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REPOST Disclaimers: All characters, places and events are the sole property of the Tolkien Estate. I receive no money for this piece of fiction, only the satisfaction of writing about the land and peoples that he so beautifully depicted. Smoke and Mirrors Chapter 36
"Fro'oh, you all right?" Merry asked thickly as he peeked over the edge of the bed. "Fine. I'm fine, Mer'", Frodo whispered more to himself than anyone else in the room. "What do you mean getting him all drunk and out of sorts...have you lost your mind?" Frodo recognized Sam's plaintive voice. "Sam...Ssam no' so loud, my frien'" moaned Frodo. "Here Frodo, drink this." A cup was pressed to his lips and he swallowed. "Ohhhh....thas awful," he said turning his head away at the foul taste. "Uggh. Whawastha?" he asked. Aragorn smiled, "The cure for what ails you, young hobbit”, he said. "Iss the worss one yet, Ar'gorn. Rathhrr be drun’," he slurred. "You say that now but in a few hours you are going to feel quite unsettled and ill, best to take it now, Frodo." Aragorn held the Ringbearer close to his chest and tried again to bring the cup up, but Frodo was having none of it and pushed the cup away. "No," he said thickly. "’eavemealone." "Perhaps I could assist you, my King." Frodo gulped. It was the Lady Arwen and he simply could not refuse the great lady, manners would not permit it. "Pleass, no, I donn wan’..."she brought the cup to his lips and tipped his head back forcing the liquid down his throat. She blew a soft, fragrant exhalation into his face and he swallowed, wondering at the feelings of security that washed over him. His stubbornness returned and he struggled to get away but she held him in a surprisingly strong grasp. Finally he gasped and coughed when at last he could breath. "There, there Frodo. It will relieve you of any discomfort and you will sleep like a baby," she murmured. "Noddababy....donn wanna slee’..." Frodo moaned. Unfortunately, it was too late and he felt his eyes drifting shut as strong arms carried him to a soft bed and covered with thick blankets.
"Master Brandybuck! What do you mean getting Frodo so drunk! Don't you remember he hit his head this morning? He shouldn't have had anything to drink with a possible head injury." Aragorn, incensed, was pacing angrily back and forth in front of Frodo's bed. "'mmm sorry Ar'gorn. Fragoh ‘bout dat. Fro'oh needed a lillle somethin' to tae the edch off affer he tol' me his nighmare," Merry's face crumpled. "He'll be alwigh’ wonnhe?" he asked. The King suddenly felt very bad for yelling at Merry who had done a great thing getting Frodo to talk. "Did he tell you his dreams, Merry?" he asked sitting Merry beside him on the bed. "Therre so horribll, Ar'gorn. I only hope in ‘ime, dey will become lessso for hissake," Merry then went into detail about Frodo's nightmares. "We shoul’ s’ay with ‘im case dey come back," Merry said worriedly. "To calm ‘im." Aragorn smiled and wrapped an arm around the hobbit. "You're a good lad, Merry. Frodo is lucky to have all of you by his side." Merry grinned up at the King. "ThangsAr'gorn. I love Fro'oh somush. I donn wan’im to suffer an’more," he slurred. "We'll all stay with him, Mr. Merry. Safety in numbers," said Sam. They all made themselves comfortable around Frodo's bed. Sam and Merry curled up next to Frodo and soon they were snoring gently. Frodo began to toss and turn lightly as darkness moved into his mind and sought to chase away the peacefulness of a few hours ago.
