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

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

Oh no, you still have many years ahead of you, my dear Hobbit.

[He laughs softly and shakes his head.]

I don't think that I am, I feel real enough. Though, you're more than welcome to check me in any way you wish to assure yourself that I'm no dream.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo wonders how that will be. It seems more likely that he would not see to the end of the story, but he keeps such morbid thoughts to himself. ]

I have been told the surest way to check is with a pinch.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[If only Legolas had a way to assure him of it, to prove that Frodo would survive. All he has though are his memories.]

Is it? Then that will be our test!

[bronwe]

Here. [ He offers his arm. ] But not too hard!

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

I'll be as gentle as I can be.

[He assures the Hobbit and reaches out to give hi a light pinch, consciously aware of any bruises or injuries that may be nearby so that he doesn't aggravate them.]

[bronwe]

[ That's more a poke than a pinch! But he laughs anyway. ]

And I am still awake! I don't suppose you would wish that kiss were a dream, too?

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[Are you complaining Master Hobbit? He can try again.]

That experience shall haunt me forever, won't it?

[bronwe]

Perhaps Gimli will come and I would have to keep my promise not to tell.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

I should hope that you will but I suppose that you're going to enjoy this until then, aren't you?

[bronwe]

[ He chuckles. ] Not if it troubles you. A little laughter is not worth seeing you in any distress.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

I think that I can handle a little teasing.

[He's old enough to not let his feelings be hurt by it.] So long as it brings laughter to my friends.