Part, the Third
Things that Change
Third Age 1636
336 years since Kagome's arrival
Tears fell unchecked down her face as Kagome told Elrond her news. "It's horrible. Gondor and Rhovanion are completely ravaged by this-this plague. Over half the population of Rhovanion is dead from it and it has decimated Minhiriath. I can't do anything against it!"
Covering her face with her hands, she sobbed openly at the suffering sweeping the continent. Elrond exchanged looks with his wife and Glorfindel as Gandalf wearily leaned on his staff.
"It first appeared in Rhûn and spread quickly to Rhovanion," the wizard stated. "The two members of my Order fared no better than Kagome in stemming the spread. Though they can heal a person, the pestilence moves so quickly, we cannot hope to fight it."
"Is it natural in origin?" Elrond asked deliberately.
Glorfindel frowned. "With the countries bordering it so felled, the watch on Mordor has been abandoned."
Gandalf nodded his agreement as the blonde Elf tried to comfort Kagome. "If the Darkness of Mordor did not spawn this, it has most assuredly perpetuated it. If we were expecting retaliation for Dol Guldur's siege, then we have it."
Burying her face in Glorfindel's neck, Kagome fought to control her anguish. She'd tried so hard to help the people stricken with the sickness, but it was never enough. In the end, Gandalf had had to drag her away lest she fall to the pestilence as well.
The Elf held her steadily, providing what solace he could to the little miko. "There is no way of knowing if this is in retaliation or if this was planned from the beginning," he challenged.
"And what of the Ring?" Celebrían asked.
The wizard dropped his eyes. "Saruman insists that his research has proven that it fell into the deep. I have heard no news-no traces of it. As Kagome stated, it has a will of its own. Until it deems the time has come, I scarce to hope we will find anything of it."
Elrond clenched his jaw, and in a fit of frustration, swept the items on his desk into the floor.
…
Third Age 1980
680 years since Kagome's arrival
Glorfindel's eyes widened in horror as Kagome and Gandalf finished speaking.
"A Balrog?" he whispered, feeling his legs weaken and sinking into a chair.
Moving to his side, Kagome clasped his hand tightly as Kirara curled around his legs. "The Dwarves cannot stay there."
"No," Elrond agreed, his own face ashen. "They will have to flee and so will Celeborn's people closest to the East Gate. Has Thranduil been informed?"
Gandalf tossed back his drink. "Yes. I sent word as soon as I learned and we raced here. A worse time could not have been chosen, either. The attacks in the south are increasing."
"Ilúvatar preserve us," Glorfindel prayed, "should that demon leave the mountains."
…
"They've taken Minas Ithil," Kagome said with a shuddering breath when they met once more at Rivendell, some seven hundred years after her first arrival in Arda.
Elrond turned concerned eyes to her as Gandalf leaned on his staff. "Yes, it's now Minas Morgul."
"And the Witch-King led the assault."
Glorfindel held her close, feeling her trembling at what this news meant. "He's growing stronger."
…
Third Age 2100
800 years since Kagome's arrival
During their journey to Rhovanion after leaving the thriving Dwarf kingdom of Erebor, Kagome and Gandalf ventured near the thick forest of Greenwood. Gandalf arched a brow when Kagome stopped and stared intently into the woods. Dol Guldur once lay that way, but that wasn't what had tugged on her senses.
"Is something amiss?"
Kagome looked puzzled. "I'm not sure."
Stepping forward, she rested her hand on the nearest tree. Closing her eyes, the miko sent her aura into the tree. Its spirit was guarded, but gradually relaxed at her purifying warmth.
Some ways away, Kagome's probing caught the attention of another. Curious, the male placed his hand on a tree and asked about the intruder. An unfamiliar aura brushed against him with a distinctly feminine warmth. Something was drawing her here. She was the purest thing he'd ever felt. Attention snared, the Elf sent out his own question.
'Who are you?' he asked with a brush of his aura.
Kagome's eyes flew open as she gasped. Someone had caressed her aura intimately with his own. Blushing, she nearly pulled her hand away. He felt like the forest, though, and brought to mind nights with the inu-tachi after a good hunt. Swallowing, she sent back an answer.
'A wanderer. Who are you?'
The Elf's eyes sparkled with amusement at her evasive answer. 'I'm curious.'
