I hope your enjoying it so far, and if you're not....TOUGH! Te He! Please do let me know what you think though, as I really value your comments. Happy reading!

Chapter 3:

They'd already said goodbye in the kitchen, but Sam and Rosie still stood at the front door, as their two oldest children, with one last wave disappeared into the gathering darkness. Sam and Rosie stood there for a couple of minutes, silent, before turning back inside and shutting the door on the night.

Frodo and Elanor walked in silence for a while, each busy with his or her own separate thoughts, and yet still glad of the company the other gave. Walking quickly through the warm summer night, they passed like shadows, singing softly songs that they'd known all their lives and were soon giggling and recounting tales and dredging up old memories that the other had all but forgotten about. Frodo told Elanor about Pippins interesting afternoon, and soon had her in fits of giggles.

After several hours steady walking, they paused briefly for something to eat before continuing on across the country. It wasn't until past midnight that they found a sheltered hollow in which to sleep in, but when they did finally sleep, they slept soundly till dawn.

A cheery breakfast, and they were ready to face the day. Again keeping to the pace they'd set the night before, and within a couple of hours they could see the Brandywine in the distance. Frodo became distinctly quieter the closer they got to the river, but kept walking on determinedly. Elanor made up for Frodo's silence, by talking about anything and everything that came to mind.

They reached he river, and Elanor pulled a small parcel out of her pack.

"Now don't open it until you get there! You have to promise me!"

Frodo smiled weakly at her, and whispered,

"I promise."

Then Elanor gave him the biggest hug she could, whilst trying not to squash him.

"Now I'll come over and see you in five days time, and stay over night. Check that that's ok with Uncle Merry, and let me know if it isn't. I'll write tomorrow, and stop looking like you're about to be fed to the lions!"

Frodo grinned mutely up at her, she smiled back, gave him a kiss on the cheek and a shove onto the ferry.

"Don't open the parcel until you get there!" She yelled at the departing ferry.

Even from this distance she could still see Frodo mouth 'thank you'. She watched the ferry to the other side, waved furiously at the small departing blob, waving back, that could only be Frodo. Brushed the tears from her eyes, and set off for home.