Chapter 35 --- Imladris
Frodo was shivering, violently, painfully, and the blanket did nothing. It was a terrible cold, a cold that emanated from within and turned his aching bones to ice. His eyes stung, open wide as if frozen there. His pale, blue lips were trembling with unspoken sobs, he ran his tongue over them in attempt to warm them, but to no avail. If he were at all aware of anything beyond the cold and terror that gripped him he would have seen his protector and the others around him were warm and content with rosy cheeks and gentle, sleeping breaths.
Frodo clutched the blanket and trembled with horror and a remembered pain. He could not even wonder why this was or how it had come to be. All he knew was fear and confusion and a deep, boundless cold that clutched him from within. And he knew that he could not bear it. He turned to face his protector and clutch his arm, tugging urgently but Samwise was deeply asleep. Frodo's desperate jostling only seemed to emit a few incoherent murmurs from the gardener and then sent him back to dreams. The simple hobbit clenched his eyes shut and tried to steady his shaking but it could not be done. Icy tears clung to his lashes and he tugged harder. He pursed his trembling lips together and stuttered, "M-mellon, m-mellon!" A weak, quivering tone that, under any other circumstance would not be thought possible to be coming from Frodo Baggins.
A voice so small seemed to quiver amongst the shadows of Sam's dreams and freeze them like ice. He blinked his eyes open and his head cleared as if an icy breeze awoke him. He sat up and felt a violent trembling beside him. There lay Frodo, curled up, clutching the blanket with his eyes clenched shut and his teeth chattering. Sam bent and gathered his master in his arms. He nearly jumped at the coldness of Frodo's skin. He pressed his master's face to the warmth of his breast and laid his lips on Frodo's crown. "There, me dear master, why are you so cold?"
Sam shifted and allowed his master to rest in his arms, like a child at rest when night-fears are driven away by some loved voice or hand. Sam smiled sadly, remembering Cirith Ungol and how he wished he could have just held his master ever and anon, content and safe. "You are safe, me dear, I can tell you that. You are safe and you don't have to go nowhere this time. Just rest now, master."
They stayed like that until the sun rose and dawn's light filled the campsite yet Frodo's shivering had not quelled. Sam himself began to feel the cold creep into him and he began to worry. He touched a hand to Frodo's flushed cheek and pulled it back as if he had just touched snow. His gasp must have awoken Pippin for Sam could hear the young hobbit groaning and stretching behind him. Suddenly Pippin's sleep-addled voice could be heard shrill and clear. "Sam, what's wrong with Frodo!" He scrambled to his feet and stepped on Merry doing away with the last of any peaceful sleep any hobbit was getting.
"I don't know, Mr. Pippin, but I reckon it's not good. He woke me not too long ago on account he was so cold but I'd think he'd be warmed up by now."
Pippin laid a gentle hand on Frodo's brow and gasped, "He's cold as snow!" cried the young hobbit.
"Pip, go get Elrond," said Merry, crouching beside his trembling cousin. "Sam you don't look too well off yourself, your flushed like a blushing lass."
Sam smiled slightly. "Almost like holding an icicle for a good long time."
"Then let me take my cousin for a little while and you warm up."
"Aye sir," said Sam, shifting Frodo's shaking form into Merry's arms. Frodo clung at first to Sam and whimpered as if movement were a pain but once feeling Merry's warmth he burrowed into his cousin's chest. Merry shuddered and then clutched Frodo close. Sam attempted to rub some warmth back into his arms as he saw Elrond approaching and Pippin scurrying beside him.
"What's happened?" asked the elf, kneeling before Merry. He placed the back of his hand against Frodo's cheek and frowned slightly. "I'm not sure why he is chill but I know what will help it." He smiled slightly and stood up. "I will bring you some warm athelas water and all four of you will feel better. The three hobbits perked up, knowing well the effects of athelas, and nodded eagerly.
