Chapter 33 --- Council
Envin collapsed onto his cot and sighed heavily. He closed his eyes that seemed to be burning to do so for so long. His weary body sunk into the stiff mattress as he buried his face and welcomed a deep, dreamless slumber that always came after such exhaustion. He had been working doubly for weeks now, trying desperately to stabilize his current patients and train his replacement. He had been intending to ride swiftly to Sam and beg him to reconsider returning home, even tell the hobbit precisely what he saw in these visions that plagued him endlessly. He did not care what he had been told any more, the images were too frightening, the message too clear, "If Frodo returns to the Shire he will meet his doom."
He had been warned, he knew, not to use the vision as a guide of deeds, that it could be deceiving, but how could this be misinterpreted? He knew clearly what he saw and heard. Frodo being grasped by the neck, held up as he writhed and choked, and then thrown into something... it always ended with one small foot protruding from a pile of jagged spikes of wood, limp and completely unmoving, not a twitch not a tremble. Envin considered the possibility of Frodo surviving this but it was also likely that he would die. After all why would he have a vision of a simple accident if it was not so much more?
Envin quivered with a sudden thrill, the sweat on his skin turned cold and his bones stiffened. Yes there was more to this vision... so much more. He could not let this happen. Trembling, Envin rose onto his elbows and groaned. There was still much more to do before he could make ride.
~~~
"Mithrandir, something must be done for Frodo. This company is dwindling and we must soon sunder once more, the hope for Frodo is fading."
"You said yourself that you had not the power to find him, and my power is too great for him to bear."
"It seems, my friends, that the power of the three rings has diminished."
Galadriel, Gandalf, and Elrond sat in a circle, taking council from one another for the last time in Middle-Earth. The three wisest, those who had their hands in shaping the fate of Middle-Earth ever since its creation, the eldest and most powerful, the rulers of kingdoms and races, the guardian wizard, the warrior and healer, the guiding wisdom, sat side by side as they often did when the doom of the world was theirs to prevent, and they worried long over the fate of one hobbit.
The warrior and healer spoke first with doubt. "I have done all I can for Frodo, this is not like to his Morgul wound, this is much deeper and no wound of the flesh, his mind is his own and not mine to interfere with, it could destroy him if I try."
The guardian wizard spoke next with foreboding. "I cannot go near Frodo, my power is too like to Saruman's, he cannot bear it, it is like a boon of death too him. Would I try to seek him, he should despair. I will follow the path of the Hobbits, past Rivendell, but I shall not enter the Shire, there are things there that must be set to rights, my presence will be of no aid I fear. Tell me, Lady, your grand-daughter has seen much of Frodo's fate when she forsook her immortality, what is it that she has seen?"
The guide and wisdom spoke lastly and she with desperation. "I know not, for she has not suffered to speak of it to me. I think she wishes to bear the pain of Frodo's fates alone, as he did bear the Ring, for she spoke to me of this and this only: Her mortality pains her, unlike the deep sorrow of the immortal curse of elves, it is a pain that flows with joy like the currents of the sea flow with an undertow, she spoke to me of a joy she had never known before and that I have known only once and will not know again in Middle-Earth. Before the curse of immortality was beset upon the elves I had known it and now she is free to bask in it, for however short it may be compared to the lives of immortals. Her pain is borne by mourning of the loss of Frodo's life, now that she is mortal she truly understands how precious and fleeting this thing is and that Frodo knew very well that he was relinquishing something he'd never be given back. He felt its loss keenly even when he accepted his doom at the council. I do not think that Arwen will ever understand what sort of strength it took for him to do so. And so she seeks to bear Frodo's fates alone, so that she may understand."
"Then only she knows and I trust her with this burden," whispered the healer.
"But that leaves us hopeless to help him," said the guardian.
"Given there was actually anything we could have done to help him at all, even if we did know," answered the guide.
"Perhaps we are helpless in this matter. Perhaps there is nothing in our power to save him. Perhaps my daughter knows this."
