Hobbits and Wings

3. A HAPPY DAY

Lord Gildor smiled. Speaking quietly to Frodo, he said, “Master Bilbo has fallen asleep while we were preening his wings. We must make sure he is lain down properly so as not to undo our work.”

Frodo nodded. Kneeling carefully by the sleeping hobbit's side, he spread out Bilbo's blankets and watched protectively as the Elves laid him gently on the blankets,so gently that the old hobbit's only response was a snort and a mumbled, "...more butter, please!" Once nestled into his coccoon of blankets, he snuggled against his pack (which Frodo had stuffed and shaped into a pillow) and began to snore gently.

“Thank you, Lord Gildor. We have had such a wonderful time visiting with all of you tonight,” Frodo spoke softly.

“We will have departed before you wake. Master Bilbo should rest as long as he is wont. He may be weary tomorrow after his strenuous exercise this eve.”

“Then I will say our goodbyes now, and wish you a pleasant and safe journey as you guide your friends to the Grey Havens.”

“Goodnight, Master Frodo. I may see you in the future.”

Frodo, giving a formal bow, said, “Goodnight, Lord Gildor. It would be an honour to meet again and please give our thanks to the others.”

“Indeed, I will.” With that, the Lord Gildor bowed and made ready for his rest. Settling himself on a low branch of one of the great trees, the Elf-lord pondered hobbit-kind. He gazed at the two below him with love and concern. He noted, 'Young Master Frodo carries within himself the same light as the Eldar. I fear a great and terrible task may lie before him. May IIúvator bless and keep him.'

Frodo checked on Bilbo and then settled himself for sleep laying as close to his Uncle as he could get. He was soon sleeping soundly with a smile on his face.
* * *
The next morning, Frodo was awakened by birds singing with so much zeal it sounded as if they felt tasked with bringing up the sun. Chucking softly, Frodo raised himself up on his elbows to look down at his uncle. Bilbo was still snoring. The morning chorus troubled him not at all.

Frodo got up and stirred up the fire that the Elves had so kindly banked the night before. He then went to the stream and washed his face and hands. His stomach rumbled. ‘I suppose I had better see about getting a meal on.‘

In a short time, he had a good hearty first breakfast sorted out and bacon frying in the pan. He thought while he worked, ‘Let’s see now, here is where I hang the kettle for tea. We can have bacon, warm muffins with honey, cheese…and what is this? The Elves left us some fresh eggs! I wonder where they got those?’ Frodo shook his head in wonder. He soon had them frying next to the sputtering bacon.

Bilbo stirred as the aroma of hot food and tea tweaked his nose. “Frodo, my lad, that smells wonderful!”

He sat up and stretched with a mighty yawn. His joints cracked noisily. He stood and swung his arms carefully to wake up reluctant muscles. Stretching and settling his wings into position, he walked over to the stream to wash up. Chuckling, he came back with hands dripping and started flinging water on Frodo for a bit of fun.

“Hey, Uncle, you will get the food all wet!” laughed his tween. “Look, eggs! Where do you suppose the Elves got these?”

Bilbo chuckled, “Just another mystery, I suppose. Let’s eat. I’m famished.” Silence reigned while the two hungry hobbits made short work of the spread Frodo had prepared.

Once they were happily satisfied, Frodo commented, “You don’t seem surprised that the Elves are gone.”

“No, it is always this way. They leave with the first glimmer of dawn and are so quiet that they never have awakened me.”

Frodo‘s eyes danced with excitement, “You’ve made this trip more than once, Uncle?”

“Oh, yes. I try and see Lord Gildor at least once every six months. I am able to keep abreast of all the news that way. It makes life so much more interesting, don’t you think?”

Frodo enthusiastically nodded his agreement, “May I come with you when you make this journey again?”

“Why, of course, my lad. Wouldn’t think of leaving you behind!”

His tween hugged Bilbo tightly, “Oh, thank you, Uncle!”

"You’re … welcome, lad,” Bilbo wheezed.

“Uncle, I'm sorry! I squeezed too hard. Did I hurt you?”

“No harm done. You just don’t know your own strength, yet.”

At Frodo’s suggestion, the two hobbits decided on a rest before breaking camp. Bilbo situated himself with his back against a narrow tree, wings fanning idly as he puffed on his pipe and hummed snatches of different songs. The morning had turned out quite warm and Frodo was content to lay in the shade and enjoy the slight breeze stirring from his Uncle's wings.

After a nice long rest, Bilbo leaned forward and stretched “Well, Frodo, it is time to start our journey back to Bag End.” Looking around, Bilbo commented, “Our hosts certainly left us very little work to do.”

He was right. There was no evidence that anyone had camped there overnight with the exception of the small area where their belongings were laid out.

Mindful of the Elves’ care, the two hobbits used the same diligence in removing all traces of their presence. Special attention was paid to the fire. Bilbo taught Frodo how to make sure it was out and cold before they prepared to leave. They hid it using leaves and dirt.

As they were about to push through the small opening in the hedge, Frodo looked back at the spot where they had camped. “Uncle, I will never forget our first travelling party together. I will never forget last night's magic.”

His face beaming, Bilbo turned around and wrapped his tween in a delightful 'double hug', arms first then warm, soft wings, completely enfolding Frodo. “There will be other adventures for us to share, my lad. You can be sure of that.” Then tucking his wings and wrapping his cloak snugly around him, Bilbo proceeded to lead Frodo back home.

As they rambled through the forest, Bilbo took every opportunity to improve Frodo's wood lore by teaching him about the small creatures and flora they noted on or near the path. Once, Frodo found himself sitting in the dust when he tripped on a tree root while walking backwards listening to his Uncle. They both were laughing so hard it was a moment or two before Bilbo could give the tween a hand up.

The sun was just beginning to hide behind the hills as they approached Bag End's gate. Bilbo had removed his cloak as they entered Hobbiton and his wings shimmered with hues matching the pinks and oranges in the sky. Sighing in awe, Frodo stroked their softness wistfully. Bilbo, noticing the gesture said, "It won't be long, lad. Take heart."

"I will, Uncle. It just seems such a long wait." Frodo dropped his hand, the pale feather-dust on his fingers sparkling in the setting sun like mother of pearl

“Oh, bother, what do you suppose that is?” said Bilbo, pointing to a small roll of white parchment tied to the brass knob of the round green door.