elderberrywine (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
elderberrywine) wrote2009-11-21 05:33 pm
elderberrywine) wrote2009-11-21 05:33 pm
New chapter on latest Baggins/Gamgee
Happy Saturday, all! Here is the fourth chapter of the current Baggins/Gamgee. Still a few more to go, but the pieces are beginning to fall together.
Title: News From Bree, Chapter Four
Author: Elderberry Wine
Pairing: Baggins/Gamgee
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 4681
Summary: One worry is resolved and a new co-conspirator arrives on the scene, as Baggins begins to puzzle matters out. Part of the 221B Bag End universe, which is very much AU.
I must have fallen asleep, but I certainly don’t remember when. After seeing to Bill, and cementing his camaraderie with Bottle and Barrel by bringing each of them an apple, I made my way to the common room of the Prancing Pony, and found a secluded seat where I could await the arrival of any one of my companions as I ate. The food was more than passable, without a doubt, but I could eat very little as the hours dragged by and neither Bobbin, nor Reedborn, and especially, not even Baggins made his appearance. The crowd of hobbits in the room continued to be unapproachable and unfriendly, and naturally enough, I did not even think of entering into conversation with any of the men.
Finally, I left for our room, and stood before the cold fireplace in a positive fog of worry, regret, and most especially, fear. I have rarely felt quite so alone as I did that night, in that strange town, at least a hundred miles from all my family and friends. Not to mention there was Frodo’s absence, and I vowed savagely to myself to not let him out of my sight again, whatever the Ranger’s personal opinions might be on the matter. If it meant ensconcing myself on the doorstep, then so be it. I saw no particular reason why this Strider should be able to dictate where I came and went, at least when it came to the matter of accompanying Baggins. Slowly, I sank to the hearth rug, staring into the cold fireplace and torn between frustration and fear, as time crept on. At last, I suppose, I must have given into sleep.
It was a gentle hand on my shoulder, and a warm murmur above me that woke me at last. “I should have thought the bed preferable, but then there’s no accounting for tastes, I suppose.”
“Oh, Frodo!” I gasped, fully awaking with a start and immediately wrapping my arms around his fervently longed-for form. “Oh, my dear, my dear!”
“There now, Samwise,” his voice was immediately sympathetic and slightly apologetic, as he held me tightly, kneeling at my side. “I know I must have caused you concern, and I’m most sorry for that, my dearest Gamgee. I’ve much to tell you, but now is not the time. Any news of our companions?”
I mutely shook my head, still unabashedly clutching him closely to me.
He gave a slight sigh at that piece of information, and then nodded his head resolutely. “Well, there is naught to be done on that matter until the morning. It’s best that we be getting some rest now, for we surely will need it come tomorrow. And I might add, my dear Samwise, this is an infernally frosty room. Here I thought to thaw out my toes a bit, but it is possibly every bit as cold in here as out in that frigid night.”
This did have the possibly anticipated effect of causing me to scramble to my feet with a guilty start, but he gave a slow smile, and placing firm hands upon my shoulders, guided me unresistingly back to the bed. “No, not this time, Sam dear. I suspect you have not had the best of days, and I can at least make amends ever so slightly. Wrap yourself up in a blanket or two, and I will see to the fire. We don’t need much of one actually, but warming the room up even a trifle will make an immense difference, I am quite sure.”
I did not have it in me to disagree with his recommendation in the least, so I quickly found myself on the bed, well bundled in blankets, and blissfully watching that lean graceful figure as he bent over the hearth, and expertly coaxed a small tidy fire into being. Only a few moments later, we had shed our clothing and sat together on the bed, now both wrapped in the blankets and with arms tightly wrapped about each other, as we felt the warmth of those modest flames gradually ease into our cold and tired limbs. I had questions by the score, but knew that tomorrow would answer them soon enough. And now, there was really nothing more to be considered other than we had time and privacy, and I no more felt like sleeping at this moment than making another dramatic turn in the common room.
“Frodo,” I whispered, and knew that I had no need to finish that question. He turned to me without a word, and tightened his arms about me, and his mouth found mine. Ah, the taste of his sweet mouth on mine; I’ve never had the words for its effect on me. All I know is that my heart leaped up with a fierce joy, and I fell onto my back, pulling him over me. No burden was ever so ardently desired as the weight of my dearly beloved, as he lay over me, and took me passionately into his hands. I know I cried out in ecstasy, that I moaned and sighed words that may or may not have made any sense, but he understood. He always did.
&&&&&&
I was awakened, quite early the next morning, by Frodo easing himself to the edge of the bed. I gave a muffled protest, reaching quickly out for him, but he gave me a consoling kiss and regretful hug, and left the warm nest we had made under the coverings, to my great regret.
“A thousand apologies, my dearest Sam,” I heard him say contritely, as I groggily opened my eyes, “but this will be a busy day indeed. I must put some of the pieces of this puzzle together, and there is no better way than laying it out before you. We must be off to breakfast, my dear.”
I kept to myself my new resolution that he was not going to be far from my ken as long as we were in Bree, and popped my head out, giving him an ostensibly displeased eye. “It’s hardly dawn, Frodo. Surely there is no need to race the good folk of Bree to first breakfast?”
“You may have noticed that the common room tends to be a bit on the crowded side, Gamgee,” came his amused retort, as he started to pull his clothing back on from the pile in which it had been unceremoniously tossed the night before. “Bree is a fairly sizable town, to be sure, but I have a feeling that this fact does not speak well of the quality of any competing hostelries. If we want to have any privacy at all as we eat, now would be the time. And I don’t mind mentioning that Rangers apparently have little concept as to the eating requirements of hobbits. I am absolutely famished, I assure you.”
Certainly my curiosity was piqued by that remark, so I quickly joined him in dressing, but before we left the room, I drew him to me for a last lingering kiss. “I suspect this will have to hold us for at least the day,” I murmured in explanation, “but we can at least have this.”
