Gandalf's arrival

Gandalf meets Frodo

Frodo:

(reads a book, runs to Gandalf)

Gandalf:

(sings) The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began, now far ahead the road has gone and Imust follow if I can.

Frodo:

You're late.

Gandalf:

A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.

­­They both try to keep a straight face, and fail. Frodo throws himself into Gandalf's arms for a hug.­­

Frodo:

It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf.

Gandalf:

You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday.

Frodo:

What's new in the outside world? Tell me everything.

Gandalf:

Everything? You're far too eager and curious for a hobbit. Most unnatural. Well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on, much as it has this past age, full of its own comings and goings, scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits. For which I am very thankful.

­­They pass a field where tents and a banner are being set up.­­

Gandalf:

Ah, the long-expected party. How is the old rascal? I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence.

Frodo:

You know Bilbo. He has the whole place in an uproar.

Gandalf:

Well, that should please him.

Frodo:

Half the Shire's been invited.

Gandalf:

Gracious me.

Frodo:

He's up to something.

Gandalf:

Oh, really?

Frodo:

All right then, keep your secrets. Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of.

Gandalf:

Indeed.

Frodo:

Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.

Gandalf:

If you're referring to that incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out the door.

Frodo:

Whatever you did, you have been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.

Gandalf:

Oh, really?

­­A group of hobbit children see Gandalf and come running.­­

Children:

Gandalf, Gandalf! Fireworks, Gandalf!

­­Gandalf pretends he won't, but he sets off a butterfly firework for them. An old grandmother's smile at the children's delight turns to a more socially acceptable frown when an annoyed mother becomes witness.­­

Frodo:

Gandalf, I'm glad you're back. (jumps off the wagon)

Gandalf:

So am I, dear boy. So am I.