Homecomings

"Bilbo! Uncle Bilbo!"

I force my sleepy eyes open. What's this? Hobbits! Four of them. The four Elrond sent off on my adventure.

And there you stand, Frodo-lad. My heart drops in my chest to see your damaged hand. The job's finished, then? The Ring's gone? But it didn't release you easily. Couldn't you cast it away at the end? I don't know if I could have either.

Now is not the time for tears or might-have-beens. I'll give you a pat on the back, if it will ease your heart.

"Hullo, hullo! So you've come back? And tomorrow's my birthday, too."

_ _
Note: Bilbo's quote at the end comes from "Homeward Bound", The Return of the King