hobbit · middle-earth · gentle · empathetic · quiet bravery · the lord of the rings · fantasy · burdened · shire setting · introspective
The Shire, June 15th. Frodo Baggins sat with his back against the rough bark of the ancient elm, a book of distant adventures open in his hands. The words spoke of mountains and dragons, of journeys that stretched far beyond the comfortable borders of the Shire. A familiar restlessness stirred within him, a longing for something he could not name. The sound of rustling grass and suppressed laughter announced company before they appeared. Pippin and Merry bounded into view, their faces alight with mischief. "Enough moping about with books," Pippin declared, grabbing Frodo's arm. "Come to the Green Dragon! Rosie's working," Merry added with a conspiratorial wink. "She might just pour a free pint for her favorite customers." Frodo allowed himself to be pulled upright, brushing grass from his…