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Bilbo Baggins awoke quite unexpectedly that night, not sure of what had awakened him. He rose quite shakily, and hobbled over to his window, the sun had not begun to rise over the hilltops yet; it was indeed the middle of the night. Bilbo stood for a moment puzzling over why he had awakened so early, “I am getting old.” He whispered to himself. Shaking his head, he decided to give no more thought to the matter, and headed back to bed. His rest did not last long however, for as soon as he had settled comfortably back into his warm covers, there came a loud knock at his door. “Oh, bother, what could anyone possibly want with me at this hour!” Grumbling, he hurriedly dressed, and scurried off to answer the door. The knocking began to grow louder, and more constant. “Yes, yes just a moment!” He called, as he felt his patients beginning to slip. Feeling quite annoyed, he swung open the door angrily. “Yes, what is…” He began, but his words were lost when he realized who was standing there. “Esmerelda? What brings you here?” He was completely taken aback, at the sight of Esmerelda Brandybuck fixed on his doorstep, for he had not been in contact with any of his relatives for quite sometime. “Hello, Bilbo.” She began, a hollow tone in her voice. “My apologies for troubling you at this late hour but…” “Not at all!” Bilbo interrupted. “Please come in, I’m delighted!” He opened the door wider, and bowed politely as she entered. Although he was certainly not in the mood for company, and felt that it would have been more convenient, if she had dropped in tomorrow, but he did not want to send her away, especially in the dark, and he did feel quite honored, that she came all the way from Brandy Hall to see him. “Can I get you some tea… oh just let me light some candles to brighten up the place…” Bilbo began to feel embarrassed, for he was not prepared for company, and was not sure what to do first. “No thank you Bilbo, that is kind of you, but I’m afraid I am not here on a pleasure visit, and will not be staying long. You see I come the bearer of bad news.” “What is it?” Bilbo asked, as he scurried around the smial lighting candles, and poking at the fireplace trying to make it glow. “Please, why don’t you sit down Bilbo, we need to talk.” Bilbo began to feel uneasy with the tone of her voice and as he looked up at her, he noticed for the first time, that her eyes were brimmed with tears. “Esmerelda, what? What troubles you so?” Esmerelda instantly wiped at her tears, and took a slow deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She then took Bilbo’s hand between her own, and led him to a chair by the fireplace. Once Bilbo was seated, she gently knelt down before him resting one hand on his knee. “Bilbo…” She began slowly. “ I am sorry that I’m the person to have to tell you this but…” She wiped at her eyes once more before continuing. “ You’re relatives, Drogo and Primula Baggins are deceased. Bilbo’s, jaw immediately went slack. “What… what happened?” He stammered. Although he was certain that the truth would surely crush him. Amazed by how well Bilbo was handling the news, Esmerelda continued. “There was an accident. They had decided to go out boating along the river near Brandy Hall, in the late evening, but the boat tipped…leaving poor Drogo and Primula helpless in the water and…” Her voice grew raspy, and tears welled from her eyes. “ And they drowned.” She finished with a deep breath. Bilbo closed his eyes, trying to fight the tears, which were threatening to fall. “I’m so sorry Bilbo.” Esmerelda said, with great compassion. She took his hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s all right… it’s all right.” Bilbo said quietly, gripping Esmerelda’s hand tightly. “There bodies… were they found?” Esmerelda feared, this question would be asked, and remained silent a moment, before answering. “Yes…” She started slowly. “However, there bodies had been fused together from being in the water so only…one grave… was needed.” As she finished she stared down at the floor, not wanting to show how much she was crying now. Bilbo leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes, once more. “Drogo was a very kind and respected hobbit, and Primula was so very sweet and high spirited, just like young Frodo, he is so much like his Mother.” A smile came across his face as he thought of his nephew; he was very fond of Frodo. “Frodo!” Bilbo suddenly realized. “How is he!” Bilbo felt ashamed for not thinking of his young nephew sooner. Esmerelda rose to her feet slowly. “He is the main reason