A/N:In my story I've kept the hobbits young (somewhere in their tweens). It's kind of like a spin-off from the movie since I'd rather have Merry, Pippin, Sam & Frodo as chilhood friends (or cousins) instead of having Sam as Frodo's servant or stuff like that.
It had been more than a year now. More than a year since the fellowship had separated. Each of them were now living a rather calm and peaceful life as opposed to the adventure they had share.
Frodo's thoughts lingered back on those days, as if it was so long ago. The young hobbit smiled fondly at those moments. Though his features were somehow childish, being he was a "tween" to his kind, his large and bright blue eyes were deep and seemed to reflect as much wisdom as someone who would had lived for at least around a 100 years.
For the once ringbearer faced hardships and suffered more than a someone of his age should have. Come to think of it, he knew from the start that he was different from other hobbits. He was thinner than most and a bit taller. And his love to explore. He took it from his uncle Bilbo. Dear uncle Bilbo, he hadn't seen the old Baggins for quite a while now.
'Who would have thought that the entire fate of Middle-Earth would depend on a simple hobbit because of a ring that his uncle gave him?' he mused.
Then he thought about the others.
Samwise Gamgee, his best friend, was still a shy lad. But through his loyalty to Frodo, he had somehow blossomed into a more than brave person. People looked at him in wonder for he was a lot smarter than they thought and become more outspoken. Hell, Sam had even managed to talk to Rosie Cotton without stuttering!
Then there was his cousin Meriadoc. The Brandybuck boy still had all his wit but pulled less pranks than before. He seemed calmer and more thoughful. Still, his eyes shone with a bit of mischief and laughter. People were already expecting him as Master of Buckland. He was more robust and taller than any hobbits apart from Pippin.
Merry and Pippin. What a pair they were. And still are.
Pip. Still quite energetic... and clumsy. The youngest hobbit, despite his quite impressive height to his kind, still had his knack for getting himself into trouble. But others now looked upon the Thain with amusement instead of annoyance like they would have a year before. Peregrin Took was also one of a kind. Yes, the kind that can always bring a slight pain in your ass.
The four hobbits had matured too quickly for their own age. They had seen more than they should have. But they had pulled it off and proved to be fearless fighters. With the help of the rest of the fellowship.
Now almost two years since Strider had clamed back his rightful place on his throne of Gondor. Aragorn was a fair ruler. His wisdom was great and with his wife, the elven-princess Arwen who had given up her immortality for him, at his side, it was increased. The son of Arathorn and his love Evenstar were happy, for they were expecting a child.
'I should visit them sometime.'
Legolas Greenleaf had returned to Mirkwood after parting with Gimli somewhere along the way. The prince had seen more on his adventure with the fellowship than he had in the two-thousands something years he had lived. He was considered rather young among the elves and at is return, those of his kin were surprised to find someone with less innocense in his eyes and much more wisdom.
Gimli the stout dwarf was now also nicknamed Elf-friend since he became really close to Legolas and proven his kindness to the elves. His beard was still his pride and still thought of Galadriel as the fairest creature he had ever seen. He still kept the three locks of hair she had given him in a pouch that he always wore around his waist, right next to his beloved ax.
Gandalf. The white wizard was now head of his Council and the most powerful wizard there was. The old man was respected by all. He would walk around supporting himself on his stick and his back bent but those how knew him were not startled when he would speak soflty one moment and his voice would be booming the next. His eyes shone brightly under his hat. Frodo also missed his mentor deeply.
And there was Boromir. From what the others told him, Frodo learned that the man was indeed a valliant soldier slayed while trying to save Pippin and Merry. Calling them "the little ones", he apparently had grew very fond of those two and had somehow freed himself from the ring's influence before letting out his last breath. They had mourned him deeply when Aragorn had learned them of his death. He wished-
"Frodo! Frodo!"
A sandy-haired boy scurried towards the tree where the young Baggins was sitting.
"Sam? What it is? Is something wrong?"
"You have to come quick! There was a beautiful white bird that flew directly to me while I was waterin' the flowers in your garden. It was transporting a message addressed to you Frodo! I think it was from Lord Elrond! It looks pretty urgent 'cause the bird seemed rather agitated."
"Lord Elrond?"
The hafling quickly climbed down the tree and ran back to his home with Sam on his heels.
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Like it? Took me about an hour to write. Plz review! Constructive criticism is welcome!
ViNguyen
Feb.7, 2002
Modified: March 4, 2002