Disclaimers: See the Prologue for more information.

Chapter Sixteen:

Not the Same Hobbit

Frodo's POV

Two hours earlier, before he was reunited with Aaylie, Frodo heard Aaylie's call from inside Bag End. Two slow weeks had passed since his time in the Great Smials. Well, at least he kept Pippin entertained with a tale or two of his adventures with Aaylie. And yet, in spite of his weeping heart, he still had feelings towards her. He did his best not to show it, but he couldn't keep his Uncle Bilbo in the dark.

"If you're so desperate to see her, lad, why not find a way to reach her?" Bilbo said.

"Bilbo, the woman I met… she's a year younger than me and from a different dimension," he answered.

"Well, there's your answer. Find Glorfindel." He said, chuckling.

"Glorfindel. But he hasn't returned from…"

"Oh, haven't I?" It was Glorfindel's voice all right. Frodo followed the voice until he came to the dining room. He jumped a little in shock upon seeing the elf.

"Glorfindel, what brings you to the Shire?" he asked the elf warrior.

"Funny you should ask that." Glorfindel rolled over a tall rectangular mirror. "This mirror will guide us to Aaylie Winter."

"You – You have news of her?" Frodo asked.

"Frodo, I… Glorfindel, I…" It was Aaylie's voice, but her voice was resonating off the mirror in ripples. Glorfindel grinned merrily at the gentlehobbit.

"I knew you two couldn't keep apart for very long. Come on. You first, and I will follow," Glorfindel said, standing up.

"Wish me luck," Frodo said to his uncle.

"Bring Aaylie back when you find her," Bilbo said. "You talk about her so much, cousin."

"Thanks Bilbo," Frodo said, snickering. In one step, he was through the portal and onto a dance floor. He looked down at his dress clothes, which were made out of velvet and with leaf designs on the vest. But he didn't linger over this too much, for Glorfindel stepped in next to him.

The rest was handled well. Glorfindel found Aaylie and met up with her. A moment later, Glorfindel spun her towards Frodo, something which he couldn't help. This was their moment, he and Aaylie, and he didn't want to miss this for any given time.

"You called for me," Frodo informed her. He couldn't help smiling. She looked so beautiful this evening. He didn't want to let her go.

"Yes," Aaylie said, noticing him, "You're different."

"We both are different," he addressed her. "You look beautiful."

"Does anyone know we're dancing?" she asked. But by then, Frodo led her through the mirror, which became longer and wider. As they waltzed, Frodo found he was leading her into a flower garden, as if they had entered one of their stories.

And yet, even in that moment, they weren't ready to let go of one another. Frodo looked up at Glorfindel, who was watching them from a rooftop.

"You mean we're in another world?" Aaylie was shaking. She was nervous.

"I thought this is what you want." Frodo grinned. "Make up your mind."

"That's just it. I don't know how. It's like I want to be home, but I also want to be in Middle-earth with you. How can I choose?" she asked, moving over to a white curved bench. Frodo joined her.

"Aaylie," he said, gently, "if you had to choose."

"I can't. I thought by going home, I'd be happy. But when I'm with you, it doesn't matter. It's like the choice is already given for me," Aaylie said. "I feel complete with you, Frodo."

"Then why do you want to go home? To your home, I mean," he asked.

"Because there's things I need to do there. But when I came back home the first time, hardly anyone knew I was gone. Except for my friend Jen, but… no. She went to bed when I answered her text message," she sighed. "It's not going to be easy."

"It never is. You don't have to choose, you know," Frodo said. He was stunned when she collapsed in his arms. He couldn't let her go. Not like this. "Whatever you choose, I'll understand."

"How? If I went home, we'd be separated. If I come with you, I'd be separated from my family and friends," she said.

"I doubt you'll be separated from your friends. We're friends, and so is Glorfindel," he said, surprised at her reactions. "You have friends, friends who want to stay with you. I may not be the same hobbit, but you deserve to be happy, Aaylie."

"Middle-earth has become my home," she said. "So, do I have to choose?"

"No. You don't," Glorfindel landed gracefully in front of Frodo and Aaylie. "You can visit Middle-earth whenever you like. And you can go back home."

"That sounds easy, but I think I know what I need to do," she said, looking at Frodo.

"What do you have in mind?" Glorfindel asked.

"That I commute between worlds," she said.

"Is that possible?" Frodo asked, looking up at Glorfindel.

"Until such a time comes when Aaylie will have to choose, she'll know it. As will you, Frodo," the elven warrior replied. "But yes, this is happening now."

"Like what Glorfindel and I are doing." Frodo understood now what they were discussing.

"Really?" Aaylie was excited, and that made Frodo happy. He supposed this arrangement would work, but only time would tell what happened next in their lives.

Thanks for reading. :) One more chapter to go…