Hello! Big, big, big, big, big thanks to those who have reviewed! I appreciate it.

But, the real reason for my A/N is not to be grateful. Nor is it for bad news. I just wanted to warn people in advance if my portrayals of the Hobbit characters are off. Merlin is my native language, not the Middle Earth language(s). Please forgive – even forget – and just enjoy the story! (I've only read the Hobbit twice and seen the first Hobbit movie four times. Nah, I don't like it. *Sarcasm*) Oh and if you haven't finished reading the book, spoilers!

Thanks! XD

This, my dear Frodo, is where I come in. It is around now that I first hear but not meet King Arthur and his company but from here, my journey and my role begin in the epic quest that will come. This time though, it does not start in a hobbit hole, but rather in Rivendell with some long time friends.

The moonlight feast was in full motion, the stars shining down among them brighter by the lights of the small candles and torches that adorned the pillars and tables everywhere. Soft, elvish music filled the dining area, swimming and dancing gaily through the air. Bilbo Baggins sat at the High table with Lord Elrond and Gandalf, chatting happily with his friends, his voice adding to the bubbling noises that surrounded them.

Platters and bowls of vegetables, fruit and greenery were spread across the tables and beautiful silverware available next to plates and cups of the richest glass and earth. Bilbo gazed down lovingly at it all while talking, appreciating the feast that had been arranged in his honour – he had never been one to pass off food. It had been around four years since he had last passed through here with the dwarfs; he still had strong contacts with the people he had met. Especially in Dale, Mirkwood and of course, Erebor.

"Are you enjoying the feast, Mr. Baggins?" Elrond asked, looking down at him from his height.

"Oh yes indeed, great Lord. I am forever at your service." Bilbo replied politely.

Gandalf chuckled, pulling out his smoke pipe from somewhere amidst his grey robes. "I can remember only too well how much you talked of your Shire while Thorin and Co. were walking to Erebor. Nearly drove them all to a mad hunger."

Bilbo blushed and looked down, however he was saved when Elrond intervened. "Yes Gandalf, but look at where you all are now. Smaug is dead, Erebor has been recaptured and the gold has been split between you all."

"I will not forget anytime soon. Your bravery Bilbo was even more so great than I first saw when I met you all those years ago. It seems I picked the right burglar after all." Gandalf replied, forming a brilliant smoke ring that sailed into the sky.

"Many appreciations Gandalf, my dear friend. I would not have done so well though without help from the dwarfs and 'Sting'." Bilbo replied modestly.

"Sting? Ah yes, your sword. It has achieved quite a great name for itself. I believe it may be rising into the ranks of Orcrist and Glamdring. Among the great spiders of Mirkwood at least." Elrond replied positively.

"Thank you." Bilbo said, smiling happily.

"So Mr. Baggins, I do not think I have asked yet. Where are you and Gandalf travelling to?" Elrond asked, leaning forward slightly.

"It is by pure chance that Mr. Baggins and I crossed paths at all. I am going to attend some pressing matters in the south and I believe Bilbo is making quite a long trip to visit some old friends in Erebor. He has sent word ahead of his arrival and already I hear rumours of some great festival that is being constructed. I have no doubt it has to do with you, Bilbo." Gandalf explained.

"Indeed. They are still very much in debt to you after your great help. I expect this will not be forgotten for a long time. The tale of thirteen dwarfs and a burglar hobbit who reclaimed the lost kingdom of Erebor from a terrible fire-drake." Elrond said.

"May the souls of Kili, Fili and Thorin Oakenshield rest peacefully and everlasting. Let their beards never soil or fade, nor their bravery and honour perish." Bilbo said, bowing his head in respect.

"Of course, of course." Gandalf replied, sending a rather epic ring into the sky to honour them.

There was a moment of silence when Gandalf's head suddenly snapped up, and he turned suddenly towards the east where the sun was going to rise. He looked surprised and worried, eyes wide and his great eyebriws creased heavily. Bilbo looked in alarm at his wizard friend, worried about what had happened while Elrond stood up and actually walked in the direction where Gandalf was staring.

"Gandalf? Gandalf? What's wrong? Is something going on?" Bilbo asked hurriedly, hand darting to Sting at his side.

For a moment, the wizard didn't reply but after silence, he stood up and walked away from the party towards where Elrond was standing, a confused expression gracing his fair face. Bilbo hurriedly scuttled off his chair and ran after him, joining the conversation just as Elrond finished asking what was wrong.

"Just a moment. One moment of time but it was incredibly clear and powerful. A magic. I could feel it's power appear suddenly somewhere in Middle Earth. Out of nowhere. A magic that is indescribable. So powerful, I could sense it even from our distance." Gandalf explained.

"What is it, Gandalf?" Elrond asked calmly, but there was a sense of urgency in his tone. "What is the source of this magic?"

"I … I can't tell. I'm not sure." Gandalf said, unsurely. That was probably the scariest part for the little Hobbit. The wizard, who had saved him from so many things and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Five Armies, was now nervous about something.

"What are we to do about it?" Bilbo asked, his small voice breaking into the conversation.

Gandalf looked down at the Hobbit before him, leaning against his magic staff. "I believe, Mr. Baggins, that I may have to prolong my business in the South. And, if you have the time, I would like you to accompany me on this journey. A little bravery and stealth may be required."

Bilbo grinned, remembering the rewards he had reaped from his previous adventure, and he wasn't just talking about the money. "Lord Elrond, would you excuse me if I departed from your most hospitable Homely Home early?"

"I shall find no trouble in it." Elrond replied.

"Well then Mr. Baggins, it seems another epic adventure shall begin at dawn break tomorrow." Gandalf declared, looking once again from the Tookish Hobbit to the far off East where the strange surge of powerful magic had come from.