A/N: This was written for Antane's birthday...so Happy Birthday Antane!! I hope this day (and the whole year, for that matter) brings you joys and blessings! And I hope this fanfic that I threw together will help brighten your day! :) 

I’ll never forget that day. The day I boarded a ship and watched Sam, and Merry and Pippin fade away, knowing that I wouldn’t see them for a very long time. I remember that I smiled bravely as I said goodbye to them, for I wanted their last memories of me to be happy ones, not ones of tears and sorrows. I did not want them to tell their children, "Your uncle Frodo left with a broken heart. The last time we saw of him was his broken heart and the tears he wouldn’t shed before." As they faded into the distance, my eyes welled with tears, and when they finally faded, I broke down and wept. I hadn’t done that in such a long time. Bilbo held me as we sat on the bench. Gandalf murmured comforts to me also. But I was nearly unconsolable. When I finally shed all the pent up tears, I was exaughsted and stumbled down to the cabins to sleep. I spent most of the time on the ship adding the salt of my tears to that of the sea. I knew the Elves watched me, and thought me strange for not being overjoyed at going to the White Shores, but I don’t believe any Elf, save perhaps Elrond, knew what it was to leave the majority of your friends and family and all of your sweet memories behind. I left a piece of my heart in the Shire. But that’s the way I want it. I would rather have the dull ache of homesickness, than to wake up one morning and find I have no memory of the land and people from whence I came. Especially no memory of Sam, Merry and Pippin.

I continued in a forlorn state once reaching the White Shores. I would often sit on the Eastern shore beneath a large tree and just sit there, staring. Bilbo would sometimes join me, as would Gandalf. He told me that I could morn for a while longer, but I should soon begin seeking healing. I told him I would, but wondered in my heart if I had done the right thing.

Then one day something unexpected happened. I was joined by someone I had rarely seen. The Lord Elrond himself came to me and sat next to me under my tree.

"I know what it is that ails you, Ringbearer." he said. "You long for your friends and kin and you wish you could see them again. You are doubting wether coming here was the right thing to do. Nay, don’t start. I can percieve hearts and minds.

"I have a gift for you, Frodo, son of Drogo."

"What is it, Lord Elrond?"

"If you stand on the Eastern shore, facing the East, and one that you love stands on the Western shores of Middle-Earth, you may hear what they say to you. However, you can not answer them back. You can only here. It is some consolation, though, is it not?"

I looked at him, unable to believe what he said was true. Could it really be so? "Yes, my Lord, it would be a consolation. Hannon le for this immesurable gift." I really didn’t know what else to say, I felt so selfish and foolish then. Much like I did when I took the Ring at the Council and everyone stared at the tiny Hobbit who had offered to take on such a dire and great task. But the elf lord’s words interrupted my thought train then.

"Yes, Frodo, it has been a consolation to me, to hear my daughter’s voice. She is an elf, and I know that the Valar allow her to feel my response. I am not sure if the Halflings would feel it, but I doubt not that they will talk to you. Especially your Samwise." With that he rose and left me.

I walked on the soft, white sand to the edge of the beach where the water began. The waves gently washed over my feet. I knew not how I was to go about hearing my friends, or if I could at all, but I just closed my eyes and picture my Sam. It was amazing, for I heard Sam’s voice as if he was standing right next to me. I was afraid to open my eyes for fear of his voice fading. I will never forget what he said.

"Mr. Frodo, I...I don’t know if you can here me, and I do feel pretty silly talkin’ to an ocean and all, but I was so lonely for you, I just thought I’d chance it. Won’t matter nohow, ‘cause even if you can’t here me, it’ll help to think you’re somewhere listenin’ to me, like you always did. Oh, Mr. Frodo, me dear, how I miss you!"

‘I miss you too, Sam! I’m so sorry!’ I thought as he paused.

