Chapter 1: Preface: The Opening Sequence
Notes:
Welcome to the very first full story for the Introduction Series of my fanfiction series, 'The Long Series: Version 2'! :)
Here is another new fanfic that was posted on AO3 at first, but now is coming on here. At first, I wasn't sure if we could add quotes to fanfics, and that's how it came to AO3. Then I find out its okay to cross-post on this site and on AO3 with this story with quotes in it. :) So yes! :)
Even though this isn't the first fanfic to have been written and posted in this version of the Long Series, it is the first for establishing the beginning of my fanfic, next to my fanfic, The Long Series: The Opening Number, setting up this fanfiction series.
As for the Preface, yes, it's short, but other chapters in this fanfic will be longer. That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Preface:
The Opening Sequence
Galadriel stood by her basin, pouring water over its stone surface. The mirror was ready. Galadriel knew what to say, what to do.
"This world only knows one thing: the battles raging in the East could not contain the evil now spreading to other worlds. But who knows what lies ahead? For here, we must begin anew."
The mirror reflected events to come.
A battle raged on, on an endless plain. It was the Great Battle and Parker Dooley, the dragonoid, was destined to fall.
A greater past showed the Mirror Universe, where Bilbo Baggins would become a shapeshifter.
Then there was the time when the Original Timelines took place, already played out in Our World.
But there was something else. A time in which a Characters' War would take place, overwhelming everything in its path.
Galadriel knew these things must come to pass. But what she couldn't be certain was the order, in which they would play out.
Galadriel looked last at her mirror, saying to all who would listen to her:
"The start of the story has begun. Will anyone be around when the time comes? The story has begun. The time is close now. Will we be ready for the road ahead?"
Notes:
Ooh, already the story looks interesting. :)
As we can see, events are about to take shape within my fanfiction series, 'The Long Series: Version 2. :)
As for the next chapter coming up, what does everyone think is about to happen? Who will we meet? What will we encounter within this fanfiction story?
Thanks for reading. More to come. :)
~Aria Breuer
Chapter 2: Prologue, Part One: Bertha
Summary:
God creates Bertha: a newborn spirit who must choose which path she is destined to follow.
Notes:
Prologue, Part One Inspired By: "Kingdom Hearts" Stained-Glass Window Stations, as well as its score, "Dive to the Heart."
Warning! This chapter is rated M for nudity.
Chapter Text
Prologue, Part One:
Bertha
The LORD stood watch over the heavens. This was His territory after all. He would have chosen it, not to see it fall to ruin. Hmm… no. Something wasn't right. He had everyone under control. Free will was everywhere.
But it wasn't enough for Him.
No. The LORD wasn't happy. He needed someone to observe everything that was going on around him. Someone whose heart remained innocent, even if she was a little rough. And if she wasn't rough, well, that didn't mean the LORD wouldn't throw obstacles at her, trying to keep her in line.
That's when the thought dawned on Him. The LORD smirked, cunning in his eyes. He knew exactly who he should create. Someone who might be everything he had in mind.
The LORD smiled, watching the Spirit World in interest. There was one spirit who hadn't been born yet. The LORD decided to call upon her for meeting the needs he so desired.
And so, the LORD stretched out his hand, propelling a mass of white light into space. The heavens collided with space, stretching out again to form a newborn spirit.
Her name: Bertha.
~o~
"All life begins in darkness."
It was Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, speaking to her. The newborn spirit knew her name from the darkness: Bertha. Bertha was the name she was given not too long ago. She knew it! She kept the name close to her heart.
The darkness consumed her, surrounded her, welcomed her.
Bertha looked around her at the shimmering darkness.
It was beautiful. It was timeless. Endlessness filled her being.
Bertha knew how blissful and at peace space was. And she would keep it with her. Always.
But there was something else at work here. As she descended, her spirit's feet landed on a stained-glass window, showing a princess wearing a blue bodice and a yellow gown. Her hair was dark as ebony, her skin was white as snow, and her lips as red as the rose, Bertha knew something felt off.
Bertha's facial features were smooth and rough. Her facial features reminded her of a cross between a dwarf and a hobbit. Although she didn't mind, just being a cross between anything made her feel exotic. Her skin was fair and her face was fair. Her skin was pale and her complexion was simple. Rosy cheeks, blue and pink makeup over her eyelids and below her dark brown eyebrows. Her dark brown hair flowing down her shoulders, in curls and in waves. Her irises were blue-green, her ears were short tipped, and her lips were covered in rosy red lipstick. It was something to be admired, even if she didn't feel admired.
Her body was hourglass shaped, average weight, too. And she was naked from head to toe, something she didn't realize until now. Bertha looked at the stained-glass window, massive though it was.
She looked up in turn.
Three square wooden crates were left open for her to reach in and grab anything she wanted. She approached the crates now, looking inside the first crate to discover undergarments, suited just for her.
They all fit her, too. The underwear she chose was white, her socks blazoned with white decked out in a splash of tie-dye colors. The bra she wore was also white and fit snug over her breasts.
She moved onto the next crate, where she found a pair of blue jeans and a brown leather belt. She fitted into those as well, allowing her to move onto the third crate. Inside the third crate was a selection of shirts for her to try on.
She picked a long-sleeved brown shirt with plain dark brown sleeves, a plain dark brown shirt back, and on the front of the shirt were images of red roses with green stems, nestled over a floral design of black roses, stenciled on the front of the fabric. The words, Live, Laugh, and Love!, resided on the front of the shirt, next to the large red roses.
Bertha sighed; glad her clothing choices were made. Now, she felt less exposed. She was ready to take on the world. However, one more long crate remained, standing a ways away from the three square crates. Bertha sighed a second time, finding her way over to the larger crate, where a selection of shoes and boots resided inside the crate. Here, she grabbed some black boots with low heels on the bottoms of the boots. She fitted into the boots, finding these boots fit her, too. They were made for traveling cross-country and hiking, too.
She sighed, glad for how soft and cozy these boots made her feel. "Okay. Now, I'm ready to go."
"Go…" the LORD's voice rang out.
Bertha looked around, confused. "What was that?"
"You still need to choose your weapon," the LORD said, presenting Himself to her. He appeared to her as a man in white robes. He reached out to her, extending his arms to her, in hopes that she would embrace him. He smiled, the moment she did.
They stayed that way for a time. The LORD smiled, glad to see her. "It's good to see you. I hope your birth went well."
Bertha moved back. She nodded. "It is. Now, what weapons do I have?"
The LORD laughed. "Well, now you see…" he waved his hand around the stained-glass window. All at once, the four crates vanished. What appeared now were three square pedestals, each representing a form of weaponry that would ward off evil spirits and creatures.
Bertha looked at the three pedestals in interest. Surely, one of them must be right.
The LORD clasped his hands, telling her, "Now, which do you like? The sword, the shield, or the staff? The staff grants you magic, the shield protects you, and the sword makes you defeat your enemies. Choose." He vanished, leaving Bertha alone.
"I'm alone?" Bertha asked.
The LORD's voice propelled its way to her, "You are never alone. Choose now." His voice faded, leaving Bertha alone at last.
Chapter 3: Prologue, Part Two: The Choices We Make
Summary:
Bertha must make many choices, which God provides for her to choose.
Chapter Text
Prologue, Part Two:
The Choices We Make
Bertha sighed, feeling alone. Even with the LORD's presence, Him being invisible didn't solve anything. Bertha was on her own again. She couldn't imagine why she couldn't see the LORD, and yet felt Him near her.
She sighed, walking towards the three grey pedestals that carried the weapons. The staff, the sword, and the shield were there, guiding her to the right weapon. She approached each weapon, finding they could lead her to great wonders or great destruction.
She didn't want the staff. Magic was not in her forte. She turned to the sword, debating on whether or not she would take it. If she faced battles with a sword, what was the point? She wasn't sure the sword was a good idea, and so she rejected that weapon.
Then there was the shield with a lion's head symbol on the front, as well as a unicorn symbol, with its unicorn head sitting next to the lion's head symbol. Below them was the symbol of a heart, etched on the shield in a blue outline. She decided on the shield. She needed protection and healing. Maybe the shield would present both to her.
"This is the weapon I will take," Bertha said, deciding that the shield was what she wanted to keep.
The LORD nodded, smiling down on her. "I knew you would make that choice. Perfect! Absolutely perfect! A shield to protect you from your enemies, but it pushes people away. Well done, Bertha. You made the right choice."
Bertha smiled, telling the LORD, "Thank you. And I…" the shield vanished from her hands, leaving her stunned. "…what was that?"
"The shield is the weapon you wish to keep. So, what will you give away?" the LORD asked her, showing her the sword and the staff.
Picking the shield was a given. What she had to give up was going to be a little harder. Bertha moved away from the grey pedestal that carried the shield. This pedestal was now empty. Fortunately, the other two pedestals still carried the sword and the staff.
She hadn't expected to face this. It was one thing to keep a weapon, it was another thing to give away a weapon. What she thought before about the staff and the sword were now gone. She realized she would have to give up either the sword or the staff. If she kept the sword, she'd give up the ability to perform magic. If she gave up the staff, then all she'd have was a sword, but no magical abilities.
She could either be a sage or a warrior. Either choice would lead to interesting results, but what was she best at?
.
At the end of the day, figuratively speaking, she chose the sage. She chose the sage because maybe she would be granted healing abilities, an ability she sorely needed to increase. Plus, she could have magical powers, something she felt was better than hacking and slashing at things with a sword.
And so, the sword vanished before her very eyes. She now gained the power of the shield and the staff, and she thanked them both for these new powers.
The LORD nodded to her. He told her, "Your path is set. Welcome my new sage."
"Thank you," Bertha said, pleased. "Thank you."
The LORD nodded to her. "You're not done. You need to choose your talent, your occupations—we'll get to that later—as well as what fantasy races, supernatural races, you feel most drawn to." He waved his hand, making the three grey pedestals disappear.
Before Bertha were a circle of circular platforms, grey, showing off a variety of races. These races included beings and creatures. Each race represented a variety of abilities and skills, each available to that race of beings and creatures.
"Choose now which race you belong to," the LORD said, leaving Bertha alone to think. He added, so as not to pressure her, "Take your time, Bertha. You have all the time in the world."
Bertha nodded to Him, telling the air, "Thank you, Lord. I will."
Bertha observed the many races that came before her. Which ones was she drawn to, which ones attracted her, and which would help her down her path? As she walked, the choice was given to her as she drew close to them.
The shapeshifters came first. They seemed keen on meeting her. Then there was the lions and lionesses. The vampires came out to play, as did the merfolk. The dragons and dragonoids came next. Bertha found herself drawn to the dragonoids; and yet, she considered both the dragons and dragonoids as equals. They seemed like cool creatures in her eyes.
The hobbits came after the dragons and dragonoids. It was the hobbits she was drawn to the most. Out from the hobbits, Bertha found herself strongly attracted to one hobbit: a hobbit with curly, dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. She could only guess his name: Frodo Baggins. Bertha waved to Frodo, who only inched her closer to him. He pulled her in fast, giving her a warm, friendly kiss.
"I'll see you soon," Frodo said, smiling to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her on the cheek in a loving manner.
"I have to…" Bertha looked up, surprised to see the sci-fi races and creatures come up next.
The Selkath came forward, as did the gizka and the grophets. While the gizka were small creatures, reminding Bertha of baby dinosaurs, these gizka had two legs, a short snout, big eyes, and their coats came in a variety of colors. The grophets were pig-like creatures with their coats in a variety of colors, too. As for the Selkath, they were amphibious alien creatures with two cephalic lobes hanging down from their mouths. The Selkath wore clothing that reminded Bertha of space. The Selkath seemed quite awesome, to say the least.
Bertha nodded to the Selkath, noticing that Frodo was still clinging to her. Frodo whispered in Bertha's ear, "We'll meet again. I promise."
"When?" Bertha's eyes widened in horror. Oh no! What was going on? "Frodo? Frodo Baggins! Frodo?!" Frodo vanished, right before her eyes. The other beings and creatures vanished, too. Bertha only had the LORD for company. But she was surprised at which races and creatures came out, before they vanished. Those races and creatures were the ones she was drawn to the most.
"Very good. Now, choose your occupations. You'll be drawn to them," the LORD stated, presenting Bertha with a variety of occupations.
Bertha reacted to what she was drawn to, impressing the LORD very quickly.
Writing seemed like something she wanted to do. And yet, healer sounded good, too. But then, pirates sounded good to her as well. Bertha smiled, finding it hard not to be drawn to the pirates. She didn't know why that was.
The LORD smiled upon her, grateful for all of choices Bertha made. The occupation choices soon disappeared, leaving Bertha senseless. "One last gift I'm going to present to you: your talent."
The LORD waved his hand, giving Bertha the chance to see her choices. Choosing a talent was special, like all the other choices Bertha made. Choosing a talent meant choosing something she was most drawn to.
Her options included nature, technology, the arts, writing, and so forth. It was only a matter of what she chose that remained to be seen.
She turned around, facing the strategist talent. A man dressed in a black and red robe, wearing a black turban, and donned with a black beard hanging down his chin looked at her with a pensive expression. His staff was golden and had a snake's head for its top. This man was Jafar and he seemed determined, by the look of him, to conjure up some trouble.
"I see you've chosen thieves," Jafar said, annoyed with her. He huffed, telling her, "But you cannot outsmart me. I'm the strategist. That is your hidden talent. It is your gift. This is exactly what Aslan and the LORD prepared for. Welcome to your true talent." Jafar cackled, enjoying himself.
Bertha sighed; glad that she had her talent. "So, what does the strategist do? What's required?"
"Hmm? Why, the strategist is an organizer, a builder, one of the essential ingredients to making your lair polished. Without the builder, what are we? Just lines on a page. That is your talent," Jafar said, as Bertha felt encouraged more and more by the strategist talent.
"I welcome this talent very immensely," Bertha said, quite convinced this was what she wanted.
Jafar nodded, disappearing right as writing was chosen as Bertha's second talent. Bertha was impressed, for she did love to write. The talents vanished a moment later, leaving Bertha feeling like she gained healer's abilities and magic. It made her happy.
The LORD reappeared, smiling at her, "Now, you are ready." He presented to her white doors, covered with an arch frame. The LORD looked at Bertha, gesturing for her to step forward. "Step through those doors, so you can continue your journey." He smiled, vanishing, leaving Bertha alone once again.
Chapter 4: Prologue, Part Three: The Journey Begins
Summary:
Bertha passes through a doorway, finding herself in the Shire and meeting a Bounder along the way.
