ESCAPE THE DARKNESS

By JULES

Author Notes – This story was begun a very long time ago, and it was never my intentions to leave it unfinished. This first was first published in 2003. I have twelve (12) chapters written – but want to add more to them and edit where necessary.

I will be going back through and editing a few scenes and adding to a few and fixing errors, now that I hopefully understand the Middle Earth world a little better since I first began. I hope to add a sprinkling of "The Hobbit" details in certain places where is needed. There will be a heavier saturation of this time period during the Rivendell scenes.

Strong friendship only – no slash. Very little romance (I am no good at writing that) – And plenty of angst, hurt/comfort. For those don't know my previous work - this won't be the Disney version.

This will be a very very long story, with many chapters, and many of those being long as well – just the way I write. And I usually try and describe from the viewpoint of multiple characters for any one scene. As well as describe every rock, tree branch and blade of grass along the way.

I have a very complicated plot planned, and some may not agree how I have altered the course of things, or that I introduce them and Frodo differently than the books or films. Hopefully you will continue to follow and read as the story progresses. If it hasn't happened yet, or there isn't enough information about something yet, that is usually deliberate on my part. Sometimes there are subtle clues that I put in chapters, other times I don't.

This story explores the idea about what might have happened if Strider had come to the Shire to forewarn Bilbo Baggins about the Ring Wraiths that would soon come hunting for the One Ring.

There are other changes that I will deliberately make to the story at a later date to explore how the journey may have changed as a result. "Hint, hint, some big changes that were the whole reason for starting this series".

Strider had vowed to protect Bilbo when the Ring Wraiths are sent by the Dark Lord but he is unaware that the legacy of who is to carry the Ring to be destroyed falls upon a totally different Baggins.

Hoping to add a few funny, light-hearted moments in this one in between the serious stuff.

All mention of herbs or treatments used in this story or others come about from a little research I did into some and what their effects were. Some of them have been around since ancient times so I have no problem using in this time frame but still am not sure if they would have been grown near Rivendell.

Disclaimer -I do not own any of the characters I write about. I write about those created by J.J.R. Tolkien and marvel at such a story-tellers ability to enthral us all. There are occasional quotes from the movie in this story, just to keep the continuity going strong and to add just at the appropriate time.

Chapter Four: Trees And Elves

this new chapter follows on from the last one:

"Run!" was the suggestion that the two cousins said to each other with their eyes, a little afraid of being in the middle of both an angry Sam and a cross looking Frodo.

and now the story turns another page:

Merry and Pippin were very relieved that Strider was the one to save them both from the wrath of Samwise, and from incurring more than annoyed expressions from Gandalf and Bilbo.

They hadn't meant to cause trouble or hit their unsuspecting cousin with the apple. Boredom often had the two of them inventing games together, without fully thinking of the consequences for other people or themselves. Both younger hobbits had been accused of taking their antics a little too far times back at Brandy Hall by the Master of Buckland and a host of other family members.

Frodo usually had endless amounts of patience and knew the best games for them all to play when at Brandy Hall. He often taught them other unique things apart from games, like animals and plants. Neither of them could remember a time when their cousin had turned them away or showed any selfish traits.

There were lots of stories and adventures he shared from Bilbo about his travels and all of the interesting and unusual folks that he encountered. Some of those lands sounded very strange indeed, and worlds away from the safety of the shire. He could also speak some of the foreign languages where those peoples came from.

Being able to spend time with their cousin Frodo was very infrequent since he had moved to Hobbiton and was now living with Bilbo. They missed him terribly, and were very excited to be present for celebrating not one birthday, but two. With each marking very different but equally admirable milestones. Frodo's coming of age at thirty-three and leaving his childhood years behind. And Bilbo's for reaching an age most hobbits would probably never achieve in their own lifetimes.

"Are you sure you are alright, Mister Frodo?" Sam asked, making sure that the apple had not struck hard enough to leave a mark.

"Yes thank you, Sam, I am completely fine," Frodo relayed, getting off the couch and testifying that he bore no ill affects from the wayward piece of fruit. Frodo went into the kitchen about getting himself a cool drink of water.

Samwise had wanted to say something further to both of them, but knew it was not his place to chastise members of his Master's family, even if they were much younger and at fault. He hoped that Bilbo would speak up instead, but it seemed that this afternoon he due to having a smail full of guests, he was prepared to be a little more forgiving. It was only an apple.

"Has you headache eased at all, Frodo lad?" Bilbo questioned, noting that being struck on the head by an object may have caused the discomfort to lengthen in duration.

"Actually it has, but only slightly most probably due to the shortness of my nap," Frodo answered, giving at disapproving look towards his two younger cousins. “Just a little misunderstanding and poor aim I am sure,” he added.

Pippin's face showed fear for the possibility of physically hurting his cousin. Merry's expression came from being concerned about any impending punishment that may be looming for them both.

“We are both very sorry, Frodo,” Pippin apologised, fidgeting with the buttons on the front of his vest. “We certainly didn't mean to wake you up.”

“Maybe if your aim had been better, Pip.......,” Merry started to say, only to stop any further comment at seeing a sterner look from both Frodo and Bilbo.

“You are not intending to throw anything else around my home, Meriadoc?” Bilbo interrupted. “There has been enough of folk tossing food around in Bag-end the last time Balin and his dwarven friends were here. Otherwise I shall be wanting to speak to your father, Saradoc, and have him find a more suitable task to occupy your time whilst you are here.”

Sam gasped in surprise at the mention of dwarves. They very rarely were seen in the Shire, and even those stories of them being friends with Bilbo had changed over the years. Most residents in Hobbiton thought the eccentric hobbit had created the whole tale of them visiting him to ward off any would-be thieves from searching his home for lost treasure.

“Next time, Pippin, let's play a game outside, and include a ball, which you can throw around as much as you like,” Frodo suggested, wrapping a friendly arm around his cousin. The younger hobbit immediately brightened and gave a grin and a hug in return.

Bilbo smiled at Frodo's ability to ease Pippin's anxiousness and find something for them to do. Merry was looking a little more relaxed at hearing the suggestion of going outside. Perhaps it would see him escape Gandalf's ever watchful eye.

"May I make a suggestion for the afternoon?" Strider interjected. "I will gladly take all of these young hobbits outside, to allow Bilbo and Gandalf more time to talk or prepare for tomorrow's celebrations."

"Would you do that, Strider?" Bilbo asked, grateful to the Ranger. His offer would keep them occupied and out of Bag End, even if only for a few hours. "Of course if Frodo or Samwise wishes to stay I am certain that they would not disturb us."

Pippin looked over at Frodo, a little worried that perhaps Frodo would take up his uncle's offer of staying inside. And no doubt if he did, then Samwise would agree with stopping behind as well. But his facial expression soon changed to one of delight as his cousin answered.

"Thank you Strider, I would appreciate going outdoors on such a nice day outside. A little more fresh air may be greatly beneficial and welcome," Frodo said, pleased that the man was taking such an active interest in himself and his cousins.

"I'll be coming with you to, Mister Frodo," Sam said, more of a statement than a request. There had been two incidents already in the short period since his master's cousins had arrived. The stout gardener was not about to let Mister Frodo go off in their company without accompanying them and being forever watchful.

Earlier observations about the Ranger were taken into account, and the stout hobbit trusted that Strider would not allow any harm come to his master. Sam reminded himself that there may be things that the Ranger might ask a question about, not knowing the answer to. It was his duty to see to all of Mister Frodo's needs and he aimed to do it to be best of his ability.

"We can go and play in the stream and dream up some adventures in the tall grass Merry," Pippin said, clearly excited with his new idea. "Come on Frodo and Sam what are we all waiting for?" he said, trying to race to the doorway.

"Hold on a minute there young Took, it might be wise to take some cool water to drink and something to eat later with you if you plan to stay out for a time," Gandalf suggested.

"Mind you don't get taking your games too seriously Pippin or ruin your clothes with your rough play after just arriving," Bilbo said. Previous visits by the two lads Merry and Pippin had caused Bilbo much distress upon time for them to return home when he would have to explained to their parents what had happened to their nice clothes.

Sam went about getting a small basket ready for their afternoon's activities. There was cool fresh water to drink, apples to eat under the shade of the trees and a few biscuits and some cheese that Bilbo offered from his well stocked pantry.

"I will bring them all back safely before it is time to prepare supper," Strider said with assurance.

The four young hobbits and Ranger began walking away from Bag End and paused at the top of the hill to decide which direction to take next. It seemed that Merry and Pippin had already made up their minds for everyone and they were already halfway down the hill before Strider or Frodo got a chance to ask where they were being led.

