And Then There Were Three: Bingo Bolger-Baggins

[bingo_bolger_baggins]

It's hard to believe that on this day, three years ago, I came home to the Shire and my little Pantry Smial. Little did I know that a year later I would walk out of that Pantry Smial into a glorious party in the Backside Smial and be sharing the brand new Back End with my friends and family. And you know, I'm still having a hard time recalling this time last year, though I do think it also concerned warm feelings regarding our little home. Perhaps it was during one of my koalified episodes. Hmmm. Home, I suppose I'm thinking about it a great deal lately and, in the finest display of obsessive-compulsive behavior MESPT has yet beheld, linked to every thought of it in my last entry.

So here I sit in bed, in a place that is not my home and yet so home-like feeling now. Dear Gary. And if home is where the heart is, then home I am, for friends dear to my heart have joined us here today. I hope my scars and bruises don't frighten them too much. At least the wounds are much better than they were. I wonder how long their trip took and if it was much trouble to find this place, since I haven't taken that trip myself. I feel a bit silly staying here in bed since I am so well, obviously, but I suppose I should stay off my feet still. I won't be well if I tear my wounds, will I? Then who knows when I'll be ready to travel and see everyone.

Uncle Sennie, Melbie, Celly, and--I can't believe it--Elanorelle! I hear them talking. Now when are they coming up? How much patience do they think this poor hobbit can muster? Really!

Comments

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*She heads up the stairs (http://www.livejournal.com/users/elanorgamgee/123637.html?thread=2516213#t2516213) with the others, pausing just outside the door for a moment to prepare herself for the sight of her friend lying in bed, broken and bruised. The effort is not entirely in vain, as she is able to recover fairly quickly from the initial shock of seeing him in this condition. Aware that any distress written on her face could be upsetting to him, she rallies a huge smile and teases playfully*

I know I've been remiss in my social duties as of late, Bingo, but you needn't have wrestled a warg just to get me to come visit.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*eyes brighten as soon as they alight on her* AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

*crinkles his eyes in merriment* Well, I'm not entirely convinced that isn't the case, dearheart! But it seems to have worked out, hasn't it? Hehe!

*opens his arms wide, eyes wet with laughter and emotion* Oh Elanorelle!

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*laughs brightly, relieved to see him in such good spirits*

*She sets the flowers down on the bedside table and goes to embrace him, taking great care to mind his injured shoulder. With the physical contact her carefully managed mask of calm starts to crumble, and she begins to half-laugh, half-cry* I missed you so much, Bingo!

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*watches as she sets the flowers down, and can't help remarking* Oh, aren't those lovely!

*then wraps his arms around her as soon as she is in range, pulling her in tight against him, and stretches his chin up as she speaks to tenderly press his lips to her forehead, pulls back a little to smile at her* Need I say I missed you too, dearheart? Very much. *hugs her again*

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*holds him close for a while before pulling away gently to study his face*

*She carefully brushes a lock off hair behind his ear, her face registering concern at the scratches and bruises along his cheek. With a sad but sweet smile she says tenderly, in reference to her earlier jest* Next time I won't ask for such a painful and difficult ordeal.

*carefully swipes at her eyes and puts on a brave smile* But here I am hogging you when there are others who are anxious to see you as well.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles to look at her, until he sees her eyes taking in his wounds, wants to reassure her and dismiss them, realizes that this won't do any good as this wouldn't change the way his wounds look, so stops himself, sighs and gives her a pursed-mouthed smile of resignation* I know.

*reaches up to help wipe the wetness under her eyes* Well, we are on a hog farm you know, so . . . heh. *holds her eyes a bit longer, smiling gratitude for her presence*

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*silently berates herself for allowing her fear and sorrow for what he must have gone through to overtake her, knowing full well that it would only serve to upset him and the others in the room*

*laughs at his joke, the bittersweet moment renewing her tears*

*swallows hard, determined not to let her emotions get away from her again, and smiles warmly* Well, that is all past now, and it looks like you're mending beautifully. *glancing about the room* You couldn't have picked a more idyllic spot in which to recuperate *lowers her voice so only he can hear, teasing gently* and with a gorgeous redhead to look after you, no less. And it's your anniversary, so there are many things to celebrate today. Oh! And we brought some yummy mathoms which we can enjoy later if you can ignore the time gap between my birthday and your anniversary if your healer deems it acceptable for you to indulge in them.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*sees italics in her eyes and just has to reach and give her one more quick hug to try to chase them away, is tempted to quote Gandalf's parting comment, but knows that would be cheesy because she knows it all by heart, so decides just to mention the page number of the one volume edition in cross-outs instead* p. 1007.

