An Unexpected Ring

Chapter 3

A Long Expected Party

I'll never forget Bilbo's birthday. Not just because it was such a grand celebration, but also because it was one of the last times everything seemed right in the world.

That contentment, however, was rather short-lived. In hindsight, I should have realized that night at Bag End was the beginning of the end.

A sharp whistle shrieked through the air. Fire rocketed into the clear, starry sky that sat above a group of white pavilions near Bag End. As the fireball's momentum died, the orb at the peak of its ascent spun. Then, with an enormous crack, fiery petals of all colors exploded through the darkness, showering partygoers with a vibrant rainbow. The hobbits oohed and ahhed. It was one of the only times Tiki could recall the good-natured folk not regarding Gandalf with any sort of suspicion and instead with wonder.

She smiled into a mug of ale before taking a small sip. Unlike Gandalf, who reveled in the newfound attention he was receiving thanks to his spectacular fireworks, Tiki lingered near the fringes of the party. Gandalf managed to pacify the Shirefolk's timidness with a brilliant show. She could not do that. Not in a way that wouldn't leave many of them frightened. No, staying free of the crowds that had gathered near the food, dining, and gift pavilions was for the best.

Besides, watching them all laugh is far more heartwarming than seeing them give me strange looks.

Heavy steps stomped toward her. Tiki arched an eyebrow and sniffed before turning. She smelled stone and dirt, along with a small amount of smoke. It came from a couple of sources, and their scents triggered immediate recognition in her mind. She smiled as she turned around.

"When did you two decide to show up to one of these?"

Behind her stood two dwarves. One was older, his beard and hair turning white long ago. Kind eyes sat inside of his wrinkled face as he leaned on a walking stick. His travel attire was a tad dirty from the road, but it was still fine, embroidered with gold and jewels from Erebor. With him was a smaller, younger dwarf who still possessed a curious gaze, even if the past sixty years had caused him to grow up.

Balin bowed to Tiki, as did his companion, Ori.

"We were just passing through of course," Balin replied. "And, as us dwarves are oft to do when passing through, we decided to pay old Bilbo a visit."

"Didn't realize it was his birthday though," Ori snickered as he held a large mug of mead in his grip.

"Ah yes, that was a happy coincidence." Balin eyed Tiki. Above them, a ruby firework exploded, showering them all with red light. "What about you, Tiki, Emerald Dragon, hm? Passing through as well?"

Tiki shrugged. "Staying for a little while this time, I think? I could use the rest."

"This party hardly seems restful," Ori commented. A round of raucous laughter erupted at one of the dining tables. A pair of Hobbits, Frodo's friends from the looks of things, Tiki couldn't place their names, were dancing on the table. "I have a feeling it will be a late night."

"I thought you enjoyed late nights, Ori," Tiki replied.

"With a good book and candlelight, yes. Celebrations like this are fun as well, but I'm not a young dwarf anymore."

Balin gave Ori a sidelong look. "Neither am I, but you don't see me shooing away a good time."

Tiki snickered and then sipped her ale. Another firework exploded overheard. This one released sparkling butterflies which danced just above the heads of the Hobbits, leaving trails of golden light in their wake.

"It is most fortuitous that we meet tonight though, Tiki," Balin said. He leaned closer to her. "I have a proposition for you."

Tiki furrowed her brow. "Is it the King's business?"

"Thorin? No, no." Balin shook his head. "Although he has approved of everything else, so far."

"Everything else of what?"

"Khazad-Dum," Ori answered. Tiki's smile ran away from her face. The next firework burst into a duller haze of colors. "We've led a company of our kinsmen from both the Blue Mountains and Erebor inside, through the Doors of Durin, since you collapsed the East Gate when last we passed through the Misty Mountains."

"We're attempting to set up a colony," Balin clarified. "Retake our people's ancestral home. So far, things are going well enough. It had taken longer than I anticipated to set up. After all, getting some of our kinsmen from Erebor through the Gap of Rohan and to the west side of Moria is quite the journey. Not to mention actually gaining a foothold within the mountains. Then we have to resupply through the Blue Mountains, which is a chore in and of itself. There have also been a few encounters with goblins, but nothing we can't handle."

Tiki shifted where she stood. "And what do you want from me?"

