Escape The Darkness

By JULES

Authors Quick Note – This story explores the idea about what might have happened if Strider had come to the Shire to forewarn Bilbo Baggins about the Ring Wraiths that would soon come hunting for the One Ring.  Commences a few days before Bilbo’s Birthday party and before Gandalf returns to the shire as well.      

This story was begun a very long time ago, and it was never my intentions to leave it unfinished.   This first was first published in 2003.  I have 12 chapters written – but want to add more to them and edit where necessary.

I will be going back through and editing a few scenes and adding to a few and fixing errors, now that I hopefully understand the Middle Earth world a little better since I first began.  I hope to add a sprinkling of "The Hobbit" details in certain places where is needed.

Real life just got in the way for a very long time and still is to a large extent. 

I was going to add more to the synopsis, but for now I will leave you to read along and find out what happens along with Frodo and the rest of the cast as I take them out of the box.  I promise to put them back when I am finished.  If you think you know what might happen throughout and the ending, hopefully I have created enough twist plots and changes.

Strong friendship only – no slash.   Very little romance (I am no good at writing that) – And plenty of angst, hurt/comfort.  For those don't know my previous work - this won't be the Disney version.

This will be a very very long story, with many chapters, and many of those being long as well – just the way I write.    And I usually try and describe from the viewpoint of multiple characters for any one scene.   As well as describe every rock, tree branch and blade of grass along the way.

I have a very complicated plot planned, and some may not agree how I have altered the course of things, or that I introduce them and Frodo differently than the books or films.  Hopefully you will continue to follow and read as the story progresses.   If it hasn't happened yet, or there isn't enough information about something yet, that is usually deliberate on my part.  Sometimes there are subtle clues that I put in chapters, other times I don't.

This story explores the idea about what might have happened if Strider had come to the Shire to forewarn Bilbo Baggins about the Ring Wraiths that would soon come hunting for the One Ring.  Commences a few days before Bilbo’s Birthday party and before Gandalf returns to the shire as well. 

There are other changes that I will deliberately make to the story at a later date to explore how the journey may have changed as a result. “Hint Hint – some big changes that were the whole reason for starting this series”.

Strider had vowed to protect Bilbo when the Ring Wraiths are sent by the Dark Lord but he is unaware that the legacy of who is to carry the Ring to be destroyed falls upon a totally different Baggins hobbit.

In this story the corn fields in the shire are a little further away and I have added a lot extra between then and when the hobbit’s arrive at the Prancing Pony in Bree.

Hoping to add a few funny, light-hearted moments in this one in between the serious stuff.

All mention of herbs or treatments used in this story or others come about from a little research I did into some and what their effects were. Some of them have been around since ancient times so I have no problem using in this time frame but still am not sure if they would have been grown near Rivendell.

Disclaimer -  I do not own any of the characters I write about.   I write about those created by J.J.R. Tolkien and marvel at such a storytellers ability to enthral us all.   There are occasional quotes from the movie in this story, just to keep the continuity going strong and to add just at the appropriate time.

the story begins: 

Chapter One: 

the story begins:  Unexpected Introductions

Under the cover of nightfall, the cloaked Ranger took a brief rest on the top of the grass covered ridge he had ascended a few moments before.  A full moon allowed him to gaze below upon some very curious buildings, with uneven but sturdy pathways that criss-crossed through and around the hills.  During the day, smoke would normally be seen rising from a few chimneys, keeping the inhabitants warm and bringing a simple sense of normality to the gentle folk that occupied within. 

Travelling west from the Brandywine river, this was the township named 'Hobbiton' Strider thought to himself.  Located within the borders of the Westfarthing and one of the larger communities that made up the central region commonly known as 'The Shire'. 

The Northern Rangers had guarded this district to ensure that it remained a peaceful and uneventful place.  Just the way that most of the gentle residents who lived there preferred it.  His watchful and alert band of men had often been granted the gift of stories, songs and legends from the hobbits that lived in this lush rural community.  Curiosity was tugging at the edges of his mind, but it was a grave matter and with a sense of urgency that had him urging his mount to move cautiously and silently under the cover of darkness towards the smials.

Strider used one hand to adjust the thick, heavy, long cloak around his shoulders and to pull it a little more tightly to shield against the chilly night air that was blowing against his neck. The second arm was hidden by the warm folds of fabric as he walked, his hand remanding within reaching distance of his ever present sword.

On the journey thus far, the man had no knowledge of any danger that may already lurking within the tight knit village.  He had learned that no matter how serene or quiet the setting,  dark times were approaching all too quickly on folk who knew nothing of the evil and greed that existed in other parts of this world.  Even now, as sweet tall scented grasses caressed his leather boots, he would need to keep his guard up against the encroaching shadows within Middle Earth.

The hour was particularly late and nobody would appreciate an unexpected visitor, Strider reminded himself, but the foreboding news that he carried could ill afford to wait.  He could no longer delay his need to speak with Bilbo Baggins.

The Ranger was able to manage and navigate the meandering paths and tracks with little trouble, in order to make his way to the outskirts of the Shire village without being detected.   The man’s footsteps along the well-laden roads of the Shire were soft enough not to disturb anybody in the houses that he had already passed.  Because of the late hour, most hobbit folk were safely tucked in their beds asleep.

Making his way towards Bagshow Row, he was pleased to note that the descriptions and directions he had been provided with were sufficient to come across the smial located on Hobbiton Hill. 

After what seemed like only a brief walk, Strider noticed that the roadway he was travelling on began to have a steep incline.  Once he was at the top, he noticed a slightly larger hobbit dwelling, nestled off the roadway a little. From where he was standing, the Ranger noted that the occupant of this dwelling would be able to see out over the rest of the Shire, but be far enough removed from the noise and chaos to enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted existence.

Making his way closer to the hobbit dwelling, the man noted that the house wasn’t just a little larger than those he had already surveyed further down in the valley. This home was significantly larger than any other hobbit abode nearby.

Standing in front of the gateway that led to this house, Strider could see two signs that indicated that this was indeed Bilbo Baggin’s home. The first was a large bold sign on the front wall of the house that read, ‘Bag End.’

A much smaller sign, hand written and nailed to the gate itself as the Ranger went to step inside the boundary read, ‘No Visitors – Except for Party Business’

Strider knew that Bilbo was an elderly eccentric hobbit who was particularly fond of his own company and preferred to be left alone with his books, journals and maps.   Approaching the round green front door and knocking twice as loud as he dared.  He didn’t know if Bilbo would be asleep or as his desk, writing well into the morning hours and he often was known to do.

inside the house:

Bilbo had actually retired to his bed approximately an hour ago, before he heard what sounded like someone knocking at the front door.  At first he was minded to just roll over and go back to sleep.   Grumbling a little at ‘unannounced visitors’ at all hours.

After a few more louder poundings on the door, and it became quite clear that whoever the late hour visitor was, they were not going to simply go away by ignoring them.  Concern for someone other than himself quickly entered his mind as he thought about his young charge, Frodo, who was asleep in his bedroom down the hall from the front door.

Bilbo whispered to himself as he quickly gathered his robe and vowed to stop the incessant knocking before Frodo was awoken.

“I am coming, I am coming,” Bilbo declared as loud a voice as he dared, tying the belt around his deep red robe. He looked briefly in the direction of Frodo’s room, but noted it still to be dark.  No noise could be heard from where he stood and so thankfully he could assume that the younger hobbit had slept through undisturbed.

“What is it at this hour?” Bilbo demanded as he undid the locks and opened the large round door a small crack. He almost stumbled backward in his surprise at the face that greeted him.

“I must say, you are a cranky little hobbit when you are so rudely awoken,” Strider challenged with a warm grin and a friendly handshake to the small hand reaching out to his own.

“Aragorn, what, pray tell, brings you to these lands on this night?” the greying hobbit questioned, stepping aside, and opening the door a littler wider and gesturing with his hand to the man to come into his home.

“Quickly, come in before someone sees you,” Bilbo warned.  “Mind your head on that ceiling, my good fellow,” pleased to see the man take heed of his words and duck his head as he entered.

Bilbo took the precaution of looking outside into the darkness of the night, trying to spot if anybody had seen the Ranger arrive or heard the knocking at the door. Inwardly he sighed in relief when he couldn’t hear anything but the chilly breeze outside.

Closing the door, Bilbo composed himself enough to surmise what sort of rumours would be spread around Hobbiton if one of the big-folk were to be spotted in the Shire in the middle of the night.

“Forgive my manners, please come,” Bilbo now said, leading the man out of the front entrance, through the parlour and into the kitchen. “You would be wanting something hot to drink I imagine,” he insisted, and went about putting a pot of water on to boil before the Ranger had even had a chance to reply.

“I am deeply sorry for the late hour of my calling, Bilbo,” Strider apologized as he gazed about the cosy home. From outside, nobody would ever dream of what sights and aromas would be waiting on the inside. The kitchen was richly scented with many herbs from earthenware jars that were resting upon a shelf near the fireplace.

The rooms were quite larger than expected, with plenty of room for a hobbit or three.  A little small perhaps for a man-sized person like himself.   In many ways, no doubt that the same space could be seen as comfortable and open to someone of Bilbo’s size.

“Please take a seat, Aragorn,” Bilbo requested with a flourish of activity around the table as a teapot was made ready and a loaf of bread and plate of cheese was kindly offered.

He was facing the wrong way to see the look on the Ranger’s face when he uttered the man's other name out loud.  Strider had not yet corrected the aging hobbit, but he would need to speak to Bilbo about not using that name around these parts.

“You must be weary after your journey,” Bilbo guessed, trying to ease the obvious tension that saturated the room.  Rangers did not just visit the Shire upon a whim or without purpose.  “I would offer you a spare room in my humble home for as long as you intend staying,” he added.  This hobbit was no fool.  Deep down, he knew that one of the big-folk would not have ventured per chance into this township at night. 

“Thank you, and I will take up your offer, for one night or two,” Strider nodded with gratitude. He knew that he would soon need to be leaving this place. There was no set time for when the dark forces may begin emerging into these tranquil lands or descending upon those least unprepared.

“Does your horse need tending to and bedding down for the night?” the hobbit questioned, knowing the mode of transport that the ranger would have used.

“I appreciate your generosity, but I left my horse in a secured location just outside of Hobbiton.  I did not think it wise for your folk to see such a large animal in these parts,” Strider answered.

Bilbo turned away from the fireplace with a steaming teapot in both hands, pouring the steeping brew and handing the Ranger a cup of the piping hot liquid.  A thickly folded square of fabric covered his hands, protecting them from the heat of the steam, but causing a little fumbling with his cup and saucer. 

The elderly hobbit finding it difficult to conceal his unease and nervousness which was multiplying by the minute.  “Let us move into the living room where we will be more comfortable,” he invited. 

The man's facial expression did not give away any indication that he sensed all was not well, but perhaps it was the intuition that Bilbo had inherited from the Took side of the family that caused him to be a little more wary and cautious.

“Sit here, Ranger,” Bilbo fussed as he straightened the plump velvet cushions on the large chair, and removed a stack of drawings and charts to allow his guest to take up the vacant spot.

Strider was quite amused with the small hobbit's mutterings, 'I was looking for those last week to show Frodo', scarcely aware that he speaking loud enough to be heard.

“I am afraid that my housework has not exactly been up to the highest standard of late,” Bilbo apologised, disappearing for a moment back in the direction of the kitchen and returning with a large decorated tin box.  With the lid open, the Ranger was tempted by several more different types of biscuits and tasty morsels.

Discretely squirming slightly, the man did notice that the chair was a little too cramped on the sides, but he did not want to voice any complaint.  Not all of Bilbo's home was furnished or decorated with furniture that would hold the weight of a big person. 

Travelling for many days on limited water and food rations, any respite was now welcomed with humble gratitude and thanks. The ground amongst the trees had been his pillow for the past three nights in a row.  The Ranger could scarcely remember what it would feel like to sleep in a bed, inside later on tonight.

A few more minutes of shelving away papers and books that had been left out, and the stout hobbit was ready to sit down and talk to his unexpected guest.  Bilbo took up a position in his own favourite faded and comfortably padded armchair, leaning forward so as to keep their voices subdued.

At first, there was no conversation between the two at all. The fire crackled and burned, giving light and warmth, but the room felt incredibly warm and cosy at the moment to Bilbo as he played nervously with the inside of his pocket.  He withdrew his hand and picked up the teacup and saucer, sipping at the hot liquid.

The Ranger refrained from speaking about the true reason for visit for a few more minutes, though he suspected that he would not be able to for long.  No doubt, his more than generous host was more than a little intrigued about his sudden arrival and his presence this night.

“How does the Shire fair these days, Bilbo.  Any news to speak of?” the Ranger casually inquired.  Knowing that he personally, and his men deliberately invested a lot of time, effort and man power to knowing what was going on within the borders of these sweet green lands, as much as possible at all times.

Bilbo paused before giving an answer, knowing that there had been a very large change to Bag End itself since the man was a guest in his home.  That change was only a few rooms away and for the past several hours, sleeping peacefully in his bed.   Bilbo had yet to reveal the presence of the one thing in the Shire that kept his old spirit young at heart and nourished his aging soul, Frodo.

“News, in the Shire, hardly!” Bilbo scoffed at the notion indeed.  “You would find more goings-on where you have come from, before any folk here in these parts.  Unless it was about the harvest next month and how big the pumpkins are expected to reach this year.”

“Tidings have reached me from much further afield, from Lord Elrond in Rivendell,” Strider hinted, bringing up the one place well-known to the hobbit.  The man pleased to see that the aging hobbit was beginning to relax and his curiosity stirring upon hearing the mention of a place with such special significance and memory to him. 

“You have been home then!” Bilbo exclaimed, exuberance written across his hopeful face.  The teacup set aside on a nearby table as he focused on anything that was about to cross the Ranger's lips.

Regretfully the Ranger saw some of that expression fall away at his next words, “Alas not for a very long time, but his messengers have found me when it has become absolutely necessary.” 

For the next several minutes, they did speak, of Lord Elrond and the elves that were living there.  Time passed for them very differently to other races of Middle Earth, tales and songs about their environment and surroundings and living things were endless and ageless.

As the light-hearted conversation continued, the topic changed to things that had happened or changed since the hobbit’s last visit.  Unfortunately that visit had been so very long ago and Bilbo’s soul was beginning to feel very tormented and heavy for fear of not seeing the wonderful place again.

Bilbo knew that within him, there was an unmistakable and undeniable yearning to seek peace and solitude from other places, for the remainder of his days.  He silently admonished himself, knowing that he had been deliberately keeping these feelings from those dearest to him for far too long, stealing a glance towards the central hallway, and picturing Frodo’s closed bedroom door.___________________________________________________________________________________________

All the time Strider and his host, Bilbo spoke, they were unaware of a few quiet footsteps that approached them from behind ………………………..

Outside, the quiet of the night continued towards the early hours before dawn.  Within Bag End, the glowing embers of the low burning fire kept those inside in the parlour room warm and comfortable.

When the Ranger had first knocked on the door, Bilbo’s young charge, Frodo had been on the cusp of sleep.  Tonight he had been reading much later than usual, and had only just put the book away that he had been reading.   The persistent knocking on the front door had done what the elderly hobbit had feared, and had prevented him from drifting off entirely. 

Opening his eyes he laid quietly, trying to listen to the various noises, Frodo was brought fully out of his slumber further by the continual shuffling from his uncle meandering from his own room towards the front door.  At first the young hobbit thought that Bilbo must have been headed towards the kitchen.  Frodo had just been about to get up himself when he heard the cranky mutterings of his dear old uncle coming out of his room.  

A number of sharp, loud knocks at the door made him startle, the sound came a second and third time, causing him to fully sit up in bed.  He heard his uncle demand to know who was at the door at such a time.  From that point onward, Frodo only heard whispered voices and more than one person walking about.  He could distinguish that some of the footsteps belonged to Bilbo, but there was a second set of distinct, heavier footsteps upon the wooden floor.

The young hobbit was convinced that it was time to find out for himself who had entered their home.   Dressing in a warm blue velvet robe, he quietly opened the door to this room and tiptoed out along one of the corridor’s towards the kitchen.   He paused though as the voices seemed to be coming from a different room of the smial now:  the living room.

The young hobbit was worried that his uncle might have been in danger from the late night visitor.  He didn’t quite know if he would be able to defend himself and Bilbo, but Frodo had enough courage in him to try if it became necessary.

Frodo moved as close as he dared, not wanting to intrude on the conversations between his uncle and the stranger.   He could make out the visitor from where he was standing and almost gasped out aloud in surprise when he noted how big this man seemed to be. 

Frodo had been told a long ago, by Bilbo, about the race of men.  He had been fortunate enough a few years back, to see a group of men from a distance.  Up this close, their size was certainly more surprising than any tale, and a sight to behold.   The man inside his home was sitting down, but even now he was a good deal taller than anybody else Frodo had seen first-hand within the boundaries of the Shire.

This fellow’s features were hidden somewhat by the darkness of the living room.  It was only when the fire crackled brightest that Frodo could just make out the shape of his face, the eyes appearing to look right back at him.  The man’s voice not as harsh as he may have expected and sounding deeper when he spoke.

“You have many things to tell me Ranger, I can see them in your eyes,” Bilbo urged, with a hint of curiosity in the tone of his voice.  Although their last meeting had been quite some time ago, he knew the man well enough that he was not one to dance around with his words. 

The man sighed, realising that this astute hobbit would see through his thin veil, “In a message meant only for me, he shared a brief and shadowy vision he experienced, concerning the Shire.  An evil presence approaching, but he could not determine its true nature.”

Bilbo sat back in his chair, a furrow forming on his brow as he thought about what he had just heard.  An idle hand reaching into the pocket of his vest and secretly caressing its contents, just as it so often did on many other occasions.   “Did he add anything further?” the hobbit asked cryptically after a few minutes.  

“Lord Elrond’s desire was for me to visit this area, at the first available opportunity, and make sure that the Shire and all inhabitants continue to live in harmony as they have done for a long time,” Strider explained.   But it was the Ranger’s careful choosing of words and lack of real substance that caused Bilbo to raise an eyebrow in silent question.

The Master of Rivendell did not reveal his visions very often, nor the nature of any message contained within.  The fact that he had done so, and sought out Strider in particular, and sent him in person, bought up some very weighing questions indeed.

“You know you may have to make plans and leave this place, and soon Bilbo Baggins,” Strider stated plainly.

“Yes I know, I have already made preparations for such a journey, but there are a lot more to make,” Bilbo said, not realising that somebody else had heard these words.

Frodo threw himself back against a wall where he couldn’t be seen as he listened to his uncle’s words.  His heart was beating inside his small chest like it was ready to explode.   His eyes were as widened and held a stricken look as they began welling up with unshed tears at the thought that his beloved uncle was going away from Hobbiton. 

The young hobbit had still not made his presence known to Bilbo and Strider.  With a heavy heart, and a swell of mixed emotions inside, he sought the sanctuary of his bedroom.  Flinging himself onto the bed and continuing to decipher all he had overheard. 

Bilbo wandering away from Bag-End, for varying lengths of time was certainly no secret, even since he had been living here in the Shire.  And the purposes of his impromptu journeys were not always clear either.  But he had always returned, bringing back as many stories on his travels and sometimes wonderful and unique pieces from the peoples that he visited.

It wasn’t until the very early hours of the morning that Frodo had fell into a light sleep.  Many thoughts had been racing through his head as he tried to think of a reason why his Uncle was leaving the Shire.   Would Frodo find himself being left alone ??  Would he be travelling with Bilbo?   His Uncle certainly hadn’t discussed travelling anywhere in the past few months, or a desire to visit any place in particular.

Amidst his contemplations and speculations, Frodo promised himself that he would not let his dear Uncle Bilbo, leave without him knowing about it, where to or why.  The young hobbit would watch closely for any signs that Bilbo displayed. 

These same wee hours of the morning, Bilbo and Strider could be found quietly finishing their conversation by the fireplace in the parlour.   The two of them still had much to talk about, but would wait until they were a little more rested to continue speaking further about such matters. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

the next morning: 

The day had started early for Samwise Gamgee and his Gaffer.   Fresh crisp blue skies and a light breeze gently teasing leaves as they danced about in the sunshine.   Just the right time the two had wanted to finish getting Master Bilbo’s garden ready for the big celebration that was fast approaching.

The next few days would be busy with preparing the feast, tents, tables and chairs that would be needed for guests, so after today there would be little time for gardening pleasures until afterwards.  Hamfast Gamgee also wanted to make sure that Bilbo would have the freshest produce from the vegetable patch for the dishes that his lasses and other ladies of Hobbiton needed to prepare.

Gaffer had told his son that he needed to head back to their shed and gather a few more tools that he required for the day’s work.  Sam nodded in acknowledgement and told his father that he would be diligently tending to the smaller flower beds around the house.   More particularly, directly under the kitchen window Sam said secretly to himself.

Sam wanted to be able to see when his master Frodo was awake.  From the window he would be able to hear the young hobbit once he entered the kitchen for breakfast.  He took a forked hand trowel and whilst supporting himself on his hand and knees, began loosening the soil around the flowers.    The household inside was still quiet and he wasn’t of a mind to wake any of the occupants before they were ready to rise on their own.

Samwise was unaware that there had been a midnight visitor to Bag End.

Strider had only slept for a few hours, but was now seated in a corner of the kitchen that was perhaps a little darker than the rest of the room.  Weariness had allowed him to sleep initially, but after that, his body had begun to feel particularly cramped from sleeping on a bed.  Sleeping outdoors had become the normal accommodation for the past several months  .

He managed to boil himself a cup of tea and sat silently whilst he sipped the hot liquid, pondering what the day would ensue for Bilbo Baggins.   His stay within the Shire would have to brief as he would soon need to make haste and travel quickly to meet up again with his band of Rangers.

Bilbo was still sleeping soundly after he and the Ranger had bid each other goodnight.  It was doubtful that the old hobbit would stir for another hour or more yet. 

