Chapter 1
A Long-Expected Party
Frodo Baggins had been sitting in the East-Farthing Woods. Though it was his birthday, he preferred to be on his own, reading in the woods, a glade of grass in his mouth. It was a nice break from all the hustle and bustle in Hobbiton; hobbits constantly coming to visit him and his Uncle, the Sackville-Bagginses always questioning him, and the constant hobbit lasses always trying to court him.
His relatives seemed to think Bag End was filled with tunnels overflowing with gold. Frodo knew that wasn't true. Whoever lived in Bag End had an inheritance, and Frodo knew one day he would receive Bilbo's. This made him afraid of relationships. He wanted to marry someone he loved and had her love in return. He knew many of the lasses he spoke to were after Bilbo's money. He wondered if staying single was the better option.
"I hoped I would find you here." A sweet voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see May Gamgee standing a few feet away, hands behind her back, wearing a green and brown dress with a red apron.
"Hello, May." He replied, pulling the glade of grass out of his mouth. "What brings you here?"
"Well, Mama sent me, Sam, and Goldie to say happy birthday to you and Bilbo. You weren't there…Bilbo said he'd pass on the message, but I wanted to tell you in person." May explained.
"Thank you, May. I appreciate that." Frodo smiled and stood. "You could have told me at the party."
"I know." May replied. "But…I couldn't wait…" Her cheeks turned pink, and she started to rub her hands together. "Anyways, I'll leave you alone. I know you like the quiet."
"Actually, I enjoy your company." Frodo reassured. "Besides, I'm waiting for Gandalf. I'm sure you'd love to see him."
"Oh, only if that's all right." May said.
"Of course!" Frodo insisted.
Their conversation was interrupted when they heard a voice in the breeze, singing a familiar hobbit song.
"It's him!" May gasped.
"Come," Frodo took her hand and ran toward the direction of the voice. He was quite a fast runner, and May was worried about being able to keep up. However, the breeze flew through his tangled, dark-brown hair, and May found herself distracted by it.
May had to admit, she did like Frodo very much, but she knew her fantasies of him were unrealistic. He was a little older than her, and there were many hobbit lasses always doting on him. She didn't have a chance, so she kept her friendship with him strict.
They finally reached a pathway, coming across a large cart that took up the whole road, pulled by a large horse. The driver was a wizard, wearing a gray cloak, and a gray pointed hat.
Frodo let go of May's hand and crossed his arms. "You're late." He scolded the wizard. May nearly gasped at the statement. She was far too timid to speak to the wizard like that. She felt nervous when the wizard responded, and she stepped behind a tree.
"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins." He said, raising his head to reveal kind, blue eyes, and a long, gray beard. "Nor is he early." He continued. "He arrives precisely when he means to."
The hobbit and the wizard stayed silent for a moment. The wizard nodded his head sternly, as though proud to have made his point.
After a few moments, the wizard smiled and began to laugh, Frodo quickly joined in. Even his laugh made May's heart feel warm.
"It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!" Frodo cheered, jumping into the wagon and embracing the wizard. Gandalf returned the embrace.
"You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle's birthday?" Gandalf asked. May wanted to correct the wizard and remind him it was Frodo's birthday too, but she remembered Gandalf had known Bilbo for a long time and were close friends.
"And who is that behind the tree?" The grey wizard asked. May gasped and attempted to hide herself more. "Surely that isn't May Gamgee?"
May sighed and slowly stepped from behind the tree. "Hello Mr. Gandalf." She said softly.
"Hello, my dear!" Gandalf cheered. "Why don't you join us? I'm on my way to Bag Shot Row."
May hesitantly stepped onto the edge of the small cliff, unsure of how to get into the wagon. Frodo offered his hand and helped her in. She sat next to him as Gandalf urged his horse forward.
"So, how is the old rascal?" Gandalf asked. "I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence."
"You know Bilbo," Frodo replied. "He's got the whole place in an uproar."
"That should please him." Gandalf chuckled.
"Half the Shire's been invited. And the rest are all turning up anyway." Frodo added before all three chuckled.
