Author's Note:

Alright! The next chapter is up. Sorry for the slow development of the story but soon it will start on the main one. Thanks to the reviewers for their reviews and comments, and the readers who is reading my story. Okay. So Sit Back and enjoy the next chapter.

Disclaimer: LOTR is owned by Tolkein.

Chapter 8 – The Party! (Part 1)

After that night, Bilbo became in his most frantic mode, rushing all around in Bag End, ensuring all gifts were prepared and invitations given to all families that were on his list. Gandalf was beside him all that time, smoking his pipe casually, seeing the hobbit giving orders and hobbled wildly to and fro in the main hall, muttering whether if there was anything undone.

Whereas for me, I resumed my duty as the guard of Bag End, chasing away curious hobbits and unnecessary party visitors with my reputation and size. (Man! I love the power.) Gandalf had cast me a weird spell at me, which were a series of mumblings and foreign language I could not understand, saying "It's a spell that prevents You know who from entering your dreams again… hopefully it would last." And seem like it did, for so far, I had not experience that weird nausea sensation.

Sam returned to his job as a gardener and also became an unofficial guard, keeping me company and chatting with me about gardening and plants and stuff. "You must be careful of those Sackville-Baggins," he warned, "nasty folks they are, it's best not to get close to them, always bothering Mister Frodo and Mister Bilbo all year round." I nodded knowingly, hearing much complaints of the S.B from Bilbo himself. After which the conversation switched to Rosie, which always ended with Sam blushing red in his face, which was adorable. Actually in fact, that hobbit had everything a girl would want for a husband, kind and compassionate and gentlemanly, a house err smial and some wealth to last a few generations in his family, I mean, he's a perfect catch in the Shire. And though I did not read the last book and watch the last movie, somehow, I knew that Sam would get his lady in the end... it's just that he needed more pushing. Hey! I could ask Frodo to help out in matchmaking at the party! Hehe, prepare to get hitched Sam.

Merry and Pippin too dropped by to Bag End, keeping me company and chat about random stuff of the Shire. I too kept them occupied by teaching them games from my world. Like tic-tac-to, which Merry always won and Pepsi Cola, which the two hobbits always join forces together and attacked me without mercy at the feet. After that, I regretted teaching them any games.

"Say Jacqueline, do you know of any dance?" Pippin asked in his light accented voice, playing with my short hair absent-mindedly from behind.

"You mean there are actually dance moves to learn?" I said, surprised of his question. Merry gave a gasp of horror.

"Pippin! This is really bad! We cannot let her go unprepared to the Party without knowledge of us hobbits famous dances!" Merry cried, doing a dramatic sigh in despair.

"Then we must train her now til the Party! Time is precious Merry! Come Jacqueline, after we teach you these moves, you shall be the bell of the ball!" Pippin grinned, giving a knowing nod to Merry who too grinned widely beneath his pipe that he popped out from his vest.

Me! Dancing! More like I will cause the Earth to shake, I thought in grimace. Dancing was never my cup of tea. I rather see people dance, not me dancing. It is just so wrong! I mean, look at me! I am big and fat, if I dance, all the fats will be bulging about… not a pretty sight. Perhaps I should excuse myself now…

"Haha, it's okay guys, you don't have to teach me," I said nervously as I stood up from my seat and turned to the entrance of Bag End quickly, "besides, I'm not too fond of dancing and I rather see you hobbits dance and also I feel like having a cup of milk……"

But before I could even take a step further into the main hall, to my horror, I was stopped by two strong grips on my shoulders. I turned my head, only to find horrifying grins on the two hobbits' faces, each promising much torture and suffering. "Oh no you don't Milady. I thought you will be quite interested in this." Merry said too cheerfully.

"Yeah, in seeing you guys dance, not me! Sam, save me! Tell them not to teach me! I don't want to dance!" I pleaded to Sam who just looked at me amusingly from his spot in the garden and seeing me being pulled away from the door and dragged down the stairs by the two hobbits.

"No can do Ms Jacqueline. You must learn some dances for the Party. Mister Frodo would love to see you have some fun in the Party!" Sam smiled apologetically as he turned to ignore me into his gardening, but I could hear him chuckling softly. My eyebrows twitched.

"Samwise Gamgee, if you don't help me out now, you're going to regret this." I growled, showing him my angry side that I rarely showed in my life. Hey, with two grinning hobbits, especially if it were Merry and Pippin, it meant that they were going to make me suffer really badly. That was not a good thought!

