Author's note:

Whew, the fourth chapter is done! Man, One thing is for sure, writing a story is not an easy task. Cheers to all the good writers out there. Be it marysuish or non-marysueish. To those who have keep tracked on my story, I thank you wholeheartedly. I assure you, I will try to make this story as interesting and non-marysueish as possible. To those who stumbled in my realm for the first time, I welcome you.

So you guys just sit back, relax and have some popcorns and coke while you at it, and read. Don't forget to review after that. Feel free to comment on the story. All advices and ideas are welcome. grin

ON WITH THE STORY!

Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to Tolkein.

Chapter 4 – Bag End

When I entered into Bag End, I was surprised at the exact likeness of the Bag End I saw in the 'Fellowship of the Ring'. The main hall was painted in a warm cream colour and was handsomely furnished with shelves and chests lining on both sides of the walls, giving it a posh yet welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. It was amazing for the entire architecture of the smial was circles! From the corridors to the doors and the windows. It seemed that all the rooms were on the same level and spread throughout, taking the full area of the hill in good use.

I walked further in cautiously, my sandals making soft noises against the smooth, shiny wooden floor. I noticed above me was a golden chandelier and when I saw Gandalf entering through the door as well and stood up straight, why, his head was about to reach the ceiling! Only then I realized that I was much shorter than him, only slightly above the waistline of his grey cloak. At least, I would not hit against the chandelier with my height.

"You better be careful of your head, Gandalf." I grinned as the wizard took down his pointed hat, revealing his long flowing grey, slivery hair that reached to his hip.

"You need not worry about myself Child, for a wizard is always cautious wherever he goes." His eyes twinkled with confidence. Bilbo was behind us shutting the door and turned towards us with a wide infectious smile.

"Well, let me take that hat and your staff, old friend," he said and Gandalf complied without a word. "Feel free to look around, Lady Jacqueline. I believed you had never been into a smial before, am I right?"

I nodded with a smile and Bilbo gave an amused laugh before passing by me to hang Gandalf's hat against the hooks in front. After which he leaned the staff against the wall beside it.

"Then I have to make you feel welcome. Come, go into the kitchen my dear and I shall make you and Gandalf some tea. Or would you like something stronger, Gandalf? Perhaps the ale in my cellar! I have a few bottles and they are from 1296. Very good year! Why they are almost as old as I am," he laughed heartily.

I saw Gandalf avoiding the chandelier by moving along the sides and bend his body lower as his eyes followed Bilbo's movement.

While Bilbo was saying so, he turned left and hobbled noiselessly down the long corridor. "It was laid down by my father. Shall we open one then?" Bilbo's merry voice rang throughout the hall. I widened my eyes at this conversation. This should be said on his birthday itself, was it not?

Don't tell me this world doesn't follow the original script of the movie? Or does that mean my presence is affecting this world? I shook my head to get rid of negative thoughts.

"Tea will be just fine Bilbo." Gandalf said in confirmation. His eyebrows rose as he saw my action but said nothing. He signaled me to follow him into the kitchen, and was about to walk backward when 'CLANK!' his back hit against the chandelier.

I fought back a laugh as Gandalf avoided the rocking chandelier and held its position with his hands. "So… who says a wizard is always cautious eh?"

Gandalf said nothing and turned his body to walk into the kitchen beside him, only to find his head whammed onto top of the entrance. I could not contain my laughter as he groaned at the pain he felt on his head. "I did warn you, Gandalf. "I said as I walked pass him without suffering any injuries.

"Enough said Child. I was… concentrating on something else in my mind." He huffed and with that he led me into the kitchen, watching wearily at the ceiling. I rolled my eyes.

It was amazing how homely Bag End was, kind of reminding me of my home back in Singapore. A huge, cozy looking fireplace was facing me as I sipped on my tea appreciatively. It tasted of apples and a hint of mint, something that I had never tasted in my life.

'Well as long as it is not bitter, I can drink them.' My eyes wandered to the shelves that were installed on the wall beside the fireplace, gazing at the books and glass wares on them. There are a few wooden frames, mostly were filled with real-life drawings of Bilbo. The table in front of me was covered with mostly bread, cheese and apples, sitting on big cutting boards. I turned my gaze towards the enormous pieces of meat and fish that hung neatly on the walls and widened my eyes. Boy, this kitchen was stocked with food!