His dark blue eyes studied me with sudden warmth as we still remained in an embrace. “Entirely right, Samwise, my dear. However, I don’t particularly have any concerns regarding the sensibilities of any of the folk here, so if you care to repeat this action at any time during the day, do feel free. I suspect it would not come as a great shock, at least to our companions.”
I laughed, as we left the room, and could not help but happily retort, “I will hold you to that, Frodo. Have a care, my love.”
&&&&&
We found ourselves a smaller table on the hobbit side of the cavernous room, and I found I was correct in estimating the general hour for breakfast dining for the local inhabitants. There were few in the room, and in general, those who were present were hobbits. A quick glance out of one of the diamond-paned windows gave me another reason. It was snowing once again, and fairly heavily too. With any luck at all, our travels this day would not take us far, but I did not mind admitting to myself that both the absence of Reedborn, and especially that of Bobbin, were concerning me a good deal.
We ordered our meal, and Ned, who indeed seemed to be ever at hand, brought it promptly along with an unrequested bunch of carrots. “For afters,” he added, with a sly wink, and was gone before I could thank him.
“I surmise that Bill has found an additional champion,” Baggins smiled at the nontraditional addition to our breakfast. “But tell me first, Gamgee, before I lay the facts out before you. What information did you uncovered yesterday?”
In between bites of a most excellent sausage and potatoes, I told him of my visit to the herb-seller’s establishment, and the note that was purportedly from Bobbin.
“Most interesting, on both accounts,” he leaned eagerly forward, steepling his hands together, with his food characteristically cooling forgotten before him. “You still have the note, of course?”
“Indeed I do, and I will be more than happy to hand it over to you as soon as you finish breakfast,” I stated rather sharply, biting into another piece of well-buttered toast. “I need not remind you of the need to keep your strength up, I should hope.”
“You have an admirable point, my dear Gamgee,” he admitted, the side of his mouth crooking up into a wry smile. “I stand admonished. Very well, let me consider where these two new pieces fit into this complex puzzle, as I finish. No more questions until I am through, I promise you.”
He was as good as his word, but it was not long before we both were leaning back comfortably with our backs against the wall, side by side on the bench, and sipping the hot tea, a pair of well-cleaned plates before us.
“Let us start,” Baggins began quietly, his eye on those coming and going before us, “with the reason we are here. The fact that our names were known to whoever wrote that note does not, now, surprise me in the least. Apparently our friend Reedborn was not entirely forthcoming as to why he came to us on this particular matter.”
“What is this, Frodo?” I turned to him in astonishment. “Is he not to be trusted?”
“Nothing he said was a lie,” Baggins replied carefully, “but there was information which he did not reveal. It seems that Reedborn and the Ranger, Strider, had met previously here in Bree on this particular matter, and each had their own reasons for wishing us to become involved. Reedborn was for the most part impressed with the Nethercleft affair, and thought we would be just the sort to puzzle this matter out, but Strider apparently had another motive. I have not entirely pieced it together yet, but it seems as though there is a connection through Bilbo, and thus, me. Do you remember, Gamgee, that imbroglio in which Lotho was involved?”
Silently I nodded, mystified as to the connection with the matter in which we were currently involved.
“Do you remember how they ransacked Bag End, apparently convinced that there was some object of value there?” Frodo continued quietly, his expression somewhat distant. “What if Bilbo had indeed brought something of value back? Something so extraordinary that even he was not aware of its true worth? Apparently, the Rangers seem to feel that this might be the case.”
“But if that were so, whyever would they wish us to come all the way out to Bree? Why did they not just stop by and ask to poke about a bit? I’m quite sure neither of us would have declined that request.”
“I can just imagine your expression if that unlikely event actually had occurred, Gamgee,” Baggins took a deep sip of tea and set the mug down with a distinctly amused glance toward me. “The thing of it is that they do not know the nature of the object, as of yet, so it would be difficult to find. I think Strider is now assured that neither of us is aware of possessing anything out of the ordinary, as well. But whatever it is, it is connected in some way in this matter of the kingsfoil.”
“Now that is what has me stumped,” I had to admit. “An ordinary type of weed, although I must admit it can be a bit difficult to find in certain parts, and useful enough for some sorts of fevers, but valuable enough for which to commit murder? I confess that I am entirely at a loss as to why that would be so.”
“Ah, but you see, Gamgee, that is not exactly it,” Baggins exclaimed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “If it were valuable, the shopkeeper you met would be hoarding it, rather than being fearful at its very mention. And the bundles of it that were being imported into Bree would have been spirited away rather than being, as they were, burned. No, my dear, it is not that it’s valuable, but rather it’s dangerous in some manner.”
“By the Lady,” I exclaimed in astonishment. “How? And to whom?”
“Precisely, Gamgee. Those are the very two points that want answering, are they not? In addition, of course, as to what the connection is to the both of us in this matter.”
“Well, what did this Ranger fellow have to say?”
“Frankly, not much more than what I have told you. He did mention, however, that there are certain legends, or at least he had always considered them so, regarding kingsfoil, which he referred to as altheas.”
“Altheas?” I couldn’t help but scratch my head. “An odd name. Sounds elvish, if you ask me.”
“Exactly what I thought. And there is the fact that they are with whom Bilbo presumably now resides. A mysterious web of coincidences, don’t you think? However, for the moment, our first order of business is to meet with Strider again, and this time your presence is requested as well, my dear Gamgee. I have assured him that your knowledge of herblore is extensive, which indeed it is, my dear, and you most definitely should be included in any future discussions. We must ascertain who in Bree originally requested the shipments, and why were other parties so determined to ensure that they did not reach their destination.”
“And where is Bobbin, not to mention Reedborn?” I prompted him.
“Absolutely. And now that you mention that point, let us have a look at the note that was given to you.”
