Disclaimers: All characters, places and events are the sole
property of the Tolkien Estate. I receive no money for this piece of
fiction, only the satisfaction of writing about the land and peoples
that he so beautifully depicted.
Title: Smoke and Mirrors Chapter 36/?
Author: Lovethosehobbits
Archive: Sure, just let me know where.
Smoke and Mirrors Chapter 36
Frodo swallowed thickly. His tongue felt like it was covered with cotton and was heavy in his mouth. He moaned and slowly opened his eyes. Staring down at him was Aragorn, Saleth and the lady Arwen. He groaned again and made to get up but was pushed back down by Aragorn.
"Fro'oh, you all right?" Merry asked thickly as he peeked over the edge of the bed.
"Fine. I'm fine, Mer'", Frodo whispered more to himself than anyone else in the room.
"What do you mean getting him all drunk and out of sorts...have you lost your mind?" Frodo recognized Sam's plaintive voice.
"Sam...Ssam no' so loud, my frien'" moaned Frodo.
"Here Frodo, drink this." A cup was pressed to his lips and he swallowed.
"Ohhhh....thas awful," he said turning his head away at the foul taste. "Uggh. Whatwasthat?" he asked.
Aragorn smiled, "The cure for what ails you, young hobbit," he said.
"It's the worst one yet, Ar'gorn. I'd rather be drunk," he slurred.
"You say that now but in a few hours you are going to feel quite unsettled and ill, best to take it now, Frodo." Aragorn held the Ringbearer close to his chest and tried again to bring the cup up, but Frodo was having none of it and pushed the cup away.
"No," he said thickly. "Leavemealone."
"Perhaps I could assist you, my King." Frodo gulped. It was the Lady Arwen and he simply could not refuse the great lady, manners would not permit it.
"Please, no, I don't want..."she brought the cup to his lips and tipped his head back forcing the liquid down his throat. Gently, she stroked his throat until he swallowed. He struggled to get away but she held him in surprisingly strong arms. He gasped and coughed when at last he could breath.
"There, there Frodo. It will relieve you of any discomfort and you will sleep like a baby," she murmured.
"Not a baby....don't want to sleep..." Frodo moaned. But it was too late, he felt his eyes drifting shut and then very strong arms were carrying him. He was lain on a soft bed and covered with thick blankets.
"Master Brandybuck! What do you mean getting Frodo so drunk! Don't you remember he hit his head this morning? He shouldn't have had anything to drink with a possible head injury." Aragorn was incensed and was pacing angrily back and forth in front of Frodo's bed.
"I'm sorry Ar'gorn. Forgot about dat. Fro'oh needed a little somethin' to take the edge off after he tol' me of his nighmare," Merry's face crumpled. "He'll be alwight won't he?" he asked. The King suddenly felt very bad for yelling at Merry who had done a great thing getting Frodo to talk.
"Did he tell you his dreams, Merry?" he asked sitting Merry beside him on the bed.
"They're so horrible, Ar'gorn. I only hope in time, they will become less so for his sake," Merry then went into detail about Frodo's nightmares. "We should stay with him in case they come back," Merry said worriedly. "To calm him."
Aragorn smiled and wrapped an arm around the hobbit. "You're a good lad, Merry. Frodo is lucky to have all of you by his side."
Merry grinned up at the King. "ThanksAr'gorn. I love Fro'oh so much. I don't wan him to suffer anymore," he slurred.
"We'll all stay with him, Mr. Merry. Safety in numbers," said Sam. So they all made themselves comfortable around Frodo's bed. Sam and Merry curled up next to Frodo and soon they were snoring gently. Frodo began to toss and turn lightly as darkness moved into his mind and sought to chase away the peacefulness of a few hours ago.
