[Merri]

Elanor at last remembered what she could do. Even though the announcement had been made, Bilbo still had things to do for the party, and most likely he would still need Frodo out of his way. Poor old Frodo, Elanor thought, smiling a little to herself. He'll be kicked out of the way a lot now, but it'll be worth it. And she turned her steps back towards Bag End.

Her knocks sounded very soft, and she doubted that Bilbo had heard them, but in only a few moments, he appeared, looking more than a little irritated, and asked her what she could possibly want.

"Well, Uncle Bilbo," She said, her hands in the pockets of her skirt. "I was wondering if Frodo could come over for dinner. You know my Ma's mighty fond of him, and-" catching sight of Frodo in the hallway, she leaned in towards Bilbo and whispered, "It'll keep him out of your way for a good hour or two at least, so you can tie up unfinished business."

So it was that the two hobbits set off the road together, talking and singing merrily, planning of things to come, and in her heart, Elanor smiled, thinking of the beautiful suprise that was to come for her dear friend.

[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]