Author's Note:
Whoa... the next chapter is up quite fast. grin all the more better for you readers out there.
Alright then, thanks to all the reviewers who reviewed so far and commented so far good stuff on the story. And thanks to the reviwer stfu n00b for the enlightenment of Mary sues. To all those who are budding LOTR fanfic writers, you must check this out.
Enough with this nonsense now, so let's get on with the story shall we? grin
CHAPTER 10 UP!
Chapter 10 – Leaving of the Shire and Goodbyes
"What do you mean? I am not staying in Bag End?" I asked in shock as Gandalf turned his gaze to the Ring at the main hall with a solemn look. His eyes flickered with some emotions that I could not tell of and managed to tear his gaze away from it back to me.
"You saw how the Ring tries to tempt me into taking it and how it does to you… you are in danger Child. This ring, I believed is the One Ruling Ring, and Bilbo had somewhat confirmed my suspicions. Bilbo nearly succumbs to its temptations, but luckily, his will was strong to resist it to the end… quite amazing for a hobbit." Gandalf smiled grimly.
"So which means…? Bilbo would have taken me with him if he failed? To Him…"
Gandalf gave a nod and hunched his back, making him look older and grimmer. I let out a shaky breath and ran my right hand through my hair.
"And I by then, would not have the powers to stop him… Frodo inherits the Ring now… perhaps he too might have Bilbo's resisting powers… but you Child, are of the race of Man, though you come from another world and time. You too have felt the pull and powers, have you not?"
I nod my head weakly and grabbed an apple from the table in front of me, biting into it to calm my racing heart down.
"Every time Bilbo touches the Ring, I always experience that nauseas sensation, but when he was far, it was weak and when he was near me, it hit me strongly," I recounted to Gandalf nervously in between bites, my eyes straying to the grim look of the old wizard and down to the table.
"When he wore the Ring just now, the effect was far greater than I imagined on me. When you nearly touched the Ring, I could hear its Voice, it is calling me to take it, and also to you too… with me along to its master…"
"I see…" Gandalf whispered as he sucked in from his pipe and puff out small rings of smoke. "You knew about the Ring… the One Ruling Ring, haven't you Jacqueline. You knew Bilbo had it……" I gave a sad smile.
"But I am glad Bilbo had given up on it. He will be happier now… without the burden of it weighing on his shoulders…"
"Indeed… but now the burden is passed onto Frodo. It's best if you follow me in my journey… for both you… and Frodo's sake… Come, pack your things and change to a more suitable attire for the journey, for I need to check on more information about the One Ring… after the last Great War," Gandalf said as he stood up from his seat and pull me into my room, making sure I avoided contact with the Ring that was sitting innocently on the floor at the Main hall.
But I could still hear its call in my mind… its call for its true master…
Gandalf instructed me on what to bring and handed me a brown sack out of nowhere from within his thick cloak.
"Gandalf, you are like Doramon," I laughed softly as I held the sack close to my chest.
"Dor…mon? What in Valar's name is that?" Gandalf questioned, his lips twitched into a small amused smirk.
"It's a… erm… a play I watch in my world, about a being… that can take out anything from its pocket. It's quite funny." I explained slowly, making sure I said in such a way Gandalf understood. Gandalf gave a hearty laugh, the first I had heard from him after the Party and patted my shoulder.
"I see… well, enough said. I shall wait in the Kitchen for Frodo. Remember take only necessary things. It will be a long journey ahead of us…" After that, he closed the door and I could hear fading footsteps down the corridor.
"To think… I will not be staying with Frodo till he has to make his trip to Rivendell…" I murmured sadly and walked to my bed and sit on it, feeling the softness for the last time. I stood up and went to the cupboard, to start filling the sack.
"Take good care of Frodo, Jacqueline. At least he will not be alone in Bag End even when I am gone…'
"If Bilbo really does leave, at least, Bag End will not be so lonely, for I have you with me…"
"I hoped you will stay with me in Bag End, till you find a way back to your world..."
Frodo… I thought sadly as I took out two plain yet comfortable dresses and started folding them. In the end… I cannot fulfill Bilbo's request in taking care of his dear nephew… Frodo had seen his uncle left, but what if he too knows that I have to leave as well? All these on his thirty third birthday…
"How nice," I said sarcastically as I dumped in the folded clothes, my shorts, my mp3, my wallet and my undergarments into the sack. I quickly changed out from my Party dress and wore on my black shirt, which was already washed and dried by me. I let out a relieved sigh as I felt the bagginess and the comfort of my old shirt before putting on a pair of brown pants that Bilbo had given to me during my stay.
