Author: Dreamflower
Title: Eucatastrophe: Summer Respite
Rating: G
Theme: Summertime Blues
Elements: 315 words
Author's Notes: This story takes place in my “Eucatastrophe AU” in S.R. 1452. In this AU, the Three Elven Rings did not fade after the destruction of the One, but instead were freed, and gained even more power. Frodo was able to find healing and remain in Middle-earth, and Gandalf and the Elves were allowed to make return journeys to Middle-earth. (I know, I know…if only…)*
In this story, Frodo, at the age of 83, has retired to Minas Anor, where he hopes to finish his definitive book on the languages of Men and Elves. Merry’s son Peridoc, Pippin’s son Faramir, and two of Sam’s sons--Merry-lad and Pippin-lad--have accompanied him, for they are to spend two years studying at the Court of the High King. The four lads live with their Uncle Frodo and Gandalf in the same guesthouse where the Fellowship stayed after the War. This story takes place in the summer of their second year.]
Frodo: 84 (about 53 in Man-years)
Fam (Faramir) Took: 22 ( 14 in Man-years)
Perry (Peridoc) Brandybuck: 27 (17 in Man-years)
Merry-lad Gamgee: 25 (16 in Man-years)
Pippin-lad Gamgee: 23 ( 14½ in Man-years)]
Summary: Just a little summertime vignette in Fourth Age Ithilien…
Word Count: 315

Frodo sat next to his host on the grassy sward that led to the stony beach surrounding the cove, watching the children splashing and playing in the water beneath a brilliant blue sky.

"This reminds me of the cove off the Brandywine, where the Brandybuck fry learn to swim. Only it is much warmer here." He tipped his face to catch a stray breeze.

"Not so warm as the city," said Faramir.

"No, Minas Anor is sweltering this time of year," Frodo admitted. "Thank you for inviting us to visit. I'm afraid we hobbits were wilting."

"Not so rough!" Faramir shouted. His sons Elboron and Elemir were playing catch with his namesake, flinging young Faramir Took back and forth. The hobbit lad shrieked with laughter, and the lads' dog Billie barked, swimming back and forth in an effort to join the game. Perry Brandybuck was shouting "My turn, Fam!" Meanwhile, the Gamgee brothers Merry-lad and Pippin-lad seemed content to dive for the stones that Faramir's daughter Morwen was throwing into the water. She had been swimming with the lads earlier, but now stood upon the shore, wrapped in a towel.

"I am sorry that Mithrandir did not accept our invitation as well," Faramir said. "We would have been pleased to see him again also."

Frodo laughed. "I think Gandalf was looking forward to the peace and quiet of having the house to himself for a while. He loves the lads dearly, but four rambunctious hobbit tweens and a dog the size of a small pony make a good deal of commotion." He smiled. "Did you ever imagine a day like this, all those years ago when we parted —Sam and I on our way to Mount Doom, you bound for Minas Tirith and war?"

The Prince of Ithilien shook his head. "I can truly say, such an idea would have been beyond my wildest imagining!"