A soft fragrance filled the air as silver rays of moonlight shone upon Frodo’s face. A deep sigh passed his lips as he looked to Sam while he rode along his side. His face seemed long and distant as though the thoughts of days passed had come to his mind once again. Frodo watched him as they rode until a passing glance from Sam drew his eyes away. It pained him to look into Sam’s eyes for they held much sorrow with the memory of their quest. Yet in days to pass he told himself, they would be full of joy once again.

Then at last they came up over the moors to the brink of the deep valley of Rivendell. Far below the lamps were shining brightly in Elrond’s house awaiting his homecoming. As they came down the hill and crossed over the bridge, sweet voices rung into the air like bells announcing their arrival. Soon they came to the doors and as they went inside, they were surrounded with laughter and joy at their return. Through all the smiles and greetings Frodo looked on in search of the only one he truly wished to see. As he parted through the gathering crowd he took his hood down from his head as Sam came back to his side. Merry and Pippin seemed lost in other business so he went on through the hall in search of Bilbo. He and Sam soon found him all alone within his room sitting before a small bright fire. He looked very worn and old, but peaceful as he slept soundly in his chair. Frodo and Sam came in quietly stepping over papers littered upon the floor near Bilbo’s desk. Pens and pencils were scattered about and as they came near Bilbo opened his eyes and smiled.

"Hullo, hullo!" He said. "I see you’ve come back and in time for my birthday too. How clever of you! Do you know I shall be one hundred and twenty-nine? And in one year more, if I am spared, I shall equal the Old Took. I should like to beat him; but we shall see."

"That we shall." Frodo said as he came to Bilbo taking him into his arms. "It is so nice to see you again dear uncle. I have missed you so while I was away."

"As I have you my lad." Bilbo said as he patted Frodo’s back. "I have wondered as the days gone by when at last you would return but now here you are with Sam as always."

"Aye." Frodo said with a smile as he turned back to look at Sam. "We have had our share of things along the way but he has always come through for me."

Sam blushed and turned away trying not to show his reddened face but Bilbo smiled and passed Sam a wink as he stood to his feet.

"Always putting others before yourself." Bilbo said as he came towards Sam. "You have always had a big heart my friend."

"And appetite as well!" Frodo chuckled as Bilbo put his hand on Sam’s shoulder.

"That too." Bilbo laughed as he patted Sam’s arm. "But come now, let us sit with old friends. There will be plenty of time to tell me about your journey in days to pass. I would so much like to see Gandalf and Merry and Pippin once again."

"And so you shall." Frodo said as Bilbo came to his side. Frodo then took Bilbo by the arm and led him from his room while Sam followed closely behind.

*******

The following day brought the celebration of Bilbo’s birthday as well as Frodo’s. Much merriment was to be had but Frodo found himself distant and taken away from all the festivities. He sat alone with his thoughts watching as Bilbo shared laughter with Merry and Pippin, and raising his glass to Sam as they took down a drink of ale. Yet time and again a soft smile would come across Frodo’s lips when Sam would pass him a glance across the table. He did not wish to show that his memory had gone back to vile times where he choked for air at the foot of Mount Doom. Back to the moment where Gollum had bitten his finger from his hand. Frodo closed his eyes and sighed deeply as he rubbed his right hand with his left trying to pass the thought from his mind. Frodo then heard Sam call his name and he came back to the present within the laughter and the smiling faces as he opened his eyes. Sam looked at Frodo his eyes large with concern and Frodo knew. He could see the hurt Sam felt deep within just knowing that the memories had returned. Frodo stood to his feet and looked to Sam as he too began to come up from his chair. He shook his head gently bidding Sam not to come for he needed a moment alone away from the noise and joy around him. Something within him ached and he just wanted to make it go away.

*******

After the celebration all four Hobbits stayed in Rivendell for some days within Bilbo’s company. Many nights were spent in his room before the fire as they shared all they could remember of their journeys and adventures. Frodo sat silent through many of their reminiscings while he fingered his white jewel that hung around his neck. He often found comfort while it was within his touch and he seemed to need it more as Sam began to reaccount what had happened at Cirith Ungol. As Sam went on Bilbo pretended to take some notes; but he often fell asleep causing Merry and Pippin to laugh as his head nodded to his chest. They soon took leave, letting their companion stay within the comforts of his chair as he rested peacefully. Yet Frodo stayed behind as Sam left laying his hand upon Frodo’s shoulder as he whispered goodnight. Frodo looked to Sam and smiled patting his hand before he took it away from his shoulder as he left the room. Sam closed the door softly leaving Frodo with Bilbo where he too soon fell asleep in his chair.

