Beyond the Ninth Wave

He shouldn't have come. He thought it would be good for him to take a vacation away from Bag End, relieving Sam and Rose of the burden of his pain for a little while. He wanted them to have the privacy they deserved, without his interference. Frodo did not try to get between them, of course, but he knew that Sam's attention was split between concern for him and love for his new wife. It was Meriadoc who provided the answer one day on a visit to Hobbiton. As always, Frodo's shrewd cousin had easily guessed that something more than old wounds and nightmares was troubling Frodo. The former ringbearer finally confessed his dilemma when Merry pressed him. "Well then, my fine hobbit, you should come to Buckland for a holiday! We can catch up on old times, have a good smoke and good songs!" Frodo had been hesitant at first, but then he saw Sam and Rose embracing in the kitchen, and his cheeks flamed. Yes, he needed to get away. He felt like an intruder in his own home!

So, here he was, brooding by the waters of Bucklebury Ferry. His large, sapphire eyes stared at the book in his slender hands without truly seeing it. He wondered if Merry and Pippin missed him; he had awoke early and left Brandy Hall before the rest of them arose. His shoulder had been throbbing of late, and the cold ache from the old wound kept him from getting a proper night's rest. Again, he thought he shouldn't have come here. He was only dragging his troubles from his friends at Bag End to lay them on the shoulders of his cousins here. It was hardly a fair trade, in his mind.

He stared at the water, slightly dazzled for a moment by the sunlight's sparkle on the surface. A swim! Perhaps that was what he needed to clear his head and ease the stiffness beneath the stab-wound from the Morgul blade. Frodo hesitated, glancing around. He purposely chose this spot on the river Brandywine, for it was quite a ways to the nearest crossing, and fairly private. He almost laughed at his own hesitation. This was Buckland... the hobbits here might raise eyebrows at him leaping in for a swim, but it wasn't like most of them hadn't done it themselves! Feeling a bit better knowing he wouldn't have to deal with the shock that Hobbiton halflings would have felt, he set his book down and began to strip his clothing off. He left his underpants on, of course. The last thing he wanted was for a Bucklander to come by and get an eyeful.

Once he had undressed down to his skivvies, he eyed the water a bit nervously. "Perhaps I oughtn't do this," He said aloud. The thumb of his right hand absently stroked the stump where his third finger used to be, a habit he had formed recently when something troubled him. What if he entered the water and suddenly lost his will? He had been living in pain every day since the Nazgul stabbed him. It might be too easy to end his own suffering. Frodo considered his own emotions, wondering what the chances were of him willingly following his parents to a watery grave. "Stop being so foolish, Frodo Baggins! Don't let that mood come over you again!" He chastised himself. Feeling more confident, he waded into the calm river. There was barely even a current today, and the hobbit sighed and swam over to a boulder which was sticking up out of the water. Resting against it, he closed his eyes and let the water sooth his taut shoulders.

After a while, Frodo decided to turn over in the water and float on his back. The gentle current began to carry him downstream, but the hobbit didn't care. His eyes watered from the glare of the sun, and he closed them and listened to the oddly muffled world around him. He almost dozed (which would have been a dangerous thing indeed!), but there was suddenly a great splash just a few feet to the left of him. He jerked in surprise and accidentally went under for a moment. When he came back up, he was coughing and sputtering, rubbing the water out of his eyes and brushing his soaked, dark curls away from his face. He didn't see anything, but a pair of small, rounded arms abruptly encircled him from behind. He gasped in confusion as a high-pitched, female voice said in his ear, "Don't worry, Mr. Frodo! I've got you! I'll get you safely to the shore!"

Pearl Took, he realized. He opened his mouth to tell her he was in no danger of drowning, but her tugging arms actually hindered him more than helped him. He found himself swallowing water as she inadvertently pulled him under in her attempts to rescue him. Finally, his elf-like litheness paid off and he twisted nimbly around to grab her wrists. "Pearl, lass! I'm fine. Please, do stop this before you truly drown me!"

Bewildered green eyes, almost cat-like gazed at him from beneath wet ringlets of honey-colored hair. She looked doubtful. "Are you certain, Master Baggins? I was taking my morning walk when I saw you come floating by, looking unconscious! You are coughing an awful lot, too!"

Frodo resisted the urge to laugh at her misguided, but endearing attempts to save his life. "I'm certain. Thank you kindly for the thought, Pearl." As it was a grin still formed on his lips, and she shook her head.

"Oh, that's just dandy! I threw my dress on the ground back there, and now it's probably covered in mud and ruined! Stupidity really does run in my family!" Frodo was a bit taken aback by the self-anger in her voice. He rested a kindly hand on her shoulder, then nearly snatched it back when he realized she was wearing as little as he was! He swallowed and blushed scarlet, wondering if Pearl even cared that she was wading in the river with nothing but her underblouse and panties to cover her.

Not wanting to draw attention to the fact and embarrass the lass, Frodo murmured, "There, there. You aren't stupid, my dear. Impulsive perhaps, but I'd never call you or any of your family dumb." She stared back at him, grinning.

"Do you mean that, or are you simply trying to spare my feelings?"

Frodo chuckled. "Pearl, you forget that it was your own brother who had a hand in ending the War of the Ring. It was often Pippin's impulsiveness that helped us through." She smiled, and Frodo observed that she truly was a lovely lass, with her heart-shaped face and impish green eyes. He shook his head. "Old boy," He thought, "You're getting worked up over her lack of garments...get your head out of the clouds!" He winced as his movement caused his shoulder to throb, and Pearl noticed it and frowned.

"It's bothering you again, isn't it?" She said softly, and her fingertips stroked the pale scar with whisper-soft gentleness. Frodo shivered and stared at her with shadowed blue eyes. Pearl bit her lip and wondered if Mr. Frodo was ever going to consider a wife. Perhaps that was all he really needed? She caught herself giggling; she had never wanted a husband, so why was she entertaining such thoughts every time she saw Frodo? "It's because he's so bloody beautiful, I suppose," She thought to herself. Yes, that and something more. It wasn't just his physical beauty. There was wisdom about him, and it only added to his elfish appearance. He was also so tragic and vulnerable! She suddenly understood why Samwise was so protective of his Master. She wanted to protect Frodo, too! He was shivering, whether from her fingers gently stroking the puckered scar tissue or the cold of the water, she could not tell.

"Come on...let's get closer to the bank, and I'll see if I can ease your tension." She said. Those gorgeous eyes widened, and the effect was slightly startling. She found herself staring at the sparkling dew that clung to his long lashes, and without even thinking about it, she reached her hand up from his shoulder to cup his chin. "No arguing, Frodo Baggins! I hate to see a cousin in pain. Let us go now." He mutely followed as she turned and began to stroke her way back to the shoreline. She didn't see the dismayed look on his face.

"What am I thinking, having these odd feelings for Pearl?" He wondered to himself as he followed. Not only was the lass one of his many cousins, but he also knew absolutely nothing of the art of courting. He smirked ruefully as he watched the smooth play of muscles beneath her small shoulders as she swam. For all his book knowledge, he was daft in the ways of romance. Once they reached a more shallow part where they could put their feet down, Pearl motioned for Frodo to turn his back to her.

"You just let Pearl ease those cramped shoulders, Mr. Frodo," She said as he reluctantly obeyed.

"Pearl, I do wish you wouldn't call me 'Mr. Frodo'. It sounds so formal, and it's bad enough coming out of Samwise's mouth." He sighed despite himself as her small, strong hands began to stroke and knead his shoulders and neck, concentrating more on the side with the stab wound.

"Oh, pooh. We only call you that because we respect and admire you, Frodo. At least, here in Buckland we do. You're a legend around here, you know." He shivered as her breath whispered across his pointed ear. She noticed and giggled. "Am I giving you the chills?" She questioned, then purposely blew in his right ear. He gasped, and goosebumps formed on his smooth, ivory skin.

"Please, Pearl...that makes me feel odd," He said, with a strange catch in his throat. She grinned, quite certain just how it was making him feel. Frodo had the most interesting blush pattern...when he pinkened, it spread across his high cheekbones and to the tips of his ears, and she saw how flushed he was. From what Pippin and Merry told her, Frodo was innocent in the ways of love. Poor thing, he probably didn't even understand what desire was!

On that note, Pearl decided to be kind. Her natural tendencies to tease would have to be brought to reign, if she was going to give him any relief. She felt her own face flush slightly as her hands began to take note of the sinewy chords of muscle that slowly relax from her ministrations. His skin was as soft as hers...strange for a male. She inhaled the scent of his damp hair. He smelled like rain, with a slight hint of sandalwood. Her fingers kneaded the flesh of his neck, just around the base of his skull and his jawbone, and his head lolled. A strong urge to replace her fingers with her lips came over her, and her typical Took-like response was to listen to those urges before thinking. Frodo's eyes flew open and he froze in shock when he felt soft, feminine lips brush against his neck. He flushed as he felt himself spring to hardness.

Pearl smiled against his neck, noting his response and correctly guessing the cause of it. "Pearl...what are you doing?" Frodo said breathlessly. She pressed against him, and he bit back a groan as her soft curves met his back.

"Relax, Master Baggins. I told you I was going to take care of you, and I meant it!" Her voice sounded different...it was husky and almost purring.

Oh dear...what was he to do? He was certain it was wrong to let this go on, but at the same time, when she began to brush her mouth against his neck, he forgot all about his pain. Her fingertips pulled aside his wet curls, baring more of his neck for her lips to caress, and he bit his lips as warm tingles spread through his body. He jerked slightly as her hands slid down his shoulders and arms in a soft glide. Pippin was going to kill him....in fact; the whole Took family would probably string him up if they saw this! Picturing his younger cousin's shocked face, Frodo managed to pull himself out of the swoon Pearl's lips were causing, and he turned around to face her. "Pearl, we oughtn't be...mmmffpht!"

Her mouth claimed his and muffled his protest. Oh, this really wasn't fair! Of their own accord, his hands cupped her face, fingers tracing the soft contours, and his lips parted. She eagerly pushed her tongue in and stroked the inside of his mouth with it. He made a soft sound against her lips and splayed one hand on the small of her back, pushing her body more tightly against his. Pearl purred deep in her throat as his erection pressed into her lower belly. She managed to control herself and not grasp his hardness in her hand, though it wasn't an easy urge to ignore. Gasping, Frodo broke the kiss and tried to hold her at arms length. "Pearl, I can't sully you like this," He said. His voice was quivering, and she looked up and saw that his gem-bright eyes had unshed tears in them.

She bit her lip and covered his right hand with one of her own, her fingers tenderly stroking the stump of his missing digit. "You won't sully me, Frodo. You keep forgetting that I'm only 7 years your junior. I reckon I've had more experience with these things than you have...am I right?" She reached up with her other hand and traced his sensitive, kiss-swollen mouth with her fingertips. He closed his eyes and impulsively brushed his lips back and forth across her fingers. Then he shook himself and gave her a stern glare.

"I can't do this, Pearl. I'm...I'm unclean. I wouldn't want any of the darkness inside of me to reach you." The tears he was trying to hold had begun to spill over, and her heart nearly broke with pity for him.

"Why are you punishing yourself?" She asked, her voice raising in anger. "Why can't you accept comfort from the hobbits who love you? First you run away from Sam, and now you're running away from me!"

He recoiled as if slapped, the color draining from his cheeks. "That is not true," He whispered. He was trembling in earnest now, fighting an eruption of emotion.

Pearl regretted her harsh words, and she pulled him to her and held him tightly. "I'm sorry, dear Frodo! Don't look like that! I just don't understand why you won't accept help."

He didn't move. He didn't pull away, nor did he return her embrace. "So, you did all of that out of pity?" He said in a thin voice.

Shocked that he would think himself so disgusting that a woman would only bed him for that reason, Pearl pulled back and gripped his jaw firmly, staring into those big, heartbroken eyes intensely. "Frodo Baggins, you can be so dense! Have you ever seen yourself? Do you know how many hobbit lasses have pined over you? Even some hobbit lads have! The only reason nobody's ever approached you before is because...well...you're so different, and you've never shown interest in either women or men. I took a big chance kissing you, because I didn't know if you wanted the attention. You're a hard one to read in that way, my lad."

He blushed prettily and looked down. "I had no idea," He said in a subdued voice. The water gently rocked them as they stood there for long moments. Pearl seemed to be trying to get control of her emotions, and Frodo cursed himself for hurting her. His gaze kept straying to her cleavage, where the white material of her underblouse clung to her body. He could see the plump roundness of her breasts quite clearly, and he stared in fascination at the dark nipples straining against the cotton.

He blushed strait to his toes when Pearl took his hands in hers and guided them to the twin mounds. "Don't be afraid, Frodo. You can touch me." The lapis fire of his gaze briefly met her eyes, questioning, and when she smiled, they looked back down at the softness in his hands. She sighed and arched her back, pressing her breasts into his cupping hands. He fondled her gently, almost reverently, and she bit back a giggle. His touch was so light and hesitant that it tickled. She decided to break the ice with a kiss. At first, his lips were slack against hers, and then he shuddered and returned the kiss hungrily.

Pearl gasped at Frodo's unexpected intensity. His fingers gently tweaked her nipples and he bucked his hips against her, pressing his hardness firmly against her. His lips and tongue were searing and demanding, and before she knew quite what she was doing, she put her arms around his neck and pulled herself up, wrapping her legs around his slim hips. He groaned against her mouth and slid his hands down her body to cup her bottom and stroke her thighs. "Pearl," He gasped, his tone half-warning and half-desperate. She slid a hand between their pressed bodies and stroked his chest and belly, purring as his muscles tensed beneath her palm.

She opened her eyes and pulled back, staring at his face as her hand reached between his legs and stoked the hardness there. His sapphire eyes went blank and his lips parted. She grinned in spite of herself. "You're quite well-endowed, Master Baggins," She murmured, kissing his slack mouth. Then she slipped her hand beneath the waistline of his underwear and gripped him. He gasped, and she thoughtfully slid her body off of his, realizing his knees were probably going weak. "Just relax, pretty gentlehobbit," She whispered as his fingers dug into her hips and he groaned. He rested his forehead against her shoulder and she used her free hand to stroke his damp hair soothingly while her other hand messaged his penis.

It was then that Pearl realized just how innocent Frodo really was. "Unh...Pearl...nobody has ever touched me there before," He quavered.

She kissed his brow. "Nobody? Have you ever done this to yourself?"

He blushed, but nodded. "I...meant that...nobody else...oh!" Her other hand had drifted down and began to softly knead his scrotum. She gently squeezed the heart-shaped tip of his erection, and he hissed and kissed her deeply. Frodo began to undulate his hips instinctively, his breath quickening and hitching with the pleasure of her ministrations. It certainly wasn't like doing it himself. It seemed like his loins were more sensitive to her touch than his own. She murmured soothingly to him as his body began to grow more taught against her. "Pearl...oh, Pearl...I don't think I can..." He tilted his head back, and she kissed his throat. He cried out, and she smiled when his organ bucked in her hand.

"It's alright," She soothed as he hugged her to him. He gave a soft sob and buried his face in the drying ringlets of her hair. "There now, my sweet Frodo," She whispered, feeling a surge of love and protectiveness as he trembled against her. "Surely it wasn't that bad that you should cry?" She teased, kissing his neck.

He laughed breathlessly and pulled back, wiping his eyes with his fingers. "Forgive me, it was just such a release." He said softly, lowering his eyes bashfully. It was true...when he ejaculated, it was almost as though some of the hated darkness inside of him had been expulsed. He knew that wasn't logical, but he didn't care.

She smiled and brushed some half-dried, unruly locks of dark hair out of his gorgeous eyes. "Come now?let's get our clothing and get you back to Brandy Hall, before Merry and Pippin send out a search party." Frodo blushed hotly, and she kissed the tip of his nose. "Don't worry! Even if they suspect something, it's none of their business! I can make up something if it makes you so uncomfortable. Besides, I'm not finished with you, my lovely gentlehobbit." Her eyes gleamed wickedly as she gave his bottom a squeeze.

~*************~

Pippin was cooking mushrooms when Frodo and Pearl entered Brandy Hall. "Ah, there you are! Where have the two of you been?" Questioned the youngest Took. Frodo quickly crossed the kitchen and reached for his pipe, which he had left on the counter the night before.

"I took a swim," Frodo said hastily as he began stuffing the bowl with pipeweed from his pouch. He avoided turning around; afraid that his youngest cousin would see how furiously he was blushing.

"You're wet too, Pearl, and your dress is dirty!" Pippin exclaimed. With a sly grin, he finished, "Did Frodo drag you in?"

Pearl grinned as Frodo coughed on his first drag from the pipe. "Of course not, Pip! It was the most amazing thing, really. I decided to take a swim myself, and who should I run into but Mr. Frodo! He was trying to ease his cramped shoulder, poor dear." Her eyes went soft as she looked at the former ringbearer, and he hid his shy grin and focused on the smell of cooking mushrooms.

Peregrin winced in sympathy and gave Frodo an understanding nod. "I hate to think of that dreadful wound causing you pain, cousin. Mayhap Pearl can give you one of her wonderful massages after elevenses? She's quite good!" He frowned when Frodo bit down hard on his pipestem and hedged his brows together. "Whatever's the matter, Frodo?" Pearl was biting her lips to keep from laughing out loud, but Pippin had his back turned to her and couldn't see it.

Frodo coughed and said, "Oh, naught is wrong. I thought I heard a strange noise, is all. Where's Merry?"

Pippin's expression became impish. "Oh, he'll be along, never you mind that. He's bringing a surprise for you. Might clear up that full head of yours and make you smile again." The young Took frowned, and Frodo again felt that he was unfairly putting his own burdens on his cousins.

"A surprise? What sort?" Said Frodo, trying to keep Pippin's mind off of his suffering.

"Now, now cousin. You know it won't be a surprise if I tell you!" Pippin shook his spoon at Frodo with a laugh.

Frodo sighed. "Alright, keep your secrets. Let me help you prepare elevenses."

The look of horror that crossed the young Took's face wasn't feigned in the least. "Oh, no...You...you're a guest here, Frodo! You go out into the lounge. Smoke your pipe, read your book, and relax!"

Frodo burst into spontaneous laughter at Pippin's attempt to cover distress with hospitality. "In other words, you do not want me to burn the food, is that it? Come on, Pip. I know I'm a horrid cook. If it weren't for Sam, I should have starved long ago." He swallowed a sudden lump that formed in his throat at the thought of his dear friend back home in Bag End.

Pearl crossed the room and patted Frodo's arm gently. "That's neither here nor there, Master Baggins. My brother is right; you're a guest here, and you should let us pamper you a bit." She winked at him, making the slight distress he was feeling vanish.

"Oh, very well," He said, and allowed her to lead him into the lounge, where she all but pushed him into one of the plush, comfortable chairs beside the fireplace. With a furtive glance towards the kitchen to make sure Pippin wasn't watching, she planted a quick kiss on his lips.

"You just relax, Frodo," She whispered, then she went back into the kitchen to help Pippin make the meal.

Merry arrived just as the elevenses meal was cooked, and his arms were laden with bottles and mugs. Frodo quickly stood up and relieved his host of some of the bottles before they dropped. "What's all this?" Questioned Frodo.

Merry smiled. "Brandy and Dwarven Ale!"

"Dwarven Ale? Why, wherever did you manage to find this here?!" Questioned Frodo in bewilderment.

The Brandybuck winked. "Well, that's the biggest surprise. A pair of old friends have come to visit. They wanted to check in on you!"

Frodo gasped in amazement as a stout shadow filled the doorway. Taller than a hobbit, yet shorter than a man, the figure's face could hardly be seen through the thick, braided auburn beard and mustache that covered it. "How be you, Master Baggins?" The dwarf said with a twinkle in his brown eyes.

"Gimli! Elbereth, I cannot believe my eyes!" Cried the hobbit, practically dropping the bottles he had taken from Merry. He had the sense to set the liquor down carefully before rushing forward to hug the stout dwarf.

Gimli laughed merrily and patted Frodo's back. "You're looking much better than I had hoped, young Frodo!" The dwarf said in his gravely voice.

Frodo barely had time to compose himself before another figure entered the hole. This one was tall and slim, and had to duck down quite a bit to get through the doorway. Sunlight glinted on long, golden hair, and deep blue eyes that shone like stars regarded the halfling gravely. "Legolas as well?! This is a happy day!" Exclaimed Frodo as the elf took Gimli's place in a warm embrace.

"It is a joy to see you, Frodo." Legolas said in his beautiful, musical voice. Hearing the tender concern in the elf's tone, Frodo burst into tears, much to his embarrassment. Legolas stroked his small frame soothingly, whispering, "There, there. You're among friends now."

"I'm sorry," Frodo said huskily. "It seems that all I do lately is cry and sleep. Oh, to be merry and carefree as a Hobbit should!" Legolas pulled his small friend into his lap and rocked him gently.

"Do not regret your tears, dear Frodo. I should be worried sick if you didn't weep often. It is a sign of healing, and it means you are letting the pain have an outlet. My friend, you are a rarity among your kind, this is true, but I doubt anyone, hobbit or otherwise, could go through the things you did and come out of it fine!" The others looked on with sad expressions, and it seemed they all nodded in agreement. Legolas carefully lifted Frodo and sat himself on the couch (for the chairs were too small for his tall frame). He held the hobbit in his lap and stroked his soft curls as he wept.

"I know this is going to sound mad, but doesn't it almost look like a father comforting his son?" Whispered Pearl to her brother. Pippin nodded. Coloring notwithstanding, Frodo looked so much akin to an elf that if Pippin were a stranger and walked in, he would think Legolas was cradling an elf child.

"I knew being near Legolas would do the lad some good," Muttered Gimli. "The elves seem to have a healing effect on Frodo...just as they do on Bilbo. Strange pair of Hobbits, those two are."

"Was the journey hard?" Questioned Pippin as he began to gather up the assorted bottles and jugs.

Gimli snorted. "It would have been a might easier if those Hobbits at the border hadn't been so suspicious of us! I practically had to spout off Master Brandybuck's family lineage to convince them we meant not harm. Not an easy thing to do, with how confusing you halflings family lines are to me!"

Merry laughed and clapped the dwarf on the back. "You probably frightened them, good dwarf! Seriously, we've recently had an incident here in the Shire, concerning big folk. We took care of the problem, but we've had to become a bit more careful when tall folk pass through our lands."