"But, I guess you miss me and the Shire, and Merry and Pippin....we can’t stand being without you. Bag End...nay, the Shire just ain’t the same without it’s Frodo. Though I daresay there’s another one comin’ along soon enough. Though, no matter hwo much I love Frodo-lad, he won’t be you. I...I....just...just wish...that...you..." Here he broke down crying. Oh! how my heart was wrenched! I wanted to reach across that sea and hold him in my arms. The few times that Sam Gamgee cries wrench the heart right out of you and make the sun go dark. But I couldn’t reach him, he couldn’t even here me.

I’ve heard my dear ones’s cries and joys and pains and laughter. I have laughed with them, cried when they cried, rejoiced at Sam’s second child, Frodo-lad -who I hear has his share of stubborness- and when Pippin got married. My dear sweet Merry has come many a time to tell me how he acts strong for Pippin and Sam, but he can always cry to me. Oh my brave Merry! How I wish I could tell you that you make me so proud! And how I wish I could tell Pippin how his laughter always is like a little ray of sunshine, and I wish I could hold Sam and tell him how sorry I am for all I’ve ever done to him, especially for leaving him this last time. How I wish I coudl tell all of them that. And that I’m finally healing. Elrond doubted wether the Hobbits could know that I hear, but I believe they can. For they keep coming back and talk to me as if I was really there, or just across a small little brook. Oh! that the Sundering Seas were that small! Those dear Hobbit always come back, and I can hear their children’s laughter, and their laughter. I never will forget the day that Elrond gave me the gift of a piece of the Shire.

The End

Copyright text 2006 Frodo Baggins

A/N: Here is something that I wrote. I don’t really know what category it falls into. Miscellaneous, perhaps? This depicts four stages in Frodo’s life where he is hopeless and finds hope in two simple things: a star and a bird.

A young Hobbit sat on the grass. The wind rustled his hair as he watched the sunset. A single tear slid down his face. His parents had just died, and now his world had ended. He was sure of it. A beautiful summer evening, but the lad hardly noticed. His heart was darkened with grief. A lonely bird let forth a mournful tune, and flew away into the dusk. Frodo wished that his heart could spread wings and fly away like that bird. He looked up and saw the first star shining amidst the darkness. Maybe there was hope after all.

*~*~*~*~*

Frodo lay in his Sam's arms. Darkness was all around, though he guessed it was probably only tea time back home. He was in Mordor, and too tired to continue the hopeless Quest for now. A single tear slid down his cheek. Sam was speaking to him, but he barely noticed. His ears picked up one word, however. "Birds, Mr. Frodo..." Birds could fly freely. He wished his heart would spread wings and fly away from the Ring and from the pain. "Look, Mr. Frodo!" Frodo raised his eyes and saw that the wind had blown the thick fumes and smoke overhead so that he could see a patch of night sky. A star shone brightly before it was covered again. Maybe there was hope after all.

*~*~*~*~*

He stood there, looking across the city of Minas Tirith from his house. A wonderful city to be sure, and the people were very hospitable. But he felt a prisoner. He longed for his home, but he longed for healing more. A single tear rolled down his cheek. A bird burst forth in a mournful song, the notes clear and sad. It took wing and Frodo watched the swallow disappear into the evening sky. He wished he too could spread wings and fly to his home. As he gazed after the fortunate bird, a star greeted his eyes. Perhaps there was hope after all.

*~*~*~*~*

Frodo stood looking over the ocean. A sea breeze rustled his curls. He came here for healing, but so far had found none. Why would his heart not heal? Gandalf said to wait, and healing would come. But all he could think about was what he left behind. Looking East, a single tear rolled down his cheek. A small bird dipped low in it’s flight and whirled about him singing a song. He wished he could spread wings and fly over the sea. He gazed to the East, and the last star sparkled in the pale dawn light. Perhaps there was hope after all.

Copyright text 2006 Frodo Baggins

A/N: Frodo is about 13 (8) and visiting Bilbo after his parents's death. The first part is Frodo's POV and the second is Gandalf's.

