[Author's NOTE:] This is a really a long chapther. it took me a long time to finish this chapter because of college and trying to be as close to canon as possible. I wanted to cleave this chapter into two but I felt like it wouldn't be good because I want to have an impact in one chapter instead of dragging it out in two chapters. Enjoy!
"Who were you going to meet before I came along?"
I asked the question as the cart slowed to a stop again. Gandalf puffed on his pipe as he stared at the sky then glanced down at me. "A long time friend of mine and uncle to Frodo Baggins. He has something...that I need to check on. Yes," Gandalf said, nodding to himself, absentmindedly, "it is the time."
I chewed on my lower lip at the grave voice of the wizard. Something wasn't right and it had to do something with this uncle of Frodo Baggins. You would be an idiot if you missed the tense atmosphere. Whatever this 'something' is, it is connected with Frodo. "You don't want to tell Frodo of this?"
"Not yet, hopefully. Frodo was right about that Bilbo planning something. Bilbo isn't the type of person to celebrate his birthday but yet he is doing this. No, Frodo is right. Bilbo is planning something and poor Frodo doesn't know what is going to happen." Gandalf explained, biting the end of his pipe, worry lacing his words.
"It has do with that something he has?" I wasn't that stupid; it had to do with that 'something' but I needed validation. I need to know what I am putting myself into.
"Yes, very much so." Gandalf said, slightly thwarting my inquisition on what that something is, "Bilbo lives in Bag End, towards the end of this lane. Let us go, Ms. Hyra. I will introduce you to this enigmatic Hobbit." With that being said, Gandalf swatted at the hindquarters of the horse with it's own reins causing the animal to pull the cart faster. From a car to a horse, it was quite jarring for well-seasoned driver like me. I eyed the loosely held reins in Gandalf's hand warily. What if the horse bucks and the cart falls? Then again, he is the well-seasoned driver in this case.
We reached at the end of the lane where slightly larger than normal Hobbit home was built in the hills. The gate that led to the house was closed. It had a sign on it, saying: NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON PARTY BUSINESS. Gandalf slightly scoffed as we both got out of the cart. Pushing the gate open, we trekked up to the round green door. I have never paid attention to architecture of houses ( I only wanted was a roof over my head, a bed, a toilet, and a washing machine), however, I could see myself living in this type of houses. It was cute and solitary; two things I love.
Gandalf rapt at the front door with the end of his staff. Oh, yeah, forgot to mention the staff. It was made out of wood and at the very tip, the wood gnarled and twisted around a crystal-like stone. A voice called out, "No, thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well wishers, or distant relations!" The voice sounded tired, making me wonder why go all this trouble of creating a festival when you really don't want to see anyone?
"What should I say when he asks about me? I am stray you picked up?" I asked, looking at the wizard, expectantly. Gandalf nodded, amusement swimming in his eyes. He turned to face the door.
"And what about very old friends?" A fond smile appeared on the wizard's wizened face. Whatever this Bilbo character had planned which made the wizard worry however, it still didn't deter him from calling Bilbo his friend. The door suddenly opened to reveal a Hobbit with graying hair. He wore beautifully stitched waistcoat under a tweed jacket. Despite his physical appearance of old age, I could see the excitement in his eyes. Right now, disbelief was swimming in his eyes.
"Gandalf?" he called out, not believing his eyes that his old friend stood before him.
"Bilbo Baggins!" Gandalf cried out, kneeling down to hug his old friend. I felt like I was intruding in a very intimate moment so I averted my gaze to look inside the house. Like the outside, the interior design of the house was circular.
"My dear Gandalf!" Bilbo said as they separated.
"It's good to see you." Gandalf said, smiling widely at the Hobbit. "One hundred and eleven years old, who would believe it!"
I certainly don't. Is this how long the Hobbit's lifespan is? It can't be. It seemed that Gandalf had the same sentiment as the smile slowly dimmed to a small one. His eyes narrowed at his friend. "You haven't aged a day!" he noted, causing the Hobbit to laugh, albeit with less joy.
"Come in! Come-Gandalf, who is this?" Bilbo asked, finally noticing the strange person on his porch-me. I gave him a hesitant smile.
"I am the stray cat Gandalf picked up. Hello, I am Hyra Daniels! It seems that today is your one hundred and eleventh birthday and I wish you a happy day." I said, smiling. Bilbo, however, didn't catch the humor and kept on looking at me which slightly rubbed me the wrong way. "You never seen a girl before?"
Bilbo flushed and began to stammer out an excuse. Finally, he cleared his throat and smiled at me, hesitantly. "If Gandalf trusts you enough to bring you to my house, then I shall welcome you in as well." Bilbo said, then bowed, "Welcome to Bag's End!"
I had to stoop to go through the entrance. Bilbo's house was cluttered with loose leaf paper here and there; odd trinkets places at the highest peaks of the clutter. His houses were the same as people who travels around the world back home. Cluttered with reminiscents of travelled areas, Bilbo's house could be opened as a museum. Bilbo places Gandalf's hat on a peg and trots down a hall.
"Tea, anyone? Or maybe something stronger...I've few bottles of the Old Winyard left, 1296...a very good year, almost as old as I am. It was laid down by my father. What say we open one, eh?" trailed off Bilbo as he walked into a room resembling a kitchen. I watched Gandalf as he looked around with nostalgic smile on his face. Forgetting that he was quite tall, Gandalf turns around fast and knocks his head against the light fixture hanging from the ceiling. I gasped, covering my mouth, as I watch him stagger and a hit a wooden beam on the ceiling, groaning at the end.
