Hobbits Who Run With Wargs, or Beneath the Stars: Bingo Bolger-Baggins

[bingo_bolger_baggins]

In a moonlit clearing in the Old Forest, surrounded by snow covered trees and sheltering rocks, and creeks burbling quietly under ice, a ranger knelt beside a hobbit who arrived there not of his own volition. And it was clear the perils of the wild had not been kind to this dweller of the gentle hills. But the arduous chase was ended. The nightmare ride was over. And wrapped in the anguish that had become all that was left for him of Middle-earth on this gruesome journey, the hobbit reached to the friend who had come to his side beyond the bounds of hope . . . .

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[arathorn.livejournal.com]

The Ranger, exhausted from the many hours and even days of tracking the beast who had stolen his friend, dug down deep inside himself for just a little more strength and courage, enough to maybe force himself to look at Bingo's wounds and help him if he could...

But oh! Bingo is reaching up now and to embrace him might cause more damage to already-broken bones or severed arteries or torn tissue yet still he reaches and the look on his face...the look...the pain that I cannot even begin to fathom for it comes from a place I do not know and don't have power to command or heal or--

I must do this!

*pulls Bingo close wrapping his arms and own cloak tightly around the Hobbit; offers comfort as best he can and warms him with his body*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*wraps himself tight against Arathorn, sobbing at the shock and pain of it all, letting the horror pour out with his sobs, soaking in the comfort of his warmth, and through the ranger's touch, joining himself to the ranks of the living again*

I . . . *falters as his overwhelmed train of thought scatters with his tears, then with the warming of his body, he begins to feel his injuries more clearly, stabs of lightning from his waist and shoulder and torn arm, and the burning from his feet and shins* AAaaoooowwwww!!!!!!

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*pulls back as Bingo's wail tears at his soul* You're hurt! I need to look at you and do what I can, what I know how to do. What is IN me to do. But it's cold here and the snow can't be good..

*looks back over his shoulder trying to figure out what to do*

A cave! But what if you have...*pauses, doesn't want to alarm Bingo by speaking of things like 'broken bones'*

Bingo, I need to touch you. I'm going to feel your body to find out what the Warg did to you. I promise to be gentle. If there is pain, I apologize for it beforehand. *passes his hand over Bingo's forehead with a tender caress*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*pants, tries to clear his head, push away the pain, the physical pain* I'm sorry. I just . . . *chokes back a whimper, nods, gives him a grateful glance before fending off another wave of pain*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*cups his own hands together, brings them up to his mouth, breathes on them, rubs them together so they won't be so cold*

You relax. I'll take care of you now.

*lays his fingertips lightly on the sides of Bingo's head, fans them out slowly into the Hobbit's hair, moves one hand to lift Bingo's head as the other feels the back of his skull...all the while feeling for hurts or dampness or crusted wounds*

So far, so good. A little more then.

*undoes Bingo's cloak; pushes it back, his hands skimming the Hobbit's shoulders*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*is calmed by the tender care Arathorn is giving, beginning to feel that despite the pain, he really is truly safe in a deep and encompassing way, the ordeal was over, he was not going to die alone*

But why has this happened . . .why??? . . a Warg!!!! . . . dear Varda!!!! . . why???? . . . *feels another wave of pain and whimpers, tries to concentrate on the feel of the gentle hands on his head, looks up at the ranger's face, the patient concentration, thinly masking the weariness and fear*

How did he get here? Where are we . . . ???? *agfain the wave of pain swells as he starts to get agitated, focuses again on his friend's face, calming himself*

Thank you . . . Arathorn. You . . . *shudders at the touch on his shoulder under the shreads of shirt caked with blood--the shoulder which the Warg first took in his teeth when he first lifted Bingo and bore him away from Hobbiton, whines*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*makes his face impassive as he views the enormous quantity of blood on the Hobbit's garments*

I'm sorry, Bingo. This needs to be done. I'll be quick about it.

*runs his fingers over the fabric of the shirt lightly once then again pressing gently, probing for broken bones in Bingo's chest, arms, belly and finally his sides; notices large, gaping tears to the skin there*

Some minor flesh wounds but no major injuries that I can tell.

