DISCLAIMER: again! I own nothing! Nada! Zilch!
: : A Long Expected Birthday Party: :
56 years later . . . The Shire.
Hobbits are overlooked most of the time, since they only reach about three or four feet in height. Some hobbits are even shorter than most dwarves. These creatures enjoy life as much as anyone and find pleasure in the simple things. Halflings, as they are sometimes called, closely resemble humans except for their exceptionally large feet and pointed ears.
But when it comes to parties, hobbits know how to make one long expected party worth while . . .
----
A bright, blue-eyed hobbit leaned casually against a tree with a book propped up on his knees. His pointed ears suddenly twitched as a hauntingly beautiful song drifted through the trees.
It was a woman's voice, followed by a male harmony.
He jumped to his feet and smiled. The hobbit raced through the woods towards the path where the two voices came from.
The boy broke through the trees and confronted a horse and cart. He crossed his arms at the two figures sitting calmly in the wagon. The woman of the two sat on the back of the cart and the male—a wizened old man—led the chestnut mare in the front.
"You two are late, you know that?" the hobbit said defiantly.
"A wizard is never later, Frodo Baggins," the old man replied, "Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to!" he gestured to the girl in the back, "Now she might be late at times, but I most certainly am not!"
The three of them stared at one another sternly. Then, on each of their faces, a smile began to form.
In one cheerful cry, they all burst into laughter. Frodo leapt onto the cart into a full embracing hug.
"It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!" he turned to the girl in the back, "And you, Kaye!"
Kaye smiled and ruffled his curly brown hair, "You don't think we'd miss your uncle Bilbo's birthday, did you?" she laughed and flipped a strand of her hair out of her midnight blue eyes.
As the cart lurched forward, Frodo placed himself on the seat next to Gandalf. They smiled and laughed as they rattled through the rolling hills of the Shire. Oh how it felt good to be home again!
"So tell me everything about the outside world!" the hobbit asked excitedly.
"Everything?" Gandalf repeated.
"You're pretty curious for a young hobbit, Frodo?" Kaye laughed, "I though I told you everything in my letters!"
He laughed nervously, "Well I sort of lost them . . ." he rubbed his neck awkwardly.
"Let's hope you don't lose something important one of these days!" she told him, pretending to be scornful.
"So how's the old rascal, your uncle Bilbo?" the wizard asked as he turned the horse and cart around a corner, "I hear it's going to be a party of great remembrance!"
Frodo shook his head, smiling, "You know Bilbo; half the Shire's been invited, and those who weren't are showing up anyway."
"Oh really . . ." Gandalf said absentmindedly.
The hobbit's expression turned suddenly grave, "Lately he's been pouring over old books and maps . . . he's up to something . . ."
Kaye and Gandalf froze for a moment. Frodo noticed this and eyed the two of them suspiciously; trying to find out what they were hiding. But they tried to avoid his gaze.
"Fine then," he said at last, "You two can keep your secrets. But I know you had something to do with it," he said towards Gandalf.
The wizard turned the cart onto the bridge, "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved . . . all I did was, give your uncle a little nudge out of the door . . ."
"Well whatever you did; you've been officially labeled a disturber of the peace," Frodo put simply.
And indeed as the wagon rolled down the country road, several hobbits stopped and eyed the wizard suspiciously over the hoods of their eyes. Gandalf looked away abruptly and continued down the path. From the back, Kaye giggled slightly at the sight of the wizard's discomfort.
Then, as if they were magnets, several hobbit children drew away from their games and found fun in following the cart (which had been filled to the brim with fireworks). A disappointed moan rippled around the children when the wizard did not acknowledge them.
"Come on Gandalf!" Kaye pleaded in a whisper.
A cheerful cry followed them as a showcase of tiny fireworks went off in the back of the cart. The tiny hobbits chased the dancing lights until they faded away and the cart continued on.
Then, Frodo stood and hung on the post of the wagon, "Gandalf . . . Kaye, I'm glad you're back," he smiled and hopped off of the cart, back into the woods.
When he had disappeared from sight, the young girl moved into the seat next to the wizard.
"I feel weird not telling him, Gandalf," Kaye murmured sadly and discretely covered her right hand.
Gandalf patted her shoulder gently, "He does not need to know," he looked around the peaceful village they were passing through, "And neither do any of these creatures. Kaye, this is a secret no one must know . . . especially those we can't trust."