However, Frodo Baggins, of whom Strider had no knowledge of yet so far, was just beginning to awake from his sleep.  Frodo reached up and rubbed at his eyes that seemed a little puffy and tired this morning, no doubt to a few snatched hours of sleep.   For a short time, the young hobbit temporarily forgotten all about any stranger arriving in the dead of night or any of Bilbo’s talk of leaving the Shire.  Upon waking he had little recall of any of the events and conversations that had unfolded the night before. 

Frodo rose from his bed, washing his face in a bowl of water, trying to rid himself of an unusual heaviness that he seemed to be carrying on his shoulders this morning.  He dressed as he would have any other day and headed out to the kitchen for a cup of tea.

Frodo walked into the kitchen, but from where he stood beside the stove, the Ranger’s presence was still cloaked in shadows.  He went about his tasks, unaware that he was being curiously watched from behind.

Strider was surprised by the appearance of the young hobbit in the kitchen this morning.   He didn’t know who he was, but his attention seemed to be drawn to the lad for a reason that he couldn’t explain.

Bilbo had not mentioned that he shared his accommodations with anybody when they had spoken a few hours ago.  Perhaps the lad was just a helper or assistant of some kind to the old hobbit.   Bilbo was getting on in age and maybe this lad helped out with some of the household chores that were necessary.

Outside in the garden, Samwise had a smile appear on his face as he recognized the tell-tale sounds of his master being in the kitchen.   He stood up, watching from the window but had yet to greet Frodo, completely forgetting about the flowerbeds for a few minutes.  He had no idea of the chaos and confusion that was about to ensue.

Frodo had boiled the water in the kettle sufficiently for his morning tea.  He was of a mind to cook some breakfast too, but chose to wait a little longer for food.  Tea was something he had enjoyed for a very long time, warming him when he felt cold and leaving a feeling of comfort and contentment inside.

Frodo reached into one of the earthenware jars that was beside the fireplace and sprinkled a few dried, crushed leaves into the water, standing back and allowing them to infuse.   The aroma was both stimulating and welcoming to the senses first thing in the morning.

Strider decided that it would be best to let the young hobbit know of his presence.  Though he was quite unprepared for the reaction he would extract from Frodo.

Frodo held his freshly made cup of tea in a saucer and was gently carrying both to the small table in the centre of the room when voice addressed him out of nowhere.

“Hello there young hobbit,” Strider greeted Frodo, keeping his voice gentle, so as not to startle the lad.   Unfortunately though, the damage had already been done.

“Ahhhh,” Frodo exclaimed in fright at the stranger.  He stumbled back, spilling the hot scalding tea over his hand.  The cup and saucer fell to the floor and smashing into a number of larger pieces and small shards.  

“Forgive me, I did not mean to scare you so,” Strider apologized as he rose from the chair he sat on and attempted to approach the hobbit.  He had seen the lad grimace at the pain the hot water had caused.

But Frodo’s fright only escalated exponentially as he realised that the stranger in the room was a big person.   The man’s height was imposing, making Frodo back away as far as he could, but alas his escape was abruptly halted by the wall behind him.

“Help,” Frodo called out, barely above a whisper due to the absence of his voice.

He pondered making an effort to further shield himself underneath the kitchen table.  Maybe the lower vantage point would benefit with the stranger being unable to reach him so easily.

“Bilbo !” Frodo shouted, much louder this time, before dropping down to the floor on his hands and knees and scampering across the short distance.   He winced at feeling a stinging sensation to a few places on his knees from the broken cup and saucer.  Having reached the safety he sought under the table, he cradled his scalded hand protectively tucking it against his chest.

Strider was bending over and reaching underneath the table, talking soothingly to the young hobbit, appearing to be hurt and afraid of him.   Somehow things had not gone as he had planned and he blamed himself for the young one’s pain and fright.  He had to make amends quickly.

Bilbo had yet to emerge from his room, the old hobbit’s sleep not being fully disturbed, and only stirring slightly as Frodo uttered called out for help.  

Samwise, had heard his master’s plea, and had no hesitation at all, climbing up and scrambling through the slightly open window to come to Frodo’s aid. 

“Stay back, stay back!” Frodo exclaimed in alarm as he tried to curl in on himself, and away from the outstretched hand of the stranger that was coming closer and closer to him.

“I am not here to hurt you,” Strider promised in a soft voice, trying to avoid any further distress.  Finally managing to grasp a hold on the young hobbit’s shirt sleeve and trying to pull him out from underneath the table, to see how badly hurt he was.

“No!   Let me go!” Frodo demanded as he reached up trying to pry loose the tightening grip on his clothes.

By now, Sam was fully in the room and ready to help his master from the unknown stranger.  The sandy-haired hobbit swallowed slightly as he looked at Frodo’s assailant and noted that he was one of the big-folk.  The man was very tall.   Much taller than anybody Sam had encountered before.  Although, Master Bilbo had mentioned them in his stories and tales.

Sam soon swallowed his own fear as he heard Frodo call out once more, ‘to leave him alone’.   Big-folk or not, this man was not going to hurt Frodo.

Strider, still slightly bent over as he held a twisting and wriggling Frodo, out in front of him, trying to assess his injuries.  The man was not prepared for the sharp sting of pain that resulted as Sam’s trusty forked trowel was now dug into his backside.

“Ow!,” Strider yelled as he whirled around to see what had struck him.   When he looked behind, he was not able to immediately see the reason for his pain.

Sam’s small, stocky body was shadowed by his own larger frame.

The sting had made him loosen his grip on Frodo’s shirt, but as he turned back to look at the young hobbit, he noted the paleness of the little one’s face.  He could see the boy was swaying slightly on his feet and didn’t look too well at all.

Strider attempted to readjust the hold he had on the young hobbit, to prevent him falling to the floor, but his actions only seemed to make things worse.  His hands had made a more of a pushing motion towards Frodo rather than preventing him from escaping.

Frodo felt the slight push, but with his unsteady stance, fell backwards towards the floor with an audible moan.   The groan was quickly replaced by a fresh yelp of pain as he had tried to stop himself falling and using his injured hand to support his weight.   The hand was now stinging and reddening from the hot water, as Frodo looked up with confusion and pain in his eyes.

Sam’s indignation had grown, watching the stranger push his master over onto the floor.  The man had already scared the young hobbit and had tried to bring harm on him.  He was not about to let the man’s actions go unanswered.

Once again he thrust his garden trowel towards Strider’s backside, this time with a little more strength behind it.

“Ow!”, Strider repeated, a hand quickly rubbing at the pained area as he felt another assault on his body.  This time his hand snaked up and caught a hold of the collar of the responsible party.

By now, Bilbo had heard the various cries of pains and shouts coming from his small kitchen.   When he came out of his bedroom, he was greeted with an unbelievable scene before him.

Frodo was still sitting on the floor, clasping his injured hand up and under his shirt, with broken pieces of crockery surrounding him.

Strider was standing in front of Frodo, and struggling in the Ranger’s grip, threatening trying to swipe at the man with his garden tool, was Samwise Gamgee.   Strider was careful enough to hold Sam just out far enough to prevent anything else happening.

“Good morning, Strider,” Bilbo greeted in an amused tone of voice.  “I see you already have everything under control,” he challenged, seeing the displeasure of the Ranger.  

Bilbo bent down to Frodo and started talking soothingly to his young charge as he carefully began assessing the damage.

TO BE CONTINUED……………..

This story might take a few different courses – hopefully a lot people will be able to follow easily enough.  The plot might become a little more complicated once it gets going.

Going to crawl back to one of my more familiar fandoms for a little while before updating this one to see how people like it.

Enjoy and please let me know what you think. 

ESCAPE THE DARKNESS

By JULES

Author Notes – This story was begun a very long time ago, and it was never my intentions to leave it unfinished. This first was first published in 2003. I have twelve (12) chapters written – but want to add more to them and edit where necessary.

I will be going back through and editing a few scenes and adding to a few and fixing errors, now that I hopefully understand the Middle Earth world a little better since I first began. I hope to add a sprinkling of "The Hobbit" details in certain places where is needed. There will be a heavier saturation of this time period during the Rivendell scenes.

Real life just got in the way for a very long time and still is to a large extent.

I was going to add more to the synopsis, but for now I will leave you to read along and find out what happens along with Frodo and the rest of the cast as I take them out of the box. I promise to put them back when I am finished. If you think you know what might happen throughout and the ending, hopefully I have created enough twist plots and changes.

Strong friendship only – no slash. Very little romance (I am no good at writing that) – And plenty of angst, hurt/comfort. For those don't know my previous work - this won't be the Disney version.

This will be a very very long story, with many chapters, and many of those being long as well – just the way I write. And I usually try and describe from the viewpoint of multiple characters for any one scene. As well as describe every rock, tree branch and blade of grass along the way.

I have a very complicated plot planned, and some may not agree how I have altered the course of things, or that I introduce them and Frodo differently than the books or films. Hopefully you will continue to follow and read as the story progresses. If it hasn't happened yet, or there isn't enough information about something yet, that is usually deliberate on my part. Sometimes there are subtle clues that I put in chapters, other times I don't.

This story explores the idea about what might have happened if Strider had come to the Shire to forewarn Bilbo Baggins about the Ring Wraiths that would soon come hunting for the One Ring. Commences a few days before Bilbo's Birthday party and before Gandalf returns to the shire as well.

There are other changes that I will deliberately make to the story at a later date to explore how the journey may have changed as a result. "Hint Hint – some big changes that were the whole reason for starting this series".

Strider had vowed to protect Bilbo when the Ring Wraiths are sent by the Dark Lord but he is unaware that the legacy of who is to carry the Ring to be destroyed falls upon a totally different Baggins hobbit.

In this story the corn fields in the shire are a little further away and I have added a lot extra between then and when the hobbit's arrive at the Prancing Pony in Bree.

Hoping to add a few funny, light-hearted moments in this one in between the serious stuff.

All mention of herbs or treatments used in this story or others come about from a little research I did into some and what their effects were. Some of them have been around since ancient times so I have no problem using in this time frame but still am not sure if they would have been grown near Rivendell.

Disclaimer -I do not own any of the characters I write about. I write about those created by J.J.R. Tolkien and marvel at such a story-tellers ability to enthral us all. There are occasional quotes from the movie in this story, just to keep the continuity going strong and to add just at the appropriate time.

Chapter Two:

the story begins: Breakfast At Bag End

"It's alright Frodo, my lad," Bilbo said as he tried to reassure his young charge who was still in pain from the hot water on his hand as well as dealing with his being startled by the Ranger. "Come on, let's get you up off the cold floor and I will take a look at your hand," the elderly hobbit added.

Frodo demonstrated a small amount of independent stubbornness, insisting and choosing to stand on his own two feet, and then proceeding to sit on one of the kitchen chairs.

“Thank you, Bilbo,” making sure to acknowledge his Uncle's offer of assistance to stand with gratitude.

Bilbo turned around and saw Sam still trying to break free from Strider's grip on his clothes.

"Give me the fork please, Samwise," Bilbo instructed, holding out his hand. Sam was a little reluctant to give up his trowel at first and looked back towards the Ranger a few times before handing over the small hand tool.

Bilbo was aware of the smaller hobbit's fierce loyalty to Frodo and decided to make a choice that would suit both. "Samwise could you please get me a large bowl and pour some cold water into it please."

"Yes, Master Bilbo," Sam said, and was grateful when Strider set him down on the floor before releasing his grasp. The young hobbit did as he was asked without so much as a questioning look.

Strider was still standing close by, observing the interactions of these curious little people. He knew that he wasn't being ignored. Bilbo would make the necessary introductions when he had seen to Frodo's injured hand.

"Here you go Master Bilbo, nice and cold," Sam declared as he brought back an over-sized ceramic bowl filled almost to the brim. When he set it on the table some of it sloshed over the sides and onto the table cloth. "I am sorry Master Bilbo," Sam gave in apology.

"That's alright Sam, the water will do nicely for Frodo's burn," Bilbo said, taking the conversation away from the mishap entirely. "Cold water is the best medicine for this sort of thing, takes the sting out of it right away and the longer you leave the burn submerged, the better the results."

Frodo had yet to say anything to anybody in the room after answering his uncle the first time. He eyes wandered on a few occasions over to where the Ranger was standing. He still had a small amount of unsettled fear about the man inside of him, but that was mostly due to the Ranger's size. When he looked into the man's eyes, they seemed to portray a difference that wasn't immediately noticed from the outer appearance or demeanour.

"Now let's take that hand out Frodo," Bilbo suggested gently, trying to pry it out from underneath the lad's coat. He didn't want to pull too much and cause any more discomfort than was already apparent on his nephew's face.

Frodo wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, but he had enough faith and trust in his Uncle Bilbo to let the old hobbit attend to his injury as he deemed necessary. He couldn't suppress the wince of pain that escaped his lips as his Bilbo's fingers came in contact with the reddened and blistered skin.

"My apologies again little one for causing you this pain," Strider commented as he watched the young hobbit. By now he too had had time to observe a little more of Frodo's facial features and he was amazed at the colour of the boy's eyes. He had never seen such a colour in a hobbit's eyes before in his travels.

Most hobbits he had come to meet within the Shire, either had hazel eyes or ones of deep brown. To the ranger, they had always spoke of warmth and hospitality that the little people were known for. They also spoke of truth and honesty in what they did for the livelihoods and how they raised their families.

Looking at Frodo's vivid blue eyes, Strider wasn't quite sure what qualities this lad would possess. If the lad had been under Bilbo's tuition he was in no doubt that all of the other characteristics he knew of would be present, but there was something else compelling about Frodo that the Ranger couldn't quite put into words at the moment.

"I am sorry too, for acting so rashly Sir, but you startled me and I lost my balance and the caused most of my own injury." Frodo said in response. His injured hand was now relaxing in to cool water and it did feel quite good. Some of the stinging sensation was already easing due to the temperature of the water.

"I think it is long overdue for some introductions," Bilbo announced as he sat on a chair beside his nephew, carefully monitoring the burn on Frodo's hand. He could see a reddened area spreading across half of the small hand but would wait until the water had done it's job to take a more careful look at the damage.

"Frodo, my lad, this man is called Strider. We have known each other a great many years and you have no reason to be afraid of him. He is a man as you can see but he means no harm to us here in the Shire," Bilbo explained.

"Strider, this gentle lad is my nephew Frodo Baggins. His more correctly in a cousin, but the lineages from my family tree are too complicated to explain so it is easier that he call me Uncle," Bilbo continued.

"Nice to meet you, Sir," Frodo said in a most polite and formal manner.

"As it is to meet you, Master Baggins," Strider replied, his manner also polite but almost regal sounding.

"This other young hobbit you have already met by other methods," Bilbo stated, hinting at the forked trowel, "Samwise Gamgee."

"Hello, Sir," Sam said in a small voice, wondering if the man was going to ask for some sort of punishment for such rude treatment. "I apologize not acting proper, but I thought you meant to hurt Mister Frodo here, and I couldn't let that happen," Sam explained.

"Your apology is not necessary Master Gamgee when you are defending or protecting somebody you care for. It is a fine thing you look out for you friend, even when he doesn't ask," the Ranger commented.

Sam sighed audibly in relief at the man's words and now took up a seat of his own at the table once Bilbo gestured for him to do so.

"You let that hand soak in that water while I start making breakfast Frodo, and then I will take a better look at it," Bilbo said as he added a pinch of a herb into the water, allowing it to infuse. It usually worked better if the water was hot or boiling, but a small amount should show some benefit.

"I must have been away longer than I thought Bilbo. I had yet to learn that you had another family member staying with you," Strider said as he watched the older hobbit hover around the assortment of pots and pots.

"It has been too long since we last seen each other, Strider," Bilbo admitted, still talking with his back to the Ranger. He turned around to make a large pot of tea as he continued the conversation.

"I brought Frodo back with me from Brandy Hall and adopted him as my own. He is the now my heir and the heir of Bag End when that time comes."

"Here you go Frodo, tea just the way you like it and I added an extra spoon of honey just for you this morning," Bilbo said as he placed the cup in front of the lad's good hand.

"Adopted? May I ask where your parents are?" Strider asked not realising that particular topic was one that Frodo was not ready to discuss at any time, including the breakfast table with someone he had only just met.

Strider quickly regretted his question as he watched Frodo stare intently into his cup of tea, his face and cheeks turning a few shades redder, refusing to look at the person directing the question.

Bilbo now gave a curt shake of his head to the Ranger that indicated the subject was better to be discussed when such tender ears were not about to over-hear about such matters.

"I humbly apologise again little one. It seems that I have hurt you a few too many times already this morning even with just simple words," Strider remarked.

"It's alright Sir, even after all these years, the memories are still hurtful," Frodo said as he looked up, unshed tears barely visible against the blue background. "My parents were accidentally drowned in the Brandywine river when I was twelve years old," he recalled, at least completing half of the Ranger's question.

"Please forgive me for my curiosity," Strider asked formally.

"You were not to know," Frodo returned, giving the Ranger a small smile in return.

"Sam would you like to join us in breakfast?" Bilbo asked Frodo's friend sitting across the other side of the table. Bilbo thought Sam's company would be most warranted this morning.

Sam looked a little shocked at first to the Ranger. He knew very little about the hierarchy that the hobbit society abided by, only what his Gaffer and older brothers had insisted that he understood to carry out his daily tasks. Sam couldn't deny that he felt a little out of place in doing so when Master Bilbo was entertaining visitors.

"If you think that it would be alright, Master Bilbo," Sam finally answered, not really wanting to leave Mister Frodo at this point in time. "My Gaffer would not think it proper unless an invitation be given first."

"Well I will need your assistance with Frodo's hand in a few minutes and he may require some help during his own breakfast," Bilbo said with a sly wink towards his nephew.

Frodo was grateful that Bilbo had asked Sam. He would be more at ease with his young friend joining them for breakfast. He gave an appreciative smile to his Uncle and in return got a slight squeeze on his shoulder that spoke volumes. There were times when he and his Uncle needed to use very little words to convey how they felt towards each other.

"I would like you to stay please, Sam," Frodo said in a gentle voice.

"For you, Mister Frodo anything," Sam said honestly. "Just tell me what I need to do Master Bilbo."

"Well Sam, I have just about finished cooking breakfast," Bilbo said as he laid out an array of dishes that would suit both man and hobbit down the opposite end of the table from Frodo.

Even from that short distance away, the aromas were tantalizing and they looked much better than what the Ranger had been living off before arriving in the Shire. Strider couldn't be anything else but impressed with Bilbo's culinary talent.

"Now they are a little hot so while they cool slightly to enjoy I will take a look at this hand now, Frodo," Bilbo said. He walked to the pantry and from one of the bottom shelves, produced a small cloth bag that contained some medicinal herbs and bandages.

Laying the bag on the table he now gentle removed Frodo's hand from the water. It was now tepid to the touch and would be of little benefit. Bilbo carefully dried the small hand on a clean towel and closely examined the redness and blistering.

Bilbo could feel the Ranger's eyes on him and Frodo's hand the entire time, knowing of the Ranger's healing abilities and skill, but choosing not to reveal them for such a minor incident. Frodo would come to know everything about the Ranger when it needed to be known.

"Well I think you have been most fortunate, Frodo," Bilbo said, voicing his own relief that the burn had not been as serious as it could have been.

"Will he be alright, Master Bilbo?" Sam asked, seeming to be the only one not yet fully convinced.

"We will have to keep this area of the hand wrapped for a few days where the skin is most blistered. If the blisters are allowed to burst, then they may become infected if they are not kept extremely clean," Bilbo explained to Sam and Frodo.

"Other than that and a few applications of a moisturising salve once the blisters have burst to keep the skin soft, then you should be just fine, Frodo," Bilbo said as he now dug into the bag and gathered what he would need.

Not less than ten minutes later, Frodo's hand was bandaged from the wrist to just above his thumb. The bandage was firm enough to prevent any foreign objects or dirt from entering but still allow Frodo almost full use of his hand without it being too tight. He would need to be careful about how he picked up things for a day or so until the soreness went away, but then he should just need to keep it clean and it would heal on it's own without too much trouble.

Frodo was happy that he didn't lose the use of his hand. He wouldn't not have been very pleased to have to rely on somebody else to help him out with certain tasks. One trait Strider was yet to learn about the shy young hobbit was his fierce sense of independence. It had been instilled into him from a very young age when most children perhaps were not expected to display the same attributes.

"Now, is that all that needs looking at Frodo?" Bilbo asked, knowing his nephew had a tendency to hide pain from him in the past on occasion.

Frodo was about to answer negatively to his Uncle when Sam answered on his behalf, "I think he might have cut his knee on the broken cup Master Bilbo," he informed the older hobbit. Frodo inwardly groaned and didn't think that such a minor scratch would need any attention.

Bilbo could see the quick change in facial expressions on Frodo that confirmed at least part of Sam's theory to be truthful. Frodo was forced to pull his chair away enough from the table to allow Bilbo to judge for himself if there was any medical attention needed.

Fortunately for Frodo though, Bilbo erred towards his nephew's thoughts upon looking at the three or four scratches that had occurred from the shards of broken cup and saucer. He briefly gave the area a swab with clean water on a cloth to clean the small amount of blood but would leave such minor abrasions to heal on their own.

"When did you arrive in the Shire, Mister Strider?" Sam asked innocently, trying to think of a way around coming and out to ask why the Ranger was here.

"I knocked upon Bilbo's door late last night, Sam," Strider answered. He knew there would be a lot of such questions asked about his sudden presence in the Shire. Some he was prepared to answer, others would be left for only those whom were directly involved.

Strider looked over at Frodo after answering Sam's question and couldn't help but think that the expression on the lad's face gave him away. Frodo could have guessed that he had arrived the night before just by his appearance at breakfast. Something told the Ranger that Frodo knew exactly when he had knocked on the door last night.

'Had I awoken Frodo with my arrival?' Strider thought to himself. 'If that was so, how much more information was he aware of that he had perhaps overheard?'

Bilbo came to the Ranger's rescue, "I can see you are most interested in why Mister Strider is here, Sam," he commented. He had to come up with a plausible explanation for Frodo too. Sam would take anything he was told upon face value. Frodo, however would not and he was astute enough to see through any deception that Bilbo might be concealing.

Strider tried to hide the smile that had formed on his lips at the older hobbit's remark. He didn't know how Bilbo expected to explain himself out of this, but he was certainly going to let him try first before the question was asked squarely of him again.

