A/N: I wrote this two years ago for my sister's birthday. She always points out the fact that Frodo never gets any recognition at Bilbo's eleventy-first birthday party, even though it's his birthday too, so I decided to give him some.
Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings belongs to J. R. R. Tolkien's estate. I don't own it.
Frodo Baggins was happy. Today was his 33rd birthday, a very important day among Hobbits. It was also his uncle Bilbo's 111th birthday, and there was an enormous party planned for later that day. At the moment, however, Frodo was sitting quietly under a tree in the West Farthing. He was reading a book while awaiting the arrival of an old friend. Presently he heard a familiar voice singing a familiar song, accompanied by the sound of a horse's hooves and the wheels of a cart. Frodo smiled and, standing up quickly, ran toward the voice. He came to the edge of a small hill overlooking a path and saw an old man dressed all in grey with a blue hat. He crossed his arms and did his best to seem upset. "You're late," he said. The old man drew the horse to a stop and looked up at Frodo. "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins," he said sternly. "Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." They continued to glare at each other with mock disapproval until they both burst out laughing, unable to continue the charade. "It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!" Frodo cried happily as he jumped into the cart to embrace his old friend. "You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?" Gandalf inquired. "So how is the old rascal? I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence."
"Well, you know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar."
"Well, that should please him," Gandalf chuckled.
"Half the Shire's been invited," Frodo said, "and the rest of them are turning up anyway." They both laughed again. "And what of you Frodo?" Gandalf asked. "I don't need a party," Frodo replied. "Today is Bilbo's celebration, not mine."
Gandalf frowned. "Oh, really… I suppose you won't be wanting this, then." The wizard reached into his pocket and produced a small cloth bag, which he handed to Frodo. Frodo opened it to reveal a small book. In it was a relatively short but important Elvish poem. "That is the tale of the founding of the Shire as the Elves knew it," said the wizard. "This particular book is an original copy, generously given to me by Lord Elrond from the libraries of Rivendell." Frodo looked at Gandalf in wonder and gratitude. "Thank you, Gandalf."
Gandalf only smiled. "Happy birthday, my dear Frodo."