Disclaimer : I own nothing but this fanfic.
Chapter 2 - What Are You?
He woke up with the light of day forcing his eyes to open as the intense brightness threaten to blind him if he kept sleeping. He rubbed his face. He was sleeping next Saphira near the already doused fire. The elves were already up and adam. He had time to wake up his dragon and get himself ready. For he had a task to do.
Mounting on his dragon again, the elves had packed him provisions for his leave. They said their 'good luck' in the ancient language and made sure they had their ways of contacting each other.
Ready?, he asked his dragon.
Ready, was the sure reply.
And they took to the skies once more.
And nothing was holding them back. They soared way above the clouds, watching the view as the sun was rising with beautiful colors. Savoring the sight for a couple of moments, they dived down in a spiral spinning like move and glided over the lands just in time before hitting the hard ground.
He made a mental portrait of the lands he flew across. Noting things like routes, paths, and where this interesting looking tree was. They kept watchful eyes for any living beings in the lands. So far, nothing yet. Eragon hoped they would not freak out if they saw a young man riding a large blue flying dragon. That would starts complications.
Luckily, he was about to meet someone that would do him great help.
It was near lunchtime when Eragon snapped his head up from looking at the fields below them.
I sense something!
Me too little one, shall we see what it is?
Yes, he nodded readily.
Landing at the outskirts of the woods they faced. The dragon went on foot in the woods, looking for the sense of someone's mind in the woods. Eragon rode onward silently, searching as well. The place here seemed almost identical to the other places they passed by filled with trees.
This mind, it is neither human nor any other race we know, Saphira observed intrigued.
Aye, simple, pure, and quite small and weak but innocent, there is strength in that, Eragon smiled fondly to himself.
Whatever creature we find, it must be pleasant one.
Hopefully you won't scare whatever it is away.
I will try.
Such a pure heart..., now he really wanted see what race they were going to meet.
They tread through the trees for a few more minutes. He kept his eyes peeled for any sign of where the mind belonged to. Beside fleeing birds, and gentle winds, there was nothing to take notice of.
Then with his keen elf ears, he heard it.
It sounded like someone flipping a page of a book. That reminded him of when Joed had given him his first ever book. Cautiously, the two approached where the sound came from and discovered it was just behind the tall bushes in front of them.
Then there was a rustle. It came from the bushes and it made Eragon reach for his sword. The rustling continued, until the bushes parted by two hands. A shock of dark curly hair popped out of the bush, round blue eyes stared up at the raising head of Saphira as she examined the thing in front of her.
First came silence.
Then a scream.
"Aaaaaaarrrrggghhh!"
Whoops, Saphira sounded sheepish as she felt Eragon's annoyance, my apologies.
The thing had fallen backwards, back into the cover of the bushes. Saphira had walked through them and saw the little thing scramble back still screaming and panicking. It had an expression of absolute terror as it stared up at the towering blue dragoness. He didn't seem to notice the brunette riding on it's back.
Now look what you did, Eragon sighed.
He took matters into his own hands, since he pitied the horrified little thing that thought it was probably going to get eaten as lunch, he began to slip his feet of the ankle straps and slid of his saddle easily.
The little thing paused as his eyes caught a silhouette of a person mounting off the blue dragon that appeared out of nowhere. The light was bright behind the person so only the shadowy figure of the person could be seen. It was obvious it was a male. The figure came closer to him, step after step seemed like eternity as the little thing watched his every move with awed eyes.
The person had knelt down on one knee. A gloved hand was handed out to the little thing. Now he could see what the mysterious male looked like. He almost lost his jaw, due to it dropping.
The reddish boots were normal yet very polished and thin showing slender legs, brown trousers, a fancy belt with orbs embedded on them in every color, a simple well-made white shirt that came loose on the wrists, a forest green vest of sorts with cryptic red, silver, and green designs, a strap across his chest that held together a beautiful crimson cape flowing down his back, brown fingerless gloves, a bracelet with orbs embedded on it like his belt but they seem to glow, there was a quiver filled with arrows, a beautiful silver bow peeked out of his shoulder, a sword in all its majesty on his waist, dressed in red and silver and the only metallic armor he had were the blue and gold shoulder armor.
Not only were his clothes both odd and foreign looking, his face contorted the same qualities. Dark wavy and curly brown hair (almost like his but longer), a stud faintly visible on his perfectly strong jaw, a crooked nose that gave him that 'tough guy' look, two expertly braided hair fell down on each side of his face in red beads that adorned his face, and hazel brown eyes that made him feel a bit more safer. But what really caught his eyes were the pointed ears.
