Chapter 36 --- Bilbo
Frodo blinked in wonder as he opened his sleepy eyes to see bright, glowing stars rising from the ground to hover in the air, shining with a soft glimmer like jewels in the night. Sam wrapped an arm around Frodo's waist to hold him upright as an elf took the horses to the stables. The gardener was smiling as a father would to a son as he watched Frodo become wonderstruck by such a small thing. The glimmering lights shone so very close and some rested in Sam's hair causing him to laugh and Frodo to start in amazement.
"They're fireflies, sir!" laughed Sam, holding out a hand for one. It rested in his palm and he brought it closer for Frodo to see. "See, just little starbugs. They're all over the Shire."
Frodo's mouth was nearly agape as he watched the creatures but he was too weary to stand on his own and Sam brought him inside the Last Homely House. Elrond walked before them in a regal sweep of thick velvet robes, the folds casting an array of shadows and light. The gold thread on his raiment shimmered in the failing light. By the time they reached Frodo's quarters, the same room he rested in when recovering from the Morgul wound, Frodo was blinking in a vain attempt to keep his eyes open. Elrond lifted him onto the soft mattress and left Sam to tend his master.
The young hobbit quickly set to his usual chores. He closed the gossamer shades as moonlight began to filter in the room. He lit the lamp on the nightstand and brought over the silver pitcher of water and a shallow bowl for his master to bathe with. The room was already furnished with such luxuries and the softest of towels and cloths were folded in the bowl with a single bar of soap. Sam sniffed it and smiled. "This will have you resting peacefully in no time, sir," he proclaimed. "All fresh and sweet but not too strong like those fine things elves usually have."
Sam wrung out the soapy cloth and cleaned up his master's hands and face before Frodo leaned back into the feather pillows with a sigh. "Now that's a world of difference, isn't it Mr. Frodo. Been quite a long time since a proper wash and rest and you deserve it, no doubt." Frodo did not seem to hear, already allowing his utter wear to claim him as he drifted into a deep sleep. Sam crawled to the foot of the bed and swung his legs down. He watched the darkness filter into the sky and thought on what Elrond had said.
If whatever Elrond attempted to do was so dangerous that it would leave his master drained of warmth and life, Sam wasn't so sure he wanted the elf lord doing it again. But, Frodo being in such a state, his master would be infuriated to know that something could have been done and was not. He wanted his master back so badly.
Sam pulled up his knees and buried his face in them. He could not tolerate losing his master, the pain would be too deep to know that Frodo had come so far and been lost in the end. But wasn't he lost already?
Before Sam had any time to sink deeper into despair Merry and Pippin came in and sat beside the gardener. "Come on, Sam," said Pippin. "Don't despair just yet. Come, let's look for old Bilbo, I'm sure he'll be enraged to know we didn't go straight to see him."
Merry smiled slightly as Sam hopped off the bed. "I almost forgot," replied the gardener. "Poor Master Bilbo will be heartbroken," he turned towards the sleeping figure on the bed. "Do you know where to find him?"
"Not at all," said Pippin, hopping down with a flourish. "But we want you with us when we do."
Merry slung an arm around Sam's shoulders and flashed a comforting smile, his eyes secretly straying back to his cousin, engulfed in a white counterpane and supported by the softness of many pillows.
The hall was well lit. Lamps, glowing with bright flame, were posted on the wall every few strides. The hobbits found their way around the home with ease and their memories were rekindled of the bright days and niggling worries they felt the first time they walked these halls. They wandered to and fro, seeking Gandalf or Strider or Bilbo, or they would stride to Frodo's room and sit beside his bed, if only for a moment before they could not bear the worry and grief much longer. Sam remembered dashing down this hall so often he thought the stones beneath his feet would smooth and wear. Bringing food and water to his sick master or fetching Elrond and Gandalf for aid when Frodo was in the throes of a nightmare.
Now Sam had to convince himself his master was perfectly safe from any night terrors and the Morgul wound was but a shadow in memory. Merry and Pippin found their way to the pantry which always seemed to be their point of reference when attempting to navigate the long halls of Imladris. Bilbo's room, Pippin declared, was far east of the kitchen. So they traveled along the eastern corridor and found the fine wood door, threads of light between its cracks, that would lead them into the old hobbit's room. All three hobbits exchanged glances before opening the door.