Gimli grimaced. "We heard news of that, and I'm sorry for your troubles here. If we had known sooner, we would have come to help."

"Of course, you would have, and you'd have probably driven them out all by yourself and left us with no fun!" Merry said with a hoot. Gimli grinned and glanced meaningfully at the jugs that Pippin was carrying to the kitchen. "Oh, right! Let's all have a drink to our friends and sit down for elevenses!"

Frodo had finally composed himself...in fact, he dozed off in Legolas' arms, and the elf had to gently shake him awake. "Frodo... Shall we eat?" Questioned the prince of Mirkwood. The hobbit yawned, then realized he had fallen asleep in his friend's lap, and a flush of pink spread across his cheekbones, making Legolas grin.

They ate heartily and shared stories of what they had been doing during the time they hadn't seen each other, and when the meal was finished, everyone returned to the lounge. "I say we see how much of this fine ale we can polish off!" Cried Pippin.

"Here, here!" Bellowed Gimli. Chuckling, Merry poured each of them a pint-sized mug of ale (Pippin had demanded they buy some from the Prancing Pony in Bree, deciding he preferred his ale in pints rather than half-pints from now on), and they raised their drinks in salute.

"To old friends and getting shnockered!" Said Merry.

Legolas laughed out loud. "What is 'shnockered'?" As Gimli poured his ale down his throat enthusiastically, spilling some of it down his beard, the elf grinned. "Oh, I think I know the meaning of the word now."

"We need a song! A good drinking song to fit the mood!" Exclaimed Pearl.

Pippin raised his mug, almost spilled it (for it was meant for larger hands than his), and spouted, "Yes! A song! Frodo, sing one of old Bilbo's tunes!"

Frodo grinned, but he shook his head. "I'm afraid my voice is no good at the moment, due to all of the weeping I did earlier."

"I know," said Merry in a sudden burst of brilliance, "Let's hear a dwarven tune from Gimli!"

The dwarf flushed and held his hands out, palms up. "Oh, no...our songs aren't as clever as the Shire songs," He protested.

"Oh, no you don't, friend Gimli," Laughed Legolas, "You aren't escaping this time. I fairly wore my voice out singing on the way here, and you never returned the favor. Sing a dwarven drinking tune for us!" Frodo and Pearl laughingly added their demands for a song from him too, and the dwarf finally stood up and cleared his throat.

"Very well, but only one!" They clapped and cheered, making his ruddy complexion turn red. He took a long swallow of ale, then began in his deep baritone voice.

The song was about a dwarf who came home heavy in the drink every night. He began to suspect something peculiar was happening in his home while he was away, for he kept finding boots that didn't belong to him, along with other items such as pipes and coats. Though the story in the song was clear that his wife was having an affair, the poor dwarf was simply too sauced to detect the lies she gave him. It was a hilarious song that had them all laughing until tears were pouring from their eyes, and they sang along when they picked up the verses a bit.

"'Ah, ye drunk, ye drunk, ye silly old drunk,

So drunk ye cannot see!

That's a baby boy that me mother sent to me.'

Well, for many a day I've traveled

A hundred miles or more,

But a baby boy with whiskers,

sure'n I've never seen before!"

Frodo promptly spit his ale out laughing as Pearl grabbed hold of Legolas and tried to lead the tall elf into a popular hobbit dance. It was such a ridiculous sight, for she barely came up to the warrior's hips as they stumbled around the loungeroom. Legolas got his hair entangled in one of the chandeliers and made an exclamation of pain, and Gimli barely managed to finish the song before he roared with laughter. "Oh dear, you're all tangled up!" Cried Pearl, her small hands covering her mouth as she tried not to giggle.

"Help, a light fixture has ambushed me!" Cried Legolas, though he too was laughing.

"Here, let me help," Said Merry in a slightly slurred voice. There was no way the hobbit could reach that high up, however. Stretched on his tiptoes, it still hung a good two feet beyond his reach.

"We should...pull a chair...over..." Gasped Pippin. Then he fell to the floor and rolled around, giggling helplessly.

As Legolas blindly groped at the chandelier and tried to free himself, Frodo ran into the kitchen to grab one of the chairs at the table. When he came back, he gave a warning cry. A tipsy Merry had Pearl on his shoulders, and she was clumsily reaching towards Legolas' entangled mane. The elf gave a cry of pain as she slipped and snagged a small lock of his hair clean out of his head. With a shout, Merry fell over, and Pearl ended up clinging to Legolas' shirt to keep from falling as well. Now Gimli was on the floor as well as Pippin, and the dwarf was slapping the hardwood boards with helpless mirth. Legolas looked down ruefully as his shirt ripped open from Pearl's weight. Chuckling, Frodo put his hands around the lass's waist and helped her to the ground. He swallowed hard as her body brushed against him, his mind conjuring up images of what she had done to him earlier.

Shaking his head to clear it, Frodo pulled the chair up beside Legolas and climbed onto it. "Oh, friend Frodo...thank Elbereth someone in this house has some sense!" The elf wailed in a mock-hysterical voice.

Frodo grinned and said, "Stop laughing, or I shan't be able to untangle you without ripping your hair!" Legolas pinched his lips, and Frodo realized the elf had little alcohol tolerance. He'd never seen Legolas drunk before! The elf's shoulders began to shake again, and Pippin's high-pitched giggle and snort set him off full-fledged. Fortunately, Frodo was able to untwist the silken threads of hair that had gotten lodged in the fixture before Legolas doubled over with laughter. Shaking his head, but grinning all the same, Frodo stepped down off of the chair and took it back to the kitchen.

They managed to regain control of themselves once more, and Pearl gasped when she saw the rip in the elf's fine shirt that she had caused. "Oh, Master Legolas, I'm so sorry!" She said.

His eyes dilated, Legolas shrugged and smiled. "Think nothing of it. Thish ish a traveling outfit."

Gimli poked the elf in the arm. "You're slurring! Ha! Nothing like a mug or two of good, dwarven ale to loosen a fellow up!" Legolas grinned happily and plopped down on the floor. Even in the cups, he managed to look graceful when in truth, he very nearly fell.

Pearl sat herself next to Frodo on the couch and leaned her head on his shoulder. Without thinking of what he was doing, he put his arm around her, and Merry's jaw dropped. Pippin saw, but the Took merely giggled again.

"Frodo and my sister, sitting in a tree," Pippin began to sing. Realizing what he was doing, Frodo blushed and snatched his arm back. "Oh, come on, Frodo! We don't care!"

Merry whispered loudly enough for the whole room to hear, "He needs a good shagging anyways!"

Frodo gasped and his blue eyes became as round as saucers. His whole body turned a delightful shade of pink as his friends and cousins snickered. Gimli inadvertently saved him from further embarrassment by suggesting they play a dwarven drinking game. By the end of the day, they were passed out in various places on the floor and furniture. Wonder of wonders, not a one of the hobbits took the time out to think about afternoon tea, or supper, or dinner.

~******************~

"Ooowwch!" Howled Pearl Took as she reluctantly fought her way out of sleep. "That dreadful Gimli...I'll never forgive him for bringing that Dwarf drink here!" She sat up to get her bearings, blinking her green eyes. Gimli was flat on his back on the floor, his meaty hand still clutching an empty mug. Snores erupted from the dwarf periodically, echoing through the spacious (to a hobbit) house. In a corner, Legolas sat cross-legged, seemingly in a trance. Pearl found herself highly jealous of the elf. No doubt he was easily cleansing his body of the impurities he had consumed last night! "Not fair!" Pearl muttered. Her brother was piled on top of Meriadoc cross-wise...she had no idea how the two of them had managed to pass out in that position, and frankly, she wasn't sure she wanted to know! The two hobbits slumbered blissfully a few feet from Gimli. There was no sign of Frodo.

An unreasonable panic shot through Pearl, and she stumbled through the house calling his name. She heard a sound down the west wing of Brandy Hall, and she followed it to the closed door of the privy. "Frodo, are you alright?" Stupid question. She could hear him retching.

After a few moments, a hoarse, miserable voice answered, "Kill me, please," from within the privy. Pearl giggled and sighed in relief. He didn't sound as though his wound was troubling him. He sounded like a miserable, hung-over hobbit. He stumbled out a moment later, and despite the dark circles under his eyes and how disarrayed his tumbling hair was, he was beautiful. Pearl brushed her fingers through her own tangled, honey-colored hair and thought she must look like a hag. Frodo gave her a wan smile and hugged her gently. "I do hope you don't feel as awful as I do," He whispered.

She laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm not sick to my stomach, but my head feels as though an oiliphant stepped on it!"

He chuckled and pulled away from her regretfully. "Sam used to make a mint tea when I was feeling dizzy or nauseous. Perhaps Merry keeps mint in his cupboard supply or garden." She followed him into the kitchen and looked through the pantry and shelves with him.

When Legolas spoke, both of them yelped, and Pearl winced at the sound of her own voice and messaged her temples. "How are you feeling this fine morn, my little friends?"

"Far better if you would announce yourself, instead of sneaking up on a body!" Said Frodo, though he grinned.

Legolas smiled and plucked a jar from the counter. I believe this is what you are looking for?" Frodo recognized the leaves inside and blushed.

"Yes, it certainly is," Replied the hobbit, reaching for the jar. Legolas passed it to him with a twinkle in his eyes. Pearl took the teapot outside to the well in order to fill it, and Frodo kept his eyes downcast as Legolas regarded him gravely.

"You know, you are welcome to cross to the Grey Havens if your pain becomes too great to bear, Frodo," The elf said gently. "As a ringbearer, you've earned that right."

Frodo took a mint leaf out of the jar and fiddled with it absently. "I know, my friend. I just...I feel as though I am leaving so much behind! Sam and Rose, my cousins...and..."

Legolas smirked. "And Pearl?" He finished for his diminutive friend.

Frodo felt his face heat, and he silently cursed himself for being riled to embarrassment so bloody easily. "Yes...her too. She has proven to be quite helpful. I cannot break her heart. I don't think I could break Sam's heart, either." He finally looked up at the tall elf, his blue eyes swimming with indecision. "What am I to do, Legolas?"

The prince of Mirkwood knelt down in front of Frodo and gripped his small shoulders gently. His bright eyes were compassionate as he said; "There is no need for hasty decisions yet, Ringbearer. You've got time to think on it. The migration of the elves will continue for many years." Legolas' face fell, and Frodo was astonished to find a bitter expression forming on the elf's fair features. "I, too have friends whom I cannot abandon so readily, though the sea does call to me. It is like being torn. Part of me feels it is for the best that I depart, yet another part of me knows I may regret it."

Frodo touched Legolas on the cheek. "I never knew you felt that way, my friend," The hobbit said, feeling his eyes well with tears to hear the elf speak his own heart's doubts.

Legolas smiled gently. "It is, perhaps, the reason you connect so well with the elves, Frodo. It was written in the stars that your destiny would forever change you. You are no longer quite like the other inhabitants of Middle Earth. Not even your own people. Like my folk, you are caught between the worlds. Elf-friend, my people name you and Bilbo. I now begin to see why, my dear hobbit." Legolas gave Frodo's shoulder one last pat and left the kitchen. The hobbit heard the door creak, but no footfalls. He couldn't blame the elf for wanting to go outside...the poor chap was cramped in this hobbit hole, no matter that it was a huge place to Frodo's kind. Did elves ever cry? He had never seen one do so, but the hobbit felt that Legolas was weeping on the inside.

~**************~

Gimli and Legolas stayed at Brandy Hall for another day, but all of the friends decided they shouldn't imbibe as much as they had on the first day. Poor Pippin had woken up positively green, and Frodo had gotten ill a further two times. Gimli endured his own hangover with typical Dwarf stoic-ness. Frodo found himself breathing a sigh of relief, for Merry and Pippin didn't seem to remember catching on about he and Pearl and teasing them. Only Legolas recalled the entire night, and the elf had the decency not to bring it up during his stay. Pearl, for the most part, managed to keep her flirtations with Frodo discreet. She'd occasionally pinch his bottom when the others weren't looking, or give his hand a gentle squeeze, but she refrained from being too obvious.

On the third morning since they arrived, Legolas and Gimli left the Shire. The elf pressed a small, rolled up piece of parchment into Frodo's hand right before he and the Dwarf started on the road. As he watched his two dear friends leave, Frodo unrolled the parchment.

"My dear hobbit,

You have the most gentle, kind smile.

Do not deprive pretty Pearl of it.

Smile!

Love and light to you.

Your friend,

Legolas"

The hobbit found himself grinning from ear to ear as he waved goodbye to Legolas and Gimli. The elf threw a wink over his shoulder and mouthed, "Smile!" Frodo chuckled, feeling light-hearted for the first time in months.

"Well then, I suppose Pippin and I shall be off as well," Said Merry once their two friends had vanished over the hill.

Frodo gave him a confused look. "Off to where?"

His cousins shared an unreadable look. "Oh, to Green Hill Country. We've got some business over there." Merry replied.

Frodo became instantly suspicious. "What are you two up to now? Why didn't you travel with Legolas and Gimli?"

Pippin shrugged. "They aren't going there. They are stopping off at Bree, then heading North."

Frodo gave them both a searching look, and Merry laughed at the expression on his face. "Relax, my good hobbit! You'll have the hole all to yourself for three days...with the exception of Pearl. She'll be staying to keep you company while we're gone." The Brandybuck gave Frodo a sly look, and he blushed.

Dear Heavens! Merry knew! Frodo quickly glanced at Pippin out the corner of his eye, but the younger hobbit was checking the shodding on his walking stick, and seemed oblivious to the exchange. Frodo was thankful that Pearl had gone into the house before his and Merry's conversation began, or he would be stammering and stuttering like an idiot right now.

"Don't worry, Frodo! Pearl is an excellent cook, and she's almost as much fun as Pippin!"

Hearing his name, the young Took looked up. "Ay? Did you say something, Merry?" Merry rolled his eyes and gave Frodo a wink and a pat on the shoulder.

"Let's be off, Pip. The road waits for no hobbit!" Whistling, Merry started off, and Pippin gave Frodo a wave and started after the Brandybuck.

Frodo shook his head and sighed. Sometimes he felt like he was in a dream induced by bad mushrooms, when he was around his two cousins. He ran his fingers through the tumbling curls of his dark hair and went inside. Pearl was whistling to herself and chopping carrots. "How does cony stew sound to you, Frodo?" She said. "I've got cherries for dessert, too." She gave him a once-over as she said the word "dessert", and he felt his pulse quicken.

"That sounds lovely, Pearl. Can I help with anything? I've felt nigh useless over the past few days."

She smiled. "You aren't useless, cutie. If you want, you can fill the stew pot with water for me and fire up the cooking pit."

He eagerly did as she asked, glad to have something to do to take his mind off of the things that might potentially happen between them over the next three days. His stomach was full of butterflies. When they had their...encounter in the river the other day, he was surprised that he wasn't overcome with fear. Things were done to him when he was a captive in Cirith Ungol. Things that he had never confessed to anyone. He hadn't lied to her when he said nobody had ever touched him the way she had. The orcs simply shoved him to the floor and used his small body for their enjoyment. He suspected that Sam knew, however. His dear friend had found him in the tower and stopped a whip-wielding orc from doing more than striping his body once, but he had come too late to stop the internal damage they had caused. Frodo remembered the gardener sobbing as he cleaned the blood from his pale thighs, and how frantic Sam was as he searched almost hopefully for a cut or wound that would account for the blood.

Frodo felt shame burn in him as he carried the pot to the well and pumped water into it. He grit his teeth and tried to bury the memories, not wanting to see them again. The question was, why hadn't he been afraid when Pearl's hands had worshipped his body so thoroughly that day? Was it because he was getting over the memory? Frodo bit his lip and felt tears forming in his eyes as he remembered a different night. He must not be over it, he decided, for when Hobbiton threw a celebration after the scouring was ended, Frodo had reluctantly danced at Rose's insistence. A young male hobbit had brushed up against him from behind, and Frodo became quite aware that the other hobbit found him attractive. He could feel his hardness press against his bottom. Frodo had stumbled away in a panic, shouting, "Stay away from me!" at the top of his lungs. He flushed as he remembered how Sam had dragged him away from the party and held him as he wept. What a scene he had made!

He finally deduced that his fear was directed at males making sexual advances towards him. It made sense, actually, and it was the only logical reason he could think of that explained why he hadn't reacted in terror when Pearl touched him. Certainly he felt nervous and shy, but from what little he knew of the subject, those feelings were normal to an inexperienced person. He finished filling the pot and returned to the hole. Pearl looked up from the cony meat she was cutting and smiled. "Thank you, Frodo."

He smiled gently back, feeling a bit more at ease. For now, her attention was centered on cooking, and he didn't have to worry about what he should say or do. He took the tinderbox from the shelf beside the cooking pit and began the work of starting a fire. It didn't take long...the wood was dry and caught fire easily. Frodo's blue eyes widened when he felt small hands suddenly caressing his bottom, just as he was about to straiten back up. He stood up and whirled around, then sighed in relief and chastised himself. "Stop thinking of that horrid place!" He thought to himself, and forced a grin.

Pearl wasn't fooled in the least, however. When she had kneaded the firm roundness of Frodo's rump, his whole body had tensed, and his astonishing blue eyes were round with fear when he turned around. Once he saw it was her (who else could it have been'), he relaxed visibly and seemed almost ashamed. The smile he gave her was sickly looking, and beads of sweat sparkled on his brow. "Frodo, what is it? You've never reacted like that before."

He flinched. Pearl was a sharp one, like Merry. As silly as she behaved sometimes, she could see strait into a person's soul. He hesitantly put his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them gently. "I'm sorry, Pearl. My mind drifted, and I was some place else...some place I'd never wish to see again. The memory came to me unbidden while I was filling the pot with water."

She had only heard stories from Merry and Pippin of the terrible things that Frodo had endured, so she didn't have an exact idea of what he might have been remembering. Despite this, she had a suspicion. His brief panic attack had occurred when she stroked his bottom. She bit her lip and looked up at him gravely, for once completely serious. Her admiration for him increased, in that moment, and she saw a wounded, yet strong and pure spirit lighting his fair features from within. "I'm sorry, dear Frodo," She whispered, softly caressing his lips with her fingertips. "I...I shall try to refrain from touching you without warning."

He swallowed hard and dropped his eyes. "Please, do not think it is you, Pearl. You are wonderful in every way." He blushed, and she smiled in adoration. His shyness was so appealing to her.

She planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "Why don't you have a glass of brandy and relax? It'll only be a little while before the stew is ready." He nodded and gave her a look of such sincere gratitude that her heart skipped a beat.

~************~

Pearl proved to be delightful company. She finally gave in and began to allow him to help more actively in the kitchen, setting him to small tasks like chopping vegetables or kneading the dough to softness whenever she made bread. The dough turned out to be quite an interesting lesson, as she guided Frodo's hands with her own and smoothed it out with him. At one point, he found himself aroused and turned his face towards her. With his gaze heavy lidded like that, and his lips parted, she couldn't help but kiss him deeply. They nearly didn't finish preparing the dough, but Frodo gathered his self-control and managed to break the kiss. He tried to ignore the thundering of his heartbeat and the inviting expression on her face.

For her part, Pearl tried not to be too pushy. It was difficult. Here it was, only their first evening together, and she constantly found herself fascinated with the open V at the top of his white shirt, where it was unbuttoned and revealing just enough of the smooth flesh of his throat and collarbone to prove tantalizing, yet teasing. The sun went down, and they quietly ate their supper and drank a glass of wine each. He gazed at her with an unreadable expression, his lapis eyes shadowed.

"What's on your mind, Frodo?" She finally asked, unsettled by his wordless stare. Those eyes of his blinked, and he seemed to come out of a trance.

"Oh! I beg your pardon, Pearl. I was...um..." His gaze slid down to his half-eaten food and he blushed.

Pearl fought off a giggle, finally realizing that he had simply been staring at her. She took a deep breath. By the Shire, it was difficult to read Frodo Baggins! Any other male would have had a distinct expression on his face, and she would have known immediately that they were admiring her form. She went to spear a sausage with her fork, and when she looked down, she understood why he had been staring. The lacing of her blouse was hanging loose, allowing quite a bit of tanned cleavage to show. She fought a grin and brought the sausage to her mouth, looking into Frodo's eyes as she did.

"Oh dear," He thought as she licked the end of the sausage delicately, her green eyes flashing at him. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, for his trousers suddenly felt too tight. "I should look away...find something else to look at, Frodo!" His brain screamed silently.

Pearl forced herself not to grin in delight at Frodo's obvious fascination with her actions. His blue eyes seemed riveted to her mouth as she sucked on one end of the sausage before taking a dainty bite from it. He wriggled a bit in his seat and parted his lips, not understanding, in his innocence, why the sight of her eating a sausage sent tingles shooting through his groin and belly. He managed to tear his eyes away and pick up his wineglass. He took a huge swallow, and nearly choked on it.

"Frodo! Are you alright?" Pearl said in concern as he began to cough. He held his hand up to indicate that he was well, but she still hopped out of her chair and bounded over to him. Her small hands pounded his back, and he started to laugh in spite of himself. Once a Took, always a Took.

He calmed himself and took her hands in his. "I'm fine, dear Pearl. I simply swallowed my wine the wrong way." She stared at him in concern for a moment, and he smiled to prove he was all right. Then he began to stroke her hands with his thumbs, and she leaned forward until their breath was mingling.

"You gave me a scare, Master Baggins," She said with a mock frown. He parted his lips and moistened them with his tongue, and Pearl suddenly knew how he must have felt when she was teasing him with the sausage. She pressed her lips against his and traced the contours of his velvety mouth with her tongue. When he returned the caress with his own tongue, she whimpered softly and ran her fingers through his thick hair. Then she pulled her mouth away for a quick moment, only to bring it back again.

Frodo ran his hands down her sides in a sensual glide, then rested them on her hips. He experimentally sucked on her tongue, and the result startled him. Pearl purred so loudly that it was practically a growl, and her hands drifted down his neck to his chest. Her fingers clawed at his shirt, and two buttons popped off as she pulled the garment open further. Heat flushed his body as her hands caressed the smooth skin of his chest, and he gasped when she stroked his nipples. "Feel good?" She said in a husky whisper.

He nodded, unable to articulate the sensations that were spreading through him. Her lips left his, and before he could get the chance to be disappointed over it, she began to kiss his jaw and throat, gently nipping him with her teeth as she did so. She lifted her leg and slipped her knee between his thighs, and he spread them automatically. "Oh, Elbereth," Frodo thought to himself, "I may shatter into a million pieces if she does to me what she did the other day!"

