A/N: Don't have much to say now. Just another update!

:: Aoura Maiden ::

Ch. 12

The next morning, Rosie and Sam got up extra early to make everyone an extra large breakfast. Henna, never experiencing a traditional hobbit meal, was shocked at the amount of food such small creatures could produce and consume in such a short period of time! Frodo took his meals in bed for the first part of the day, under Rosie's orders that he not be moved. Sam never left Frodo's side the entire time. Slowly, his strength returned and, by the late afternoon, he had joined everyone else in the sitting room. Even then, Sam was no more then 5 feet away from Frodo at any given moment.

Eleanor seemed to take a particular liking to Henna. She was fascinated by everything about him and everything in his 'extra large' home. Though Sam had become more comfortable with the idea of staying with Henna, he still never turned his back on him, especially when Eleanor playfully climbed up onto his lap.

After a delicious dinner, everyone sat around a burning fire and the hobbits took the opportunity to explain the reason for their journey. Henna listened intently as they spoke briefly of the War of the Ring, their journey across Middle Earth and the aftermath of it all. They then got into how they each received a letter from King Elessar requesting that they be in Rivendell for reasons unknown to them.

"You have all been through a great deal." Henna stated as he served the hobbits each a cup of tea. "And you have no idea why you have been summoned?"

"No, but as soon as we arrive in Rivendell, we intend to find out." Frodo said, slowly sipping the warm liquid. He could still feel the pain in his shoulder, but decided that it was for the best if he did not tell anyone.

::

Sadly, only two days after the group had arrived at the comfort and safety of Henna's home, they announced that they had to be going. Frodo's strength had almost fully returned and they had agreed that it was best if they continued on their way. Numerous times, Henna had offered to accompany the travelers, as a form of protection, but the hobbits regretfully declined. He did, though, provide them with enough supplies to last them 2 journeys to Rivendell.

"Thank you," Frodo said as he bowed again to Henna, "for everything. Your generosity means more to us then we can say."

"Think nothing of it, Master Baggins. It is the very least I can do to help the saviors of Middle Earth." Henna responded, kneeling before the hobbits and bowing his head.

"Bye!" Eleanor said sadly, as she ran over to Henna and gave him a hug with her tiny arms. As the others double check that all their supplies were secured, Sam took the opportunity to have a personal moment with Henna.

"Sir," he began humbly, "you have been more then generous and kind to us. Please, forgive my earlier suspicions and distrustfulness." Sam's voice was soft and almost sad.

"Master Gamgee," Henna said, bending down to look Sam in the eye, "there is nothing to forgive. You are a very respectable hobbit and have much happiness in your life. You obviously love your family dearly and will do anything to protect them." He smiled as he watched Sam's face turn a bright shade of red. "I can also see that you care for your master, who also seems to need you more then anyone." Sam looked up at the man and held out his hand. Henna took it in his own and the two shared a silent moment of understanding.

After a very long good-bye, the hobbits finally took up their ponies, which had been resting comfortably with Henna's horse, and began down the road towards Rivendell.

A few days later, the group stopped in a beautiful clearing for a good nights rest. Nothing had disturbed their journey since they left Henna's home, and they hoped it would stay that way. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, everyone went about their business to prepare to head off again. Unfortunately, everyone else was so preoccupied; no one noticed one of their companions had slipped away.

::

Frodo sat on the forest floor, doubled over himself. A dry, heavy cough caused his entire body to shake almost violently. His eyes watered and burned so badly, that everything around him was blurred. His throat was raw and his head pounded. When the fit passed (for the moment) Frodo leaned against a large tree and took as deep a breath as he dared.

Rubbing the blurriness out of his eyes, he looked around to make sure no one had heard the 'attack' and had followed him. The last thing he wanted was for everyone to know he wasn't feeling well and start fussing over him. They were only 2 days outside of Rivendell. He would make it. He would be fine.

::

"Mommy?" Eleanor stood at her mother's side and gently tapped her leg with her tiny hand.

"What is it, Eleanor?" Rosie asked, seeing the confused look on her daughters face.

