This is my first Hobbit fanfic on this site and I hope you enjoy it! I just finished it so i will be posting a chapter a night (because i have college classes during the day!). Hopefully you will give me good reviews and whatnot. And i'm just going to say, The Hobbit is my favrite book(the movies weren't bad either) and i did try to follow the events according to it but this is AU. Again, hope you enjoy!
~Lucy
Bilbo Baggins of Bag-End was a Hobbit of the Shire. Well, that's not the whole truth. He did live in Bag-End and lived in the Shire. The Hobbit bit was more or less a lie. He was a Hobbit technically since both his mother and father were Hobbits. Bilbo, however, was cursed when he was born. He was cursed with the ability to shape shift. His form was considered quite dangerous and that led to the other Hobbits to keep their distance.
At a young age, Bilbo accepted no one would be his friend due to his curse. And if he was honest, he didn't see it as a curse really. It came in handy when he and his mother would go on trips to Bree together and the one time they traveled all the way to Rivendell to visit the dark haired Elves that lived there. He also accepted he would be a bachelor until the end of his days. When Fell Winter came and the Orcs and Wargs attacked, he fought them off but his parents were killed before he could save them.
At that time, the Shire believed he was the one to murder his parents. Of course, the hobbits and men believed it and poor Bilbo was left alone. Only his neighbor Old Gamgee still talked to him along with his wife Belle and their son Sam. A few Tooks like his cousin Prim and Drogo and their son Frodo and some Brandybucks of Buckland still talked to him and visited him. Life wasn't perfect for him but he was happy.
Ok, that was another lie. A big, fat white lie. Bilbo was certainly not happy and wished to leave the Shire but he was afraid of the world outside the peaceful rolling hills. He wasn't afraid before because he had a fierce protective streak in his Shapeshifter form and he had to protect his mother. Now that she and his father were gone, he was quite frightened to leave alone.
One day while outside enjoying the peace, dark thoughts entered his mind. He had no desire to live his life anymore. What was the use of being alive when he had no one special to spend it with? He was an outcast, an undesirable, a danger to other hobbits. He even had it planned out. He would simply walk into the River and not come out. Hobbits couldn't swim you see.
Then the unexpected happened. Gandalf the Grey, a close friend of Belladonna Took Baggins (Bilbo's mother), arrived at his door while Bilbo was enjoying a good smoke of Old Toby freshly grown in his garden.
"Gandalf, what a pleasant surprise! What brings you to the Shire?" Bilbo asks happy to see an old friend of the family after so many years.
"Adventure, my dear boy. I am in need of another member of a company of dwarves." Gandalf says leaning on his staff.
"Adventure? Hmm, no Hobbits here in Hobbitton would be willing to go on an adventure and with dwarves, no less!" Bilbo says even though he was not honest. He himself would be willing to go.
"I was hoping I could convince you to accompany this adventure, Bilbo Baggins. I understand you wish to leave this place behind you." Gandalf says matter-of-factly and Bilbo cursed mind reading wizards because he was right.
"Tell me of this adventure, Gandalf. I will not go unless I know the details." Bilbo says taping the ashes from his pipe and waving Gandalf inside. The wizard had to bend over slightly to get in and keep himself from hitting the ceiling.
He sat in the biggest chair Bilbo owned while the hobbit sat in his own armchair.
"I am helping a dwarf reclaim his homeland from a dragon named Smaug. He caused devastation in Erebor and most likely remains there to this day sleeping on piles of gold. The dwarf is to be King of this mountain and nothing will stop him from reclaiming it. He and a company of 12 other dwarves are going on a quest to do it. They are in need of a bugler who will go into the mountain to see if Smaug is still there. I will not lie to you, Bilbo, I cannot promise you will return home from the end of this journey nor promise you'll be the same Hobbit if you do." Gandalf explains.