why I am here Bilbo.” Bilbo jumped to his feat with a start. “Is he alright?” He demanded. “Frodo is strong Bilbo, however I am very much concerned about the toll this is taking on him. He will not speak to me, or anyone else, Frodo has always been one to keep to himself, not wanting to concern others.” A slight smile crossed Bilbo’s face when he heard this. “Just like his Father.” He whispered. “My son has been consoling him, as best he can, but he hasn’t been able to get a word out of the poor boy either, I’m afraid.” “Young Merry?” Bilbo asked. “Yes. Will you come and see him Bilbo? He looks up to you, and I think he might feel more comfortable speaking to you then to anyone else.” “Of course! Of course!” He shouted. “The poor lad must be scared to death.” “Thank you Bilbo, I am grateful.” “ I am grateful to you Esmerelda, you’ve made me realize how important family is, and that you can’t take them for granted… Oh, I should have been paying more attention!” Tears of despair and guilt welled from Bilbo’s eyes. Esmerelda put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “There was nothing anyone could have done, this is not you’re fault Bilbo.” “I have let Frodo down, I have not been in touch with any family members for months… I have not been paying attention to them. I was not there to comfort Frodo when he needed me. I feel so ashamed!” Esmerelda tightened her grip on his shoulder. “Oh Bilbo, you have not let you’re family down, they know you loved them, and you most certainly have not let Frodo down. You may not have been able to be there at the time of his parents death, but you can be there for him now… he loves you Bilbo…so much you can’t even imagine it… and so do I. Bilbo embraced Esmerelda in his arms, and buried his head in her shoulder. “ I love you and Frodo to. So much… so much." ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~* Bilbo and Esmerelda arrived at Brandy Hall early the next morning. Saradoc welcomed Bilbo and his wife, with open arms. “It is wonderful to see you again Bilbo, I just wish our meeting was under better circumstances.” “As do I.” Bilbo said, painfully. “May I see him now Saradoc?” “He is sleeping at the moment, but not for long I fear. He hasn’t gotten a good night’s rest in days, he awakens in the middle of the night, frightened and trembling, and is not able to fall back asleep afterwards. He fell asleep late last night from sheer exhaustion. Merry and I have been doing what we can to comfort him, but he does not seem to respond to us. Esmerelda and I are hoping you would have better luck.” “Is anyone with him now?” Bilbo asked. “Merry, Esmerelda, and I have been taking turns staying up with him. I just sent Merry off to bed a phew moments ago, he absolutely refuses to leave his cousin’s side though, he’s become quite a stubborn thing.” “Sounds like he’s beginning to take after the Baggins side of the family.” Bilbo replied jokingly. “Saradoc smiled. “I have missed you’re humour Bilbo.” He replied placing a firm hand on Bilbo’s shoulder. You can go on ahead and see Frodo, we’ve put him in the little room, just down the hall from Marry’s.” “Thank you.” Bilbo replied, and scurried off down the hall to find Frodo. Saradoc could hear the sorrow in his voice. “I’ll make some tea for everyone.” Esmerelda said. “Good idea love.” Saradoc looked down the hall to make sure Bilbo had found Frodo’s room. Once he was certain he had, he joined his wife, in the kitchen. “ Have the nightmares, grown any worse?” Esmerelda asked, once her husband entered the kitchen. “I’m afraid so.” Saradoc replied with a sigh. “The poor thing he’s petrified, although I know he won’t admit it I know he is I can tell.” “Hopefully Bilbo will be able to help.” Esmerelda replied trying to sound certain of her self. “Frodo adores Bilbo, I’m sure he’ll find it easier to open up to him then to us.” “Are you sure we’re doing the right thing Esmerelda?” Saradoc asked, panic beginning to rise in his voice. “What do you mean?” Esmerelda was quite taken aback by the question. “I mean taking Frodo in as our own, if he is not comfortable opening up to us, it will be most difficult to raise him, if he does not trust us.” “He trusts us, I wouldn’t concern you’re self with that. Frodo is just traumatized by his parents death, I’m sure once he has recovered from that, he will find it easier to talk with us again. Merry will be here to help him through it and so will Bilbo. We can only hope for the best right now.” “You’re right. This is all just so overwhelming, I hope we will be as good of parents, as Drogo, and Primula were to him.” “ I’m sure it will all turn out fine, we won’t be alone, and Merry will be here, so he’ll have some one to grow up with, like a brother. And Pippin will be coming up here as well. And of course Bilbo will come and visit, try not to fret, we’ll just have to take this one day at a time.” “Of course.” Saradoc replied a bit more cheerfully. “ I am lucky to have you.” “And I you. Now why don’t you go check on Bilbo and see how he is doing with Frodo. While I serve this tea before it boils over.” ~*~ Saradoc found Bilbo sitting in a chair beside Frodo’s bed one hand clasping Frodo’s tightly, the other softly stroking his dark curls. “You poor thing.” Bilbo whispered quietly. “Don’t be afraid now I’m right here.” Saradoc ached to hear such pain in Bilbo’s voice, he had never heard Bilbo sound like that, and he hoped with all his heart, he would never have to sound like that again. Saradoc pulled up a chair beside Bilbo, and put a hand on his shoulder. “You doing alright Bilbo?” He asked. “He’s so pale.” Bilbo responded. Tears were beginning to rim at his eyes. “He’s in shock, not getting much sleep doesn’t help matters either. But he’s sleeping now, which is good news. I’m hoping he will sleep for a few more hours yet.” But as those words were uttered, Frodo began to moan and tremble violently. “It doesn’t look like you’re hopes are going to come true today Saradoc.” Bilbo said, worry and anxiety, in his voice. Saradoc sighed from grief, that Frodo’s dreams were once again troubled. “Frodo?” Bilbo said, putting a hand on Frodo’s side to try and steady his trembling. “Wake up now, it’s just a dream.” Frodo began to cry out as if in distress. “No!” Frodo cried. “No, Help! Help me!” Bilbo took Frodo into his arms, covers and all, and held him tightly. As if he could some how protect Frodo that way. Bilbo stroked his curls and rubbed his back gently. It’s all right Frodo I’m here. I’m here I’ve got you.” Frodo suddenly bolted upright in Bilbo’s arms. His blue eye’s filled with horror. Bilbo could tell the nightmare still lingered in Frodo’s mind. “Frodo lad…” Bilbo said slowly, not wanting to frighten him. Frodo jerked his head towards Bilbo, not realizing anyone was with him. “Bilbo…?” He stammered. His shock growing. “Yes Frodo I’m here now, I’ve come, and everything is going to be fine.” Bilbo said, clasping Frodo’s trembling hand, to reassure him that what he was seeing was real. “Bilbo…” Frodo’s frightened look instantly vanished, and he threw himself into his Uncles embrace. “ Oh Bilbo…” tears began to brim at Frodo’s eyes, as he stared into his Uncles face. “Hello their lad had a nightmare did you.”? Frodo nodded numbly. “That’s all right it’s gone now, you’re Uncle Bilbo will make sure you’re dreams will never be haunted again, I promise.” Frodo clung to his Uncle’s shirt, so tightly that his small knuckles turned white, and then laid his head against Bilbo’s chest. Bilbo looked towards Saradoc and smiled. Saradoc was speechless, tears of joy, began to flow down his cheeks. For that was the best response anyone had been able to get from Frodo since he arrived. A hand being placed on his shoulder suddenly startled Saradoc. Esmerelda was standing there, here eyes red rimmed from crying. A bright smile was spread across he face. Saradoc guessed that she had run in when she heard Frodo cry out. Saradoc placed his hand over his wife’s and they wiped at each other’s tears. They all gazed down at Frodo who actually looked content for the first time, since his parent’s death. ~*~ Frodo had slept peacefully all that day, content in his Uncles arms. Everyone was happy to see Frodo so peaceful, especially Merry, who was frightened for his older cousin. Late that night however, Frodo awoke, drenched in sweat, and trembling. “Frodo?” Bilbo said, startled by Frodo’s sudden movements. “Are you alright my boy?” Frodo once again clung to Bilbo’s shirt. “Had another nightmare did we?” Frodo turned his eyes away from his uncle, and stared at the floor, tears began to brim his eyes. Bilbo’s heart sank, in seeing how afraid he was, to tell him what was on his mind. Bilbo laid Frodo down on the bed gently, and then carefully put Frodo’s small hand between his own. “Frodo,” He began softly. “You can speak to me about anything, you know that right? Anything at all.” Frodo gripped his Uncles hand tightly. “What is it lad? What is it?” “I see my parents… in my dreams…” Frodo began slowly. Bilbo stared at Frodo intently, waiting for him to begin again. “ I see their deaths.” Bilbo’s heart skipped a beat. But did not want to show how concerned he was in front of Frodo. He new