Bilbo stood outside his house, pipe in hand enjoying the spring weather. The sound of fautlings running around playing could be heard and the smell of fresh baked goods drifted into his nose. Yes Bilbo though today will be a good day.
Just then Bilbo's nostrils were assaulted by his own pipe smoke, sending him into a coughing fit.
"what the...?"
It was only then that Bilbo noticed a shadow looming over him. It was a man dressed in grey, with a long beard, a staff and a tall hat. Something about this man seemed familiar to Bilbo.
"Good morning" Bilbo said remembering his manners
"What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you fell good this morning; or that this is a morning to be good on?" the old man replied
Bilbo knew that there was only one person who spoke like that but decided to play his game anyway. Smirking to himself he replied
"All of them at once I suppose. Can I help you?"
"That remains to be seen"
Bilbo did not like the tone in his voice.
"Well if its help your looking for I suppose I could spare a few moments" Bilbo said and with a coy smirk he continued "after all its not every day that Gandalf the wondering wizard with his amazing fireworks comes around to visit." He smiled even further when Gandalf's face changed to a surprised look.
"Ah! And there I was thinking you did not recognise me" Gandalf said sounding pleased that Bilbo had not forgotten him.
"You were a friend of my mother's I would never forget you. Now what is it you need help with?" Bilbo asked
"I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure"
'An adventure?' Bilbo though he had not been on an adventure since...well since his parents died during the fell winter. His heart had not giving up on the prospect of going out into the world again, but his sensibility had won over the years and he stayed at home. But what adventure could Gandalf have in mind? He decided to hear him out.
"An adventure? What kind of adventure?" He asked trying to sound more interested rather than scared.
"It will be a life changing adventure, one fraught with danger and excitement." Gandalf replied
'Danger!' Bilbo did not like the sound of that. He shifted on his hooves nervously as Gandalf continued.
"Bilbo I think we should discuss this further over dinner tonight I shall inform the others"
"Others? Gandalf I don't think I want to go on an adventure" Bilbo protested
"I understand the reason why you would not want to go but maybe you will change your mind after we talk about it tonight. Now I must be off. Oh! and Bilbo make sure you have enough food and drink for thirteen people, alone with a place to sleep for the night."
And with that he was gone. Bilbo stood there in a mild state of shock. Thirteen people! Where would they all fit and what kind of food should he prepare. Well he had better get started by making a trip to the market and buying a wide variety of foods and then move his furniture around so everyone would fit.