Caunwen felt very strange spending her day in the Shire. Gandalf had gone to spend time with Bilbo so she found Frodo and helped decorate for the party. When the sun and moon switched places, the celebration began.

Caunwen took a seat at a table alone as she sipped an ale and watched the hobbits dance and have a joyous time. As she sat there, she felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned to see Gandalf standing over her.

"Mithrandir, may I help you?" she asked, her tone soft because ever since the reveal of the prophecy, she felt very strange around him.

Gandalf smiled upon her, "Please call me Gandalf, it is my more common name. I was wondering if you would like to join me in a dance?"

Caunwen nodded, "I would like that very much but I do not know the dance of these people," she admitted.

Gandalf reached out his hand for her, she took it gladly, "I will help you. Place your other hand on my shoulder," he instructed as he placed the hand not entwined in hers on her waist, "Very good. Now just follow my lead," he said softly before pulling her into the rapid dance of the hobbits.

After the dance, Gandalf took her back to where she was sitting, "I must go continue the fireworks show. Meet me at Bilbo's home after the party and we can discuss what you came here for," he shared before taking her hand and kissing the back of it ever so gently. Caunwen blushed as she took her hand back. She had had feelings for Gandalf for many years and the prophecy was exciting for her but she was also deeply worried about how he felt.

The party went on until Bilbo gave a speech, thanking everyone for coming, sort of. At the end, he disappeared into thin air causing Caunwen some alarm. She noted to ask Gandalf about it when she met with him. She waited a short while before making the trek to Bilbo's home. Once she reached Bag End, she knocked gently on the open door.

"You may enter," she heard Gandalf's voice greet her from inside and she did as he asked. When she walked in, she saw him smoking his pipe and sitting in front of the fire. He appeared deep in thought.

"Are you alright, Gandalf?" she asked as she analyzed the small home.

"Lady Caunwen, you said your father feared dark times were upon us. What was he referring to?" he asked, never turning his face away from the fire.

"He does not yet know. He just feels a darkness thickening with each passing day. You will have to go to him to get more on what he sees," she answered, honestly.

"That matter will have to wait. Bilbo left behind a ring and I have a terrible suspicion regarding it. Will you stay here and protect Frodo while I find out if my suspicions are correct? Once I have returned we shall go to Saruman with regards to the prophecy you spoke of," he said as he finally stood and looked at her.

Caunwen nodded, "I am to be with you from this day on and whatever you need from me, I will gladly do. Will you leave immediately or after Frodo returns here?"

"I shall leave as soon as he returns and I can tell him to keep this ring both secret and safe," he replied.

She nodded as she reached out and gently placed her hand upon his, "I will go retrieve my horse and stay here with Frodo until your return. Be safe." After she spoke, she raced out of the house to where she had left her horse. Once she returned to Bag End, she found that Gandalf was already gone and Frodo was sitting in the chair that Gandalf had been in before.

"Frodo," Caunwen said as she entered the house. He turned at her voice and smiled, "Gandalf asked that I stay with you until he returns to keep you safe. Is that alright with you?" she asked, keeping her tone soft.

Frodo nodded, a large grin playing across his lips, "I will make you a room."

Caunwen nodded gratefully.

Slightly less than a week later, Gandalf returned. He flew into the house and grabbed Frodo, "Is it secret? Is it safe?"

Frodo nodded, slightly frightened as he rushed to the trunk where he'd hidden it. Caunwen came in from outside where she'd been watching, "Is it as bad as you had feared?" she asked, taking in the serious look upon his face.

Gandalf breathed in deeply, "Yes, it is the worst possible situation. Frodo, place the ring into the fire," he instructed, looking away from Caunwen and back at the hobbit.

Frodo looked confused but did as he was asked. Gandalf pulled the ring out with tongs and dropped it in Frodo's hand. "Does it say anything?" Gandalf asked.

Frodo stared at the ring quietly for a moment before nodding, "Yes, there is an inscription but I do not know what it says."

Gandalf closed his eyes in fear, "In the common tongue it reads 'one ring to rule them all, one ring to bind them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them'. This ring was the one Sauron forged to control all the rings given to the elves, the dwarves and men. You must leave the Shire as soon as the sun rises. You must stay off the road and only travel by day," he instructed as Frodo raced through his home to pack.

"Shall I go with him for protection?" Caunwen inquired seeing fear all over Frodo's tiny face as he finished preparing to leave.

Gandalf shook his head, "No, you must come with me to seek out counsel from Saruman regarding the prophecy and this ring. Ready your horse, we will ride out at the same time."

Caunwen did as she was asked and when she was joined outside, there was another hobbit ready to go.

"Lady Caunwen, this is Samwise Gamgee, he will be accompanying Frodo to the Prancing Pony where we shall meet them. Are you ready to go?" Gandalf asked of her as the hobbits began their journey by foot.

Caunwen nodded as she mounted her horse, "Let us ride."