Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Hobbit or Tolkien's works.
"Well, that didn't quite go how I thought it would." Gandalf watched Bilbo Baggins scurry into his house and close the door with surprising force. Hearing a huff, he turned around to look at his companion, who had her hands on her hips and an expression of exasperation on her lovely face. "Well, what did you expect, Gandalf? That he would jump at the chance? I really think that you flustered him on purpose!"
The woman, whose name was Lorelei, was slightly upset that Gandalf had caused the poor hobbit such confusion that morphed into near-panic, especially after what probably had started out as a good, normal morning for said genteel hobbit. But Gandalf brushed off her words and moved up the walk to the door. After Gandalf made the rune on the green door, he said, "You can look around if you'd like, dear, I'll be heading back to the inn to await our friends." Shaking her head, Lorelei looked back toward the simple green door with a sympathetic expression. The thought of Bilbo Baggins having to endure what would soon be coming without warning didn't sit well with her. After all, there was no reason for him to be left unprepared and then probably suffer a heart attack before the day was done.
Coming to a decision, she gave it a few minutes before walking up the path and knocking on the door gently. It was opened a crack after a long moment and Bilbo cautiously peeked out. "A moment of your time, please, Master Baggins? I would explain my companion's behavior to you since he has caused you great distress for no good reason."
Although it was rare to see one of the 'Big Folk' in the Shire, let alone two at one time, this woman's gentle, understanding manner and kind eyes helped Bilbo calm down a little. What harm could it do to talk to her if she was with Gandalf? Remembering his manners, he invited her in and set about making tea. She smiled and graciously accepted her cup with thanks. After allowing Bilbo to settle down even more, she began to speak in a soothing tone. "I apologize for the confusion and alarm you felt. Gandalf has a slightly annoying tend to speak in riddles and meddle in things he considers important, 'tis how he's probably managed to not grow bored after centuries of life, I suspect. I've tried to get used to it but it still confuses me at times." Bilbo nodded in understanding.
Lorelei sighed heavily. "I really don't know why he didn't just explain what is going on, instead of leaving you to deal with everything as it comes without warning; 'tis not the best thing for trying to get someone to participate in an 'adventure'. But I do not approve of such and consider it better that you at least be prepared and ready for what will be occurring tonight." Bilbo began to get a slightly worried look on his face again and Lorelei placed a hand on his arm gently.
"There is no need to fear, Master Baggins. The talk of an adventure was true enough; the Shire will soon be visited by a company of dwarves who wish to reclaim their homeland. Gandalf has told them that they are in need of a burglar... apparently, he means you." Bilbo's face drained of color and she hurried to reassure him. "That does not mean that you absolutely have to go, it is still your choice to make. But at the very least, they will be expecting you to put them up for the night and feed them accordingly. These dwarves have traveled all the way from the Blue Mountains and even beyond, long separated from each other, so this is their starting point in their journey. Can I entreat you to at least give them food, drink and bedding for one night?"
Bilbo struggled for a moment but Hobbits were nothing if not good hosts and if the lady was to be believed, it would only be for one night. He sighed heavily and asked, "How many are coming and when should I expect them?" This earned him a beaming smile from Lorelei, which in turn caused the poor Hobbit to blush. "Thirteen dwarves, one wizard and myself; I shall stay here to help but the first of them should arrive sometime during supper, I think. And the dwarves alone have very good appetites, so I would suggest some shopping is in order or your larder will be cleaned out in one night. At least I eat like a bird." She glanced back toward the hall and then added, "I will move your valuables elsewhere and make other necessary preparations, if it would please you."
Bilbo looked less frantic with that and said, "I would appreciate the assistance. Now, I must get to the market, please enjoy your tea." Within minutes, he was out the door muttering under his breath and Lorelei smiled in approval. Yes, this was bound to turn out better already. After finishing her cup, she began to move around the house, setting an empty chest by the door for weapon storage before moving all valuables and fancies into the nearby study before locking the door firmly with a breeze to keep out curious younger dwarves. Then she went on with the preparations, keeping busy until Bilbo returned with what amounted to a feast worthy of the Dwarf-Lords. Or at least that was Lorelei's humble opinion, which made the hobbit blush. The rest of the time was spent cooking with Lorelei doing more explaining in-between.
