don't want you hurt just because you've helped us."
"Thank you, Sam," Nestadren said warmly. "I'm sure it will be fine. And it hasn't been all one sided you know, the help I've given. You and Frodo have given me much in return. A new lease on life, as Gandalf might put it."
"Really?"
"I was thinking, just before you got here, Sam. Your little one may be drawn to the healing arts, as I was."
"Really? A healer?" Sam turned the thought over in his mind. It was a noble profession. Not as good as gardening of course, but useful. Look how lost they would have been without the elven healer!
"So perhaps my time is still further away than I thought. You must give your child a proper hobbit upbringing, back in the Shire. But if the time comes and he is called down that path, you can seek me out, and I will begin his training."
"If that's what he wants," Sam agreed with delight. Then he chuckled thoughtfully. "I guess our journey won't end when we get back to the Shire, hmm?"
"The most well traveled hobbits in history," Nestadren smiled.
"That's what they called us when we got back, the four of us. The travelers." Sam couldn't help a nostalgic pang at the thought of home. With Frodo by his side he didn't feel it so keenly, but these last few days alone had made him sharply homesick.
It must have shown in his eyes because Nestadren gave him a sympathetic smile. "You miss your home very much."
"Aye," Sam agreed. "But you know, for all that, Frodo and I have been to some grand places. Terrible places too of course, but also some amazin' ones. Here. And Lothlorien. That there dwarf city way under the ground. Course, it was quite hard to enjoy 'em at the time, bein' tired and cold and scared."
"Sometimes it's easier to enjoy things in hindsight."
"But I think I'd like our lad to see the world too, someday. Not full of darkness and danger like our journey was. But I'd like him to see it."
"See what?" Frodo said from behind him.
Sam smiled and held out his hand. "Bilbo napping?"
"Well, he said he was just resting his eyes, but the snores were a bit of a give away. What were you talking about?"
"The future," Sam told him, tugging him down on the rock and wrapping an arm around him. "Mm, you're warm."
Frodo leaned closer. "I read Bilbo the story of Sian and Sial."
"What did he say?"
"Not much," Frodo said morosely. "Even less than he said about Yivanna's legend."
"We've still time, Frodo," Sam reassured him, hugging him to his side.
888
But it seemed they had less time than they thought. When they got back to their room Bilbo was sitting at their table, holding the tiny moonlight shirt in his gnarled old hands.
"Well, my lads," he said determinedly. "I think you have some explaining to do."
Frodo froze in the doorway and Sam resisted the urge to lower his chin and shuffle his feet as he used to when he was a nipper and Mr. Bilbo caught him pinching mulberries from his tree.
"I have to admit I didn't just see this little collection of goods and jump straight to the obvious conclusion," Bilbo continued, gesturing at he basket full of gifts, most of which were for the baby. "I mean to say, a fellow doesn't usually expect to hear news like that about his nephew."
"Bilbo." Frodo's face was pale and despite his worry Sam took a step closer to him. He didn't quite dare to reach out and take his hand though, not with Bilbo staring at them so piercingly.
"And I didn't even twig when you read me those rather odd legends and tales, Frodo. Child of Light! How could I have taken something so ridiculous seriously?"
Frodo winced and Sam's heart sank. After all the doubts Frodo had conquered he didn't need his beloved uncle rejecting him over something so important.
"Frodo?" Bilbo said firmly. He stepped closer and caught his young cousin's shoulders in his hands.
Frodo blinked and met his eyes bravely.
"Frodo, my foolish lad," Bilbo said gently. And then he drew Frodo against him and hugged him as he had not done since they were both many years younger.
Sam blinked his own tears away and smiled joyfully as Frodo stiffened in surprise and then melted against his uncle gladly. "Bilbo," he murmured.
"Imagine thinking you should keep such a thing from me!" Bilbo chided, drawing back and gazing at Frodo sternly. "If Gandalf hadn't gotten sick of watching you dance around the subject I imagine I'd still be in the dark for some time to come."
"It's not exactly an easy thing to explain, uncle," Frodo said, relief shining in his eyes.
"Nonsense," Bilbo scoffed. "You're well, aren't you? With a long life ahead of you? How could anyone who loves you make a fuss about how that came about?" He turned his piercing gaze on Sam who raised his eyebrows and stepped back nervously. "You're not saying much, young Samwise. So far I'm only guessing your part in this. I didn't really give Gandalf a chance to explain much after the first few sentences."
