Disclaimer: So not mine.
Sitting in Thorin's lap with the whole company around him- they had all come running to try the edible snow once they realized that Fili and Kili were getting a treat and they weren't, even Ori was there; although the young dwarf had several books open around him- Bilbo felt more at home than he had in many years.
Every dwarf now held a bowl of snow and their choice of topping. While Fili had opted for the thin syrup- it soaked the snow and gave it a sweet taste through and through- Kili had decided to stick with the thicker syrup that simple lay atop his snow and he was happily sucking the toffee like substance off of his spoon. The rest of the company were just as equally divided in their selection of treat.
After handing everyone a mug of his favorite drinking chocolate- the dwarves had never tasted anything like the thick brown substance before, but they all instantly agreed that it could almost replace ale as their favorite drink- the small man settled down and began the tale of The Winter Thief(an incredible title that had led many nonhobbits to think that someone had tried to steal a whole season of the year).
"Many years ago, not long after the Shire had been settled, several little fauntlings were playing in the forest when they came upon an injured Man. At first they didn't know what they had found, having never seen one of the Big People before; but seeing that the unknown creature was injured, they decided to help it.
"Walking softly towards the still figure laying in their woods, the children were a few steps away when it suddenly opened its eyes. The fauntlings were too scared to run, so they simply stood still and stared back at the unmoving figure they had been approaching.
"'I mean you no harm, little ones', the Man said. 'I have injured my leg and must rest for a little while. If you will go on your own way, I will soon go on mine.' Now that they had been reassured of the creatures' good intentions, the children wanted to know more about it.
"They eventually made friends with the Man, and they made a game out of their interactions with the large male. Everyday at least one of the young boys or girls who had found him would steal into the forest with food, healing herbs, clean bandages or warm blankets for when the weather began to turn. As often as they could they would all come to visit the Man to hear his stories of far off places, and wild adventures.
"The fauntlings had kept the presence of the Man a secret so that they could have more fun with him. So when Rangers came to the Shire in search of a notorious thief none of the adults could help, but they did try to keep their children closer to home and away from the potential danger.
"But the children kept going to see their friend, and help him as much as they were able. But as winter came fully upon the Shire it became harder for the little ones to disappear into the woods every day.
"And so- on Mid-Winter's Eve- after a terrible storm that had lasted for three days, the children ran to check on their friend, but could not find him. They searched and searched, but could find not a trace of him.
"Returning to their homes, they sobbingly told their families of their lost friend; the tall Man. Recognizing his description as that of the thief the Rangers were after, the parents all scolded the children and sent them directly to bed.
"That night- if any had been watching- a dark figure would have been seen flitting about from hobbit hole to hobbit hole with a very large sack.
"In the morning, on Mid-Winter's day, all the children who had befriended and helped the Man woke up to find rough-hewn toys, sprigs of sweet berries and a note. It read:
"'I am sorry for leaving without a word, I simply did not wish to bring trouble to you or your families. Please be at peace as I am fine. Goodbye my little friends, and long life to you all.' As the adults called in the Rangers, the children were just happy that their friend was still alright.
"And every year after that the children would celebrate the winter that they had made their large friend by making presents for each other. And as the years passed other children joined in the present giving, and eventually the whole of the Shire began to celebrate mid-winter.
"Over the centuries mid-winter has gone from a celebration of friendships made to a coming together of families. Presents are exchanged, songs are sung, games are played and large meals are consumed.
"And now, if you will all excuse me, I really need to start dinner." As Bilbo stood to leave he noticed Fili and Kili standing in the doorway after getting themselves more snow. Remembering what he had put in the doorway, the hobbit gave a smirk.
"Boys, do you see that plant above your heads?" As the brothers looked up, Bilbo let his smirk widen into a full grin.
"That is called mistletoe, it is a Shire tradition that anyone caught under the mistletoe must kiss whoever they have walked under it with." With a look of horror, the boys sprung apart and rushed to opposite sides of the sitting room. The hobbit chuckled as he collected the dirty bowls and empty bottles.
"It's not mandatory, so don't worry. Just try not to get caught under it with anyone you don't wish to kiss." With another laugh at their distraught faces, the small man left to begin dinner for his dwarves.
Once Bilbo had left the room several smiles fell. If Mid-Winter was a time for families, then where were Bilbo's' family at? Gandalf chose to answer the unasked question.
"His parents died before he reached his majority, and he lost most of the rest of his immediate family soon after. I believe his closest living family member is a second cousin named Frodo. It was one reason I wanted him to join your quest, he needs to get out and make a life for himself; not hold himself up in his comfortable hole and let himself waste away." Lighting his pipe, the Wizard sat back to watch the fire.
The rest of the company began to discuss ways of making this mid-winter holiday one to remember for their Hobbit. As Ori piped up to say that he had seen a large book of Shire holiday traditions in the library, Bombur took himself off to help with the cooking.
Finding the hobbit already surrounded by platters of food, Bombur was about to offer what assistance he could when a large shout made itself known.
"Don't you dare step a foot in my library! I mean Bilbo's library. Just don't go in there! Or I'll give you such a walloping! I'll get it myself!" As the commotion settled down, the large dwarf noticed a happy smile on his hosts' face.
"Please don't worry yourselves Master Bombur, I am more than happy at the way this holiday is turning out. And if you could let the others know about the sensitivity of hobbit hearing..." Turning to the stove, the small man indicated for Bombur to step forward. He proceeded to teach an enthusiastic Dwarf about how a Hobbit goes about cooking.
That night, after an enthusiastic sing-a-long- more enthusiastic than traditional, but it sounded nice- of mid-winter Shire classics, and one terrible incident involving s'mores and an unsuspecting Gloin's beard, everyone went to bed happy and content. As Bilbo wrapped himself around Thorin's muscular chest he wondered just how much more fun the next day could be as he listened to his husband sleep.
Late that night- so late it could be called morning- a lone figure could be seen stalking the halls of Bag End. He carried a big bag and wore a large smile.
AN: Short I know, but I had to get it out there. The next one will be longer, I promise.
And yes, I do know I'm messing up Frodo's age horribly; but I'm going somewhere cute with it I promise.