Chapter Note:  This chapter references “Quarantined” Chapters 16 and 19.

Responses to reviews are located at the end of the chapter.

DISCLAIMER:  Of course.  The characters don’t belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.

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ESTEL’S BIRTHDAY

Chapter 4 -- By The Water

March 1

“It’s only one night, ma,” Sam sighed.  “I didn’t take this many clothes when we went campin’ for a week last time.”

“It wasn’t still winter last time,” Bell Gamgee said firmly, stuffing a warm cloak into the bag.  “Early spring or not, just a couple hours away or not, you just never know, Samwise.”

“Thank you for talkin’ dad into lettin’ me go,” Sam said, giving his mother a sudden hug.  “I don’t know why Mr. Frodo likes havin’ me around, but I’m surely glad he does.”

“You’re good for him,” Bell said thoughtfully.  “You show him what it could’ve been like.”

“I don’t understand,” Sam said, puzzled.

Bell sat down and drew her young son into her lap.  “Remember, before Mr. Frodo came to live here, when Mr. Bilbo told us about how his parents died?”  Sam nodded.  “He was 12 when that happened, Sam,” his mother continued.  “You’re a big boy of 13 now.”

“What’s that got to do with anythin’?”

“Don’t you see?” Bell asked, her eyes soft with compassion.  “When Mr. Frodo was your age, he was orphaned, Sam.  When he’s with you, he sees what it would have been like to have his parents still with him, and grow up happy.  He never got the chance.”

“Oh,” Sam whispered.

“You’re sunshine on the flowers,” Bell said softly, “you always have been.  Mr. Frodo needs all the sunshine he can get.  He laughs more when you’re around, Sam -- even Mr. Bilbo’s remarked on it.”  She pulled her youngest son into another hug.  “You’re a lucky one, Samwise Gamgee, and you have somethin’ Mr. Frodo never had, and never will.  He’s drawn to it.  Do you understand?”

“I think so,” Sam nodded.

“It’s wonderful that he’s includin’ you in his life, and showin’ you things you’d never see otherwise.  Make sure you mind your manners out there.”  Bell set her son on the floor and turned back to the packing.  “Now, where’s that hat of yours gone to?”

*~*~*~*~*

“Pony!” Pippin burst out with delight.  He started running toward Arthad.

“Pip, wait.”  Frodo scooped up the child and began to walk slowly across the field toward the horse.  “Remember how Scamp needed to get to know you first?  Let’s allow the... ‘pony’ to do the same.  We must be very quiet so we don’t startle him, all right?”

Pippin nodded.  “I’ll be quiet,” he whispered.

Aragorn looked up and smiled as Frodo approached.  Sam, grinning from ear to ear, was seated on Arthad, and Bilbo waited nearby next to the pony and cart he had borrowed. 

It was a beautiful morning, as clear and warm as could be desired.  Frodo’s eyes were sparkling with happiness.  He felt wonderful after a good night’s sleep, brought on by how tired he had been by evening.  Aragorn had been astonished at how many bags, satchels, boxes, and bundles Frodo and Bilbo had filled in a few short hours.  Frodo had even packed a small bag for Scamp, containing a few of the pup’s favorite toys.  Pippin had thought it a great game, ‘helping’ decide what food to pack by getting small tastes of likely breads and other savory treats.

Frodo kept a firm hold on Pippin as he came up to Arthad, and felt the tot cling to him a bit tighter as the horse loomed over them.  Pippin didn’t say a single word as the massive head came down to touch him briefly.

“He won’t hurt you, Master Pippin,” Sam said from his proud perch.  “Ollie’s gentle as a lamb.”

“I know he’s very big,” Frodo said softly, “but he’s a wonderful horse, and very gentle.  See how he’s letting Sam sit on him?”  Pippin nodded, but made no attempt to touch Arthad.

“You weren’t that eager to meet Arthad, yourself, Frodo,” Aragorn said with a smile.  “It takes time.”

“You’re right,” Frodo grinned.  He carried Pippin over to where Bilbo waited, and soon the toddler had forgotten his brief fright as he found himself nestled snugly into a portion of the cart piled with blankets and pillows.  Frodo lifted Scamp into the cart next to Pippin, and the pup commenced to investigate all the bags and bundles before burrowing between them and practically disappearing.