Pearl was pulling his shirt the rest of the way open, heedless of the buttons which were flying off in different directions as she struggled to bare his flesh to her desperate hands. Her knee began to rub against the hard bulge between his legs, and he moaned. His hands slid back to cup her bottom, and he began to pull her skirts up without even thinking about it.

Pearl knew she should temporarily put a stop to this. Frodo was so wonderful; she wanted his first time to be in a bed...not in a chair by the dinner table! The problem was, his skin was so silky against her tongue, and it tasted so good...like rainwater, she thought. To add to this, he had pulled her skirts up and his long fingers were stroking the back of her thighs in a sensual, soft caress. "Oh, Frodo...I want you so much! I might wither like a parched flower if you don't fill me!" She gasped.

Her words fanned the flames which her hands and mouth had begun on his body, and he groaned as his control slipped. A vision came unbidden to his head, and despite his arousal and pleasure, he blushed. He pictured himself lifting her up, sweeping the dinnerware off of the table, and taking her hard and fast, right on top of the table. He gasped, unaccustomed to feeling such raw, carnal urges. "I cannot do that to Pearl!" He thought, and tried to calm himself down. In his mind, the image was conjured up from the darkness within him. Surely that was no way to treat someone you cared for!

She noticed that something had made him uncomfortable. "Frodo, is your shoulder bothering you? Was I pushing too hard with my knee?"

His breathing was uneven, and his blue eyes burned as he looked into her eyes. Pearl was a bit taken aback. That gaze, it was so intense! It turned her knees to jelly and made her gasp. She sensed that her beautiful gentlehobbit was struggling with very strong urges...ones that he most likely was unprepared to feel.

"No, Pearl...you are exquisite," He murmured, his voice a droning, husky song to her ears. "It is just that I'm not at all certain that the things I want to do to you are...proper."

Her stomach did a little flip, and her breath caught. Though he was blushing, his nostrils flared with his gasping breath, and his lips were parted and moist. The intensity of his eyes was both frightening and enrapturing, and it did queer things to her body that she had never experienced before. A bit breathlessly, she untangled her leg from between his thighs and took his hand in hers. "Come into my bedroom with me, Frodo." She demanded. Part of her shivered, worrying that she had misunderstood. What if he wanted to hurt her? She scoffed at the absurdity of the thought. Frodo had never hurt a living being in his life. He would never do her harm!

He stood up and began to follow her, then stopped abruptly. She turned to regard him, and though the fire hadn't left his eyes, there was a worried expression on his face. "Pearl...you do not have to do this. I couldn't bear it if-"

She broke his sentence with a passionate kiss. "Oh, I do have to do this, my darling Frodo. If I don't, I'll wither. I told you that already."

She received no further arguments from him as she tugged on his hand and led him to her bedroom.

Pearl closed the door behind them and stared at Frodo. She reminded him of a cat who had a particularly delectable bowl of cream sitting in front of her. It drove him mad, and he had to fight to keep his breathing even.

"Tell me what you need, Frodo," She purred as she put her hands on his waist and kissed his collarbone.

He trembled and closed his eyes. Perspiration beaded on his face, making it glow. The sun had almost set outside, and the dying rays cast his features in sharp relief. Pearl was staring at him in awe, and a feeling of power swept through him. He had never felt powerful before, except near the end of his journey, when the ring had begun to gain a stronger hold on him. The feeling was at once exhilarating and frightening. He licked his lips and swallowed. "I...I do not know," He whispered.

She pressed herself against him and rubbed her body up and down, drawing a groan from his lips. She could feel every delicious contour of his frame, and her own breath quickened to match the gasping pace of his. "I think you know what you need, darling one," She whispered, and nipped his earlobe with her teeth. She slid the fabric of his opened shirt down over his shoulders until it was only attached to his arms by the sleeves. Her tongue hungrily licked and teased his chest and torso, drawing breathy sighs and moans from him. She smiled when she cupped the prominent bulge between his thighs and felt the small, damp spot on his trousers over the area. "Tell me," She murmured. Then she flicked her tongue out and circled one of his nipples with it, making it tighten up.

Unable to cope with the tide of lust surging through him, he gasped, "I need...I need to be in control. I want to ravish you, Pearl." Then he cupped her chin in his hand, forcing her face to tilt back. His mouth descended upon hers with bruising intensity, and his tongue thrust deeply into her mouth. She whimpered and put her arms around his neck as he pulled her tightly against him.

Frodo ignored the brief throb of cold pain that struck his shoulder as he lifted Pearl into his arms. He didn't have time to marvel at the surge of strength that infused his body...all he wanted was to get her onto the bed and out of her clothing.

Pearl felt herself lifted, and the next thing she knew she was on her back, lying in the middle of her large bed. Frodo's slim body covered hers, and his narrow hips settled between her thighs. He was pulling at the lace that held her blouse together, and when she tried to help him, he covered her hand with his and shook his head.

"Let me do it," He panted. She laid back and stroked his soft hair as he tugged and pulled the laces free. The blouse was pulled off, and Pearl was suddenly thankful that she wasn't wearing an underblouse, for his lips latched onto a nipple and began to suckle it.

"Oh!" She gasped as pleasure shot through her. Frodo began to caress the other breast with one hand, and he lifted his hips so that the other hand could begin pulling her skirts up. This certainly was unexpected! How much had Frodo Baggins been holding in, for him to respond so aggressively? She writhed beneath him as his hand slid up her thigh to her hip, the sensitive fingers seeming to know what to do, even if Frodo himself was unsure.

"I want to touch you...the way you touched me in Baranduin the other day," He whispered, his breath hot against her flesh. He unconsciously rubbed his throbbing erection against her leg as he spoke, and he hissed at the friction.

Pearl moaned. "Yes...please, Frodo!" She trembled in anticipation as his long fingers crept beneath her panties. Her breath hissed in and out from between her teeth, and she arched her neck and closed her eyes as those wise fingers of his began to rub her sensitive vulva in gentle circles.

"Is this correct?" Frodo asked huskily, his blue eyes searching her face.

It took her a moment to answer him, so good did his stroking fingers feel on her. "It's...delicious!" She whimpered, and she bit her bottom lip and trembled as an orgasm struck her quite suddenly. She cried his name and her fingers dug into his back.

His blue eyes were concerned as he watched her brow furrow as though she was in pain. "Am I hurting you?"

She tossed her head and panted, "No, don't stop, Frodo!" She rose up a bit and kissed him ravenously as her climax played itself out.

He smiled against her mouth, finally understanding that her cries and shudders were from pleasure. He could feel slick dampness lightly coating his questing fingers and her loins, and curiosity struck him. Once she calmed down and lay panting and relaxed beneath him, he experimentally pushed one finger between the folds of skin he was messaging, and he felt immense satisfaction that his theory was correct when the digit slid into a tight, warm entrance. Pearl lifted her hips against his hand and moaned as he explored her with his finger.

"By the Shire...are you certain you've never done this before?!" She cried when his finger amazingly found a spot inside of her that nobody had ever managed to find before.

Frodo grinned and blushed a little, understanding that he was doing something right. He continued to stroke the small spot of smoothness inside of her, and her breath caught. She undulated against him and purred, her hands gripping the bedsheets. He kissed her neck and kept going until her back arched and she shuddered.

Frodo's eyes widened in amazement, for he could feel her vagina clenching and relaxing around his finger. Sweat dampened Pearl's hair, and her breasts almost seemed to swell a bit as this strange phenomenon occurred. He kissed her tenderly, slightly worried about her violent reaction to his fondling. "Are you alright, Pearl?" He whispered.

She didn't answer him with words. Instead, she gripped his buttocks and kissed him deeply. Frodo groaned against her mouth and withdrew his finger so that he could remove her skirt entirely.

"I need you inside of me," Pearl panted, planting soft, urgent kisses all over his face and neck as she spoke. She lifted her hips so that he could remove her skirt and panties, and her own fingers were working at the fastenings of his trousers. The stubborn garments finally came loose after a bit of maneuvering and swearing, and they stared at one another in admiration.

Suddenly shy, Frodo bit his lip. "I'm not quite sure what to do," He confessed, lowering his sapphire gaze. "I have an idea, of course...but I'm not certain it is correct."

Pearl kissed his soft lips and murmured, "Cover me with your body, as you did earlier." He did so, and she sighed in pleasure from the feel of his skin rubbing against hers. She met his intense gaze and gently curled her fingers around his penis. She could feel it pulsing in her hand, keeping time with his heartbeat. Unable to resist, she stroked it a couple of times, loving the satiny feel of it in her hand.

Frodo closed his eyes and shuddered, holding himself still while she rubbed him. "Pearl," He gasped in warning, feeling himself getting ready to ejaculate.

She stopped immediately, understanding that he might not possess the self-control to hold his orgasm back. Her own loins throbbed with need, demanding to be filled. She cooed to him soothingly and stroked his damp hair to calm him, and after a little while, his trembling ceased and his breathing returned to a less frantic level.

"I think I am ready," He said with a sigh of relief, and he grinned at her. She returned the grin and spread her thighs wide, lifting her knees up.

Her small, strong hand gripped his erection again, and she said, "Push your hips forward, darling. I'll guide you in."

Frodo did as she advised, staring into her green eyes all the while. He felt her tightness against the tip of his member. Her vulva was resisting the penetration, and she winced a bit. "Pearl, if this is painful to you, I do not want to do it," He said truthfully. The last thing he wanted to do was cause this dear lass pain.

She shook her head and looked up at him sincerely. "No, Frodo. It might be a tad uncomfortable for me at first, because...well, you're a big boy." She grinned wickedly as his cheeks turned pink and he blinked. "Don't worry. It will only take me a moment to adjust. I promise you won't hurt me."

He ran one fingertip down her cheek and jawbone in a tender caress, and she turned her head to kiss his hand. "I pray you aren't telling a fib to please me, dear Pearl." With that said, he pushed himself against her again, a bit more forcefully. His earlier ministrations paid off, for she was well lubricated and ready for him.

Pearl gasped and clutched at Frodo as the resistance gave and his penis slid slowly into her body. Frodo's eyes popped open wide, and his breath caught in shock at the feeling. He couldn't stop now if she wanted him to! He stared down at her with the most exquisite expression of wonder on his fair features she had ever seen, and she moaned as his hardness filled her completely. Once he was in as deep as he could go, he held himself still for both their benefits. He feared that the sensation of her warm, damp sheath gripping him was going to drive him over the brink, or make him swoon. "Breath, you fool!" The more practical part of Frodo's mind snapped. He exhaled in a rush, then drew a great, gulping breath of air and trembled. If the pleasure wouldn't have made him pass out, the lack of air surely would have!

Once he had mastered himself (at least enough not to orgasm right away), Frodo kissed Pearl's sweating brow and said shakenly, "Is it better?"

She purred and slowly undulated her hips, her hands running down his body to cup the twin mounds of his bottom. He groaned and pulled back a bit, then pushed forward. "That's it, Frodo," Pearl gasped, "you're such a fast learner."

He lost himself then. He began to pump his hips, careful not to allow his penis to slip out of her, and he moaned and kissed her deeply. His passion grew, and before he realized what he was doing, he captured her wrists and pinned her arms above her head.

Instead of frightening her, his subduing of her made her wanton with excitement. Pearl cried his name and locked her legs around his waist, coaxing him to greater passion. His long, deep thrusts increased in speed and his teeth nibbled the soft skin of her neck. "Frodo," She panted, "My darling Frodo!"

Breathless with pleasure and carnal urges, he could only manage a soft growl in response. She arched against him, her imprisoned hands grasping his tightly, and he bucked his hips sharply, making her cry out. Horrified, he stopped and looked at her with grave concern. "Did I hurt you, Pearl?" He said raggedly.

"No...Don't stop! Please..." She whimpered, and he needed no further urging. Their hands were locked together as tightly as their bodies, and their breathless cries mingled until it sounded like a bizarre duet. Pearl moaned in frustration, wanting to touch his body, but he wouldn't free her hands from his grasp. His mouth covered hers and his tongue thrust in synch with his manhood. She truly thought she would lose her mind from the pleasure.

Frodo finally released her hands and rose on his elbows to stare down at her with a half-bewildered expression. His expressive, blue eyes rolled slightly before the lids came down to conceal them, and he grunted breathlessly as his seed spurted. She sighed in contentment and stroked his damp bangs away from his eyes as his penis bucked within her. "Pearl," He whimpered, and collapsed on top of her, breathing raggedly.

They lay there for a few moments, with Frodo resting his forehead against her shoulder, and Pearl caressing his back and murmuring endearments to him. After a bit, he recovered and carefully slipped out of her body, then he rolled onto his side and embraced her, kissing her softly. "If I had known it was like that, I might have been more inclined to flirt with lasses than to read books," He murmured, only partially joking.

Pearl giggled and kissed his chest. "If I had known you had such a knack for lovemaking, I might have kidnapped you and kept you all to myself long ago, Mr. Baggins."

~**********~

Pearl was propped on her elbow, staring at her new lover as he slept. The silvery moonlight bathed Frodo's too-handsome features with a soft glow, making him seem so perfect, and so beautiful. He was as a marble sculpture to Pearl. Only the soft waves of nearly black hair spread out in a halo about that beautiful face made her remember he was a living, breathing hobbit, and not some artist's statue. She touched his lips, which were slightly parted and relaxed as he slumbered. So silken. She wondered how Frodo saw her. Was she nearly as lovely to him as he was to her' She knew she was cute, of course. Her cheeks dimpled when she smiled, and her dark golden hair was long, soft and shiny. Many of the Shire boys had tried to court her for marriage, but despite her parents pressuring her, she turned them all down. In her eyes, there was too much living to do for her to settle down and spend the rest of her life with a swollen belly! Let her three other siblings produce the grandchildren!

As she stared at Frodo, she began to feel a bit differently. Though the thought of losing her freedom repelled her, she wouldn't mind having his wee one. She almost snorted, and caught herself before the sound escaped. "Good thinking, Pearl. The poor lad has been through more in one year than most other hobbits have experienced in their entire lifetime! Start hinting at marriage...yes, that'll scare him good and proper! He'd probably toss himself into Mount Doom!"

She clamped a hand over her mouth to muffle the irrepressible giggles that bubbled up from her own thinking. It was only a flight of fancy, she figured. Frodo was no more the marrying type than she was was. It would be nice to stay with him, however. She'd keep him for as long as she could. "This isn't fair," She fumed silently, "I think I'm falling hard for him! How Pip would laugh at me!" She found her eyes welling with tears as she ever so softly stroked a lock of hair aside from Frodo's right eye. She knew that Frodo might not stay in the Shire for the rest of his life. She had overheard Legolas speaking to him of traveling to the West with the Elven folk if his pain became too much to bear. The knowledge pained her, like a hand gripping her heart and squeezing it mercilessly.

"I know you might be taken away from me any day now, Frodo," She said in a hushed whisper...so low that she could barely hear herself speak. "And, if that's what it takes to make you better, I won't stand in the way...but, it hurts!" She had to push her face into the pillow to muffle the soft sobs that began to shake her small frame. Oh, how did this happen to her? When Frodo first came to Buckland, she had only meant to have a bit of fun with him. He was exciting, and exotic, and so much changed from the boy she once knew, so long ago! She wasn't supposed to get attached to him like this!

She turned her back to him; afraid he might wake up and see the tears streaming down her face. For a moment, she almost hated him...almost. How dare he do this to her? Of all the nerve, to have such fathomless blue eyes and incredible features, and to be so wise and kind and loving on top of all of that? Her tears dried, and she smirked at how silly she was behaving. It was hardly Frodo's fault. She was the one who had instigated the entire thing, foolishly believing she knew what she was doing. Ha! Fool of a Took, as that crusty old Gandalf would probably be saying to her, if he were here now. You put your foot in the slop...it's your job to clean up the mess! She sighed and wiped her face, making sure that there was no evidence of tears on her cheeks.

When she rolled back over, she was so startled that she almost gasped. The very eyes she had been silently blaming for her predicament were open and staring at her-glittering in the moonlight.

"Is everything alright, Pearl' I thought I felt you shaking," Frodo whispered. His brows were drawn together in concern.

She forced a cheerful grin. "Of course, dumpling! I...I had a funny dream and started to giggle. I'm sorry if I woke you up."

Horribly gullible, for he had no reason to believe anything but laughter would have made her shoulders shake like that, Frodo smiled tenderly and put his arm around her. She gladly snuggled into his embrace, inhaling his scent as she nuzzled his neck. He kissed the crown of her head and whispered, "You are going to get yourself into trouble if you keep doing that, sweet Pearl."

She felt him harden against her thigh, and her own pulse quickened in response. "Oh?" She sounded sad. "I thought I was being a good girl." She threw one leg over his hips and caressed his back, her lips seeking the smooth hollow of his throat.

Frodo sucked a sharp breath in and began to stroke her hair. She purred and wriggled closer. He sighed, "My sweet little kitten. I do so love to hear those sounds from you." His hands began to work their magic on her back and buttocks, then one of them teasingly slid around to the front. Pearl made a quiet sound of pleasure as his fingertips softly stroked the outer swell of her breast.

"Mmmm..Magic fingers," She said huskily, arching her body against his.

"Even though I have only nine of them?" He said softly, and she looked up at him, expecting a bitter expression. Relief made her relax when she saw that he was fighting not to laugh. He gave up when she grimaced at the poor joke, and his breath fanned her cheek as a burst of laughter escaped his lips. "I'm sorry, Pearl. I admit, I've not felt so much like my old self in ages. Poor as the joke might seem, it struck me as appropriate."

She laughed with him and rubbed the tip of his nose with her pert, small one. "Silly hobbit lad." She said with a grin. He kissed her lingeringly, and she forgot what they had been laughing about. He traced the rim of one of her pointed ears with the fingertips of one hand, making her shiver in delight. The other hand was stroking her body, lighting fires along her skin. Breath quickening, she nibbled his neck and did plenty of touching of her own. She marveled at the sinewy cords of muscle beneath his smooth skin. No other hobbit that she had ever known was built like him. His stomach was flat, lacking typical hobbit softness around the middle, and his hips were lean. He was still a bit thinner than what she would consider healthy for anyone, but since coming home, he had begun to fill out again, in all the right places. He would never be plump or even mildly round...it just wasn't the way he was built. This suit Pearl just fine.

She squirmed lower against him, kissing his chest and belly, then teasingly delving her tongue into his belly button. He gasped and his hands tightened on her for a brief moment. Smiling, she did it again, delighted by the way he tensed and hummed with pleasure. "Do you want to feel something even better, Frodo?" She purred, looking up at him with mischievous eyes. His expression was only slightly wary as he nodded. She ran her hands down his chest and ribcage, then gave his hip and shoulder a gentle push. "Roll onto your back." She commanded.

He obeyed, and she pulled the sheet down, exposing his nudity to her hungry gaze. His blue eyes glowed softly up at her from beneath lids heavy with passion and anticipation. "What are you going to do?" He questioned softly.

She chuckled and stroked his inner thighs, coaxing him to spread them wide. "Oh, you'll see, Mr. Baggins. I think you'll like it, too." With that said, she situated herself between his thighs and took over where she left off, licking and kissing his torso. Her hands caressed his hips, sliding beneath them to cup his buttocks and lift him a bit.

Frodo sighed in pleasure and closed his eyes. "That feels good," He murmured as her tongue traced little patterns on his lower abdomen. That soft little mouth was steadily traveling lower, and he unwittingly began to tense up in anticipation. Was she going to do what he thought she was going to do? He lifted his head and looked down at her to ask, and he caught a glimpse of hungry, glittering eyes before she dipped her head and put her mouth over the tip of his penis.

Frodo jerked involuntarily and sucked in a great gasp through clenched teeth. He reached up over his head and gripped the headboard of the bed tightly to keep from tangling his fingers into her hair and pulling it. "Unh! That feels.... That feels so..." He couldn't find the words, nor the breath to describe the shock of warm, wet pleasure.

With a pleased purr, Pearl released the tip of his cock to lick up and down the length of his quivering shaft, and he moaned and tilted his head back. His body jerked uncontrollably with each gentle lick, and she took one of her hands out from under his hips to rub his stomach in a soothing, circular motion. "Easy, my pretty lad. Try to relax." She whispered. Then she slowly took his organ into her mouth, sucking gently as she did so.

Frodo panted and tried to be still as her warm mouth nursed him. Her hand continued to rub his belly in lazy circles, which helped a little bit. His white-knuckled hands gripped the headboard desperately, and he licked his lips and stared up at the ceiling in astonishment at the sensations rippling through him.

Pearl took it slowly and gently, for she realized that not only was her love well-endowed, but quite sensitive, to boot. She took as much of him into her mouth as she could. Then she raised her head and let it slide out of her mouth slowly, her lips sucking all the while. She stopped when she reached the tip, and she circled her tongue around the smooth cap and tasted a bit of salty fluid that leaked out with his excitement. She repeated the action, sucking him back into her, then releasing him slowly, and a hot tightness coiled up in her belly as Frodo whimpered and began to helplessly rotate his hips.

Once she had gotten him accustomed to this pleasure, she stopped rubbing his belly and slipped her hand below her sucking mouth to fondle his testicles. Her lover's back arched and a groan passed his lips, making her lust rise further. She removed her other hand from beneath him and gripped the portion of his hardness that she could not fit into her mouth, then began to take him in and out of her mouth at a rapid pace, increasing the suction as she did so.

Frodo tossed his head from side to side and moved his hips in synch with her actions. Hardly aware that he was doing it, he began to curl up, rising into a half sitting position as he held onto the headboard for dear life. Fear began to rise within him, for he felt so helpless and at her mercy. At the same time, he was highly excited and in unbearable pleasure. His blue eyes snapped open and went wide as the pressure built to a crescendo, and he shouted out hoarsely, curling his toes as he came. Pearl gripped his hips supportively as his penis tightened up and spurted its salty essence into the back of her throat.

She stopped moving her mouth up and down his shaft, but continued to suckle gently, soothing the spent organ as she stroked Frodo's hips lovingly with her hands. He was breathing so raggedly that he sounded like he had just run all the way here from Mordor. With a final, tender lick to the tip of his penis, she released him from her mouth and climbed up next to him. She caressed his face, biting back a groan of desire at the disbelieving, yet sensual expression on his flushed features. His sapphire orbs shifted to look at her, and he cupped her cheek in his hand. He seemed to be unable to find words.