Sam was looking hesitant but Merry and Pippin covered my mouth before I could say anymore further and continued to drag me to a deserted yet beautiful clearing with grass and flowers where it became my practice arena with two enthusiastic and laughing hobbits. I cursed my luck as Pippin patted my back with a charming grin and Merry with his wide smile.

"Now with Sam away, we can get to business!" Merry chimed as he sat down and patted the space beside him, motioning me to sit there. I raised a questioning eyebrow, wondering what those two hobbits could be cooking in their minds.

"Business? What business?" I asked, only to find Pippin grinning even wider, revealing his white teeth and a slight opening at the front teeth. I narrowed my eyes. Then something clicked in my mind.

"Don't tell me you are going to do something 'grand' on Bilbo's party?"

"You know us too well milady," Merry laughed with a slight bow, "and Pippin and I hope you will lend us your hand in this plan of ours."

"Why me?"

"We can't possibly ask Frodo to help; he was never too fond of such things, though he's great fun in minor pranks and games." Pippin reasoned, sitting beside me on the right.

Merry smiled at his friend and continued the reasoning, " Besides, Frodo is too the host of the Party, and he is too in our plan. Sam, that hobbit detests such things, especially the two of us doing them. If he heard our grand plan, he would have stopped it no matter what!"

I laughed knowingly. Pippin grinned and hugged me from behind lightky. "So, will you join us Jacqueline? It will be great fun! I promised!"

It had somewhat become a custom for Pippin to hug me, especially Merry and Frodo lately, which I did not mind, for I could get to ruffle and feel the hobbit's hair, which were quite unbelievably curled and soft. "You make a great pillow!" Pippin piped when he started the custom, causing the rest of them to hug me occasionally like a pillow. Sam of course was an exception, a gentleman. Besides, I believed he would rather make Rosie as a pillow when he sleeps…

I paused thoughtfully, wondering if I should join in their pranks. "So what do I get in return if I joined in, and what are we doing first?" I asked curiously. Merry and Pippin did a motion of their mouth zipping tight.

"We will only reveal our plans if you want to join in. Returns, hmm having fun? Seeing Bilbo and Frodo laughing?" Merry grinned again, plucking out a blade of grass from his left side and biting it. "So Milady, are you in or out? Either way, the two of us will have to teach you how to dance as promised."

I groaned at the word 'dance' but the proposition did not seemed bad… besides, I bet Bilbo and Frodo would need some excitement in their party beside the fireworks. I turned to the two expecting hobbits and grinned.

"Alright, you two had got me. So, what's the plan?"

Finally after a few days of non-stop dancing lessons by the two crazy masters, (which involved a lot of jumping and moving of legs and arms) and we must not forget, the planning of the grand prank, the day of the celebration arrived!

I was in my room, already dressed in the Party dress Bilbo gave me, feeling quite awkward and yet happy, as I stood in front of the mirror. A Chinese girl wearing a English dress… somehow or the other, the dress Bilbo gave me complimented me quite nicely. Black against white and blue. Bilbo could give fashion advice to ladies, and I was sure he would make a lot of money.

I laughed at that thought as I lifted half of my short hair up, wondering if I should tie my hair like this. Thus my hair would not fly around that easily. I looked around, noticing I did not have any rubber bands around me. I shook my head and decided to just let my hair be, besides, I was not into beautifying myself for events such as this. Just then, I heard a knock on the door and it being opened. I turned to the door, only to find Gandalf at the entrance, in his same grey cloak, his slivery beard and hair looking exceptionally smooth and silky today. His coal black eyes sparkled in approval as he looked at my appearance.

"Today will be the only rare times you will ever see me dress like this Old man," I grinned as Gandalf raised his eyebrow and laughed.

"Indeed Child, I believed this is the only time I will ever see you behaved like a lady." The wizard said as he walked in, his cloak sweeping behind him. I looked at his appearance.

"Say Gandalf, why don't you wear something more… festive?" I asked curiously. Gandalf said nothing as he sat on my bed and withdrew his pipe.

"I liked my dressing. Besides, hobbits' parties are quite informal," he said with a small smile. I was about to convince him to at least wear some hobbit shirts, but Gandalf dressed as a hobbit, that I could not imagine. I stifled a laugh at that thought which caused Gandalf to look at me weirdly.