Kagome frowned, but as she was drawing her hand away, she caught his last message.
'I'm going to find you.'
Butterflies did not flutter in her stomach at that. Really.
Looking back at Gandalf, she flushed at the question in his eyes. "Stupid trees," she grumbled.
Kirara cocked her head to the side and then peered into the woods, seeing nothing.
"Some paths can't be avoided," the wizard stated.
Kagome shook her head. "Come on. Didn't you say you had someone to meet?"
Gandalf chuckled and resumed his trek.
The miko glanced back at the forest. She hesitated before giving one fleeting brush of her aura and moving on.
'You can try.'
The Elf grinned.
…
Third Age 2509
1,209 years since Kagome's arrival
Elrond burst into the room, falling to his knees beside his wife. Celebrían clutched at him and wept openly as she finally felt safe.
"What happened?" he demanded.
A ragged Kagome ran a shaky hand through her hair. "Orcs. They came out of nowhere just as we reached the pass of Caradhras. I managed to get Celebrían out, but the rest of the envoy was lost giving us the chance. It was very deliberate, Elrond."
Turning back to his wife, the Elf dismissed her. Gratefully, the miko left the room. She was no sooner out the door than she was swept up into strong arms. Relaxing against him, Kagome allowed her weariness to finally have its way.
"What were you doing there, anyway?" Glorfindel murmured to her as he moved toward her room.
Closing her eyes, she sighed heavily. "I was checking out Rohan and its king. Since I was in the area, I thought I'd drop in on Haldir. Celebrían asked me to come with her when Arwen decided to stay in Lórien longer."
Setting her on her bed, he carefully began removing her armor as her hands were still shaking too badly to be of any use.
"Then I shan't berate you for dallying with that Marchwarden since being there most certainly saved our Lady from torment."
Huffing tiredly, Kagome cracked her eyes open enough to glare weakly at him. "Haldir's my friend, you jerk."
Pushing her gently, he made her lay down and sat beside her on the bed. For a while, he stroked her hair and sang softly as his golden power soothed her nerves. Eventually, she caught his hand and held it tightly.
"I almost wasn't fast enough," she whispered, her voice full of tears she wouldn't let fall. "If Kirara hadn't given me a hairsbreadth of a second's warning, I couldn't have…" trailing off, she fought back her emotions. "Celebrían's been like a mother to me since I was sent here."
"If you think only on what could have been, you will never move from the past," the Elf told her in a quiet voice. "She is here and whole. Through whatever coincidences that led you to be with her when she needed you most, you were able to save her, Meril-Nín."
Releasing a wobbling breath, she nodded. "Will you stay until I go to sleep?"
Smiling, Glorfindel squeezed her hand. Gently stroking her hair again as his song once more filled the room, he let his power cradle and protect her.
…
Third Age 2770
1,470 years since Kagome's arrival
Kagome watched as Thranduil's face tightened in an expression of wrath she'd never beheld on his fair features. Whirling from her, he visibly pulled himself together before speaking.
"And Dale? What of the people there?"
Hugging Kirara closer, the miko sniffed. "The city was set ablaze in dragonfire. Few survived, though Girion gave everything he had to protect his people. The Dwarves were forced from the mountain and the Arkenstone lost to the serpent."
Making a sharp gesture, the king summoned one of his messengers. "Go to the city of Dale and find any survivors of the Desolation of Smaug. Take a company with you and provide what relief you can."
Bowing, the messenger left to carry out his orders. Thranduil faced the miko and strode to stand beside her.
"Dwarven greed has long brought ruin to more than their own people."
Kagome could say nothing to that, as she knew very well Thranduil had valid reasons for his statement. Placing a hand on his forearm, she offered what comfort she could. The steel in his grey eyes lessened at the gesture. Covering her fingers with his own, he silently thanked her before moving to oversee the aid Greenwood would give.
The survivors of Dale would take refuge on a lake near Greenwood and would call it Esgaroth. When the Elves of Greenwood offered such desperately needed assistance, a bond was formed between the city and the forest that rivaled anything Dale had once had with Erebor. Instead of gold and jewels, the Elves offered medicine and knowledge of the earth that would yield plentiful crops. The people of Esgaroth became extremely protective of the forest and looked on Thranduil with a reverence bordering on awe.