"It is a strange feeling and, dare I say, a new feeling. In all the years I have known, the generations I've seen past, there was always a part that I must play. What now, do I do, if I have none?"
The guide smiled and laughed lightly. "Relax, Gandalf. In all these years, someone had to say it to you. Relax."
~~~
Sam shielded his eyes against the magnificent blaze of the sun, shimmering on the great sheets of white snow and ice as they thrust up the horned peeks of Caradhras, Celebdil, and Fanuidhol, the Mountains of Mist. And rightly named they were for their proud summits pierced the very sky like a dagger of ice, jutting through the fine haze of clouds. Like citadels of crystal glass they glimmered, mightiest of wonders this side of the sea.
"The Misty Mountains," Sam mused, partly with awe and partly with scorn. "I don't rightly like that Caradhras. It nearly booted us off last time round and if it had any boots I'm sure it would have done just that."
Merry chuckled, "Sam we've got to get home somehow."
"Not by that route, if I have a say in it."
"I doubt you do," answered Pippin. "But I'd be behind you all the way, Sam. That part of the trip was most awful."
"What about being dragged through the countryside by uruk-hai?" offered Merry, rubbing the brown scar that still marked his forehead.
Pippin rubbed a remembered crick in his neck. "Well that was equally horrendous."
"And being chased through Moria, dark and dank that place was, and crawling with orcs no less," muttered Sam.
"Don't remind me of that," cried Pippin.
"And the Barrow-downs!" laughed Merry.
"The Ringwraiths on Weathertop," smiled Sam.
"And those miserable bogs," Merry continued.
"And what did you think of the Black Gate, Mr. Pippin?"
"Enough!" Pippin cried, clutching his ears. "Fine, it was a horrible holiday, one of the worst, remind me not to do it again next year."
Sam and Merry chuckled. "Ah, cousin, there were many fine and fair places to see as well. Remember the beauty of Lothlorien."
"Like a living dream, that was," said Sam timidly. "Such magical things were there and the flowers were like none I never seen before. Like stars of gold all carpeting the hills and grass."
"What were they called, Sam?" Pippin asked.
"Elanor," he sighed with a slight smile.
"Sam," whispered Merry. "I think Frodo wants to get down from the pony. Let's ride back to the camp and tie them up, then we can have some supper."
Pippin beamed. "Now that's a good idea!" He turned his pony and descended the small hillock at a brisk trot. Merry chuckled and followed. Sam took another look at the Misty Mountains. Their road would soon lead around the base of the mountains, past the gates to the mines of Moria, then to backtrack all along the countryside of Hollin until they once again reached the Last Homely House. Sam sighed and turned away, loth to make this next goodbye to the elves of Lorien but also anxious to get home.
"Something's going on back home," muttered Sam. "I don't like the feel of it, but Saruman was hinting too much for me to overlook. Something is definitely up, and I don't like the smell of it one bit."
Sam's thoughts were interrupted as Frodo began to struggle with more force behind him. Frodo's fear of the pony was becoming a great hindrance to the journey home and going down the small hill only seemed to worsen things. Sam decided to stop and help his master off so that they may walk the rest of the way without any further accidents. Frodo quickly scrambled to one side of the pony and pushed off almost taking Sam to the ground with him. Sam grasped him tightly and held him up until he regained his feet.
"You should learn to wait for me, Mr. Frodo," said Sam as he dusted off his master. "I'm not going to let you fall no more."
Frodo was staring at Sam with a frantic pleading gaze as he rubbed at his arms furiously as if he were deathly cold.
"What is it, master? What's ailing you?" Sam grasped Frodo's hands in his own and stayed them gently. "You're making your skin all red and sore, just let it alone." He looked at Frodo's afflicted arms curiously but found no irritation or wound. In fact he couldn't even see a slight scar that he thought was most likely to form after Envin's treatment. "He's an excellent healer," mused Sam. "Naught a scar nor a scratch left on you, sir."