The girl nodded sadly and looked off towards the many hobbits farming in the fields. They were coming up on the fields of Hobbiton and even as they rose over a hill, the Green Dragon came into view. There were houses built into the emerald green hills, but most of them were deserted as many of the hobbits had been getting ready for Bilbo's party. As they neared the party, hobbits could be seen carrying cakes, kegs, and banners towards the party grounds.
Gandalf pulled the horse in front of a large hobbit hole; one with the name of Bag End.
"Now," the wizard said as he jumped off the wagon and helped Kaye down, "Why don't you go find Frodo; I need to speak with Bilbo for just a little bit . . ."
Kaye nodded and without saying a word, began walking slowly back along the road.
The wizard shook his head and wearily used his staff to help him up the stairs to the home of his old friend . . .
Kaye's PoV
It was so nice to be home again! The noises the smells, the people . . . it was like heaven compared to the dusty roads of the world beyond the Shire. But oh, how I longed for the life I had before I left; before I was given my destiny. I listened to the cheerful drumming of the music and watched silently at the swirl of dancers.
I tightened the gloved on my hand, 'No one needs to know . . .'
Gandalf was right, but how was I to lie to my friends?
"Kaye!"
I jumped as Frodo called out my name. The hobbit had found his way out of a group of dancers. His face was flushed and he wore a large smile on his face. The dim candle lighting had no effect, however, on his large, blue eyes.
"Are you having fun?" he asked breathlessly.
Trying to be enthusiastic, I nodded, "Yeah,"
"You haven't seen Bilbo around, have you?" he pondered while looking around.
I looked with him, "Oh, I think I see him over there," I laughed, "Looks like he's telling those children his stories again."
Frodo laughed too, "I hope he doesn't scare them too much! Remember last time? Those kids couldn't sleep for a week!" he looked around at the many party goers. He stopped when he noticed a lone hobbit sitting at a table. He went to sit next him and I followed.
"Aw, Sam, why don't you ask Rosie for a dance?" Frodo insisted.
"Yeah, Sam," I added, nudging him jokingly in the shoulder, "If I had to dance with that ass, Sandyman, you can surely find the courage to dance with Rosie Cotton!"
The stouter hobbit shook his head, "I'll think I'll just get another tankard of ale . . ." he said beginning to stand, but Frodo and I stopped him.
"Oh no you don't!" he both said in unison and pushed him into the crowd of dancers. As if on cue, both Rosie and Sam connected and began to dance with one another around the field. The two of us laughed as the gardener stumbled over himself.
Frodo then turned back to the table and lifted a tankard of ale in my direction.
"Cheers!" he cried joyfully.
Laughing, I lifted my own glass, "Cheers!"
The mugs clanked together, but I did not drink from mine . . . something felt odd . . .
"I'm going to go find Gandalf . . . I'll see you later, Frodo . . ." I said over my shoulder as I made my way through the crowd.
It didn't take long for me to find the wizard looming over the tiny Halflings. But he sat beside a large pile of dishes where two scorched- faced hobbits stood scrubbing plates. I noticed the trouble-makers as Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took; they had obviously gotten into the wizard's stash of fireworks.
"Gandalf . . ." I murmured as I stood before him, "Something doesn't---."
"Speech!"
I wasn't able to finish as the crowd began to burst out into cheers as Bilbo made his way to the Party Tree. There was suddenly a painful throbbing in my chest. I looked down and noticed a faint whitish glow beneath my glove.
"You can tell me later Kaye--."
"But Gandalf!"
But Bilbo was already listing off the names of all those at the party. Cheers went up, but I could not help but feel a chill run down my spine.
". . .I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve . . ."
A murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd, but Bilbo stayed calm—at least he looked like it.
Another painful thump pounded through my chest as the elder hobbit placed his hand in his pocket. I clutched my heart slightly.
"I regret to inform you that this . . ."
What was he saying? The horrible pounding in my ears made it impossible to figure out his voice. Gods, what was wrong with me?
Suddenly, the old hobbit vanished into thin air. Searing pain ripped through me as my heart beat uncontrollably within me; within my very mind. I clutched my head and moaned. People were running; yelling out names, but I couldn't hear them.
Then, as quickly as it had come . . . it was gone.
I gasped as if hit with a blow to the head. Half the hobbits had already evacuated the area, others stayed around; calling Bilbo's name. Gandalf was no where to be seen; vanished like Bilbo. I stood and looked around for any friendly face. What the hell was going on?
"Frodo?!"
"Kaye!"
I turned and saw the young hobbit racing towards me. I ran to meet him, but instead, swayed and stumbled from the spell I had just been released from.
