The Baggins Manor was in a state of complete disarray. Sebastian gathered the employees of the house to give them the necessary instructions, first to order May and Hamfast to prepare about fifteen rooms for future guests, then he sent Andwise and Alfred to prepare the Banquet Room, while their father, Hobson, was busy lighting the lanterns along the driveway and in the garden. As for Sebastian himself, he rushed into the kitchen to prepare a feast worthy of the house of Baggins, using all available ingredients, and did not hesitate to cook recipes from his home world. Thus, he created a splendid dessert named Black Forest, a favourite of his master's, while also taking the time to prepare his master's meals, serving him elevenses, lunch, and afternoon tea as usual.
After his earlier encounter, Gandalf decided to change his strategy; he could not send the dwarves one by one, he had to bring them together so that they could all go together to the Manor. To do so, he decided to engrave a message on the door of Bag End, meaning that the meeting place had changed, and that they all had to wait for him in front of the Bag End door. That was how Dwalin discovered the message when he was the first to arrive, and cursed the Wizard. He was joined shortly by his brother Balin, as well as Kili and Fili. Much later, they were joined by the rest of the company, all intrigued by the change of plan. Gandalf counted the dwarves, and noticed without surprise that one was missing, and so they all decided to wait for him.
At Bindbole the preparations had been completed, and the servants wore their best outfits to welcome the guests. Bilbo was ready for the occasion, wearing a black tunic that was obviously sewn by his demonic butler, as well as a cloak. He had decided to impress his guests, because it was the first he received in his Manor. Indeed, Bilbo interacted directly with the outside world, preferring that to remaining cloistered in his mansion where he enjoyed all he could wish. His behaviour had become slightly asocial, although still smiling, Bilbo had become colder and crueller. He had not hesitated to execute bandits who had infiltrated his property, and he had ordered Sebastian to terrorize Lobelia after she had tried to seize Bag End.
(Here is Bilbo's current outfit and his eyes without the eye patch)
Many wondered why Bilbo had decided not to stay at Bag End, but a select few knew why. Bilbo simply could not bear to live in a place that had been occupied by his parents, people who had the joy of living, and their memory lingered in every corner of that smial. Instead, he decided to condemn Bag End, abandon it, swearing never to enter it again, but he kept it protected, a memorial, so that he would ever remember the pain that he had felt the loss of his parents.
Bilbo decided to wait for his guests in the music room; he knew how to play a number of instruments, including the harp and flute, but the piano and violin where his favourite. Each instrument had been crafted by Sebastian, and they were all of the highest quality. As the hours passed, Bilbo played the piano. It was at the twentieth hour precisely that Sebastian felt a presence near the gate, and he went to warn his master. "Young master, it seems that our guests have arrived. Should I go get them?" The butler asked, a smile on his face.
Bilbo turned to his faithful servant and nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, Bilbo was very excited. Sebastian then went to the portal.
The Company was finally joined by Thorin at Bag End some time later, and they all went together to Bindbole. Thorin was much surprised to learn that their burglar had changed address. This Master Baggut seemed to be different from the other hobbits, from what he had heard. He had heard rumours from the Green Dragon about their burglar. Some said he had become a ghost, living isolated in the forest with a strange man. Others said he was a wizard who had captured the Gamgee family with his strange powers. He decided that this gossip and hearsay was probably only just that, and refused to listen to more.
The Company arrived at the gate of the manor with great surprise, finding their way barred by a huge wrought iron gate. In the distance, they saw a butler arrive, walking along a paved path surrounded by lanterns. When the butler approached, Gandalf stepped forward to discuss with him.
"Hello again, Master Wizard. I see you have arrived with your extra guests. Please follow me." The butler said, opening the door wide.
Gandalf respectfully bowed his head before passing through the gate, followed immediately by the dwarves, some still shocked by the butler. Indeed, Dori could not help noticing Sebastian's costume, and being a tailor himself, he could only bow to such a masterpiece. He wanted to ask after the semesters of his suit. The other dwarves admired rather the gold and the ornaments of the costume, especially Nori who wanted to steal the pin he could see on Sebastian's coat.
"Before continuing, let me introduce myself. I am Sebastian Michaelis, Chief Butler of the House of Baggins. And I welcome you to the Baggins Manor." The butler bowed respectfully, still smiling.
The dwarves answered with a nod of the head. They probably did not go to a simple butler. Sebastian then led the ensemble up the path to the Manor, his guests just a little behind him. The closer they got to the Manor, the more they were surprised. They admired then the beauty of the garden, the topiaries carved in the form of animals. Bombur even pointed the finger at a huge topiary that had been cut into the shape of an Oliphant. Although the dwarves did not appreciate nature, they had to recognize the great art.