Balin exhaled. "We need help driving the goblins out entirely. What better way than to enlist the help of Erebor's sigil, The Emerald Dragon herself?"

"Not so loud," Tiki hissed. "The hobbits think I'm an elf, and I'd prefer to keep it that way. Fewer questions, and less chance of trouble for Bilbo."

"Right, right," Balin nodded in agreement. He blew out a long breath and smiled as he watched small children chase after some sparklers that zipped across the ground like fireflies. "One day, Khazad-Dum will be like this. Like it was in the days of my forefathers. Full of warmth and light. Life abundant and merry aplenty. But all we need is one more good push-"

Tiki let out a heavy breath. She turned to the dwarves.

"Balin, I don't think it's a good idea."

"You helping?"

"No, being in Moria at all," Tiki replied, drawing a surprised look from her two old friends. "There are more goblins down there than any kingdom of dwarves can handle. Then there's Durin's Bane."

"A legend," Balin scoffed.

"I saw it, Balin," Tiki replied, her voice filled with enough grave warning to force Balin's doubt off his face. "I spoke to it in the darkness. Why do you think I collapsed the East Gate? I didn't want it following me out."

Ori was pale beside Balin. The older dwarf's lips thinned.

"So, you're saying that all our efforts so far are for naught?"

Sympathy passed over Tiki's face. She set her mug of ale down on the grass and gently placed her hands on the old dwarf's shoulders. She could see the sudden despair and pain in his gaze.

"Were our efforts to retake the Lonely Mountain for naught?" she asked.

Balin snorted. "At first they were but-" a sad smile cracked his aged face- "I see what you mean. Although, I reckon Durin's Bane is another beast entirely compared to the old lizard, Smaug."

"Indeed," Tiki nodded. "So best remember this: if you intend on staying in Moria, do not delve deep. Seal off the abysses and leave that monster alone. As for the goblins, I know not how to handle them without awakening Durin's Bane. That is why I advise that when this party is through, and you are on your way, you get your people out of the Misty Mountains and to safety. If you need assistance with that, I will be happy to lend a hand."

"Or a wing, in this case," Ori chirped, doing his best to maintain his spirits. His brow furrowed. "No, wait, you can't fly much inside of caves, can you?"

"Depends on the cave, but it is difficult to do," Tiki nodded.

Balin sighed. "I have a feeling if I press Gandalf he will give me the same answer as you, only in a much more confusing fashion. Wizards and their riddles; they're just as bad as elves sometimes. At least you're straightforward when it comes to things of importance. Right refreshing it is." He stamped his walking stick. "I'm going to get some more ale. Ori?"

"I shall join you."

The two dwarves stomped toward the drinks pavilion where large casks of beer, ale, and mead as tall and round as any hobbit in the Shire waited for them. Tiki watched them go, some sadness entering her heart. Balin did his best, but he could not hide his disappointment from Tiki. He was hoping to have a dragon to rally his people into taking Moria. Instead, he would have to return and evacuate, leaving the dwarven ancestral home to the goblins and Durin's Bane for even longer. It was for the best, but still, Tiki felt guilt churn in her gut. Was there something she could do?

Her hand drifted to a pouch on her hip. Inside, she felt a familiar old stone. When she first arrived in Middle-Earth, it had been smooth, polished to a perfect, white shine. Now, it was duller, and a deep fissure ran the length of it, tip to bottom. Power buzzed through her fingertips when she touched it. Unlike sixty years ago, it did not feel controlled or concentrated, and that made her pull her hand from the pouch.

I can't risk it. Not until I find a way to fix my dragonstone. She watched the dwarves as they went over and spoke to Bilbo, who warmly greeted them with a broad smile and a tight embrace. Even from this distance, Tiki could see the anxiety on Balin's face. He was so steady and sure of himself before. Then, Tiki gave him an answer he did not want.

Perhaps that is why Gandalf speaks in riddles sometimes. She reached down and picked up her half-empty mug of ale. After taking another long gulp, she wiped her lips then nodded. I should probably learn to do the same thing. It'll fit the elf motif a little more.

"Enjoying the party, Aunt Tiki?"

Tiki smiled as Frodo approached her. "I always do when I'm home for them. You and Bilbo never cease to amaze me with your birthday parties."

"This is extravagant even for Bilbo's standards," Frodo remarked as he put his hands in his pockets.