Good old Bilbo… he knew me of my taste in clothes. I grinned as I stood in front of the mirror and gave a twirl. I looked at the plump girl in front of me and gave a snort of approval. "Yup! This is more like the real me!" I said aloud and gave a smile to my reflection.
It had definitely been long since I wore such dressing on Middle Earth, why that old hobbit always insisted on me wearing dresses all day round, only at sleeping times then I could enjoy such luxury of my shirt and shorts. And now, that Bilbo could no longer give me those long lady lectures I had grown fond of…
And till now, I have no dreams of my family back in my world… I wonder how they are coping with my disappearance now? And I also wonder if Betsy and Canthini… even Yi Xin knew of it. I am slowing forgetting them… forgetting my world… SHIT! Get a grip Jac! Remember, you must go back; you have to go back to your world! No matter what the course. Okay?
I let out a deep sigh and took a seat beside my study desk, opening my journal that was sitting in front of me. Stuck out with one of its corner was Frodo's portrait, which I had finished on the same day as Bilbo's. "So that's how that old wizard had gotten his hands on Bilbo's portrait," I said aloud as I traced the contours of the lines on the paper. He probably figured out I would have come and find Bilbo to hand the drawing to him before he left… a sharp wizard he was.
I flipped through the pages and let the waves of memories plummeted in my mind of my six months stay in the Shire.
Indeed, I have met many interesting people and made many wonderful friends I had never dared to ask for… Ah, I remember this sketch, Mrs Cotton doing her sewing when Frodo and I dropped by her shop for another visit…. There's Rosie serving her customers in green dragon… Frodo reading his book against a huge oak tree, and Sam, Merry and Pippin doing a tackle on each other… Bilbo drinking his afternoon tea, Gandalf smoking his pipe…
Just then, I came upon a page filled with chibi images of people I know from my world… recognizable faces with their names beside them. I grinned at my scribbles of my fun times I had with these people, and even added their interests and habits beside them.
I missed them… all of them… six months are by far the longest I have been separated from my family… Man, I broke my own record of one day!
I laughed at that thought and closed the journal, tucking it into my sack. But my heart sank again.
But… I do not know if I shall stay here for all my life now…
I reached out for my handphone on the desk, switched it on and took a picture of my room before switching it off again and tucking it safely into my pocket. I slung my bag over my right shoulder, grabbed the portrait and opened the door.
"Thank you… and goodbye." I said finally as I took one last lingering look at the room and lastly the Party dress that was laying flat on the bed. And with a deep breathe, I closed the door.
I took a peek at the main hall from the end of the corridor, to find the Ring had disappeared from its spot. My heart leapt with untold happiness. Frodo, Frodo he's back!
I grasped my sack tighter and jogged to the kitchen where Gandalf said he would be, but only to hear the anguished voice of Frodo ringing in the air.
"…Jacqueline is leaving as well!"
I halted in my steps just outside the entrance of the kitchen, only to find Frodo facing his back at me and Gandalf already up from his seat, his eyes softened at the younger hobbit.
"It's best if she follows me Frodo, for I am after all her guardian in this world, am I not, Jacqueline?" Gandalf said gently, and turned his gaze towards me solemnly, causing me to gulp. Frodo turned around abruptly and faced me, his once clear jovial blue eyes now expressive with emotions. On his hand, was an envelope, where I presumed was the temporary home of the Ring.
"It…it's true Frodo…" I confirmed, looking down to the floor, not daring to look at Frodo's saddened eyes. Frodo looked down; his ebony curly bangs covered his eyes.
"I see…," his soft alto voice floated into my ears and my heart wrenched. "But… but can't you let her stay here in the Shire? I'll take care of all her accommodations and needs, just like what Bilbo will…"
"It's for the best Frodo… for both of you. She cannot stay here in Bag End with you… for reasons I have yet to confirm of…" Gandalf interrupted, walking towards Frodo and patted his shoulder consolingly. "Take this time now, to say your goodbyes…" the wizard said finally to me before walking out of the kitchen, leaving me and Frodo alone.