"Is this the only kitchen you have Master Bilbo?" I asked, watching Bilbo pouring tea to Gandalf.

"Call me Bilbo my dear, for the term Master makes me sound too old. In return, I shall call you Jacqueline. Or would you prefer Jack?"

"Either is fine Bilbo." I smiled at the old hobbit.

"Well then, now back to the question you asked of me," He said and poured himself a cup before taking a seat beside Gandalf. "This kitchen is one of the few I have in Bag End. They are all in the next few rooms down that corridor, all stocked with food. After all, we hobbits love eating."

I stared at Bilbo shocked. Gandalf laughed at my expression.

"Bilbo here is the head of the Baggins family, one of the well respected and wealthiest families in the Shire besides the Took and the Brandybuck. So it is not shocking to know that he has the wealth to build and fill many kitchens." Gandalf explained as he set aside his pipe and drank his tea.

"Oh please Gandalf," Bilbo exclaimed, his eyes twinkled." Soon Frodo shall inherit my wealth and become the head. After all, he is my chosen heir and I say I had selected well, for he has the Baggins spirit within him. And he manages the wealth far better than me for sure." He said proudly and I smiled warmly at his remarks whereas Gandalf looked knowingly at the hobbit.

"Oh yes, Jacqueline, if you do not know about Frodo, he is my nep…"

"She knew about Frodo, Bilbo." Gandalf interrupted, his gaze directed towards me. I saw Bilbo's eyes widened and turned to Gandalf. I looked at Gandalf in anxiety. Is he going to tell Bilbo of my knowledge!

"You mean you told her about Frodo?"

"No Bilbo. She already knew him before we met …"

I rested my eyes on the table, my hands gripped tightly around the cup as I felt the tension building up.

"Why I didn't expect Frodo to be known in the race of Man. Why, that boy hasn't set a foot outside the Shire himself, Gandalf. What race is she from? Her clothing and appearance as I had noticed are far too unique and different. She's most definitely not an elf!" Bilbo exclaimed, his eyes boring into Gandalf's.

There was an uncomfortable silence entering into the kitchen and I focused my gaze on the reflection of myself on the cup, not noticing the main door clicked open and shut closed.

"She is not from any race of Men, for she is from another world." Gandalf revealed. Bilbo gasped in amazement.

And at that moment, another gasp was heard.

I snapped up my head and twisted my body to the source.

There at the entrance of the kitchen, was another hobbit. He was around the same height as Bilbo, but seemed to be slightly taller by a few centimeters. He looked thinner and his face was definitely more youthful, like the face of a young adult. His noticeable pointed ears poked out from his curly black locks and his big clear blue eyes widened with surprise. He wore a simple white shirt and brown pants that were slightly below his knees, like how a hobbit would dress.

'Why,' my eyes widened as I recognized his appearance, 'he looks almost like the Frodo in the movie!.'

"Frodo! You have returned early from the Green Dragon." Bilbo said as he stood up and walked towards the younger hobbit.

"Bilbo, well… Pippin and Merry had something on during the evening at the Brandybuck, thus Sam and I had decided to return home, since after all the both of us have nothing to do." Frodo answered and looked towards his uncle. Then he noticed Gandalf standing up from his seat to greet him.

"Gandalf! You have come!" Frodo cried in surprise as he launched himself into Gandalf's cloak. Gandalf laughed at his actions and returned the hug. "It's no wonder I overheard rumours of strangers entering the Shire! One of which was a grey wizard." He grinned.

"I am glad to see you again, Frodo Baggins. Congratulations on your coming of age."

"Thank you Gandalf. You can never guess how much I waited for this day." Frodo laughed before his gaze turned towards me. I gulped and immediately stood up from my seat.

'Okay Jacqueline. Don't get all too excited on seeing the ringbearer. Yes, he may be handsome looking and adorable for a hobbit, but you still have to return home and fulfill your dreams. I shall NOT be a Marysue. No way!' I thought as I walked forward and stood in front of Frodo.

Frodo looked up towards me and I could see a mixture of fear and yet curiosity in his blue eyes.