"Your an elf!" The little thing squeaked out.
The elf before him scratched the back of his head "Something like that..." he mumbled and gave a thoughtful look before returning his eyes to the gaping little creature "Do you need any help?" he said his hand still outreached.
Staring back and forth between the hand and its owner, the creature took it and Eragon gently hoisted him up like a feather and back on his rather huge feet.
Before the creature could say anything, he saw Eragon examining him (especially his feet) with his thumb and pointer finger holding his chin. Then he was circled by the very manly looking warrior that hovered over him. The creature felt self-conscious. Here he was, small as a human toddler, with his messy dark curly hair, pale blue eyes soft and probably looked weak, frail features, large hairy feet, and pointy ears that were different from the elves. He looked pathetic compared to the warrior circling him like a hawk on its prey.
"What are you?" Eragon inquired "If you don't mind me asking."
Always polite, Saphira said.
Hey who was the one that scared him?
He seems to have forgotten me.
"I'm a hobbit!" the creature said standing taller and puffed out his chest trying to look more confident though he felt slightly foolish.
"A...hobbit?" So he is a new race.
Interesting thing isn't he?
Yes.
"If you don't mind me asking master elf" the 'hobbit' shifted from foot to foot nervously, his eyes finally glancing up to the large blue dragon "Why were you on a dragon?" He felt like hiding from the beast behind the elf, he seemed more safe to be hiding behind than a tree.
"Oh, My companion and I were exploring the forest" Eragon explained plainly like he was talking about the weather.
The hobbit froze "Companion? You mean the dragon is your friend?!" He sounded disbelieving.
"Why yes she is, her name is Saphira" Eragon introduced gesturing to the dragoness.
The creature made a funny sound as the dragon came closer and sniffed him. Eragon gave her a raised eyebrow.
I smell food on him, flowers, books, tea, and many more pleasant things, she said looking pleased and home.
"She says you smell nice" Eragon said to the quivering little hobbit.
"She...does?" The hobbit seem to only grow more agitated.
"Don't worry, she's an intelligent dragon, she won't hurt you" Eragon assured him.
"But dragons are servants of the dark lord." was the mutter heard from the hobbit.
Surprised glances were exchanged between the rider and the dragon.
Dark lord?, Eragon thought curious.
Servants?, Saphira though disgusted.
She looked down at the creature who was still wary of her.
I am servant of no lord tiny one.
The hobbit looked around shocked before his eyes landed on Saphira.
"Did she just..."
"Talk to you in your head? Yes, yes she did" Eragon chuckled at the gaping face.
You have no need to be afraid of me, I see you are pure of heart, she spoke again in his mind. He heard the wise, melodious voice that sounded like it could break into a roar of power.
Reaching out, he slowly let his hand touch her head. She let him and he felt the sharp scales that threaten to cut him but he was careful. He was in amazement at the wisdom, intelligence and the power this dragon possessed. It was graceful and elegant but still fierce and dangerous in that ancient way.
"She's beautiful" he whispered.
Now I really like this one, she thought.
Eragon smiled and with a roll of his eyes, he spoke "So, what is your name master hobbit?"
"My name is Frodo Baggins master elf, at your service" Frodo said giving a respectful bow.
"I am Eragon Shadeslayer, but please, call me Eragon"
They shook hands. Both were intrigued of each other. Frodo's fingers were soft and small like a child's, Eragon was afraid he might break it. Eragon's hand was big, his fingers slender and looked delicately carved but strong enough to withstand punching a boulder.
"You said you were exploring the forest of the Shire Master Eragon"
"The Shire? That is where we are?"
"You don't know? Well, it's not surprising, us hobbits aren't very well known"
"Oh." Eragon looked over his shoulder and stared at his dragon as they had a telepathic discussion on what to do next.
I say we ask help from the hobbit, Saphira stated, he knows this land more than we do and were both hungry.
Fair point. Eragon really was too hungry to argue.
Turning back to the wide-eyed staring Frodo, Eragon flashed a friendly smile "You don't think you could help us? We are new to this land and have no idea where is where"
Frodo seemed surprised at the request but nodded vigorously. An elf was asking help from him! Never in his life he thought he would see the day to meet an elf, but helping one? And he had just petted a real dragon. He wondered what such great good did he do in his past that fate would give him this chance.
"My uncle has tons of maps in his study, there will be enough information there for you to learn every place in Middle-Earth known!"