I handed it over to him, and after carefully examining the paper itself by holding it up to the light, he spread it out on the table and studied it intently. “Not too much knowledge to be gained from this other than it was written by an educated resident of Bree who has a certain amount of background knowledge regarding both of us.”
“How do you know that, Baggins,” I asked in surprise.
“Well, of course, there is Reedborn’s word for it that Bobbin does not read or write. But in any case, the handwriting is clearly not his. It is firm and even, the mark of a practiced writer, and note the curious tail on the letter s. I have observed that characteristic in the writing I’ve seen thus far in Bree, but it is a trait certainly not to be found in the Shire. And as for knowledge regarding ourselves, notice that the writer knows to address you by the name ‘Samwise’ rather than the more common ‘Sam’. I believe both Reedborn and Bobbin refer to you by the latter, if they ever use a given name, but the writer apparently knows otherwise. It is essential, therefore, that we determine what further information the Ranger can give us concerning this matter. But we have a nourishing treat to deliver first, do we not, Gamgee? And then we are off.”
&&&&&
The wind bit savagely at our legs as we stepped out of the warm inn into the snowy morning, and I began to suspect that men had the right idea, in weather such as this, with those odd coverings they put on their feet. However, we were not initially going far, rather just down the adjoining street to the inn’s stables. “How,” I tried to get the words out in the blustery wind, adjusting the woolen scarf I had prudently decided to wear that morning around my face as I stamped through the snow beside Baggins, “are we going to find this Ranger? Does he have a regular home here?”
“Regarding the home, I have no information,” Baggins stepped lightly through the drifts at my side, remaining as unconcerned as if it were but a brisk autumn day. “However, the Ranger will find us, and quite soon, I assure you.”
I had no time to ask more, for we had thankfully arrived at the stable, and the welcome warmth and light as we entered was delight down to my very bones. Nob had hastened to greet us as we entered, and quickly led us to where our ponies were stalled with a look of pride on his honest face. “Now look at that, Mister Gamgee,” he exclaimed, with a flourish in Bill’s direction. “I ask you if that pony just ain’t a treat t’see. I must admit, sir, yesterday it didn’t look so good as far as I could tell. But now, just look at him!”
Indeed, the difference was dramatic. The pony’s head was up, and his dark eyes were bright. And when he saw us approach, he lifted his head and gave a greeting nicker, and a hearty snort. “Why, Gamgee, this is amazing!” exclaimed Baggins with transparent delight. “I never would have credited it. It’s very nearly impossible to see the mistreated creature you saved just but yesterday in this pony before us! But look, he knows you brought something for him.” And indeed, Bill gave me a direct look and if ponies could be said to smile, well, that’s just what he was doing.
Of course I promptly handed over the bunch of carrots, not forgetting to pass a few Barrel and Bottle’s way as well, even though rounder ponies than those two it was nearly impossible to imagine. As the pony greedily made short work of his treat, I stood at his side, and patted him fondly, thinking that whatever else might occur in this gloomy town of Bree, that at least this had gone right. Perhaps that’s why I never heard him approach, but when I glanced over at Baggins, I saw with a start that the tall Ranger was standing at his side.
“Come,” he said in a soft voice that yet brooked no dissent. “There is much to discuss. But the place is not here.” And without another word, he pulled the hood of his cloak well over his face and left the stable, very nearly disappearing into the swirls of icy snow. Without a word, Baggins and I followed, but not before I discreetly slipped my hand into that of Baggins. His welcome firm clasp in return was all the reassurance I needed.
&&&&&
I certainly had no knowledge of the streets of Bree as of yet, but I quickly surmised that we were not headed in the same direction in which Baggins and I had found ourselves traveling the day before. Instead of the small farms, in which we had found Bill as well as the unfriendly farmers, we seemed to be headed to the outskirts of Bree and it was not long before I realized that we were headed into the hilly side of town. My spirits were encouraged by that observation, for surely, that is where the hobbits of this town would dwell. My guess was shortly proven correct, as Strider stopped before a brightly painted round door set into the side of a steep hill, set well back from the road.
With a sharp rap, the man awaited an answer rather impatiently, as if he visited this particular smial on a regular basis. As indeed he did, as I soon found out, when the door was promptly opened, and the resident greeted us with pleasure. To my astonishment, it was Ned himself, from the Prancing Pony, who opened the door and cheerfully urged us in out of the storm. “You know the Ranger?” I couldn’t help but blurt out in astonishment, as he closed the door smartly behind me.
“Bree is a rather small town, Master Gamgee,” the elderly hobbit’s voice was grave, but his expression was otherwise, as he and Strider exchanged a glance of amusement. “What’s more, I believe there’s another here whom you might know likewise.”
I could not suppress a cry of delight at seeing the welcome fresh countenance of Bobbin as he stood beaming behind Ned. “Oh, lad, you gave us such a scare,” I exclaimed in utter relief, as I threw an arm around his bony young shoulders.
“ ’Tis sorry I am for that,” the young hobbit looked properly apologetic, “but both Mr. Ned and Mr. Strider, here, thought as I was in a bad spot alone. They told me they sent a note to the both of you, though.”
“Not exactly reassuring when it was known to not be you who wrote it,” Baggins remarked dryly, although unable to resist a warm smile at the sight of the young hobbit. “And where is Reedborn?”
“That I do not know,” Ned admitted, his face instantly tightening a bit with worry. “But why are we all nattering in the hallway? We need to think this out over a pot of hot tea, if you ask me.”
I immediately realized that Ned was a hobbit after my own heart, and offered to give him a hand, an offer that was promptly accepted. I followed him down a short hall while the others settled before a comforting fire in a room which, I noticed with a quick glance as we walked through, was perceptibly higher-roofed than was the norm.
“Not all that uncommon,” Ned chuckled, as I mentioned it, as we entered the small tidy kitchen. “ ‘Tis Bree, after all, and having men as guests ain’t all that unusual. Nice to have at least one room that they might find comfortable.”