Notes:
I'm terribly sorry for the five-month delay this chapter took to get reposted. :( I was reformatting fanfics, as well as reposting fanfics. Anyway, the reformatting's done on my end. As far as reformatting goes for fanfics when posted, we'll see what happens then. :)
For now, enjoy. :)
And yes, there's a quote in this chapter, too. But it makes sense for the chapter. :)
Chapter Text
Prologue, Part Three:
The Journey Begins
"What is the point of heaven, hell, reincarnation and karma?
"The short answer is that we all came from Heaven and were cast in to Hell after the rebellion. We reincarnate until we can eliminate all the karma and return back to Heaven."
-Shawn Murphy, Author on Philosophy and Religion, answered on Quora
-X-X-X-
Bertha stared at the doors in wonder. She was curious about what she should do next. There were no other choices before her. It was just her and the doors. When she looked around for the LORD, she saw Him, along with the Great Lion called Aslan and a host of angelic beings, all looking down at her from atop the doors' arched frame.
Bertha sighed. She moved forward, heading towards the doors. She knew what form she wanted to take: a hobbit lass. It was the best route for her.
She moved closer to the doors. They opened, revealing a bright white light from which she would pass through. And she did, not knowing what dangers awaited her.
~o~
The doors vanished behind Bertha. She made her way out onto a lush, green landscape. There were trees everywhere. Some trees were in bloom. Bright, happy flowers flowering on the branches, while lush green leaves protruded on the trees' dark brown branches. It was a sight to behold.
This place was called the Shire, and it was where Bertha's adventures were sure to begin.
.
Bertha stepped forward, shocked to see there was nightfall across the Shire. Only, this wasn't the Shire she expected. If she had been in heaven, in a heavenly Shire, there wouldn't be no need for night. But then again, she wasn't in Heaven. She was in another realm in the Spirit Realm, where there was darkness.
Bertha looked up and around her. The darkness surrounded her. Only the path showed the light, and a cobbled white road it was, with lush green trees in every direction, a farmland on her right, a stone bridge behind her, and a wooden fence on either side of her.
It took Bertha seconds to figure out she was on one of the upper levels of the Hell Realms. She'd already crossed the threshold from which she was created and bounced into the Hell Realms by accident. Or so she thought.
How long she had been down in Hell, before she escaped one of the lower Hell Realms, remained to be seen. It was no wonder she saw a white light, before meeting with darkness.
Oh well. She was in the Shire now, or, at least, a darker version of it. She took another step, noticing the trees were watching her. The impending darkness was lifting, allowing her to breathe better.
She looked in awe and amazement, as well as relief, as the trees calmed down. They showed off their green leafy branches, their dark brown bark, as they swayed with the wind. Bushes were present, lush and green, and covered with purple, pink, and white flowers. Red roses garnished this land, making it seem as if the Shire was a wonderous place to be at.
And there, standing before her was a hobbit. A Bounder by the look of him. Bertha inched closer to the Bounder, unsure what to make of him. She was fearful that she was terribly lost. She didn't know much about herself. So, that wasn't going to solve her issue.
"Oh my! You startled me! Are you from here?" the Bounder said. He wore his green cap, donned with a red feather on one side of the cap. He wore hobbit clothes: a tunic, a waistcoat, and breeches, which certainly gave Bertha the impression that he was a well-to-do hobbit.
Bertha inquired, "I want to know where I need to go."
"Bertha! Come here!" the LORD inquired, leading Bertha away from the Bounder.
For a moment, Bertha was heading towards the LORD. Then the LORD vanished. He reappeared, showing her another path leading into Odo's Leaf-farm. Odo was younger, as Bertha could plainly see. She didn't get a good glimpse of him, but she saw the color in his hair. That was the only glimpse she saw of him.
"Cut through that farmland and you'll be fine." The LORD said, happy to see her, "Do not trouble yourself with this Bounder. He means well, but he's waiting for someone else."
Bertha looked at the Bounder, as another hobbit or two, a man and a woman, stopped by the Bounder to pick up their weapons and their supplies. There was a statchel available to them on ground, from which they picked up their weapons and supplies from.
"Come with me. It is time I take you somewhere, where you can begin your training," the LORD inquired, opening another door for Bertha, revealing a portal heading to Archet. The LORD looked upon Bertha, telling her, "Now, you'd best be on your way. Don't stop for anything. But I fear you won't need to, where you're heading."
Bertha nodded. "Right." She took one last look at the Bounder and the hobbits, knowing then all was right with the world. "Sure. I'll just…" she looked at the LORD, hugging him, "…thank you for everything."
The LORD smiled upon her, saying to her, "I know. Now go." He moved her back, telling her, "Go." Bertha nodded, doing as He said. She took one last look around at the Shire, at Young Odo's Leaf-farm, before proceeding through the door, heading straight for Archet.
End of Prologue.
Chapter 5: 1: Archet
Summary:
God leaves Bertha in Archet, Bree-land. While in Archet, Bertha discovers her desire to become a hobbit rogue. However, she meets a familiar face, who shows her a different, yet similar, path.
Notes:
Sorry for the near six-month long delay. I was reposting fanficton stories and poetry over on this site. I did manage to cross-post this fanfiction story over on this site. So, now I feel the need to continue cross-posting this fanfic on Fanfiction.net as well as on this site. :)
So yes, we're back to this story. Lots of excitement happens here. Also, we have another quote. That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter One:
Archet
"Can a human become an angel?
"Every person living today is an incarnated fallen angel. To become a divine angel again, we are given many lifetimes on Earth to regain our virtue so that we can become a pure angel."
- Shawn Murphy, Author on Philosophy and Religion, answered on Quora
-X-X-X-
The Village of Archet stood out in Bree-land. The village was set apart from the rest, and yet it was close to the Villages of Combe, Staddle, and Bree-town. Archet had its own training grounds, inside its village walls, with guards posted on either side of the gate leading into the forests of Archet.
There was a hunting lodge, a ruin watchtower with stars etched into the stone floors, a lake where the hunting grounds was located, as well as another ruins fortress, whereas Bertha discovered soon after, was guarded and protected by the bad spirits that she found running across the field, standing just outside the gate at the Village of Archet.
The grounds were grassy, green, and hilly, with trees, bushes, and a pond somewhere close to the farmland, which the spiders were protecting and guarding.
.
The moment Bertha followed the LORD through the doorway, leading into the Village of Archet, the first thing she saw were the training grounds. While she spotted the Mad Badger Inn, she was surprised there was a training area to begin with.
Just what was she supposed to do? Fight with swords? With weapons? With her staff, if she had a staff?
Granted, she was still donned in the clothes she bore since leaving the stained-glass realm. She wondered if she would gain an assortment of new clothes, armor for her to wear, while she stayed in the Village of Archet.
She turned towards the LORD, hoping for an answer. She was surprised He was leaving her. "You're leaving me? Again!" She looked at Him in shock. She hoped this was the last time that the LORD frequently left her.
The LORD met her gaze, turning around and facing her. He told her, bluntly, "Bertha, I'm always with you, even if you cannot see me."
"But how do I know that? What can I do?" Bertha asked, worried about Him leaving her again.
The LORD sighed, pointing out, "You'll have to trust me. I will be with you always. Don't worry. I won't be gone." He changed the subject on her, "Get to know the locals. I'm sure we can find someone to train you as a sage. Good luck." He added, "I will guide you on your journey. Don't give up, and don't lose hope. I'll be back soon." He vanished, leaving Bertha alone.
~o~
The training grounds was a good place to stop by. There was nothing but an open field covered with dirt. There was also plenty of training dummies to spare. The training dummies were stuffed with hay and bore silver armor. The warriors, sages, shield wardens used the training dummies to defend themselves.
The training dummies looked sturdy enough for Bertha to take down. Of course, she wanted to be a sage. Now, she was going against this. She wanted to be useful. But how? Hmm… she wondered.
"Miss, would you like to be a smuggler? A rogue? A burglar?" a hobbit trainer asked her. He was blunt, his hair was spiked up, as his blond hair was streaked back against his pale-skinned head.
Bertha snapped her head, staring at the hobbit trainer now. A rogue? A smuggler? A burglar? Either choice sounded interesting. She nodded several times, grinning in satisfaction.
"I'd like to join the rogues. What do rogues entail?" Bertha asked, curiously.
The hobbit trainer shrugged.
Bertha caught a glimpse of his armor. He wore a lion's head symbol, stained red, on his tunic. She wondered what that was all about. Perhaps it was the same Lion she encountered in the stained-glass realm. She didn't know. It sounded right.
"Ahem!" the hobbit trainer cleared his throat. He smiled at her, already enjoying her company. "Which do you prefer? A rogue? A smuggler? A burglar?"
"Oh! I wish to be a rogue," Bertha said, convinced this was the occupation she wanted. She grinned, asking him, "Does it pay well?"
The hobbit trainer looked at her with keen eyes. He honestly thought it was funny. He laughed, enjoying himself even more.
Bertha stayed, confused. "What?"
The hobbit trainer waved his hands, saying to her, "Nothing." He added, full of himself, "Of course, they pay. If you have the right money."
Bertha looked at him, wide-eyed and horrified, "Oh! Do you want me to pay you?"
The hobbit trainer shook his head. "What? Oh no! Not me! You're here to learn." He paused, looking at the training dummies. "Well, let's get you started." He stood up, passing a knife to her. The knife rested in its brown leather sheath. "Here. For you."
"For me?" Bertha asked, confused. When she was in the stained-glass realm, carrying a weapon was far behind her. Now that she was here… well, carrying a knife might be a good idea.
The hobbit trainer nodded, saying to her, "Yeah, for you. Well, take it. You'll need it."
Bertha sighed, taking the weapon and strapping the leather belt around her waist. She pulled out the knife, asking the hobbit trainer, "So, what now?"
"Oh! Here. Choose your target!" the hobbit trainer said, waving his hand to reveal the training dummies. "Your choice."
Bertha sighed, nodding as she took her stance in front of one of the training dummies. She took a breath, brandishing her knife. She side-swiped the training dummy. Its straw flung in the air as Bertha hacked at it, using her own moves to beat the training dummy.
The training dummy stayed in one place. Bertha attacked it further. She was just about to keep hacking and slashing at it, when soft hands grabbed her by the arms, pulling her away from the training dummy.
"That's enough!" it was Frodo. Frodo Baggins! He was stopping her from attacking the training dummy!
Bertha snarled, growling, "I had him! I was right there." She collapsed on her knees, taking Frodo down with her. She breathed in and out, hesitant towards him. Frodo took her weapon, leaving it on the ground for safe keeping.
"What were you trying to prove?" Frodo whispered, making her feet comforted by his soft hands running up and down her pale-skinned arms. Bertha sighed, falling onto his chest. She stayed there. It was beautiful. It was such a beautiful moment… so, why did Bertha feel like falling asleep in Frodo's arms?
"Well," the hobbit trainer blurted out, startling Bertha. As Frodo stood up, helping Bertha to her feet, the hobbit trainer continued to speak to her, "I must say you fought bravely. I think you're ready for a new weapon! Here. Your choice," the hobbit trainer said, showing a variety of weapons on his table.
Bertha sighed. She couldn't remember seeing weapons on the table. But then, she had been fighting the training dummy. She was still in the mood to attack it, when Frodo stopped her. That's when the hobbit trainer must have showed off his weapons. They were just for her!
Hmm… what weapon would Bertha choose?
Hmm… Bertha looked at her options: there was a knife, a sword, a mace, a great sword, and an axe. Each weapon looked unique. They reminded her of how far she'd come as a hobbit rogue.
She looked up at the hobbit trainer, saying to him, "What would you prefer? I am a rogue, right?"
"Are you?" Frodo asked, getting her attention. He shrugged, saying, "You can be both, you know? A rogue, a smuggler…" he shrugged again, smiling at her, "a burglar. It's one in the same."
"It is? I'm a rogue, you know," Bertha said, as Frodo chuckled.
Frodo patted her back, rubbing it, as he said, "I love you, Bertha. I hope you know that."
"Is that all?" Bertha asked, embarrassed.
Frodo smirked, saying to her, "Why yes, yes, it is. Didn't you notice?"
Bertha looked at him, before looking away, "I didn't notice."
"Well," the hobbit trainer stated, huffing, "it's up to you, you know. Good luck."
"It's up to you." Frodo stated to Bertha. He whispered in her ear, "I would choose the sword. But that's me."
Bertha eyed the sword in its brown leather sheath. She'd been eyeing it ever since she saw it. The sword was the first thing she saw, when she came to the table. She picked up the weapon, pulling it out from its sheath. She tested the weapon, noticing the sword was perfectly balanced.
Perfect! Just what she needed. She sheathed it, handing the hobbit trainer her knife.
"Excellent! Once you put that sword on your belt, you'll be good to go," the hobbit trainer said. Bertha strapped the sword and its belt around her waist.
Frodo smirked. He told the hobbit trainer, "Thank you." He faced Bertha, telling her, "Come on. Let's go."
"I'll see you later!" Bertha said, as Frodo led her away from the training arena.
"I'll see you often. You get new skills from me, you know!" the hobbit trainer said, great joy in his heart.
That got Bertha's attention. "Oh, really?" she looked at the hobbit trainer, just as Frodo led her away from the training grounds.
"Come on. Let's get something to eat," Frodo said, turning Bertha around, as he led her straight to the vendors, selling food and drinks. He smirked, handing a wine glass, filled with red wine, over to her. "For you. Cheers!" He tapped her wine glass, his own filled to the brim with white wine.
Bertha looked at him, before taking a swig of her drink. The wine tasted good, but she felt like she could drink water. She looked at Frodo, telling him, "Happy hunting!"
Frodo chuckled, pointing out to her, "It's good. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Bertha said, taking another swig of her drink.
Notes:
Thanks for reading. More to come. :)
Chapter 6: 2: Hobbit Gifts
Summary:
Frodo and Bertha have spurts of conversation, leading Frodo to disappear on her. God helps give Bertha Hobbits Gifts, which the LORD turns into something useful.
Notes:
Sorry for the over-month delay. I was busy reposting fanfics and working on finishing my fanfic, The Final Stand, which helps this story make more sense now.
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Two:
Hobbit Gifts
Frodo took another swig of his wine. The way he eyed Bertha was intense. Bertha grinned, lustfulness in her eyes. She had to get to know him. Whoever he was, she wanted to be there for him. So, why was this so hard to grasp? Wasn’t there anything to be done?
Bertha’s expression changed from smiling to sorrowful. She had to know him; but then, there was something holding her back. What was this indistinguishable look on Frodo’s face?
At last, Frodo took her hand, setting his wine glass down. “Come with me.”
“Oh!” Bertha set her wine glass down, too. She asked Frodo as he dragged her away. “Where are we going? Frodo! What are we doing?”
Frodo moved Bertha down an alleyway. Grey stone walls formed an arch. It was right underneath the Mad Badger Inn and clearly opened. So far, Bertha thought Frodo was going to whisk her away. They nearly did, as Frodo stopped her.
