PLEASE NOTE:

I do not own ANY of the following material. The places, events, characters, names, titles, etc. belong to their proper owners, and they get full credit. Events are fictional. Names that resemble any other individual, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Any and ALL content pertaining to the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter Jackson, and any other holders of the rights. All rights reserved to them and them only. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IS INTENDED!

**IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE READING** In some chapters (mainly the epilogue), there will time frame differences. There will also be some changes, but this is, after all, fanfiction.

The evening sun was setting beautifully in the Shire. All of Hobbiton was buzzing on this day, for it was the birthday of Bilbo Baggins and his "nephew" Frodo Baggins. It was Frodo's thirty-third birthday, Bilbo's one-hundred-and-eleventh. Parties were always a big deal, but little did any of them know that this was one none of them would soon forget.

Esmerelda Burrows worked in the local pub called the Green Dragon with her best friend, Rosie Cotton. Well, Rosie was her female best friend. Frodo had always been her male best friend, since before they could talk. Their parents had been best friends, but when Frodo's died and he went to live with his uncle Bilbo, he & Esmerelda grew closer, despite still being so young. Then, Esmerelda's father died when she was fourteen, and Esmerelda was devastated because she was painfully close with her father. Frodo was there for her, and he stayed with her, refusing to leave her until he knew she was going to be alright. They were the same age, they liked the same things, and on more than one occasion, everyone thought they were a couple. Esmerelda always laughed and said "Of course not!" when asked, but...she wished they were.

Esmerelda had been madly, deeply, head-over-heels in love with Frodo since they were children. It sounds absurd, but it was absolutely true. More than once, she almost let him know how she felt, but she just couldn't go through with it. What if he didn't return her affections? What if he just laughed in her face and told her there was no way it would ever happen? She didn't want to lose the one thing that brought her true happiness, the one person that she loved, cherished, and cared for most of all. He had been the only way of life she had known since she was an infant.

Esmerelda, with a sigh, brought her mind back to the present and reality. She was helping Rosie and a few other hobbits set up, and Rosie could sense that something was wrong. As she and Esmerelda finished setting up, Rosie turned to her and said, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Esmerelda lied, with a small, sad smile.

Rosie only raised an eyebrow at her, and returned her sad smile. Esmerelda sighed, then said, "Actually, I am not. I've just been tossing and turning something in my head is all."

"What's that?" Rosie asked, then, suddenly realizing what was troubling her friend, sighed sadly. "Oh, honey. Not the Baggins lad again?"

Esmerelda only nodded sadly. Rosie squeezed Esmerelda's shoulder gently and Esmerelda turned to look her directly in the eyes. She could tell that a motherly lecture was coming up, and mentally braced herself for it. Rosie was known to give great advice, but she'd heard the Frodo lecture many, many times over the years. It was always the same one, too; same thing, different day.

"You have to tell him," Rosie said. "You just have to, Esmerelda. You cannot carry your love for him around without it being expressed. It will weigh your heart down until the pain becomes overwhelming. You must tell him precisely how you feel. If he doesn't return your love, at least he'll have the knowledge and your heart will no longer be heavy with the need to express your love."

"I know," Esmerelda said. "It's just–I care for him above all others, Rosie. If–if he doesn't return my affections, then–then I risk losing him. I'm not willing to take it."

"Honey," Rosie said, firmly planting both hands on both of Esmerelda's shoulders. "Love is always a risk worth taking."

Esmerelda smiled sadly, then nodded. "I suppose you are right, Rosie. Alright. I will tell him tonight, after the party. Although, you should also tell Samwise Gamgee how you feel about him, too!"

"I will," Rosie said, laughing. "Someday, of course. Come. The guests shall be arriving soon."

Frodo had just left Bag End to go to his party. His uncle's good friend, the wizard Gandalf, was in the Shire, which was creating quite a great stir. Frodo always saw Gandalf as sort of a father figure when he was a boy, and that hadn't changed. His best friend, Esmerelda Burrows, had always sort of shown great love for the wizard, too. Gandalf would take Esmerelda and Frodo out for rides in the Shire when they were children, and he would show them all of the wonders of it. Frodo and Esmerelda always loved it and Frodo found himself both reminiscent and bittersweet about these memories-and any others involving Esmerelda.

He was bittersweet because, as children, it had been a simpler time for him. He didn't have to worry about finding love, he didn't have to worry about acquiring a wife and having children (both of which he wanted so badly), and he didn't have to worry about who that person would be. As he grew older, though, Esmerelda began to appeal more to him, as she went from being a young lass to a beautiful, extraordinary woman. He had loved her as a child, but that love deepened and grew as he grew older. As he grew older, he realized that the person he loved, that he wanted to be his wife and the mother of his children, was Esmerelda. It always had been.

