Well it's been a while, so sorry! I've been real busy with school and everything this year. But I'm back in business, and this story will continue. So enjoy this new chapter, once again sorry it took me so long. Hope this isn't too bad of a chapter. Let me know.
…
Morning crept up slowly on the inhabitants of the Hobbiton. Sunlight streamed lazily over the horizon, and the morning birds began their waking songs. For those who slept in the coziness of Bag End the day was about to begin, a little more shockingly for some, than others.
Two hobbits slept, blissfully unaware of the fast approaching dawn as the cool morning breath blew through the half-open window. A hand tightened in the fabric it had grasped at some point during the night. Sam lay flat on his back, across the sofa; Frodo lay snuggled up against him, his hands clinging to Sam's loose shirt.
A sigh escaped the older hobbits lips as his mind began to drift to a semi-wakeful state. It would be an odd fact in itself for him to awake so early, but his sleep had never been the same since the quest.
Shifting his position Frodo's body was quite suddenly put into a falling motion off the sofa. His hands, never leaving Sam's shirt, gripped tighter and pulled the larger hobbit with him. Both hobbits were roughly jolted into wakefulness as their bodies hit the floor. Or rather Frodo's body did, Sam had landed rather un-ceremonially on top of Frodo, his hands somehow managing to land on either side of Frodo's curly head, though lucky they were, were not enough to keep him from falling full force onto the hobbit beneath him.
Groaning in pain Frodo reaching up and rubbed his sore head and then opened his eyes, those eyes were met with soft earth ones. Both hobbits were stuck in their current state. Sam half-holding himself above a rather flushed looking Frodo Baggins, the pink staining Sam's cheeks however was no better.
Not knowing what to do, Sam held his breath and looked into the icy eyes below him. In that moment, any half-awake thoughts that may have crossed Sam's mind then, vanished. The younger hobbit was left with nothing but those blue depths he now stared into. He vaguely realized Frodo had in fact, said something. Realizing that he had bid him good morning, he came back to himself, "M...morning Mr. Frodo."
Sam then pushed himself off the ground and got to his feet, mumbling an apology as he did, and held out his hand. Frodo's hand rested in his own as he gently pulled the older hobbit to his feet.
"Thank you," Frodo said as he steadied himself. Sam smiled and let go of Frodo's hand, only to have it grasped tighter by the dark haired hobbit. "Sam…" but he stopped short of what he was going to say.
"Mr. Frodo?" Sam questioned. He waited for the older hobbit to say or do something, but the ex-ring-barer seemed to be struggling with his words.
Frodo smiled then, and shook his head. "Noth…"
A loud banging on the door turned both hobbits attention to the study door as two curly heads popped through the threshold.
"Rise and shine, Frodo, you better not still be sleeping or…" Merry's voice came to a halt as he regarded the room's occupants. "Err…sorry are we interrupting something?" he asked, his eyes looking back and forth between Frodo, Sam, and their entwined hands.
Sam's cheeks burned and he let go of Frodo's hand, letting his fall to his side. Frodo however regarded the two with a mild shocked expression before smiling and taking a few steps towards them.
"Nonsense, now I imagine you've come to collect us for breakfast?" he asked the two.
Nonsense…of course it was nonsense, Sam thought. He'd do well to remember that from now on. His thoughts did him nothing but heartache and worry. He had more important things to be tending to then such flights of fancy.
Pippin had visibly brightened at the mention of breakfast. "We sure did Cousin! And guess what? We made it." He said, sounding very proud of himself.
Now that got Sam's attention, those two? Cooking? In his kitchen! Oh he could only imagine the mess they had left. He just hoped that nothing was burned or broken. Would the food even be edible?
"Now hang on, you two been cooking?" he asked. True he'd already heard the answer, but it seemed like something that needed second-guessing. Following them through the open door and over to the dining area, where it seemed everybody was already awake and seated.
To Sam's amazement the table seemed to be set out with many assorted variety of descent looking food. Where had those two learned to cook? Everybody said their good morning's as Frodo and Sam took their seats across from each other and dug in.
…
"Sleep well Frodo?" Gandalf's voice asked the hobbit as he finished off his less then what was seen fit amount of food. Frodo gawked at the old wizard, who for some reason had a sly smile on his face. He then smiled and calmly spoke.
"I did actually, comfy pillow I suppose,"
Sam's eyes widened and in his attempt to say something, half choked on the piece of sausage he'd been chewing on. Letting out a couple good coughs Sam managed to clear his throat. By this point everyone's eyes had turned to him, and he felt his cheeks go red at the attention.
"Goodness Sam, are you alright?" Frodo asked. Though there was some worry in his eyes, an amused grin was plastered on his face. Sam looked down at his plate for a moment before smiling.
