Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Lord of the Rings…The characters are property of JRR Tolkien's descendents and certain events to the makers of the epic film. I'm just a fan borrowing the characters, making no profit out of this.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

The Shire

Two months have passed uneventfully. We are nearing the edge of the forest near the entrance to Buckland. "We are almost to the Shire!" I announce happily.

"And it's about time, too! Those trees seemed to move about the forest all the time, leading us where they desired." Gimli says bluntly.

Legolas smiles slightly. "Now, now, we needn't complain. If it weren't for Frodo, we never would have made it through, for perhaps that Bombadil fellow would never have been called for help when you were stuck in that miserable tree."

"Aye, aye. Legolas knows what he is speaking of. Yield to his advice, Gimli." Uncle Bilbo says in high spirits.

"Now if only I could find the – Ah! There it is!" I say upon nearing the border. We leave the forest behind gladly. We walk briskly, leading our ponies, to Buckleberry Ferry.

It feels so good to my feet and all my senses to be in the Shire again even though it isn't yet Hobbiton or Bag End. The feeling of grass beneath my hairy feet is relieving. The smell of fresh air and recently cut grass that reaches my nostrils refreshes my mind. The sight of hobbit holes, hobbit children, and many other things unique to the Shire is welcome to my eyes. I'm home! I feel peace again. There is no turmoil in my soul for the time being.

Meriadoc Brandybuck is rambling across the path, carelessly. Upon the sight of Uncle Bilbo, Legolas, Gimli, and me, he halts abruptly. He takes the sight in and runs up to me, embracing me tightly. "Frodo!" he backs away. "Just look at you! I never dreamed of seeing you again, and here you are!" I smile warmly while the others wait to be noticed. "Come, you all must be tired from your journey. And we have much to talk about!"

We reach Brandyhall, receiving many a stare. For sure, they always think of us as odd, yet I do not care. It is so good to be back in my beloved Shire.

We step inside. "Here you are. Let me take your coats and walking sticks." Merry gathers our cloaks skillfully. "Have a seat, please." We obey gratefully. "I'll send word to Tookland to have Pippin come." He goes off to a young hobbit lad who looks to be in his tweens. The lad rushes off toward, I would guess, Tookland.

"What are you doing back in the Shire? Did you not go off with the elves? Or has this petty little brain of mine gone off imagining things yet again?" Merry nudges me.

I laugh lightheartedly at the shower of questions I am receiving. Has he even noticed the others? He must have, for he said "you all," but one would easily believe he hadn't really. Has he realized Uncle Bilbo's here? He should be even more shocked about his return than mine. "Yes, I did go off with the elves. No, your 'petty little brain' has not 'gone off imagining things again.' And, I'm back in the Shire because I missed it greatly." The last part I say doubtfully.

Dark thoughts loom over me as though I were walking through a thick morning fog. Self-doubt feels my entire being. Did I really, truly miss the Shire? Or was the reforging of the Ring subconsciously drawing me back?

Merry bounces up out of his chair and merrily asks, "Would you like some tea? And…'shrooms?"

"Meriadoc Brandybuck!" I exclaim while standing. "Have you and Peregrin Took been going through Farmer Maggot's crop of mushrooms again?" Merry nods, smiling sheepishly. "Fool of a Took and Brandybuck!" I declare.

"Would you like some tea or mushrooms?" Merry repeats.

"Yes, I'd like some tea, but the mushrooms – you ought to return them and beg for mercy."

"And I." the others say, desiring tea and wanting to be noticed.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" I'd nearly forgotten you were here – you were all so very quiet. Forgive me for being inhospitable. I was just so excited to see my cousin that –"

"And you didn't notice me, lad?" Uncle Bilbo cuts in.

"Yes, I'm sorry, Bilbo," Merry continues to pour tea and stops suddenly. "Bilbo? Why I never! – Bilbo Baggins back in the Shire?"

"Yes, Meriadoc. As you can see, I am back in the Shire, but I shan't stay."

Merry turns around, looking shocked, happy, taken aback – all three in one. "Why won't you stay?"

"My place is with the elves. It is peaceful there. I want to live out my life in peace."

Merry looks flustered. "Then, why did you come back?"

"Frodo wanted me to come."

"Oh." Merry says. He finishes pouring the tea and serves it to us.

Just as Merry places a platter of Farmer Maggot's finest mushrooms in the midst of us, Pippin bounces in, energetic as ever. "Hullo, Merry!" he greets.

