A little mathom...
Jul. 2nd, 2005 01:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dreamflowerWell, it's after midnight, and I'm officially 53 years old now. I went to bed relatively early--around 9:30, but a touch of heartburn has me awake again, so I will get a jump-start on things.
I'm celebrating with an update--finally--of "Chance Encounter"
PART 37
Gimli clambered atop the pile of rubble that still marked a portion of the wall on the third level, and gestured to Frodo and Sam, who stood with Legolas below.
“We’ll soon be rebuilding this section even better than before,” he said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
“I’m sure you will, Mr. Gimli,” said Sam politely. This little trek around the City was getting tiring. He glanced at Frodo, wondering if he was all right.
Frodo and Legolas were quietly talking.
“I do apologize, Frodo, for intruding on your privacy and that of the others.” He flushed briefly. “I am afraid I did not think of that aspect of it until Mithrandir pointed it out to me. I simply could not bear to see all of you suffering night after night.”
“I understand your motives, Legolas. And it may be, that from time to time, one or more of us might like to have your help. But we cannot live our lives with you hovering over us all night every night. Even if you do not find it inconvenient to do so, I am afraid that we would.”
The Elf gave a rueful chuckle. “I did not think of inconvenience either, mellon nin.”
Frodo smiled at him. “I know that very well. And I know that you were only moved by friendship. What I wonder now is what is moving you and Gimli to keep us wandering about the streets today. I do not believe for a moment that another surprise party is in the works.”
At that instant, Sam and Gimli had rejoined them, just in time to hear Frodo’s last remark.
“What are you saying, Mr. Frodo?”
“That I do not think this pointless little tour of the City is really so very pointless. It’s *not* another surprise party, am I right?”
Legolas and Gimli exchanged a dismayed look, obviously at a loss as to how they should answer.
“Is it an order from Aragorn? What is going on, that he wants Sam and I out of the way for?”
Gimli shrugged. “You are too perceptive, Master Hobbit. Our King had a task for your youngest cousin today, and he did not wish for any interference.”
Legolas was appalled. “Gimli!” he exclaimed.
The Dwarf gave the Elf a shake of the head. “I am sure the task is accomplished by now, my friend. And I cannot see lying to a direct question, can you?”
The Elf sighed.
Frodo and Sam were both looking very alarmed, and Frodo more than a touch angry. “What has he put Pippin up to? Is it dangerous?”
No immediate answer forthcoming, he gave them an icy glare. “It *is* dangerous, whatever it is, isn’t it?”
This time it was Legolas who answered. “I do not think that it will be, but yes, the possibility does exist, however remotely. And Pippin *did* offer to do it. He will be watched and guarded on every side, by guardsmen and by Aragorn himself.”
Frodo’s face grew white, with two red spots on his cheeks, and his blue eyes were glacial. “And he chooses a time when Merry is unable to be with Pippin, and then conveniently orders the two of you to get Sam and I out of the way. I think I need to have a word with my King.”
He turned and started back towards the upper levels, Sam at his heels. “You had better tell me what is going on,” he said, without even looking to see if Legolas and Gimli were following.
Reluctantly they recounted the tale of the swindlers, and Pippin’s proposed role in trapping them. As the story unfolded, Frodo continued to move resolutely forward in stony silence, growing more and more appalled.
So it was that they came upon the scene shortly after it happened, watching from a distance as guardsmen led away their captives, and Aragorn and Pippin stood talking.
And it was with a sinking feeling that Pippin heard a familiar voice: “Peregrin Took, just *what* did you think you were doing?”
“Frodo!” he squeaked, more frightened at the tone of his senior cousin’s voice than he ever had been in the grip of the criminal.
Frodo marched up to Aragorn. “I cannot believe that you allowed my cousin to endanger himself again!”
Taken aback, Aragorn cast a reproachful look at Legolas and Gimli, who merely shook their heads. He looked at Frodo, and started to answer apologetically “Frodo, I--”
Frodo was about to interrupt angrily, when Pippin found his voice.
“Frodo Baggins!” he said sharply.
Surprised at a tone of voice he had never before heard directed towards himself by Pippin, Frodo turned.
“Frodo, you are my oldest cousin. But I am not *just* your baby cousin anymore! Here in the White City I am a Knight of Gondor, I am a soldier and a guard of the Citadel. I have *responsibilities*! And I have a King who trusts me to carry them out! Those Men were planning on taking advantage of us just because they thought we were small and innocent. There is no way I was going to allow that!” Pippin drew himself up proudly, even though he was not in livery, he looked every inch the Knight. “Strider asked me especially if I was *sure* I wanted to do this. He did not order me to. But if he had, I still would have done it gladly. He is my King and liege--and yours too, I might add.”
Frodo gaped. He had never in his life been spoken to that way by Pippin, who usually wilted whenever his oldest cousin showed him scorn. He stared for a moment at the resolute face of the young hobbit who stood so proudly before him.
