After a couple of hours, as far as her elven eyes could see, any trace of orcs had completely disappeared. The environment that surrounded Morantwen and her mount was starting to gradually change from dead uncared-for land to evergreen grasses and trees. Morantwen realized that she was beginning to reach the Shire. Some moments later, Morantwen reached the gate-guard.
"Who goes there?" the old hobbit said with raspy voice.
"Morantwen Ariamor," she answered, "An elf-maiden from the Darkened Realm of Aridan. I come to speak with a friend."
"And who might this friend be?"
"He dwells in Hobbiton, in Bag End."
"Oh. Right. An elf comes to see the Bagginses. Typical. You may go through."
"Thank you." Morantwen led Astalder through the gate. And as she did so, she glanced back at the guard. He scowled and shook his head. She responded to that with a smile. Morantwen brought Astalder to a slow gallop through the winding roads of Whitfurrows and Bywater. Then she started to recognize places from her vision. Subconsciously following the roads she came to the single hobbit-hole by midday. Morantwen leaped off her mount and tied him to a nearby tree. She walked over to the tiny house and gently knocked upon the circular, green door. The door opened slightly to reveal that there were no lights on inside. A face appeared in the crack of the door.
"Yes?"
Morantwen hesitated because, even though she had met hobbits before, this one seemed to give off a different energy. He was very soft-spoken and shy. The face of the young hobbit was slightly pale and angled. Curly, dark hair covered eyes that were as bright as the sky above them. They gave off an intense feeling. At one look, one could easily tell he was frightened but Morantwen looked farther into the beautiful, wide eyes and found that this hobbit was indeed scared but he did not know exactly why. After a brief moment, Morantwen spoke.
"Um, Is there a Baggins here?"
"Yes. I am one. What do you want?"
"May I please ask you a question?"
"I am very sorry but I have to go," the halfling said. Morantwen desperately tried to start a conversation without being too straightforward. Suddenly she had an idea.
"Mithrandir."
The hobbit's eyes widened even more so. "What did you say?"
"You know him, don't you? Was he here?"
"Depends. How do you know him?"
"He helped my family. I owe him my life. Do not worry. I am an ally," she finished with a smile. He opened the door. "Come in. Oh, my name is Frodo Baggins," he said, eyes downcast, deep in thought.