Frodo climbed into the cart and settled himself next to Pippin.  Although he would rather have walked next to Aragorn, Bilbo had been very clear that at no time was Pippin to be left alone on this trip -- especially not in a moving cart.

“We’re ready, Estel,” Bilbo called.  Aragorn lifted Sam down from Arthad’s back, and the lad joined Frodo in the cart.

“Here, Master Pippin,” Sam said, taking the toddler’s hand.  “I’ll show you how to count all these fingers you’ve got.”

“You’re so good with children, Sam,” Frodo smiled in appreciation.  “Pip needs to be occupied every second, it seems.”

“Why, there’s nothin’ to it, Mr. Frodo,” Sam replied.  He pretended to eat one of the tiny fingers, which set Pippin off into a giggling fit.  “I was this lad’s age when Marigold was born, you know.  I’ve had a lot of experience carin’ for a young tot.”

Bilbo climbed up into the front seat of the cart and urged the pony forward.  As they travelled, Aragorn walked or rode beside them.

The “expedition” around The Hill to The Water didn’t take long, and The Hill could still be seen to the southeast when Bilbo called a halt.  As Frodo and Sam lifted Pippin down, Aragorn looked about with pleasure.  The campsite was a grassy glade near a thick grove of trees.  A sparkling stream flowed swiftly nearby.  It was wide but shallow, and edged by tall reeds and grasses among which butterflies and tiny birds darted.  Farther south, this same busy stream would flow into the Brandywine River.  A wide strip of soft, sandy ground bordered the stream.  There was no sound save for the tumble of water, birdsong, and a gentle breeze in the trees.  The early spring had encouraged trees and bushes to put forth fresh green leaves, and a sweet fragrance filled the glade.

“The Shire is a wonderful place, Bilbo,” Aragorn said, helping Bilbo release the pony from the cart.

“I know,” Bilbo nodded.  “Is it any wonder that my relations -- most of them, in any event -- believe me to be somewhat mad to wander off from time to time?”  He looked up at the Ranger shrewdly.  “The Shire is good for you, as well, I think.  Perhaps your visits here give you a time to laugh and relax, and think of lighter issues than what dangers may threaten its helpless and unwary inhabitants.”

“Hardly helpless,” Aragorn said quietly.  “Do you never leave Bag End without that sword?”

“I didn’t think anyone saw me pack it,” Bilbo whispered.  “Sting hung on the wall for 50 years, Aragorn, gathering dust, until we spent those days with you at Bindbale Wood.”

Aragorn crouched down to Bilbo’s eye level, the hobbit’s rare use of his name capturing his full attention.

“Things change when you have loved ones to protect,” Bilbo continued, looking into the Ranger’s eyes.  “Don’t they?”

“Indeed they do,” Aragorn agreed.  “The Rangers protect the Shire as duty, Bilbo, and to keep a promise we made to Gandalf.  But it is now more than duty, to me.  Much more.”

“I know.”

*~*~*~*~*

After an excited frenzy of sniffing and exploring, Scamp raced toward the stream and, stopping well short of the water, began to dig happily in the soft sand.  Frodo captured Pippin’s hand just as the toddler was beginning to follow the pup.

“Pip,” Frodo said, lifting the child into his arms, “there’s something I need to show you.  Do you see how Scamp is staying away from the water?”  Pippin nodded as Frodo carried him to the edge of the stream.  “Look.”  Frodo knelt, still holding tight to his young cousin.  He motioned to a wealth of river-reeds a short distance away.

Pippin gasped and tried to wriggle free.  “Ducks!” he cried.  “Big ducks and babies, Fwodo!”

“I know,” Frodo said.  “We have to leave them be, Pip.  We can’t chase them or scare them.  They’re a family, and this is where they live.  We need to let them swim and play on their own.  Do you understand?”

Pippin looked sad.  “We can’t play with the duck babies?”

