Summary: What if Pippin's twin and their blind cousin were there? Mischief, and trouble, definitely more trouble…

Review responses:

Silwyth: Yeah, my very first reviewer! Thank you for your encouraging words! Glad you liked the first chapter! I know it started slow, but I couldn't find a better way of introducing Primy. As for the blind cousin… you'll get to see her this chapter! Hope you'll like it.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognise is m… I mean isn't mine. (Smile).

Words in italics are for thoughts.

Chapter 2: Bilbo's birthday.

The next day was a very particular day for all the hobbits of the Shire. Bilbo Baggins was celebrating his 111th birthday, as well as Frodo's coming of age. Almost everyone was looking forward to the event.

Most of the hobbits of Hobbiton were attending to the last preparations for the evening party. Frodo was helping with the posts when he saw two lasses coming towards him. He immediately recognised Primy, leading her cousin Lily Bracegirdle by the hand. Frodo grinned and walked towards them to greet them.

Lily smiled when she heard him approaching.

I'll know those footsteps anywhere! Happy birthday Frodo!
Frodo's grin widened.
- You're getting really good at it, Lil'. Soon everyone will think you're not blind!
- I'll take that as a compliment.
Frodo then pretended to be astonished as he turned to Primy.
- Am I seeing things? Primy, awake at 8h30? I thought you weren't a morning person!
- I'll pretend I didn't hear that… Happy birthday, cousin!
- Thank you. Where are Merry and Pippin?
- Green Dragon. Are you coming?
Frodo nodded. All three hobbits went towards the Inn.

They were immediately welcomed by Merry and Pippin's cheers of "Happy Birthday Frodo!" The five of them then went to Bag-End in order to deliver their gifts. Once they'd congratulated Bilbo, he and Frodo were given their birthday presents. Both received a writing feather from Merry, a wooden box from Pippin, a book from Primy and a silver pocket watch from Lily.

Lily, cried Frodo! They're magnificent!

Indeed, both watches were finely cut and small intricate dragons were carved on them, breathing a fire that formed either a B or an F.

But how did you…
- Primy helped me.
Primy rolled her eyes.
- Lily, I only described the watches to you! You were the one to choose the gift!

Lily had lost her sight since she's ten. From that day, Primy became her eyes, describing most things to her. The blind girl has been grateful of her younger cousin's will to help her, and so they became close friends.

The four hobbits were thanked warmly and hugged by Bilbo and Frodo. They then left to complete their chores (even thought Merry and Pippin were only willing to work because Primy and Lily were quite "persuasive") while Frodo sat beneath a tree to read the book Primy had bought him.

That night, Hobbiton was filled with music and laughter, colours and happiness. Nearly every hobbit in the Shire had gathered for the feast. After greeting his guests, Bilbo sat in the middle of some young kids to entertain them with one of his adventures. Gandalf had arrived earlier, and was now setting fireworks alight, filling the air with streaks of colour and magic.

Most of the young hobbits were dancing in the middle of the crowd. Pippin had invited Lily for a dance; Merry was twirling with Estella, while Primy was dancing with Frodo. All were laughing and having fun. Once they were tired of twirling and keeping up with the beat, Frodo and Primy sat next to Samwise Gamegie, who was eyeing timidly Rosie Cotton.

Go on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance!
Primy grinned at Sam's desperate face.
- No, I think I'm gonna get myself some ale.
He stood up, only to be stopped by the two laughing hobbits.
- Oh, no, you don't!

And with that, they pushed him on the dance floor, straight into the arms of Rosie. She immediately led him in a series of twirling circles while Primy and Frodo laughed at the surprised and confused look on the gardener's face. They were soon joined by Pippin and Lily.

What happened? Inquired the blind lass.
- Sam just got swept on the dance floor by Rosie Cotton. A pity you can't see the look on his face. It was priceless.
- I can still imagine it.
All four burst out laughing once more.

Soon, Frodo and Primy were dancing once more. Merry and Pippin had disappeared, leaving Lily chatting with Estella and Diamond.

After a while, Frodo went to join his uncle. Primy was about to join her friends when she heard someone sneering behind her.

Well well, if it isn't Primevera Took!
Primy mumbled something incoherent before turning to face Lotho.
- I would have thought you'd have danced with someone better than one of the mad Bagginses.
She grinned:
- Well, if I were dancing with one of the mad Bagginses, I would be dancing with you, so no worries, she replied impertinently, sticking her tongue at him.
- How very rude! You should learn manners, Primevera...

Meanwhile...

Done!
- You're supposed to stick it in the ground!
- It is in the ground!
- Outside!
- 'Twas your idea!

Back on the party field...

Primy was still arguing with Lotho when suddenly...

BAAAAAM!