When Kagome saw this-years later-she arched a brow at Thranduil, who merely smirked at the wordless reprimand. Unable to help it, she giggled, knowing the Elvenking saw the mortal city as little more than a throng of children.
"Once more, Legolas is away when you visit," he told her. "It is most odd that you two have never crossed paths."
Eyeing him suspiciously, Kagome shrugged. "Most of the time, even I don't know when I'll be coming to you. Does that mean you won't sing? Again?"
Grey eyes dancing at her indignation, the king merely led her from the main hall, deciding to let her be annoyed with him for the moment. Her powers always sparked delightfully when she was.
…
Third Age 2939
1,639 years since Kagome's arrival
Kagome was passing through Rivendell when she stumbled upon a solemn child with large, piercing eyes.
"Hello," she said in the Common Tongue, unsure which language the child spoke.
He stared at her a moment before giving a shy, tentative smile. "Hi. Who are you?"
"I'm Kagome, one of Elrond's friends. Who are you?"
The boy stood and bowed formally. "I'm Estel." He stopped and looked unsure for a second. "Are you an Elf?"
The miko laughed and watched as Kirara trotted over to mew prettily at the child. "No," she admitted, "but I consider them my family. This is my friend Kirara."
Estel grinned and reached down to eagerly stroke the cat. "You're so soft!" He exclaimed.
"Estel!" a woman's voice rang out with worry.
Kagome looked up to see a beautiful lady quickly descend upon them and push Estel behind her. Blinking, the miko gave a smile and caught Kirara when the cat leapt into her arms.
"You must be Estel's mother," she said, watching the woman eye her with suspicion. "I'm Kagome. You haven't, by chance, seen Elrond around, have you?"
The woman nodded stiffly. "I saw him a moment ago in his study."
"Thanks," she said and turned to walk that way. Before she'd turned the corner, she looked back at the woman and her son. "He looks like Arathorn, but I have a feeling he has your strength."
Gilraen could only watch in shock as the miko disappeared to find the lord of the house.
That was the first meeting of Kagome and Isildur's heir, though it would be almost twenty years before Gandalf would do the same. (Ilúvatar, Gandalf! We've been a little busy, and what in Arda would you do with him when he was a child, anyways? See, now he can use a sword and actually help. We're looking for someone, Aragorn…)
…
Third Age 2941
1,641 years since Kagome's arrival
"A hobbit, I think, would be most useful in the venture," Gandalf mused to Kagome.
The miko looked at him like he'd grown another head before shrugging and mulling over the idea. "What about the funny one always running after you? Baggins, wasn't it?"
Blowing out a ring of smoke, the wizard hummed. "Yes, Bilbo Baggins. Half Took, you know. He was a feisty one, wasn't he?"
"I imagine he'll need a bit of convincing," she drawled, "but you'll have a difficult time getting any hobbit to leave his hole. At least he seemed to have a sense of adventure."
Gandalf smiled at her. "And the time has come for the Dwarves to reclaim what was theirs. Smaug must be dealt with; else we'll risk him allying with…"
Though he trailed off, Kagome understood what he was saying. War was brewing and they could ill afford dragons once more allying with Sauron. She only hoped her friend knew what he was doing. Thranduil would not be forgiving if the dragon turned his sight on Greenwood.
Perking up, she elbowed her companion. "Don't look now, but your dinner date just arrived."
Following her line of sight, he spotted Thorin Oakenshield settling at a table. "Wish me luck."
"Have fun," she grinned instead.
Casting her a twinkling glance, he swept toward the exiled king. Kagome drained her mug and left to find a certain hobbit.
…
Though she didn't go with the party on their Quest for Erebor, Kagome did drop in on them from time to time along the way. When Gandalf was called from their side at the border of Greenwood, the miko was a reassuring presence; especially when an Elven captain appeared before them.
The Dwarves were astonished to see the Elf take one look at Kagome and drop to one knee.
"My Lady Vanwaien," she addressed.
Blushing, Kagome waved off the title and name. "Oh, get up, please. I really hate it when you guys do that. I've got business with King Thranduil and these men are journeying to Esgaroth."
Rising, the red haired Elf nodded. "I shall escort you to the king. The…Dwarves will be safe enough on the road."
Smiling at that, Kagome winked at the guys behind her. "Don't mess with anything off the road and you'll make it to the other side of the forest without incident."