"Hello, Pippin!" Merry smiles mischievously. "Notice anything different here in Brandy Hall."

"Hmm… let's see. Not right off hand. Same décor, same furniture, same Frodo, same – wait! Frodo? Legolas? Gimli? Bilbo? What are you doing here? Especially you, Frodo and Bilbo!" Pippin embraces us all out of excitement.

"Hello, Pippin!" I greet him happily.

"Sam! Samwise Gamgee! We should get Sam, shouldn't we, Merry?"

I sit there for a moment before saying, "No, that's all right, Pippin. It was a kind offer, but I should like to surprise Samwise."

"Well, Frodo, you know how fast new spreads in the Shire. If you want to make it to Hobbiton before news reaches Sam's ears, you'd best head over there right now."

"I suppose you're right," I say, not really wanting to leave. "Do the rest of you want to stay here and leave later with Pippin?" I ask.

Everyone says yes except Uncle Bilbo. He says, "The sooner I'm in Bag End, the sooner I'll be comfortable. I just hope Samwise Gamgee didn't change it around too much."

"As do I," I agree with a sigh. "Let's get going then."

Legolas speaks up, "Take my horse and put your baggage on it. It would be easier."

"Thank you, Legolas." Legolas nods. We say good-bye and leave once the horse is loaded.

As we walk, I breathe in the beautiful scenery and smells of the Shire. It has not changed much since I have left it – the same bright green, grassy hills, the stately trees along the side of the roads on occasion, and the same familiar hobbits only a year older. A few new hobbit children are all that is new.

It is evening when my uncle and I arrive at Bag End. I knock. "Coming!" The sound of laughter is heard as Sam rushes to the door. The door swings open. There he is. My beloved garner, Sam.

"Mister Frodo!" Sam exclaims, sounding rather puzzled.

He seems to have forgotten his manners, as he is standing there gawking at us. His wife, Rosie, comes up to the door behind him, carrying Elanor in her arms. "Who is it, Sam?" She peers around her husband and seems shocked to see me, but soon is able to collect herself. "Why, Mister Frodo, come in! Come in! Oh, Samwise Gamgee, move out of the way. Let Mister Frodo and Mister Bilbo in!" Sam obeys, still unable to speak. "Have a seat." Rosie says, walking to the stove. "Would you like something to eat? You must be hungry. I have some of Sam's potato stew heating up in the kitchen."

"Yes, please," I speak for my uncle and myself.

Samwise has finally sat down. His daughter is still in his arms, as Rosie handed the child to him when going into the kitchen. "Here you are, sirs,." Rosie says, as she happily places the stew in front of us.

"Thank you," I say with a smile. I eat a spoonful of the delicious stew before speaking again. "Sam, what have you been doing?"

Sam's distant look disappears at the sound of my voice, and he looks up, saying, "Pardon me, Mister Frodo. Could ya please repeat yer question?"

"I asked what you have been doing." I repeat.

"Nothing much, Mister Frodo." Sam replies, blushing slightly from, I think, embarrassment for not paying attention. "Could I get you anything, sir?" he asks.

"No, thank you, Sam. I'm all set."

"Would you please let me know if you need anything?"

"I will, Samwise," I say with a smile.

I look over at Uncle Bilbo with an amused smile on my face. He is skeptically eyeing every corner of the room for even the most minute change. "Uncle, why don't you ask Rosie for a tour around the house?"

"Good idea, my boy. I think I shall."

Rosie comes over with a smile on her dainty face. "How would you like a tour around the hole, Mister Baggins?" she asks, Bilbo with a wink toward Sam and me.

"Yes, please," Uncle Bilbo replies, trying not to seem too eager.

"Elanor, run along to your room and play," Sam tells his daughter, who more than willingly obeys. "Pardon my asking, Mister Frodo, but what are you doing in these parts again?"

"You know, Samwise, I've been asking myself the same question, but I think the answer is quite simple." I pause, clasping my hands in my lap. "I couldn't do it. I couldn't leave my beloved Shire and Bag End for good."

"I see ya got rid of your old chain, Mister Frodo."

"No, it's in my pocket."

"I'm glad you're back, sir. I was terribly lonesome. Don't take me wrong, I had Rosie a-and little Elanor, but I missed you, Mister Frodo. I hardly didn't know what to do with myself without someone to serve." Sam reveals earnestly.

