“But all the while I sit and think of times there were before, I listen for returning feet and voices at the door,” ~Bilbo, Fellowship of the Ring**

All signs pointed to a cold winter, and his heart grew colder when the Council and Frodo had decided to do the impossible. Behind his calm facade, he felt guilty seeing him and his kinsman attempt a Quest that even the wisest did not feel truly advisable. But where was the choice?  There had been none.

Snow gathered afresh in Rivendell.  The usual Elvish songs sounded mellower. Bilbo waited patiently as his naps grew longer.

But when the first white lily showed sign of blossom, there was at last, news.  And Bilbo, hoping against hope, saw hope renewed in spring.

A/N-

**drabble does NOT include Bilbo's song.

Thanks to shirebound for the title and grey_wonderer for the encouragement