The moment they stopped Bertha collided against the wall. Frodo turned her around, facing her. For a moment, Bertha could hardly breathe. They were together. Frodo smirked, diving in for a kiss. The moment was sweet, tender, and passionate. Bertha couldn’t imagine a time or a place where they didn’t run away together.
Frodo pulled away, telling her, “I love you. You know I do.”
“I love you, too,” Bertha said, unsure what was happening. Sweat beaded down her face. The heat intensified. She could feel the ecstasy burning in her veins. Bertha looked away for a moment, her fingers pressed against her lips. She didn’t know what to do. Frodo, to Bertha, felt like someone she knew her whole life.
Was there more to this story than meets the eye? She wondered that.
Frodo looked around, asking her, “Let’s get away, somewhere where we’re alone. Would you like that?”
Bertha’s smile faded. Take her away? With him? Where would they go?
“Are you leaving me?” Bertha asked, wanting to make sure that this was not the case.
Frodo returned his gaze to her. The look in his eyes was one of fury and deceit, but there was also a need. Bertha gulped, expecting as much.
Frodo shook his head. The deceit was there, present, but he smiled at her. Just what was on this hobbit’s mind? That’s what Bertha wanted to know.
.
Frodo turned his gaze to the road. He sighed, knowing he should do. He grit his teeth, knowing this was the right path.
“Bertha, I sense a villainess in you. One day, you will see that. For now, this will do,” he inquired, as if knowing who she was. He gave her another kiss, departing down the road and leaving Bertha in the alleyway.
Bertha’s chest pumped rather quickly. She didn’t know what happened. Their moment was so wonderful… wait. Where did Frodo go? Bertha turned to the alleyway. There was Frodo, standing on the edge of a grey stone wall, observing his surroundings.
Bertha joined him, caressing his shoulders. She asked him, “Tell me. What’s wrong? You can talk to me, you know.”
“If I did, you wouldn’t understand,” Frodo said, glancing over at her. He shook his head, admitting, “It doesn’t matter. You won’t always be by my side. Unless circumstances change, then…” he smirked, saying to her, “…bah! What do I know? You’re here, and that’s what matters.” He met her gaze, resting his hands behind her back.
He stared deeply into her eyes. Kissing her twice, before releasing her, he simply told her, “Please, don’t. I have to go.” He took off, taking off his jacket and swinging it over his shoulder. Bertha couldn’t keep her gaze off him.
The temperature rose, as Bertha tried to calm down. What just happened? Did she know? Would she ever know? It was hard to say. All she knew was that the ecstasy she felt towards Frodo wouldn’t abate. It grew. Oh, what had they done?
.
Bertha made her way out of the alleyway, returning to the village square, with its wide cobbled grey stone road. The village was ripe with activity. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. With all the vendors present, she wondered how she was ever going to make her way through the Spirit World.
“Hobbit Gifts! Hobbit Gifts! Get your free Hobbit Gifts!” one of the announcers said. Bertha looked at the hobbit announcer with a blank stare. She had no idea what Hobbit Gifts were, and whether they meant something.
The hobbit announcer looked at her, instructing her, “Check your coin purse. Maybe there’s a gift for you in there.”
“What? Eh…” Bertha checked her belt. Strange. She had a pink coin purse, and inside were two gold coins. She sighed, wondering what she could do with two gold coins. She closed her coin purse, surprised to hear a clink. Bertha opened her purse to find the coins had turned into manna.
Bertha sighed, wondering what she could do with two manna. She pulled one of the manna out of her purse, tasting it. “Mmm! It’s so good!” She loved the flavor. This was worth more to her than gold coins.
She looked up at the LORD. The LORD laughed, “Yes, you’re in the Spirit World. I’m afraid those coins won’t do any good here, but the manna might. The more Hobbit Gifts you collect daily, I will transform into something useful. The coins will become manna, and you’ll need an abundance of it where you’re heading.”
Bertha smiled, nodding to the LORD, “I thought you abandoned me.”
The LORD shrugged. “I did. Don’t worry. I won’t ever leave you.”
“What about Frodo? We shared a few kisses. Such sweet kisses,” she sighed, her breath heavy.
She sighed, mourning over losing him again. “Will I ever see him?”
“Well…” the LORD’s voice dragged on. He smiled at the first hobbit who crossed his path. It was Frodo. Of course. Frodo smirked, waving to Bertha. The LORD told him, “I think this one needs you. Good luck.” He slapped Frodo’s shoulder, departing a moment later.
.
Frodo pointed to Bertha’s manna. He said, “Is that good? That’s all we get, besides an assortment of other food.” He shrugged.
Bertha eyed him. “You were gone. You left me alone. I didn’t know what to do!”
“Do? Do you want to have adventures?” Frodo asked.
“Do I?” Bertha asked, still suspicious.
Frodo chuckled a little, sheepish towards her. “Look, I’m sorry. Duty called…” he shrugged, bobbing his head a little. He faced her, finding he had no excuses. He sighed, admitting to her, “…no, you know that’s not it. There’s a lot of us paving the way for you. When you’re ready, your adventure will start. We can get started on your missions! What do you say?”
Bertha looked at him now, gravely. She sure missed him. “Will it be worth it? Is that why you were gone? You called me a villainess. Is that what I am to become? Is that what’s written out for me?”
Frodo sighed, saying, “The future is already written. The question is: do you want to experience it? It’s up to you. But we need to go. Are you ready?”
Bertha sighed. Even though she feared he might leave her, that everyone would leave her, she found herself on a crossroads. What would she do?
She turned to him, her decision made, “I’m ready. Take me with you.”
Frodo sighed in relief. He nodded, saying to her “Then it’s time.” He extended his hand, saying, “Let’s go.” Bertha took it, knowing this was right.
Notes:
Thanks for reading. More chapters to come. :)
Chapter 7: 3: Exploring Archet
Summary:
Out in Archet’s wilderness, Frodo teaches Bertha how to hunt for wild game. Bertha meets a White Wolf, and is greeted by some old friends in Archet’s Hunting Lodge.
Notes:
Now, we get to explore Archet’s woodland area with Frodo and Bertha. Enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Three:
Exploring Archet
Frodo and Bertha clambered out of the Village of Archet. They arrived in the woods of Archet, where lush green grass and green leafy trees, as well as green leafy bushes, scoured the area. Rock formations could be seen amongst the landscape, as well as fences in place down the road.
There were two farmlands in Archet. One of them was a sheep farm, where the people of Archet would get their wool for clothing, while the farmland a few yards away housed horses and other livestock.
The first time Bertha witnessed this wilderness, she couldn’t believe there were stone ruins garnishing this area. Bertha looked, stunned and afraid of seeing wolves out on Archet’s fields. She hesitated, keen on staying out of the wolves’ way.
She looked at Frodo, watching him smile at her, entertained by her. She did not think it was funny!
“We’re not fighting the wolves, are we?” Bertha asked, curious. “I mean, they’re not evil, right?”
Frodo smirked. He looked at her, saying, “Well,” He raised an eyebrow at her, saying to her, “the Wargs fight for Sauron, and the wolves are just nature’s animals. Such is the way of things. They only attack when threatened. If you’re not a threat, then I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” He sighed, depressed a little bit. He patted her back, telling her, “Don’t worry, Bertha. We’re leaving these wolves alone.” He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “Don’t worry. I think you’ll be okay. I know you will.” He gently rubbed his nose against hers, kissing her nose, before moving away from her.
He smiled, pointing out to her, “There’s a White Wolf around here somewhere. I’m determined to find her, if you are. Don’t worry, Bertha. You’ll be safe with me.”
He gestured, telling her, “Come on. We’re hunting boar. It’ll be your first test. Have you hunted boar before? I’m sure you’d be willing enough to hunt them, right?”
Bertha asked Frodo, in interest, “Frodo, what do you hunt, when you’re out camping? What’s your game animal?”
Frodo smirked, laughing. He wrapped an arm around her, telling her, “I hunt boar, squirrel, and coneys. Deer are something else. No, I have yet to hunt deer. Deer are a little harder for a hobbit to hunt. I mean, I’m sure it can be done, but who knows?”
Bertha looked at him now, saying to him, “I’d love to hunt boar!” She smiled widely, leaving him exhilarated.
“Um…” Frodo turned his attention to the wolves. The wolves were staring right at him and Bertha. Some wolves even moved out of the way for them to pass. The wolves snickered, as Bertha threw a knife at a boar piglet. The fierce blow sent the boar piglet squirming. Bertha wasn’t sure if she had the boar piglet until she ran towards it.
She gulped in shock, unsure what to do. The boar piglet was suffering, squealing for someone to help him. Frodo moved fast on the boar piglet, ending its suffering with Bertha’s knife. Frodo gave her the knife, just as they left the Village of Archet. Bertha knew it was a hunting knife, something Frodo wanted her to keep, should they go out hunting.
“Use this knife when we’re out hunting, Bertha. And we’ll be hunting game animals very soon,” Frodo said, leaving Bertha to nod as she took the knife from him.
That moment seemed so long ago, even as Bertha approached Frodo now. Frodo sighed, finding his bag and getting to work cutting up the boar meat from the dead boar’s body. He worked quickly to cut the meat up in sections. He turned to Bertha, telling her, “Not bad. Your hunting skills could use some work. You managed to slice this boar piglet’s leg, leaving him sprawling on the grassy ground.”
Bertha gulped, sighing, “So, I did poorly?”
“It wasn’t bad for your first time,” but even Frodo had to admit it was a poor shot. Frodo was lucky to find the knife and finish the boar off. He sighed, adding, “We can take the boar’s head as a trophy. How would you like to have boar head to stick up on your house’s walls?”
Bertha looked at him, wondering where this side to Frodo came from. He was a hunter, right? Was that why he knew which game animals were and which animals to leave alone? It was no wonder the wolves left them alone, for they must have known Frodo was a friend. They seemed about one of the animals who were sacred. They deserved respect.
Bertha smirked. Frodo grabbed up all the meat, placing it in the bag, before swinging it around his shoulders. It wasn’t enough. Bertha took her knife and swung it at a second boar piglet. This time, she didn’t look as the knife as it struck the boar piglet, killing it immediately.
Frodo chuckled, rushing over to the second boar piglet. “Man! My, my Bertha. That was lucky. If I were you, I’d be careful with that arm. Those kinds of kills only happen rarely. You were lucky not to have attacked anyone! Next time, watch your hunts!”
Bertha chuckled guiltily, watching Frodo quarter the second boar piglet. The moment Frodo was done, he put the meat and the second boar head into the bag, Frodo hoisted the bag over his shoulders. Two boar piglets were enough to last them a while. Frodo nodded, making his way over to a place in the forests capable of setting up a campfire. When the campfire was ready, Frodo got to work cooking up the meat, making sure to use his magic to heat up the fire and cook the meat as quickly as possible.
Bertha stared at Frodo, as she took a seat next to him. She was surprised the meat cooked so fast. She looked at him now, asking him, “You have magic? I thought hobbits didn’t use magic.”
“Um… it’s a little complicated,” Frodo said, pointing out to her. He smirked, admitting, “Let’s just say I gained some magic. My travels have led me here, to this moment. I just happen to be passing through, giving you enough meat to continue on your way.” He smirked, stretching forth his hands at all the meat. The boar meat was cooked to perfection, before Frodo placed the meat in Bertha’s sack. He got up, wandering off in search of more food.
“Wait. Where are you going?! Frodo?!” Bertha asked, just as Frodo doused the campfire with blue sparks protruding from his hands. Bertha looked at him now, cautious. “Frodo?”
Frodo shook his head. “Bertha, follow the path. There’s a cat waiting for you. She’s an Oriental Cat. She’s rough, but she means well. Look after her, while I’m gone. Thank you.” Frodo dashed away, leaving Bertha alone with her sack of cooked meat.
.
Bertha ran across the wilderness of Archet. To her surprise, she was met by a female Oriental Cat by the river. The woods were shady in this part of Archet; it made for good cover. Bertha hesitated going towards the cat, but she did it, wondering what this cat’s business was with her.
The Oriental Cat shrugged and smiled, giddy at her for starting this adventure. “I see you’ve hunted some boar piglets! Very good. You’ll need lots of meat, lots of food, during your travels.” She hugged Bertha, rubbing her paws together afterwards, “Now, look over here. We have some brigands causing trouble. Should you survive, I rather doubt it, you’ll be handing the plans over to me and Jane, a Dalmatian who is apparently hanging out around the hunting lodge. The brigands stole that satchel from us, and now we need it back. Now, I know it sounds hard, but you have got to get in there and get those plans. Can you do it?”
“Um… I think so. I’m not much of a warrior. I’m a rogue. A hobbit rogue. Isn’t that enough?” Bertha asked, leaving the cat shaking her head.
“Oh, you’re hopeless! Do you not think I haven’t thought this through?” the Oriental Cat said, instructing Bertha further. “Well, what are you waiting for? Go!”
“Ehh!” Bertha propelled forward, even as the Oriental Cat wandered off. Bertha hissed, wondering why everyone was leaving her. Bertha returned her gaze to the ruins. It was a ruined fortress. Bertha heard the name before: these brigands were the Blackwolds and it seemed as though there were other hobbits, Men, and Women, fighting against the Blackwolds.
Bertha sighed. She had a plan, as she did not want to fight these brigands. She regretted her decision to fight the boar piglets, just for the sake of gaining meat. She wasn’t a butcher. She didn’t want to be. She just wanted to be herself. She didn’t want to have to do the dirty work.
So, why couldn’t Frodo and this Oriental Cat see that? She understood if that was what they were used to doing, but she couldn’t see it. She looked up in shock at the wolves as they careened into the Blackwolds.
One wolf, with a snowy white coat, gestured for her to follow. It was here, inside the ruined fortress, that Bertha found the plans she needed: an elaborate plan, set up for her already. Bertha sighed, taking the satchel with her, before mounting on the white wolf’s back. All at once, the white wolf fought against the brigands. She tore her way out of the fortress, leaving the Blackwold Headquarters behind.
.
Bertha arrived at Archet’s Hunting Lodge. It was here the white wolf dropped her off, allowing Bertha to move off her back as they bowed to each other. The moment the white wolf was gone, Bertha was met by a Dalmatian and a white standard-coated unicorn, who took the plans from her.
“Well, everything’s in order. Right. We can begin this Plan!” the Dalmatian, a female Dalmatian, said, intrigued by her. The Dalmatian introduced herself now, bowing before Bertha, “I’m sorry. My name is Jane. Welcome to Archet’s Hunting Lodge.”
Bertha told Jane, “Frodo Baggins and that Oriental Cat ditched me. Why would they do that?”
Jane huffed, sighing. She admitted, “Frodo and Sera need time, before they can accept you. I know it’s hard, but me and Syrena, that unicorn over there, are your support system, one of your many support systems.”