Eragon had a retake "Middle Earth?" He blurted out.
The hobbit nodded.
It must be what this land is called, Saphira said to him and only him.
Must be, what an odd name...
"Will you be able to take us to your uncle's house Frodo?" He asked the hobbit down below him.
"Yes...well maybe...um...I can't say." Frodo looked at the dragoness with worry "I'm not sure how he would react to seeing Saphira, especially the shire folk, it might not end well."
The two understood. Frodo may have taken Saphira well but a town seeing a live giant dragon in their midst, it would cause chaos.
"And my uncle doesn't have a good past with dragons."
Eragon tilted his head to the side as he thought on what to do. This hobbit was their only way of gathering information soon enough to get back to his group and the eggs, but the only other plan he could think of displeased him.
I know what your thinking, Saphira said.
You always do.
True, but this plan I think is for the best, I can wait but be quick.
Of course Saphira.
Eragon grimaced but spoke "I guess Saphira can wait here until I come back from your uncle's place."
"Alright." Frodo then whispered to him "She won't eat anybody, right?"
Eragon smiled "No, other than animals, she won't eat anybody."
I promise I won't, Saphira said.
"Okay then, follow me."
They walked through the forest clustered with trees. The two had left the dragoness to her own devices for a while until Eragon would come back with what they need. While their travel through the forest, Eragon had not stopped and look at the hobbit that led him through the place.
Frodo's height had reached to Eragons thighs, and those big hairy feet didn't seem to lag him down or cause any strain as he walked. The rider was surprised when his ears couldn't even pick up a slight sound with each and every step his acquaintance took. He took mental notes of what he had learned so far from hobbits.
1. Their incredibly short, as tall as toddlers.
2. Have pointy elf-like ears. (He wondered if they had sharp hearing too).
3. Big hairy feet that didn't weigh on them.
4. Their remarkably light on their feet. (It would be troublesome to play hide-and-go-seek with them)
5. They are pure, simple, content being just fine with the comforts of home.
The last one he learned when he had started a conversation with Frodo.
"So Master Frodo, can you tell me more about your race?" He asked getting tired of the silence between them.
"My race? Well there's nothing impressive about them for starters" Frodo began "We like ordinary things, and love food, we have a passionate desire for mushrooms actually, we prefer to stay inside, cook, read, garden, and watch things grow, the things we don't like is the unexpected."
"The unexpected?"
"Yes, we hobbits prefer things to go on as we consider normal, anything unexpected is frowned upon, adventures, weapons, and association with other races"
"So you like to keep things quaint and peacefull, I see."
"But you should meet my uncle, he went on an adventure once, 'an unexpected journey' he would always describe it, it was all thanks to that wizard."
A wizard? Interesting...
"Uncle had to trick trolls, face orcs, escape from goblins, and he even had a conversation with a dragon once!"
"He must have been quite the different one among his kin." Eragon said.
"He used to be like everybody else, he is a Baggins you see, the Bagginses were known for being perfect gentle hobbits, a model for other hobbits. Nothing ever unexpected happened to them until uncle had disappeared and came back with weapons and armors, and an overflowing chest of gold." Frodo explained "From then on he was never the same, he told great stories of his adventures, he's wonderful at it"
"A storyteller huh?" Eragon felt a sad feeling creep up in his heart.
"He spends his days locked up in his study with all his books and maps, he's been acting strange lately..." Frodo trailed off mumbling until he realized he still had Eragon behind him "Oh sorry, getting off track, anyways, hobbits live in hobbiton, a place near Bree where men reside"
So there are men here! He hid a grin as he was finally sure there were the race of men living in this 'Middle Earth'
"We're hospitable folk really, they love having guest and parties every now and then." Frodo said "Though don't be surprised if you start getting stares and strange looks" especially with uniqueness like yours.
"Okay then." Eragon nodded.
"Ah, were here."
Eragon was craning his head down a little to see the mini-like town that were filled with hobbit here and there. The Shire was composed of of green hills that had doors at their side which made it look like a nice little hill-house that was in perfect size for hobbits. Each door was a round circle with the door knob at the center, painted in various different colors. It was all quite cute to Eragon and made him feel more relaxed in a long time.
He saw fields with hard-working farmers, the wind brushing and swaying the crops, laughter and chatty voices echoed throughout the place as tiny hobbit children ran and chased each other, market sellers yelling their price, and people going about their day without fear of anything in the world.
This place seemed so much at peace, he wished Saphira could see this.