"Where's Mr. Frodo?" Eleanor inquired. Rosie looked around the small clearing where they had set up camp the previous evening. Pippin was busily taking care of the ponies, Merry was putting the sleeping gear back in the cart and Sam ws filling the water canteens around the corner from a clear spring.

Rosie was washing the breakfast plates and cooking equipment when Eleanor had questioned her. She had noticed earlier that Frodo looked a bit pale. She told Sam, who made Frodo sit down near the cart and rest until it was time to leave. Glancing over at the cart, Rosie was surprised that Frodo was no where in site. Where had he gone?

"Sam!" Rosie called. A moment later, Sam appeared from behind a tree, his sleeves rolled up and his arms up to his elbows dripping with icy water. Carefully setting down the water canteens, he pulled a rag from his pocket and began to dry off.

"Everything alight, Rosie?" Sam asked. He suddenly felt 'something' attach itself to his leg. Looking down, he smiled brightly. "Well, hello there." He said, picking up the giggling Eleanor.

"I'm not sure." Rosie admitted, looking around again, but before Rosie could express her concern about Frodo, Eleanor look charge of the conversation.

"Daddy! Mr. Frodo disappeared." She exclaimed playfully, as if they were playing a game. Sam didn't find it as amusing.

"What do you mean disappeared?" Sam asked Eleanor urgently, staring into her green eyes. Eleanor began to squirm in her father's arms. His tone of voice and the look on his face frightened her. Small tears welled up in her eyes and slowly fell down her cheek. "Oh, I'm sorry Eleanor. You just surprised me." Sam said gently whipping the tear from her face and embracing her in a strong, fatherly hold. "Now, tell me what happened to Mr. Frodo."

"He...he was sitting on that rock there. He looked sleepy so I went to get my blankie. When I came back, he was disappeared." Eleanor explained.

Sam took a deep breath. He disappeared. No, he wouldn't do that. It was much too dangerous! If he put the Ring on, the Nazgul would surly find them and...

'Wait a minute.' Sam thought. 'There are no Nazguls. There is no Ring! That was all over. They had nothing to fear anymore. Especially after the incident with Henna, Sam was even more concerned with his master's condition.

"Sam?" Rosie said, breaking the awkward silence and pulling Sam out of his thoughts. "Are you alright?" Sam nodded.

"Are we ready to go?" A voice asked behind them. The three Gamgee's turned and came face to face with Merry. "Cart's all packed up." Merry glanced around. He did a quick head count; Sam, Rosie, Eleanor, Pippin was still with the ponies...

"Where's Frodo?"

"He disappeared." Eleanor stated again. How many times would she have to say it?

"What?!" Merry cried out. "But he couldn't have!"

"She doesn't mean it that way." Sam said. "He just isn't around the camp." This disturbed everyone present. Pippin came over, wondering what was going on.

"What's wrong?" He asked. Eleanor opened her mouth to give her explanation again. But Rosie pulled her from Sam's arms and placed a finger to her daughters' lips. Then spoke herself,

"Mr. Frodo isn't in the campsite. We're not sure where he's at." Everyone looked around nervously. Out of everyone, Frodo would be the last one to wonder off alone.

"Maybe we should go looking for him?" Rosie suggested. The other members of the group agreed. They were about to head off in opposite directions when they heard it. It sounded like a distant, heavy breathing followed by a dry, raspy cough.

"It's coming from over there." Sam said, pointing off to the right. Merry and Pippin looked worriedly at Sam then each other. "Rosie, take Eleanor and get in the cart. If anything happens, just go." Rosie sighed audibly.

"Sam, it's probably nothing. Remember when we found Stuart?" Sam looked down and shook his head. They had gotten so worked up for, of all things, a little rabbit! 'Rosie's probably right.' He thought, but didn't want to take any chances with his family.

"At least just take Eleanor and put her in the cart." Sam finally said. Rosie sighed again and agreed. Her Sam was always so protective, but she loved him even more for it.

So, with Eleanor safely tucked away in the cart, Sam, Merry and Pippin went in search of Frodo. They followed the sound of the dry coughing, hoping against hope that Frodo was no where near what ever was making it.

Sam was the first to stumble across the eldest hobbit. He was sitting on an old tree stump, breathing heavily. His skin was quite pale and his eyes looked tired.

