Sorry for the delay. I was updating my fanfics. :)

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Frodo left the Prancing Pony at dawn. He said his farewells to Barliman Butterbur, Nob, and Bob, before mounting his pony and riding out of Bree-town. So far, the day was splendid, but the last thing Frodo wanted was to explore the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest. Maybe another time. Today, he just wanted to reach the Shire.

He heard about Bag End from Bilbo, but couldn't imagine heading there himself. Maybe now, it was time that Frodo found out what Bag End was like.

He journeyed down the cobbled road. It was quiet. Too quiet. Something was up. Frodo would need to investigate it, but he had to keep going. Home was on the horizon.

.

He stopped by Frogmorton's Floating Log inn before sunset. The inn was quiet, perfect for grabbing a drink and hearing stories from travelers. He sighed, wondering if these hobbits spoke about him or his exploits. One conversation perked his interest.

"There are trolls wandering about these parts!" One of the Shire-folk, an elderly hobbit, spoke up. "Who can defeat them?"

"I'll do it!" Frodo announced. "I'll take care of the troll." There was silence, followed by laughter. He was confused. "What?"

"You?! Don't be daft!" The elderly hobbit shooed the air. "There are plenty of hobbits willing to do the job."

"I'd like to take part in this quest." Frodo suggested, serious.

"You're an outsider!" The elderly hobbit complained. "What's a young'un like you doing way out here? Shouldn't you be in Bree-land?"

"No. He's a Brandybuck!" Another patron announced. "Look at him! He's got the looks of a Brandybuck!" He turned to Frodo, asking him, "Say, who might you be?"

"Frodo Baggins." Frodo introduced himself. The whole room gasped. "What? It's true. Bilbo Baggins lives in Rivendell."

"Humph!" The elderly hobbit grunted. "A Baggins in Rivendell. Never heard such talk!"

"It's true! I've lived in Rivendell. I'm well aware of trolls wandering throughout these lands." Frodo said, readying his sword. "If anyone's going to take them down, it's me." He looked around for support. "Who's coming with me?"

There was a foreboding silence. Frodo wondered if any hobbit was willing to take down trolls. Were there any hobbits up to the task? He wondered if the whole discussion had been a rouse. That is, until three hobbits stood up, facing Frodo with keen eyes.

"We'll go with you, cousin!" a brown-haired hobbit shook his hand. "Merry Brandybuck. This is Pippin Took and Samwise Gamgee." He pointed to the golden-haired hobbit and the brown-haired hobbit standing next to him. "We stopped by Frogmorton, after hearing word of your arrival. Bilbo sends us letters frequently."

"We didn't think the rumors were true." Pippin said, stunned.

"Well, it seems they are! I don't reckon I've met a finer hobbit such as you." Sam said to Frodo, pleased.

"Pleased to meet you all." Frodo said, grateful. He turned to the patrons, asking them, "So, where is this troll located?"

"Needlehole." The elderly hobbit answered. "Right in the marshes. You'll need to be prepared, if you are to take the troll down."

"We're ready for anything!" Merry said, tapping the hilt of his sword. He looked at Frodo again. "So, where to?"

"Actually, I'm exhausted." Frodo yawned. "I'll stop here for the night and then proceed to Bag End."

"That troll isn't going to stick around long." The elderly hobbit complained.

"Oh, give Mr. Frodo a break!" Sam said, curtly. "He's had a long journey and would like to rest."

"I'll book your room." Pippin said, running off to speak with the innkeeper.

"Thank you. All of you." Frodo said to the three hobbits, after Pippin returned.

"You're welcome." Merry, Pippin, and Sam said in unison. Frodo smiled, glad to have met such fast friends. Now he could focus on defeating the troll in Needlehole, wherever that was.

*.*.*

Thanks for reading. :)