Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

*.*.*

I did get dressed in a pretty bluish dress with a yellow ribbon attached. Normally, I would have preferred pants, but I could adjust to dresses if I wanted to and this dress seemed the right fit for me. It wasn't much to go on, so I guess I could act girlish once in a while.

That afternoon was different. I did have tea with Frodo, which was good. He remembered who I was so that made things better. I could adjust to the hobbit lifestyle, if I wanted to. It felt more like home here, different but good. The important thing that was that Frodo knew me, but the look on his face told me he wasn't happy, at all.

"What's wrong?" I asked him, curious. It was becoming a bit easier to talk with him now, but still hard. My heart just raced every time I spoke to him.

"It's just… this quest will change everything, change our lives. I may not be able to take you with me to the Undying Lands," he inquired. Oh no! Not that spiel, not what I feared would come up, but there it was. He looked away from me to the wide parlor window. This must have been hard for him to bear.

"Frodo, let me come with you. When the quest is over, we can… we can…."

"No!" He shook his head. "No, save it. You've done more than enough to get here, the ring isn't destroyed. I can't just let you come with me, not now, not like this. You'll be in danger. I can't take care of you if we're away from the Shire. The quest is dangerous."

"The Shire will be in danger, too, Frodo," I said, serious. "Surely, you'll let me come with you. I want to go on this quest, too. I haven't had any adventures, not big ones. Please, this may be my one chance to do so."

He chuckled, guiltily this time. "We can't get married until after the quest is over. You know that. Even then I just…." He chuckled again. Clearly, he wasn't enjoying this, even as he put his hands around the teacup. He shook his head a few times, hardly believing what was happening. "You do realize I love you, but you put the bar so high. It's making things difficult."

"I'm here now. I want this, too. Can't you understand that? Coming here is what I wanted, and now I've got it," I said, voicing my opinions. "What becomes of us now… well, that depends. And yes, I want to wait until after the quest is over before we're married. Can't you understand that it's for the best?"

"I don't know if I can wait that long," he said, looking up at me now. "I love you and I want you. You have to understand that."

"We can wait until after the quest, but I'm still coming," I said, encouraging. "Please?"

"You're not of age and Pippin's not of age," Frodo said, softly. He admitted, curtly, "They'll never allow you as part of the Fellowship."

"Frodo…." I stopped myself. I could have said that I was growing older, closer to age thirty-three, but that wouldn't have helped me. What could I do now? He was right. It would take a miracle for Elrond to let me on the council, let alone a part of the quest. My expression turned grim and somber. I leaned back against the chair, reflecting on my decision.

It wasn't my choice to come here. Well, it was but Gandalf was the one who jumpstarted this whole venture. And now that Frodo knew me… I knew this was a long shot. I just knew it.

"Come here." Frodo moved to the rug on the floor. He gestured me with his hand. "Come on. I won't bite." I grinned, giggling a little. Of course he'd do this, of course he'd find a spot on the rug and I… well, I joined him there, lying on the floor by the cold fireplace, but it was nice. I rested my head on his chest and shoulder, wanting to sleep again. I was surprised he let me lay there next to him, let alone wrap his arm around me.

I honestly wished it could stay like this forever. But even moments like this didn't last long. This moment lasted for a good long while.

"Frodo."

"Hmm?"

"What's to become of us? What will we do now?"

He grinned. "I won't stop loving you. And should you be welcome on the quest, then let's hope it's a good one. I couldn't leave you, not now. We've come too far."

"I know we have," I said, understanding. "I know we have." And I did know, for as long as it took. I wouldn't rest until Frodo and I got what we wanted, no matter what.

*.*.*

Thanks for reading. :)