You smiled down at the white-haired hobbit who sat next to you, writing in his big book of adventures. Since given the task of looking over the bold Bilbo Baggins, you had found your mundane life a lot more exciting. He told you of his travels and all that he had seen and learned. Soon enough, Bilbo was no longer the only one in Rivendell who wished to go traverse all of Middle Earth.

However, when you learned of the arrival of more hobbit guests, you became weary of the aspect of travel. Something did not feel right, and you could not shake the feeling it was all because of these seemingly harmless halflings.  It was said that the ring of power was among them and that they wished to leave it here and go on their way. That upset you, knowing such a dangerous weapon would paint such a bold target on the humble home of the elves.

Alas, there was nothing you could do on the matter. Even if there was something you could do, you hadn't the slightest idea what that 'something' would be. Therefore you stuck to your routine, doing your best to make the legendary Hobbit as comfortable as possible as you slowly watched him succumb to the age that the ring spared him from.

You leaned against the doorway to the balcony, watching uncle and nephew talk as they sat swinging their legs on a bench with Bilbo's great leather book stretched across their laps. You could have easily stood there for hours upon hours listening to his stories and watching them bond for what may be their last time.

Frodo was a kind and wonderful nephew to his slightly deranged uncle. He smiled and nodded, asked questions and begged for more as the older hobbit recounted new and old tails alike, some you were sure he had heard all before. But the light of love and admiration in his eyes never left to be replaced with pity and impatience. No wonder so little a person was able to bear the ring this distance alone. 

But Frodo's stomach growled signaling his need to leave and be fed. Very well too because you could tell Bilbo was growing tired, a nap surly acceptable after such a retelling of his past life. You quietly stepped forward, clasping your hands behind your back with a small smile on your lips.

"Sir Bilbo, Mr. Frodo. I trust your visit was well?"

Frodo looked up from the closed book in his hands to your eyes, his vibrant orbs widening slightly making you smile a bit more. Bilbo let out a chuckle as he gently took the book from his boy's hand.

"It is nice to see family again, (Y/n)."

You bowed your head, your smile not yet fading. You looked between the two hobbits as you spoke.

"Indeed, tis a gift one must cherish."

Frodo's stomach growled again, making Bilo laugh and a small giggle escape your lips. Frodo had yet to take his eyes off you but now blushed slightly as he covered his yearning middle.

You looked behind him, nodding in the direction of the food parlor. "Seek Emomen, she will guide you to where you and your hobbit friends will be dining."

Frodo looked to Bilbo, his eyes seeking permission. The older hobbit nodded, clapping the lad on the back. "Go on. I must rest. I will speak with you more later, I promise."

Frodo finally found his voice, looking at you again, bowing. "Thank you, (Y/n)." He then turned to Bilbo, smiling wide. "Sleep well, Uncle." Then he was off, though he looked back at you once to which you nodded with a reassuring smile.

Bilbo hopped off the bench and slowly made his way to you, his cane clicking softly against the stone floor riddled with a few fallen leaves. "That poor boy. I should have warned him you were the most beautiful Elf in all of Rivendale."

You smiled at his words, flattery being one of the most prominent forms of communication between the two of you. Though you took to heart that there was some truth to his words considering his nephew's reaction. You placed a hand on Bilbo's shoulder, gently guiding him to his room.

"Do you wish to rest for a time?"

Bilbo nodded, shrugging off his light shall into your hands. "I am finding myself looking forward to these naps."

You placed his shall on a chair before moving to place the bed covers over the small man. He closed his eyes and snuggled deeper like al little child making you smile kindly. You poured him a glass of water and set it on his bedside table next to his cane for close access.

You knelt beside the Hobbit, making sure he was comfortable. "I shan't be far. Rest as long as you wish."

You stood to go but paused when you felt Bilbo's hand grab yours. You turned to him, a slight question evident on your face. He tugged you down on your knees again, your hands clasped over his.

Bilbo looked at you with the most earnest stare you feared he would leap out of the bed in a rush of frantic energy.

"You must go with him."

"I do not understand Bilbo," you pressed, your voice laced with slight worry.

The hobbit clutched your hand like his life depended on it, and for all, you knew it did. "Frodo will not leave here without the Ring. I know it. I can feel it. It cannot stay here and I know Frodo will take it upon himself to be rid of it. Please, I beg you, accompany him so that I may rest easy knowing he is in good hands."

Your eyes widened slightly, your eyes searching Bilbo's for anything that would declare him unstable in the mind. But he was sharper than any creature she had the pleasure of meeting. Having seen the other arrivals you knew he would be well looked after if he did, in fact, choose to lead. But you could feel this request meant the world to the older Hobbit. And you could not rightfully it within yourself to refuse such an earnest request.

Therefore you accepted, nodding with a smile while patting his hands. "If that is what you wish then I shall not deprive you of your last action in aiding your nephew."

At that Bilbo visibly relaxed, his hand going limp as his eyes slowly started to close. "Thank you (Y/n). Thank you very  much."