"What happened?" I asked, "Where's Bilbo?"
He shook his head, "No one knows! He just disappeared!" Frodo looked around in despair. His cheeks had paled and his eyes were wide.
I looked around the party and then back up at Bag End. A candle was lit in the window and two shadows moved around in the old hobbit's home. Was that Bilbo? Why and how did he disappear and get back into Bag End?
"Frodo, make sure all the guests leave safely . . . I need to go check on something . . ."
Confused for but a moment, he nodded and disappeared into the midst of the distressed crowd. Carefully, I snuck out of the part grounds and up the path to Bilbo's home.
Slowly, I creaked the front gate open and padded up the stone path. Light from the window lit up parts of the lawn and gardens, but I avoided these spots and huddled next to the rounded door. I pressed my ear against the green wood and listened.
It was the hobbit that spoke first.
". . . You just want it for yourself!"
The door suddenly rumbled violently, "Bilbo Baggins! Do not take me for some conjurer of cheep tricks!" I heard Gandalf roar. I could hear the hobbit whimper at the wizard's anger. But then the door calmed down, "I am your friend . . ."
There was a moment of silence before I heard either of them move. They sounded close to the door, now.
"Well, I guess I'll be on my way, then," I heard Bilbo say, "You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you, Gandalf? I swear; I can never control him any more . . ."
"With my two eyes," the wizard said, "As often as I can spare them."
The handle began to turn and I quietly back away behind a bush before they could step outside.
"Well I guess this is goodbye--."
"Bilbo . . ." Gandalf said warningly, "The Ring is still in your pocket . . ."
Another silence came from this remark. I myself paled slightly. They had told me about a ring; one dangerous and as dark as the night itself. I shook my head, no that ring couldn't be here; not with Bilbo!
I jumped as a heavy metal object clanked onto the threshold. Bilbo then exited through the door and hobbled along the path while humming and old traveling tune. Gandalf stood in the doorway and when the hobbit at vanished beyond sight, he turned back to the house.
"You can come out now Kaye," the wizard said without looking at me.
I paled and stood quickly; following him into Bag End . . .
-----
I promise it will get better as the chappies go on I swear!! But right now, I'm just trying to get you all caught up : ) Gomen! Ja'ne!
: : A Long Expected Birthday Party: :
56 years later . . . The Shire.
Hobbits are overlooked most of the time, since they only reach about three or four feet in height. Some hobbits are even shorter than most dwarves. These creatures enjoy life as much as anyone and find pleasure in the simple things. Halflings, as they are sometimes called, closely resemble humans except for their exceptionally large feet and pointed ears.
But when it comes to parties, hobbits know how to make one long expected party worth while . . .
----
A bright, blue-eyed hobbit leaned casually against a tree with a book propped up on his knees. His pointed ears suddenly twitched as a hauntingly beautiful song drifted through the trees.
It was a woman's voice, followed by a male harmony.
He jumped to his feet and smiled. The hobbit raced through the woods towards the path where the two voices came from.
The boy broke through the trees and confronted a horse and cart. He crossed his arms at the two figures sitting calmly in the wagon. The woman of the two sat on the back of the cart and the male—a wizened old man—led the chestnut mare in the front.
"You two are late, you know that?" the hobbit said defiantly.
"A wizard is never later, Frodo Baggins," the old man replied, "Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to!" he gestured to the girl in the back, "Now she might be late at times, but I most certainly am not!"
The three of them stared at one another sternly. Then, on each of their faces, a smile began to form.
In one cheerful cry, they all burst into laughter. Frodo leapt onto the cart into a full embracing hug.
"It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!" he turned to the girl in the back, "And you, Kaye!"
Kaye smiled and ruffled his curly brown hair, "You don't think we'd miss your uncle Bilbo's birthday, did you?" she laughed and flipped a strand of her hair out of her midnight blue eyes.
As the cart lurched forward, Frodo placed himself on the seat next to Gandalf. They smiled and laughed as they rattled through the rolling hills of the Shire. Oh how it felt good to be home again!
"So tell me everything about the outside world!" the hobbit asked excitedly.
"Everything?" Gandalf repeated.
"You're pretty curious for a young hobbit, Frodo?" Kaye laughed, "I though I told you everything in my letters!"
He laughed nervously, "Well I sort of lost them . . ." he rubbed his neck awkwardly.
"Let's hope you don't lose something important one of these days!" she told him, pretending to be scornful.