Frodo smiled.  “If they come to us, we can touch them and let them get to know us.  But they have to come to us first.  We can’t bother them.  See how Scamp is staying away from them?  She knows that it’s fun to come here and dig, and play in the trees, but not to chase the duck family.  It took a long time to teach her, but now she knows.”

“But what if they get hungwy?”

“They eat worms and bugs.”  Frodo grinned as the toddler wrinkled his nose in disgust.  “Sometimes they find tiny fish, and they eat plants, too.  Pip, if we feed the baby ducks, they won’t look for their own food, the kind that keeps them healthy and happy.”

“No cake?”

“No cake.”

“Can we have cake?  I don’t want any bugs.”

“No bugs for my Pippin,” Frodo laughed.  “You have to wait until after supper for the cake, though.  It’s for Estel’s birthday, and he gets the very first piece.”

Pippin put his mouth up to Frodo’s ear.  “What is it?” he whispered noisily.

“Strawberry,” Frodo whispered back conspiratorily, “with lots of cream.  We’re going to put the milk and cream in the stream to keep them cold.”

“Won’t the ducks eat them?”

“No,” Frodo smiled.  “They’ll be all covered up.  Does strawberry cake meet with your approval, Peregrin Took?”

Pippin giggled and nodded.

“Good.  Now, what did you learn about the ducks?”

Pippin looked at his cousin soberly.  “I won’t chase them, Fwodo.  I pwomise.”

“Good boy.”  Frodo let Pippin stand on his own, and he and the child were quiet for a few moments, watching the duck family glide smoothly among the reeds.  “Come on,” Frodo smiled, leading Pippin away.  “You can help Scamp dig while we set up camp.”  He pulled a pail and large spoon from one of the bundles, then set Pippin down next to Scamp.  Soon the lad was squealing with delight as the sand flew in all directions.

“Are you hungry, Estel?” Frodo asked as he and Sam began to set up the tents.

“Hungry?” the Ranger asked incredulously.  “After that enormous breakfast?”

“Birthday breakfasts are always enormous,” Bilbo explained.  “You don’t think we’d let you starve, do you?”

“Bilbo,” Aragorn grinned as he set off to gather downed wood, “I believe a hobbit would invite a troll to dinner if there was a danger of him starving.”

“I nearly did dine with trolls,” Bilbo called after him with a laugh.  “But we’ll feed you just the same!”

** TBC **

Chapter 5 will bring something... rather unexpected!

Aiko-chan:  Oh, a swimming pool of fluff!  An ocean of fluff!  How soft and warm and comforting, and... thank you for jumping in with me!

Ainu Laire:  I could never forget the Baggins double-birthday, but indeed, I will never again forget the birthday of our esteemed King!

angelsflame265:  Can you imagine what hobbits would pack, if they had a huge cart to fill up?  Why, the food alone would probably fill most of it.

aprilkat:  That’s exactly how I originally planned “Quarantined” -- to show the Shire that Frodo was trying to save, and explain why Aragorn was so diligent in ensuring its protection.  I’m glad that theme is still coming through.

Auntiemeesh:  Yes, this whole “Quarantined” universe seems to be my way of helping Frodo to feel valued, loved, and very special.  (And he loves your hugs!)

Bookworm2000:  I have no idea if there could even be shooting stars in the Middle-earth skies, but it’s fun to think about.

Breon Briarwood:  And how often does a grim, lonesome Ranger get a chance to be cheeky and teasing?  What fun.

Catmint:  Yes, I’m forced to admit that this is a quite the fluff-o-rama!

cpsings4him:  You can’t imagine how painful it was to write “By Chance or Purpose”, where Aragorn had to watch all those awful things happen to his “little one” from this universe.  I just want to shower them all with happiness and love.

cuthalion:  I’m enjoying writing a continuum in these stories, where Frodo can mature, and his relationship with Bilbo (and Estel and others) has a chance to grow and develop.

DreaminofLorien:  I’ll try to slip in some Aragorn/Pip bonding soon!

Elenar:  Yes, I’m afraid that Pippin is dreadfully cute in this story.  The little rascal.  :)

EllyBaggins:  Thank you for liking Pip’s stuffed toy!  It doesn’t matter what a toy looks like, as long as it’s loved.