Frodo of course was now just as curious about Strider's reason for being there as Sam's. He just wasn't as confident in asking the affairs of someone else.

Bilbo thought for a few seconds, "I asked Strider to come to my birthday party, Sam, for two reasons. Firstly because it is my birthday and he and I have known each other a very long time. Everyone thinks I am mad anyway so the appearance of a man at my party will certainly get the tongues waging for quite a while in the Shire I should think," he said with a grin.

Bilbo certainly knew of the various rumours and idle gossip that circulated about him and Bag End and his adoption of Frodo. He didn't usually listen to them except when they inadvertently hurt Frodo's feelings or if something was said out of nastiness or pure spitefulness.

"As you know Frodo, my other dear long time friend Gandalf is also due to come today or tomorrow for the party as well. I have heard from certain sources that will remain secret that there may be some people at the party who are willing to cause some trouble either before, during or after the party. Therefore, I am taking all the necessary precautions in case these troubles eventuate," Bilbo said, explaining his second reason.

"This is the second reason I have asked for Mister Strider to attend. I am hoping that he will be able to spot any trouble before it starts and deal with it accordingly without disrupting everyone else," Bilbo informed the two younger hobbits seated at the table.

"You certainly look like you would be able to help out there, Sir, if you take my meaning, no offence intended," Samwise commented. He seemed satisfied enough with the explanation for the Ranger being in the Shire. With the man's size, he doubted there would be a hobbit daring to put a foot out of line.

Strider didn't make any comment but looked intently at Frodo to see if he bought the same explanation as easily as Sam. Frodo's face though was paused with a frown at present. Not because of the reasons given, but the announcement that somebody might be out to make trouble for his Uncle's birthday.

Frodo preferred to stay away from many of the shire folk that spoke ill of his Uncle or himself but he would be determined to stop such foolishness and nonsense such as trouble if he knew if was about to take place.

Frodo knew that there were a great many people invited to the birthday party. His Uncle had shown him the guest list a number of times and had included a lot of distant relatives for his benefit even though he had told Bilbo it wasn't necessary to invite them. Some of the names on the list Frodo couldn't even put a face to and many of them would be travelling a great distance.

Frodo of course hadn't even considered the idea that he was the primary person Bilbo had asked the Ranger to help protect from the trouble. He was only concerned about his Uncle and assumed that if Bilbo had thought there was going to be trouble then such information couldn't be taken lightly.

"Don't worry Uncle, I will make sure that nobody interrupts the celebrations," Frodo said with determination in his voice.

"Oh Frodo, my boy, I know you will look after your Uncle," Bilbo said with a proud laugh as he gave his nephew's hand a quick squeeze to signify his gratitude.

"And I will be there watching out for you too, Mister Frodo," Sam said as he realized that Bilbo's concerns were mostly for his master than himself.

"And if this morning is anything to go by, then you have nothing to worry about, Frodo," Strider said as he rubbed absentmindedly at the part of his rump that Sam had stabbed with the garden fork.

All four around the table laughed together in mirth and breakfast was commenced, even though a little late.

Strider had filled his own plate sparsely as he did not require large amounts of food as hobbits were known to consume. He didn't quite understand the custom they had of partaking in a meal more than three times a day. He supposed because of their stout bodies they needed more food more often to keep themselves going.

The differences in physique between Sam and Bilbo to Frodo had been apparent even after only brief glimpses at the boy earlier that morning. Whilst Bilbo and Sam had the normal short, rotund build that was associated with hobbits, Frodo was as thin as a pencil, not an ounce of extra weight to him.

Sam's plate was quite the opposite from that of the Ranger's. His plate was full with a little out of each dish, as too was Bilbo's plate. They both were enjoying their breakfast with rejuvenated vigour. Frodo's plate was quite sparse in helping as Striders. He had only taken a few samples of his favourite dishes and now only picked occasionally at the plate with his utensils.

"If it is alright with you Uncle, I think I will go for my walk now," Frodo announced, pushing aside his barely eaten breakfast and getting up from the table.

Sam looked a little disappointed at how much his master had consumed but didn't let Frodo see it openly. His own plate was only half finished and he rather have preferred to eat the rest.

"That's alright Sam, I can go for the walk on my own, you can catch me up after you have finished," Frodo suggested. The thinner hobbit cherished his friendship with Sam but also treasured the times when he was left to his own devices and wander at his own leisure.

"That's alright Frodo, off you go but be careful. Sam you can finish your breakfast and then be so kind as to show Strider around the Shire for a few hours and then meet up with Frodo later while I attend to some necessary business for the celebration," Bilbo said. He could see his nephew's wish for some solitude and was happy to cater to both Frodo and Sam.

"Of course, Master Bilbo," Sam said in respect. He didn't want to get his Gaffer's master cross but he didn't feel right leaving Frodo alone for too long either. Bilbo's idea would work out for all involved. Sam often wondered if Bilbo wasn't more educated than most shire folk gave him credit for.

"Are you certain that you have had enough breakfast Frodo," Bilbo asked, a little worried about how much his nephew had left on his plate. Frodo's eating habits were always a source of concern for the older hobbit but all of the methods he had employed to change them so far had either failed or not had the desired effect.

"I will see you a little later than Sam, hopefully with yourself Mr Strider," Frodo said, his manners and politeness again shining through. He failed to answer his Uncle's question or decided to avoid it.

"Good day to you Frodo, I trust you will enjoy your walk," Strider replied.

"No rough play today with that hand, Frodo," Bilbo softly admonished as his nephew opened the door and prepared to leave.

"I only plan to go as far as the trees Uncle and maybe read a little," Frodo responded with a smile and then closing the door behind him.

"Read?," Strider asked questioningly of Bilbo. "You have a young scholar for nephew then my old friend."

"Yes, Frodo has always preferred quiet reading under a tree to more physical interests that other boys his own age participate in," Bilbo answered. "He learns well and very quickly so be on your guard Strider," he added with a smile, knowing that his nephew's thinking might even match that of the Ranger himself.

"Sam, why don't you get ready to show Mister Strider around the Shire whilst we wait for you in the sitting room," Bilbo said, indicating to the Ranger that he wished to say a few words out of earshot of the younger hobbit.

"Yes Master Bilbo, Sir," Sam replied, not reading any more in the request.

Strider and Bilbo moved to the sitting room to continue their whispered conversation. "Strider, I don't want to seem like an overbearing old fool, but I can't tell you how much Frodo has come to mean to me since moving here. It would disturb me greatly if harm of any kind was to befall him, even if accidental."

"You wish me to keep an eye out for the lad whilst I am here, Bilbo," Strider surmised, almost as though he read the old hobbit's train of thought. "I would be honoured to do so and you need not ask. I must say he already is a very likeable young hobbit and I have only just met him."

"Don't get me wrong Strider, Samwise has always looked out for Frodo and he can tell you some of the harshness that my nephew faces every day from folk who have nothing better to do than say an unkind word. But if what you say is true about a darkness coming to this area soon, then there is all the more reason to be extra vigilant against things that neither Frodo or Sam have come across before," Bilbo stated as he voiced his worst fears to the Ranger.

"Frodo wouldn't like the idea of him being watched over constantly by someone such as yourself. That is why I suggested that you and Sam meet up with him later, that way you could still appear to be observing from a distance without crowding his individual space. He enjoys his hours alone and I don't want to put a stop to his wishes, but I need to make sure that he is safe too," Bilbo added.

"Understood Bilbo. I won't alert the lad to anything other than friendship between himself and me," Strider replied.

Any further discussions between the Ranger and Bilbo were interrupted by Sam's appearance at the sitting room doorway, signalling that he was ready to leave upon their tour of the Shire.

"I'll leave you in Sam's capable hands Strider. I will be here in my study if you require anything. I trust you too enjoy your walk. Sam make sure you take Strider by the field that I intend using for the birthday party celebrations. The marques and tables won't be erected before tomorrow afternoon, but at least he will have an overview of the area," Bilbo instructed.

An hour after Samwise and Strider had left Bilbo's house together in company, the Ranger was still fascinated by the young hobbit's knowledge of local history and current events.

Sam had barely stopped talking to take a breath and his knowledge of who lived in what dwelling with whom and each scandal that presented itself was in depth and made for very interesting conversation as they walked.

"Would you mind telling me a few more things about your master Frodo, since you seem to know him better than most?" Strider asked as Sam stopped his last sentence.

"I would tell you what I can without Mister Frodo being cross at me for telling, Sir," Sam replied.

"Alright then, you just tell me if I ask the wrong type of question or one that you will not answer for fear of what Frodo might do if he finds out," Strider said with a chuckle. He was quietly amazed at the loyalty that the young hobbit was displaying towards Frodo. It did seem that there was very little, if anything that he wouldn't do for the dark-haired lad.

"Why does Frodo not look like most hobbits for instance?," Strider said as he asked his first question.

"Mister Frodo has never been one to eat very much, as long as I can remember. Just seems to take a little and that's enough to keep him going. He is a lot smarter than most others in the Shire too," Sam added. "I think that comes from reading all those books with Master Bilbo and learning all those different words."

"You mean other words that he doesn't speak," Strider commented, taking that as what Sam meant by "different words".

"Yes, Mr Bilbo has taught him to read some other languages such as the elves talk and the like," Sam said, giving a more detailed answer.

Strider found this fact to be most interesting. He knew that Bilbo had learned a great deal about many different races through his travels. The fact that Frodo was willing to learn such difficult languages in the first place spoke highly for the lad and his ability to take in information.

"What is this Brandy Hall place that Bilbo speaks about?" asking his second question.

"Don't rightly know a real lot about that place. Never been out of the Shire myself, and Mister Frodo never did really like talking about it. That was the place where Master Bilbo went to get him from when he adopted him. Master Bilbo thinks that they didn't always treat him properly and let him be himself," Sam explained.

"And seems as you know so much about your Master," Strider now said, holding back on the rest of his questions until later. He didn't want to ask too many questions all at once.

"Where do you think he is right now?" he added, noting it had been quite a spell during their walk and they had yet to see any sign of Frodo in their travels.

"That's an easy question," Sam said with a grin and promptly started leading Strider along a different pathway to that they were currently travelling. The Ranger soon found himself following the young hobbit through the trees and tall grass to an area dotted by very large shade trees.

Sam put his fingers to his lips when he stopped, "He's over there, but I don't like disturbing him when he is reading." The hobbit held out his arm and pointed towards one of the more central trees in the field and a small figure sitting underneath it and leaning back against the trunk.

From where Strider was standing, he could see Frodo was relaxed and calm, quietly reading a small brown covered book which he was holding in his uninjured hand. There was a long stalk of grass protruding from his mouth as he looked as though he was totally engrossed in the literature that was in front of him.

That relaxation seemed to be shattered in a brief second as Frodo suddenly jerked his head up and scanned the immediate area. It looked to Strider and Sam as though he had been struck by some sort of object. Frodo had looked at the particular area on his arm where he felt it strike him. It hadn't hurt him, just alerted him to the fact that somebody else was nearby.

Frodo didn't seem to notice Strider and Sam where they were standing. Thinking that maybe a seed from the tree above was responsible he returned to reading his book.

A few seconds later his attention was drawn again from something striking his shirt, this time the projectile had hit him with a little more solid, making him gasp out of surprise rather than feeling any pain.

There was now a pause in anything striking Frodo and the hobbit seemed to be satisfied enough to go back to his reading once again. He couldn't see the cause and so didn't think much about it.

"What is going on?" Sam asked himself, realizing that his Master's relaxation was being disturbed by an unseen party.

Strider was beginning to think that maybe Bilbo had a reason to be worried about Frodo. He used his keen eyesight to look amongst the long grass to track down the reason for Frodo's disruption.

"I should have known," Sam said in a slightly angry voice as he spotted the responsible party before the Ranger. "Lotho Sackville-Baggins," he said between his teeth, pointing to the shielded figure of a hobbit trying to conceal himself in the long grass, a short distance away from Frodo.

Sam could see the questioning look on the Ranger's face about who Lotho was. He decided to give the shortest but more correct account he could for a family that seemed to want to taunt his Mister Frodo no matter what he was doing or where he was.

"His parents Lobelia and Otho Sackville-Baggins take any chance they can to remind Master Bilbo that Mister Frodo doesn't belong here and should be sent back to Brandy Hall. They like it even less that Mister Frodo has become Master Bilbo's heir and they are out to take any opportunity to change that," Sam informed Strider.

"They are awful hobbits, if you beggin my pardon, Sir. I try not to find fault in most, but they say cruel things behind Mister Frodo's back and to his face that hurt him. Lotho and his parents think nothing about making idle threats to Master Bilbo and Mister Frodo about what they would do if they inherited Bag End," he continued.

"Mister Frodo tries his hardest to ignore the harsh words and threats. Even so much as to act just as polite as always to then when they turn up unannounced at Bag End for afternoon tea. But it just isn't right what they say about him all the time. I wish they would just leave him alone. Maybe they are the ones that Master Bilbo talks about making trouble at the birthday celebration," Sam now thought.

"The party is also for Mister Frodo who is becoming of age and maybe they aim to spoil things before it becomes official for my master to inherit Bag End," Sam said to Strider. "It would be just something that they would do to hurt him," he said, not able to hide the dislike that he felt towards the Sackville-Bagginses.

Sam could see Lotho holding a sling shot which he was using to hurl small stones at Frodo. Sam wasn't going to stand for this nonsense and was about to go towards the other older hobbit when he felt a gentle restraining hand from Strider.

It was Strider's turn to put his fingers to his lips, signalling that he would sneak up on this other hobbit nuisance and stop him from annoying Frodo with any more stones.

Lotho had another stone in his hand, a little larger than the first few and was about to fire it at Frodo when he was startled by a hand grabbing the sling shot and stone from behind him.

"What do you think you are doing?" Lotho demanded angry before turning around and facing Strider.  He couldn't help but swallow as he noticed it was a big person. He was determined not to show his fear though and decided to demonstrate his usual arrogant and self-assured side to the stranger interrupting his fun.

"What do you think you are doing Lotho?" Samwise said, tapping his foot towards the older hobbit, trying to intimidate him a little. It didn't work though as there was a considerable age difference between him and Lotho, not to mention his height.

"Well if it isn't a lowly little Gamgee hobbit come to take care of his master," Lotho jibed towards Sam. It was clear to all that he was looking down at Sam to indicate their social statuses within the Shire.

"I believe Samwise asked you a question young ruffian," Strider said in a low but deep voice that demanded respect.

"I don't believe I have had the pleasure," Lotho said cheekily trying to see if the stranger react to such taunting. The grin was wiped from his face though as Strider's grip on his hand was made a little tighter, making the hobbit wince at the vice-like pressure.

"And I don't believe you will, but you listen and do so well my young hobbit," Strider began to warn, "You need not to know who I am or what I have to do with Frodo Baggins other than I plan to make sure that he comes to no harm. If you do such much as even look at him the wrong way and I find out about it..., he paused briefly to gauge if he had the hobbit's full attention. Or you attempt any unplanned or unnecessary physical contact with him, then you and I will meet again under less friendlier circumstances."

"Don't you threaten me," Lotho declared as he pulled his hand out of the Ranger's grasp. "I will not have you speak to me in such a fashion," he added, his voice no longer able to hold the arrogant attitude.

"My mother will hear of such an outrage," Lotho said, looking directly at Sam as he spoke the words. Sam knew all to well that any retribution would of course be directed at Frodo rather than the big person.

Lotho now stormed off in the opposite direction of Strider and Sam and Frodo, heading back towards the town, mumbling to himself that such insults would not be tolerated without a response of some kind from him or his family to that hateful Frodo Baggins.

From where Lotho was, any conversation between Sam, Strider and him would go unnoticed by Frodo. Just like Bilbo wanted.

"Thank you Mister Strider," Sam said in genuine thanks as he watched Lotho walk away. He was grateful to see that the Ranger was ready to assist his master where possible. They needed to be more alert over the next few days and at the birthday celebration.

"No need to thank me Sam, I have come to like your master Frodo, even in such a short time. I would not like to see him hurt or upset either," Strider said.

From where they were standing, Sam and the Ranger could still see Frodo buried in his book under the tree, seemingly oblivious to anything going on around him after the stones stopped striking him.

But after a few seconds another sound entirely could be heard coming towards them. It sounded like it was coming from the roadway rather than amongst the trees.

Sam and Strider waited where they were to see if they could see what was coming. Frodo had also heard the noise. At first his brow had wrinkled as he too tried to listen more intently, trying to judge if what he was hearing could be true.

When he was certain, Frodo jumped to his feet in excitement, and as he looked towards the roadway, Sam and the Ranger noted a large grin on the lad's handsome face. Recognition was obvious but before Sam could alert his master to their presence nearby, he and Strider were both amazed to see Frodo now running as fast as he could towards the roadway.

To be continued.....

Author Notes: This story was started a long time ago (over fourteen 14 years ago), but I felt there were parts that needed more, and I wanted some more scenes in certain areas and include some of my new arcs.

I apologize for any mistakes I may have made about Lord Of The Rings history or any names I may have mis-spelled. I also hope that I have not wavered too far from people's takes on the individual personalities of each character.

I don't mean to make Strider and Bilbo out as so secretive. I just want to keep the idea about the Wraiths coming until later in the story. The fact that Bilbo knows that danger is coming and doesn't do anything straight away is also not intentional and I humbly ask for readers to believe that's what happened.

Any medicinal information is only from my own sources and not meant as true procedure to any injury or treatment that I may have used in my story so far or will in the future.

As you have probably guessed, I leave this chapter at the place where Gandalf arrives in the movie and hope that the sequence of events that I have included is at least logical.

Not much has happened yet. More to come. In next chapter, the party preparations take place that I envisaged happened prior in the movie. A few little incidents to come involving Lotho.

I know the appearance of a big person in the Shire would be out of place too, but I need that to make the story work. I just need both people, elves, dwarves and hobbits everywhere to suspend what they know to be true for a while and take what I write as happening.

I have also referred to Frodo as a boy in many parts - not intending for him to be called a human "boy" - just makes the story flow a little easier at times instead of constantly using "the hobbit" and similar descriptions.

Any information that I write in my Lord Of The Rings stories about eating flows on that in the two other fandoms I write - the main character in each all are finicky eaters and just push the food around on a plate or go for long lengths without anything to eat or refuse to do so. The other two are like this in all stories that I know about them as well. One other character also dislikes milk to the point of refusing to drink it - I am going to include this for Frodo later on - just something I dreamed up - nothing from the book or the movie. I wanted to write a close relationship between Bilbo and Frodo as well as friendship Frodo and Aragorn and Sam too.

Last note - I am Australian - there will be spelling differences for a number of words. I write as I normally would in my own style and apologize if this offends anyone. Please keep reading despite these differences.

Please review and let me know what you think. I will try and update as soon as I can, but please be patient as time is often not on my side.

Jules6

ESCAPE THE DARKNESS

By JULES

Author Notes – This story was begun a very long time ago, and it was never my intentions to leave it unfinished. This first was first published in 2003. I have twelve (12) chapters written – but want to add more to them and edit where necessary.

I will be going back through and editing a few scenes and adding to a few and fixing errors, now that I hopefully understand the Middle Earth world a little better since I first began. I hope to add a sprinkling of "The Hobbit" details in certain places where is needed. There will be a heavier saturation of this time period during the Rivendell scenes.

Real life just got in the way for a very long time and still is to a large extent.

I was going to add more to the synopsis, but for now I will leave you to read along and find out what happens along with Frodo and the rest of the cast as I take them out of the box. I promise to put them back when I am finished. If you think you know what might happen throughout and the ending, hopefully I have created enough twist plots and changes.

Strong friendship only – no slash. Very little romance (I am no good at writing that) – And plenty of angst, hurt/comfort. For those don't know my previous work - this won't be the Disney version.

This will be a very very long story, with many chapters, and many of those being long as well – just the way I write. And I usually try and describe from the viewpoint of multiple characters for any one scene. As well as describe every rock, tree branch and blade of grass along the way.

I have a very complicated plot planned, and some may not agree how I have altered the course of things, or that I introduce them and Frodo differently than the books or films. Hopefully you will continue to follow and read as the story progresses. If it hasn't happened yet, or there isn't enough information about something yet, that is usually deliberate on my part. Sometimes there are subtle clues that I put in chapters, other times I don't.

This story explores the idea about what might have happened if Strider had come to the Shire to forewarn Bilbo Baggins about the Ring Wraiths that would soon come hunting for the One Ring. Commences a few days before Bilbo's Birthday party and before Gandalf returns to the shire as well.

There are other changes that I will deliberately make to the story at a later date to explore how the journey may have changed as a result. "Hint Hint – some big changes that were the whole reason for starting this series".

Strider had vowed to protect Bilbo when the Ring Wraiths are sent by the Dark Lord but he is unaware that the legacy of who is to carry the Ring to be destroyed falls upon a totally different Baggins hobbit.

In this story the corn fields in the shire are a little further away and I have added a lot extra between then and when the hobbit's arrive at the Prancing Pony in Bree.

Hoping to add a few funny, light hearted moments in this one in between the serious stuff.

All mention of herbs or treatments used in this story or others come about from a little research I did into some and what their effects were. Some of them have been around since ancient times so I have no problem using in this time frame but still am not sure if they would have been grown near Rivendell.

Disclaimer -I do not own any of the characters I write about. I write about those created by J.J.R. Tolkien and marvel at such a story-tellers ability to enthral us all. There are occasional quotes from the movie in this story, just to keep the continuity going strong and to add just at the appropriate time.

Chapter Three: Gandalf's Arrival

this new chapter follows on from the last:

"Who does Frodo seek at such a pace?" Strider asked as he and Sam did their best to catch up with the more agile hobbit.

"I don't rightly know for sure, but I be thinking that it might be somebody coming along the road in a wagon," Sam said, trying to talk and keep up with the Ranger's longer strides at the same time.

"For one so small, your master is swift on his feet," Strider commented.

The Ranger and Samwise lost sight of Frodo for a short time as the terrain dipped into a grass covered gully. The grass was very tall and often reached high enough to tickle Sam's nose. The fragrance was sweet though and the day was beginning to warm gently.

