Okay, while before I was uncertain about this story, now I know that it is a three-shot and a stand-alone piece. There are differences between this story and DoctorWhovian18's story How to Save a Life, with the only similarity being they are both on Tol Eressëa. With that said, this story is going on its own direction, whether anyone wants it to or not. So here is the continuation of Frodo's Search for a Wife.


Before tea, Frodo had now come to terms with himself. He would find his destined love. Still the question remained: where to start? Well, why not come up with a list of what he deemed worthy in a wife. That sounded like a good idea. Pulling out a clean sheet of parchment, Frodo dipped the tip of his quill into the ink bottle, which was halfway filled with ink, and started writing his list:

My List of Priorities I Find Amiable in a Wife – My Wife!

This was his starting point. Now he needed his actual list. Well, he was sure he remembered a few things he was looking for in a wife, his wife. Giving it some thought, Frodo wrote his list before the ink dried on the quill. He started with physical features, which included "rosy cheeks". He went into traits, which included "a humorous laughter" and "doesn't tire me", but also on a serious note: "won't be burdened by me". Eventually, he came around to adding to his list "an aptitude to see beyond". Well, that last phrase wasn't much, but it was something to go on, in case he ever met someone who was like that.

It wasn't much of a list. Of course, he couldn't expect the right woman to be all the things he wanted; rather she would be someone he needed. While he wasn't convinced by his list, but happy at least to have written one out, Frodo tracked Bilbo down and helped him get the table set up and the tea poured into the teapot.

Frodo and Bilbo had a marvelous conversation during tea time. They discussed many things, including how each was faring. Bilbo was rightly concerned for Frodo. While he seemed a bit happier, Bilbo worried that Frodo might slip back into his moodier self. Unexpectedly, there came a knock on the front door. Bilbo rushed to the door, opened it, and invited an unexpected guest over for tea. Frodo burst with excitement seeing Gandalf the White enter his and Bilbo's hobbit house.

After he was led over to a chair, Gandalf inquired right away about Frodo's health: "I noticed you're healing at an impressive rate. No doubt the Elves' work and this island have benefitted to this success, Frodo."

"Yes, they have," said Frodo. A distant look swept across his face, something he failed to notice.

Bilbo did notice and announced it with frustration, "My boy, spit out what you have to say!"

Frodo admitted to Gandalf, "Well, I've been thinking about searching for a wife. I know Sam has had these thoughts about me finding a wife and living peacefully, where he could work on my garden. It seems so complete. The Ring nearly took that away from me, but now I have a chance to start anew."

Gandalf chuckled. "Then by all means, Frodo, find a wife."

"But where do I start?" asked Frodo. "I hardly know."

"Ask the Elves for advice. I'm sure they have their ways of finding her. Or better yet, ask Eru Ilúvatar for assistance; I'm sure he can find you a wife a lot faster than the Elves," said Gandalf.

"You make it sound so easy. I won't know what she looks like or whether I'll be able to talk to her," said Frodo.

"Well, on this island, you're closer to Eru. I don't see why you shouldn't try," said Gandalf.

"Thank you Gandalf, but where do I go?" asked Frodo. He was hesitant. This wasn't something he asked Gandalf on a regular basis. The whole topic was unnervingly foreign to his lips.

"I'll show you after tea. By then, we can take a walk. There's a pillar sanctuary the elves go when they want to talk to Eru Ilúvatar. It's on a hill and will take a distance to get there. It runs beyond the forest. I will not get you lost, Frodo, and I will wait for you to get done so we can travel back," said Gandalf.

"Thank you, Gandalf, truly," said Frodo.

"Now, let's eat this marvelous food and drink our tea before it runs cold," said Bilbo.

Frodo looked Gandalf's way, only to receive a cheerful expression from the Wizard. Although Frodo had known Gandalf from his time at Bag End, somehow he had the feeling there was more to Gandalf than what he had previously known. At the same time, Frodo had a feeling he would find the answers he sought at the pillar sanctuary. Maybe he would have his chance to speak to Eru Ilúvatar. But then, what would Eru tell him? Good or bad, Frodo was certain he would find out.

o-o-o

After tea, Gandalf waited outside the hobbit house. He puffed his pipe in anticipation and anxiety. How long did it take for Frodo to get ready? The hobbit was such a procrastinator; he wondered how Frodo ever took his morning walks. He put his pipe away as Frodo opened and closed the front door.

Frodo faced Gandalf, just as the wizard stood up. Gandalf towered over him, but this was expected in Frodo's mind. He was used to this height difference. At the same time, Frodo felt small and helpless.

Before Frodo became too detached, Gandalf asked him, "Are you ready to go?"

Frodo nodded. "I am. So, where exactly is this pillar sanctuary?"

Gandalf chuckled merrily. "That is a surprise, my dear Frodo. Indeed it is."