"Aye, I'm fine. Just went down the wrong way." He explained, then stood and picked up his plate. "Excuse me, everyone, if your done with your plates I'll take' em."
Just as he went to grab Merry's plate Frodo stood. "Oh no you don't Samwise Gamgee." He said and grabbed Sam's arm.
"But Mr. Frodo…" he tried but Frodo simply shook his head.
"The dishes can wait." He stated. Sam opened his mouth to protest again, but the look on Frodo's face convinced him to remain silent. He nodded his head in agreement and sat back down.
…
The noon sun was in the sky, as the inhabitants of Bag End gathered at its round door.
"Must you really leave so soon?" Frodo asked a travel ready King Elassar, Lady Arwen, Lord Faramir, and Lady Eowyn.
Aragorn smiled at him, giving him a look that suggested he really did not want to leave so soon. "Unfortunately, we all have matters to attend to in Gondor." He paused, shared a look with his wife and then turned back to Frodo. "However I do hope for a visit from you halflings in the coming years. Gondor greatly misses your cheer and songs, and as the hero's of Middle Earth, you would be honoured greatly." He finished, bent down and embraced Frodo.
To all those watching, it seemed as if he were merely saying goodbye. However, to Frodo he whispered something in his small pointed ear. The man then stood, and smiled at them all. "Farwell my friends, I've no doubt we will meet again."
He gave Gandalf a knowing look before turning to leave. Arwen however did not move, which caused him to pause and turn back.
"Arwen?" he asked, but the question went unanswered.
She simply gazed at the former ring-bearer, her stormy eyes flowing with wisdom. The Elven woman then stepped forward and kneeled in front of him. For a moment they just stared into each other's eyes. Her hands then slipped around to the back of her neck and she removed a glittering chain, with the most beautiful pendant Frodo had ever seen.
Without a word she gently slipped the necklace around Frodo's neck, and let it fall to down his chest. "Keep this with you, brave Frodo. It will help you heal; the light of the Evenstar will help to guide you." She smiled and lent forward, laying a soft kiss on his brow. She then stood and went back to arms of her husband.
They mounted the horses that had been brought back to them from the pony stables. The attendants of that stable had been in complete awe at the giant animals they were able to take care of. After being gifted with some gold the money filled hobbits bowed and ran to show the owner of the stable.
Sam walked up to Frodo and stood beside him, attempting to gauge the level of emotion playing on his master's face. But his hair covered Frodo's ocean blue eyes, as he still stared at the jewel the Lady Arwen had given him.
Faramir and Eowyn said their goodbyes to the hobbits. Then also mounted a pair of horses, and prepared to depart.
"Oi! Faramir!" A yell from Pippin sounded through the air.
Faramir, the one in question, looked down at the hobbit, slightly startled. Pippin ran up to the man's horse and stopped. Pippin looked almost nervous as he fiddled with a button on his cufflink.
"I was wondering…that is…I'd be honoured if you'd allow me to name my son after you."
The resounding silence was the answer he got. Everyone stared at him like he'd grown a second head. It was well known that he was in fact courting a young Miss Daisy, but a son?
"What are you talking about Pippin? You haven't got a son." Merry's voice rang out as he strolled over to his idiot cousin. Pippin looked at Merry than around at all the gawking faces.
"I didn't mean right now, I mean a future son." He clarified. Everyone's faces cleared of it's past confusion and a little relief was shown on some. Pippin turned away from them all shaking hi head and looked back up at Faramir, who smiled.
"Pippin, I would be honoured to have your son, if one graces you, to be named after me." They smiled at each other. The four on horseback then turned away from the grand hole and set off down the road.
As they remaining watched the four humans depart, a hand laid itself on Frodo's shoulder. Looking behind him Frodo was met with the sight of Legolas. The Elf smiled at him before kneeling down to hobbit-level.
"I'm afraid my friend, that Gimli and I must also be going."
Frodo's initial shock faded quickly and a small smile graced his lips. "Of course, I shouldn't expect to keep you for too long. It means so much that everyone came at all."
Legolas nodded, and stood. Gimli walked over and roughly cleared his throat.
" Good seein' ya again Frodo." He then turned to Sam, who still stood beside the older hobbit. "Be sure to take good care of him."
Sam was almost positive he saw the dwarf wink at him. A little flustered, he responded, I will. Before Gimli turned and walked over to where Legolas was waiting for him.
"Farwell gentle Hobbits." The blonde elf said. He then nodded to Gandalf and turned with Gimli down the road.
There were a few minutes where it was silent, those present just watching the company slowly depart. Frodo then turned around to face Gandalf.
"Don't tell me you're leaving as well?"