As Strider and his hobbit companion came out of the dip, they ascended a small grass covered hill where they saw Frodo standing. The grass on this embankment was an emerald shade of green and a little shorter than they had just run through.

Frodo stood beside the roadway, still listening for the approaching wagon. He could now hear distinct singing coming from the man driving the wagon. The language used would be indecipherable to most of the Shire, even Frodo himself could not translate every verse he heard.

Strider and Sam were standing only a short distance away from Frodo but did not disturb him. The Ranger could now see the wagon and its driver. The man was dressed in a long grey cloak that fell in deep folds about his body. His hands were visible beneath the long sleeves gently guiding the horse as they went.

The man's face was one of somebody who had seen much in his lifetime but had become stronger because of it. The lines on his face were softened by his kind eyes and gentle outer expression. The man's beard was a multitude of grey and white tones that were scarcely distinguishable from each other but blended together to match the man's long hair.

The man wore a large, over-sized pointy hat that was made of the same hard-wearing fabric as his cloak and shimmered slightly in the dappled sunlight.

Frodo still had the smile on his face as he watched the wagon grow nearer. He now tried to change his facial expression and stood in an almost demanding pose. His arms were folded in front of him as if waiting for an explanation and there was an expectant look about him.

"You are late!" Frodo accused. The man was now pulling the wagon to a halt, still avoiding eye contact with the young hobbit.

"A wizard is never late Frodo Baggins…. nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to," came the confident reply.

Sam seemed to be holding his breath at the moment as he watched his master and the wizard. Both of them were now intently staring at each other, neither one willing to give in first.

Strider found it most interesting that the young hobbit could show an almost defiant attitude upon will. When he had met the lad earlier he would have been mistaken to think the same thing back then.

The wizard found the corners of his mouth twitching first into a vague smile. His efforts to make Frodo waver first were mostly in vain, though it did not appear that way for long.

Both wizard and hobbit now gave each other a genuine smile of friendship before laughing heartily at each others stubbornness. Sam silently released the breath he had been holding and couldn't help but have a grin of his own to see such pleasure on his masters face.

"It's wonderful to see you again Gandalf," Frodo exclaimed happily.

Before Sam could prevent it, with one leap, Frodo threw himself towards the wizard. Gandalf had no trouble catching the hobbit with his free hand, the other still holding onto the horse's reins. The wizard now cast the leather straps to one side and returned Frodo's show of affection with enthusiasm. Both of them were wrapped in an heart-felt embrace, and for the briefest of moments neither wanted to let go.

"And you too, Frodo, my dear lad," the wizard replied as he pulled away slightly from the hobbit and tried to look at how much he had changed since last they had spoken to each other. It had been far too long indeed since their last face to face meeting.

"I was beginning to think you weren't going to be here until after Uncle Bilbo's birthday party," Frodo said. The hobbit now sat on the bench-seat beside Gandalf ready to travel together to Bag End.

Until now, Sam and Strider had remained in silence, not wanting to disturb the rekindling of friendship. Frodo looked behind him and was some what surprised to see the two standing there. He had not noticed them before now. His brow wrinkled slightly as he tried to ask himself how Sam had come to find him.

Frodo could see a smile on each of their faces and he knew that they had taken quiet, reserved pleasure in seeing him happy.

"Have you two been following me?" he asked, directing his question more at Sam, than the Ranger. Frodo knew that Sam would not be able to look him in the eye and give him a false answer. There was an honesty about Samwise that Frodo had come to know a long time ago and trusted until this very minute.

"Sam was merely giving me a tour of your Shire, Frodo," Ranger said, seeing the conflicting emotions within the hobbit that stood beside him. "We have seen many things this morning. Our paths cross again by chance and no other reason."

"Rangers I have been told, Mr Strider are very resourceful people when they want to," Gandalf said addressing the big person. "You are no exception to that rule and I suspect you have other motives for allowing our 'paths cross' as you say."

"I am humbled by your knowledge, Gandalf the Grey," Strider replied, a smile in his eyes as he bowed towards the wizard.

"You two know each other, Gandalf?" Frodo asked with genuine surprise, seeing the same question on Sam's face. Up until just now, they had no indication that the wizard and the Ranger had come across each other before.

"I have travelled many places in my time, Frodo and so has Strider. While I have not known him as long as your dear Uncle Bilbo, his friendship has always been most welcomed. It is truly a surprise to see him here now I must say." the wizard added, but the look on Gandalf's face towards the Ranger said otherwise.

"Begging your pardon, Mister Frodo sir, but are you planning to travel back to Bag End in that wagon with, Mister Gandalf," Sam asked nervously. He didn't quite know how to come out and tell his master how uneasy the man made him feel at times.

Sam had only come to know of Gandalf during his infrequent visits to Bilbo and Frodo. The man had always seemed to have an air of mystery about him that the gardener could never explain in plain words.

"Would it be alright for Strider and Sam to travel back with us in your wagon Gandalf?" Frodo queried.

"Yes of course it would be alright, though I think Strider might find it a bit cramped for room with his longer legs," Gandalf pointed out.

"Your horse travels at a very slow pace Gandalf, Sam would probably benefit from the wagon rather than I," the Ranger said. Strider now helped Samwise into the back of the wagon.

Sam worked his way to the front of the wagon, careful not to trod on any of the crates or other cargo that seemed to cover the entire floor. There were a great many long poles poking out from underneath sheets of canvas. All of the strange looking shaped items only seemed to make the hobbit more uneasy towards the wizard.

Despite Strider's comments, Gandalf kept the horse's gait at a sluggish rate so that the Ranger would not have to keep to a faster pace. From where Sam stood in the wagon he was directly behind his master Frodo, just where he preferred it. At least he could keep a good eye on him from where he was positioned.

"You didn't really think I would miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday party did you, Frodo?" Gandalf asked, keeping the topic of conversation casual.

"So how is the old rascal Bilbo? I hear the party its going to be a party of special magnificence."

"You know Bilbo…. he's got the whole place in an uproar. Half of the Shire has been invited," Frodo informed Gandalf.

"Don't be forgetting Mister Gandalf, Sir that it is Mister Frodo's birthday party too," Sam said proudly. He knew that most of the gossip about the Shire folk had been about how old Master Bilbo was going to turn. Sam was determined to make sure that Frodo's special day was not forgotten in all of the chaos and atmosphere.

"True Samwise, I had not forgotten our young Frodo's birthday. A special day indeed, coming of age at last," Gandalf said, giving Frodo's shoulder a light pat.

"With all that has been happening lately, I wish it would just come and go without any fuss," Frodo admitted openly.

"Uncle Bilbo has had nothing but visitors for the past two weeks since he sent out the invitations. Some of them are telling him of coming to the party. Others are those folk who were either deliberately or mistakenly forgotten of the guest list."

"I take it then that Bag End has not been quiet of late," Gandalf commented, puffing away with his long pipe as they travelled.

"Uncle Bilbo is getting more fidgety by the day. Most of them have been decent enough to come at a suitable hour to utter their congratulations. Then there are those directly involved with the preparations and cooking, telling Uncle what dishes he should be serving and what not to have. But others who are a little upset at their being left out that they have little regard and often interrupt Bilbo's writing or studying," Frodo informed the wizard.

Although Gandalf grinned slightly at the image formed in his mind of how Bilbo would be reacting to his quiet time being disturbed, he could see that Frodo cared enough for the old hobbit that he too would be a little stressed about the party preparations.

Strider remained silent during the trip to Bag End although Frodo had not tried to put any other meaning into his words, the Ranger couldn't help but think that he had only recently become one of those uninvited guests that turned up at odd hours.

"I hope your Uncle will invite me in once we arrive there."

"Oh you don't have to worry about that Gandalf, Uncle Bilbo has been looking forward to you coming for weeks now. What he needs to worry about later on today is the arrival of my younger cousins, Merry and Pippin. Uncle has agreed to let them stay with me at Bag End until after the party."

"The appearance of those two should certainly be eventful," Gandalf said. He had met Frodo's cousins many times before, but because of their age and immaturity, together they had a tendency to cause trouble whether they were to blame or not. They usually took to playing practical jokes on unsuspecting folk which would backfire and only leave a mess to clean up or an explanation to be forthcoming.

"I am looking forward to them coming," Frodo said as he thought about his cousins. He knew what the wizard was terming as 'eventful' but nevertheless at least they would someone familiar to him at the party. Frodo was a little nervous about the sheer number of relations that Bilbo had invited that he had never met before.

"Let's talk about something else, Gandalf," Frodo suggested. "I want to get away from all this chatter about parties and birthdays. It gives me a headache at times just thinking about what has to be done today and tomorrow."

Sam now looked intently at his master, to see any signs of the headache that Frodo spoke about. He promised himself that he would make sure that Mister Frodo was relaxed a little by tomorrow.

"What news have you from the outside world?" Frodo asked with anticipation clearly in his words. The young hobbit was happy with his life in the Shire but often wondered what other places and peoples he would meet if he travelled outside it's boundaries.

Whilst Sam had noted on a number of occasions his desire to stay in the Shire for what he perceived the foreseeable future, Frodo could not deny that often he had dreams about leaving for a time in search of a purpose in life.

"What do you wish to hear about, Frodo?"

"Tell me everything!" Frodo stated matter-of-factly, his eyes lighting up with a rare display of unbridled excitement.

"Everything….. you become too curious for your own good my boy. It is an unnatural trait for a hobbit such as yourself be so eager to know," Gandalf said with a light-hearted chuckle. The wizard had always known Frodo to convey a thirst for knowledge and learning. He would promote such a fine characteristic in one so eager, not thwart it for the sake of what others considered unusual or strange.

"What can I tell you my young friend, is that life in the wide world goes on much as it has this past age, full of its own comings and goings, scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits and the Shire, for which I am very thankful."

Gandalf couldn't how thankful he was that it was the case. In the past couple of weeks he had become increasingly concerned with matters that were beginning to appear that were best left alone and untouched. The appearance of the Ranger here today in the Hobbiton only seemed to add to his concern that such matters would not remain hidden for very much longer.

Frodo now looked back towards Sam and smiled at his friend. His eyes drifted towards the large amount of stuff that was laying in the wagon. Curiosity got the better of him as well, but he was confident enough to voice this to the wizard.

"What are you planning to do with all that you have brought, Gandalf?" Frodo enquired.

"Nothing to worry about Frodo, just a little entertainment for the Shire folk as I promised your, Uncle Bilbo." Gandalf promised, giving the hobbit a sly wink.

"Why do I get the feeling that Merry and Pippin are not the only ones to be planning something? Seeing as you and Uncle Bilbo have been down that path before, Gandalf," Frodo said with an knowing grin.

"Before your last 'little bit of entertainment', Uncle Bilbo and I were very well thought of in the Shire," Frodo said, knowing that such a statement wasn't entirely true. "We Bagginses never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."

Unfortunately for Frodo, being heir to Bilbo Baggins left him with not only the older hobbit's possessions, but also labels of stranger and unusual even before the Shire folk had gotten a chance to meet him and make a judgment themselves.

Shire folk were inclined to talk amongst themselves about matters that didn't concern them or they had very little information about. The appearance of strangers like dwarves and Gandalf to Bag End over the years had continued to fuel the gossip and only confirmed to the folk what they had been told by others.

"If you are referring to the incident with the Dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge…." Gandalf began explained, not wanting to go back over the details of that most memorable of visits at this time.

"And as for adventures my dear boy, your Uncle Bilbo might have led a quieter existence for the best part of forty years, but there was a time when that hobbit could never stay in one place for his feet to take root," Gandalf said.

"Whatever you did, you have been officially labelled a disturber of the peace," Frodo remarked, trying his hardest to keep a straight and serious face, but soon failing and giving a little smile at the memory.

Frodo thought for a few seconds, not really confident about how to approach the next topic of conversation, and the happiness on his face disappearing to be replaced by an expression bordering on concern.

"I think Bilbo is up to something as well," Frodo said, the words sounding more like a question to the wizard rather than a statement.

The hobbit knew that his Uncle and Gandalf had spoken often and in great detail about the comings and goings of each other by letter. Maybe Frodo couldn't talk to Bilbo about what he had over heard the night before with Strider, but he might be able to gain some clues as to the truth through Gandalf.

Strider listened to the tone of Frodo's words with interest. He could hear an almost underlying air of suspicion from the young hobbit. For not only the first or second time today, the Ranger found himself wondering about what thoughts.

"Really?" Gandalf replied in mock surprise. It was obvious to the wizard that Frodo knew much more about his Uncle than Bilbo realized. He would have to have a quiet word to his old friend before the party began tomorrow.

"Keep your secrets then." Frodo answered, a little disappointment in his voice that Gandalf was unwilling to shed any light on the subject.

"I will see you back at Bag End soon," Frodo said as he readied himself to climb down from the wagon and continue on his own way. "I will meet you and Sam back at Bag End before lunch," he added, trying to hide the weight that his thoughts were putting upon his heart.

"But Mister Frodo you can't… " Sam wanted to protest.

To his dismay though his master was already heading through the trees on the other side before anybody could stop his progress. From where he sat in the wagon, he was unable to get down quickly enough to join Frodo.

"I think Frodo would rather think on his own for a while Sam," Gandalf said, placing a reassuring hand on the hobbit's shoulder, urging him to remain in the wagon until they reached Bilbo's home.

“Bilbo is going to have to tell him…,” Gandalf said to himself, barely audible enough for Sam and Strider to overhear.

Frodo had walked away from Gandalf's wagon, but as soon as he was out of sight, the hobbit found himself running through the long grass and the trees. He felt slightly cross with himself for leaving so abruptly and silently berated himself for doing so, hoping that the wizard would understand and Sam wouldn't be too upset.

His thoughts about the conversation he had overheard the night before between the Ranger Strider and his Uncle had re-ignite his fears about Bilbo leaving Bag End and the Shire.

The sudden reappearance of Gandalf to the area only made Frodo more unsettled about what the next few days would bring. Maybe Bilbo planned to leave after his birthday with the wizard.

Frodo could scarcely bare the ache in his heart if his Uncle did intend to leave. Tears had begun welling in his eyes about being left alone once more, but he refused to let them fall. Although it had been some years since his parents had left him, the feeling of abandonment didn't take long to renew the seed of doubt in his mind.

Running prevented the unshed tears from being noticed by anybody else. There was a sense of freedom that couldn't be ignored. Before he even realized it, Frodo had run the better of half a mile. He came to a halt and forced himself to take slow deep breaths in order to try and quell both the negative feelings he was experiencing as well as the exertion that the fast running had placed upon his body.

Frodo waited until he felt calm enough again and more composed. Putting away the fears that had resurfaced, he started to make his way back towards Bag End. If he delayed his return any longer, Sam would surely worry unnecessarily and come looking.

back at Bag End….

Gandalf, Strider and Sam were now arriving at Bag End. Sam got down from the wagon and offered to help unhitch the horse and put both the horse and wagon away safely until they were needed further.

While Sam went about these tasks, Strider and Gandalf approached the gateway to Bilbo's home. The wizard observed the sign-age on the gate that Strider had seen the night before and chuckled to himself that the old hobbit's personality seemed unchanged despite his age.

Gandalf proceeded to knock on the door using the bottom end of the staff he carried with him. He noticed that the dwarvish symbol that he had etched into the wood of the door a long time ago, was unnoticeable in the bright sunlight.

"No thank you…. we don't want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations," came a voice from inside. The wizard chuckled slightly as he heard the statement, assuming that Bilbo was speaking on Frodo's behalf a little when he mentioned 'we'.

"What about very old friends?" Gandalf asked through the closed door.

There was a distinct silence for a few seconds before the rounded doorway slowly opened. Bilbo walked forward to make sure that the sun wasn't deceiving his eyes.

"Gandalf?" the elderly hobbit greeted cautiously, scarcely able to believe who he saw standing before him.

Until today there had been the smallest notion that the wizard would have more prevailing matters to attend to than a birthday party, even one celebrating one hundred and eleven years.

"Bilbo Baggins…." Gandalf said as he greeted his long-time friend with a warm and heart-felt embrace. The wizard could not have expressed in the words of any tongue he knew, how dear his friendship with this hobbit had become over many decades.

"You haven't aged a day…..,” he added, noting that the hobbit carried his years excessively better than others. The old hobbit's eyes had a gentle and kind appearance about them and his genuine smile shone through at meeting his old friend once more.

"Oh, I see you have met up with Strider," Bilbo said as he saw the Ranger standing nearby. Bilbo now looked around for any sign of the younger companions that had journeyed out earlier that morning.

"Where is Frodo and Sam?" Bilbo enquired.

"Frodo and I have already spoken. I must say that he has matured much since I had the pleasure of talking to him. He informed me that he would be along shortly. Samwise has kindly offered to attend to my wagon and horse to aid a weary traveller," Gandalf explained.

"Come in, come in…. where are my manners? Welcome, welcome. Can I offer you some tea, Gandalf, or something a little stronger?" Bilbo asked. "Would you join us as well Strider? It is almost time for elevensies."

"Tea thank you," Gandalf responded as he ducked his head and entered the smial.

The Ranger noted that the wizard had to show just as much caution as he, when walking through the lower ceilings. He had already avoided a few nasty knocks to the head by mere fractions of an inch and quick reflexes.

"I would prefer tea as well, Bilbo," Strider said, answering the hobbit's question.

"I've got a few bottles of the Old Winyards left…. 1296, a very good year. Almost as old as I am. It was laid down by my father," Bilbo said as his two guests disappeared from sight temporarily as they took a different route to the kitchen.

"Just tea thank you" Gandalf repeated as he and the Ranger sat down and waited patiently as Bilbo bustled about his kitchen, pouring hot water from a kettle into the teapot positioned on the table.

Gandalf noted that due to the fact that Frodo and his companion Sam had yet to return, now might be a good time to approach the subject about Bilbo's intentions to leave the Shire. It had caused him a much concern to see the flickering emotions on Frodo's face just a short time ago.

Before Gandalf had a chance to mention any concerns, there was another loud knock at the door. Bilbo up until then had been standing near a window, but upon hearing the knock at the front door, shrunk back from the glass panels, into the shadows that the walls provided, hoping that he wouldn't be spotted.

"I am not at home," Bilbo proclaimed out loud, forgetting that he had just alerted to person outside that he was indeed at home. "I have got to get away from these confounded relatives. Hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace," once again confirming some of the comments Frodo had mentioned earlier about the steady stream of unwanted visitors to Bag End recently.

The tea was now poured and Strider and the wizard remained silent as they watched the old hobbit move back and forth from the window, almost nervous as he spoke. Bilbo knew that this was the conversation that he had meant to continue with the Ranger from the previous night, as so continued.

"I want to see mountains again… mountains, Gandalf, and then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book," Bilbo declared, now ceasing his pacing back and forth and forcing himself to remain still by sitting on a chair at the table and facing the truth he had been trying to avoid for some time.

"So you mean to go through with your plans then?" the wizard asked cautiously, not wanting to put words into the hobbit's mouth if he had not yet come to such a decision.

"Yes, yes, it's all in hand. All of the arrangements have been made. I was only telling Strider the same thing only late last night," Bilbo replied, but there was a air of uncertainty in his voice and an air of sadness as he came to realization of what he had decided to do.

"Frodo suspects something…..," Gandalf brought up, trying to put the subject as delicately as possible to his long-time friend.

"He does?" Bilbo responded, already suspecting such to be the case. "Yes I suppose he might think something is going on the way I have been acting lately. He probably feels like I have been trying to avoid him."

"You will tell him soon won't you, before it's too late," Gandalf prompted, hoping the hobbit understood how urgent it was becoming.

"Yes, ….. I will," Bilbo responded hesitantly, pausing a little as he answered.

"How do I do that Gandalf, without hurting him? Frodo has got such a gentle nature about him. Kindest lad I have ever come across. What will it do to him to learn that I am leaving?"

"It would hurt him more if it is your intention to leave without telling him first, Bilbo," Gandalf said, seeing the emotions play out across the hobbit's face like a clearly visible stain. "He is very fond of you."

"As I am of him, Gandalf, as I am of him. I cannot put into words what that lad has come to mean to me over the years. For years and years all I did was sit here in my study writing about my travels, without anybody to share them with other than my ink and paper."

"He would probably come with me if I asked him."

"Do you think that is what Frodo wants to do with his life?" Gandalf asked, genuinely interested in Frodo's future well being.

"I think, in his heart, Frodo is still in love with the Shire, the woods, the fields, little rivers…..," Bilbo replied without finishing the sentence.

"I have no right to do that to Frodo, Gandalf. The lad came here with only sadness and uncertainty after his parents death. Living here at Bag End, I tried to change all that by trying to give him all the love, understanding and patience I could find. I wanted to give him all the love that his parents would have shed upon him, as well as my own."

"Frodo is older now and more confident in his own self. He has friends that think the world of him, especially Samwise. He now has familiarity and firm connections with the Shire and those in it. I wouldn't feel right asking him to give all of that up just for me and my wandering ways. It wouldn't be fair to Frodo."

"I am old Gandalf. I know you think I don't look it but I am beginning to feel it in my heart," Bilbo said feeling a little daunted by his own admission.

"I need a holiday, a very long holiday. I don't expect I shall return, in fact I mean not to," Bilbo uttered with an unmistakable tone of finality about the trip he was preparing to take.

The conversation did not continue much further as the three of them pondered on all that had been said. Both Strider and Gandalf couldn't help but think of what mixed emotions Frodo might experience over the next couple of days.

Samwise had just been making his way back from finishing stabling the horse and putting away the wagon until the next day, when he saw Frodo approaching from the opposite direction.

To his surprise, Frodo looked as though he had been running. His master sounded a little out of breath and looked a little tired. "Hello, Mister Frodo, are you alright?"

"Yes Sam, thank you," Frodo said as he forced his breathing to be deeper and slower. The brisk run had been invigorating and helped him over come some of the fears he held about his uncle's possible impending departure. "I was running through the trees," he admitted to his friend, who looked a little worried about him.