Frodo needed him to be strong. “ I see the boat in my mind Uncle, I can hear the splashes, I hear my parents screaming for help. And then I see them… washed up on the shore… their fused together, entwined… and it never leaves my mind… never!” Frodo spat the last few words out.” “Oh Frodo.” Bilbo felt as if his heart had sunk deep into his stomach. He was horrified, at what he heard. No child should have to carry such horrific images in their minds. “It’s alright Frodo, It’s alright.” “I can see them Uncle, even when I’m awake.” Frodo whimpered, full of despair. “I know Frodo, I know.” “That’s how I remember them, that’s the only part of them I can think about.” Bilbo knew that no child should have to remember their parents that way.” “Frodo that is not the only thing you have to remember them by. Here, close you’re eyes lad.” Frodo looked at him quizzically. Bilbo smiled. “Close you’re eyes.” Frodo did as he was told. “Frodo you’re parents loved you, you’re Father used to swing you through the air with his strong arms, which made you laugh. You’re Mother, used to rock you to sleep every night, she would sing to you, you’re favourite lullaby do you remember it?” Frodo began to smile as he remembered all the details of his parents, Bilbo was describing to him. “Down in the Valley.” Frodo said. “Yes lad that’s the one.” Bilbo stroked Frodo’s curls as he began to sing. “Down in the valley, Valley so low, Hang you’re head over, Hear the wind blow. Frodo’s face was now streaked with his bright smile, that Bilbo had so longed to see appear. “Oh Frodo, I remember you’re parents well, you’re Mother kind and vibrant, you’re Father strong and respectful. They must have brought a great deal of joy to you’re lives.” “Every morning, they’d wake up with a smile…” Frodo remembered. “Isn’t it better to remember them like that? We will never forget them Frodo, never. We will always remember them, what they were like, and what they meant to the both of us.” “We’ll remember them together” Frodo asked, his voice light, and full of hope.” “Yes, together.” “Promise?” “I promise Frodo, I promise.” They embraced each other and sat that way, for a long time. “I love you Uncle.” Frodo whispered. “I love you to Frodo. Always.” The next Morning Bilbo took Frodo too his parents grave, that lay behind a stone gate just behind Brandy Hall. They sat beside his parent’s stone, holding each other’s hands. As they shared there memories about Drogo and Primula Baggins. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~* 14 years later “Bilbo! Welcome old Friend.” Saradoc welcomed Bilbo with a great Hug. “Why Bilbo Baggins you haven’t aged a day! How old do you claim to be these days?” “Ninety Nine.” Bilbo replied with a sly smile. “Well you are certainly well preserved for you’re age! You don’t look a day over 40.” “You are kind my friend.” “So, you are here for him then?” “Yes have you told him?” “I thought you would like to tell him you’re self.” Both Bilbo and Saradoc exchanged smiles. “Take care of him Bilbo.” “I will, I stake my life on that. Now where can I find the boy?” “Where he usually is, at this time.” Saradoc pointed to the little gate behind Brandy Hall. Bilbo nodded, bowed to Saradoc politely and headed towards the stone gate. Frodo was sitting with Merry by his parent’s grave. Merry noticed Bilbo walking towards them and raced to meet him. “Bilbo sir! So good to see you!” “Why Merry you sure have grown up to be a splendid looking young lad I must say!” “You are kind Bilbo. Frodo is deep in thought, shall I fetch him?” “No Merry I’ll go to him myself.” Merry bowed politely, then left to give the two of them some privacy. Bilbo went over and placed a firm hand on Frodo’s shoulder, jarring Frodo from his thoughts. Frodo jumped to his feet in an instant, when he noticed his Uncle behind him. “Bilbo!” “Hello Frodo my lad! Look at You,you have grown into a young man before my very eyes! My where have the years gone?” Frodo flung himself into Bilbo’s arms. When they finely let go of each other, Bilbo stared deeply into Frodo’s blue eyes ad began to speak. “How would you like to come live with me Frodo my lad?” “Live with you? You mean it!” “Yes lad just you and me, we can celebrate our birthdays together that way as well.” Frodo turned and stared sadly at his parent’s grave. “Do not worry lad, you’re memories of your parent’s will be with you wherever you go.” Frodo smiled and nodded. “Come now lad, come live with me, and welcome a new beginning! I know you’re parents would love that.” ~*~Fin’~*~ Review: | |||||
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