The House of Elrond

At long last the story continues in the House of Elrond picking up where Tolkien left off: mid-conversation between Frodo and Glóin. In this version, when asked about Balin, Glóin goes into great detail of the disappearance of Bilbo's traveling companion and the troubles that have come to Dáin in the Mountain. Of course these details, in the end, are reserved for the Council of Elrond and not a dinner conversation between the hobbit and dwarf.

Finally, in the House of Elrond Bilbo is revealed as alive and Trotter revealed to be Peregrin--to Frodo's surprise and delight. But the text is quickly cut off with a fairly definitive note from Tolkien: "Trotter had better not be a hobbit..." (p. 393, The Return of the Shadow). However, it would still be some time before that note would come to fruition.

In the first version of the Council of Elrond Sam is actually invited to go. Other invitees include messenger from the king of the Wood-Elves of Mirkwood (not a son; the king is yet unnamed), Burin son of Balin, and one Boromir from the South (the Land of Ond). I must say I'm glad Tolkien landed on Gondor for the Land of Ond is simply too similar to a story about a lost Kansas girl in a magical land.

More versions of the Council occur with various details (the central question: what to do about the Ring? is always present): what of the Elven and Dwarven rings of Power?; history of the Ring, tidings from various participants (although Boromir's news, alluded to as very important, is never revealed), details of happenings of Erebor, etc.

Eventually more details take shape: Sam is not invited, Galdor from Mirkwood (still a messenger), Burin becomes Gimli, Glóin's son. Gandalf discloses what he knows of the Ring and Trotter's help in pursuing Gollum (the ranger was captured in Mordor and this is the reason for his un-hobbit custom of wearing shoes), discussion of Bombadil, and Boromir's suggestion of, perhaps, using the One Ring. Of course, in the end it is Frodo who volunteers for the improbable (nigh impossible) task of destroying the Ring.

One point of difficulty for Tolkien was deciding who should consist of the Fellowship of the Ring. Here are some early configurations:

• Gandalf, Trotter (Ranger/Hobbit), Frodo, Sam, Merry, Folco, Odo, Glorfindel (Elf), and Burin son of Balin. Nine total with six hobbits albeit one a very useful Ranger. 
• Gandalf, Trotter, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Faramond (Folco renamed with Odo disappearing), an Glorfindel for a total of seven walkers. 
• Gandalf and the hobbits for a total of six. No Dwarves, Elves, or Men present. 
• Gandalf, Trotter, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Faramond, and Boromir for seven total. No Elves or Dwarves and Boromir added for more practical purposes. His road home lies along the path of the fellowship. 

Personally I would have liked to have seen Glorfindel aid the company along with Legolas but the balance of 9 walkers against 9 Ringwraiths is a perfect bit of symmetry and I would rather that. Even though I really like the Elves and Glorfindel is a pretty kick-butt Elf. 

Finally this chapter of The Return of the Shadow ends with additional narrative sketches by Tolkien. This note particularly important: "Gollum must reappear at or after Moria. Frodo hears patter" (p. 410, The Return of the Shadow). Other highlights include: 

• Frodo separated from the Fellowship in Fangorn Forrest (Gollum is the cause). 
• Then: "If Treebeard comes in at all - let him be kindly and rather good?" (p. 410, The Return of the Shadow). 
• Ond is besieged and Trotter and the hobbits captured
• Sam remains in Fangorn looking for Frodo
• Treebeard  and the tree-giants raise the siege of Ond and rescue Trotter and company
• First note of Boromir being the son of the King of Ond.
• Gimli son of Glóin was to be killed in Moria (brief note; never to appear again)