Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Note: So it continues. Thanks to smcl, my lone reviewer! (. And anyone else who has been roped in, PLEASE REVIEW!

The following months were an interesting and awkward time. Frodo and Sam saw each other often, but never again discussed what happened on the rainy spring night. Frodo was beginning to feel a little on the strange side. His appetite had changed, as did his sleeping patterns. He had also begun to feel ill every morning when he woke up. Frodo kept these changes a secret, not wanting to needlessly concern his friends.

Gandalf would be coming to visit soon, Frodo planned to approach him with these problems.

The days passed quickly and soon Gandalf was banging on the door to Bag End.

Frodo opened the door only to be quickly swept up into an embrace by the old man.

Gandalf stared at Frodo's face, "Something is different about you, my boy. I shall figure it out before the day is done! Now let us go have some tea."

Soon enough, Frodo and Gandalf had settled down to a satisfying luncheon of bread, cheese, bacon, and of course, tea. They ate in comfortable silence. When Frodo was finished, he pushed back his chair and addressed Gandalf.

"Gandalf, some things have been concerning me of late."

"Go on, Frodo. I'll help you in whatever way I can."

"Well, I haven't been able to sleep, and I'm eating much more than I used to. Even by Hobbit standards I eat a lot... Oh! And I feel nauseous every morning when I wake up."

Gandalf took a sip of tea, "It almost sounds like... no. That's impossible. When did you first experience these symptoms?"

Frodo knew the answer to that question. He might not have talked about his night with Sam, but he thought about it often. "The spring." He answered shortly.

"And what happened, Frodo? You're hiding something from me. I know you are."

"I... we..." Frodo avoided Gandalf's gaze, "I shared an evening with Master Samwise."

Gandalf's eyes widened, "Spent? As in..."

Frodo still refrained from making eye contact, "Yes."

Gandalf closed his eyes for a moment and rubbed his forehead. "I'm not sure how to go about this, my lad," he said as he wiped his brow.

"Go about what?"

"Frodo, are you aware that aside from psychological changes, the ring sometimes causes a person to undergo physical changes as well?"

"Like Gollum?"

"Not quite," Gandalf took a deep breath, "Have you ever heard the myth about Isildur bearing a child?"

Frodo inhaled in a sharp gasp, "You're saying I could be..."

Gandalf took Frodo's hand, "I'm surprised I didn't see it right when I walked in the door. You're pregnant."

"No! It cannot be! It's not natural! It's not right... oh... How do I tell Sam?!" Frodo broke down in sobs.

Gandalf rubbed Frodo's back soothingly, while being able to sense new life within. So this was the case... It was going to be quite an interesting ordeal; Gandalf knew that much already.

"Frodo," Gandalf said gently, "We need to make accommodations. You must be in Rivendell well before the delivery. When did this happen?"

"April," Frodo sniffed, "Of the day I am not sure."

"It is now August. Frodo, you MUST leave by October. Do you understand?"

"Why must I leave my home?"

"Lord Elrond is a skilled healer, and this is a very obscure case. We will need his aid."

"I must tell Sam, and Merry and Pippin. But first Sam."

"Indeed. Shall I fetch him?"

"I don't know how... I..." Frodo put his head in his hands and began to cry again.

"Shhhhh," Gandalf continued to rub Frodo's back, "It will be alright, Frodo. I promise."