I am. And even more now. It is lovely here, isn't it? *twitches slightly at Elly's description of Gary, but knows he can't explain why thinking of her in terms of her hair disturbs him, because he doesn't understand it himself, composes himself quickly with an impish smile* Yes. I did well for myself, didn't I? It is sorta, but you know how we are with the calendar--thank you for remembering! Oh, you didn't have to, but I'm glad you did! Hehe! Thank you, dearheart. *just smiles Cheshyre Cat-like* I'm sure she will.

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*would appreciate both the gesture and sentiment, especially given that the quote had just run through her mind a few moments before*

*notices his reaction to what she thought was a playful comment about Garnet and worries that perhaps she had said too much, in spite of his whispered comments that would suggest the contrary, but figures it's not the time or place and she can ask about it later, if she feels that it's a subject she can broach comfortably*

*smiles warmly* Of course. *suddenly remembering that they had left everything in the cart and would have to retrieve the foodstuffs soon, before the ice started to melt* And good. *smile brightens* We can have a proper celebratory dinner, then. It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to contribute to a proper hobbit feast. *smiles mischievously* I hope I didn't get too carried away.

((Ahahahaha awwww))

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*raises an eyebrow* Well, that wouldn't worry me at all, Elanorelle.

*smiles brightly at her, and then Melba and Celly as they come up behind her* Melbie! Celly! Thank Eru for no Gimli! I myself just couldn't fake that much joy! *opens his arms for a hug*

((Yay! We aims ta please, here. (-:))

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*reaches for his hand and gives it a quick squeeze before pulling away to allow room for Melba and Celly*

*turns her attention to the flowers on the nightstand, artfully arranging the blooms and granting Bingo a bit of space and privacy in which to greet his cousins*


((Ahahahah were Elly not so mindful of his injuries she may very well have jumped on the bed. Or at least lingered in the doorway, watching the reunion with bittersweet fondness ;D))

[melbatook.livejournal.com]

Hey Bingo! *let's go of Celly's hand, comes over sits on the bed, keeps in mind that he has a wounded shoulder--the right is it?, climbs up as she turns and puts her arms around his neck and hugs him* Elbereth stuck in traffic and having to pee, you had us so scared!

((Bingo is pulling on my sleeve, urging me to remind you that no Baggins bed is complete without a Took, a Brandybuck, AND a Gamgee gracing it. (-; Now Gary is chiming in that there better be room for a Midgebane, too. What's that, Kevin? Excuse me . . . .))

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*wiggles his fingers against Elly's as she lets go to let her know he's not letting go so fast and smiles at her as she pulls away*

Mmmmmmelbie! Hehe! *wraps his arms around her* I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.

[melbatook.livejournal.com]

*purses her lips at him shaking her head, then pulls back takes hold of his left arm and examines the deep gash and punctures on it* Yeah, I know you didn't mean this. Damn! *looks up and down at the scratches and bruises on his face and hands* And I know we're not even seeing the worst. Geez! So what did it do, drag you from Hobbiton to Bree?

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*watches her handle his arm and examine him, pursing his lips* Well . . . something like that, yes.

[celbrandybuck.livejournal.com]

*stands back to let Melba greet him, and being more reserved and knowing Bingo less well, watches them, smiling her greeting, the decides, finally, that maybe he needs some rescuing from Melba's getting down to details right off the bat* Hello Bingo!

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*untangles his arms from Melba and reaches out to hug her* Hello Celly! It's good to see yooooou!

[celbrandybuck.livejournal.com]

*reaches down and hugs him, then sits on the edge of the bed* Yes, we were scared, but now we are very happy to see you, and that makes up for all, it does. *looks at Melba and nods, looks back at him and holds his hand, and puts an arm around Melba's waist*

[isengar-took.livejournal.com]

*stands in the doorway, smiling and glad to see his nephew is doing well*

*watches the other reunions*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles back, glad to see his Uncle standing well*

[isengar-took.livejournal.com]

*listens to the coversation; does not want to interrupt yet*

*smiles*

*is very glad his nephew is happy and free from powder monkeys, at least for the moment*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

........

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*finishes with the flowers and perches herself lightly on the side of the bed, grasping Bingo's other hand in both of hers* Thank you so much for writing to let us know that you were safe, Bingo. I was fortunate enough to arrive after your note did, but I know the others were worried sick until they heard that you were all right.

