Chapter 1: Prologue

Bilbo sat behind his laptop writing stories as he normally would when at the Rivendell Starbucks. He's been in love with the place since it opened in Rivendell almost a year ago. Free WiFi, good coffee, delicious pastries, a quiet and calm place to sit and write, plus the company of elves. What else could he ask for?

He often went two or three times a week. Infact, he was such a regular patron that the workers there knew him by name and what he would order before he even reached the counter. Double Chocolate Chip Grande extra whip, the same every time. The workers enjoyed his company and his bond with them had made his times there all the more enjoyable.

Bilbo was taking a short break from writing and was reading the Middle Earth headlines when he noticed a white haired elf staring at him from the corner of the lounge.

Now, normally this wouldn't bother Bilbo so much because after all, Hobbits were rarely ever seen outside of the Shire. He was used to being given a stare, even some curious questioning. But this elf's stare didn't look like one of curiosity or amazement, it looked like one of concentration and thinking.

The elf had been staring for a long time and it was really getting on his nerves. What am I a bloody puzzle? Bilbo sipped at his drink and continued reading. He could still feel the eyes on him like a red sniper dot.

Maybe he's looking at something or someone behind me? Trying to act as natural as possible, he turned around and acted like he was reaching for something in his bag that hung on the back of his chair. His eyes quickly scanned the scenery. A few empty tables and a wall. He grabbed a pen and turned back around.

His heart dropped when he saw that the elf was gone from his seat. Should I be relieved or afraid?

"Are you a Hobbit?"

Bilbo almost jumped out of his seat when he saw the elf sitting right next to him. How he managed to sneak up like that was truly frightening.

"Y-yes. Why?" Bilbo managed to answer. Although he loved meeting new people, Bilbo knew when and when not to trust strangers and so far, this guy was giving him all the reasons not to.

"Oh, that's great!" The elf sported a smile. It didn't look like a genuine smile. It looked more like the fake smile pediatricians give before administering shots. "Do you like chocolate? Is that why you ordered a Double Chocolate Chip?"

"Yes. I like chocolate. Lots of hobbits do." Bilbo kept his answers short.

"What about other candy?" The elf asked.

"Yes, most of us hobbits enjoy sweets. Is there a reason for this interview?" Bilbo began strumming his fingers on the table. Not only did he not trust this guy, but he was actually getting a little irritated by his odd questions.

"I'm sorry, do excuse my questions. I'm a professor at Imladris Tech, I work in the Cosmetic Arts department. Right now we're conducting a study on the effects of sugar on the hair of various Middle Earth races. I'm so glad to have met you, i've found hair samples from Elves, Dwarves, Men, even off a few wizards and I was actually on my way to The Shire to get a few hair samples from Hobbits!"

Bilbo raised an eyebrow. "Hair samples?"

"Yes, but I have to make sure it fits in my study first." The elf pulled out an iPad and looked through a few files on it. "I only have a few more questions, how often do you eat sugar?"

"I don't know. Quite often. I usually eat at least one candy bar a day, sometimes two or three."

"Excellent, that's more than enough. How long have you kept that up?"

"At least a decade."

"That's wonderful. To complete the study, all I need now is a Hobbit who doesn't eat sugar whatsoever to compare with."

"Good luck with that." Bilbo muttered as he sipped his drink.

"Now if you don't mind, I only need a tiny bit, only a few strands." The elf said happily as he pulled out a small scissors.

Bilbo pulled on one of his locks and the elf quickly cut off a few strands and placed them into a little plastic storage bag.

"Thank you for your time! I greatly appreciate it." The elf reached out his hand for a handshake.

"You know... you haven't even told me your name." Bilbo said without reaching for the handshake.

The elf's eyes widened. Bingo... you're lying about something.

"My name is Wayne. Wayne..." There was a short pause. "Redleaf."

"Ok... You're welcome, Professor Wayne Redleaf." Bilbo said, shaking the elf's hand suspiciously. "Good luck on your study."

As Wayne went back to his seat and began gathering his things, Bilbo calmly walked to the counter. "Figwit!" He whispered loudly.

One of the younger dark-haired elves that worked there came to him.

"What is it Bilbo?" He asked.

"Don't make it obvious, but you see the white haired elf over there in the corner?" Bilbo motioned with his eyes. "Have you seen him around before?"

Figwit looked for a while. "Nope. Never. Why do you ask?"

"He took some of my hair."

The young elf looked at him confused, "You want me to get it back for you or something?"

Bilbo chuckled a bit. "No. He said he works at Imladris Tech, I figured since you go there, you might know him. There's something suspicious about him."

Wayne walked past them with his things giving them an insecure-looking nod before walking out the door.

"Nope. Never seen him around campus. Maybe he's new. Did he say what department he worked in?"

"Cosmetic Arts."

Figwit laughed at the answer "Well... You have a right to be suspicious." Figwit said.

"Why is that?"

"There is no Cosmetic Art's department at Imladris Tech. It got shut down two years ago because of low enrollment. Everything he must've told you was a lie."

"Drat. I gave my hair to a total lying stranger!?"

"He must've figured since you were a hobbit, you wouldn't look into it He's obviously never heard of the great and wise Mister Baggins." Figwit laughed. "I wouldn't worry about it. I can't think of anything he could possibly do with just a few strands of your hair."

Bilbo dug his hands into his hair in frustration. "Did I really just fall for a scam?"

"Relax Bilbo. He didn't get anything important from you, not your credit cards, id, contact information. As far as I know, you have nothing to worry about other than a little lost hair."

"Oh, I suppose you're right."

After returning to his seat, Bilbo Googled the name. Wayne Redleaf. There was nothing.

HERE IT IS FINALLY! I know, I announced this on my tumblr well over a year ago and then life sort of... happened. This is just the prologue and it is pretty boring compared to what's ahead and for that specific reason, I will post Chapter 2 today as well. Read and review! It means the world to me!