Disclaimers: I do not own The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and "Once Upon a Time". The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and other Middle-earth works belong to J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers, Turbine and Standing Stones Games. "Once Upon a Time" belongs to ABC. All other canon material belongs to their respected owners. All original material—original characters, original locations, etc.—belongs to me, the authoress of this fanfiction story.

Summary:

It all started with a seed that became a tree. That tree became paper. That paper became the blank space. The blank space became a writer's worst nightmare: the dreaded blank page.

Shortly after Darth Freya's birth and the Creation of the Characters' War Tales, Rumplestiltskin brought magic to the Land Without Magic. Frodo Baggins increased that magic, spreading it out further from Earth, straight to the Dimensions, Time, and Space. Now with Melody Corner back to her old self, does she have the courage to find out what exactly Frodo's role as her Master Voice entails? What could she learn from this venture? Or is her venturing a waste of time? And does this mean that Melody will enter another trap, in which Frodo is a few steps ahead of her?

The Blank Space Duology ends. The Long Series continues.

Inspiration for Fanfic: The dreaded blank page all writers must face, before writing a new chapter or a new story.

Inspiration Theme Music for Fanfic: Ruelle's song, "Until We Go Down", from MTV and Spike's television show, "The Shannara Chronicles".

Inspiration for Prologue: The meeting between Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf, from the opening scene/prologue in the film, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug".

Song for Prologue: "The Quest for Erebor" track, found in the film, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug".

Warning! This fanfic is Rated M for sensual content and intense images.

Welcome to the second part of my fanfic duology, The Blank Space Duology, part of my Prelude Series and my Long Series. :)

Okay. So, we're picking up where we left off. Of course, this prologue may lead us somewhere else for the time being.

Enjoy! :)

In the Original Timeline…

Frodo sat outside his house at Tol Eressëa. He relaxed on his wooden bench, enjoying the white sandy beach, the green grass and lush forests, as well as the nearby village, which contained all the necessary supplies and food.

Frodo closed his eyes, doing his best to picture a time when his uncle, Bilbo Baggins, was living better days. Bilbo was inside their hobbit house, not doing much except sleeping. Frodo sighed. Sleep was typically what Bilbo did these days. And Frodo knew it.

Frodo sighed, wondering if there was any way he could help Bilbo. To make him younger and more vibrant.

Frodo's journey to Mordor had ended long ago. Years ago! It had been seven years since the quest ended, three years spent in Tol Eressëa. And in all that time, Frodo feared he might lose his uncle. Death would be a welcome friend, sure, but Frodo had his fears.

Frodo sighed, sorrowful. He thought back to Samwise Gamgee, reminding himself that Sam was married and got everything he ever wanted. Frodo… what did Frodo want? He was fifty-seven years old and he had chosen his life. He was a bachelor just like Bilbo. It was what Frodo wanted.

Frodo laughed. Yeah, he was happy being single. What woman would want him? Who in their right mind would even think of belonging to him? Frodo sighed a third time. If anything, he wanted to go out like Bilbo, to join him in death. Yes, that seemed right.

Frodo made his way inside his hobbit house. There was Bilbo, asleep in his bed. Frodo looked on, sighing a fourth time as he decided on what to do. Death was close now, lingering. Frodo made his way towards Bilbo, climbing into bed with him. Frodo stayed there with Bilbo, not moving and not even questioning his decision.

His wounds were too great for him and the burden was too much. What hope was there now? All that was left was to sleep and wish for a better life in Mandos' Halls, where they would be at peace, at last.

~o~

Beyond the Circles of the World…

Frodo found himself wandering through the heavens. He witnessed another life for himself, one where Bilbo had died and Frodo spent his life in mourning, waiting for Samwise Gamgee to head to Tol Eressëa and join him. That was another life, a secondary life, but one he had already written in canon.

Frodo didn't understand. Canon? What's canon? What was fanfiction, for that matter? Oh! Gosh. Frodo found himself wandering throughout the spirit realm, unsure what to do or where to go to.

At last, he found himself at a tavern that reminded him of the Prancing Pony. Frodo sighed in hopefulness. Yes. Here was a place where he would have his future secured. Nothing could stop him.

Frodo made his way inside the tavern, ordering some food and a hearty drink. He looked around, as the waitress came back to him with his food and drink. "Thank you," he said, digging into his three-course meal. He laughed, surprised he could eat and drink this much.

The last thing he expected was Gandalf the White approaching him. Gandalf sat down at Frodo's table, grateful to see him. "Well, this is a surprise. Frodo Baggins, I can't imagine the right hobbit to be with right now."

"What about Bilbo? What happened? I've been wandering for too long," Frodo said, concerned.

"Bilbo is fine," Gandalf said, pleased. "I saw him walking about the spirit realm with Thorin Oakenshield. They have some catching up to do."

Frodo nodded. "That's good. I'm happy for him." He leaned in, asking the wizard, "But why are you here? Let me guess: you have a quest for me."

"How would you like to meet your soulmate?" Gandalf asked, encouraging him.

There was a pause.

At first, Gandalf didn't get an answer. Then Frodo laughed, dismissing the idea. "I don't have a soulmate… no. Wait. Do I?"

"Well, your soulmate wasn't in the Shire or in Middle-earth, for that matter," Gandalf said.

"Last I recall, I was a bachelor. Now, you tell me I have a soulmate," Frodo said. "Do I really have a soulmate?" He was interested.

Gandalf nodded. "Why yes, you do." He added, more serious, "She lives, whereas you are dead. If you truly wish to help her, what role will you take? You can train to become a Voice, you know. One of her Voices. It's up to you, really."

"I can train for that?" Frodo asked, curiously.

Gandalf smiled. "I just said that. Do you think you'd be up for the task? How far are you willing to go?"

Frodo gulped. What role did he want? It was decided. He leaned in, asking Gandalf, "What about me being a Master Voice?"

Thanks for reading. :)