The sun had gone down a few hours ago, well, it would have done if she could have been seen through all the rain and clouds. Frodo had shut the drapes and fed the fire with some more logs. He was running low and would have to go out and chop some more tomorrow, whatever the weather. He flopped down in his chair and stared into the fire. In his hand he held the charm bracelet that Bilbo had given to him on that day at the port. He looked at each charm individually, the small elf, the beautiful sword, the rose and finally the dragon with its wings spread out and raising his proud head. He heard the rain pummel against his windows and saw the wind smash leaves against the house. "Oh dear, Sam will be disappointed about the flowers" Frodo said laughing to himself. He thought he heard a bang outside but ignored it thinking it was just the wind. He drew his attention back to the fire but then he heard it again. He was unsure so he opened the drapes a crack and thought he saw a horse and cart but it was difficult to tell as the rain poured down so thickly. He heard a bang again and went to the door. He placed his hand on the door knob and decided to risk it. He pulled the heavy door open and looked out. In front stood a tall man with long brown hair and a soaked threw to the skin. His cloak hung limply but if he was cold he showed no sign of it.

"Mr Baggins?" The man asked gruffly.

"Yes sir. What can I do for you?" Frodo

"If you give us permission to come in I shall explain all."

"Us?" Frodo asked. The man stepped inside revealing a girl behind him huddle in her cloak trying to keep warm. Her hood was drenched and her brown wavy hair was damp. She made no eye contact but Frodo bowed to her and invited her in. She scurried in still looking at the floor. He offered to take her cloak and hang it on the wall hook. She sat down but the man refused. Frodo sat down anyway and asked him a question. "Would you mind my asking as to what a man would be doing in Hobbiton?"

"Well, this young lady here comes from Bree land. Her Mother and Father were both tragically killed in a horse and cart accident. She has no other family and has no one in the world." The girl looked into the fire and still said nothing. The man continued. "Word is that you to have lost both your parents and live with your uncle now..." He trailed off looking for him. "Where is Mr Bilbo?" He asked.

"He's not here I'm afraid." Frodo replied shortly. He still found it painful to talk about. "But I am and why have you come to my doorstep on this foul rainy day?"

"I have come to ask that you house Hanna here and we think you would be a suitable hobbit for the task." He concluded. Frodo looked hesitant. "Of course we would pay."

"That's not necessary, but you keep saying "We" who is the other person?" Frodo asked.

"Why Gandalf of course." The man said surprised that Frodo didn't know that.

"Gandalf! Is he waiting outside?" Frodo asked excitedly.

"No, I'm afraid he has gone away and no one has seen him since. However he had made plans with Mr and Mrs Banks that should they pass on unexpectedly that Hanna should be brought to you sir." The man concluded. "So if you don't mind the night is pressing on and I'm sure you and Hanna would like to get acquainted. I shall come in a month's time to see how you are doing however in the meantime if you have any problems you can usually find me in The Prancing Pony. Just ask for Mr Griffo." He nodded to Frodo and gave him a small pouch of money. He then turned to Hanna and bowed. "Goodbye my lady." And with that he stepped out into the rain and with a click of the horse he galloped off.

Frodo looked at Hanna. She still wouldn't look at him but she gave a small shiver. "You must be frozen like that. Would you like a bath?" He asked helpfully. She nodded so Frodo got up and left her. He walked into the kitchen and boiled some water for Hanna's bath. "Give it time Frodo, she will open up when she wants to." He took the water off when it was at a decent temperature. He turned and saw a painting of Bilbo on the wall. "If it's what Gandalf wanted then I'm sure he knows best." He sighed and walked into a room near the back of the house and walked towards a metal tub. He placed the jug of now warm water on a table and placed a new towel on a chair. He then went back to the lounge and told Hanna her bath was ready. She nodded in thanks and went to have a bath. Frodo picked up her bag and placed it in a room just down the hall from his. He sat and waited for her to finish. Eventually she did and came out in her night gown. "Hullo, your room is through here. I'm just down the hall should you need me. Goodnight Hanna of Bree." He smiled and walked down the hall into his room. Hanna was left alone in the dark. She had no choice but to go into her room.