As the day wore on, Frodo took Calen down into the center of Hobbiton where the marketplace was bustling with life. She couldn't help but see some of the strange looks she was getting.
"Ignore them," said Frodo when he noticed them too. "They're used to Gandalf, but they've never seen anyone like you before."
"The same goes for me," Calen replied.
On the way back to Bag End, Frodo cautiously commented on Calen's height, or lack thereof.
"You know, I've seen a few Big People in my time. And I've seen quite a few elves as well. But you seem a little, well... short. Especially you being half elf and all."
Calen laughed lightly.
"I suppose. My father wasn't the tallest elf around, according to a friend of mine. And my mother was pretty short, too. I wasn't very lucky when it came to that inheritance. I don't think I'll ever make it past five feet," she said.
Frodo smiled as he opened the gate.
"Ah, there you are," said Gandalf when they walked in the door. "Merry and Pippin came by earlier. They're going down to the Green Dragon with Sam tonight, and they want you to go too so they can meet Calen."
"They would," Frodo said sarcastically. "Do you want to go?"
"Sure. Sounds like fun!" Calen replied.