Thorin eyed her warily. "What business does a woman have with the Elvenking?" he demanded, unnerved by the deference the Elf had given her. He knew what and who Gandalf was, but this fair woman was a mystery. He'd only seen her once, in the darkest of his family's days.
"Ah, my business is my own, Thorin Oakenshield," she answered pleasantly, though a warning to leave it laced her voice. "Thranduil's been my friend since before your kingdom settled for the second time in the Lonely Mountain. I saw the fountains of silver and the halls of your great furnaces when they were but new. Don't think to question bonds you know nothing about."
Pink flared a moment around her eyes and Thorin became aware that she was quite a bit more dangerous than he'd ever dreamed. Bilbo took that minute to speak up.
"Sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but there is a great host of foul things after us."
Laughing, Kagome returned to her normal self and bent to hug the hobbit. "Oh, Bilbo, it is a dead Orc that steps into Greenwood the Great."
Reassured, the hobbit began to follow the company as they entered the woods. Balin came up beside him and chuckled when he saw that the hobbit's eyes followed Kagome and the Elf until they disappeared off the road.
"She is a powerful force," he told the shorter male.
"Kagome?" Bilbo asked with scrunched brows.
The Dwarf nodded. "Though I was but a lad when we were driven from the mountain, I remember stories of her. She visited Erebor many times before the Arkenstone was found. My grandfather often told of her warning to Thrór to check his greed. Would that he had followed her advice," he sighed. "She was not there when Smaug attacked, but she came upon us soon after, healing our wounds and giving us what encouragement she could."
Bilbo digested that, watching the older Dwarf sadden at the remembrance. "I've heard that she has Elven healing abilities."
"No, hers is something else. She went to Thranduil to help the survivors of Dale. Shocked me something fierce when the king actually gave the aid." Balin glanced at the other Dwarves who were listening to the story. "The Elvenking has no love for Men or Dwarves. He had no reason to reach out as he did."
"Save, of course, for common decency," Bilbo stated dryly. "So, he offered to help the Dwarves, too?"
Balin sighed. "We'll never know. Thrór refused to ask for aid from the Elves, and so the long festering wound between our races remains."
Thorin scowled at that. "My grandfather had no reason to trust the Elves. They had given no support during Smaug's siege of the mountain."
They fell silent after that, though Bilbo wondered to himself how the Elves could have rallied an army and journeyed to the Lonely Mountain in time to save the Dwarves. Thorin's tone left no doubt that he would hear nothing good on the other race's behalf. With luck, they made it to the other side of the forest without incident.
Luck, or Kagome vouching for them, Bilbo thought-but he kept that to himself as well.
…
"If they think to retake the mountain, there will be fire in the mortal's city," Thranduil stated around nearly clenched teeth.
Kagome bit her lip and nodded. "I know. However, we cannot allow Smaug to ally himself with those forces gathering in Mordor again. We have little choice."
Sweeping from the room, he silently motioned for her to follow him. She did so, only moments before the king's son entered the main hall. Upon seeing that his father was elsewhere, Legolas turned to find out what was happening from Tauriel.
…
Third Age 3001
1,701 years since Kagome's arrival
She is 1,745 years old
Kagome winced as the cart hit a rather large rock for the umpteenth time. Cutting her eyes to the man beside her, she felt the corners of her lips turn down. He was deliberately hitting them.
"If these rockets go off on me, Gandalf, I'm going to shave your beard while you sleep."
The wizard grinned around the pipe in his mouth and continued humming to himself. Kagome huffed before a voice called out to them.
"You're late."
Grinning, Kagome looked to her right to see a boy with bright blue eyes staring at them.
"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
"And he drags me along with him," Kagome retorted.
There was a pause and then the three were laughing as Frodo flung himself into the cart. "It's wonderful to see you, Kagome, Gandalf." He sneezed and laughed, petting Kirara. "You, too, girl."
Kagome caught him in a tight hug before passing him to her companion. Chuckling, the hobbit settled between them as Gandalf urged the horse on.
"You don't think we'd miss yours and Bilbo's birthday, do you?" Kagome asked, teasing.
Frodo smiled and shook his head as Gandalf asked, "How is the old rascal? I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence."
Rolling his eyes, Frodo shrugged. "You know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar."