Frodo stepped out of his uncle's embrace and reached for Sam's suddenly boneless hand. "It's all right, Sam,' he reassured him, and Sam gripped his fingers hard and resisted the urge to run like a rabbit.
"Sam has as much a part in this as I do, Bilbo," Frodo said bravely, laying a hand on his belly. "This is his baby I'm carrying."
Sam thought if his ears got any redder they'd just burst into flame. But Bilbo only snorted. "I guessed that much, Frodo. Give me some credit, I didn't think that baby of yours was conjured out of thin air."
"Oh," Frodo said weakly, exchanging confused glances at Sam. "I thought you were asking Sam what part he had in this?"
"I meant what part in the future? He's helped save your life with this elven spell, but what next? I can't sail away into the West worrying about you on your own coping with a wee babe, Frodo. Will you be there to help him, Sam?"
Sam breathed out a sigh of pure relief. This he could answer. "I love Frodo, Mr. Bilbo," he said honestly. "And I've loved our babe from the minute I knew he existed. I'll take care of him for the rest of our lives."
"We'll take care of each other," Frodo interrupted firmly. "And our lad."
Bilbo studied them both for long moments, eyes narrowed. Then he smiled. "Well, all right then." He sat down at the table and heaved a sigh. "I think I need a strong brew after that."
"Aye," Sam agreed fervently. "I could do with one myself."
888
"Well, that went better than I ever thought it would," Frodo said, laying back on his bed in exhaustion.
"We should have trusted Mr. Bilbo." Sam stretched out and yawned wearily. "Thank goodness for Gandalf!"
"Bilbo's right though, he is an interfering old so and so!"
"And he's also right when he says we wouldn't have him any other way." Sam rolled onto his side and leaned on one elbow, studying his beloved's face. "Are you okay? You were very brave."
"Do you think so?" Frodo chuckled. "I felt like I was a tween again waiting for a thick ear for scrumping apples."
Sam laughed huskily. He stroked back a stray curl from Frodo's brow and twisted it around one finger. "And I feel like a weight's been lifted from my shoulders. Bilbo and Gandalf are on our side, the elves are on our side, and you're well and safe. All we have to do now is enjoy these last few months and look forward to the birth."
Frodo huffed a laugh. "Enjoy?" he said incredulously. "That's easy for you to say, Sam. You can still stand up without help. You can lay on your stomach to sleep. You don't have to pee every hour. What have I left out?"
"Eatin' like a pig?" Sam said helpfully and winced when he got an elbow in the side.
"And much as I want to see and hold our lad, Sam, I can't say I'm exactly looking forward to the birth. No, I can't say that at all."
"Well be all right, Frodo," Sam promised. "I'll be with you."
"Yes, Sam, but I'll actually be the one giving birth. I've only just got used to the idea of having him inside me."
Sam rested his head next to Frodo's on the pillow. "You do enjoy it a little bit," he teased. "You've already said so."
"Enjoy being pummeled from the inside?" Frodo asked disbelievingly. "Enjoy the aching feet and the aching back and bumping into things when I turn around?"
"Yes," Sam said firmly.
Frodo snuggled closer. "Well," he said dubiously. "I suppose it isn't all bad."
Sam pecked a kiss on his cheek and watched him drift off into one of the sudden sleeps he was prone to these days. Then he laid his hand on that warm hard bulge, and let himself drift away too.
888
"I was thinking, Frodo," Sam said, much later. "Do you want to name him after Bilbo?"
"Would you like that, Sam?"
"It's a fine name," Sam said thoughtfully. "But..."
"But it's already spoken for," Frodo finished. "I've never been one for naming a new life after an old one. I think our lad deserves a name all his own."
"Aye, that sounds about right," Sam agreed. "Maybe an elf name, Frodo? Since we wouldn't have him if it weren't for their kindness."
"That's a fine idea."
"But here's a question. Will he be a Gamgee or a Baggins?"
"Hmm, that is a good question, one that's been on my mind for a while."
"Maybe he should have his own last name too?" Sam suggested suddenly. "Maybe we all should."
Frodo frowned thoughtfully for a moment and then smiled, just a little. "A new name for our new little family, Sam?"
"Folk often take new names, Frodo. Usually when their life changes in some way that makes them think a new beginning is in order. I can't think of a bigger change than our new beginning."
"I agree, Sam," Frodo said firmly. "Even though you've just doubled our problem. Now instead of one name to think up, we have two!"
"Got to spend those long winter nights somehow, Frodo me love," Sam teased gently, and Frodo smiled and buried his head in Sam's neck once more.
Continued in part Three!