Authors notes: Although the ideas of Frodo returning and having a family are major changes to Tolkiens work, I always tried to stay as close as possible to the roots of LOTR, not changing more than necessary. The idea to have servants of evil such as "The Messengers of Darkness", has its roots in Tolkiens work "The New Shadow", his sequel to LOTR (to be found in "The History of Middle Earth XII: The Peoples of Middle-Earth").

Please be patient with me updating the story, I hope it wont take too much time, but I will always have to re-read it all in order to find mistakes, because English is not my first language.

Reviews are welcome!

Disclaimer: This is just a fictitious story and it does not elevate validity as a real sequel to Tolkien's novel. The characters and places in the story are Tolkien's - except for my OC's Liliane Bolger and the members of the "The Messengers of Darkness".
The fact that I chose Lilianes name as my pen name is not because of a Mary Sue. Id have liked to call myself Eowyn here what I also did before, but I had to change my pen name and had no other ideas than taking my OCs name. So theres no Mary Sure.




First chapter: From Bag End to Buckland


The bench beside the door of Bag End stood in bright golden light of the early springs sun. It was one of the first warmer days in 1423, there was already a sweet smell of blossoming flowers in the air, but the trees were still missing their leaves. It had been a long and cold winter in which everything had been asleep and calmed by the snow, but it had melted weeks before. Now there were bees appearing, soaring in the slightly warm wind, humming quietly and busily.
Frodo Baggins took a deep breath of the fresh air, still keeping his eyes closed and he enjoyed the warmth of the sun. Noon and lunch were a while ago and he heard Sam eagerly clapping the scissors behind the low hedge which marked the gardens fence.
He felt pleasantly tired and sighed, leaning back on the bench and stretching out his legs. There was nothing for him to do and he thought of Sam, such a devoted gardener, that he seldom sought any rest.
Suddenly Frodo was aware of a delicious smell and this perception was one very delightful - it was cake and he already imagined how he would eat some of it... Sams wife Rosie was a perfect cook and so good at baking, not only Frodo thought so. This was one reason why he liked living with the little Gamgee family. A smile appeared on his lips when he thought of the good news that Sam had announced recently. They would have a second baby in fall and Sam was already such a proud father to his daughter Elanor who had just had her second birthday.
Frodo had never reckoned that there would be a time when he did not feel lonely, but now with the lovely girl, dear Rosie and his true friend Sam, Frodo had found his way back to living again. It was just more than a year ago that he had first left the western shores of Middle-earth to find his rest in the Undying Lands - but when they departed the havens and when he had looked back, he had felt an unexpected longing to return to his home.
Stop! Please bring me back now before its too late, he pleaded and those who were with him gazed at him in wonder and surprise - save Gandalf, since the wizard immediately knew about Frodos intention to return. At last he was to find peace, the peace that he had been fighting for under risk of his life.
It had torn his heart in two when he had thought of never being to see his home again. This was the place where he belonged. He had first thought that he couldn't feel at home in the Shire, but he would not be able to feel happy in the West either. He remembered the grief in Sams eyes about losing him. Frodo had left to let go of him, but now he hoped to stay beside Sam's family.
Dear Uncle, dont forget me, he had said when he was disembarking in Mithlond, the Elves had taken him back, and when Frodo and Bilbo embraced to say farewell forever, surprisingly Gandalf joined Frodo leaving the ship.
Will you not come with me, Frodo? Bilbo had asked with his low voice trembling a little, but Frodo shook his head in a sad manner. Sad he was, sad to leave his uncle all alone as a Hobbit with the Elves - but he found comfort remembering Bilbos chosen years in Rivendell.
I think I would be happier living here where there is my home. I do not want to miss Sam and Bag End. Not now. But maybe, dear uncle, I will follow you one day. Now its still too early for that, Im sure it would be wrong for me to go today, I just realized this fact. Please forgive me, I do not mean to dissapoint you
Frodo felt tears in his eyes, but he managed not to cry. He embraced Bilbo one last time and said goodbye to the Elves who were to leave the shores now.
And why will you stay? asked Frodo turning to Gandalf. Nobody had asked this question before he did, he did so while they there were all returning to the ship, and Gandalf looked down to him and said: I think you are right for now, Frodo. We can still depart someday and I should like to stay here for now and enjoy the world now that there is peace.
When they both looked at each other, Frodo felt that Gandalf was not telling the whole truth, but he knew the wizard so well that he did not ask further questions. He knew that it would be in vain, for the wizard did not tell what he did not want to. He kept some secrets.
