At midday we decided to stop and rest as we had been riding endlessly, creating distance from the black riders. The afternoon was uncomfortably hot and we were tired. We climbed down from the ponies and stretched our aching muscles.

Aragorn and Boromir cared for the horses, Legolas kept an eye on Bilbo and I looked through my bag for lunch.

"There isn't much left" I said to nobody in particular.

"The journey is almost at an end." Aragorn said.

"Only the first part." Frodo said sadly.

I passed around the food and Legolas handed some to Bilbo, who eagerly devoured it as if he had not eaten in days.

"The cruelties that Ring does to people." Aragorn sighed as we all watched Bilbo, as he carefully inspected the ground for crumbs.

"That is why it must be destroyed," Gandalf firmly said. Turning to Frodo he said, "When the road becomes hard and the burden falls heavy, remember your uncle Bilbo.

Frodo only looked up at the wizard and said, "Did you know about the council?"

Gandalf said nothing for a moment then answered, "I would have been surprised if there were not a council. We are living in delicate days Frodo, and drastic measures must be taken to ensure safety for all."

"Drastic measures?" Merry asked.

"I know Elrond and the Lady Galadriel, they will let no harm be done to Bilbo."

Gandalf then held out the cloth to Frodo, "I believe this belongs to you."

Frodo took the cloth, opened it and stared at the contents. "I am not capable of keeping it safe."

"You are the bearer of the Ring."

Frodo hesitated then quickly grabbed the Ring and held it between his thumb and pointer finger. "The chain was broken."

Aragorn stood and held out a beautiful silver chain. "This is mine, but you may have the chain."

"What was on the chain?" I asked

"A gift that I treasure above gold."

"Don't you need the chain?" Frodo asked as he accepted the chain.

"I don't need a chain to keep the gift close to my heart."

Frodo now wore the Ring about his neck as before. I noticed a slight difference in his face and I expect Gandalf did as well, for he looked away and said,

"Lets keep moving. The sooner we make it to Riverdale, the better."

We again headed out, urging our ponies on quickly.  The late afternoon began to cool down. We stopped that evening a little beyond Mirkwood.  The ponies were feed and watered while we had the last of our food. I noticed Aragorn was digging through his saddle bag. He pulled out two or three herbs and leaves and let them soak in a bowl of hot water.

"What is that for?" I asked

"For Bilbo, to help him sleep."

Frodo smiled and looked over at Bilbo. I watched as Bilbo looked over at Frodo. He smiled, just as he used to back in the Shire. Suddenly something overtook him and his smile turned into an evil snarl. I swear if Frodo had been any closer, Bilbo would have attacked him.

"Do you think he knows I have the Ring?" He asked Aragorn.

"I expect so, keep away from him. Let the effects of the Ring fade."

"The effects never fade, there will always be a part of it with him." Frodo replied.

Aragorn said nothing and walked over to Bilbo who growled at him. Aragorn simply knelt down, looked him dead in the eye. Bilbo matched the stare for as long as he could then fearfully looked away. Aragorn then gave Bilbo the drink, who, after a couple moments began to doze off.

"How did you do that?" Pippin asked.

"Bilbo is still Bilbo, you just have to search for him."

We slept that night, while Legolas kept watch. I twisted and turned, sleep would not come. Finally I gave in and opened my eyes. I lay on my back, watching the stars. I tired to find Tauriel and in the middle of my searching sleep came easy.

A/N

kind of a slow chapter. Let me know what you think!