Disclaimer : I do not own Lotr, nuff said.


Quiet Conversation

Amanda

"You should climb in bed and sleep as well as the Hobbits you look tired," scolded Aragorn.

"If only it were that easy Shaggy," I commented.

"How's your eye?" he questioned leaning forward and tilting my face up for his inspection. "My word he smacked you hard."

"He didn't smack me Aragorn he punched me." Aragorn scowled at that. "You look tired yourself Aragorn why don't you bed down for the night I'll keep watch and wake you immediately if anything happens."

"Are you sure?" asked Aragorn.

"I'm positive!" I ascertained. At my answer Aragorn left the chair and gestured for me to sit in it. He then went to his pack and produced a bedroll which he proceeded to lay out. About ten minute slater I heard Aragorn's even breathing. I assumed I was the only person awake so I serenely looked out the window content to stew in my own thoughts. Suddenly a small hand touches my own on the arm of the chair. I turn my head to see Frodo standing there.

"How lon have you been awake?" I ask sweetly.

"As long as you," was his quick response.

"You should sleep ringbearer."

"I know I should but I can't. May I sit with you?" he asked. I nod expecting him to seat himself on the floor beside me. Instead Frodo climbs up onto my lap and sits sideways as though he were a child and rests his head on my shoulder. I find it strange but I say nothing. We sit in silence for awhile until Frodo asks, "What happened to your eye?"

"It's a long story Frodo and one that you will not like," I returned.

"I have time," Frodo mumbled into my bare shoulder. "Perhaps it will ease your mind."

"You do know that Laurelin and I live with Gandalf?" Frodo nodded against my shoulder. "Laurelin's story is her own but I was found by Gandalf right here at the Prancing Pony with my drunken father who struck me in front of Gandalf, Gandalf then bought me from my father."

"I'm sorry but that doesn't explain your eye!" responded Frodo in sympathy.

"I had a run in with him tonight at the bar this black eye is a late birthday present," I said the sarcasm dripping from my voice.

"Well he can't hurt you anymore, you live with Gandalf now, my parents died when I was young," responded Frodo.

"Really, what happened?" I asked concern ridding my mind of my father.

"They went for a boat ride on the Brandywine but they never came back, so Uncle Bilbo took me in, he raised me after that," answered Frodo.

"So you don't know what became of your parents?" sorrow choked me and this question came otu on a whisper.

"No and likely I never will," he said sadly.

"You know Frodo you and I are very much alike. We're both without our biological parents and we both carry a pain that others cannot easily understand, always remember little Hobbit that you're not alone not as long as I'm alive. I understand you Frodo Baggins," I whispered to him this last. My answer was an almost imperceptible nod at my shoulder. Poor thing was nodding off. He'd been having as much trouble sleeping as I had.

"At least one of us was going to get some sleep," I thought curling my arm around his small frame. Frodo moaned in his sleep and cuddled closer to me. Gandalf had told me that I would meet Frodo some day but I had never dreamed it would be this way, in a race against time. When I had seen all of the Halflings in the Shire they all looked the same to me almost. Sam, Merry and Pippin I could now tell anywhere but Frodo especially for he the most exotic looking Hobbit in the bunch with curly black hair and blue eyes that shone like sapphires. Most other Hobbits most other Hobbits had sandy colored hair and dark coloured eyes with the exception of Pippin whose eyes were emerald green. He could easily be picked out in the Shire. He also had pale skin but it seems that all Hobbits have pale skin. Yes Frodo was definitely a beauty it was amazing to me that half the Shire, lads included didn't lust after him but I knew nothing of the sexuality of Hobbits. If not for Pippin and Merry i would almost say that Hobbits are devoid of sexuality. Also they Look to humans like children due to their size. Which would explain bigger peoples lack of seeing them as sexual creatures I continue then to keep watch outside knowing my duties, keep watch and keep everyone safe including myself.