"They seem to have an abundance of energy for ones so small," Strider commented as he held back his pace a little for Sam to keep up with him. The Ranger had already offered to take the basket from Sam if it became too heavy but the hobbit had asserted that it was not necessary.

"Those two cousins of mine will certainly keep us all on our toes this afternoon I suspect," Frodo said in reply. He couldn't help but smile at the exuberance his two younger companions displayed almost every minute of the day.

There were only two occasions when such abundant energy wasn't present, the first being when they slept at night, and the second being when it was meal time. Although the second one was not a certainty either for Frodo had experienced their enjoyment of food many times. Often both would eat until there was nothing left upon the table and then be still voicing that they were hungry.

A touch of guilt came over Frodo as his gaze fell upon Merry for a few minutes. Deep down in his heart, Frodo was aware that Merry held onto a secret belief that things would return to how it had been before he left Brandy Hall.

Frodo's departure to go live in the Shire and live with his eccentric Uncle Bilbo had been a surprise to many, and whispered about by many. Doubt had been cast over the older's hobbit ability to provide an environment where someone much younger could be expected to thrive. Few of them understood that money had never been an enticement, that had the lad agreeing to such an invitation.

Bilbo had come to see for himself that there were other intangible things that Frodo needed. A warm home, good food, and an education were important too.  Guidance, time and patience were required too, and above everything else, love.

Saradoc and Esmerlda had taken good care of Frodo, and they did love him dearly. With Brandy Hall housing any number of adult and young hobbits, there was little opportunity to spend time individually. The boy had always displayed a thirst for knowledge and an unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. Bilbo saw his chance to give that one on one time to Frodo, and not allow him to become lost.

Frodo and Bilbo had spoken on a number of occasions about going back to visit Brandy Hall. To spend time with Merry and his parents, and Pippin as well. But it would never be like it used to be.

Pippin was younger and missed the games and fun times that Frodo often invented for them. The three of them had spent many days off on adventures. Merry on the other hand, would miss that his older cousin wouldn't be there to answer his endless questions. There were times that Merry found it easier to talk to Frodo before seeking approval or clarification from his own parents for important advice.

When he first arrived at Bag End, Frodo didn't know if he was going to like living here, or with his uncle. Everything was so unfamiliar and vastly different, but refreshing at the same time. Now he would happily tell anyone who asked, that he was perfectly happy living in Hobbiton and had no plans for that to change.

Frodo was brought out of his own thoughts as the laughter from Merry and Pippin echoed back at him. He couldn't help but smile that sometimes the simplest things in life were the ones that made you happy and grateful. Family and friends on a lovely clear day.

The shaded trees were only a short distance away. Merry and Pippin had slowed their pace some and were walking a short distance in front of the other three. Frodo found himself wanting to let go a little as well that afternoon and enjoy the sunshine for as long as possible.

Frodo walked a little more briskly towards Merry before turning to him to speak.

"Merry, I have something to tell you," Frodo in a completely serious tone of voice. He glanced forward ahead briefly making sure that his path in front was clear and unobstructed.

"What is it cousin?" Merry asked stopping his own walking, not reading anything more into Frodo's words. Pippin wore a curious look on his face too, wanting to know if something was amiss so soon into their journey.

"Tag you are it!" Frodo declared and in less than a half-beat was now racing away from his two astounded cousins towards the long grass and trees.

"Why you… Baggins," Merry shouted back as he started to run after his fleeing cousin. "You won't get far dear Frodo," he added, trying to increase his speed.

Pippin wasn't going to be left out of the fun and games, quickly tailing Merry, before pulling out in front in his attempt to catch sight of his older cousin. Strider and Sam couldn't help but laugh out loud at Frodo's tactics towards his cousins. It pleased Sam no end that his master was having such unbridled amusement at present.

Sam and the Ranger didn't need to worry about loosing the three hobbits for their laughter soon echoed through the trees, directing the trailing two in the right direction.

They came to a wooded area with a number of very large trees. One in particular looking magnificent with the different hues in its leaves and the stark whiteness of it's trunk.

The sunlight shone through the leafy canopy, giving the grass beneath a dappled pattern.

Nearby there was a small stream gleaming a few metres away and it was here that Sam and Strider spotted the other three. The water wasn't very deep, merely a few inches high, but it ran like clear crystal along its course so that the stones on the bottom could be clearly defined. The sound of trickling water invaded the senses, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The scent of green leaves, moss and fresh grass was everywhere.

Merry and Pippin were already involved in a playful frolic, happily splashing each other with the water as they stood in the middle of the stream. The bottom of their breeches were wet from their attempts to soak each other but other than that the rest of their clothes remained mostly dry.

Frodo on the other hand was merely content to stand on the very edges of the stream, far enough away from his two cousins that he not be showered by them. The water was so inviting and he let the coolness run over this feet.

Sam set the basket down under the larger tree and both he and the Ranger watched from beneath it's shady canopy.

"Why does Frodo not join in with Merry and Pippin?" Strider asked, noting that it the expression on the hobbit's face was as though he was forcing himself not to go any deeper into the water.

"Tis not natural for a hobbit to be fully submerged in water unless they are bathing Sir, although with Mister Frodo's cousins you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise," Sam answered. "That is what my Gaffer always says."

"My master has other reasons for not wanting to go any further than the edge," he added and turned his attention to unpacking the basket to avoid the Ranger's curiosity further.

Strider did not press the subject further at this point in time as it became apparent that he was in danger of putting a dampener on the currently happy atmosphere by asking such a question.

A few minutes later, Merry, Pippin and Frodo all came to join their companions under the shade of the tree. The two younger hobbits were still trying to catch their breath after much activity in a short space of time.

Frodo sat down directly under the tree, separated a little from the others, leaning his back against the strong trunk. He willed himself to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the breeze gently ruffling his dark hair.

"Do you have any stories that you would like to share with us, Strider?" Pippin asked as he grabbed at one of the biscuits and a piece of cheese that Sam had just set down on a small plate.

“That would depend on the type of story you would like to hear," Strider answered as he made himself a little more comfortable underneath the tree. He looked over at Frodo, who by now had his eyes closed but was not asleep. He would still be able to hear what was said.

"I want to hear about some of your other adventures," Merry declared. "Action with swords and fighting," he added, which made Strider raise an eyebrow at the strong desire and inclination towards stories with violence.

"What about you Sam, what would you prefer to hear?" Strider asked, involving him as much as the others in the conversation and decision.

"You're asking me, Sir?" Sam asked with a surprised expression. To be in the company of such a man as Strider was indeed unusual to say the least, but more than he could have hoped for. He had his master to thank for that outcome and his current situation of being included.

"Yes, Sam, I am asking you," Strider affirmed, noting that the young gardener was not used to having been asked what he would like or prefer.

"Beggin' your pardon, Sir, but if I were to have a choice, and I thank you for the offering, it would be to hear about the elves that Master Bilbo has spoken about," Sam said with a wishful look.

"If your story has elves in it Strider then you are sure to win Sam's heart," Frodo said with a knowing smile, still relaxed against the tree and with his eyes closed.

"Oh, who wants to hear about them," Pippin said with a little disappointment creeping into his voice. He gave Sam an apologetic look for sounding like the idea was a poor one. He did like elves, but Merry's suggestion of hearing about swords was much more interesting.

“Would it please you all to know that I know of many stories that would entail both elves and adventure?" the Ranger offered in compromise.

"Do you know about elves, Mister Strider?" Sam asked, not knowing anybody else apart from Master Bilbo who claimed to know as much about such ethereal folk.

"One of my closest and dearest friends is an elf, Sam. He is indeed a true example of his kind. Tall, fair-haired, lithe, an excellent warrior and bowman. Agile and quick on his feet, and blessed with very keen eyesight. Attuned to the beauty of nature and a friend to woodland creatures and other animals alike.”

“He is also of noble birth, a prince no less among his own people. We have had many adventures together during our long friendship," Strider described, noting the looks of awe coming from Samwise about an elf who was also a prince. He knew he had won Merry and Pippin over too, with his talk about adventures.

"Please tell us more, Strider," Pippin beseeched, giving his best pout and gazing up at the Ranger with a hopeful expression.

Strider smiled at the young hobbit, and gestured to the spot of grass beside him, urging Pippin to come closer and listen intently to more of his tales. 'Such inquisitiveness' he said to himself, from all of their kind. Something he was still growing used to.

As a Ranger, he had encountered hobbits many times during his travels, even outside of the Shire. Alas, at those times the sharing of stories had not been a priority and the little folk had kept more to themselves.

