A refreshing breeze gently caressed my face and tugged at strands of my fiery, copper hair beneath a brilliant blue sky. Perched on the wagon beside me, Gandalf puffed peacefully at his pipe. I grinned at the thought that no matter how old he was and how much he smoked, he never died from it. I shook my head.
"How much longer until we arrive at Bilbo's?" I questioned.
"It can't be long now," he replied, keeping his gaze to the path in front of him. I nodded, accepting his answer.
My mind began to wander with nothing to focus on. It touched upon Bilbo and Frodo, and how they were doing. I was very excited to see them since it had been many years. I first met them while traveling with Gandalf. Then it came onto thoughts that I had been pushing to the back of my mind. It had been years since I'd been to Rivendell and seen my adoptive father, Lord Elrond, as well as my adoptive sister, Arwen. My heart longed to see them, to know how they fared, and I knew it was time I returned; if only for awhile. However, as of late, thoughts of my old friend Aragorn plagued my mind. Even longer had passed since I last looked upon his face, and I wandered if he was still alive. Earnestly, I prayed he was, for he was my dearest friend.
"You're late!" shouted someone, snapping me out of my reverie. My eyes locked on a figure that appeared to be no more than a small boy with dark brown, curly hair. I could not stop the smile that graced my face.
"Frodo!" I called delighted, "long time no see!" Excitedly, I waved at him as he neared the wagon, and then jumped into the wagon. His crystal blue eyes sparked with joy.
"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to," emphasized Gandalf. The two teasingly stared each other down, and I could not help but dissolve into laughter. Frodo and Gandalf cracked smiles and roared with laughter, all of us earning rather peculiar looks form adult hobbits we passed.
"It's wonderful to see you Gandalf, Belletheil!" rejoiced Frodo, as he fervently incased us in a bear hug.
"You didn't think we'd miss your uncle's birthday did you?" teased Gandalf with a twinkle in his blue eyes as he continued puffing on his pipe. His grey robes rustled as he made more room for Frodo.
"How is the rascal?" I warmly questioned as my pale hand brushed stray strands of my red side-bang out of my sky blue eyes. "I hear this is going to be a party of special magnificence,"
"You know my uncle; he has the whole place in an uproar. Half of the Shire has been invited – and the other half are turning up anyway!" laughed Frodo. Gandalf and I chuckled as well. "To tell you the truth, Bilbo has been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual," he explained as his face took on a look of concern, "He's taken to locking himself in his study and spends hours poring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking. He's up to something,"
Gandalf and I turn to each other and share a knowing look, which Frodo caught.
"Alright then, keep your secrets, but I know you have something to do with it," Frodo declared, pointedly giving Gandalf a friendly accusatory look. "Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of; never had any adventures or did anything unexpected," he continued.
"If you're referring to the incident with the dragon," I began, wanting to point out that I hadn't known Bilbo then.
"I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a nudge out the door," interjected Gandalf defensively, gazing down the brown dirt path we traveled on. I giggled knowing Gandalf had had way more to do with it than that. This earned me a mock glare from the old wizard.
"Whatever you did, you've been officially labeled as a disturber of the peace," enlightened Frodo, smirking, as Gandalf choked on his pipe smoke.
Suddenly, many little footsteps are heard racing towards the wagon as cries of Gandalf are repeated anxiously. Frodo just shakes his head and I smile as he lights up fireworks that swirl and sparkle in all different colors. The elated cheers of children followed us down the road as we all couldn't help but chuckle.
"Belletheil, Gandalf, I'm glad you're back!" Frodo joyfully stated giving Gandalf another hug and kissing me on the cheek. He then sprang from the cart and began walking off.
Minutes later we appeared in front of a hobbit hole and clambered out of the wagon. My legs were slightly stiff from sitting the entire day. Gently, I dusted my travel clothes off while Gandalf secured the horses.
We made our way up the walkway, and I opened the gate for Gandalf while smirking at the sign that read 'No Admittance Except on Party Business'. Predictable.
Gandalf removed the pipe from his mouth, grinned, and rapped on the door with his staff.
After a moment of silence a voice yelled, "No thank you, we don't want any more well-wishers or distant relations!"
"How about old friends?" suggested Gandalf, winking at me. There were a few audible clicks then the door swung open.
"G-Gandalf? Belletheil?" Bilbo stuttered. The small hobbit with graying curls and leathery skin ushered us inside. He embraced both of us and Gandalf studied the old hobbit.
"You haven't aged a day!" exclaimed Gandalf.
"Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger? I've got a few bottles of wine left! 1296, very good year! Almost as old as I am!" he gushed as he scuttled off.
"Just tea, thank you," replied Gandalf taking a step back and hitting the chandelier, then turning and smacking his head against a rafter. I chuckled, hunched over from my normal height of 5'5".
Gandalf began to wander around while Bilbo kept on rambling about food and being unprepared. I smiled and shook my head. Swiftly, I removed my silvery, blue cloak and hung it on a peg. Upon entering a room on the way to the kitchen, I noticed papers and books strewn across the floor. Becoming intrigued, I gingerly picked one up and studied it. I was so engrossed in the map that at the shrill shout of 'Bilbo Baggins!' and loud pounding on the door; I jumped, the map floating back to the floor. From the kitchen I dimly heard some conversation.
"They haven't forgiven me for living so long! I have to get away. I want to see mountains again. Mountains! Then find somewhere quiet I can finish my book," complained Bilbo, sighing.
"So you mean to go through with your plan then?" questioned Gandalf amid the clanking of dishes. I began walking towards the kitchen.
"Yes, yes, it's all in order," replied Bilbo.
"Frodo suspects something," I pointed out as I entered the kitchen and sat down at the quaint table.
"Of course he does, he's a Baggins!" exclaimed Bilbo, looking proud as he poured me some tea.
"You will tell him won't you?" I questioned, blowing on my tea.
"Yes, yes…" affirmed Bilbo, avoiding my gaze and taking a bite of sponge cake. I frowned.
"He is quite fond of you," Gandalf nodded. Tentatively, I took a sip of hot tea. Flavor exploded in my mouth. Bilbo hung his head.
"I need a holiday; a very long holiday and I don't expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to," decided Bilbo. Taking another sip of tea, I became saddened. I would miss the vibrant hobbit. "My friends, this will be a night to remember!"