I peeped around my uncle's legs. I felt safe behind my uncle. Not that I was afraid of the wizard before me, but his height was rather intimidating, and he looked a little gruff. Wasn't this the wizard that had whisked my uncle off on that wonderous adventure many years ago? Maybe, I would be lucky enough that he would whisk me away too, and Bilbo and me...I mean, Bilbo and I could go on an adventure. I quickly scanned the area for any dwarves waiting. I saw none and turned my attention back to Gandalf. He seemed to be studying me very closely and I was now aware that Bilbo was no longer in between us. I felt even smaller under Gandalf's scrutinizing gaze. But somehow I knew that I would be seeing alot of this wizard in the years to come. Then he smiled at me from under those bushy brows and said,

"Well, Frodo Baggins, it is nice to meet you."

                                                 *~*~*~*~*~* 

I gazed down at the nephew or cousin or what not that Bilbo had hiding behind his back. Big blue eyes peeped out from behind the bachelor. Aparantly, the lad's parents had just died. Poor little thing. He had a way of envoking pity in my heart that I had not known many times before. But he also seemed tough underneath. Maybe no one else perceived the strength of will and heart beneath that fair skin and those blue eyes, but I could. Somehow I knew that the Valar had something great in store for this small boy. I had a feeling that I would be seeing alot of this lad in the years to come. With amusment, I realized he was studying me closely as well. I smiled at the lad and said,

"Well, Frodo Baggins, it is nice to meet you."

Chapter 4: Sleeping Arrangements

Aragorn sighed. Two Hobbits down, two more to go. This was the Company's first night in their House, and only two child sized beds could be found. One was in Merry and Pippin's room, and the other was in Frodo and Sam's room. Two Hobbits could easily sleep in an adult sized bed. In fact, four could at need. However, these were especially small beds, so one of the Hobbits would have to spend the night on the floor. None of the other members of the Fellowship liked this, but the Hobbits had insisted that it was alright.

Merry and Pippin had had little struggle as to who would get the floor. It had been as easy as picking straws. Frodo and Sam on the other hand, would pose a big problem for the King. As he approached the room, he could here the two Hobbit voices already at it.

"Mr. Frodo, I'm not goin' to let you sleep on the floor!"

"Samwise Gamgee, you are indeed. I want to. It's certainly better than..."

"Anything I can help you with?" Aragorn asked, poking his head in the door. The two Hobbits looked at him with surprise, and then each begged with their eyes for him to take their side.

"Mr. Frodo wants to sleep on the floor."

"Sam won't let me sleep on the floor and he won't sleep on the bed. But we both agree that *one* of us must sleep on the bed."

"Mr. Frodo, it's not good for..."

"Don't you say, 'It's not good for your health'. I'm fine! I am tired of being treated like an invalid wherever I go. Please, Sam, let me keep some dignity and allow me to sleep on the floor."

"Mr. Frodo, I won't have it. You sleepin' on the floor and all. I want you to be as comfortable as possible."

"Sam?"

"Yes?"

"Would you run to the kitchen to get me a glass of water. I'm very thirsty." Sam sighed. His master was up to something, he was sure. But he could also tell that Frodo was really thirsty. He had been very thirsty since they came back from the Quest, and he just couldn't deny Frodo a glass of water. Aragorn watched in abutment as the two companions locked eyes before Sam trooped out to the kitchen. Frodo hurriedly dragged a chair over to the chest of drawers. He got down all the spare blankets he could find and made a hasty, but very comfortable, pallet on the floor. He sat down only a moment before Sam came back into the room. Frodo flashed his friend an innocent grin and said,

"See, Sam, I'll be much more comfortable on the floor."

"Mr. Frodo, you won't either! Thank you for making me such a comfortable pallet, though." Frodo sighed as he took and the water and drained the glass.

"Well," he said when he had finished the water, "I've only made it big enough for one Hobbit."

"Mr. Frodo, this is nonsense. I won't be able to sleep well knowin' you're on the floor."