"So how's the old rascal, your uncle Bilbo?" the wizard asked as he turned the horse and cart around a corner, "I hear it's going to be a party of great remembrance!"
Frodo shook his head, smiling, "You know Bilbo; half the Shire's been invited, and those who weren't are showing up anyway."
"Oh really . . ." Gandalf said absentmindedly.
The hobbit's expression turned suddenly grave, "Lately he's been pouring over old books and maps . . . he's up to something . . ."
Kaye and Gandalf froze for a moment. Frodo noticed this and eyed the two of them suspiciously; trying to find out what they were hiding. But they tried to avoid his gaze.
"Fine then," he said at last, "You two can keep your secrets. But I know you had something to do with it," he said towards Gandalf.
The wizard turned the cart onto the bridge, "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved . . . all I did was, give your uncle a little nudge out of the door . . ."
"Well whatever you did; you've been officially labeled a disturber of the peace," Frodo put simply.
And indeed as the wagon rolled down the country road, several hobbits stopped and eyed the wizard suspiciously over the hoods of their eyes. Gandalf looked away abruptly and continued down the path. From the back, Kaye giggled slightly at the sight of the wizard's discomfort.
Then, as if they were magnets, several hobbit children drew away from their games and found fun in following the cart (which had been filled to the brim with fireworks). A disappointed moan rippled around the children when the wizard did not acknowledge them.
"Come on Gandalf!" Kaye pleaded in a whisper.
A cheerful cry followed them as a showcase of tiny fireworks went off in the back of the cart. The tiny hobbits chased the dancing lights until they faded away and the cart continued on.
Then, Frodo stood and hung on the post of the wagon, "Gandalf . . . Kaye, I'm glad you're back," he smiled and hopped off of the cart, back into the woods.
When he had disappeared from sight, the young girl moved into the seat next to the wizard.
"I feel weird not telling him, Gandalf," Kaye murmured sadly and discretely covered her right hand.
Gandalf patted her shoulder gently, "He does not need to know," he looked around the peaceful village they were passing through, "And neither do any of these creatures. Kaye, this is a secret no one must know . . . especially those we can't trust."
The girl nodded sadly and looked off towards the many hobbits farming in the fields. They were coming up on the fields of Hobbiton and even as they rose over a hill, the Green Dragon came into view. There were houses built into the emerald green hills, but most of them were deserted as many of the hobbits had been getting ready for Bilbo's party. As they neared the party, hobbits could be seen carrying cakes, kegs, and banners towards the party grounds.
Gandalf pulled the horse in front of a large hobbit hole; one with the name of Bag End.
"Now," the wizard said as he jumped off the wagon and helped Kaye down, "Why don't you go find Frodo; I need to speak with Bilbo for just a little bit . . ."
Kaye nodded and without saying a word, began walking slowly back along the road.
The wizard shook his head and wearily used his staff to help him up the stairs to the home of his old friend . . .
Kaye's PoV
It was so nice to be home again! The noises the smells, the people . . . it was like heaven compared to the dusty roads of the world beyond the Shire. But oh, how I longed for the life I had before I left; before I was given my destiny. I listened to the cheerful drumming of the music and watched silently at the swirl of dancers.
I tightened the gloved on my hand, 'No one needs to know . . .'
Gandalf was right, but how was I to lie to my friends?
"Kaye!"
I jumped as Frodo called out my name. The hobbit had found his way out of a group of dancers. His face was flushed and he wore a large smile on his face. The dim candle lighting had no effect, however, on his large, blue eyes.
"Are you having fun?" he asked breathlessly.
Trying to be enthusiastic, I nodded, "Yeah,"
"You haven't seen Bilbo around, have you?" he pondered while looking around.
I looked with him, "Oh, I think I see him over there," I laughed, "Looks like he's telling those children his stories again."
Frodo laughed too, "I hope he doesn't scare them too much! Remember last time? Those kids couldn't sleep for a week!" he looked around at the many party goers. He stopped when he noticed a lone hobbit sitting at a table. He went to sit next him and I followed.
"Aw, Sam, why don't you ask Rosie for a dance?" Frodo insisted.
"Yeah, Sam," I added, nudging him jokingly in the shoulder, "If I had to dance with that ass, Sandyman, you can surely find the courage to dance with Rosie Cotton!"
The stouter hobbit shook his head, "I'll think I'll just get another tankard of ale . . ." he said beginning to stand, but Frodo and I stopped him.