"I take it you enjoyed that, darling Frodo?" She said with a saucy grin. He gave a breathless laugh and nodded. With a sigh of contentment for being able to satisfy him so thoroughly, Pearl laid down beside him, putting her arm around his waist in a possessive hug. Exhausted from the force of his release, Frodo slipped off to sleep quite easily, and Pearl traced the slight smile on his sensitive lips and felt like a goddess.

~***********~

"Clink...clink...bang!"

"Get out of here, you pesky thing!"

Aroused from sleep, Frodo cracked his eyes open and looked around. "Oh, that's right," He thought, "Last night, Pearl and I-" He grinned like a fool and blushed as the memories of all the things they had done together came flooding into his mind.

"Aaahhh! Don't even think of it! Shoo! Shoo!" Pearl's voice was shrill, coming from the kitchen. Frodo heard a swooshing sound and a muttered curse following her exclamation.

"What in heavens could she be doing?" He murmured to himself. He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He peered blearily around the bedroom, trying to locate his trousers. The hobbit smirked when he finally caught site of them bunched up on the floor at the foot of the bed. Concerned by the alarmed little shrieks Pearl was emitting, he quickly pulled them on, not bothering to put his underpants on, as he intended to bath and dress in a clean set of clothes anyhow. He went into the kitchen and lifted an eyebrow. Pearl was standing on a chair, with a broom in one hand and a frying pan in the other.

"Good morning, sweetling. May I ask what this is about?" He said. She started at the sound of her voice, dragging locks of wet hair out of her eyes. He swallowed when it occurred to him that she was only wearing a bathrobe.

"There's a huge spider in here! I know it's silly, but I'm scared to death of them!" She said, with a sheepish look at him. Merry or Pippin would have laughed...they always teased her about her phobia, but Frodo simply nodded in understanding.

"Where did you see it last?" He questioned.

She pointed at the dish cabinet. "It crawled under there."

"Well then, I shall have to slay the beast for you, won't I?" He said with a cheerful grin.

Pearl laughed, grateful beyond words that he didn't think her silly or "girly" for being afraid of a spider. Of course, she completely forgot that it was because of a mammoth of a spider that Frodo was captured by the orcs in the first place. Spiders were possibly the only animals who weren't safe from the gentle ringbearer, and he hardly begrudged anyone for being afraid of them or disgusted by them.

He took the broom from her and got down on his hands and knees, peering beneath the cabinet. Pearl bit her lip nervously...there was no way she could do that! She kept picturing the horrid thing jumping out at him and latching onto his beautiful face. She kept herself from blurting, "Be careful, Frodo!" like an idiot. It wasn't like there was an orc or a Barrow-wight under there, after all.

Frodo pushed the sweeping end of the broom beneath the cabinet, and Pearl let out a squeak as the spider; a black, long-legged thing the size of her hand, came scurrying out. Frodo quickly reversed the broom and brought the handle down with perfect aim. He grimaced in disgust as the creature's body smeared.

"Pearl dear, could you fetch a damp cloth for me so that I might clean up this mess?" He said, his blue eyes twinkling at her and a crooked smile on his face. She was gazing at him with a strange expression on her face that he couldn't quite place. "What is the matter?"

Pearl shook herself out of it and quickly rushed to the sink to grab the dishwashing rag. "Here you are," She said a little breathlessly as she held it out to him. He smiled at her and took the cloth, then began to clean the mess off of the floor and broomstick handle. Pearl watched his lithe form as he worked, and she became very aware that she had nothing more than a robe on as she stared at his naked chest. She had no idea that Frodo could move like that! Though it was only a spider, the way he gracefully shifted the broom in his hand and splatted it left her in awe. "I really have lost my mind, to be aroused by something as trivial as killing a spider!" She thought to herself. Well, it wasn't the fact that he killed it. It was the way he had taken her fear seriously, and the way he had moved when he did it.

Frodo finished cleaning up the mess and turned to her. "I shall do the laundry today. I wouldn't want you to be troubled with having to wash this cloth, knowing what is on it." His blue gaze was soft with kindness, and she almost simpered at his thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, dear Frodo. You really are a darling." She grinned as he predictably blushed at the compliment before turning and heading to the "laundry room". Most upper class hobbit holes had these small rooms, so that they could separate dirty clothes and towels from cleaning rags, without leaving unsightly piles in plain view. She pondered on the reasons he might have for not having given her a kiss good morning or an embrace. She woke up before him, and decided to let him sleep while she prepared breakfast. The stupid spider ruined her plans for breakfast in bed. Hopefully, the incident with the filthy little arachnid had simply distracted him. She'd hate to think that he was still too bashful to kiss her, after the night they had! Deciding not to worry herself, she resumed her cooking preparations.

Frodo stood in the laundry room and glared down at the tent in his trousers. "You'd better start behaving yourself!" He snapped at his offending manhood. "She's going to think I am a lecher!"

His penis, of course, did not listen to him. He had left the kitchen so abruptly because after he killed the spider, Pearl had looked at him as though he was some sort of hero from legend. In response, his body became immediately wanton. He looked around the laundry room, searching for something...anything that would take his mind off of the forbidden fantasies that were lurking in his mind. His eyes settled on the washtub, which was fortunately full of clean water. "Bless your overdone attention to details, Merry," He whispered, and he squatted down in front of it and splashed the cold water on his face a few times.

He finally came back into the kitchen, a bit refreshed and feeling less likely to toss Pearl onto the table and ravish her (why did that picture stay burned into his imagination?). She had tied her thick, long hair into a hasty bun and was frying eggs when he came in. "Mmmm...Smells good!" He complimented. She had already cooked bacon, mushrooms and toast, which were piled onto a platter on the counter.

"I hope you're as hungry as I am," She threw over her shoulder with a wink. He froze in the act of taking dishes out of the cabinet to set the table, his bright gaze resting on the curves of her body, which were maddeningly revealed by the thin robe.

"She's talking about food, you imbecile!" He mentally scolded himself. Ye gods, this was almost as bad as the seductive call of the Ring! No...actually, this was worse. The ring was using him as much as he was using it. Pearl was a kind, beautiful, living creature, whom he did not want to harm. "Restraint, old boy. You won't go into withdrawal if you don't make love to her every bloody minute!" His body disagreed with him, and he sat down at the table quickly to hide the evidence of his desire as Pearl turned around with a bright smile.

Pearl's smile faded beneath the onslaught of sapphire flame emanating from Frodo's intense eyes. Though he was blushing furiously, he couldn't hide his lust from her any more, now that she knew what that burning gaze meant. She swallowed hard, approaching him slowly. The food was going to get cold if they...but she didn't care. Her eyes drank in the sight of his chest, admiring how it was beginning to tone up as a result of good nourishment and less brutal exercise. Looking at him now, she could not even imagine him being as wrath-thin as Pippin said he was when Gandalf's eagle friends brought he and Sam down from Mount Doom.

Frodo misunderstood her hesitation and averted his gaze. "Forgive me, Pearl. I can't seem to help it. I didn't mean to frighten you."

She stopped in her tracks, mouth agape for a moment. Then she quickly went to him and knelt beside his chair, looking up at him and putting a hand on his knee. "Frodo, you didn't frighten me a bit! I was just a bit dizzy from the way you were looking at me."

He blinked, owl-like, then brought his lips down to hers. She cupped the back of his head and eagerly darted her tongue into his mouth to fence with his. He slipped his hands around her waste and coaxed her to rise, and when she did, he pressed her against the edge of the table and reached into the opening of her robe to cup her breasts. A thrill shot through her as his hands tenderly stroked her flesh and his kiss increased in intensity.

Frodo broke the kiss momentarily and bent his knees just a bit, sliding his hands beneath her buttocks as he did so. Pearl giggled in surprise as he lifted her onto the table. "This is naughty, Mr. Baggins," She whispered breathlessly.

Breathing heavily, he gazed into her eyes earnestly. "I know it is not very romantic...we don't have to if you don't want to."

"Don't you know me at all?" She asked teasingly as she untied the belt of her robe and let it fall open.

He caressed her bared flesh with his eyes for a moment, taking in every detail. He adored her small, but curvy body. Her breasts were round and firm, heavy in his hands as he cupped them and stroked the nipples to hardness. She moaned, her eyes fluttering closed, and he whispered, "Shhh, kitten. Be still and let me explore you."

Oh, how unfair! He says something as hot as that, and expects her not to yank him to her? Pearl did not argue with him, though. She doubted that Frodo knew just how sensual these little control games of his were. His hands continued to stroke her breasts, occasionally sliding down to her small waist and soft belly, then back up again to tease the nipples some more. His lips touched hers in a feather-light caress, and she hungrily kissed him. He pulled away a bit, depriving her of the kiss. "Now, now, Pearl. Do not be intransigent."

He smiled as she groaned in frustration, her oak leaf green eyes narrow and hungry on him. In truth, he was beginning to feel as though he was going to bust the fastenings of his breeches, he was so aroused. He delayed taking care of his own needs, however...he enjoyed having so much control over Pearl. It did not bother him as he expected it to, this desire for power. Was it because he was not causing anyone pain with it? Indeed, Pearl seemed to thoroughly enjoy him exerting authority over her. He planted soft, teasing kisses along her collarbone and chest, and finally her breasts.

She moaned and he gave a warning, "Tsk, tsk," Then brushed his lips over the silken skin of her left areola, flicking his tongue out to circle it. His warm hands parted her thighs, and when she complied, he pressed his hardness against her exposed vulva and moved his hips so that the material of his trousers was rubbing against her.

Pearl clenched her jaw and fought for breath, wanting so many things that they seemed a jumble in her head. She wanted him to stop teasing and put his mouth on her nipple, but he continued to trace maddening circles with his tongue without actually touching the taut nubs. He lavished attention on each silken mound, one at a time. She wanted him to take those trousers off and plunge into her...the friction was occasionally striking the tiny nub of her clitoris and making her jump. He continued to torment her, his breathing uneven, and when she started to move her hips, he firmly held them still with his hands. Her breath whistled in and out as the small, merciless shocks continued in her loins as he steadily rubbed himself against her. She clenched her hands to stop from sliding her fingers through his dark curls...she knew he would only stop her. She couldn't stop the ragged cry of desperation that escaped her lips when he finally took one of her nipples into his mouth and suckled it.

Heat exploded through her body and she slid her fingers into his hair and pulled his mouth to hers. "Now, Frodo...if you don't, I'll die!" She panted.

In truth, he couldn't wait a minute longer either. He held himself still and took deep breaths as her hands frantically tore at the fastenings of his pants. She purred in satisfaction as the buttons came undone, and she pulled his trousers down below his hips and gently petted his stiff cock with her fingertips. She raised her gaze to his face and saw that his eyes were closed in pleasure at her touch, and his mouth was slightly open. "You're so beautiful, Frodo," She sighed as she gripped the throbbing hardness between his legs.

His eyes flared open, and the next thing that went through her mind was, "I doubt I'll be able to walk by the time Merry and Pippin come home."

Frodo claimed her lips almost brutally, and he disengaged her hand from his member so that he could position himself at her entrance. He seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, breathing raggedly and closing his eyes as his hands gripped her hips. She stroked his hair and kissed him gently. "Are you alright?" She inquired.

He swallowed and nodded. "I'm afraid I'll harm you," He said. The words seemed to be ripped out from somewhere deep inside of him.

Pearl resisted the temptation to wriggle against him and tried not to think about the delicious feeling of his penis pressing against her. "Frodo, we've already established this. You won't hurt me. Don't be afraid that I'll break if you get a little rough with me." Then she did move her hips, rubbing her slick opening against him teasingly.

She was glad that she had moved her hands around to his back, for if she hadn't, she might have accidentally clawed his shoulders in the next moment and hurt his scar. With a guttural moan, Frodo thrust hard and fast into her, his hands pulling her hips tight against his. Pearl cried out in a combination of pleasure and pain, for she hadn't expected him to be buried deep inside of her so suddenly. "Don't stop," She panted reassuringly to him when he gave her a worried look. "Let it out, Frodo."

He moaned and closed his eyes, his tongue darting out to lick his lips, and then he began to take her. The hard, sharp thrusts of his cock hit her internal pleasure spot over and over again, making the pain of the penetration barely noticeable. Pearl clung to him and locked her ankles together. She tried to match his furious rhythm with her own, but couldn't manage it because of her position. Frodo's cries were both rapturous and tortured, and she bit his neck to keep from screaming.

"Pearl...my sweet kitten," Frodo rasped against her ear, and his movements became more erratic. She slid her hands down his back and cupped his flexing buttocks. His lips were on hers again, kissing and licking and sucking against her mouth. The table began to slide with a creaking protest across the floor from the force of their lovemaking. Neither of them noticed it. Frodo took his hands off of her hips, then hooked his arms under her knees and leaned forward, pressing her onto her back and lifting her legs. He held them far apart and high as he straitened back up and pumped his hips in a slower rhythm. The penetration was astonishing, and they both trembled from it.

Pearl began to cry out with every breath as his thrusts became harder and harder. She stared up at him and climaxed when she saw the way his eyes bored into her with a mixture of lust and tenderness.

When her sheath pulsated around him, Frodo let go of her legs and leaned over her to kiss her arduously, and he said her name in a shaky, desperate voice as he spilled his seed into her. He trembled atop her, kissing her neck and cheek, and when he pulled back, she saw that he had unshed tears in his eyes.

He kissed her so softly then, and whispered, "Oh, Pearl. I love you. I truly love-" He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence, for the table gave a cracking groan of protest and quite suddenly collapsed. The two hobbits, still entwined, fell unceremoniously with the broken furniture, and Pearl got the wind knocked out of her from Frodo's weight landing on top of her.

Frodo's blue eyes were round with confusion as he tried to make sense of what just happened. It had startled him so badly that he failed to realize at first that he had landed on top of Pearl. "Oh no! Pearl...dearest...have I crushed you?" She had the most alarming expression on her face...it looked as though she was going to cry. Frodo winced at a sharp stab of pain in his damaged shoulder as he rolled off of her and gently checked for injuries.

Instead of screaming in pain or sobbing, the lass burst into hysterical laughter. He stared in amazement, afraid she had hit her head or was perhaps in shock. "Pearl, please tell me I didn't break anything!" He cried.

He was talking about her bones, of course, but the irony of the statement made her laugh even harder. She patted his cheek gently to assure him she wasn't more than bruised, but she couldn't find the breath to speak. Her stomach hurt from the force of her mirth. Frodo began to grin, and when he gazed around and saw the table legs broken, flat on the floor, and facing the cabinet, his laughter broke free. It pained his shoulder greatly, but he couldn't stop the chuckles from bubbling up. They hugged each other as their laughter played itself out, and finally managed to calm down.

Exhausted, Frodo stared up at the ceiling, his hand stroking Pearl's soft hair as she rested her head on his belly. What he had done dawned on him, and the color drained from his face as his eyes widened. "Merry is going to kill me," He said out loud. The statement caused Pearl to go into a fresh fit of giggles, and he soon found himself joining her again.

~***********~

Frodo looked down at the corpse of the furniture he had managed to slay and shook his head. "I have really done it, this time." He muttered. After he and Pearl had composed themselves, he pulled his trousers up (which was quite laughable...they were entangled around his feet, and he nearly fell as he struggled to straiten them out) and lovingly closed her robe again.

The little minx who had helped him destroy the table, simply by being so desirable, stood next to him. Her shoulders still shook silently with mirth, and he smirked ruefully at her. "We could try to fix it," She said in a voice that quivered with laughter.

Frodo chuckled. "I dare say my carpentry skills are sorely lacking. No, I think the best that I can do is purchase a new one to replace it. It wasn't a family heirloom, I hope?"

Pearl shook her head. "No...and it wasn't very old, either. I always knew it was poorly made." She absently pushed aside one of the akimbo legs of said table, so that it wasn't laying in the walkway for someone to trip over.

"Well, I suppose I should get this mess cleaned up and chopped for firewood," Frodo said. "After that, I'll go to the Market and see about finding another one."

Pearl looked at him in concern, all traces of humor vanishing from him. She had heard his cry of pain when they fell, and even now, he was unconsciously rubbing the skin around the Morgul wound and rotating his left shoulder gingerly. Was it her imagination, or was the slash line of the stab wound a bit redder than usual? The healthier skin around it seemed paler than the rest of his flesh...almost blue-ish. "No, Frodo." She said forcefully.

He furrowed his brow in confusion. There was fear in her tone. "Pardon?" He inquired.

She pursed her lips and looked pointedly at his shoulder, and his lips parted in understanding. "I don't want you lifting anything and aggravating it more than it already is," She said, softening her tone. "I'll go to the Market and see if I can get some of the lads there to help. As for you, I'm going to draw a hot bath for you, and then I'm going to bath you." A grin inadvertently found its way onto her face as his eyes widened expressively.

"Bath me?" He whispered, turning pink.

She sighed in exasperation and smiled at him. "Don't tell me my pretty lad is still shy now, is he?" Her arms stole about his waste and she planted a soft kiss on his lips.

Frodo smiled sheepishly at her, gazing at her from beneath lowered lashes. Pearl grit her teeth as those long-lashed, ethereal orbs worked their magic on her again. "Oh, no you don't Frodo Baggins!" She said breathlessly. "If you keep looking at me that way, we'll never get you cleaned up and comfortably changed. I still have to feed you breakfast!"

He laughed softly, but the laughter was cut off with a grimace of pain. "Oh, my sweet Frodo," She whispered, her fingers gently touching the outside of the wound. It was definitely opening up. She could see the skin splitting. "Here...let's get you to the bedroom where you can lay down while I prepare your bath." He nodded, his eyes narrowed with pain. She could see his lips going white, and her fear increased. As quickly as she dared, she led him to her bedroom and helped him into bed. With a gentle kiss on his sweating brow, she whispered, "Try to relax, darling gentlehobbit. It won't be more than a few moments before you're submerged in a nice hot bath." It worried her that he did not reply. He gave a barely perceptible nod and stared at the ceiling.

"What do I do?" Pearl whispered frantically to herself once she had filled the large, rigged cauldron at the end of the deep bathtub. She knew nothing of how to treat Frodo when his wounds pained him. Nobody lived nearby who knew medicine, and she was afraid to leave him alone to go looking for someone. She considered running to the nearest neighbors and pleading with them to go for help, but she wasn't even certain that Frodo should be left alone long enough for her to do that! The cauldron now had light steam coming out of the top, and she cranked the handle so that it slowly tilted and poured its contents into the tub. Then she pulled the trapdoor shut over the fire pit so that the coals would die again. An ingenious way of heating bathwater, really.

When she returned to the bedroom, she was not heartened by the way Frodo looked. He smiled wanly at her, but his complexion was a ghastly bluish-white, and his hair was plastered to his forehead with perspiration. Pearl sat down on the edge of the bed and took his hand in hers. She stopped herself from recoiling in shock...those delicate, sensitive hands of his, normally so warm, were cold to the touch.

Frodo looked up at her, and his lovely blue eyes were the only color in his face. "It looks worse than it is," He tried to assure her. "Truly Pearl. Don't look at me as though I'm going to waste away before your eyes. I shan't." He reached up and captured a tear that was sliding down her cheek with his finger, gently wiping it away. Though the pain had steadily spread and was now throbbing through his entire chest and torso, he made himself sit up and fought to hide the agony of it from her gaze. He had to be strong, for her sake.

He wasn't fooling her one bit. As good as he was at keeping a poker face when he tried to, his eyes flared feverishly with pain, and she steadied him with her small, yet strong arms. "Easy there, Frodo. Lean on me, and we'll get you into the tub." Her heart wrenched in sympathy as she helped him to stand up and his breath hitched. She could tell he was putting on a brave front to ease her concern. He tried to walk upright, without complaint, but his mouth was drawn tight into a thin, white line, and he stumbled.

Once in the large, elegant bathroom, Frodo looked around with interest. "Merry has redecorated!" He said with more enthusiasm than was necessary. He was trying to keep the mood as light as possible, but Pearl bit her lip, thinking he was getting delirious. He leaned against the wall as she removed his trousers, and they almost went down in a heap when he stubbornly tried to walk to the tub himself.

"Frodo, stop trying to be so independent," Pearl scolded. "You're too weak to walk on your own!" As she slipped her arm around his waste and helped him, she noticed that he was chilled all over, and he trembled. For a moment, she wondered if she should just sit him down on a stool and give him a sponge bath. She eyed the deep bathtub with trepidation. What if he weakened to the point where he could not lend the strength to get himself back out of it once she was finished cleaning him up? She nodded to herself, deciding the sponge bath idea was safer. "Here, Frodo...can you sit up on this stool?"

He nodded, and she grabbed the stool in her free hand and brought it beside the tub, so that the Ringbearer could lean against the side of the tub if he needed to. Pearl picked up the sponge that sat on a hooked dish on the side of the tub and dipped it into the water, keeping one eye on Frodo as she did so. He made no sound as she lathered the sponge with a bar of soap and began to clean his undamaged shoulder and neck. She was very careful not to let any soap get into the half-open wound.

Frodo watched her as she lovingly lathered and rinsed him, and he tried to draw strength from her warm, sure little hands. The pain was getting worse, and shadows crept about the edges of his vision. It was similar to what he had suffered directly after being stabbed by the Nazgul, but to a lesser extent. Fear fluttered in his chest like a trapped bird, and he fought to keep it caged. The memories were trying to break free and overwhelm him. He unconsciously brought his right hand to his chest, where he would normally have the jewel pendant that Arwen had given him hanging. It was packed away in his bags. When his left shoulder and arm began to grow numb, he realized he had been foolish in taking the charm off, even for a few days. Somehow, the light within it kept the darkness at bay when these fits came over him. He said nothing, however...not wanting to upset dear Pearl further.

Pearl finished bathing him and gently dried him off with a fresh towel, then she helped him into a robe. She noticed that his left hand was trembling, and he seemed to have difficulty moving the arm. Pursing her lips, she kept silent, though an ache rose in her chest. She wished vehemently that Samwise were here. He would know what to do to ease Frodo's suffering. "Can you walk, Frodo darling?" She said, swallowing the lump in her throat. His eyes seemed cloudy as he looked at her...the brilliant blue filmed over slightly.

