Chapter 1

A Long-Expected Party

Hazel Goodchild was a young hobbit girl who lived on Bagshot Row two houses away from her cousin Samwise Gamgee and three houses from her best friend Frodo Baggins. So it would be no surprise that her home was called Bag Middle. She had light brown curly hair and hazel eyes. She loved to sing and was very good at it. The best thing about Hazel was her reading skills. Bilbo Baggins had taught Frodo and Hazel how to read when they were young and Hazel never stopped. Everywhere she went she had a book in her hands. She would stay up late reading, and sleep in late with a book still wide open and a dead, melted candle on her night table. Her mother would try to convince her that cooking was more productive for her time. But instead of cooking, her mother found her reading cook books instead. But if Hazel hadn't done that she wouldn't have been able to make the cake for Bilbo's one hundred and eleventh birthday. Or at least help.

Ruby was Hazel's younger sister. She was very sweet and innocent. She was a self-trained violinist. She had been playing as long as she could remember. She liked to sing like Hazel, they were both known for their voices. She liked to read, but not as much as Hazel. Her hair was curly and dark-brown. Her brown eyes were wide with curiosity. She spent her days mostly day-dreaming about going on all sorts of adventures like Bilbo. The Goodchild sisters had looked up to Bilbo their whole lives. Their poor mother had tried to contain her daughters' natural talents. But she had failed miserably.

The morning of Bilbo's birthday, Hazel was sitting on the front porch, reading. She could hear her mother talking to Ruby. Their mother wanted to know what Bilbo's favorite flower was to decorate the cake.

"Are you listening to me?" Mama asked.

"Yes Mama," Ruby replied.

"What did I say?"

"Go and ask Mr. Baggins what his favorite flower is." Ruby recited.

"Which Mr. Baggins?"

"Bilbo,"

Ruby came out of the house and looked over at Hazel.

"Reading again?" She asked, smiling at her sister.

"Of course I am reading!" Hazel replied, smiling back. "You have known me your whole life, why are you surprised?"

"All right," Ruby sighed. "Do you want to come to Bag End with me?"

"Sure," Hazel said. She stood up and walked with Ruby.

"I'm sure you only want to come because of Frodo." Ruby said.

"Of course, he's my friend." Hazel said.

"I've heard that one before." Ruby giggled.

Hazel ran to Bag End and tapped on the front door. She could hear Bilbo yelling: "Frodo! There's someone at the door!" Hazel stood and waited a few moments. Ruby had caught up to her.

"Is anyone home?" Ruby asked.

"I know Bilbo is." Hazel said, and tapped on the door again. She could still hear Bilbo: "Frodo, the door!" Hazel tapped once again.

"Sticklebacks, where is that boy?!" Bilbo yelled again. "Frodo!" Hazel heard someone stomping to the door and Bilbo answered. "You can't come in right now," He said. "I'm very busy."

"Wait Mr. Bilbo," Hazel said. "Where is Frodo?"

"I'm not sure," Bilbo said. "I thought he'd be back by now, he said he was in the East Farthing woods to-" Before Bilbo could finish, Hazel had already taken off to find her friend.

Bilbo sighed and turned to Ruby. "And who are you chasing?" He asked.

"No one," Ruby said. "Except Mama was wondering what flowers you want on your cake."

"Well, tell your mother to surprise me." Bilbo said. "Bless her; she has raised you and your sister well. I remember when you were born-your sister was only a year. I just knew you and her were going to be beautiful. And then she and Frodo became friends and they wasted many days playing rescue and defeating evil dragons and riding away on horses." Bilbo sighed. "Now you're all in your tweens."

"Hazel likes Frodo." Ruby said.

"Does she?" Bilbo said with a smile on his face.

"Yes, when she turned sixteen, she looked at him once then looked away. Her cheeks were bright red and she was sighing a lot. I thought she had gone ill or something, but then I realized she likes him! Many times I thought she would tell him, but she never says anything. Why, why doesn't she tell him? It would make her life so much easier." Ruby sighed.