"Oh no you don't!" he both said in unison and pushed him into the crowd of dancers. As if on cue, both Rosie and Sam connected and began to dance with one another around the field. The two of us laughed as the gardener stumbled over himself.
Frodo then turned back to the table and lifted a tankard of ale in my direction.
"Cheers!" he cried joyfully.
Laughing, I lifted my own glass, "Cheers!"
The mugs clanked together, but I did not drink from mine . . . something felt odd . . .
"I'm going to go find Gandalf . . . I'll see you later, Frodo . . ." I said over my shoulder as I made my way through the crowd.
It didn't take long for me to find the wizard looming over the tiny Halflings. But he sat beside a large pile of dishes where two scorched- faced hobbits stood scrubbing plates. I noticed the trouble-makers as Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took; they had obviously gotten into the wizard's stash of fireworks.
"Gandalf . . ." I murmured as I stood before him, "Something doesn't---."
"Speech!"
I wasn't able to finish as the crowd began to burst out into cheers as Bilbo made his way to the Party Tree. There was suddenly a painful throbbing in my chest. I looked down and noticed a faint whitish glow beneath my glove.
"You can tell me later Kaye--."
"But Gandalf!"
But Bilbo was already listing off the names of all those at the party. Cheers went up, but I could not help but feel a chill run down my spine.
". . .I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve . . ."
A murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd, but Bilbo stayed calm—at least he looked like it.
Another painful thump pounded through my chest as the elder hobbit placed his hand in his pocket. I clutched my heart slightly.
"I regret to inform you that this . . ."
What was he saying? The horrible pounding in my ears made it impossible to figure out his voice. Gods, what was wrong with me?
Suddenly, the old hobbit vanished into thin air. Searing pain ripped through me as my heart beat uncontrollably within me; within my very mind. I clutched my head and moaned. People were running; yelling out names, but I couldn't hear them.
Then, as quickly as it had come . . . it was gone.
I gasped as if hit with a blow to the head. Half the hobbits had already evacuated the area, others stayed around; calling Bilbo's name. Gandalf was no where to be seen; vanished like Bilbo. I stood and looked around for any friendly face. What the hell was going on?
"Frodo?!"
"Kaye!"
I turned and saw the young hobbit racing towards me. I ran to meet him, but instead, swayed and stumbled from the spell I had just been released from.
"What happened?" I asked, "Where's Bilbo?"
He shook his head, "No one knows! He just disappeared!" Frodo looked around in despair. His cheeks had paled and his eyes were wide.
I looked around the party and then back up at Bag End. A candle was lit in the window and two shadows moved around in the old hobbit's home. Was that Bilbo? Why and how did he disappear and get back into Bag End?
"Frodo, make sure all the guests leave safely . . . I need to go check on something . . ."
Confused for but a moment, he nodded and disappeared into the midst of the distressed crowd. Carefully, I snuck out of the part grounds and up the path to Bilbo's home.
Slowly, I creaked the front gate open and padded up the stone path. Light from the window lit up parts of the lawn and gardens, but I avoided these spots and huddled next to the rounded door. I pressed my ear against the green wood and listened.
It was the hobbit that spoke first.
". . . You just want it for yourself!"
The door suddenly rumbled violently, "Bilbo Baggins! Do not take me for some conjurer of cheep tricks!" I heard Gandalf roar. I could hear the hobbit whimper at the wizard's anger. But then the door calmed down, "I am your friend . . ."
There was a moment of silence before I heard either of them move. They sounded close to the door, now.
"Well, I guess I'll be on my way, then," I heard Bilbo say, "You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you, Gandalf? I swear; I can never control him any more . . ."
"With my two eyes," the wizard said, "As often as I can spare them."
The handle began to turn and I quietly back away behind a bush before they could step outside.
"Well I guess this is goodbye--."
"Bilbo . . ." Gandalf said warningly, "The Ring is still in your pocket . . ."
Another silence came from this remark. I myself paled slightly. They had told me about a ring; one dangerous and as dark as the night itself. I shook my head, no that ring couldn't be here; not with Bilbo!
I jumped as a heavy metal object clanked onto the threshold. Bilbo then exited through the door and hobbled along the path while humming and old traveling tune. Gandalf stood in the doorway and when the hobbit at vanished beyond sight, he turned back to the house.
"You can come out now Kaye," the wizard said without looking at me.
I paled and stood quickly; following him into Bag End . . .
-----
I promise it will get better as the chappies go on I swear!! But right now, I'm just trying to get you all caught up : ) Gomen! Ja'ne!