"And yours?" Tiki asked, one eyebrow raised.

Frodo blushed a little. "I must admit, I think I'd prefer something a bit smaller. This is still nice though. It's good to see everyone having a lovely evening like this. And it is even better now that you're back."

Tiki smiled. "Your flattery has gotten better, I see. You really are becoming an adult already. I still remember when you gathered dandelions from the garden and presented them to me as a bouquet of flowers, Frodo Baggins. You barely reached my knee back then." She shook her head, disbelief filling her. "Thirty-three years…"

"It's a long time," Frodo agreed. "For me, at least."

"It's a long time for anyone," Tiki replied.

"Speaking of a long time, you were gone for three years and-"

"And?"

"Oh, come on! You have to tell me what you saw; what you did," Frodo blurted out, grinning ear to ear. "What is the outside world like? What adventures did you go on? Where did you even go?"

Tiki opened her mouth to answer only to be interrupted by the sound of a loud firework whistling into the air. When the whistling stopped, it was replaced by the sound of panicked Hobbits. Tiki's hair stood on end. Her gaze snapped to the party, where she watched all of the hobbits drop to the ground as a fiery, red dragon soared and sparkled over them, jaws gaping, wings spread wide. She could practically hear it roar.

And she froze in the face of it.

"Tiki!"

Frodo shoved her to the side, causing her to stumble out of the dragon's way. The red dragon soared higher, tucking its wings, spun, then exploded into Gandalf's grand finale, blanketing the sky with fireworks so massive it was as if a thousand new stars entered the night sky. And with the explosion came a great cheer from all the partygoers.

Slowly, Tiki's heart slowed. Her forehead pressed against the soft grass as she let out a quiet sigh of relief. A small hand patted her shoulder. She raised her eyes and saw Frodo holding out a hand, one she gladly took.

"No one told me Gandalf was that good."

"You've known him for years and you're only finding out now?" Frodo replied, surprised as he dusted himself off as well. "Did you think he was just a crazy old man?"

"Give me a little credit, Frodo. I do know him. I just don't know his hobbies outside of smoking and making witty remarks." Tiki patted some dirt from the hem of her dress. The grand finale faded away, leaving the sky black. "Now then, where's your uncle?"

A quieter cheer sounded from the hobbits. Tiki turned to face the main party again, this time eyeing the wooden stage set up near the dining tables. She shook her head and smirked as Bilbo hopped up onto the stage, spry and smiling, drinking in the adulations of the crowd with a wave.

"I found him," Frodo said, making Tiki snort.

"At the center of attention, of course."

"The only other place he would be is at his desk, I think," Frodo replied. "That book of his will not write itself."

Tiki's ears twitched. "He's writing a book?"

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins!" A cheer rose from one table as Bilbo's voice carried over the crowd of hobbits. "Tooks and Brandybucks! Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers!" The cheering grew louder. Tiki folded her arms and smiled.

Who would've thought the hobbit I met sixty years ago would learn to work a crowd like this?

"Bolgers, Bracegirdles, and Proudfoots!"

"Proudfeet!" An elderly hobbit with his feet on one of the tables rebutted, much to the amusement of the partygoers and himself.

When Bilbo stopped chuckling he addressed the party again. "Today is my one hundred and eleventieth birthday! And, today happens to be a birthday I share, for it is my dear nephew and heir's thirty-third as well. As I wax into an old hobbit, Frodo comes of age. Poetic I dare say!"

"Happy birthday!" The hobbits cheered, all clapping, all urging Bilbo to continue.

"Alas, one hundred and eleven years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits. I don't know half of you as well as I should like and I like less than half of you as well as you deserve."

The crowd's laughter and cheering gave way to puzzlement. Tiki tilted her head, brow furrowed. Beside her, Frodo was snickering.

"Insult or compliment?"

"Compliment to some and an insult to others," Frodo clarified.

"Ah, so a joke. One that even I missed."

"It is a well-layered one," Frodo nodded.

"Exceedingly," Tiki agreed.

Bilbo coughed into his hand, regaining the crowd's attention. It was at that moment that Tiki noticed something change in her old friend. His confidence faded as he stood on stage. He was antsy, shifting his weight back and forth as he removed his hands from his pockets and folded them behind his back. She could see his eyes rove over the crowd as if he was looking at them, drinking in the scenery, the faces, the mirth of this night, one more time.

