Always and Forever (Sequel to "Love of Another Kind")

Chapter 2:Bilbo's Party

"You're late." Frodo scorned as he meet Gandalf at the edge of the Shire for Bilbo's birthday party.

"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to." Gandalf explained as they walked.

"So, how is the old rascal? I hear it is going to be a party of special significance." Gandalf asked as they pass hobbit after hobbit on the way to Bilbo's house.

"You know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar." Frodo laughed.

"Well, that should please him." Gandalf added.

"Half the Shire's been invited. And the rest are turning up anyway." Frodo says as they both laugh.

"I heard that Bilbo is expecting a rather important guest." Gandalf added once they got to Bilbo's door.

"Yes I think he is. You know he's been up to something" Frodo said, as Gandalf acts nonchalant, "All right then, keep your secrets. But I know you have something to do with it."

"Goodness gracious me!" Gandalf exclaimed, offended.

"Before you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of." Frodo added.

"Indeed?" Gandalf agreed.

"Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected." Frodo continued.

"If you're referring to , I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." Gandalf explained.

"Whatever you did, you've been officially labeled a 'disturber of the peace.'" Frodo explained.

"Oh really?" Gandalf asked surprised.

"Yes really. Haven't you heard the hobbits talk?" Someone said behind them. Gandalf and Frodo turn and see Rhiannon leaning against a tree.

"Ah, so nice to see you." Gandalf smiled.

"Nice to see you again, Mithrandir" Rhiannon smiled as she went up to hug him, "Hello Frodo Baggins." Rhiannon added as she saw him.

~Later~
"Frodo suspects something." Gandalf told Bilbo once inside Bilbo's house.

"Of course he does! He's a Baggins! Not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle."Bilbo laughed.

"You will tell him, won't you?" Gandalf asked.

"Yes, yes." Bilbo stuttered.

"He's very fond of you." Gandalf obviously stated.

"I know, he'd probably come with me if I asked him to. I think in his heart, Frodo's still in love with the Shire; the woods, the fields, little rivers... I'm old, Gandalf. I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday, a very long holiday. And I don't expect that I shall return. In fact, I mean not to." Bilbo explained. Bilbo fidgeted with some papers before looking back up at Gandalf and Rhiannon, who had surprised him by being early. Which Bilbo was grateful for of course.

~Towards the end of Bilbo's Party~
"Speech!"Frodo shouts. Bilbo walks and stands on top of a barrel in front of the crowd. The enormous cake next to him, lit with 111 candles.

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins,Tooks and Brandybucks, Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bulgers, Bracegirdles, and Proudfoots" Bilbo starts his speech.

"PROUDFEET!" One of the Proudfoot hobbits shouts as the crowd laughs.

"Today is my One Hundred and Eleventh birthday! Alas, elevnty-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits. I don't know half of you half as well as I should like and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve." Bilbo starts again as there is a confused silence.