Bilbo sat and looked at Gandalf with a blank face while he mulled over what the grey wizard said. He had no problem with the fact he may not return alive. I mean, he was just thinking about drowning himself in the River not moments ago. Bilbo was actually unafraid of Smaug or the fact they needed a bugler to sneak in and see if he was still there. If the dragon killed him, then that was fine by him, too. With any luck, he would help this King reclaim his home and die so he wouldn't have to return to the Shire.
"I'll do it." Bilbo finally says. The wizard beamed and more or less stood.
"Good. I will inform the others. They will arrive shortly so I suggest you fix a good amount of food. I will return shortly." Gandalf says. He exits and leaves Bilbo behind.
Bilbo then stood and closed his door. He went to his pantry and proceeded to cook for what would be a house full of dwarves. Not long after he finished, a loud knock was heard. He went and opened it to find a wide and muscled dwarf with a dark beard and a bald tattooed head standing there. Said dwarf bowed.
"Dwalin, at your service." He said gruffly.
"Bilbo Baggins at yours. There's food in the kitchen waiting for you." Bilbo says bowing in return.
"Thank you. It was quite the long journey here." Dwalin says.
Bilbo closes his door and leads Dwalin into the kitchen where the dwarf sat and began to eat.
"Where did you travel from, Master Dwarf, if you don't mind me asking?" Bilbo asks standing at the door way.
"From the Blue Mountains." Dwalin says. Bilbo nods and remembers seeing them on an old map at Rivendell on the one visit he and his mother made.
Then another knock sounded. Bilbo went and answered it to find a white haired, and beard to match, dwarf smiling kindly at him.
"Balin, at your service." He said. He sounded friendly enough to Bilbo.
"Bilbo Baggins, at yours." Bilbo says.
"Nice place you have here, Master Baggins." Balin says stepping inside. Bilbo closed the door.
"Thank you. My father had it built for my mother as a wedding gift." Bilbo says.
"That was very kind of him." Balin says.
"It was. Now, if you would follow me? There is food waiting for you." Bilbo says.
"Thank you, lad." Balin says following the hobbit to the kitchen.
When the two dwarves spotted each other they gripped each other hard.
"Hello, brother. You seem to have gotten shorter and wider since last we met." Dwalin says.
"Wider not shorter, brother." Balin says.
They sat and began to talk to each other when there was another knock on the door. Bilbo huffed and opened it to reveal two of the most mischievous looking dwarves he's ever seen. (Have in mind that he only met two beforehand!)
"Kili…" The dark haired one.
"And Fili…" Blonde one.
"At your service!" They said in unison.
"You must be Mister Boggins!" Kili says smiling a boyish grin.
"It's Baggins, actually." Bilbo says.
"Nice place you go here." Fili says placing his weapons on the ground by the door. His brother did the same. They saw Dwalin walk out of the kitchen and they both grinned.
"Master Dwalin!" Fili says.
"Come in, lads. There's food and lots of it!" Dwalin says.
Both of them follow the bald dwarf into the kitchen. When they disappeared, Bilbo sat in his chair already exhausted and all the dwarves haven't even arrived yet! He closed his eyes and took some deep breathes and was suddenly brought out of his calming state when there was a sharp rapping at his door
'Alright, Bilbo Baggins, time to greet more dwarves.' Bilbo thinks as he stands and steels himself for another dwarf.
What he didn't expect was several to fall inside his door and into a heap on the floor with a grinning Gandalf behind them.
"Evening, Bilbo." Gandalf says cheerfully.
Bilbo then found himself helping up the dwarves and watching them dust each other off. Then they introduced themselves.
There was Dori, the oldest brother RI. He had elegant graying hair. Then there was the middle RI brother Nori. He was a sneaky bastard. A thief, a criminal. Bilbo knew this when he tried to sneak some of Bilbo's silver spoons in his coat. He was surprised at being caught and so were the others. And more surprised when Bilbo wrestled him to the ground and got them back with force. The thief instantly liked him and Dori loved that he had hidden strength. Then there was the youngest RI. He was a small, sweet looking dwarf who was the official journey keeper. He was to write of the whole adventure in a journal he carried. He wore knitted gloves and sweaters and looked far too innocent. Bilbo thought he was so adorable and then felt his cheeks heat up at the thought.