“I suppose you’re right,” I had to admit, as I helped slice some bread and butter it, as he prepared the tea pot. “So you know the Ranger well?”
“As much as any hobbit, I suppose. Oh, you’ll find a few late apples in a bowl on the shelf over there. You wouldn’t mind slicing them up for me, then? Oh, yes, the Ranger and I have been acquainted for many a year. We often, as one might say, have the same interests.”
I very nearly gouged my finger at that curious statement. “Indeed,” I mentioned, with the best attempt at casualness that I could manage. “And how did Bobbin come to stay with you?”
“This is an extremely dangerous business, Master Gamgee. More so than you may realize.” He set the tea pot firmly on the table and gave me a level look. “No young hobbit should go about asking the sort of questions as he was asking, without any protection. The fact that he has been seen with the pair o’ye is enough to put him in jeopardy.”
And then the serious look was gone as if it had never been. “Must be dull for a lad like that with a pair like you,” he laughed. “I’ve a young relative, just about his age, my second cousin’s son, on my mother’s side you know, who is just about the same age as young Bobbin. They hit it off that well that Bobbin is staying with him for a bit. But the rest will be famished without second breakfast.”
And he bustled back down the hall before I could ask any more questions.
&&&&&
As I re-entered the front room, at Ned’s heels, I found that Baggins and the Ranger had been in close conversation, and Bobbin was curled on a hearth rug at their feet, his face quite serious as he followed their conversation. But Baggins turned to me, as I sat down on the settle beside him, and said, “It seems that there is a certain confederation, in Bree, of forces for, shall we say, peace and harmony among the peoples of Middle Earth. Our good Ranger and Ned, here, are key members. Are there any others in whom we may put our trust?” he looked back over to our host, who was calmly pouring out the tea.
“Well, there are certainly others, but for the moment, it might be best if you stick with just the both of us. Oh, and Nob, of course. He’d be my cousin, you know.”
“And Barleycorn?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Ned gave a wry smile, as he passed about the plate of bread-and-butter. “Oh, he’s generally trustworthy, although a bit too fond of the glint of coin. Still, his heart is in the right place, and there are plenty of folk in Bree of whom that cannot be said.”
Baggins leaned back against the settle, his plate, of course, untouched before him, and his fingers steepled before his face. “Very well, then, let us see where matters stand at the moment. I was telling our friends of your visit, yesterday, to the herbist. There is much to be learned from him, I might think, as we discussed this morning.” He paused and gave me a polite thanks as I presented him with a steaming mug and a meaningful look, but continued on. “The fact of the matter is that the kingsfoil has been requested in order to destroy it, rather than to put it to any sort of use, which is a curious fact. Even more curious is that apparently no one knows who has been ordering it from the Shire. The supposed purchasers have turned out to be fictitious names and the addresses empty buildings, another sign that the shipment was never meant to reach its destination. However, kingsfoil seems to have been common enough in these parts that the shopkeeper had a drawer once dedicated to it, although he is currently fearful of its mention. I believe, my dear Gamgee, we need to make another visit to this shop. The question still remains, however, as to what makes this herb so dangerous, and to whom. You made some mention the day before, Strider, of certain legends regarding it. Would you mind elaborating on them?”
“Not at all,” Strider began, and then paused with an expectant look. “Ah, but there he is,” he added, as a sudden knock was heard on the door of the smial. “He can tell you of them much better than I. I give you the leader of our, as you call it, confederation, my good gentlehobbits,” he added, as Ned hastened quickly to the door to let the visitor in.
I thought I had become quite inured to the unexpected, in this remarkable affair in which we had become embroiled, but there were still, apparently, more astonishments in store for Baggins and me. Our latest co-conspirator was a being of whom I had only previously heard tales, but there was no doubt in my mind as I rose to my feet in amazement, that the person before me was, unmistakably, a wizard. I even heard Baggins, at my side, give an uncharacteristic gasp of astonishment.
“I give you, my dear hobbits,” proclaimed Strider, with a polite bow to the newcomer, and a wicked grin at our reactions, “Radagast the Brown. You might want to put your question, Baggins, to him.”
Chapter One may be found here: http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/50407.html#cutid1
Chapter Two here: http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/50555.html#cutid1
And Chapter Three here: http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/50753.html#cutid1
Title: News From Bree, Chapter Four
Author: Elderberry Wine
Pairing: Baggins/Gamgee
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 4681
Summary: One worry is resolved and a new co-conspirator arrives on the scene, as Baggins begins to puzzle matters out. Part of the 221B Bag End universe, which is very much AU.
I must have fallen asleep, but I certainly don’t remember when. After seeing to Bill, and cementing his camaraderie with Bottle and Barrel by bringing each of them an apple, I made my way to the common room of the Prancing Pony, and found a secluded seat where I could await the arrival of any one of my companions as I ate. The food was more than passable, without a doubt, but I could eat very little as the hours dragged by and neither Bobbin, nor Reedborn, and especially, not even Baggins made his appearance. The crowd of hobbits in the room continued to be unapproachable and unfriendly, and naturally enough, I did not even think of entering into conversation with any of the men.
Finally, I left for our room, and stood before the cold fireplace in a positive fog of worry, regret, and most especially, fear. I have rarely felt quite so alone as I did that night, in that strange town, at least a hundred miles from all my family and friends. Not to mention there was Frodo’s absence, and I vowed savagely to myself to not let him out of my sight again, whatever the Ranger’s personal opinions might be on the matter. If it meant ensconcing myself on the doorstep, then so be it. I saw no particular reason why this Strider should be able to dictate where I came and went, at least when it came to the matter of accompanying Baggins. Slowly, I sank to the hearth rug, staring into the cold fireplace and torn between frustration and fear, as time crept on. At last, I suppose, I must have given into sleep.