Her eyes locked with his. For a moment, she thought she saw regret flash across his face. Sadness even. Her brow furrowed.

Bilbo, what are you about to do?

"I um," he broke eye contact with Tiki, "I have things to do. I've put this off for far too long." He drew in a steadying breath. "I regret to announce that this is the end! I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye."

Bilbo stepped down. A flash of light erupted where he was, followed by a loud clap. Then, when the light was gone, so was Bilbo Baggins. The hobbits drew back in shock. Murmurs broke out among the crowd. Frodo stood as still as a statue.

"Tiki, do you know-"

Frodo turned, but Tiki was not there. He spun around, just managing to catch a glimpse of her red dress flowing behind her as she marched toward Bag End. Before he could follow, he was ambushed by several hobbits, all asking what happened to Bilbo Baggins.

With a flick of her fingers, embers jumped from Tiki's hand to the cold fireplace of Bag End. The tinder within lit immediately, filling the room with warmth and soft light. While it crackled, she moved to the kitchen, her back stooped to avoid hitting her head on the rounded archway, and she grabbed the tea kettle. She quickly filled it with water and set it over the fire. Then, Tiki took her usual seat by the window at the breakfast nook, folded her hands, and waited.

The door to Bag End opened. Her eyes narrowed. She relaxed when she saw a much taller figure than she expected step inside. Gandalf quietly shut the door behind him and then removed his hat. That's when Tiki cleared her throat.

The wizard jumped. A sharp thud sounded as his head smacked the rafters. He let out a cry, rubbed the top of his head, then shot Tiki a look. Tiki offered him a sheepish smile.

"Sorry about that. I wasn't expecting you to arrive first."

"But you were expecting me." Gandalf stepped through Bag End's sitting area toward the breakfast nook, where he took a seat across from Tiki. He leaned his staff against the wall as he sat. "Bilbo did not fool you?"

"You and him did not."

Gandalf cracked a wry smile. "So, you know I had a hand in it."

"Only you have a similar flair for the theatrical."

"Do I hear the pot speaking to the kettle?" Gandalf replied.

Tiki raised a finger. "Smaug was once. Once!"

Gandalf chuckled. "So, the flavor for tonight?"

"A lavender tea, for a good night's rest."

"But that is not what Bilbo will be wanting when he comes in."

Tiki's eyes narrowed as she stared at Gandalf. "What is he planning? Was this all not some sort of elaborate prank?"

"Oh, it most certainly was a prank. As for the nature of it, that depends on your opinion of Bilbo. The Sackville-Bagginses will likely be thrilled by it all. Frodo, however, will not."

Gandalf's words sank in. Tiki leaned back in her seat, dumbfounded.

"He's leaving?"

Before Gandalf could reply, the door opened again. Seemingly nothing passed through it. Once it clicked closed, a giggle sounded through Bag End then, out of thin air, Bilbo appeared. He peered out his front window at the nearby party, laughed some more, then flicked something in the air. Tiki peered at it. It was a simple ring. The one he said he found in the Misty Mountains. His prize for beating a strange creature named Gollum in a contest.

Bilbo pocketed the ring, turned, then froze as he locked eyes with Gandalf and Tiki. Silence hung in the air, broken only by the hiss of the kettle as the water came to a boil.

"Tea?" Tiki asked.

Bilbo gawked at her. "Uh…"

Gandalf twisted to face Bilbo. "Fair warning it is lavender, so unless you're looking for a decent slumber-"

"I, um," Bilbo wrung his hands then shook his head. Some laughter bubbled from his lips. "Well, since you're both here, what did you think? A good speech, yes? And the ending," his laughter grew, "did you see their faces?"

"Not really." Tiki reached back and grabbed the kettle with her bare hand, setting it on the table. "I was too busy making my way here so I could see your face. And yes, it was most amusing."

Bilbo groaned. "Yes, yes, have your fun."

"I absolutely am. But was it necessary to make your friends and fellow hobbits panicked?"

Bilbo looked at Gandalf, but the wizard just sighed. "Bilbo, magic rings are not trinkets and they are not to be taken lightly, regardless of how innocuous they may seem."

Bilbo's smile morphed into a frown. Tiki watched as his little hand clenched into a fist in his pocket. The same pocket which held his ring.