“Oh, Pip!” he said finally, “I’m sorry. But I did hope that you and Merry were all through having to be in danger now that the Enemy is gone.”
Aragorn finally spoke, having wisely kept out of it as long as it was family business. “The Enemy is gone, but wickedness lives on without him, Frodo, and the wicked cannot be allowed to prey on the good, or soon we will have another Enemy to deal with.”
Sam had moved up, and placed an arm around Frodo’s shoulders. “Mr. Frodo, Mr. Pippin is right, you know. He’s done well by himself, and I have to say, I’m right proud of him.”
Frodo looked at Pippin, tears gathering in the blue eyes, and he reached out to give him a hug. “I’m proud of you, too, Pippin Took.” He drew back and gave a little laugh. “You know, don’t you, that you will get this same lecture from Merry, only worse, when he finds out.”
Pippin’s green eyes grew wide. “Perish forbid!” he said.
____________________________________________________________
I'm also hoping that a few other, more material pressies found their way to the intended recipients. (I know at least![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
shirebound, marigoldg, llinos , coneygoil and anso_the_hobbit all got theirs, anyway.
I am really looking forward to the Challenge stories coming out.
And the DH has something all hidden away for me, and we're going out tonight.
Good morning all!
((((hugs flist))))
I'm celebrating with an update--finally--of "Chance Encounter"
PART 37
Gimli clambered atop the pile of rubble that still marked a portion of the wall on the third level, and gestured to Frodo and Sam, who stood with Legolas below.
“We’ll soon be rebuilding this section even better than before,” he said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
“I’m sure you will, Mr. Gimli,” said Sam politely. This little trek around the City was getting tiring. He glanced at Frodo, wondering if he was all right.
Frodo and Legolas were quietly talking.
“I do apologize, Frodo, for intruding on your privacy and that of the others.” He flushed briefly. “I am afraid I did not think of that aspect of it until Mithrandir pointed it out to me. I simply could not bear to see all of you suffering night after night.”
“I understand your motives, Legolas. And it may be, that from time to time, one or more of us might like to have your help. But we cannot live our lives with you hovering over us all night every night. Even if you do not find it inconvenient to do so, I am afraid that we would.”
The Elf gave a rueful chuckle. “I did not think of inconvenience either, mellon nin.”
Frodo smiled at him. “I know that very well. And I know that you were only moved by friendship. What I wonder now is what is moving you and Gimli to keep us wandering about the streets today. I do not believe for a moment that another surprise party is in the works.”
At that instant, Sam and Gimli had rejoined them, just in time to hear Frodo’s last remark.
“What are you saying, Mr. Frodo?”
“That I do not think this pointless little tour of the City is really so very pointless. It’s *not* another surprise party, am I right?”
Legolas and Gimli exchanged a dismayed look, obviously at a loss as to how they should answer.
“Is it an order from Aragorn? What is going on, that he wants Sam and I out of the way for?”
Gimli shrugged. “You are too perceptive, Master Hobbit. Our King had a task for your youngest cousin today, and he did not wish for any interference.”
Legolas was appalled. “Gimli!” he exclaimed.
The Dwarf gave the Elf a shake of the head. “I am sure the task is accomplished by now, my friend. And I cannot see lying to a direct question, can you?”
The Elf sighed.
Frodo and Sam were both looking very alarmed, and Frodo more than a touch angry. “What has he put Pippin up to? Is it dangerous?”
No immediate answer forthcoming, he gave them an icy glare. “It *is* dangerous, whatever it is, isn’t it?”
This time it was Legolas who answered. “I do not think that it will be, but yes, the possibility does exist, however remotely. And Pippin *did* offer to do it. He will be watched and guarded on every side, by guardsmen and by Aragorn himself.”
Frodo’s face grew white, with two red spots on his cheeks, and his blue eyes were glacial. “And he chooses a time when Merry is unable to be with Pippin, and then conveniently orders the two of you to get Sam and I out of the way. I think I need to have a word with my King.”
He turned and started back towards the upper levels, Sam at his heels. “You had better tell me what is going on,” he said, without even looking to see if Legolas and Gimli were following.
Reluctantly they recounted the tale of the swindlers, and Pippin’s proposed role in trapping them. As the story unfolded, Frodo continued to move resolutely forward in stony silence, growing more and more appalled.
So it was that they came upon the scene shortly after it happened, watching from a distance as guardsmen led away their captives, and Aragorn and Pippin stood talking.
And it was with a sinking feeling that Pippin heard a familiar voice: “Peregrin Took, just *what* did you think you were doing?”
“Frodo!” he squeaked, more frightened at the tone of his senior cousin’s voice than he ever had been in the grip of the criminal.
Frodo marched up to Aragorn. “I cannot believe that you allowed my cousin to endanger himself again!”