"Is it true what they say about elves being able to sneak up behind you without hearing them?" Merry asked.

"Yes, Merry, it is true. Elves are held in high regard for their stealth and ability to walk along paths but leave little or no trace of their presence as others would do,” Strider answered.

"Master Bilbo has learned me that they have very fair skin," Sam added to the conversation, trying to remember the descriptions he had heard in the past.

"That is true, Sam, you have remembered your tuition well. Legolas and many others of his kind have very fine features and fair complexions," Strider gave in response.

"Hey, Frodo, that means you might be part elven," Merry said, interrupting the flow of conversation for a moment. "I've always said that your skin is much too pale for a hobbit, even if you are part Baggins and Brandybuck."

"Yes, Merry, but Frodo couldn't be an elf because his hair is much too dark," Pippin interjected, agreeing that Frodo had some of the similarities in his face that elven people were said to have inherited.

"Elves are said to have hair as fair as their skin, though I have never seen one to affirm this," Pippin explained giving what little information he knew about them.

“Young Peregrin, I personally know Lord Elrond. He has long hair that is encircled by a symbol of his race, the colour is described as being dark as the shadows of twilight," Strider replied, pleased that he still held such keen interest from the younger two hobbits.

"Lady Arwen, Lord Elrond's daughter also has long lustrous hair. A maiden of great beauty, whom has been written into songs and recorded in tales many times. All describe her as having 'dark braids of hair touched by no frost.', Strider recited.

"The elves certainly have a pretty way of putting words together don't they," Sam reflected with wonderment. Many a times he had heard Bilbo sing songs that he had copied from the elves. All of them had been written with so much poetry and meaningfulness to them, unlike any other music that Sam had ever come across before.

"Does your friend have fair hair, Strider?" Merry asked. "I don't think you have told us his name yet."

"Legolas," Strider repeated to them. "He counts himself as a woodland elf belonging to the Silvan elves whom dwell north-east of Mirkwood forest. Yes he has long fair hair as do most of his kin from that region. Some of the strands are often plaited or braided to keep them away from his face. His father, King Thranduil, also has long fair hair.”

"A strange sounding name I must say," Merry commented, never having heard a name even remotely similar for someone.

"If you don't mind Merry, no matter what characteristics I may share or not share with elves, I would need to grow quite a lot taller than I currently am I should think. I am quite happy to call myself a plain ordinary hobbit," Frodo said to his cousin.

Frodo was keeping up with the conversation, but not involving himself much, preferring to listen instead. He tried to hide a smile at the suggestion that he might have elven bloodlines further back in his heritage.

"Enough talk about how elves should look, what of these adventures you had?" Pippin demanded, hoping they would get to the good parts of the story soon.

"Ah, I see you are a little over zealous," Strider remarked with practiced patience.

As the three hobbits and Ranger talked of strange lands and people, they failed to notice Frodo choosing now to depart their company. He did not want to interrupt their discussion and planned only to wander a short distance away to stretch his legs.

"Tell me more about this place Mirkwood you mentioned?" Merry asked. "Bilbo has told us briefly about going there during his travels, and says it is very strange place to be visiting. A dark place, full of mystery and where you can easily become lost."

"That is true Merry for those who do not know of the hidden dangers in that forest," Strider said with a fresh note of warning in his voice. "Mirkwood was once a very picturesque part of Middle-earth with many beautiful trees and plants that grew no where else."

"What are the hidden dangers, Strider?" Pippin asked in a nervous voice.

"Spiders, Pippin," Strider said as he watched the faces of the three small hobbit's grow round with fear. "They are very large and look entirely troublesome for those who do not heed the warnings and would cross their path. They are dangerous, and cunning and should be left well alone," he explained.

"I do not like crawling bugs of any kind, Mister Strider," Sam commented as his skin suddenly felt all tingling just thinking about coming into contact with such dark creatures.

"I dare say my master would not like them any more than I either, would you Mister Frodo?" Sam asked, expecting to hear a voice in reply.

A memory came to him of a much earlier time when Frodo had found a large bug on his bedding one day. Bilbo was aware of his dislike for them, and promptly relocated it outside. Frodo had not wanted to admit to anyone how much he hated crawling insects or bugs.

All turned their faces in the direction of where they last knew Frodo to be sitting, only a few minutes earlier when there was no reply. To their surprise, the grassy spot was now vacant.

"Mister Frodo?" Sam called out again as he got to his feet and walked around the tree in case his master had sought to lay down and doze in the dappled shade.

"Frodo?" Strider repeated after Sam, he too getting to his feet and concerned that he could see no sign of the hobbit.

"Sneaked away as quietly as the elves," Merry stated, seeing Pippin nod his head in agreement.

"I believe Frodo would be sensible enough and not wander too far away. Let us take a short walk and see if we can find him," Strider suggested, trying to quell any fears they held.

"We don't even know which direction he went in though," Merry pointed out plainly. They couldn't see Frodo anywhere within viewing distance from the tree. Not letting others know where he was going. This was quite uncharacteristic behaviour for his cousin.

"We only need to use what evidence is before us and our knowledge of Frodo and I am sure we will be able to pick up his trail soon enough," Strider told them, remaining positive about his whereabouts.

"What evidence are you talking about?" Pippin queried. He wasn't able to see any sign that the Ranger was talking about that was left behind to show which direction Frodo had travelled.

"Please come here Pippin, Merry and Sam," Strider instructed, crouching down on one knee in front of the grassy spot at the base of the tree where Frodo had been sitting earlier.

"Frodo may have moved as silently as an elf, but I am afraid that he does not have the feet to match," he said, alerting them to the clues by pointing to hobbit sized footprints made during his silent retreat. As they looked beyond the clear markings on the ground and into the long-grass, a definite path could be seen where blades of grass had been trodden on or lay bent over from where Frodo passed by.

Sam now lead the group as they followed the trail to the missing Frodo.

Whilst Frodo's friends were only just noticing that he wasn't with them and beginning to worry of his whereabouts, the dark-haired hobbit was enjoying himself immensely.

After a short walk away from his companions, Frodo had come to another larger tree in the wooded area. Whilst this one was not so wide spread with it's branches, it was much taller and the leaves were of a more natural green colour. The smell was of fading summer, and the breeze ruffled the ends of his hair. Frodo closed his eyes momentarily, and allowed his other senses to take over and immerse himself.

Frodo had always liked climbing trees, sitting perched amongst the higher branches, listening to the sounds that were around him. From such a prominent position he could let the wind blow and rustle the leaves taking him back in time to when he lived at Brandy Hall. He had often climbed trees near there as well before moving in with Bilbo. As long as the weather stayed good and the day hadn't fallen into nightfall.

Frodo could hear birds somewhere above him, making nests and raising families,singing and chirping as they went about their routine. Sitting up this high from the ground, one could survey out into the rest of the wooded area for a great distance.

The branch that Frodo had chosen was a very large one, and had grown much longer than some others further down the trunk. The sturdiness and strength of the limb would easily accommodate his weight. The young hobbit gazed upwards and spotted another branch, somewhat thinner, but only a fraction shorter in length.

These times, when he completely on his own and able to enjoy what nature had to offer, Frodo found it easier to allow another side to himself to show that was rarely displayed in front of others, including Samwise. There were times when he let his heart rule his body and his actions rather than acting like the sensible hobbit everybody believed him to be.

Frodo stood up on the bottom branch, placing his feet carefully and a little wider apart on the thicker branch. He now reached up with his arms at full stretch and comfortably encircled his hands around the width of the narrower branch above his head.

For the next few minutes, he walked back and forth a few feet in either direction along the branch and then back again towards the trunk, always maintaining his grip firmly on the higher branch. He took extra care where he deliberately placed his feet each time, acting as though it was much narrower where he was walking. Keeping his concentration focused on what he was doing, Frodo was unaware of his companions approaching down on the ground beneath him.

"The trail ends around here," Merry said, pointing to the spot where the footprints ended. He had not looked up into the tree yet. Strider and the rest of the group had been intent on following the trail along the ground before them, but now they could see little sign of where Frodo had gone next.

The ranger was the first to look up into the branch and notice the young hobbit, grateful that he had done so before the hobbits. A felt a small pang surfaced out of worry for Frodo's safety as he watched keenly in silence.

"Sam, Merry, Pippin, I have located our friend, but you need to remain quiet and calm before I point him out to you," the Ranger whispered.

"Why do we need to keep quiet?" Merry asked immediately. The straw-haired hobbit was not about to be deterred by anything that would prevent or stop them from finding his missing cousin. According to his father, stubbornness was something he had inherited from the Brandybuck side of the family tree, just like Frodo.