Inside the floor was strewn with half scribbled on papers and stacks of books could have been mistaken for furniture (as they were obviously used for it). Bilbo was always an incredibly neat hobbit for a bachelor and a sorry candidate for watching children. But now his nattering ways seemed a thing of the past and the old hobbit could be seen, slumped on a chair, with a pen poised in his trembling fingers. A frown creased his aged and weary brow and the three young hobbits admitted with curious wonder that he had aged considerably since they last saw him.
Sam took the feather pen from his fingers to save them from ink stains and placed it on the desk, which was overflowing with notes and things. Sam shifted through them curiously, even without guilt at invading the old hobbit's privacy. His curiosity was far too strong. "Why it's all about his adventure," mused Sam. "Oh lovely things here," he murmured, picking up a sheet in elvish. "His script was always best that way, I said to him."
"Can you read it, Sam?"
"I cannot," said the gardener. "They taught me letters they did but none so fine. I just don't think they never had the time for it, Master Bilbo and Master Frodo that is. Once I got down Westron well enough Bilbo was already gone and Frodo was starting with Quenya. I just never picked it up."
"Pity," murmured Merry. "I should like to know what he said here." He was holding up a piece that was nearly blank with the long spidery script dragging along faltering lines. "It was near his hand, looks like he just wrote it recently."
Sam took the page, knowing well he could not read it, and his eyes widened as he let the shaking leaf fall to the ground as if it were a vile thing. "That's no fine script, it isn't!" said the gardener with scorn. "It's what was on that loathsome ring."
"Oh," whispered Merry, gazing at his uncle.
It was then that Bilbo chose to grumble and crack his eyes open. Before his dusty eyes he saw three hobbits looking rather uncomfortable and ashamed. He blinked a few times and squinted. "Well look who's come back!" he announced with a smile. He pushed himself up from the chair and looked the three hobbits up and down. As he examined them his face fell into one of terrible dread. "Oh.." he murmured, falling back into the chair. His trembling hands rose up to cover his eyes. "Oh my dear boy! My dear boy!"
It took a moment for the three to register before Sam ran to Bilbo's side and knelt, grasping his hands. "Oh no sir! No, no Master Bilbo. Frodo is with us. He's gone abed on account he's so tired from the journey. But he's here, sir, and you can see him if you like."
Merry and Pippin bit their lips wondering if Sam knew he was just making it harder to tell Bilbo exactly what state Frodo was in. Bilbo bit his lip and straightened. "Of course," he mumbled. "Surely he was not too tired to stop and say goodnight though?"
Sam leaned back on his haunches. "Well, sir..."
"Nonsense, you can't tell me he's trekked all over this earth and he's got no time to tell his old uncle about it? Now where's the lad got to?" Bilbo made to stand but Sam put a hand on his shoulder.
"No, wait sir. Frodo's back with us but he's been through so much and you need..."
"Well of course," announced Bilbo with a wave of his hand. "What with armies and dragons and such grand kingdoms, I'm sure he's got his head full of stories for me. You know I once met a dragon, sly thing he was. Why I can't believe he's not bursting to tell me all he's seen. He was always such an energetic lad. He ate my stories up. He just couldn't wait to have his own adventure."
Sam got a very worried look about him and Merry stepped forward. "Of course our journey has been full of astounding things, Bilbo. Why Pip and I met talking trees and, look, we're a full foot taller at least, and Pip here fought a troll."
"Amazing!" laughed Bilbo. "You've all got so much to tell. But tell me, where is Frodo-lad?"
Merry knelt and placed a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "Yes, amazing things, cousin. But there were terrible things as well. And Frodo's seen the worst of it. He's done some wonderful things, Bilbo, you'd be terribly proud of him."
"He's a hero at no mistake," whispered Sam, mostly to himself.
"Yes, Bilbo, a hero, but at a great price," said Merry solemnly.
"What's all this?" Bilbo looked from each somber expression to the ground and sighed. "What's happened? Where is he? I want to see him now more than ever. Where is my lad?"