Sam held the shallow, wooden bowl before him and breathed its steam with a contented sigh, then placed it on the ground before Merry and Frodo. Merry pried his cousin's desperate grip off of him and supported him as Frodo was leant over the steam. It curled up and brought a timid smile to his lips, touching his stiff curls and softening them to rest in a gentle crown about his face. His icy lips returned to their normal rosy hue and the cold frost that seemed to settle on his skin warmed to a healthy blush. He opened his eyes to smile down at the curls of steam before Merry brought him back into his embrace. Frodo sighed with weary content and leant into the embrace gratefully. Pippin and Sam glanced at each other not quite sure if Frodo's chills were over but at the sound of his slow breaths they realized he found peaceful dreams at last. Sam mourned silently that he would need to be awakened to travel for the rest of that day.
Frodo was nearly boneless and weighed down with such a deep sleep, they hurt even more to wake him. Despite his almost peaceful rest his eyelids had an unhealthy pallor that suggested how greatly weary he was. Elrond assured Sam it was simply an effect from the other day and that it was quite expected for Frodo to be exhausted from his toils.
He moaned as Sam jostled him awake but followed obediently, shuffling his feet and attempting to blink sleep away. Merry's steady hands were holding him upright and Sam lead him to the pony where they mounted and Frodo attempted to fall asleep through the rest of the ride.
Sam could not help but worry over Frodo's cold spell and he sped up his pony to keep up with Elrond's horse to inquire. He was thankful that Frodo was asleep for the slight increase in the pony's step may have terrified him. Elrond smiled down at Sam. "Something troubles you."
"Yes sir, Lord Elrond. I can understand why he'd be so tired, sir, that's not what bothers me. He needs to be getting rest if you follow me. But all this cold business, he just couldn't get warm. It wasn't just that he was so cold, sir, but that weren't no normal chill. Being that cold by rights just isn't natural, sir, but not getting any warmer after a time is rather frightening."
"I cannot say that I can explain why your master was afflicted so, Samwise, but I can see no great damage by it and he is no longer afflicted is he?"
"Oh no, he isn't, I was just rather... well worried, sir," replied Sam uneasily.
The elf lord smiled, "And rightly so. It took quite a lot out of your master, Sam, what I tried yesterday, and I must be honest, he did not have a lot in him. I would see why he would fall into such a cold spell. It might be like to when he received the Morgul wound, it drained him of strength and made him very cold. Only this had no lasting poison so he should be well with a bit of rest."
Sam's expression seemed to fall sadly. "Oh, yes sir, I know," he murmured. "I suppose that does explain it but if you are going to do something like that again let it be in the comfort of Rivendell if you follow me, sir. I just don't want my master being in any danger, any more danger that is, than he ought to be."
"He ought not be in any," said Elrond. "And I will see to that if I may."
"When will we get to Rivendell, Master Elrond? I'm anxious for a bit of rest, sir."
"You are welcome in Rivendell for as long as you wish to stay and you need not worry about rest. As my guests I will see to it that you need not take the trip to the feast hall if you were too weary." He smiled a gentle smile.
Sam blushed a bit. "Oh sir, I never need any treatment like that."
Elrond chuckled, "Dear Samwise you will not worry any more. The road is safe and you will rest soon for the Last Homely House is a day's ride away. We may reach it by nightfall if luck hold's out."
"I sure hope it does, sir!" cried Sam. "It'd do me good just to see Frodo content and at rest if just a little. And maybe you think you can try again sir? And then well maybe, that is if you can, well I guess I'm hoping..." Sam trailed off and choked a little. "Well sir I guess I'm just a fool for hoping so much."
"Then so am I," Elrond grinned.
Sam blushed a little and turned away.
Merry and Pippin rode with Gandalf at the rear of the company keeping a clear eye out for Saruman. Naught of the fell wizard was seen at all that day and they rode in peace along the countryside of Hollin. The thick pines and holly trees filled the air with a heavy scent that seemed to give peace to their troubled hearts. A deep green canopy hung above them and the thin trees began to gather into the thickness of the heart of the woods. They were a small wood and Sam smiled as he looked up, blinking as the sun peered between the leaves.
