"I should like to save the Shire, if I could - though there have been times when I thought the inhabitants too stupid and dull for words, and have felt that an earthquake or an invasion of dragons might be good for them. But I don't feel like that now. I feel that as long as the Shire lies behind, safe and comfortable, I shall find wandering more bearable: I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again."

carrying the world around his neck

"I see no hope of it now. But I've got to do the best I can."

made a home for you for me, watched it slip away from you, from me

cetrys:

ninefingered:

^{She wasn’t an expected sight. Her clothing was unwittingly colorful and almost ill-suited to a place such as this. The hobbit truly wondered what kind of character she was, but felt no threat from her. She was all smiles, gentle voice and soothing presence.} 

^{It was enough for him to politely stop, offer a meager smile in turn, though his eyes were worn.} 

^{”..To be honest, Miss, I’m not, but it is something I must do regardless. I hope it is different for you. Are you looking forward to it?”}

{❀ A situation she assuredly related to at this moment in time. Her resolve had long been steeled, but that didn’t exactly accommodate the very real fact that soon, Aerith would return to being a fond remembrance in the archives of her companion’s thoughts.

His question prompted a short silence, digits tapping lightly at the basket’s straw hem while she worked through a response.

“I guess I am, it was nice being alive again in this body but I have an obligation to my planet.” A blithe chuckle, to countervail the gloomier insinuations behind her words.

“I’m sorry you’re not looking forward to it, I have a good feeling about you though! I sincerely believe you’ll be able achieve whatever it is you are returning for!” }

^{He heard her words loudly and quite clearly.} 

^{“You..you are – my pardons.” Frodo couldn’t put in a straight sentence that someone in front of him was dead without being rude and uncouth. What had deprived such a bright looking young woman of life? His stomach churned slightly at the mere thought.} 

^{“I cannot imagine – the strength it must take you, to return regardless. You..you truly have all my respect.” The Ringbearer spoke seriously, all wide blue eyes and earnest tongue, dark brows furrowing with compassion.} 

^{“You could say that I too, have the same obligation. You speak so highly of me, having never met me before. I do not know what strength still lies within me that can finish this Quest but – I too, love my world dearly, as I can see you do, as well. I cannot simply abandon it for the comfort of evading danger.”}

^{Bilbo’s face flickered in his mind.}

^{“No matter what comfort that is.”}

^{“What is your name?”}