'Well, if a being who is twice their size, taller and strange stood before him, I would be shock if he does not feel frightened by my presence.'

I stretched out my right hand towards him and he jumped slightly in confusion. Gandalf and Bilbo looked on in amusement.

I let go a breath I unconsciously held and gave a friendly smile which I could muster at the moment.

"Good afternoon, Frodo Baggins. I am Jacqueline Chow, an acquaintance of Gandalf. And as what you have overheard, I am from another world."

Gandalf sat comfortably in his seat, his grin never leaving his face as I had finally finished answering the questions Bilbo and Frodo plummeted me with after that. Mostly were about my world and how I got here. I left out about my knowledge and the dimension between my world and theirs, after all I had promised Gandalf. I believed he would reveal it if he wanted that person to know.

"So which means that Gandalf found you near the Shire?" Frodo's clear boyish voice sounded as he looked at me in amazement, leaning near the entrance.

"More like I found him in fact." I grinned at the old wizard who just snorted. Somehow or the other, I had become friends with Gandalf during the trip to Bag End. Although I did not know much about him yet, I knew I could trust him.

"Well, that says much about your entire appearance and looks, my dear. And I was wondering if there's a new race of Man popping out on Middle Earth!" Bilbo gave an impish grin as he glanced over at my black T-shirt with a yellow logo printed in front. I smiled sheepishly as I placed my two hands on my lap, fingering the hems of my red checkered shorts.

"She is too different. Any person, be it Man, Elves or Dwarfs can easily see that she does not belong to this world." Gandalf said matter-of-factly.

'…you might be in great danger…'

"You might be sought after by him to obtain your knowledge of the future and with it; he can change the course of fate and eliminate all those who lived on Middle Earth."

Gandalf's words floated back into my mind. There was a definite high possibility that the Dark Lord might search for me for what ever reason and with my looks, I could be easily found and brought over to him, even if I dressed in the clothes made on Middle Earth. Damn. I had to speak to Gandalf later about my situation alone.

Bilbo clapped his hands which brought me back from my thoughts.

"I believed that Jacqueline and Gandalf are weary from their trip. Frodo, my boy, can you show the lady to her new room? I wish to speak to Gandalf longer. We have much to discuss on the celebration!"

"Alright Bilbo." Frodo grinned and left his spot. He caught my gaze and with a shy smile, he motioned me to follow him.

I returned the smile weakly and stood up from my seat, thanking Bilbo for his kind hospitality. I turned to Gandalf, hoping to speak to him privately but only to find him smiling knowingly at me.

"We will speak later, Child. Now go and rest."

I sighed and nodded understandingly. Frodo was waiting patiently at the entrance and I walked towards him slowly, excited of able to be with the hobbit alone.

"Do you want a tour around Bag End before I show you your room? I believe Bilbo have not done so yet." Frodo said softly. I looked down slightly to meet his gaze, and although his eyes still showed fear, but this time it lessened.

I gave a real grin. "Sure."

And with a 'goodbye' to the wizard and the old hobbit, I was off on a tour with the soon-to-be ring bearer as my guide for the day.

By the time the tour of Bad End was finally over, it was getting dark. Man, this place had so many rooms within one hill!

Frodo had been very patient and quite enthusiastic, worming a place in my heart. No doubt being the heir of the Bag End, he knew which room was which even with the door closed! During the tour, we chatted about the Shire and more about the hobbits, so as to get comfortable with each other's presence and he also told me which rooms were his favorite, like Bilbo's private library and the study room just beside his room, where there were a lot of tools and stationeries for usage! He was quite gentlemanly and polite, acknowledging me as 'My lady', or 'Ms Jacqueline', but I told him to call me by name and he did so for his. All in all, the tour was enjoyable.

When we reached my assigned room, I thanked Frodo gratefully and gave him a friendly pat on his back, which kinda surprised him a little but later graced me with his beautiful smile. I blushed slightly, after all, who would not be bowled over if given a smile like that by a handsome man err… hobbit, but managed to smile back in return.

"The bathrooms are free to use, so you need not worry about bathing. Do you wish to join us for dinner, after you have refreshed yourself perhaps?" he asked, his eyes seem to brighten up by the thought of dinner.