"So that's what it's about?" Bilbo's frown became a scowl. Tiki's brow rose in surprise. "You cannot simply let me enjoy one last joke as I'm about to leave, could you? No, you have to lecture me about what is mine once more! And…" he looked at Tiki and the shock on her face. Whatever annoyance he had faded. "And it doesn't matter right now I suppose," he continued, tone softer. "I…" he shook his head. "I seem to have lost my thoughts there for a moment. Um, right, I need to be leaving, now that all the fun is over with."

"And going where?" Tiki asked as she watched Bilbo retreat to his room. She heard drawers opening and closing, the sound of a belt buckle jangling, followed by the padding of his feet as he marched back to where she and Gandalf sat.

A wave of nostalgia hit Tiki when she saw what her old friend was wearing. He wore the same travel coat he had when they set out from Bag End sixty years ago. The coat was old, with stains that weren't there before and patches that covered tears, but it was still the same. Bilbo also held his favorite walking stick, the very same he used on their journey back from Erebor so long ago. As he stood there, Tiki swore he looked as he did back then, and it made her heart ache.

"Adventuring, of course," Bilbo replied with a small smile. "What else am I to do now? It's not as if I need everything here. Frodo is getting all of it. I just want to see the world again. See the mountains, march through Mirkwood, visit the Lonely Mountain again," a breathless sigh passed from his lips, "I don't have much time left to do it. As well-preserved as I may be, I am still old, and time is short."

"You made all the arrangements?" Gandalf asked as he rose from his seat. Tiki meanwhile, poured herself a cup of tea.

"Yes, yes, everything is accounted for."

"And the ring?" Gandalf asked as Bilbo stepped toward the door.

"It should be over on the mantelpiece and… no," Bilbo dug into his pocket, "it's still in my pocket."

Tiki sipped her tea as Bilbo took his ring out. Her emerald eyes focused on the simple gold band. It wasn't anything special, beyond its ability to make the wearing invisible. There was no spectacular ornamentation or jewels. Back in Ylisse, such a trinket would have been sold for only a few pieces of gold by one of the local merchants. She swore she recalled Ser Donnel worrying about affording such a thing when he was getting ready to propose to his bride-to-be.

Why would Bilbo be so attached to it?

"Now it comes to it," Bilbo breathed as he turned the ring over between his fingers. "Now that I must, I cannot part with it. It's mine. I found it. It came to me!"

Tiki sipped her tea while Gandalf took a step toward Bilbo.

"There's no need to get angry, Bilbo," Gandalf softly said.

"So what if I'm angry, it's your fault!" Bilbo snapped.

Tiki froze mid-sip. She didn't even blink as she watched her friend. Never, in all her years, had she heard him take that tone of voice with Gandalf. In fact, the only time she ever heard him grow that cross with anyone was when Lobelia Sackville-Baggins did something particularly repulsive. And that was only one time.

Concern filled her as she watched Bilbo bring the ring closer to his face. When he caressed it, she set her teacup down.

"It's mine," Bilbo said, his voice filled with jealous longing, "my own. My precious."

"Precious? It's been called that before but never by you?"

Bilbo whirled around on Gandalf. "Admit it! You only want me to leave it because you are jealous I have it! Why should I do so?"

"Because I care for you, Bilbo and I want you to be well."

"You want it for yourself!

A shadow shot through the room. In an instant, Gandalf loomed over Bilbo. Power radiated through Bag End. The dishes rattled in the cupboards. The chandelier above Bilbo and Gandalf swayed to and fro as a harsh wind whipped through the hobbit hole. Tiki felt the hairs on her skin stand upright.

She shot from her seat and opened her mouth. Instead of a shout, a draconic snarl reverberated through the house, shaking the walls. Bilbo paled immediately. Gandalf's stature did not waver, but the darkness that climbed up the walls waned when he heard the sound.

Tiki remained standing, both hands pressed against the tabletop, lips curled back, revealing sharp fangs. Her slitted, emerald eyes glowed in the dim light.

"Both of you enough." A ragged exhale rattled out of her lungs. "I will not have what may be our last moments together be filled with strife, and if I have to become a dragon to get you both to shut up, then I will!"