They had no hope of catching up with their friends who had left hours ago, they were already on their way back home for a while. And they had ponies which the two of them had not, so they just walked under the stars until they got too tired to take a further step forward.
They could not have been more different - the old tall wizard and the much smaller and younger Hobbit, but still Gandalf asked himself whether it was not him who walked more upright.
Still Frodo was wounded and marked by the past, but Gandalf was glad to see that Frodo changed his decision. It would not have been just to the Ringbearer not to get at least a little part from the peace he had been fighting for. Of course Valinor would have meant peace - but for a Hobbit? And this Frodo still was.
When they had arrived at Bag End, Sam had found no words to say at seeing them again. The stout Hobbit had been overwhelmed by his deep emotions of happiness and, at the same time, confusion. He had never reckoned Frodo to change his mind about leaving, but back he was and intending to live what Sam had secretly been dreaming of - together with his family at Bag End of which Sam didnt want to be the owner anymore.
He did not know about some of Frodos reasons to leave. He did not feel torn because of Frodo on the one side and his family on the other. Since they were all living together, he was truly happy with the situation and could cope with that easily. To him it was not hard to care for both his family and his friend. Rosie helped him and Frodo soon was an uncle to little Elanor, who was, according to Frodo, a real story-addict. A silly idea had come true: Now there was a story to be told about Frodo of the nine fingers. The girl was so proud of him - she reckoned him a real hero.
Frodo felt no regret. Sometimes he thought of Gandalf who was roaming all about Middle-earth, one could never be sure of where to find the Istari. Still he found it strange that Gandalf also had chosen not to go, but for his part, Frodo knew it had been right to stay.
He lived a calm life which was often brightened up by the cheerful laughter of a little Hobbit girl with cheeky blond curls and a preference to all that is sweet.
Children were wonderful - he had never had an idea about how much affection he would have for this cute little pest.
Secretly he envied Sam a little. He was a very loving father and Frodo would have liked to care for someone the way Sam did - but actually he was pleased with his way of living.
He did not only listen for the birds singing while he was daydreaming. The garden was already richly flowered. His thoughts had been drifting away, but now he was taken back to reality by hearing some quiet giggling right next to him.
He blinked with one eye and pretended not to regard Elanor, but the girl holding some pieces of cake in her small hands smiled broadly and knew her uncle was playing a trick on her.
Want some of Mummys cake? she asked and made him take a piece.
This hedge will drive me insane! Sam grumbled and when Frodo was searching for him, he only found his curls behind the hedge.
What are you talking about? It looks good! You did your work as perfect as usual, Sam, so dont worry! he replied before taking a bit of the warm and tasty cake.
course, Master Frodo, it looks good on your side, but here tis a nightmare! It all just grows the way it wants to.
But you will not tell me now that you are tired of your work, will you?
Sam sighed loudly and raised his head above the hedge.
No. Im just tired of the hedge.
Then come and taste Rosies fantastic cake!
Excitement appeared in Sams eyes, he laid the scissors aside and entered the garden to sit down beside Frodo who handed him another piece. Still Elanor stood in front of him, longing to sit on his lap - that would be fine: Leaning on Uncle Frodo and being fed with cake by Daddy.
They were enjoying themselves for a while. The sinking afternoon sun reminded Frodo of his task. He had to pack his things now if he wanted to leave in time for Buckland.
ll go and prepare my backpack for the trip tomorrow, Frodo said and raised at the same time as Sam did.
Right... and I will go and tame these twigs!
The little girl sat on Frodos arm and he took her inside, let her down on his bed and began to search for clothing and other useful things which he put into his backpack.
How long will you stay, Uncle Frodo? asked Elanor and Frodo felt her big blue eyes fixed on him.
I dont know, dear. A week or two maybe. Why do you ask?
Frodo ignored her observing him, why should a child not be curious?
Because I will miss your stories!
You wont. Go and torment your Daddy while Im in Buckland. He was with me, so he can tell you the same things.
Will you not take me with you to Uncle Merry? Elanor insisted.
No, youre too young a child still. Stay at home with your parents. Frodo met her gaze and noticed the disappointment in her eyes.
No, dont look at me that way, Elanor. I will not take you along. You can go with me when youre a little older!
Elanor let herself fall backwards on Frodos bed and crossed her arms before her chest. In silence she stared at the ceiling and did not say any more.
