Disclaimer: All I own is what I write, nothing of Tolkien's.

Thanks to the reviews, even the flame; you gotta have good and bad to make a good writer. Some of the things addressed were small mistakes made from lack of proofreading, other were intentional writing devices. But, anywho…..enjoy and keep R/R!!

P.S. I know, this chapter (and maybe the next couple) is extra-Mary Sueish, but deal with it. It isn't going to be a complete Mary Sue fic, I just have to set things up. Trust me, I've never written a Mary Sue before, and I don't intend to now, but we'll make the best of it if it comes to that.

Journey to the Past

Chapter 5

News spread of a newcomer, and Hobson Hole was filled with life. Many were reluctant to meet the new hobbit girl, but those that braved their curiosity held mixed reactions. Some folk came to Hobson Hole just to see what kind of property it held. The older folk thought Violet too adventurous and too traveled to be a respectable hobbit, and that she was a bad influence on the children. The children, however, loved her and her stories of her "world."

Violet was thinking over the events of the past few weeks in Hobbiton one day. She was entertaining the children at least twice a week now, but lately it was harder and harder for her to remember certain things from back home. Each day certain memories and feelings blurred and faded.

Knocking at the door brought her back to her senses. When she answered it, she found Merry and Pippin on her doorstep. Though she had become good friends with these two, as well as Frodo, Sam, Rosie and the other Cottons, it was still a bizarre wonder to find these –characters – alive and "breathing", and on her front porch.

"We've thought of a great way to make you a part of Shire society," Merry said, obviously proud of the scheme, whatever it was. She was scared. Merry-and-Pippin ideas were never a good thing. She was about to protest when Pippin spoke up.

"Yes, and it's a great plan! You should throw a grand party. Everybody loves a party. Once they see what a great person you are, you'll be loved throughout the Shire!" It was worth a shot. At least, it would be nice to have a party and have some fun again.

She hesitantly agreed, and Merry and Pippin promised to help organize everything, according to her wishes, of course. As they were leaving, walking down the lane back to their homes, Violet could hear the mischevious Took ask his companion.

"I wonder is we could get Gandalf to shoot off some fireworks for the occasion?"

Oh boy. Something told her this was going to be an unforgettable experience. Whether that was good or bad remained to be seen, and that worried her. Very much.

In the quiet of an afternoon, in the sanctuary of a grove of trees, tidings were brought of a new hobbit in Hobbiton, and a subsequent welcoming gala. To the elves of Rivendell, it held little interest, to all except one. The news made his heart break with both joy and fear. Dark times were rising in the East, there was talk of a great threat from Mordor. Something had to be done about all this, and soon.

Invitations arrived all over the Shire for the great party. It was the talk of the town. Either gossip and rumors or excitement and preparations, Violet and her party were on everyone's lips.

The day of the big event finally arrived, with a fairly large and curious crowd. Music played, food and drink flowed generously, people laughed heartily. The evening was on the whole a general success. Many folks met the young Hobson hobbit and found her pleasant and a gracious hostess. 

Pippin and Violet were laughing about Sam dancing with Rosie when Diamond walked by to refill her glass. Pippin begged leave to dance, and was graciously granted it by his friend. She wasn't left alone for long, though.

"Looks like a wonderful evening," Frodo said.

"Yes, I think it's been a success. Thank you, all you guys, for what you did. I appreciate it."

"I'm glad we could help. It's always good to have old friends back." She nodded, watching the merriment. Frodo noticed her gaze. "Would you like to dance?"

"I'd love to!" she cried, taking his hand and bouncing out to the dance floor. For a couple hours more, Violet and Frodo twirled and skipped with other couples to cheery, lively music.

When at last, everyone had had their fill of ale, food, dance, merry-making and society, the crowd dispersed and left for home.

"You shouldn't walk home alone. I'll walk back with you, if you like," Frodo offered to Violet as she said goodbye to her guests.

"I'd like that, thank you." Together they set off for Hobson Hole.

"So, were we really friends when we were young?" she asked.

"Yes, your mother used to take me on picnics, family things like that, when we were young, after my parents died. She used to say I was like a son to her."

"She seems like a very nice woman, I wish I could remember her," miss Hobson said sadly.

"Maybe being home will help you remember," her companion said hopefully, putting his arm around her, attempting to cheer her up. She smiled at the effort.

"So, tell me about yourself now, Mr. Baggins. What does Mr. Frodo do now-a-days?"

"Me? Enjoy life in Hobbiton. I travel the Shire with Merry, have a drink with Sam and Rosie. Nothing exciting. I'm not a very adventurous sort." Oh, if you only knew, Violet thought.

"You are a good person, though. I'm sure you will do great things in your life." Frodo smiled at her, but said nothing. They walked the rest of the way in silence, admiring the scenery and comfort of the Shire. It seemed all too quick that they reached Hobson Hole.

"Thank you for walking me home, it was nice of you," Violet said, unlocking her door.

"It was my pleasure, Miss Hobson." Frodo started to walk away from the house, when he stopped.

"Violet, would you like to have lunch tomorrow? A picnic in the meadow, maybe?" he asked.

"I'd love to. I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight, Mr. Baggins."

"Goodnight," he said, as she slowly closed her door.

That night, Violet thought the world seemed more peaceful, more content, more perfect than ever before. Yes, she would learn to like this hobbit thing.

Sorry for the length, I had a lot to write.

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