We slept that night comfortably. No bad dreams entered our thoughts and all our fears were quieted and allowed us to sleep peacefully.  The morning air was bright and cheerful. The sunlight streamed through the window. As we hobbits came down for breakfast we heard talking. Merry had us stay hidden out of sight.

"Merry, we can't spy on people."

"We are not spying because they are not whispering." Merry said.

We then heard that it was Elrond and Gandalf. They were having a serious discussion by the tone of their voices.

"But if we are caught, Elrond will be furious. And I don't want to think about what Gandalf will do to us."

"Shh..." Pippin said.

We continued to listen,

"The dwarf prince will want the worst done to Bilbo." Gandalf said.

"Undoubtedly."

"Is there a way to keep him from harm?"

We heard Elrond sigh, "Bilbo has already been through harm."

They stopped talking for a moment and that's when a voice behind us boomed, "Halflings have big ears I see."

We jumped and turned to see Boromir standing there grinning.

"Not so loud!" Merry scolded.

"Do not blame him for your wrong doing. Besides we knew you listening." Gandalf said as he suddenly appeared before us.

"Sorry Mr. Gandalf." I said meekly.

"What is to be done with Bilbo?" Frodo asked anxiously.

Elrond and Gandalf exchanged glances. "Come sit and we will talk."

As we sat down , breakfast was laid before us. As we ate, we listened to what they had to say.

"Galadriel, Thranduil, and Fundin arrived early this morning." Elrond said.

"What about Fundin's father?" I asked.

"Fundin told us he was unable to make the journey."

"He probably did him in." Pippin mumbled under his breath.

Gandalf gave him a look and continued. "Be that as it may, the outcome does not look well for Bilbo."

"Of course I and Galadriel wish him no ill will. We understand his actions we done by the Ring's command."

Aragorn,  Legolas and Gimli entered the room and joined us.

"So what do you suggest?" Legolas inquired.

"We shall first explain why Bilbo did what he did. Next we will suggest to the council, to give Bilbo a trial. A trial to see how Bilbo fares. He will stay in Rivendell while the Fellowship sets out to destroy the Ring. If all goes well, Bilbo can stay here forever."

"But if he doesn't?" Frodo asked.

"If he doesn't then he shall be sent to The Grey Havens."

"Where?" Merry asked.

"A place for elves. Bilbo will be safe there and at peace."

"Will he ever return to the Shire?" I asked

"Time will tell but the odds are against it for now." Elrond finished.

We ate in silence, wondering what would become of Bilbo when suddenly Gandalf said,

"We need to get ready."

"For what?" Pippin asked.

"The road to Mordor."

"Already?" Frodo asked. It was clear he wanted to see Bilbo again.

"It is for Bilbo you do this. There is nothing else you can do for him here. Elrond will do all he can." Gandalf assured.

We reluctantly left the room and went gather our belongings. Before we left, our stores of food were greatly replenished.  As we were ready to leave Frodo looked to Elrond and asked,

"You'll take care of him, won't you?"

Elrond smiled, "You have my word."

We walked out the front door and began our next adventure. As we went, I looked back at the beautiful sight that was Rivendell. With a longing in my heart I said to Gandalf,

"Might we ever come back here?"

The wizard looked at me and replied, "If bravery, courage and loyalty see us through then yes, we shall see Rivendell again."

That reply was as good as any and the hope of seeing it again helped me make those first steps to Mordor.

A/N

This part was shorter but still said a lot. There is only one chapter left and I hope you are all ready for it!!! Hope to write it tomorrow. I'm really excited for it!!