"Look yonder, Merry, but do not shout out too loudly for what you see," Strider warned, before raising his arm so they could follow with their eyes.

"Oh my word!" Sam said with a little more volume than he or Strider would have liked. He quickly clamped his own hand over his mouth, but could not hide the fear in his eyes that he now held for his master.

Merry and Pippin were both about to call out to their cousin upon seeing him perched in the large tree, but refrained as Strider repeated his warning of not startling Frodo which may cause him to fall.

"We have to get him down from there now!" Pippin pleaded with the Ranger urgently, as quietly as his voice would allow. The fact that the youngest hobbit was whispering at all or was even capable of such a feat was not lost to his friends. It also demonstrated just how afraid he was that Frodo could lose his balance.

"Frodo has always climbed been the one to climb trees. Even back at Brandy Hall he was told by my mother a number of times how dangerous such an activity could be. He never listened to her though, and assured her that he would be safe," Merry commented casually, thinking back to earlier times. “He merely made sure to go a little further away into the forest where she and nobody else could see him.”

"I am certain that Legolas and Frodo would fast become good friends, now that I see him doing such things. Legolas too has an affinity for climbing trees, though he has never fallen out of one so far as I know," Strider stated, trying to reassure the hobbits that Frodo might not be in any direct danger.

"Mister Strider, you have to get him down before he falls," Sam voiced again with alarm, his fear not having been abated in the slightest by talk of others doing something similar with confidence.

"I agree with you Sam, but we must also be cautious in how we go about doing it,” Strider said, taking the gardener's smaller hand and urging him to calm down. “If Frodo was to startle suddenly then we would be causing him more harm than good," he added.

"Let us wait until he has moved away from the edges of those branches before trying to attract his attention," Strider suggested, noting that Frodo was only just beginning to walk back towards the central trunk of the tree.

Frodo stopped walking about halfway along, still holding tightly onto the branch above. His gaze turned upwards to the branch above as he now tried to use the strength in his arms to lift himself up onto the higher branch.

Sam's heart was almost in his throat as he watched his master become even more daring than he had ever thought was possible of him. Inwardly he told himself that once Frodo was safely on the ground he would have to have a conversation with his master.

Although Strider was a little concerned himself for Frodo's safety, upon watching the agile young hobbit, he couldn't help but be surprised at his flexibility and strength for one so small. There was so much for him to learn and discover about all of these interesting hobbits. They were as unique as the leaves above them. Their individual personalities only beginning to reveal themselves, the longer he spent more time with them.

By now, Frodo had managed to complete his desired acrobatic task by pulling himself up onto the higher branch. He was still holding onto the branch with one hand as he waited to steady his balance properly. It was only now that he became aware of being watched from below.

Without remembering the warning Strider had given a few moments before, Pippin was simply amazed by the feat that Frodo had achieved. The youngest member of the group wanted to show his admiration, and stood up and began clapping towards his cousin.

"No Pippin!" Merry warned, but also forgetting that he too was supposed to be using a softer voice. But by now, the damage caused by both of them was already done, even though unintentional.

Frodo was startled by the suddedn burst of applause from his cousin and the shout of alarm coming from Merry. His tenuous balance was lost as he attempted to grab a hold of the branch, but unfortunately it was not quick enough. His concentration had been interrupted and as he tried to maintain a firm foothold, but all he found was thin air.

His companions were forced to watch in shock, and call his name out in frightful horror as they saw Frodo lose his balance, foothold and grip and fall from his lofty position.

Before anybody could prevent it, Frodo fell off the branch, a smaller twig striking him and scratching across his cheek as he toppled backwards. There was a sharp cry for help as he tried to stop his momentum and then a harsh thud as he fell face first onto the ground underneath the tree.

Strider had tried desperately to reach the tree to try and catch the hobbit, or at least cushion the fall with his own body. However, his honed skills and speed were no match against gravity and ill-fate, and he was not fast enough to stop such a mishap. Frodo lay on his stomach in the grass, not moving or making a sound.

"Frodo!" the three hobbits managed to say in unison as they all arrived a second behind the Ranger and tried to assess how badly he had been hurt.

"Are you alright little one?" Strider asked gently, feeling as though there should have been something more he could have done to prevent such an accident. He had promised Bilbo that he would protect him whilst in the Shire. Frodo's wandering away from them had been unexpected, he laid a great deal of blame on himself.

At first there was no response, and the Strider thought the hobbit may have lost consciousness after striking his head as he landed. He placed his hands on the hobbit's slim shoulders and was about to carefully turn him over to see what injuries he had sustained.

"Please be alright Mister Frodo," Sam pleaded, almost on the verge of tears. "You just got to be."

"S-Sam…..," came the raspy reply, Frodo trying to get air back into his lungs.

Strider and the hobbit's couldn't help but feel a tangible sense of relief at hearing even that one word escape his lips. Allowing Frodo a few more moments to gather his bearings and composure, he regained enough of his senses to pull himself into a sitting position.

The hobbit winced at the dull ache he felt inside his chest when he did so, but for the sake of his younger companions, he tried to put on a brave face. He looked up and regretted seeing the distressed faces of Sam and his two cousins. The Ranger knelt beside him, checking him over very carefully and waiting for him to tell them what hurt the most.

"I am sorry,” he apologised. “Just got the wind knocked out me I suspect," he added, but placed the palm of his hand over the spot on his chest that was causing discomfort, trying to rub the pain away.

"Please allow me take a closer look, Frodo," Strider instructed as he gently undid the buttons on Frodo's shirt and took a look beneath the hand at the pale skin.

"It is a little reddened at the moment and no doubt you will feel some discomfort for a day or two. There may be some noticeable bruising afterwards," Strider diagnosed.

"Frodo, I am sorry I didn't mean to startle you like that," Pippin blurted out, the apprehension hanging over him clearly visible, that he was the one mostly responsible for his cousin's fall.

"I must admit I did not know you were watching, but you are not to blame dear Pip," Frodo soothed, placing a hand on the youngest hobbit's shoulder and diverting his concerns away from any guilt he was attributing to himself.

"Oh, Mister Frodo, I was so worried about seeing you up in that tree like that," Sam declared out loud.

"What were you doing climbing that tree anyway, Frodo?" Pippin asked, knowing that his cousin could usually be trusted to tell him the truth.

"I like being around trees, Pippin," Frodo commented as he allowed himself be pulled to his feet. "It makes me feel good inside to be around things in nature."

"I bet your not feeling too good inside there right now," Merry retorted back with a little too much honesty. “This is something that I would normally expect from Pippin. Silly hobbit," he added, patting his cousin's shoulder fondly and receiving a fool-hardy grin in return from Frodo.

The comment had the desired effect of lightening everyone's mood, when Pippin spluttered with indignation. “And just what exactly do you mean by saying something like that, Merry,” he demanded.

The hobbit's laughter together and at each was the medicine they all needed after such a scare. The afternoon had been a great success to kept them occupied until the fall.

"Are you certain you will be able to walk back without too much discomfort, Frodo?" the Ranger enquired. The dark-haired hobbit appeared to be standing on his own without any trouble and with little sign of any problems with his sense of balance.

"Thank you for asking, Strider, I will be perfectly fine," Frodo assured him, feeling a little embarrassed that he had caused his friends and companions to worry so much about him.

The group started to head back to Bag End. The frivolity that the hobbits had displayed at the start the journey with had all but evaporated. Merry and Pippin were walking ahead, sharing some idle chatter together. Strider and Sam were talking quietly to each other about the comings and goings within the shire, whilst walking behind Frodo, keeping a watchful eye on him. Frodo was lost in his own thoughts of tasks that he had yet to complete before Bilbo's birthday party celebration.

The Ranger was readying himself with a plausible explanation for Bilbo and Gandalf, to explain why he had not kept a sharper eye on the lad. His tales of Legolas and Mirkwood would not probably not suffice.

Sam was determined not to let, Mister Frodo out of his sight again that afternoon and convinced himself that he would be able to tell if he was trying to hide any pain. Sam had already promised to make a nice cup of hot tea for them all once they were home. Hopefully the tea would help his master relax and allow any sore muscles to do the same.

The pace returning to Bag End was somewhat slower than it had been leaving, because Sam had wanted to backtrack to their original spot underneath the tree to retrieve the picnic basket and remaining food and water. Frodo was grateful for the cool water and took a drink when offered, and was pleased to keep his walking pace to strolling speed. The headache he had mentioned before leaving Bag End had eased considerably.