Not a scar of the flesh could possibly be seen on Frodo's arms but the memory was forever streaked across his mind's eye. Not only the memory of the times the knife gleamed in his eyes nor the times it glided against his skin, but the time it had done so to his protector. That seemed to frighten Frodo most of all.
Frodo grabbed Sam's wrist desperately and ran his hands along the younger hobbit's arm. Again no scar could be detected and Frodo let it go. "Come on, sir, I bet you're hungry."
~~~
The council of the wise watched the four hobbits chat quietly while they ate. Gandalf chewed on the end of his pipe thoughtfully. "Arwen has seen the fate of Frodo," he mumbled. "But what of his kin. Meriadoc, Peregrin, and Samwise are loyal to him, what is this doing to them?"
Galadriel shook her head. "It is too much to ask when I tell you to relax isn't it?"
"He worries more about hobbits than he let's us know," chuckled Elrond.
"They have grown on me," smiled Gandalf fondly.
"Like the charms of children," laughed Galadriel.
Gandalf huffed and eyed Pippin as the hobbit stood on his tiptoes next to Merry as they were trying to determine who was taller. "More like an irritating fungus," grumbled the wizard. "At least the Tooks anyway."
"Gandalf don't say such things!" laughed the Lady. "You cannot deny you love the rascal."
Gandalf just grumbled and continued to chew on his pipe. Elrond stood up and watched Frodo intently. "Look," he whispered. "Look at what he is doing. He has been doing that since he ran into Saruman in Fangorn. What do you make of it, Mithrandir?"
The wizard narrowed his eyes as he watched Frodo clutch his arms close and rub them slightly. "I wonder if he's come across an irritating leaf while he was in the forest."
Galadriel closed her eyes and attempted to see what Frodo saw. She waited a long time but all her mind's eye could see was a thick, confusing mist. "I do not know, Mithrandir."
Elrond shook his head. "I have been examining the hobbit ever since my son- in-law parted from us. There is no irritation on his skin. I think, what we are seeing are the effects of a memory. Envin's treatments were always directed on Frodo's arms, most likely because he could easily avoid any major veins..."
"What do you mean, Elrond," interrupted the Lady softly.
"What if he remembers?"
Gandalf watched Frodo more intensely. "Even if he does remember, what good will it do him?"
"If he can remember that, then perhaps we can make him remember more."
Galadriel stared at Elrond and she felt her heart beat quickly with hope. "Could you do that, Elrond? Could you bring Frodo back?"
Gandalf immediately shook his head doubtfully. "You cannot force anything on him. If you force, he will break. There is no force when it comes to such matters. You see what my very presence does to him."
"Are you suggesting that he does not even try?" asked Galadriel fearfully.
Gandalf sighed heavily. "This is a dire choice, Elrond. If you choose to try you must understand the consequences. We could push him beyond repair. Whatever hope there is now would be lost. Frodo would be lost."
"Is it worth a try then?" asked the Lady, frantically looking from Gandalf to Elrond.
"I do not know," said Elrond thoughtfully. "I have spoken of this long with Aragorn and he too was unsure."
"My Lady, didn't you say yourself, that you thought only Frodo could beat back the shadow in his mind?" asked Gandalf.
"Yes. But perhaps he needs help. Perhaps something must push him forward."
"And right over the edge?" cried Gandalf.
Elrond stood up quickly. "And if we don't, what then, Mithrandir. Condemn him to a life of ignorance? Death is a better fate."
"Is that the fate Arwen foresees?" whispered the wizard.
"I told you I do not know, but I trust my daughter."
Galadriel stood to join the elf and wizard. "I told Estel that fate was whatever we made it to be. And you tell me now we can do nothing but watch it play out."
"No," whispered Gandalf. "I tell you that you should trust to Frodo. If he is still the same Baggins I knew, he will find a way."
~~~
A/N: The plot doth thicken! Heehee. I have fallen behind with my writing, probably because someone who shall remain nameless has cursed me with wicked little plot bunnies! Eeee! They're everywhere. For those of you who have read "Birthdays at the Green Dragon" and have been wondering exactly what the heck Frodo did not wish Merry to say about him, I'm working on an explanation for that as well.
