FicWad

Author's Note: Was my latest chapter somewhat weird? I don't know, I got a weird vibe about it so I might end up rewriting it anyway despite my wanting to get it right and taking long to update. Sorry about the time lapse in updating, I was in a very busy funk lately with work, going to a Sci-Fi Convention, my birthday, taking hubby to the ER, getting a 2-week cold from stupid people in the ER, and much more so you can see lots of things have been going on so do not think I forgot about you all! Warning, there is a bit of hobbit lovin' in this chapter as per request from my reader Eyborg. After all, this is a story titled about hobbits. Chapter Eleven also brings this story to a close but make sure to keep an eye out for the third fic to make up the last part of the trilogy.

Chapter Eleven: One Last Hurrah

"It seems congratulations are in order for a job well done," Sisko said, his gaze passing over the combined Starfleet and elvish crew before him. "There were a few casualties but without their help we wouldn't have succeeded in this mission. Remember them always for their sacrifices made for the purpose of this friendship of our peoples and the willingness to help each other."

Stepping away from the front of the crowd, Sisko went to Lord Elrond's side as the rest of the people around them began to talk and mill about in the War Room on the station.

"Thank you again, Captain," Elrond said with a short bow of his head. "Without you Lady Galadriel and Mithrandir may never have been recovered."

"We stay to our duty and word in such matters," Sisko replied, a slight smile underneath his goatee, then he changed the subject. "I heard the repairs to your ships have been completed."

"Yes, they have," the elf nodded. "We will depart once your doctor has determined no residual effect or other problems linger in the Lady and Mithrandir. Though, I may give some more time for all to enjoy your station before we depart and reach Valinor."

"Then you will not be coming back this way once you reach Valinor?" he asked.

"One day we may but it will be a dark time, much more terrible and evil than these recent events," Elrond said somberly. "Do not worry yourself, Captain. It is still far in the future."

"I see," the Starfleet officer said with a little confusion but a small touch of curiosity at wondering what the elf meant.

"Perhaps it would be prudent to discuss it now," said Odo, who had suddenly appeared by their sides. "In private if you please."

Leading the three away to a secluded corner of the room, Sisko could not help but wonder what prompted Odo to seek them out. The shape shifter constable of station security had been incredibly quiet since the battle and escape from the Dominion compound. Sisko had been expecting a report from him eventually as to his experiences on the planet but it seemed he wished to bring it up presently.

"What is it, Odo?" Sisko asked as they stopped a good distance away from the celebrating crew and elves.

"While many of the crew were battling the Jem'Hadar and getting the hostages to safety, I went in search of the Founder who was supposedly in the compound," Odo explained. "I attempted to apprehend him but was not able to; however, as he was escaping he told me that we may have stopped them this time but there will be more to come. His section of the Dominion in that area of space was under his total control... like a separate contingent under his own power and decisions rather than from the Great Link as a whole."

Sisko narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow at the information. Odo had been right when receiving information from another Changeling before concerning the Founders' intentions for Earth and the Federation. The Dominion was not afraid to let it be known they planned to take over and destroy any opposition or obstacles in the way of achieving more power so it did not seem strange that the shape shifter Odo had come in contact with would relate this information to him.

"Did he say anything else?" Sisko asked.

"No, only that they would come in another form rather than as Changelings or the Dominion," Odo said, his voice tight but not hinting at skepticism at all. "He said it will be much more deadly and devastating than anything we've seen before. More so than if we dared take on the Dominion in a war."

"Then we will have to be ready," Sisko said, concerning lining his features.

"And if it comes to it where the final battle is fought here," Elrond began. "Then we will come to your aid."

"That is a little reassuring but I am still concerned," Sisko answered.

"We will bring our full might on the side of the Valar," Elrond told him. "There will be plenty of us to take your side."

"Good to know but I just hope it does not come to pass," Odo said.

"Don't we all," Sisko concurred.

*
The time had come finally when Doctor Bashir gave a clean bill of health to Gandalf and Lady Galadriel, thus signally the time to depart for Valinor. After the initial grateful words for the participation and kindness of the Federation and Starfleet in a quiet briefing, many a visitor traveled down to Quark's bar where O'Brien and Bashir offered a round for the crew involved in the rescue mission.

Packed to the brim and nearly overflowing, the bar bustled with exuberance and celebratory joy. Elves, Starfleet officers, a wizard, and hobbits gathered together in a common merriment for their last days with one another. There were no more reasons to hold back due to guilt since all had been resolved. One last time to be with new friends.

"Now don't hold back, Lord Glorfindel," Frodo laughed from his table that gave him a view of the dart game occurring. "Lord Erestor is already familiar with the game and is quite good!"

"So I have heard," the golden elf commented, holding one of his darts carefully as he contemplated the dartboard. "Though, I would much rather prefer my sword skills. This game is more apt to his skills as an archer."

"Making excuses are you?" Dax asked sitting nearby, a mug of ale in front of her.