The ground began to ascend upwards as the trees parted on either side like sentinels. A smooth white road began to form beneath them and it wound upwards until the trees vanished and beside them was the white stone of the cliffside of the valley. Sam blinked in the fading sunlight and saw before him the splendor of the roaring waters as they gushed over the cliff's edge and tumbled, glittering in the sun and creating wavering streams of color. Sam's expression brightened and Frodo, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, blinked in wonder. Before them was the familiar stoop of a white roof and the carved white pillars of the Last Homely house, glimmering in the sun's fading light of gold and copper. The clouds hung among the silver sky and a sweet scented breeze heralded the evening. Elrond smiled down at Sam. "Hope is best found unlooked for, young hobbit."
He gripped the stirrup and saddle that nearly shook in his hands. He was weary, nearly trembling with exhaustion and, being a healer, he should have known he was in no condition to ride. Still, Envin had no choice. He saddled his horse and leaned against the steed, panting and sweating. The white horse nuzzled him gently and Envin laughed breathlessly. "Yes, yes, I know, I'm in no condition to ride." He handed the gentle animal an apple and patted his nuzzle. "So you are going to be very gentle with me, right?" He laughed again, "But swift! Now speed, Derufin!" He swung himself upon the horse and clung to his reigns. The steed burst from the stables and sped away, down the road and out of the inner circle of the White City. Envin stifled a cry as an imshr shot through him and with a flash he saw Frodo thrown down for the thousandth time. He shook his head painfully, no matter how many times he saw it he was still filled with fear and sorrow.
A/N: "...like a child at rest when night-fears are driven away by some loved voice or hand." Taken form Return of the King (I'm sure you already knew that but I don't want to take credit for Tolkien's words. I accidentally forgot the disclaimer on one of Merry's lines in "Desecrated Laughter and The Torment of the Guilty") To tell the truth I wanted to quote Tolkien directly there because that scene in the book struck me as so heartbreaking mainly because of the fact that they could not stay that way. They had no time to get a single moment of peace or a small around of well- deserved rest. That broke my heart so much I just had to give it to them. Well my boyfriend's back.... And this incredibly short chapter took long enough as it is. Need I say more? So much to do... so little time... help!
Stoneage Woman – Sorry this chapter is so short... never mind how long it took to post it. Blech. I would go read and review your story but I don't know where to find it. Link me or something
Galadriellady945 – Of course there will be more chapters! There hasn't been a conclusion yet, my goodness! Keep reading!
ShireElf – Well he said it again. Referring to Sam this time, yay.
Laurajslr – Of course I know how/when I'm going to end it! But you'll just have to wait for that. I'm glad you noticed I've improved on Sam's dialogue. I was very happy bout that.
Leia Wood – Don't worry I'm not quite near the end yet. But more clues on to exactly how I am going to end it are cropping up
Shire Baggins – Sorry for the over-depressive-angstyness... my storytelling ability has improved as you can see. I hope you are enjoying.
Naryana Baggins – I should know... I am a blonde! I can be quite a beast when I'm mad. Hope you are enjoying the story nonetheless.
Breon Briarwood – Well I'm very glad I bring people joy through my writing. Can't wait until I get good enough to work on real publish worthy stories... getting there. Sorry to say there is no continuation for "Desecrated Laughter and The Torment of the Guilty" I'm not ready to take on two long fics at the same time. I'm very happy that you like my writing.
Iorhael – Well yes the chain would break the prisoner's wrist... if it were around his wrist... these bonds are around Frodo's mind... thus the severe risk. Update soon. And enjoy!
Endymion2 – Yes well I couldn't let Elrond abandon a possibility to save Frodo... no matter how small.
Ailsa Joy – Elrond can be such a stickler can't he. Well "never ask an elves a question... for they will answer with both yea and nay..." heehee. I hope your foot is alright. You better update soon!
Frodo's Gal – Well it's always good to expand your horizons to different characters. A trait, as an author, I should better develop. When I find time... if I find time... I'll attempt something for Mer and Pip.
Tersa – I sleep like that too when I leave my air conditioner on and my room is all like the arctic in the morning.
Elizabeth16 – Hope you are enjoying the story! Keep reading!