“Don’t worry,” Syrena the Unicorn stated, calmly, “We won’t hurt you or flee from you.”
“Well, we do flee, but we come back,” Jane said, excited to meet Bertha.
“Right,” Bertha inhaled, exhaling a moment later. “Do I need to do anything else?”
Jane shook her head. “No, you don’t. We’re almost ready. Archet will be in flames. If you truly feel like you want to become a rogue, the best thing you can do is to defend yourself. Surely, you can do that. We’ll need you soon enough. Archet doesn’t have long to last.” She added, pausing, “Jon Brackenbrook is almost ready to retake Archet. If you’re ready, we’ll help him out.”
Bertha hated this. Her support system was actually asking her to fight! She didn’t know what to do. But even she had to admit that these heroes were more capable of facing the enemy than she ever was. What had happened to them to make them become so cross with her?
She turned to Jane, telling her, “I’m ready. When do we go?”
Jane smiled, admitting, “Soon Bertha. Soon.”
Notes:
Thanks for reading. More chapters to come. :)
Chapter 8: 4: Archet in Flames
Summary:
Bertha helps Jon Brackenbrook and the villagers of Archet against the Blackwolds. Bertha hopes they're not too late to stop them.
Notes:
Warning! This chapter is Rated M for violence.
.x.
Sorry for the months delay. I was reposting fanfics like crazy! Anyway, I'm back at this fanfic for who knows how long, before I start reposting fanfics again.
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Four:
Archet in Flames
Bertha stayed at Archet's Hunting Lodge until night. She knew the attack on the Village of Archet was coming, but she had an inkling to stay with Jon Brackenbrook until the time was right.
Bertha wanted to approach Jon and see what was going on, but she was blocked by several hobbits, Men, and Women who approached Jon. Jon offered them new armor, hats, dyes. Bertha sighed, wondering when she might get in on the action, earning herself some nice armor, too! Anything to give her more defense for tonight.
"Don't despair!" Jane pointed out, getting the hobbit woman's attention. Bertha looked down at the Dalmatian, contemplating on their next move. Jane shook her head, telling her, "It cannot be helped. These hobbits, Men, and Women are going to be facing down the Blackwolds with Jon. I was only interested in our plans."
"What is the plan?" Bertha asked, curiously.
"You'll know it when you get there," Syrena told Bertha, getting her attention. The white standard-coated unicorn persisted. "Ah, don't worry about them. We've got our own ways of dealing with the Blackwolds. When the time is right, we will attack them."
"Are you ready?" Jon asked the last hobbit man. "Very well."
Jane nodded. It was time.
.
Hours Later…
Night had reached Archet.
Bertha rode upon the white wolf, making her way alongside Jane, Syrena, and the rest of the white wolf's pack. Bertha sighed at the sight of seeing the wooden fence open up. The way to the village was in their hands.
Bertha smell flames. Flames? Oh no! The village was burning! Smoke and orangish-yellow flames were everywhere. The white wolf wasted no time. She dived through the village, keeping Bertha on her back as she slayed the brigands. Jane and Syrena helped, too. Jane mauled some of the brigands with her sharp teeth. Syrena blasted some brigands using her magic, protruding from her iridescent horn.
Yes, the battle was won in the jail yard, alongside Jon and all the other hobbit men, hobbit women, Men, and Women.
There was no staying in this area. The white wolf clambered her way into the market square, taking down as many brigands as she could.
Bertha surprised herself. While in the market square, Bertha pulled out her sword in time to stab one of the Blackwolds, right through the chest. Bertha stared in amazement, wondering how she was capable of doing that. She dismounted from the white wolf, pulling out her sword from the brigand's dead body.
She huffed and puffed in exasperation, but the moment was too short. Hearing the swing of a blade, Bertha ducked, hacking and slashing at another Blackwold. A third parried her blow. She swung her sword, receiving a cut across her arm. The Blackwold nearly had her. Bertha tumbled, keen on getting away from him.
The fight wouldn't last long. The white wolf charged in, saving her life and slaying the Blackwold.
"Oh!" Bertha rested her hand against the cut on her right arm. She sighed, breathing a sigh of relief, as green flames emitted from her fingertips. The flames didn't hurt, but they healed her right arm. The cut was gone, almost as if it wasn't there. Bertha smiled, standing up in time to throw her sword at another brigand. The Blackwold fell down, allowing her to pull out her sword out from that brigand, too.
The white wolf looked at Bertha, impressed, "You fight well." Bertha smiled, grateful when the last Blackwold was slain. The white wolf winked at her, saying to her, "Let's go. Climb on my back and we'll be on our way."
Bertha nodded, clambering onto the white wolf's back.
.
The white wolf charged after Jon to the crafting hall, in which the last of the brigands was slain. The crafting hall was cleared of enemies. But the white wolf knew this battle had not reached its end. She turned to Jane and Syrena, as they made their way straight to the road leading to the village square.
"Come on!" Jane cried, leading the charge.
"This battle's not done," Jon stated, following Atli and his new companions straight to the road leading to the Mad Badger Inn.
Bertha sighed, knowing what would happen next.
.
Bertha arrived on the road leading to the Village Square atop the white wolf. The Cargul were present, as well as Calder Cobb. Calder stared at Captain Brakenbrook, taking him out. The Cargul took the Ranger Amdir. Amdir had been stabbed by the Morgul Blade and was now a servant of Sauron.
Bertha watched the scene in agony. She couldn't take this. Vengeance filled her heart. She wanted to take Calder Cobb down herself. However, the hobbit men, hobbit women, Men, and Women already had him. Bertha sighed, throwing her sword to the ground in shame. She huffed and puffed, wanting to take out the Cargul, if Calder Cobb hadn't gone down, along with a few brigands.
Bertha sighed, as Frodo's hands wrapped around her shoulders, calming her down. "It's no good to face revenge. It'll lead you nowhere," Frodo said in her ear. Bertha turned around and looked at him, even as Frodo pointed to her sword. "Come on. Pick it up. You'll fight another day."
Bertha sighed, relaxing in his arm. She picked up her sword, sheathing it. She turned to Frodo, right as Seraphina joined them.
"You all fought bravely, but this fight isn't over. And not just in Archet," Seraphina said. She faced Bertha, nodding to her. "Come on. There are far more pressing matters to attend to. What will you do?" She turned to Frodo, courteously.
Frodo smirked. He faced Bertha, telling her, "I told you we are paving the way for you. In time, we'll have a house, a stronghold."
"Ooh! A stronghold! We could use that as a base, and then we…"
"Sera!" Frodo interrupted her. "Yes, we'll all do that. But look, you lot prepare the base. I'll bring Bertha home." He looked at Bertha, smiling at her. "What do you say? After the flames die down, we'll head back to the Shire. Are you ready?"
Bertha looked at him, wondering how often she would be abandoned. She hoped this wasn't going to be a pattern. For what it was worth, she was lucky to have him around.
"Sure. Let's go," Bertha said, not knowing what she would do without him.
Notes:
References:
Jon Brackenbrook's quotes come from "The Lord of the Rings Online." Frodo Baggins' quotes come from J.R.R. Tolkien's book trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.
.x.
How was that?
Next chapter is an area introduction chapter. Rather short, but to the point. :)
Thanks for reading. More chapters to come. :)
~Aria Breuer
Chapter 9: Area Introduction 1: The Shire
Summary:
Gandalf, while puffing his pipe, observes Frodo Baggins and his lover, Bertha, as they reach the Shire.
Notes:
Sorry for the month delay. I’m quickly getting caught up on reposting fanfics now. :) It’s just chapter reposting sessions to do now. But yeah, there’s not much left to repost, even if it feels like it’s going to take time to repost. :)
There isn’t much for this chapter. It’s almost like another preface, but it introduces us to our next location. :)
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Area Introduction One:
The Shire
Gandalf puffed his pipe, filled to the brim with pipeweed. He observed his surroundings, taking note of the chilly atmosphere as fall approached. The Shire was well-protected. That much was certain. But he also knew that danger wasn’t too far behind.
As he puffed his pipe, smoky images crept up. One of the smoky images revealed a young hobbitess rogue journeying across the land, away from Archet. She was now heading off to the Shire with a familiar face: Frodo Baggins was his name. He was heading back to the Shire, keen on making it there in time for breakfast. Gandalf hummed as he tried to recall what it was that he wanted to do.
Well, there no shame in what he could come up with. Nay! But he did have this funny feeling this hobbitess rogue was important, for she would begin a series with no idea which road to take.
“Once the Long Series begins, my dear, we will see how brave you are,” Gandalf said, smoking a smoke ring at last.
Notes:
How was that?
Next chapter, we’ll be in the Shire with Frodo and Bethany, as they explore their surroundings. :)
Thanks for reading. More to come. :)
~Aria Breuer
Chapter 10: 5: Seeker's Shoes
Summary:
While in the Shire, Frodo gives Bertha some more new starter supplies. They in turn get Bertha a new hobby, while they play hide and seek with a fellow hobbit.
Notes:
I seem to be in the mood to keep updating this fanfic. So, there’s only one more chapter to repost, before we’re caught up. So, that’s good. :)
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Five:
Seeker’s Shoes
Bertha awoke, lying on lush, green grass. The smell of dewy flowers alerted her, allowing her to see from off the side of the village a flower patch, filled to the brim with primroses and daffodils. It was a pleasant area to be in.
It was obvious where she was now: Little Delving. There wasn’t much to see and to explore. Nearby stood a waterfall, flowing from one end of Little Delving to the other waterfall in the near distance. Hobbit houses protruded this area. So many hobbits running around from where she was sitting.
The last thing she wanted to do was upset them!
She looked up at the hobbit who knelt before her. It was Frodo Baggins, and he was awake, too.
Frodo chuckled. “Come on. There’s not much to explore here. Let’s head to Michel Delving and grab some breakfast.” The moment he helped her to her feet, Frodo said, as his stomach growled, “Mmm! Michel Delving, here we come!”
Bertha took leave of her senses. The next thing she knew, Frodo whistled for a pony to come their way. To her surprise, this pony was a bay pony with a dark coat. She didn’t know what was happening. Just that Frodo hoisted her onto his pony, before settling in behind her.
“Are you ready?” Frodo asked, giddy with excitement.
“I am, but Frodo… I’m afraid of heights,” Bertha said, content to stay on the ground.
Frodo laughed. “Don’t worry. We won’t be too long.” And with that, his pony neighed, charging off out of Little Delving and heading straight to Michel Delving.
.
The moment they reached the Shire’s chief town, Frodo rode to the Bird and Baby Inn. The inn had an outdoor dining area, complete with its own colorful umbrellas nestled on wooden picnic tables. Hobbits ate and drank to their delight here. Many of the hobbits at this hour were inside the inn, ordering and eating breakfast. It was high time that Frodo help himself and Bertha find a table, where they could sit down and grab a bite to eat!
.
The moment Frodo dismounted and helped Bertha off his pony, the pony disappeared. Bertha looked, wide-eyed, at the pony as it disappeared.
“What was that?” Bertha asked, confused.
“Well,” Frodo shrugged, looking white as a sheet but recovering, “the horses and ponies disappear soon after we dismount. Don’t worry, they’ll return, just as soon as you whistle.”
“But I don’t have a pony,” Bertha complained.
“Hmm… you’re right,” Frodo said, opening his journal and tapping some scrawled writing. He smirked, telling Bertha, “Now you can. Here.” He showed her a golden-red bag that rested on her belt. “This’ll show you what to do. Inside, there’s a quest and deed journals, as well as a store journal. You can buy whatever you want from it. I just helped you get started.”
Bertha growled, opening her bag and pulling out her store journal, “Right. But what am I supposed to do with this? Wait! Why do I have 300 points? Where is… oh, there it is. Thank you, Eru!”
Frodo chuckled. “You can thank me. I just gave you some starter points. Now, all you have to do is buy the riding skill, and…”
Bertha scrolled through her store journal, finding the riding skill and buying it. Already, she felt as though she could ride to wherever she wanted to! How wonderful!
Bertha smiled, putting her store journal back in her bag. She closed the bag up, surprised it stayed on her belt. She chuckled. Such perks! She had the advantage with making sure nobody snitched from her… at least, until she didn’t count Frodo snitching her store and quest journals from her!
“Frodo, give it back!” Bertha jumped up, as Frodo moved about the area. “Give it back! You sneaky…”
Frodo laughed, smiling at her, “Well, I am a Master Thief. I’m also your Master Voice. You know, you can’t avoid me. You know that! Right?”
Bertha huffed. “Grr. Then why did you take that? It’s mine!” She jumped up again, attempting to reach her quest and store journals. But to no avail, for Frodo was simply too quick for her.
Frodo laughed, opening up the journals and reading them. Bertha half-expected Frodo not to snitch from her, but then he snitched her deed journal, too. Bertha huffed, defeated.
Frodo chuckled. He finished reading through her journals, stuffing them back into her bag for safe-keeping. “You did good getting that riding skill. That’s out of the way! Now, we can eat. How about some breakfast? Your choice.” He opened the door to the Bird and Baby Inn, giving Bertha a chance to step inside the inn first, before he joined her.
.
The Bird and Baby Inn was cozy. It was nothing like Bertha expected. There was a large rectangular dining area with tables and chairs. There was also a barber and a healer, as well as the innkeeper. To Bertha’s surprise, there was an elderly hobbit, giving away hobby skills.
As Bertha and Frodo sat down, Bertha asked Frodo, “Frodo,” that got Frodo’s attention, “do I need to do something else? A hobby? Crafting?”
Frodo sighed, telling her, “Bertha, crafting is going to follow you, everywhere you go.” He waggled his right index finger at her, smirking in delight, “That’s for sure! Ahem!” He cleared his throat, “As far as hobbies go, you have your writing. There are different hobbies in Middle-earth, but,” he shrugged, “I want you to take up writing. With me.”
Bertha looked at him with grave suspicion. “Why?”
Frodo shrugged, telling her, “Well, it’s what you felt like doing and I think it’ll be worth it. What do you say?”
Bertha looked at him in interest, asking him, “You sound as though you want to marry me. Is this true?”
Frodo smirked, waggling his eyebrows. “Why not? I say we make a fine couple.”
“But you ditched me in Archet. Why did you do that, if you wanted to marry me—!”
“Shh!” Frodo shushed her, taking her hand in his. “Calm down. I only did that because we were safe. It was your starter area. I thought you did fine on your own,” he added, “but you were never alone, Bertha. Never. Why would I make you totally alone? I would not do that.”
“Uh huh,” Bertha said, eyeing him. “You know, I can’t forgive you for what you did in Archet.”
Frodo nodded. “I know, but I’m willing to make it up to you.” He added, curiously, “What do you say? This is not like the starter area, where you’re mainly alone. Now, I can help you. What do you think?”