After a short pause, Frodo spoke up again. "To tell you the truth…Bilbo's been a but odd lately… I mean… more than usual. He's taken to locking himself in his study. He spends hours and hours poring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking…He's up to something." He looked at Gandalf inquisitively. When the wizard didn't answer, Frodo smirked. "All right then, keep your secrets."
"Pardon?" Gandalf turned to him hastily, as though he had been lost in thought.
"But I know you have something to do with it." Frodo added.
"Good gracious, me?" Gandalf questioned.
"Before you came along, we Baggins were very well thought of." Frodo said.
"Indeed." Gandalf agreed.
"Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."
"If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved." Gandalf said. "All I did was…give your Uncle a little nudge out of the door."
"That's not how Mr. Bilbo tells the story." May countered.
"Whatever you did, you've been officially labeled 'A Disturber of the Peace.'" Frodo stated.
"Hm…" Gandalf's eyes widened, as though he never realized the name belonged to him. They drove past the home of Posco Baggins, who enjoyed raking the leaves in his front lawn. He glared up at the wizard as he watched him drive by. His wife, Gilly Brownlock was tending to her flowers.
May heard the familiar voices of the neighborhood children, calling Gandalf's name, asking about his fireworks. They gathered on the road behind the cart, still asking about his fireworks. They pouted when they didn't get a response from the wizard.
Frodo looked up at the wizard in question.
Suddenly, fireworks burst out from the back of the wagon. They children jumped and cheered. Posco began to laugh, while Gilly nudged him in disapproval. Frodo smiled at the gesture of Gandalf, knowing this was just the beginning of what was to come. May's heart felt warm again, but she tried to ignore it.
"Gandalf, I'm glad you're back." Frodo said before hopping off the wagon.
"So am I, dear boy!" Gandalf replied as Frodo helped May off the cart. "So am I," He whispered to himself as the two hobbits waved to him before taking off to the Gamgee's house. He was pleased to give May a ride home, otherwise he would suffer the wrath of Bell Gamgee.
~jb~
"There you are, May!" Bell stepped out onto the porch of the smial. "You need to get changed, you spent months working on that blue dress, don't waste it!"
"Yes, Mama." May obeyed, walking into the home.
"And young, Mr. Frodo! Get in here before your nosy relatives see you!"
Frodo obeyed Mrs. Gamgee. She and Hamfast Gamgee were perfect for each other. They were both authoritative. Ham Gamgee, or otherwise known as The Gaffer- thanks to Bell- owned The Ivy Bush, a small in on the Bywater Road. He even spoke with authority and had tended to the garden of Bag End for forty years. But he was getting old and stiff, so his youngest son, Samwise Gamgee took over tending the garden, as he seemed to enjoy gardening the most. His oldest daughter, Daisy Gamgee decided to run the inn, as his two eldest sons were finding their business elsewhere. Daisy loved the Ivy Bush, so it worked out for her.
Bell Gamgee owned a little corner store in Hobbiton. She sold books, candles, potholders, baked goods, and sweeties. She kept up working in her little store, as she still had much energy, and couldn't sit still to save her life, despite her age.
Ever since Bilbo had taken Frodo in, Bell also did her best to make sure he felt welcome. Her oldest sons, Hamson and Halfred were around his age, and they had been playmates long before Bilbo adopted Frodo. He was eight-years old when May was born, and Belle let him hold her. Halfred, who was seven at the time, complained that she was smelly and cried a lot. The memory of holding May was still vivid in Frodo's mind. He didn't have any siblings, and he was fascinated by May.
"Frodo, dear." Bell said, interrupting his thoughts. "Why don't you stay for a minute? I spotted those Sackville-Bagginses running amuck about the neighborhood, and I don't want them ruining your day. It's your birthday too, after all! Sit down, please! I have a treat for you. I made cupcakes for tonight. You should be the first to try them!"
Bell brought him a plate with a cupcake on it. By the smell, Frodo could tell it was chocolate. He smiled and tried it.
"It's great, as always Mrs. Gamgee." Frodo said.
"Well, go ahead and finish it." Bell insisted.
Bell was quite protective of Frodo, as though he were her own son. She didn't like the Sackville-Bagginses, particularly Lotho. He liked to pick on her children. He had stolen a doll from Marigold and was making her jump to get it back from him, that is, until May ran to him and kicked him in the leg, forcing him to let go of the doll. Once Marigold had run away, Lotho had grabbed May's hair. That's when Bell stormed out and slapped him on the cheek, warning him to never touch her children again.