"We told you, Bilbo," said Merry with gentle patience. "He's asleep. You can see him if you like but you must let him rest."
Bilbo waved a hand and made to stand again. He shuffled quietly out of the room with three hobbits at his heals.
"Do you see now, Elrond?"
"Do not think that I did not know it would be so," said the elflord as he shot a glare at the wizard. "I knew well what it would do to Frodo."
"It has such a hold on him. I told him once, so long ago, that if I were to make him destroy the Ring it would break his mind. Attempting to free him from the bonds It still has entwined within his mind is the same thing."
"I know. Still, I suppose I was only hoping. Sitting idly has done nothing."
"Yes, I believe that I truly did want you to try though I protested so."
Elrond smiled, "I know you did. You worry for him more than you like to admit. Though I now understand your fascination with hobbits."
Gandalf frowned bitterly. "You can almost hear It, can't you? It's utterly destroyed, Its power gone and Its lord diminished, and yet I can still hear It laughing."
Elrond just nodded somberly. He placed a hand on Frodo's cool brow and smoothed away his worry. His face was pale in the moonlight that shimmered through the gossamer curtains and his curls were dark as shadows, crowning his sleeping face. He looked so small, lost among the pale white counterpane.
The wizard and elf turned to see Bilbo step into the room, Sam, Pippin, and Merry not far behind. The old hobbit walked up to the bed and Elrond offered him a hand as he struggled onto the chair. The three young hobbits slowly filtered in to stand beside Gandalf as they watched Bilbo take one of Frodo's cold hands in his own.
"My dear boy," he murmured. "I wished to never see you lost in this giant of a bed again. I only wished the best for you, my lad. Only the best. If I'd have known this... oh if I'd have known! I would have let you stay in Buckland, dear boy. Let a foolish old hobbit finish what he's started, that's what I should have done. Oh, once your parents died I never wanted to see you hurting again. My dear lad. If I were to ever have a son..." Bilbo trailed off as he saw Frodo's eyelashes twitch slightly with movement.
The simple hobbit opened his bright eyes and blinked sleepily. His confused gaze rested on Bilbo and stared for a long time. Bilbo clutched Frodo's hand tighter. "That's it my lad! That's it Frodo, you just listen to old Bilbo."
Frodo blinked again and pulled his hand back to himself and made an attempt to sit up. He propped himself on his elbows and looked around wildly. Bilbo sat up straighter and leaned forward. "You've got to rest. Have a talk with me, will you my boy? Why, don't you know me? Look here, my lad. See? I suppose I'm older than you last saw me but oh my lad how I've worried for you. Why won't you talk to me? Don't you hear me? Come along say something."
Frodo blinked slowly and cast a few glances in Sam's direction to make sure things were safe. Elrond stepped beside Bilbo. "Dear Master Hobbit," he said gently. "Frodo is not angry with you. He cannot talk to you because he doesn't understand."
"What sort of poppycock is that?" admonished Bilbo. "Of course he understands. Frodo's the most skilled linguist in the whole Shire, aren't you my boy?"
"Bilbo," began Elrond again with the same gentle tone. "The quest took a great deal out of Frodo. He is not who he once was. He cannot understand. He has been through much and it has left him as he is before you."
Bilbo shook his head, tears in his eyes. "Oh my boy! Tell me you've come through in the end. Tell me you've come through just like your old Bilbo."
Frodo shook his head slightly and backed into the headboard, feeling cornered he looked pleadingly at Sam. The gardener made to step forward but it was then that Bilbo reached forward and wrapped his arms around Frodo. He pressed his head against Frodo's chest and wept quietly. The simple hobbit froze with a look of confusion on his face. He looked down at the grey curls pressed against his chest and then back up to Sam. He did not know what to do so he simply gazed in wide-eyed wonder.
Sam looked up at Gandalf. "Should something be done?" he whispered.
Gandalf waited a moment and then sighed. Bilbo leaned back in his chair and brought his hands up to his face. Frodo was trembling slightly, tearstains leaving cold tracks along his nightshirt. Gandalf gave Sam a little nudge and he quickly clamoured onto the bed and stroked Frodo's hands gently, whispering to him calmly.