He was in the tower of Cirith Ungol and orcs were surrounding him. He tried to back away, to become smaller thinking they might overlook him, but they saw him. They spat and kicked and threw him onto the cold, hard stones. He begged them to leave him alone, to have mercy but they only laughed and taunted him, pulling at his hair, his clothes. He felt helpless and weak and he cried out. This was what Arwen Undomiel heard as she sat watching him fight the unseen horrors of his dreams. She reached out to him and slipped the necklace she had once given him, into his hand. The jewel shone with a blinding light as it lit the small palm from within. It had been dropped, weeks ago, while the Ringbearer had teetered precariously from the seventh level above the city, ready to plummet to his death while in the clutches of the 'brain fever'. He had dropped the jewel and it had been recovered and given back to the Queen. Now she placed it around his small neck, then she bent and kissed his forehead, whispering a blessing to the Valar to watch over this small, yet courageous, being. Frodo sighed. Arwen placed her had over his forehead and closed her eyes. She could see what Frodo saw and she inhaled the smell of the unwashed bodies and the fear scent that was palpable from the small hobbit. She looked down at Frodo, his eyes locked with hers and she saw they glistened with tears.
"I would not wish you to be here, Milady. I would not wish you to see this torture," he cried.
"I am here for you, Frodo. We all are," Arwen said. She began to shimmer with a golden light that seemed to emanate from her very soul. Suddenly, Frodo was surrounded by Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Boromir, Faramir, Legolas, Gimli, Saleth and Aragorn. All were decked in shining armor and held great swords out in front of them. The orcs cringed back at the sight of such a foe. "I told you we would be there for you, Frodo," said Merry.
"They'll not get a lick in this time, Mr. Frodo. They'll have to go through your Sam first," said Sam as he lunged.
"Be gone, you have no power here!!!" yelled Gandalf as he sprang forward into the fray.
"Indeed, Frodo Baggins, it would be my honor to fight by your side," said Boromir. Frodo began to weep at this. Faramir jumped in beside Boromir and together, they created a clean swatch where once there had stood towering orcs. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli swept through, pulling Frodo to safety, they smiled as they charged into the thick of the battle. Arwen too was doing quite well with her sword. She cleanly beheaded an orc and then breezed by Frodo to stand beside her husband. One by one the enemy fell until they were all destroyed. Frodo felt sleep come upon him. He closed his eyes as he was enveloped in the loving embrace of the Lady Arwen's arms. Safe. He was safe and a peace filled him as he slipped blissfully into slumber.
Later, as his eyes cracked open he saw that he was surrounded on all sides, by those who loved him. His hand flicked up to his throat and there he grasped the Lady Arwen's pendant which was securely fastened about his neck.
"How do you feel, Ringbearer?" A musical voice asked. Frodo turned and saw that Arwen was beside him. She held his hand in hers and softly caressed it.
"I am well, My Lady, thank you."
"Your dreams were troubled, but have passed," she smiled shyly at him.
"Will they return?" Frodo asked hesitantly.
"They may. But you have the pendant of the Evenstar to guide and protect you. Always wear it, Frodo. It will draw strength to it of numbers when you need them most," she whispered.
"You were all there for me, fighting beside me, giving me strength in my hour of need," Frodo murmured as he lightly clutched the star pendant.
"As we shall always be there to give succor to you. Now sleep, rest as you are weary. When you awake again we will be here for you." She lightly touched his face and his eyes slowly closed and he slipped into a dreamless realm where there were no orcs or towers or eyes.
When next he woke, Pippin was standing beside him perched on a pair of children's crutches.
"I began to grow lonely in my little room and so have sought you out, cousin," he smiled his endearing smile. "Are you hungry? I am famished. Shall I fetch us some breads and fruit?" he asked eagerly. Frodo smiled slowly.
"I am not hungry, Pippin. I fear I have made myself uncomfortably drunk and ruined my appetite."
"Frodo! How could you? And not even ask me to join you?" Pippin looked terribly hurt.
"Here, Pip, lay down before you fall down. It was Merry's idea, so you'll have to talk with him, I dare say." Frodo replied.
"Merry, you didn't save me any drink?" Pip nudged Merry roughly.