*It suddenly dawns on her that he must have sent her birthday card at the same time, and the gesture becomes all the more precious to her with the knowledge of how difficult it must have been for him to write* And thank you so much for the beautiful birthday card. *voice edged with emotion* Although you really, really shouldn't have.


((Hehehehe, anything for the recuperating anniversary lad. ;D))

[melbatook.livejournal.com]

We were! Worried sick!

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles to Elly and nods* You're welcome. I knew my dears would start to worry. *is touched, but apologizes gratefully, looks at the others with sympathy* I am sorry, truly. *then laughs a helpless, If I could have been with you instead . . . " to break the tension*

Ooooh, noo. *reaches to pull her in for another hug, pets her hair in back* But you must give your thanks to Gary . . Garnet, too. She listened to my description of what I thought would suit you and got the card for me, amazing thing that she is. So you were there to get it, then . . . when did you cross over?

((Awwww. But I'm gonna cover his eyes because, you know, it won't stop if he sees that offer.(-;))

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*squeezes his hand reassuringly* How could we not worry, Bingo? *smiles warmly* But Celly's right. What matters is that you're all right now.

*holds him as closely but gingerly and nods, touched by the simple act of kindness from someone she had never met* She does sound like quite the lass, Bingo. *pulls away just far enough to study his face and asks gently, so as not to venture too far into a topic he might not be ready to discuss* Did you just meet her?

*laughs softly as she considers his question, as it sure felt a lot longer than an a day since she'd been back* As for myself, I arrived only yesterday.

((Ahahaha sounds as if he's been getting enough, um, attention as of late, already. ;D))

[melbatook.livejournal.com]

*chimes in with Elly's first statement. Yeah, we searched for you in the woods and found your handkerchief all bloody! *gets a little glassy eyed for a moment, sinks a little against Celly*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*nods gratefully to Elly, turns to Melba* Oh Melbie! I'm so sorry! *looks a little glassy-eyed back gives her a one armed hug, pulling her in with Elly, then let's her go*

*turns back to Elly, enjoying having his friends around him* Yes, we met her in the woods. And if she didn't come along, I wouldn't be alive now. I owe her my life. She fought off the Warg with a pitchfork, you know.

Really? So you've been traveling long by sea and by land--you certainly don't look travel-worn, dearheart--it must be a trick you've learned from the Elves. How is little Ana and G-g then?

((Ahahahha! Aaaaaaaand lovingit! (-; ))

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*untangles one arm long enough to rest a comforting hand on Melba's arm as Bingo gathers her into their embrace before giving him a final quick squeeze with the other arm and sitting up once more*

*eyes widening in surprise* Wow. *turns over this new information about their host in her mind a moment before speaking again, her voice filled with admiration for the elder Midgebane sister* You have been truly blessed, then, with such a friendship. And doubly so, for her to have entered your life when you needed a friend the most.

*goes quiet for a moment, before continuing with a bright smile* Oh, both trips went smoothly, so that definitely helped. My stomach's been a bit off, but that's about it. And they're both *brief hesitation* they're both fine, thank you for asking. I am hoping to be able to bring Ana back to the Shire sometime soon, but I'd like to get my bearings here first before I do so.

((Well good for him. ;D Lady knows the poor dear's been patiently waiting long enough. ;D))

[melbatook.livejournal.com]

*smiles at her as she returns the hug on both sides*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

I have been truly blessed. And this is not the first time I've been blessed with the help of a brave friend. *squeezes her hand and gives her a meaningful look, as he thinks of one certain Gamgee daughter challenging the Valar on his behalf, while Melkor held him in chains*

*gives her a wondering look as she mentions her stomach and connects that with her slight hesitation, nods* Oh, that's grand that you will bring her! I can't wait to see her again. But I'm glad to have you here free of guardian duties for a while, so I don't have to fight with such adorable competition for time with you. How does it feel to be back in Middle-earth?

((He has! (-; It's taken time to get all his Happy faces out, and they so much more become him than Angst Face.(-; ))

[celbrandybuck.livejournal.com]

*decides Elly could use some private talking space with her old friend, gives Melba a knowing nod and gets up, tugging Melba, who slowly catches on, with her, smiles at Bingo and Elly*

I think we ought to see if Garnet and the children could use some help. They're probably both getting food ready and preparing where we're going to stay. Catch you in a bit.

*takes Melba's hand and walks out of the room, taking hold of Isengar's arm as they pass* Come with us, Uncle Sennie. *leads them out and downstairs*

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*flashes Celly an appreciative smile as she gets up* All right. Thank you. *smiles at Melba and Isengar as they pass* I'll be down in a bit.