"If you put your filthy hands on my children again, there will be greater consequences!" Bell scolded.
Lotho had complained to his parents, and when his father, Otho, tried to confront Bilbo and the Gaffer, the gardener shrugged and said, "I can either control the inn, or I can control my wife. The latter is impossible. Besides, I like her just as she is. But your son is lucky. Next time he touches my daughters, he'll have to go through me."
Needless to say, the Sackville-Bagginses never bothered the Gamgee's again.
Bell also insisted on giving Frodo a snack whenever he was visiting. She thought he was too thin for a hobbit, and insisted he put some more meat on his bones, otherwise he would starve.
Frodo happily finished his cupcake in the kitchen.
"Mama, what do you think?" May asked, walking into the kitchen. Her outfit for the party was made from blue and brown silks. She was wearing a white blouse with puffy, short sleeves. She was wearing a full, blue dress with a brown apron, tied with the bow in front. She had focused on the small details.
"You look lovely, darling!" Bell complimented.
"You made this?" Frodo gasped.
"Yes." May replied, blushing.
"That's amazing!"
"Yes, she's been working on it since June." Bell explained.
"I'm going to help Marigold with her dress." May said, turning to leave the kitchen.
"Good, dear, good!" Bell said before turning back to Frodo. "I'm glad you like the cupcakes. You may eat as many as you like at the party."
~jb~
Gandalf walked up to the round, green door. His mark was still embedded in the old wood. It seemed that Bilbo never bothered to repaint the door. The wizard tapped on the door with his staff.
"No thank you!" He heard Bilbo bellow from inside the hobbit hole. "We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations!"
"And how about very old friends?" Gandalf asked.
Bilbo opened the door and peered out. "Gandalf?" He asked softly.
"Bilbo Baggins." Gandalf said cheerfully before kneeling.
"My dear, Gandalf!" Bilbo shouted, rushing to embrace his friend.
"Good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old, I can't believe it!" Gandalf hugged Bilbo then put a hand on his shoulder. "You haven't aged a day…" Gandalf commented before the pair chuckled.
"Come on, come in!" Bilbo said, gesturing towards the house. Gandalf had to bend over to enter through the round door. He could barely stand up straight in the parlor.
"Welcome, welcome!" Bilbo said, closing the door behind them. He took Gandalf's hat and staff. "Tea? Or how about something stronger?" He hung up the hat and placed the staff gently by the wall. "I've got a few bottles in the old vineyard left. 1296. Very good year- almost as old as I am!" He rushed down the hall. "It was laid down by my father! Let's say we open one, eh?"
"Just tea, thank you." Gandalf responded before running into the chandelier in the parlor. He ducked and steadied the hanging décor. He turned to the hallway, hitting his head on the ceiling. He laughed at himself and ducked, walking through the hallway and into the dining room. He glanced down at the table, seeing the old map of the Misty Mountains. A wave of nostalgia hit him, and he almost forgot Bilbo was still talking to him.
"I can make you some eggs if you'd like-" Bilbo offered, walking into the dining room with a plate of cheese, only to find that Gandalf had disappeared. "Gandalf?"
"Just tea, thank you." Gandalf replied, appearing in the kitchen behind Bilbo.
Bilbo jumped but then smiled. "Oh right." He said, picking up a piece of cheese. "You don't mind if I eat, do you?"
"Oh no, no! Not at all!" Gandalf replied.
"Bilbo?!" A harsh knock came from the door, making him jump and lean against his wall, away from the window. "Bilbo Baggins!"
"I'm not at home!" Bilbo hissed, looking at Gandalf. He crept toward the window and peeked out. "It's the Sackville-Bagginses!"
"I know you're in there!"
"They're after the house," Bilbo explained as he rushed back to the kitchen. "They've never forgiven me for living this long! I've got to get away from these confounding relatives hanging on the bell, they've never given me a moment's peace!" He lowered his voice and turned to his friend. "I want to see mountains again. Mountains, Gandalf! And find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book…oh, tea!" He rushed to the fireplace, lifting the pot, and pouring the water into a teapot. Gandalf lifted the lid.