"Ummmph," came the muffled reply. Merry raised his tousled head and looked around the room blearily. Gandalf, Aragorn, and Arwen all were gone leaving just the hobbits on the huge bed. "Frodo, did you sleep?" he asked.
"Yes, Merry, and all of you were in my dream. You all fought with me and destroyed the orcs, the Lady Arwen has gifted me her pendant for my protection a second time and I could feel the power of friendship helping and guiding me. He reached out and touched Merry and Pippin's hands. Sam smiled at them all and placed his hand on top.
"Boromir was there too," Frodo whispered. They're were cries of surprise and then Frodo was engulfed by hobbits. They embraced and held onto each other until they were all weeping at the renewed pain of the loss of the strong Gondorian.
"Poor Mr. Boromir, he weren't a bad man. That Ring jes took control and he couldn't fight it no how," Sam said tearfully.
"No Sam, it wasn't his fault. The Ring was able to twist his thoughts and feelings so that he heard what he wanted to hear. He was brave and valiant even if he had a momentary lapse of judgment, I cannot fault him. I too had a lapse of judgment. Can you ever forgive me Sam for telling you to go home? I didn't mean it Sam, I wasn't thinking clearly to trust Gollum over you. You are, and have always been, my dearest friend." Frodo's eyes shined with unshed tears and Sam reached over and pulled him to him.
"Of course, Mr. Frodo. You weren't yourself. That cursed Ring had overtaken you. Your Sam loves you, sir, and I am always there for you, Mr. Frodo. Don't you worry none about it. You aint never gonna get rid of Samwise Gamgee," he smiled through his tears and Frodo laughed.
"I certainly hope I can somehow repay the debt I owe you, Sam. The quest would have failed for certain had you not followed me," Frodo's eyes became glassy and he stared off into the distance.
"Enough of this weeping, I say. How about a hearty meal of soup and bread, Mr. Frodo?" Frodo's face blanched. He gulped. "Oh...Sam...I...don't think that's ....such a good idea...ohhh" he looked quickly around for a basin and began to gasp when none was seen. "Oh Sam...help me!! Sam quickly jumped down and ran to the cabinet. He found a small pan and ran back to the bed. Frodo was desperately trying not to throw up, but as soon as Sam started climbing roughly up on the bed, he lost his battle and grabbing the pan from Sam, retched repeatedly. He collapsed back against his pillows, pale and shaking with sweat running off of his forehead. He closed his eyes and took deep breathes trying to calm his stomach. Merry gave him sips of water which he rinsed his mouth with. "No food. No ....can't eat, Sam." he said between chapped lips.
"Mr. Frodo, you have to eat something. Maybe just some milk toast or fruit, even." Sam dabbed at Frodo's face. Frodo swallowed thickly.
"Can't now, Sam," he rasped as his eyes slipped shut.
"I can't believe you did this, Mr. Merry. Look how sick his is," Sam said with exasperation.
"Sorry Sam, I didn't think anyone could get sick on Elven wine and it seemed like a good idea at the time," said Merry apologetically.
"Sam, how about some applesauce or custard and toast?" volunteered Pippin. "That always makes me feel better."
Frodo groaned and twisted to lay on his side. "Pippin....please....no" he whispered.
Aragorn entered then with a light tray. "Sorry, Frodo, but we need to get something light in your stomach. I've some sweetened milk toast here that should set ok," he smiled down at the miserable hobbit.
"No, please....justletmebe,"moaned Frodo.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, my friend." He moved to sit behind the Ringbearer and braced the small body against his chest. He then very slowly began to spoon the warm milk mixture into the hobbit's mouth. This was made more difficult by the obstinance of the Ringbearer. "Please...." Frodo turned his head. "No more....Ar'gorn, please" he moaned.
"Just a few small bites, little one," Aragorn whispered. He dabbed at the small mouth with a cloth and his eyes took in the brilliant blue of the hobbit's. They shimmered with unshed tears. "Oh, Frodo," he said with empathy, "I am sorry, my friend." Frodo's lips quivered and he tried to turn away to hide his humiliation.
