(A/N - Howdy guys! Just got back from Movie Night at Youth Group, and I am updating! Sorry to say LotR was not ourr movie choice of the evening (National Treasure was, but that's okay cause I like that movie, too, lol), but I plan on watching TTT Extended Edition this weekend while I write some notes for the story. I've got some, but I'm hoping to go into more detail soon. Anyhoo, I've updated for you! And the only reason Big Ben wasn't up to par Monday Night is because he had the flu with a 104 fever and kept getting hit on his surgical scar! How rude! Okay... read...)
. Reviewers .
x) Dragon-Slayer-of-the-4th-Realm - Everybody loves the top! LoL.. Trust me; I have just as much fun writing the top as you do reading it. Nice little difference from other stories, huh? It's sort of like flashbacks, but not... Anyhoo, thanks for the great review! And you weren't late at all, LoL. I'm busy myself! Thanks and enjoy!
x) SpiritGirl of japan - Yay! Newbie reviewer! LoL... I'm so glad you like the story, and I can't wait for you to keep reading! Thanks for your review, and I hope you enjoy this new chapter!
x) ArwenEvenstar83 - I feel so loved when I see your reviews, lol. They are so inspiring. I can't wait until you review this chapter, because things get fun! Have a good time reading, and thanks for reviewing!
x) Independentskater - I have perfected the art of blending in only two parts of my life - singing and writing, lol. I take extra care when it comes to putting Angie in there with dialogue, and I'm glad it suits you! And yes, that is the purpose of the flashbacks - to see their past and relationship grow. So glad you liked it, now let's see about this one! Thanks!
x) bdrake07 - Seven is such a great number! I like 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 62, lol. But I SUCK at math. Math is not my forte. Judging by the terminology, I am a music person, lol. Chorus since 5th grade, and I'm a first year band geek senior, lol. So glad you like the story more now, and I hope you enjoy! Thanks!
x) jenny DEAREST - Another person who just can't help but love my blending skills, lol. YES! I can only blend in writing and singing (I'm not a soloist type of person - I prefer the group), but I am very careful about my placement when I add Angie into movie or book scenes I'm recreating. I'm glad I'm doing an okay job of it! And yes, the romance factor shall build; that is what I'm aiming for! Thanks for the review, and enjoy!
x) jennaalissa - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Yes! LoL... I haven't watched that since I the night I wrote that one-shot before school... Oh well. Like I have time for myself anymore! Haha... Always happy to hear the love for the flashback storyline! Thank you so much! Enjoy the chapter! Bwaha!
x) Elwing-Evenstar - Okay, technically you are the first to say this chapter that you love my awesome blending powers, but when I return my reviews I go backwards, lol. But thank you all the same! Enjoy this chapter, too! Let me know what you think!
.. I feel totally awesome with my blending skills and flashback fill-ins, lol. Thanks, guys! ..
- Dis/Claimer -
. Chapter Ten .
.. The Inn ..
Frodo felt a large swarm of butterflies fill his stomach as they entered Buckland. One unforgettable, life changing, and devastating memory had ruined so many pleasant ones in his childhood. He held his head low thinking of the day his parents had drowned. He doubted anything could feel more horrible than the empty feeling inside of him where his parents once filled that space with all their love, care, and devotion.
Sitting next to Frodo was Merry. He felt the tension rise in the carriage as Frodo issued a long silence with a glum expression on his face. He looked towards Pippin who then noticed Frodo's sudden change of mood. Then they turned to Angie, but she was sleeping against Pippin's shoulder, compelling them both to give a smile as they rolled up the road to Brandy Hall.
x x x
"Angie? Ang..."
Angie's eyes flickered open as Pippin shook her awake lightly.
"What?" she asked quietly.
"We're here," he said with a smile. "Welcome to Brandy Hall, part of beautiful Buckland in which you will be staying all expenses paid free for one year in the company of your best friends!"
Angie giggled as she sat up off of his shoulder. It was just she and Pippin in the carriage now; Frodo and Merry were already inside with Esmerelda finding their rooms.
"We're here? Already?"
"Well, you've slept all day, and the sun is setting now... you're things are already being taken to a room Merry's mum has picked out for you. She's got you in the room next to me and Merry, and then Frodo's is across the hallway from us. So it's a nice little arrangement."
"Wow, I've slept a while then, huh?" she laughed as Pippin nodded. "Well, let's go get settled in! I can't wait to see this place. Mum is probably screaming her lungs out and getting her beating stick out to hunt me down... Oh, that is so wonderful! And if she does find out all about this, I will love to see how she'll try to contain me when I go back from being with you all. Well, maybe she won't even let me back in, but that's okay. There's a whole world out there that could take me in. Doesn't bother me any."
