Title: Hungry
Author: Frodo Baggins of Bag End (FrodoAtBagEnd/Febobe)

E-mail: febobe at yahoo dot com

Characters: Frodo, Sam, Aragorn. (Others to appear later.)
Rating: PG. This story falls within the guidelines of the FrodoHealers group in both letter and spirit, free from profanity or sexual content.

Feedback: Welcomed. Constructive only, please. . .no flaming.

Summary: After their rescue, Aragorn wants Frodo and Sam to only gradually return to eating solid food - but the appetites of hobbits will not be denied.

Story Notes/Announcements: A baby plot bunny from Shirebound's hutch, its tiny nose still wet, fed on lots of carrots and lettuces and love.

A special note for those concerned: it has been -weeks- since Frodo and Sam were rescued. That's why our little hobbit heroes are getting so tired of their liquid diet:)

For permission to reproduce any part of this fanfic, please contact febobe at yahoo dot com.

DISCLAIMER: The characters, places, and story of The Lord of the Rings are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien and consequently of the Tolkien Estate, with select rights by Tolkien Enterprises. This piece appears purely as fanfiction and is not intended to claim ownership of Tolkien's work in any way. Please e-mail me if you have concerns. Original characters presented are my own work; please do not use my creations in your work. Please respect my original contributions. Furthermore, please do NOT consider any treatments or remedies within this story safe or effective for use: these are included as fictitious hobbit care, not real human medical practice, and while some can indeed be traced to actual therapeutic practices, could be dangerous. Please consult your health care professional before treating yourself or others for any condition or symptom.

HUNGRY

Part V: Frodo

I had reached the Uttermost West.

No matter what anyone might say, surely I had. . .for at last I had relief from the torments of starvation imposed upon me by Aragorn these many days. And sweet relief it was, to be sure: Lady Eowyn had given us bread and honey, ginger cookies, and bits of plain roast chicken - the meat only, none of the spicy outside, but still! And better still, she had very much her own ideas to discuss with me. . . .

Four taps sounded at the door in a distinct rat tat-a-tat pattern, sending Sam in haste to open it for the indicated arrival: Faramir, accompanied by Eowyn herself, both of them carrying trays. At once Faramir began arranging Sam's upon a small table within easy sight of the bed, though not so close that dear Sam might feel compelled to try and help rather than eat, for which I offered a grateful smile: we both needed to eat and rest now, and I had the help I needed. . . .

"There now, Frodo. . .let us see if this suits."

I smiled for Lady Eowyn as she set the tray upon my bed and helped me sit up, propping me carefully with firm pillows behind softer ones. "I'm sure it will! Luncheon was wonderful - thank you for rescuing us. But however did you get the trays?"

She arched a mischievous eyebrow. "Faramir is much beloved in Minas Tirith. And we have an ally whom you may soon meet. But fear not, my friend! The king will have much to do before he takes away your afternoon tea. . .if he cares to challenge me with sword, then we shall fight. But until such a fight is decided, your tea shall remain."

I felt uncertain whether to reply with a laugh or a nervous gulp. Given this, I opted for the nervous gulp and a half-smile.

"But now - see what I have for you!"

And she lifted the cover of the tray to reveal a host of delicacies, all in quite small proportions: tea, ginger tea, honey, milk, apple snow, an exquisite miniature berry terrine, an arrangement of tea-sandwiches with plain but wholesome fillings such as jam or very plain roast chicken, a cupful of chicken broth, some plain sweet biscuits, gingerbread biscuits, brandy snaps, warm bread and honey, peppermint custard, a tiny apple cheesecake, and blackberry jelly molded into the shape of the White Tower itself.

"Do you think there is anything there you can eat? I'd have brought cheese toasts or strawberry jam or some fruit, but I think we had better be careful. I brought this because I know you will go slowly, as you promised me." She gave me a smile and a look, and I nodded - still blinking, for the contents of the tray left me in astonished delight.

"Yes, please - if you could pass just one of those lovely sandwiches - banana, is it, you call that? banana and honey? - I'll try that with a bit of ginger tea, and then some of that apple snow. . . ."

It should go without saying that tea took some time. I had finished the apple snow, a few of the sandwiches, some sips of broth, two bites of apple cheesecake, some biscuits, a few tastes of both jellies, and the beginning of the peppermint custard when a sound came that nearly knotted my stomach.

Footsteps.

-to be continued-