Cstini – Yes ponder away as I'm sure this chapter has left you a lot to think about. I love character bonding too, hobbits are just the most wonderful creations of all time!
Arwen Baggins – I most definitely will take a look at that site. I'm glad you're still keeping up with this story, I need all the support I can get right now. I have fallen too far behind and this chapter has left much to be desired.
Stoneage Woman – I love Merry and Pippin almost as much as Frodo and Sam and I'm afraid I don't give them enough attention. Your fic was quite lovely. I started writing on this site at the age of fifteen and some of my work was not as good as that. Keep up the great work!
Lei Wood – I try to make the character relationships as real as Tolkien had. I try to work to the best of my ability.
Laurajslr – The hobbits are so sweet together. I shall get on my knees and thank Tolkien for ever creating them. Yes our dear hobbits need a great deal of protection for what Saruman is plotting... eh heh... Perhaps you are trying to take over the world, or at least my brain, the plot bunnies you have cursed me with will not stop! Eeee! Good news is I'm working on and explanation for Frodo "manner" problem which will also take care of an explanation for Lilly Fairwater as well ^^. And some other stuff. Ah!
ShireElf – Yes, Frodo is learning to exercise some amount of scrutiny when meeting new big people. But then who could blame him?
Yahiko – My life! Yay! I shall write like the wind... er... yeah!
Ailsa Joy – I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I realized I needed to do a Merry and Pippin perspective and decided it was about time. Our dear little hobbits. I pray that you update soon. It seems I've been writing fanfics more than reading them now-a-days.
Jet-1 – Well I am willing to finish no matter how discouraged I get. I start something, I finish, that's a habit I should start getting into. And this fic is as good a place to start as any.
Endymion2 – Thank you for the list! Now I know what you mean ^^. You are paying close attention to this fic aren't you? I see that I'm not being too cryptic at all, you guess to close!
FrodoBaggins87 – Hang in there, slugger. I got plans for our little Ringbearer.
Envin collapsed onto his cot and sighed heavily. He closed his eyes that seemed to be burning to do so for so long. His weary body sunk into the stiff mattress as he buried his face and welcomed a deep, dreamless slumber that always came after such exhaustion. He had been working doubly for weeks now, trying desperately to stabilize his current patients and train his replacement. He had been intending to ride swiftly to Sam and beg him to reconsider returning home, even tell the hobbit precisely what he saw in these visions that plagued him endlessly. He did not care what he had been told any more, the images were too frightening, the message too clear, "If Frodo returns to the Shire he will meet his doom."
He had been warned, he knew, not to use the vision as a guide of deeds, that it could be deceiving, but how could this be misinterpreted? He knew clearly what he saw and heard. Frodo being grasped by the neck, held up as he writhed and choked, and then thrown into something... it always ended with one small foot protruding from a pile of jagged spikes of wood, limp and completely unmoving, not a twitch not a tremble. Envin considered the possibility of Frodo surviving this but it was also likely that he would die. After all why would he have a vision of a simple accident if it was not so much more?
Envin quivered with a sudden thrill, the sweat on his skin turned cold and his bones stiffened. Yes there was more to this vision... so much more. He could not let this happen. Trembling, Envin rose onto his elbows and groaned. There was still much more to do before he could make ride.
~~~
"Mithrandir, something must be done for Frodo. This company is dwindling and we must soon sunder once more, the hope for Frodo is fading."
"You said yourself that you had not the power to find him, and my power is too great for him to bear."
"It seems, my friends, that the power of the three rings has diminished."
Galadriel, Gandalf, and Elrond sat in a circle, taking council from one another for the last time in Middle-Earth. The three wisest, those who had their hands in shaping the fate of Middle-Earth ever since its creation, the eldest and most powerful, the rulers of kingdoms and races, the guardian wizard, the warrior and healer, the guiding wisdom, sat side by side as they often did when the doom of the world was theirs to prevent, and they worried long over the fate of one hobbit.