He had been with other female hobbits, but they just weren't the same. It was always Esmerelda that his heart ached and yearned for, it was always Esmerelda that danced through his dreams and floated through his every waking moment. It was simply just always Esmerelda, and that was how it would remain for him, until the day he met his death–and beyond that, even.

Frodo sighed sadly as he neared his party, knowing that Esmerelda would probably already be there. He was always filled with joy to see her, because she was the only thing in this world that made him happy and made him feel as if he could live for anything. Frodo loved books, he loved writing, he simply just loved everything here in the Shire, but none of it held a candle to Esmerelda. None of it ever would.

He didn't know if he would ever work up the courage to let her know how he felt, and that filled him with great sadness, helplessness, and dismay. If he took the risk and the risk proved to him that she didn't love him in return, he didn't know what he would do. She was his life, his light, and without it...Frodo didn't even want to think of it.

He reached his party, unaware of just how crazy and great things would be that night.

"Esmerelda!" Esmerelda heard from behind her as she was talking to Rosie. Esmerelda turned, and saw Frodo running toward her.

Esmerelda smiled huge, and ran toward him. They met, their arms wrapping tightly around each other as Frodo spun her around in a circle. When they came to a rest, Frodo didn't loosen his grip on her, but that was quite alright, because Esmerelda wasn't letting go, either. They stood like that for quite some time, just holding onto each other, Frodo now rocking her gently back and forth, both of them smiling huge.

"Happy birthday," Esmerelda whispered into his ear, her breath tickling his ear. Frodo had to fight back a shiver.

"Thank you," he whispered back, still not letting go.

"Have you anything after the party?" Esmerelda whispered. "I must speak with you."

"I have nothing after the party," Frodo whispered back. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Esmerelda said, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. "It is nothing to fret over."

"Good," Frodo whispered, finally loosening his grip on her. Esmerelda almost whimpered from the absence of him, but fought it back.

Esmerelda and Frodo just stared into one another's eyes, lost. My word, Esmerelda thought. He is absolutely, breathtakingly, astonishingly gorgeous. Of course, she had always thought that, but tonight...tonight he looked even more so than ever before. He had big, beautiful blue eyes that sparkled and twinkled with pure joy, innocence, and bliss, and he had a head of brown, soft curls that cascaded into his eyes a little and onto his neck. His skin was fair, but he wasn't overly pale, and he had a voice that sounded like pure silk. He was the definition, picture, and epitome of pure, true beauty.

Frodo was equally enticed by Esmerelda. Tonight, she was wearing a beautiful light pink gown and it made her look even more gorgeous than she already was. It made her big blue-green eyes stand out, even in the firelight Frodo could see that. Her long, curly blonde hair fell perfectly past her shoulders (which, Frodo was noticing, were bare, for the gown sleeves rested on her forearms).

"Mr. Frodo!" Sam said from behind them, breaking both of their thoughts. "Happy Birthday, sir!"

"Thank you very much," Frodo said, his eyes lifting from Esmerelda to Sam.

Esmerelda turned around, and smiled and waved to Sam, who returned the gestures. Esmerelda walked over to Rosie and just watched as Frodo and Sam talked and laughed. Esmerelda sighed sadly and said, "He isn't making this any easier, Rosie. Look at him. Have you ever seen a vision more breathtaking?"

"Don't even think about changing your mind," Rosie said sternly. "You are going to tell him if I have to force you to."

Esmerelda sighed sadly once again, placing her forehead against the tree behind her as she realized there was no going back now. She was going to tell Frodo Baggins that she was deeply and unconditionally in love with him.

Esmerelda had been watching, and, had she been the only one, she would've believed herself to be crazy. She realized from the shocked gasps and murmurs that she had not been the only one. When she spotted Frodo up in the front, she knew she hadn't imagined it. He looked worried, confused, and frightened.

The evening had started off wonderfully, with every guest there dancing merrily. Esmerelda and Frodo danced, laughed, and smiled together most of the evening. Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took set off some of Gandalf's fireworks, which was also quite entertaining. It was toward the end of the evening that things got...odd.

Bilbo Baggins had went up to give a speech to all of the party guests. He had been talking, nothing out of the ordinary there. It was when he vanished in thin air that had raised eyebrows and shocked absolutely everyone.

Frodo was making his way for the back to leave, and Esmerelda caught him before he could go anywhere.

"What has happened?" Esmerelda asked.

"I haven't the slightest idea," Frodo said, that worried tone taking over his voice. "Help–help me find him?"

"Of course," Esmerelda said softly, and, with a wave to Rosie (who grinned at her and mouthed 'Tell him' to her as she left), set off with Frodo to find Bilbo.

They searched high and low, everywhere they could think of, but there was no sign of him. Defeated, Frodo and Esmerelda walked to Bag End to see if he perhaps ended up there, but they were greeted by Gandalf instead.