"I would not wish you to be here, Milady. I would nod wish you to see this torture," he cried, to the dream Arwen. "I am here for you, Frodo. We all are," Arwen said. She began to shimmer with a golden light that seemed to emanate from her very soul. Suddenly, Frodo was surrounded by Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Boromir, Faramir, Legolas, Gimli, Saleth and Aragorn. All wore shining armor and held great swords out in front of them. The orcs cringed back at the sight of such a foe. "I told you we would be there for you, Frodo," said Merry. "They'll not get a lick in this time, Mr. Frodo. They'll have to go through your Sam first," said Sam as he lunged. "Be gone, you have no power here!” yelled Gandalf as he sprang forward into the fray. "Indeed, Frodo Baggins, it would be my honor to fight by your side," said Boromir. Frodo began to weep at this. Faramir jumped in beside Boromir and together, they created a clean swatch where once there had stood towering orcs. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli swept through, pulling Frodo to safety, they smiled as they charged into the thick of the battle. Arwen too was doing quite well with her sword. She cleanly beheaded an orc and then breezed by Frodo to stand beside her husband. One by one, the enemy fell until they were none left standing. Frodo felt sleep come upon him. He closed his eyes as he was enveloped in the loving embrace of the Lady Arwen's arms. Safe. He was safe and a peace filled him as he slipped blissfully into slumber. Later, as his eyes cracked open he saw that those who loved him surrounded him on all sides. His hand flicked up to his throat and there he grasped the Lady Arwen's pendant, securely fastened, about his neck. "How do you feel, Ringbearer?" A musical voice asked. Frodo turned and saw that Arwen was beside him. She held his hand in hers and softly caressed it. "I am well, My Lady, thank you." "Your dreams were troubled, but have passed.” She smiled shyly down at him. "Will they return?" Frodo asked hesitantly. "They may. However, you have the pendant of the Evenstar to guide and protect you. Always wear it, Frodo. It will draw strength of numbers to it when you need them most," she whispered. "You were all there for me, fighting beside me, giving me strength in my hour of need," Frodo murmured as he lightly clutched the star pendant. "As we shall always be there to give succor to you. Now sleep, rest, as you are weary. When you awake again we will be here for you." She lightly touched his face and his eyes slowly closed and he slipped into a dreamless realm where there were no orcs or towers or eyes. When next he woke, Pippin was standing beside him perched on a pair of children's crutches. "I began to grow lonely in my little room and so have sought you out, cousin.” He smiled his endearing smile. "Are you hungry? I am famished. Shall I fetch us some bread and fruit?" he asked eagerly. Frodo smiled slowly. "I am not hungry, Pippin. I fear I have made myself uncomfortably drunk and ruined my appetite." "Frodo! How could you? And not even ask me to join you?" Pippin looked terribly hurt. "Here, Pip, lay down before you fall down. It was Merry's idea, so you'll have to talk with him, I dare say." Frodo replied. "Merry, you didn't save me any drink?" Pip nudged Merry roughly. "Ummmph," came the muffled reply. Merry raised his tousled head and looked around the room blearily. Gandalf, Aragorn, and Arwen all were gone leaving just the hobbits on the huge bed. "Frodo, did you sleep?" he asked. "Yes, Merry, and all of you were in my dream. You all fought with me and destroyed the orcs. The Lady Arwen has gifted me her pendant for my protection a second time and I could feel the power of friendship helping and guiding me. He reached out and touched Merry and Pippin's hands. Sam smiled at them all and placed his hand on top. "Boromir was there too," Frodo whispered. There were cries of surprise and then Frodo was engulfed by hobbits. They embraced and held onto each other until they were all weeping at the renewed pain of the loss of the strong Gondorian. "Poor Mr. Boromir, he weren't a bad man. That Ring jes’ took control and he couldn't fight it no how," Sam said tearfully. "No Sam, it wasn't his fault. The Ring was able to twist his thoughts and feelings so that he heard what he wanted