The warrior and healer spoke first with doubt. "I have done all I can for Frodo, this is not like to his Morgul wound, this is much deeper and no wound of the flesh, his mind is his own and not mine to interfere with, it could destroy him if I try."
The guardian wizard spoke next with foreboding. "I cannot go near Frodo, my power is too like to Saruman's, he cannot bear it, it is like a boon of death too him. Would I try to seek him, he should despair. I will follow the path of the Hobbits, past Rivendell, but I shall not enter the Shire, there are things there that must be set to rights, my presence will be of no aid I fear. Tell me, Lady, your grand-daughter has seen much of Frodo's fate when she forsook her immortality, what is it that she has seen?"
The guide and wisdom spoke lastly and she with desperation. "I know not, for she has not suffered to speak of it to me. I think she wishes to bear the pain of Frodo's fates alone, as he did bear the Ring, for she spoke to me of this and this only: Her mortality pains her, unlike the deep sorrow of the immortal curse of elves, it is a pain that flows with joy like the currents of the sea flow with an undertow, she spoke to me of a joy she had never known before and that I have known only once and will not know again in Middle-Earth. Before the curse of immortality was beset upon the elves I had known it and now she is free to bask in it, for however short it may be compared to the lives of immortals. Her pain is borne by mourning of the loss of Frodo's life, now that she is mortal she truly understands how precious and fleeting this thing is and that Frodo knew very well that he was relinquishing something he'd never be given back. He felt its loss keenly even when he accepted his doom at the council. I do not think that Arwen will ever understand what sort of strength it took for him to do so. And so she seeks to bear Frodo's fates alone, so that she may understand."
"Then only she knows and I trust her with this burden," whispered the healer.
"But that leaves us hopeless to help him," said the guardian.
"Given there was actually anything we could have done to help him at all, even if we did know," answered the guide.
"Perhaps we are helpless in this matter. Perhaps there is nothing in our power to save him. Perhaps my daughter knows this."
"It is a strange feeling and, dare I say, a new feeling. In all the years I have known, the generations I've seen past, there was always a part that I must play. What now, do I do, if I have none?"
The guide smiled and laughed lightly. "Relax, Gandalf. In all these years, someone had to say it to you. Relax."
~~~
Sam shielded his eyes against the magnificent blaze of the sun, shimmering on the great sheets of white snow and ice as they thrust up the horned peeks of Caradhras, Celebdil, and Fanuidhol, the Mountains of Mist. And rightly named they were for their proud summits pierced the very sky like a dagger of ice, jutting through the fine haze of clouds. Like citadels of crystal glass they glimmered, mightiest of wonders this side of the sea.
"The Misty Mountains," Sam mused, partly with awe and partly with scorn. "I don't rightly like that Caradhras. It nearly booted us off last time round and if it had any boots I'm sure it would have done just that."
Merry chuckled, "Sam we've got to get home somehow."
"Not by that route, if I have a say in it."
"I doubt you do," answered Pippin. "But I'd be behind you all the way, Sam. That part of the trip was most awful."
"What about being dragged through the countryside by uruk-hai?" offered Merry, rubbing the brown scar that still marked his forehead.
Pippin rubbed a remembered crick in his neck. "Well that was equally horrendous."
"And being chased through Moria, dark and dank that place was, and crawling with orcs no less," muttered Sam.
"Don't remind me of that," cried Pippin.
"And the Barrow-downs!" laughed Merry.
"The Ringwraiths on Weathertop," smiled Sam.
"And those miserable bogs," Merry continued.
"And what did you think of the Black Gate, Mr. Pippin?"
"Enough!" Pippin cried, clutching his ears. "Fine, it was a horrible holiday, one of the worst, remind me not to do it again next year."
Sam and Merry chuckled. "Ah, cousin, there were many fine and fair places to see as well. Remember the beauty of Lothlorien."
"Like a living dream, that was," said Sam timidly. "Such magical things were there and the flowers were like none I never seen before. Like stars of gold all carpeting the hills and grass."