"Let's go inside and get something to drink and eat then, Mister Frodo," Sam suggested, a little perplexed as to why his master would be running in the first place. Sam knew that Frodo enjoyed daily walks and exercise but he couldn't see a purpose to making himself out of breath unless there was a reason to.

Frodo and Sam opened the door and walked inside to the kitchen where Gandalf and the others were still drinking their tea.

"We are back, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo announced as he reached the kitchen.

"Did you enjoy the weather outside, Frodo, my dear boy?" Bilbo asked with interest, trying to push aside any of his earlier thoughts.

"Yes uncle, but I feel as though I might have spent too much time out there this day," Frodo admitted, putting his hand to his temple and rubbing slightly at a headache that was beginning to form.

"Why is that, Frodo?" Bilbo queried, noting his nephew's actions and the small grimace on his face.

"I did a lot of running back to here just now and I have a headache beginning. Maybe that or it is from too much sunshine overhead whilst I was reading earlier," Frodo stated.

"Well running is good for you, but I hope you have not over done things. Why don't you go and sit on the comfortable settee and I will bring your cup of tea when I have made a fresh pot. Sam can help me and I will put a few herbal leaves in it to help ease your headache," Bilbo offered gently, putting a hand on the lad's shoulder in an affectionate and comforting gesture.

"If is alright with you Uncle, I might have the tea in my room whilst I do some quiet study. I really think it was the running and not the reading that is the cause of the problem. It might help relax me along with the tea and go away," Frodo countered in negotiation.

"Alright Frodo, let me know if you need anything else. Once I have finished with this tea, Sam and I can start on luncheon. Your cousins are due to arrive very shortly and the first thing they will be looking for apart from you is food," Bilbo said.

"Let me know when Merry and Pippin arrive will you please Sam. Please excuse me Gandalf and Strider," Frodo said as he turned towards his room and a little quiet time.

"Of course Mister Frodo," Sam answered immediately, only to happy to help out as requested.

Strider and Gandalf both responded to the boy's beautiful manners and hoped that his headache would not last too long. There was something about the lad that just made others warm up to him immediately and his honesty and sincerity were charms that he certainly possessed in abundance.

"You can take his tea in to him in a minute, Sam," Bilbo said to the younger hobbit, seeing the frown of his face. Sam was being pulled in opposite directions at the moment, wanting to be with his master when he wasn't feeling one hundred percent and the other direction because of his respect of Frodo's privacy and need for solitude when studying.

Studying was something that Bilbo had never had to press on the lad, even from the very beginning of his stay at Bag End. Frodo seemed to drink up every book that the older hobbit had in his library and had a thirst for knowledge to match. Bilbo had taught Frodo to speak a limited amount of Elvish language and how to form the various symbol representations in writings and songs.

Once Frodo had a grasp of the subject material, he had taken it upon himself to further his own education through self-teaching methods. The lad preferred to do this alone for varying amounts of time, some days for hours on end, on other days, all but a few minutes before going to sleep at night to help him relax after a long day outside.

After a few minutes, Bilbo announced that Frodo's tea was ready and Sam was more than willing to take it to his master if only to use it as an alibi to see if he still suffered from the headache.

Sam knocked respectfully on the door before hearing a quiet "Come In" from the other side and entering Frodo's bedroom.

Frodo was seated at his study desk, with a large book open in front of him and another standing up leaning against the window. He seemed to be practising his writing skills and master the fine strokes needed to form the letters and symbols.

Sam put his master's cup of tea down close enough for him to reach but far enough away to prevent it accidentally spilling on Frodo's hard work. Sam couldn't help but watch his master write with a slight twinge of envy. Frodo's small hand made his grip on the quill quite tight to allow more control. The strokes were small but accurate and the page itself was very neat indeed.

Frodo now looked up from his work briefly and smiled at his friend, then reaching for the tea with his still bandaged hand.

"You have beautiful writing if you don't mind me saying so, Mister Frodo," Sam said honestly. "My fingers could never hold still long enough without smudging what I have already done," he added, thinking back to past efforts when Frodo had been more than willing to be Sam's tutor.

"Thank you, Sam, although I am grateful that my writing hand wasn't the one that was scalded by the hot water or I fear that I would not be able to write at all today."

"Does your headache still give you pain, Mister Frodo?" Sam found himself asking.

"Actually Sam, it has eased considerably even after only such a brief time. Maybe it is the tea that is helping me relax after all."

"Would you like something to eat? Sam asked, hoping Frodo would accept. “Luncheon should be ready very shortly."

Frodo could see the hopefulness in Sam's eyes that he would agree to something to eat. He found himself not being able to refuse the offer. "I am getting a little hungry Sam, lunch would be nice as soon as it's ready."

Sam smiled broadly and went off to make sure that everything was just right for his master. Frodo watched his friend leave and then turned back to his books for a little while longer. He doubted that he would have much time tomorrow or the day after to indulge in such personal escapes.

Strider and Gandalf engaged in quiet, non-committal conversation as Bilbo and Sam went about preparing lunch for all.

Just before it was ready, there was a knock at the door, which Bilbo went to answer, muttering as he went, hoping it was not yet another visitor.

When he opened the door, he was somewhat delighted and relieved at who was present. He was met by the smiling faces of Meriadoc and Peregrin, bursting full of energy and barely able to keep still even as they waited to be invited in.

"Merry and Pippin, my dear lads, how are you and won't you come in," Bilbo said allowing them entry to Bag End. The two hobbits had a small suitcase each as they entered, taking in the sights and smells of Bilbo's home.

Sam came forth and greeted Mr Frodo's cousins. "How was your trip little masters? I will see to your bags and put them in the guest rooms," he said, remembering duty had to come before enjoying their company.

"Hello Sam, we are fine thanks and hello to you too Uncle," Merry said in a loud voice, speaking for his younger cousin Pippin as well.

"Lunch is almost ready, you can join us in a minute," Bilbo said, already noting the delight that came to the youngest cousin's face at such a statement. It was no secret that Peregrin was always hungry and ready to eat, no matter how long ago the last meal had been. There was always room for more Pippin had told his Uncle once.

"Where is Frodo?" Merry now asked, eager to see his older cousin again as he looked about the rooms for any sign of the dark-haired hobbit.

"He's in his room studying a little before lunch. He said he had a slight headache and wished to relax a little before you arrived," Bilbo said, hoping that would be enough of a deterrent for the two younger cousins to wait patiently until Frodo appeared on his own accord.

Merry and Pippin weren't to be discouraged though, and both looked at each other and grinned devilishly that they knew of an alternative way to get Frodo's attention without going to knock on his bedroom door.

"Come on Pip," Merry said as the two left Sam holding their luggage and dashing back out the front door and around the side of the smial.

"They won't do anything too terrible to Mister Frodo will they Master Bilbo?" Sam asked, a little worried about the two cousins who always seemed to have too much energy for their own good. They were always up to something.

"I shouldn't think so Sam," Bilbo said, putting a reassuring hand on the lad's shoulder. "Frodo has been looking forward to them coming. He will put them straight if they look like getting out of control," he added, knowing that Frodo often took on responsibility for his younger cousins whenever they visited.

In the past such loyalty had often landed Frodo in as much trouble as Merry and Pippin, but the happiness and laughter that the two cousins brought to Frodo couldn't be replaced and Bilbo was often most grateful for that.

"Studying!" Merry said as he and Pippin moved around the side of the dwelling. Sometimes Frodo was too studious for his own good. Time to break that habit and get his cousin having some fun again.

Merry and Pippin could now see the window that belonged to Frodo's bedroom. They could see a book of some description leaning up the bottom half of the glass and the older cousin immediately had a giggle of an idea about how to alert Frodo to his presence. No doubt they would scare him senseless, but they would have fun nevertheless.

Merry motioned for Pippin to sneak up beside the window frame like he and peer secretly through the glass. Both of them could see Frodo's dark head bent forward as he continued what he was doing.

It took a few more minutes than Merry would have liked, but eventually they were rewarded with Frodo's casual glance towards his book and spotting two faces leering back at him through the glass.

Frodo had been concentrating on the book but was startled by the faces at his window and tried to jump backwards away from the window. Unfortunately for Frodo, his chair was behind him and now both he and the chair fell backwards, knocking the cup of tea from the desk as well as the ink pot. It wasn't until after this that he recognized who the faces belonged to.

"Merry and Pippin!" Frodo said in a mock annoyed voice as he surveyed the image of himself sprawled on the floor and the congealing mess not to far away on the rug of the ink and tea mixing together.

The two cousins had seen Frodo tumble backwards but knew he wasn't hurt. They now made their way back around to the front door, hoping that neither Bilbo or Frodo would be too upset at their antics.

Sam had overheard his master's startled cry as he fell backwards and couldn't help but open the door to see if everything was alright. He immediately went to Frodo's aid of helping him stand, he too concerned about the now black stain marring the rug.

"Are you alright Mister Frodo?" Sam said, seeing that the bandage on Frodo's hand had also been stained by the ink. Looking upon his master's clothes, they hadn't faired much better and there was now a soaking blackened mark across the front of Frodo's vest and trousers.

"Yes I am fine thank you, Sam," Frodo said, trying hard not to laugh at how he must look at the moment. "Those two cousins of mine….," he said, a smile creeping across his face.

"Frodo," Merry said in a quiet voice behind Sam, the two cousins standing just outside the doorway, hoping to apologize for their behaviour.

"Just look at this mess you too created," Frodo said sternly, the corners of his mouth twitching with a grin. Sam was sighing in relief that Frodo's writing had not been spoilt by the ink. It seemed that the floor and Frodo himself wore most of what was spilt.

"We will clean it up cousin, promise," Pippin said, feeling a little guilty as he looked at the spreading stain on Frodo's clothes.

"Offering to do manual work now are you Pip, that's certainly good to hear. Though I don't think you sound like my cousin Peregrin Took," Frodo said already seeing that they were remorseful for their childish actions.

"It's great to see you Merry and Pip," Frodo added and gave his cousins a warm greeting. "I really wanted that cup of tea though," he poked in fun.

"I'll get you another cup Mister Frodo," Sam offered.

"That's alright Sam, just let me get into some clean clothes and clear a bit of this mess on the floor and then we can go and see if lunch is ready," knowing that Pip wouldn't be needing a second invitation.

"I will get a little sugar from Master Bilbo to sprinkle over that stain. The sugar crystals should soak up most of the ink and then it can just be swept into pile and thrown away," Sam said, explaining a little about what his mother had taught him about how to remove difficult stains from things.

"What about my clothes Sam, you don't expect to sprinkle sugar over me to get the ink out do you?" Frodo said with a laugh.

"Oh no sir," Sam said returning the grin to his master as such an idea. "But I can put it into a bucket of water laced with lemon and vinegar and that will certainly have your clothes looking nice again."

"Dear Sam, you always have a solution for me when I am in need," Frodo said.

"I hope so, Mister Frodo," Sam said proudly that his master thought so highly of him.

Half an hour after Merry and Pippin announced their arrival to Frodo and everyone else, all were seated at the table now enjoying a leisurely lunch and gentle conversation.

Introductions had been made of Strider, though Merry seemed to be a little wary of the Ranger at first. Pip had been awed by the man's height but gave a small smile and made sure that he sat safely on the other side of his cousin Frodo.

Sam had been about to excuse himself when Frodo asked that he stay and join them. Bilbo had also voiced that he wished for Samwise to join them at the table as had the two cousins. Sam felt himself out numbered and although he had been taught to mind his betters and remember his place, he had also been taught to be there as often as Frodo wanted him to be.

Sam couldn't put into words how good he felt when Mister Frodo treated him no differently to other adults around him or indeed his own relatives such as Merry and Pippin.

Strider had not wanted to add to any fear that the two cousins might have over his presence but marvelled at how quickly the two seemed to forget their apprehensions and include him in their conversations around the table.

Pippin had gone into great detail about the scare that he and Merry had given Frodo a short time before and how his cousin had fallen off his chair and been smeared in ink and warm tea.

After hearing about this, Gandalf promised himself that he would need to keep a closer eye on the two mischief's and keep them out of trouble as much as possible before the party.

"You should have seen your face, Frodo," Pippin said with a giggle, remembering the startled look his older cousin had moments before toppling backwards.

"Don't worry Pippin, my revenge will be swift and silent but most of all unexpected," Frodo said in a voice so low that the younger hobbit believed every word. He couldn't help but bait them a little and keep them guessing about what he might do to get back at them.

"You wouldn't…..," Pippin said in shock. In all the time he had known Frodo, he had never seen his dark-haired cousin retaliate for any of the mischief that they had caused.

"He wouldn't do anything would he, Merry?" he now asked, seeking a little confirmation from his partner in crime.

Merry too was a little surprised at Frodo's statement, and both had an ominous feeling as they watched their secretive cousin smile sweetly back at them. They would have thought Frodo's comments to be baseless except for the gleam that they saw in his blue eyes.

Strider and Gandalf laughed at the sight of the two now uneasy and nervous cousins that kept looking back and forth between themselves and Frodo. He certainly knew had to get them on edge without any effort at all.

Merry had already asked why the Ranger was present, before receiving a painful kick to his shin under the table for not remembering his manners in somebody else's house.

Bilbo had not been concerned over what he saw was Merry's natural curiosity and gave him the same explanation as that to Sam earlier at breakfast about possible trouble presenting itself at the party.

Lunch had then continued for a time. Gandalf had asked that Strider and Bilbo assist him to unload his wagon of surprises after they had eaten and was pleased that his friends had readily agreed.

That would leave the four hobbits on their own but that didn't present itself as such a problem. Sam had already offered to clear the lunch dishes so that Bilbo could go with Gandalf.

Bilbo had gotten up from the table towards the end of the meal and begun pouring milk into glasses for the four hobbits. He had been thinking of something else at the time and before realizing it, had half-filled Frodo's glass with the white liquid.

Frodo's displeasure was clearly evident on his face as he scowled at the substance in the glass as though it were a vile medicine he was being asked to drink.

"You don't expect me to drink that stuff do you, Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo asked still eyeing the milk with disdain.

"Oh, I am sorry Frodo, I wasn't thinking. No of course not. I know you don't like milk. I will get you a fresh glass of juice or tea if you would prefer?" Bilbo said apologetically.

"I'll drink it, Frodo," Pippin said and grabbed at the glass before any reply could be given.

Sam glared at the hobbit a little, thinking that he was being very rude, but then relenting a little at Pippin's enthusiasm. He knew that Frodo wouldn't drink the milk anyway but he could have been more polite about it.

"I take it you do not like to drink milk, Frodo," Strider said, noting the hobbit's obvious dislike.

"No, Strider, there isn't any threat that anyone could make that would force me to drink that stuff," Frodo affirmed.

It was about now that Frodo noted how tired he was suddenly becoming. The headache that had eased earlier was beginning to resurface and he no longer had an appetite for his remaining lunch.

"I think it's about time we headed out to help Gandalf," Bilbo now stated. "How about you go and have a little lay down inside Frodo," he suggested, noting his nephew grimacing slightly from the headache again.

"I might just do that, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo agreed, thinking that a nice soft pillow would be more than welcome at this point in time.

"What are we going to do if you are going to be boring and rest?" Merry said, not knowing about Frodo's headache. Staying still for too long didn't appeal to either Merry or Pippin.

"I think you and Pippin would be best suited to helping young Sam here clean up the dishes don't you?" Bilbo said, not accepting no for an answer. "You can go out and play later on after your lunch has settled some."

Merry and Pippin were not entirely happy with this idea, but though they had little choice since they would be staying under Bilbo's roof for the next few days.

Sam was happy to see Bilbo take a little control of the situation and vowed that the two hobbits would keep their voices and games to a minimum if Mister Frodo was going to try and rest to ease his headache.

"We shan't be long," Bilbo said, noting the slightly disappointed looks on his visitors. "By the time you finish helping Sam we should have returned. Sam asked, hoping Frodo would accept. “Frodo can choose if he feels like going out or not later."

Gandalf, Strider and Bilbo now prepared to leave and go to the wagon. Frodo had gotten up from the table and retrieved a pillow from his own bed before settling onto the settee in the sitting room. Somehow he didn't like the idea of leaving Merry and Pippin unsupervised despite Sam being present.

Bilbo went to check on his nephew before walking out the door but was relieved to see Frodo already stretched out with his eyes closed attempting to doze off. He brushed a stray curl away from the lad's forehead and smiled.

Frodo smiled at the gentle touch but didn't open his eyes. Seeing his nephew's face relaxed and carefree in sleep was something he could never tire of.

"Keep an eye on him for me Sam won't you," Bilbo said to Sam who saw them off at the door, out of earshot from Frodo.

"Don't worry Master Bilbo, I'll make sure he's not disturbed," Sam promised. Little did Sam know that his best efforts would not prove enough against Merry and Pippin.

After the others had left, Merry and Pippin had did as they were asked and for a time went about helping Sam as best they could. Their interest quickly waned though and the two hobbits soon found it more fun to play games with the plates and cutlery rather than drying then and putting them back in their rightful places.

Merry and Pippin were unaware that their game was beginning to get a little loud until they were harshly chastised by Sam to keep quiet. The sitting room was only a short distance away and Sam could see his master stirring slightly from the noise.

Merry and Pip put the dishes away as requested but although one game was quickly at an end, there was always another around the corner. Sam had now decorated the table with a large bowl of fruit. Apples and oranges, pears and grapes.

Pippin was most impressed and would have tucked in if he hadn't been so full after lunch. He took two apples from the bowl and started to play around with them, tossing them into the air and catching them again.

It didn't take much encouragement for Merry to join in and soon instead of throwing them up and catching them, they were tossing them backwards and forwards between each other.

Pippin had now taken a few steps away from his cousin to increase the distance of the throws, not taking any notice of which room he was standing in. The lack of walls in Bilbo's home often made it difficult to tell which room was which.

Pippin was now standing directly in front of his slumbering cousin Frodo on the settee. He wasn't making any excessive noise at present and Sam was forced to hold back any scathing words he might have had on the tip on his tongue.

Merry tossed a large apple at his younger cousin, but his throw was not as accurate as he hoped. A little too high and it sailed over Pippin's head.

Merry and Pippin both cringed as they heard the unmistakable sound of the apple hitting Frodo.

Frodo woke with a fright and immediately sat up rubbing the his forehead. There was no mark but he looked at his two cousins, demanding to know why they were throwing pieces of fruit at him while he was trying to sleep.

If Merry and Pippin thought they could get any sympathy out of Samwise, they were gravely mistaken as they heard his shocked intake of breath as he watched the apple strike his sleeping master and then see Frodo sitting up with a frown on his face.

It was about this time that Gandalf and the others proceeded to walk through the front door. They heard Sam's angry outburst and wondered what had happened to rile the normally gentle tempered hobbit.

When they entered the sitting room where the noise was ensuing from, they were greeted with Merry and Pippin looking very guilty about something and Sam threatening to do them bodily harm.

Frodo was by now wide awake again and trying not to laugh at Sam's serious face. His headache seemed to have eased to a barely noticeable level once again but he was not impressed by the way he had been woken.

"Run!" was the suggestion that the two cousins said to each other with their eyes, a little afraid of being in the middle of both an angry Sam and a cross looking Frodo.

To be continued........

Author Notes: This story was started a long time ago (over fourteen 17 years ago), but I felt there were parts that needed more, and I wanted some more scenes in certain areas and include some of my new arcs.

I apologize for any mistakes I may have made about Lord Of The Rings history or any names I may have mis-spelled. I also hope that I have not wavered too far from people's takes on the individual personalities of each character.

I don't mean to make Strider and Bilbo out as so secretive. I just want to keep the idea about the Wraiths coming until later in the story. The fact that Bilbo knows that danger is coming and doesn't do anything straight away is also not intentional and I humbly ask for readers to believe that's what happened.

Any medicinal information is only from my own sources and not meant as true procedure to any injury or treatment that I may have used in my story so far or will in the future.

As you have probably guessed, I leave this chapter at the place where Gandalf arrives in the movie and hope that the sequence of events that I have included is at least logical.

Not much has happened yet. More to come. In next chapter, the party preparations take place that I envisaged happened prior in the movie. A few little incidents to come involving Lotho.

I know the appearance of a big person in the Shire would be out of place too, but I need that to make the story work. I just need both people, elves, dwarves and hobbits everywhere to suspend what they know to be true for a while and take what I write as happening.

I have also referred to Frodo as a boy in many parts - not intending for him to be called a human "boy" - just makes the story flow a little easier at times instead of constantly using "the hobbit" and similar descriptions.

Any information that I write in my Lord Of The Rings stories about eating flows on that in the two other fandoms I write - the main characters in each all are finicky eaters and just push the food around on a plate or go for long lengths without anything to eat or refuse to do so. The other two are like this in all stories that I know about them as well.

One other character also dislikes milk to the point of refusing to drink it - I am going to include this for Frodo later on - just something I dreamed up - nothing from the book or the movie. I wanted to write a close relationship between Bilbo and Frodo as well as friendship Frodo and Aragorn and Sam too.

Please review and let me know what you think. I will try and update as soon as I can, but please be patient as time is often not on my side.

Jules6

ESCAPE THE DARKNESS

By JULES

Author Notes – This story was begun a very long time ago, and it was never my intentions to leave it unfinished. This first was first published in 2003. I have twelve (12) chapters written – but want to add more to them and edit where necessary.

I will be going back through and editing a few scenes and adding to a few and fixing errors, now that I hopefully understand the Middle Earth world a little better since I first began. I hope to add a sprinkling of "The Hobbit" details in certain places where is needed. There will be a heavier saturation of this time period during the Rivendell scenes.

Strong friendship only – no slash. Very little romance (I am no good at writing that) – And plenty of angst, hurt/comfort. For those don't know my previous work - this won't be the Disney version.

This will be a very very long story, with many chapters, and many of those being long as well – just the way I write. And I usually try and describe from the viewpoint of multiple characters for any one scene. As well as describe every rock, tree branch and blade of grass along the way.

I have a very complicated plot planned, and some may not agree how I have altered the course of things, or that I introduce them and Frodo differently than the books or films. Hopefully you will continue to follow and read as the story progresses. If it hasn't happened yet, or there isn't enough information about something yet, that is usually deliberate on my part. Sometimes there are subtle clues that I put in chapters, other times I don't.