"Anyway, in the end, this cloak looks more like you. You wore this everyday?"

"Yes. Everyday."

"Without washing it?"

"Of course I washed my clothes once in a while. Even I as a wizard, do have personal hygiene Child, unlike an orc." Gandalf reasoned with a snort. I laughed at his expression.

"So… have you been having any dreams lately Jacqueline?" Gandalf questioned casually, giving out small puffs of smoke. I looked at him and shook my head slightly.

"So far, no. It's been nearly eight months since I have last heard the lady's voice. And it seems that your spell is working well. For Sauron did not enter my dreams after that day."

"Ah…… that's good…" Gandalf whispered with a small smile. I looked towards him questioningly, wondering what he was thinking about beneath his smile. Gandalf noticed my look but gave me an assuring smile. "Come on Jacqueline, I believe our two hosts are getting impatient." He winked. I grinned and went with him to the main hall.

When I reached the main hall with Gandalf, I saw the four hobbits and Bilbo in their most formal attire I had seen so far during my stay. Bilbo was looking at a long piece of paper, which I assumed was his guest list, and was mumbling some stuff about last minute changes and stuff. He wore quite lavishly today, wearing a smart burgundy vest with a large black collar and cuffs. A red, double-breasted waistcoat was underneath it with two rows of shiny gold buttons. His grey hair was especially puffed up, making him looked younger.

Frodo and Sam were leading against the left wall of the hall in a comfortable silence whereas cross-legged on the floor were Merry and Pippin, laughing and joking as usual, smoking their pipes. Each of them wore a white shirt and a fine colored vest that had intriguing designs on them, with Sam wearing a brown coat as exception.

"Good day my dear hobbits, looks like the Party will be well by the look of the weather," I smiled, glancing at the wide open door and the bright surroundings of the porch outside. Yup, it will be a great day for the celebration as expected in the movie, I thought happily, my heart bursting with anticipation for the Party. But I was only greeted with silence.

"Indeed! Why my dear, you look like a lady more than ever!" Bilbo commented with approval from his spot. "I wonder which handsome, charming and wonderful hobbit gave you such a dress?" He teased, his eyes sparkled mischievously.

I laughed and gave the most charming smile I could give to the old hobbit. "Why, I believe he was indeed a charming and handsome hobbit, a master of Bag End I heard. I have yet to give my thanks."

Bilbo laughed heartily and gave a charming bow. "Then your presence alone is enough to repay it, my dear." I smiled gratefully at the old hobbit and tugged my dress down slightly.

"Though, I would rather wear a shirt and shorts…" I trailed, feeling uncomfortable at the waist area. Gandalf laughed softly and Bilbo grinned.

"But you took quite a short time to dress up, compared to normal females. Why they took at least two hours to dress themselves in their rooms!" Pippin exclaimed in his lilting voice and gave a wide grin and too a look of approval at my appearance. "Haha, I am unlike other girls my dear Pippin, I prefer fast dressing," I explained with a wink. Pippin tilted his head, I believed in confusion.

I turned to Merry, who I noticed was staring mouth opened at me. He noticed my questioning look and jumped, blushing slightly. "It… it looks nice." He stuttered slightly, but regained his usual grin. I smiled at the hobbit and gave my thanks.

"You look really nice Jacqueline. Bilbo has done it this time, to make a large lady like you a swan within a second," Frodo teased, walking up towards me and held my hands gently.

"So which means I was an ugly duckling before that huh?" I narrowed my eyes, feigning disappointment in my eyes. Frodo laughed and ruffled my hair. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of Frodo's gentle hands.

"You look quite nice Sam," I complimented, half opening my eyes towards Sam, who blushed slightly. "Thank you Ms Jacqueline. You too." The stocky hobbit replied sincerely as Frodo stop his action and smiled at Sam.

I motioned Sam to come closer. "You better use this time to get your girl, my friend. It's a great chance." I whispered into his ear. Sam blushed deeply and nodded, though he looked quite uncertain.

"Well, my dear old friend," Bilbo clapped his hand, looking towards Gandalf with a jovial grin, "shall we go to the field?"

"Of course Bilbo, we must not be late." Gandalf smiled and together they left Bag End, with Bilbo talking excitedly about the fireworks Gandalf had brought.

