Chapter One: An Unexpected Journey

This story is going to be a mix of Tolkien's works, Peter Jackson's film adaptations, and a lot of AU. I do not own any rights to the Hobbit or any of Tolkien's characters, as lovely as that would be. I know not everyone is a huge fan of what they added or excluded in the movies, but I feel like it added to the story. Enjoy!

(I had originally published this story months ago and I realized how terrible it was, so I'm going back in and fixing up everything. I hope it's better, this time around!)

My dearest Bilbo,

It has been so long since you wrote me last-I begin to fear that you are fading away from me. I took the liberty of writing to your dear cousin, Frodo Baggins, and he says you are doing unwell. You have not answered my letters in quite some time and you are lucky I am no longer in my prime or else I would come to the Shire and skin you alive, for being so past few times we have visited with one another, I've noticed a dark change in you, my dear friend. Please, Bilbo, if you are suffering, let me help you. We've known each other for many decades and have been on many adventures together. I will not abandon you, in your time of need. Do not be consumed by darkness alone, my dear friend. For I have lived in the shadows and they are not a safe place to find oneself in. If you need me, I will always be there for you.

Sincerely Yours,

Lazira

There would be no peace for young Bilbo Baggins tonight. While the rest of the Shire started to unwind and settle into bed, after enjoying a splendid supper, Bilbo Baggins instead, was the unwilling host to thirteen dwarves and an incredibly large wizard. He watched in horror as his chairs were thrown about the room and his beloved cabinets were stripped of their delicious treats, being eagerly shoved down the throats of hungry dwarves. His fine wines were being consumed by the gallons and his trinkets were being fumbled around, in the hands of clumsy strangers.

"Not the cheese! Anything but the cheese!" He cried, throwing his small hands in the air. Bilbo Baggins had some of the finest collection of cheese, in all of the Shire. All different sizes, ages, and molds-these barbarians didn't even know how to pair cheese, with the perfect fine wine. Their boorish pallets were not used to such fine dining experiences.

However, no matter how hard he tried, Bilbo's voice was drowned out, by the cheerful chatter and exclamations of animated dwarves.

"Fili, Kili, Oin, Gloin, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dori, Nori, Ori", Gandalf ticked off the names of the dwarves on his fingers, as his wise eyes slowly scanned the room. One of Gandalf's biggest concerns, on this journey, was being unable to keep track of so many people (and to be fair, his company was incredibly tiny, compared to the massive wizard). Bifur gave Gandalf a curious look, let out a low grunt, and motioned his massive head towards the door. His long, braided beard, fell into his cup of ale, splashing the liquid all over the floor. Bilbo recoiled in horror.

"Yes, you're quite right, Bifur. Hmm, our company is two short." Bifur let out an angry growl and Gandalf shook his head in amusement, "no, Bifur, I mean we are missing two companions for our journey." Despite their raucous demeanor at times, dwarves were an incredibly sensitive race. It was best not to joke about their height, when encountering a dwarf. You could end up with an axe buried deep in your skull.

"Two!", exclaimed Bilbo, as he struggled in vain to wrestle a bowl of tomatoes away from the dwarf, Nori. Nori's triple braided beard swung back and fourth, as the two fought with one another. "I don't think we need any more uninvited guests in my home tonight, wouldn't you agree, Gandalf?" He gave the wizard a pointed look, let go of the bowl (which sent Nori squeeling off in glee) and rested both hands on his hips.

"Thorin is late, that is all. He traveled North to a meeting of our kin. He will come. And hopefully so will the others." Dwalin chided, after taking a swig of ale. "He'll show, I assure you. He wouldn't want to miss out on this adventure." Dwalin was the first dwarf, to enter into the house of young Bilbo Baggins, uninvited, mind you. Bilbo squinted his eyes at the massive dwarf and scowled.

Around the room, the dwarves laughed and cheered, setting the table and singing songs of merriment. Tonight, they celebrated. Some of the dwarves had not seen one another in over a decade. The buzz of adventure filled the room, leaving only Bilbo Baggins unaffected. Even Gandalf, despite his worries, felt the thrill of the impending journey in his heart. He believed this to be his last great journey, but the great wizard was unaware, that there would be another quest to come, many years from now. And next time, it would be far more dangerous.

"Two more, you say?" Inquired Kili, after taking a large bite of an apple. Between noisy chews, he managed to ask, "but we are just missing Thorin, are we not?" Kili exchanged looks with Fili, who merely shrugged his shoulders. The two brothers looked so completely different, but Gandalf observed that their body language was very much the same. Watching the two kin interact, there was no doubt that they were brothers of the Durin line. Kili, however, was far more outspoken then his older brother. Fili was more relaxed and spoke generally only when spoken to, but Kili could ramble on in your ear, to anyone that would listen. Both brothers shared a love of adventure, though. The two were practically beaming from ear to ear, ready to start their quest.

"No, Kili. I have asked for the company of one other...I am unsure if they will actually make an appearance, but their company would be much valued. They usually prefer to stay in the shadows...but we will see, we will see. We will need all the help we can get on this journey, I assure you." Kili, unaffected by Gandalf's ominous words, took another large bite of an apple. "They can stay in the shadows, we have all the help we need, right here!" A round of applause practically shook the room.