"Thank you, Sam." I say, moved. "I missed you, too, Sam, your companionship…and your meals, too, to be honest."

Sam and I embrace, as we are two old friends who have not seen each other in a long time. We sit, and I finish the last bit of stew. I stand to put my dishes away, but Sam stands and humbly offers, "Here, let me git that for you, Mister Frodo." and takes my plate.

I sit again. "Thank you, Sam." I look at him. Time has dealt well with him. I think. But then again, it's only been less than four months since I departed.

"Where's Gandalf? I can't rightly think he's gone and let you come back all on your own with only Mister Bilbo as your companion."

"You're right, Sam," I begin, but there is a knock on the door, and Sam stands.

"Pardon me, for a moment, Mister Frodo." He walks to the door. "Good evening, Pip– Legolas, Gimli, what a pleasant surprise! Come in!"

Isn't as surprised at seeing them. I think. But, he did know they were still in Middle Earth.

Legolas comes into the kitchen, stooped down, with a shy smile on his face. "Hello again, Frodo."

"Hello, Legolas. Have a seat, if you'd like."

Legolas goes to sit, but he falls with a thud instead – a rather comical sight! I jump up to help him. "Perhaps you might want to try getting on the chair from the floor this time. I forget our chairs are quite low compared to yours." I suggest, biting my lip to keep from laughing.

Gimli chuckles deeply. It seems he saw the whole thing. Legolas shoots him an angry glare and gets on the chair. Gimli sits quite comfortably and easily.

Sam follows Pippin in. Each has a comical, confused look on his face. I can't help but to laugh inwardly at them. Pippin speaks, "What was that thud?"

Legolas smiles shyly, raises his hand, and replies, "That would be me trying to sit from a standing position."

"Are you alright?" Sam asks, concern filling his features.

Rosie comes rushing in, a panting Uncle Bilbo following her. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes." Legolas answers, disliking all the attention he is getting. He probably detests hobbit holes. "Quite alright. Thank you for asking."

Rosie looks shocked at seeing a dwarf and an elf in her kitchen, and she frantically searches for Elanor. Sam comes up and puts a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "She's playing in her room. Besides, these are my friends from my journey – Legolas and Gimli." he soothes. He pulls her into a hug, and she melts in his arms. He really loves his wife a lot, as does she. Though she is still uneasy despite her husband's comforting, she greets her guests with a cheerful smile and in the same manner she did me, offering each of them some stew. They all accept it graciously and begin to eat, complimenting on how good it tastes.

It is getting late, and I yawn. Rosie notices and says, "You all my stay tonight, if you wish, though I know not how I'm to house an elf and a dwarf."

"We have mats. We can sleep on those in a room." Legolas offers.

"That's fine with me." Rosie replies. She looks tense, and Sam pulls her away to whisper in her ear. Pippin leaves to go home, as I secretly worry about him being attacked by black riders and head towards my old room. I direct the others to rooms in the same corridor, silently hoping none is Elanor's or Sam and Rosie's. Apparently I hear no gasps or screams or fuss later on when I hear Rosie and Sam enter a room and close the door behind them.

I awaken early in the morning, finding my fire is already lit for me and breakfast is set on a tray nearby. "Good ol' Sam. You can always count on him." I get up to get a bucket to fill my tub with only to find water already in the tub. I dip my toe in the water – warm. I get undressed and slip into the warm water.

Once I finish, I get dressed, eat my breakfast, and head out to the entry hall.

Sam approaches from my left. "Good morning, Mister Frodo. How'd ya rest?"

"Just fine, thank you. And you?"

"Not a wink! I ain't been able to do much of anything since you got here, sir."

"Really? That makes me appreciate my warm bath, food, and fire all the more. Thank you, Sam!"

"I can't rightly say you're welcome."

"And why not?"

"'Twas my wife's doing, sir!"

"I see. Where is your wife this morning, Sam?" I ask, wanting to thank her for her hospitality.

"Out in the garden, sitting in her favorite spot to read, I suppose. I ain't seen her none today. She cooked breakfast and left."

"And where is her favorite spot, Samwise?"

"Near the brook by the old oak tree, Mister Frodo."

"Thank you. Good day, Sam!" I say, turning to leave.

"Good day to you too, sir!" Sam says as I close the door.

I walk outdoors, the fresh morning breeze stinging my warm face. I rub my hands together and wrap my jacket tighter around me.

I find Rosie sitting just where Sam had said. I take a seat a few inches from her. She sets her book down and greets me, "Good morning, Mister Frodo."