Bertha sighed, giving it some thought. She said to him, “All right, I’ll marry you. But only under the condition that we get done whatever we need to do here in Michel Delving.”
Frodo nodded. “That’s crafting and taking up a hobby. We can do both.” He nodded, smirking, “All right, we’ll do that.” He winked at her, petting her hand. “I love you. You know that!”
Bertha looked at him again with grave suspicion. Whatever did he mean?
.
As soon as Frodo and Bertha finished eating, they approached the elderly hobbit. The elderly hobbit looked at them, smiling. Frodo and Bertha observed the elderly hobbit’s table. Various hobbies were revealed, as well as their notes and items.
“Now, which hobby do you want to tackle?” the elderly hobbit said, all smiles.
Bertha caught the black and gold fountain pen sitting next to the fishing pole. Just seeing the fountain pen sparked Bertha’s interests. The moment she picked up the pen, all the other notes and items vanished. All that remained was the fountain pen and its notes, which she picked up.
The elderly hobbit smirked. When Bertha touched the notes, the papers disappeared inside her new hobby journal. It was different from what she expected, but in a good way.
“Very good!” the elderly hobbit spoke up, “You’ve chosen well. Your occupation is writing.”
“How do you know that?” Bertha asked, curiously.
The hobbit man waved his hands, telling her, “Never mind how! Just know that you’ve chosen this path well. And,” he said, just as soon as Bertha put the pen away, inside her bag, “now, I have a quest for you.”
“A quest?” Bertha asked, intrigued.
“There’s a family in Hobbiton who goes by the name of Brandybuck. They were visiting Bilbo Baggins, when the poor hobbit vanished. They want to send him a letter.” The elderly hobbit showed them an envelope, with a letter inside. “Here is the letter! Now, take it to the Postmaster, up at Michel Delving’s town hall. He’ll be able to deliver the Brandybuck family’s letter to Bilbo Baggins. Here, you take it, and good luck!”
“Great! I’ll do that!” Bertha stated, worried.
“Excellent! I’ll see you around,” the elderly hobbit said, shooing her away.
Bertha looked at Frodo, asking him, “Why didn’t you get a hobby?”
Frodo chuckled. “This is my world. You may be a visitor, but it’s still my home.” He smirked, wrapping an arm around her. Bertha put the letter inside her bag, leaving Frodo chuckling. “Come on. We should speak with the Postmaster.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea,” Bertha said, following Frodo outside the Bird and Baby Inn.
.
“What do you have?” the Postmaster, working at the Post Office in Michel Delving, announced.
Bertha handed him the letter, squeaking, “The Brandybuck Family want to send Bilbo Baggins a letter. They’re worried about him.”
“Huh! Imagine that,” the Postmaster, an elderly hobbit wearing a white dress shirt, a brown waistcoat, tan suspenders, and dark brown breeches, proclaimed, “Your Uncle Bilbo must be a real catch!” the Postmaster said, making Frodo blush, “But I’m afraid Bilbo’s run off! We can’t possibly send this.”
Frodo gave it some thought. “Why don’t I deliver this letter to him?” He shrugged. “It’d give me something else to do.”
The Postmaster shook his head. “No, you don’t have to. Here, give me that letter!” the Postmaster stated, “Yes, we’ll take care of it. Mail travels throughout Middle-earth. I’m sure Bilbo will receive this letter.”
“Oh really? Thank you!” Frodo sighed.
“Don’t mention it! Have a good day,” the Postmaster stated, walking away.
Frodo smirked, looking at Bertha now. “Shall we do something else? Crafting?”
As Bertha walked away, she noticed Frodo following her. He wrapped an arm around her, stunning her. She didn’t mind, not when Frodo spoke to her:
“I hear that the crafting-faire is a good place. We can decide what to wear and what to eat for our wedding,” Frodo smirked, enjoying himself.
Bertha smirked, chuckling, “You’re determined to marry me. Aren’t you?”
Frodo shrugged. “Why not? And now, I…”
“Frodo, you’ve got to help me!” Rollo Newbuck said, getting Frodo’s attention. Rollo cried, gracious towards the gentle-hobbit, “Yes, my friends and I were playing Hiders and Seekers, and now they’re missing! I’ll reward you both with cloaks and shoes, but you must hurry! They’re hiding somewhere in Michel Delving.”
Bertha huffed. “Oh sure! Why not play hide and seek?”
Frodo shushed her, petting her hair, and getting her hair out of her eyes. “Don’t worry. We’ll find them.”
“You will? Oh, thank you! I’ll reward you after you’ve found them!” Rollo walked away, returning to the statue near town hall.
Bertha rolled her eyes. She told Frodo, fluently, “You know, I’m surprised he didn’t give any hints.”
Frodo shushed her, “Relax. I think we should check the Bounder’s Statue first, then we can look over at the Bird and Baby Inn.” He sighed, “Come on. Let’s go look for them.” He walked off, taking Bertha with him.
.
Bertha pushed Frodo away! She wandered off in search of something to do. She just didn’t count on Frodo rushing back to her! She jumped upon seeing Frodo standing right next to her! Frodo laughed his head off, curiously!
“See? You can’t get rid of me,” Frodo said, leaving Bertha huffing.
Bertha looked at him now, tears ready to leave her eyes. She fought them, as she said, “So, you were never really abandoning me in Archet?”
Frodo laughed, shaking his head and wiping the tears from her eyes. “There, there now! That’s better! Of course, I didn’t abandon you. This proves I didn’t!”
“How come I couldn’t tell in Archet before?” Bertha asked, confused.
Frodo eyed her, adding, “You couldn’t tell because we were safe. I wasn’t supposed to be there. You were. That’s why it felt like we were barred from seeing each other. Even though it wasn’t.” He added, calming down, “You’ll be fine.”
He looked around, saying to her, “Come on. There are some things I want to show you. This way.” He waved for her. She followed him. The last thing she expected was Frodo guiding her over to some flowers and to Daisy Brockhouse.
“You found her?” Bertha asked, fresh tears about to leave her eyes. She didn’t know why. It was all very strange.
Frodo nodded. “Yes. What? Did you think I’d forget about our quest?”
Bertha wanted to cry! She was stunned Frodo didn’t want to abandon her. He didn’t even leave her, not really. Why then didn’t she see that?
She calmed down, rubbing the tears from her eyes. She approached Daisy, asking her, “Are you Daisy Brockhouse?”
Daisy nodded, chipper, “I am! What’s it to you?”
Bertha shrugged. “Rollo Newbuck is looking for you. You two were playing Hiders and Seekers, right?”
Daisy shooed the air, stating, “That Rollo can’t find a way to be a Seeker! Well, it’s good he’s found you! I’m sure you’ll my brother Polo Brockhouse is somewhere in Michel Delving. This spot is nice.” Daisy looked away. She stood about, admiring the flowers.
“Thank you,” Frodo said, moving away from Daisy to Bertha, “Come on. Let’s find Polo!”
“That shouldn’t be too hard!” Bertha stated, leaving Frodo to shush her. They wandered off in search of Polo. They felt sure they would find him!
.
In a manner of minutes, Frodo led Bertha to the Bird and Baby Inn. They were at the outdoor dining area, searching for Polo. It wasn’t very crowded, but in one corner, there was a curly, dark brown-haired hobbit sipping his morning tea. Bertha raised an eyebrow, wondering if this hobbit man was Polo.
“Should we?” Bertha asked, curiously.
“If you want to. It’s your quest,” Frodo said, gesturing to her to join the mysterious hobbit.
Bertha sighed, fearing the worst. “Okay, here I go.” She approached the dark brown-haired hobbit, as he looked up at her. “Are you Polo? Polo Brockhouse? Rollo Newbuck is looking for you!”
“Ah!” Polo exclaimed, “Rollo’s looking for me? Ha ha! He knows how to pick good Seekers! Only, I gave up playing after a while. I stopped by the Bird and Baby Inn for a drink. Tea sounds good. Oh, and I’m sure you’ll find Odo Pipes lurking about somewhere. The Bird and Baby Inn is his favorite spot.”
“Really? Let me look! And—” Frodo observed his surroundings. At last, he found a hobbit roosting on top of the roof. Frodo turned to Bertha, smiling, “Come on! Let’s get up there!”
“Whoop!” Bertha exclaimed, dragged away in moments by Frodo. They reached the top of the Bird and Baby The lush green grassy hill, leading up to the road back to Little Delving, loomed before them. To be honest, Bertha wasn’t sure about climbing on rooftops.
To Bertha’s surprise, she and Frodo found Odo hanging out on one of the lower rooftops. Frodo pushed Bertha over to the hobbit, letting her speak to him.
“Are—Are you Odo Pipes? Rollo Newbuck’s looking for you!” Bertha exclaimed to Odo in a faint, but loud voice.
Odo looked up at her in shock, “Ah! So, he’s chosen another Seeker! Well, well! Well done, you two! I’ll have to find a better spot. My, my, I must say, Rollo knows how to pick good Seekers.” Odo stayed up on the rooftop, paying no heed to them. Frodo jumped off the rooftop first, waiting for Bertha to do the same.
“Come on! I’ll catch you!” Frodo cried, leaving Bertha trembling.
Bertha huffed. She did not want to fall! She closed her eyes, leaping down from the rooftop, right into Frodo’s arms. Just the jump alone sent Frodo and Bertha flat on the cobbled stone ground, laying right on top of each other.
“Nothing’s broken, is it?” Frodo asked, curiously.
Bertha sighed, “I’m a little bruised, but not too badly. Ow!” She felt her ribs. They ached but they were not seriously injured.
Frodo sighed, “Good. Let’s go!”
“Right,” Bertha said, following Frodo back to the statue near Michel Delving’s town hall.
.
“Oh good! You’re back!” Rollo said, giving Frodo and Bertha their coins and their choice of clothing.
Frodo smirked, telling Bertha, “Pick what you want. The choice is yours.”
“Hmm…” Bertha looked at her options. The cloak Rollo handed to her was warm and cozy. There were blue shoes as well, big enough to fit hobbit feet. Given the circumstances, Bertha wondered if she would receive more cloaks along her journey. The shoes… well, she wondered if it would take longer for her to get a new pair of shoes.
Her decision was made: she chose the shoes. She smiled, handing the cloak back to Rollo. “The shoes will do well.”
“Very good! Enjoy your prize!” Rollo said, allowing the cloak to disappear in his hands, even as Frodo also chose the shoes as well.
The moment Frodo and Bertha tried on the shoes; they found the shoes fit comfortably. Frodo laughed, walking around with his shoes on and loving it! He smirked, giggling up a storm as he looked at Bertha, amazed at how wonderful the shoes fit their feet!
“You see, Bertha? You see? This is wonderful!” Frodo exclaimed, “I’m never taking these off!”
Bertha chuckled. “Someday, you will.”
Frodo grinned, “Aww! Do you mean that? I quite like wearing shoes!”
“I’m happy for you,” Bertha stated, loving him up. “So, are we doing next? Crafting?” She smirked.
Frodo shrugged. “Yes. Come on. Let’s go.” He took her hand, leading them away from Michel Delving’s town hall.
Notes:
How was that?
Okay, so the next chapter we will still be in the Shire with Frodo and Bertha. Not much going on right now, except to prepare them for the road ahead. :)
Thanks for reading. More to come. :)
~Aria Breuer
Chapter 11: 6: At the Craft-faire!
Summary:
Frodo and Bertha spend time learning new crafting skills and earn their vocations, too.
Notes:
Well, this is the last chapter to be reposted for this fanfic. :) The reason I say this is because I thought Chapter 7/12 would be the next chapter to be reposted. Lo and behold! It’s actually a new chapter to be posted. :) So, we’re about to head into new material. :D I’m sorry for the confusion. I just realized this, when looking back at the chapters for this fanfic.
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Six:
At the Craft-faire!
Michel Delving’s craft-faire was everything Bertha could ever ask for. There were so many vendors and a supplier, as well as crafting tools needed to make the crafting items for paying customers. So far, Bertha found so many peoples united to make beautiful, elegant, and useful tools and items. The peoples ranged from Elves, Men, Women, and Children, to Dwarves and Hobbits, and the occasional Beorning.
Yes! the craft items ranged from decorations to food, to weapons and armor. Bertha was already falling in love with the craft-faire, with its own oven, forge, workbench, and farmland. What had she been missing?
“Come on. Let’s go craft,” Frodo said, winking at her. The first person they met was the Mistress of Crafting, who was relieved to see them.
“Yes, which profession do you want? You have three crafting vocations for each profession. You’ll need to choose one profession, as you’ll be spending a lot of time and energy making those select craft items!” the Mistress of Crafting said, giving Bertha her choices.
Bertha looked at each craft profession’s tools and notes. There was so much to choose! But what crafting profession did she want? Hmm… she wondered…
…at last! She chose her craft profession: Historian.
Frodo smiled, patting Bertha on the back. “Well done!” Frodo said, looking at the Mistress of Crafting, in which he told her, “I’m going to choose Yeoman because that’s what I want to do. I already chosen a hobby: wood carving.” He breathed deeply, sighing in wonder. “Ah yes, carving wood animals, figurines…” he inhaled, exhaling as he spoke up, “…ah! Such wonder.”
He looked at Bertha, sniffing her hair. Intoxication wafted his senses. The world was at peace right now. It was blissful! “Mmmhmhm!” He hadn’t realized his eyes were shut. He opened them, finding peace again with Bertha. “Let’s go!” Frodo whispered, collecting his craft tools and his notes. Bertha did the same, storing her craft tools and her notes in her bag, as Frodo did, too. Frodo looked at her, admiring her.
“Thank you!” Frodo said, turning to the Mistress of Crafting now.
The Mistress of Crafting waved her hands in the air. “You’ll want to speak with the Mistress of Apprentices now. She’s further down the craft-faire. She’ll help you with your chosen profession.”
Frodo nodded. “Thank you. Let’s go!” he said, turning to Bertha.
“Thanks!” Bertha stated, getting the Mistress of Crafting’s attention.
The Mistress of Crafting waved her hands again, saying to them both, “Don’t mention it!”
“Right!” Frodo smirked, speaking more calmly now. He looked at Bertha, telling her, “Come on!” He was too determined to speak with the Mistress of Apprentices. In turn, he dragged Bertha with him.
.
The Mistress of Apprentices was an elderly hobbitess, donned in a lively summers’ day dress. Her skin was pale, while her silvery hair flowed down her head, stopping at a bun, from which she put up. She was surprised when Frodo dragged Bertha around with him everywhere they went. The Mistress of Apprentices, Blossom Proudfoot, simply shook her head and tapped her foot several times.
