Over the Hills and Far Away
The weather was kind to Bilbo as his journey began. The sun continued to shine in the Shire, and as Bilbo walked through the region he enjoyed stopping talking to the farmers of the land, asking about how well their crops were growing. Many agreed that it had been a fine year indeed for harvesting. It was nice for Bilbo to be able to talk to people who barely knew him, if not at all, for they did not act as if he were strange or peculiar. If they did so happen to ask where he was going he found himself lying by saying he was journeying to visit relatives. It was easier to answer that way; it avoided any unnecessary questions.
At night Bilbo found inns where he would once again enjoy talking with the locals of the area, and take advantage of the hospitality of food and drink, before resting there during the night in a relatively comfortable bed. It was better to take advantage of the inns now because he did not know when he would get another decent meal or a good night's rest. Bilbo made a note to himself to make sure he was stocked up with enough food from the markets the following day when he knew he was on the edge of Hobbiton; he supposed he would have to make do without having any second breakfast, elevenses and so on.
During his couple days walk, Bilbo soon found out where his feet were leading him. He wanted to go back to Rivendell. Elrond had told him he was welcome to stay there back when he had been travelling with Thorin and the dwarves. He hoped he would now be allowed back. The Elves had always fascinated Bilbo and he longed to know more about them; to learn more on their ways and cultures. He just hoped he could find his way back to Rivendell, as last time he journeyed there it proved a rather difficult place to find.
For days he walked, quite a good distance away from the Hobbiton now. He cursed himself for not buying a pony to take on the journey. Bilbo was a brilliant walker; any opportunity he could take he would go out walking, but even the journey to Rivendell would be quite a tiring experience. Even his poor hobbit feet were starting to suffer.
Camping at night was also a daunting experience. Travelling alone meant there was no Oin or Gloin to help him build and light a fire. Bilbo realised very quickly how vulnerable he was on his own. There was no one else to aid him if he ever encountered another group of trolls or goblins. One particular night when he could not sleep he debated whether to wear his ring and then at least he would be invisible; invisibility meant more security. Every time he took the ring out of his pocket he simply stared at it and rolled it between his thumb and index finger, but never once did he actually put it on. Something told him not to wear it, that it was only for emergencies, so he never did.
Eventually he arrived at a village called Bree. Bilbo hoped to find an inn where he could rest for the night. He did not wish to camp in the woods again that particular evening. As he walked through the village he could sense a lot of eyes on him, which made him feel slightly uneasy. He supposed that the village being occupied by men meant they didn't see the likes of hobbits very often. Bilbo continued on his way however until he came across an inn called The Prancing Pony.
The place seemed friendly enough as Bilbo stepped inside, although it seemed a little dark. As he approached the innkeeper at the bar, he noticed how most of the people in the building were looking over at him. Once the innkeeper finally noticed he was standing there he was immediately welcomed and offered accommodation and food for the night. The innkeeper informed Bilbo that he had rooms to accommodate small folk like himself and that he was more than welcome to stay. Immediately Bilbo felt his anxiety drop. Now he felt stupid for even worrying about the humans reaction to him.
"Here you go little Sir," said the innkeeper, "some ale, bread and cheese for you to enjoy." He then placed a plate on the table in front of where Bilbo sat, "Your room is ready for whenever you feel the need to retire for the night. Are you sure you just want to stay the one night? It can be very tiring on the road."
"Thank you, but one night is more than enough." replied Bilbo gratefully, "I don't wish to linger too long. I just desire to sleep somewhere other than the forest floor for the night."
The innkeeper nodded thoughtfully, "Yes I can imagine. You hobbits like your home comforts. What brings you so far out to Bree?"
"Oh," Bilbo hesitated, wondering whether he should say, "I wish to visit some old friends," He eventually said, "they don't live in Hobbiton."
The innkeeper frowned, not looking quite satisfied with his answer, "I see. We don't see many hobbits travelling in these parts. Not that we don't see any at all. Oh no, I have one working for me in fact."
"Oh really?" asked Bilbo in surprise. It was nice to know there were more hobbits that strayed from Hobbiton than just himself.
"Yes, he helps me behind the bar. He's not working tonight I'm afraid. Shame really. He'll be disappointed when I tell him you've been here. What's your name? Maybe you know each other?"
Bilbo shook his head, a little reluctant to state his name. "I doubt we would know each other."
"Well it's worth asking." the innkeeper persisted.
It was no use; the innkeeper was not going to let him be. "My name is Bilbo… Bilbo Baggins."
"Baggins…" repeated the innkeeper in wonder, "the name rings a bell to me. Have you visited the Prancing Pony before?"
"No," Bilbo shook his head profusely, hoping the innkeeper would not recognise him through reputation. He just wanted a quiet night. "I've only merely passed through Bree on previous occasions. You probably recognise the name Baggins through family name I expect." Hopefully not for any other reason, he thought to himself.
"Yes, you are probably right." replied the innkeeper, finally ending the conversation. "Well I'll leave you to your supper. Let me know if you need anything else."
When the man walked away Bilbo gave a sigh of relief. He did not like being asked so many personal questions. If he could have it his own way Bilbo would be invisible to everyone. Invisible… Immediately his hand went into his pocket and grasped the ring once more. He did not dare take it out of his pocket; there were too many eyes around. He was already causing too much attention to himself as it was.
Knowing the ring was still safely there, Bilbo let go of it reluctantly and continued to eat his very humble supper. He would have preferred a piece of pie or a nice hot stew, but he would have to make do with the bread and cheese. As the evening turned into night Bilbo decided to have one more tankard of ale before retiring to his room.
Sitting back down at his table Bilbo couldn't help but listen in to the conversation that was going on behind him.
"Aye, more strange goings on have been happenin' in those ere woods." said one man, slurring slightly.
"Strange happenings?" asked his table companion.
"Aye, disappearings and the like." answered the man mysteriously, "It's some kind of witchcraft I tell you."
"What could it be?" asked the other man with a worried tone to his voice, "Goblins or something?"
Bilbo turned in his seat subtly and looked at the men from the corner of his eye. One was leaning right into the other man's ear.
"No, they ain't smart enough for that." answered the man clearly slightly drunk, "I reckon it's one of those ere Elves going around kidnapping and killing humans, dwarves, sometimes even their own kind too. It keeps them immortal."
The other man half laughed and shook his head, "I think you've had too much to drink. Elves don't need dark magic, nor do they go round killing people to keep themselves alive. Elves help keep the peace of Middle Earth, not cause such atrocities as you are suggesting."
"Well how else do you explain the disappearances? As I say it is all happening in those woods, and what should be near those woods but Rivendell!"
"Pure coincidence."
"I wouldn't be surprised if they had spies watching us right now."
The two men looked around themselves, and then caught Bilbo watching them. Bilbo jumped slightly in fright as the two stared at him suspiciously. He knew in that moment that it was time for bed.
Quickly he got up from his seat and went to the innkeeper to ask him to show him to his room. Only once inside the room and when the innkeeper was gone, did Bilbo feel slightly more relaxed. What on earth was that conversation about? He felt very puzzled by it all. Disappearances? Elves performing dark magic? It was totally ridiculous, and yet if it wasn't the Elves that were causing the disappearances then who was?
Perhaps journeying to Rivendell wouldn't be quite as safe as Bilbo originally thought.