"Thank you." Bilbo said.
"So, you mean to go through with your plan?" Gandalf asked.
"Yes, yes. All the arrangements are made." Bilbo replied, setting the tea into the teapot.
"Frodo suspects something." Gandalf informed.
"Of course, he does." Bilbo replied. "He's a Baggins. Not some block headed little Presco from Hardbottle."
"You will tell him, won't you?" Gandalf asked.
"Yes, yes!" Bilbo waved.
"He's very fond of you."
Bilbo's eyes darkened. "I know, I know…he'd probably come with me if I asked him." The old hobbit turned to the window. "But I think in his heart, Frodo is still in love with the Shire…the woods, the fields…the little rivers…I think he's even in love with May Gamgee…every time he sees her, he's absolutely smitten, just like his father was whenever he saw Primula…" He turned back to the wizard. "I'm old, Gandalf. I know I don't look it, but I can feel it in my heart…" He placed a hand on the pocket of his vest, before sitting down at the kitchen table with Gandalf. "I feel…thin…sort of…stretched like…butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday. A very long holiday. And I don't expect I should return…in fact I mean not to."
As the sun began to set, Frodo returned to change for the party. Bilbo and Gandalf sat on the front porch, smoking their pipes.
"Old tow-weed. The finest weed in the South Farthing." Bilbo said before blowing a smoke ring. Gandalf huffed his own cloud of smoke, forming it into a ship that flew through Bilbo's smoke ring. Bilbo gasped in awe.
"Gandalf, my old friend, this will be a night to remember."
~jb~
Fireworks flew through the air as the cheerful music played. A group of hobbits brought a large cake with one hundred and eleven candles. Frodo was dancing cheerfully, not seeming to notice a group of hobbit lasses watched and attempted to join him. Bilbo had been walking around, welcoming his guests.
Frodo decided to take a break from dancing and sat with Samwise Gamgee. The shy hobbit had seen Rosie Cotton dancing confidently.
"Go on, Sam!" Frodo encouraged. "Ask Rosie for a dance!"
"Um…" Sam hesitated and stood to walk away. "I think I'll just have another ale…"
"Oh no you don't!" Frodo said, grabbing Sam's shoulders and turning him to where the hobbits were dancing. "Go on!" He insisted, shoving Sam toward Rosie. She seemed to want to dance with Sam as well. She immediately embraced him and the two danced. Frodo laughed.
"Well, Mr. Frodo." Daisy said, walking up to the hobbit. "I see you're still playing match-maker."
"Hello Daisy!" Frodo replied. "How's the inn?"
"It's running smoothly." Daisy replied. "How have you been?"
"I've been great!"
"Can you believe you're now thirty-three?" Daisy said. "No longer a faunt!"
"Well, you're still a faunt and running an inn." Frodo returned. "I can't say I've heard of anything more impressive."
"You flatter me, Frodo." Daisy said. "Has Lotho bothered you at all?"
"No,"
"Good." Daisy said. "He and that Richard Grubb have been floating around May. I think Richard likes her, but he's an idiot."
"I agree." Frodo said quickly.
"I know May has a hot temper, but she's not scary."
"What do you mean?"
"No one has asked her to dance." Daisy said.
Frodo's heart sank at that. "Why? She worked so hard on that beautiful dress?"
"I honestly don't know." Daisy rolled her eyes. "I always tell her boys are stupid."
"Except for that Vigo Brockhouse from Loamsdown." Frodo smirked.
"Mr. Frodo!" Daisy snapped, smacking his arm.
"You should ask him to dance." Frodo continued.
"No…I'm out of his league." Daisy sighed.
"I know a good-looking couple when I see one." Frodo reassured. "Take Sam and Rosie for example."
Daisy smiled. "All right, Matchmaker Baggins. I'll go talk to him." She stood and walked away.
Frodo stood and looked around for May.
May was watching the hobbits dance, feeling unsure of what to do. She felt a little awkward being there, despite being invited.
"Well, well, if it isn't May Gamgee." Lotho Sackville-Baggins said, approaching her.
"If it isn't Sack-Vile." May countered. "What do you want?"
"Relax, I'm just being the wing-man for my friend here." Lotho gestured to Richard Grubb.