Elven Kitten:  You sweetie.  Thank you.

Elwen:  This really is a lot of fluff, isn’t it?  (I’d help you with that sneezing problem, but I’m too buried in the fluff myself to reach the tissues.)  Thank you, Elwen.

esamen:  I didn’t deliberately plan to have a ‘continuum’ of stories that showed Frodo’s growth in self confidence and maturity, but that’s what seems to be happening!  Let’s see... I wouldn’t call what will happen in this story “angst”, but more a ruffling of the smooth, fluffy waters.  For true angst, we’ll have to wait until I get to that Barrow-wights story I’ve been trying to find time to write.  (My goodness, I wouldn’t think of drowning wee!Pip -- his parents would never let the Bagginses look after him again!)

GamgeeFest:  I’m glad you like the fact that Frodo and Scamp are growing and maturing.  I seem to have a “universe” going here, and it’s only natural that people change as time passes.

Gayalondiel:  You have no idea how happy it makes me to write something that makes you feel good, Gaya.  No idea.

Hai Took:  Pippin is three years old (it was mentioned briefly in Chapter 3).  I’m so glad you’re enjoying this!

Ice Ember:  It wasn’t easy fitting everything into one cart, believe me!

illyria-pffyffin:  Oh, thank you for mentioning all the details of Chapter 3 you liked.  I try hard to really imagine things such as what kind of chair Pip would sit in at the table, and what toys he’d have.

InuEnki:  I hope you got through Hurricane Francis in one piece!  I’ve been sending all you Florida folks good thoughts (and virtual Rangers to help out).

Lady Eleclya:  And happy half birthday to you!  There’s some hobbit cake in the next chapter, and I don’t think anyone would mind if we had just a little taste...

LaughingBrook:  Thank you for the lovely compliment.

Leah:  Isn’t fluff fun?  I’m having a good time with this story.

LilyBaggins:  I’ve missed writing about Aragorn and Frodo so much, Lily!  Fluffy or angsty, it’s wonderful to be back in their world.

Lily the Hobbit:  I used to do that “shoo” motion to my dog, and it worked wonders!  It was fun having Aragorn try it on Frodo.

lindahoyland:  It’s such a joy to write a happy, relaxing time for our beloved characters.

LinweP:  A “joyous and happy” story is exactly what I was hoping for; sometimes it’s just nice to relax and have a good time.  Thank you!

lovethosehobbits:  It’s such a pleasure to write something “lighthearted”.

Maura Labingi:  I can’t hide it any longer, Maura -- here there be fluff!

my-fool-of-a-took:  I hope you won’t be disappointed if there’s no “disaster” -- I never promised anything but fluff!  :)

Mysterious Jedi:  Many thanks.

Noldo:  Welcome to this “universe”!  I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying it.

Parker:  Oh yes, feel free to squee!!  That’s a compliment!

Pearl Took:  What a joy to brighten your day with fluff!  And yes, it’s fun to have a “Scottish” hobbit; I never had any problems accepting Billy Boyd’s Pippin.

pipspebble:  Oh Pip, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this so much.

Pipwise Brandygin:  It certainly is a challenge to think of something different that might happen on one of these camping trips.  I hate to be too repetitive.

SlightlyTookish:  Can you imagine all the things Frodo must have heard, in his years at Brandy Hall?  I’m sure not all of it was complimentary, and it’s lovely to be able to write a conversation that he’s happy to overhear.

Tathar:  Bilbo was so fond of poetry and speech-making, I can well imagine that he’d enjoy debate and verbal “tussling” -- and Frodo is a Baggins, after all.

Vilya0:  Actually, the “r” problem little Pip has with his speech is something you’ll hear with a lot of toddlers, whether or not they’re Tooks!  My niece couldn’t pronounce an “r” for years (until she about five years old).  The accent that Aragorn is hearing isn’t the usual challenge a toddler has in speaking, but in something else.  Something... Tookish.  I’m not writing it, so we just get to imagine it.  (I’m not sure how to write dialogue that mimics the way Pippin speaks in the movie!)  I’m glad you’re enjoying this sequel -- it’s a fun universe to play in.