"I...I think so," He said in a weak murmur. Trembling, he rose off of the stool, and Pearl used all of her diminutive strength to see to it that he had to exert himself as little as possible. Because she could feel his body trembling with weakness and pain, she chose to take him to the nearest guest bedroom, instead of making him walk to the other end of the house to hers. She barely managed to yank the corner of the covers down before he collapsed onto the bed with a moan. Fighting back tears, she helped him out of his robe and tucked him in, then sat on the edge and stroked his soft hair.

"Tell me what to do, Frodo. How can I make it better?" She hated the high, thin note of panic that crept into her voice.

He took her free hand in his right one and caressed it gently. "There is a pendant inside of a drawstring pouch in my bags," He spoke with effort. "Could you...fetch it for me?" She nodded and kissed his cold brow, then quickly went to the guestroom that he normally stayed in. She dug almost frantically through the bags. There were three of them, and she wasn't sure which one might have it. She found the book that he was working on, and she tenderly set it aside on the nightstand, not wishing for the pages to get crinkled. With a little crow of triumph, she finally produced a small pouch. She opened up the drawstring and saw the lovely, star-shaped jewel winking up at her. It seemed to carry a light of its own, for the room was in shadow, and no sunlight struck it.

When she returned, Frodo was breathing raggedly, and his right hand clenched the bedsheets in a trembling fist. "Oh, Frodo," She whispered, almost feeling the pain as if it were her own.

He squinted at the doorway. All he could make out of Pearl was a blurred profile against a painful backdrop of white light. "The light...it hurts," He moaned. She quickly closed the door and drew the curtains of the round bedroom window shut. Once the room was darkened, he could see her a bit better. Her features were foggy as she bent over him and gently lifted his head to put the pendant around his neck. He could make out the green of her eyes and the slash of her mouth, but the sweet details of her impish face were indistinguishable. Once the jewel was around his neck, he touched it with his right hand and sighed as his vision cleared a bit. Soft hands stroked his cheek and brow.

"What else can I do? What would Sam do if he was here...tell me, Frodo?" She said. She was weeping, now.

He thought about it for a moment, licking his parched lips. "The last time this happened, Sam boiled some Athelas in water and made hot compresses with it. It...helps the pain and drives the numbness away."

Pearl bit her bottom lip. She knew what Athelas was, but she had no idea where to get any. "Will you be alright for me to check the garden?" She questioned doubtfully.

He nodded and closed his eyes. "Yes...the necklace is holding the illness off. It may not get worse than this."

All the same, she didn't want to leave him alone for more than a few moments. She scampered out of the room and out the side door of the house to the garden. "Athelas...Athelas," She muttered, over and over again like a mantra as she hunkered down and searched the garden. Chances were, she wasn't going to find any here. Most Hobbits didn't know about the plants healing properties, and considered it to be a weed. She prayed that, since Merry was the one who told her the uses of the plant as he learned them from Aragorn, he might have some growing for emergencies. She sobbed in relief when she recognized the long, thin leaves on a plant growing in a corner away from the flowers and herbs. She grabbed a good handful of it and rushed back into Brandy Hall.

She had never had the chance to boil up some tea this morning, so the kettle was thankfully still full. With shaking hands, she lit the fire pit, nearly dropping the tinderbox in her haste. She tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the kettle to boil. Her thoughts turned to the words Frodo had said to her after their lovemaking...just before the table broke.

"Oh, Pearl. I love you. I truly love-" He had begun to whisper. Then they ended up amidst a heap of cracked wood as the table gave out from beneath them. Was it the heat of passion that made him say that, or was he confessing true feelings?

Regardless of the reason, hearing him say it warmed her from the inside out. It made what was happening to him all the more unbearable to her. Hadn't he suffered enough? It was as though some malignant force took great pleasure out of dangling peace and hope in front of the Ringbearer, then snatching it out of his reach as he grabbed for it. Feeling pessimistic, she began to think the table broke on purpose and jarred his arm, just because he had confessed contentment and love for someone.

The shrill whistling of the teakettle broke her out of her reverie, and she wrapped a rag about the handle so as not to burn herself, took a ceramic bowl from the cupboard, and filled it with the steamy water. She then threw the entire handful of Athelas into the water and stirred it with a wooden spoon. She made a mental note to ask if the plant was poisonous if ingested...she would feel awful if someone used that spoon in the future and got ill from it. Grabbing a fresh cloth, she dropped it in the water as well, wrinkling her nose at the strong aroma of the broth. It wasn't a horrid smell, but it was certainly powerful.

All day long and well into the night she watched over Frodo, caring for him with a tenderness that only Samwise could compete with. Frodo begged her to eat something until she finally gave in and piled a plate with cheese, bread and grapes. She managed to get him to nibble some bread and a couple of grapes, washing it down with cool water. She ended up leaving the stove burning low and pouring the Athelas water into it to keep it hot, so that she wouldn't have to keep boiling the tea kettle. Sometimes Frodo's eyes clouded over so much that he seemed to have gone blind, and he cried out with dark dreams when he drifted off in exhaustion.

Pearl learned, through Frodo's delirious ramblings, just what the orcs did to him in Cirith Ungol. She sobbed and bit her fist as he cried out, "Let me die! Oh, please...not again! It hurts...haven't you had enough pleasure from me? Sam...my dear friend...where are you? Make them stop, please!" Tears streamed out from the corners of his eyes and wet the pillow his head lay upon, and he writhed and screamed until she had to put her weight atop him to keep him from aggravating the wound more.

His voice was weak with pain and weariness, and she resisted the urge to clamp her hands tightly over her ears to avoid hearing what he was moaning. "Blood...it is coating my thighs now...dripping down my legs, and yet they still force me to the floor and use my body! Oh, Sam...please do not see them doing this to me! I do not want anyone to know!"

Pearl stroked his brow, her tears falling on his chest as she leaned over him and murmured, "Please, Frodo. It's only a memory. You aren't there anymore. Come back to me. Come back to Pearl!" She continued to speak to him all through the night, talking about the Shire and the streams and hills within their beautiful country. She recounted every amusing story she knew to him, including some of the ones about Bilbo. Mentioning the older Hobbit was a mistake, though, for he began to cry out about Ringwraiths and a flaming eye, and other things, which confused and frightened her.

Finally, upon the stroke of midnight, he quieted and truly slept. Dark circles bruised his eyes, and Pearl was fairly sure she had a matching pair herself. With a sigh of relief, she lifted the folded, wet cloth covering the wound in his shoulder and saw that the angry red coloring of the stab itself had faded. The blue tint in the surrounding skin was going away as well. She gently patted the cloth back over it and climbed into bed next to him, putting her arm around his waste and breathing in his scent. Fatigue soon got the better of her, and she fell asleep.

~***********~

Frodo awoke feeling drained, but the pain of his wound was back to the old, bearable throb, and his skin had warmth again. He sat up and looked around, trying to recall the events of last evening. Pearl was nowhere in sight, but he could hear noises coming from the kitchen. He licked his lips, which were dry and cracked. A drink of water...that was what he needed. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and had the intention of getting up and putting his robe on, but a small shadow filled the threshold of the door, just as he was sliding off of the bed.

"Oh, no you don't! I want you to rest today, Frodo Baggins!" Pearl said as she came into the room, carrying a tray. He blushed and yanked the sheet over his lap to hide his nudity, and she giggled. "Still shy! You truly are amazing, my gentlehobbit!" He lowered his gaze and obediently put his legs back onto the bed, propping himself in a sitting position against the headboard.

"That smells good, what is it?" He said as he caught a whiff of cooked vegetables and mushrooms.

"Soup. I wanted to start you out on something light after you being so ill. I still can't believe how fast you've recovered! I was so frightened!" Her green eyes were soft with compassion as she set the tray in his lap.

Frodo took one of her browned hands in his and kissed it. "I'm sure you must have been. I am truly sorry, Pearl. When these fits come upon me, they happen quickly and finish just as quickly, though they leave me a bit weak for days afterwards. I wish I had warned you that it might happen, so I could have spared you the fear." He closed his brilliant eyes and brushed his lips back and forth across the top of her hand, sending tingles through her arm. He still had dark circles under his eyes and was pale, but mortal coloring had faintly returned to his complexion. That was something, at least.

"Don't you apologize for something you have no control over, dear one," Pearl said, a bit more harshly than she intended. Frodo opened his eyes a bit and gazed up at her through thick lashes. She caressed his cheek with her free hand and asked, "Do you remember saying anything while you were ill?"

He frowned. "No...in truth, the last thing I remember is you putting a warm compression on my shoulder...I think...I fell asleep?" He saw it then. The shadowed pain in her eyes, the helpless agony. Sam wore the same look on his face after he took care of Frodo the first time this illness happened. Frodo blanched as he began to consider the things he might have shouted out in his delirium. Very slowly, he leaned back. His brows drew together and his lower lip quivered. "Pearl...what did I say in my sleep?"

She winced and squeezed his hand. "It isn't important, love. What's important is that you know you are a beautiful, sweet hobbit who deserves to live out the rest of his days in comfort." Tears were rimming in her eyes.

Frodo's voice was carefully neutral as he whispered, "I spoke of Cirith Ungol, didn't I? You know what they did to me in there now...don't you?" His hand had gone still and dead in hers.

Pearl swallowed hard. "It doesn't matter, Frodo-"

He interrupted her, his eyes flashing with anger and self-loathing. "Yes, it does! How can you care for me, knowing I've been spoilt like that? How can you even look at me!" His hoarse voice was rising by the minute, and her jerked away from her when she tried to touch him to soothe him. "No! Do not touch me! I cannot bear it! I'm filth, don't you see? Filth!" He began to sob, and she quickly removed the tray so that he wouldn't spill it. He rolled over, turning his back to her, and curled into a ball.

She was crying in earnest as well, now. "Frodo, please don't do this! I care for you. More than that...I love you. I have to admit it, even if it's futile. I know you may leave us soon. I...I just have to tell you. You have to know that I love you, Frodo Baggins. All the orcs in Middle Earth couldn't change that!"

He stayed the way he was, shivering and crying, and she touched his back, desiring to comfort him. "I...need to be alone, Pearl. Please go." He murmured.

She covered her face and wept, and Frodo felt even more wretched. He didn't mean to hurt her. No, it was best that she stay away from him. Better to hurt her now, when their love was still fresh and she could eventually get over it. But, he didn't really want her to leave! He bit his lip and waited tensely. When he heard the rustle of her skirts, her soft footpads, he had to fight down a fresh wave of gut-wrenching sobs. "Go on, Pearl...save yourself the heartache of loving me," He thought, though little needles of loss were stabbing at his heart. Instead of fading, the footsteps moved around to the other side of the bed, and he saw her in front of him.

"I almost did as you asked, Frodo," She said softly as she slipped onto the bed next to him and lay down. Her green eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, and her little nose was red. She sniffled and tenderly reached over to brush wayward curls out of his face. "I don't care how much you rant. I'm a Took, and we're a stubborn lot! I'm not going anywhere! You only said those things because you're in pain. Well, so am I, you nitwit! It hurts me beyond measure to see you suffer, but I'm not going to simply turn tail and run from you at your insistence!" She stared deeply into those wounded, blue eyes to see if any of her words were sinking in. Finally, a tiny smile curled the corner of his mouth, and he began to cry again.

"Bless the Took stubbornness!" He sobbed, and he didn't resist when she pulled him into her embrace and rubbed his back in soothing circles. He held onto her tightly and buried his face in her chest as he wept. She murmured to him as she cried herself, kissing his brow and whispering endearments as they sought comfort in each other's arms.

After a few minutes, they pulled themselves together, and she helped him to sit up. "Please eat, Frodo. I went through all of this trouble to make a good meal for you...you don't want to waste it, do you?" She gave a tremulous grin, trying to be cheery.

He smiled warmly at her, and some of the tragedy faded from his lovely eyes. "Very well, Pearl. I shall try to be a better patient." She watched over him like a mother hen, making sure that he ate every drop of soup and both slices of bread. He drank two glasses of water with the meal, and once he was finished, he felt stronger. She patted his cheek and smiled at him when he was done, and as she took the tray from him and started off with it, he called softly "Pearl?"

She turned around, a worried look on her face, as though anticipating for him to say something awful. He felt guilty. "I just wanted to tell you...I love you too." His cheeks flamed as he said it, but his blue eyes were earnest and gentle. "I also wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being so strong for me. I never dreamed that anyone could accept me after what-"

She smiled as he trailed off. "I more than accept you, Mr. Baggins. I need you." The simple statement made his pulse quicken, and he watched her hips sway as she left the room. "Oh, and don't even dream of getting out of bed until I'm satisfied with your recovery, my blue-eyed darling," She said as she turned the corner. Despite himself, he grinned and relaxed in the bed. The pain in his heart was still fresh, but knowing that Pearl Took loved him despite his shame made it less of a burden. His stomach full, he felt sleepy, and he drifted off without complaint.

Pearl managed to drag the heavy table pieces outside without help, though her shoulders were screaming from the abuse afterwards. She didn't want Frodo to even think about trying to help her with it. Once the mess from that was cleaned up, she swept and did laundry (grimacing in disgust when she had to clean the rag that still had spider goo on it), then began to cook lunch. "I'll go to the market after I feed the two of us and look for another table," She decided.

Fate had a different plan, however. Just as she was finishing up lunch, she heard keys rattling in the front door. "Uh, oh!" She said aloud. Merry and Pippin were evidently home early. She gave the center of the kitchen a slightly panicked look. The chances of Merry not noticing the huge bare spot where his table used to be were non-existent. Oh well...he would have still seen the broken up piece of furniture leaning against the outside of the hole anyways, even if she had gotten a new one before he came home.

"Do we really want to know, Merry?" Pippin was saying as they entered the house.

"Of course...what if they were attacked or some such thing while we were away? Pearl! Pearl, where are you!" Merry's voice echoed through the house.

They must have smelled the food, for two curly heads poked around the corner then. "Care to tell me what happened to my table?" Merry said, but the twinkle in his eye and the way he pinched his lips said he had an inkling.

"Termites." Pearl answered succulently. She wasn't about to let him bait her. She piled roasted tomatoes, ham slices and peas onto a plate and handed it to Pippin, who had his mouth open to question her. His eyes lit up, and he thanked her and turned on his heal to take his lunch into the loungeroom. She knew her brother so well!

"Termites," Said Merry, crossing his arms over his chest. "Funny thing, that. When we were remodeling here, the carpenter complimented on how pest free Brandy Hall is."

He leaned towards her a bit, and she had to crane her neck to look up at him. It was annoying talking to Merry and Pippin sometimes, now that they were a bit taller than any other Hobbit around. "So, where is Frodo, lass? Did he hurt himself when the table broke?"

Much to her shock, Pearl blushed red enough to rival Frodo. "He...he's asleep. He did get ill...it was his wound." Merry pursed his lips and nodded. Gaining confidence, Pearl put her hands on her hips and said, "And so help me, Meriadoc...if you and Pippin disturb his rest, I'll shove this spoon in a most unpleasant place!"

Merry's hazel eyes widened for a moment, then he burst out laughing. "Oh, Pearl...despite what you say, you'd make a most excellent wife. Woe betide anyone who harms those under the protective wing of Pearl Took!" She smacked him on the bottom with the spoon, making him yelp.

"Frodo and I were going to try to replace the table before you came back, but like I said, he became ill. I was truly frightened, Merry." She bit her lip as she remembered how quickly the ringbearer's sickness came upon him.

Merry patted her shoulder soothingly. "It's all right now. I was thinking of replacing that ugly table anyway. I'd still like to know just how you two broke it." His eyes gleamed wickedly and he grinned. She handed him a plate and kept her mouth shut, and he chuckled.

Relieved that he had turned and gone into the loungeroom to join Pippin, Pearl loaded a plate for Frodo onto the same tray she had used that morning and poured a cup of water. As she carried it through the loungeroom to the hallway, Pippin asked, "So, what happened to the table, Pearl?" She started to comment, but Merry sat himself on the couch next to Pip and leaned over to whisper something in the younger hobbit's ear.

Pippin's eyes widened, and he stared up at his sister with a mouthful of bread puffing his cheeks out. "Youf didn'f!" He sputtered.

Blushing to the roots of her hair, she glared at Merry, whose shoulders were shaking with laughter. "Not that it's any of your business, I'm a grown hobbit now...much older than you, I might add!" She said.

Merry put a hand on Pippin's knee and gave it a squeeze. "Now now, Pippin. I hardly think you and I have a right to chastise our dear Pearl and Frodo after the things we did last night."

It was Pippin's turn to go red, and he choked on his food. Merry patted his back solicitously and Pearl furrowed her brow.

"What are you talking about, Merry? Did you two meet up with some lasses?" Pearl said. She grinned. "Is that why you were being so secretive about going away?"

Pippin gave Merry a sidelong glance and blushed, then stuffed a spoonful of peas in his mouth and said nothing. Merry grinned. "No...we didn't meet any lasses. It was just the two of us." He gave Pippin's knee another squeeze.

It was finally dawning on Pearl exactly what they were hinting at, and she opened and closed her mouth and stared at her youngest brother in shock. He looked back with a guilty enough expression, but then he defiantly put his own hand on top of Merry's. "You two...you mean you...oh, my!" She managed to stammer.

Pippin swallowed his food and said, "I'm sorry if it bothers you, sister-dear, but it is like you said; I am a grown hobbit now. I know Mother and Father wouldn't approve, but this is what I want!" He thrust his chin out stubbornly.

Pearl struggled for words. Of course, she had heard of relationships like this, but she had never met anyone involved one before! "That Ent water you two drank...it may have made your bodies grow, but it shrank your brains!" She finally managed to spurt out. "How will you hide this from the whole Shire? Hobbits are simple people, Pip...they expect everyone to get married and raise families! What if they...what if they drive you out?" She personally didn't care that he chose to be with Merry...in fact, she found it appropriate, but the idea of how the townsfolk would treat her youngest sibling if they found out bothered her to no end.

"You just let us worry about that, Pearl." Merry said smoothly. "We don't intend to advertise it to everyone. We simply thought you should know, since...well, we would like for you to live here with us."

Once again, she found herself struggling for words. Finally, she managed, "Truly? You want me to live here permanently?"

Pippin nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. I thought about it, and I know Mother and Father are driving you mad, what with them pressuring you to get a husband and start a family. They cannot bother you if you are on your own, however. Plus, we like having you around."

Merry grinned. "That is, if you can handle Pip and I being intimate." His expression sobered a bit. "I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable, Pearl."

She found herself smiling. "I wouldn't feel uncomfortable, so long as you two don't...er...engage in your relations in front of me, if you understand my meaning."

Her brother and cousin grinned at each other, then at her. "Perfectly," Said Merry.

She laughed. "Alright, then! I'll be going to pay Mother and Father a visit to give them the news...after I've fed Frodo...er...I mean Master Baggins." She blushed as Merry and Pippin smirked at her err. It was a bit too late for her to pretend there was not something going on between she and Frodo.

"Sorry to wake you, dear one, but I've brought lunch for you," Pearl said as she planted a soft kiss on Frodo's lips.

His eyes opened slowly, and he smiled up at her. "I dreamed that I heard Merry and Pippin talking," He said.

"Oh, that was no dream, my sweet lad. They've returned early."

He shot into a sitting position, panic written on his fair features. "The table! We have not replaced it yet!"

Pearl placed a hand on his chest to calm him. "It's okay, Frodo. Merry is fine about it. Here, you need to eat." He held still as she set the tray on his lap, and a blush rose in his cheeks.

"How did you explain it?" He questioned. My, how round those blue eyes were!

She giggled. "I didn't really have a chance to. Merry deduced the truth of it before I could make up a lie."

Frodo groaned in embarrassment and closed his eyes. "I shall never set foot out of this bedroom again!" He promised, prompting a fit of soft laughter from her.

"It's alright, Frodo. Truly. Both Merry and Pippin are fine with it. There's nothing to get worked up about." Her grin broadened when he gave her an incredulous stare.

"Pippin knows too? Oh, this is a nightmare! My little cousin must despise me!" He frowned at her as she laughed. "Pearl, please! I've behaved in a manner most unbefitting a gentlehobbit, which is bad enough, but now Pippin is going to think I'm merely fooling around with you."

Pearl's laughter slowed a bit and she looked at him in puzzlement. "Aren't you, Mr. Baggins?"

His shocked expression made her wish she could take the sentence back. "Of course not! I've known you since we were little ones. I've always cared for you, and now that I've come to...know you on a more...um...intimate level...I...that is...oh, why do I always bumble when I am trying to say something important!"

Pearl put a hand on his knee, her eyes soft. "I know, Frodo. You told me how you felt yesterday morn. Before the table broke. You told me this morning as well." He squirmed, but smiled bashfully at her.

"I truly do, you know," He whispered, prompting a deep kiss from her. He sighed and parted his lips when her tongue traced them. He completely forgot about the tray of food on his lap, and he went to shift so that he could put his arms around her. "Oh, bugger!" He gasped as the drinking cup spilled over and poured cold water into his lap. He inhaled sharply as the coldness dampened his groin. The erection that had begun to form changed its mind and shriveled in protest.

Pearl bit back a laugh at the half-bemused, half-uncomfortable expression on Frodo's face. She took the tray and set it on the nightstand, then turned back to him and looked down at the wet spot in his lap. "Poor dear...I'll bet that was cold, wasn't it?" She questioned.

He scowled at her, or tried to, at any rate. His face was simply too sweet to look fierce. "Let me warm you up, Mr. Baggins." She whispered, sliding her hand beneath the sheet. He averted his gaze, embarrassed by the whole thing, but as soon as her clever little hand began to stroke his penis, it responded. She smiled as he firmed up and hardened in her grasp. She watched his nostrils flare and his eyes grow heavy-lidded with pleasure. "Hmmm...you're wet. Looks as though I need to clean you up," She purred, kissing his jaw.

His eyes shifted to her questioningly, then dilated when she pulled the covers back to expose him and brought her mouth down to lick the drops of water from his thighs and genitals. Frodo made a small sound in his throat and stared down at her. He watched her pink tongue lap up the drops of moisture. Her eyes were closed, and her thick hair was flipped over to the side, giving him a clear view of her lovely profile.

Pearl stopped for a moment and looked up at Frodo. His sapphire eyes were fathomless and unreadable. "Are you alright with me doing this?" She murmured, afraid that she might frighten him after the nightmares his sickness had caused. He gave her a small, timid smile and nodded, his fingers lightly fluttering across her face in a tender caress. Needing no further prompting, she put her lips around his hardness and began to take it in and out of her mouth. He moaned and stroked her hair with one trembling hand, while the other grasped the bedsheets.