I looked towards Frodo and the two of us grinned. I was about to follow behind Bilbo and Gandalf when Pippin stopped me by the arm.

"Wait Jac, let's do something about your hair!" And within a few minutes Pippin made an intricate braid that had three smaller braids in it that tied up half my short hair. When he finished, Pippin tickled my neck slightly and I felt the braids with my right hand, feeling amazed by its complexity. I could feel the silky ribbon he used tied tightly to the braid.

"Where did you learn such braiding pippin?" I asked in awe, looking towards him. Pippin gave a sheepish grin. "Well, I always braid my sisters' hair, thus I learned much about braiding. At least your hair will not move about that much when you dance," he said, giving a shy smile.

I gave Pippin a big hug and gave my thanks.

"Well Jacqueline, let us see our teachings come to great use! You are going to dance with us as payment for the teaching!" Merry said merrily, pulling Pippin to his side, tucking his pipe back into his vest. "Two for each of us, but after seeing our dear Jacqueline dance; I believe many male hobbits will want to hog her. We must keep her to our side Merry!" Pippin piped in, taking my right hand and began to pull me towards the entrance of Bag End.

Frodo laughed, his blue eyes sparkled. "If you two kept on keeping her at your side, Sam and I will not be able to have a few dances with her!"

"Haha, well my dear cousin, we will definitely lend her to you for a few dances, after all you are the birthday boy," Pippin laughed, "how about five?" I gaped at Pippin and Frodo.

"I am not going to dance that long like crazy! At the most, only two each." I protested, not liking the thought of dancing. Frodo patted my hands in assurance. "Don't worry, I will make sure you will dance and have fun throughout the party, and you will not leave my side," Frodo teased, flicking my head with his index finger. I narrowed my eyes.

"Then I will have to run away from the Party after eight dances since you said so, Frodo Baggins." I snorted, causing the four hobbits to look at each other. They nodded and gave a huge smile at me, which caused me to gulp. What are they planning?

Out of a sudden, Pippin and Frodo grabbed each of my arms and began to pull me out of Bag End. I turned to the two at both sides, "He..Hey? What are you hobbits pulling?"

Merry laughed whereas Sam just gave a wide smile, walking and seeing me being dragged.

"It's not good to run away halfway through the Party Ms Jacqueline. So we shall take turns dancing with you continuously and make sure you stay." Sam said with an apologetic smile, though his eyes displayed much amusement. I sighed in defeat, which Frodo and Pippin heard.

"Come on Jacqueline, is dancing that bad?" Pippin asked.

"After you and Merry made me dance like crazy for the past two days, I would say, yes." I frowned, remembering the training they gave me. Merry laughed.

"And the Earth shook quite well in fact underneath your feet," Merry jested. I snorted. "That's because I am a big large scary monster," I grinned.

After being dragged by two grinning hobbits and two laughing hobbits, the five of us reached the field, where rather large tents were set up across the fields, streamers hung up high and flying. The guests had not yet arrived. The party should start at two but we came earlier at twelve.

So… this is where everything shall start huh? I thought sadly, glancing towards Frodo beside me, who was looking at me with a small beautiful smile. Then I felt a tug on my skirt and saw Merry doing signals behind Sam. I widened my eyes at the message he was sending and gave a nod.

"Jacqueline, you better not be planning something with those two," Frodo said suspiciously, looking towards Merry who grinned at him. I gave a small mysterious smile at the hobbit that had been with me for six months and held his right hand with my left, getting Frodo's attention back to me.

"Well, this is it. Happy birthday, Frodo Baggins. You are an adult now." I grinned impishly. Frodo tightened my hand and returned my grin with his. "Thank you Jacqueline. Now, let us have fun!"

I laughed at Frodo's excitement and allowed myself be dragged by the Birthday boy. I looked up at the clear blue sky and smiled. Just then, I felt a sudden nauseas coming to me and I halted, grabbing my head.

What the heck? This nauseas, don't tell me…

I turned around frantically, searching for Bilbo. But I could not see him nearby. I frowned slightly and rubbed my forehead. This means that either Bilbo had fingered the ring… or… something had happened…

"Jacqueline? What's wrong?" I could hear Frodo asking me with concern. I looked towards the young hobbit and gave a small shake on the head, saying nothing. Frodo stared at me a little longer, before shrugging and retaking my hand into his, leading me to a large tent in front.