"Well, that should please him," Kagome said, resting her head in her hand.
The hobbit agreed, saying, "Half the shire has been invited and the rest are turning up anyway." He paused and fell silent for a moment. "To tell you the truth, Bilbo's been a bit odd lately." Realizing what he'd said, Frodo shrugged sheepishly, "I mean, more so than usual. He's taken to locking himself in his study. He spends hours and hours pouring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking. He's up to something."
Kagome and Gandalf shared a look, but said nothing as they turned their attention back to their friend.
"Alright then," Frodo said, with a sigh and a roll of his eyes, "keep your secrets. I know you two have something to do with it. Before you came along, we Baggins were very well thought of. Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."
Gandalf huffed around the pipe in his mouth. "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." Looking over, he pointed his pipe at Kagome. "And even that was Kagome's fault."
"Hey!" Kagome objected. "You're the one who wanted to carouse with the Dwarves. Besides, Smaug needed to be dealt with and the Dwarves needed a burglar. Bilbo was just the person for the job."
Laughing, Frodo shook his head at them. "Well, whatever you did, you two have been officially labeled disturbers of the peace."
Kagome looked at him in disbelief before seeing an older hobbit glaring at them from behind his gate.
"Ah, haha," she laughed sheepishly, giving him a timid wave.
A group of children caught sight of them and ran behind the cart calling for fireworks. Kagome saw their hopeful faces before sighing and nodding to the wizard.
"Go on, I know you want to."
A few flashy rockets erupted from the back of the cart, delighting the children and even making the glaring hobbit smile. The cart's four passengers grinned at the happiness radiating around them. Shortly, they paused to let Frodo off.
"I'm glad you're back."
Kagome ruffled his hair as he jumped off. "So are we, munchkin."
Gandalf watched the boy disappear through the trees. "Yes, so are we."
Glancing to her companion, Kagome saw him chewing on his pipe. "I hope he changes his mind."
"So do I, Kagome, but with Bilbo, we both know the likelihood of that happening." Meeting her eyes, he smiled. "Try to have some fun tonight, my dear. It's been too long since you've really smiled."
The miko waited, knowing he would say more.
"And, I fear that dark times are ahead of us. Very dark indeed."
Reaching out, she tugged on his beard. "Don't worry about me, Gandalf. Midoriko promised me that I would be happy. I believe that."
"When you told me your story, I didn't think you would have to wait so long."
Kagome arched a brow. "It doesn't surprise me. Nothing in my life is simple. But, she sent me to a place where I've made very dear friends. Because of all of you, I am not unhappy. I help people, and soon, we'll get to save the world again."
Gandalf laughed at her enthusiasm. "You are a wealth of hope, Kagome. Don't ever lose that."
"I haven't this far, have I? Now, hurry up, I want to see this cake they've got."
The three travelers came to a lovely green door in the side of a hill. Kagome smiled as Gandalf knocked on the door.
"I'll tend to the cart and horse. You go settle the old man down," she said, leading the horse away.
Gandalf nodded as Bilbo hollered at them from inside.
Once the horse had been brushed down, fed, and watered, Kagome returned to Bilbo's door. Not hesitating, she let herself in and heard Gandalf already speaking with Bilbo. Nodding to a few Dwarves in Bilbo's pantry, she turned and nearly ran into the door frame. Grimacing, she avoided it and followed the sound of the voices.
"I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains, and then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book. Oh! There's the lass. Kagome, tea?"
Smiling, she accepted the cup and bent to give the old hobbit a hug. A jolt shot through her at the contact. Pulling back, she stared intently at her friend. Something was tugging hard at her senses.
"Bilbo, what have you got?" she asked as her eyes went pink around the edges.
His hand strayed to his pocket as he stepped away from her. "What do you mean? I haven't got anything," he denied.
Something evil was lurking nearby, pushing down on her from all sides. Staggering, she felt her tea cup slip from her fingers.
"Kagome?" Gandalf's voice reached her as if from far away.
Whispering fluttered around her as suddenly a great lidless eye ringed in flames flashed before her mind. Then, the Shire, she Saw was torched to the ground and the rest of Middle-earth enslaved. Crying out, she searched desperately for some salvation. What would overturn this vision? Faces flashed before her, the only light in a sea of darkness.