"Don't fret," hushed Sam. Frodo's trembling began to subside as he rested again among the pillows but now he seemed reluctant to sleep. His quivering hands held fast to Sam as he gazed wonderingly at Bilbo.
"So many things happened," whispered Merry as he took one of Bilbo's hands in his own. "So many wonderful and terrible things. You will hear about them all if you like and Pip and I will help you with your book as Frodo had promised to do."
Pippin nodded eagerly. "We've much to tell you, Bilbo, before we return to the Shire."
"Of course," said Bilbo a little hoarsely. "Of course, there must be many tales to tell. But I would rather hear them from Frodo if you don't mind lads."
Merry exchanged a worried look with Pippin. "He can't tell you, Bilbo."
"Nonsense."
"Frodo's not who he once was," explained Pippin once more. "I'm sorry Bilbo, but he was lost along the way."
Bilbo turned worriedly to his young cousin, sitting beside Sam on the bed as the gardener wiped away his tears. "Oh Frodo, it's all my fault," he murmured.
"Don't go blaming yourself, Bilbo," began Merry.
"Why can't he speak to me?"
Merry took a breath and then decided it was better telling Bilbo elsewhere. He grasped the older hobbit's elbow gently and started leading him away. "Come, Bilbo, and I will tell you all that has happened to your beloved nephew."
A/N: Well those three little woovely things I use to segue a change of scene are somehow not allowed on ff.net any more. ::grumble:: So until I find some other form of segue things may be a little confusing. For those that are worried about my... erm... distraction... you needn't worry any more he's gone as quickly as he's come back and it will be a year until he is back to distract me again. ::sob:: The bad news is... Frodo will pay for this! Eh heh... ::pats hobbit:: I would never take out any frustration on such a dear hobbit... it's not professional ::grin::
Arwen Baggins – Yes yes! Very bad! Forgetting to review. Shame on you! Heh, and Frodo wasn't suffering from the Morgul wound. It was just a side effect of Elrond's treatment. His attempt to break the bonds that held Frodo left the hobbit weak and drained.
Laurajslr – You needn't be patient any longer ::sob:: Don't expect another mention of Envin for a while, I need to space things out with him. Update soon.
Galadriellady945 – I'll forever keep writing!
Stoneage Woman – Well I shouldn't take too long to update any more ::huff:: And as for Elrond grinning I tried to depict his fatherly side. After all in the movie he's rather cold and detached and I didn't quite get that feeling from him in the book.
Nayana Baggins – Sure I will take a look at your stories. I'm glad you are enjoying mine. Keep reviewing!
Ailsa Joy – Actually my recent ficlet "At Last" was more or less boyfriend inspired and it's my first fic that didn't center around Frodo (though I couldn't resist him at the end ). I suppose that was my commiseration with Rose... I have a year to wait as well as he goes off to war as well... I'm glad you like my descriptions as I seem to be terribly addicted to writing very long and wordy ones. I'm so glad you updated! I hope your next update will be a little sooner. I love Envin as well, we've created such wonderful characters. Don't worry, Ematen is not entirely forgotten, he'll be mentioned again.
ShireElf – Well you'll just have to read to find out if Frodo can be saved. Keep reviewing!
Frodo's Gal – Well I did write a fic centering around Rosie... which is a slight change... but no Merry and Pippin plot bunnies just yet. Hope you're enjoying.
Breon Briarwood – Thank you for the compliment but I think there's a lot of room for improvement. Then again we are all our own toughest critics. Thank you and keep reviewing.
Endymion2 – Oh my I hope that you don't have anything against sweet little Pippin. I hope the length of this chapter is more to your satisfaction. Enjoy!
Iorhael – The coldness Frodo was feeling was an after effect of Elrond's attempt to break his bonds, it left him drained of life, warmth, and energy.
Lovethosehobbits – Fear not my boyfriend! Heh I have plenty of time to write now ::grumble::
Tersa – I'm glad you're enjoying this fic. Envin won't be mentioned again for a while. We shall see what happens to him then. I'm in a rather sadistic mood since my boyfriend was taken away so quickly once more ::snicker::
Frodo-lovers – I'm glad you like this fic so much. Encourages me to keep writing it. Keep reviewing!