Gandalf was talking with Bilbo in the kitchen when Strider and hobbits entered through the front door. Bilbo had been very busy making some of the dishes for the party whilst the wizard was prepared to sit back and enjoy his pipe whilst engaging with his life-long friend in some intelligent conversation and memories of old times.

"What do have we here?” Gandalf questioned with a laugh. “Our much too noisy friends have returned, Bilbo." He noticed that Merry and Pippin were still trying to escape his piercing gaze but there was also something else.

Frodo walked in front of Strider, but could not hide a few winces of pain as he shuffled his feet along the floor, looking for the words to give in explanation to his Uncle Bilbo. The ranger himself held a strange look on his face also, as though he might be guilty of something.

Sam was the first to speak up inform them of the misadventures of the afternoon. "Master Bilbo, Frodo hurt himself falling out of a tree," he announced. Frodo and Strider both inwardly groaned, hoping they would be able to relay the details a little more subtly.

"Frodo lad, are you hurt somewhere?" Bilbo quickly asked, wiping his floured hands on a cloth and walking forward with a concerned look on his face. His mind had only yet focused on Sam's words that the boy may have been injured.

"Only a little bruising, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo promised, giving his best sympathetic look with his expressive blue eyes. "It doesn't hurt so much now," he added, hoping to ease a little of his uncle's worry.

"My humblest apologises to you, Bilbo but I could not get to him in time to prevent his fall. I will have Frodo sit a minute while I examine the area more closely," Strider suggested. “I did check on him when it first happened, but was assured that his pain was minimal.”

"Oh don't go blaming yourself, ranger. I have known you well enough by now to believe that you would not be at fault, Strider. Falling from a tree, Sam is it? Well that doesn't surprise me one bit with our young Frodo here. He was always a little keen on trees even before he moved here to Hobbiton with me," Bilbo said as he saw Sam's nod of acknowledgement that he was understanding the version of events correctly.

And then Bilbo uttered something that took the wizard and everybody else in the room completely by surprise. “Frodo is not the first Baggins to be found climbing a tree.”

The elderly hobbit kept his gaze on Gandalf the entire time as he spoke.

“Bilbo Baggins, I was not entirely responsible for you needing to climb that pine tree in such great haste,” he challenged, coughing as a little smoke rose from his pipe and tickled his throat. “Perhaps you need to take that subject up with Balin upon his next visit.”

“Balin had nothing to do with chasing Thorin and his company of dwarves up that tree, Gandalf, and you know it,” Bilbo said in defence of another long time friend. “I only followed you all up into it because there was no where else to go.”

Bilbo was about to continue into another long tirade about Gandalf's interpretation of that particular adventure, when he glanced around the room and saw the enthralled faces of Merry and Pippin. Frodo's expression was caught somewhere between wanting to know how Bilbo had found himself in such a precarious position, and hearing such a tale of his uncle's travels for the first time.

He had been privileged to hear many of Bilbo's journey's to interesting and foreign places. But having to climb a tree because of Gandalf, in the company of a band of dwarves was certainly a new one. Any other stories about the dwarves usually revolved around their boisterous arrivals and loud visits to Bag End. And they usually ended with them pilfering every morsel of food he had in his pantries and larders.

Strider's shared a small grin as he exchanged glances between Bilbo and Gandalf. The younger hobbit's had been treated to an even more exciting tale than he had dared to share with them earlier that afternoon. Both of them were both left floundering to find a plausible explanation that would satisfy young curious minds and exonerate either of them from admitting to past misdeeds.

"Frodo, you go with Strider and do what he asks please, while he takes a good look at you. Samwise, you and I will make a nice cup of tea for everybody, and I will add some herbs to his cup that will ease any pain," Bilbo suggested, changing the subject entirely and shifting the focus away from himself. Frodo's good manners kept him from asking more questions on this occasion, but he suspected that he would be seeking clarification at another time.

Merry and Pippin decided it best to keep out of the way for a few minutes and were content to move closer to the table where Gandalf was sitting. Pippin couldn't help but spot the pies that Bilbo had been preparing a little earlier. He reached out his hand and tried to sneak a piece of the dough before his hand was slapped away by Merry.

Merry gave his best disapproving look to his younger cousin, but not before he too was dipping his finger in the soft, edible dough whilst Bilbo and the others were concerned with Frodo. Pippin was about to object strongly at Merry's double standard, but then saw the delightful smile that resulted from tasting. He soon joined in by running his finger around the inside of the jar of preserves that would make up the filling, and happily popping it into his mouth.

Frodo obediently went with the Ranger into the sitting room where he could be more comfortable on the settee. He stretched out along it and patiently waited for Strider to look at his chest. He didn't think such measures were needed a second time, but he wanted to cast aside any shadows of concern that Bilbo held about his well-being.

"I did not know you were skilled in the treatment of hobbit," Frodo said casually as he watched the Ranger use warm, gentle hands that were not normally associated with men or the 'big-folk'. The touch was light and firm but did not hurt.

"I have learned much about the skill of healing for many races and creatures, from Lord Elrond that I spoke of earlier,” Strider replied. “I was fortunate enough to learn quickly under his careful guidance and from the vast amount of knowledge he possesses."

"Here is your tea, Mister Frodo, Sir," Sam announced as he walked over to his master and placed the mug of tea on a small table beside the settee.

Gandalf came into the sitting room and sat down in one of the armchairs. Bilbo followed, but moved closer to the head of the settee, awaiting for Strider to finish examining Frodo.

"I could probably lessen any discomfort for you a little more if I had the athelas plant among my current possessions. I know that it does grow in small pockets throughout the shire, but perhaps not easily identified as it once was in these parts. Often it goes undetected and is known to your kin by another name," Strider commented, looking towards the wizard for his assistance.

"No, Strider, you would be correct, that plant no longer grows in abundance within this region as it once did," Gandalf said blowing out a puff of smoke, and accepting a cup of tea offered by Sam. “I believe in common tongue it is known as 'kingsfoil '

"Before you came home, I was just about to start to prepare supper. Would you like to join us, Samwise?" Bilbo asked, knowing that Frodo would appreciate his offer.

"Can he stay the night, Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo enquired with a touch of excitement in his voice. "There are already three of us and there is plenty of space," he added. Somehow it didn't feel right that he and his two cousins would be allowed to join in fun and games later on that evening without Sam being there to enjoy them too.

"Mister Frodo, I am just overjoyed you would ask," Sam commented, very grateful for such an invitation. He had never thought of staying overnight in Bag End unless his master wasn't feeling well. There had been a few occasions where he had been asked to help keep him company whilst he recovered.

Now he was not only being asked to stay overnight but to be included in the fun with Frodo's kin. "Are you sure there is enough room, beggin your pardon as you seem to have a number of guests already Master Bilbo?"

"I think that's a splendid idea, Frodo," Bilbo agreed, noting the happiness that his agreement invoked in more than one pair of eyes.

"What will I tell my Gaffer?" Sam asked, knowing that his father might frown on such matters, where class and knowing one's proper place were expected.

"Well Sam, now that Frodo has gone and hurt himself, and with all of these additional guests in my home, I find myself needing an additional pair of hands. Someone with some good old fashioned hobbit sense in case they anything during the night," Bilbo explained, giving Frodo a sly smile to go with his words. His nephew would have to play along a little for Sam'e benefit.

Gandalf and Strider couldn't help but attempt to hide pleased grins behind their mugs of tea as they listened to the older hobbit. Bilbo's ability to try and coax Samwise into thinking he was doing the right thing was a stroke of genius and continued.

"Frodo's hand will need to be attended to and the bandages changed after his bath. I will need someone who has a sound mapping of my kitchen to help prepare the right sort of tea before bed. There is no substitute better than a good night's rest, where he can sleep through the night without being disturbed by any lingering discomfort. Merry and Pippin will be full of energy I suspect and therefore they might not be suited to such an important task," Bilbo stated, providing the stout hobbit with a viable alibi that he could use to tell his Gaffer.

Bilbo knew full well about Hamfast's views on taking care of those better than themselves. He would use such views to his advantage without stretching the truth too much. He doubted Frodo would like having himself referred to as needing as much help as he said, but he also knew his young charge would be more than willing to endure such remarks if it allowed Sam to join him and his cousins.

"I'll go and see him Master Bilbo and tell him the same, that Mister Frodo may be needing some company as well as caring for his hurts," Sam said, now mirroring the excitement that his master had displayed. "If all is right, I will return with a change of clothes and some of my mother's fresh made confectionery. She made it just for Mister Frodo's birthday, she said so."

"Um, we will both come with you to support your story, Sam," Merry offered, giving his younger cousin a quick jab with his elbow. "We will make sure that you get home safely and back here again." he added.

