Chapter 4: Merry's Decision



"Frodo… Frodo…." A distant voice was calling his name. Mamma? Frodo wondered. The voice sounded so far away he didn't know where it was coming from.

"Frodo… Frodo…Frodo…" The voice was closer then before. I'm here! Mamma, I'm right here! It was too dark. The voice was becoming more urgent, but he couldn't find her.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through Frodo's body. The back of his head was throbbing and sharp pain kept shooting up from his shoulder. With some effort Frodo opened his eyes. A blurry world of dark colors swirled before him. The sudden movement forced him to shut his eyes again as he felt he would soon be quite sick to his stomach. Frodo slowly opened his eyes to find everything was settling down again and in the dim light he was able to discern the shape of Merry. He then became aware the Merry was calling his name over and over again.

"You're Alive!" Merry shouted with joy and then, throwing himself on Frodo, burst into tears. Frodo sucked in his breath as his cousin actions brought more pain to his right shoulder and head. Frodo let out a strangled noise and attempted to push Merry off with his good arm. Merry sat back abruptly. "Sorry, Frodo…" Concentrating as much as his aching head would allow, Frodo studied Merry and what was around him. The hue of the sky told him that it was just before dawn and they were under a tree. Merry was sitting anxiously before him looking him over and still wearing Frodo's coat, which was much too big for him.

"Merry…? Where…where are we?" Frodo asked unsure of his surroundings. Merry looked surprised and looked up and then down at Frodo again. Merry took a quick breath and then started talking very quickly.

"Don't you remember? We were getting tomatoes and you didn't say there was a dog, but there was one and then he chased us halfway round the Shire and up the tree and it got dark and you must of fallen asleep Frodo since you fell out and you wouldn't wake up for nothing! Very good the dog left, that would have been awful. I was worried and then I was frightened; just look at the blood!"

Frodo's breath caught in his throat upon hearing the word 'blood.' He was in pain but he hadn't realized that he was bleeding. With a shaky hand he reached up and felt beneath his curls along his hairline. He felt a sharp pain and quickly wrenched his hand back to see his fingertips were bloody. Frodo swallowed as another wave of nausea hit him. Still feeling dizzy, Frodo tried to understand the situation. He was not sure where in the Shire he was exactly, he was bleeding, he was sure his shoulder was hurt (though he didn't dare look at it) and he felt nauseous and strangely cold. He felt himself beginning to panic. His heart was pounding too fast and he was beginning to find it difficult to breathe properly.

Without thinking, Frodo attempted to wipe the blood off his fingers only to smear it more across his hand. In a bit of a panic Frodo attempted to sit up. However, the jerking of his shoulder caused a great pain that shot up to his forehead. The pain overtook his mind and to Frodo's relief his world quickly faded into darkness.

~~~

Merry had been very surprised at Frodo's sudden movement and had jumped back in surprise. However, now Frodo wasn't moving at all and he wasn't responding to Merry's calls. Merry shook Frodo, but he didn't move. "Frodo? Frodo?!" Merry cried worriedly. He leaned over so he was right next to Frodo's ear. "Frodo?" Merry whispered, "Wake up Frodo… Please?" Frodo still didn't stir. Merry bit his lower lip as he studied Frodo. He was still breathing, but he was really pale and his breathing sounded strange to Merry. Merry thought for a moment and he looked around him to see if he recognized any of his surroundings. With a determined look he slipped off Frodo's coat and he gently placed it on Frodo.

"It will be alright Frodo. I'll get help." With that Merry stood up and chose a direction in which to take. Merry went quickly in what he hoped was the right way to Brandy Hall.

TO BE CONTINUED…

A/N: Sorry it took so long, I am currently writing something else. I also wasn't sure how to continue with this and I am not sure I am happy with the result. Please Review, I am new at this and I would really like advice and constructive criticism. I appreciate any good review that is passed my way. Thank you very much. BTW, if anyone from Frodo Healers reads this I would really appreciate your feedback. Thanks again.



~Laughing Half-Elf~



~*One must laugh to live*~