This story explores the idea about what might have happened if Strider had come to the Shire to forewarn Bilbo Baggins about the Ring Wraiths that would soon come hunting for the One Ring.

There are other changes that I will deliberately make to the story at a later date to explore how the journey may have changed as a result. "Hint, hint, some big changes that were the whole reason for starting this series".

Strider had vowed to protect Bilbo when the Ring Wraiths are sent by the Dark Lord but he is unaware that the legacy of who is to carry the Ring to be destroyed falls upon a totally different Baggins.

Hoping to add a few funny, light-hearted moments in this one in between the serious stuff.

All mention of herbs or treatments used in this story or others come about from a little research I did into some and what their effects were. Some of them have been around since ancient times so I have no problem using in this time frame but still am not sure if they would have been grown near Rivendell.

Disclaimer -I do not own any of the characters I write about. I write about those created by J.J.R. Tolkien and marvel at such a story-tellers ability to enthral us all. There are occasional quotes from the movie in this story, just to keep the continuity going strong and to add just at the appropriate time.

Chapter Four: Trees And Elves

this new chapter follows on from the last one:

"Run!" was the suggestion that the two cousins said to each other with their eyes, a little afraid of being in the middle of both an angry Sam and a cross looking Frodo.

and now the story turns another page:

Merry and Pippin were very relieved that Strider was the one to save them both from the wrath of Samwise, and from incurring more than annoyed expressions from Gandalf and Bilbo.

They hadn't meant to cause trouble or hit their unsuspecting cousin with the apple. Boredom often had the two of them inventing games together, without fully thinking of the consequences for other people or themselves. Both younger hobbits had been accused of taking their antics a little too far times back at Brandy Hall by the Master of Buckland and a host of other family members.

Frodo usually had endless amounts of patience and knew the best games for them all to play when at Brandy Hall. He often taught them other unique things apart from games, like animals and plants. Neither of them could remember a time when their cousin had turned them away or showed any selfish traits.

There were lots of stories and adventures he shared from Bilbo about his travels and all of the interesting and unusual folks that he encountered. Some of those lands sounded very strange indeed, and worlds away from the safety of the shire. He could also speak some of the foreign languages where those peoples came from.

Being able to spend time with their cousin Frodo was very infrequent since he had moved to Hobbiton and was now living with Bilbo. They missed him terribly, and were very excited to be present for celebrating not one birthday, but two. With each marking very different but equally admirable milestones. Frodo's coming of age at thirty-three and leaving his childhood years behind. And Bilbo's for reaching an age most hobbits would probably never achieve in their own lifetimes.

"Are you sure you are alright, Mister Frodo?" Sam asked, making sure that the apple had not struck hard enough to leave a mark.

"Yes thank you, Sam, I am completely fine," Frodo relayed, getting off the couch and testifying that he bore no ill affects from the wayward piece of fruit. Frodo went into the kitchen about getting himself a cool drink of water.

Samwise had wanted to say something further to both of them, but knew it was not his place to chastise members of his Master's family, even if they were much younger and at fault. He hoped that Bilbo would speak up instead, but it seemed that this afternoon he due to having a smail full of guests, he was prepared to be a little more forgiving. It was only an apple.

"Has you headache eased at all, Frodo lad?" Bilbo questioned, noting that being struck on the head by an object may have caused the discomfort to lengthen in duration.

"Actually it has, but only slightly most probably due to the shortness of my nap," Frodo answered, giving at disapproving look towards his two younger cousins. “Just a little misunderstanding and poor aim I am sure,” he added.

Pippin's face showed fear for the possibility of physically hurting his cousin. Merry's expression came from being concerned about any impending punishment that may be looming for them both.

“We are both very sorry, Frodo,” Pippin apologised, fidgeting with the buttons on the front of his vest. “We certainly didn't mean to wake you up.”

“Maybe if your aim had been better, Pip.......,” Merry started to say, only to stop any further comment at seeing a sterner look from both Frodo and Bilbo.

“You are not intending to throw anything else around my home, Meriadoc?” Bilbo interrupted. “There has been enough of folk tossing food around in Bag-end the last time Balin and his dwarven friends were here. Otherwise I shall be wanting to speak to your father, Saradoc, and have him find a more suitable task to occupy your time whilst you are here.”

Sam gasped in surprise at the mention of dwarves. They very rarely were seen in the Shire, and even those stories of them being friends with Bilbo had changed over the years. Most residents in Hobbiton thought the eccentric hobbit had created the whole tale of them visiting him to ward off any would-be thieves from searching his home for lost treasure.

“Next time, Pippin, let's play a game outside, and include a ball, which you can throw around as much as you like,” Frodo suggested, wrapping a friendly arm around his cousin. The younger hobbit immediately brightened and gave a grin and a hug in return.

Bilbo smiled at Frodo's ability to ease Pippin's anxiousness and find something for them to do. Merry was looking a little more relaxed at hearing the suggestion of going outside. Perhaps it would see him escape Gandalf's ever watchful eye.

"May I make a suggestion for the afternoon?" Strider interjected. "I will gladly take all of these young hobbits outside, to allow Bilbo and Gandalf more time to talk or prepare for tomorrow's celebrations."

"Would you do that, Strider?" Bilbo asked, grateful to the Ranger. His offer would keep them occupied and out of Bag End, even if only for a few hours. "Of course if Frodo or Samwise wishes to stay I am certain that they would not disturb us."

Pippin looked over at Frodo, a little worried that perhaps Frodo would take up his uncle's offer of staying inside. And no doubt if he did, then Samwise would agree with stopping behind as well. But his facial expression soon changed to one of delight as his cousin answered.

"Thank you Strider, I would appreciate going outdoors on such a nice day outside. A little more fresh air may be greatly beneficial and welcome," Frodo said, pleased that the man was taking such an active interest in himself and his cousins.

"I'll be coming with you to, Mister Frodo," Sam said, more of a statement than a request. There had been two incidents already in the short period since his master's cousins had arrived. The stout gardener was not about to let Mister Frodo go off in their company without accompanying them and being forever watchful.

Earlier observations about the Ranger were taken into account, and the stout hobbit trusted that Strider would not allow any harm come to his master. Sam reminded himself that there may be things that the Ranger might ask a question about, not knowing the answer to. It was his duty to see to all of Mister Frodo's needs and he aimed to do it to be best of his ability.

"We can go and play in the stream and dream up some adventures in the tall grass Merry," Pippin said, clearly excited with his new idea. "Come on Frodo and Sam what are we all waiting for?" he said, trying to race to the doorway.

"Hold on a minute there young Took, it might be wise to take some cool water to drink and something to eat later with you if you plan to stay out for a time," Gandalf suggested.

"Mind you don't get taking your games too seriously Pippin or ruin your clothes with your rough play after just arriving," Bilbo said. Previous visits by the two lads Merry and Pippin had caused Bilbo much distress upon time for them to return home when he would have to explained to their parents what had happened to their nice clothes.

Sam went about getting a small basket ready for their afternoon's activities. There was cool fresh water to drink, apples to eat under the shade of the trees and a few biscuits and some cheese that Bilbo offered from his well stocked pantry.

"I will bring them all back safely before it is time to prepare supper," Strider said with assurance.

The four young hobbits and Ranger began walking away from Bag End and paused at the top of the hill to decide which direction to take next. It seemed that Merry and Pippin had already made up their minds for everyone and they were already halfway down the hill before Strider or Frodo got a chance to ask where they were being led.

"They seem to have an abundance of energy for ones so small," Strider commented as he held back his pace a little for Sam to keep up with him. The Ranger had already offered to take the basket from Sam if it became too heavy but the hobbit had asserted that it was not necessary.

"Those two cousins of mine will certainly keep us all on our toes this afternoon I suspect," Frodo said in reply. He couldn't help but smile at the exuberance his two younger companions displayed almost every minute of the day.

There were only two occasions when such abundant energy wasn't present, the first being when they slept at night, and the second being when it was meal time. Although the second one was not a certainty either for Frodo had experienced their enjoyment of food many times. Often both would eat until there was nothing left upon the table and then be still voicing that they were hungry.

A touch of guilt came over Frodo as his gaze fell upon Merry for a few minutes. Deep down in his heart, Frodo was aware that Merry held onto a secret belief that things would return to how it had been before he left Brandy Hall.

Frodo's departure to go live in the Shire and live with his eccentric Uncle Bilbo had been a surprise to many, and whispered about by many. Doubt had been cast over the older's hobbit ability to provide an environment where someone much younger could be expected to thrive. Few of them understood that money had never been an enticement, that had the lad agreeing to such an invitation.

Bilbo had come to see for himself that there were other intangible things that Frodo needed. A warm home, good food, and an education were important too.  Guidance, time and patience were required too, and above everything else, love.

Saradoc and Esmerlda had taken good care of Frodo, and they did love him dearly. With Brandy Hall housing any number of adult and young hobbits, there was little opportunity to spend time individually. The boy had always displayed a thirst for knowledge and an unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. Bilbo saw his chance to give that one on one time to Frodo, and not allow him to become lost.

Frodo and Bilbo had spoken on a number of occasions about going back to visit Brandy Hall. To spend time with Merry and his parents, and Pippin as well. But it would never be like it used to be.

Pippin was younger and missed the games and fun times that Frodo often invented for them. The three of them had spent many days off on adventures. Merry on the other hand, would miss that his older cousin wouldn't be there to answer his endless questions. There were times that Merry found it easier to talk to Frodo before seeking approval or clarification from his own parents for important advice.

When he first arrived at Bag End, Frodo didn't know if he was going to like living here, or with his uncle. Everything was so unfamiliar and vastly different, but refreshing at the same time. Now he would happily tell anyone who asked, that he was perfectly happy living in Hobbiton and had no plans for that to change.

Frodo was brought out of his own thoughts as the laughter from Merry and Pippin echoed back at him. He couldn't help but smile that sometimes the simplest things in life were the ones that made you happy and grateful. Family and friends on a lovely clear day.

The shaded trees were only a short distance away. Merry and Pippin had slowed their pace some and were walking a short distance in front of the other three. Frodo found himself wanting to let go a little as well that afternoon and enjoy the sunshine for as long as possible.

Frodo walked a little more briskly towards Merry before turning to him to speak.

"Merry, I have something to tell you," Frodo in a completely serious tone of voice. He glanced forward ahead briefly making sure that his path in front was clear and unobstructed.

"What is it cousin?" Merry asked stopping his own walking, not reading anything more into Frodo's words. Pippin wore a curious look on his face too, wanting to know if something was amiss so soon into their journey.

"Tag you are it!" Frodo declared and in less than a half-beat was now racing away from his two astounded cousins towards the long grass and trees.

"Why you… Baggins," Merry shouted back as he started to run after his fleeing cousin. "You won't get far dear Frodo," he added, trying to increase his speed.

Pippin wasn't going to be left out of the fun and games, quickly tailing Merry, before pulling out in front in his attempt to catch sight of his older cousin. Strider and Sam couldn't help but laugh out loud at Frodo's tactics towards his cousins. It pleased Sam no end that his master was having such unbridled amusement at present.

Sam and the Ranger didn't need to worry about loosing the three hobbits for their laughter soon echoed through the trees, directing the trailing two in the right direction.

They came to a wooded area with a number of very large trees. One in particular looking magnificent with the different hues in its leaves and the stark whiteness of it's trunk.

The sunlight shone through the leafy canopy, giving the grass beneath a dappled pattern.

Nearby there was a small stream gleaming a few metres away and it was here that Sam and Strider spotted the other three. The water wasn't very deep, merely a few inches high, but it ran like clear crystal along its course so that the stones on the bottom could be clearly defined. The sound of trickling water invaded the senses, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The scent of green leaves, moss and fresh grass was everywhere.

Merry and Pippin were already involved in a playful frolic, happily splashing each other with the water as they stood in the middle of the stream. The bottom of their breeches were wet from their attempts to soak each other but other than that the rest of their clothes remained mostly dry.

Frodo on the other hand was merely content to stand on the very edges of the stream, far enough away from his two cousins that he not be showered by them. The water was so inviting and he let the coolness run over this feet.

Sam set the basket down under the larger tree and both he and the Ranger watched from beneath it's shady canopy.

"Why does Frodo not join in with Merry and Pippin?" Strider asked, noting that it the expression on the hobbit's face was as though he was forcing himself not to go any deeper into the water.

"Tis not natural for a hobbit to be fully submerged in water unless they are bathing Sir, although with Mister Frodo's cousins you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise," Sam answered. "That is what my Gaffer always says."

"My master has other reasons for not wanting to go any further than the edge," he added and turned his attention to unpacking the basket to avoid the Ranger's curiosity further.

Strider did not press the subject further at this point in time as it became apparent that he was in danger of putting a dampener on the currently happy atmosphere by asking such a question.

A few minutes later, Merry, Pippin and Frodo all came to join their companions under the shade of the tree. The two younger hobbits were still trying to catch their breath after much activity in a short space of time.

Frodo sat down directly under the tree, separated a little from the others, leaning his back against the strong trunk. He willed himself to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the breeze gently ruffling his dark hair.

"Do you have any stories that you would like to share with us, Strider?" Pippin asked as he grabbed at one of the biscuits and a piece of cheese that Sam had just set down on a small plate.

“That would depend on the type of story you would like to hear," Strider answered as he made himself a little more comfortable underneath the tree. He looked over at Frodo, who by now had his eyes closed but was not asleep. He would still be able to hear what was said.

"I want to hear about some of your other adventures," Merry declared. "Action with swords and fighting," he added, which made Strider raise an eyebrow at the strong desire and inclination towards stories with violence.

"What about you Sam, what would you prefer to hear?" Strider asked, involving him as much as the others in the conversation and decision.

"You're asking me, Sir?" Sam asked with a surprised expression. To be in the company of such a man as Strider was indeed unusual to say the least, but more than he could have hoped for. He had his master to thank for that outcome and his current situation of being included.

"Yes, Sam, I am asking you," Strider affirmed, noting that the young gardener was not used to having been asked what he would like or prefer.

"Beggin' your pardon, Sir, but if I were to have a choice, and I thank you for the offering, it would be to hear about the elves that Master Bilbo has spoken about," Sam said with a wishful look.

"If your story has elves in it Strider then you are sure to win Sam's heart," Frodo said with a knowing smile, still relaxed against the tree and with his eyes closed.

"Oh, who wants to hear about them," Pippin said with a little disappointment creeping into his voice. He gave Sam an apologetic look for sounding like the idea was a poor one. He did like elves, but Merry's suggestion of hearing about swords was much more interesting.

“Would it please you all to know that I know of many stories that would entail both elves and adventure?" the Ranger offered in compromise.

"Do you know about elves, Mister Strider?" Sam asked, not knowing anybody else apart from Master Bilbo who claimed to know as much about such ethereal folk.

"One of my closest and dearest friends is an elf, Sam. He is indeed a true example of his kind. Tall, fair-haired, lithe, an excellent warrior and bowman. Agile and quick on his feet, and blessed with very keen eyesight. Attuned to the beauty of nature and a friend to woodland creatures and other animals alike.”

“He is also of noble birth, a prince no less among his own people. We have had many adventures together during our long friendship," Strider described, noting the looks of awe coming from Samwise about an elf who was also a prince. He knew he had won Merry and Pippin over too, with his talk about adventures.

"Please tell us more, Strider," Pippin beseeched, giving his best pout and gazing up at the Ranger with a hopeful expression.

Strider smiled at the young hobbit, and gestured to the spot of grass beside him, urging Pippin to come closer and listen intently to more of his tales. 'Such inquisitiveness' he said to himself, from all of their kind. Something he was still growing used to.

As a Ranger, he had encountered hobbits many times during his travels, even outside of the Shire. Alas, at those times the sharing of stories had not been a priority and the little folk had kept more to themselves.

"Is it true what they say about elves being able to sneak up behind you without hearing them?" Merry asked.

"Yes, Merry, it is true. Elves are held in high regard for their stealth and ability to walk along paths but leave little or no trace of their presence as others would do,” Strider answered.

"Master Bilbo has learned me that they have very fair skin," Sam added to the conversation, trying to remember the descriptions he had heard in the past.

"That is true, Sam, you have remembered your tuition well. Legolas and many others of his kind have very fine features and fair complexions," Strider gave in response.

"Hey, Frodo, that means you might be part elven," Merry said, interrupting the flow of conversation for a moment. "I've always said that your skin is much too pale for a hobbit, even if you are part Baggins and Brandybuck."

"Yes, Merry, but Frodo couldn't be an elf because his hair is much too dark," Pippin interjected, agreeing that Frodo had some of the similarities in his face that elven people were said to have inherited.

"Elves are said to have hair as fair as their skin, though I have never seen one to affirm this," Pippin explained giving what little information he knew about them.

“Young Peregrin, I personally know Lord Elrond. He has long hair that is encircled by a symbol of his race, the colour is described as being dark as the shadows of twilight," Strider replied, pleased that he still held such keen interest from the younger two hobbits.

"Lady Arwen, Lord Elrond's daughter also has long lustrous hair. A maiden of great beauty, whom has been written into songs and recorded in tales many times. All describe her as having 'dark braids of hair touched by no frost.', Strider recited.

"The elves certainly have a pretty way of putting words together don't they," Sam reflected with wonderment. Many a times he had heard Bilbo sing songs that he had copied from the elves. All of them had been written with so much poetry and meaningfulness to them, unlike any other music that Sam had ever come across before.

"Does your friend have fair hair, Strider?" Merry asked. "I don't think you have told us his name yet."

"Legolas," Strider repeated to them. "He counts himself as a woodland elf belonging to the Silvan elves whom dwell north-east of Mirkwood forest. Yes he has long fair hair as do most of his kin from that region. Some of the strands are often plaited or braided to keep them away from his face. His father, King Thranduil, also has long fair hair.”

"A strange sounding name I must say," Merry commented, never having heard a name even remotely similar for someone.

"If you don't mind Merry, no matter what characteristics I may share or not share with elves, I would need to grow quite a lot taller than I currently am I should think. I am quite happy to call myself a plain ordinary hobbit," Frodo said to his cousin.

Frodo was keeping up with the conversation, but not involving himself much, preferring to listen instead. He tried to hide a smile at the suggestion that he might have elven bloodlines further back in his heritage.

"Enough talk about how elves should look, what of these adventures you had?" Pippin demanded, hoping they would get to the good parts of the story soon.

"Ah, I see you are a little over zealous," Strider remarked with practiced patience.

As the three hobbits and Ranger talked of strange lands and people, they failed to notice Frodo choosing now to depart their company. He did not want to interrupt their discussion and planned only to wander a short distance away to stretch his legs.

"Tell me more about this place Mirkwood you mentioned?" Merry asked. "Bilbo has told us briefly about going there during his travels, and says it is very strange place to be visiting. A dark place, full of mystery and where you can easily become lost."

"That is true Merry for those who do not know of the hidden dangers in that forest," Strider said with a fresh note of warning in his voice. "Mirkwood was once a very picturesque part of Middle-earth with many beautiful trees and plants that grew no where else."

"What are the hidden dangers, Strider?" Pippin asked in a nervous voice.

"Spiders, Pippin," Strider said as he watched the faces of the three small hobbit's grow round with fear. "They are very large and look entirely troublesome for those who do not heed the warnings and would cross their path. They are dangerous, and cunning and should be left well alone," he explained.

"I do not like crawling bugs of any kind, Mister Strider," Sam commented as his skin suddenly felt all tingling just thinking about coming into contact with such dark creatures.

"I dare say my master would not like them any more than I either, would you Mister Frodo?" Sam asked, expecting to hear a voice in reply.

A memory came to him of a much earlier time when Frodo had found a large bug on his bedding one day. Bilbo was aware of his dislike for them, and promptly relocated it outside. Frodo had not wanted to admit to anyone how much he hated crawling insects or bugs.

All turned their faces in the direction of where they last knew Frodo to be sitting, only a few minutes earlier when there was no reply. To their surprise, the grassy spot was now vacant.

"Mister Frodo?" Sam called out again as he got to his feet and walked around the tree in case his master had sought to lay down and doze in the dappled shade.

"Frodo?" Strider repeated after Sam, he too getting to his feet and concerned that he could see no sign of the hobbit.

"Sneaked away as quietly as the elves," Merry stated, seeing Pippin nod his head in agreement.

"I believe Frodo would be sensible enough and not wander too far away. Let us take a short walk and see if we can find him," Strider suggested, trying to quell any fears they held.

"We don't even know which direction he went in though," Merry pointed out plainly. They couldn't see Frodo anywhere within viewing distance from the tree. Not letting others know where he was going. This was quite uncharacteristic behaviour for his cousin.

"We only need to use what evidence is before us and our knowledge of Frodo and I am sure we will be able to pick up his trail soon enough," Strider told them, remaining positive about his whereabouts.

"What evidence are you talking about?" Pippin queried. He wasn't able to see any sign that the Ranger was talking about that was left behind to show which direction Frodo had travelled.

"Please come here Pippin, Merry and Sam," Strider instructed, crouching down on one knee in front of the grassy spot at the base of the tree where Frodo had been sitting earlier.

"Frodo may have moved as silently as an elf, but I am afraid that he does not have the feet to match," he said, alerting them to the clues by pointing to hobbit sized footprints made during his silent retreat. As they looked beyond the clear markings on the ground and into the long-grass, a definite path could be seen where blades of grass had been trodden on or lay bent over from where Frodo passed by.

Sam now lead the group as they followed the trail to the missing Frodo.

Whilst Frodo's friends were only just noticing that he wasn't with them and beginning to worry of his whereabouts, the dark-haired hobbit was enjoying himself immensely.

After a short walk away from his companions, Frodo had come to another larger tree in the wooded area. Whilst this one was not so wide spread with it's branches, it was much taller and the leaves were of a more natural green colour. The smell was of fading summer, and the breeze ruffled the ends of his hair. Frodo closed his eyes momentarily, and allowed his other senses to take over and immerse himself.

Frodo had always liked climbing trees, sitting perched amongst the higher branches, listening to the sounds that were around him. From such a prominent position he could let the wind blow and rustle the leaves taking him back in time to when he lived at Brandy Hall. He had often climbed trees near there as well before moving in with Bilbo. As long as the weather stayed good and the day hadn't fallen into nightfall.