It was a gentle hand on my shoulder, and a warm murmur above me that woke me at last. “I should have thought the bed preferable, but then there’s no accounting for tastes, I suppose.”
“Oh, Frodo!” I gasped, fully awaking with a start and immediately wrapping my arms around his fervently longed-for form. “Oh, my dear, my dear!”
“There now, Samwise,” his voice was immediately sympathetic and slightly apologetic, as he held me tightly, kneeling at my side. “I know I must have caused you concern, and I’m most sorry for that, my dearest Gamgee. I’ve much to tell you, but now is not the time. Any news of our companions?”
I mutely shook my head, still unabashedly clutching him closely to me.
He gave a slight sigh at that piece of information, and then nodded his head resolutely. “Well, there is naught to be done on that matter until the morning. It’s best that we be getting some rest now, for we surely will need it come tomorrow. And I might add, my dear Samwise, this is an infernally frosty room. Here I thought to thaw out my toes a bit, but it is possibly every bit as cold in here as out in that frigid night.”
This did have the possibly anticipated effect of causing me to scramble to my feet with a guilty start, but he gave a slow smile, and placing firm hands upon my shoulders, guided me unresistingly back to the bed. “No, not this time, Sam dear. I suspect you have not had the best of days, and I can at least make amends ever so slightly. Wrap yourself up in a blanket or two, and I will see to the fire. We don’t need much of one actually, but warming the room up even a trifle will make an immense difference, I am quite sure.”
I did not have it in me to disagree with his recommendation in the least, so I quickly found myself on the bed, well bundled in blankets, and blissfully watching that lean graceful figure as he bent over the hearth, and expertly coaxed a small tidy fire into being. Only a few moments later, we had shed our clothing and sat together on the bed, now both wrapped in the blankets and with arms tightly wrapped about each other, as we felt the warmth of those modest flames gradually ease into our cold and tired limbs. I had questions by the score, but knew that tomorrow would answer them soon enough. And now, there was really nothing more to be considered other than we had time and privacy, and I no more felt like sleeping at this moment than making another dramatic turn in the common room.
“Frodo,” I whispered, and knew that I had no need to finish that question. He turned to me without a word, and tightened his arms about me, and his mouth found mine. Ah, the taste of his sweet mouth on mine; I’ve never had the words for its effect on me. All I know is that my heart leaped up with a fierce joy, and I fell onto my back, pulling him over me. No burden was ever so ardently desired as the weight of my dearly beloved, as he lay over me, and took me passionately into his hands. I know I cried out in ecstasy, that I moaned and sighed words that may or may not have made any sense, but he understood. He always did.
&&&&&&
I was awakened, quite early the next morning, by Frodo easing himself to the edge of the bed. I gave a muffled protest, reaching quickly out for him, but he gave me a consoling kiss and regretful hug, and left the warm nest we had made under the coverings, to my great regret.
“A thousand apologies, my dearest Sam,” I heard him say contritely, as I groggily opened my eyes, “but this will be a busy day indeed. I must put some of the pieces of this puzzle together, and there is no better way than laying it out before you. We must be off to breakfast, my dear.”
I kept to myself my new resolution that he was not going to be far from my ken as long as we were in Bree, and popped my head out, giving him an ostensibly displeased eye. “It’s hardly dawn, Frodo. Surely there is no need to race the good folk of Bree to first breakfast?”
“You may have noticed that the common room tends to be a bit on the crowded side, Gamgee,” came his amused retort, as he started to pull his clothing back on from the pile in which it had been unceremoniously tossed the night before. “Bree is a fairly sizable town, to be sure, but I have a feeling that this fact does not speak well of the quality of any competing hostelries. If we want to have any privacy at all as we eat, now would be the time. And I don’t mind mentioning that Rangers apparently have little concept as to the eating requirements of hobbits. I am absolutely famished, I assure you.”
Certainly my curiosity was piqued by that remark, so I quickly joined him in dressing, but before we left the room, I drew him to me for a last lingering kiss. “I suspect this will have to hold us for at least the day,” I murmured in explanation, “but we can at least have this.”
His dark blue eyes studied me with sudden warmth as we still remained in an embrace. “Entirely right, Samwise, my dear. However, I don’t particularly have any concerns regarding the sensibilities of any of the folk here, so if you care to repeat this action at any time during the day, do feel free. I suspect it would not come as a great shock, at least to our companions.”
I laughed, as we left the room, and could not help but happily retort, “I will hold you to that, Frodo. Have a care, my love.”
&&&&&
We found ourselves a smaller table on the hobbit side of the cavernous room, and I found I was correct in estimating the general hour for breakfast dining for the local inhabitants. There were few in the room, and in general, those who were present were hobbits. A quick glance out of one of the diamond-paned windows gave me another reason. It was snowing once again, and fairly heavily too. With any luck at all, our travels this day would not take us far, but I did not mind admitting to myself that both the absence of Reedborn, and especially that of Bobbin, were concerning me a good deal.
We ordered our meal, and Ned, who indeed seemed to be ever at hand, brought it promptly along with an unrequested bunch of carrots. “For afters,” he added, with a sly wink, and was gone before I could thank him.
“I surmise that Bill has found an additional champion,” Baggins smiled at the nontraditional addition to our breakfast. “But tell me first, Gamgee, before I lay the facts out before you. What information did you uncovered yesterday?”
In between bites of a most excellent sausage and potatoes, I told him of my visit to the herb-seller’s establishment, and the note that was purportedly from Bobbin.
“Most interesting, on both accounts,” he leaned eagerly forward, steepling his hands together, with his food characteristically cooling forgotten before him. “You still have the note, of course?”
“Indeed I do, and I will be more than happy to hand it over to you as soon as you finish breakfast,” I stated rather sharply, biting into another piece of well-buttered toast. “I need not remind you of the need to keep your strength up, I should hope.”
