Prologue: Part 1

Hobbits were a fairly proper bunch. Traditions and cultural norms dictated most of the way their settlements were run and the societal values within those settlements. While this may seem dull to outsiders, it provided a sense of security to the groups of hobbits living in these traditions and expectations. It also made for horrible social pressure though.

Bilbo Baggins knew he was no longer a young lad, he wasn't old or in his middle years either however. Or at least not for a hobbit, he pitied how humans his age were considered past their prime. Indeed fifty-one was still fairly young for a hobbit, but not for marrying age. Most hobbits were married for at least ten years by his age.

His adventure with Thorin and the company had ended a year ago, the dwarf king had reclaimed his throne, and they had all gone back to where they belonged. Gandalf still came to visit now and again, and delivered letters from Thorin and the others to Bilbo and back to them from their former burglar; besides that however Bilbo had no remnants of his adventure and had to return to his life as a normal Hobbit.

He hated it, the Took in him had been awakened and was ready for a life of adventure and wild ways, but you couldn't always get what you wanted...he returned to The Shire and his hobbit hole. He also returned to the judgemental eyes and gossipy tongues of the people in The Shire. Before he could handle it, but after his adventure it was intolerable! Now he could barely walk through the streets without their whispers behind him.

"Fifty-two almost and he still hasn't taken a bride or bride-groom. Or been asked for his hand?"

"Hardly surprising, he's wild and has no buisiness of his own or trade"

He could do without the interest in his personal life thank you! Still..there was the consuming loneliness he'd felt ever since Thorin and the others had left, and the fear of it being permanent now. Fear that he'd be old and alone in his hobbit hole with no one to share any of his life with. Fear that he'd become some unsociable hermit everyone pitied, oh wait, he already was.

He sat at the small pond not too far a distance from his home contemplating these things. His only company his reflection staring back at him in the rippling water. Until-

"Bilbo!" Said a cheerful voice. The hobbit glanced back to see another Hobbit running towards him. He was a red haired hobbit with short curls, pale lightly freckled skin, and in a nicely tailored vest with specs on the bridge of his nose. He was a bit taller then Bilbo with a few barely noticeable laugh lines and the barest hints of crows feet at his eyes.

"Meras!" Waved Bilbo smiling as the other hobbit approached him sitting down beside him. "Come to sit with The Shire outcast again?" He joked lightly.

"Nonsense an outcast has no friends, why I sit here with you just about every day," Meras said.

Bilbo nodded, they were more like aqquaintences, but it'd be rude to say so.

"I'd say we'd gotten to know each other quite well in fact," Meras added on. He scooted a bit closer to Bilbo his legs lightly scrapping across the high grass.

"I suppose," Bilbo raised a brow. They hasn't really, but again manners. "It's more like you've listened to me complain about my days with the dwarves." It was light hearted, but it seemed to make Meras look more serious with consideration.

"yes your wild adventures, got the Took out of your system eh?" He mumbled glancing at Bilbo like he was studying him.

not exactly sure how to respond he just quietly spoke, "I suppose..."

There was an odd silence between them during which Meras placed his hand to Bilbo's wrist.

"might I be honest," said Meras. Before Bilbo could respond he started again. "I've been hoping we might learn a bit about each other these past few weeks, and I think I've learned enough to decide."

bilbo tilted his head quizzically. "Decide what?"

Meras fidgeted as he reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a small wooden object. Bilbo froze as his veins suddenly felt filled with ice.

A month later a grey wizard stood before Thorin Oakenshield, King under the mountain , who looked at his old friend perplexed. "Would you care to repeat that?"

"Bilbo's wedding," said Gandalf. "It's should be in the next few months sometime, he spoke of it when I last saw him just a few weeks ago...he's invited you and the rest of the old company."

Thorin's face was blank as if he were trying to process it. In a moment his eyes narrowed and he snapped at a servant kneeled beside his throne. "Gather the company...tell them we leave for The Shire in two nights.."

The dwarf was so concentrated in his glare that he didn't notice the devious smirk on the wizards face.

AN:/ I know it's short but keep in mind this is only the first half of the PROLOGUE , so yea please review ;)