Frodo could hear birds somewhere above him, making nests and raising families,singing and chirping as they went about their routine. Sitting up this high from the ground, one could survey out into the rest of the wooded area for a great distance.

The branch that Frodo had chosen was a very large one, and had grown much longer than some others further down the trunk. The sturdiness and strength of the limb would easily accommodate his weight. The young hobbit gazed upwards and spotted another branch, somewhat thinner, but only a fraction shorter in length.

These times, when he completely on his own and able to enjoy what nature had to offer, Frodo found it easier to allow another side to himself to show that was rarely displayed in front of others, including Samwise. There were times when he let his heart rule his body and his actions rather than acting like the sensible hobbit everybody believed him to be.

Frodo stood up on the bottom branch, placing his feet carefully and a little wider apart on the thicker branch. He now reached up with his arms at full stretch and comfortably encircled his hands around the width of the narrower branch above his head.

For the next few minutes, he walked back and forth a few feet in either direction along the branch and then back again towards the trunk, always maintaining his grip firmly on the higher branch. He took extra care where he deliberately placed his feet each time, acting as though it was much narrower where he was walking. Keeping his concentration focused on what he was doing, Frodo was unaware of his companions approaching down on the ground beneath him.

"The trail ends around here," Merry said, pointing to the spot where the footprints ended. He had not looked up into the tree yet. Strider and the rest of the group had been intent on following the trail along the ground before them, but now they could see little sign of where Frodo had gone next.

The ranger was the first to look up into the branch and notice the young hobbit, grateful that he had done so before the hobbits. A felt a small pang surfaced out of worry for Frodo's safety as he watched keenly in silence.

"Sam, Merry, Pippin, I have located our friend, but you need to remain quiet and calm before I point him out to you," the Ranger whispered.

"Why do we need to keep quiet?" Merry asked immediately. The straw-haired hobbit was not about to be deterred by anything that would prevent or stop them from finding his missing cousin. According to his father, stubbornness was something he had inherited from the Brandybuck side of the family tree, just like Frodo.

"Look yonder, Merry, but do not shout out too loudly for what you see," Strider warned, before raising his arm so they could follow with their eyes.

"Oh my word!" Sam said with a little more volume than he or Strider would have liked. He quickly clamped his own hand over his mouth, but could not hide the fear in his eyes that he now held for his master.

Merry and Pippin were both about to call out to their cousin upon seeing him perched in the large tree, but refrained as Strider repeated his warning of not startling Frodo which may cause him to fall.

"We have to get him down from there now!" Pippin pleaded with the Ranger urgently, as quietly as his voice would allow. The fact that the youngest hobbit was whispering at all or was even capable of such a feat was not lost to his friends. It also demonstrated just how afraid he was that Frodo could lose his balance.

"Frodo has always climbed been the one to climb trees. Even back at Brandy Hall he was told by my mother a number of times how dangerous such an activity could be. He never listened to her though, and assured her that he would be safe," Merry commented casually, thinking back to earlier times. “He merely made sure to go a little further away into the forest where she and nobody else could see him.”

"I am certain that Legolas and Frodo would fast become good friends, now that I see him doing such things. Legolas too has an affinity for climbing trees, though he has never fallen out of one so far as I know," Strider stated, trying to reassure the hobbits that Frodo might not be in any direct danger.

"Mister Strider, you have to get him down before he falls," Sam voiced again with alarm, his fear not having been abated in the slightest by talk of others doing something similar with confidence.

"I agree with you Sam, but we must also be cautious in how we go about doing it,” Strider said, taking the gardener's smaller hand and urging him to calm down. “If Frodo was to startle suddenly then we would be causing him more harm than good," he added.

"Let us wait until he has moved away from the edges of those branches before trying to attract his attention," Strider suggested, noting that Frodo was only just beginning to walk back towards the central trunk of the tree.

Frodo stopped walking about halfway along, still holding tightly onto the branch above. His gaze turned upwards to the branch above as he now tried to use the strength in his arms to lift himself up onto the higher branch.

Sam's heart was almost in his throat as he watched his master become even more daring than he had ever thought was possible of him. Inwardly he told himself that once Frodo was safely on the ground he would have to have a conversation with his master.

Although Strider was a little concerned himself for Frodo's safety, upon watching the agile young hobbit, he couldn't help but be surprised at his flexibility and strength for one so small. There was so much for him to learn and discover about all of these interesting hobbits. They were as unique as the leaves above them. Their individual personalities only beginning to reveal themselves, the longer he spent more time with them.

By now, Frodo had managed to complete his desired acrobatic task by pulling himself up onto the higher branch. He was still holding onto the branch with one hand as he waited to steady his balance properly. It was only now that he became aware of being watched from below.

Without remembering the warning Strider had given a few moments before, Pippin was simply amazed by the feat that Frodo had achieved. The youngest member of the group wanted to show his admiration, and stood up and began clapping towards his cousin.

"No Pippin!" Merry warned, but also forgetting that he too was supposed to be using a softer voice. But by now, the damage caused by both of them was already done, even though unintentional.

Frodo was startled by the suddedn burst of applause from his cousin and the shout of alarm coming from Merry. His tenuous balance was lost as he attempted to grab a hold of the branch, but unfortunately it was not quick enough. His concentration had been interrupted and as he tried to maintain a firm foothold, but all he found was thin air.

His companions were forced to watch in shock, and call his name out in frightful horror as they saw Frodo lose his balance, foothold and grip and fall from his lofty position.

Before anybody could prevent it, Frodo fell off the branch, a smaller twig striking him and scratching across his cheek as he toppled backwards. There was a sharp cry for help as he tried to stop his momentum and then a harsh thud as he fell face first onto the ground underneath the tree.

Strider had tried desperately to reach the tree to try and catch the hobbit, or at least cushion the fall with his own body. However, his honed skills and speed were no match against gravity and ill-fate, and he was not fast enough to stop such a mishap. Frodo lay on his stomach in the grass, not moving or making a sound.

"Frodo!" the three hobbits managed to say in unison as they all arrived a second behind the Ranger and tried to assess how badly he had been hurt.

"Are you alright little one?" Strider asked gently, feeling as though there should have been something more he could have done to prevent such an accident. He had promised Bilbo that he would protect him whilst in the Shire. Frodo's wandering away from them had been unexpected, he laid a great deal of blame on himself.

At first there was no response, and the Strider thought the hobbit may have lost consciousness after striking his head as he landed. He placed his hands on the hobbit's slim shoulders and was about to carefully turn him over to see what injuries he had sustained.

"Please be alright Mister Frodo," Sam pleaded, almost on the verge of tears. "You just got to be."

"S-Sam…..," came the raspy reply, Frodo trying to get air back into his lungs.

Strider and the hobbit's couldn't help but feel a tangible sense of relief at hearing even that one word escape his lips. Allowing Frodo a few more moments to gather his bearings and composure, he regained enough of his senses to pull himself into a sitting position.

The hobbit winced at the dull ache he felt inside his chest when he did so, but for the sake of his younger companions, he tried to put on a brave face. He looked up and regretted seeing the distressed faces of Sam and his two cousins. The Ranger knelt beside him, checking him over very carefully and waiting for him to tell them what hurt the most.

"I am sorry,” he apologised. “Just got the wind knocked out me I suspect," he added, but placed the palm of his hand over the spot on his chest that was causing discomfort, trying to rub the pain away.

"Please allow me take a closer look, Frodo," Strider instructed as he gently undid the buttons on Frodo's shirt and took a look beneath the hand at the pale skin.

"It is a little reddened at the moment and no doubt you will feel some discomfort for a day or two. There may be some noticeable bruising afterwards," Strider diagnosed.

"Frodo, I am sorry I didn't mean to startle you like that," Pippin blurted out, the apprehension hanging over him clearly visible, that he was the one mostly responsible for his cousin's fall.

"I must admit I did not know you were watching, but you are not to blame dear Pip," Frodo soothed, placing a hand on the youngest hobbit's shoulder and diverting his concerns away from any guilt he was attributing to himself.

"Oh, Mister Frodo, I was so worried about seeing you up in that tree like that," Sam declared out loud.

"What were you doing climbing that tree anyway, Frodo?" Pippin asked, knowing that his cousin could usually be trusted to tell him the truth.

"I like being around trees, Pippin," Frodo commented as he allowed himself be pulled to his feet. "It makes me feel good inside to be around things in nature."

"I bet your not feeling too good inside there right now," Merry retorted back with a little too much honesty. “This is something that I would normally expect from Pippin. Silly hobbit," he added, patting his cousin's shoulder fondly and receiving a fool-hardy grin in return from Frodo.

The comment had the desired effect of lightening everyone's mood, when Pippin spluttered with indignation. “And just what exactly do you mean by saying something like that, Merry,” he demanded.

The hobbit's laughter together and at each was the medicine they all needed after such a scare. The afternoon had been a great success to kept them occupied until the fall.

"Are you certain you will be able to walk back without too much discomfort, Frodo?" the Ranger enquired. The dark-haired hobbit appeared to be standing on his own without any trouble and with little sign of any problems with his sense of balance.

"Thank you for asking, Strider, I will be perfectly fine," Frodo assured him, feeling a little embarrassed that he had caused his friends and companions to worry so much about him.

The group started to head back to Bag End. The frivolity that the hobbits had displayed at the start the journey with had all but evaporated. Merry and Pippin were walking ahead, sharing some idle chatter together. Strider and Sam were talking quietly to each other about the comings and goings within the shire, whilst walking behind Frodo, keeping a watchful eye on him. Frodo was lost in his own thoughts of tasks that he had yet to complete before Bilbo's birthday party celebration.

The Ranger was readying himself with a plausible explanation for Bilbo and Gandalf, to explain why he had not kept a sharper eye on the lad. His tales of Legolas and Mirkwood would not probably not suffice.

Sam was determined not to let, Mister Frodo out of his sight again that afternoon and convinced himself that he would be able to tell if he was trying to hide any pain. Sam had already promised to make a nice cup of hot tea for them all once they were home. Hopefully the tea would help his master relax and allow any sore muscles to do the same.

The pace returning to Bag End was somewhat slower than it had been leaving, because Sam had wanted to backtrack to their original spot underneath the tree to retrieve the picnic basket and remaining food and water. Frodo was grateful for the cool water and took a drink when offered, and was pleased to keep his walking pace to strolling speed. The headache he had mentioned before leaving Bag End had eased considerably.

Gandalf was talking with Bilbo in the kitchen when Strider and hobbits entered through the front door. Bilbo had been very busy making some of the dishes for the party whilst the wizard was prepared to sit back and enjoy his pipe whilst engaging with his life-long friend in some intelligent conversation and memories of old times.

"What do have we here?” Gandalf questioned with a laugh. “Our much too noisy friends have returned, Bilbo." He noticed that Merry and Pippin were still trying to escape his piercing gaze but there was also something else.

Frodo walked in front of Strider, but could not hide a few winces of pain as he shuffled his feet along the floor, looking for the words to give in explanation to his Uncle Bilbo. The ranger himself held a strange look on his face also, as though he might be guilty of something.

Sam was the first to speak up inform them of the misadventures of the afternoon. "Master Bilbo, Frodo hurt himself falling out of a tree," he announced. Frodo and Strider both inwardly groaned, hoping they would be able to relay the details a little more subtly.

"Frodo lad, are you hurt somewhere?" Bilbo quickly asked, wiping his floured hands on a cloth and walking forward with a concerned look on his face. His mind had only yet focused on Sam's words that the boy may have been injured.

"Only a little bruising, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo promised, giving his best sympathetic look with his expressive blue eyes. "It doesn't hurt so much now," he added, hoping to ease a little of his uncle's worry.

"My humblest apologises to you, Bilbo but I could not get to him in time to prevent his fall. I will have Frodo sit a minute while I examine the area more closely," Strider suggested. “I did check on him when it first happened, but was assured that his pain was minimal.”

"Oh don't go blaming yourself, ranger. I have known you well enough by now to believe that you would not be at fault, Strider. Falling from a tree, Sam is it? Well that doesn't surprise me one bit with our young Frodo here. He was always a little keen on trees even before he moved here to Hobbiton with me," Bilbo said as he saw Sam's nod of acknowledgement that he was understanding the version of events correctly.

And then Bilbo uttered something that took the wizard and everybody else in the room completely by surprise. “Frodo is not the first Baggins to be found climbing a tree.”

The elderly hobbit kept his gaze on Gandalf the entire time as he spoke.

“Bilbo Baggins, I was not entirely responsible for you needing to climb that pine tree in such great haste,” he challenged, coughing as a little smoke rose from his pipe and tickled his throat. “Perhaps you need to take that subject up with Balin upon his next visit.”

“Balin had nothing to do with chasing Thorin and his company of dwarves up that tree, Gandalf, and you know it,” Bilbo said in defence of another long time friend. “I only followed you all up into it because there was no where else to go.”

Bilbo was about to continue into another long tirade about Gandalf's interpretation of that particular adventure, when he glanced around the room and saw the enthralled faces of Merry and Pippin. Frodo's expression was caught somewhere between wanting to know how Bilbo had found himself in such a precarious position, and hearing such a tale of his uncle's travels for the first time.

He had been privileged to hear many of Bilbo's journey's to interesting and foreign places. But having to climb a tree because of Gandalf, in the company of a band of dwarves was certainly a new one. Any other stories about the dwarves usually revolved around their boisterous arrivals and loud visits to Bag End. And they usually ended with them pilfering every morsel of food he had in his pantries and larders.

Strider's shared a small grin as he exchanged glances between Bilbo and Gandalf. The younger hobbit's had been treated to an even more exciting tale than he had dared to share with them earlier that afternoon. Both of them were both left floundering to find a plausible explanation that would satisfy young curious minds and exonerate either of them from admitting to past misdeeds.

"Frodo, you go with Strider and do what he asks please, while he takes a good look at you. Samwise, you and I will make a nice cup of tea for everybody, and I will add some herbs to his cup that will ease any pain," Bilbo suggested, changing the subject entirely and shifting the focus away from himself. Frodo's good manners kept him from asking more questions on this occasion, but he suspected that he would be seeking clarification at another time.

Merry and Pippin decided it best to keep out of the way for a few minutes and were content to move closer to the table where Gandalf was sitting. Pippin couldn't help but spot the pies that Bilbo had been preparing a little earlier. He reached out his hand and tried to sneak a piece of the dough before his hand was slapped away by Merry.

Merry gave his best disapproving look to his younger cousin, but not before he too was dipping his finger in the soft, edible dough whilst Bilbo and the others were concerned with Frodo. Pippin was about to object strongly at Merry's double standard, but then saw the delightful smile that resulted from tasting. He soon joined in by running his finger around the inside of the jar of preserves that would make up the filling, and happily popping it into his mouth.

Frodo obediently went with the Ranger into the sitting room where he could be more comfortable on the settee. He stretched out along it and patiently waited for Strider to look at his chest. He didn't think such measures were needed a second time, but he wanted to cast aside any shadows of concern that Bilbo held about his well-being.

"I did not know you were skilled in the treatment of hobbit," Frodo said casually as he watched the Ranger use warm, gentle hands that were not normally associated with men or the 'big-folk'. The touch was light and firm but did not hurt.

"I have learned much about the skill of healing for many races and creatures, from Lord Elrond that I spoke of earlier,” Strider replied. “I was fortunate enough to learn quickly under his careful guidance and from the vast amount of knowledge he possesses."

"Here is your tea, Mister Frodo, Sir," Sam announced as he walked over to his master and placed the mug of tea on a small table beside the settee.

Gandalf came into the sitting room and sat down in one of the armchairs. Bilbo followed, but moved closer to the head of the settee, awaiting for Strider to finish examining Frodo.

"I could probably lessen any discomfort for you a little more if I had the athelas plant among my current possessions. I know that it does grow in small pockets throughout the shire, but perhaps not easily identified as it once was in these parts. Often it goes undetected and is known to your kin by another name," Strider commented, looking towards the wizard for his assistance.

"No, Strider, you would be correct, that plant no longer grows in abundance within this region as it once did," Gandalf said blowing out a puff of smoke, and accepting a cup of tea offered by Sam. “I believe in common tongue it is known as 'kingsfoil '

"Before you came home, I was just about to start to prepare supper. Would you like to join us, Samwise?" Bilbo asked, knowing that Frodo would appreciate his offer.

"Can he stay the night, Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo enquired with a touch of excitement in his voice. "There are already three of us and there is plenty of space," he added. Somehow it didn't feel right that he and his two cousins would be allowed to join in fun and games later on that evening without Sam being there to enjoy them too.

"Mister Frodo, I am just overjoyed you would ask," Sam commented, very grateful for such an invitation. He had never thought of staying overnight in Bag End unless his master wasn't feeling well. There had been a few occasions where he had been asked to help keep him company whilst he recovered.

Now he was not only being asked to stay overnight but to be included in the fun with Frodo's kin. "Are you sure there is enough room, beggin your pardon as you seem to have a number of guests already Master Bilbo?"

"I think that's a splendid idea, Frodo," Bilbo agreed, noting the happiness that his agreement invoked in more than one pair of eyes.

"What will I tell my Gaffer?" Sam asked, knowing that his father might frown on such matters, where class and knowing one's proper place were expected.

"Well Sam, now that Frodo has gone and hurt himself, and with all of these additional guests in my home, I find myself needing an additional pair of hands. Someone with some good old fashioned hobbit sense in case they anything during the night," Bilbo explained, giving Frodo a sly smile to go with his words. His nephew would have to play along a little for Sam'e benefit.

Gandalf and Strider couldn't help but attempt to hide pleased grins behind their mugs of tea as they listened to the older hobbit. Bilbo's ability to try and coax Samwise into thinking he was doing the right thing was a stroke of genius and continued.

"Frodo's hand will need to be attended to and the bandages changed after his bath. I will need someone who has a sound mapping of my kitchen to help prepare the right sort of tea before bed. There is no substitute better than a good night's rest, where he can sleep through the night without being disturbed by any lingering discomfort. Merry and Pippin will be full of energy I suspect and therefore they might not be suited to such an important task," Bilbo stated, providing the stout hobbit with a viable alibi that he could use to tell his Gaffer.

Bilbo knew full well about Hamfast's views on taking care of those better than themselves. He would use such views to his advantage without stretching the truth too much. He doubted Frodo would like having himself referred to as needing as much help as he said, but he also knew his young charge would be more than willing to endure such remarks if it allowed Sam to join him and his cousins.

"I'll go and see him Master Bilbo and tell him the same, that Mister Frodo may be needing some company as well as caring for his hurts," Sam said, now mirroring the excitement that his master had displayed. "If all is right, I will return with a change of clothes and some of my mother's fresh made confectionery. She made it just for Mister Frodo's birthday, she said so."

"Um, we will both come with you to support your story, Sam," Merry offered, giving his younger cousin a quick jab with his elbow. "We will make sure that you get home safely and back here again." he added.

"Oh yes, we will won't we, Merry," Pippin said positively, following the lead from his older cousin, but unaware of his obvious overacting and mistiming his cue.

"Would that be suitable with you Mister Frodo, Sir?" Sam asked, a little wary as to why Frodo's two cousins would be offering to go with him. Until however, he remembered mentioning something about his mother's home-made sweets. At least he knew what they were up to, 'hoping to get a sample of the delicious candy for themselves, no doubt' Sam thought to himself.

"That's quite alright Sam, go now and you can come back and we can have supper and then I will read some stories to you all in my room," Frodo answered. Like Sam, he too already knew why Merry and Pippin were volunteereing and insisting that they went along too.

Frodo and the three adults watched the trio of younger hobbits head back out of the front door of Bag End and walk the relatively short distance to Sam's home.

"Those too are incorrigible, Bilbo," Gandalf said, breaking the silence within the room with a wry smile.

He wasn't cross with the two cousins, but was not accustomed to such brazen measures taken at any opportunity to gain more treats of food for themselves. One could have been mistaken about the wizard not being used to it after being included in Thorin Oakenshield's company. The voracious appetite of the two growing hobbit lad's may have been matched by the dwarves.

"Ah, yes I am afraid they are at that Gandalf, but don't fret so. Underneath Merry and Pippin are quite sensible even for their ages. They will not do wrong by Sam once they are in the presence of others. They will mind their manners and be nothing but charming to the Gamgee family I am sure,” Bilbo assured him.

"Your pies and delicious pastries smell wonderful, Uncle Bilbo," Frodo said as the enticing aromas wafted out from the kitchen and to him seated on the settee. A mixture of just the right of nutmeg and cinnamon and a few other sweet smells that were beginning to make him hungry.

"Ah supper will be ready very shortly my dear boy," Bilbo said with a chuckle, delighted for once that his cooking had such an effect on his young nephew. "I have been very busy since you were gone all afternoon. That apple barrel down in the cellar will need replenishing tomorrow morning as well as a host of my other cooking ingredients."

"You mean that giant barrel of apples," Frodo said in complete astonishment. His memory took him back to a month ago when the barrel had first been brought in by Sam's Gaffer. He had questioned his uncle back than as to why they needed such a large barrel for just the two of them. Although he did enjoy them immensely as a quick snack. They didn't require any cooking, and he could take a couple of them with him as he walked about Hobbiton.

At the time, Bilbo had replied to his question about the quantity by telling him that it didn't hurt to have a supply of fresh food wherever possible. Particularly when a certain young hobbit was quite fond of apples and was often found pilfering one or two before heading outdoors for his walks.

Bilbo looked towards Frodo when he finished speaking and saw the boy's mind ticking over with the information he had just been told. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, clearly seeing an air of mischief coming from his blue eyes.

"I think you have just given me the perfect little idea about how to get back at Merry and Pippin," Frodo said with a grin as he went to get off the settee.

"Strider, may I enquire if you have a cloak that I could borrow for but a few minutes. I promise it will not come to any harm," Frodo asked politely of the Ranger.

The man was relieved that Frodo appeared to have suffered few lasting effects from his fall out of the tree. Any distinguishable bruising would not be visible for another day, perhaps two. The bandage around his hand was still in place, and would need to be changed as Bilbo had already hinted at. Thankfully, mild discolouration and being embarrassed by his cousins may be the only reminders of today's mishap.