Gandalf's face just broke into a smile. "Oh no, my dear Frodo. I'm not leaving as of yet."
Frodo smiled at him and nodded. It was clear that he was relieved about that.
"Well!" Merry's voice said from behind them. "I have an idea then." He stated, smiling rather devilishly.
…
"Are you sure you want to be here Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked for the second time since they'd all arrived at the Green Dragon. Frodo just smiled and nodded.
"Of course he does!" Merry said, reaching over and patting Frodo on the back, "A little socializing will be good for you."
Frodo blinked at him before straightening up. "I don't think there is a problem with my social skills." He stated.
Merry just laughed and took a bite from the bread on the table. "What are you talking about cousin? All you do is sit in that hole of yours. You need to get out more."
Sam was about to object that Frodo could do what he pleases, and that maybe he'd had enough of the outdoors after the quest. But of course he was interrupted by Pippin insisting they needed drinks. Sighing he stood from the table and walked over to the bar.
How he regretted that, before his eyes, was Rosie Cotton. This really shouldn't have been a surprise but he'd just plain forgotten for a moment that she worked here.
"Well hello there Samwise," she greeted, smiling at him.
"Ah Good afternoon, Rosie." He said politely. "How are you this fine day?"
She smiled, obviously happy that he was interested. "I'm very well, thank you. And you?"
He glanced back at the table for a moment, and then back at her. " Oh you know, dealing with that Took and Brandybuck." She giggled a little and looked down at her hands.
"What you be wanting then?" she said, getting back to her job.
"Ah right, five ales, thank you kindly."
A moment later five mugs of ale were sitting on the counter. He smiled at her and then attempted to maneuver all five into his hands. After a couple time almost spilling it, two of the mugs were removed from his hands. Turning to see who'd helped him, Sam saw Rosie standing there.
"You can't be carrying all these at once." She stated.
Sam smiled and nodded his thanks. "Thank you."
Arriving at the table Sam set down the mugs for the three other hobbits and Gandalf. Graciously he took the two Rosie was holding and placed them onto the table as well.
"Thank you for that." He said to her.
She smiled and shook her head. "Not at all Sam."
When she didn't leave Sam wasn't sure what to do. In the end he just settled for smiling at her. Was she expecting him to say something?
"Um…Sam." She got his attention back. "Would you…I mean, would you like to join me for tea tomorrow afternoon?" Sam blinked, startled. Tea? With Rosie? Tomorrow? Biting his lip he realized he couldn't really come up with a good reason not to go.
"I'd love to." He ended up saying. Now why did he say that?
"Rosie what are ye up to love?" the voice of the manager called out to her.
Glancing back towards the bar she called out, "Sorry!" then turned back to Sam. "I'll see you tomorrow then." And ran back to the bar she had abandoned.
Sitting down, Sam scooted his chair closer and sat staring at full mug of ale in his hand. What had just happened?
Looking up he saw Merry and Pippin grinning like idiots, which was not hard for them, at him.
"What?" he asked. Their expressions were becoming rather irritating.
The two looked at each other, nearly burst out laughing, then looked back at Sam. Not getting an answer from the two, Sam just shook his head and took a sip of ale. Glancing out of the corner of his eye Sam noticed Frodo staring grimly into space.
A look of concern passed over Sam's face. "Mr. Frodo?" he questioned, placing his mug onto the table. "Are you feeling alright?"
The table grew quiet as Frodo looked up from his daze. Looking around at everyone's concerned faces his gave a small, unconvincing smile.
"Actually I'm feeling kind of tired. I'm going to head back up the hill." He announced and stood.
Sam was on his feet in a matter of seconds. "I'll go with you then,"
Frodo's eyes snapped at Sam with an intense look that made Sam freeze in mid-step.
"I'm quite capable of walking home by myself." He stated.
Sam was taken-a-back. He hadn't heard Frodo use that tone with him since…swallowing his shock Sam took a step towards the older hobbit and laid a hand on his shoulder. The hand was shaken off however and retreated a few steps.
"Frodo." Gandalf's voice cut through the tension and caused Frodo's eyes to snap towards the wizard. His blue eyes seemed to regain their focus then, he blinked a couple times and looked from face to face. Finally his gaze rested on a shaken up Samwise Gamgee.
"I'm sorry…just sit down and enjoy yourselves…I'll be fine. Really." He added the last bit seeing the looks on his companions' faces. Not leaving them a chance to protest, Frodo turned and walked out of the Green Dragon as fast as he could, without it seeming obvious, that he wanted to leave as fast as he could.
Sam stared at Frodo's retreating back. What had he done? What had caused Frodo to look so…so…he either couldn't place the right word, or just didn't want to. He wasn't sure which. Hesitantly he sat back down on his chair.