Frodo suppressed an amused grin and continued packing his things. Some weeks ago he and Merry had decided that he should come to visit his old home and his cousin living in Brandy Hall - still alone, as Frodo remembered with no pity. It was not a secret that Merry had been in love with Estella Bolger for long. Frodo knew that she also answered his love, but still he had not spoken - he didnt dare to for some reason that was not obvious to anyone, even not to himself. He just was too shy all of a sudden. He, well-known all over the Shire for his deeds, Meriadoc the Great.
Frodo smiled all over his face. This just reminded him of Sam.
He would tell Merry to tell her about his love. He should marry! He was old enough for that. Once Merry would be Master of Buckland, so he should also have an heir - some day...
Frodo had been looking forward to this short trip since the day he had decided to go. He loved traveling through the Shire in spring and he would enjoy being with Merry. Both of them would have fun, he was sure of it.
With a sigh he sat down on the bed, then laid down beside little Elanor and turned his head to the girl.
What are you staring at? he asked seriously.
But you will still like me when there will be my little brother or sister born? Elanor asked out of the blue and Frodo frowned.
Of course I will! How could I ever love someone else than this little princess here? he answered and pinched her in the arm. Loudly shrieking Elanor sat upright and threw herself on Frodo with all her weight.
Dear, youve grown! Release me! Frodo pleaded, but she ignored him. He sighed.
Alright then... why are you jealous? Do you really think that your little sibling would change the love your parents feel for you? The love for such a beautiful girl?
Elanor blushed. I dont know, she said. But one day I will marry my Daddy!
Frodo laughed out loud and looked at her with only one eye.
We will see, he said. Too bad you dont love your uncle.
But I do! she called. So you would marry me, Uncle Frodo?
That had not exactly been what Frodo had intended to provoke - it was worse.
Ah... we will talk about that when youre old enough.
Now Elanor finally released him, jumped off the bed and ran outside to whisper the good news to Daddy.
Frodo neither moved, nor intended to. He did not exactly know what it was - but inside of him a bittersweet feeling grew that felt like longing for something.
But he was not lacking anything! He had everything a Hobbit could dream of. There were still riches hidden in Bag End, he was never lonely - but he lived such a different life. Before he had always been happy with that, it had been fine, but sometimes he felt he was a little different from Bilbo, although he had always reckoned to be very much like him.
He wasnt.
But before this thought could settle, Frodo rose and put the backpack into a corner of his room. He was done with that. And before his inner restlessness could grow, he tried not to think of it again.
He went to bed very early that day. The next morning he would leave quite early to be sure about reaching Buckland the morning after, and so he did not want to stay up late.

Wake up! Wake and see the sun shine, Master Frodo! It will be such a wonderful day for you to walk down to Buckland, Sam said with a cheerful tone in his voice. Frodo squinted sleepily and wanted to turn about and sleep a little more, but Sam did not let him.
You have to get up now, or did you forget about Merry?
Two minutes, Frodo replied and he still felt so tired but when he finally got up he was soon fully awake.
He entered the kitchen with his backpack in his hand and sat down between Elanor and Sam. All the family had been waiting for him to arrive, so they began to eat now and Rosie pointed at some packets that contained bread and sandwiches, further there were some fruits lying beside bottles filled with juice.
This will ease the hunger of a traveling Hobbit, she said and Frodo thanked her with a smile.
s wonderful, Rosie! What would I do without you? he said and she shrugged.
Starve to death, probably, she replied unaffected and Sam grinned. He was sure of that.
Frodo did not react, he knew he better stay far from the kitchen and took another bite then.
When he had finished, he took his coat and shouldered his backpack.
ll be back soon, Sam. Dont worry about me! Frodo said and laid his hand on his friends shoulder. Elanor came running down the hallway and stopped beside her father.
Goodbye, Uncle Frodo! she said and another came from Rosie out of the kitchen.
Frodo first embraced Sam and then knelt down to shrink to Elanors height before he embraced her, too.
, he said and turned to leave. He went through the garden and waved goodbye when he walked down the road to Hobbiton. Oh, he would miss the little girl begging him for stories. He hoped he would have some new ones for her when he returned.
The sun warmed all the surroundings, people where on their way to trade on the market or just chat with the neighbors. Most of them greeted Frodo friendly and he always replied smiling. Life was busy already and this morning he had the impression that he was finally a part of it. It was not just him merely looking at everything and witnessing the business of others, since now he had his own.
Along freshly smelling hedges and flowered meadows his way led him down to Bywater and the Three Farthing Stone from where he began to walk across the fields and next to the little forests he met on his way. The farmers were busy with the seeds, but Frodo was only occupied with losing in the blue sky in which there were only few little white clouds.