"Kagome!" Gandalf nearly shouted, snapping her back to the present.
Gasping, she fell to her knees and tried to force back the bile in her throat. Worried, Gandalf moved to her side as Bilbo cleaned away the glass and spilt tea.
"What did you See?" the taller man demanded, helping her to a chair.
Face ashen, the miko gripped his forearm. Her eyes bore into him as she whispered. "The time is upon us. He is searching for that which was taken from him." Clutching her friend, she nearly spat, "He must not find it!"
Gandalf pried her hands off of him and forced her to drink some of the tea Bilbo poured for her. When the last of the pink left her eyes, she smiled sheepishly at the worried hobbit. Though the tug at her senses was still there, it had lessened, allowing her to regain control of the situation.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Bilbo! Here it is your birthday and I'm ruining it."
Bilbo smiled and waved away the apology. "Nonsense, I have good food, good friends, good ale and the finest pipe weed this side of the Brandywine. Nothing will spoil my day."
Kagome grinned and sipped her tea shakily. "You know, Frodo suspects something."
"Course he does," Bilbo said, almost offended, "he's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbuckle."
Smothering a laugh, she looked to her sitting friend. Gandalf was holding in his amusement well.
"You will tell him, won't you?" Gandalf plowed on. "He's very fond of you."
Bilbo sobered and turned away to look out the window. "I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked him. I think, in his heart, Frodo's still in love with the shire. The woods, the fields, little rivers. I'm old, Gandalf," he said in a weary voice, coming to sit at the table. "I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin-sort of stretched-like butter scraped over too much bread."
Kagome put her hand over his small one in reassurance and sucked in a breath at the tug she once more felt. Bilbo smiled at her sadly.
"I need a holiday; a very long holiday and I don't expect I shall return. In fact I mean not to."
Still shaken from her vision, the miko looked to find Gandalf watching Bilbo closely. The little hobbit's adventures weren't over quite yet, as the feeling she had of him hiding something very evil validated. That brought to mind her vision, and with it the question: why would Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin be in Rivendell?
The party that night was going beautifully, save for Merry and Pippin's theft of the Dragon rocket and Bilbo hiding from his relatives. Kagome hid a grin behind a mug of ale as she watched Frodo push Sam into a dance with Rosie. Poor Sam, she thought. Upon seeing his flaming face and his awkwardness with his crush, Kagome amended her thought. Poor Rosie. It would take forever for Sam to ask her out at this rate.
Grabbing another ale, Kagome and Kirara joined Gandalf at his table and the miko passed the drink to him. He accepted it with a smile as Bilbo was called upon to give a speech. It wasn't the best speech in the world, but what shocked everyone was that Bilbo said goodbye and then disappeared.
Kagome felt a rock of foreboding freefall to the bottom of her stomach. The catalyst had been lit. Motioning to Bilbo's home, Kagome, Kirara, and Gandalf slipped away amidst all the excitement.
"I suppose you think that was terribly clever, don't you?" Gandalf demanded when Bilbo reappeared in his home.
Waving his hands, Bilbo ignored the warning. "Come on, Gandalf. Did you see their faces?"
Kagome fingered the string of her bow. "There are many magic rings in this world, Bilbo, and none of them should be used lightly."
Bilbo frowned when she, too, seemed to rain on his fun. "It was just a bit of fun," he insisted, before admitting, "Oh, you're probably right, as usual."
Flitting around the cottage, the hobbit packed everything he thought he'd need for his travels. "You two will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you?"
"Two eyes," Gandalf answered, "as often as we can spare them."
"I'm leaving everything to him."
"What about this ring of yours? Is that staying, too?"
Bilbo didn't even pause in his packing as he said irritably, "Yes, yes. It's in an envelope over on the mantelpiece." A thoughtful frown caressed his face as he did stop. "No, wait, it's here in my pocket," he stated, trancelike. "Isn't that, isn't that odd now. Yet, after all, why not? Why shouldn't I keep it?" He mused, stroking the ring he'd drawn from his pocket.
Kagome looked worriedly to Gandalf, before addressing Bilbo. "I think maybe you should leave the ring behind. Is that so hard?"
Shaking his head, Bilbo relented. "Well, no…and yes." Intently, he stared down at the gold circulate, exactly the size of his finger. It was obviously made for him; why else would it be so small? "Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting with it. It's mine," he insisted, "I found it, it came to me!"