"Oh yes, we will won't we, Merry," Pippin said positively, following the lead from his older cousin, but unaware of his obvious overacting and mistiming his cue.

"Would that be suitable with you Mister Frodo, Sir?" Sam asked, a little wary as to why Frodo's two cousins would be offering to go with him. Until however, he remembered mentioning something about his mother's home-made sweets. At least he knew what they were up to, 'hoping to get a sample of the delicious candy for themselves, no doubt' Sam thought to himself.

"That's quite alright Sam, go now and you can come back and we can have supper and then I will read some stories to you all in my room," Frodo answered. Like Sam, he too already knew why Merry and Pippin were volunteereing and insisting that they went along too.

Frodo and the three adults watched the trio of younger hobbits head back out of the front door of Bag End and walk the relatively short distance to Sam's home.

"Those too are incorrigible, Bilbo," Gandalf said, breaking the silence within the room with a wry smile.

He wasn't cross with the two cousins, but was not accustomed to such brazen measures taken at any opportunity to gain more treats of food for themselves. One could have been mistaken about the wizard not being used to it after being included in Thorin Oakenshield's company. The voracious appetite of the two growing hobbit lad's may have been matched by the dwarves.

"Ah, yes I am afraid they are at that Gandalf, but don't fret so. Underneath Merry and Pippin are quite sensible even for their ages. They will not do wrong by Sam once they are in the presence of others. They will mind their manners and be nothing but charming to the Gamgee family I am sure,” Bilbo assured him.

"Your pies and delicious pastries smell wonderful, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo said as the enticing aromas wafted out from the kitchen and to him seated on the settee. A mixture of just the right of nutmeg and cinnamon and a few other sweet smells that were beginning to make him hungry.

"Ah supper will be ready very shortly my dear boy," Bilbo said with a chuckle, delighted for once that his cooking had such an effect on his young nephew. "I have been very busy since you were gone all afternoon. That apple barrel down in the cellar will need replenishing tomorrow morning as well as a host of my other cooking ingredients."

"You mean that giant barrel of apples," Frodo said in complete astonishment. His memory took him back to a month ago when the barrel had first been brought in by Sam's Gaffer. He had questioned his uncle back than as to why they needed such a large barrel for just the two of them. Although he did enjoy them immensely as a quick snack. They didn't require any cooking, and he could take a couple of them with him as he walked about Hobbiton.

At the time, Bilbo had replied to his question about the quantity by telling him that it didn't hurt to have a supply of fresh food wherever possible. Particularly when a certain young hobbit was quite fond of apples and was often found pilfering one or two before heading outdoors for his walks.

Bilbo looked towards Frodo when he finished speaking and saw the boy's mind ticking over with the information he had just been told. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, clearly seeing an air of mischief coming from his blue eyes.

"I think you have just given me the perfect little idea about how to get back at Merry and Pippin," Frodo said with a grin as he went to get off the settee.

"Strider, may I enquire if you have a cloak that I could borrow for but a few minutes. I promise it will not come to any harm," Frodo asked politely of the Ranger.

The man was relieved that Frodo appeared to have suffered few lasting effects from his fall out of the tree. Any distinguishable bruising would not be visible for another day, perhaps two. The bandage around his hand was still in place, and would need to be changed as Bilbo had already hinted at. Thankfully, mild discolouration and being embarrassed by his cousins may be the only reminders of today's mishap.

"I do indeed, and I have no objections but must ask what are you planning to do?" the Ranger replied. Movement from the young hobbit was unrestricted from what the ranger could see. He was intrigued and curious about this mischievous side of Frodo.

"To give two certain young cousins a taste of their own medicine," Frodo said as he took the cloak Strider offered. He was even more pleased to see that the cloak was also hooded. Even better for his plans he mused. The fabric was much darker in colour than his own and a great deal longer but that would suit his purpose even more.

By now the adults had a vague notion of what Frodo planned to do. Bilbo and Gandalf usually did not see Frodo involving himself in such activities, but could not deny that they thought a little harmless fun would entertain them all.

"Uncle, could you see that Merry and Pippin come looking for me once they have returned?" Frodo asked as he started heading down into the cellar.

"Yes, Frodo lad, I will tell them," Bilbo answered with a note of anticipation, as he began clearing away his cooking dishes in order to set the table for supper.

"Looks as though the young apprentice now has an accomplice, Bilbo," Gandalf laughed, pleased to see that some traits about his old friend has not changed too much with age. "You are not returning to your underhanded and sneaky ways from when you were much younger are you?"

"I shall see to it that you and the Ranger are blamed as much as I am, Gandalf, should it become necessary and we find ourselves at the mercy of a number of angry, young hobbits," Bilbo teased lightly.

Strider and Gandalf both chuckled at the remark, and waited patiently for the impromptu performance to begin.

Approximately five minutes after Frodo went down into the cellar, Merry and Pippin returned to Bag End, followed closely by Sam who was carrying a small backpack with his change of clothes.

"I see your Gaffer was agreeable to you staying then, Sam," Bilbo said as he laid plates and cutlery on the table for all.

"Not at first Master Bilbo, I must admit. He wasn't too keen on the idea at all. I am most grateful for Mister Merry here who helped to repeat the reasons why I was needed that you told me. That I needed to help look after Mister Frodo and your other invited guests. My Gaffer changed his mind then and said it was alright as long as I remember to help out where I was needed most," Sam explained.

Merry and Pippin were both very pleased with their efforts of being able to persuade Sam's parents into letting him stay at Bag End. Like their cousin, they would be a little disappointed had they had to return to Bilbo's home without him, only to have the stout hobbit miss out on the fun.

"Well that is most pleasing to hear Sam, I am grateful that your Gaffer has much wisdom when it comes to such things," Bilbo remarked. "I am sure that Frodo will be just as happy to hear the news as well."

It was only now that Bilbo mentioned his name that the three younger hobbits, noticed Frodo was no longer sitting on the settee. He gave a secret wink towards Gandalf and Strider before continuing his charade.

"Where is Mister Frodo?" Sam asked, thinking that maybe his master had gone to change his clothes for dinner or lay down quietly in his bedroom before supper.

"I sent him down to the cellar to get some ingredients for my dessert. I must say I sent him just after you left to go home, Sam. He has been gone a few minutes longer than I would have expected of him. Merry and Pippin, would you two go down into the cellar and see what's keeping him. Samwise I could use your expertise in telling me if this stew is salted enough if you don't mind," Bilbo commented, using a ploy to ensure that it wasn't Sam that went looking for Frodo first.

"Not to worry, Bilbo, he can't have gone to far," Merry said enthusiastically as he urged Pippin to follow him. Both hobbit's gulped a little at the darkness of the room, even from the top of the stairs and they were grateful that neither of them was about to proceed down there alone.

Strider laughed inwardly at the two hobbit's paused on the stairs, noting that their fear of the dark only played further into Frodo's hands. At first Sam had been a little troubled that he was not asked to fetch his master. But he didn't want to upset Bilbo, his host for the night over not helping him assess the readiness of the stew either. The request seemed a little odd to him at first. Sam was only to aware of Bilbo's ability to cook up any number of delicious dishes, but he didn't question the reason given.

Upon seeing Strider's grin, and the knowing glances exchanged between Master Bilbo and Gandalf, the wizard, he suspected that Frodo's disappearance and subsequent absence had been staged. He waited along with the adults to see what would soon transpire.

Down in the cellar, Frodo could now hear footsteps descending the staircase, and shrouded himself further into the folds of the Ranger's cloak. When he had first come down here he had quickly climbed into the almost empty apple barrel. Those efforts to raise himself over the wooden rim had made him wince out loud a couple of times due to the bruising of his chest. He was appreciative that nobody else had been about to hear his sharp intake of breath or rub the problem area beneath his shirt.

Once he had managed to stand inside the barrel, and stop moving about so much, the ache soon eased and disappeared. He crouched down, and knelt on the bottom of the wooden bottom, with his knees bent and touching the inside wall of the vessel. Proceeding to drape the long cloak around his shoulders and fasten it with the fine brooch in front, he was almost set to seek his revenge for the ink staining his clothes.

The last thing he needed to do was to pull the hood of the garment over his head. Being suitable for a man, it was deep enough to shield most of his face and hide his features in shadow. He didn't have a mirror to go rely on, but used his hands to brush some of his dark curls towards the edges of his face for an even more dramatic and imposing effect.

Now all he had to do was wait until Merry and Pippin got too curious for their own good. From previous experience and knowing first hand of their inability to remain still, he doubted he would have to wait too long.