"Hello May… are you enjoying the party?" Richard asked.
"I am." May replied. "It's quite exciting. Eleventy-one and thirty-three. That's a pretty big deal."
"What's it like living next to Bag End?" Richard pressed.
"Number 3 is a lovely home, thanks to my folks." May replied. "And Bilbo is very kind to us. He taught me how to read."
"And what of Frodo?" Richard asked. "Old Noakes says he's more than half a Brandybuck. He's quite odd."
"Old Noakes likes to indulge himself in rumors." May said. "But no, Mr. Frodo is not odd! He's perfectly normal to me. More than I can say about either of you."
The two hobbits looked stunned by May's words. Before they could respond, May continued. "Mr. Frodo is a nice hobbit as you could wish to meet. Very much like Mr. Bilbo- and not just in looks. My Old Gaffer says his father was a decent respectable hobbit."
"Respectable?" Lotho snorted. "What respectable hobbit would drown his own wife?"
"Drown?" Richard questioned.
"Well, Mr. Baggins took his wife out boating on the Brandywine River. They say he pushed her in, and she pulled him down with her." Lotho explained.
"Rubbish!" May snapped. "It was clearly an accident!"
"Forgive my friend." Richard cut in. "My friend here also indulges in rumors."
"Clearly." May rolled her eyes.
"Well, they should've kept Frodo at the Brandyhall. He would've been with his own kind." Lotho said.
"Fight me!" May snapped again, squaring up at the older hobbit.
"Um…I'd prefer not to…" Lotho admitted, seeming to regret angering May.
"Are you afraid of my mother?" May asked.
Lotho was quiet and finally sighed. "Yes. Let's go Richard."
"But…I didn't…"
"Doesn't matter. You don't want to meet her mother."
May watched the pair walk away, probably to go bother someone else.
"That was impressive." Frodo said, appearing behind May, making her jump.
"Mr. Frodo, you startled me!"
"Thank you, by the way." Frodo continued. "For standing up for my parents, and for me. I didn't know you thought so highly of me."
"W-well…my whole family does!" May defended. Frodo could see through the dim lighting that her cheeks were turning pink. "Sam, Goldie, and I look up to you! And Mr. Bilbo is kind to us."
"Well, thank you May." Frodo said. "I was wondering if you'd like to dance."
"Wh-what?" May gasped, pink cheeks now turning red. "I- I couldn't!"
"You worked so hard on your dress. Your mother said not to waste it."
"It's not that, I just… I don't know if you'd want other respectable hobbits to see us dancing…"
"What do you mean?" Frodo asked. "I don't care what my relatives thinks. Besides, I'm already asking a respectable hobbit to dance."
May thought her whole face would turn red. "Wh-what? I-I'm not…ugh, fine. We can dance…"
"Great!" Frodo cheered, leading her to the dance floor. May couldn't help but smile at his excitement.
As the two danced, Bilbo was telling a story to a group of children.
"So, there I was, amongst three, monstrous trolls! And they were all arguing amongst themselves, whether to turn on a spit, or whether should sit on us one by one, and squash us into jelly! They were so busy arguing that the sun's light crept from the top of the trees- poof! And turned them all into stone!"
Estella Bolger smiled as she watched the old hobbit.
"Estella, why don't you dance with someone?" Fredegar, her older brother asked.
"I don't know who to ask, Fatty." Estella replied. "Besides, Bilbo's story is much more interesting.
"What about Mr. Meriadoc?" Fatty asked. "He's a handsome fellow."
"Yes, but he's also arrogant." Estella rolled her eyes. Fatty laughed.
"If you think so." He chuckled.
Estella turned her attention back to Bilbo. She felt someone stand next to her. She turned to see her friend, Diamond of Longcleave.
"No, Peregrin Took!" She snapped, grabbing Estella's arm, as though she were her last report of protection. "I will not dance with you!"
"I wasn't going to ask you to dance." Peregrin reassured. "But we can after if you want."
"No, I don't want to get involved with your schemes!" Diamond argued. "You're always getting into trouble!"
"What's going on?" Estella asked Diamond.
"This Took keeps bugging me!" Diamond replied.
"Well, we're just wanting to make this party more interesting." Meriadoc Brandybuck said, walking up to the three, eating an apple.
