Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

*.*.*

The last leaf had fallen, suggesting that winter was coming. Frodo wrapped his cloak tighter around his body. He was older now, eight years older and grown into a fair-faced tween. The elves thought he was one of them until they saw his hairy feet. There were days when he wished he were an elf. They had centuries to live. He was mortal. Time was short.

His stared at the lake, where his parents died. He had gotten over his loss, but thoughts strayed in his mind. What would have happened if he had reached his parents? Would he have saved them? Could he have done it? He wasn't sure, but he couldn't give up hope.

His hand rested on the hilt of his elvish sword. It had been days since the sword was forged. There were days when he felt like he didn't need the weapon. Nothing could go wrong, not on the elves' watch.

"Hullo!" an elven girl said, catching Frodo off guard. He released his grip on the sword's hilt. He looked up at the girl. She had dark hair and, given her appearance, she was in her early teens. She sat down next to him, studying him. "Who are you?"

"Frodo. I'm Frodo Baggins." Frodo said, clearing his throat. "Who might you be?"

"Lida." The elven girl introduced herself. "What are you?"

He grinned. "I'm a hobbit. A Halfling." He looked at her, curiously. "Haven't you seen a hobbit before? Bilbo and I live here, at the Last Homely House."

"Oh!" Lida said, surprised. "My house is down the road. My parents and I… we live in the valley. You're the first one I've talked to!"

"You don't get out much, do you?" Frodo asked her.

"I try to. Mother insists we visit Elrond regularly, but… I don't know." Lida shrugged. She stood up. "Well, I should go. I'll see you later, Frodo!" She ran off, giggling.

Frodo shook his head. "Girls!" The only girl he was close to was his mother and she was gone. He didn't mind talking to girls, as long as they didn't start talking about lace and dresses. Maybe he would become like Bilbo! That would be quite the experience….

….He looked down at the water. Ripples formed. A second reflection appeared. No way. That reflection… did he have a twin? He spun around, cocking his head up to see the shadowy figure look at him. Why did the shadowy figure bother him so much? He stood up, wondering if he would finally get this answer.

"What are you doing here?" Frodo asked. "Why are you following me?"

"I am you." The doppleganger answered. He chuckled. "Or rather, I was the twin that died, but now am a doppleganger. I'm a shadow. Your shadow."

"What do you call yourself?" Frodo asked.

"I am Bingo." Frodo's doppleganger said. He smiled. "You're in big trouble."

"I don't understand." Frodo said, confused. "Your name is Bingo."

"It's not funny, Frodo!" Bingo told him, sharply. "Your life is in danger. In three days' time, there will be an argument, one you will lose. I will be there, watching, waiting for you to mess up. When that happens, I will be free. Free to lead my life." He stared Frodo down. "You have three days to make up your mind. I cannot guarantee your safety. Good luck, Frodo Baggins." He cackled, vanishing into the misty veil.

Frodo froze. Confusion overwhelmed his thoughts. Bingo's warning… three days' time… the argument… was he going to survive? Maybe he should speak to Lord Elrond. Yes. Elrond would know something. He would know what to do!

Frodo made his way back to the Last Homely House, not knowing what fate would befall him. For now, he just hoped he survived these next three days.

.

Frodo entered the library, feeling uneasy. He hoped Elrond was there. If not, then Frodo would look elsewhere. He nearly did when he heard a familiar voice. Frodo moved to the other end of the library, finding Elrond reading a book and commenting on it. The elven lord stopped and looked at him.

"Frodo." Elrond spoke to him. "May I help you?"

"I met an elven girl named Lida, who lives in the valley. She said you visit her house often. Is it true?" Frodo asked.

"I do. I know that family well. Lida often drops by for tea." Elrond said.

"She isn't the only one." The hobbit said, cautious. "I met my doppleganger! He said his name is Bingo. He also said in three days' time, an argument will spill and I'll be dead. Lord Elrond, I need your help. We need to prevent this argument. I don't know who'll cause the arguing or when it will be necessary to intervene." He spoke more rashly. "Elrond, you must help me!"

Elrond faced him. "Frodo, I want you to be cautious. If we're lucky, we can avoid another death."

"Do you think it's possible? What if I die?" The hobbit asked, nervous.

"You won't die." The elven lord said, confirming Frodo's suspicions. "I will keep an eye out for this doppleganger. Be warned. Whenever a doppleganger enters the scene, someone dies. So I will suggest caution. That is all I will say." He paused. "I'll see you at dinner."

Frodo nodded. Great. This was thing he needed to hear. "Is there no way to stop this?"

"No Frodo, there isn't." Elrond said, returning to his book. "Good day."

"Good day, my lord." Frodo bowed, departing from the library. He sighed. Now what could he do? How was he to spend the next three days? They would be his last, unless something good happened. Maybe he could spend them with Bilbo, if his uncle had time to spare.

He returned to his room, heading straight for bed. His head hit the pillow, allowing him to sink deep into a world of dreams. They were filled with horrendous moments, moments his mind wouldn't cease to forget. He woke up the next day feeling worse. It was not the most pleasant way to start the morning. Great. Just what he didn't need. He closed his eyes, allowing sleep to pass over his thoughts. The second dream was better than the first, giving him the chance, for once, to have pleasant dreams.

*.*.*

Thanks for reading. :)