Frodo heard the descending footsteps, followed by the whispered voices of Merry and Pippin. Once they had reached the bottom of the staircase, they walked together across the floor, neither willing to admit that they were afraid of the dark and determined not to let go of each other in case they lost each other in the enveloping darkness.

Merry and Pippin could vaguely see the distinct shape of wine barrels and other various wooden casks that contained long life food. They were stacked neatly in each corner of the cooler space that made up the cellar. They couldn't see any sign of Frodo and were beginning to feel as if something might have happened to him.

Both of them were regretting not having the foresight to bring a torch with them that would help see into the darkness, and warn off any perceived threat. An involuntary shiver ran across Pippin's shoulders, and Merry drew him closer, intending to protect him from unseen dangers.

"Halt, who goes there?" Frodo asked in a much deeper tone voice, disguising his usual pitch. His objective was to make them both jump at a few harmless noises, but to not frighten them too much that would cause any lasting effects.

"Merry, did you say something?" Pippin squeaked in alarm at the voice he heard, gripping his cousin's waistcoat much tighter.

"Don't be daft, Pip, I didn't say anything, it must have been you or that over-active imagination of yours," Merry said, removing the constricting arm from his middle. He wanted to sound brave and confident, but in truth, was feeling just as nervous as Pippin.

"Meriadoc and Peregrin, you disturb my slumber," Frodo uttered with a deep guttural voice. He was scarcely able to keep from laughing at the squeaks of fright he could hear coming from his two cousins.

"We didn't mean to disturb you, Sir, honest. We were sent down here to look for our cousin, Frodo," Pippin gulped, not recognizing who he was speaking to. He wasn't even sure if he meant to speak out loud in the first place.

"Frodo?" the voice called out, as though confused at hearing the name. "You must be referring to the other hobbit whom I have eaten!"

"Eaten!” Merry protested, as he felt the blood drain away from his face at such a statement. The hair on the back of his neck to stand up and the skin of his forearms to break out in gooseflesh. The very idea of something eating any hobbit was repulsive.

Frodo slowly began to rise up from inside the apple barrel, giving the appearance of being an dark, hooded and evil spectre. Coming forth to seek out new unsuspecting victims who were foolish enough to venture into its foreboding and darkened lair.

For a few moments, Merry and Pippin froze in place and could only gape with abject horror as they watched a large, cloaked and silhouetted figure rise up directly in front of them. Growing taller and taller and getting larger by the second.

The two frightened hobbit's could not see the face of the creature before them as it spoke to them. The space where a face should be was shrouded in darkness by the hood of the cloak. They were on the edge of losing any bravery or confidence to fear, clinging to each other tightly as a combined team and convinced that their lives were truly in danger.

"And now, I shall have you as well," Frodo declared in his altered voice, reaching out with both hands towards his two nervous hobbits. Frodo deliberately turned his face towards his cousins, the dark curls falling across his paler skin. This made it appear as though there was nothing beneath the hood but a strange and unfamiliar entity.

Merry and Pippin both shrieked in tandem with bemused horror, as they got their first glimpse of the white face which was staring back at them with intensity. They noted the blue eyes, but their fear would not release them long enough to recognize anything about them, other than having a cold, piercing stare.

Gandalf, and the two adults waiting upstairs in the sitting room, had been waiting patiently to hear what Frodo had planned for his cousins. Just when they feared that nothing would occur, the trio fought to hold back their laughter in a more composed manner as they heard hobbit's shrieking and now running back up the staircase.

Merry and Pippin raced into the room after climbing the stairs two at a time, falling over each other's feet as they sought refuge and safety from the behind the settee. They were quite out of breath, and were trying to draw air into their starving lungs whilst sitting on the floor. They were trying to escape and put any obstacle between themselves and whatever was chasing them from the cellar.

Frodo, had taken his time to climb out of the barrel, and follow the two young hobbits. Now he stood inside the doorway, listening to Merry and Pippin talking over the top of one another to Bilbo, attempting tell their version of events.

"Merry, Pippin, are you alright?" Gandalf asked, finding it difficult not to see the funny side of Frodo's prank. "Whatever is the matter my dear young hobbits?" he enquired with an over-concerned tone to his voice.

The wizard was doing his best to maintain a sympathetic expression, which is more than could be said for Bilbo and Strider. The two of them were trying to hide their grins and giggles behind their hands, but were failing badly at doing so with success.

"Oh, Gandalf, Bilbo! There is a huge, big monster down in the cellar," Pippin wailed, as he fought to pull himself to his feet. He grabbed onto and pulled the sleeve of the wizard's grey travelling cloak tightly for greater emphasis.

"A monster you say? How big was this monster and what did he threaten to do?" Gandalf asked, acting as though he was hanging onto the youngster's every word.

"At first he was small. We didn't even see it until it started rising up from the floor," Merry declared, waving his arms about, and giving a grand demonstration of what they had discovered to Bilbo and Strider.

"The creature said it was going to eat us, and had already eaten, Frodo!" Pippin reported, the volume of his voice increasing dramatically. He did not realise how ridiculous his telling of the story sounded.

"Eat Frodo, you say!" Gandalf cried out with mock alarm. By this time, he knew that he would not be able to hold back his mirth without drawing suspicion. Thankfully his rescuer came as he watched a shrouded Frodo silently creep up behind the two hobbits. 'The monster' was about to reveal himself.

Normally, Sam would have been worried to hear such a statement about his master's unfortunate and untimely fate. Any premature and unwarranted concern was soon cast aside as he caught sight of the floating cloaked figure, out of the corner of his eye.

"Does this monster resemble anything like the one standing directly behind you now?" Gandalf asked, as he casually leaned back in the armchair.

Merry and Pippin froze at the wizard's words, turning every so slowly, and as soon as they saw the cloak, ran behind Strider who was still seated. "Don't let him get to us Strider?" Merry cried out, pleading for the ranger to help them when their need was so dire.

"Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, note what I am about to say to you well," Frodo warned with his deeper voice.

Strider and Bilbo could scarcely believe the change in voice that was coming from the normally, mild-mannered hobbit. The two of them were forced to quell their laughter and witness the priceless expressions on the faces of Merry and Pippin. By this time, Sam had relaxed sufficiently upon seeing who the manifested monster was, and he too had to hold back from laughing heartily, or risk spoiling his master's ruse.

The two hobbits were urging each other to turn their faces away and not to look upon the figure, convinced that their eyes were playing tricks. However, the longer they attempted to resist, the more they found themselves unable to force themselves not to look. When it became clear that they may not be able to stop the screams of terror they were barely holding onto, the figure lifted a shrouded arm towards his hood.

Without any further warning, the hood was thrown back, revealing the monster underneath.

"Boo!" Frodo taunted in his own voice. The dark-haired hobbit's blue eyes were shining with sheer delight at having given his two cousins such a great scare.

Frodo could barely stop himself from laughing as he looked at the stunned faces of Merry and Pippin. The longer he looked at them, remembering their shrieks and whispers down in the cellar, the harder it was to hold the gaffs of laughter back. An unusual, but unbridled display of emotion for such a gentle-hobbit.

By this time, Merry and Pippin became aware that they were the butt of the joke. They could see everybody laughing heartily at their expense. Frodo was laughing and his eyes were watering. Whilst they often got caught up in their own mischief, being caught out like they had been was an uncommon occurrence.

Merry was the first to look display an indignant expression on his face about what they had just been put through. "I suppose you think this is all very funny, Frodo Baggins!" he challenged, taking a step away from Pippin and putting his hands on his hips in a demanding stance.

Pippin nodded his head at the scathing words, and tried to mimic his cousin's unimpressed look. In truth he was more cross that neither of them had figured out the whole

deplorable episode had been a gag meant to catch them out. Glancing about at the faces in the room, it seemed that everybody had been privy except him and Merry.

"Actually I do," Frodo answered, straightening himself up and neatly removing the cloak from around his shoulders. "Thank you, Strider, that was most enjoyable. The best fun I have had in a very long time," he added, still smiling broadly.

"You should have seen your faces," Frodo teased the two cousins. "I'm coming to get you," he repeated with the deep voice, and then doubling up again with a fresh wave of laughter at the reaction he had invoked down in the cellar.

"You sure got them good Mister Frodo, Sir," Sam congratulated, as the laughter began to slow a little. "I bet they won't be pulling any more pranks on you in a while," he noted with a grin of satisfaction of his own. He would never have thought up something as clever as that to get back at Merry and Pippin for the ink and tea.