Feeling fear begin to curdle in his gut, the wizard held up his hands. "There's no need to get angry."
Bilbo glared at him and at Kagome. "Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault," he shouted, pointing at both of them in turn. "It's mine, my own, my precious."
The hairs on the back of Kagome's neck stood on end. "Precious? It's been called that before, but not by you."
"What business is it of yours what I do with my own things?"
Taking a step forward, Gandalf leveled a hard look at his old friend. "I think you've had that ring quite long enough."
Eyes widening and then narrowing in realization, Bilbo clutched the jewelry close to his chest. "You want it for yourself!"
Kagome swallowed as the room grew dark with Gandalf's temper.
"Bilbo Baggins!" He commanded as he seemed to grow. "Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you." Calming down, he let the room return to its former state. "I'm trying to help you."
Sufficiently chastised, the hobbit flung himself into Gandalf's embrace.
"All your long years, we've been friends, the three of us. Trust us as you once did. Let it go."
Backing up, Bilbo sniffled and nodded. "You're right, Gandalf. The ring must go to Frodo." Grasping his pack and his staff, the hobbit walked towards the door. "It's late. The road is long. Yes, it is time."
Before he could walk out the door, Kagome chuckled and said, "Bilbo, the ring is still in your pocket."
Taking the ring out, Bilbo stared at it a long moment. Sixty years it had been his constant companion, a source of strength when things seemed particularly difficult. The light glittered off its surface as he turned his hand and let the ring fall. His friends were right. He'd had it long enough. It was time to let go.
"Yes," he said, exiting the house and then looking back at them as three Dwarves scrambled after him. "I've thought up an ending for my book: and he lived happily ever after to the end of his days."
"And I'm sure you will, my dear friend," Gandalf said as Kagome hugged the hobbit.
"Goodbye," he said when he pulled away and walked out the gate. A few steps later, and he was singing a jaunty tune.
"Until our next meeting," Kagome said, grinning to herself. There was something to be said of the strength of Bilbo. He'd let go of the Ring-something men more powerful than he had been unable to do.
Motioning to the open doorway, she led Gandalf back into the house. Looking down, she stepped around the ring and then shuddered.
"Gandalf," she whispered, "that ring is evil. I don't think I can touch it."
Walking slowly to the circlet laying in false innocence on the floor, Gandalf stooped to pick it up. He stiffened and she shook her head when the Great Eye flashed through both of their minds. Straightening, Gandalf met Kagome's eyes with a fear that matched her own.
"You have to make sure," she heard herself say.
The wizard sat down heavily before the fireplace and pulled out his pipe. "Yes. We have no time to squander. We must find Gollum."
Kagome nodded, coming to stand next to him. "I'll keep a watch here often. Frodo can't be left defenseless."
Gandalf blew out smoke and nodded. "Stay out of sight until I return. If we are wrong," he said in a resigned voice-they both knew the likelihood of that, "I don't want the hobbits scared needlessly."
The door opened, giving entrance to Bilbo's nephew. Kagome watched as he picked up the ring and approached them.
"He's gone, hasn't he? He talked for so long about leaving…I didn't think he'd really do it. Gandalf?" he asked when the wizard didn't acknowledge him.
Gandalf glanced down and saw the ring lying in Frodo's hand. Something in his gut tightened; some foreboding of the days to come.
"He's gone to stay with the Elves, Frodo," Kagome said gently.
"Yes," the wizard said, standing. "He's left you Bag End, along with all his possessions. The ring is yours now."
Holding out an envelope, he motioned for Frodo to drop the ring inside. Then, he sealed the envelope and handed it back to the boy.
"Put it somewhere out of sight."
"Where are you going?" Frodo asked as Gandalf grabbed his staff and Kagome donned her cloak.
"There are some things we must see to," Kagome answered, following Gandalf.
"What things?"
Gandalf glanced to him. "Questions. Questions that need answering."
Frodo sputtered, "But you've only just arrived! I don't understand."
Kagome smiled sadly at the confusion on her young friend's face and took him by the shoulders. "Neither do we, not yet anyways. Keep it secret. Keep it safe," she said, tapping the envelope in his hand.
Bewildered, Frodo could only nod as Gandalf rode away and Kagome disappeared into the night.
…