"She will come along when she's ready." Bilbo said. "She has nothing to fear. Frodo speaks of her often." Bilbo looked around. "You better run along now, you might want to get ready for tonight." Then he put a finger to his mouth. "You and I never spoke of Hazel and Frodo, only my birthday cake." Ruby put a finger to her mouth and nodded. She ran back to Bag Middle. On her way, she waved to her cousin Sam who was planting flowers.

~jb~

Hazel was almost to the East Farthing woods wandering and looking for Frodo. She almost called out his name when she saw him coming up the road with Gandalf and his fireworks. She waved to them and they waved back. Frodo stood and said something to Gandalf, and then he hopped off the wagon. He turned and waved to Gandalf before he joined Hazel. They ran off to find where they had always played. But now that they were older, it was a place they always sat and talked. They sat under the shade of a tree.

"So," Said Hazel. "How is Bilbo doing?"

"I'll tell you the truth," Frodo said. He looked around to make sure no one was listening, and then he leaned closer to Hazel and whispered: "Bilbo's gone very odd lately."

"Well, he does seem to be unsociable." Hazel said.

"I mean, more than usual." Frodo said. "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."

Hazel went silent.

"What do you think?" Frodo asked.

"I'm not sure," Hazel said. "I have seen him before one day; it was when I spent that night at Bag End. I was up and I saw him go through his pockets, then he said 'where's it gone?' He began to look around through his coats and slowly becoming frustrated. Then, he felt in his vest pocket and then sighed. He pulled something out, curled it in a fist and pressed it to his lips…I'm just as suspicious as you are."

"We've been trying to solve this riddle for a long time." Frodo said. "I just don't know…"

"You shouldn't worry all the time," Hazel said. "Come, we should help with the party."

~jb~

Gandalf had arrived to Bag End and spoke with Bilbo. Just as the sun was setting, they blew a few smoke rings. Later they went down with everyone and Gandalf started showing his fireworks. There was lots of dancing. Ruby had been asked to dance by many a gentleman, but she said no to all of them. She hoped that Merry Brandybuck would ask her. Mama had some hobbit lads bringing in the cake. It was decorated with pretty flowers and many, many candles. Sam and Hazel sat down together. Sam kept looking at Rose Cotton who was dancing her heart out. Hazel of course, was reading and minding her own business. Hazel could read anywhere-even at parties. Frodo came and sat by Sam.

"Go on Sam!" Frodo said. "Ask Rosie for a dance!"

Sam looked over and sighed. "I…I think I'll just have another ale." He stood up to leave.

"Oh no you don't!" Frodo said, grasping Sam by the shoulders. "Go on!" He pushed Sam right into Rosie, who embraced him and danced with him. Frodo laughed and sat back down and Hazel rolled her eyes and went back to reading her book.

"Hazel," Frodo said. "Why don't you dance?"

"Because I'm reading." Hazel said.

"You can read later!" Frodo said. He set her book on the table and took her hands. "Come on, dance with me!"

"No," Hazel stood and Frodo led her away. Hazel was stiff and refused to move at first, but then she started to have fun dancing with Frodo. A strong feeling for him had returned to Hazel, a feeling she had for a long time. Only now it was stronger than ever, but she was too scared to tell Frodo about it. What would she say? What would he say? What would he do? Laugh at her? Why would he want to dance with her anyway? She only wasted her time reading books and talked to her cat. She tried to pull away from him, but he wouldn't have it. They continued to dance until they ran into Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. Oh no!

~jb~

Ruby looked around for Merry. She wondered if he even was going to ask her to dance, like Frodo asked Hazel. She spotted Merry eating an apple.

"Merry, wait!" She yelled. She ran up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned she smiled at him and tried to look pretty.

"Ruby!" Merry said. "I am glad to see you!"

"Really?" Ruby asked hopefully.

"Of course," Merry said. "Guess what Pippin and I are going to do?"

