Coming to Hobbiton

Chapter 1: Coming to Hobbiton.

This fanfic is about Frodo first coming to the shire just after his parents have drowned. Enjoy. Reviews are welcome.

Frodo Baggins was on his way to Hobbiton. He sat in the wagon looking at his feet. He didn't want to move from Buckland. He liked his home there. He would miss his cousin Merry. 'Cheer up, Frodo.' Said Bilbo. He gave Frodo a smile and went back to steering the pony.

'Uncle, how long until we get to Hobbiton?'

'Oh, not long, lad. Maybe a half hour.'

'Frodo sighed and fell asleep next to his uncle. He wanted to go back to Buckland but he couldn't. There was nothing there for him anymore ever since his parents had drowned in the river. He missed them terribly.

It wasn't long before Frodo and Bilbo had gotten to Hobbiton. Bilbo gently shook Frodo as he got out of the wagon and started to get the luggage out of the back. Frodo helped. He kept close to Bilbo. People were very nice in Hobbiton. All the girls were curtsying. An older looking hobbit came up to Bilbo and startled Frodo. 'Hello, Mr Bilbo! I see that you have finally come back to Hobbiton.'

Hello, Gaffer Gamgee, yes I have I was just out picking up my nephew from Buckland.' He patted Frodo on the back and the Gaffer bowed low to the ground and shook Frodo's hand. 'It's wonderful to meet you, Frodo, sir.'

Frodo wasn't sure what to say. He had never been bowed to or been called sir. He just said thank you and moved closer to Bilbo.

After a while Frodo was sitting down at the kitchen table in Bag End eating lunch.

'So Frodo how are you finding Hobbiton so far?' He took a swig of his tea.

'I like it, but I am missing Buckland, unfortunately.'

'You will get used to it after a while, I'm sure of it Frodo.' He tapped Frodo on the back and finished his lunch.

A few minutes later there came a noise of pain just outside Bag End. Frodo and Bilbo went to investigate. They found that Sam Gamgee, the Gaffer's son had pricked himself with a rose thorn and was sucking on his bloody finger. He got up quickly and bowed to Frodo and Bilbo.

'Sam Gamgee, how many times have I told you to come get me if you can't get a weed out?' He took Sam's hand and led him inside with Frodo following behind. He took from his uncle's reaction that this Sam Gamgee was a bit of a klutz. Bilbo cleaned out Sam's cut and then forgetting that he hadn't done so, introduced Sam to Frodo. 'Frodo Baggins I would like you to meet Samwise Gamgee, the Gaffer's son.' Sam bowed and shook Frodo's hand. 'It is wonderful to meet you, sir.'

'And to you, Samwise, but please, don't call me sir.'

'Sorry, Frodo. You can call me Sam.'

Sam stayed for the rest of lunch and everybody shared a good laugh. Frodo had made his very first friend in Hobbiton in a matter of a few hours. He was starting to feel happier about being here but he still missed Buckland.

'Sam, go and see if the Gaffer can spare you for a few hours. I want you to take Frodo to the market and get a few things. A bit of exploring will do you good.' He winked at Frodo and handed them a list of things he needed. They quickly went over to number two and got the Gaffer's permission for Sam to go. 'You can go but I want you back here no later than sundown, lad.'

They went on their way to the market that was across the Brandywine River. Frodo was asking Sam questions of the Shire and Bilbo before he had come to Hobbiton. 'People are saying that Mr Bilbo is crazy. All the talk about elves and trolls and dwarves. Not something we hear of around here. But I don't believe for one second that Mr Bilbo is crazy.' Sam added quickly at the look of astonishment on Frodo's face. It wasn't long before they reached the Mill. Frodo had a curious look on his face and began to walk inside when Sam pulled him back. 'Don't want to be going in there, Mr Frodo. The Sandyman's live in there. Not nice folk. Ted Sandyman doesn't like new folk. Beat me up when he came across me a few years ago.' Sam showed Frodo a faint scar he had on his right leg.

They walked to the market and got the things that Bilbo needed and were on their way back to Bag End when they ran into Ted Sandyman.

'C'mon, Mr Frodo, let's slink away quietly.' He tugged on the sleeve of Frodo's arm.

'He can't be that bad can he, Sam? I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you anymore.'

Ted Sandyman had spotted them and started to talk over. He looked like a nice and happy hobbit to Frodo but Sam's heart was thumping hard and heavy.

'You must be Frodo Baggins. Your uncle has said much of you.' He shook Frodo's hand hard and nearly broke Frodo's fingers.

'Good things, I hope.' Frodo said, rubbing his throbbing fingers.

'Yes. Good things.' He said with a smirk. 'Watch yourself, Baggins. Evil things are brewing. Better watch your back.' He tapped Frodo's shoulder, pushing him into Sam who caught him briefly and stormed off.

'Ok, Sam, you were right, he isn't nice.' They shared a laugh and walked back to Bag End. Frodo was delighted to have made a friend in Hobbiton so quickly.

End of chapter one. I look forward to writing more of this. Please review.