*silently begs forgiveness for that and any other lies he may tell, continues down Bingo's hips and legs gently yet pressing hard enough to feel any fractures*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*nods* I know. Thank you. *winces when Arathorn examines the gashes and punctures in the arm that first deflected the warg's grip on his neck, and cries out when Arathorn runs gentle fingers over the deep punctures in his waist and hip where the warg held him between his teeth for hours on end*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*lets out a sigh as he finishes his examination* Ok, that's enough for now.

*kneels over Bingo once again and speaks in a hopefully soothing voice while rubbing the back of his index finger against the Hobbit's cold, tear-stained cheek* Bingo love, I'm going to carry you over to the cave behind me. I haven't taken the time to look at it yet which isn't very smart of me but I don't want to leave you here alone. So we'll go together and see what we shall see.

*listens for Bingo's answer and in the meantime, slips his own cloak off and quickly wraps it around Bngo's body so his wounds might not bleed much during the transporting to the cave*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*nods, musters a faint smile* Yes, that is best.

*groans at the pain as he is wrapped, wishes he could control his groans so Arathorn wouldn't be so worried for him, is so grateful to be wrapped and lifted by him, hopes they are not going far without Arathorn wearing his cloak, gets distracted by another swell of pain, begins to realize how thirsty he is*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*cleans off his sword with a rag from his pocket before sheathing it then arranges his weapon about his person*

*lifts Bingo gingerly pulling him close up against his body; steadies the both of them as he rises from kneeling position; settles Bingo's head as comfortably as he can against his shoulder*

Well then. Fortunately for you, the Warg left you intact. Unfortunately for me, that makes you a heavier to carry. *grins at this small attempt at humor* Be strong, my friend.

*places a kiss against Bingo's hair; begins to walk with careful footsteps toward the cave*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*sees him wipe the blood off the sword* So he did fight with it. *is lifted so carefully, rests gratefully against his shoulder, until another wave of pain absorbs his thoughts*

*hears Arathorn's joke and manages to stifle a laugh because he knew that would hurt and result in his crying out which would in turn make the ranger feel guilty, so smiles back at his grin instead, is touched by his sweet kiss*

*now that he knew Arathorn had fought with the Warg, he wonders as he watches where they are going* Are you unhurt? Is it dead or run off?

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*steps through the snow toward the small cave*

I am not hurt, Bingo. Tired, yes. Hungry, yes. But not hurt.

I can't say the same for the Warg, though.He ran off--and spilled a great deal of blood along the way, thanks to yours truly. He won't be back. Wargs don't care much for swords.

*stands at last in front of space between the rocks* Hmmm..I thought this cave was a bit larger. No matter. As long as there's room enough for two and a dry area outside, we will be fine.

*looks at Bingo; notices how pale he is from loss of blood* Bingo, I'm going to set you down then enter the cave. I have my sword in case we are not the only ones who found this shelter.

*kneels once again with Bingo; lays him down on a tiny patch of dirt* I'll be back. *enters cave with sword drawn*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

Hunger? Ah, food. Am I hungry? I think so, but I'm not sure. I'm really in a bad way then! Well, its no small wonder, is it? Why did this happen? Stop! Oowww!! How did you get here? Where are we?

*nods, is grateful* Thank you. I'm glad you're not hurt. It was so huge! *shudders, then looks toward the cave (http://www.terragalleria.com/images/np-hardwoods/maca0481.jpeg), feels dizzy from the effort to focus over the pain*

Right. And if they give you a hard time, I will bleed on them. *small smile, is put down, tries to prop himself up on his elbows and starts feeling dizzy again and more pain, sighs and lays back*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*emerges from the cave; straightens up* As I had hoped, nothing is alive in there. And it's dry, despite the stream below.

How did I get here? Before I answer, let me tend to your wounds. I would do this inside where we have privacy but the only light we have at the moment is the reflection of the moon. Besides, no one is around to see you. I'll build us a nice fire now for warmth, light and to keep any curious animals away.