"Pippin?" Ruby asked. Ruby and Pippin hated each other, but they never really showed it for Merry's sake.

"We're going to set off a really big firework!" Merry said.

"Why?" Ruby questioned.

"For the fun of it!" Merry said. Ruby wasn't sure if she could call stealing a firework 'fun', but she just nodded.

"Come on!" Merry said. "Come help us, it'll be fun!" Ruby wondered if she should try to talk them out of it. She followed Merry to Gandalf's wagon. Gandalf had grabbed a few more fireworks and was laughing with excitement. Merry peeked from behind the wagon, and then tapped on a tent. Pippin quickly hopped out and frightened Ruby.

"Why did you bring her?" Pippin demanded.

"Enough," Merry whispered. "We need to hurry; you two will get into the wagon and find a big firework that'll scare everyone!"

Merry helped Pippin into the wagon.

"When you say two," Ruby said as Merry lifted her. "I hope you mean Pippin and his imaginary girlfriend."

"You wish," Pippin said, and scooped her from Merry and they both fell backward and landed in the wagon.

"Ruby, get off of me!" Pippin growled.

"It was but your own fault!" Ruby retorted. "What are we looking for again?"

"A big one," Merry replied. "And hurry before Gandalf comes back!" Ruby and Pippin both held a firework in their hands.

"No, no," Said Merry. "The big one, big one!" Pippin held up a large firework in the shape of a dragon. Merry looked at it in awe. Pippin jumped from the wagon and Ruby followed him.

Merry casually followed behind them, still eating an apple.

~jb~

Frodo and Hazel ran from Lobelia and nearly ran over Bilbo.

"Sackville-Bagginses!" Bilbo gasped. "Quickly hide!" Frodo and Hazel led Bilbo to a tent. They hid beside a tent wall. Frodo turned his head, Bilbo hid his face inside his coat, and Hazel stuck hers inside a book. The Sackville-Bagginses stood right next to them and didn't see them. Hazel dared not to breathe. Lobelia and her Otho walked away continuing their search.

Bilbo sighed in relief. "Thank you, my boy." He said. "You're a good lad Frodo." He turned and looked at the two young faces. "I'm very selfish, you know. Yes it's true, I am very selfish. I don't know why I took you in after your mother and father died but it wasn't out of charity. I think it was because, of all my numerous relations…you were the one Baggins that showed true spirit!"

Hazel smiled, but Frodo knew Bilbo well and this didn't seem like him.

"Bilbo," He asked. "Have you been at the Gaffer's old brew?"

"No," Said Bilbo. "Well, yes, but that's not the point! The point is Frodo…" Bilbo hesitated. "You'll be all right." He turned and went back to drinking. Frodo and Hazel where silent and wondered if they were going to get an answer to their riddle.

~jb~

"Done!" Pippin said as he lit the firework that was as tall as he was.

Ruby sighed in frustration. "You're supposed to stick it in the ground!"

"It is in the ground!" Pippin said, pushing the firework towards Merry.

"She means outside!" Merry retorted, pushing it back at Pippin. Ruby started running.

"It was your idea!" Pippin insisted, pushing it back towards Merry. Suddenly the firework went off. From a distance, Ruby could hear Pippin shrieking like a young hobbit lass. She laughed and vowed never to leave Pippin alone about that. The firework went up in the air. It was pretty at first, but then it turned into a big nasty dragon. Smaug! It turned and swooped down on the hobbits.

Hazel and Frodo started walking toward the food. Frodo looked up and saw Smaug flying right toward them.

"Hazel?" Frodo said. "Hazel! Watch out for the dragon!"

"Dragon?" Hazel asked. She was still walking and didn't seem to take notice of Smaug. "Nonsense, there hasn't been a dragon in these parts for thousands of years! I read about it in-" Frodo grasped Hazel's shoulders and dragged her to the ground just as Smaug flew over them. The firework spun in the air, then exploded. Everyone was pleasantly surprised. Frodo and Hazel clapped and laughed.

