Somehow Frodo knew with certainty that there was something in the woods, except nobody else seemed to notice over dinner, and he didn't know if he should say anything over a hunch he had no proof for. But later as Legolas volunteered for the first few watches and everyone fell asleep Frodo noticed the way the elf stared into the woods. Gaze unmoving.

Softly and slowly he approached where Legolas sat against a tree, "There's something in the woods, isn't there."

The elf seemed unconcerned "Yes, there is. But she will not harm us."

"She?"

"A lone Warg, and judging by the size I assume a young mother. We're probably in her territory, but she knows I see her and therefore she will not harm us. She will watch us through the night, perhaps ensure we truly are on our way in the morning and then we will never see her again."

Frodo took the opportunity for conversation and sat down, sometimes being awake with yourself all the time was lonely, "How do you know that's exactly what she's going to do?"

Legolas looked away from the woods and over to the hobbit and shrugged, "It's what I would do. Contrary to what my father may say not all intruders are bad, and in a world where fitness and the ability to fight are necessary to live, you only attack when you have to. Especially if they're aware of you."

He looked back out towards the woods, "The best fight to have is no fight."

Frodo tried to see what the elf was looking at but couldn't, unsurprisingly, "You don't talk about your father."

In fact, the Hobbit was almost positive this was the first time he had been mentioned at all.

"No, I don't."

"Why not?"

"Because I do not care to hear what others have to say about him."

The response seemed surprisingly honest, and for some reason, it wounded his heart to hear, "My Uncle Bilbo only had good things to say about him, if that helps. And you, although I do not think he knew your name or who you were."

Legolas turned back to him, "I admit, I'm curious. What did Bilbo say about us?"

"Whenever he told me the story of his journey he always mentioned how kind you both were. He said that living in your halls seemed like magic because it was so full of light and love, especially compared to the forest outside, even for a short time."

"He says the first thing the king did when he presented the Arkenstone was to thank him so sincerely it almost stung, and then asked somebody to find him warmer clothes and something to eat. He says he remembers you bringing him and Gandalf warm teas to soothe painful wounds, physical or otherwise - although he always mentioned you gave yours to the wizard with a frown."

Legolas laughs a bit at this, and Frodo's heart is glad to hear it, "I was so mad with the wizard that day I thought I might strangle him, but a loss of a friend is a loss of a friend. When he brought Gollum to us I screamed at Mithrandir for a good long while, my father had laughed so hard."

Frodo could remember Lord Glorfindel making a joke about Gandalf being afraid of Legolas and Thranduil he had a feeling that perhaps that was the reason why.

"He remembers you playing with the children before and after the battle, and the dedication the king had for everyone's safety, not just his own people. You offered the dwarves help too, they refused it of course. But you offered."

Legolas whistled two notes, and Frodo wasn't aware of why until a bird he had not seen answered the call, "My father is the kindest Elf I think I will ever meet, it's just that we and the other elves seem to measure kindness by different standards."

"You miss him very much."

"Yes I do, and more with each passing day. There is already so much I cannot wait to tell him."

Frodo stared off into the tree's for a while trying to see the warg before he plucked up the courage to speak again still not sure if it sounded ridiculous, "I know it is not the same but everyone in the Shire thought Bilbo was very strange. They thought he was much too odd, unwelcoming, and at times perhaps slightly less then sain. My Uncle Bilbo is my favorite Hobbit in all the Shire and beyond and sometimes I had to excuse myself from gatherings because of the gossiping I heard. It hurts one's heart and sometimes there's no need to hear it."

Legolas looked over at him once more, "I'm sorry that you understand what it feels like. However, if it helps, I have always thought very well of your Uncle Bilbo. Such a clever little Hobbit, with such strength of both will and character, plus he's quite funny."

"Thank you."

Looking back towards the tree's Legolas commented, "You should try and get some sleep now, tomorrow will be another long day. Do not worry about your watch, I am enjoying my staring contest with our new friend too much."

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So close to the end guys, thanks for all the love still!