Frodo blinked in wonder as he opened his sleepy eyes to see bright, glowing stars rising from the ground to hover in the air, shining with a soft glimmer like jewels in the night. Sam wrapped an arm around Frodo's waist to hold him upright as an elf took the horses to the stables. The gardener was smiling as a father would to a son as he watched Frodo become wonderstruck by such a small thing. The glimmering lights shone so very close and some rested in Sam's hair causing him to laugh and Frodo to start in amazement.
"They're fireflies, sir!" laughed Sam, holding out a hand for one. It rested in his palm and he brought it closer for Frodo to see. "See, just little starbugs. They're all over the Shire."
Frodo's mouth was nearly agape as he watched the creatures but he was too weary to stand on his own and Sam brought him inside the Last Homely House. Elrond walked before them in a regal sweep of thick velvet robes, the folds casting an array of shadows and light. The gold thread on his raiment shimmered in the failing light. By the time they reached Frodo's quarters, the same room he rested in when recovering from the Morgul wound, Frodo was blinking in a vain attempt to keep his eyes open. Elrond lifted him onto the soft mattress and left Sam to tend his master.
The young hobbit quickly set to his usual chores. He closed the gossamer shades as moonlight began to filter in the room. He lit the lamp on the nightstand and brought over the silver pitcher of water and a shallow bowl for his master to bathe with. The room was already furnished with such luxuries and the softest of towels and cloths were folded in the bowl with a single bar of soap. Sam sniffed it and smiled. "This will have you resting peacefully in no time, sir," he proclaimed. "All fresh and sweet but not too strong like those fine things elves usually have."
Sam wrung out the soapy cloth and cleaned up his master's hands and face before Frodo leaned back into the feather pillows with a sigh. "Now that's a world of difference, isn't it Mr. Frodo. Been quite a long time since a proper wash and rest and you deserve it, no doubt." Frodo did not seem to hear, already allowing his utter wear to claim him as he drifted into a deep sleep. Sam crawled to the foot of the bed and swung his legs down. He watched the darkness filter into the sky and thought on what Elrond had said.
If whatever Elrond attempted to do was so dangerous that it would leave his master drained of warmth and life, Sam wasn't so sure he wanted the elf lord doing it again. But, Frodo being in such a state, his master would be infuriated to know that something could have been done and was not. He wanted his master back so badly.
Sam pulled up his knees and buried his face in them. He could not tolerate losing his master, the pain would be too deep to know that Frodo had come so far and been lost in the end. But wasn't he lost already?
Before Sam had any time to sink deeper into despair Merry and Pippin came in and sat beside the gardener. "Come on, Sam," said Pippin. "Don't despair just yet. Come, let's look for old Bilbo, I'm sure he'll be enraged to know we didn't go straight to see him."
Merry smiled slightly as Sam hopped off the bed. "I almost forgot," replied the gardener. "Poor Master Bilbo will be heartbroken," he turned towards the sleeping figure on the bed. "Do you know where to find him?"
"Not at all," said Pippin, hopping down with a flourish. "But we want you with us when we do."
Merry slung an arm around Sam's shoulders and flashed a comforting smile, his eyes secretly straying back to his cousin, engulfed in a white counterpane and supported by the softness of many pillows.
The hall was well lit. Lamps, glowing with bright flame, were posted on the wall every few strides. The hobbits found their way around the home with ease and their memories were rekindled of the bright days and niggling worries they felt the first time they walked these halls. They wandered to and fro, seeking Gandalf or Strider or Bilbo, or they would stride to Frodo's room and sit beside his bed, if only for a moment before they could not bear the worry and grief much longer. Sam remembered dashing down this hall so often he thought the stones beneath his feet would smooth and wear. Bringing food and water to his sick master or fetching Elrond and Gandalf for aid when Frodo was in the throes of a nightmare.
Now Sam had to convince himself his master was perfectly safe from any night terrors and the Morgul wound was but a shadow in memory. Merry and Pippin found their way to the pantry which always seemed to be their point of reference when attempting to navigate the long halls of Imladris. Bilbo's room, Pippin declared, was far east of the kitchen. So they traveled along the eastern corridor and found the fine wood door, threads of light between its cracks, that would lead them into the old hobbit's room. All three hobbits exchanged glances before opening the door.