"Gandalf," Esmerelda and Frodo said together.

"Frodo, Esmerelda," Gandalf greeted with a smile, tipping his hat to them. "I presume you're searching for Bilbo?"

"Yes," Frodo said. "Oh, Gandalf! Where has he gone? He is not in Bag End, is he?"

"He has gone on a very needed adventure, dear Frodo," Gandalf told him with a sad smile. "Bag End is now yours. You may do with it what you like."

"I–I'm afraid I don't understand," Frodo said, staring up at Gandalf with an expression of sadness and fear on his perfect features. "Where has he gone?"

"He has gone to receive rest," Gandalf said. "He will be safe, you should not worry. Enjoy the remainder of your birthday, child."

"I–" Frodo began, then nodded. "He has been behaving strangely the last few days. Perhaps that is why."

"Perhaps," Gandalf said with a warm smile. "Frodo, I must see you alone."

"Alright," Frodo said. "Whatever for?"

"Esmerelda, you may stay here and wait if you would like," Gandalf said, ignoring Frodo's question. "This will take no time at all."

"Okay," Esmerelda said, smiling at Frodo as he and Gandalf walked into Bag End.

Esmerelda sat across the road from the home, waiting, wondering what was happening in there. It was seeming to take a little time, and when Gandalf and Frodo finally emerged, Frodo looked confused–and a little frightened.

"My business here is finished, for now," Gandalf told them as Esmerelda walked over to join them. "Frodo, remember what I told you."

"Alright," Frodo said, small and frightened. "I–I shall."

"Goodnight, children," Gandalf said with a wave to them both.

"Goodnight," Esmerelda and Frodo said together as Gandalf walked away.

Esmerelda then turned to Frodo and said, "My dear Frodo. I am so sorry about what has happened. I know you love your uncle very much."

Frodo looked up at her with a tear in his eye. Esmerelda caught it with her finger before it could fall. Frodo then said, "I still do not understand why he would leave me alone here. Why now and not some other time?"

"I am unsure of the answers you seek," Elizabeth said, smiling at him sadly. "What was that about?"

"I cannot say," Frodo said, sighing sadly. "I feel so alone now without him here."

"Come," Esmerelda said, putting an arm around Frodo's shoulders. "Let's go inside, and I'll make you a warm cup of tea."

Frodo nodded, and they entered Bag End. It was exactly as Bilbo had left it, except a few things were now gone that he had taken with him. It seemed odd to Esmerelda, entering Bag End without Bilbo cheerfully greeting her when she arrived. Bilbo had loved Esmerelda like a daughter, and Esmerelda always sort of saw Bilbo as a father to her, too, especially after her own passed away.

"Just so you know," Esmerelda said as they entered the home. "You are not alone here. You have me. You will always have me."

Frodo smiled at her, that warm, lovely, inviting smile that Esmerelda loved so very much. "I know I do. If you hadn't been with me just now when I discovered the truth, I probably would've lost my sanity."

Esmerelda smiled. "It's my absolute pleasure to be here with you. I will be here as long as you need. If you would like me to stay here for a few days, then I shall. As long as it takes, alright?"

Frodo walked over to her and gave her a big, warm hug. "Thank you. That means the world."

"Do you want tea?" Esmerelda asked him as they went out to the living room. Frodo sat on the floor in front of the fire place.

"No," Frodo said.

"Anything at all?"

"No."

"You're worried about your uncle."

"In a way of sorts, yes," Frodo replied as Esmerelda sat down on the floor next to him. "In another, no. If Gandalf says that he will be safe, then he shall. Gandalf knows, he always knows."

Esmerelda smiled at him, then, taking an extreme risk, she reached over and took one his hands in one of hers. They were not rough as her father's had been before he died, as he did so much outdoor work. Frodo's hands were so soft, so warm, so smooth, so inviting. She expected him to jerk away from her, but he didn't. He tangled his fingers in hers, enjoying how glorious and how right Esmerelda's hand felt in his own.

"Frodo," Esmerelda said, looking over at him.

Their eyes met, dead on, and Esmerelda fought back a gasp at just how beautiful he looked in the firelight of the fire that either Bilbo or Gandalf had made before they departed Bag End. Esmerelda just looked into those eyes, getting lost and feeling herself drowning in their depths. She allowed it to happen, enjoying how wonderful it felt to look into those eyes.

"Yes?" Frodo asked, rubbing his thumb in small, gentle circles on the back of Esmerelda's hand.

"There is something you must know," Esmerelda said, her eyes burrowing deeper into his, knowing now that she had to go through with this.

It was now or it was never, and that statement applied here now more than ever. Esmerelda knew that, and her stomach began doing somersaults.