Frodo was shivering, violently, painfully, and the blanket did nothing. It was a terrible cold, a cold that emanated from within and turned his aching bones to ice. His eyes stung, open wide as if frozen there. His pale, blue lips were trembling with unspoken sobs, he ran his tongue over them in attempt to warm them, but to no avail. If he were at all aware of anything beyond the cold and terror that gripped him he would have seen his protector and the others around him were warm and content with rosy cheeks and gentle, sleeping breaths.
Frodo clutched the blanket and trembled with horror and a remembered pain. He could not even wonder why this was or how it had come to be. All he knew was fear and confusion and a deep, boundless cold that clutched him from within. And he knew that he could not bear it. He turned to face his protector and clutch his arm, tugging urgently but Samwise was deeply asleep. Frodo's desperate jostling only seemed to emit a few incoherent murmurs from the gardener and then sent him back to dreams. The simple hobbit clenched his eyes shut and tried to steady his shaking but it could not be done. Icy tears clung to his lashes and he tugged harder. He pursed his trembling lips together and stuttered, "M-mellon, m-mellon!" A weak, quivering tone that, under any other circumstance would not be thought possible to be coming from Frodo Baggins.
A voice so small seemed to quiver amongst the shadows of Sam's dreams and freeze them like ice. He blinked his eyes open and his head cleared as if an icy breeze awoke him. He sat up and felt a violent trembling beside him. There lay Frodo, curled up, clutching the blanket with his eyes clenched shut and his teeth chattering. Sam bent and gathered his master in his arms. He nearly jumped at the coldness of Frodo's skin. He pressed his master's face to the warmth of his breast and laid his lips on Frodo's crown. "There, me dear master, why are you so cold?"
Sam shifted and allowed his master to rest in his arms, like a child at rest when night-fears are driven away by some loved voice or hand. Sam smiled sadly, remembering Cirith Ungol and how he wished he could have just held his master ever and anon, content and safe. "You are safe, me dear, I can tell you that. You are safe and you don't have to go nowhere this time. Just rest now, master."
They stayed like that until the sun rose and dawn's light filled the campsite yet Frodo's shivering had not quelled. Sam himself began to feel the cold creep into him and he began to worry. He touched a hand to Frodo's flushed cheek and pulled it back as if he had just touched snow. His gasp must have awoken Pippin for Sam could hear the young hobbit groaning and stretching behind him. Suddenly Pippin's sleep-addled voice could be heard shrill and clear. "Sam, what's wrong with Frodo!" He scrambled to his feet and stepped on Merry doing away with the last of any peaceful sleep any hobbit was getting.
"I don't know, Mr. Pippin, but I reckon it's not good. He woke me not too long ago on account he was so cold but I'd think he'd be warmed up by now."
Pippin laid a gentle hand on Frodo's brow and gasped, "He's cold as snow!" cried the young hobbit.
"Pip, go get Elrond," said Merry, crouching beside his trembling cousin. "Sam you don't look too well off yourself, your flushed like a blushing lass."
Sam smiled slightly. "Almost like holding an icicle for a good long time."
"Then let me take my cousin for a little while and you warm up."
"Aye sir," said Sam, shifting Frodo's shaking form into Merry's arms. Frodo clung at first to Sam and whimpered as if movement were a pain but once feeling Merry's warmth he burrowed into his cousin's chest. Merry shuddered and then clutched Frodo close. Sam attempted to rub some warmth back into his arms as he saw Elrond approaching and Pippin scurrying beside him.
"What's happened?" asked the elf, kneeling before Merry. He placed the back of his hand against Frodo's cheek and frowned slightly. "I'm not sure why he is chill but I know what will help it." He smiled slightly and stood up. "I will bring you some warm athelas water and all four of you will feel better. The three hobbits perked up, knowing well the effects of athelas, and nodded eagerly.