It was a feeling as if he could fly, he felt the wind playing with his curls and making him feel free. At noon he rested to have lunch and he was nearly tried to eat all of the tasty things that Rosie had given him - but this would mean hunger in the later hours of the day.
Many miles of lonely walking later he first met a road again which he followed for a while, but at dusk he rested again and prepared a little campfire for the night. Dinner was just small for a Hobbit, but enough for Frodo that day. When it was completely dark and the moon was first about to rise, he laid down and took his sheet in which he wrapped himself next to the little fire. He lay next to some bushes and did not notice when his dream of the stars which he was looking at became a dream of sleep. It took him swiftly and he only awoke the next morning because of the chill and dew touching his toes. Sighing Frodo got up and went to the Stockbrook where he washed his face and refreshed himself.
The morning was still grey and shrouded with a little fog along the brook. Frodo heard only birds when he made his way down to the ferry of Bucklebury. The sun had already risen higher and higher when Frodo reached the ferry and took it to reach the other side of the river. All the mists had gone, the sun had made them vanish and so he soon was aware of a little figure sitting near the water. When he looked closer, a smile appeared on his face because Frodo recognized Fatty, his old friend Fredegar Bolger, there on the bank. And Fatty had already noticed him, too.
I knew you wouldnt be too late! Fatty cried in his direction and stood up. Frodo waved his hand in a friendly manner and answered: So Merry told you that Id come? Dont say now that youve been waiting for me!
No. Id never get up that early just to wait for that fool of a Baggins!
Oh, wait til Im close enough to get you, Fatty!
Both of them laughed and Frodo set his foot on the riverbank when he had reached it. Fatty had come closer and embraced him.
Good to see you, Frodo. Its too long ago that Ive last seen you.
I think so, too. But will you tell me now what youre doing here if its not waiting for me? Frodo asked curiously.
Oh... well. Do you remember the terrible thunderstorm we had more than a year ago? It was just after you had returned to Bag End. It was in October...
Of course I do. How could I ever forget that? Gandalf and I were wet to the skin and asked ourselves whether this was the end of the world! Frodo answered and the two of them turned to go heading for Bucklebury which was on their way to Brandy Hall.
It was the day my cousins husband died. I dont know whether youve ever met Liliane... she married Carl Boffin and when he was on his way back home, he lost control on the ferry and fell into the water. He drowned. We never found him... it was so hard a time. I decided to live at their house for a while so Liliane wouldnt be all alone and Estella joined us, but right now Estella returned to her parents house...
Fatty continued like that for a while and told Frodo about all his relatives, how great it was to live with both his cousins and how well they could cook - he loved talking. But eventually he remembered why he had been talking about all that and he explained: This is why Im here. Its the place right where Carl might have drowned. You should know that I liked him very much. I guess Liliane is still missing him, but at least shes not suffering from grief anymore the way she was before.
I didnt know you left your house!
Fatty shrugged. I didnt tell you and if Merry didnt... oh, this fool of a Brandybuck. Can you believe that? Estella has been living for at least a year so near to Brandy Hall and guess what happened. Nothing! Merry came for a visit from time to time, but oh... he still hasnt spoken. He will never do so. Please, could you...
t tell me! I know that hes still having that problem. Im tired of that!
Frodo turned about and gazed at the Brandywine. So many lives that it had already taken. It took his parents, it took a husband - strange that he still wasnt afraid of the water. But he did not spend much time thinking of that, he talked to Fatty as long as they were on their way to Brandy Hall. There Merry was already on his lair, he had been expecting Frodo for quite a while, but his cousin still arrived in time for lunch.
Welcome, dear Frodo! Oh, and Fatty - but you were not lurking for him, were you? Telling him things hed never want to know...
He didnt do so, Frodo immediately said.
Ah well. Come in, both of you, or dont you want to eat?
Fattys eyes nearly began to shine when Merry spoke of food, but Merry noticed that and said quickly: Hurry, Frodo, if you dont want Fatty to steal your part!
The three of them lost no more time since they were all hungry. After lunch Fatty still stayed for a while and they were laughing loudly about all the funny stories they told each other. Later in the afternoon Fatty said farewell then, he returned to his home and Merry and Frodo spent the rest of their time until dinner roaming about the attic of the huge Brandybucks mansion, coughing from dust and being amused by all the strange things they found.
I like that a lot, Frodo said. I knew wed have fun together!
Oh yes... his cousin replied and the evening was even merrier than the day. They were drinking and this made them sing soon. It startled everyone living in the Hall who wasnt involved, but actually no one cared about that.
When Frodo finally fell asleep late, he still had a smile on his face and knew why he didnt regret that he had stayed.