Taken aback, Aragorn cast a reproachful look at Legolas and Gimli, who merely shook their heads. He looked at Frodo, and started to answer apologetically “Frodo, I--”
Frodo was about to interrupt angrily, when Pippin found his voice.
“Frodo Baggins!” he said sharply.
Surprised at a tone of voice he had never before heard directed towards himself by Pippin, Frodo turned.
“Frodo, you are my oldest cousin. But I am not *just* your baby cousin anymore! Here in the White City I am a Knight of Gondor, I am a soldier and a guard of the Citadel. I have *responsibilities*! And I have a King who trusts me to carry them out! Those Men were planning on taking advantage of us just because they thought we were small and innocent. There is no way I was going to allow that!” Pippin drew himself up proudly, even though he was not in livery, he looked every inch the Knight. “Strider asked me especially if I was *sure* I wanted to do this. He did not order me to. But if he had, I still would have done it gladly. He is my King and liege--and yours too, I might add.”
Frodo gaped. He had never in his life been spoken to that way by Pippin, who usually wilted whenever his oldest cousin showed him scorn. He stared for a moment at the resolute face of the young hobbit who stood so proudly before him.
“Oh, Pip!” he said finally, “I’m sorry. But I did hope that you and Merry were all through having to be in danger now that the Enemy is gone.”
Aragorn finally spoke, having wisely kept out of it as long as it was family business. “The Enemy is gone, but wickedness lives on without him, Frodo, and the wicked cannot be allowed to prey on the good, or soon we will have another Enemy to deal with.”
Sam had moved up, and placed an arm around Frodo’s shoulders. “Mr. Frodo, Mr. Pippin is right, you know. He’s done well by himself, and I have to say, I’m right proud of him.”
Frodo looked at Pippin, tears gathering in the blue eyes, and he reached out to give him a hug. “I’m proud of you, too, Pippin Took.” He drew back and gave a little laugh. “You know, don’t you, that you will get this same lecture from Merry, only worse, when he finds out.”
Pippin’s green eyes grew wide. “Perish forbid!” he said.
____________________________________________________________
I'm also hoping that a few other, more material pressies found their way to the intended recipients. (I know at least
shirebound, marigoldg, llinos , coneygoil and anso_the_hobbit all got theirs, anyway.I am really looking forward to the Challenge stories coming out.
And the DH has something all hidden away for me, and we're going out tonight.
Good morning all!
((((hugs flist))))
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 07:35 am (UTC)I'd compare ages and birthdays - but that would mean saying when mine is, so I won't. Except to say that there are some fairly close similarities - either to year or date or maybe both. Fairly being a key term. Enjoy your birthday - celebrate it by writing some more, why don't you! Abandon housework and such tedium in favour of more pleasurable activities.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 02:29 pm (UTC)I decided many years ago that when it came to the age thing, I'd just let it all hang out. I've never cared one way or the other about telling how old I am.
Yeah, not a lot of chores to do today. I do plan on taking it easy.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 03:46 pm (UTC)I don't even remind my husband - I'm always interested to see if he forgets. Only I don't think the Firstborn would let him.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 07:02 pm (UTC)So we're pretty much of an age, huh? And here I thought I was the "oldie" around here.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 08:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 02:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 08:28 am (UTC)Where are you since you`re suddenly in a timesone a day before Europe? Anyway, yes the bunny got here and I shall start writing as soon as the challenge story is finished (I`m doing a long one again). And Happy birthday! I hope you`re having a wonderful day filled with hobbits and fun, family and friends
*big hugs*
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 02:33 pm (UTC)I'm not sure what you mean about the timezone? My clock said 1am when I posted. (And I was born right after midnight.)
I am so glad you liked your bunny-bunny! I had a lot of fun making them. I took some pics, but I had already mailed yours, Marigold's and Llinos', since I was worried about them arriving on time--and then they turned out a week early. Go figure. LOL!
((((hugs Anso))))
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 08:42 am (UTC)I wish you many happy returns!
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 02:34 pm (UTC)I'll look for your pressie with anticipation.
Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 12:29 pm (UTC)“Frodo, you are my oldest cousin. But I am not *just* your baby cousin anymore! Here in the White City I am a Knight of Gondor, I am a soldier and a guard of the Citadel. I have *responsibilities*! And I have a King who trusts me to carry them out!
I adore this! Pippin standing up for himself, and in front of the King! Eeeeee!
And thank you AGAIN for my wonderful mathom! You're such a treasure.
*hugs and loves*
no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 02:37 pm (UTC)Glad you liked your mathom.
((((hugs back))))
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Date: 2005-07-01 02:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 02:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 03:35 pm (UTC)*hugs*
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Date: 2005-07-01 07:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 04:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 07:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 05:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 07:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 05:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-01 07:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-02 01:44 am (UTC)HAPPY B-DAY!!! *huggles* Love ya, Barbara!