Inside the floor was strewn with half scribbled on papers and stacks of books could have been mistaken for furniture (as they were obviously used for it). Bilbo was always an incredibly neat hobbit for a bachelor and a sorry candidate for watching children. But now his nattering ways seemed a thing of the past and the old hobbit could be seen, slumped on a chair, with a pen poised in his trembling fingers. A frown creased his aged and weary brow and the three young hobbits admitted with curious wonder that he had aged considerably since they last saw him.
Sam took the feather pen from his fingers to save them from ink stains and placed it on the desk, which was overflowing with notes and things. Sam shifted through them curiously, even without guilt at invading the old hobbit's privacy. His curiosity was far too strong. "Why it's all about his adventure," mused Sam. "Oh lovely things here," he murmured, picking up a sheet in elvish. "His script was always best that way, I said to him."
"Can you read it, Sam?"
"I cannot," said the gardener. "They taught me letters they did but none so fine. I just don't think they never had the time for it, Master Bilbo and Master Frodo that is. Once I got down Westron well enough Bilbo was already gone and Frodo was starting with Quenya. I just never picked it up."
"Pity," murmured Merry. "I should like to know what he said here." He was holding up a piece that was nearly blank with the long spidery script dragging along faltering lines. "It was near his hand, looks like he just wrote it recently."
Sam took the page, knowing well he could not read it, and his eyes widened as he let the shaking leaf fall to the ground as if it were a vile thing. "That's no fine script, it isn't!" said the gardener with scorn. "It's what was on that loathsome ring."
"Oh," whispered Merry, gazing at his uncle.
It was then that Bilbo chose to grumble and crack his eyes open. Before his dusty eyes he saw three hobbits looking rather uncomfortable and ashamed. He blinked a few times and squinted. "Well look who's come back!" he announced with a smile. He pushed himself up from the chair and looked the three hobbits up and down. As he examined them his face fell into one of terrible dread. "Oh.." he murmured, falling back into the chair. His trembling hands rose up to cover his eyes. "Oh my dear boy! My dear boy!"
It took a moment for the three to register before Sam ran to Bilbo's side and knelt, grasping his hands. "Oh no sir! No, no Master Bilbo. Frodo is with us. He's gone abed on account he's so tired from the journey. But he's here, sir, and you can see him if you like."
Merry and Pippin bit their lips wondering if Sam knew he was just making it harder to tell Bilbo exactly what state Frodo was in. Bilbo bit his lip and straightened. "Of course," he mumbled. "Surely he was not too tired to stop and say goodnight though?"
Sam leaned back on his haunches. "Well, sir..."
"Nonsense, you can't tell me he's trekked all over this earth and he's got no time to tell his old uncle about it? Now where's the lad got to?" Bilbo made to stand but Sam put a hand on his shoulder.
"No, wait sir. Frodo's back with us but he's been through so much and you need..."
"Well of course," announced Bilbo with a wave of his hand. "What with armies and dragons and such grand kingdoms, I'm sure he's got his head full of stories for me. You know I once met a dragon, sly thing he was. Why I can't believe he's not bursting to tell me all he's seen. He was always such an energetic lad. He ate my stories up. He just couldn't wait to have his own adventure."
Sam got a very worried look about him and Merry stepped forward. "Of course our journey has been full of astounding things, Bilbo. Why Pip and I met talking trees and, look, we're a full foot taller at least, and Pip here fought a troll."
"Amazing!" laughed Bilbo. "You've all got so much to tell. But tell me, where is Frodo-lad?"
Merry knelt and placed a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "Yes, amazing things, cousin. But there were terrible things as well. And Frodo's seen the worst of it. He's done some wonderful things, Bilbo, you'd be terribly proud of him."
"He's a hero at no mistake," whispered Sam, mostly to himself.
"Yes, Bilbo, a hero, but at a great price," said Merry solemnly.
"What's all this?" Bilbo looked from each somber expression to the ground and sighed. "What's happened? Where is he? I want to see him now more than ever. Where is my lad?"
