Title: Despair (7/16)
Author: Niphrandl
Rating: PG13
Characters: Gandalf, Frodo, Boromir, Aragorn, Pippin,
Merry, Sam, Legolas, Gimli
Summary: This story takes place after Gandalf confronts the Balrog on the Bridge
of Khazad-dûm and before the fellowship reaches Lothlorien. It is told from
Frodo's POV initially.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I make no money nor do I
receive any public recognition for writing this. This is just my bit of fan
fiction. Thanks Easterlily!
I could still hear the buzz of conversation. But I could not see anything nor could I make out any words. I felt as if I were floating somewhere between life and death. I felt myself being moved. I felt a cold liquid on my chest. In my mind I shivered. I felt a hand on my forehead and heard more buzzing conversation.
Someone raised their voice and then it went back down again. I was scared. What was happening to me? Then I felt a sharp pain in my side. It felt like the sting of a wasp! In my mind I screamed and tried to pull away but my body did not respond! The sting turned into a burn as it went deeper. Suddenly it stopped only to be replaced by a sharper pain. Something was being pushed into my chest! My mind reeled as I felt it break through.
Then I felt nothing.
No pain, no cold.
Just nothing.
After a few moments I noticed that I could take a deeper breath. And with each succeeding breath they became deeper until I could again take a full breath.
The buzzing conversation came to me again. I could make out words.
"...deeper..."
"...breathing easier..."
"...not...danger yet..."
My vision was coming back to me as well. At first just a blur of shadow and light. Then I could make out shapes.
Then..Pain.
I gasped and moaned. I felt a cool cloth on my forehead.
Someone talking soothingly.
I think it was Sam. I turned my head, yes it was Sam.
"Sam" I said.
He smiled broadly "Welcome back Mr. Frodo!"
I closed my eyes as another wave of pain washed over me. I felt something cool against my lips. I opened my eyes. Aragorn was there. I turned my head.
"I thought we were done being stubborn!" Aragorn said. I shook my head.
"Too strong...sick" I managed to say.
"Oh" Aragorn said apparently understanding my meaning. He left and returned a few moments later. Again the cup was brought to my lips.
"I made a weaker potion this time Frodo."
I smiled a little and drank every last drop. Legolas moved out from behind me and packs and blankets were placed behind me to keep me sitting upright.
"As long as that tube is in there he cannot be moved" Aragorn said. "So we might as well settle down for a while."
"How long will it have to stay in there?" asked Sam.
Aragorn shrugged. "As long as it is draining" he said and leaned back against a tree.
I closed my eyes. The medicine was taking effect and I was feeling comfortably numb. I was also exhausted from the morning's experiences. I quickly fell into a deep sleep.
I opened my eyes with a start. I heard something. What it was I don't know. I looked around. Everyone was sleeping.
Why wasn't someone on watch? Probably because it was still daylight, I told myself. I looked around again, nothing 'seemed' out of place.
Then I heard it again.
A low growl.
Predatory.
Hungry.
And close. I placed my hand on Sting. Thankful that someone, probably Sam, had left it within my reach.
I heard the growl again and my blood froze. It was coming from right behind me. I tried to call out to the others but my voice got caught in my throat. I slowly rose to my feet and turned around.
A WOLF!!
There was a madness in its eyes. It must have smelled the blood from the surgery Aragorn did. It started to growl again.
Low.
Gutteral
Threatening.
It sprang all at once! I felt its teeth sink into my throat! I heard myself scream!!
"Nnnnnoooooo!!!!!!"
"Mr. Frodo! Wake up your having a nightmare!"
Sam was shaking my shoulders and yelling at me. I opened my eyes continuing to fight the wolf. Then I realized it was Sam.
"You were having a nightmare Frodo!" Sam said. I collapsed back against the packs.
"A nightmare" I repeated breathlessly.
"Yes" Sam said.
"Oh, Sam. It was horrible!"
"Shhhh, its ok now. Your Sam's with you now. Nothing will happen to you."
Gimli walked over. "Is everything all right Master Gamgee?" he asked.
"Yes everything is fine. He just had a bad dream" Sam told him.
"Where is everyone?" I asked.
"Aragorn and Legolas are scouting the area. Boromir is resting and your two friends are preparing lunch." Gimli informed us.
"Lunch? I am hungry." I said before I even realized I was speaking.
Sam beamed. "Well" he said jumping up. "That is a problem 'I' can do something about!" and he trotted off before I could stop him.
"Are you sure you're all right Master Baggins?" Gimli asked me.
"I'm fine and please call me Frodo." Gimli smiled; at least I think he did.
"All right, Frodo, I will leave you to rest and help the others with Lunch."
As Gimli walked away I settled back against my makeshift
bed; the memory of the nightmare making me shudder.
TBC