Gandalf eyed the door, a feeling of unease settling in his bones. He was not too sure how this night would unfold and he feared the men's prejudices would get in the way of his plan. If Gandalf got his way, they would be embarking on a quest with sixteen the next day, and not the original fifteen he had convinced Thorin of. Thorin was a hot tempered man, but hopefully he could see reason.

Hopefully. Dwarves were a bit stubborn, at times.

"Put that back...put that back...put that back...", Bilbo Baggins would not be successful, in getting the dwarves to "put that back."

Kili raised an eyebrow and glanced at his brother, Fili. "This is becoming quite the party!" The two simultaneously cheered and knocked their glasses of ale together. The beer sloshed on the floor, earning an eye roll from Bilbo. "The more the merrier!"

Bilbo coughed something that sounded suspiciously like, "heathens."

"Mr. Gandalf? A little glass of red wine, as requested. It's got a fruity bouquet." Dori offered, raising a tiny glass to the wizard. Gandalf offered the dwarf a small smile and gave his thanks, before consuming the wine. Sadly, it was over in just one small sip. He eyed the glass and let out a sigh. "I will need much more wine if I am to convince Thorin to allow this..."

"Allow what, Gandalf?" Biblo pressed. "Allow insanity to fall upon my hobbit hole?!" His voice raised an octave higher and the vein in his head was looking as if it would pop at a moments notice. Gandalf shooed Bilbo with his massive hands, tired of hearing the complaints of the young hobbit. Bilbo might be a challenge for the wizard, as well.

"Quiet now, Biblo. All will be revealed in time. Besides, I was under the impression that hobbits were excellent hosts. Was I wrong in this assumption?" Gandalf inquired, raising one grey eyebrow. Bilbo may have been irate, but the hobbits were a proud race. And they did enjoy impressing their company.

"Your guests are having a splendid evening, how can you protest?" Bilbo scoffed and sunk down into the nearest chair. He observed, with a scowl, all of his food being messily consumed and as the objects of his home were being tossed around like a child's play toy.

"Well, whoever your mystery guest is, they better come with some manners", Bilbo grumbled, sinking further into the cushion. A mere please would suffice. Unknown to him, but this would be the hobbit's last night of peace, for quite some time. If had known what this impending adventure would offer, Bilbo would join in the merriment and fill his stomach to the brim, while gorging himself on the finest wine in all of the Shire. Paired with his wine, would be his fine cheeses...the entire collection. He would get drunk and sleep the most peaceful, deep sleep, dreaming of life's simple pleasures. For this was to be no easy journey. And this hobbit would learn much about himself, even the things he wished to stay hidden in the dark recesses of his own mind. There would be no comforts of his hobbit hole, in the journey to come.

Upon Thorin's arrival and once it was announced that the dwarves of the Iron Hills would not join on this adventure, a feeling of uncertainty filled the home of Bilbo Baggins. The group were not all in their prime and dangerous roads lied ahead. One look at the wayward bunch and enemies would laugh in delight. Although he did not show it to the others, Thorin felt a great deal of pressure weighing down on his soldiers.

He feared that he and his company were not enough to make it to the Lonely Mountain, in one piece. If, by some miracle, they managed to make it, how could thirteen dwarves, a wizard, and a small hobbit face off against one of the greatest and foulest beasts of all time? He hated to rely on others, but he had depended a great deal on the idea that his brother and kin would also be making this journey. An underneath all of those fears, was an even deeper fear of letting down his beloved nephews, Fili and Kili, who looked up to Thorin so dearly.

Gandalf carefully spread the map open on the dining room table and pointed to a mountain, in which a red dragon was hovering above. He urged everyone to move in closer and they eagerly obliged. Even the hobbit was curious, despite his initial protests. He weaseled his way in easily, between Nori and Ori. Hobbits were small and stealthy.

"Far to the East, over ranges and rivers, beyond woodlands and wastelands, lies a single solitary peak. This, Bilbo Baggins and company, is where we will be heading." Gandalf discussed the path that the group would be taking. Excited chatter filled the air, as the quest became more and more tangible, by the second. Half of the dwarves did not care or understand how dangerous the journey would be-they were just eager to get started. The older dwarves looked a bit skeptical, but stared proudly at Thorin. They trusted him, with all of their heart and soul.

"The Lonely Mountain", whispered Bilbo, the light hairs on his arms raising slightly. "It all sounds quite terrifying, I'd say. I've heard rumors of the horrors that can be found in the East." Hobbits liked to keep their conversations fairly light, but the occasional stranger would pass through with horrifying tales of what existed outside the Shire. Hobbits were mostly ignorant, though, to the pains of the rest of Middle Earth.

Thorin turned on Bilbo, glaring at him with unsettling, azure eyes. "If you do not think that you can handle this journey hobbit, feel free to stay in your safe, hobbit hole. We do not need anyone slowing us down." Gandalf placed a massive hand on Thorin's shoulder and gave him a pointed look. Thorin's temper had not improved, since the last time the two spoke.