"Welcome to the Shire Eragon." Frodo said grinning at his reaction.
The young hobbit escorted him down the path that leaded to his uncle's house, their destination. Eragon didn't mind taking his time, seeing all the merry hobbits enjoying the day. Though, Frodo's words were true. Wherever they went hobbits would stop and stare, with either wide eyes, slacked jaws, amazed and mesmerized expressions or all four as the brunette dragon rider followed the young Frodo Baggins.
Eragon never like too much attention on him like this. It was like giving a speech, (and he hated those) and their whispers and murmurs did not settle with him. But he hid his true emotions well and looked nonchalant and relaxed at everything. He even waved or said hello to a few people who greeted Frodo as they walked.
Frodo glanced back at Eragon from time to time to see how the elf was doing. All these hobbits, they were natural gossipers. The attention went from mere stares to whispers. But he had no doubt his kin found Eragon attractive in his fair and manly looks, and there was that atmosphere he emitted, the one that drew eyes towards him, demanding they stay on him but Eragon was certainly not like that. Frodo only just met him but he knew Eragon was someone who didn't brag, but humble. Said elf was strolling along behind him with the expression that said he was having a nice normal day.
Cerdic Millscone from Bywater had passed by the two and greeted Frodo with his usual cheery attitude but he paused when he saw Eragon behind him.
"Oh, this is Eragon a friend of mine." Frodo introduced, gesturing to the elf. Cerdic was in shock, eyes bulging.
"Greetings." Eragon said politely with that gentleman smile and he gave a polite slight bow. It was weird since he had such warrior looks but his mannerism was impeccable.
"G-greetings Master Eragon." Cerdic stuttered still not quite processing of Eragon's existence.
"See ya later Master Cerdic." Frodo said grabbing Eragon by the arm and leading him away.
"Goodbye Master Baggins, M-master Eragon." Cerdic was in aftershock when hobbits had crowded around him with burning curiosity. They instantly started asking questions.
"What is he like?"
"What did he say?"
"Why is Frodo with him?"
"Is he courting someone?"
"Who is he?"
Cerdic had snapped but mainly shocked himself "He was a gentleman by just looking at him!"
"That was close" Frodo sighed in relief as he let go of Eragon's rather packed arm.
"Are we nearing you uncle's house?" Eragon inquired hoping by the time they got there, he would be rid of these looks he kept getting.
"Yes we are, just over this hill and were there" Frodo assured him.
Then, that was when Eragon saw the hobbits placing chairs, tables and tents around. Busy bodies were dashing all around the place, working in a leisurely pace. It didn't take him long to figure out there was an event going on.
"What is the occasion for?" Eragon said pointing his thumb at the people setting up a tent.
"It's my uncle's one-hundredth birthday party tomorrow, I'm sure everyone invited is coming!" Even those not on the invitation list. "Everyone in the shire is excited to come to Mad Baggins' birthday celebration"
Eragon raised an amused eyebrow "Mad Baggins?"
"That's what they call him"
They both had other pleasant talks until they had finally came to a wide hobbit home with a beautiful garden adorning its front yard. Frodo pushed the wooden gate open and went in followed by Eragon. Eragon could guess whoever Frodo's uncle was, wasn't the most tidiest.
There was also the other fact Eragon had to crouch down a little to fit into the hobbit-sized house. He was careful to watch where he was going. Frodo leaded him to the kitchen where he could get some food and wait as he would drag his uncle out of his study. He dodged a chandelier on the way.
Boxes, books and rolled up paper littered the ground in every corner of each room. The hallways were always clear so they maneuvered around the house easily.
Eragon took notice of little things in the house. He saw pictures framed in gold, expensive looking furniture (thought with his size, he might break one by sitting on it), a pretty fireplace, and more. He carefully sat down on a wooden chair that wasn't big for him and didn't creak under his weight and waited.
When Frodo was sure Eragon was in the kitchen and comfortable, he had dashed like a hurricane to where his uncle was always at nowadays.
"Uncle! Uncle Bilbo! Uncle Bilbo!" He practically busted the door to old Bilbo's study open with his excitement. The realization of what was going on was getting to him, his uncle wouldn't believe this!
His uncle was in his chair, his nose in a book he was currently writing in. A wrinkled face with a crown of grey hair turned to face him.
"Frodo my boy, what is all the ruckus?!" Bilbo scowled.
"You won't believe it uncle!" Frodo bounded towards his uncle with a foolish grin that out shined the brightest of days "I found one!"