Frodo and Bertha reached her, of which Blossom was proud to see them. “What is your chosen profession? Ah, yes! Yeoman and Historian! I can help you find your chosen Novices.” Blossom shrugged, saying to them, “Of course, you will have to meet up with the Novices first, before you do anything else.”
“Thank you. That’s what we want to do!” Frodo said, facing Blossom and then spinning around to Bertha with great excitement in his eyes. “Right, my sweet?” Frodo looked at Bertha, smirking.
Bertha shrugged, admitting, “Sure, if that’s what we want to do.”
“Excellent! Your quest journals should be updated by now!” Blossom spoke up, allowing Bertha and Frodo the chance to check their quest journals.
“Ohh! I’ve got Scholar, Weaponsmith, and Farmer!” Bertha stated, loving this!
“Hmm!” Frodo looked his quest journal over. “Well, it says that I’ve got Cook, Tailor, and Farmer! Mhm! Right then,” he closed his quest journal, leaving an awful loud noise protruding from it, “what shall we do first?” Frodo asked loudly, facing his dearly devoted fiancée.
“Well, we could split up!” Bertha suggested.
Frodo pouted.
Bertha looked at him now, giving him a serious expression. “Come on now. What’s it going to hurt us? We’ll do the Farming together.” She rubbed his shoulder, leaving him purring. She giggled, loving this gesture.
“Mmm… that’s nice!” Frodo closed his eyes, feeling more entranced by her. As he opened his eyes, Bertha was entranced by his gushing love. It was tender, sweet. Bertha didn’t want to stop this… even as Frodo recalled where they were. He held her hand, forcing her to stop rather fondly.
They both whimpered, longing to embrace each other in a tight hug. Frodo reasoned with himself. As difficult as this may seem, Frodo looked at her again, kissing her hand ever so gently. She could tell they were in love. Frodo knew it.
“Come on. Let’s split up!” Frodo said, kissing her on the cheek. “I’ll meet you at the South Fields.” He walked away, leaving her confused.
But not before Bertha asked him, “Where is the South Fields?”
“Hmm? Oh, it’s right behind you!” Frodo pointed out a farmland away from a low grey stone wall. Bertha looked around, facing the opening between the workbench and the forges. There was indeed a wall, a low wall, capable enough to be jumped over. “Right back there, beyond the craft-faire!” Frodo smirked, giddy with excitement. “Do you see it now?”
“Hmm?” Bertha said, facing the farmland from where she was standing. “Oh yes! I see it!”
“Good! I’ll meet you over there! Then we can do out final quest together!” Frodo called out, giddy again.
Bertha nodded. “I will!”
.
Bertha turned to the Novice Scholar. The Novice Scholar was an elderly hobbit with silver curly hair, pale skin, and donned in a white dress shirt, tan suspenders, a reddish-peach waistcoat, and dark purple knee breeches. To Bertha, this fellow hobbit had a demeanor that even she couldn’t ignore.
“Well, I’ll be! Welcome would-be crafter!” the Novice Scholar declared. “So, you’re willing to become a scholar! Well, it’s sure challenging! But I’m sure someone like you is willing to learn!”
“Huh?” This confused Bertha. She hadn’t expected this, “I’m sorry! What?”
The Novice Scholar shooed the air. “Pish posh! Let’s get started! If I go too fast or too slow, let me know!” He paused, excited to see another would-be scholar ready to test out their first crafting feats. “Now, do you see that crate? I want you to open it! I’ll go over the details soon enough!”
Bertha did, opening the crate in front of her. She found a piece of paper and a white rune, carved out of grey stone.
“Yes, that is your artifact and your scroll,” the Novice Scholar said, continuing his instruction, “I want you to use your abilities and make a minor scholar lore! Can you do it?” Bertha shook her head. The Novice Scholar explained, “It’s simple really! All you need to do is focus. It takes great skill and concentration! But I’m sure you can do it.”
“Tell me what I have to do!” Bertha huffed. Her eyes widened, horrified. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“That’s all right. Here’s what you have to do: just concentrate on the objects, study them, and you shall be able to create your own minor scholar lore!” the Novice Scholar said.
Bertha huffed, sighing. “Okay. I’ll try.” She sighed a second time, closing her eyes. With a few deep breaths, Bertha went right to work studying the runes and the scroll. She at once knew what to do! Taking a blank sheet of paper, she found herself scrawling down the words, letters, and numbers onto the sheet of paper.
When she was done, she had created her very own minor scholar lore!
“I did it! I really did it!” Bertha cried, excited.
“Let me see that!” the Novice Scholar took the papers from her. Observing them, he gave his remarks, “Nothing out of the ordinary! Everything looks wonderful! I’ll give it to you as a beginner! Welcome, Novice Scholar!”
“Really?” Bertha cried, her heart fluttering with excitement.
“Oh yes! Well done, indeed! Now go!” the Novice Scholar shooed her. “I have other students to attend to! Do come back when you need scholarly supplies!”
Bertha blushed, red with excitement. “Thank you!” She moved away from him, wondering what to do next. “Now, what can I do?” Putting her new scroll into her bag, Bertha looked around for Frodo. She found him making his hard biscuit. Bertha watched Frodo pass the newly cooked biscuit over to the Novice Cook, who inspected it delightfully.
“Very good! Excellent! Welcome, new Novice Cook!” the Novice Cook proclaimed.
“Oh, thank you!” Frodo said, bowing to her. He took the biscuit back, setting the food on a towel, before stuffing it inside his bag. “Now, what shall I do next?” He caught a glimpse of Bertha looking at him.
Frodo waved at her, shortly before he pointed out the Novice Tailor. “I’m going over there! I’ll meet you when I’m done! Okay?”
Bertha nodded. “Okay! I’ll be here!” She pointed out the Novice Weaponsmith, standing next to the Novice Metalsmith, over by the forge.
“Well, lookie here! Another would-be crafter! Welcome! I am here to help you craft your first weapon!” the Novice Weaponsmith stated, bringing Bertha much joy. The Novice Weaponsmith continued, admiring her. “Now, if I go too fast or too slow, let me know. Here,” the Novice Weaponsmith showed her a crate, from which she could collect her ingredients, “now in this crate is everything you need. Return to me when you’re done or need help. Good luck, Bertha!”
“Thanks!” Bertha said, opening her crate to find two bronze ingots. The way the bronze ingots stood out in the mid-morning sunlight drove her senses wild! Oh, she wanted to craft a bronze sword for Frodo! Surely, he would love that!
Taking the bronze ingots out, Bertha pulled out her smithing hammer from her bag. She moved to the forge and iron anvil, asking the Novice Weaponsmith for help.
The Novice Weaponsmith showed her the cup from which she would put her melted bronze ingots into. They then fitted the melted ingots into a sword mold, complete with its own hilt outline and blade outline.
After the blade was done, it was time to work on the hilt. Her fingers trembled as she worked on the hilt. The wooden hilt fitted into the blade, leaving Bertha with one final piece: making the hilt stay on the blade. She had help with that from the Novice Weaponsmith.
By the time she was done, the Novice Weaponsmith took a good hard look at the weapon she made. “Not bad for a beginner. Granted, some lines on the hilt are a little jagged, but it’s your first blade. So, I’m sure you’ll improve!”
“Aww!” Bertha cried, hushed and worried.
The Novice Weaponsmith patted her on the back. “Well done! I pronounce you a Novice Weaponsmith!”
“Thank you!” Bertha cried, hugging the Novice Weaponsmith.
“Uh-hmm!” The Novice Weaponsmith looked at her in confusion, even as Bertha backed away.
“I’m sorry,” Bertha blushed. She was mad at herself for thinking she could hug a Novice Weaponsmith! Oh, whatever was she to do?
The Novice Weaponsmith chuckled, hugging her back. “Don’t worry! It’s your first time hugging someone.”
Bertha blushed again, shyly this time. “Oh, don’t be like that! It’s not the first hugs I’ve received. Frodo!” She glanced over her shoulder, as Frodo returned with a new sewn cloak. A Rough Cloth Cloak! As Bertha passed to him her newly made sword, Frodo wrapped her up in the new cloak.
“There!” Frodo patted her shoulders, after the cloak and the brooch was fitted. He took the bronze sword, testing out the blade. “You’ve had help?”
Bertha blushed, embarrassed now. “It’s nothing! I did have help! The Novice Weaponsmith helped me.”
Frodo shrugged. “Yes. Well, that’s what they’re there for. To help us out.” He looked at the Novice Weaponsmith, saying, “That’s correct, isn’t it? You’re supposed to help us.”
The Novice Weaponsmith shrugged. “That is the point of having a craft-faire. You get help with the crafting.”
Frodo laughed, jealous. “So, it would seem!” He blushed, smiling. “Of course, we get help here!” He laughed, joyously. He nudged Bertha, telling her, “Come on. We’d best hurry!” He belted his new bronze sword, keeping it on his belt for good measure. “It’s time to meet the Novice Farmer!”
“Are you sure? I mean, it’s only one more quest,” Bertha stated, jokingly.
Frodo giggled. “Hey! Come on! I thought you wanted to get some crafting done!” He wrapped an arm around her, even as they reached the low grey stone wall. “After you!” He waited until Bertha swung her legs over, before joining her. As they climbed out of the lush, green bushes, Frodo wrapped his arms around her shoulders again. He gently kissed her temple, her scent wafting up his nostrils. He declared, “Besides, between you and me, I’d say we make a good pair! Don’t you agree?”
Bertha smirked, delighted to hear it. “Yes, I do believe you’re right!” She darted, surprising Frodo as he released her. She faced him, telling him, “Come on! I’ll race you!”
“No, you won’t! Not before I join you!” Frodo said, speeding ahead of her. He laughed, joyously as she caught up. Frodo sped down the road even more, leaving Bertha panting.
Frodo joined her, patting her on the back. Their run wasn’t for nothing! Frodo pointed out to her a farmhouse. “Look, Bertha! We’ve made it!” Indeed, Frodo and Bertha had reached a grand hobbit farmhouse. Nestled on either side of the farmhouse were three patches of farmland, covered in dark brown soil.
Bertha looked at the farmland in awe. This was what she was waiting for! She smirked, telling Frodo, “Come on! Let’s go ahead and farm!” She darted off before another word was said.
Frodo chuckled, saying to himself, “Yes, indeed.” He raced up to her, patting her across her chest, “Come on! Look! He’s right here!”
“Huh?” Bertha said, joining Frodo over by the workbench, from where the Novice Farmer stood. The Novice Farmer had dark curly hair, pale skin, and was donned in a white short-sleeved shirt and a blue jumper. The Novice Farmer looked at them both with a keen eye.
“Well, more would-be farmers! Excellent! I’m here to help you out! If I go too fast or too slow, let me know! Do you see those crates over there?” The Novice Farmer pointed out two crates. “Inside, you’ll find the ingredients you’ll need to make your very own yellow onion fields. Report back when you’re done!”
“Very good! Well done!” Frodo said, giving the Novice Farmer hope! “Shall we?” Frodo looked back at Bertha, smiling at her. They opened up their crates to find her onion seeds, fertilizer, and a bucket of water.
The Novice Farmer smiled, shooing them away, “Yes, yes! Now go! Report back to me when you’re done!” he reminded them.
“Thanks,” Bertha said, a little annoyed.
Frodo smirked, chuckling. “Come on. Let’s go craft!”
“Right!” Bertha said, calming down.
Right in time, Bertha and Frodo chose their own plot of soil. Bertha watched Frodo, wondering how he was able to craft a crop field so quickly. Bertha looked at the dark brown soil, turned and tossed around, ready for planting.
Bertha looked at her yellow onion seeds. Taking the onion seeds out of their packet, Bertha tossed her onion seeds onto the plot of soil. She concentrated on the soil, closing her eyes, and letting go. The effort seemed to work. She opened her eyes, surprised to see her fingers glowing a golden-white hue.
She looked at the crop field in front of her. It sprouted a yellow onion field. “Huh! I’d better test this out!” She moved quickly to pluck the ripe onions from the crop field. The crop field vanished soon after. She sighed, taking the onions away from the now vanished crop field. “Come on! I’d better take these onions over to the workbench,” it was where she hoped she could pick through the onions to see which ones were the freshest and ripest to cook.
The onions’ rough scent was strong. It was almost as if someone had brought tears to her eyes. Bertha brought her yellow onions over to the workbench. She knelt down, inspecting the onions and finding some onions hadn’t yet ripened, while some were just not good. The onions she collected were the ripest, freshest, and didn’t spoil.
The moment she was done, she waited until the Novice Farmer declared Frodo a Novice Farmer, before the Novice Farmer turned to Bertha. “Here! Let me see that!” The Novice Farmer smelt the onions, ready to take a bite out of them! “Oh yes! You plucked good onions. The layers are fresh, the colors are ripe. Well done! I now proclaim you a Novice Farmer!”
Frodo chuckled. As Bertha put her batch of onions into a brown sack, she handed them over to Frodo. “For you!” Bertha announced, handing him her sack of onions.
“Excellent! You certainly knew what you were doing here!” Frodo said with a smile.
Bertha shrugged. “I guess I can handle farming.”
Frodo nodded. “Better than crafting swords! But hey,” he rested a comforting hand against her back, “don’t fret! We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. You’re a beginner. These things take time.”
Bertha sighed. She looked up at him, staring into his dreamy eyes. “Thanks for the pep talk! I know I can do better next time!”
Frodo laughed. “Let’s go and see the Mistress of Apprentices!”
.
By the time Frodo and Bertha returned to the Mistress of Apprentices, Blossom Proudfoot could hardly believe her eyes! Frodo and Bertha rested their hands against their knees, worn down from all this running! Blossom patted their backs, rubbing them as they calmed down.
“Well, you’re back! You’ve made good time!” Blossom said, moving back so Frodo and Bertha could recover. The moment Frodo and Bertha knew they were all right, Frodo helped Bertha stand up. Blossom told them, “I heard about your progress! Well done! Here’s some Apprentice Ingredients Packs to get you both started! Enjoy your new crafting endeavors!” She passed to Frodo and Bertha three Apprentice Ingredients Packs each. Frodo and Bertha quietly put the packs inside their bags.
Blossom Proudfoot then told them, “Again, well done!”
Frodo gasped, jittery. “Aww! Thank you!” He hugged the Mistress of Apprentices, who hugged him back, “Sorry!” Frodo said, sheepishly, backing away from her.
Blossom Proudfoot shooed the air, “It’s all right! Enjoy your day!”
Frodo sighed, turning to Bertha again. “It certainly is!”
Notes:
How was that?
This chapter was more of a filler chapter, but it did give Frodo and Bertha new skills to try. :)
Next chapter is the Harvestmath Festival, which is in the right spot, and where all the excitement Frodo and Bertha are about to endure will come to pass. :)
Thanks for reading. More to come. :)
~Aria Breuer
Chapter 12: 7: The Harvestmath Festival
Summary:
Frodo and Bertha travel to the Party Field in Hobbiton. There, they celebrate the Harvestmath Festival by entering the Haunted Burrow, where a few spooky surprises await them.
