Chapter 1

Well new story for all of you! Disclaimer: I only own Aranel

Aranel was riding in the carriage with Gandalf towards the Shire. Halfling's always amazed her. They lived simple lives; isolated from the rest of Middle Earth. They had reached the outskirts of the Shire when Gandalf started singing. Aranel quickly recognized the tune.

"The road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began

Now far ahead the road has gone

And I must follow if I can"

"You're late." a small voice popped through her musings.

"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. They arrive precisely when he means to." Gandalf tried being stern, but quickly gave into laughter.

"It's good to see you again Gandalf!" The hobbit leaped into Gandalf's arms.

"Good afternoon, Frodo." The elf pulled back her hood; revealing dark brown hair, bright dark blue eyes, and pointed ears.

"Aranel?" Frodo's uncle, Bilbo, had Aranel as a guest quite often and most of the Shire had greeted her as one of them. "Where have you been? You haven't been to see Bilbo in a long time."

"It has been a long time." Aranel agreed without answering his question.

"So what news have you of the outside world? Tell me everything."

"Everything?" The wizard and the elf smiled at each other over Frodo's head. "Far too curious for a hobbit."

"Well, life has gone on. Much as it has this past age. Full of it's comings and goings." Gandalf said.

"Scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits." Aranel added.

"For which I am grateful." Gandalf muttered under his breath.

Night came quickly as the hobbits came to Bilbo's 111th birthday. Instead of wearing her traditional dark green tunic and leggings, Aranel wore a blue dress that brought out her eyes. Her hair had a small braid and had a silver headpiece on top.

Aranel spent most of the night mingling with the hobbits. The highlight, and perhaps most confusing part, of the evening was Bilbo's speech.

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins," applause, "Tooks and Brandybucks" more applause, "Grubs," cheering, "Chubs," more cheering, "Bracegirdles!" shouts, "and Proudfoots!"

"Proudfeet!" and older hobbit corrected.

"Today is my 111th birthday."

"Happy Birthday!"

"Alas, eleventh-one years is far to short a time to live among such admirable hobbits. I don't know half of you as much as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." As the hobbits though over the comment, Aranel and Gandalf shared a wise smile.

"I have things to do." Aranel's smile faltered when she sensed the evil aura that surrounded Bilbo. The hobbit began playing with something in his pocket.

"I wish you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye" And Bilbo disappeared.