Chapter 9

The next day both were awake at the same time and eating breakfast at the table. The wind had died down a great deal and it was much quieter today. Although the two did not talk much the atmosphere was still relaxing and not awkward. Then Hanna broke the silence.

"Did you sleep better last night Frodo?"

"Hm? Oh yes I did thank you." He shivered thinking back on that awful nightmare.

"Frodo, I noticed you have a piano, can you play well?"

"I can play but I wouldn't say very well." He chuckled.

"Could you maybe teach me please? My mother used to play but she never got a chance to teach me..." She trailed off staring out of the window.

Frodo was taken aback by Hanna's mentioning of her parents. "She looks so sad." He thought. "Of course I'll teach you Hanna." Her eyes lit up then.

They spent the rest of the week in a happy blur of piano playing, walks in town, reading to each other and generally talking. During that week Frodo learnt a lot more about Hanna's personality and all of her little quirks like zoning out of a conversation and daydreaming and how she would spend hours just sitting in the garden looking out on the Shire.

Before they knew it, it was market day again and Rosy had taken Hanna shopping. Frodo watched as the two happily went to go spend Frodo's money.

When Hanna came home that evening she was wearing a pretty pink dress and her hair was loosely tied back with a light pink ribbon. Frodo looked at her and smiled warmly and approvingly.

"You look lovely Hanna, really pretty." They both blushed as soon as he had said this. The silence was awkward and both shuffled from foot to foot not looking at each other. Frodo made a movement towards her and Hanna followed his lead as they both looked into each other's eyes a loud knocking hit the door. "Who could that be?" He said annoyed. As he opened the door Pippin pushed past and happily skipped into the warm hall.

"Hello Frodo, I just thought I'd come by and visit, we're out of food anyway." He sighed sadly then he noticed Hanna standing to one side, he'd clearly interrupted something. "Oh I'm so sorry Frodo, I didn't realise you had company, I'll just eat in the kitchen and keep out the way." Pippin ran into the kitchen before Frodo could stop him. Frodo rolled his eyes and muttered something incoherent.

"I'm sorry Hanna I'll try and get rid of him." He rushed after Pippin and tried to think of an excuse to get Pippin to leave. Hanna was left naively wondering why Frodo was in such a rush to get some private time with her. After a moment of dithering she decided to follow Frodo into the kitchen.

"Pippin I don't believe you've met my friend Hanna. She's from Bree and is going to live with me for a while." He looked up and waved cheerily before tucking into his slice of cake. "Actually it's getting quite dark out and Hanna has been shopping all day, I'm sure she wants some peace and quiet to relax now."

"Ok, I'll be quiet." He said still eating.

"Err no Pippin; actually I want you to leave please. I'm really busy at the moment anyway." Frodo hinted.

"Oh, ok then, I guess I could come tomorrow and get some more cake then..." He was looking awkward as he was gently ushered out of the house.

Frodo sighed. "Was that really harsh of me?" He asked Hanna.

"No." She said simply. She laughed shyly and stood there staring at Frodo. He returned the gaze. He broke the gaze first and chuckled nervously whilst rubbing the back of his neck. He felt the blood beating in his neck and he wanted to rid the feeling. "Wo- would you like me to make dinner tonight?" She asked in an attempt to rid the tense atmosphere.

"You don't have to Hanna. I will."

"No Frodo it's no bother, There's still some chicken left over, I can make a stew for us both." She smiled pleasantly.

"That sounds wonderful Hanna, thank you. I think I'll retire to the study for a while." With that she scurried to the kitchen. Frodo moved to seek refuge within his study. He slumped down in his worn red leather arm chair and let out a small sigh. He looked over at the furthest bookshelf and saw a small tube wrapped up and tucked between two thick books. He walked towards it curiously and tugged at the tube. The heavy book shifted at this and the tube came loose. He took it to his desk and sat down. After lighting the candle he looked down at the tube and unravelled it. Upon inspection he discovered that it was a map of the route to Rivendell. He smiled nostalgically as his finger traced the route. His finger stopped abruptly at Weathertop and his smile faded. He felt for the wound and discovered it had gone. He was so used to it being there that he had forgotten that all cuts and wounds were removed as he entered the undying realm. It was a shame the nightmares weren't so easily removed.