*turns back to Bingo, picking up on their conversation where they left off, squeezing his hand gratefully for reminding her that her own friendship was valuable as well*

*interprets his questioning look at her mention of feeling unwell as the thought she might be pregnant again* Oh, Valar no. *shakes her head and laughs, with the slightest edge of sorrow to her voice* No.

*recovers herself* But yes. It is nice to have a bit of freedom from parental duties, if only for a short while. Although I do miss her terribly.

*pauses for a moment to consider his question* It feels... strange. Like I haven't quite been able to get a handle on how I fit in anymore. Does that sound odd? *smiles* Or is that the usual experience of someone who's been away from home for an extended period of time?

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*looks at Celly with an appreciative smile* All right, dear. *waves*

*turns back to Elly, squeezes back and covers her hand with his other hand smiles at her sharing the recollection, then nods* I know you miss her terribly. *shakes his head* No, that's not odd at all. It does take time, dearheart. I remember how odd and out of place I felt when I came back to the Shire 3 years ago after living out east. So give it a little time. I'm sure it's quite a transition from being out West. *smiles reassuringly at her*

*pauses* So . . . the Elf is there . . . and you are here. What's up with that, dearheart? You can tell me.

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*her eyes shining with gratitude for his assurance and support* You're right, of course. I know I just need to give myself bit of time and a chance to work through some things.

*inhales deeply* Speaking of which.. *releases the rest of her breath with a quiet sigh, dropping her eyes to her lap*

*hesitantly at first* He and I... parted amicably shortly before I left. *returns her eyes to his, and in quiet acknowledgment of what they both know to be true* It's been a while in coming. *swallows before continuing* But it's all right. Some days it hurts more, especially if
I'm feeling vulnerable to begin with, but other days I'm OK with it, really. *small smile* I've managed to let go of most of my regrets.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

You do. It's only a day you say, so you've got plenty of time to feel insecure and out of place. Might as well enjoy it! *winning smile and wink*

Oh Elanorelle. I am sorry. *squeezes her hand between his* And I'm sure it hurts at times like, well, like fire, if it''s still that recent. Don't be surprised if those regrets stick around a bit longer to ambush you at times. They will come and go in waves, at least that's been my experience. *watches her for cues on how best to support her*

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*laughs, and is about to ask if that means she can milk it for all its worth, but thinks better of it*

*smiles, grateful for his show of support as well as the opportunity to finally speak on the matter* I know, thank you. *sad smile* Well as you know, I've been carrying around some of them for quite a while. *her eyes go far away for a moment before returning to his*

*smiles softly* And you, Bingo? *squeezes his hand* What has been going on in your life since the last time we spoke?

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*looks at her and speaks gently* If I ask a question that rankles more than helps, please do wave it off, all right? So what does "parting amicably" mean? And what does that mean with Ana in the picture?

Well, last we spoke (http://www.livejournal.com/users/elanorgamgee/120383.html#cutid1) was in the fall, in our odd way, and I had recently gone through the Blue Fire. Since then, I have gotten back most of my memories--there are blurs of time, but then, who doesn't have those anyway except those gifted with extraordinary recollection abilities? So I know now I walked the Blue Fire because of my bond with Iorhael and my inability to manage my own pain at his comings and goings, and break away, as I needed to. *sighs* I have seen him since.

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*shakes head and smiles* It doesn't bother me, although I may not have a simple answer for you. *pauses to gather her thoughts* It means that... we decided that it was time to release each other from our partnership, save for the responsibilities we share as Ana's parents. *chews her lip* When it all boils down to it, he doesn't need me to be happy, and I need more than what he can give me. And I think we finally came to terms with that. Or at least I did. He said.. he said he wanted me to be happy. *wipes the tears from her eyes, and attempts to recompose herself* We're going to share custody of Ana, of course, although we haven't figured out all the details. I needed... I just need some time to think. *sniffles loudly and smiles at him through the tears*

*nods, listening, still trying to regain the handle on her emotions*

*clasping his hands in hers* I'm so sorry, Bingo. *adding to clarify* Sorry that you ever experienced so much pain as to have your memories erased in order to deal with it. *struggles to keep at bay the tears that threaten to return with her grief at the sorrow and heartache they both experienced in their respective relationships*

*asks hopefully* But the process did work for you, though?

