"The road goes ever on and on…" A wizard rode down the path in a wagon, singing 'slightly' off key. He was dressed in a grey robe with a gnarled staff in his hand, and he had shaggy brown hair with a badly receding hairline. Suddenly, a hobbit girl popped up.

"You're late."

"No I'm not. "

"Yes, you are."

"No."

"Yes!"

"No!"

"You're wrong." The hobbit pointed her finger.

"I am never wrong, Rosie Bag'ems; I am only mistaken."

"Whatever." She hopped onto the wagon, and it began moving.

"It's wonderful to see you, Andyalf! I see you lost more hair."

Andyalf glared at her.

"Um… I mean, well… um…. Watts up?"

"Well, things are pretty much stuck in a rut. We need to get a party going or something."

"Funny you should mention that. Me and Bilbo are having a joint birthday party. It'll be a blast. We've got tons of food, cool music, and wicked sweet presents. And you gotta do fireworks for us!"

"I just may. I think I'll go see Bilbo now."

"Ok. Seeya!"

Rosie jumped off the cart as they approached Bilbo's house.

Andyalf stopped in front of the gate, got out, and rapped on the front door.

A voice floated from inside.

"No, thank you! I don't want any visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations!"

"And what about very old friends?" Andyalf called.

The door opened and an old hobbit walked out.

"Andyalf?"

"Bilbo Bag'ems. What's this about you having a party and not inviting me?"

"Oh, um… the invitation must've gotten lost. Yeah, that's it, lost."

Andyalf glared.

"Come on, come in!" Bilbo beckoned nervously.

Andyalf shook his head.

"No. The last time I did, I got a migraine from running into your doorways."

"Oh. Well, do you want anything? I have cold chicken and a bit of pickle, or raspberry jam and apple tarts, or, I know! I have some sponge cake, or I could make you some eggs if you like."

"Just a Pepsi, thank you."

"What's that?" Bilbo scratched his head. "Whatever it is, I don't have it."

"Oh."

"But I've got a few bottles of the old winyard left, laid down by my father in 1296. Very good year; almost as old as I am."

"No, I only wanted a Pepsi."

"Well, why don't we sit on a hill and smoke our pipes?'

"No, that's not too healthy. When you get as old as I am, you have to start watching out for those things."

Bilbo began to look worried.

"You can still do fireworks at my party, right?"

"Of course."

"Oh, good. Andyalf, my friend, this will be a night to remember."