Not wanting it to end too quickly, she slowly released him, then lifted her skirts and pulled her panties off...teasing him with her eyes as she did so. "You really aren't fair some times, sweet kitten," He said in a husky voice. Those eyes were burning again, convincing her that he was almost recovered from his ordeal. She straddled him carefully, reaching a hand between his thighs to caress the silken hardness that proudly jutted forth there.

Frodo groaned and grasped her arms, rubbing his hands up and down them as she stroked him. His eyes closed, and his tongue moistened his lips. Unable to help herself, Pearl leaned forward and kissed him, pushing her tongue into his mouth and exploring the heat within. She gasped as she lowered herself onto him, slowly taking his cock into her body. "Oh, Frodo...you feel so good, I just might faint!" She moaned.

He cupped her hips in his hands and began to thrust gently, and his lips covered her face and neck with kisses. His hands slid around to grasp her buttocks, and he pulled her firmly against him and bucked his hips, making her cry out. He muffled her cry with his lips and repeated the action, smiling inwardly with the knowledge that he could make her make such fascinating sounds. Pearl undulated against him, careful not to place her hands on his chest, lest she accidentally push against his wounded shoulder. Instead, she braced herself by putting her hands on either side of his head, and she stared down at him as they writhed against each other. his lips were parted, and soft groans escaped them as he stared up at her.

His brows were drawn as if in concentration, and he closed his eyes. His hands moved up to caress her back, and he slowed his thrusting. He sucked in sharp breaths and said, "Pearl, I don't think...I can last long."

They both froze as Merry's voice floated through the closed door. "How's that lunch coming along, Frodo? Finding it to your liking, by the noises you are making!" They could hear Pippin snickering at the joke.

"Don't you have something better to do, Meriadoc Brandybuck?!" Pearl shouted in annoyance. Her voice was fierce, angered at the interruption.

The voice on the other side of the door was quiet for a moment, as if considering. Then; "Why, now that you mention it-" And they heard Pippin give a small cry of surprise.

"Merry!" The youngest Took said in a scandalized tone. A quiet conversation, some chuckles, and then the sound of two sets of footsteps retreating down the hall.

It was on the tip of Pearl's tongue to swear, but Frodo had begun to move inside of her again...slowly and sensuously. Her breath caught, and she looked down at him and smiled. "Mmm, that is very nice, Mr. Baggins."

He returned her smile and his hands cupped her breasts, fondling them through the pale green, cotton blouse she wore. "Someone is not wearing an underblouse today," He said in surprised delight. His thumbs brushed back and forth across her nipples, making them spring to hardness. "I'd like to take this off," He said breathlessly, plucking at the blouse.

She gladly helped him to remove it, and she shivered in delight when he fondled her once she was bared to him. "So pretty," He murmured, staring at the smooth mounds in his hands with wonder. He rose up and began to tease them with his mouth, one at a time.

Pearl whimpered and helped him to sit up fully, so that she was in his lap. She wrapped her legs around his waste and moved against him, delighting in the sensations. "I'm supposed...to be...taking care of you, Frodo!" His name came out as a cry, and she slapped a hand over her mouth.

He chuckled breathlessly and released her nipple from his mouth so that he could kiss her lips. "Oh, but you are, my dear" He said against her mouth.

She stroked his hair and rocked against him, whimpering with pleasure at the slow, gentle motions. Frodo rested his forehead against her shoulder and clenched his teeth, fighting his impending orgasm so that he might give her more enjoyment.

The devious little minx seemed to sense that he was holding back. She nibbled his ear and whispered hotly against it, "Just let it happen, Frodo. Don't hold yourself back." She pulled back so that she could look at his face, then she began to move her hips faster. How she loved to watch those expressive eyes of his widen, and to see his lower lip tremble as he climaxed. She felt her own coming, and when he pulsed inside of her, it happened. Both of them cried out in unison, holding each other tightly. For a timeless moment, they stayed like that, his softening member still within her. Then they reluctantly parted, though Pearl lay down beside him and put her head on his right shoulder, which was healthy and uninjured.

Frodo chuckled, and she raised her head to look at him questioningly. "What is so amusing, Mr. Baggins?"

He blushed and gave her a furtive glance. "I was just thinking about how every time we try to eat, we end up ravishing one another. Have you noticed that?" She burst into helpless giggles and kissed his cheek.

"It just goes to show we have good taste." She replied, to which he snorted and kissed her softly.

~***********~

Months passed in Buckland, and Frodo fought the call of the sea determinedly. His weariness and unrest was growing. He desperately wanted to stay with Pearl, who was on bad terms with her family because of her choice to live at Brandy hall with three bachelors. Frodo really could not blame them...it was hardly a proper setting for a Hobbit lass of childbearing age, but Pearl refused to give in, and he was glad for it. He wrestled with whether he should propose to her. Part of him truly wanted to. Sam wrote him and informed him that he and Rose were expecting their firstborn, and they planned to name it Frodo if it was a boy.

Frodo had read the letter over and over again, tears in his eyes. He was so happy for his dear friend, but it made him sad as well. "I'll never have that," The ringbearer thought. He was certain that his use of the Ring had rendered him sterile. One night, he very nearly left the Shire by himself, without a word to anyone. Pearl claimed that she had no interest in raising a family, but he still felt guilty, thinking that if she changed her mind, he could not give that to her. Merry had caught on to what he was planning and convinced him not to do it, promising that things would be fine.

Frodo found out about Merry and Pippin's relationship, of course. They were simply too touchy-feely and flirty with one another for him not to notice it. When he confronted them with it, he had the great pleasure of watching them stammer and stutter and make up excuses, before he burst into laughter and told them he had always expected it to happen, at least in the back of his mind. They were equally supportive of his relationship with Pearl, though Pippin hinted that it would be best for both of them to get married. "I know you're good to my sister, Frodo, and I appreciate it, but she's a fine lass, and I think she deserves a husband, even if she says she doesn't want one. I'm talking about you, of course," The young Took had said, as if Frodo might think he meant some other lad.

"I'd love to marry her, Pippin," Frodo had replied honestly, "It's just that...this wound...it will never heal. It eats away at me on the inside, day by day. Pippin, I do not know how long I have left. If the West doesn't claim me, death might. I cannot be a good husband with this hanging over my head." Pippin had frowned and nodded, looking as though he might cry. Frodo hated himself. The ringbearer felt a growing sense of dread, though he could not discern the cause of it. If he could see far enough to the northeast, he might have fled in terror.

Only a couple of days march to the northeast, a large band of orcs set their sights on the Shire. Hungry and desperate, this band was one of many scattered remnants of Sauron's armies. Lost without his leadership, they roamed the lands, attacking travelers they came across and searching for conquest, in an attempt to rally themselves. The lines of smoke coming from the cheerfully warming fireplaces in the Shire beckoned them as surely as the smell of mutton beckons a hungry dog. Unbeknownst to the peaceful Hobbits, death was heading their way.

It was a cool night, with a brisk wind blowing in from the North, hinting at a cold winter. Frodo sat on the lounge, smoking his pipe. His arm was around Pearl's shoulders, and she had her head lying on his shoulder contentedly. Pippin patted his full stomach and sighed. "What a feast! Those cheese-tomatoes you cooked were heavenly, Pearl!"

She grinned lazily, sleepy herself from the full meal. Merry came into the lounge room at that moment, balancing a tray, which held four snifters of brandy. "Nothing finishes off a good meal like a good drink!" The Brandybuck said happily. He passed out the spirits, and then leaned over to plant a soft kiss on Pippin's waiting lips before settling down in the chair beside him. Though a part of Frodo still shuddered inwardly at the thought of what those two did together, he had become used to their little displays of affection, and it no longer truly fazed him. "So, how is Rosie's pregnancy coming along?" Merry questioned.

"Sam's last letter indicated that all was well. The only complication she's had has been her feet swelling occasionally when she spends too much time on them," Answered Frodo.

Merry nodded. "Ah, well. That's common enough. She's a healthy lass, and I doubt swollen feet and a bit of morning sickness will keep her down for long!"

Pearl grimaced. "It sounds like a miserable state to be in!"

Pippin shrugged. "I suppose it is, but isn't having a cute little toddler as a reward worth it? Don't you think about having Frodo's baby, Pearl?"

She blushed and bit her lip at her brother's innocent question, glancing sidelong at Frodo in embarrassment. He merely smiled gently at her, but she detected sadness in his blue eyes. "Oh, fiddlesticks!" She thought to herself, "I'll bet he thinks I'd never give him a baby, thanks to my big mouth and paranoia!" In truth, she had been thinking a lot about that very matter, which is why she flushed with guilt when her tactless brother blurted out what he did. Though she loathed the thought of her belly growing big and her body becoming clumsy, the very real possibility that she could lose her dear Frodo forever to the West had forced her to consider how wonderful it would be to keep a part of him forever. She was a bit surprised she wasn't with child already, considering how many times per day they made love! Could she be barren? The thought was surprisingly depressing. Before she discovered her feelings for Frodo Baggins, learning that she couldn't conceive would have had her leaping for joy. Now it only left a cold ball of despair in the pit of her stomach.

Merry nudged Pippin gently and shushed him, noticing the swift changes Pearl's expression went through. Something was clearly bothering the lass. She looked ready to cry. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her if she was expecting, due to her reaction to Pippin's question...but his heart told him that it was quite the opposite that was troubling her. Were she and Frodo already trying? He puzzled it out, lighting his own pipe and sipping his brandy. Frodo noticed Pearl's discomfort and squeezed her gently, whispering and inquiry into her ear. She shook her head and smiled at him, making up some excuse or another in a soft whisper. Hmmm...interesting.

"Well," Frodo said briskly, "You might all find it interesting that I have signed Bag End over to Samwise and Rose. I've bought a smaller home here in Buckland. It's not as grand as Bag End, but I think it will suffice." The room became completely silent, and three mouths dropped open. They certainly hadn't expected that!

"The hell, you say!" Sputtered Merry. "Frodo, lad...have you thought this through? It's...it's..." Words failed him.

"Unprecedented?" Frodo returned with a smile. "Yes, quite. I have thought long and hard about it. What use do I have for such a large estate? Sam is my dearest friend, and I feel I should give something in return for his loyalty and faithfulness throughout our adventures together. He and Rose are going to have bucket loads of children, wait and see! They need the room far more than I!"

Pippin huffed, "But what about you and Pearl?! How do you know the two of you won't have bucket loads of little ones, too?"

Frodo laughed. "My dear Pippin...I doubt that Pearl and I are nearly as fertile as Sam and Rosie. Don't you worry, though. I promise I will not dishonor my sweet lass, if I can help it." He kissed her hand as he spoke, gazing at her with soft blue eyes. She found herself speechless, slightly embarrassed, and wholly warmed to her toes by the devotion she saw gazing out at her from those bright orbs.

The tender moment was broken by a soft, but insistent knock at the door. "Who could that be, at this hour?" Said Merry aloud as he got up and went to answer it. The hobbits surprise was complete when the tall form of Legolas ducked through the threshold as soon as Merry opened the door. The elf's eyes were grave and grim, and Frodo shivered involuntarily. "Why, Legolas! What are you doing here?" Merry squeaked in surprise, forgetting his manners in his puzzlement.

"Call out the alarm, my friends. We have very little time." The elf said ominously. Frodo and Pearl stood up with wide eyes.

"Why? What is the trouble?" Frodo asked, though he dreaded the answer. Few things could trouble Legolas enough for it to show on his expression!

"Orcs...an army of them. They are only a short ways behind me! Gimli and I discovered them as we veered north a bit. We followed them for weeks, to make certain that they did not attack any settlements. When we realized their path was leading them strait to the Shire, we ran ahead to warn you! Hurry now, on your lives!"

Merry wasted no time. "Pearl! Run to the neighbors east of here, while Pip and I go to the bridge!" She nodded, squeezing Frodo's hand briefly before starting out the door. "I trust you've already warned the gatekeepers?" Merry said to Legolas.

The elf nodded. "Aye, and Gimli is with them. I'd suggest you send a messenger to Hobbiton and the neighboring settlements, in case the Orcs split up and attack from different sides. I shall return to the gate to aid Gimli and the guards."

"Right...Frodo, you should take up Sting and go...with..." Merry trailed off when he looked at his cousin. Frodo had unwittingly backed against the wall, and his eyes were the only color in his face. He was trembling like a newborn, staring as if blind, or witnessing a scene which was too horrifying to be imagined. Meriadoc swallowed and shared a look with Pippin and Legolas. "Frodo?" He said uncertainly.

Pippin quickly took the ring bearer's sheathed weapon down from the mantle and approached him with it. "Here you are, Frodo...good old Sting! Take it!" The Took said in a quietly desperate voice.

"I think," Said Legolas carefully, "That Master Baggins should remain here, locked away safely from the fighting."

Frodo merely whispered, "Orcs," and shuddered. He slid down the wall and curled himself into a ball, his blue eyes wide and dilated. Pippin looked as though he might cry as he gently set Sting on the floor beside the cringing ring bearer, within easy reach if Frodo needed it.

"Legolas is right, dear Frodo...you stay here. Let us handle this...everything will be fine." Pippin said in a quivering voice. He was finally beginning to imagine what had happened to his cousin at the hands of those foul creatures. When he turned back to Merry and Legolas, his hazel eyes were burning with rage. "I've just about had enough of those smelly creatures! Come on!" He didn't recognize his own voice; it was raw and full of malice.

Merry put a soothing hand on his young lover's shoulder, understanding how he felt completely. He then knelt in front of Frodo and stared into the horrified, sapphire eyes. "Frodo, can you hear me?" When the blue eyes shifted to him, he breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wasn't completely out of commission. "We are going to stop them, Frodo. I want you to stay here, and I'm going to lock the door on the way out. I want you to stay here, and do NOT open the door for anyone save one of us...even if it is another hobbit. Do you understand?" Frodo nodded convulsively, his teeth chattering.

The orc's clawed hands gripped his bruised hips roughly as the creature thrust itself into his tender flesh, over and over again. It's companions hooted and jeered as it had its way. He sobbed in agony, biting on the hand that covered his mouth, but the creature's leather gauntlets protected it from the attack. His muffled screams echoed inside of his own mind as the stabbing, tearing pain worsened with the orc's quickening movements. With one final, cruel thrust, the creature shuddered and rested its sloping forehead against the trembling hobbit's back. The orc laughed in satisfaction and released him, it's hands leaving yet more bruises on the fair flesh as it moved aside for one of it's comrades to take it's place.

Frodo whimpered and rocked back and forth as the memories kept rushing back. He tried to banish them and find courage. He even managed to unsheathe Sting in a shaking grasp-but when he saw the arcane, blue glow lighting the blade, he cried out and sobbed. They were very close. They were going to find him, and do...that to him all over again! He could hear commotion outside now. Screams and cries, mixed with the gravelly shouts of the hated Orcs. Clashing metal, sickening thumps, and rending sounds soon joined the vocal noise. Frodo crawled to the other side of the couch, hiding himself between the wall and the furniture so that he would not be spotted if one of the creatures were to look into a window. He heard Gimli's deep voice bellowing orders to the hobbits outside. It was obvious that those who had been defending the gates were driven back here by the size of the orcish army.

"For the Shire!" Screamed Pippin's voice, and Frodo found that a tiny bit of courage sparked into his soul upon hearing the simple, yet potent call. He took several deep breaths and crawled towards Sting, which was still glowing on the floor, where he had dropped it. He grasped the hilt and held the weapon with a white-knuckled hand, his tearful gaze straying towards the door.

"I...I should be out there, helping," He panted, sweat making his skin shimmer. He could not, however, force himself to move. "Aaahh, damn you all!" He cried brokenly, pounding his other fist on the floor. The tears flowed freely, now. The sounds of chaos outside were growing fainter, which meant that either the Buckland Hobbits were gaining ground, or that he could expect a troupe of orcs to break the door down and come in to torture and kill him at any moment. He had no way of knowing whose side was winning.

As he struggled inwardly with his dilemma, a throat-tearing scream rent the air. It was a scream of terror and desperation...one that he himself had emitted when he first realized what his captors in Cirith Ungol were going to do to him. Only this time, the scream belonged to Pearl Took, and not him. "Pearl!" Gasped Frodo, standing up so quickly that he staggered with dizziness. His heart was pounding so hard that he could feel the blood rushing through his veins, and a red haze began to dull his vision. Frodo Baggins made a primal growl of fury in his throat and ran to the door, barely remembering to turn the knob and unlock it to let himself outside.

The ring bearer dashed forth, following the sound of Pearl's fearful screams. Other hobbits were also heading that way, but Frodo was moving with an elvish fluidity and passed them as though they were walking. He glimpsed bloodied faces and wide, shocked eyes as he passed the other halflings, not caring that he looked like a small, vengeful god to them. Sting lit the path around him as he held it high, and his eyes glowed nearly as bright and blue as the enchanted blade as he bared his pearly teeth in a snarl and came upon an orc struggling with a smaller figure on the ground. The sound of rending cloth preluded the wretched creature holding up mangled panties in triumph, and the small, feminine legs, which the orc had forcibly parted, were kicking desperately, while small fists pummeled the oblivious creature on the shoulders and arms.

Frodo let out a blood-curdling howl, which would have made a warg stand up and applaud, and the ring bearer launched himself into a pounce. Just as the orc was lowering its hips down to begin its assault on the hobbit woman, the blue fury of Sting sunk deep into it's back and through its left lung. In shock, the creature went still, shrieking as the blade was torn back out of it. Pearl backpedaled away from the orc, her breath hitching in sobbing gasps. What she saw when she looked back up would forever be engraved into her memory.

There was her Frodo, looking like a demon as he stabbed his glowing sword into the orc's bowels and shrieked cruelly. His teeth were bared, his lips pulled back into a snarl. Those incredible eyes of his were lit from within with a hellish glow, and she found herself suddenly more afraid of her lover than the orc which nearly raped her. The orc sank to its knees, groaning, and Frodo savagely twisted the blade, and then yanked it out again, only to continue stabbing the creature over and over again. Black blood splattered the ring bearer as he cackled with mad laughter and screamed foul words in the dead orc's face.

Pearl felt her eyes tear up, and she crept away from the berserk ring bearer, afraid that if she called out to him, he might kill her. The three other hobbits that Frodo had passed up on his way arrived, and they stared in bewilderment as he continued to hack and slash the already mutilated corpse. Pearl nearly fainted in relief when she saw Legolas step out of the shadows. The elf's gaze was pitying and resigned as he slowly approached Frodo. "Oh please, stop him," Pearl Whispered. Someone put their arm around her...it was Pippin. She gladly turned into her brother's embrace as Legolas moved towards Frodo in the same way he might move towards a wounded animal in the forest.

"Frodo," Said the elf. The gathering crowd gasped as the hobbit swung around and attacked the Prince of Mirkwood wildly. Legolas nimbly hopped out of the way and grabbed his small friend's wrists. Frodo hissed like a cat and snarled at him, struggling to pull his hands free. "Frodo Baggins! It is I, your friend! The enemy is dead!" He murmured something in elvish that the onlookers could not understand, and the madness faded from Frodo's eyes.

The hobbit stopped struggling, and his bottom lip quivered as he met his friend's clear, pale eyes. Legolas nodded encouragingly. "That's it, Frodo. Come out of it. It is over." He stroked the ring bearer's soft cheek, paying no mind to the black blood that was smeared all over the ivory skin. Frodo glanced at Sting, saw that it's glow was indeed fading. The groups that Gimli and Merry were leading were clearing out what remained of the invading orcs. The hobbit shuddered, realizing what he had done, and his eyes rolled back in his head. Legolas caught him easily, lifting him into his arms. He caught Pearl's horrified gaze and said, "Calm your fears, dear lady. His reaction was instinctive, and shan't happen again so long as nobody attempts to assault you in the future." She breathed easier, leaning against Pippin. Legolas smirked a bit. Though he had fallen unconscious, Frodo still held Sting in a death grip.

~**********~

Part 11

Legolas carried Frodo back into Brandy hall, with Pearl and Pippin following at his heals. He laid his small friend down on the lounge and turned to Pippin. "You should stay here with them, just in case. I believe we've driven all of the orcs out of this area, but it would be wise to take precautions, Master Took."

Pippin nodded, his arms still protectively tight around his sister. "Will you check in on my parents, Legolas... I'm a bit worried..."

The elf smiled. "Of course I will. I thought that I saw your father fighting with a group from the Ferry. I shall go there immediately." He gave Pearl a concerned frown, disliking her pallor and the dazed look in her eyes. "Make some tea, Master Took. Something with a mild sedative, if you please." Legolas gave a meaningful glance at the shivering hobbit woman, and Pippin nodded in understanding.

Once he was outside again, Legolas had no trouble picking the trail leading to Gimli and Merry. They had joined the group led by the Took and were fighting tooth and nail to rid the Shire of the last of its invaders. The prince of Mirkwood repressed a smile when he recognized Farmer Maggot, waving a sickle over his head and shouting as he pursued a fleeing orc. Legolas wondered fleetingly if part of the Farmer's fury might be a result of him catching the nasty creatures getting into his crops.

A brief stab of fear struck Legolas as he saw Gimli reel from a blow to his helmet, and the elf produced his bow and knocked an arrow into it in one fluid motion. The dwarf heard a shrill whistle; one that he knew as well as his own name, and he crouched low in understanding. An arrow streaked over his head and buried itself to the fletching in an orc's eye. He smiled grimly, nodding to his lithe friend as he adjusted his crooked helm and prepared for the next fight. Merry dove into a somersault to avoid a chopping blade, then vaulted to his feet and returned the attack. He grimaced when his sword opened the orc's throat and blood sprayed him.

"Not bad, young hobbit!" Cheered Gimli, and then the dwarf threw his axe strait at Legolas!

The elf's eyes widened as the weapon hurled towards him, end over end. He lunged to the ground at the last possible moment, and heard a sickening "thwack!" and a groan from above him. Looking up, he saw an orc clutching at the handle of the axe, which was sunk deeply into its chest. Cursing in elvish, Legolas flipped himself back to his feet and withdrew one of his blades. As he finished the creature off with a stab to the heart, he hollered, "How many times must I tell you...use our warning signal!"

Grinning from ear to ear, the dwarf sauntered over and retrieved his weapon from the corpse. "Bah...you ducked right on time!" He snorted.