"I do indeed, and I have no objections but must ask what are you planning to do?" the Ranger replied. Movement from the young hobbit was unrestricted from what the ranger could see. He was intrigued and curious about this mischievous side of Frodo.

"To give two certain young cousins a taste of their own medicine," Frodo said as he took the cloak Strider offered. He was even more pleased to see that the cloak was also hooded. Even better for his plans he mused. The fabric was much darker in colour than his own and a great deal longer but that would suit his purpose even more.

By now the adults had a vague notion of what Frodo planned to do. Bilbo and Gandalf usually did not see Frodo involving himself in such activities, but could not deny that they thought a little harmless fun would entertain them all.

"Uncle, could you see that Merry and Pippin come looking for me once they have returned?" Frodo asked as he started heading down into the cellar.

"Yes, Frodo lad, I will tell them," Bilbo answered with a note of anticipation, as he began clearing away his cooking dishes in order to set the table for supper.

"Looks as though the young apprentice now has an accomplice, Bilbo," Gandalf laughed, pleased to see that some traits about his old friend has not changed too much with age. "You are not returning to your underhanded and sneaky ways from when you were much younger are you?"

"I shall see to it that you and the Ranger are blamed as much as I am, Gandalf, should it become necessary and we find ourselves at the mercy of a number of angry, young hobbits," Bilbo teased lightly.

Strider and Gandalf both chuckled at the remark, and waited patiently for the impromptu performance to begin.

Approximately five minutes after Frodo went down into the cellar, Merry and Pippin returned to Bag End, followed closely by Sam who was carrying a small backpack with his change of clothes.

"I see your Gaffer was agreeable to you staying then, Sam," Bilbo said as he laid plates and cutlery on the table for all.

"Not at first Master Bilbo, I must admit. He wasn't too keen on the idea at all. I am most grateful for Mister Merry here who helped to repeat the reasons why I was needed that you told me. That I needed to help look after Mister Frodo and your other invited guests. My Gaffer changed his mind then and said it was alright as long as I remember to help out where I was needed most," Sam explained.

Merry and Pippin were both very pleased with their efforts of being able to persuade Sam's parents into letting him stay at Bag End. Like their cousin, they would be a little disappointed had they had to return to Bilbo's home without him, only to have the stout hobbit miss out on the fun.

"Well that is most pleasing to hear Sam, I am grateful that your Gaffer has much wisdom when it comes to such things," Bilbo remarked. "I am sure that Frodo will be just as happy to hear the news as well."

It was only now that Bilbo mentioned his name that the three younger hobbits, noticed Frodo was no longer sitting on the settee. He gave a secret wink towards Gandalf and Strider before continuing his charade.

"Where is Mister Frodo?" Sam asked, thinking that maybe his master had gone to change his clothes for dinner or lay down quietly in his bedroom before supper.

"I sent him down to the cellar to get some ingredients for my dessert. I must say I sent him just after you left to go home, Sam. He has been gone a few minutes longer than I would have expected of him. Merry and Pippin, would you two go down into the cellar and see what's keeping him. Samwise I could use your expertise in telling me if this stew is salted enough if you don't mind," Bilbo commented, using a ploy to ensure that it wasn't Sam that went looking for Frodo first.

"Not to worry, Bilbo, he can't have gone to far," Merry said enthusiastically as he urged Pippin to follow him. Both hobbit's gulped a little at the darkness of the room, even from the top of the stairs and they were grateful that neither of them was about to proceed down there alone.

Strider laughed inwardly at the two hobbit's paused on the stairs, noting that their fear of the dark only played further into Frodo's hands. At first Sam had been a little troubled that he was not asked to fetch his master. But he didn't want to upset Bilbo, his host for the night over not helping him assess the readiness of the stew either. The request seemed a little odd to him at first. Sam was only to aware of Bilbo's ability to cook up any number of delicious dishes, but he didn't question the reason given.

Upon seeing Strider's grin, and the knowing glances exchanged between Master Bilbo and Gandalf, the wizard, he suspected that Frodo's disappearance and subsequent absence had been staged. He waited along with the adults to see what would soon transpire.

Down in the cellar, Frodo could now hear footsteps descending the staircase, and shrouded himself further into the folds of the Ranger's cloak. When he had first come down here he had quickly climbed into the almost empty apple barrel. Those efforts to raise himself over the wooden rim had made him wince out loud a couple of times due to the bruising of his chest. He was appreciative that nobody else had been about to hear his sharp intake of breath or rub the problem area beneath his shirt.

Once he had managed to stand inside the barrel, and stop moving about so much, the ache soon eased and disappeared. He crouched down, and knelt on the bottom of the wooden bottom, with his knees bent and touching the inside wall of the vessel. Proceeding to drape the long cloak around his shoulders and fasten it with the fine brooch in front, he was almost set to seek his revenge for the ink staining his clothes.

The last thing he needed to do was to pull the hood of the garment over his head. Being suitable for a man, it was deep enough to shield most of his face and hide his features in shadow. He didn't have a mirror to go rely on, but used his hands to brush some of his dark curls towards the edges of his face for an even more dramatic and imposing effect.

Now all he had to do was wait until Merry and Pippin got too curious for their own good. From previous experience and knowing first hand of their inability to remain still, he doubted he would have to wait too long.

Frodo heard the descending footsteps, followed by the whispered voices of Merry and Pippin. Once they had reached the bottom of the staircase, they walked together across the floor, neither willing to admit that they were afraid of the dark and determined not to let go of each other in case they lost each other in the enveloping darkness.

Merry and Pippin could vaguely see the distinct shape of wine barrels and other various wooden casks that contained long life food. They were stacked neatly in each corner of the cooler space that made up the cellar. They couldn't see any sign of Frodo and were beginning to feel as if something might have happened to him.

Both of them were regretting not having the foresight to bring a torch with them that would help see into the darkness, and warn off any perceived threat. An involuntary shiver ran across Pippin's shoulders, and Merry drew him closer, intending to protect him from unseen dangers.

"Halt, who goes there?" Frodo asked in a much deeper tone voice, disguising his usual pitch. His objective was to make them both jump at a few harmless noises, but to not frighten them too much that would cause any lasting effects.

"Merry, did you say something?" Pippin squeaked in alarm at the voice he heard, gripping his cousin's waistcoat much tighter.

"Don't be daft, Pip, I didn't say anything, it must have been you or that over-active imagination of yours," Merry said, removing the constricting arm from his middle. He wanted to sound brave and confident, but in truth, was feeling just as nervous as Pippin.

"Meriadoc and Peregrin, you disturb my slumber," Frodo uttered with a deep guttural voice. He was scarcely able to keep from laughing at the squeaks of fright he could hear coming from his two cousins.

"We didn't mean to disturb you, Sir, honest. We were sent down here to look for our cousin, Frodo," Pippin gulped, not recognizing who he was speaking to. He wasn't even sure if he meant to speak out loud in the first place.

"Frodo?" the voice called out, as though confused at hearing the name. "You must be referring to the other hobbit whom I have eaten!"

"Eaten!” Merry protested, as he felt the blood drain away from his face at such a statement. The hair on the back of his neck to stand up and the skin of his forearms to break out in gooseflesh. The very idea of something eating any hobbit was repulsive.

Frodo slowly began to rise up from inside the apple barrel, giving the appearance of being an dark, hooded and evil spectre. Coming forth to seek out new unsuspecting victims who were foolish enough to venture into its foreboding and darkened lair.

For a few moments, Merry and Pippin froze in place and could only gape with abject horror as they watched a large, cloaked and silhouetted figure rise up directly in front of them. Growing taller and taller and getting larger by the second.

The two frightened hobbit's could not see the face of the creature before them as it spoke to them. The space where a face should be was shrouded in darkness by the hood of the cloak. They were on the edge of losing any bravery or confidence to fear, clinging to each other tightly as a combined team and convinced that their lives were truly in danger.

"And now, I shall have you as well," Frodo declared in his altered voice, reaching out with both hands towards his two nervous hobbits. Frodo deliberately turned his face towards his cousins, the dark curls falling across his paler skin. This made it appear as though there was nothing beneath the hood but a strange and unfamiliar entity.

Merry and Pippin both shrieked in tandem with bemused horror, as they got their first glimpse of the white face which was staring back at them with intensity. They noted the blue eyes, but their fear would not release them long enough to recognize anything about them, other than having a cold, piercing stare.

Gandalf, and the two adults waiting upstairs in the sitting room, had been waiting patiently to hear what Frodo had planned for his cousins. Just when they feared that nothing would occur, the trio fought to hold back their laughter in a more composed manner as they heard hobbit's shrieking and now running back up the staircase.

Merry and Pippin raced into the room after climbing the stairs two at a time, falling over each other's feet as they sought refuge and safety from the behind the settee. They were quite out of breath, and were trying to draw air into their starving lungs whilst sitting on the floor. They were trying to escape and put any obstacle between themselves and whatever was chasing them from the cellar.

Frodo, had taken his time to climb out of the barrel, and follow the two young hobbits. Now he stood inside the doorway, listening to Merry and Pippin talking over the top of one another to Bilbo, attempting tell their version of events.

"Merry, Pippin, are you alright?" Gandalf asked, finding it difficult not to see the funny side of Frodo's prank. "Whatever is the matter my dear young hobbits?" he enquired with an over-concerned tone to his voice.

The wizard was doing his best to maintain a sympathetic expression, which is more than could be said for Bilbo and Strider. The two of them were trying to hide their grins and giggles behind their hands, but were failing badly at doing so with success.

"Oh, Gandalf, Bilbo! There is a huge, big monster down in the cellar," Pippin wailed, as he fought to pull himself to his feet. He grabbed onto and pulled the sleeve of the wizard's grey travelling cloak tightly for greater emphasis.

"A monster you say? How big was this monster and what did he threaten to do?" Gandalf asked, acting as though he was hanging onto the youngster's every word.

"At first he was small. We didn't even see it until it started rising up from the floor," Merry declared, waving his arms about, and giving a grand demonstration of what they had discovered to Bilbo and Strider.

"The creature said it was going to eat us, and had already eaten, Frodo!" Pippin reported, the volume of his voice increasing dramatically. He did not realise how ridiculous his telling of the story sounded.

"Eat Frodo, you say!" Gandalf cried out with mock alarm. By this time, he knew that he would not be able to hold back his mirth without drawing suspicion. Thankfully his rescuer came as he watched a shrouded Frodo silently creep up behind the two hobbits. 'The monster' was about to reveal himself.

Normally, Sam would have been worried to hear such a statement about his master's unfortunate and untimely fate. Any premature and unwarranted concern was soon cast aside as he caught sight of the floating cloaked figure, out of the corner of his eye.

"Does this monster resemble anything like the one standing directly behind you now?" Gandalf asked, as he casually leaned back in the armchair.

Merry and Pippin froze at the wizard's words, turning every so slowly, and as soon as they saw the cloak, ran behind Strider who was still seated. "Don't let him get to us Strider?" Merry cried out, pleading for the ranger to help them when their need was so dire.

"Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, note what I am about to say to you well," Frodo warned with his deeper voice.

Strider and Bilbo could scarcely believe the change in voice that was coming from the normally, mild-mannered hobbit. The two of them were forced to quell their laughter and witness the priceless expressions on the faces of Merry and Pippin. By this time, Sam had relaxed sufficiently upon seeing who the manifested monster was, and he too had to hold back from laughing heartily, or risk spoiling his master's ruse.

The two hobbits were urging each other to turn their faces away and not to look upon the figure, convinced that their eyes were playing tricks. However, the longer they attempted to resist, the more they found themselves unable to force themselves not to look. When it became clear that they may not be able to stop the screams of terror they were barely holding onto, the figure lifted a shrouded arm towards his hood.

Without any further warning, the hood was thrown back, revealing the monster underneath.

"Boo!" Frodo taunted in his own voice. The dark-haired hobbit's blue eyes were shining with sheer delight at having given his two cousins such a great scare.

Frodo could barely stop himself from laughing as he looked at the stunned faces of Merry and Pippin. The longer he looked at them, remembering their shrieks and whispers down in the cellar, the harder it was to hold the gaffs of laughter back. An unusual, but unbridled display of emotion for such a gentle-hobbit.

By this time, Merry and Pippin became aware that they were the butt of the joke. They could see everybody laughing heartily at their expense. Frodo was laughing and his eyes were watering. Whilst they often got caught up in their own mischief, being caught out like they had been was an uncommon occurrence.

Merry was the first to look display an indignant expression on his face about what they had just been put through. "I suppose you think this is all very funny, Frodo Baggins!" he challenged, taking a step away from Pippin and putting his hands on his hips in a demanding stance.

Pippin nodded his head at the scathing words, and tried to mimic his cousin's unimpressed look. In truth he was more cross that neither of them had figured out the whole

deplorable episode had been a gag meant to catch them out. Glancing about at the faces in the room, it seemed that everybody had been privy except him and Merry.

"Actually I do," Frodo answered, straightening himself up and neatly removing the cloak from around his shoulders. "Thank you, Strider, that was most enjoyable. The best fun I have had in a very long time," he added, still smiling broadly.

"You should have seen your faces," Frodo teased the two cousins. "I'm coming to get you," he repeated with the deep voice, and then doubling up again with a fresh wave of laughter at the reaction he had invoked down in the cellar.

"You sure got them good Mister Frodo, Sir," Sam congratulated, as the laughter began to slow a little. "I bet they won't be pulling any more pranks on you in a while," he noted with a grin of satisfaction of his own. He would never have thought up something as clever as that to get back at Merry and Pippin for the ink and tea.

"It was a pretty good trick," Pippin admitted, thinking about it more and seeing it from Frodo's point of view. If he hadn't been so scared by it, and followed Merry's lead, he might have agreed with Sam that it was most inventive. The youngest hobbit was confident that he would be able to work on coming up with something like that with some time.

"Never let it be said that a Baggins was out done by a Brandybuck and a Took," Frodo declared proudly in defence of his family heritage.

"That's two Bagginses, Frodo my boy," Bilbo pointed out as he sat down in one of the armchairs. "We Bagginses have to stick together you know," he added with a cheeky wink.

Merry and Pippin could only give their elderly cousin Bilbo icy stares of bewilderment in response. The old hobbit had been part of the whole plan from the start. Because he had been the one to send them down into the cellar in the first place. He had known all along what was doing to happen, or suspected at the very least.

Age may be catching up with Bilbo and slowing him down physically, but his mind was still plenty active. He could clearly be just as sneaky as Frodo when he chose to be. Both Bagginses had been underestimated on this occasion, and together as a team, they were a formidable opposition indeed.

"I am grateful that I shall not be on the receiving end of such revenge or retribution from a Baggins," Strider commented casually. "I will have to remain forever vigilant around all hobbits living within the shire. They are a most resourceful and unpredictable folk."

"I guess we are about even at the moment, Frodo," Merry declared. “You did scare us both good and proper, and that's all done now.

Pippin wanted to openly object longer about the unfairness of it all, but saw the look on his cousin, and recognized a refreshed sense of determination. For now he was content to follow and give assistance to whatever scheme Merry was hatching.

Merry was not one to be deterred, and he did secretively begin formulating a worthwhile plan of retaliation. The game was still afoot yet. Frodo had won a significant battle, that was true. A sly smile crept over his face as he started thinking. There would be plenty of chances to get back at his cousin as he remembered the birthday celebration that would take place the next day.

Bilbo now invited everybody to join him in the dining room for supper. The banquet that was laid before them was lavish, sumptuous and mouth-watering. Pies were not the only offerings on the table. And there was copious quantities of everything. The elderly hobbit had outdone himself with his generous hospitality.

For the next hour, any chatter around the dining room table ceased as all guests began to sample the delicious array of food and focus soon turned to eating. Occasionally, Frodo would steal glances towards his two cousins and grinning to himself of what had taken place.

Frodo surveyed the faces gathered around the table, with members of his own family present, and friends, both new and old joining together harmoniously in a meal. The dark-haired hobbit smiled with anticipation and a hint of excitement, that the birthday celebrations he would share with his beloved uncle Bilbo tomorrow, should be the best ever.

After supper had been consumed, the younger hobbits had helped Samwise to clear away the dishes. The straw-haired hobbit had offered to help clean up the dining room and kitchen by himself, but was quickly denied by Frodo. Sam was told that this was one night where he was going to be enjoying the fun too. With extra pairs of hands, the tasks were quickly completed whilst the other adults were quietly talking over a bottle of Bilbo's vintage wine.

With the menial chores out of the way, Frodo took the younger hobbits into his bedroom, intending to read a story or two from some of his many books. For over an hour, Frodo had his cousins and Sam listening and enthralled by every word he spoke. Just as they had done so beneath the tree earlier in the day with Strider.

In the sitting room, the bottle of wine had eventually been swapped for pipes, smoking and sipping at piping hot cups of tea, whilst news and rumours from outside of the shire were shared. Before the topic of discussion changed to recalling old memories, Gandalf commented that he should retire to bed for the evening. There were many preparations for the following day that would require his personal attention.

After bidding the wizard goodnight, Bilbo was about to show Strider to one of his guest rooms that was specifically set up to accommodate big-folk. Gandalf was using a similar sized room, where the bed was much larger and would allow a man to rest in comfort. Other furnishings within the room would also suit the ranger better than hobbit sized furniture.

As they made their way down one of the many passageways of Bag End, they could hear whispered voices coming from behind Frodo's closed bedroom. Curiosity found them unable to resist looking in to see what was going on. Surely four hobbits would have run out of energy and things to talk about by this time.

Bilbo politely knocked on the door, but as he opened the door and looked in, his eyes lit up and he smiled at a most heart-warming scene before them.

Frodo had been reading to the younger hobbits, but before starting the current tale, Merry had declared that it was his turn to read to them all. Frodo was laying on the far side of the bed, closest to the window, whilst Pippin and Sam were gathered beside Merry on the opposite side. None of them being aware of anything else in the room but the story they were hearing.

"Did you young hobbits wear poor Frodo out?" Bilbo whispered, as he walked into the room. Strider remained in the doorway, not wanting to enter and make any unnecessary noise.

Sam and the others now turned around at Bilbo's question, surprised to see the dark-haired hobbit, sleeping peacefully on his back. His face relaxed and trouble free, and his breathing had deepened into slumber.

Sam felt his cheeks redden slightly with guilt that he had not detected any signs of his master growing weary. When Merry had begun to read about a sword fight from long ago, he had been listening too closely, and not paying attention to his master's needs.

"I am sorry Master Bilbo, I did not see how tired he was becoming," Sam offered in apology.

"That's perfectly alright, Sam, you have nothing to apologize for," Bilbo said gently as he picked up a soft blanket that hung over the end of the bed, and spread it gently over Frodo's peaceful form.

"I suspect all of you, including Frodo, have had much more activity today than he is normally used to since moving here to Bag End. He needs to get enough rest tonight for the celebrations tomorrow. It shall be a special day for him too, and I want to ensure that this birthday party will be just as much fun for him."

"His hand and chest must not be bothering him too much for the moment, judging how easily rest has found him tonight," Strider remarked. He did not want to dwell on how much his heart had skipped a beat when recalling the fall from the tree.

"Sam, I will leave you in here with Frodo tonight, for I know you will not awaken him with endless chatter or move about needlessly. Merry and Pippin, lads if you would come with me please, I will settled you both into one of the spare hobbit bedrooms down the hall," Bilbo instructed. “You have stayed in them before on previous visits.”

"Good-night, Master Bilbo and Mister Strider, Sir, I will not disturb him before morning," Sam promised, began settling down for the evening on the other side of the bed. He was intending to be as quiet and careful as he possible. The book that Merry had been reading from was set aside neatly on the night stand.

Merry and Pippin bid Sam good-night and followed Bilbo out of their cousin's bedroom. They were sharing a few last quiet words with the ranger, telling him all about the tales in Frodo's books.

Frodo turned on his side towards his uncle, and gave an audible sigh of contentment as he pressed his face deeper into the pillow.

The elderly hobbit doubted a thousand lines of poetry or a hundred tales in books could accurately describe how much he loved this gentle lad who had come into his lonely existence and given it meaning and purpose again. There would never be enough chests of gold, or bags of treasure that he would give in trade for the time they shared together.

"Good-night, my dear boy," Bilbo whispered and gently kissed his sleeping charge on his forehead, brushing the curls from his face with an affectionate stroke of his hand.

To be continued........

Author Notes: This story was started a long time ago (over fourteen 17 years ago), but I felt there were parts that needed more, and I wanted some more scenes in certain areas and include some of my new arcs.

I apologize for any mistakes I may have made about Lord Of The Rings history or any names I may have mis-spelled. I also hope that I have not wavered too far from people's takes on the individual personalities of each character.

I don't mean to make Strider and Bilbo out as so secretive. I just want to keep the idea about the Wraiths coming until later in the story. The fact that Bilbo knows that danger is coming and doesn't do anything straight away is also not intentional and I humbly ask for readers to believe that's what happened.

Any medicinal information is only from my own sources and not meant as true procedure to any injury or treatment that I may have used in my story so far or will in the future.

Not much has happened yet. Much more to come. In next chapter, the party preparations take place that I envisaged happened prior to the movie.

I know the appearance of a big person in the Shire would be out of place too, but I need that to make the story work. I just need both people, elves, dwarves and hobbits everywhere to suspend what they know to be true for a while and take what I write as happening.

I have also referred to Frodo as a boy in many parts - not intending for him to be called a human "boy" - just makes the story flow a little easier at times instead of constantly using "the hobbit" and similar descriptions.

Any information that I write in my Lord Of The Rings stories about eating flows on that in the two other fandoms I write – all of my main characters in each fandom are all finicky eaters and just push the food around on a plate or go for long lengths without anything to eat or refuse to do so. The others are like this in all stories that I write about them as well.

There will be other traits for Frodo that emerge over time that are not from the book or the movie, but characteristics that I interpret as part of his overall personality. I want to write a very close relationship between Bilbo and Frodo.

Please review and let me know what you think. I will try and update as soon as I can, but writing time is often not on my side.

Jules6