"We told you, Bilbo," said Merry with gentle patience. "He's asleep. You can see him if you like but you must let him rest."
Bilbo waved a hand and made to stand again. He shuffled quietly out of the room with three hobbits at his heals.
"Do you see now, Elrond?"
"Do not think that I did not know it would be so," said the elflord as he shot a glare at the wizard. "I knew well what it would do to Frodo."
"It has such a hold on him. I told him once, so long ago, that if I were to make him destroy the Ring it would break his mind. Attempting to free him from the bonds It still has entwined within his mind is the same thing."
"I know. Still, I suppose I was only hoping. Sitting idly has done nothing."
"Yes, I believe that I truly did want you to try though I protested so."
Elrond smiled, "I know you did. You worry for him more than you like to admit. Though I now understand your fascination with hobbits."
Gandalf frowned bitterly. "You can almost hear It, can't you? It's utterly destroyed, Its power gone and Its lord diminished, and yet I can still hear It laughing."
Elrond just nodded somberly. He placed a hand on Frodo's cool brow and smoothed away his worry. His face was pale in the moonlight that shimmered through the gossamer curtains and his curls were dark as shadows, crowning his sleeping face. He looked so small, lost among the pale white counterpane.
The wizard and elf turned to see Bilbo step into the room, Sam, Pippin, and Merry not far behind. The old hobbit walked up to the bed and Elrond offered him a hand as he struggled onto the chair. The three young hobbits slowly filtered in to stand beside Gandalf as they watched Bilbo take one of Frodo's cold hands in his own.
"My dear boy," he murmured. "I wished to never see you lost in this giant of a bed again. I only wished the best for you, my lad. Only the best. If I'd have known this... oh if I'd have known! I would have let you stay in Buckland, dear boy. Let a foolish old hobbit finish what he's started, that's what I should have done. Oh, once your parents died I never wanted to see you hurting again. My dear lad. If I were to ever have a son..." Bilbo trailed off as he saw Frodo's eyelashes twitch slightly with movement.
The simple hobbit opened his bright eyes and blinked sleepily. His confused gaze rested on Bilbo and stared for a long time. Bilbo clutched Frodo's hand tighter. "That's it my lad! That's it Frodo, you just listen to old Bilbo."
Frodo blinked again and pulled his hand back to himself and made an attempt to sit up. He propped himself on his elbows and looked around wildly. Bilbo sat up straighter and leaned forward. "You've got to rest. Have a talk with me, will you my boy? Why, don't you know me? Look here, my lad. See? I suppose I'm older than you last saw me but oh my lad how I've worried for you. Why won't you talk to me? Don't you hear me? Come along say something."
Frodo blinked slowly and cast a few glances in Sam's direction to make sure things were safe. Elrond stepped beside Bilbo. "Dear Master Hobbit," he said gently. "Frodo is not angry with you. He cannot talk to you because he doesn't understand."
"What sort of poppycock is that?" admonished Bilbo. "Of course he understands. Frodo's the most skilled linguist in the whole Shire, aren't you my boy?"
"Bilbo," began Elrond again with the same gentle tone. "The quest took a great deal out of Frodo. He is not who he once was. He cannot understand. He has been through much and it has left him as he is before you."
Bilbo shook his head, tears in his eyes. "Oh my boy! Tell me you've come through in the end. Tell me you've come through just like your old Bilbo."
Frodo shook his head slightly and backed into the headboard, feeling cornered he looked pleadingly at Sam. The gardener made to step forward but it was then that Bilbo reached forward and wrapped his arms around Frodo. He pressed his head against Frodo's chest and wept quietly. The simple hobbit froze with a look of confusion on his face. He looked down at the grey curls pressed against his chest and then back up to Sam. He did not know what to do so he simply gazed in wide-eyed wonder.
Sam looked up at Gandalf. "Should something be done?" he whispered.
Gandalf waited a moment and then sighed. Bilbo leaned back in his chair and brought his hands up to his face. Frodo was trembling slightly, tearstains leaving cold tracks along his nightshirt. Gandalf gave Sam a little nudge and he quickly clamoured onto the bed and stroked Frodo's hands gently, whispering to him calmly.