"Or, she'll just whip you," Pippin pointed out as they left the carriage.
"That, too," Angie grinned. "But I'm too fast for her. She would never be able to catch me! Besides, I'll just take up residence in the Fortress. She'd never find me there. Promise as she does to come out and bring me back inside, I could stand on the road in front of our hole and she wouldn't take one step off of that cobblestone path leading up to our door."
Pippin only laughed as they entered Brandy Hall. Angie suddenly gasped and stopped as she looked around.
"This is... so... amazing," she said dreamily.
"Well, it's not much, but it is nice, isn't it?" Pippin asked, as Frodo and Merry appeared from around the nearby corner with smiles, glad to see that they were finally out and about.
"Nice? It's gorgeous!" Angie said excitedly. "Frodo! Merry! This is so wonderful! I'm here! Oh, it feels so nice to do things like this behind my mother's back."
"Yes, well, know that we envy you in the fullest," Merry said. "Mum's got you a grand ol' room, she has. Biggest one of the three. Typical of her. Me and Pip got the smallest one."
"Oh, stop grumping," Angie said. "Your mother is very gifted with her hospitality. She gives the guests equal comforts, and knows it's polite to let ladies go first, be pampered, and more. You catch my drift."
"But you hate being treated like a lady!" Pippin said.
"Yeah, and who ever said she was giving you equal shares in the comforts?" Merry asked. "It's like you and Frodo show up and suddenly we're sleeping on splintered floors eating week-old meals!"
"Well, if that's a problem, we'll leave," Frodo taunted.
"No, no, please stay, dear Frodo," Merry said. "We have our comforts, and you have more."
"So if you'll excuse us, we'll just be on our way to... unload what's left of our... dignity," Pippin said quietly as he and Merry turned to go down the hallway their rooms were in.
Frodo and Angie smiled at each other.
"It's not going to work, Pip!" Angie shouted, running down the hallway after them and jumping on Merry's back. He spun around with her on his back and an evil grin mustered on his face, making her very dizzy until they both toppled over in the middle of the hallway in laughter.
x x x
Angie hadn't unpacked that much when the clock chimed softly twelve times, signaling midnight's arrival. She smiled happily as she left her bag next to the wardrobe and climbed under the covers of her new replacement bed. I would take some getting used to with its newness, but she would have it broke in before a week had passed.
She blew out the candle on her nightstand and buried herself deep into the covers. She fell into a peaceful sleep, floating in dreams as she never did before since all was quiet and no conflicts troubled her mind of her mother. Just her friends, a new place to explore, and freedom of the life that had held her down back home.
Outside in the hall, Pippin, Merry, and Frodo were warily easing Angie's bedroom door open so that each of them could get a good look inside.
"Is she asleep?" Merry asked in whisper.
"I don't care if she is or not, I'm not doing it," Frodo whispered firmly. "I don't want to, and she'll only be furious when it's all said and done."
"I know; isn't it great?" Merry asked, smiling in at Angie.
"You love to push her buttons, don't you?" asked Frodo.
"Yep!" Pippin answered.
"Sure do!" Merry said.
"Then you can do it. I'm not."
"But you have to," Pippin said, turning to him. "You cannot back out."
"Oh really? Watch me," Frodo said.
He went to walk away back into his own room, but Pippin and Merry had other plans. They each grabbed an arm of Frodo's and pulled him backwards so hard that he went stumbling through the door and slammed into Angie's bed. He slumped to the ground and rolled under the bed as she stirred.
Merry and Pippin giggled furiously as Angie turned on her other side not facing the door now. They saw Frodo throwing them an angry glare from under the bed, but they didn't care. They only giggled more as he stood up cautiously on the other side of her bed.
Frodo felt guilty as he watched sweet little Angie sleeping there while he knew he was going to be killed after doing this by her, even if he did shout his lungs out the Merry and Pippin made him do it. He rolled his eyes, making his decision.
"Forgive me, Angie," he said, pulling a small bottle out of his vest. "Please hurt them for this, not me. I was the victim here, not you."
He took the tiny cork off of the little bottle. The liquid inside was as red as the ripe tomatoes fresh from the vine, but Frodo would have nothing to do with it. He slowly parted her lips with his index finger taking extra care not to make her stir or wake until the contents of the vial were in her mouth. It'll wake her up. Then as she coughs and sputters, Frodo could attempt a getaway back to his room into his bed, pretending he had nothing to do with this after he knocked out Merry and Pippin, left them in the hall, and put the small bottle in one of their hands.