to hear. He was brave and valiant even if he had a momentary lapse of judgment. I cannot fault him. I too had a lapse of judgment. Can you ever forgive me Sam for telling you to go home? I did not mean it Sam. I wasn't thinking clearly to trust Gollum over you. You are, and have always been, my dearest friend." Frodo's eyes shined with unshed tears and Sam reached over and pulled him to him. "Of course, Mr. Frodo. You weren't yourself. That cursed Ring had overtaken you. Your Sam loves you, sir, and I am always there for you, Mr. Frodo. Don't you worry none about it. You ain’t never gonna get rid of Samwise Gamgee," he smiled through his tears and Frodo laughed. "I certainly hope I can somehow repay the debt I owe you, Sam. The quest would have failed for certain had you not followed me.” Frodo's eyes became glassy and he stared off into the distance. "Enough of this weeping, I say. How about a hearty meal of soup and bread, Mr. Frodo?" Frodo's face blanched. He gulped. "Oh...Sam...I...don't think that's ....such a good idea...ohhh" he looked quickly around for a basin and began to gasp when none was seen. "Oh Sam...help me!! Sam quickly jumped down and ran to the cabinet. He found a small pan and ran back to the bed. Frodo was desperately trying not to throw up, but as soon as Sam started climbing roughly up on the bed, he lost his battle and grabbing the pan from Sam and retched. He collapsed back against the pillows, pale and shaking, sweat running off his forehead. He closed his eyes and took deep breathes trying to calm his stomach. Merry gave him sips of water, which he rinsed his mouth. "No food. No ....can't eat, Sam." he said between chapped lips. "Mr. Frodo, you *have* to eat something. Maybe just some milk toast or fruit, even." Sam dabbed at Frodo's face. Frodo swallowed thickly. "Can't now, Sam," he rasped as his eyes slipped shut. "I can't believe you did this, Mr. Merry. Look how sick his is," Sam said with exasperation. "Sorry Sam, I didn't think anyone could get sick on Elven wine and it seemed like a good idea at the time," said Merry apologetically. "Sam, how about some applesauce or custard and toast?" volunteered Pippin. "That always makes me feel better." Frodo groaned and twisted to lie on his side. "Pippin....please....no" he whispered. Aragorn entered then with a light tray. "Sorry, Frodo, but we need to get something light in your stomach. I've some sweetened milk toast here that should set well." He smiled down at the miserable hobbit. "No, please....justle’mebe,"moaned Frodo. "I'm afraid I can't do that, my friend." Aragorn moved to sit behind the Ringbearer and braced the small body against his chest. He then very slowly began to spoon the warm milk mixture into the hobbit's mouth. This was made more difficult by the obstinance of the Ringbearer. "Please...." Frodo turned his head. "No more....Ar'gorn, please" he moaned. "Just a few small bites, little one," Aragorn whispered. He dabbed at the small mouth with a cloth and his eyes took in the brilliant blue of the hobbit's. They shimmered with unshed tears. "Oh, Frodo," he said with empathy, "I am sorry, my friend." Frodo's lips quivered and he tried to turn away to hide his humiliation. "I jus' feel so miserable," he groaned. Aragorn washed his face and poured a cup of mint tea that he sweetened and pressed to Frodo's lips. It smelled heavenly and Frodo drank it thirstily. "Easy, easy… no gulping. Slow sips, Frodo," Aragorn murmured. Frodo slowed his gulps to sips and then his eyes drifted shut. "Frodo. Frodo, wake up, my friend. Frodo," Aragorn repeated but the Ringbearer was unconscious. "Is he all right, Mr. Strider?" asked Sam worriedly. "He's exhausted, Sam. Let's make him comfortable with some warm bricks and pillows then let him rest." Sam gathered the pillows all around his Master then covered him in a down comforter. Heated bricks were placed in toweling and laid next to the thin body. A ragged sigh escaped the hobbit, but he looked at peace. Sam smoothed back his curls and kissed his forehead. "Sleep well, me dear," Sam whispered. Aragorn smiled and then ushered the three remaining hobbits from the room. He looked back at Frodo. "Rest well, Savior of Middle Earth," he said with a smile. He then closed the door quietly behind him as he left. TBC
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