Her threat cowed Bilbo. The hobbit staggered back, petrified. Gandalf was less convinced. But, slowly, he reigned in his power. When he did, tears filled Bilbo's eyes.

"I'm… Tiki, Gandalf-"

"Bilbo, we are not trying to rob you," Gandalf breathed, "only help you."

Before Gandalf could say anymore, Bilbo moved to the wizard and embraced him. Gandalf returned the gesture, gently patting his old friend on the shoulder.

"It is time, Bilbo. Let it go."

"Right," Bilbo sniffled, pulling away. "Right, yes. I agree. The ring must go to Frodo." He drew in a shaky breath, nodded, then stamped his walking stick against the ground. "And so, I must be off, before he comes back. Seeing him will only make this harder than it needs to be."

Bilbo grasped Bag End's door and pulled it open. Before he could step out, Tiki spoke.

"The ring, Bilbo."

Bilbo's mouth twitched. "Oh right."

He uttered a nervous laugh, pulled the ring out of his pocket one more time, and cradled it in his palm. He swallowed hard. A bead of sweat dripped from his brow as he stared into the golden band, watching the firelight dance within it. Then, with a gasp, he turned his hand over. The ring hit the wooden floor with a sharp thud.

For a moment, Bilbo stared down at it, fixated. Then, he jerked his eyes up, spun around, and marched out his door. He paused a little way down the path. By this time, Tiki was on her feet and near the door as well, watching him go.

One last time, Bilbo turned to look back at his friends.

"I've thought of an ending to my book. 'And he lived happily ever after, till the end of his days'."

"I certainly hope so," Gandalf replied.

Bilbo smiled. He looked so relieved now. So free. Tiki couldn't help but share his grin, only hers was not one of relief, but sadness.

And now, I watch another leave.

Bilbo exhaled, spun on his heel, and marched to the road, humming a song as he walked. As he left, Gandalf turned his attention to the ring sitting in Bag End's doorway. Tiki paid it no mind. She stepped over it and returned to her cup of tea. After taking a long sip, she looked up and saw Gandalf stepping back from the ring, hands on his hips.

"Aren't you going to pick it up?"

Gandalf looked at her. "No, I think not. After all, it's not mine."

"So, you're content with leaving messes wherever you go?" She asked as a yawn slipped from her lips.

Gandalf smiled. "You know me so well."

Tiki smacked her lips. "Of course, I do. After all, it was you who got me tangled in a mess of hobbits, dwarves, and dragons to begin with. Not that I'm mad about it. I quite enjoyed that one, and if you're going to cause another mess, I'm sure I'll enjoy that as well." She stretched her arms over her head. "The tea is starting to hit, which means I need to sleep."

"Go ahead," Gandalf replied. He shut the door to Bag End. "I will remain awake and wait for Frodo. After all, there is the matter of Bilbo's affairs which he needs to be informed about."

"And I know nothing about that, so I shall leave you to it." Tiki drained the rest of her cup, yawned, then shambled past Gandalf and down the hall to her room. "If I'm not awake by the time you leave-"

"I shall wish you a warm good morning when next we meet," Gandalf finished for her. "For I'm sure when you do wake, you may set out as well on the next part of your search, wherever that may take you. For that, I wish you all of the luck I can."

Tiki smiled. "Goodnight, old man."

"Goodnight to you as well."

Tiki closed her door. As she laid her head down, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness creep into her heart. Bilbo, one of the first and closest friends she had made in Middle Earth, had moved on. Though he still lived, she would no longer be living beside him. His years were numbered, and that number grew shorter by the moment.

He was another friend in a list of many that Tiki had seen grow old and eventually pass on. Each one always hurt more than the last. Yet, she remembered the relief she saw on Bilbo's face as he stepped away from his door. He was happy.

And as he steps away, Frodo takes his place. I shall look out for him as well. Although, he's not the type to find trouble like Bilbo.

That thought brought her enough comfort for her to drift off to sleep.

And chapter! Thus concludes what I personally consider the prologue portion of what is shaping up to be an epic of a tale. We see where Tiki is currently, as well as Gandalf and old Bilbo, and now we're ready to get this ball really rolling in the next chapter (which I'm super excited to put out, but I need to wait. Gotta let you all soak this one in first lol). I'm having an absolute blast so far, and I hope you all are as well. Let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it. Have a nice day!