Sam held the shallow, wooden bowl before him and breathed its steam with a contented sigh, then placed it on the ground before Merry and Frodo. Merry pried his cousin's desperate grip off of him and supported him as Frodo was leant over the steam. It curled up and brought a timid smile to his lips, touching his stiff curls and softening them to rest in a gentle crown about his face. His icy lips returned to their normal rosy hue and the cold frost that seemed to settle on his skin warmed to a healthy blush. He opened his eyes to smile down at the curls of steam before Merry brought him back into his embrace. Frodo sighed with weary content and leant into the embrace gratefully. Pippin and Sam glanced at each other not quite sure if Frodo's chills were over but at the sound of his slow breaths they realized he found peaceful dreams at last. Sam mourned silently that he would need to be awakened to travel for the rest of that day.
Frodo was nearly boneless and weighed down with such a deep sleep, they hurt even more to wake him. Despite his almost peaceful rest his eyelids had an unhealthy pallor that suggested how greatly weary he was. Elrond assured Sam it was simply an effect from the other day and that it was quite expected for Frodo to be exhausted from his toils.
He moaned as Sam jostled him awake but followed obediently, shuffling his feet and attempting to blink sleep away. Merry's steady hands were holding him upright and Sam lead him to the pony where they mounted and Frodo attempted to fall asleep through the rest of the ride.
Sam could not help but worry over Frodo's cold spell and he sped up his pony to keep up with Elrond's horse to inquire. He was thankful that Frodo was asleep for the slight increase in the pony's step may have terrified him. Elrond smiled down at Sam. "Something troubles you."
"Yes sir, Lord Elrond. I can understand why he'd be so tired, sir, that's not what bothers me. He needs to be getting rest if you follow me. But all this cold business, he just couldn't get warm. It wasn't just that he was so cold, sir, but that weren't no normal chill. Being that cold by rights just isn't natural, sir, but not getting any warmer after a time is rather frightening."
"I cannot say that I can explain why your master was afflicted so, Samwise, but I can see no great damage by it and he is no longer afflicted is he?"
"Oh no, he isn't, I was just rather... well worried, sir," replied Sam uneasily.
The elf lord smiled, "And rightly so. It took quite a lot out of your master, Sam, what I tried yesterday, and I must be honest, he did not have a lot in him. I would see why he would fall into such a cold spell. It might be like to when he received the Morgul wound, it drained him of strength and made him very cold. Only this had no lasting poison so he should be well with a bit of rest."
Sam's expression seemed to fall sadly. "Oh, yes sir, I know," he murmured. "I suppose that does explain it but if you are going to do something like that again let it be in the comfort of Rivendell if you follow me, sir. I just don't want my master being in any danger, any more danger that is, than he ought to be."
"He ought not be in any," said Elrond. "And I will see to that if I may."
"When will we get to Rivendell, Master Elrond? I'm anxious for a bit of rest, sir."
"You are welcome in Rivendell for as long as you wish to stay and you need not worry about rest. As my guests I will see to it that you need not take the trip to the feast hall if you were too weary." He smiled a gentle smile.
Sam blushed a bit. "Oh sir, I never need any treatment like that."
Elrond chuckled, "Dear Samwise you will not worry any more. The road is safe and you will rest soon for the Last Homely House is a day's ride away. We may reach it by nightfall if luck hold's out."
"I sure hope it does, sir!" cried Sam. "It'd do me good just to see Frodo content and at rest if just a little. And maybe you think you can try again sir? And then well maybe, that is if you can, well I guess I'm hoping..." Sam trailed off and choked a little. "Well sir I guess I'm just a fool for hoping so much."
"Then so am I," Elrond grinned.
Sam blushed a little and turned away.
Merry and Pippin rode with Gandalf at the rear of the company keeping a clear eye out for Saruman. Naught of the fell wizard was seen at all that day and they rode in peace along the countryside of Hollin. The thick pines and holly trees filled the air with a heavy scent that seemed to give peace to their troubled hearts. A deep green canopy hung above them and the thin trees began to gather into the thickness of the heart of the woods. They were a small wood and Sam smiled as he looked up, blinking as the sun peered between the leaves.