"Excuse me, did you cut those bushes?" Ori asked, appreciating the art.
Sebastian turned while continuing to walk.
"Precisely, master dwarf. I myself cut some of these topiaries. However, I am not the only one responsible. Our gardener, Mr Hobson is the one in charge of the garden, and therefore, of the topiary cut." Replied the butler.
"Topiary? These are not bushes?" Bofur asked.
"Topiaries are bushes made to be pruned, master dwarf." Then Sebastian smiles.
The dwarves asked no more questions, and after a few minutes they gasped when they saw the Manor. Even Gandalf could not help being surprised when he saw the huge building and its fountain.
"Tell me my dear, is this where my dear Bilbo lives?" The Wizard asked, still stunned by the beauty of the place.
"Indeed. My master is the owner of this place, and this in front of you is none other than the Baggins Manor."
The dwarves could not help wondering what kind of situation the old fool had pulled them in to. They had never seen a building with such architecture. Although they lived in the mountains, Thorin had to admit that the place was beautiful.
Surely, a burglar would not live here. He thought. Without knowing it, the other dwarves had thought exactly the same thing.
When the Company finally entered the mansion, they could only hold their breath as they entered the Hall. The floor was paved with marble, the walls covered in exquisite paintings with gold frames, and a huge crystal chandelier hung from the centre of the ceiling. At the back, a huge staircase branched off in opposite directions, each leading to a wing of the manor and away from the large, perfectly lit entrance hall. They then noticed five other butlers in front of the stairs, all dressed in black tailcoats. They were hobbits, four male and one female, and each of them inclined their heads respectfully as they passed, heading for the Banquet Room.
"Please wait here, I will return shortly." The butler explained before heading upstairs to fetch his master.
Meanwhile, the dwarves began to talk to each other.
"This place is wonderful!" Dori exclaimed, unable to keep his awe at bay.
"Yeah, I'm not saying the opposite. But you're sure we're in the right place? Perhaps, this is the wrong Baggins?" Dwalin asked, who stuck close to Nori, "I will beat you if you even think about stealing anything."
The thief turned abruptly, with a smirk.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to rob our host. That butler's… well, I don't trust him anyways."
At these words, most dwarves nodded. Meanwhile, Gandalf looked at the ceiling, as though there was nothing happening.
"Wizard! You told us that this Bilbo Baggins was a burglar. I do not think a burglar can afford such a place and housekeepers." Thorin noted angrily.
"Hm. Thorin is right. If this gentleman is so rich, I do not see why he would be a burglar." Balin added.
"We will see." Answered the old Wizard in a mysterious tone.
A few minutes later, Sebastian resumed his appearance, and cleared his throat.
"Let me introduce you to my master, Count Bilbo Baggins."
A Count?! Thought the dwarves.
At these words, Bilbo made his appearance, slowly descending the steps with his cane. He watched his guests while smiling politely.
"I wish you welcome to my Manor. I hope I did not make you wait too long." Said the master of the house.
"I thank you for this warm welcome, Master Baggins." Thorin responded to everyone's shock, and to Balin's greatest pride, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Thorin Oakenshield, head of this company." Then he pointed to his nephews, "Here are my nephews, Fili and Kili."
"I am honoured to have a prestigious guest under my roof. I hope that this humble abode will suit you, King under the mountain." Said the Hobbit, shocking every member of the Company, and Gandalf.
"You know who I am?" The dwarf replied.
Sebastian smiled slightly at this remark. He was proud enough that his master had learned all his lessons, and learned them well.
"Indeed, I know who you are. As a Lord, I owe it to myself to be cultivated, and as a result, I learned all the political and economic situations of Middle-earth. So, I know you are the rightful heir to the throne of Erebor, and that you are the current King of Ered Luin." Said the hobbit.
The dwarves looked at Bilbo from a new angle. They were all satisfied and even pleased to be recognized.
Following this, the other dwarves introduced themselves from the oldest to the youngest. The last to introduce himself was Gandalf.
"My dear Bilbo, it is wonderful to see you again." The old man said.
Bilbo looked at him, then he smiled.
"Indeed Gandalf, I'm happy to see you again. I have not seen you for years."
The dwarves reacted immediately to this remark.
"Years?" Exclaimed Gloin, "You told us that you saw him less than a month ago!"
