by Iorhael
~ In the Eve of Halimath 22, 1380 ~
Sleek, rosy fingers contrasted sharply with the bronze door handle as they wound around it and applied pressure. The owner of those fine – boned fingers stepped into the room and the candle in her hand dispelled the darkness, slowly revealing a small form huddled under a thick blanket, deep in gentle slumber.
She placed the candle gently on the bedside table, and reached out to stroke softly at silky, dark brown curls.
“Frodo.” A warm, loving voice affectionately embraced the air, and the sleeping lad. Even the candle seemed to quiver at the sound, the flame dancing to and fro.
The curly head turned, the locks disappearing replaced by a face adorned with diminutive rosy lips, dimpled cheeks and a dark fringe of eyelashes that brushed them lightly. The woman stood and brushed each of the eyelids with her moist lips, whispering, “Frodo, wake up, lad.”
The lids fluttered then ceased their shivers and slowly opened, lazily, revealing two deep, baby blue eyes, bluer than the sky on a cloudless day. The tiny beacon of the candle, despite its dimness, proved to be too much for Frodo’s eyes as they had just opened, no longer beholding the obscure world of sleep and dreams. Frodo raised his left hand and rested it on his brow, squinting into the light.
“Mother?” He let out a small sigh. Frodo’s sleepy eyes gradually adjusted to the poorly – lit surroundings and spotted his mother’s smiling lips. “Is it morning already?” he asked faintly.
His mother shook her head.
“No. But it’s nigh to midnight. It’s nearly September the twenty-second, my beloved child. You’re almost twelve.”
Frodo pulled down his hand, taking his blanket up to his neck. He yawned soundlessly. His eyes fluttered closed and he curled up again on his side, facing the candle. The dancing light shimmered upon his face, making it glow warmly. Primula held her breath at the astonishing sight before her, too entranced by it to catch what Frodo said next.
“Thank you Mother,” he mumbled, his eyes still closed. Frodo had started to drift off. Prim gave a light chuckle, bringing Frodo back to alertness.
“Mama?” wondered Frodo.
“You’re very welcome, my boy.”
Frodo stared at her questioningly but Prim just let it go.