*******

When nearly four days had passed Frodo looked out his window and saw that there had been a frost in the night. The grass and the leaves shone with crystal dew as the sun slowly came over the distant horizon. It was then that he knew he must go and finally say good bye to Bilbo. The weather was still calm and fair but October had come and it must break soon bringing with it rain and blowing wind. There was still a long way to go before reaching home, yet it was not the thought of the weather that stirred him. He had a feeling that it was time he came back to the Shire and Sam shared it. Though he sat by the fire in his room silent Frodo knew his heart too longed for home once more. Frodo sighed and came down from his bed walking towards Sam as he stared into the burning fire. Sam was often there when Frodo woke, checking in on him to see if he was well, sometimes coming in the middle of the night and staying until the morn. But Frodo did not mind. It was a comfort to know that Sam was still there willing to stay at his side after all they had been through. Frodo then sat across from Sam in his chair listening while Sam softly hummed to himself. There Frodo sat listening until Sam finally took notice of him, blushing when he seen he was being watched.

"Sorry if I woke you." Sam said softly as he shuffled in his seat. "I came in early this morning to see if you were awake but I found you still sleeping. Did you sleep well last night Frodo?"

"I did." Frodo quietly replied. "Better than I have in many nights past. It seems I have finally found peace here."

"Aye, I don’t think we’ve found a better place than this." Sam replied smiling. "There is much peace here, more than anyone should ever need. There is something of everything here. The Shire and the Golden Wood and Gondor. Even king’s houses and inns and meadows and mountains all mixed. And yet, somehow I fell we ought to be going soon." Sam said as he looked to Frodo with a sigh. "I’m worried about my gaffer to tell you the truth. Something tells me all is not well at home."

Frodo was silent as he looked away from Sam almost as if he was lost in a dream. He clutched tightly to his gem, as his face seemed to grow wet with tears.

"Yes, something of everything." Frodo whispered to himself. "All except the sea." He said now repeating it over to himself.

Sam just looked on as Frodo kept whispering wondering when he would come back and release himself from his gem. The turn then seemed to pass as Frodo took his hand away from his gem letting it fall to his chest. Frodo looked to Sam and dried away his tears. He smiled for Sam was still there staying, keeping a watchful eye, though his mind had gone. It was then he knew that he did indeed have a truly special friend.

*******

That evening Merry and Pippin came with Sam and Frodo to Bilbo’s room to say good bye. They were to leave the following morning to set out for home with Gandalf riding at their side. A few tears were shed and soft laughter shared as they bid their farewells but all in all Bilbo was still in good spirits.

"Well, if you must go, you must." Bilbo said putting his hand on Frodo’s shoulder. "I shall miss you. It is nice just knowing that you are about the place. It will not seem the same once you all have gone."

"Nor will it be the same for us." Frodo softly replied. "But there is this feeling in me saying it is time I return to the Shire. I would so love to stay here with you uncle but it just can not be so."

"Yes, that is how it must be I guess." Bilbo sighed. "But here, before you go." Bilbo said as he went to his bed. "I have something for you." Bilbo soon returned to Frodo holding in his arms his mithril coat and Sting. He gave them to Frodo, forgetting that he had already done so once before; and he then took from his desk three books of lore that he had made at various times. Upon their red backs, written in his spidery hand were the words: Translations from the Elvish, by B.B.

"I pray you’ll keep them well." Bilbo said as he put his hand over the books as Frodo held them within his own. Frodo looked to Bilbo and smiled as a tear came down his cheek.

Bilbo then turned to Sam and with a wink he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small bag of gold. He held the leather bag out to Sam and placed it in his trembling hand.

"Almost the last of the Smaug vintage." Bilbo said smiling. "May come in useful if you ever think of getting married Sam." Sam blushed and turned away with a soft thank you as Merry and Pippin laughed.

"And you." Bilbo said as he turned to Merry and Pippin. "I have nothing much to give to you young fellows, except good advice." And when he had given them a fair sample of this, he added a last item in Shire fashion.

"Now don’t let your heads get too big for your hats! If you don’t finish growing soon, you are going to find hats and clothes expensive."

"But if you want to beat the Old Took I don’t see why we shouldn’t try to beat the Bullroarer." Pippin said smiling.