“You have an admirable point, my dear Gamgee,” he admitted, the side of his mouth crooking up into a wry smile. “I stand admonished. Very well, let me consider where these two new pieces fit into this complex puzzle, as I finish. No more questions until I am through, I promise you.”
He was as good as his word, but it was not long before we both were leaning back comfortably with our backs against the wall, side by side on the bench, and sipping the hot tea, a pair of well-cleaned plates before us.
“Let us start,” Baggins began quietly, his eye on those coming and going before us, “with the reason we are here. The fact that our names were known to whoever wrote that note does not, now, surprise me in the least. Apparently our friend Reedborn was not entirely forthcoming as to why he came to us on this particular matter.”
“What is this, Frodo?” I turned to him in astonishment. “Is he not to be trusted?”
“Nothing he said was a lie,” Baggins replied carefully, “but there was information which he did not reveal. It seems that Reedborn and the Ranger, Strider, had met previously here in Bree on this particular matter, and each had their own reasons for wishing us to become involved. Reedborn was for the most part impressed with the Nethercleft affair, and thought we would be just the sort to puzzle this matter out, but Strider apparently had another motive. I have not entirely pieced it together yet, but it seems as though there is a connection through Bilbo, and thus, me. Do you remember, Gamgee, that imbroglio in which Lotho was involved?”
Silently I nodded, mystified as to the connection with the matter in which we were currently involved.
“Do you remember how they ransacked Bag End, apparently convinced that there was some object of value there?” Frodo continued quietly, his expression somewhat distant. “What if Bilbo had indeed brought something of value back? Something so extraordinary that even he was not aware of its true worth? Apparently, the Rangers seem to feel that this might be the case.”
“But if that were so, whyever would they wish us to come all the way out to Bree? Why did they not just stop by and ask to poke about a bit? I’m quite sure neither of us would have declined that request.”
“I can just imagine your expression if that unlikely event actually had occurred, Gamgee,” Baggins took a deep sip of tea and set the mug down with a distinctly amused glance toward me. “The thing of it is that they do not know the nature of the object, as of yet, so it would be difficult to find. I think Strider is now assured that neither of us is aware of possessing anything out of the ordinary, as well. But whatever it is, it is connected in some way in this matter of the kingsfoil.”
“Now that is what has me stumped,” I had to admit. “An ordinary type of weed, although I must admit it can be a bit difficult to find in certain parts, and useful enough for some sorts of fevers, but valuable enough for which to commit murder? I confess that I am entirely at a loss as to why that would be so.”
“Ah, but you see, Gamgee, that is not exactly it,” Baggins exclaimed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “If it were valuable, the shopkeeper you met would be hoarding it, rather than being fearful at its very mention. And the bundles of it that were being imported into Bree would have been spirited away rather than being, as they were, burned. No, my dear, it is not that it’s valuable, but rather it’s dangerous in some manner.”
“By the Lady,” I exclaimed in astonishment. “How? And to whom?”
“Precisely, Gamgee. Those are the very two points that want answering, are they not? In addition, of course, as to what the connection is to the both of us in this matter.”
“Well, what did this Ranger fellow have to say?”
“Frankly, not much more than what I have told you. He did mention, however, that there are certain legends, or at least he had always considered them so, regarding kingsfoil, which he referred to as altheas.”
“Altheas?” I couldn’t help but scratch my head. “An odd name. Sounds elvish, if you ask me.”
“Exactly what I thought. And there is the fact that they are with whom Bilbo presumably now resides. A mysterious web of coincidences, don’t you think? However, for the moment, our first order of business is to meet with Strider again, and this time your presence is requested as well, my dear Gamgee. I have assured him that your knowledge of herblore is extensive, which indeed it is, my dear, and you most definitely should be included in any future discussions. We must ascertain who in Bree originally requested the shipments, and why were other parties so determined to ensure that they did not reach their destination.”
“And where is Bobbin, not to mention Reedborn?” I prompted him.
“Absolutely. And now that you mention that point, let us have a look at the note that was given to you.”
I handed it over to him, and after carefully examining the paper itself by holding it up to the light, he spread it out on the table and studied it intently. “Not too much knowledge to be gained from this other than it was written by an educated resident of Bree who has a certain amount of background knowledge regarding both of us.”
“How do you know that, Baggins,” I asked in surprise.
“Well, of course, there is Reedborn’s word for it that Bobbin does not read or write. But in any case, the handwriting is clearly not his. It is firm and even, the mark of a practiced writer, and note the curious tail on the letter s. I have observed that characteristic in the writing I’ve seen thus far in Bree, but it is a trait certainly not to be found in the Shire. And as for knowledge regarding ourselves, notice that the writer knows to address you by the name ‘Samwise’ rather than the more common ‘Sam’. I believe both Reedborn and Bobbin refer to you by the latter, if they ever use a given name, but the writer apparently knows otherwise. It is essential, therefore, that we determine what further information the Ranger can give us concerning this matter. But we have a nourishing treat to deliver first, do we not, Gamgee? And then we are off.”
&&&&&
The wind bit savagely at our legs as we stepped out of the warm inn into the snowy morning, and I began to suspect that men had the right idea, in weather such as this, with those odd coverings they put on their feet. However, we were not initially going far, rather just down the adjoining street to the inn’s stables. “How,” I tried to get the words out in the blustery wind, adjusting the woolen scarf I had prudently decided to wear that morning around my face as I stamped through the snow beside Baggins, “are we going to find this Ranger? Does he have a regular home here?”
“Regarding the home, I have no information,” Baggins stepped lightly through the drifts at my side, remaining as unconcerned as if it were but a brisk autumn day. “However, the Ranger will find us, and quite soon, I assure you.”