She explained about Smaug and the loss of Erebor, of how the Dwarves now wanted to take a chance at reclaiming their home, since there had been no sign of the dragon for some years. She explained that it wouldn't really be like an adventure in a storybook but filled with dangers. The cause was a good one in Lorelei's opinion but the choice was ultimately up to Bilbo and she wouldn't allow anyone to force or manipulate him into anything.
Bilbo looked extremely nervous at the thought of even going near a dragon and Lorelei completely understood. "Myself, I am going on this journey to keep the dwarves safe but Gandalf has requested that I watch over you as well. I may be female but I am not without power." When the hobbit looked at her with confusion, she smiled and said, "I will explain later, once everyone is here, so that Gandalf can offer his thoughts."
As the day turned to twilight and then to night, Lorelei made sure that all of the food and bedding was ready and then encouraged Bilbo to eat supper and then have a cup of tea in order to further steady his nerves. Just as he'd finished the cup, there came a loud and somewhat demanding knock at the door. Bilbo had left a lantern burning outside to further point out his house to the dwarves but just in case, Lorelei took a look and saw Thorin's bodyguard Dwalin standing outside. She would've preferred Balin to be first but oh well. "A moment," she called out then turned toward Bilbo and said, "Just be a good host and I'll make sure they all behave, right?"
Bilbo gave a firm nod and drew back his shoulders firmly before opening the door with a welcoming look. "Ah, come in, Master Dwarf, please. I've been expecting you." Dwalin seemed a little surprised at the warm greeting but entered anyway, placing his weapons in the long box like Lorelei had intended instead of having to burden Bilbo. "Evening, Master Hobbit."
Lorelei came into sight and bowed to him. "Welcome to Bag End, Master Dwalin, son of Fundin. I am a friend of Gandalf's, my name is Lorelei and this is Bilbo Baggins, Master of Bag End." Dwalin relaxed upon the mention of Gandalf and Lorelei gestured toward the kitchen. "There is food and drink waiting if you are of a mind to eat before the others arrive."
Still wondering about the unusually warm welcome from strangers, Dwalin could've wept at the sight of all the wonderful food spread out on the long table, especially compared to travel rations. He barely remembered his manners, at least enough to not fall on the feast like a starving beast. He took a good portion and began to dig in, almost moaning in pleasure.
About half an hour later, Dwalin's brother Balin arrived and their reunion was touching to watch; then came Fili and Kili, who were amusing with their greeting. An entire group consisting of Bombur, Bofur, Bifur, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin and Gandalf nearly caused Bilbo's composure to break when they literally fell into his home and nearly got into a fight over whose fault that was. Lorelei clunked all the dwarves' heads together to get them to hush, greatly amusing Gandalf.
Bilbo looked overwhelmed once again when he saw all the dwarves together in his dining room; twelve of them made his comfortable hole seem quite small. But Lorelei kept her promise and kept everything under control, which wasn't hard to do with a constant flow of food and drink. She also saw to it that things weren't left in a mess so that Bilbo would at least have a clean kitchen after such a long night. Once they'd all finished eating, the twelve made a rousing game of cleaning up and the kitchen was surprisingly very neat afterward. Lorelei was amused and impressed, clapping at the dwarves' dexterity and speed. The younger dwarves actually blushed at her wordless praise while the others looked proud.
Just as things were beginning to settle down with ale and dessert, there came an imperious knock at the door and everything stilled in anticipation while Bilbo looked scared. Gandalf smiled and said, "He's here." Lorelei motioned for Bilbo and Gandalf to stay put. "I will get the door, make a place for him." Gandalf looked amused yet again and murmured, "Oh dear. Things are about to get even more interesting."