Disclaimers: I do not own The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien.

*.*.*

One-Shot:

Bilbo & Gerda

In all honesty, Bilbo Baggins hadn't expected quite the turnout for his thirty-fourth birthday party. His mother Belladonna worked so hard on the food. Bilbo was proud of her, as was his father Bungo, who gladly kissed his wife on the cheek.

Bungo smiled, approaching Bilbo, and saying in kind words, "Relax Bilbo. Your mother and I have decided you're of marrying age."

"But I don't want to marry!" Bilbo said, hastily.

"Oh, you'll love it!" Bungo said, patting him on the shoulders. "This year, we've got a lass all set up for you. Our dear Gerda Boffin!"

"Gerda? Isn't she the one fascinated by those spring stories and nature tales?" Bilbo asked, curiously. He might be interested in those tales, but he hadn't imagined his life to be any different.

"Oh, look! Here she is now!" Belladonna said, greeting a fair lass with light brown curly hair and dazzling sapphire eyes. Bilbo gulped, stunned by Gerda's greyish-blue dress and her keen sense of the wonder. Oh my! What was Bilbo going to do?

"Um… um… hi. I'm Bilbo, Bilbo Baggins," Bilbo said, greeting Gerda.

"You have an amazing house. Bag End must be a treat," Gerda said, enthralled.

"Yes, well, we like to keep it neat and tidy," Bilbo said, trying to compose himself.

"Hmm…" Gerda nodded, taking his hand. "Come. I want to show you something." She led Bilbo outside Bag End, heading for the edge of the forest. Bilbo was confused. Where were they traveling to?

"Why would you take me here?" Bilbo asked, stunned the moment a grey horse with black wings approached them. "Is it friendly?"

"You have to mean it. Be gentle. It's all right," Gerda said, introducing Bilbo to the winged horse. "We might not have another moment like this. So, let's make it count!"

"What?" Bilbo asked, confused, watching the winged horse flee into the forest. He raised his eyebrows, asking Gerda, out of amusement, "What else do you have to show me?"

"Come on. We should head back," Gerda said, taking his hand again.

"No! No. Let's explore these woods," Bilbo said, leading her into the forest.

~o~

By the time Bilbo and Gerda reached the glen, they were astonished by all the creatures lurking about the area. The whole sight was amusing and enthralling. In the corner, there was a group of elves wandering through the woods, all dressed in white robes.

Bilbo gulped, wondering how such a sight could be more impressive. He looked up as one elf, with dark hair, approached them and placed his hands against Bilbo and Gerda's forehead.

"Now, you'll remember this moment, always," the dark-haired elf said, nodding to them.

"What's going on?" Bilbo asked, as the dark-haired elf walked away. "It doesn't seem like this will last forever."

"True, but you two are more than welcome to stay for as long as you wish," the dark-haired elf said, smiling. "Why don't you sit down? This won't take long."

"I don't really know what's happening. I was told by the winged horse to come here," Gerda said, taking a seat on a log next to Bilbo. "Bilbo's parents think we're meant to be together. I have this feeling Bilbo will be needed elsewhere. I won't remember this moment."

"But a moment is all we have," Bilbo said, amazed by Gerda but sad that they would be parted soon.

Gerda looked at Bilbo in understanding. "Bilbo, by the time we leave these woods, everything will change. You won't remember everything that transpired here, but if you do, remember me like this, for a moment is all we'll need." She kissed him on the cheek, allowing Bilbo to see a bright light and then nothing, except blissfulness and hope for the future.

~o~

Bilbo and Gerda returned to Bilbo's birthday party in high spirits. Bilbo faintly remembered what transpired in the forest. He wouldn't forget, even when he reached Rivendell years later and told Lord Elrond what he had experienced there. For now, all he could think about was Gerda and how she made him the happiest hobbit alive.

He sighed, wondering how his nephew, Frodo Baggins, was faring on their birthday.

*.*.*

Thanks for reading. :)

References:

Gerda Boffin can be found in the Appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien's book trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.