"Now, now, Thorin, Bilbo is just merely stating a fact. This is a terrifying journey, after all. I have chosen Bilbo for a very special reason and I would hope that you can respect my wisdom, even if you do not quite understand his purpose, yet." Thorin shrugged Gandalf away, but averted his eyes from Bilbo. He was not overly fond of the idea of a hobbit joining them, but he also knew Gandalf was ancient and wise. If he hand picked Bilbo Baggins, then Thorin would allow it...for now.

"Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain as it was foretold: When the birds of old return to Erebor, the reign of the beast will end", Oin butted in, a smile on his lips, "our time has come, it is a sign! We do not fear this journey, but willingly embrace it!" The dwarves let out another chorus of "aye's." It was hard to feel unease, when the energy in the room was that of positivity. The older dwarves shoulders loosened up, allowing the positive energy to ease their worries.

Bilbo's eyes slanted and he quickly looked up at Gandalf. "Beast?" He mouthed, looking horrified. Gandalf gave him an uneasy smile, "dear Bilbo, they are just referring to Smaug, the dragon that guards the treasure deep within the Lonely Mountain. Nothing to worry about, he will most likely be asleep." Gandalf used a tone of voice that was similar to one he would use on a small child, who was afraid to fall asleep at night. Bilbo did not look relieved, to say the least. The hobbit's pallor turned an awful, corpse like shade and his skin started to glisten with sweat. He was only a small hobbit, how could he defeat a dragon? Determined not to let his company see his worries, Bilbo let out a quick cough.

He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his brow. "Well, that doesn't sound too awful, I suppose." Kili and Fili, once again, shared a simultaneously glance.

"Oh, not too awful at all. Precious, really", Kili drawled.

"Oh yes, quite adorable, actually. Like a small child taking a nap", Fili continued, grinning from ear to ear.

"Bilbo, you might be able to bring him back to the Shire and keep him as a pet, wouldn't that be lovely?" Kili and Fili were practically howling in delight, at their own strange, playful banter. "He could light your fire place, for you." The two continued to giggle, despite the look of horror on Bilbo's face.

"He's actually pretty awful, I'll tell you", Bofur bluntly confessed. "They call him Smaug the Terrible. He's a fire breathing dragon, with teeth like razors and claws, that could easily rip your head clean from your body. He's bloody terrifying, little hobbit." Bofur twirled his mustache, an odd expression on his face. The dwarves all seemed to look at each other at the same time, not one announcing their concerns, if they had any at all.

"I'm not afraid! I'm up for it. I'll give him a taste of the Dwarvish iron right up his jacksy!" Ori gloated, raising his ale in the air. "Who's with me?!" All the dwarves raised their mugs in the air, besides Balin and Thorin.

Balin, the oldest dwarf, let out a sigh. He was not as enthusiastic as the rest of his kin. His spirit was strong, but his body grew tired. He feared he would not be much help on this journey. "Quiet, you fools. The task will be difficult enough with an army behind us. But our number is just thirteen. Not thirteen of the best, nor brightest." He cast a sidelong glance at Ori, who did not seem to notice.

The dwarves let out a roar and began to argue amongst themselves. "Well I'm fast...you're too short...we aren't not bright...I'm bright...not you Dori...no, you're the fool!" Bilbo couldn't keep track of who was insulting who, at this point. He just wanted to escape somewhere with peace and quiet. It was well past the hobbits bed time.

"I'm the best archer this world has ever seen, no need to fear when I am watching your backs. You ladies may be soft, but I'll protect you", Kili gloated, a huge grin on his face. He quickly flexed his arm muscle and gave it a quick kiss. Fili scoffed and rolled his eyes, "in your dreams, little brother." Fili put extra emphasis on the word, little, which earned him a smack upside the head, from Kili.

"Well, I can't disagree with you entirely, Balin...that is why I asked another to join us...as...a precaution. I believe they are here now." Not a second passed after Gandalf uttered his words, was a light knocking heard at the door. All thirteen dwarves, and a pair of hobbit eyes were glued to the front of the home. It seemed like an eternity, before anyone even thought to move. Most had not been expecting another guest, especially the dwarven king.

Thorin looked suspiciously at Gandalf, eyebrows raised. "Another companion? I believe we only discussed the current company", he inquired. However, Gandalf merely shrugged his shoulders and quietly folded his hands in his lap. "Like I said before, they are just a precaution." Thorin did not look at ease.

Bilbo Baggins sighed and stood up out of his chair. "Well, I suppose I won't be the rude one", he grumbled and made his way to the front.

Bilbo opened his door and stepped to the side, allowing the mysterious guest to enter. "Well, you are quite late to the party. We were just discussing dragons that can rip out your throat and burn you alive. Really great after supper talk, I'd say. Feel free to join us, it's quite uplifting for the spirit." Bilbo's voice was a mixture of sarcasm and tiredness. He really couldn't take any more surprises tonight.

"Dragons, you say? I cannot wait to hear more," a soft voice spoke, stepping inside. Fifteen jaws simultaneously fell, sans a certain wizard, who had the smallest smile playing on his lips. She had arrived, after all.