"I jus' feel so miserable," he groaned. Aragorn washed his face and poured a cup of mint tea which he sweetened and pressed to Frodo's lips. It smelled heavenly and Frodo drank it thirstily.
"Easy, easy. No gulping. Slow sips, Frodo," Aragorn murmured. Frodo slowed his gulps to sips and then his eyes drifted shut. "Frodo. Frodo, wake up, my friend. Frodo," Aragorn repeated but the Ringbearer was unconscious.
"Is he all right, Mr. Strider?" asked Sam worriedly.
"He's exhausted, Sam. Let's make him comfortable with some warm bricks and some pillows and then let him rest." Sam gathered the pillows all around his Master then covered him in a down comforter. Heated bricks were placed in toweling and lain next to the thin body. A ragged sigh escaped the hobbit, but he looked at peace. Sam smoothed back his curls and kissed his forehead.
"Sleep well, me dear," he whispered. Aragorn smiled and then ushered the three remaining hobbits from the room. He looked back at the sleeping hobbit. "Rest well, savior of Middle Earth," he said with a smile. He then closed the door quietly behind him as he left.
To be continued...
Thanks to all the wonderful reviews I've received thus far, I can't tell you how gratifying it is to have my little story so well received.
monet3- Welcome! I smiled too as I wrote this chapter; picturing them so perfectly as they poured out not only cordial, but their souls to each other. And I agree, Frodo and Merry are in for a hummer of a hangover.
lindahoyland- So glad you found this as funny as I did and although I agree that getting drunk is not usually the way to solve your problems it seemed the best way to get Frodo to bare his worst feelings.
JesusFreak-Wonderful to hear from you!! I am so happy you are enjoying the fic and gosh (blushes) so flattered that you like the way I write. I seem to have a running movie in my head about each character and try to put that on paper. Glad I was successful. Frodo is in for some more angst, but the healing and comfort is coming as well...so never fear. More to come, please keep reading and reviewing. You made my day!
Title: Smoke and Mirrors Chapter 36/?
Author: Lovethosehobbits
Archive: Sure, just let me know where.
Smoke and Mirrors Chapter 36
Frodo swallowed thickly. His tongue felt like it was covered with cotton and was heavy in his mouth. He moaned and slowly opened his eyes. Staring down at him was Aragorn, Saleth and the lady Arwen. He groaned again and made to get up but was pushed back down by Aragorn.
"Fro'oh, you all right?" Merry asked thickly as he peeked over the edge of the bed.
"Fine. I'm fine, Mer'", Frodo whispered more to himself than anyone else in the room.
"What do you mean getting him all drunk and out of sorts...have you lost your mind?" Frodo recognized Sam's plaintive voice.
"Sam...Ssam no' so loud, my frien'" moaned Frodo.
"Here Frodo, drink this." A cup was pressed to his lips and he swallowed.
"Ohhhh....thas awful," he said turning his head away at the foul taste. "Uggh. Whatwasthat?" he asked.
Aragorn smiled, "The cure for what ails you, young hobbit," he said.
"It's the worst one yet, Ar'gorn. I'd rather be drunk," he slurred.
"You say that now but in a few hours you are going to feel quite unsettled and ill, best to take it now, Frodo." Aragorn held the Ringbearer close to his chest and tried again to bring the cup up, but Frodo was having none of it and pushed the cup away.
"No," he said thickly. "Leavemealone."
"Perhaps I could assist you, my King." Frodo gulped. It was the Lady Arwen and he simply could not refuse the great lady, manners would not permit it.
"Please, no, I don't want..."she brought the cup to his lips and tipped his head back forcing the liquid down his throat. Gently, she stroked his throat until he swallowed. He struggled to get away but she held him in surprisingly strong arms. He gasped and coughed when at last he could breath.
"There, there Frodo. It will relieve you of any discomfort and you will sleep like a baby," she murmured.
