There was the clip-clop of hooves and the rattling of a cart along the sunny lane. I glanced up from picking daisies on the grassy hillside for Bilbo's birthday party to see a stooped figure in grey driving a cart with a curly haired, blue-eyed hobbit seated happily beside him. It was the wizard Gandalf and Bilbo's nephew, Frodo Baggins. Smiling, I waved as they passed. Frodo returned the wave, grinning, while Gandalf tipped his big floppy hat in greeting. A trail of excited cheering children chased after the cart. Laughing, I watched them run past. It was always a pleasure to have Gandalf visit us in Hobbiton, he'd bring with him all these tales and news of the outside world. When I was young, I used to love listening to the stories he and Bilbo told, and even now, I never tired of hearing Bilbo describe his adventures with the dragon and trolls to the young hobbits. I sighed, remembering how much I'd longed to be a part of such adventures myself. One day... I wanted to see the elves, humans and dwarves, to see the ocean, and mountains, and -

"Day-dreaming about the world beyond the Shire again, Iris?"

I jumped. It was Rosie Cotton, one of my best friends. She tucked back a strand of her long curly red hair, smiling at me with amused forbearance. Among my friends, I was always talking about travelling, leaving the Shire one day to see the world. They all thought it was funny, but they'd long accepted it as one of my quirks.

"Gandalf the Grey just went past!" I exclaimed excitedly.

She nodded. "You have that look in your eyes again..."

I gave her a puzzled frown. "What look?" I asked innocently.

"You always get that look when you have those funny ideas again," she shook her head in mock reproach. "Especially when Gandalf visits..."

I shrugged, laughing. "I can't help it!" I smiled at her, "I can't wait for the party tonight! I hope Gandalf brought his fireworks!"

"Oh, and there'll be all that wonderful food, and music and dancing..." Rosie clasped her hands together excitedly.

"Sam will be there..." I teased her.

She clapped a hand over her mouth, giggling. "Oh, I know! And don't forget Frodo..." She added meaningfully.

I pretended not to hear. "I don't know what you're talking about. Frodo and I are just good friends."

"Oh don't say that. You two are so alike, forever talking about Gandalf and discussing the stories you've read. And he does keep dropping by your place."

"That's because he likes my mom's cooking!" I insisted.

She wagged her finger at me. "All right, you keep saying that, Iris Bracegirdle. But I know better." She winked at me.

Giggling, we went back to picking flowers in the warm summer sunshine.