Notes:
Chapter Seven Disclaimers: Frodo Baggins and Shelob come from J.R.R. Tolkien’s book trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. The Harvestmath Festival, the Haunted Burrow, Wistmead, and the Harvestmath prizes come from Turbine and Standing Stone Games, “The Lord of the Rings Online.” Shelob as a woman comes from "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor" video game. Arachna comes from Triumph Studios, “Age of Wonders II: The Wizard’s Throne.” Bertha is my original character.
.x.
This chapter has been long overdue. This is one of the last chapters I wrote for this fanfic that needed to be revised, shortly before this fanfic got deleted in 2021, I think. It’s been a few years, and it proves, once again, that I’m not the same person I was back then. I used to be terrified of the Haunted Burrow. But now, since going through the merging process with LOTR’s Frodo Baggins, that fear is gone, replaced by bravery. :)
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Seven:
The Harvestmath Festival
Frodo waggled his eyebrows at her. Bertha blushed, finding it unbearable to keep a straight face. It made her wonder how he did it for so long! Hehe! Was there anything this poor hobbit couldn’t do, besides embarrass himself?
Frodo laughed, grinning with enthusiasm. “So! What shall we do now? Oh!” Frodo’s happy expression changed as he pulled out the map from his bag, observing it with candor. Bertha checked her bag, too, finding it was taking them straight to the Harvestmath Festival.
“Hmm?” Bertha gave it some thought. “The Harvestmath Festival! Sounds fun! You into spooky stuff? Because I sure ain’t! Getting myself all scared?” Bertha shook her head, not enthused by the notes she received, within the map, “I wouldn’t dream of going there!”
Frodo laughed, joyful he now had a means to prank her, his darling fiancée. “Hmm? Well! I’ll meet you over there!” He cried, reading the map and disappearing on sight.
“You horror—!” Bertha cried, hot with fury in her eyes. Only now, she knew exactly where he was going! Ohh, she was determined to chase after him! She looked at the map now. While reading it, Bertha found herself whisked away by golden leaves, heading straight for the Party Field in Hobbiton, where the Party Tree was located.
.
In Hobbiton’s Party Field stood a grand, lush green leafy tree, whose branches sprouted out for a few yards. It wasn’t the tree that alarmed Bertha. No, this Party Field housed a very strange burrow, nestled below Bag End.
Bertha found herself a little more familiar with the world of Middle-earth. She could already tell this was not the place she wanted to be at right now.
“On second thought, I think I’ll leave,” Bertha cried, darting towards the exit!
She just didn’t count on Frodo grabbing her and spinning her around. “Whoa! Where are you going? Look! It isn’t so bad.” Frodo shrugged, all smiles. “Come on. I’ll show you around. I’m sure we’ll have fun here.” He had something special planned for Bertha. A little romantic feat on his part! And he thought he knew exactly where to go!
“Anyone want to go into the Haunted Burrow?! First two hobbits to reach one end of the Burrow to the next, without leaving the Burrow, gets fifteen fall tokens each!” the town crier cried out, beside the Haunted Burrow. “Those wishing to go to Wistmead will receive forty fall tokens each for completion of the maze! Good luck, weary travelers!”
Frodo cackled. This was perfect!
Bertha shook her head, backing away from the horrors she might endure within the Haunted Burrow. “Frodo, please don’t take me in there! I’m scared of frights! Please, let me go!”
Frodo held her hand, clutching it, and reassuring her everything was fine. “Don’t worry. You’ll have me to protect you.” He looked back at the Burrow now, before facing Bertha. He sighed, mentioning to her, “Come on. I’ll hold your hand, and if you need a shoulder to cry on, I’ll gladly give it.” He admitted, “Don’t worry. You’re safe with me.” He added, reassuring her, “This is nothing, compared to all the other dangers in the spirit world. If you need me for protection, I’ll protect you. This part, the Haunted Burrow, is all play frights. Wistmead may very well be another story.”
He looked at the Haunted Burrow, guiding Bertha towards the town crier. Frodo pulled Bertha in, letting her hands rest on his chest. Frodo looked up at the town crier, saying to him, “Bertha and I will gladly go in.”
“Right, that’s fifteen tokens each, if you survive. Muahahahahahah!” the town crier shouted for joy, loving this gesture.
Frodo chuckled. “Sounds about right.” He shrugged, realizing they would have to wait until they went through the Haunted Burrow, before the transaction was made. Frodo turned to Bertha, leading her inside the Haunted Burrow, where they would be in for a wild ride!
.
Horror and dread chilled Bertha’s bones. Shadows danced along the ceiling to the floor. Sack puppets jolted out from their barrel hiding spots! Bertha jumped out of her skin, metaphorically speaking, at the sight of the sack puppets.
Still, Frodo persisted. He dragged her straight to the attic, where darkness engulfed them both.
Bertha couldn’t stand it, the darkness! It was too moaning and dreadful. There was even a chain, a grey chain, dangling from the ceiling. Frodo swiped an arm in front of her, showing her there were others touching this chain. A hobbit wearing a white sheet, with two cut out shapes protruding the sheet, came out. He forced the group to attack him before he ran away!
Oh, Bertha didn’t want to be here!
“Can’t we just go?” Bertha asked, nervous.
Frodo chuckled, grimly. “Don’t worry. This is only the first room. Let’s go!” He gestured with his head, leading Bertha out of the attic and back to the main room, where their troubles began.
.
Frodo moved Bertha into the next room. The Cobwebbed Room, as it was called, had a greenish tint. It was sticky, the walls and ceilings overrun with silky cobwebs. Jars containing various liquids overran the floors and tables, covered with white sheets.
Yes, Bilbo Baggins, Frodo’s uncle, did a fantastic job leaving the Haunted Burrow to them!
But they weren’t alone… a sticky, slithering voice protruded the air. Followed by a jump scare! Bertha moved fast, trying to recover, only to fall into darkness in a manner of moments…
…by the time she woke up, she looked up at Frodo, gazing down at her in a kindly manner. He moved her fast, away from the area, where the giant dark spider jump scared her!
“You’re all right! You’re safe now,” Frodo said, sitting on the wooden floor next to her, wrapping his arms around her. “Here. Just sit here for a time. We’ll only be here for a moment. Or when you’re ready to leave.”
“Oh… really?” Bertha asked, enthralled by him.
Frodo nodded. “Oh indeed. We are here for a reason,” he said, grateful she looked at him now.
He quietly kissed her temple. She rested her head against his shoulder. It shocked him to find they were having a calm, romantic moment within the folds of the Cobwebbed Room. At last, a peaceful time between lovers. But in a spooky setting, too. Who knew if they were going to make it out of here alive.
Frodo breathed in and out, gently rubbing her shoulder to relax her. It was splendid, but it seemed too perfect for this moment.
“Well, I can’t help it! Being romantic in a spooky setting,” Frodo smirked, loving this gesture. He looked down at her, telling her, “We could sit quietly in the maze at Wistmead, too. I’m sure the town criers wouldn’t mind.”
Bertha looked up at him in wonder, contemplating what they were doing here, “Do you think they’d be angry? I mean, we’re doing nothing except sitting here, in a spooky, cobwebbed setting! Frodo!” She sat up, imploring upon him as he laughed at her, “Come on!” she slugged him, leaving him with a quiet, calm demeanor.
“Ow! Ouch. Did you have to slug me so hard?” Frodo asked, playfully. He looked at her now, asking her, “Are you calmed down now?”
“No!” Bertha said, softly, resting her head against his shoulders. “I mean, I could still freak out. This place is creepy.”
Frodo breathed in the indoor air. He could smell sulfur, not too far away from where they were sitting. “Mmm… yeah, maybe you’re right.” He shrugged, saying, “I’m used to this place, these cobwebs. They remind me of Shelob.”
“Don’t! Don’t do that,” Bertha said, content to let him leave these memories behind.
Frodo laughed. “Oh, come on! I’m sure you wouldn’t mind me doing some cognitive behavioral therapy on spiders now. Wouldn’t you like that?” He smirked, keen on getting her to think this was a good thing.
Bertha huffed. “I just don’t understand you! First you ditch me, and now…” she huffed, clearing her throat, as she told him, “…and now you want to overcome my fear of spiders!” She seethed, asking him, “What’s wrong with you? What’s wrong?”
Frodo gazed at her with renewed eyes. “What’s wrong with me? It’s just a Haunted Burrow. It can’t hurt you.” He chuckled, loving this newfound power. He waved his hand in front of her face, leaving her to close her eyes and sleep in his arms. “Shh! It’s all right.” He kissed her temple, letting her breathe him in, while she slept. “It’s all right. You’re safe now. You’re safe! In a creepy cobwebbed room.”
He smirked, laughing at first, and then diving into a full-on rage cackle. This room was so fun to play with! What had he missed down here?
.
Bertha awoke, sitting by herself.
Wait… what? Frodo ditched her again! How could this happen? More than once, Frodo ditched her! Oh, she was going to get back at him for this. But how was she to do it? Oh, where did Frodo go? Where was the exit?
“Frodo? Frodo?! Frodo?” Bertha knew this was a bad idea. Oh, she needed to find the exit… nope, that door only led her back to the Cobwebbed Room. And Frodo was… gone? Oh, Bertha had to apologize for her behavior towards him. It only made sense that Frodo was trying to better himself.
But facing his fears was not something Bertha had in mind. No, she preferred a nice, cozy space away from such troubles. Hmm… now, if she looked this way, she might find the exit… and the spider knocked her out cold again! Ohh, how she hated this room!
She sat up; her mind focused on her next destination. She stood up, all cobwebbed and hardly paying attention to where she was going. Oh, at last, she stumbled across a door! It led her out of the Cobwebbed Room… and into the Creeping Room. Oh dear, oh dear! Whatever was she to do?
.
The Creeping Room was scarier than Bertha thought!
The moment she entered this room, she was whisked away into the chilling air, the sounds disjointed. Her blood run cold.
Orangish-yellow candlelight lit up the room in a sickly fashion. The pitch-black darkness coming off the ceiling illuminated the entirety of the room. If it weren’t for the candlelight, Bertha feared she wouldn’t see anything but darkness. Potion bottles sat atop tables covered with white cloth. Liquids could be found illuminating the potion bottles, all different shapes and colors, too.
Bertha hated this room. She hated the way it chilled her to the bone. And the specters, seen in the shadows, climbed out from under the light wooden floorboards. They wrapped their arms around her face and her body. Bertha’s legs trembled. Sweat beaded down her face and chest. She covered her face with her hands, hopeful the specters would go away.
Terror overwhelmed her. She wanted Frodo back, but she feared he really meant what he said when he wanted to scare her. Luckily, the spirits moved away, but her hands shook.
A hand, a living hand, grabbed her shoulder. She jumped out of her skin at the mere touch of it, horrified after what she just saw.
It was Frodo. He had come to scare her!
“Frodo?!” Bertha cried, shaken but solid.
“What are you doing here? Alone?” Frodo asked, sharp but serious.
“Where did you go? I thought I lost you!” Bertha cried, embracing him and not letting him go. Frodo laughed timidly, clinging to her, too. Frodo sighed, drawing her back to look at her, wiping the tears from her eyes:
“What did you think you were doing here?” Frodo repeated, calming her down.
“I thought you had come into this room,” Bertha cried, nervous.
Frodo shook his head. “No. No, no, no! I was in the Cobwebbed Room, waiting for you to come out. But it seems you beat me to this room.” He sighed, telling her, “I’m your guide.” He shook his head. “I know exactly where you ran off to. You beat me at wanting to scare you! I had the perfect ploy to get back at Shelob, but you went ahead into this room!”
He looked at her now, telling her, as they embraced, “Oh Bertha! It’s all right. You’re safe now. You’re safe with me. But hey! We’ll come back here, so we can find the Cobwebbed Room again and give you a taste of your own medicine.”
“You still want to use cognitive behavioral therapy on Shelob?” Bertha asked, curiously.
Frodo sighed, once he recovered, “Well, I do, but you shouldn’t have to go through this alone! That’s why you have guides to help you.” He added, plainly, “Although, there will be times when you’ll have to do things by yourself.”
“What?” Bertha asked, facing him again.
Frodo nodded several times, before clasping her in a tight bear hug. Frodo chuckled, saying to her, “Come on. Let’s get out of here, head down the basement, and make our way back to the Main Room. I have some unfinished business in the Cobwebbed Room, if you will.” He released her, slapping her shoulders, as he led her straight to the door heading down to the basement. It was a quick trip down there. Bertha managed to recover well in this slimy, greenish tinted room of all places.
In no time at all, Bertha and Frodo found themselves inside a barrel room. A chest with items meant for each of them could be found here. Bertha found a pipe festival mask, resembling a goblin’s head, while Frodo managed to pull out a raven cloak with black raven wings design sewn into the fabric. Frodo chuckled, putting on the cloak and finding himself in a very comfortable position.
Bertha chuckled, admitting to him, “Well, you look dashing!”
Frodo chuckled, too, smirking at her, “Why, yes! Yes, I do! Oh come here, Bertha!” He moved her fast, as soon as they put their items and tricks into their bags. In moments, he had Bertha pinned against one of the barrels. He clicked his teeth, inching closer to her in an effort to nab her. He sighed, recovering for a moment, but finding that moment between them rather frightening for Bertha.
Hmm… well, maybe he was moving too fast on her, but then he couldn’t help but smirk at her. “Come on. Let’s go.” He moved her away from the barrel, but not without clinging to her once more. He chuckled, darkly, embracing her as they made their way out of the barrel room and back through the basement.
.
In no time at all, they were back in the Main Room, heading straight for the Cobwebbed Room. It was here that Bertha wondered what Frodo’s game was and why he was doing this to her. Was it love or desire? She sighed, giggling, as she followed Frodo straight to the Cobwebbed Room again, where this time Bertha calmed down a little.
Granted, the spiders still freaked her out, but this time she could handle herself. She’d been in this room before…
…she jumped! A giant spider was in one of the hidden rooms! No way! It was the Great Spider, Shelob! She inched closer and closer to her! Bertha wanted to pull out her sword and jab at the Great Spider, or at least she did in her mind! In her heart, she found herself petrified. She dropped her sword, leaving Frodo to grab her and cling to her from behind.
“Go! Do what you must!” Frodo said, freezing on the spot.
Bertha looked at him now, asking him, “Why won’t you fight it? I know you did in the original timeline.”
“Shh!” Frodo shushed her. “I know, but… this time, it’s different.”