"It's alright. I am feeling tired from the entire thing so I am going to pass the dinner offer. Please inform your uncle that I am sorry."

Frodo gave a light nod and walked away. I stared at his retreating form for a moment, still not believing that I was in Bag End, in the same house with Bilbo Baggins and the two members of the fellowship.

'Well, life's getting better and better… but… I wonder how I am going to survive on Middle Earth … Never mind… sleep first."

With a great weary sigh, I entered the room, hoping to use one of the bathrooms and shower. For I stink!

There was a knock on the door of my room as I sat on my new bed, enjoying its softness.

"Come in."

"So how was your tour, Jacqueline? Frodo said you are not joining us for dinner so I have decided to come in for a moment, after all dinner is not ready yet." Gandalf's voice crept into the room as he entered in, his grey cloak swept past the floor. I gave a wide smile. "It's quite cool actually. Frodo is a great guide."

"Cool?" His eye brows raised.

"It's a slang I used in my world. Meaning… er… interesting, fun!" I explained as I dried my hair with the towel that was provided in my room.

I had just finished taking a bath in one of the bathrooms that was near my room, and I tell you, the bathroom was really amazing. I could not believe that there could be a toilet bowl there. Not the advanced one but a wooden one. Man, there's even a flush system! There was also a big bathtub there too and the entire room is furnished in a plush hobbit style, just as fitting to Bilbo's wealth status. My room that Frodo brought me to was also done in the same style, with a soft hobbit size bed, a rectangular wooden study table and a cushioned chair. There were also a handsome cupboard and two kerosene lamps, one on the table and the other beside my bed. Cozy was the word I gave to my new room.

I had worn back the same clothes that I worn before the entire fiasco had occurred, which I did not mind since I was sure Frodo and Bilbo's clothes could not fit my size.

'That's because I am fat and weighed 84 kg. That makes it hard for me to get clothes in my world…' I grinned. I remembered my mother, whenever she tried to bring me to shopping malls and buy female clothes for me; she would always say that it was so difficult to find even one blouse that fit me…

Gandalf looked at my clothes knowingly.

"It seemed that we need to make you some fitting clothes. I have discussed this with Bilbo and he is happy to help you settle here in the Shire…"

"My mum used to complain a lot on my size… saying how much I should lose the extra weight…" I whispered, my eyes looking to the ground. "It was hard to buy clothes for me in my world, thus I usually wear men clothes, especially my brother's, as they were more comfortable and have sizes that fit me."

I looked up only to find Gandalf sitting on the chair near the study table, looking at me expectantly.

"Sorry for hearing my blabbering… I just… I just suddenly miss my home… that's all…" I said softly as I held the towel in my hand. I did not know why, but my heart ached from the loss of my family and friends. I was all alone, alone in this new strange fictional world… without anyone to relate to from my world.

I wonder how they are… Mom, Dad, my two crazy brothers, Jonathan and Jarret… I missed mum's cooking, I missed Jonathan's laughter, I missed Jarret's bickering, and I missed Dad's comforting smiles… and all my friends in school and in my life……

"Gandalf, I don't belong here… although in my world, any girl will die to be in my place to come to Middle Earth, but I rather dream of this than to find this all become true. Now especially since you said I might be in great danger and my looks…"

"I know Child. But you are already here. I am sorry but there is a high chance of you never leaving this world. But if you really are in danger, I will put you away from harm's reach." Gandalf said softly.

I clenched my eyes shut, tears threatening to spill out.

"I thank you for your words and protection. But still, I need to find a way to go back… for I still have many things to do… many things..."

"…"

There was silence in the air as neither of us spoke, each within our own thoughts. For Gandalf, he continued to smoke his pipe, his face thoughtful

"Oh! And Gandalf?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you again… for letting me travel with you despite, you know, being from another world…" I said sincerely.

Gandalf smiled beneath his pipe.

"Sleep Child. You will need it." He whispered before he stood up and tucked me into bed, like how a father would tuck his child to bed.

"Good night Jacqueline."

"Good night Gandalf, and apologize to Bilbo again for me." I whispered and after hearing the click of the door closing shut, I slept.