Massage

Chapter One

Massage

 

It all began quite innocently.

That is what I told myself, anyway. Bilbo was visiting and had complained that his feet pained him after the long walk to Bag End West, and, since I had always been fond of Frodo’s uncle, I agreed to rub them for him. He had been most pleased with my attentions and had teasingly suggested that I was the most talented masseuse he had ever been subject to. I had blushed and sputtered but was pleased with the compliment. I don’t remember where I picked up the skill, my old life before I came to this isle seems almost a forgotten memory, but I know the lay of the muscles, their attachment points, where to press and how hard to relieve pain. my sisters even began asking for rubs after long days at work in the garden or cleaning and I was always happy to oblige them.

The only person who has not asked for a massage is Frodo. I know the stay on Tol Eressea has eased much of his pain, indeed, even Bilbo shouldn’t need the massages he comes often to Bag End for, but I always wondered why he had never asked me to do him this service, since it obviously gives everyone else such pleasure. Bilbo has none of his nephew’s reservations and compliments me loudly and often – something which still makes me blush. One day, while I was in the study with Bilbo, Frodo and a couple of the other ladies who stay here, rubbing Bilbo’s ‘tired’ shoulders, I noticed a look on Frodo’s face I hadn’t seen before. He seemed to be almost uncomfortable with my actions. He was looking sidelong at me from beneath his long dark lashes, barely noticing the lady whose hair he was absently stroking. I wondered if he disapproved, but certainly he would have said something! My fingers faltered and Bilbo looked up at me with a twinkle in his eye.

“Ah, my lady, your hands are as soothing as warm milk. Please, continue! I have a few kinks left you haven’t attended to yet!” I smiled and resumed kneading through the muscles of Bilbo’s back. He was positively purring, his eyes had a half lidded almost sleepy look and he let out a sigh of pleasure, which could be heard throughout the small room.

“Ouch!” exclaimed the lady by Frodo’s feet. I looked up to see her eyeing Frodo ruefully, and rubbing her head. Frodo’s face was flushed a bit and he looked embarrassed. “Tangles are best combed through gently, my lord.” She continued, but there was no reproach in her voice. All the same, Frodo did look uncomfortable. I patted Bilbo on the shoulder and suggested that perhaps I had best continue his massage at a later time. Bilbo seemed most regretful but there was a twinkle in his eye, and I swear that he noticed the effect my actions were having on his nephew – and was taking great delight in it. I gave the old hobbit a wry grin, and one last squeeze, before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I’ll hold I to that, young lady!” Bilbo exclaimed as I left the room. “Frodo thinks I come to visit him, but I’m really up here to see you. Your touch is as comforting as any elven song and as warm as this cozy fire – if I were but 50 years younger…!” He winked at me teasingly. This was an old game between the two of us. Glancing over, I noticed there was still a strange look on Frodo’s face. Surely he could not be jealous of my affections! He must have known that what I did for his uncle was innocent? For the first time, I began to regret the situation my skills had placed me in.

It was a week later before I had my next chance to be alone with Frodo. I was walking by the study and noticed him alone with a large bound volume on his lap and a steaming cup of tea by his side. I had wanted to talk to him about things and it seemed a perfect opportunity. I knocked timidly and though Frodo smiled when he looked up, I saw a faint shadow fall upon him when he recognized me. It is a look that tore at my heart.

“Frodo?” I asked. “Might I have a word with you?” He nodded and set aside his book. I entered the room and settled on the sofa near his chair. He waited patiently, but I was having difficulty forming the thoughts I wished to share with him into words. At length, I sighed. “You know I enjoy making others happy.” I said, and Frodo nodded warily. “It fills me with joy to know that something I can do can give so much pleasure to others, but if it gives you distress, I will stop – immediately. You are my lord, and I would rather please you than any other in this world.” I said these words softly, but I hope with all the earnestness I felt. Frodo’s wary look faded and his warm smile returned.

“I have been rather foolish in this, haven’t I?” He asked. I looked up and shook my head, but Frodo held his hand up to quiet me. “I know your love is very great, and your heart is large enough to encompass all those I hold dear…” A faint blush began to rise on his cheek. “But I must confess, watching you bring such obvious pleasure to my uncle fills me with an almost unwholesome desire for you in my own heart!” He had turned quite red by then and I found the look both endearing and troubling.

“But Frodo! All you need to do is ask! I would never deny you any pleasure – surely you know that!”

He cocked an eyebrow and gave me an apologetic grin. “Yes, I know. It isn’t you I am afraid of, but me! The thoughts that run through my head when I watch you…” His blush deepened still more. “Well, …they are positively indecent! I am quite literally afraid to ask you… I am afraid your touch would drive me mad!”

I felt flustered too, but I was struck suddenly with an overwhelming desire to get him under my hands. I had never massaged anyone I desired as I have always desired him, and the sensuality of the act had never quite occurred to me. But suddenly, I could feel something of what he was describing and the thoughts that came unbidden to me, my yearning to touch him, astonished me. I was stunned and overwhelmed with sudden understanding, but the only word I could utter was a breathy, “Oh!”

“Yes, you see it now, don’t you?” He smiled. “I generally like to remain in control of these situations – and somehow, I doubt I could be at such an occasion.”

“But my lord!” My breath was husky, I paused to clear my throat and regain some composure. “You don’t know that! Oh, I could not bear it if you were never to come to me because you were afraid of yourself! I love you deeply and would never harm you! Please give me the chance to prove myself. I will be gentle, please don’t be afraid!”

He reached out to cradle my cheek. “It would be unfair of me to hold you at arm’s length for such a foolish reason. Very well. I give myself to you at our next meeting. I will trust your skills and hope I am wrong.”
 

TBC

 

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