Chapter 36: A Toast to Surviving

Stretching my tired limbs, the scenery began to change seeing nothing but rolling hills and farmland spread across the lands. I saw Gandalf stop his horse as we all followed suit seeing him turn to us all smiling.

"This is where we part ways my dear Hobbits." he said in a sad tone making me climb down my pony approaching him saying, "We will see you again right Uncle Gandalf?"

Watching as he got off of his horse he replied, "I'm sure we shall."

Hugging him tightly he laughed hugging back saying, "Your mother would be so proud of the woman you've become."

Blushing at the comment the others came over to us as he looked at Pippin saying, "I imagine she'll keep you in line just fine."

"We shall see about that." Pippin replied making me look towards him replying, "Yes we will."

Merry hugged him next followed by Sam then Frodo who he held a bit tighter whispering something to him. As we all climbed back onto our ponies we waved towards Gandalf until he was out of view feeling myself hold back tears knowing how much I'd miss him.

Eventually I could see Hobbit holes in the distance as smoke left the roofs getting excited to sleep in a warm bed again. I assured Pippin that tonight he should be with his family, but he promised first thing in the morning he'd introduce me to them. Seeing a Hobbit man sweeping he looked up at us making me wave happily despite his grumpy face while the others greeted him.

Once we got to a hill the others stopped as Pippin said, "This is where we separate, meet at the Green Dragon once nightfall hits?"

"We'll be there." Frodo said with a smile as Merry and him went down the hill while Sam traveled along the same road.

"Ready to go home?" Frodo asked me as I smiled warmly replying, "Yes."


Making it up the hill to the hobbit hole on the top we got off our ponies as I tied them to the fence where it could nibble on some grass.

"Once we get settled in, I shall make you both a place to sleep." I said feeling them nudge against me patting their heads before following Frodo inside.

As he opened the door it was dark seeing dust had built up on the antiques and no doubt mold had grown on the food from how long we were gone. Walking inside I brought my bag into the room I stayed in while visiting realizing that his was now my room.

Changing my clothes relaxing for a few I walked out seeing Frodo staring into Bilbo's study as he placed his book on the table turning to me with a smile, "Shall we get a drink?"

"Definitely." I said as I put my arm around him letting him lead us to a quaint little pub besides the lake.

I could hear the chatter of the Hobbits even before we entered the Green Dragon noticing Sam was already there smoking his pipe. Walking over to him I felt a presence appear behind me as they hugged me gently turning to see Pippin with Merry by his side.

"My parents think you're pretend, I can't wait until you see them tomorrow." Pippin said into my ear so I could hear over the chatter around us.

"Anyone care to help me grab drinks?" Frodo asked as I poked Pippin's nose before saying, "Of course."

Walking to the bar a pretty red headed Hobbit girl greeted us as she stared towards me before saying, "What can I get you?"

"Five of the usual." Frodo replied beside me as she smiled looking towards the table where Sam was sitting saying, "We haven't seen you as of late, did you lot go on a journey?"

"Yes indeed and I will be moving here, the Shire is a lovely place." I said happily watching her smile widen saying, "Well my name is Rosie should you need a friend to show you around."

At her name I turned to Frodo who gave me a knowing smile as my eyes turned to Sam saying, "My friend Sam spoke fondly of you, he has an exceptional judge of character so I would love to once I'm settled."

I could see her blush looking over at Sam while she placed the drinks on the counter replying, "That is good to know."

Grabbing two drinks, Frodo grabbed the other three as we maneuvered around the rowdy Hobbits who seemed to not even notice us. Setting my drink down besides Pippin's drink I sat between him and Merry at the head of the table.

We were quiet as we looked amongst one another realizing no one in this room knew how much we all fought and almost died. In fact, I imagine they felt a bit alienated from the folks they knew so well since they probably had no idea the horrors that almost took over the world. Gripping my mug, I raised it up as they all followed suit clinking them together as we all took a drink knowing we had done it.

I could see Sam's eyes linger towards Rosie as I smirked gently whispering, "She's beautiful Sam and I think she fancies you."

His eyes snapped towards me then back at her watching him take another large sip of his drink before standing up walking straight for her. The others looked at him surprised until Frodo burst out laughing feeling all the tension leave the room and being replaced with peace.


"Pipsqueak let's go we are going to be late!" I yelled across the Hobbit hole hearing a voice reply, "One second and must you still call me that?"

"So long as I'm taller than you of course." I replied hearing him grumble, "You're cheating cause of the shoes..."

Shaking my head I walked towards the entrance of my home looking towards the picture of my mother and father. These last few weeks flew by fast easily fitting into my new home and the people who lived here. Meeting Pippin's family they greeted me with open arms as his sisters began bombarding me with questions about being part elf.

It didn't take long for Sam and Rosie to announce that they were getting married which I was excited for since I became good friends with her. She was very kind and helped me adjust to living as a Hobbit quickly learning how carefree life really could be. Though Pippin and I still didn't live together we were talking about getting a home of our own once we hopefully wed but I wasn't in a rush.

Hearing footsteps quickly approach I turned seeing Pippin give me a sweet smile as he said, "Alright I'm ready."

Linking my arm with him we walked out of Bag End towards the field where the wedding was taking place seeing Merry and Frodo already at the front.

"You're late." Merry said as I cleared my throat replying, "An elf is never late, nor are they early, we arrive precisely when we mean to."

Frodo laughed lightly at my comment as I excused myself to find Rosie who beamed towards me making my eyes widen, "You could pass for an elf."

"Perhaps if I was taller." she said with a laugh as I grabbed my flowers handing her the larger bouquet saying, "Ready?"

Seeing her nod, we walked out as I stood to her side seeing Frodo on Sam's side until we got to the alter breaking to the side as the vows began to be read. Hearing them say there I do's and share their first kiss we all clapped happily seeing so much love between them. Watching Rosie throw her bouquet Pippin caught it as he looked towards me seeing the love on his face making me smile, looks like another wedding was in order.


One more chapter left, it will be a longer one.