Disclaimers: See the Prologue for more information.

Chapter Thirteen:

Spring Festival

Frodo's POV

Tuckborough has it smaller version of the Spring Festival, but for Frodo he hadn't often come to Tuckborough during its spring festival. And yet, here he was with Aaylie Winter. He only knew so much about her, wondering if the things she had said in the dreamlike alternate reality still held true. But she should have been over her crisis with her ex-boyfriend. Which begged him to ask another question from her, one that she probably forgot by now.

"So, nothing serious happened between you and your boyfriend. Right Aaylie?" he asked her. But he honestly felt like a complete… no. He wouldn't put doubt in front of anything.

"I haven't been in a lot of relationships. But nothing serious happened with my boyfriend." Aaylie admitted, "He's my ex now. I mean, back then, I was a bit snippy over what had transpired. This adventure we had, it's changed me, in a good way."

"How has it changed you?" He asked her.

"Not like the first time we met, where I thought I was losing my mind. Now that everything's fixed, I suppose I'm not needed here…"

"Don't say that. You never know," he held a fresh pink and purple roses my way, "what might happen." His smiled sweetly to her, hoping to get a good response from her.

"Roses," Aaylie said, smelling the flower's fragrance. Frodo grinned at her, even as she said, "Thank you."

"It's for you," he said, kindly. He asked her next, as they walked, "Tell me what interests you. What do you like to do, Aaylie?" Her eyes widened. Did he say something wrong?

"Art." She spoke more clearly to him, "I love to paint and draw. That's what I was studying before the wolves came and brought me here."

"You entered this realm by wolves," Frodo asked.

"The wolves let me follow them to these lands," Aaylie said.

"They were friendly?" he admitted. "Aaylie, wolves coming to the Shire. That's…"

"You don't believe me?"

"I believe you. It's just surprising how they were friendly to you, but fierce amongst me and my kin." Frodo said, troubled.

"But they weren't dangerous around me," she said.

"Right." He admitted, "I do believe you, you know. We've seen things beyond our understanding. Only…" His gaze traveled ahead. Aaylie traveled ahead until Frodo intercepted her, pulling back. "They're not in the village, yet. I think I should warn someone…" He stopped when Aaylie grabbed his hand.

"Frodo I don't think they're dangerous," she said. Frodo was surprised. Did she know something about the wolves?

Just as Frodo was ready to speak to one of the Shirriffs, he looked back in time to see Aaylie chasing after the wolves. Oh no. He rushed across the grassy slope, managing to catch Aaylie, dragging her back into the town. Even he knew a lot better than to chase wolves around.

"Aaylie, you mustn't run off like that." He pulled her over to a bench, where they talked some more. "If these were the same wolves you met when you arrived, then maybe…"

"I would recognize them." she said. "These wolves we just saw weren't the ones I met."

"I noticed." He admitted, "When we first met, or rather when I first met you, there were wolves hanging around you. They had lighter fur coats, with some grey wolves. They didn't hurt me or you. If we want to find them again, they'll be in the spot where the shady part of the woods is. You arrived close to the edge of the forest." He sighed. "If it means that much to you, we'll go back and find the spot where we first met. How would you like that?"

"I'd love it." She sighed. "I've been away from home for too long. I miss it."

Frodo understood. "Then I'll take you back this afternoon, before it gets dark."

"Thank you, Frodo," she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Frodo blushed madly. Maybe he had feelings for her, too. Unless, she was heading back home. They didn't spend as much time together as he would have preferred. But then, perhaps this was how it was meant to be.

Aaylie's POV

I felt torn, especially after kissing Frodo's cheek that morning.

In my head, thoughts of going home and spending time with my friends and family was important. Then there was Frodo. He kissed me, cherished me. And I him. I couldn't just abandon him. I felt like I belonged in Middle-earth, in the Shire. Just me and Frodo, like nothing else mattered.

The kiss we shared, before we returned to the original timeline… it was a peck, but given how we came back to the original timeline. I mean, that was an adventure. We hadn't spoken about the kiss for a long while, let alone brought it up. I wondered if Frodo felt the same about me. And yet, we shared good food and a cheerful company with each other.

While at the party, I stopped Pearl. I wanted to give her a sincere apology. Show her that I was not the same hobbitess – could I say that now? – as I was when we first met. And that's what I did.

"Pearl, I apologize for coming in-between your relationship with Frodo. I was so cross before about trusting anyone, but I figured you deserved an apology from me," I said.

"It's not your fault." Pearl admitted, "Frodo and me had a fall out four months before you arrived. We just weren't meant for each other. Your arrival was timing. I shouldn't have behaved so crossly with you. You were a newcomer to the Shire, and I took it the wrong way. Also, I was having a rough time those few days. Nothing against you. My mother made me do double chores around the house. Nothing against you, Aaylie. You're fine."

"So, no hard feelings?" I asked, in a manner of friendship.

"Well, you did startle Frodo." Pearl grinned, before whispering, "I think he likes you, and you did give him an adventure in the dream world. Just be careful with him. Frodo can be a handful."

"Thanks," I smiled. Nope. I wasn't ready to go back home just yet. I found my way towards Frodo, delighted to make his acquaintance once again. His smile was so kind. Maybe I did feel something for him, but I had to ask, "Frodo, what happened at the end of our journey. Well, that kiss meant something and… well, I'm not sure I'm ready to go back home just yet. If that's all right?'

"Of course it is." Frodo spoke to me further, "I understand you miss your family and friends. That's good. But… since we left the dream world." He shook his head. "I can't take this anymore." He leaned in and kissed me on the lips again. For a moment, I forgot where I was or who I was with. Then it came back. I was with Frodo and he wasn't going to let me go. Not today. Maybe not ever. I… I just stayed there, enjoying the moment. He released me, asking me, "What else would you like to see today?"

"More of the festival. But it would be nice if I learned more about you, too, Frodo," I said, encouraging him.

"Yes," Frodo said, wrapping an arm around me. "Where do I begin?"

"At the beginning, I suppose," I said, chiming in.

Frodo chuckled. Yes, this was going to be a good festival. I just knew it, and I had a feeling Frodo did as well. And I suppose that was all right, for now at least.

Sweet moments are happening between Frodo and Aaylie. Thanks for reading. :) Let's see what happens in the next chapter, too. :)