"Rosie! Mr. Merry! Mr. Pippin! I found him!" Sam raced over to Frodo and began check him over. "Mr. Frodo, what's wrong? What happened?" Frodo looked up and sighed heavily.

"Nothing. I'm alright, Sam." Frodo tried to sound as convincing as possible. It was pointless to try, especially with Sam.

"You said that before in Mordor, Mr. Frodo." Sam whispered. "And, beggin' your pardon sir, but I still don't believe you." Frodo looked at his dear friend and had to smile. 'There's no fooling you, Samwise Gamgee' he thought.

"Frodo? What in Middle Earth..." Merry started as he approached his older cousin, who at the moment, seemed to have aged about 10 years. "What happened?" Merry asked could clearly see that there was something wrong with the former ring-barer. His skin was the color of ash and his frail frame was shaking.

"Nothing. Really. I'm fine." Frodo attempted to stand, but was quickly attacked by another coughing fit. Rosie and Pippin arrived at the same moment to see Frodo fall back onto the tree stump, his body unable to control the fit as it consumed him.

"We need to get him back to the camp." Rosie said quickly, kneeling next to Sam. "I may be able to subdue the cough for a bit but I need to brew some tea." Rosie waited until the fit had passed before she directed a question to Frodo.

"Mr. Frodo? Do you think you'll be able to make it back to the camp site? It's not very far and I think I may have something that will help you." Frodo sighed, not being able to stand all the trouble he was causing. Looking up at Rosie, he couldn't help but laugh inside. Her eyes were full of worry and concern, exactly like Sam's. No wonder they fell in love. They were perfect for each other. Nodding to answer Rosie's question, Frodo stood up again, very slowly this time and with Sam's help. Merry rushed over and wrapped Frodo's arm around his shoulder for duel support.

"Mr. Pippin, can you help me and get some fresh water?" Rosie asked sweetly. Pippin didn't even bother to respond. He just took of running in the direction of the camp site.

"That's it, Mr. Frodo. Just take it easy, now. Rosie will take care of everything." Sam assured Frodo as they made their way back to the site.

Back at camp, Rosie made a special brew of tea just for Frodo, using healing herbs that Sam had grown at Bag End.

"Now you make sure you finish all of that, Mr. Frodo." Rosie scolded as Frodo attempted to give back the still half full cup. "This is for your own good." Frodo turned as he heard a soft giggles coming from behind him. Eleanor thought it was funny to hear her mother reprimand Mr. Frodo like he was her own son. When Frodo had finally finished the tea, Rosie ordered him into the cart.

"There will be no more riding for you today." She said, taking a seat on Frodo's pony. But not before making sure Frodo and Eleanor were both wrapped in warm blankets in the back of the cart. "Sam, I would like to ride for a bit. Would you mind taking over the cart for me?"

"Of course." Sam said, patting Bill the Pony before attaching him to the cart. "I'm sorry, Mr. Frodo." Sam said as he hopped into the drivers' seat of the cart and took the reins. Merry, Pippin and Rosie had already started off down the road and were well out of earshot.

"What on earth for Sam?" Frodo asked, surprised at the comment.

"I should have noticed that you weren't doing well earlier on. Especially after what happen with Master Henna. I could have asked that we make more stops to rest or I could have had you ride in the cart with Eleanor or I..." Sam turned to look at Frodo and stopped mid-sentence. There he sat, in the back of the cart with Eleanor on his lap, sound asleep.

"Sam," Frodo began before Sam could continue, "you really must stop concerning yourself so much with me. You have a family now and they are what should be your main concern." Frodo breathed deeply, with obvious difficulty. "You have done more for me already then any hobbit could ask of another."

"But Mr. Frodo..." Sam started.

"Shhh...Sam. Don't wake her." Frodo said, pointing to the tiny head of blond curls that was resting on his lap. Sam sighed and nodded.

"Sam," Frodo said with a yawn after about 15 minutes or so.

"Yes, Mr. Frodo?"

"Thank you," Frodo whispered, "for everything." And with that, the medicated herbs took effect and he fell asleep. Sam smiled.

"Your welcome, Mr. Frodo." He whispered back and drove on.

TBC.......