Legolas was about to make a scathing reply to that, when a scream arose. "They've lit some of the holes!" He looked around and saw that the orcs had set fire to a couple of the hobbit homes, doubtless by breaking windows and tossing flaming brands into them. It actually amused the elf, rather than alarming him. The foolish creatures waited until they were right by the river to do it! The flames were doused quite quickly, with only some broken glass and some singed furniture within the homes to show the damage. He shook his head. Desperation and hunger caused these orcs to take such extreme measures...they were not normally as stupid as this when they attacked. He watched the few remaining orcs get cut down by the furious halflings, and a strange pity found it's way into his heart.

"Gimli, do you think that orcs might one day be reformed?" He regretted the question as soon as he spoke it. The dwarf's bushy eyebrows drew down until only a slight glitter of his eyes was visible.

"They don't deserve it, as far as I'm concerned! They've earned everything they're getting tonight!"

Legolas sighed. "Of course, friend Gimli. You are probably correct." Still, the elf could not stop the ache in his chest as he watched the last orc stabbed to death.

Merry returned to them, and it was clear that he was favoring his left leg. Despite his limp and the gore covering him, the Brandybuck was grinning cheerfully. "I don't know how we're ever going to thank you two for your warning, but I'm sure a party is in order!" He said. His manner changed suddenly, and he said in a low voice, "I heard what happened with Pearl. Did the orc...hurt her?"

Legolas shook his head. "No. Frodo arrived on time to stop it from having its way. I doubt you would have recognized Mr. Baggins, after he saw what the creature was attempting to do to her."

Merry grimaced. "I wish I could say it surprises me. He's been holding in far too much angst from his experiences. Frodo was never very good at dealing with his emotions." Saying no more about it, Merry began to limp towards his home, eager to check on everyone. Gimli put his arm around the Hobbit's waste and supported his faltering steps.

When they entered Brandy Hall, they found that Frodo had woken up and was holding Pearl tightly. She shook and cried against him, while he rocked her and stared strait ahead with helpless blue eyes. Pippin came out of the kitchen holding a tray with three teacups on it. Upon seeing Merry, he hastily set the tray on the coffee table in front of the lounge and ran to his lover. "Your leg! What happened?" He sputtered, as Gimli helped the Brandybuck to sit in a chair.

Merry winced as Legolas quickly removed his boot and began to gently examine his calf and ankle. "I twisted something, most likely. I was chasing after this orc that beamed some poor lad in the head. One of the orcs lying on the ground wasn't as dead as he should have been, and he grabbed my ankle and tripped me up. It's nothing." Merry grinned in spite of himself as Pippin began to fuss over him in a ridiculous fashion, planting little kisses on his face. With Gimli's help, Legolas packed the swollen ankle with a cool compress and then turned his attention to Pearl.

"My dear, will you allow me to check you for injuries? In the shock of your encounter, you may have been damaged somewhere without realizing it." The elf whispered gently. Frodo was giving him a look he had only seen once; it was the same look the Hobbit had given Boromir, so long ago, when the human began to insist the ring be given to Gondor. That look of mistrust stung Legolas, but only for a moment. It was nothing personal. The ring bearer was over-protective of his lover, with good reason. At this moment, nearly everyone was a threat, in Frodo's mind. Legolas was suddenly glad that the Hobbit had replaced Sting in its sheath and set it on the table. "Frodo," He said gently, "You know very well that I will not harm Pearl. Will you allow me to examine her? You wouldn't want her to fall ill because we failed to notice a wound, would you?"

The intense look faded from Frodo's eyes, and he blushed in embarrassment at his own behavior. "Oh, forgive me, Legolas. I...I do not know what came over me! Of course...please look at her." He gently disengaged himself from the trembling young woman, and held her hand while Legolas ran his fingers first over her neck, then her arms and sides.

"There seems to be some deep bruises, but nothing is broken or fractured," The elf said at length. His deep blue eyes searched her green ones. "Pearl, I need to ask you this. Did you feel any...penetration during the attack?" She shook her head and leaned into Frodo's embrace, and Legolas sighed in relief. "That is good. Here...drink your tea, dear ones." Neither of them protested as he handed their teacups to them.

Merry lit up his pipe and said, "After I've rested a bit, I need to go back outside and help clean up the mess. Orc carcasses aren't something to leave out for long!"

"Oh, no you don't, Meriadoc! You are going to rest here and let that ankle of yours heal. I'll go out and help them while you rest up." Pippin said, with as much authority as he could muster. Merry sighed, but smiled and squeezed the younger hobbit's hand.

Gimli cleared his throat. "Legolas and I will be happy to help rid the Shire of those confounded things. You halflings have had a hard night of it...why don't you all rest up?" Legolas nodded in approval at the dwarf's reasoning.

"Well, you've had just as hard a night as we have," Protested Pippin. "What makes you think you don't need rest as well?"

Gimli shrugged. "It was just my offer, young Hobbit. Legolas and I hardly broke a sweat in that little skirmish, but you've got three here who are worse for wear. I just think maybe you'd do better taking care of your friends, is all."

Pippin looked from Merry, to Frodo, to Pearl, and back to Gimli and Legolas, biting his lip. Finally, he shrugged. "You're right. I've got to make sure Merry doesn't try to sneak out to help, and my sister and Frodo do look a bit ragged. Thank you for the offer."

After Legolas and Gimli left, Frodo half-carried, half supported Pearl as he guided her to her bedroom. "Don't go anywhere!" She sniffled as he set her down on the bed and began to pull away.

His blue eyes were a mixture of tenderness and helpless anger as he gazed at her. "It is all right, beloved. I was only going to the closet to retrieve your nightgown. Surely you don't want to sleep in that dirty dress?" He wished he hadn't mentioned her dress, for she began to shake again as she looked down at herself, and all of the tears in her once pretty blue dress.

"No," She said decisively, squaring her small, but strong shoulders in defiance. "I will not let this get to me. You stopped it before it could...could..." She swallowed and looked up at him, fighting the tears that were forming. If an attempted rape was affecting her so badly, how hard must things be for him? Her admiration for him grew even further in those moments as she realized just how strong Frodo Baggins really was, to have endured such a thing.

He had selected a modest, lavender sleeping gown for her, and he set it in her lap and stroked her hair. "Would you like for me to leave the room while you change, Kitten?" Those sapphire eyes were uncertain as he stared at her. He was clearly worried that she might not want a male to see her unclothed, so soon after the assault.

Pearl smiled at his thoughtfulness, realizing that if anyone understood her feelings, it was he. "No Frodo. I don't want you to leave the room. I want you to come into the bathroom with me. I want you to bath its touch off of me and replace it with yours." She found herself blushing as she looked at him expectantly. It wasn't easy for her to talk about intimacy so soon...part of her felt ashamed and wanton for even thinking about lovemaking after what had almost happened. Despite that, she needed him. Frodo was the only salve that would heal what had happened.

He stared at her, tilting his head to the side and furrowing his brow. She winced inwardly, imagining that he thought she was sickening to be so bold. "Are you certain, Pearl? I don't want you pushing yourself to do something you aren't truly ready for. Don't force yourself to recover from this...just let it happen naturally." He took her hand in his and kissed it, brushing his lips across the knuckles in a loving caress.

Pearl examined her feelings very carefully, for his words made sense. Was she pushing herself in an effort to pretend it didn't bother her? Frodo sat quietly, his presence reassuring as she thought it all through. His expression told her that he would accept whatever answer she gave him, and she knew he would be there for her, no matter what. That convinced her beyond a doubt that she wanted him in the bathtub with her...if only to bathe the dirt from her body and hold her tightly. "Yes, Frodo. I'm sure I want to do this. It's alright...really." She said, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

He hugged her, returning the kiss. "Alright then. If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, will you promise to tell me?" He looked a bit puzzled as she giggled. There was very little Frodo Baggins could do to make her feel uncomfortable. Excited, yes. Protected, yes. In love, yes. But uncomfortable? No, that simply was not in the list of words.

~**************~

Part 12

The water was warm and soothing as they sunk into it. Frodo straightened his legs out on either side of Pearl, and she sighed and scooted back, pressing her bottom against his groin and leaning back against his chest. He swallowed and tried not to get aroused as he reached for the soap. "Mmm, that feels good," She said as he began to lather her shoulders and arms.

He planted a soft kiss below her right ear and picked up the wash sponge to rinse the soap off. Frodo winced inwardly at the sight of the long bruises on her arms...evidence of the orc clutching at her to hold her down. Impulsively, he raised her arm so that he could kiss each bruise gently. Pearl smiled, enjoying the sensation and the way it made her skin tingle. He embraced her and hugged her, bowing his head over her shoulder and leaving the sponge forgotten on the side of the tub. Pearl's smile faded as she felt two warm drops hit her shoulder, which clearly weren't from the sponge.

Turning around a bit, she saw that his eyes were closed and tears fell from them, onto her skin. "Frodo...please don't cry," She whispered.

"I am sorry...I wish I could make every one of these marks vanish from you. If I had only gone with you, that creature wouldn't even have had the chance to do this much!"

She cupped his face in her hands and stared deeply into his eyes. "This was NOT your fault, my gentle hobbit. You stopped him from finishing what he had started, and for that, I'll always be grateful." She didn't mention how terrifying he had appeared in his rage, not wanting to add to his guilt by letting him know he had frightened her. "Just love me, Frodo," She whispered, bringing her mouth to his.

He returned the kiss softly and gently, as though afraid she would break. Pearl twisted around and repositioned herself so that she was straddling him, and she ran her fingers through his soft, dark curls and deepened the kiss. He made a soft sound in his throat and stroked her back and buttocks with his hands. His hips instinctively lifted so that his hardening groin was pressing against her loins.

Pearl whimpered, and he immediately went still. His wide eyes searched her face. "Am I moving to quickly?" Her mouth covered his hungrily, and her tongue stroked his sensually. Apparently, he was not moving too fast. He stroked her breasts softly, teasing the nipples to hardness, and she gasped against his mouth. Their slick bodies moved in rhythm as they writhed against each other. Their breath mingled, and their hands explored. Pearl winced a bit when Frodo cupped her hips, and he immediately released them upon realizing they were bruised as well. "I'm sorry," He murmured. She shook her head and kissed him again, making small, desperate sounds in the back of her throat.

Frodo groaned softly, his genitals aching with need. Elbereth, how he wanted to plunge himself into her tightness, but he was frightened of hurting her in his eagerness! He gently slipped one of his fingers inside of her, and he fought the urge to smile as she moaned his name and undulated her hips. Carefully, he added another finger and began to stroke her on the inside. Her teeth closed almost painfully onto his shoulder, and he grit his teeth against the primal feelings erupting within him.

Pearl pulled back to stare at her lover as he slowly thrust his long fingers in and out of her. She stroked his fine-boned face, never ceasing to be amazed at how beautiful he was. "I need you, Frodo," She gasped, caressing his lips with her fingertips. He sucked on the digits teasingly, his sensitive lips pulling at them, and she hissed. Almost roughly, she reached beneath the water and pulled his hand away from her, then grasped his penis and guided it in. He caught his breath and closed his bright eyes in pleasure, lifting his hips to bury his organ to the hilt within her depths.

Pearl tossed her head and cried out, and he took her left nipple into his mouth and suckled it as he began thrusting. She clung to him and matched his rhythm, digging her fingers into his back as he moved within her. Water sloshed out of the tub and onto the floor, but the heated couple was oblivious to the mess they were making as they moved urgently against each other and made desperate, whimpering sounds. Silently, Pearl prayed to any kind deity that might be listening...prayed for Frodo's seed to take root, so that she might have a part of him forever. Her fingers tangled into his damp curls and she kissed his chin, jaw and throat. She could feel the thunder of his pulse against her lips, and she grazed his tender skin with her teeth.

Pearl quickly learned that her gentle, playful bites served to excite him more. He growled softly and bucked his hips, making her suck in a sharp breath. The familiar, wonderful pressure that Frodo seemed to ignite so easily built to a crescendo, and she held him tightly as her muscular sheath went into spasms. He stroked her back soothingly as she moaned through the orgasm, his mouth tender against hers.

"I love you so much," He said in a shaken whisper, just as his own orgasm struck. He trembled and grunted, resting his head against her bosom as his warm seed filled her. Breathlessly, they held each other as the water's turbulence lessened. They stayed that way, enjoying each other's nearness, until the temperature of the water became slightly cool.

Frodo shivered a little. "I think," He said between light kisses, "We should get out of the tub, before we catch cold."

Pearl smiled, and then reluctantly pulled herself off of his lap, allowing his softened penis to slip out of her. "You're probably right, Mr. Baggins," She said softly, tracing his lips with her tongue. She smiled when a soft groan escaped his mouth. "I'd like to continue this in the bedroom, however."

He shook his head and made a tsk-ing sound. "Eager kitten, aren't you?" He whispered. Quickly, he stood up and helped her out of the tub, and then he grabbed one of the folded towels off of the stool and lovingly dried her glistening body. He blushed when she gave his groin an admiring grin, for it had begun to stiffen again.

"I'm eager? What about you?" She teased, curling her fingers around the silken length of his fast-hardening manhood. His blue eyes were bright, and for a moment she wondered if they would even make it as far as the bedroom.

There was a knock on the door, followed by Merry's voice. "Pearl? Frodo? A runner just came by from Hobbiton. There is news from Sam about Rosie. I think you two should get dressed and come out here."

The lovers looked at each other, and identical, worried expressions painted their faces. "We'll be right out, Merry," Called Pearl. Hastily, they pulled bathrobes on, forgetting their arousal in their concern over what the news might be about. What if some of the orcs had passed Buckland and headed strait to Hobbiton? Was Rose hurt?

Merry and Pippin were both pacing in the lounge room when they came out. "What's the trouble?" Frodo asked, dread seeping into his tone.

Merry looked up from the floor. "Rosie's gone into labor. They got news that we were under attack, and it seems the stress of worrying about Buckland caused her to start having early contractions. Sam wants you to come as soon as you can."

Frodo swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course...is there a pony available? Pearl should probably come too...it would be good for Rose to have another woman nearby, I think."

"I've got two ponies outside...the fastest Pip and I could get!" Said Merry.

Pippin spoke up. "I grabbed a few of your clothes and packed them up as well."

Frodo smiled in appreciation. "Why didn't you two tell us as soon as the messenger arrived?"

Pippin flushed and made little patterns on the floor with his toes. "Well, I started to, but the two of you were pretty...ahem...busy, at the time. So, Merry and I decided to get things ready for you until you were...finished."

Merry snorted as Frodo turned red. His cousins were so bashful, sometimes! "Well, you'd best get going, old boy! I've a feeling having you around would help both of them out immensely."

Frodo wasted no more time, and he and Pearl dressed hastily and were spurring their ponies to top speed within 10 minutes. He hoped he would get there in time to be of some use, but in truth, Sam knew far more about birthing than he did. He was practical enough to know his presence there was more for reassurance than anything else. Pearl would probably be greater help. For a moment, the Hobbit wondered where Legolas was, if he was even still in the Shire. The elf would probably prove to be a great help.

~***************~

Part 13

"Oh, Mister Frodo...you are such a blessed sight!" Cried Samwise as he opened the door to admit his friend and Pearl.

Frodo hugged the gardener tightly, only now realizing how much he had missed his old friend. "How is she?" He questioned.

Sam glanced towards the hallway leading to the bedroom his wife was laboring in and sighed. "The midwife says she's a month early. Rosie's doing as well as can be expected, but I don't know how the wee one...our babe might not..." Tears choked his voice, and he covered his eyes.

"Oh, Sam...don't fret so! Plenty of children have been born early and ended up just fine," Soothed Pearl.

Frodo held Samwise tightly, rocking him gently to sooth him. "Listen to Pearl, Sam. Women know these things."

Sniffling, the gardener pulled away and rubbed his eyes. "I'm sorry. You two came so fast...it's a wonder you're even on your feet! I'll make us some tea."

Before Frodo could open his mouth, Sam pattered off to the kitchen. He shivered as he heard Rose's voice cry out in pain from the back of the house.

"I'll go and check on her," Offered Pearl. "The midwife probably won't mind another woman helping, but she'll likely snap you and Sam's heads off if you try to go in there." Frodo nodded and gave her a thankful smile as she made her way down the hall.

Samwise returned, carrying a tray with teacups. "Where is Pearl?" He questioned as he sat the tray down on the table beside his Master. Frodo nodded his head towards the back of the house, and Sam understood. "Oh, I see. I'm so happy you've got a lass now, Mr. Frodo. I've got to admit, I was a mite surprised to find out your lady was a Took, but she's a fetching lass if I ever saw one." He grinned as Frodo blushed at the compliment. "If you don't mind me asking, Sir...are there wedding bells planned for the future? You seem awfully fond of her, judging by how much praise you gave the lass in your letters to me."

Frodo sipped his tea and gave Sam a sad, blue gaze. "I'm a cad, Samwise. A genuine cad. Elbereth knows Pearl deserves a husband, but...I feel myself becoming more restless with each day. I became sick again this year, as you know, and every time the illness comes to me, it's harder to hold on."

Sam swallowed, and his kind, brown eyes misted over with tears. "Oh, sir...do you mean you'll be...sailing soon?"

Frodo groaned inwardly. Why did he have to open his big mouth! Sam had enough on his mind with his wife suffering through early childbirth and all. He shouldn't have added to his friend's burden with his own problems. "Oh, Sam...I'm sorry. I truly don't know what I am going to do. Here we are, waiting on your firstborn to be brought safely into the world, and the first thing I do is get you worrying about me!" He laughed ruefully and patted Sam's solid shoulder.

The gardener shook his head. "Well, there's nothing we can do but wait and pray my Rose gets through this. You know I'd want to hear about it, if you think you're going to go to the West. I hope you also know you won't be making the trip to the Grey Havens alone...I'll be coming with you. As far as the boat, at least."

Frodo nodded. He hadn't expected anything less of his dear friend. They spoke of old times, trying to keep the subject cheerful as they waited for news of Rose and the baby. After about two hours, Pearl came running into the room excitedly. "We can see the head! It's almost over, and Mrs. Proudfeet thinks it's looking good!" Then she ran back to the room, without waiting for a response.

Frodo turned to Sam. "Proudfeet... I didn't know there were any midwives in that family!"

The gardener nodded. "Oh yes...best midwife in town, in fact...even if she is an old battle axe." Realizing what he just said, Samwise flushed and looked around him furtively, as though he expected the woman to be standing there listening.

Frodo burst into laughter. "Well said, my friend. Well said." They grinned foolishly at each other and chuckled with a mixture of relief and expectation. As time ticked away, they both lit their pipes and smoked them nervously. Sam's gaze kept straying to the hallway.

Finally, Mrs. Proudfeet came out, stained in blood and sweat. Her hair hung lankly as she wiped her brow. Pearl followed quietly, and the ear-to-ear grin on her impish face made Sam whoop with relief and joy. "You've got a baby girl, Mr. Gamgee. Your wife is resting, and the wee one is in the crib beside the bed. Rose lost a lot of blood, but she'll mend quickly. I want you to keep an eye on the wee one, and come get me if there's any trouble. She's got a little cough right now, so you keep her bundled up and warm." She sputtered as the happy gardener lifted her old frame in a bear hug, but she could understand his relief, so she didn't thump him on the head, as she wanted to. Muttering to herself, she made a hasty exit as soon as Sam released her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Proudfeet! I'll have a gift sent to your house!" Called Samwise as she slammed the door behind her. Turning to Frodo, he shouted, "A girl! My Rose had a girl...can you believe I'm a father, Frodo?" He was practically dancing with excitement as he hugged the ring bearer.

Laughing, Frodo returned the embrace. "You'll make a splendid Father, Samwise. Congratulations. You're quite squishing me, however?"

Blushing, Sam backed off, with an apology. "Oh, I'm so happy everything is alright! Only..." He frowned a bit, and when Frodo asked him what the matter was, he said, "Well, Rosie and I were sure it was going to be a boy. We were going to name him Frodo, after you...but we never thought up any girl names, you see."

Frodo chuckled, his blue eyes soft. "It's nothing to fret over, Sam. Actually, I was thinking that if I ever had a little girl, I'd name her Elanor. How does that sound?"

Sam tasted the name, finding it to his liking. "Oh, I do like that name, Mr. Frodo. Elanor Gamgee...yes sir, it sounds mighty nice, it does! But, I don't want to be using the same name you might want to use some day, if you take my meaning."

The ring bearer's gentle smile was a bit melancholy as he responded, "Don't worry about it, Sam. Your daughter is here now, and worrying about what I might name my own children, if they ever come, is looking too far into the future. Take the name, if it pleases you."

Tears gathered in Samwise's eyes. "I'd be honored to, Mr. Frodo."

Pearl gave the gardener a little push. "Well, go and see them, you silly goose! You want to meet your beautiful little lass, don't you?"

"Oh...oh, right! I should be in there!" He said, turning on his heal and nearly tripping himself in his haste to get down the hallway.

Shaking his head, Frodo laughed, "Bless him, a child couldn't ask for a better Father, in my eyes."

Pearl smiled secretively for a moment, and then quickly hid the smile as her lover looked at her. "Oh, I think you would be a good Father, Mr. Baggins."

He scratched his chin. "You think so, do you? I don't have Sam's good nature and optimism. Any children of mine would be well-educated, but probably not as spoiled as his." He chuckled and pulled her into his embrace. She closed her eyes and leaned against him, putting her arms around him.

A little while later, Sam came out again, with a proud smile on his face. "I woke Rose up long enough to ask her what she thought of your name, Mr. Frodo. She likes it, too. Elanor, it is! Are you returning to Bag End, now?" His voice was hopeful.

Frodo remembered the papers he had brought along, and he went to his bags, which were still lying by the door, and brought the documents out.

"What are these?" Questioned Samwise as Frodo handed them to him.

"The deed to Bag End, dear Sam. I'm leaving everything to you and Rose."

The gardener's gaze snapped up and locked with Frodo's blue eyes. "Wh...what? You're giving us your home? Why, Frodo?"

With a quick glance towards Pearl, Frodo put his hand on his friend's shoulder and said, "Because, I've got a feeling you two will need the room, and it's too big of a place for a childless hobbit to keep. Please, accept it, my old friend."

Sam began to weep. "But, what about you and Pearl, Mr. Frodo?"