The ground began to ascend upwards as the trees parted on either side like sentinels. A smooth white road began to form beneath them and it wound upwards until the trees vanished and beside them was the white stone of the cliffside of the valley. Sam blinked in the fading sunlight and saw before him the splendor of the roaring waters as they gushed over the cliff's edge and tumbled, glittering in the sun and creating wavering streams of color. Sam's expression brightened and Frodo, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, blinked in wonder. Before them was the familiar stoop of a white roof and the carved white pillars of the Last Homely house, glimmering in the sun's fading light of gold and copper. The clouds hung among the silver sky and a sweet scented breeze heralded the evening. Elrond smiled down at Sam. "Hope is best found unlooked for, young hobbit."
He gripped the stirrup and saddle that nearly shook in his hands. He was weary, nearly trembling with exhaustion and, being a healer, he should have known he was in no condition to ride. Still, Envin had no choice. He saddled his horse and leaned against the steed, panting and sweating. The white horse nuzzled him gently and Envin laughed breathlessly. "Yes, yes, I know, I'm in no condition to ride." He handed the gentle animal an apple and patted his nuzzle. "So you are going to be very gentle with me, right?" He laughed again, "But swift! Now speed, Derufin!" He swung himself upon the horse and clung to his reigns. The steed burst from the stables and sped away, down the road and out of the inner circle of the White City. Envin stifled a cry as an imshr shot through him and with a flash he saw Frodo thrown down for the thousandth time. He shook his head painfully, no matter how many times he saw it he was still filled with fear and sorrow.
A/N: "...like a child at rest when night-fears are driven away by some loved voice or hand." Taken form Return of the King (I'm sure you already knew that but I don't want to take credit for Tolkien's words. I accidentally forgot the disclaimer on one of Merry's lines in "Desecrated Laughter and The Torment of the Guilty") To tell the truth I wanted to quote Tolkien directly there because that scene in the book struck me as so heartbreaking mainly because of the fact that they could not stay that way. They had no time to get a single moment of peace or a small around of well- deserved rest. That broke my heart so much I just had to give it to them. Well my boyfriend's back.... And this incredibly short chapter took long enough as it is. Need I say more? So much to do... so little time... help!
Stoneage Woman – Sorry this chapter is so short... never mind how long it took to post it. Blech. I would go read and review your story but I don't know where to find it. Link me or something
Galadriellady945 – Of course there will be more chapters! There hasn't been a conclusion yet, my goodness! Keep reading!
ShireElf – Well he said it again. Referring to Sam this time, yay.
Laurajslr – Of course I know how/when I'm going to end it! But you'll just have to wait for that. I'm glad you noticed I've improved on Sam's dialogue. I was very happy bout that.
Leia Wood – Don't worry I'm not quite near the end yet. But more clues on to exactly how I am going to end it are cropping up
Shire Baggins – Sorry for the over-depressive-angstyness... my storytelling ability has improved as you can see. I hope you are enjoying.
Naryana Baggins – I should know... I am a blonde! I can be quite a beast when I'm mad. Hope you are enjoying the story nonetheless.
Breon Briarwood – Well I'm very glad I bring people joy through my writing. Can't wait until I get good enough to work on real publish worthy stories... getting there. Sorry to say there is no continuation for "Desecrated Laughter and The Torment of the Guilty" I'm not ready to take on two long fics at the same time. I'm very happy that you like my writing.
Iorhael – Well yes the chain would break the prisoner's wrist... if it were around his wrist... these bonds are around Frodo's mind... thus the severe risk. Update soon. And enjoy!
Endymion2 – Yes well I couldn't let Elrond abandon a possibility to save Frodo... no matter how small.
Ailsa Joy – Elrond can be such a stickler can't he. Well "never ask an elves a question... for they will answer with both yea and nay..." heehee. I hope your foot is alright. You better update soon!
Frodo's Gal – Well it's always good to expand your horizons to different characters. A trait, as an author, I should better develop. When I find time... if I find time... I'll attempt something for Mer and Pip.
Tersa – I sleep like that too when I leave my air conditioner on and my room is all like the arctic in the morning.
Elizabeth16 – Hope you are enjoying the story! Keep reading!