I had no time to ask more, for we had thankfully arrived at the stable, and the welcome warmth and light as we entered was delight down to my very bones. Nob had hastened to greet us as we entered, and quickly led us to where our ponies were stalled with a look of pride on his honest face. “Now look at that, Mister Gamgee,” he exclaimed, with a flourish in Bill’s direction. “I ask you if that pony just ain’t a treat t’see. I must admit, sir, yesterday it didn’t look so good as far as I could tell. But now, just look at him!”
Indeed, the difference was dramatic. The pony’s head was up, and his dark eyes were bright. And when he saw us approach, he lifted his head and gave a greeting nicker, and a hearty snort. “Why, Gamgee, this is amazing!” exclaimed Baggins with transparent delight. “I never would have credited it. It’s very nearly impossible to see the mistreated creature you saved just but yesterday in this pony before us! But look, he knows you brought something for him.” And indeed, Bill gave me a direct look and if ponies could be said to smile, well, that’s just what he was doing.
Of course I promptly handed over the bunch of carrots, not forgetting to pass a few Barrel and Bottle’s way as well, even though rounder ponies than those two it was nearly impossible to imagine. As the pony greedily made short work of his treat, I stood at his side, and patted him fondly, thinking that whatever else might occur in this gloomy town of Bree, that at least this had gone right. Perhaps that’s why I never heard him approach, but when I glanced over at Baggins, I saw with a start that the tall Ranger was standing at his side.
“Come,” he said in a soft voice that yet brooked no dissent. “There is much to discuss. But the place is not here.” And without another word, he pulled the hood of his cloak well over his face and left the stable, very nearly disappearing into the swirls of icy snow. Without a word, Baggins and I followed, but not before I discreetly slipped my hand into that of Baggins. His welcome firm clasp in return was all the reassurance I needed.
&&&&&
I certainly had no knowledge of the streets of Bree as of yet, but I quickly surmised that we were not headed in the same direction in which Baggins and I had found ourselves traveling the day before. Instead of the small farms, in which we had found Bill as well as the unfriendly farmers, we seemed to be headed to the outskirts of Bree and it was not long before I realized that we were headed into the hilly side of town. My spirits were encouraged by that observation, for surely, that is where the hobbits of this town would dwell. My guess was shortly proven correct, as Strider stopped before a brightly painted round door set into the side of a steep hill, set well back from the road.
With a sharp rap, the man awaited an answer rather impatiently, as if he visited this particular smial on a regular basis. As indeed he did, as I soon found out, when the door was promptly opened, and the resident greeted us with pleasure. To my astonishment, it was Ned himself, from the Prancing Pony, who opened the door and cheerfully urged us in out of the storm. “You know the Ranger?” I couldn’t help but blurt out in astonishment, as he closed the door smartly behind me.
“Bree is a rather small town, Master Gamgee,” the elderly hobbit’s voice was grave, but his expression was otherwise, as he and Strider exchanged a glance of amusement. “What’s more, I believe there’s another here whom you might know likewise.”
I could not suppress a cry of delight at seeing the welcome fresh countenance of Bobbin as he stood beaming behind Ned. “Oh, lad, you gave us such a scare,” I exclaimed in utter relief, as I threw an arm around his bony young shoulders.
“ ’Tis sorry I am for that,” the young hobbit looked properly apologetic, “but both Mr. Ned and Mr. Strider, here, thought as I was in a bad spot alone. They told me they sent a note to the both of you, though.”
“Not exactly reassuring when it was known to not be you who wrote it,” Baggins remarked dryly, although unable to resist a warm smile at the sight of the young hobbit. “And where is Reedborn?”
“That I do not know,” Ned admitted, his face instantly tightening a bit with worry. “But why are we all nattering in the hallway? We need to think this out over a pot of hot tea, if you ask me.”
I immediately realized that Ned was a hobbit after my own heart, and offered to give him a hand, an offer that was promptly accepted. I followed him down a short hall while the others settled before a comforting fire in a room which, I noticed with a quick glance as we walked through, was perceptibly higher-roofed than was the norm.
“Not all that uncommon,” Ned chuckled, as I mentioned it, as we entered the small tidy kitchen. “ ‘Tis Bree, after all, and having men as guests ain’t all that unusual. Nice to have at least one room that they might find comfortable.”
“I suppose you’re right,” I had to admit, as I helped slice some bread and butter it, as he prepared the tea pot. “So you know the Ranger well?”
“As much as any hobbit, I suppose. Oh, you’ll find a few late apples in a bowl on the shelf over there. You wouldn’t mind slicing them up for me, then? Oh, yes, the Ranger and I have been acquainted for many a year. We often, as one might say, have the same interests.”
I very nearly gouged my finger at that curious statement. “Indeed,” I mentioned, with the best attempt at casualness that I could manage. “And how did Bobbin come to stay with you?”
“This is an extremely dangerous business, Master Gamgee. More so than you may realize.” He set the tea pot firmly on the table and gave me a level look. “No young hobbit should go about asking the sort of questions as he was asking, without any protection. The fact that he has been seen with the pair o’ye is enough to put him in jeopardy.”
And then the serious look was gone as if it had never been. “Must be dull for a lad like that with a pair like you,” he laughed. “I’ve a young relative, just about his age, my second cousin’s son, on my mother’s side you know, who is just about the same age as young Bobbin. They hit it off that well that Bobbin is staying with him for a bit. But the rest will be famished without second breakfast.”
And he bustled back down the hall before I could ask any more questions.
&&&&&
As I re-entered the front room, at Ned’s heels, I found that Baggins and the Ranger had been in close conversation, and Bobbin was curled on a hearth rug at their feet, his face quite serious as he followed their conversation. But Baggins turned to me, as I sat down on the settle beside him, and said, “It seems that there is a certain confederation, in Bree, of forces for, shall we say, peace and harmony among the peoples of Middle Earth. Our good Ranger and Ned, here, are key members. Are there any others in whom we may put our trust?” he looked back over to our host, who was calmly pouring out the tea.