Bilbo laughed and then he reached into another pocket pulling out two beautiful pipes. They bore pearl mouthpieces and were bound with fine wrought silver.

"Think of me when you smoke them." Bilbo said as he handed them to Merry and Pippin. "The Elves made them fore me, but I don’t smoke now." Merry and Pippin both smiled and said thanks as Bilbo went back before the fire sitting in his chair. They all then went to the fire sitting within its warmth, sharing a bit of song as the night drew on. Frodo sat near the window listening as Merry and Pippin sang with Bilbo and Sam. His thoughts had seemed to stray again as he looked out into the evening sky. He reached his hand to his chest and held onto his gem while everyone sang softly around him. The song soon ended and Frodo closed his eyes taking in a deep breath as whispers began to fill the air. Frodo then heard Bilbo call out his name and he opened his eyes turning towards his uncle.

"We’ve been talking my lad and something came to mind." Bilbo said softly. He then grew silent looking as if he was trying to remember what it was he wanted to ask. He then leaned forward in his chair towards Frodo quietly saying...

"What’s become of my ring Frodo, the one you took away? Is it still there around your neck? Is it within your hand?"

Frodo sighed and opened his fingers from around his gem. It fell from his grasp and Bilbo watched as Frodo pulled his hand away setting it on his knee.

"I have lost it, Bilbo dear." Frodo said. "I got rid of it, you know."

"Got rid of it I should say!" Bilbo replied. "You not only lost the ring but the finger on which it rode?" Bilbo said pointing to Frodo’s hand. "Tell me now, I knew nothing of this in all I have heard yet to day. What happened to you my lad?"

Frodo looked away and Sam put his hand on his shoulder.

"Go on Sam." Frodo said softly. "You can say what came to pass. You remember it more so than I."

"You sure Mr. Frodo?" Sam replied.

"I’m sure, go on now. I will sit here and listen." Frodo said.

Then Sam began telling of what came to be as they stood above The Cracks of Doom; the smell of the fire that burned below them and of the vile creature Gollum. He told of their escape and of the great eagle Gwaihir coming down and carrying them away. Sam told of how he thought, at that moment that he was rising into the heavens with Frodo at his side. Then as he awoke he thought it all merely a dream but as he saw Frodo resting peacefully at his side his full memory flooded back to him. It was then he knew that it had all happened however like a dream it all seemed. All eyes were fixed upon him the whole while he spoke until at last he grew silent looking to Frodo at his side. He had turned his face away, looking out the window once more but Sam knew he was still troubled with it all. He could hear his tears falling. Merry and Pippin then bid everyone a good night for Bilbo had nodded off, his eyes finally giving in to long desired sleep. Sam stayed behind sitting with Frodo until he finally turned away from the window with a faint smile upon his lips. The evening soon deepened in the room and the firelight burned brighter. Frodo and Sam looked at Bilbo as he slept and saw that his face was smiling. Sam wondering if by chance he was dreaming of his own adventure from ages past. One he only wished he could have again. For some time they sat in silence. Sam looked around the room as the shadows flickered upon the walls and then to Bilbo’s desk still filled and cluttered with papers.

"I don’t think he’s done much writing while we’ve been away Mr. Frodo." Sam said softly. "He won’t ever write our story now."

At that instant, Bilbo opened an eye, almost as if he had heard. Then he sat up in his chair and yawned as he stretched his arms out before him.

"You see, there I go nodding off again." Bilbo said. "When I have the time to write Sam, I only really like writing poetry."

"Then who will write our story?" Sam replied. "I am not one for words myself and you have done so well with your own."

"I wonder." Bilbo began. He then looked to Frodo and a smile came to his face. "Frodo, my dear fellow, collect all my notes and papers, and my diary too. Take them with you, if you will. I haven’t had much time for the selection and arrangement and all that. After you’re through add your own words to the story and tell of your own adventure, get Sam to help you too."

"Of course." Frodo said softly.

"Thank you my dear Frodo." Bilbo said with a smile. "That really is a very great relief to my mind." Bilbo then grew silent watching as Frodo came up from his chair. He went around the room slowly gathering up everything he could find that was written in Bilbo’s hand. As he made his way around the room the fire cast his long shadow upon the wall. Bilbo then sighed and looked to Sam. He was sitting in his chair looking down to his hands as they lay in his lap.

"You’ve taken good care of him Sam." Bilbo said quietly. "He could not have made it as far as he did without you by his side."