"Good morning, Rosie. I just wanted to thank you for your hospitality."

"You're welcome, sir." Rosie says.

"What are you reading, Rosie?" I ask to be polite.

"Oh, just a book on gardening. Sam wants me to learn how so we can do it together, but I don't think I shall ever understand the passion he has for it, sir." I smile. "I mean, it's just a bunch of dirt, worms, bugs, and flowers being moved."

"But to Sam, it's so much more, Rosie. It's how he relaxes. Something he enjoys doing. It's special to him, and he wants to share it with you. Just give it a try, and if you don't like it, tell him. I'm sure he'll understand."

"I will, Mister Frodo, I will."

I stand to leave. "I'm going to go on a walk now."

"Good-bye, sir."

"Good-bye." I walk off toward the road, deciding to head toward Tookborough.

I have no idea how I am going to ask Sam if I could move back to Bag End. Living together would be fine for now. I have no desire to live alone. We shared it before, but I want to settle down, perhaps even marry if anyone would have me, a Ring Bearer. Taking the Baggins name itself would be hard enough, seeing much of the Shire looks down upon it now.

If I do marry, I will leave Bag End for good and buy a hole in Buckland. I have not the heart to kick Sam and his family out. They are already at home in Bag End. They would have to start over again if I do, which would be hard on them.

I stop to eat my second breakfast, only to realize I did not pack any food. This drives me onward to Tookborough even faster. I arrive, starving, at Pippin's house just in time for luncheon

Pippin walks up the pathway to his door behind me. "Hello, Frodo!"

"Hello, Pippin!" I reply, startled at the sound of his voice. "What were you doing?"

"I took a walk after afternoon tea and am just now returning. How about you?"

"I've been walking from Hobbiton to Tookborough since I had breakfast."

Pippin opens the door, "After you." I step in and he follows. "Would you join me for dinner?"

"Yes, if you will have me."

"I will. Have a seat. I'll put some tea and stew on the fire to cook." Pippin does as he says and joins me at the table. "So, how long you staying in the Shire?"

"I'm not sure. I think permanently, but I'm not sure yet." I answer truthfully. I still have doubts in my mind because I know the Ring is being forged once again. Saruman is not the hands It should be in. Not even my own are safe.

"Why aren't you sure, Frodo? I think you – oops! Nearly forgot the tea, and the stew is really boiling!" Pippin scurries off toward the stove. He serves the tea and stew, and we eat. I have to admit it is just as good as any of Sam's stews. Pippin has improved.

"This is quite good." I say after a few minutes have passed.

"Why, thank you!" Pippin says with a smile.

"You're welcome." I take a sip of tea and eat my last bit of stew.

"So, back to our conversation. Why aren't you sure how long you are staying?" Pippin asks suddenly.

I groan inwardly before answering. "I don't know, Pip. It's something I can't tell you. I am doubting why I came here. I fear –" I cut myself off. "I just don't really know."

"You can tell me, my dear cousin." Pippin says. "I won't tell a single soul."

"How do I know I can trust you? If I remember correctly, it was you and Merry who aroused suspicion about a certain Mister Underhill at the Prancing Pony, was it not? And was it not you and Sam who were conspiring on the way to Crickhollow as well as Merry when we arrived?" I ask in a playful tone.

"That it was. That hurts, Frodo. That really hurts. I won't tell anyone." Pippin sighs, defeated. "Is it really that secret? That imperative to be kept?"

"Yes, Gandalf told me not to tell anyone."

"Oh," is all Pippin says in reply.

"Well, I need to head back to Hobbiton. It was nice visiting with you, even though it was rather short."

"You could stay overnight and visit more if you'd like. Traveling in the dark even in the Shire is not as safe as it was before the Quest."

"Thanks for the offer, but I've stayed too long as it is. I didn't tell anyone where I was going."

I'll see you to the door." We stand up and walk to the door. He sees me out.

Arriving at the end of the lane, I hear a voice say, "…know Frodo Baggins. He lives in Hobbiton in Bag End." I jump behind a bush before looking around to see who the Took is speaking to.

I gasp as I see seemingly a beggar clad in black. His face is invisible. The figure walks on breathing, "Baggins. Shire. Bag End."

My heart races. Sam, Rosie, and Elanor! Uncle Bilbo, Legolas, Gimli! They are all in trouble! I start off on the shortcut. I have to arrive ahead of the wraith and get everyone else. I turn back and quickly ask Pippin if I may borrow a pony. He gives consent, and I ride off.