Ha. Genius.
He made a face and looked away as he placed the vial next to her mouth. With one eye open, he hesitated a moment. It had to be fast, and it had to be clean. He looked at the door, no longer able to see Merry and Pippin's silhouettes standing there sniggering. Good. That would mean he would have a clear path to dart for his room.
Holding his breath and closing his eyes tight, Frodo tilted the bottle quickly until he jumped from Angie's sudden jolt. She started screaming, and Frodo dropped the vial and fell to the floor, rolling under the bed again. She was sitting up now clutching her throat tightly as she coughed and choked. Frodo tried to make a break for the door, but it suddenly slammed in his face. He heard Merry and Pippin laughing now, and once he turned around, he saw Angie cast her blankets off of her as she got out of the bed.
Oh no.
"Merry and Pippin! I swear to-!"
"STOP! It's me!" Frodo shouted shielding his head from her raised hand. "But they put me up to this! I swear I had nothing to do with it! It was them! All them!"
Angie lowered her hand somewhat as she squinted in the dark. What that Frodo standing in front of her? He put that foul tasting stuff in her mouth? But then again, that was so out of Frodo's character; it had to be the dirty work of Merry and Pippin.
Why wasn't she surprised?
"It's all right, Frodo," she said. "It's not your fault. They put you up to this?"
"Yes. It was a game. I had to do what they told me to," he replied.
"Oh really?" Angie asked, scheming. "Well, guess what, Frodo?"
"What?"
"It's our turn."
.. x x x ..
Frodo now not only felt the eyes of Merry stabbing him with suspicion and query, but also the eyes of Pippin. They didn't know the whole story, and they couldn't. Not yet.
"I have to leave the Shire," Frodo said quietly. "Sam, Angie, and I must go to Bree to meet Gandalf. I've explained this, and that is about enough questioning for one day. I just need to get there."
Merry, though not too happy that his questions would not be answered until later, offered help to them. "Right then," he said, thinking quickly. "Bucklebury Ferry. Follow me."
With silent gratitude towards him, Frodo followed obediently as did the others. They crept out onto the road again and swiftly made their way towards the Brandywine River, but out of nowhere, one of the Black Riders split Frodo from the rest of them.
Angie screamed as Pippin grabbed her arm and pulled her with him, Merry, and Sam. Her heart pounded as the horse turned to follow Frodo who was running, terrified beyond his wits, and it scared her even more to see the fear plain as day on his face as he ran.
"Angie! Over the fence!" Pippin shouted at her. Before she was aware of what was going on, Pippin had pushed her over, but she stumbled, and Merry caught her, keeping his feet going the whole time. She regained her footing just in time to see the river in front of her. They jumped onto a small wooden platform as the screaming for Frodo persisted while Merry and Sam began untying the rope for the post, and she helped Pippin push off from the land. The shouts grew more and more, and Angie even found herself yelling.
"Jump Frodo!"
"Go faster! Jump!"
"Come on, Frodo!"
It was as if a large black cloud were billowing dangerously behind him at his heels, calling for him to slow down and let it devour him whole. Frodo didn't look back, but instead saw his friends' outstretched arms reaching for him on the platform, calling for him as well. Deep in his mind he knew the leap was too great, but he found in his legs enough strength for the flight over the watery gap and onto the platform. He mowed over Angie and Sam, amazed at himself for making it.
The Black Rider reared its ugly head in frustration and took off back down the path, two more following it. Ambushed, they were. Now they constantly had these things to worry about. But that was the least of their troubles now.
"How far to the nearest crossing?" Frodo said with choppy breath.
"Brandywine Bridge," Merry said. "Twenty miles."
x x x
Angie couldn't help but to keep looking over her shoulder every few seconds after their even closer encounter with those Black Riders. There was more than one obviously, resulting in her constant insecurity. It did not seem as though it mattered if they had left the Shire or not anymore; the Riders were lurking somewhere - anywhere - just to get their hands on the Ring. Her heart was weighing heavy with all her worry, but she hid her concerns until they could be voiced openly with Gandalf for Merry and Pippin's sake, seeing as they lacked the knowledge of their journey.
She kept racking at herself silently as they walked through a small of woods, but then ran into the back of Sam suddenly, discontinuing her inner battle as he turned around to make sure she was all right without word.
"Sorry," she said in muffled whisper as he turned back around.
She looked up as Frodo faced them, breathing hard after their short run. The tall, dark walls of Bree stood high in front of them, looming like a great dark shadow. But within them, they would find the Prancing Pony, and within it, Gandalf awaiting their prompt arrival, an arousing tale over a drink or two, and the Ring. Also the thought of a good night's rest struck them pleasantly. But until they were safely at Gandalf's side, guards would not be let down, not even for a split second.