"Found what?"
"An elf! I met him in the east forest of the Shire" Frodo beamed "I actually talked to an elf uncle! And he asked me for help, so I brought him here."
"We have an elf guest?" Bilbo's face turned into a more brightened one "Well don't just stand their Frodo! Get the tea ready, set the table, show our elf guest to the living room!"
Frodo obliged and was gone faster than you could blink. Bilbo hurried out his study, his mind wondering what an elf was doing in the forest in the Shire of all places.
He heard sound of footsteps from the living room.
"Thank you" Eragon said as he took the tea cup handed to him that steamed with the brown milk tea.
They were seated in the living room. Eragon took a wooden chair he was sure would be safe for him to sit down in, Frodo was next to him, setting the trait filled with bread, biscuits, and a small salad. He had devoured the meal into crumbs after a handful of minutes. His uncle sat across from him in a comfy red chair.
"Tell me Master elf" Bilbo said curiously "What were you doing in the Shire forest?"
"I was travelling when I got lost and found a forest, I decided to go and explore it, that was when I found your nephew, Frodo." Eragon explained and sipped his tea before continuing "I asked if he had a map and brought me to you saying you have maps around Middle-Earth "
"My nephew is right, I do have them crammed on my drawers and shelves, I can spare you one Master elf" Bilbo smiled kindly at him.
Eragon felt himself return the smile "My thanks Master Baggins, and please call me Eragon."
"Very well then Eragon, but if you don't mind me asking, where are you travelling to exactly?"
The rider wanted to tell him it was his own business but he couldn't bring himself to be rude at his host. The old hobbit was too kind and generous like a grandfather.
"I'm not really travelling, I have no destination in mind, my feet take me wherever I go." he said and set down his tea "You can say I am exploring the Middle-Earth and see things for myself." A half-truth was better than a lie.
A hearty laugh escaped the old hobbit "I can see an adventurous spirit in you. I bid you good luck on your adventure onto the world." he said "Though, it is always better to have friends experience the adventure with you if I do say so myself."
Eragon smiled, thinking of Saphira "I can agree with that Master Baggins, thank you again"
"Don't thank me yet my boy, we still need to get you that map you need" Bilbo got to his feet and went to his study with his nephew and Eragon close behind him.
When he was handed the map, he unfolded it and took in the details. The map showed all of Middle-Earth, from the Shire to a place called Mordor. He knew they still had a long while until they had completely explored Middle - Earth and fine a decent place to settle in.
"Well isn't it late" heads turned to the window that showed the sky darkening.
"I should get going now." Eragon mumbled.
"Are you sure you won't stay for the night Eragon?, we have a guest room your size, it is dangerous to venture into the dark." Bilbo advised.
"I can defend myself Master Baggins, I am well on my own."
"Think about it though."
"Leave him alone uncle, you only want him around to impress everyone in the Shire in you birthday celebration tomorrow." Frodo said with a laugh.
"Hush now nephew! I have no such intentions." Bilbo huffed.
The ends of Eragon's mouth curled up slightly.
"We already have our wizard coming, no need to go overboard with an elf."
"A wizard?" Eragon blinked.
"Yes, he's an old friend, I'm sure he'll come." Bilbo said taking a seat and pulling out a pipe.
Now a wizard might help him. From what he had heard, they know a lot more about Middle-Earth and if Eragon did show his magic abilities, he wouldn't be alone in the matter. If his hunch was right, this old friend of Bilbo's could tell him about the dragon's here.
"If it really won't be an intrusion." he said faking a thoughtful look "Then maybe I can stay for one night."
"Of course it won't be!"
"If you need anything, just holler." Frodo said turning to face the door.
"I will."
When the door clicked shut, Eragon reached his mind and linked his with Saphira. He couldn't help but slightly be eager on knowing how she was fairing in the forest.
Saphira.
Little one, was the immediate reply.
Eragon smiled in relief. How are you? No one has spotted you right?
I am still in the forest, no one had seen me yet Eragon, I haven't seen anyone come into the forest.
That's good. I have decided to stay in Frodo and his uncle's house for the night until tomorrow, I heard a wizard was coming and thought he would have useful information for us.
A wizard? Very well.
Will you be alright?
I'm content with exploring the new landscape, just stay safe.
You know me, always safe, he said sarcasm dripping from his voice. He could feel his dragon rolling her eyes and scoffing.
Rest little one.
You too Saphira. Good night.
Good night Eragon.
Same thing. Comment my errors if there are any.