"What was that about?" Pippin asked, cleaning off his ale. Sam just shook his head, he really didn't know.
"Maybe he's just tired. Too much partying?" Merry suggested, although it was clear he was trying to convince himself more than all of them.
Gandalf remained silent, but deep in thought to any on-lookers. Sam could tell he was thinking about what had just transpired. Did he know something? He couldn't be sure.
"Gandalf?" Sam asked, before he could really think about what he was asking.
The Wizard focused back on the small hobbits sitting at the table with him, giving them a reassuring smile.
"Not to fret. Frodo's been through a lot I the last couple days, I'm sure he's just tired." He stated, reaching for his mug of golden ale.
Gandalf's statement ended the conversation, and they went back to drinking their ales, Pippin ordering another round for them.
…
It was many hours later, when the sun was dropping that the group finally dragged themselves up the hill, back to Bag End. This of course was only because they had grown tired of Sam bringing up his worry about Frodo into every conversation.
Holding the gate for the rest, the tall Wizard tailed behind the hobbits as they opened the, richly crafted, round door and filed into the hole. Sam held back a yawn as he crossed the threshold.
Bag End was dark, the fading light from outside causing eerie shadows on the curved walls. Instantly Sam felt worry creep up on him.
"Ow! Pippin!" Merry cursed as Pippin stepped on his foot.
"Sorry! But I can't see very well…would it have killed him to light some lamps?"
A light flared up to their left. Gandalf stood with an oil lamp in his hand.
"Much better," he stated.
"Where's Frodo?" Pippin's curious voice asked. They always seemed to express what he was thinking before he could form them into words.
"Maybe he went to bed, he did say he was tired." Merry volunteered.
Pippin nodded and began to walk down the hall. "Sounds like a plan." He muttered.
Merry turned to follow him but paused to place a friendly hand on Sam's shoulder. "Get some sleep Sam," he insisted, his face seeming serious at the moment.
Sam nodded, although his mind was elsewhere as Merry turned away from him and followed his younger cousin down the hall of Bag End.
Looking around Sam noticed that he was indeed alone, Gandalf had disappeared somewhere when he was talking with Merry. Even though it was early, sleep did sound like a good idea. But…he'd just check in on Frodo first.
There was no light coming from his study…but that didn't mean he wasn't in there. Sam paused in front of the door and knocked lightly. There was no response so opened the door and looked inside. It seemed Frodo wasn't there after all. Perhaps he had gone to bed?
Leaving the small study, Sam grabbed the lit oil lamp, and turned down the hall, towards the bedrooms. Stopping in front of Frodo's door Sam hesitantly raised a hand and knocked.
"Mr. Frodo?"
Once again, only silence answered him. Maybe he didn't want to be disturbed? Or perhaps he'd fallen asleep? In the end Sam opened the door anyway, but only a crack. It wouldn't hurt to peek in at him would it? Just to make sure…his thoughts died in his mind however as the door opened to reveal an empty room.
His brow creasing Sam stepped into the small room. "Mr. Frodo?" he called into the darkness. The bed was still made, no hobbit lay dreaming on it.
Holding the lamp up to cast a golden glow on the room, Sam's eyes traveled from one part of the room to the other. That is until Sam's eyes caught hold of what sounded like a sob from behind him.
Whipping around Sam found what he'd been searching for. But the sight made his eyes widen. Sitting on the floor, in-between the chair and wall, near the window was Frodo Baggins. His knees were pulled up to his chin, his arms wrapped tightly around them as he rocked back and forth.
Coming back to his senses, Sam fell to the ground in front of him. "Mr. Frodo!"
His mind was a whirl, what was wrong with him? "Mr. Frodo?" he tried again and reached forward, his hand brushing against the other's arm.
In an instant, Sam's hand had by seized, by Frodo, in a surprisingly crushing grip. He let out a hiss of pain, as he felt his pinky finger bend back to a position, he was sure it wasn't meant to go in.
Looking at Frodo he noticed his usual calm blue eyes were glazed over almost unnaturally, anger blazing in them. He could see the streaks, lining Frodo's face, that suggested he'd been crying.
The hand holding his own tightened, causing Sam to let out a cry of pain, he was almost certain now that his finger would be broken. Frodo seemed to show no remorse or acknowledgement of what he was doing.
"Frodo…" Sam choked out.
Just like that, the grip on his hand was released. Frodo's eyes seemed to dim for a moment before clearing again. He looked around, dazed. His blue eyes came to rest on the golden haired hobbit… "Sam…" was all he managed to get out before his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell forward into Sam's arms.
…
And that's it for this Chapter. Don't hate me too much, And sorry if it's not up to my usual standards. Stay tuned for more.