"Alright, Sam. I'm going to put this glass away, and if when I come back, I find you've done something bad, you will be sorry." Frodo walked backwards towards the door, keeping his eyes on Sam the whole way. "Please keep an eye on him, Lord Aragorn, and make sure he doesn't do anything." Aragorn nodded. He knew these two well enough to know that they were only half teasing. He chuckled to himself. Frodo was one of the most stubborn Hobbits he knew, but Sam could sometimes out stubborn him.

When Frodo returned, he found Sam sitting tailor fashion on the pallet. Without a word, the dark headed Hobbit marched right over and attempted to pick up Sam. Sam gave a shout of surprise and stood on his own. Frodo tackled his friend onto the bed and held him there.

"Mr. Frodo! What are you doing? This...this..." Frodo laughed triumphantly.

"I won't let you go, Samwise Gamgee, until you give me your word you will sleep in this bed and I will sleep on this floor."

Sam looked at Frodo, and could tell that his will was set. He also saw that he was immensely enjoying this escapade, so he relented.

"Well, Lord Aragorn," Frodo stated, a triumphant smile on his face, "You may as well go to bed now. We settled our conflict. But it's a good thing you were here, otherwise, Sam may have tried something dangerous." Frodo added with a lopsided grin.

Elessar laughed at this. He couldn't see the young gardener so much as hurting a fly, much less his dear Master Frodo.

"Goodnight, you two."

"Goodnight, sir."

"Goodnight, King Aragorn."

Both Frodo and Sam went to bed with a smile on his lips.

The End

copyright 2006 Frodo BagginsA/N: Post-Quest ficlet inspired by real life events!! Hannon le, Queen Galadriel for the idea of posting this story!! :)

A/N: This is a story that was concieved while mowing the lawn. Don't ask. Don't all writers have...strange ways to gain insperation? I thought so. :) This is sort of a movie fill in. I checked for this scene in the book, but alas, I could not find it. This explores the question, "Why did Pippin think of the song he did, and what was he thinking when he sang it?" As to what song and when, you'll have to read that for yourself. ;)

"Master Hobbit, can you sing?" Denethor asked, non too kindly nor enthusiastically.

"Well, I...well, yes, fairly well in the Shire, but..."

"But what?"

"I don't have any songs fitting for the Halls of Men, nor for these dark hours."

"Master Peregrine," Denethor growled, "You are now in the service of the Steward of Gondor. I am that Steward, and I command you to sing!"

Pippin closed his eyes, desperately groping his memory for a song that would suit. His mind wandered back in time, back to a stormy night in Bag End...

                                                     *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Frodo?"

"Hmmm," came the sleepy reply.

"I miss Mum and Da."

Silence. Had Frodo heard him, or fallen back to sleep? Pippin's question was answered when the form next to Pippin turned to face him. Frodo turned Pippin's body so that his back was against Frodo's stomach. Frodo draped his arm protectively over Pippin's small figure. The rain began to pound on Frodo's round window.

"Would you like me to sing, Pip?"

"Uh-huh."

Frodo began. Pippin loved Frodo's voice. It was soothing and low and sad. When Frodo sang (which wasn't very often, and usually only at night to his young cousins), he sang with a slight Buckland lilt. Pippin thought it was beautiful.

*~*~*~*~*

Pippin's voice now raised in the song that Frodo had sung to him that night and many nights afterward. It sounded different when Pippin sang it, having a higher voice and having that unmistakable Tookish accent. But Pippin would forever remember it as Frodo sang it. Indeed, he sang it now in memory of Frodo. He closed his eyes. Voices from the past interwove the words to the song as his voice filled the Hall of Denethor.

"Home is behind

"Frodo?"

The world ahead

"Yes, Pip?"

And there are many paths to tread

"That's a sad song."

Through shadow

"Yes, it is."

To the edge of night

"Why do you sing it?"

Until the stars are all alight

"Pippin! You *can't* go!"

Mist and Shadow

"I won't stay behind!"