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*nods, frowning with sympathy, sighs* Well, he knew was getting ready to join The Elven Home for Assisted Living--having a few thousand millenia on you, you think he would have been more responsible. *bites back his thoughts knowing they would upset her more than help* And I'm glad you decided that you do have a right to be happy, dearheart. *nods, reaches to pull her into a hug, tearing up at her pain*

*purses his lips, nods* It did. I think I needed that space to retrieve my heart from him. *looks at her* My sea-crossing was in here. *taps his head* And do you know, he wound up telling me himself, the darn fool! *chuckles with a rueful smile*

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

¬_¬ *nods emphatically, feeling that she has italicised spoken enough on the matter for one day, and allows him to pull her into an embrace*

*nods again and smiles at their shared point of reference* Yes.

*incredulous, she pulls away in order to look him in the eyes* He didn't... That fucking son of a- *keeps the rest to herself, even in strikethrough*

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles back at her, as he shifts uncomfortably, having pulled his shoulder at an angle that aggravated it a bit*

*nods* I'm afraid so. So that went about as well as you could expect, I suppose. *rolls his eyes* That was shortly after you and I talked in the fall. I haven't seen Iorhael since, but I did sense his presence for a while recently, so I think he has visited Middle-earth.

*shakes his head* And I think I've come to terms with his not being a fully formed being. I hope he knows he has a friend in me always, and I have the distance in myself I need now, but it won't be without strain, of course. Who knows when our paths will cross again.

*shifts his hip, looking at her with a thoughtful smile* Who knew that when our paths crossed again, it would be out here near Bree?

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*her face colors with embarrassment at her carelessness when she sees the expression of discomfort on his face* Oh Bingo, I'm so sorry! *gently extricates herself and moves back to a safe enough distance to not cause him further injury*

*nods as she listens, not knowing quite how to comment on the idea of Iorhael's possible reappearance in Middle-Earth, so she focuses on the ways in which Bingo has learned to be able to protect himself instead* I'm glad that you were able to find that distance, Bingo. *smiles softly* And to have made enough peace with the past in order to consider yourself a friend to him, after everything you've been through. That's a very difficult road to travel.

*returns his smile, but with a slightly puzzled look* I'm not sure I understand, Bingo.

*noticing his shifting* Can I help adjust your pillows or try some other way to find a more comfortable position for you, dear?

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

Nonononono, dearheart! You didn't do anything! I shifted wrongly. I got so caught up in talking with you that I forgot about my wounds. For which I thank you, rather. It's nice to forget. *small smile*

*shrugs* Well, only time will tell on that, I suppose.

*furrows his brow* You and I. Meeting here, outside Bree. Well, Southlinch, to be more precise. And this farm south of Southlinch, to be moreso. *chuckles* You know, when we both came from west of here. You much further west. And I wasn't planning to be here. *laughs* This is all to say that I'm no prognosticator.

No, I've got it. Thank you, dearheart.

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*smiles and says softly* I understand. *laughs* But perhaps I should stay over here, just to be on the safe side.

*reaches over and takes his hand carefully* As with all things, Bingo. *gentle smile* But it's also important to remember how far you've come.

*nods* I had figured you meant that, but I wsasn't sure if you referring to something else as well. Like how we first met when you were staying at Bag End recuperating from... *furrows her brow* How did you hurt your ankle? My memory from that time is a bit dodgy.

*nods* All right. *smiles* Just let me know if there's anything I can do.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*mock pouts*

*squeezes her hand* Yes, that goes for both of us.

*laughs, raises an eyebrow* Are you subtly implying that I'm accident prone? *smiles* I fell out (http://www.livejournal.com/users/bbolger_baggins/3069.html) of a tree. Do keep in mind that I wrote that entry before the extended edition came out, dearheart, and the mun didn't have linking skills then to offer me so I didn't link to the picture the title of the entry is referring to, but good . . . now I can get her to . . . hooray!

Oh, you already have, Elanorelle, by being here.

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*smiles* That it does.

*laughs and shakes her head* No, I was just mixing up that time with when you returned from Mordor, and I think that's where the 'East' part came into it and.. *laughs again* Well, it made sense in my head. You know how strange memory can be sometimes.

*quietly, with an adoring smile* The same goes here. I cannot tell you how much I've missed speaking with you.

[bbolger-baggins.livejournal.com]

*smiles, wryly* Me? No, I wouldn't know anything of the kind. Though I do find it interesting that losing one's memory has become all the rage of late, or so I've been told.(-;

*takes both her hands in his, smiling at her fondly* I've missed being with you. I'm so glad you're back, dearheart.

[elanorgamgee.livejournal.com]

*laughs* Well you've always been a bit of a trendsetter, dear. ;D

*returns his smile* Thank you. That means so much to me, Bingo, especially at a time when I feel as if everything else in my life has fallen apart.