I shifted uncomfortably at the choking silence. The fire lit at the fireplace in front of me was alive; bringing much light and warmth, yet to me, the room suddenly grew colder by the minute.
This is going to be harder than I thought… saying goodbye to him… I thought, rubbing my forehead to stop a headache from coming.
"Within one day…" I jerked my head up to Frodo, his head still down. "I have become an adult, the master of Bad End, inheriting Bilbo's wealth and possessions, and unable to see him off before he departed on his journey…"
My throat tightened upon hearing his sad voice. "Bilbo would rather go undiscovered… and it was expected of you… to be the master of Bag End now after he left. You should be happy for him Frodo…" I whispered, looking towards him with a sad smile.
"I… I know… you told me of this… but, I did not expect you will be leaving with Gandalf as well…" Frodo looked up towards me with sadness. I winced and looked away from his eyes.
"I too just know of this matter after I came back to Bag End… I am sorry Frodo."
"I know, for if not, you will not be dancing in the Party due to your mood on this matter," The younger hobbit gave a weak grin before coming closer to me and took my plump hands into his.
"Ah… Oh yes," I cried, hitting my head mentally and redrew my hands from Frodo's and took out his portrait that was tuck between my left arm. "Happy Birthday Frodo Baggins, this is my gift to you," I grinned as I handed him the drawing.
He looked at the drawing and gave a beautiful sad smile. "It's beautiful Jacqueline, but alas, this birthday does not seem to be a happy one to me."
I gave a light punch to Frodo against the head, causing him to look at me in confusion. I bent down slightly and pulled him into a hug, my head resting against his shoulder. My eyes burned from holding back my tears, as I tightened the hug.
"Frodo Baggins… why are you sad for? You should be happy, for there will be no large monster like me to nag at you anymore… I should be the one who is sad," I choked, as I felt Frodo encircling his arms around me, pulling me closer.
"It's too much for me Jacqueline… too much… first Bilbo now you! I… I will be alone here in Bag End… all alone…It will not be the same without you two around…" Frodo whispered, burying his head against my shoulder. I pulled away from his warmth and gave a teary smile.
"I know… but in the Shire, you still have Merry and Pippin, and your ever loyal Sam sticking beside you Frodo, you are never alone. And I will always be here, beside you, in memory and in spirit my friend. Though I will be gone with Gandalf for who knows how long, our paths will cross again, that I assure you…" I said firmly, my black eyes never leaving his blue ones. Frodo kept silent and we remained locked in our gaze.
"What does your knowledge say Jacqueline?" he whispered. I paused and pondered for a while.
"It says, we will definitely meet again. But don't you tell that old wizard of this, he will turn me into a frog if he knew of this," I winked, causing Frodo to chuckle and bore a small knowing smile.
I stood up straight, feeling immensely pleased to see Frodo looking happier. Frodo suddenly ruffled my short hair and I pouted at his action. "You know, the way you dressed reminded me of the time we first met. Looking as boyish as ever… Bilbo will not be pleased if he sees you like this," he teased. I laughed, not defending myself, enjoying his ministrations for the last time.
"Tell Merry, Pippin and Sam… I am sorry for suddenly leaving like this."
"… I will… and you will be greatly missed Jacqueline, especially by my two mischievous cousins. Don't you think I do not know who pull you into that scheme of pushing Bilbo's and my head into the cake, I have yet to settle my score on you three."
"Then I will be waiting for it," I grinned and silence overcame the two of us as our gaze lingered at each other.
"So…" I smiled weakly, taking Frodo's hand to mine, "it's time I should go. Better not leave Gandalf waiting…"
Frodo returned the smile sadly and together we both went outside Bag End hand in hand.
"So you two have said your goodbyes? Which I say was quite long…" Gandalf looked at us in mild amusement as we dragged our feet towards him at the gate. I gave an apologetic look whereas Frodo looked at him with a strained smile.
"Come Jacqueline, you shall ride with me on my horse. He should be able to support both our weights and ride reasonably fast to our destination," the wizard said and gave a short, yet loud whistle. Just then, I heard a horse neighing from a distance and within a few minutes, a brown healthy looking horse, which I recognised was the one that pulled the wagon, galloped up the path and halted in front of Gandalf.
I gulped at the sight of the rather big and tall horse in front of me and tightened my hold on Frodo's hand.