"Don't fret," hushed Sam. Frodo's trembling began to subside as he rested again among the pillows but now he seemed reluctant to sleep. His quivering hands held fast to Sam as he gazed wonderingly at Bilbo.
"So many things happened," whispered Merry as he took one of Bilbo's hands in his own. "So many wonderful and terrible things. You will hear about them all if you like and Pip and I will help you with your book as Frodo had promised to do."
Pippin nodded eagerly. "We've much to tell you, Bilbo, before we return to the Shire."
"Of course," said Bilbo a little hoarsely. "Of course, there must be many tales to tell. But I would rather hear them from Frodo if you don't mind lads."
Merry exchanged a worried look with Pippin. "He can't tell you, Bilbo."
"Nonsense."
"Frodo's not who he once was," explained Pippin once more. "I'm sorry Bilbo, but he was lost along the way."
Bilbo turned worriedly to his young cousin, sitting beside Sam on the bed as the gardener wiped away his tears. "Oh Frodo, it's all my fault," he murmured.
"Don't go blaming yourself, Bilbo," began Merry.
"Why can't he speak to me?"
Merry took a breath and then decided it was better telling Bilbo elsewhere. He grasped the older hobbit's elbow gently and started leading him away. "Come, Bilbo, and I will tell you all that has happened to your beloved nephew."
A/N: Well those three little woovely things I use to segue a change of scene are somehow not allowed on ff.net any more. ::grumble:: So until I find some other form of segue things may be a little confusing. For those that are worried about my... erm... distraction... you needn't worry any more he's gone as quickly as he's come back and it will be a year until he is back to distract me again. ::sob:: The bad news is... Frodo will pay for this! Eh heh... ::pats hobbit:: I would never take out any frustration on such a dear hobbit... it's not professional ::grin::
Arwen Baggins – Yes yes! Very bad! Forgetting to review. Shame on you! Heh, and Frodo wasn't suffering from the Morgul wound. It was just a side effect of Elrond's treatment. His attempt to break the bonds that held Frodo left the hobbit weak and drained.
Laurajslr – You needn't be patient any longer ::sob:: Don't expect another mention of Envin for a while, I need to space things out with him. Update soon.
Galadriellady945 – I'll forever keep writing!
Stoneage Woman – Well I shouldn't take too long to update any more ::huff:: And as for Elrond grinning I tried to depict his fatherly side. After all in the movie he's rather cold and detached and I didn't quite get that feeling from him in the book.
Nayana Baggins – Sure I will take a look at your stories. I'm glad you are enjoying mine. Keep reviewing!
Ailsa Joy – Actually my recent ficlet "At Last" was more or less boyfriend inspired and it's my first fic that didn't center around Frodo (though I couldn't resist him at the end ). I suppose that was my commiseration with Rose... I have a year to wait as well as he goes off to war as well... I'm glad you like my descriptions as I seem to be terribly addicted to writing very long and wordy ones. I'm so glad you updated! I hope your next update will be a little sooner. I love Envin as well, we've created such wonderful characters. Don't worry, Ematen is not entirely forgotten, he'll be mentioned again.
ShireElf – Well you'll just have to read to find out if Frodo can be saved. Keep reviewing!
Frodo's Gal – Well I did write a fic centering around Rosie... which is a slight change... but no Merry and Pippin plot bunnies just yet. Hope you're enjoying.
Breon Briarwood – Thank you for the compliment but I think there's a lot of room for improvement. Then again we are all our own toughest critics. Thank you and keep reviewing.
Endymion2 – Oh my I hope that you don't have anything against sweet little Pippin. I hope the length of this chapter is more to your satisfaction. Enjoy!
Iorhael – The coldness Frodo was feeling was an after effect of Elrond's attempt to break his bonds, it left him drained of life, warmth, and energy.
Lovethosehobbits – Fear not my boyfriend! Heh I have plenty of time to write now ::grumble::
Tersa – I'm glad you're enjoying this fic. Envin won't be mentioned again for a while. We shall see what happens to him then. I'm in a rather sadistic mood since my boyfriend was taken away so quickly once more ::snicker::
Frodo-lovers – I'm glad you like this fic so much. Encourages me to keep writing it. Keep reviewing!