action.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo arrives rolling and tumbling across the floor.

There was a great shadow over him then, something with a terrible stench and legs too numerous to count. And now, light. He shields himself from the brightness and scoots back until he bumps against the wall, then scrambles to find shelter behind a couch. It hurts his eyes. The air is suddenly too clear, everything too clean. He fears it is a trick.

He speaks in a hush, afraid to alert the enemies but more afraid of being alone. ]

Sam? Where are you, Sam?

Comments

[willrememberthat]

[She doesn't mind. Everyone held her hand when she was covered in blood and guts, so she can do this.]

I think so. It's so pretty... and you can wish for things, whatever stuff you want. There's always food and warm clothes. And a lot of people, really friendly people.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo tries to keep up but still lags sometimes. He is tired after much climbing and running. ]

That seems uncanny, if you don't mind me saying, to be granted your every wish without price.

[willrememberthat]

[Clementine notices this.]

You can lean on me, if you need to.

[She'll pause so he can decide if he wants to do that or not.]

I was told not to do it a lot.

[bronwe]

It sounds wise not to.

[ He widens his eyes a little. He wouldn't dare. ]

We can walk a little slower.

[willrememberthat]

[How dare you refuse her help, Frodo. She slows their pace... but walks a little closer just in case he changes his mind!]

Who was after you?

[bronwe]

[ Frodo squeezes her hand to assure her it's not her fault! ]

I could not see. Something large and stinky.

[willrememberthat]

[She squeezes his hand back. It's okay.]

Stinky is right.

[She makes a face.]

[bronwe]

[ Frodo chuckles. She's probably talking about him too. ]

Much stinkier than even I!

[willrememberthat]

[She pauses on a step above him to whisper, like a secret!]

I was stinky when I got here, too.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo can manage a smile for her. ]

And look how clean and nice-smelling you are now.

[willrememberthat]

[A giggle.]

You'll be like me soon, too.

[She continues on.]

Your friend's name is... Sam, right?

[bronwe]

[ He skips onto the next step and tries to keep up. ]

Samwise Gamgee. The bravest hobbit of our time.

[willrememberthat]

[Right, slow! She remembers to keep the pace slow for him.]

What did he do?

[bronwe]

[ He doesn't answer for some time. Better to keep it vague then. ]

He has saved me countless times at the cost of his own life.

[willrememberthat]

[There's an alarmed look!]

His own life? Is he--[dead?]

[bronwe]

No! But he would readily give it for others.

That makes him brave, does it not?

[willrememberthat]

[Phew. Clem relaxes, and nods in understanding.]

It does. The bravest.

I hope he's here, too.

[Lee wasn't. Maybe Sam will be.]

[bronwe]

I do too. He needs rest more than I.

[ And he thinks so now more than ever. His burden isn't so heavy now. ] He insists on carrying all our packs.

[willrememberthat]

[The top of the stairs! Clem pulls Frodo along with her, but gives him a moment to rest at the top of the stairs.]

Were you going somewhere?

[bronwe]

[ Frodo's glad for the rest, dropping himself to the floor. The climb has him dizzy with fatigue. He answers after awhile. ]

Yes. We were almost there.

[willrememberthat]

[She's alarmed when he drops, and drops down next to him. She wants to ask WHERE he was going, but it doesn't seem like anyplace good with the way he looks.]

D-do you need water? I can get you water! Maybe we should have gone to the kitchen, first...

[bronwe]

[ SORRY CLEM. He's only lightheaded now, but the air is clear and even that has him in better spirits. ]

I will be all right soon. Please stay.

[willrememberthat]

[She nods.] I won't go anywhere.

[She didn't want to be left alone, either. Even now, in a sense--she doesn't stay away from Arthur's place for too long, and she's rarely without company in the castle. It's a good distraction.]

We're almost there. See? That's my room right there. [She points down the hall.]

When you take a bath, I can get you food. Are you hungry?

[bronwe]

[ Frodo turns to find the room, giving her a small smile when he sees her name there. He wants to sit for longer, but he makes an effort to stand, leaning against the wall. ]

I think I should like to sleep after I bathe, if you do not mind, Clementine.

[willrememberthat]

[She hops to her feet, eager to assist by grabbing his arm.]

You can sleep after you eat and drink some water.

[It's important to stay hydrated!]