"More interesting?" Estella laughed. "Like you could make this party more interesting! Besides, we have everything we need; food, music, fireworks!"
"But not enough fireworks," Merry countered. "You ladies care to help us?"
"I don't think that's a good idea…" Diamond said.
"I agree with Diamond." Estella replied. "I don't want to mess with Gandalf's fireworks."
"Why not?" Merry asked. "Are you scared?"
Estella wished she was more like May Gamgee; she would have loved to punch Merry in that stupid, button nose of his.
"No, I'm not." Estella said. "I'm just smart."
"Well, we need your smarts to get a firework." Merry said. "Unless you're not smart enough."
Estella gritted her teeth. Meriadoc Brandybuck knew just how to push her buttons.
"Fine, I'll help you idiots." Estella caved.
"No, Ella! You were my last hope!" Diamond cried out.
"It'll be fine, Diamond."
"I was playing the violin!"
"You can play the violin after." Estella reassured.
After the story was done, the children wanted to see more of Gandalf's fireworks. Gandalf was giggling from excitement. He rushed to his cart and pulled out a few smaller fireworks. Once he had walked away, Merry peered from behind the cart. He tapped the tent next to it and Pippin, Diamond, and Estella appeared.
Merry and Pippin helped Estella into the cart before Pippin hopped in himself.
"Which one?" Estella asked.
"A big one." Merry said. He looked over at Gandalf, who had just released the small fireworks. Glittering butterflies fluttered through the air. The children ran around, attempting to catch them.
Pippin held up a firework to show Merry.
"No, no! The big one! Big one!" Merry hissed.
Estella grabbed something she knew would be large. It was a red firework shaped like a dragon. She hopped off the cart, while Merry looked at her in awe, impressed by her choice. Pippin and Diamond rushed after her, hiding in a nearby tent. Merry slowly followed, finishing his apple.
"Mrs. Presco, nice to see you!" Bilbo greeted the hobbitess as her children all rushed past him. "Are all these children yours?" He asked.
"Yes," Mrs. Presco nodded, holding her youngest daughter.
"Good gracious, you have been productive!" Bilbo said, clearing his throat, even though he knew it was normal for most hobbits to have large families- even his gardener had six children.
Mrs. Presco nodded and laughed before following her children, making sure they wouldn't eat too many sweeties.
"Bilbo! Bilbo!" Bilbo's ear twitched, as he heard the familiar voice of Lobelia. Frodo had approached Bilbo, ready to tell him he had just danced with May, but the look of fear in Bilbo's eyes stopped him.
"S-sackville-Bagginses!" He said. "Quickly, hide!"
Frodo led him to a tent and they stayed still, hiding their faces from the scowl of Lobelia and Otho. Once they had walked away, Bilbo sighed in relief. "Thank you, my boy…You're a good lad, Frodo." He paused before continuing. "I'm very selfish, you know…yes I am! I'm very selfish." He said sternly when he had seen the look of disagreement on Frodo's face. "I don't know why I took you in after your mother and father died, but it wasn't out of charity. I think it was because…of all my numerous relations, you were the one Baggins who showed true spirit."
"Bilbo, have you been at the Gaffer's Old Brew?" Frodo asked.
"No!" Bilbo replied. "Well…yes, but that's not the point! The point is Frodo…you'll be all right." Bilbo went quiet and grabbed a mug of ale.
"Done!" Pippin announced after he had lit the firework.
"You're supposed to supposed to stick it in the ground!" Estella snapped at him, pushing the firework toward him.
"It is in the ground!" Pippin said, pushing it towards Merry.
"She means outside the tent!" Merry hissed, pushing it towards Diamond.
"Don't push it towards me!" Diamond yelled, pushing it towards Pippin.
"It was Merry's idea!" Pippin said before the firework went off, lifting the tent off the ground with it. The four hobbits all screamed and fell on their backs, watching as the firework flew into the night sky. The hobbits all noticed and cheered. Suddenly, as the tent burned away, the fire sprouted wings, and turned back toward the party. Smaug!
The hobbits gasped and began to run for cover.
Frodo spotted the dragon and turned to his uncle. "Bilbo? Bilbo! Watch out of the dragon!"
