Halflings

Chapter Six

~ Chapter Six: Search Party ~

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          Esmeralda was the first to wake that morning. The sun was rising, slightly lighting the place. She looked across the blanket, to see Frodo sleeping. He was curled up in a ball, using his arms as something to rest his head on. His thick eyelashes fanned over his smooth cheeks, and his soft lips were parted, letting quiet snores escape.

She sat up, as a garment slid off of her. She picked it up, and saw that it was Frodo's coat. Blushing, she folded it, and set it next to him. She stood, stretching, before running her hands over her winkled dress. She kept glancing over at him, then blushing every time.

"Why am I actin' like this?" She whispered to herself, before sitting back down against a tree.

She couldn't help herself, and began to watch him again. His hair looked so soft, and his lips looked so smooth. She wanted to reach out and touch him, right before he started to stir. She quickly brought her hands to her lap, and pretended to be interested in her fingernails. After a moment, she heard a gentle, tired voice.

"Good morning, Esmeralda."

She looked at him. "Good mornin', Frodo."

He smiled, then slowly sat up. He groaned, then held his back.

"Sleeping like that was horrible for my back." He said.

"Well, maybe ya should have used your coat for a pillow, instead of givin' it to me." Esmeralda replied, with her cheeks heating up.

When she wasn't looking, Frodo looked over at her and saw her blush. He smiled, before looking down.

"You looked cold."

She looked back over, and their eyes met.

"Thank ya."

He smiled, then stood and grabbed her hand. He pulled her up, and was about to start packing, until he caught a glimpse of her captivating eyes. Her bright green ones poured into his clear blue ones, as her lips slightly parted. He held her hand tighter, as they looked at each other in wonder. Their hearts raced, as they slowly leaned in. Frodo's lips parted, as Esmeralda softly closed her eyes. He copied her actions, as the space between their lips became smaller and smaller.

Suddenly, they felt the brush of their lips against each other, until, they heard the sound of a dog barking. Frodo quickly pulled away, looking flushed and embarrassed. Esmeralda stood, placing her fingertips on her lips, as her cheeks turned red.

"Esmeralda, I-I'm s-sorry." Frodo stammered, quickly stuffing the blanket in his bag.

"Don't apologize." She whispered, helping him pack up, and pouring water on the fire.

He looked at her again, before they noticed the sound of the dog getting closer. Then, they heard the sound of people talking. Frodo nodded his head toward the sound.

"Come on."

She nodded, and started to follow him. The sound got closer and closer, as they trekked through the woods. Suddenly, they saw a small group of people, holding fire torches, and a few dogs on their leashes. Frodo made eye contact with one of the people, and he quickly turned around.

"Mister Bilbo! I've found them!"

Frodo and Esmeralda looked at each other, before Bilbo hurriedly ran into the scene.

"Frodo! Esmeralda!" Bilbo grabbed his nephew's face. "You've had me worried sick!" He hugged him, then moved to Esmeralda to hug her. "What happened? Why didn't you come home?"