"Come on," Frodo said, now gathering his courage to step out from the shelter of the trees.
The five of them scurried quickly up to the gate, rain soaking their cloaks and mud splashing them with every step taken. Frodo gave a loud hammering on the gate, and a small window above them opened. Then it closed, and a similar window opened at their eye level with a ghastly Big Person squinting through to get a better look at them.
"What do you want?" the gatekeeper snapped.
Swallowing, Frodo spoke loudly, clearly, and forcefully, trying to get across to the gatekeeper and his friends (and himself) that he meant to get inside not matter what. He did what he thought best, seeing as he had never really done this before.
"We're heading for the Prancing Pony," Frodo said to the eerie man.
"Hobbits? Five hobbits! What business brings yeh to Bree?" he asked, opening the gate and setting a dim lantern upon them.
"We wish to stay at the inn," Frodo said, keeping his firm tone. "Our business is our own."
"Alright young sir, I meant no offense!" the gatekeeper said, opening the gate a little wider now so that they could enter. "Tis my job to ask question after nightfall. There's talk of strange folk abroad. Can't be too careful..."
Wholeheartedly the hobbits agreed, though in silence. They spoke not a word as their eyes scanned their new surroundings, taking in the cobblestone street, large buildings, and strangers in dark cloaks hurrying along in the pouring rain.
Frodo continued leading them in a direction he would hope to lead them somewhere near the Prancing Pony. Merry and Pippin were looking forward to having a few well-deserved drinks and rounds of song after such a tiring day. Even just the drinks would do. Sam and Angie were both astonished and curious with the place. Angie, more than Sam however, was sort of enjoying herself. It was no cooped-up hobbit hole occupied by her bombastic mother, that was for sure. Though the queerness of the place brought her spirits down some, it didn't have her mother there. Cheers for that!
The people in the streets definitely could've been more polite to the hobbits' liking, but that was least on his mind when Frodo caught sight of the old Prancing Pony sign swinging in the fierce some sheets of rain above the nearby door.
"This way," he said to the others, pointing up at the sign.
They stepped inside the warm, bustling room of the tavern. Men seemed to be the main patrons of the Pony, but if Gandalf, a wizard of some sort of high order, was to meet hobbits here, then surely the innkeeper would know. Again, never having the experience or the awkwardness upon him like this, Frodo tried to get the buffer's attention, but this time with a less hardened tone of voice.
"Excuse me?" he asked, looking up at the bar. Almost immediately, a large bristly man looked over the bar a smiled at them.
"Good evening, little masters!" he said, greeting them. "If you're looking for accommodation, we've got some nice, cozy, hobbit-sized rooms available, Mr. uh..."
Frodo paused, stopping his mouth from going against Gandalf's words: Don't let the name Baggins be mentioned. Use the name Underhill. Underhill. Maybe if he thought it and said it enough, it would stick.
"Underhill," he said, casually as he could. "My name's Underhill."
"Underhill," the man repeated slowly. "Yes..."
Frodo moved on, feeling the suspicions of the innkeeper as his eyes scanned the lot of them.
"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?" he asked.
"Gandalf? Gandalf... Oh yes! I remember..." Butterbur said. "Elderly chap, big gray beard, pointy hat..."
Frodo and the others smiled. Doubt had stuck them when the man questioned Gandalf's name, but as quickly as their relief had come, it was gone with the news that he hadn't seen Gandalf in six months.
A flash of worry and concern spread unto each of their faces as Frodo turned back to Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Angie.
"What do we do now?" Sam asked.
They all looked to Frodo who only replied "I dunno" softly before turning to face Mr. Butterbur again. He looked at them expectantly.
"Give us one of your rooms for five, please," Frodo said. "Just for the night." Butterbur nodded, checking for a room. Frodo continued. "And if Gandalf would happen to arrive tonight, sir, could you have him come and see us?"
"I'll do that," he replied kindly. "Now, here's your room," - he handed Frodo a small slip of parchment with a number scribbled on it - "and enjoy your stay tonight."
"Thank you," Frodo said with a nod. "Come on," he said heavily, motioning, Sam, Angie, Merry, and Pippin along to find their room.
"But-"
"We'll be back," Angie said, pulling Pippin along next to her by the shirt, rolling her eyes. "Gandalf is sort of missing, and that's sort of bad, if you haven't caught on by now."
"I never said it wasn't important!" he retorted. "I'm just thirsty!"
"You are so ill-conceived..."
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