"Dragon?" Bilbo asked, oblivious to the danger behind him. "Nonsense! There hasn't been a dragon in these parts for thousands of years-"
Frodo pulled his uncle to the ground, just as the dragon was flying over the hobbits' heads. They all looked up as it flew over the lake. It erupted into a beautiful display of lights.
The hobbits all smiled in awe, and Bilbo and Frodo laughed.
"That was good!" Pippin said.
"Let's get another one!" Merry agreed.
"No." Estella said sternly. "I've had enough for one evening, and I'm covered in ashes!"
"That was scary!" Diamond added.
Suddenly, Gandalf appeared behind Merry and Pippin, grabbing at their ears and looking down disapprovingly.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck. And Peregrin Took. I might have known."
"Well, it was nice knowing you!" Estella waved.
"Hold on, ladies!" Gandalf said. "I know you two were involved in this."
"Blasted ash!" Estella grumbled.
"We're sorry, Mr. Gandalf!" Diamond said. "Don't turn us into toads! Please!"
"Toads?!" Gandalf looked appalled. "Of course not! I have a better use for you four!"
Pippin and Diamond were scrubbing dishes, while Merry and Estella were organizing the clean and dry ones.
"Put the larger ones on the bottom." Estella said.
"Why?"
"Because it's common sense, Meriadoc!" Estella snapped while Pippin and Diamond started splashing each other with soapy water. "Cut that out you two!"
"He started it!" Diamond argued.
"I don't care who started it, I'll finish it!" Estella replied. Then paused and turned back to drying her dishes. "I think I'm turning into May Gamgee…"
She was pulled from her thoughts as the crowd began to sing a birthday song to Bilbo. They clapped and asked Bilbo to stand and give a speech. Bilbo stood on the stage under the Party Tree. "My dear Bagginses and Boffins!" He declared as they families cheered. "Tooks, and Brandybucks! Grubbs and Chubbs! Burrowses! Hornblowers! Bolgers! Bracegirdles! Goodbodies, Brockhouses and Proudfoots!"
"ProudFEET!" Mr. Odo Proudfoot yelled. He was May's healing mentor, and he was a skilled physician. His feet were large, exceptionally furry, and both were resting on the table. The crowd laughed before Bilbo continued.
"Today is my one-hundred and eleventh birthday!"
"Happy birthday!" The hobbits cheered.
"But alas, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits." Bilbo continued, looking towards the Gamgee's. They were all sitting by, or near Frodo. Bilbo turned back to the crowd. "I don't know half of you as well as I should like. And I like less than half of you as half as well as you deserve."
The crowd was silent for a moment, taking in what Bilbo had to say.
"I…I have things to do." He lowered his voice. "I've put this off for far too long…" He whispered so low Frodo could barely hear him. "I regret to announce that this is the end. I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell." He continued before making eye-contact with Frodo. "Goodbye." He said before vanishing into thin air.
The hobbits gasped, not sure what to make of it. They all began to scramble, some looking for Bilbo, others scratching their heads. Some even became furious. What kind of joke was this? Odo Proudfoot rose from his chair and stamped his foot, May rushing over to him to see if he was all right. The Sackville-Bagginses left in a huff.
Bilbo however, escaped back to Bag End. He was laughing merrily to himself as he walked into his house and took his magic ring off. He placed the ring onto the mantle of the fireplace. Then he walked around his house, packing for the journey ahead of him. Once he had made his way back into the sitting room, he was surprised to find Gandalf standing by the fireplace.
"I suppose you think that was terribly clever." He stated, making Bilbo jump.
"Come on, Gandalf," Bilbo rolled his eyes and continue to gather supplies. "Did you see their faces?"
"There are many magic rings in this world, Bilbo Baggins, and none of them should be used lightly." Gandalf scolded.
"It was just a bit of fun!" Bilbo argued, before sighing in defeat. "Oh, you're probably right, as usual." He reached for his pipe, then turned back to Gandalf. "You will keep an eye on Frodo, will you?"
"Two eyes." Gandalf promised. "As often as I can spare them."
"I'm leaving everything to him."
"What about this ring of yours, is that staying too?" Gandalf asked.