Bertha sighed. Frodo did have a point. Things were different now. Still, Bertha realized her fear was holding her back. She nearly reached for her sword again, only to have Shelob’s leg proceed to touch her sword, forcing Bertha to find another way to tame the creature.
Bertha looked at the spider now, inching closer to it. She extended her hand out to the spider, watching Shelob close her eyes as Bertha touched the spider’s head. It was a moment Bertha didn’t want to forget. She closed her eyes, falling into a trance in which Shelob had been a woman, a beautiful woman. But Shelob also showed Bertha another woman, one with a spider attached to her head.
No way! It was Arachna, the Spider Queen! Oh yes, of course it was! Instantly, Bertha felt a twinge, collapsing on the floor in moments to find her spider senses tingling. She looked at her hands as webs covered her arms and then the rest of her body. It vanished within her moments later.
Bertha sighed, lying in Frodo’s arms as she contemplated what happened to her. It was a wonderful experience, one in which Frodo followed suit, touching Shelob and embracing the spider within him. He too was covered in webbing, before the spider webs vanished, absorbing into his body.
Frodo chuckled, returning to Bertha, as Shelob bowed before them. Frodo bowed his head at her, pleased to see her. Shelob vanished within the folds of the Cobwebbed Room, not to be seen again for a very long time.
“Bertha, let’s go now,” Frodo said, smiling at her.
Bertha looked at Frodo, telling him, “Frodo.”
“Mm-hmm!” Frodo mumbled, smirking at her.
“What just happened? I mean, what would have happened, too, had I attacked Shelob?” Bertha asked.
Frodo smirked, giggling up a storm. He told her, plainly, “To answer your first question, I think we were both granted spider abilities. To the second, if you attacked Shelob, I wouldn’t have been very happy with you. I would have told you off from trying to kill her. It’s different this time. We’re not the same people we were starting out in the original timeline. Much has changed.”
He extended his hand down to her. He stood up as she took it, facing her now with intrigue. “Come on. We ought to see the hobbit who gave us this quest and get out of this Haunted Burrow.” He chuckled, loving the idea of scaring his beloved fiancée.
Notes:
How was that?
Quite scary, I’ll admit. The adrenaline is still there, in this chapter. :)
Next chapter, Frodo and Bertha will travel to Wistmead, where a few spooky surprises await them there, too. :)
Thanks for reading. More chapters to come. :)
~Aria Breuer
Chapter 13: 8: Wistmead
Summary:
After completing the Haunted Burrow quest, Frodo is interrupted by Sauron, who reminds Frodo he has magic. Realizing everything is changing, Frodo takes Bertha to Wistmead, where they both may start to awaken.
Notes:
Chapter Eight Inspired Song(s): "Wistmead" ambient music from "The Lord of the Rings Online."
Warning! This chapter is Rated M for dark, intense images.
.x.
Sorry for the delay. After I finished the third reposting era, I took a break. This was to prepare me for writing new chapters for all my WIP fanfics. :) And so, here we are. :)
This fanfic had paragraphs already written back in 2021, I think. I didn't get far with this chapter, before I deleted this fanfic, for reasons I don't remember. Now, that this chapter's back, we can continue the story. :)
That said, enjoy. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter Eight:
Wistmead
Bertha took Frodo's hand, following him out of the Cobwebbed Room. They walked through the Creeping Room and into the Basement. Then finally, they made it back out into the Main Room where their adventures in the Haunted Burrow began. It was interesting being in the Main Room this time. Bertha felt different, but maybe that was a good different, if she said so herself.
Soon, Frodo led Bertha into a much calmer, more peaceful room: the Mystery Room, as it was called. It was here where Bertha and Frodo opened three chests, each receiving their own set of festival tokens. Three tokens for Bertha and four tokens for Frodo. Yes, Bertha was happy to be in a room with light brown floorboards, a window letting the sunlight in, and several plants filled with life and wonder. Benches were there, as was the grey stone fireplace nestled against one of the walls.
The moment they were finished in this room, Frodo led Bertha out of the Mystery Room through a door, heading straight to Bag End.
.
While at Bag End, Frodo sighed, looking in wonder and amazement. He was much different than the hobbit who set foot outside the Shire, all those years ago. The look on his face overwhelmed him with tears, for he could not stand to be in the hobbit hole a second longer.
"Come on, Bertha. It's time to see the quest-giver, who gave us this quest," Frodo said, teary-eyed. He politely led Bertha out of Bag End, past the front, green, round door, and back out onto the open field of Hobbiton. Bertha followed Frodo, knowing they were safe. At least, for now. Oh, what were they doing here again?
"Frodo?" Bertha asked, leaving the question hanging, as Frodo smiled at her.
"You'll have to catch up with me," Frodo said, smirking as he whistled for his mount. Bertha did the same, as they mounted their ponies and took off towards the Party Field. It was here where Frodo led Bertha back to the hobbit who gave them the quest, who in return gave them fifteen festival tokens each.
"Here you are! When you are ready to head to Wistmead, to travel into its cornfield, let me know," the hobbit quest-giver told them.
"Thank you," Frodo said, nodding to the quest-giver. Frodo returned to Bertha with a smile. "Shall we?"
Bertha smirked, nodding, "We shall. I wonder what I can get with all these coins?"
Frodo smirked, laughing, "I know what I'm getting first."
"You do?" Bertha asked, cautious now.
Frodo nodded. "Yeah. Come on! Let's go to the vendor. You'll have to wait and see what I have in store for us now." And he did. As soon as he led Bertha over to the festival vendor, it was their turn to pick out which festival outfits they wanted to buy.
Frodo searched for outfits for them to wear. He searched and searched until Bertha came across Autumn Nights outfits. The Autumn Nights attire included a dress, as well as tunics and trousers. The clothes looked splendid with the black branches sewn into the golden lace. The golden lace wrapped around the dresses, tunic and trousers' black and brown fabric. Frodo smirked, buying a set of Autumn Nights clothes, as well as a cloak for Bertha to wear.
"Come on. We should change," Frodo said, stunned Bertha was about to say something, but couldn't. Frodo laughed, telling her, "Let's head to Bag End..." Frodo's breath stilled. A deep, dark voice crept through his thoughts, interrupting his own thoughts in the process. The voice, Sauron's voice, spoke to him with candor:
Why not change here, at this Party Field? Sauron tilted his head within Frodo's body, as if telling Frodo something the poor hobbit should remember. You have magic. My magic.
"Frodo, are you all right?" Bertha asked, confused as to what was going on.
Frodo looked at her now, wincing in pain as Sauron pressed upon his head.
Do it, Frodo. Change yourselves! Sauron's voice pounded Frodo's mind.
Frodo pressed his hand against the side of his forehead. "Eh... okay, I'll see what I can do," he murmured. All at once, he clicked his fingers, watching as he and Bertha's clothes transfigured. All at once, Frodo and Bertha wore their new Autumn Nights outfits: Bertha wearing her new dress, while Frodo wore his new tunic and trousers. Frodo sighed, staring at Bertha with such fond affection. "Does this feel better? You seem more alive."
Bertha giggled, twirling. Only, she tripped over her own feet, stumbling over to Frodo as he took her in his arms. For a moment, they stayed there.
A long silence fell between them, one which ended with a fair kiss on the lips from both of them. The moment they released, love swirling over them, Frodo helped Bertha up on her feet again. They embraced, wanting to stay that way for a while, if not longer.
A clapping sound protruded the air. Frodo turned his gaze to where the clapping sounds were given. It was Sauron, staring at Frodo within a sickly green and black fog. Sauron winked at him in his tall, golden-haired, elven Annatar form, shortly before vanishing within Frodo a second later.
Frodo sighed. Would he ever be rid of Sauron? Then again, Frodo was used to Sauron's gaze. The way the Dark Lord possessed him now. At least, the spark that still made up Frodo's soul retained inside him, giving him his light back.
Frodo looked around, while hugging Bertha. There was nothing for it now. They would have to venture into Wistmead, so Frodo could reveal himself to Bertha, who he was now. Who he truly was from now on.
Surely, Sauron wouldn't mind. But then, who knew what the Dark Lord was up to.
"Bertha," Frodo murmured in Bertha's ear, "let's go to Wistmead. There's something I need to show you, at the barn house. If you don't mind."
Bertha shook his head. "What will you show me?"
Frodo smirked, the kind of smirk that simply said he was ready. Ready to show his darling fiancée the truth about himself. "Come on." He released her, taking her hand in his, as they darted towards the nearest hobbit stablemaster. Shortly after Frodo paid for the pony, Frodo looked at Bertha, telling her as they mounted their new steed, "Right then, onto Wistmead." In one swift movement, and with a touch of Frodo's hand, their bay pony trotted on the road to Wistmead.
It was then Bertha caught sight of a green glow surrounding the pony. Unsure where the green glow came from, Bertha looked at Frodo, who kept her locked in his arms, as they rode down the road. Bertha sitting on the front of the saddle. Frodo behind her.
In no time, Frodo and Bertha arrived in Wistmead. It was night, and already Bertha tensed up. As Frodo dismounted and helped Bertha down from their steed, Frodo brought the pony over to Wistmead's stables. From there, the hobbit stablemaster took the pony, at which Frodo grabbed Bertha's arm. All at once, Frodo guided Bertha past the corn maze and onto the path, heading straight for a barn house.
It didn't take them long for them to reach the barn house.
A cold chill ran up Bertha's spine. She didn't ask questions, but she couldn't even wait to ask them. For no sooner had they arrived in Wistmead that Frodo took Bertha over to a cellar door, right in front of the barn house.
Bertha stared at the cellar door, contemplating what they should do next. She looked at Frodo now, seeing his face had turned pale and his eyes—his eyes, for a moment, became yellow and cat-like, before returning to piercing bright blue—they were distant and off on another planet. Bertha wondered if Frodo was all right, but fate had other plans.
Once they were inside the cellar, Frodo closed the cellar doors behind them. Bertha hoped they wouldn't find trouble here. But Bertha feared trouble found Frodo.
After what took them ages to walk through the cellar and up the winding stairwell, Bertha and Frodo crept inside a huge, wide attic. A grand window stood out, brandishing a silvery full moon. The moonlight shimmered down upon the attic's wide wooden platform, while a tall wooden chair stood out, standing atop the wooden platform in front of a long wooden table.
Frodo took this opportunity, while Bertha looked around the wooden platform, to sit down atop the newly made chair. One part of him wished that Bertha could see him for what he was like now. How this newly-refurnished barn house kept the whole Shire alive and well.
He really hated this part.
"Bertha," Frodo intervened, getting Bertha's attention.
"Frodo," Bertha said, standing over by the newly-built window.
Frodo smirked. Ah, how he loved her saying his name. He looked at the table now, pondering what he should say next, what he should do now that Bertha was here with him, "Bertha, what if I told you I'm not all that I seem. That I'm... different."
Bertha shrugged, "Whatever do you mean? You've always been different. Odd, too, but good. You're a good hobbit, Frodo Baggins. You know that, don't you?"
Frodo's smirk widened. He looked up, saying to her, "What if I'm not all good?"
"Hmm?"
Frodo sighed, distraught now. "What if I told you I'm not myself anymore. At least," he chuckled, "not the part you once knew me to be."
"I can assure you, it's nothing like that..."
"Bertha," Frodo stood up, approaching her now, "I am no longer a hobbit that I once was." He smirked, smaller this time, as he rubbed Bertha's left arm. He lowered his head, gazing up at her now to show her something important, "Look into my eyes. What do you see?"
Bertha did. At first, she only saw Frodo's piercing bright blue eyes. She jumped in shock the moment Frodo's eyes changed: transforming from bright blue to yellow cat-like eyes. The very notion alone sent Bertha into a spiral. She knew something was up! And it scared her. She collapsed on the wooden platform, her back pressed against the window.
Frodo knelt beside her, taking in her features. Moving a lock of dark brown hair away from her eyes, Frodo looked at her shocked expression. He smirked wickedly, telling her, "What? You think I'm just going to abandon you here, allow you to figure your way out yourself." He chuckled, reminding her, "Ah, Frodo wouldn't let that happen."
"Frodo?" Bertha gazed at Frodo now, quizzical. "You're not Sauron, are you?"
Frodo chuckled, humming to himself, as if Sauron had overcome him, "Yes, Sauron's in me, Bertha. You know, for a moment, I nearly thought Sauron would let you go, that I would abandon you on the spot. But it would be too perfect if you stayed with me. You treat me so well, Bertha Baggins, if you wish to be called this. That is, if you wish to be married. Be husband and wife. Do you want Frodo back? I can bring him back, if you want me to. You can awaken together. Or you could stick with what Frodo is now," Sauron spoke through Frodo, taking him in as well as Bertha. "It's up to you what you choose. Just know you'll have to handle me, Sauron, as well as Frodo. Would you like that, turtledove?"
Bertha grabbed Frodo's hand, taking his hand in hers, as she looked into his eyes. Her nerves shook. And yet, there was reassurance. It calmed her. She could face Sauron now with candor. "I don't know what's going on, but I can't just leave you like this. Nor would I want you to be left alone with Sauron, Frodo."
Frodo took a step back, the darkness swelling around him.
Bertha's heart skipped a beat. Fright came over her. She rephrased her words fast, "I mean, Frodo, if—since Sauron is still in you, then maybe I can learn how to handle you both. How to be with you. Sauron scares me, but Frodo, I don't want you to lose yourself either. Or Sauron could truly come through... again."
Sauron hissed. He spoke through Frodo once more, "How dare you know that! You weren't even there. You vanished."
Bertha sighed, feeling a memory resurface. "That day, after I fixed the machine, I just... vanished. I had no control over it. I couldn't..." tears welled in her eyes.
Frodo sighed, coming back to his body, "It's not your fault. At least you know what I am now. You're afraid, but you are so brave." He looked around, realizing they needed a house of their own. He looked at Bertha again, determined to set things right. He stood up, before helping Bertha to her feet again. "Come on. This isn't a place to be right now. But I feel we may need a house of our own. Will you still marry me, Bertha?"
Bertha nodded. "I will, Frodo Baggins. Yes, I will."
Frodo kissed her on the lips, embracing her. "Then let's go. Let's get out of here, and leave Wistmead behind us."
Bertha looked at him in wonder. "What happened to questing and festivals?"
Frodo sighed, taking in their surroundings. "Oh, I'm afraid we have little time for this now, if you want to know."
"What do you mean?" Bertha asked, just as soon as Frodo took her downstairs and back out of the cellar door.
Notes:
Chapter Eight Outro Song(s): "Eternal Love," song by Henrik Airaksinen.
.x.
How was that?
I'm currently brainstorming the next chapter. But at least, now Frodo has shown Bertha he's also Sauron. :) And we're figuring out who Bertha is, or starting to. :)
Thanks for reading. More chapters to come. :)
~Aria Breuer