Faye Baggins was a Hobbit of the Shire. She lived Under the Hill in Bag End with her Uncle Bilbo and brother, Frodo Baggins. Hobbits were a small folk, no larger than the size of a toddler of our world. They were also kind, peaceful creatures. They loved guests (when they had use for them), enjoyed parties and feasts, and were perfectly happy with ignoring the business of men, which included the evils of Mordor and Isengard, and the wars that raged beyond their borders.
On this particular day, Faye and her brother happened to be sitting against a tree, lounging comfortably in the grass, waiting patiently. For today was their Uncle Bilbo's birthday, and a very special guest would be arriving. However, that very special guest was late.
Suddenly, both Francesca and Frodo heard singing from the road. They looked around, and then realized who it was. They jumped up. Frodo left his book in the grass, and Faye abandoned the daisy chain she'd been weaving. Their faces stretched into broad smiles, and they sprinted down to the edge of the forest, where a large wagon carrying immense loads of magical fireworks was rolling slowly down the road.
"You're late!" Frodo called loudly and smugly.
Gandalf the Wizard considered Frodo's statement for a moment before replying, "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
Frodo and Gandalf stared coldly at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. Faye joined them. Frodo leapt across the gap and into Gandalf's wagon. He gave Gandalf a large hug. Faye followed him and did the same.
"It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!" Frodo exclaimed.
"You really didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?" Gandalf asked. Faye chuckled.
They rolled into the Shire. "So, how is the old rascal?" Gandalf asked. "I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence."
"You know Bilbo," said Frodo. "He's got the whole place in an uproar."
"Well, that should please him," Gandalf chuckled.
"Half the Shire's been invited, and the rest of them are turning up anyway," Faye added.
The three of them laughed again. Frodo and Faye smiled at each other.
"To tell you the truth," said Frodo as they rolled through the Shire, "Bilbo's been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual." Faye glanced at Frodo. She hadn't noticed anything particular in Bilbo's behaviour. "He's taken to locking himself in his study. He spends hours and hours poring over old maps when he thinks we're not looking." Now Faye knew what behaviors Frodo was speaking of.
Bilbo had been shut up in his study for quite some time. He had stacks of old maps piled away against the wall and on his desk. He spent hours looking and looking at them, marking things down with his quill, and becoming quite panicked when something Faye didn't know of became missing.
"He's up to something," said Frodo after a moment.
"All right then, keep your secrets," said Faye. "But I know you have something to do with it." Gandalf was utterly confused.
"Good gracious me," said Gandalf.
"Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of," explained Frodo. "Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."
"If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved," said Gandalf. "All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door."
"Whatever you did, you've been officially labelled a 'disturber of the peace'," said Frodo.
"Mmm," said Gandalf thoughtfully.
Frodo and Faye smirked at each other. "Gandalf!" shouted one of the Hobbit-girls. The others joined in her act, shouting at Gandalf for fireworks.
Faye was sure Gandalf was going to disappoint the little Hobbit-boys and Hobbit-girls, but with one exploding of a firework, the little ones cheered.
"Ooh," said Gandalf.
Frodo and Faye smiled widely at each other. "Gandalf," said Frodo. "We're glad you're back."
"So am I, dear boy," said Gandalf as Frodo and Faye hopped off of his wagon and sprinted into the forest again.