Cloud and shade

"You don't know what pursues me! I can't let you!"

All shall fade

"That will never change the fact that I love you and can't let you go alone."

All shall fade,"*

"Oh, Pip."

Pippin opened his teary eyes and gazed out the eastern window. Towards the Shadow. Towards Frodo. He was out there, Pippin knew. But somehow, Pippin could feel him here, in the room. He could picture Frodo standing by his side, smiling that smile of his that said, "I love you," better than any words. But Pippin knew Frodo would vanish if Pippin turned to look at him. All he wanted was to go back in time. Back before the Ring had come. Back to that night when Frodo had sung him to sleep for the first time. He was always safe in his cousin's arm, always loved when Frodo sang to him; Frodo didn't sing to anybody. Only those closest to him. He smiled slightly. 'Come home to me, Frodo. Please. Make it home.'

Copyright Frodo Baggins 2006

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*The Return of the King soundtrack, by Howard Shore...I think. Performed by Billy Boyd.

A/N: This is a bit AU. It’s book cannon only because it’s not movie verse. The story takes place soon after the newly formed Fellowship set forth from Rivendell. This is the result of the thought, "Why did Frodo never marry before the Quest?" This is the answer to the question.

Till death do us part

The moonlight shone down on the Fellowship. It was midnight, and Aragorn had the watch. He sat with his back against a large rock facing outwards. He was not aware that Frodo was standing behind him until the Ringbearer cleared his throat.

"Frodo! You frightened me. ‘Tis not your watch for another half hour."

"I know. But I can’t seem to sleep. So if I’m not sleeping, I may as well take over for you. You have hardly gotten any rest at all."

Aragorn smiled slightly. "I was not going to wake you, for I cannot sleep either."

"Then may I sit with you for the remaining time of your watch?"

"You may."

Frodo sat next to the Ranger. The sat in companionable silence for a while. Aragorn gently slipped the Evenstar over his head and fingered the jewel. It glistened in the moonlight.

"You love her." Frodo stated; this was not a question.

"Who?" Aragorn asked absently.

"The Lady Arwen Undomiel. She is very beautiful. I never knew that such beauty existed. In Middle Earth, anyway."

"I do love her. And she loves me." Aragorn cast a sidelong glance at Frodo. He asked a question that he had been curious about, but had never had the chance (or desire) to ask it. Frodo had always seemed so close about personal matters. "Have...have you ever loved, Frodo?"

The Hobbit sat silent for a moment, staring at the moon-bathed wilderness. Finally he sighed and said,

"Her name was Lily. Lily Brandybuck. A more beautiful lass I had never seen. She had blue eyes and brown hair. Of course, that is not what I loved in her. She was different from all the other Hobbits. She loved to read and to write poetry and stories. Lily was also the only lass (or lad, for that matter) who actually enjoyed playing my imaginary games. She...she was so sweet. She was easy in nature and quick to laugh. Lily was different because she wasn’t silly like the other lasses; she could think for herself and she didn’t fuss and squeal and worry for hours on end.

"I first met her in Buckland two years before I went to live with Bilbo. I thought then that it was just an infatuation. I only saw her once or twice a year, and yet still I thought of her always. I knew that I was in love. And I said to myself, ‘If ever I marry, Lily Brandybuck will be the lass.’ But I suppose it was not meant to be.

"At the age of twenty nine, I finally gathered enough courage to ask her father if we could be promised. But when I got to Buckland, no more Lily."

"What happened to her?"

"She...the lung sickness swept through Buckland. It only took two lives. One of them was my Lily.

"I have never met another lass quite like Lily. I think I shan’t ever marry now. I still think of her often." and then as if to himself, Frodo whispered, "I never got to tell her how much I loved her." Frodo was silent for a moment. The moonlight highlighted the pain in his face. He gave a small sigh and then said, "I have not told anyone that I was ever in love with anyone except for Bilbo, Sam,  Lily's father, of course, and now you.