"Not a baby....don't want to sleep..." Frodo moaned. But it was too late, he felt his eyes drifting shut and then very strong arms were carrying him. He was lain on a soft bed and covered with thick blankets.
"Master Brandybuck! What do you mean getting Frodo so drunk! Don't you remember he hit his head this morning? He shouldn't have had anything to drink with a possible head injury." Aragorn was incensed and was pacing angrily back and forth in front of Frodo's bed.
"I'm sorry Ar'gorn. Forgot about dat. Fro'oh needed a little somethin' to take the edge off after he tol' me of his nighmare," Merry's face crumpled. "He'll be alwight won't he?" he asked. The King suddenly felt very bad for yelling at Merry who had done a great thing getting Frodo to talk.
"Did he tell you his dreams, Merry?" he asked sitting Merry beside him on the bed.
"They're so horrible, Ar'gorn. I only hope in time, they will become less so for his sake," Merry then went into detail about Frodo's nightmares. "We should stay with him in case they come back," Merry said worriedly. "To calm him."
Aragorn smiled and wrapped an arm around the hobbit. "You're a good lad, Merry. Frodo is lucky to have all of you by his side."
Merry grinned up at the King. "ThanksAr'gorn. I love Fro'oh so much. I don't wan him to suffer anymore," he slurred.
"We'll all stay with him, Mr. Merry. Safety in numbers," said Sam. So they all made themselves comfortable around Frodo's bed. Sam and Merry curled up next to Frodo and soon they were snoring gently. Frodo began to toss and turn lightly as darkness moved into his mind and sought to chase away the peacefulness of a few hours ago.
He was in the tower of Cirith Ungol and orcs were surrounding him. He tried to back away, to become smaller thinking they might overlook him, but they saw him. They spat and kicked and threw him onto the cold, hard stones. He begged them to leave him alone, to have mercy but they only laughed and taunted him, pulling at his hair, his clothes. He felt helpless and weak and he cried out. This was what Arwen Undomiel heard as she sat watching him fight the unseen horrors of his dreams. She reached out to him and slipped the necklace she had once given him, into his hand. The jewel shone with a blinding light as it lit the small palm from within. It had been dropped, weeks ago, while the Ringbearer had teetered precariously from the seventh level above the city, ready to plummet to his death while in the clutches of the 'brain fever'. He had dropped the jewel and it had been recovered and given back to the Queen. Now she placed it around his small neck, then she bent and kissed his forehead, whispering a blessing to the Valar to watch over this small, yet courageous, being. Frodo sighed. Arwen placed her had over his forehead and closed her eyes. She could see what Frodo saw and she inhaled the smell of the unwashed bodies and the fear scent that was palpable from the small hobbit. She looked down at Frodo, his eyes locked with hers and she saw they glistened with tears.
"I would not wish you to be here, Milady. I would not wish you to see this torture," he cried.
"I am here for you, Frodo. We all are," Arwen said. She began to shimmer with a golden light that seemed to emanate from her very soul. Suddenly, Frodo was surrounded by Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Boromir, Faramir, Legolas, Gimli, Saleth and Aragorn. All were decked in shining armor and held great swords out in front of them. The orcs cringed back at the sight of such a foe. "I told you we would be there for you, Frodo," said Merry.
"They'll not get a lick in this time, Mr. Frodo. They'll have to go through your Sam first," said Sam as he lunged.
"Be gone, you have no power here!!!" yelled Gandalf as he sprang forward into the fray.
"Indeed, Frodo Baggins, it would be my honor to fight by your side," said Boromir. Frodo began to weep at this. Faramir jumped in beside Boromir and together, they created a clean swatch where once there had stood towering orcs. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli swept through, pulling Frodo to safety, they smiled as they charged into the thick of the battle. Arwen too was doing quite well with her sword. She cleanly beheaded an orc and then breezed by Frodo to stand beside her husband. One by one the enemy fell until they were all destroyed. Frodo felt sleep come upon him. He closed his eyes as he was enveloped in the loving embrace of the Lady Arwen's arms. Safe. He was safe and a peace filled him as he slipped blissfully into slumber.
