Firsts Part II

The stars shone brightly on that First Yule Night. The young Baggins sat on the turf roof of Brandy Hall and sighed. He should be happy, but his young heart was miserable. It ached. It ached for the past that could not come back. It ached for those he held dear and could never be returned to him. It ached for everything that once was and could never be again. This was the last night of the Old Year. It was a terrible year for Frodo and he was glad it was over. He hoped the new year would be bring happier memories, but he doubted that.

He doubted so much now. He was a Baggins among Brandybucks, a misfit. Brandy Hall wasn’t home to him. He missed the small cottage he had shared with his mum and da. Last Yule had been perfect. His mum had wrapped him in the flannel blanket and she, his da and he all sat around the fire singing the familiar songs of Yule. He could clearly see the brightly decorated cottage. The red ribbons, the bright green boughs of holly and ever green boughs. Candles illuminated every window. And the smells of baking.... Yule had been so simple. And he had been so blissfully unaware. They had all been unaware that in a matter of months, the happy little family was to be shattered, drowned in the river’s raging water.

Frodo felt a tear slide down his cheek as he gazed at the bright stars. He didn’t bother wiping it away. No one could see him and it did feel so good to cry. A hand on his shoulder startled him. He turned and made out his Uncle Bilbo’s shape in the dark.

"I thought I’d find you here." the elder Hobbit said gently.

"Oh. How did you know where to look?" Frodo could think of nothing better to say. It startled him that his voice trembled so.

"You left your window open, lad. And you’ve always been drawn to the stars. Like an elf."

This didn’t elicit the desired smile. "What’s wrong?"

"Oh Uncle Bilbo! I miss mum and da so much!"

Bilbo drew Frodo into a warm embrace. "So that’s it. Come here, lad. It’s all right now."

It was a cold December night. Frodo shivered involuntarily in Bilbo’s arms.

"I thought you would be cold. I brought you your cloak." Bilbo draped it about his young nephew’s shivering shoulders. "Better?" he asked gently. He didn’t just mean his nephew’s coldness.

"Thank you. But..." the young lad hesitated. "Please don’t make me go in."

"Why not?"

"I can’t sleep, and I’d rather be out here, under the stars."

Bilbo chuckled. "Then would you like some company?"

"Would you really?" Frodo asked eagerly. His dear old uncle...or cousin or whatever...really was a comfort to him. He was always there when Frodo needed him most. Bilbo and Frodo stayed under the stars in quiet companionship. The sun of the new year rose to find the two huddled under a tree, still on the roof. There was a peaceful smile on both there faces. And so a new year began for Frodo Baggins.

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The End

Copyright, Frodo Baggins 2007

A/N: Sorry if this was a bit...I don’t know. If it didn’t make sense I apologize. It’s after midnight now. I thought writing would be the best way for me to welcome the new year. Though sleeping would be nice too. :) When inspiration hits, though, you can’t let it pass or it will slip through your fingers to be lost forever. Happy New Year and Happy Yule to you all! And to all a goodnight! :)

~FB