"There are now *five* hobbits in Rivendell, you know!"
"I wonder whether Gloin and his son are still at luncheon..."

BILBO I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

Excellent story and a very believable idea! I love it!

So sweet

I don't think I have much to add to what other reviewers said before me, except: I, too, liked it. It enriches the Legolas I like in the books - and the subtle hint towards Gimli's future role in the Quest and Legolas' life is a perfect little touch ;-)

I liked this story. Any chance of a sequel where we see the conversation between Bilbo, his trusted friend Gloin and Gimli, Gloin's son? Cheers.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I love this so much! I love how considerate Bilbo was of Legolas' friends and how he asked about them. I adored Legolas' surprise - it was so cute!

And then those soul-moving questions that led Legolas to journey with the brave hobbit! Simply flawless! I have shivers!

Thank you for writing yet another amazing piece!

Gosh you always have such nice details in your stories. I never get tired of reading!

Hadn't Legolas already sworn to go with Frodo at the council? Or was this another council? I love this and the wise way that Bilbo has planted a seed of thought in Legolas brain. Lovely

Beautiful as ever, Shirebound, and a very convincing version of how Bilbo might have encountered Legolas during the events of the Hobbit. I really like your portrayals of both these characters: Bilbo, still a sharp-witted and fiercely protective Hobbit doing his best to do what he can for his nephew, and Legolas, suffering the guilt from his apparent failure but courageous and perceptive nonetheless. I also like the suggestion that the Nine Companions who are fated to accompany Frodo come to that realisation through little conversational moments such as this one; there is a larger sense of destiny at work but the important thing is the choices people make in their own hearts. I'm rambling, but essentially: I like it!

Wonderful little story! I'm eager to see what else you come up with!

Again, mellon nin, you have found a quiet moment to illuminate with your delightful, wondrous storytelling ability that is unlike any other. I love that it is book verse, and you prove that old hobbits who have "retired" from adventuring are still wily enough and wise enough to say the right words at the right time. And yes, the arrival of the necessary people in Rivendell at this time was auspicious indeed.
Thank you for putting a smile on my face on this dreary December morning - the month the Fellowship leaves Rivendell and begins their great adventure. :)