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[ringoffire]

I knew Uncle Bilbo had accomplished great deeds, but seeing it for myself is far different! That dragon was frightful, though I think his gold frightened me more. For treasure to have such power...

It is a sickness. It reminds me of...foul things that I would rather forget.

[A darkness enters the small Hobbit's eyes.]

Will I be able to meet more Dwarves? I am fond of Gimli. And what of the Elves? Prince Legolas and Lord Elrond give me a good impression of them.

Comments

[ever_watchful]

If you want to meet dwarves, laddie, you'll find no better place than Erebor. Baggins will ever be an honored name among those halls.

[ The old dwarf bows, smiling. ]

Balin, son of Fundin, at your service. How is your old uncle these days?

[ringoffire]

So King Thorin says! [He wishes he could see it. There is a certain longing in his eyes.] I do not know if it will be possible. I am needed in Hobbiton with Uncle Bilbo.

[His cute old Uncle is not always himself. Frodo's expression falls at the name.]

Lord of Moria. [A breath.] It is an honor. [He bows and smiles faintly.] The Ring has done much to him. He looks much older and his mind is failing. I try to keep him comfortable, but we are fated to go to the same place.

[ever_watchful]

Aye, I understand. The last time I saw your uncle, you weren't yet even a gleam in your mother's eye. I meant to go back to visit him again, but... [ He sighs, but the smile returns. ] Well, old age catches up with us all, sooner or later. This old dwarf isn't as spry as he used to be. I am glad to hear that you're looking after him.

[ringoffire]

I was born twenty-seven years after you departed the Shire initially. [Bilbo is his cousin, in fact, but Frodo has never had a better guardian.] He would have liked seeing you, Lord Balin. I can't say the same for his neighbors, though!

[Which is funny to him.]

I owe him a great deal. He ignored what everyone said about me and took me in as if none of it mattered. He told me stories and made me feel...important.

[ever_watchful]

[ Oh, yes. He chuckles, remembering those looks from the Shire folk. Especially the second time around. ]

Just Balin is fine, lad. Frodo, is it? I can't say I'm surprised, Bilbo always had a good heart and a sharp mind. If he took you in as he would a son, then he saw something special in you, make no mistake.

[ringoffire]

Yes, he told me right before he disappeared on his journey to Rivendell...

"You're a good lad, Frodo. I'm very selfish, you know. Yes, I am. Very selfish. I don't know why I took you in after your mother and father died but it wasn't out of charity. I think it was because... of all my numerous relations, you were the one Baggins that showed real spirit. "

[Now he knows what he meant by that.]

He went on an adventure and I had one of my own.

[ever_watchful]

So I've heard. I am sorry that you had to see Moria in such a state. The goblins... Well, I suppose you know the story now. Thank goodness that Bilbo had the presence of mind to pass on that mithril shirt. [ Otherwise Frodo might have ended up sharing his tomb, and that would have been a great shame. ]

[ringoffire]

[So he knows. Frodo winces sadly.]

I'm sorry...for what happened. [He tugs at the collar of his shirt, showing the mithril underneath.] Without this, I could have perished in your tomb or...elsewhere. Many places, actually.

[ever_watchful]

I doubt that Thorin ever explained to him exactly how valuable such a thing is, but a hoard of gold isn't worth the lives it has protected. [ Balin shakes his head and pats Frodo on the shoulder. ] As am I, lad, but there's naught to be done about it. Perhaps now that Durin's Bane is no more, Moria can truly be reclaimed.