I arrive in front of Bag End. I rush in, yelling, "Everybody, hurry! GET OUT!" Everyone senses the fear in my voice, and they rush out. I start to run behind them with the pony, but suddenly my side starts throbbing, my arm freezes, totally useless. I go into a black nothingness.

When I awaken, I am lying underneath a group of large tree roots. I gasp as the pain intensifies and fades away as quickly as it came.

"Mister Frodo! Mister Frodo! Are you alright?" Sam asks, concern filling every feature of his face. "The wraiths are back, sir."

"Unh…" I groan. I try to push myself up to a sitting position, but fail.

"Here, let me help you, Mister Frodo." I try to resist, but I give in in the end.

"Thank you." I force out in between gasps. "Who – where are we? Where…are they?"

"We're about a mile away from Bag End, and as to the wraiths, I have no notion as to where they may be, sir."

"Is…anyone…injured?" I ask fearfully.

"No, Mister Frodo. Now rest, sir." Sam says, nodding his head.

I obey once more, sleep calling me like Galadriel's presence in Lórien.

I wake up once more to find everyone except Sam still gone. He is still as faithful as ever. I watch Sam making a stew. He looks very worried. "Sam!" I call weakly due to my parched throat. Sam looks up happily. "Water." I force out.

"Certainly, sir." He grabs a ladle and dips it into a bucket of water, putting it up to my dry lips. I feel revitalized as the cool water bathes my chapped lips and parched throat.

"Thank you." I lean back. Sam returns to his stew. "Sam," he looks up, "How long was I asleep?"

"I'd say a good three hours, sir."

"Bag End?"

"I haven't heard. After you eat, we can head over there."

"I'm not hungry, Sam. I ate at Pippin's."

"It's been over three hours, Mister Frodo. It's time for dinner already. We've already had afternoon tea. Please eat, sir."

"No thank you, Sam." I say softly. Sam continues to insist, and I give in, much to his pleasure.

After we eat, Sam helps me onto Pippin's pony, and we head back to Bag End. Legolas, Gimli, Uncle Bilbo, and Rosie, holding Elanor, stand in front of Bag End, shock filling their features. Sam slows his pace, I dismount, and we join in looking shocked. The door has been battered and beaten, hanging by one hinge. The fence behind us has been completely destroyed; the gate is off the hinges.

I walk in slowly, perplexed. The kitchen table is toppled over, the chairs broken in smithereens. The curtains are drooping closer to the ground. I approach the bedrooms hesitantly. The pillows have been stabbed several times in my room, the bed turned over in my uncle's, the sheets and blankets ripped back in Sam and Rosie's, and the blankets shredded in little Elanor's.

I slide down the wall, my head in my hands, not able to do anything besides sit there. I dread what Sam will say now to me. What if he blames me? Legolas approaches so quietly that I barely notice him.

"Does this have something to do with your secret, Frodo?" he asks, bitterness filling his usually neutral voice. Despair and sadness add to my already too large stack of emotions.

"Yes." I mutter, anger rushing through my body. "I guess it's no use hiding it now – even though Gandalf didn't want me to." I hoist myself up. "Saruman's nearly reforged the Ring." I say quietly. "He may have completely finished. He…appeared to me when I was hurting in Gondor. I should never have come back! I've placed all of you in danger! Tell me, Legolas, would you have come with me had you known of the danger?"

Legolas's eyes light as though a fire burned behind them. "I would have, Frodo, if only to protect you."

I laugh bitterly. "Sure you would have."

Legolas looks confused. "What's wrong with you? Do you not believe me?"

I sink onto the disturbed bed. "I'm sorry, Legolas, I don't know what got into me."

"Well, I do." Sam declares, making his presence known.

"Sam." I stutter. "How long have you been listening?"

"Long enough to know something awful's going on. You don't normally whisper, Mister Frodo." he says without concern.

"What do you know?" I ask fearfully.

"The Ring, sir. It's getting to you again. I noticed you put Arwen's white gem on again this mornin'. That's what's troublin' ya. I saw the wraith, and I put two and two together. The Ring's being remade, isn't it, Mister Frodo?"

"Yes, Sam." I nod my head woefully. He may be able to figure out what is going on, but he will never fully understand what I am going through and the pain it causes me. He tries, but he cannot know, cannot understand at all.