You Had Me at "Handkerchief" {Bilbo Baggins/LOTR}

Chapter IX: The One Who Simply Walked Into Mordor

Chapter IX:

The One Who Simply Walked Into Mordor

It has been an accumulation of seven days since Bilbo and I admitted a shared love for one another. And in that time, we have become suitable companions, ones who know the other better than they know themselves. We have shared all that is sacred to us, and all that is menial, and in a way, grown to love each other in a deeper fashion. And though I sleep as restlessly as I did on that first night, since Bilbo sleeps within his own chambers, I acquire some hours of sleep with just the pleasing thought of the future. It is, indeed, looking brighter.

In conjunction with our growing companionship, Frodo arrived just two days ago in a state as close to eternal damnation as ever before. He was, in continuation of my previous fear, stabbed with a Morgul blade, belonging to none other than a Ringwraith. And though I hold an overwhelming sense of guilt in my heart for not dispersing these evil kings of old, I take great happiness in the reminder that Frodo did not come across Drek, the brother of Smaug. Indeed, his injuries could be a lot worse, and by that I mean Frodo could be nothing more than ashes.

And with that thought, I relinquish my guilt to the scenery of Rivendell. The past few days have been filled with Bilbo's attention, though he takes more time in visiting Frodo than doing anything else. I do not blame him for this, as I would do the exact same thing if my family was that close to death. But as love works, Frodo is making a great recovery, yet to come upon consciousness, as love surrounds his small form.

The Council of Elrond is to be held later today, hopefully following my family's arrival and Frodo's consciousness. The threat of Mordor and Sauron is growing each day, even within the haven that is Rivendell, so it is decided that the Council take place as soon as physically possible. And by "physically" I mean when Frodo awakens. He must, after all, take the Ring to Mordor.

At this given moment, Bilbo and I sit upon a terrace within the gardens of Rivendell, looking over his book. My hobbit has been quick to realize my deep love of literature and artistic graphs. In the same fashion, he has realized I have a great admiration for the book he has created, and gives me full reign in the turning of its pages. It is, after all, a story of my parents and my lover, a story that recounts a turn of fate that, eventually, created me.

"Bilbo!" a recognizable voice exclaims from behind us, heads turning to look to at a renewed Frodo Baggins. A large grin breaks upon my face as Bilbo rises from his seat, releases my hand, and captures his nephew in an embrace. It's as if they have not seen each other for some seventeen years, and yet, I know their joy derives from Frodo's sickness and new role as Ringbearer.

"Hello Frodo, my lad!" Bilbo quips to his nephew, smiles mirrored upon all our faces. The Ringbearer looks to me with a large smile, pulling me into a hug as well and prompting a surprised chuckle on my part. I have never met this younger hobbit, so I am taken off guard by his obvious affection towards me. This embrace must be his grateful acknowledgement for keeping his uncle safe.

Returning to the crisp air at the cessation of the hug, I notice Frodo's eyes upon the book I previously gazed at, the book belonging to none other than Bilbo. As the look on his face clearly illuminates, Frodo has yet to see this story or even recognize the fact that his uncle in a great author of wondrous, yet true tales.

Frodo passes by my side to clench the closed book within his own hands, brushing his fingers over the slightly worn cover of red leather. He looks to Bilbo with a sense of confusion, only opening the booklet at a gesture of Bilbo. Looking to my One, I notice his eyes turning upon mine, a smile painting his every feature. I acknowledge his look with a mirrored expression of my own, ignoring my desire to grab Bilbo's hand as Frodo opens the booklet. As previously discussed, Bilbo and I have agreed to keep our relationship a secret until the War's end and the Ring's destruction. This loving distraction is one for the two of us, and naught to be shared with others.