"Don't worry about that. We're staying with Merry and Pippin, for now. I can buy another home, if need be." His blue gaze was intense, begging Samwise to understand.

Sam saw the truth in his dear friend's eyes, then. Frodo didn't expect to need another home. He was not going to be living in the Shire, much longer. The time was drawing near. The gardener swallowed hard, trying not to let his gaze drift to Pearl and give what he had learned away to the lass. How hard this must be on Frodo, to leave her behind, as well as everything else? Sam thought his heart was going to break. He wanted to say, "When?" so that he could prepare himself to make the journey and see Frodo off. He couldn't get it past the lump in his throat, however.

Pearl was oblivious to all of this, of course. The excitement of helping bring new life into the world and seeing Frodo so happy to be reunited with his friend blinded her to the silent message he was giving to Samwise.

Hoarsely, Sam said, "I can't thank you enough for this, Frodo. We'll never forget your kindness." The gardener could see how deeply-etched the pain in his friend's blue eyes was as Frodo nodded and struggled not to weep. "Will you...stay here for a few weeks? Give my new lass time to get strong before you...go?"

Frodo nodded, and it was clear he could not speak past his own grief. He put his arm around Pearl and pulled her close, nuzzling her hair and closing his eyes. She rested her head against his chest, her little fingers playing with the buttons of his vest. How very sad, Sam thought, that she had no idea what was going on.

~**************~

Part 14

True to his word, Frodo stayed at Bag End, along with Pearl. Elanor's lungs cleared quickly, and she became quite the curious baby. Rose was very thankful for Pearl's presence, as the Took helped around the house, allowing the recovering mother the rest she needed to recuperate. "She's such a beautiful little girl," Pearl said wistfully one day, as she held the child.

Frodo smiled at her tenderly, watching as Pearl made faces at Elanor and had the baby giggling and cooing. Sam predictably sniffled at the sight, and Frodo gave him a warning glance and sighed. Perhaps he should have hidden his intentions more carefully from his friend. Samwise showed his sadness far too much, when he should be the elated, happy new Father.

Pearl began to suspect something, of course. The almost pleading looks the gardener gave Frodo every time he witnessed an embrace between the two of them began to worry her. What did Samwise Gamgee know that she didn't? She tried to shrug it off, even made up the excuse that he was trying to persuade Frodo to marry her. That would certainly account for some of the expressions his round-ish face underwent sometimes.

Rose was a sweet woman, if a bit old fashioned. She cornered Pearl one day while Sam and Frodo were out shopping in the market. "Pearl, I know we don't know each other very well, but I can't help but worry about you," She said.

"Why do you say that?" Pearl asked, though she knew what was coming. Hobbiton halflings were notorious for sticking their noses in where it didn't belong.

"Well, I mean you and Frodo. I know the two of you are intimate with one another, and I worry that you might find yourself in a...family way. I can't believe Mr. Baggins would put you at risk like this! Tell me, has he proposed to you?"

Pearl checked a sigh, realizing it was only with the best intentions that Rose asked these questions. "I'm not ready for marriage, Rose. I know Frodo would ask me, if he didn't know that himself. You really shouldn't worry...he's the kindest, most sensible hobbit I've ever known." Half of that was the truth, but she wasn't sure about not wanting to be married anymore. She had changed so much since Frodo came into her life, and the biggest change was coming, yet. She felt it in her bones.

Rose put her hand on the other woman's shoulder, prompting her to meet her eyes. "I don't know if I should be asking this, but are you...with child, Pearl?"

Pearl opened and closed her mouth, a bit taken aback by the question. As she struggled to calm herself and answer the woman, Sam opened the front door and came into the house, followed by Frodo. "We're home!" The gardener said happily. Both he and Frodo had their arms full of groceries.

Thinking their timing couldn't be better, Pearl hastily helped them unload the cart outside, which held yet more produce. "Oh, my...do you think you two bought enough mushrooms?" She exclaimed as she opened one of the bags with a grin.

Frodo embraced her from behind and whispered, "My dear, there are never enough mushrooms to go around'you know that." He nibbled her ear teasingly, making her giggle.

Sam was surprised by the sour look his wife was giving Frodo. "Rose...you shouldn't stare!" He said abashedly.

She began to chop carrots a little violently. "He's going to get that sweet lass in trouble, make no mistake of it!"

Samwise frowned and said nothing. Rose wouldn't feel that way if she knew...but he had promised Mr. Frodo he would tell nobody. Why did life always have to get so complicated, just when things were going well? Trying to lift Rose's mood, he hugged her and said, "I think Frodo is just waiting for the right time, Rosie. You know, he's never been a hasty one, and he's always been bashful around women."

She snorted, pointing at the couple through the window with a carrot. "Bashful? Maybe he was once, but he's clearly not now!" Indeed, he was brazenly worshiping Pearl's neck with his lips, while she leaned against him with her eyes closed. Sam blushed and snapped his mouth shut. Well, he tried.

When Pearl and Frodo came into the house with the rest of the groceries, Rose gave the wine-colored mark on the other woman's neck a glance and pursed her lips on the scathing comment that was trying to surface. She adored Mr. Frodo, but it made her so angry that he would carry on like this, without a thought for the lass's well being! Frodo seemed to sense her anger, and he gave her a puzzled frown.

"Er...is there anything I can do to help prepare dinner, Rosie?" He asked softly. When she glared at him, he blushed. Good...she hoped he felt guilty!

"No, I've got everything taken care of on this end. You and Sam can wash the dishes afterwards, if you like." She said with false sweetness.

He smiled nervously. "Of course, we will. You do look much better, Rosie. The color's come back into your cheeks. I'm glad you are on the mend." His blue eyes were earnest, and she felt herself softening under their pretty gaze. How unfair, that his sweet features and pretty eyes could make one forget they were angry with him! She almost felt sorry for Pearl. The lass probably lost every argument they ever had, and she couldn't blame her. Even Sam seemed enamored of Mr. Frodo, which made her feel strange, but she couldn't blame her husband, either. It was like having a hobbit-sized elf around, truly.

Dinner was wonderful, and the tension between Rose and Frodo melted away as everyone complimented her on the meal. Sam convinced Frodo to sing an elvish tune, using little Elanor as leverage. "Please, Mr. Frodo? She's never heard any of those elvish lullabies, and you've got the prettiest voice."

Blushing furiously, Frodo gave in and sang a lovely little tale to the baby. Rose smiled in spite of herself as her tiny daughter fell asleep with a little smile on her face. She couldn't understand a word of the song, of course, but it was beautiful, and it had a drowsy effect on everyone listening.

"Well," Said Frodo after the dishes were done, "I think it's time for bed, for me. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, Sam." His gaze was meaningful as he looked at his friend.

"A long day? What have you two got planned?" Rose questioned, having heard nothing of this from her husband.

Sam cleared his throat to speak, but Frodo beat him to it. "We're going to make a trip to Buckland, so that we can let Merry and Pippin know that everything is well with the baby."

She raised her eyebrow. "Why can't you just send them a letter?"

"Oh, we thought of that, but it's been ages since I've seen them last, Rosie," Said Sam. Frodo nodded in approval at the improvisation. "You don't mind, do you? We just thought of it today, or I would have said something sooner."

She looked at the two of them suspiciously, and so did Pearl. After a couple of tense moments, she sighed and shook her head. "Well, I can't rightly tell you 'no', can I? Just make sure you plan ahead of time in the future, beloved. I don't like things being sprung on me so suddenly."

Pearl almost snickered at the way Samwise nearly groveled to his wife for forgiveness. She certainly had him on a short leash! She could see by Frodo's grin that he found it amusing as well. When her lover took her hand and whispered, "I hope you are ready for bed as well, Kitten," Goosebumps formed on her flesh, and it was all she could do not to jump his bones right their.

When they were safely shut in the room with the door locked behind them, Frodo pulled Pearl into his embrace and kissed her. There was a quiet desperation behind the kiss, as though he was drowning and needed her lips to breath. "Pearl," He murmured huskily against her mouth, "My darling Kitten."

She clung to him, meeting the thrusts of his tongue with her own. He was trembling badly, conveying the intensity of his emotions with body language. Taken aback by the force of his ardor, she whimpered and clutched his shirt. Her own fires ignited as something primitive within her sensed the importance of this night.

"Frodo?" She asked breathlessly, trying to comprehend the whirlwind of sensations flooding them both.

He pressed his fingers against her lips, his lapis gaze deep and loving. "Shhh...no words, Pearl. I don't want questions to spoil the moment." His lips descended upon hers again, and his hands began to unfasten the laces of her dress. She purred in spite of herself, pressing into him to rub against the hardness that pressed into her belly. Her own hands worked at the buttons of his vest and shirt, stroking the smooth skin of his chest as she bared it.

Their clothing fluttered to the floor, piece by piece, and they explored each other as if for the first time. Once she was naked in his arms, Frodo lifted and carried her to the bed. He hushed her protests that he might aggravate his wound, claiming her mouth hungrily.

He lay her down, his hot gaze slowly roaming every inch of her, as if memorizing her body. His sensitive mouth trembled, and he whispered, "you are so lovely," Before covering her body with his. Pearl touched his face, her fingers stroking each plane and angle of his features.

Frodo kissed her neck, breasts and belly, traveling down her body with his soft lips. He coaxed her thighs apart, and then began to lick the inside of them. Pearl was the one trembling, now. His fingers stroked the soft down of hair between her legs, and she whimpered. Frodo stared at the pink vulva, nestled beneath the fur he was stroking. He had never done what he was planning before...his shyness always caused him to lose his courage before. Now, he did not worry over doing it badly. This night was too important to let insecurities ruin it.

Pearl jerked in shock as his warm mouth touched her vulva. She groaned his name and lifted her hips encouragingly. Experimentally, Frodo darted his tongue out and licked at the tiny nub which was all but hidden. His eyes widened as a small spasm shook Pearl's body and she cried out.

"Oh, Frodo...that's wonderful!" She panted as he gained more confidence and lapped at her swollen clitoris again. He sensed that the sensation caused by the action was intense, so he soothingly stroked the folds of flesh with his tongue, careful not to lavish too much attention on the sensitive nub. He tasted slightly salty fluid as his ministrations caused her to lubricate. When he parted the folds of skin with his fingers and thrust his tongue into her opening, she tangled her fingers into his hair and undulated her hips.

Frodo wished he had felt the confidence to do this long ago. His penis tightened in arousal at the mewling cries she made, and he longed to sheath himself in her warmth. Something wicked came over him, and he took her hardened clitoris between his lips and sucked on it. His tongue circled the tip of the nub as his lips pulled at it.

Pearl screamed and tilted her head back as a violent orgasm shook her. "Frodo," She gasped, "I want you inside of me!" She panted helplessly and jerked involuntarily as he continued to tease her with lips and tongue. The constant shocks of sensation soon had her writhing mindlessly, and she barely noticed when he replaced his mouth with his fingers. He cleverly pinched the wet nub between his thumb and second finger, while rubbing the tip with his index finger.

He stared down at her with his lips parted in awe as she hissed and sobbed in pleasure. "It's...too much, Frodo," She panted desperately.

Unable to wait any longer himself, he positioned his organ against her slick opening and slowly pushed it into her. Her green eyes opened wide and locked with his blue ones as he slid deeply into her body, with agonizing slowness. Her ankles locked together as her thighs squeezed around his waist in a vise-like grip. Her breath exploded in a rush as his penis was finally buried to the hilt within her, and she bit her lip and climaxed again.

"Pearl," He whispered roughly, kissing her as he began a gentle motion. She gripped the smooth firmness of his buttocks, feeling it flex and relax rhythmically as he made love to her. She became amazed at his stamina. His uneven breath fanned her face as he continued the tender motions for so long that she lost track of time. He murmured husky endearments to her as he gently pumped his hard shaft in and out of her. He swore he would never stop loving her, and he covered her face and neck with soft kisses. She wasn't even sure how many orgasms he gave her before he finally lost control and sped his rhythm up. With four hard thrusts, he called her name and shook all over.

She kissed his slack mouth as he bucked violently within her and spurt his warmth. For a long time, he stayed still on top of her, with his face buried in her hair. His voice quivered as he whispered how much he loved her, and she felt tears splash onto her neck. It occurred to her then, with a swift, deep pain; this was going to be their last night together.

~*************~

Part 15

Frodo woke up very early, just as the horizon was beginning to lighten. He stared down at Pearl's sleeping form and held his pendant in his hand. He could barely make out his lover's beloved features as his vision blurred with tears. Never before had he felt so torn, and so helpless. He would never get well if he stayed, and eventually, his suffering would begin to wear him down. He knew it was for the best that he was leaving. At the same time, his soul needed The Shire, Pearl, and his friends and cousins. He sniffled softly and blinked, resisting the urge to caress her face one last time. It wouldn't do for her to wake up before he and Sam were far out of the Shire. Swallowing the pain, he got out of the bed, careful not to jostle the mattress and wake her. He placed the pendant on top of the nightstand; beside the letter he had written her. She would see it when she woke up. He would have no more need of the necklace, where he was going.

He dressed silently and stood at the threshold, wondering if he was doing the right thing by leaving the necklace with her. Wouldn't it simply cause her more pain, to have the trinket and be reminded of him, day by day? He himself had taken one of her ivory hair combs so that he could remember her. Oh, what was he doing? He clutched his chest, feeling physical pain inside at the thought of never seeing her again. Was all this worth the hope that going to the West would heal his wound?

Before he could change his mind, he turned on his heal and left, blinded by tears as he went out the door. Sam was outside, waiting on him. The loyal gardener gave Frodo a sympathetic, sad look as he held the reins of the two ponies he had rented for the journey. "I took the liberty of packing your things into the saddlebags last night, Mr. Frodo," He explained softly. "I knew you'd be wanting to leave as soon as you woke up."

Frodo nodded wordlessly and swung himself onto his pony's back. Sam silently followed, and the two began their journey, taking comfort in each other's presence. Once they were out of the Shire, Sam said, "Did you wake her and say goodbye?"

Frodo couldn't answer. Sam looked at him in concern, thinking perhaps he hadn't heard the question. The expression of grief on his Master's face made the gardener's soft heart ache, and Frodo's blue eyes were red-rimmed and constantly leaking. "This can't be what's best for him," Thought Sam. "No cure was ever this much worse than the symptom!" He kept his thoughts to himself, however. One thing he had learned about Frodo Baggins was that once he set his sights on something, he could not be persuaded by outside sources to turn back. If there was any luck, the ring bearer would change his mind and forget sailing away.

"Mr. Frodo...can I ask what caused you to make this decision so suddenly? You seemed to be doing so much better," Sam said hesitantly.

Frodo's ravished blue eyes met his, and the ring bearer drew a deep breath. His voice was scratchy and strained. "I received a letter from Gandalf the day before the orcs attacked Buckland. I did not let anyone know about it. He wrote that he would meet me at the Grey Havens and make the journey with me if I chose to go. I...I don't think I would be able to do this at all without him, Sam. It is so hard?" He trailed off and wiped his eyes. Sam reached across the distance and gave his friend a pat on the arm, saying no more about it.

As they traveled and came closer to the sea, Frodo began to seem almost eager to get there. His eyes cleared and he stared strait ahead with an almost obsessed expression on his delicate features. Sam shook his head and decided not to tell his Master that he thought someone was following them. The being was very quiet and crafty, making the gardener believe it might be an elf. He caught a glimpse of a shadow now and then, but it disappeared as soon as he spotted it. He was especially careful around nighttime, afraid of letting their pursuer gain the upper hand if it had evil intentions. He shuddered as he remembered Gollum, though of course it was impossible that it was he who was following them.

"Mr. Frodo...do you think you'll ever come back to Middle Earth?" Sam blurted one morning. He wished he had kept his mouth shut when Frodo gave him an uncertain, pain-filled look.

"I do not know, Sam. I've heard that time does not pass the same there as it does here. I might think I've only been gone for a day, and come back to find ten years have passed. I'm sorry...I wish I could answer that for you." Frodo reached between their mounts and took Sam's hand, squeezing it gently as the gardener blinked his eyes rapidly.

"It's just that...well, one day Rose and I are sure to have a boy. I'd sure like you to meet your namesake, Sir." His voice began to shake. The closer they got to the ocean, the more miserable he was.

Frodo forced a smile. "I'd like to, Samwise. I truly would. All we can do right now is hope."

Finally, they could hear the ocean and taste the salt in the air. Frodo gave his mount a little kick, prodding it into a trot, and Samwise followed him. Sure enough, the white sailed ships of the elves came into view as they neared the beach. Sam blinked, thinking he could make out Gandalf...either that, or pointed hats and long beards were becoming a popular style among men. "We're here," He said without enthusiasm.

As they started towards the ships, the sound of stumbling footsteps behind them caused them both to turn. Frodo's jaw dropped, and his eyes went round. There, stumbling out from the trees, was Pearl Took. Tears streaked her face, and she clutched the star pendant that hung round her neck. "Pearl?" He whispered in disbelief. Sam realized with a shock that she had been the one he sensed following them. She was wearing a pair of his breeches, obviously for easier travel, and they were incredibly baggy on her.

Frodo dismounted as she staggered over to them. Her face was dirty and tear-streaked. "I wasn't sleeping as soundly as you thought, Frodo," She said hoarsely. He caught her as she nearly fell.

"Did you follow us on foot the entire way?" He gasped, stroking her matted hair.

She nodded. "I knew a pony would make too much noise and give me away. It wasn't hard to follow you. You kept your mounts at a walk for most of the trip." Her voice sounded dull and tinny in his ears. "You were just going to leave, without giving me a chance to say goodbye or argue with you." It was not a question.

Frodo bowed his head in pain. "I could not bear your arguments, Kitten...it would have been my undoing."

She struck him in his healthy shoulder. Not hard, for she lacked the strength from exhaustion to do so. Dry, wracking sobs shook her frame as he pulled her tightly against him and rubbed her back. "I am sorry, Pearl. I am a coward for not being completely honest with you." The words tumbled out, raw and desolate. He kissed her forehead and rocked her back and forth.

After a long time, she hiccupped her last sob and looked up at him, her fingers clutching his shirt tightly. "I know you have to leave, Frodo. I came to see you off, not to stop you."

Samwise closed his eyes and shook his head. He could tell how much those words cost her to say. He wished with all his heart there was some way to heal Frodo's body and soul without losing him!

Frodo pulled back and traced Pearl's features with his fingertips. The lovers stood their, staring into one another's eyes for countless minutes, and Sam was loath to break the moment, but he saw Gandalf approaching them from the shoreline. "Frodo...we have company coming," The gardener whispered.

The ring bearer reluctantly pulled away from Pearl to face the wizened figure that approached. "Greetings, Frodo." Said Gandalf gravely, nodding his head. "I knew you would come. Bilbo is waiting on board for you, and so is the Lady Galadriel. You will not be making this journey without friends."

Frodo turned watery eyes up to the powerful wizard. "Will you be coming too, Gandalf?"

The old man nodded, giving Frodo a gentle pat on the head. "Of course I will, dear Frodo." His sharp, cobalt blue gaze rested first on Sam, then on Pearl. Sympathy colored his tone as he said to them, "Remember, friends...this is what is best for Frodo. The light willing, he may return to you, some day." His aged face was sorrowful as Pearl buried her face against Frodo's chest and put her arms around him. "Frodo, the sails are up. It is time for us to be on our way."

For a moment, the wizard thought that Frodo was going to change his mind. Sam embraced the ring bearer and Pearl, and the three of them formed a tight circle and whispered farewells and promises to one another. Reluctantly, they let go of one another and followed Gandalf down to the shore. Once there, Frodo shaded his sensitive eyes from the sun and looked upon the beautiful vessel that would bear him and the wisest beings left in Middle Earth. He saw Bilbo waving at him with a smile, and the Lady Galadriel stood next to him, glowing with her own inner light.

"We will wait for you, Frodo," Murmured Gandalf to his small friend as he stared at his lover and servant with an agonized expression. "Take this time to finish your goodbyes." With that said, Gandalf climbed the ramp and boarded the ship.

Frodo turned to Sam and tried to think of something to say. Sam smiled at him through his tears. "I think you and I have already said what we need to, Mr. Frodo. I knew this day was coming, since the first time you had your sickness. It's Pearl who needs the words, now."

Frodo swallowed hard and nodded, hugging Sam tightly. "Please take care of my Pearl for me, Samwise." He choked. The gardener nodded, too overcome to speak.

When he turned to Pearl, he said softly, "I wish I had more than a trinket and fond memories to give you, Kitten. I wish...oh, I just don't know what I wish. I wish for you to be happy, even if it cannot be with me." He barely managed to get the last part of the sentence out before the weeping began anew, and he kissed her lingeringly. He could taste the salt of tears on her lips, though he had no way of knowing if they were hers, his, or a mixture of both. She clung to him, saying nothing. Her kiss and the way she held him told him everything he needed to know.

Pulling out of that embrace and walking away to join the others was harder than all the trials he had faced in Mordor. He thought he heard her murmur that he had given her something else, but he chalked it up to his heartache and fevered imagination. As he boarded the ship, he stood beside Bilbo and turned around to get one last glimpse of the two hobbits he loved most of all. His uncle put his arm around him, and Frodo leaned gladly into the embrace, feeling his strength and resolve slipping. On the shoreline, Sam draped his arm around Pearl's shoulders and waved, and Pearl put a hand to her stomach as though she felt ill. The boarding planks were raised, and the sails caught the wind. Frodo stared unblinking as the two tiny figures dwindled from his sight.

"The ache will fade, Frodo Baggins," Galadriel said softly, stroking his curls. Tears streaming from his eyes, he looked up at her with an expression that said he thought she was a liar.

Pearl watched the white sails of the ship disappear into the mists, and she bit her knuckles to hold back a sob. Her hand strayed to her belly, where Frodo's final gift to her grew within. "You have given me something else, my gentle hobbit," She whispered through an aching throat, "And we'll both be waiting for you to come home." Sam heard what she said, saw the way she patted her stomach, and dropped his jaw.

"Wha...why didn't you tell him?!" He cried, "He would have stayed if you told him you were carrying his babe!"

She looked up at Sam with a wistful expression on her pixie-like face. "I'm sure he would have, Sam...and he would have suffered for it. We both know that."

He nodded slowly and hugged her. "Pearl, you're the only Took I've ever met who I could actually say was wise. I sure hate that you're right, though." The pair sorrowfully made their way back to the waiting ponies, each reflecting on what the future might bring.

-NOT the end