Later, as his eyes cracked open he saw that he was surrounded on all sides, by those who loved him. His hand flicked up to his throat and there he grasped the Lady Arwen's pendant which was securely fastened about his neck.
"How do you feel, Ringbearer?" A musical voice asked. Frodo turned and saw that Arwen was beside him. She held his hand in hers and softly caressed it.
"I am well, My Lady, thank you."
"Your dreams were troubled, but have passed," she smiled shyly at him.
"Will they return?" Frodo asked hesitantly.
"They may. But you have the pendant of the Evenstar to guide and protect you. Always wear it, Frodo. It will draw strength to it of numbers when you need them most," she whispered.
"You were all there for me, fighting beside me, giving me strength in my hour of need," Frodo murmured as he lightly clutched the star pendant.
"As we shall always be there to give succor to you. Now sleep, rest as you are weary. When you awake again we will be here for you." She lightly touched his face and his eyes slowly closed and he slipped into a dreamless realm where there were no orcs or towers or eyes.
When next he woke, Pippin was standing beside him perched on a pair of children's crutches.
"I began to grow lonely in my little room and so have sought you out, cousin," he smiled his endearing smile. "Are you hungry? I am famished. Shall I fetch us some breads and fruit?" he asked eagerly. Frodo smiled slowly.
"I am not hungry, Pippin. I fear I have made myself uncomfortably drunk and ruined my appetite."
"Frodo! How could you? And not even ask me to join you?" Pippin looked terribly hurt.
"Here, Pip, lay down before you fall down. It was Merry's idea, so you'll have to talk with him, I dare say." Frodo replied.
"Merry, you didn't save me any drink?" Pip nudged Merry roughly.
"Ummmph," came the muffled reply. Merry raised his tousled head and looked around the room blearily. Gandalf, Aragorn, and Arwen all were gone leaving just the hobbits on the huge bed. "Frodo, did you sleep?" he asked.
"Yes, Merry, and all of you were in my dream. You all fought with me and destroyed the orcs, the Lady Arwen has gifted me her pendant for my protection a second time and I could feel the power of friendship helping and guiding me. He reached out and touched Merry and Pippin's hands. Sam smiled at them all and placed his hand on top.
"Boromir was there too," Frodo whispered. They're were cries of surprise and then Frodo was engulfed by hobbits. They embraced and held onto each other until they were all weeping at the renewed pain of the loss of the strong Gondorian.
"Poor Mr. Boromir, he weren't a bad man. That Ring jes took control and he couldn't fight it no how," Sam said tearfully.
"No Sam, it wasn't his fault. The Ring was able to twist his thoughts and feelings so that he heard what he wanted to hear. He was brave and valiant even if he had a momentary lapse of judgment, I cannot fault him. I too had a lapse of judgment. Can you ever forgive me Sam for telling you to go home? I didn't mean it Sam, I wasn't thinking clearly to trust Gollum over you. You are, and have always been, my dearest friend." Frodo's eyes shined with unshed tears and Sam reached over and pulled him to him.
"Of course, Mr. Frodo. You weren't yourself. That cursed Ring had overtaken you. Your Sam loves you, sir, and I am always there for you, Mr. Frodo. Don't you worry none about it. You aint never gonna get rid of Samwise Gamgee," he smiled through his tears and Frodo laughed.
"I certainly hope I can somehow repay the debt I owe you, Sam. The quest would have failed for certain had you not followed me," Frodo's eyes became glassy and he stared off into the distance.