"It frightens me too… but thank the valar, it is tamed," I heard the hobbit whispered, squeezing my hand in assurance, though I could feel him shaking slightly from the intimidating height of the horse.
"Yeah… luckily… but the problem is, how am I going to climb on to that horse with my size?" I groaned aloud, and Frodo gave a small chuckle as he looked at me up and down.
"That is one big problem," he agreed and turned to Gandalf who looked at me and waved his hand dismissively.
"It's not a problem young Frodo. All you need to do is to lift her up," the wizard announced and motioned me to stand beside him. I let go of Frodo's warm hand reluctantly and stood beside the wizard, realizing the horse just reached above my shoulders.
Oh God Oh God Oh God Oh God Oh God… my mind chanted as I saw Gandalf linked his two hands together and bent his body down, such that his clasped hands nearly reached the ground.
"Come Jacqueline, do not be afraid. You shall step on my hands and I will lift you up on to his back," Gandalf instructed, looking towards me expectantly. I swallowed my saliva, feeling my heart racing again.
Okay Jac, just do what he say. Step, and up. Step and up… Step and… fall to the other side of the path… ARGH! Just get it over with!
With a deep breathe and clutching my sack tighter, I stepped onto Gandalf's hands and I pulled myself over the horse's body with his lifting.
"Oof!" I groaned again as I somewhat managed to land on the horse's body with a thud. The horse neighed in surprise at the sudden huge increase of weight on its back and tried to shake me off, but luckily, Gandalf stopped it before I was thrown off.
"It seems you really need to lose some weight Child," Gandalf grinned at me and I snorted. "Well sorry for being this fat. I like it like this, thank you very much." The wizard laughed and pulled himself up the horse, sitting behind me close. His wrinkled hands took the reins as he adjusted himself slightly on the back. I turned to look down at Frodo, who looked at the both of us with a sad smile.
"I guess this is goodbye then Gandalf, Jacqueline…" the hobbit said as he moved back slightly from the horse. Gandalf gave a small knowing nod.
"Remember Frodo, keep it safe. Keep it secret…" the wizard said solemnly.
"I will Gandalf," Frodo nodded and clutched the portrait close to his chest. "Have a safe journey, both of you… I shall return to the Party to see off the guests… after all I am now the master of Bad End…"
"It's expected of you to do so Frodo," Gandalf said in approval as I gave the hobbit a weak grin. "Don't punish Merry and Pippin too hard on the cake prank after that," I winked and Frodo gave a lilting laugh, which somewhat lightened my sinking heart of our seperation. Just then, an idea struck my mind.
"Gandalf! Wait for a moment!" I said abruptly and rummaged through my sack for my journal, while Gandalf looked at me in slight confusion.
"Did you forget something Child?"
I gotten hold of my journal and pulled it out. "Ah! Got it! Wait for a while…"
I flipped through the pages and scanned them. There it is, I thought happily and tore the page out.
"I am giving this to you Frodo," I said solemnly and handed the page to the hobbit, who took it with much confusion and curiosity. Frodo's blue eyes scanned the page and widened.
"Jacqueline, this is…"
"Take this as a parting gift from me. At least with this, you will not forget me… or the friendship we had for each other in the Shire," I explained, blushing slightly as I held my sack tightly in front of me, waiting for Frodo's reaction.
Frodo did not say anything and continued to stare at the picture. Then he raised his head to me and gave by far, the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. "Thank you… I will keep this as part of my precious keepsake."
I blushed at his smile and nodded mutely, while Gandalf, who was silent throughout, gave a small laugh. "I believe we better leave, while we are still under the cover of the dark," he said finally and with a jerk on the reins, the horse neighed and began to turn around, facing the path downhill. After which, it began to gallop downhill along the path in a reasonable pace.
"We will meet again Frodo! I would not forget all of you hobbits!" I cried as I turned back to see Frodo standing at the top of the path, his clear blue eyes filled with remorse. He gave a weak smile and nodded. After a turn, he was gone from my vision.
I turned back to the front and shifted my body to a more comfortable position as Gandalf held his reins securely.
"Who knows? Perhaps you will see him again Child," Gandalf said softly. I smiled sadly. "If the God above permits my friend, if your God above permits… but now, where are we going Gandalf?"
"To Minas Tirith Jacqueline, the City of Kings."
And with that, he gave the reins a big wave and the horse increased its pace, out of the Shire and to the destination.