*walks away from the cave to gather up some kindling and firewood to last the rest of the night* I'll be within your sight at all times. And...*flashes a smile back at BIngo*...if any small creatures crawl up to mess with you, please DO bleed on them.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Arathorn. That's not a worry. *takes some deep breathes, trying to focus beyond the pain and discomfort and chill, on what needs to be done, slowly and deliberately, he pulls Arathorn's cloak around him and arranges it to cover himself better from the cold, and undoes the clasp of his tattered cloak, and starts, with great difficulty undoing the buttons of his much more tattered shirt, wondering how much good that will do, because even if he could make the motions to pull it off, it was caked at his shoulder and hip; there was no hope for it--once the fire was made he would need to be dipped in the cold creek* It will get worse, but then things will get better.

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*returns with firewood; glances at Bingo and sees him fumbling with his clothing Oh dear, he could pass out if I don't do something...but what? Eru guide me; calmly begins to build a small fire*

*speaks with a gentle voice* Bingo, stop. I'll do that for you. Please. *walks over and covers the Hobbit's hand with his own; looks into his eyes*

You're bleeding now. Just a little. It must have happened when I carried you. Forgive me. I'm going to get some water in a cup and warm it. Then we can take off that shirt of yours. *releases Bingo's hand then reaches for the tin cup that was in his knapsack; stands and walks to the stream*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*turns his hand over to weakly clasp Arathorn's, looks back at him with gratitude and nods* There's nothing to forgive. I am a most thrilling date, aren't I? *gives him a wry smile*

*endures another wave of pain as he watches him go, focuses on watching the Dunedain's steps to distract himself from the hurt* I've been upbraiding you, Lady Elbereth, for letting this Warg take me, so I should now thank you for sending me this wonderful friend.

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*returns with water and sets it near the fire to warm; kneels down at Bingo's side; begins to remove the shredded shirt as carefully as he can; speaks so as to distract Bingo from his pain*

Now I'm going to take off your shirt. Yes, I'd hope to be removing your garments under VERY different circumstances however, I'm content with whatever I can get. *smiles as the fire blazes up some*

*takes out a fairly clean rag from his pocket and waits for the water to heat*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles and chuckles* I'm glad to know you are easy to please. *then grimaces at the pain of the fabric being removed from his wounds, and bites back a cry*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*tries to keep an impassive expression at the sight of the many scrapes and punctures now revealed on Bingo's torso* Now I have a little something for your bleeding. *fumbles in his pocket; pulls out a packet of leaves (http://biotech.tipo.gov.tw/plantjpg/1/Agrimonia%20pilosa%20var.%20japonica.jpg); throws a handful into the water*

This is...*tries to remember*...Oh yes. Agrimonia pilosa, a traditional Chinese Dunedain remedy to stop bleeding and infection. At least that's what is says on the wrapper. *smiles*

It infuses quickly. Drink some. You need liquids, love. *reaches back for the cup; picks out leaves; lifts Bingo's head a bit so he can drink*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

Hmm! *stifles a twinge* My bleeding is quite overjoyed to be receiving gifts from such a splendid ranger and receives your suit. *smiles at Arathorn's joke*

Yes, I am parched. Thank you. *looks at Arathorn with grateful fondness as he lifts his head, drinks, and though the passage at first hurts and almost makes him choke as he shudders, the soothing warmth starts spreading through his body*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

Careful, careful. There's plenty more for later. You don't have to drink it all now. I need some to wash your scrapes.

*takes cup from Bingo's lips, dips his rag in to soak up some of the infusion; begins to wash blood away from the various puctures and cuts*

You're taking this very well! *smiles in an attempt to lift Bingo's spirits*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*cries out as the sore tissue around the wounds is touched, twinges and shudders, takes deep breaths*

You think so? *twinges* Well, if that's true, it's because I have a lovely healer tending to me. *stifles a moan*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*smiles then with skillful hands continues washing Bingo's shoulder, chest and sides*

You do have a lovely healer--the finest for miles around. And the ONLY one for miles around, I suspect. *chuckles* I think we're somewhat south of Bree, by the way.