"That was good." Pippin said.

"Let's get another one." Merry said.

But Gandalf came and grabbed them both by an ear.

"Meriadoc Brandybuck," He said. "And Peregrin Took. I might have known."

"Wait!" Pippin yelled. "Ruby helped us!"

"What?" Ruby said, walking over to them. "No I didn't." She tried to look as innocent as possible.

"Yes you did!" Pippin said.

"No, the Goodchild's would never get involved with such things, especially with the Tooks." Gandalf said, winking at Ruby. Ruby fought back a laugh.

Gandalf made Merry and Pippin clean the dishes. Ruby sat out of splashing distance and watched. Her heart was full of satisfaction.

Everyone was sitting down and begging Bilbo to give a speech. He shrugged and took another sip of his drink. He stood upon a barrel.

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins!" He said. Everyone cheered as he said their name, and he paused as they cheered. "Tooks and Brandybucks, and Grubbs, and Chubbs, and Burrowses, and Hornblowers, and Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Goodchilds, Brownlocks, Brockhouses, and Proudfoots!"

"Proudfeet!" An elderly hobbit yelled, who was, of course, a Proudfoot. His feet were quite large, exceptionally furry, and both were on the table.

"Today," Bilbo continued. "Is my one-hundred and eleventh birthday!"

"Happy birthday!" Everyone cheered.

"Alas," Bilbo said. "Eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits." He paused to let the crowd cheer and clap. "I don't know half of you as well I should like. And I like less than half of you as half as well as you deserve."

Everyone went silent. Some hobbits looked at each other in confusion. Hazel could only smile at his comment.

"I…" Bilbo hesitated. "I-I have things to do…" He reached a hand into his vest pocket and took something out. He then had both hands behind his back. "I've put this off for far too long." He said so quietly, Hazel and Frodo leaned forward to hear.

"I regret," Bilbo continued, more loudly. "To announce that this is the end…I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell." As Bilbo said this, he looked directly at Frodo. "Good-bye." He said, and then disappeared. Everyone gasped and looked around. Bilbo and Gandalf were nowhere to be seen. Frodo and Hazel looked around. Other hobbits were talking amongst themselves, wondering if Bilbo was playing a rude trick, or a strange, inside joke.

After a while, Frodo and Hazel figured that Bilbo must have been at Bag End. They ran to the hobbit hole and Frodo ran through the door, yelling Bilbo's name. He stopped right in the doorway and looked at the floor, with Hazel right behind him. Gandalf was sitting at the fireplace, smoking his pipe. Frodo bent down and picked up a golden ring off the floor.

"He's gone hasn't he?" Hazel asked. Gandalf didn't say anything. He seemed to be muttering to himself.

"He talked so long about leaving," Frodo said. "But I didn't think he'd really do it." He and Hazel walked over and stood by Gandalf. He looked over and down at the ring Frodo held in his hand.

"Bilbo's ring," Gandalf said. "He's gone to stay with the elves; he's left you Bag End." He held an empty envelope out to Frodo, who hesitantly slid the ring inside. Gandalf took the envelope and sealed it with a stamp. "Along with all of his possessions. The ring is yours now." He handed the envelope back to Frodo. "Put it somewhere out of sight." Gandalf stood and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Frodo asked.

"There are things that I must see to." Gandalf said.

"What things?" Hazel asked.

"Questions," Gandalf said. "Questions that need answering."

"But you've only just arrived!" Frodo protested. "I don't understand."

Gandalf stopped and turned to look at Frodo. "Neither do I." He bent down and looked Frodo right in the eye. "Keep it secret, keep it safe." Then he left.

Frodo and Hazel stood and looked at the envelope. They didn't see Gandalf for a while.

Hey y'all! Just been going back through and editing, but just a little. Has anyone ever looked at old writings and went: Bleh! For this it's only been grammar and finding words to use other than "Said." Hope you enjoyed! Leave a comment!