Finally, the plot

        Elliott wandered around Bree, trying to find the Prancing Pony. He'd never been to this side of town, though you'd think he would have gone ther at least once in the fifty-five years he'd been coming to Bree. 

        There! He sped up, avoiding bumping into any of the people milling about, and slipped quietly into the inn. Walking up to the counter, he placed an order and then seated himself at a table. Yeah, that's right. He just walked right up to the counter and talked to the man in charge with almost no anxiety. It was likely a mix of the exposure therapy he'd had over the years and the bracelet on his upper arm (shaped like a snake. He was so proud of it) that he'd charmed with courage. 

        He'd figured out, soon after starting his lessons with Radagast, that he couldnt just embue his jewellery with whatever he wanted. He had to feel it and truly want it while he charmed the piece. For example, when he'd charmed the protection bracelet, he'd felt more protected than he had in the last week, but he had still wanted more. And when he'd charmed his speed bracelet, he was going as fast as he could but still wanted to be faster.

        So, charming this wasn't as easy as he first thought. Still cool, but he couldn't just make tons willy-nilly. They took lots of energy to make, too...

        Elliott's food was delivered to him and he gave the waiter a shy smile, before shoving an entire bread roll in his mouth once the man's back was turned. He moved his gaze to the commotion in the middle, eyebrow raising at the two hobbits dancing on the table. A jolt of excitement went though him. This was it! This was the start of the plot! When Frodo dissapeared, Elliott stood and went to wait by the stairs for Aragorn to drag Frodo upstairs.

        He waited until they went past, then sneakily followed. He still didn't want to join the fellowship, but he could admit that living with Radagast had given him a taste for adventure. And a flare for the dramatic!

        He waited a few moments, then, heart pounding and trying to push his doubts aside, flung open the door. Aragorn pointed his sword at him, then faltered. "You!"

        Elliott faltered at that as well, and went to speak. It was then he realised that his grand plan would have failed anyways, because he still had an entire bread roll in his mouth. He held up a finger while he chewed for a solid minute and swallowed.

        "Wh- uh... shit, I wasn't planning on you remembering me... honestly, I almost forgot that we met, myself," he chuckled nervously. Goddamnit! His plan of being super dramatic had failed and now all his anxiety was coming back. No, no, no. It was fine. All he had to do was keep up the flashy façade and it'd be fine. "Nevermind that. What are you doing draggi-"

        He was cut off by three hobbits bursting into the room, yelling war cries. He zoned out for the next few minutes as Aragorn explained the situation, shooting Elliott incredulous glances every few minutes. Yeah, yeah. 'I know Gandalf, he sent me, blah blah'. He'd read the book a dozen times, he didn't need to hear it in person. Although... maybe that'd be cool.

        "Hello? Lad?" one of the hobbits was saying, and when Elliott shook himself out of his thoughts, they were all staring at him. He flushed, heart rate pucking up again. "U-uhm... What was the- uh, the question?"

        Aragorn sighed. "Nevermind. Come." And Elliott did so without a word, wringing his hands together. It was fine! He could make up for his insecurities with drama and flashiness! Just, not right now... there was a fine line between 'lovably excitable' and 'making an arse of himself', one that Elliott always made sure to stay well on one side of. ... The good side, clearly. 

        He got to stay up and watch nazgul enter the hobbits' old room and stab their body-double-pillows, so that was fun. Mildly terrifying, but he wasn't the one they were after, was he? Elliott fingered his protection bracelet as he watched the hobbits - those that were awake, anywho - freak out. Honestly, he was too, but for completely different reasons.

      The next morning found them on the road. How Elliott got sucked into going with them, he didn't know, but Aragorn just gave him a look and he shut up and followed. He walked near Aragorn, chatting quietly about many different things, to get the man's mind off asking questions. He turned back, expecting to talk to the hobbits.

        They weren't there, though. They were a little further back, setting up a fire to make food.

        "Gentlemen! We do not stop 'til nightfal," Aragorn said, levelling them with a glare.

        "But what about breakfast?" Pippin asked, visibly confused. Elliott held back a grin as he witnessed one of his favourite scenes from the movie. 

        Now it was Aragorn's turn to be confused. "We've already had it."

        "We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?"

        Aragorn stared at the hobbit with disbelief, then simply turned and left without a word. 

       "I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip," Merry said sadly. Pippin looked bewildered.

        "What about elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?"

        "I wouldn't count on it, Pip."

        Elliott shook his head and raced ahead to catch up with Aragorn, reaching the man just as he threw two apples back for the hobbits. "That's awful kind of you," he grinned, and Aragorn grunted.

        "Yes, well I don't make a habit of poor manners," he shot Elliott a look. "Like running away while pretending to be in the bathroom."

        Elliott shut up, ducking his head.