Then there was Gloin and Oin. Oin was a Healer and was to take care of any wounds acquired on the journey. He was also almost deaf. He had an ear trumpet to hear. Gloin was his younger brother and a warrior much like Dwalin. Bilbo also found out he was a father and was quite good with numbers.
Last there was the Ur family. Bofur and his brother Bombur looked friendly enough to Bilbo. Bofur wore a funny hat and his brother was very round in the middle. Bifur, the dwarf with an axe in his head, was their older cousin. Bifur looked frightening but Bilbo wasn't really worried about him.
As they all made their way into the kitchen to eat, Bilbo realized one dwarf was unaccounted for.
"He will arrive shortly, I assure you." Gandalf says. Bilbo mumbled something about mind reading wizards and watched the group of dwarves eat, chat, and throw things at each other. They finished and then started to clean up. Than Bofur and Nori started to have a small fight with knives.
"Quit! You'll blunt the knives!" Bilbo says.
"You hear that, lads? We'll blunt the knives." Bofur says with a devilish smile. Then he started to sing and soon the others joined in. While singing, they threw Bilbo's dishes around which made the hobbit worried and caused him to chase after them and sputtering nonsense. The song went like this:
Chip the glasses and crack the plates!
Blunt the knives and bend the forks!
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates-
Smash the bottles and burn the corks!
Cut the cloth and tread on the fat!
Pour the milk on the pantry floor!
Leave the bones on the bedroom mat!
Splash the wine on every door!
Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl;
Pound them up with a thumping pole;
And when you've finished, if any are whole,
Send them down the hall to roll!
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!
So, carefully! Carefully with the plates!
When the song was finished, Bilbo was out of breath and panting. He ran into the kitchen that was really just a room with a sink in it and noticed the dishes were clean and piled up neatly waiting to be put away. The dwarves started to laugh at him but it was cut off when the door was pounded on.
"He's here." Gandalf says. He opens the door and Bilbo catches his breath at the majestic dwarf that stood at his door.
"Bilbo Baggins, this is the leader Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf says.
"So, this is the bugler? Looks more like a grocer." Thorin says in a deep baritone voice. Then he heard some snickers behind him.
"Don't judge him by his looks so quickly. The Halfling has some skills." Dwalin says. Thorin raises an eyebrow.
"What skills?" Thorin asks.
"I am a very good bugler, if I do say so myself." Bilbo says with a hint of pride in his voice.
"And fighting! He beat Nori to get back his spoons!" Kili adds enthusiastically.
"Hmm. What things have you stolen beside spoons and from whom?" Thorin asks.
"I will not say any names or Gandalf here may very well make me return them. I will say, however, I have stolen from gardens, other Hobbit's homes, Men, and Elves." Bilbo says.
"I knew that these dishes looked of Elfish make!" Nori exclaims.
"Dishes, Bilbo? What would Belladonna and Bungo think of you if they knew?" Gandalf asks.
"Mother helped me." Bilbo says smirking.
"Hobbits. You could think you knew everything about them but then you turn around and you learn something new." Gandalf mumbles.
"This is how we Hobbits keep outsiders on their toes." Bilbo says. He then turns to Thorin who expression was suspicious. "Where are my manners? There should still some food left and drink in the kitchen. Dwalin, if you would show him to the kitchen, please." Dwalin nods and leads their leader to the kitchen.
The rest of the group follows and sits at the table. Gandalf and Bilbo sit on a couple of stools to the side.
"Show him the contract, Balin." Thorin says as he begins to eat.
Balin pulls a rolled up piece of parchment and hands it to Bilbo. The hobbit reads it over a few times and doesn't even flinch when Bofur decides to throw in a few things about Smaug.
"Just think furnace with wings. Melt your flesh right off your bones." Bofur says.
"I know about Smaug, thank you very much." Bilbo snaps. Bofur doesn't seemed fazed at all. "Now, where do I sign?"