"Yes, yes," Bilbo replied. "Over there on the mantle piece…no wait…" He paused, reaching for his vest. "It's…here in my pocket…" He pulled out the ring and held it in his fingers, examining it closely. "Isn't that…isn't that odd now? Yes…after all why not? Why shouldn't I keep it?"
"I think you need to leave the ring behind, Bilbo." Gandalf suggested. Bilbo turned sharply and glared at him. "Is that so hard?"
"Well, no…" Bilbo replied. "And yes…" He whispered, turning his attention back to the ring. "Come to think of it…I don't feel like parting with it. It's mine, I found it! It came to me!" He raised his voice.
"There's no need to get angry." Gandalf said gently.
"If I am angry, it's your fault!" Bilbo snapped, not fully turning to Gandalf. It was as though he was afraid to take his eyes off the ring. "It's mine…" He whispered. "My own…my precioussss."
"Precious?" Gandalf repeated, his voice filled with concern. "It's been called that before, but not by you."
Bilbo hissed and turned back to Gandalf. "This business is none of yours! What I do is my own thing!"
"I think you've had that ring long enough." Gandalf replied, trying to keep his voice low.
"You want it for yourself!" Bilbo accused.
"Bilbo Baggins!" Gandalf snapped, unleashing the magic that came from his temper. A dark shadow fell over the sitting room of Bag End. Bilbo had only seen this happen once. "Do not take me as some conjurer of cheap-skates! I am not trying to rob you!" He said, taking a minute to let his temper die down. "I'm trying to help you." He said, his gentle nature returning.
Bilbo seemed to snap out of the trance he was in. He rushed to embrace his friend, apologizing for his behavior.
"All your long years, we've been friends. Trust me as you once did." Gandalf said, placing a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "Let it go."
"You're right, Gandalf." Bilbo replied. "The ring must go to Frodo." He gathered his bearings. He went to leave out the front door.
"Bilbo." Gandalf said, stopping the old hobbit in his tracks. "The ring is still in your pocket."
"Oh, right…" Bilbo said, taking the ring out of his pocket. He held the ring in his palm, slowly turning it to the ground. He seemed pained to let it go, but it eventually fell to the floor of the parlor.
Bilbo hesitated, but he turned and walked out the door. As he stood on the porch, he took a deep breath, taking in the fresh, night air. "I thought of an ending for my book." Bilbo said as Gandalf stepped out of the smial. He turned to the wizard. "And he lived happily ever after, to the end of his days."
"And I'm sure you will." Gandalf said, kneeling to shake Bilbo's hand. "So long, old friend." He winked.
"Farewell." Bilbo replied. He then turned to the path and walked off, singing a hobbit song.
"Until we meet again." Gandalf whispered. He stood and walked back into the smial. He looked at the ring on the ground. He slowly bent down to touch it, but a vision of fire stopped him. He stood and sat by the fireplace, not daring to touch the ring.
He thought of what Bilbo said, and it troubled him greatly. "Riddles in the Dark." He muttered. "Precious…"
"Bilbo!" He heard a cheerful voice walk into the smial. "Bilbo…" Frodo Baggins had rushed in, then paused at the ring on the ground. He slowly picked it up and examined it. "He's gone, hasn't he?" When Gandalf didn't reply, Frodo walked toward him. "He spoke so long about leaving, but I didn't think he'd actually do it…Gandalf?"
Gandalf slowly turned to Frodo, spotting the ring in his hand. "Bilbo's ring…" He said. "He's gone to stay with the elves. He's left you Bag End." He held out an envelope to Frodo, who slowly put it in. "Along with all of his possessions." Gandalf continued, placing a wax stamp on the envelope. "The ring is yours now." He handed it back to Frodo. "Put it somewhere out of sight." He stood and began to gather his things.
"Where are you going?" Frodo asked.
"There are things that I must see to." Gandalf replied.
"What things?"
"Questions. Questions that need answering!"
"But you've only just arrived! I don't understand!"
Gandalf paused at the front door and hesitated. He turned back to Frodo. "Neither do I." He leaned and whispered to the young hobbit. "Keep it secret, keep it safe." He turned and left the smial. Frodo stood, looking at the envelope in his hand, unsure what to do. He decided to keep it in Belladonna Took's glory box, hoping to just forget about it.
He didn't see Gandalf for a while.