*I own none of the original LOTR characters!

Here is the third installment of what I'm now going to call "The Keepers of Hope series" (the name will make sense later on if it doesn't already). I hope you're all ready to join Legolas and Estella through yet another journey together.

Amin mela lle:

The Party of a Lifetime

Bilbo moved quickly to answer the rap-tap-tap at his door. He had expected to see his relatives, the Sackville-Bagginess, ready to complain about whatever they had on their minds nowadays. He could never get any peace from them; not since his return from Erebor and certainly not since he adopted Frodo as his heir.

But when Bilbo opened the door he did not expect to see Gandalf's smiling face.

"Gandalf! I dare say you've picked an exceptional time to appear…as per your usual schedule. Are you here to celebrate among us," Bilbo asked. He had missed the old wizard since they had gone their separate ways after Erebor.

"Yes my dear friend, I've come specifically for this occasion," Gandalf replied smiling. Secretly he was sizing up Bilbo for it seemed the hobbit had not aged since he last saw him many years ago.

"I also come to bid you a happy birthday from the house of Elrond and the kingdoms of Mirkwood and Lothlórien. Alas, every elf has been kept occupied with things closer to home," Gandalf said.

Bilbo looked saddened for alittle bit as he wanted a couple of the elves he met along his journeys to come to the Shire. He knew the time for the elves to sail was fast approaching and he wanted to see them before they left.

He also knew how much Samwise Gamgee, his gardener, was fascinated by the elves. Sam even started to get Frodo interested in the elves and their culture.

"That's quite alright, I'm sure they're plenty busy. Tell me, have you heard anything from Legolas or Estella," Bilbo inquired.

Gandalf smiled at his friend's mention of the young couple.

"They are well. I last heard they were in Mirkwood and that Estel had been there some time ago as well," Gandalf replied.

"Why I haven't seen Estel for what seems like decades. How is the young lad," Bilbo inquired.

"I hear he is well. But I did not come here to tell you of those from your past, I came here to celebrate your 111th birthday. My are you getting old," Gandalf said smiling.

"Old for a hobbit maybe. But certainly not as old as a wizard…elves…or even Estel himself. I do believe that after this party I would very much like to visit Rivendell again," Bilbo said.

"I can arrange that and I'm certain lord Elrond would love to have you as his guest," Gandalf replied smiling.

The clock tolled, signifying the start of the party.

"Tonight will be a night many will not forget," Bilbo muttered under his breath.

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Frodo stared in shock at the gold ring now in his possession. Bilbo had fled from the Shire and had left everything to him…including the ring.

Gandalf said the ring was pure evil and must be taken to Rivendell.

Might as well pack up. I just wish I knew what Gandalf was bringing me into, Frodo thought as he prepared for his journey to meet Gandalf at "The Prancing Pony" in Bree.

Well, how was that for an introductory chapter? I know many of you are probably wondering where Estella and Legolas are…well they will show up. But let's just keep an eye on Frodo for now…he might need an extra hand along the way.

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