“Well, there are certainly others, but for the moment, it might be best if you stick with just the both of us. Oh, and Nob, of course. He’d be my cousin, you know.”
“And Barleycorn?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Ned gave a wry smile, as he passed about the plate of bread-and-butter. “Oh, he’s generally trustworthy, although a bit too fond of the glint of coin. Still, his heart is in the right place, and there are plenty of folk in Bree of whom that cannot be said.”
Baggins leaned back against the settle, his plate, of course, untouched before him, and his fingers steepled before his face. “Very well, then, let us see where matters stand at the moment. I was telling our friends of your visit, yesterday, to the herbist. There is much to be learned from him, I might think, as we discussed this morning.” He paused and gave me a polite thanks as I presented him with a steaming mug and a meaningful look, but continued on. “The fact of the matter is that the kingsfoil has been requested in order to destroy it, rather than to put it to any sort of use, which is a curious fact. Even more curious is that apparently no one knows who has been ordering it from the Shire. The supposed purchasers have turned out to be fictitious names and the addresses empty buildings, another sign that the shipment was never meant to reach its destination. However, kingsfoil seems to have been common enough in these parts that the shopkeeper had a drawer once dedicated to it, although he is currently fearful of its mention. I believe, my dear Gamgee, we need to make another visit to this shop. The question still remains, however, as to what makes this herb so dangerous, and to whom. You made some mention the day before, Strider, of certain legends regarding it. Would you mind elaborating on them?”
“Not at all,” Strider began, and then paused with an expectant look. “Ah, but there he is,” he added, as a sudden knock was heard on the door of the smial. “He can tell you of them much better than I. I give you the leader of our, as you call it, confederation, my good gentlehobbits,” he added, as Ned hastened quickly to the door to let the visitor in.
I thought I had become quite inured to the unexpected, in this remarkable affair in which we had become embroiled, but there were still, apparently, more astonishments in store for Baggins and me. Our latest co-conspirator was a being of whom I had only previously heard tales, but there was no doubt in my mind as I rose to my feet in amazement, that the person before me was, unmistakably, a wizard. I even heard Baggins, at my side, give an uncharacteristic gasp of astonishment.
“I give you, my dear hobbits,” proclaimed Strider, with a polite bow to the newcomer, and a wicked grin at our reactions, “Radagast the Brown. You might want to put your question, Baggins, to him.”
Chapter One may be found here: http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/50407.html#cutid1
Chapter Two here: http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/50555.html#cutid1
And Chapter Three here: http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/50753.html#cutid1
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“Frodo,” I whispered, and knew that I had no need to finish that question. He turned to me without a word, and tightened his arms about me, and his mouth found mine. Ah, the taste of his sweet mouth on mine; I’ve never had the words for its effect on me. All I know is that my heart leaped up with a fierce joy, and I fell onto my back, pulling him over me. No burden was ever so ardently desired as the weight of my dearly beloved, as he lay over me, and took me passionately into his hands. I know I cried out in ecstasy, that I moaned and sighed words that may or may not have made any sense, but he understood. He always did.
*meltsmeltsmeltsmeltsmeltsmelts* Gosh, I love those two so very much!! (And you for writing them like this!!!!)
Anyway, I'm so glad that Frodo turned up again and that they aren't separated again in this part!
However, I don’t particularly have any concerns regarding the sensibilities of any of the folk here, so if you care to repeat this action at any time during the day, do feel free. I suspect it would not come as a great shock, at least to our companions
Oh yes, please!!! *wibbles*
Other than that - OMG!!! I love how suddenly so many things seem to be connected and there is a secret conspiracy of the good people and that there is so much from LOTR you have imported into this story! Bilbo staying with the Elves, interest in that thing of great value that Bilbo brought back - and interest in its current owners and Radagast turning up!!!!
I love how Bill is a changed pony now *giggles* and I hope he'll play a larger part still! (And I'll also hope for more hobbit cuddling and lovemaking!!)
Thank you so much!! It was so lovely to wake up this morning and find this to read! :)))
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Aww, thanks, sweetie, and I think Sam should take Frodo up on that dare, don't you? *evol snickers*
Oh, yes, Bill still has a part to play (he will definitely repay Sam for his kindness!) and I must add that I am a total Radagast!fangirl, so I couldn't not throw him into the mix.
Thank you so much!
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OMG yes! *drools at the thought*
*hugs*
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What a relief it was to have Frodo back safely and to find Bobbin safe and in such good company! Now we just need to find poor Reedborn.
As always, I love the way you write these two. So much love in everything they do. Frodo's gentle hand awakening Sam, even as he teases him about sleeping on the floor. The wordless question answered. Love them and you for writing them so beautifully.
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Reedborn is a clever character, he'll be all right on his own for awhile. ;)
Ir has always seemed to me that if ever two souls were meant to be together, it would be our beloved F&S. Sam never needs to say much. Or at least much that is coherent. Thank you very much, my dear!
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And I do love me some Radagast. Was always sorry we never heard much from him in the original, but that is what fanfic is for!
Thank you very much, my dear!
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And I don’t mind mentioning that Rangers apparently have little concept as to the eating requirements of hobbits This line made me chuckle. Bobbin safe in the hands of the rangers. I know Tolkien made a vague mention of Rangers keeping watching over the hobbit-lands but it's interesting to give more thought to what they actually did.
But we still don't know what's actually happening to the kingsfoil but we'll find out. And Radagast the Brown Just when I was expecting Gandalf. Hmmm, now what?
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Hee! This is a rather convoluted tale, isn't it? ;D
Well, Sam plans to stick like glue from now on, so no worries on that score. And Radagast flies a little more under the wire than does Gandalf. Eyes wide open, ear to the ground - as they say.
Thank you, and so glad you're enjoying it! :)
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And yes, a wizard, a ranger, and Bill! will come in very handy!
Thank you!