You kelt there for a while longer as you watched the hobbit sleep,  your mind reeling with your new task that you so blindly accepted. There was many variables, nearly too man for her to comprehend but what she did know was that she was capable of following through with his request, no matter the circumstances.

~~~~~~

You stood slightly behind Elrond's shoulder, your hands clasped in front of you as you remained emotionless. The group of men, elves, and dwarves stood bickering with one another as they vied for who was to be the one to take the ring. Bilbo had been right, it couldn't stay here, it had to be destroyed.

You had kept a close eye on Frodo, his face slightly pained from a dwarf's ill-advised attempt at destroying the ring and Gandalf's unexpected Dark utterance that silenced the group before. The young hobbit looked worried and conflicted and scared all at the same time. You yearned to go to him and embrace him as you would Bilbo when he was having a particularly trying day. No one so small should be burdened so.

However, again, just as Bilbo had predicted, you watched as Frodo stood, his chin held high as he called out to the others that stood so tall above him.

"I will take it."

You closed your eyes; your fate among thousand's of others now sealed.

"I will take the ring to Mordor."

Everyone paused and turned to the Hobbit. Frodo quickly lowered his voice, his countenance now shy and unsure. "Though I do not know the way." He looked at you now, his face crestfallen despite his efforts to look brave.

Gandalf stepped forward, a kind smile on his face though it did not reach is sorrowful eyes. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn, your friend, and near brother came to the Hobbit, kneeling down with nothing short of respect and admiration. "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."

An elf you knew not stood, joining the growing group. "And you have my bow."

The dwarf from earlier made his way over, his unbroken axe placed before him. "And my axe!"

A man who had seemed so keen for the Ring to be used for Gondor now stepped forward, his expression mixed with uncertainty and determination. "You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Suddenly there was a shout and the sound of running feet as another hobbit came rushing over, stopping by Frodo's side with arms folded. "Mister Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!" Declared Sam, if you remembered correctly.

Elrond smiled with amusement. "No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Two more hobbits emerged out of the brush, their locks bouncing as they joined their friends. "Wait! We are coming too!"Called the one you remembered to be Merry.

"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing." Rambled Pippin.

"Well, that rules you out Pip," mumbled Merry in reply, making you smile.

Elrond looked at the group, his gaze impressed. "Nine companions...."

"My lord, if you will," you voiced, stepping up.

Frodo looked you to, his gaze curious yet hopeful. You gave him a small smile as you spoke, your eyes not leaving the blue-eyed Hobbit.

"I wish to join." You kelt before him, taking his hand in yours. "May I be a shoulder for you to lean on and an ear to your troubles."

You stood and looked to the Elf who was no less your father than your own. "I come in behalf of one who cannot go themselves. Please accept."

Elrond looked to Frodo as if he were the one in charge.  You looked at the hobbit again, smiling kindly. "You know your uncle would go with you if he could."

"Then perhaps I will settle for you."

You bowed your head and joined the group, standing beside Aragorn, the ranger giving you an approving nod. Elrond addressed the group again, his impressed gaze not faltering.

"Ten companions. So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"

Pippin smiled, looking around eagerly. "Great! Where are we going?"

~~~~~

You stood at a bench outside your room dawned in a more appropriate dress and minimal armor, your hands busy placing supplies into your packs. You checked your weapons; a bow, three knives and two short blades. Your short blades were your specialty, strapping them behind your lower back where they were easy to access. You were nearly finished with you heard someone approach, the footfalls familiar to your ears.

"Bilbo, I told you I would come see you when I was finished."

"How is he?"

You looked up, that voice not at all belonging to your small charge. Your face softened as you saw Frodo with his hands in his pockets, looking at you with question.

You set your things on the ground and motioned for the Hobbit to join you on the bench. He did so, his legs swinging like a child's. You both looked out at the gardens your room faced, birdsong filling the serene air.

"His body grows weak but I am sure his mind will never diminish."

Frodo nodded, smiling slightly. "That is good. In a way."

You nodded, looking at him. "Are you frightened?"

Frodo turned to you, his blue eyes shining bright with poorly masked worry. "Yes," he whispered, "I was foolish to volunteer."

You shook your head slightly, your long hair waving with the motion as you reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You would be foolish not to be frightened. You are strong Frodo. Gandalf sees it. Elrond sees it. Bilbo see's it." You leaned forward slightly, a small smirk on your lips. "I see it."

Frodo looked away, nodding. "Will I ever see my uncle again?"

You smiled kindly, dropping your hand to your lap as you looked out to your gardens again. "If that is what you wish then it shall be done. He will be here for when you return."

"If."

You looked to him,  your eyes widening with puzzlement. "Pardon me?"

Frodo let out a sigh. "If I return."

"When you return. Take courage Frodo, do not discount your success quite so soon."

Frodo looked at you with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes but they spoke volumes despite his single sentence. "I am glad you are coming with me, (Y/n)."

You bowed your head. "We shall see amazing things. Perhaps you will have a more compelling story than your uncle in that book of his."

Frodo smiled, a real smile this time as he looked at you. In that moment you knew you would risk anything to keep him from harm. Bilbo's request was fresh in your mind but this was no longer a task to complete for a friend, it was now a choice, one you planned on seeing to to the end.