"It was a pretty good trick," Pippin admitted, thinking about it more and seeing it from Frodo's point of view. If he hadn't been so scared by it, and followed Merry's lead, he might have agreed with Sam that it was most inventive. The youngest hobbit was confident that he would be able to work on coming up with something like that with some time.

"Never let it be said that a Baggins was out done by a Brandybuck and a Took," Frodo declared proudly in defence of his family heritage.

"That's two Bagginses, Frodo my boy," Bilbo pointed out as he sat down in one of the armchairs. "We Bagginses have to stick together you know," he added with a cheeky wink.

Merry and Pippin could only give their elderly cousin Bilbo icy stares of bewilderment in response. The old hobbit had been part of the whole plan from the start. Because he had been the one to send them down into the cellar in the first place. He had known all along what was doing to happen, or suspected at the very least.

Age may be catching up with Bilbo and slowing him down physically, but his mind was still plenty active. He could clearly be just as sneaky as Frodo when he chose to be. Both Bagginses had been underestimated on this occasion, and together as a team, they were a formidable opposition indeed.

"I am grateful that I shall not be on the receiving end of such revenge or retribution from a Baggins," Strider commented casually. "I will have to remain forever vigilant around all hobbits living within the shire. They are a most resourceful and unpredictable folk."

"I guess we are about even at the moment, Frodo," Merry declared. “You did scare us both good and proper, and that's all done now.

Pippin wanted to openly object longer about the unfairness of it all, but saw the look on his cousin, and recognized a refreshed sense of determination. For now he was content to follow and give assistance to whatever scheme Merry was hatching.

Merry was not one to be deterred, and he did secretively begin formulating a worthwhile plan of retaliation. The game was still afoot yet. Frodo had won a significant battle, that was true. A sly smile crept over his face as he started thinking. There would be plenty of chances to get back at his cousin as he remembered the birthday celebration that would take place the next day.

Bilbo now invited everybody to join him in the dining room for supper. The banquet that was laid before them was lavish, sumptuous and mouth-watering. Pies were not the only offerings on the table. And there was copious quantities of everything. The elderly hobbit had outdone himself with his generous hospitality.

For the next hour, any chatter around the dining room table ceased as all guests began to sample the delicious array of food and focus soon turned to eating. Occasionally, Frodo would steal glances towards his two cousins and grinning to himself of what had taken place.

Frodo surveyed the faces gathered around the table, with members of his own family present, and friends, both new and old joining together harmoniously in a meal. The dark-haired hobbit smiled with anticipation and a hint of excitement, that the birthday celebrations he would share with his beloved uncle Bilbo tomorrow, should be the best ever.

After supper had been consumed, the younger hobbits had helped Samwise to clear away the dishes. The straw-haired hobbit had offered to help clean up the dining room and kitchen by himself, but was quickly denied by Frodo. Sam was told that this was one night where he was going to be enjoying the fun too. With extra pairs of hands, the tasks were quickly completed whilst the other adults were quietly talking over a bottle of Bilbo's vintage wine.

With the menial chores out of the way, Frodo took the younger hobbits into his bedroom, intending to read a story or two from some of his many books. For over an hour, Frodo had his cousins and Sam listening and enthralled by every word he spoke. Just as they had done so beneath the tree earlier in the day with Strider.

In the sitting room, the bottle of wine had eventually been swapped for pipes, smoking and sipping at piping hot cups of tea, whilst news and rumours from outside of the shire were shared. Before the topic of discussion changed to recalling old memories, Gandalf commented that he should retire to bed for the evening. There were many preparations for the following day that would require his personal attention.

After bidding the wizard goodnight, Bilbo was about to show Strider to one of his guest rooms that was specifically set up to accommodate big-folk. Gandalf was using a similar sized room, where the bed was much larger and would allow a man to rest in comfort. Other furnishings within the room would also suit the ranger better than hobbit sized furniture.

As they made their way down one of the many passageways of Bag End, they could hear whispered voices coming from behind Frodo's closed bedroom. Curiosity found them unable to resist looking in to see what was going on. Surely four hobbits would have run out of energy and things to talk about by this time.

Bilbo politely knocked on the door, but as he opened the door and looked in, his eyes lit up and he smiled at a most heart-warming scene before them.

Frodo had been reading to the younger hobbits, but before starting the current tale, Merry had declared that it was his turn to read to them all. Frodo was laying on the far side of the bed, closest to the window, whilst Pippin and Sam were gathered beside Merry on the opposite side. None of them being aware of anything else in the room but the story they were hearing.

"Did you young hobbits wear poor Frodo out?" Bilbo whispered, as he walked into the room. Strider remained in the doorway, not wanting to enter and make any unnecessary noise.

Sam and the others now turned around at Bilbo's question, surprised to see the dark-haired hobbit, sleeping peacefully on his back. His face relaxed and trouble free, and his breathing had deepened into slumber.

Sam felt his cheeks redden slightly with guilt that he had not detected any signs of his master growing weary. When Merry had begun to read about a sword fight from long ago, he had been listening too closely, and not paying attention to his master's needs.

"I am sorry Master Bilbo, I did not see how tired he was becoming," Sam offered in apology.

"That's perfectly alright, Sam, you have nothing to apologize for," Bilbo said gently as he picked up a soft blanket that hung over the end of the bed, and spread it gently over Frodo's peaceful form.

"I suspect all of you, including Frodo, have had much more activity today than he is normally used to since moving here to Bag End. He needs to get enough rest tonight for the celebrations tomorrow. It shall be a special day for him too, and I want to ensure that this birthday party will be just as much fun for him."

"His hand and chest must not be bothering him too much for the moment, judging how easily rest has found him tonight," Strider remarked. He did not want to dwell on how much his heart had skipped a beat when recalling the fall from the tree.

"Sam, I will leave you in here with Frodo tonight, for I know you will not awaken him with endless chatter or move about needlessly. Merry and Pippin, lads if you would come with me please, I will settled you both into one of the spare hobbit bedrooms down the hall," Bilbo instructed. “You have stayed in them before on previous visits.”

"Good-night, Master Bilbo and Mister Strider, Sir, I will not disturb him before morning," Sam promised, began settling down for the evening on the other side of the bed. He was intending to be as quiet and careful as he possible. The book that Merry had been reading from was set aside neatly on the night stand.

Merry and Pippin bid Sam good-night and followed Bilbo out of their cousin's bedroom. They were sharing a few last quiet words with the ranger, telling him all about the tales in Frodo's books.

Frodo turned on his side towards his uncle, and gave an audible sigh of contentment as he pressed his face deeper into the pillow.

The elderly hobbit doubted a thousand lines of poetry or a hundred tales in books could accurately describe how much he loved this gentle lad who had come into his lonely existence and given it meaning and purpose again. There would never be enough chests of gold, or bags of treasure that he would give in trade for the time they shared together.

"Good-night, my dear boy," Bilbo whispered and gently kissed his sleeping charge on his forehead, brushing the curls from his face with an affectionate stroke of his hand.

To be continued........

Author Notes: This story was started a long time ago (over fourteen 17 years ago), but I felt there were parts that needed more, and I wanted some more scenes in certain areas and include some of my new arcs.

I apologize for any mistakes I may have made about Lord Of The Rings history or any names I may have mis-spelled. I also hope that I have not wavered too far from people's takes on the individual personalities of each character.

I don't mean to make Strider and Bilbo out as so secretive. I just want to keep the idea about the Wraiths coming until later in the story. The fact that Bilbo knows that danger is coming and doesn't do anything straight away is also not intentional and I humbly ask for readers to believe that's what happened.

Any medicinal information is only from my own sources and not meant as true procedure to any injury or treatment that I may have used in my story so far or will in the future.

Not much has happened yet. Much more to come. In next chapter, the party preparations take place that I envisaged happened prior to the movie.

I know the appearance of a big person in the Shire would be out of place too, but I need that to make the story work. I just need both people, elves, dwarves and hobbits everywhere to suspend what they know to be true for a while and take what I write as happening.

I have also referred to Frodo as a boy in many parts - not intending for him to be called a human "boy" - just makes the story flow a little easier at times instead of constantly using "the hobbit" and similar descriptions.

Any information that I write in my Lord Of The Rings stories about eating flows on that in the two other fandoms I write – all of my main characters in each fandom are all finicky eaters and just push the food around on a plate or go for long lengths without anything to eat or refuse to do so. The others are like this in all stories that I write about them as well.

There will be other traits for Frodo that emerge over time that are not from the book or the movie, but characteristics that I interpret as part of his overall personality. I want to write a very close relationship between Bilbo and Frodo.

Please review and let me know what you think. I will try and update as soon as I can, but writing time is often not on my side.

Jules6