All eyes turned to him, including Thorin's.
"You're serious." Dori says.
"I am. I'll go sign this." Bilbo says standing.
The dwarves and Gandalf watch as he finds a quill and ink and signs his name right beside the spot reserved for the burglar. Once done, he placed both his quill and ink away and hands the contract to Balin.
"Welcome to Thorin's Company, Master Baggins." Balin says.
"Thank you. Now, I have a couple of guest rooms but you'll have to share. Gandalf, you know where the big room is so have at it. Thorin, Fili, Kili, you can have the room by the bathroom. Balin, Dwalin, you and Oin and Gloin can have the other. Bofur, Bombur, Bifur, Dori, Nori, Ori, you can have my room. You all should be comfortable in there." Bilbo says.
"What about you, Master Baggins?" Ori asks sheepishly and tugging on the end of the knitted sweater he wore.
"I'll sleep out here. Don't worry. Now, I hope you're comfortable. Goodnight to you." Bilbo says.
The dwarves grumble and heads off to the rooms Bilbo gave them. Gandalf smiled at his friend and went to the Man sized room Bungo had added just for Gandalf. Once quiet settled over Bag-End, Bilbo sighed and went outside and closing the door silently.
You see, every night Bilbo would sneak through the Shire and to the forest where he could run free as his Shapeshifter form, even if it was only for a few hours. What the Shire didn't know is that Bilbo worked with the Rangers, a group of Men who protected the peaceful land, stalk through the woods surrounded the place. He helped keep unwanted creatures out like the wargs and orcs that killed his parents. One Ranger was waiting for him like usual when he got there.
"Hello, Master Baggins." He said in his rough voice.
"Master Devyn. How are the patrols tonight?" Bilbo asks.
"Clear so far. I will go left and you right. Meet on the other side like usually, yeah?" Devyn asks.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Bilbo says. He then shifts and watches as Devyn sends an amusing smile before walking off.
Bilbo could still remember the first time he helped with the patrol. Devyn, only being 16 in Man years, was quite frightened to watch the gentle hobbit shift. His form was intimidating and made fear shoot up the bravest men's spines. He could still remember Devyn's father telling him that he was safe to be around and no harm would befall him from the creature known as Bilbo Baggins.
Now, 10 years later, Devyn was at ease with the form and could tell it from any of its kind if any happen to find their way to the Shire. Bilbo went his way and by dawn, he and Devyn met on the other side of the Shire like usual. Bilbo shifted back and smiled at his friend.
"Devyn, I must tell you I am going to leave the Shire and I have doubts I'll return." He says.
"What?" Devyn says surprised.
"I shall be leaving the Shire for good in a few hours. I will certainly not be returning in no way or form. This is no longer my home, I'm afraid. Hasn't been for quite a time." Bilbo says.
"I think I always knew you would leave sometime. Ever since I meet you and saw how you were being treated by the others. I do not blame you, my friend. If you happen to need anything, send word and I'll be there." Devyn says placing a hand on Bilbo's shoulder.
"Thank you. You have been very kind to me and I can't tell you how much that means to me. Now, I will let you go home and rest. And do tell that pretty wife and daughter of yours I will miss them. Goodbye, friend." Bilbo says patting Devyn's hand.
Devyn removes his hand and steps away.
"Goodbye and I hope your journey fares easy." Devyn says. He bows once and turns. He walks away and disappears into the forest.
Bilbo sighs and makes the silent trek home. Since its early morning, only one or two hobbits are outside. The two Bilbo passed sent glares of hatred mixed with fear at him but Bilbo had gotten to them years ago and was not fazed by them anymore. When it first happened, it made him hurry home to Bag-End quickly. Now, he took comfort in the silence of the mornings on his way home. He stopped at the Gamgee house hold and informed Old Gamgee of his plans and made him find the living will he written years ago. He said his goodbyes and went up to his own gate. On the mail box, a faded 'Baggins' could still be seen. He took the box down and set it aside.