Many heads jerked upright as a tent went flying skywards, leaving two pretty burned up hobbits behind. Primy stifled laughter when she saw Lotho fall over with surprise. The young hobbit sat up cursing before noticing that the lass had ran off laughing towards Lily.

Nearly every hobbit cheered at the firework that exploded in the sky... until it took the appearance of a dragon and started flying towards the crowd. Panic took hold of the feasting hobbits. They tried running from the fire beast, screaming and tumbling one over another.

Frodo looked up to see the dragon approaching him at top speed.
- Bilbo? Bilbo, look out for the dragon!
- Dragon? Nonsense! There hasn't been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years.

Frodo grabbed his uncle and pulled him down as he spotted Primy gulping and shoving Lily most gracefully to the ground. The dragon flew over the crowd, slightly burning one of the tents, and rode off to the distance where it exploded into a magnificent bouquet of fire and colour. The hobbits let out a cheer, laughing at the inoffensive firework that had scared them so easily.

Primy laughed and cheered with the others before noticing two ashen faced hobbits getting their ears twisted by an angry wizard. Squinting her eyes, she let out a stiff of laughter when she finally recognized them, much to Lily's confusion.

Primy? Can you please explain to me what you are laughing at?
The lass was giggling uncontrollably. She finally wiped the tears from her face and responded to her cousin.
- Guess who set the firework? It was Merry and Pippin! They were so dark I could hardly recognised them! And Gandalf didn't seem too happy, seeing the way he drove them by the ear towards a tent.

Both hobbits burst out laughing as they walked after Gandalf and the trouble-makers. The wizard made them wash the dishes, and I mean all the dishes of the party! (Consider most the Shire has been invited and you'll get the idea of how big the pile of dirty plates was).

That was some fireworks, guys! Too bad you got caught! Cheered Primy.
- Too bad you weren't with us, maybe you could have stopped your twin lighting the firework in a tent!
The girls were half crying out of laughter by now, while Merry earned a dark glance from Pippin, who tried to change the subject.
- Where were you, anyway? We wanted you to help us!
Lily sneered.
- You're twin was dancing with Frodo. Actually, she has danced with him all night, according to Diamond!

Primy stared in shock at the three of them, her face slightly red from the laughing. The boys were grinning, and all three had the same twinkle in their eyes.

That is so not right, she snorted, trying to stop her face from blushing. I ran into Lotho and was arguing with him. I took the opportunity to leave him when he fell down at the sound of your firework.

Gandalf was chuckling at the sight and sound of the three hobbits teasing one of the twins. He had lit his pipe weed and was smoking, trying to pretend he wasn't listening to their conversation.

Lily was about to add something when they heard the sound of cheering. They turned to see Bilbo standing on a stool, about to make an announcement. Well, Lily didn't turn, as she is blind, she didn't bothered turning her head. She pricked her ears instead. Oh, well, I can always tease Prim' after the speech.

My dear Bagginses and Boffins...
She heard many hobbits cheering, and jumped when she recognised Frodo's voice from beside her. He had joined the little group of cousins shortly after their argument without her noticing.

...Tooks and Brandybucks...
An uproar of cries and cheers left Lily dizzy, especially as the three most maddening cries came from right beside her. Why do the twins and Merry always have to cheer at the top of their lungs?

...Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles...
Immediately, she joined in the frenzy when she heard her name being called out, making the others jump around her. Bilbo chuckled at her eagerness before finishing off.

...and Proudfoots.
Lily laughed with the others when a gruff voice shouted back.
- Proudfeet!

Nonetheless, Bilbo continued on.
- Today is my 111th birthday!
Everyone immediately shouted "Happy birthday!" She could hear the twins clapping a hand on Frodo's back as they added "And the same goes to you!"

But alas, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits. (The Hobbits cheered) I don't know half of you half as well as I should like and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
She raised an eyebrow. Too short? Why is he saying that? It isn't like he's going to die!

- I, uh, I have things to do. I've put this off for far too long. I regret to announce this is the end! I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye.

The end of the speech was followed by astonished cries. Lily felt Frodo tense from his seat beside her, while Primy gasped.

Primy? What happened?
It was Merry who responded to her question.
- He... he vanished...
- Vanished? What do you mean, "vanished"?

Primy seemed to recover her senses, because she answered when Merry would not continue. Thought she was blind, Lily was pretty sure Primy's eyes were wide in shock, and she could hear the slight shake in her voice, although the others could have sworn she kept it steady.

I'm not sure... He just... disappeared from the stool.

Ok, that's it for now! I had to rush thing a little, but I promise you'll get to know Lily better throughout my story! I hope you've enjoyed reading it, 'cause I've enjoyed writing it. So, I want reviews! Please? (Puppy eyes) But please don't flame my work unless you have a very good reason to do it.