"Never," the elf said, turning his attention and gaze to her with a smile.

"You do not even have one on your side," Erestor chuckled. "I have Chief O'Brien and Dr. Bashir as well as the hobbits."

"Would you like me to give them the account of that other competition we had in the knife fight?" Glorfindel said challengingly as he let one dart fly, hitting just outside the center. "The one that sent you to the healers for nigh three days?"

The dark-haired elf turned a slight shade of red before glaring at Glorfindel, motioning for him to continue and not indulge them with details. Letting the last of his darts fly, Glorfindel had two more good hits before Erestor stood for his turn. Going to take a drink from his mug, the seneschal found a lustful gaze upon him from his Trill companion. A mischievous smile crept across his face as he pulled her out of her chair spontaneously, taking her seat and pulling her down upon his lap effortlessly.

"Are you trying to distract me?" he asked, his green eyes darkening with desire as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"What makes you say that?" she answered, a finger sliding over the tip of his ear causing a low rumble from within the elf's chest.

"If you continue with such ministrations we will have to depart here rather quickly and abruptly," he whispered low to her.

"That may be a good idea," she said, an eyebrow perked up in challenge.

"However!" Glorfindel said, spinning around and placing her back in her chair as he stood. "I must finish this match with Erestor lest my reputation be called into question for running away from a dart game."

"You're such a tease," she said, biting his lower lip in a quick kiss.

"Always," he said before turning to a smirking Erestor.

"My dear boy, could you be so kind to get another pint for me?" Bilbo asked turning to Frodo, ignoring the silly play of lovers at their same table.

"You have already had two, Uncle!" Frodo said.

"And two more to add!" the old hobbit said happily. "Get another for yourself, this is a time for goodbye celebrations. Don't worry, I won't disappear on you this time like I did at my birthday."

"Of course you won't," Frodo grinned as he slid off his chair, making his way through the maze of tall people toward the bar.

"Well hello there!"

Frodo was not sure who was addressing him but as he turned toward the voice, he found a light brunette woman looking at him with interest. He determined she was one of the Dabo girls for Quark's bar by the way she was provocatively dressed. Frodo usually did not take notice in women dressed as such but her eyes were what drew him in, the kindness mixed with a strange energy of desire caught his attention. She was also Bajoran, he noted, as she came closer to him.

"Oh, hello," Frodo answered back.

"Were you looking to refill those drinks of yours?" she asked, eyeing the empty mugs he carried. "I could get that for you if you'd like."

"That is kind of you," he said with a smile as she took them from his hands. "My name is Frodo."

"I'm Leeta," she said in a sultry voice and bringing herself down to his height. "You're with the elves right?"

"Ye... yes, I am," he answered as he made his eyes shoot back up to hers after not being able to avert his gaze from the low cleavage of her outfit. "I am a hobbit."

"Those elves are prettier than I am! I could never find myself liking one of them," she said, her eyelids halfway closed as she spoke to him. "Though, I've always preferred shorter men..."

Leeta let her free hand slide up his chest, her fingers dancing electric heat through him as her touch surprised Frodo. His breath came short as he gasped at the sudden response she brought out of him.

"Um... thank you...?" he said, uncertain as to what to say to her comment.

"You were the one who saved the rescue mission, right?" she asked.

"That could be said," he said with a slight shrug. "If not for Odo's hel..."

He was cut off with a sudden kiss as Leeta pressed her lips against his. She pulled away a few seconds later, a stunned look on Frodo's face.

"That sort of bravery and courage requires a reward," she said quietly, another sly smile on her face.

"I suppose one could say that," Frodo said, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Thank you, I should be getting back now..."

"Oh, you aren't going anywhere," Leeta said as she took him by the hand.

Before Frodo knew it, he was being led away by the Bajoran Dabo girl to a door at the far end of the bar. He did not know where it led or what might be there but he had an idea of what Leeta had in mind for him. Frodo's mind began to race as he wondered how he could figure a way to get himself out of the clutches of the seductive woman. However, his feet did not seem to hear the uncertainty in his mind as they still continued to walk, taking him into the side room.

Glancing around quickly, Frodo discovered he was in some sort of storage room filled with various boxes, items, and linens for Quark's restaurant. The sound of a loud click caught his attention and he turned to discover Leeta had tapped in a code to lock the door behind them. She grinned mischievously as she crept up to him, her stride like that of a predatory cat ready to taste her catch. Frodo tried to back up but he tripped on a crate left out and he fell upon a pile of napkins and tablecloths.

"Miss Leeta," Frodo began as she still prowled up to him. "I do not think this is appropriate."

"I love your type," Leeta said, her voice whispery. "Always trying to be hard to get. Call me by my name. I want to hear it on your lips."

