For the purposes of this story, Sam, Merry, and Pippin are all around Frodo's age. So that way, Frodo's not alone when he becomes a Hobbit Musketeer. :)

*.*.*

Frodo ran across the field. He was thirty-three years old and come of age, but none of this mattered to him as the young hobbit journeyed to Bywater for the Musketeer ceremony. He had to be there before anyone else … at least, this is what he hoped. Good thing he had his trusty cutlass and his brown plume hat that he always wore for these occasions.

At last, he reached Bywater! There were the Hobbit Musketeers getting ready for the ceremony. And there were his friends: Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took, all donned in Musketeer garb and waiting for him.

"Well, look whose dropped in out of nowhere," Merry said, pleased. "You ready, Frodo?"

"Our friend will join us as a Musketeer. What more could be said about it?" Pippin said, sheathing his weapon.

"Yes, well I'll try not to make you too jealous," Frodo smirked.

"I doubt you could do that, cousin," Merry said in high hopes.

Frodo looked at the other Hobbit Musketeers. They were now gathered in two rows, brandishing their swords, and lowering them until they formed an archway. Frodo sighed, knowing what this meant. He waited until his friends said he was good to go, before walking down the aisle towards the new king of Gondor, King Elessar.

And here he was, kneeling before the king and his queen, Arwen Undómiel, who smiled at him. Frodo nodded to her, pleased to see he was well dressed for this occasion. He waited until a sword's blade was placed on his shoulder, before looking up at the king again, as he made his speech.

"In light of recent events, in these past few months, we have seen Musketeers rise from the ashes, forming their groups and proving to us all that they are strong, amidst the sorrows coming for us all." King Elessar said, turning his gaze to Frodo. "It is your duty to serve Middle-earth. I do hope you serve us well. For all. For the Musketeers. For your king and country."

There was a pause. Frodo smirked. He knew he was in for a wild ride, but what did the king mean by recent events? Was there something he wasn't aware of?

"Arise now, Frodo Baggins. Join the Musketeers and become a knight to all of Middle-earth. This is your calling." King Elessar declared, moving the sword away from Frodo's shoulders.

The hobbit stood up, delighted that, for once, he could wear the cloak of the Musketeers, with its emblem that showed a hobbit pointing a sword in the air and donned in a plume hat. And now, he had the same cloak, strapped to him. He was surprised the cloak fit. It was nice.

"We have a banquet set up for you, my lord," one of the hobbits addressed the king.

"Very good. Let's end this ceremony and move on." King Elessar said, before addressing Frodo again. "Keep watch. This is your duty, but it is your solemn oath to defend me."

"As you wish, my lord," Frodo said, bowing before him. He returned to his friends, delighted to see them again. "I have a new cloak. It's nice."

"They all are," Merry said, shaking his head. "Come on. We better scout the area."

.

The Hobbit Musketeers proceeded with their rounds. So far, there was no sign of danger, but that didn't mean anything if the king was hurt. Frodo sighed, wondering if there was anything he could do. Maybe doing something worthwhile might help resolve things. He returned to Sam, keen on speaking to him.

"Any news?" Frodo asked his best friend.

"Nothing. There's no sign of enemies. Perhaps all is well." Sam said, walking away. "Excuse me."

"Likewise," Frodo said, staring into the distance. So far, so good. Now, he needed a drink.

He had walked away from the spot where Sam had been when a man in shadows grabbed him. For a moment, nothing happened. And then, Frodo's vision changed, revealing a land burnt to the crisp and orcs terrorizing the hobbits.

The man in shadows was present, but he nodded before the hobbit had the chance to come up with something drastic. He looked down at his hairy feet. There were his friends, slaves and dying. It was awful! What sort of monster would concoct this?

"Noo!" Frodo screamed, shocked that the vision stopped and the present returned. He looked around! The man in shadows was gone, but the vision stayed in his thoughts. He waved to his fellow Musketeers in vain. "Go back to your party! There's nothing to see here." He felt his forehead, taking a seat on the bench and waiting for the memories to stop. He had no idea that Sam, Merry, and Pippin returned, wondering if there was anything they might do to help him.

So far, there was nothing they could do, except sit and watch.