The Hobbit and Her Memories

CHAPTER 10

BILBO'S POV

I stood at the exit. The path led to the elven road in Mirkwood, which would take me past Beorn's house and over the Misty Mountains. There, we will walk through Rivendell and then...

Home.

My feet wouldn't work, though. I just stared at the path ahead of me. "You are always welcome to come back." I heard Thorin say behind me.

I turned and found him and the other 10 standing side by side. I chuckled at the sight of them. "I was trying to save the good-byes when we would meet again." I said, setting down my pack and cloak.

Then, I shook each of their hands, except Bofur. He insisted in a bear hug. After a firm, but satisfying good-bye from Balin, I faced Thorin. He was dressed the way I first met him, the way I don't ever want to forget.

Holding out my hand slowly, I tried hold back last-minute tears. "This isn't good-bye." Thorin chuckled and shook my hand.

"Go plant your trees and do what you are meant to do in this world." he said. Then, he wrapped his strong arms around me and hugged me.

"I shall miss you, Bilbo Baggins." he whispered. "As long as I live, you will be my best friend."

Tears poured out of my eyes as we released the hug. Thorin's eyes were wet, too.

"Thank you, Thorin Oakenshield." I sniffed. Then, I bowed to him. "Until we meet again, my friend."

Then, picking up my bag, I turned and began my journey home.

There I stood on the borders of the Shire. "Home." I said. It's been months since I've felt this breeze. Smelled this air. Walked this path. Memories flowed back into my mind.

I passed by the tree me and Thalia used to climb. How she scraped her knee and I helped her home. I walked by the stream we played in. She taught me how to build a dam with rocks.
Was this what she felt walking back to the Shire after 10 years of living in Rivendell? It was a great feeling.

I walked along the cobbled path and up the hill to Bag-End. As I did, I spotted something...no...someone. I quickened my pace to get closer.

A young hobbit who looked to be the age of 2 or 3 sat alone on the side of the road playing with grass. He had dark brown curly hair with stunning blue eyes that suddenly lighten my spirit. He wore a ragged green shirt with torn brown pants and had dirt all over his arms, legs, and face. Looking at him....reminded me of...me.

I crouched down next to him. "Hello, young man." I said. He gazed up at me with a curious look. He looked almost too scared to talk. "It's ok," I assured him. "I'm not going to hurt you." Tge boy's body relaxed a little, but didn't lose the frightened expression.

"Where do you live? Where are your parents?" I asked. The hobbit just shook his head. "I don't know." he answered sadly. An orphan? I thought. It must've happened recently since no one has picked him up yet. "What's your name?" I asked. The boy just stared. I chuckled a little. "Don't tell me you don't know your own name." The boy shook his head, and began sucking on his fingers.

Then, I lifted the boy to his feet. "Would you like to come and live with me?" I offered. "You will have a home and I'll be a wonderful guardian." The boy's face lit up. He removed his hand away from his mouth and questioned, "Would you be my daddy?" I pondered about that question. A father? I had just returned from the adventure of a lifetime, and now...here I am. About to accept another one.

"If that is what you want," I smiled. "then it shall be done." The boy began to cry happily. He jumped into my arms and held me tightly. I stroked his hair and patted his back. "There, there, Frodo." I shushed quietly. "Bilbo's got you."

I pulled him away, and raised his chin to look into his eyes. "Frodo, would you like to go home?" Frodo nodded. Taking his hand, I led him up the hill. Then, I stopped. "You know what, Frodo? I have something for you."

I knelt down and fished out Thalia's gem necklace. I tied it around his neck and placed both hands on his shoulders. "This is a symbol of a promise, Frodo." I calmly said, and I pressed my forehead against his.

"I promise to always be with you. No matter how far or long we are apart."

Then, I took his hand again and I led the way to a new adventure.