Frodo felt her hands drifting up his sides again and he shivered under the assault of his senses. Never had he found himself so summarily approached in such a fashion. When her mouth found his, he froze at first as she began to have her way with him despite his verbal attempts to stop her. He realized, surprisingly, that he had not tried to forcibly stop her in a physical manner and wondered at this strange affect she was having on him.

It was at this point he felt her wandering palm reach toward his groin, rubbing him with a fervor he had not expected from anyone, hobbit or Bajoran. He opened his mouth in an unexpected moan, his body reacting to her talented fingers. It further spurred Leeta to continue with him and Frodo found her pressing harder against his mouth, her lips tasting him deeply.

What am I doing? he thought to himself. Curse it all! Sam said I should have enjoyed myself at least once before leaving for Valinor. Well, I guess it isn't too late!

In the meantime, Leeta had unlaced her tight-fitting clothing and it hung loosely from her arms but still covered her chest to a degree. Frodo grinned to himself as Leeta squealed out in astonishment as he took a breast in each hand, giving a quick pinch to each hardened nipple. In retaliation, the Bajoran ripped off his vest and shirt in one swift motion and pushed him hard on his back. A moment later she straddled his small body as he gladly took her into his arms.

As Leeta's kisses drifted down his bare chest and toward the line of his trousers, Frodo could not help but chuckle at the way his life always seemed to twist in the most unpredictable way.

*
Dax felt warm breath against her skin and the light pressing of lips against her skin. Opening her eyes, she found Glorfindel laying beside her but his head hovering above her chest. She watched as his lips suckled at her nipple causing it to peak and harden. She murmured her approval as he continued, his eyes glancing up at her as he licked in circles around the raised bud and distracted her from noticing his other hand moving. Rearing up into his touch, Dax felt the sensitive places of her folds radiate heat from his touch and the tenderness it still had from their rough love-play the night before.

"Am I too much for you?" he asked quietly, his eyes afire.

"Hardly," she answered, shivering from the reverberating shocks still going through her body.

"Ah, but I wonder," he said out-loud in a mocking manner, a smile across his face. "Should we ask Frodo what he thinks? His encounter certainly seemed too much for him."

Dax laughed with abandon, "Did you see Quark's face when he and Leeta came out of the back room? He was absolutely speechless; though, I almost expected him to charge them a fee for the use of the room."

"Always a Ferengi," Glorfindel said with a chuckle. "However, I much prefer my spotted vixen."

Glorfindel shifted himself so that he was upon her, his body pressing against hers heavily as he neglected to hold himself up. Dax felt his hardened and ready shaft along the inside of her thigh, sending more chills through her willing form. She closed her eyes as she felt his hand caress the side of her face as he pressed a needful kiss against her lips. He released her a few seconds later, letting his fingers trace along the contours of her face.

"Will you come with me?" he asked her suddenly.

"Where?" Dax asked curiously as she opened her eyes.

"To Valinor," Glorfindel said.

Dax did not respond right away, keeping her silence as she considered in her still sleep-fuzzy and lust-clouded mind. Only one other time had she considered staying by a love's side and she had almost paid for it with her life since she could not follow him to where he went. From all that she had understood, she could not follow Glorfindel to where he was going but yet he asked. Their bond and growing love was strong but was it enough to leave this life of hers?

"How do you know I can go with you?" she asked, trying to give some sort of response instead of the awkward silence that Glorfindel could take as a refusal.

"The Valar will allow it. I know they will," he said matter-of-factly. "I have done all of their bidding my whole life, sacrificed myself so that their path is kept strong. I deserve this much."

"I... I don't know if I'm ready for that," she said, unsure of spending eternity in a foreign place.

Dax saw as his face fell for a quick second before he caught himself. She lifted his chin to bring his gaze to her again, bringing a kiss to his lips once more.

"I should not have asked you of such a thing," he said.

"No, I am honored you asked me. Maybe I will be ready one day," she said, taking his face in her hands. "I will not ask you to stay."

He smiled, knowing that she understood his reasons of needing to go to Valinor no matter what. Even if he left a love behind.

"Then I will come back for you," he promised. "When I return we shall go together."

"I will wait for you," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck as they embraced.

*
The farewells were kept short and to the point as all who had become familiar and close to the former Middle-Earth inhabitants went to go on their way. It was well understood that these faces would not be seen at all ever again in their lifetimes; though, Sisko knew he may see them come again if the prophetic words of the Changeling encountered by Odo came true. Either way, it was a goodbye that would leave much uncertainty as to what would come in the future.

Many watched as the two small ships were released from the station and headed out into open space, away from the station. Without too much of a hurry, the silver-hulled ships climbed away from the arching pylons and circular rings. Reaching the outer edge of the wormhole, the amazing flash of blue hues and spiraling white rays laced with sparkling lights opened up before the tiny vessels, welcoming them. Soon enough the Elven starships disappeared into the majestic beauty of the spatial phenomenon closing around it, but unbeknownst to those watching from the port windows on the Promenade or on the view screen in Ops, the ships had come home. They had found Valinor.