"Well, your watch is over now. You should really at least try to rest. I won't be sleeping for a long time. Goodnight, Aragorn."

"Goodnight, Frodo. And...I’m sorry about Lily." Aragorn truly was sorry. This Hobbit had evidently been through much heartache in his young life. The Ranger did not wait for an answer and lay down. Sure enough, he soon fell asleep, leaving Frodo to keep watch alone by the moonlight.

The End

Copyright Frodo Baggins 2006

A/N: THis is the product of me cleaning on a Saturday, perhaps a bit of medicine because I haven't been feeling well, and, well....an author's brain! :) Anyone who's an author knows what I mean: inspiration can hit at the oddest times. This is a few moments in Frodo's thoughts after his incident with the Black Riders at the Ford. Fellowship of the Ring, bookverse, as usual. :) I apologise for such a lengthy author's note and for the possible cliche. -FB

Frodo was floating. Floating in pain, grief, and a myriad of random memories, voices, sounds and feelings racing through his heart. The voices were what confused him most. He heard his mother, father, sometimes Gandalf; he heard Pippin as a child, and Pippin in later years. There was Merry's voice. And Sam's. But all those nice voices had only been in his head for a few moments. They were quickly crowded out by the Evil Voices. Rather, they sounded promising, but something told Frodo they were very evil. And he now bent all of his energy on trying to ignore them and find his way back. Back where, Frodo didn't know. He just knew he had to go. And then the voices told him he was supposed to come to them. Rest, they promised him, rest and peace and relief. "We know you're afflicted, and you will find no peace but through us. We understand your torment." they said. Frodo's will wavered. They understood? And the promise of peace...
"Mr. Frodo, I don't know if you can hear me."
"Sam? Sam, oh Sam! I'm very confused. Where are you?" Relief flooded Frodo's being.
"I'm here, Mr. Frodo. Won't you come back? Your cousins are nearly beside themselves with worry, if you know what I mean. Especially Mr. Pippin. He's taken it real hard. Mr. Merry's being right brave, though I can tell he's worried too. And I'm worried for you, Mr. Frodo. Mr. Strider says you've got to fight to come back. So keep fighting."
"Sam, I want to..." Frodo's thought paused. He sensed Sam had left. But before he could react, another voice came to him. This voice was more commanding, like the Evil Voices, but this one was kind. All the same, Frodo didn't trust it.
"Frodo Baggins." It said.
"Who are you? Where's Sam?"
"Sam is nearby. You need not worry."
"Is he alright?"
"Yes. I want you to listen to me."
"Why?" Frodo interrupted. "Who are you?"
"I am Lord Elrond, and I need you to return to the Light. Your task is not done. Your cousins need you. The world will need you before the end."
"The world? How do you know?"
"I am Elrond, Halfelven, Lord of the Last Homely House. Iluvatar told me that you must return."
"But...they promised I could have peace....I want peace. If I return with you, can you promise me that I will be relieved?"
"Nothing can be promised, Frodo. But I can tell you that if you follow the other voices, you will find only death and destruction."
Frodo sighed. "All right. I shall try to fight them. They're very strong."
"I know."
"And convincing."
"Yes. They are, but you can fight it. You must fight it."
"What would happen if I were to not follow you or the other voices and just...let go? I thought I would go to the Presence. That sounds more promising than going back."
The voice sighed. "You hang between two..." the voice faded. Frodo felt a surge of panic. The voice had somehow been comforting. Why was he slipping and falling? Darkness took him and he knew no more. For a while.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Elrond stood and sighed.
"What's wrong?" Sam asked, worried. "Did you speak to Mr. Frodo?"
"I did. He slipped to far into oblivion for me to communicate to him." The Elf Lord considered the small form before him. A rare, small smile teased the corners of his mouth.
"What is it?" Sam asked.
"Your friend is quite stubborn."
Sam couldn't help but smile. "That's Mr. Frodo."

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The End

Copyright Frodo Baggins 2007