"Enough of this weeping, I say. How about a hearty meal of soup and bread, Mr. Frodo?" Frodo's face blanched. He gulped. "Oh...Sam...I...don't think that's ....such a good idea...ohhh" he looked quickly around for a basin and began to gasp when none was seen. "Oh Sam...help me!! Sam quickly jumped down and ran to the cabinet. He found a small pan and ran back to the bed. Frodo was desperately trying not to throw up, but as soon as Sam started climbing roughly up on the bed, he lost his battle and grabbing the pan from Sam, retched repeatedly. He collapsed back against his pillows, pale and shaking with sweat running off of his forehead. He closed his eyes and took deep breathes trying to calm his stomach. Merry gave him sips of water which he rinsed his mouth with. "No food. No ....can't eat, Sam." he said between chapped lips.
"Mr. Frodo, you have to eat something. Maybe just some milk toast or fruit, even." Sam dabbed at Frodo's face. Frodo swallowed thickly.
"Can't now, Sam," he rasped as his eyes slipped shut.
"I can't believe you did this, Mr. Merry. Look how sick his is," Sam said with exasperation.
"Sorry Sam, I didn't think anyone could get sick on Elven wine and it seemed like a good idea at the time," said Merry apologetically.
"Sam, how about some applesauce or custard and toast?" volunteered Pippin. "That always makes me feel better."
Frodo groaned and twisted to lay on his side. "Pippin....please....no" he whispered.
Aragorn entered then with a light tray. "Sorry, Frodo, but we need to get something light in your stomach. I've some sweetened milk toast here that should set ok," he smiled down at the miserable hobbit.
"No, please....justletmebe,"moaned Frodo.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, my friend." He moved to sit behind the Ringbearer and braced the small body against his chest. He then very slowly began to spoon the warm milk mixture into the hobbit's mouth. This was made more difficult by the obstinance of the Ringbearer. "Please...." Frodo turned his head. "No more....Ar'gorn, please" he moaned.
"Just a few small bites, little one," Aragorn whispered. He dabbed at the small mouth with a cloth and his eyes took in the brilliant blue of the hobbit's. They shimmered with unshed tears. "Oh, Frodo," he said with empathy, "I am sorry, my friend." Frodo's lips quivered and he tried to turn away to hide his humiliation.
"I jus' feel so miserable," he groaned. Aragorn washed his face and poured a cup of mint tea which he sweetened and pressed to Frodo's lips. It smelled heavenly and Frodo drank it thirstily.
"Easy, easy. No gulping. Slow sips, Frodo," Aragorn murmured. Frodo slowed his gulps to sips and then his eyes drifted shut. "Frodo. Frodo, wake up, my friend. Frodo," Aragorn repeated but the Ringbearer was unconscious.
"Is he all right, Mr. Strider?" asked Sam worriedly.
"He's exhausted, Sam. Let's make him comfortable with some warm bricks and some pillows and then let him rest." Sam gathered the pillows all around his Master then covered him in a down comforter. Heated bricks were placed in toweling and lain next to the thin body. A ragged sigh escaped the hobbit, but he looked at peace. Sam smoothed back his curls and kissed his forehead.
"Sleep well, me dear," he whispered. Aragorn smiled and then ushered the three remaining hobbits from the room. He looked back at the sleeping hobbit. "Rest well, savior of Middle Earth," he said with a smile. He then closed the door quietly behind him as he left.
To be continued...
Thanks to all the wonderful reviews I've received thus far, I can't tell you how gratifying it is to have my little story so well received.
monet3- Welcome! I smiled too as I wrote this chapter; picturing them so perfectly as they poured out not only cordial, but their souls to each other. And I agree, Frodo and Merry are in for a hummer of a hangover.
lindahoyland- So glad you found this as funny as I did and although I agree that getting drunk is not usually the way to solve your problems it seemed the best way to get Frodo to bare his worst feelings.
JesusFreak-Wonderful to hear from you!! I am so happy you are enjoying the fic and gosh (blushes) so flattered that you like the way I write. I seem to have a running movie in my head about each character and try to put that on paper. Glad I was successful. Frodo is in for some more angst, but the healing and comfort is coming as well...so never fear. More to come, please keep reading and reviewing. You made my day!