Bingo, I'm going to sing a little healing chant, something I found on the Internet my father Arador taught me. *sings in a soothing voice as he touches Bingo's wounds gently*

Listen, O blood, instead of flowing
instead of pouring forth thy warm stream
Stop, O blood, like a wall, stope like a hedge.
Stop like a reef in the sea: like stiff sedge in the moss,
like a boulder in the field, like the pine in the wood.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*chuckles--it doesn't hurt so much to do so now* Without whom . . . significant parts of me . . . would now be digesting in a Warg's stomach. *not quite ready for his own joke, he shivers* How did this happen, Arathorn? What was a Warg doing in the Shire? *shudders at the tenderness of his shoulder*

*nods and looks at him expectantly, then listens to his chant, and starts feeling a little woozy in a soothing way, like being in a warm tub, and the pain starts fading into the distance as he looks at Arathorn's hands (http://www.awareness4u.com/glowing_hands.jpg) and his sight gets hazy, as the ranger's touch upon his skin feels more and more like being swathed in a warm blanket, sighs peacefully* Hhnnnn.

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*smiles and nods to himself as the cuts and wounds almost appear smaller to his eyes; moves down to Bingo's feet and begins to wash them clean of blood*

*softly* Warg behavior is not very known to me. I suspect one was hungry and looking for easy prey. *glances up toward Bingo's face* Not that you are easy, my friend. *suppresses a grin* But you are smaller than a man and therefore more tempting a target.

You went outside the night you prepared dinner for the group. I was alone in the parlor and heard a scream. What else would I do but follow whatever it was that took you?

Now I will wrap your wounds as best I can with pieces of my spare shirt. I'll use only the bottom of it so that you might be able to wear it. Your own shirt is no good to you now. Then you must sleep. I will stay with you.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*looks into the fire (http://www.adventurist.net/buffalo/old_river_trail_09-02/photos/campfire.jpg) then back at Arathorn's hands (http://www.awareness4u.com/glowing_hands.jpg), or perhaps that was the effect of the fire, but the pain was certainly much fainter now, speaks wonderingly* The hands of a healer.

*smiles, raises an eyebrow to his joke and gives him a glance that would belie that comment* And one such a huge beast could carry off with ease.

You did run all this way then. Amazing, my friend. You followed the tracks?

*nods* Thank you a thousand times over, lisse mellon. I owe you my life. *small smile, nods* Please.

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*smiles as he tears long strips from the hem of his extra shirt* I'm not completely useless, even if I never became King. *binds Bingo's injuries carefully one by one; keeps up a fairly chatty patter to lull his friend into a drowsy state*

I did run after you. And yes, I'm a good tracker. I have to be--I get hungry! Wargs are easy enough to track. Big body, small brain. Very easy.

*ties a knot in the final bandage* I'll help you into the shirt. *lifts Bingo's body and slips his friend's arms into the large garment, first one, then the other; lays him back down and reaches for the knapsack*

We are lucky to have my bedroll in my knapsack. We'll have to share it, unfortunately. *winks at Bingo* But we'll be warmer under the same blankets, if you don't mind. *arranges blanket around them both*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles warmly at him under droopy eye lashes* I dare say.

*nods* You are. I've done enough tracking to know that couldn't have been an easy feat, no matter how capable and rangerly you are.

*is lifted, is comfortable enough to enjoy it now, smiles drowsily at him* Thank you, mellon. The service here is impeccable.

Hmmmm, waaaarrm. And I think it fair to warn you, you're going to be in a great deal of trouble when I get well. Hnnn. *snuggles in close against him laying his head and an arm on Arathorn's chest and reaches with his other hand for the Dunedain's hand*

[arathorn.livejournal.com]

*clasps Bingo's hand gently in his own* I'll be in trouble when you get well? Then I'll use my best healing techniques for your pains and scrapes if that's your promise. *eyes twinkle merrily in the moonlight*

*slides his other arm lightly yet protectively around Bingo making his own body a haven of comforting repose for his recuperating friend* Sleep now, brave one, and dream of pleasant things, if you must dream at all. I'll not leave your side tonight, Bingo. Not at all...not at all...*voice trails off sleepily*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*clasps (http://www.digicamhelp.com/images/articles/clasped-hands.jpg) back, chuckles sleepily* Mmmmmhmmm.

*sinks sleepily against Arathorn's arm* I am glad. Good night, vanima mellon . . . *snuggles tightly against him as he drifts into sleep*