"What were they called, Sam?" Pippin asked.
"Elanor," he sighed with a slight smile.
"Sam," whispered Merry. "I think Frodo wants to get down from the pony. Let's ride back to the camp and tie them up, then we can have some supper."
Pippin beamed. "Now that's a good idea!" He turned his pony and descended the small hillock at a brisk trot. Merry chuckled and followed. Sam took another look at the Misty Mountains. Their road would soon lead around the base of the mountains, past the gates to the mines of Moria, then to backtrack all along the countryside of Hollin until they once again reached the Last Homely House. Sam sighed and turned away, loth to make this next goodbye to the elves of Lorien but also anxious to get home.
"Something's going on back home," muttered Sam. "I don't like the feel of it, but Saruman was hinting too much for me to overlook. Something is definitely up, and I don't like the smell of it one bit."
Sam's thoughts were interrupted as Frodo began to struggle with more force behind him. Frodo's fear of the pony was becoming a great hindrance to the journey home and going down the small hill only seemed to worsen things. Sam decided to stop and help his master off so that they may walk the rest of the way without any further accidents. Frodo quickly scrambled to one side of the pony and pushed off almost taking Sam to the ground with him. Sam grasped him tightly and held him up until he regained his feet.
"You should learn to wait for me, Mr. Frodo," said Sam as he dusted off his master. "I'm not going to let you fall no more."
Frodo was staring at Sam with a frantic pleading gaze as he rubbed at his arms furiously as if he were deathly cold.
"What is it, master? What's ailing you?" Sam grasped Frodo's hands in his own and stayed them gently. "You're making your skin all red and sore, just let it alone." He looked at Frodo's afflicted arms curiously but found no irritation or wound. In fact he couldn't even see a slight scar that he thought was most likely to form after Envin's treatment. "He's an excellent healer," mused Sam. "Naught a scar nor a scratch left on you, sir."
Not a scar of the flesh could possibly be seen on Frodo's arms but the memory was forever streaked across his mind's eye. Not only the memory of the times the knife gleamed in his eyes nor the times it glided against his skin, but the time it had done so to his protector. That seemed to frighten Frodo most of all.
Frodo grabbed Sam's wrist desperately and ran his hands along the younger hobbit's arm. Again no scar could be detected and Frodo let it go. "Come on, sir, I bet you're hungry."
~~~
The council of the wise watched the four hobbits chat quietly while they ate. Gandalf chewed on the end of his pipe thoughtfully. "Arwen has seen the fate of Frodo," he mumbled. "But what of his kin. Meriadoc, Peregrin, and Samwise are loyal to him, what is this doing to them?"
Galadriel shook her head. "It is too much to ask when I tell you to relax isn't it?"
"He worries more about hobbits than he let's us know," chuckled Elrond.
"They have grown on me," smiled Gandalf fondly.
"Like the charms of children," laughed Galadriel.
Gandalf huffed and eyed Pippin as the hobbit stood on his tiptoes next to Merry as they were trying to determine who was taller. "More like an irritating fungus," grumbled the wizard. "At least the Tooks anyway."
"Gandalf don't say such things!" laughed the Lady. "You cannot deny you love the rascal."
Gandalf just grumbled and continued to chew on his pipe. Elrond stood up and watched Frodo intently. "Look," he whispered. "Look at what he is doing. He has been doing that since he ran into Saruman in Fangorn. What do you make of it, Mithrandir?"
The wizard narrowed his eyes as he watched Frodo clutch his arms close and rub them slightly. "I wonder if he's come across an irritating leaf while he was in the forest."
Galadriel closed her eyes and attempted to see what Frodo saw. She waited a long time but all her mind's eye could see was a thick, confusing mist. "I do not know, Mithrandir."
Elrond shook his head. "I have been examining the hobbit ever since my son- in-law parted from us. There is no irritation on his skin. I think, what we are seeing are the effects of a memory. Envin's treatments were always directed on Frodo's arms, most likely because he could easily avoid any major veins..."