Sam looked up from his lap and passed a smile to Bilbo. He then looked over to Frodo as he stood before Bilbo’s desk looking through some books.

"We have been far." Sam softly replied. "We’ve seen a great deal and we’ve pulled each other out of a mess our two but I don’t think it is all me; if you get my meaning. Frodo has a strong will and a pure heart. That is what helped us too I believe."

"Aye, a heart as strong as your own Sam." Bilbo said as he watched Frodo gather up some more papers. "I remember the day the two of you first met after he came to live with me. So many years have since gone by. Those days seem fresh in my mind as if they happened yesterday. Do you remember them too Sam?"

"That I do." Sam sighed. "I was just a wee lad if I remember right. I came with my gaffer to the garden to get some roses for my mum’s grave. I always thought the roses in your garden were the loveliest in the Shire, and it was all the better that my gaffer was the one tending to them. I couldn’t stop crying the whole time we were there and then you came out and took me in your arms. You told me that your nephew was there staying with you and that he too had lost his mother and father. I looked up and there he sat in the study looking up from his book into my eyes. He seemed to put me at ease and that is when my father led me away back to home. That night Frodo came knocking on the door and my gaffer answered it. He told me to come and I did. Frodo then kneeled down to me and placed a small potted rose bush in my hands. He said he lost his mother and father too years ago. He knew the pain that was in my heart for he had once known it too. Frodo said the roses would remind me of my mum for they reminded him of his own. From that day on we were inseparable. He came by every day to see if I was well. Then I too would come by when my gaffer was at work in your garden. He showed me books and taught me a few of my letters as did you." Sam said smiling. "Those were good days but they have gone with the shadows of the past."

"Yet their memory still holds strong." Bilbo replied. "You must keep them with you to overshadow the harsh memories that linger from your journey past. Frodo too. He seems to be troubled with them though he tries hard not to show it. Keep reminding him of all the good things and he will be himself again. You will see." Frodo then came and sat down next to Sam with a pile of papers in his hands. He put them in his lap and looked to Sam and Bilbo. Sam’s face seemed wet with fallen tears as he looked to Bilbo and smiled.

"What were you talking about while I was up and around?" Frodo asked looking at Bilbo.

"Just you." Sam said softly. "Remembering days long passed. Happier times from when we were young."

Frodo then smiled and handed Sam the papers as he took his mithril coat and Sting up from the floor beside him. He stood to his feet and Sam followed in turn coming to his side.

"Well it is time we go to our beds." Frodo replied as he turned to the door. "The night has grown long."

"I expect to see you with the ‘morrow Frodo." Bilbo replied as Frodo and Sam walked away. "You can not leave without one last goodbye."

"That I won’t." Frodo said smiling. "Goodnight Bilbo and sleep well." With that Frodo and Sam went out the door and closed it behind them leaving Bilbo to rest peacefully for the remainder of the night.

*******

With the rising of the sun the following morning, Frodo came to Bilbo’s room and found him still sleeping in his chair before the smoldering fire. He came in silently trying not to wake him but Bilbo’s eyes quickly opened as Frodo sat down beside him.

"Hullo Frodo!" Bilbo said as he sat up. "Seems I never made it to bed myself. Did you sleep well last night?"

"As good as can be expected. My head was full of many thoughts but I managed to find some sleep within the night." Frodo replied.

"Better some sleep than none though I say. But this is finally it." Bilbo said with a sigh. "Time for our last goodbye."

"It is." Frodo quietly whispered. "I can not say that I will not miss you but I shall try to come this way again. The road is no longer dangerous for we have a real king now that will set things in order."

"That we do." Bilbo replied. "So until then I bid you farewell Frodo my lad. Elen síla lúmenn' omentielvo. Or may a star shine upon our meeting once again." Bilbo then leaned over his chair and took Frodo into his arms as a tear fell from his eye. "Take care and listen to anything that Sam tells you. He knows what he is talking about."

"I shall." Frodo said as he came away from his uncle’s arms. "He is all I’ll have left in this world after you are gone."

Bilbo smiled and put his hand on Frodo’s shoulder before he stood back to his feet. Frodo put his hand over his uncle’s and patted it softly as he stood up and looked to the door. He then walked away looking back one last time as he came to the doorway.

"Goodbye Bilbo." Frodo whispered. "Until we meet again." Frodo then walked through the door leaving Bilbo and the memory of Rivendell behind.