The Wizard began to gaze at the ceiling again, while Bilbo hid his smile.
"I do not know what Gandalf told you, but it does not matter. It is time for dinner, and I have had the meal prepared." Then said the hobbit.
Sebastian then recognized the signal and invited them to follow him into the Banquet Hall. When they arrived in the room, the dwarves were overwhelmed by the size and the beauty of it. Almost everything was decorated with gold, be it chandeliers on the ceiling, the gilding that covered the walls, or even dishes. There was a large fireplace, with an equally imposing mirror above, and the dwarves could only remain speechless at the sight of such riches. It was then that they saw the huge table, covered with dishes, each one more extravagant than the last. Bilbo went to sit at the end of the table, with Thorin on his right and Gandalf on his left. Behind him, Sebastian whistled in a small whistle, which immediately gathered the other servants, who then began to fill the glasses of the guests and to fill their plates. In a short time, the dwarves began to throw food between them, which did not please Balin, Bilbo or Sebastian. The latter watched his master, seeming to wait for a mute order, and Bilbo nodded.
(Banquet hall)
Suddenly, Sebastian threw himself in the air, twirling and twirling, catching each piece of food before they could land, and not hesitating to use the silverware to pin the food on the table. The dwarves were stunned, and then began to applaud the butler.
"I beg you not to play with the food. You are in my master's house, and throwing food is most disrespectful." Exclaimed the butler.
At these words the dwarves lowered their heads, ashamed.
"Please accept our apologies, Master Baggins. We did not want to disrespect you in any way." Balin said, sending a glare at the other dwarves.
"It's quite alright, Master Balin. I am sure that you did not mean offence. However, I advise you to take into account the ways and habits of your hosts. An entirely different hobbit would surely have chased you from his house." Bilbo replied, with a cold look towards Bofur the dwarf who started the food fight. Bofur noticed it, and looked down at the ground, losing his smile. "Good. Tell me Gandalf, can I know the reason for your presence?"
At these words, the Wizard smiled.
"My dear Bilbo, if we are, it is for you to accompany during an adventure."
"An adventure?" Bilbo replied surprised, sending a curious glance at his butler, "And what kind of adventure is it?"
At these words Gandalf quickly explained the story of Erebor already known to Bilbo.
"I see. But if the entrance is sealed, how would you get in?" The hobbit asked.
At these words, the Wizard pulled a map out of his sleeve with a key.
"Where did you get this key?" Thorin asked, surprised.
"It was entrusted to me by your father. It will open the secret door as soon as we find it."
At these words, the dwarves began to smile.
"I see. And what is my role in this story?" Bilbo questioned.
"Well…" The Wizard hesitated slightly, then resumed, "We need a burglar to retrieve an item from the dragon's lair."
At these words, Bilbo began to smile, then he looked at Sebastian. The butler nodded.
"I'm in. However, my butler will accompany me."
It was then that Gandalf smiled, and the dwarves held their breath.
"Balin, give him the contract." Thorin said, and Balin handed the contract to Bilbo, who handed it directly to Sebastian.
The butler began to read the contract and whispered in Bilbo's ear. The hobbit started to blush with anger, then he smiled.
"Mr Balin, are you the one who drafted this contract?" The hobbit asked in a honeyed tone.
Balin puffed his chest proudly, nodding his head.
Shortly after, Sebastian threw the contract into the chimney, to the astonishment of the Company.
"In this case, you will be happy to rewrite a contract with my butler." Announced Bilbo in a tone without appeal.
The dwarves watched the hobbit mouth wide open, while Thorin blushed with anger.
"How dare you burn this contract? It was a property of the Company!" Shouted the dwarf.
It was Sebastian who answered.
"Are you saying, Master Thorin, that this worthless cloth was important? You see, the terms were abusive, and my master would have become your slave if he had signed this contract. I do not know dwarves, but I'm sure it's not very honourable."
At the mention of their honour, all the dwarves, without exception, lowered their heads shamefully.
"I want to forget this insult, provided that tomorrow morning a new contract is ready." Said Bilbo, "With that, I wish you a good night. My servants will show you your quarters."
Immediately after, Bilbo went to his room, while Balin followed Sebastian into the Library with Ori. The other members of the company were then taken to their rooms by Hamfast and Andwise.
"Something tells me that this trip is going to be very interesting." Bofur joked, and he was soon on the receiving end of one of Thorin's glares and amused glances from Bifur and Bombur. For his part, Gandalf wondered about Sebastian.
Who really is this Sebastian? And what happened to Bilbo's eye? He thought.