"What do you mean, Elrond," interrupted the Lady softly.
"What if he remembers?"
Gandalf watched Frodo more intensely. "Even if he does remember, what good will it do him?"
"If he can remember that, then perhaps we can make him remember more."
Galadriel stared at Elrond and she felt her heart beat quickly with hope. "Could you do that, Elrond? Could you bring Frodo back?"
Gandalf immediately shook his head doubtfully. "You cannot force anything on him. If you force, he will break. There is no force when it comes to such matters. You see what my very presence does to him."
"Are you suggesting that he does not even try?" asked Galadriel fearfully.
Gandalf sighed heavily. "This is a dire choice, Elrond. If you choose to try you must understand the consequences. We could push him beyond repair. Whatever hope there is now would be lost. Frodo would be lost."
"Is it worth a try then?" asked the Lady, frantically looking from Gandalf to Elrond.
"I do not know," said Elrond thoughtfully. "I have spoken of this long with Aragorn and he too was unsure."
"My Lady, didn't you say yourself, that you thought only Frodo could beat back the shadow in his mind?" asked Gandalf.
"Yes. But perhaps he needs help. Perhaps something must push him forward."
"And right over the edge?" cried Gandalf.
Elrond stood up quickly. "And if we don't, what then, Mithrandir. Condemn him to a life of ignorance? Death is a better fate."
"Is that the fate Arwen foresees?" whispered the wizard.
"I told you I do not know, but I trust my daughter."
Galadriel stood to join the elf and wizard. "I told Estel that fate was whatever we made it to be. And you tell me now we can do nothing but watch it play out."
"No," whispered Gandalf. "I tell you that you should trust to Frodo. If he is still the same Baggins I knew, he will find a way."
~~~
A/N: The plot doth thicken! Heehee. I have fallen behind with my writing, probably because someone who shall remain nameless has cursed me with wicked little plot bunnies! Eeee! They're everywhere. For those of you who have read "Birthdays at the Green Dragon" and have been wondering exactly what the heck Frodo did not wish Merry to say about him, I'm working on an explanation for that as well.
Cstini – Yes ponder away as I'm sure this chapter has left you a lot to think about. I love character bonding too, hobbits are just the most wonderful creations of all time!
Arwen Baggins – I most definitely will take a look at that site. I'm glad you're still keeping up with this story, I need all the support I can get right now. I have fallen too far behind and this chapter has left much to be desired.
Stoneage Woman – I love Merry and Pippin almost as much as Frodo and Sam and I'm afraid I don't give them enough attention. Your fic was quite lovely. I started writing on this site at the age of fifteen and some of my work was not as good as that. Keep up the great work!
Lei Wood – I try to make the character relationships as real as Tolkien had. I try to work to the best of my ability.
Laurajslr – The hobbits are so sweet together. I shall get on my knees and thank Tolkien for ever creating them. Yes our dear hobbits need a great deal of protection for what Saruman is plotting... eh heh... Perhaps you are trying to take over the world, or at least my brain, the plot bunnies you have cursed me with will not stop! Eeee! Good news is I'm working on and explanation for Frodo "manner" problem which will also take care of an explanation for Lilly Fairwater as well ^^. And some other stuff. Ah!
ShireElf – Yes, Frodo is learning to exercise some amount of scrutiny when meeting new big people. But then who could blame him?
Yahiko – My life! Yay! I shall write like the wind... er... yeah!
Ailsa Joy – I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I realized I needed to do a Merry and Pippin perspective and decided it was about time. Our dear little hobbits. I pray that you update soon. It seems I've been writing fanfics more than reading them now-a-days.
Jet-1 – Well I am willing to finish no matter how discouraged I get. I start something, I finish, that's a habit I should start getting into. And this fic is as good a place to start as any.
Endymion2 – Thank you for the list! Now I know what you mean ^^. You are paying close attention to this fic aren't you? I see that I'm not being too cryptic at all, you guess to close!
FrodoBaggins87 – Hang in there, slugger. I got plans for our little Ringbearer.