We stopped at Bree to pick up Gandalf's wagon full of fireworks. Apparently he'd already been in the area before he came and got me. He hitched his horse up to the wagon and rode it it while I continued to ride Wyn. It was peaceful. I had always loved visiting the Shire. Hobbits were gentle folk and it was nice to see a race so devoted to peace and living happily.

We took a slower pace on our way through the Shire. Turns out we got there a little early and while I loved hobbits, I didn't particularly love staying in their homes. The beds were always too small. I'd rather sleep in the trees then in a hobbit hole. Then again, being part elf probably had something to do with it. I still wasn't sure how the Maiar part of me affected how I preferred sleeping. Maybe it didn't affect it at all.

A voice spoke and it snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked over to the side and watched as a hobbit conversed with Gandalf.

"You're late." The young hobbit said sternly.

"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." Gandalf replied.

Baggins? I figured he had to be related to Bilbo. After all, how many hobbits shared that last name? They began to laugh and the hobbit, Frodo, jumped into the wagon to hug Gandalf. I trotted my horse ahead to give them time to talk. I stopped my horse a little ways away from Bag End and watched the tiny hobbits work on setting up for Bilbo's party. Tying my horse to a fence, I hopped over it and walked down to the area and began to help them set up. After a little while I said my goodbyes and made my way to Bilbo's. Gandalf was already there and let me in.

"Bilbo! Happy birthday my friend!" I greeted the old hobbit warmly and embraced him. He hugged me and offered me tea as I sat down.

"Ara! I'm so happy you could make it. It's been so long since I've seen you." He admonished, laughing. I immediately felt ashamed. I hadn't visited the hobbit as often as I said I would. I had got caught up with my life in Rohan.

"Sorry..."

"It's ok dear. We all know how time isn't the same to elves as it is to us mortal races. I'm just happy you are here now." He poured me a cup of tea and we, along with Gandalf sat around talking.

It was finally time for the party. I wandered in and among the hobbits, smiling at the joy on their faces. They danced, ate and drank. Bilbo got up and gave a speech that I only half listened to. My mind was focused on watching him fiddle with something in his pocket. I felt uneasy, like I should know what object it was.

Suddenly he just disappeared. I gasped and looked around. I only knew of one object that could make someone disappear entirely and I really hoped Bilbo didn't have it. I turned around and looked at Gandalf. One look at his face told me he was just as worried as I was. Without a word we made our way back to Bag End. Miraculously we made it there before Bilbo and waited for him. He came in and began to gather his things before Gandalf revealed himself. I stayed in the shadows, watching and zoning out until I heard the topic come up that had me so worried.

"I think you should leave the ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?" Gandalf asked.

Bilbo looked hesitant before replying. "Well, no." He paused and frowned before continuing. "...and yes. Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting with it. It's mine, I found it. It came to me!"

"There's no need to get angry." Gandalf looked at the hobbit, concern plain on his face.

"Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault." Bilbo snarled at Gandalf. He looked down at the ring in his hands and muttered to himself softly enough that I almost didn't catch it. "...it's mine... my own... my precious..."

Gandalf frowned and I felt my heart race at his words. "Precious? It's been called that before, but not by you."

Bilbo glared at Gandalf. "Oh, what business is it of yours what I do with my own things?"

"I think you've had that ring quite long enough." Gandalf sighed and flicked his gaze to me, then returned it to the hobbit.

Bilbo took a step back and raised his voice. "You want it for yourself!"

"BILBO BAGGINS! Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks!" Gandalf seemed to grow and the room became darker. He sighed and the room returned to normal. "I am not trying to rob you. I'm trying to help you."

Bilbo sniffled, ran to Gandalf, and hugged him. They spoke to each other and Bilbo dropped the ring. I stepped forward to hug Bilbo to say my goodbyes, then he and Gandalf stepped outside. I stayed inside and stared at the ring, not daring to approach it. It seemed so harmless, yet I knew it wasn't. It had to be the One Ring. I turned and scrambled out the door and into the evening air.