"Are you okay, Gandalf?" I said, trying to control the giggles that was threatening to spill. I guess he heard the laughter in my voice because he glared at me, which I ignored.
Bilbo continued his prattle, "You've caught me bit unprepared, I'm afraid...we've only got cold chicken, bit of pickle, some cheese here...ooh, no, that might be a little risky…" Bilbo talked as Gandalf walked up towards a map with a fond, absent smile. Gandalf walked past the kitchen to a different hall. I raised my hands to stop him but I hesitated, looking towards the kitchen. I could hear ceramics being placed in the kitchen but I didn't dare to go in. "Er, we've got raspberry jam and apple tart...got some custard. Not much for Afters, I'm afraid. Oh no...we're alright...I've just found some sponge cake. Hope it's enough." Bilbo's head popped into the room we are in. "I could do you some eggs if you like?"
Bilbo noticed the room was empty of his friend, holding some kind of pastry in his hand, and got confused. He gave me a questioning look and I shrugged. Bilbo wasn't the only one scared when Gandalf popped in from behind him. "Just tea, thank you. Hyra?"
"Same with some of that sponge cake." I said, realizing that I started to get hungry.
"Oh...right. You don't mind if…"
Gandalf shook his head. " No, no at all. Go ahead." Before Bilbo could do anything, a loud sound of someone knocking shocked all three of us. Bilbo flinched and looked pain.
"Bilbo Baggins," a female voice rang from afar, "you open this door...I know you are in there!"
"I am not home." Bilbo said, trying to hide. Bilbo sighed as he walked around the kitchen table then gazed at Gandalf with longing in his eyes. "I've got to get away from these confounded relatives, hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace. I want to see mountains again...mountains, Gandalf... and then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book...Oh, Tea!" Jumping up in remembrance, Bilbo hurried towards the sink and filled the kettle with water. He placed it on a metal rack and pushed it over the kitchen's fireplace.
"So, you mean to go through with your plan?" Gandalf asked, staring at the busy Hobbit. You know the term 'wallflower'? Yeah, that's what I was feeling right now. It feels like I am attending a situation where it doesn't involve me at all and I am sitting on the sidelines watching it unfold. Intruding, even.
Bilbo rubbed his hands and remarked, "Yes...yes, it's all in hand. All the arrangements are made."
"Frodo suspects something." the Wizard noted, not even bothering to hide his inquisitive gaze. This was a badly hidden interrogation.
"'Course he does! He is a Baggins...not some blockheaded Bracegriddle from Hardbottle!" Bilbo scoffed, slightly thwarting the subject. I narrowed my eyes at the fidgety Hobbit. He may be a sweet man but he holds something darker to his chest.
Gandalf didn't look impressed by the subject change. "You will tell him, won't you?"
"Yes, yes." Bilbo said, dragging out the 's'. Gandalf stood next to Hobbit as he poured the two cups with tea and sliced one sponge cake for me. He slid the cups to the owners.
"He is very fond of you." Gandalf noted, causing Bilbo to walk towards the window, to gaze outside.
"I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked him. I think, in his heart, Frodo's still in love with the Shire, the woods and the fields... little rivers." Bilbo said then was quiet for several seconds. He turns around to face Gandalf, his face sad. "I am old, Gandalf...I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart."
I watched with no-nonsense attention as Bilbo hands absently reached inside his waistcoat pocket, gripping something in it. My eyes widened in realization. Whatever that Bilbo was holding, it was that 'something' Gandalf was talking about. My eyes flitted to the Wizard quickly to catch him eyeing Bilbo's fingers as well.
"I feel thin...sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday...a very long holiday and I don't expect I shall return...in fact, I mean not to." Bilbo said, his voice faint as he went somewhere deep in his head. Then with a shake of his head, he came back to reality and slapped his hands over the waistcoat pocket.
"Let's smoke? Do you smoke, Hyra?" Bilbo asked, suddenly turning towards me. I simply shook my head. With a hum, Bilbo left the kitchen, leaving the wizard and myself alone in the kitchen. Gandalf eyed me as I looked back at him. It was no secret:
Bilbo was not planning to say anything to Frodo.
I leaned against the doorway as I watched the two load their pipes. They were sitting on the porch in front of Bilbo's house. The weather was quite refreshing, there was a weak breeze; enough to fill good on the skin but not too much to deter the men from packing their pipes. Because of Bag End being in the highest of hills, we could see the preparations of the party going on below. The sound of match striking brought my attention back to the man and half-man.
"Old Toby, the finest weed in Southfarthing!" Bilbo exclaimed, causing me to raise my eyebrow. Not the regular tobacco, huh? Bilbo smoked out some rings and Gandalf being the showoff he is, he blew out his own smoke in a shape of a ship and made it go through the ring!
Bilbo laughed at the smoke works. "Oooh, Gandalf, my old friend, this will be a night to remember!"
For me, that statement should have raised excitement in me but all I felt was ominous feeling. Before I could think further about the strange feeling, Gandalf turned around to meet my eyes. "Why don't you head back to the celebration and find something for yourself to eat?" He asked, kindly. Knowing that the sponge cake wasn't enough, I nodded, smiling. "I will meet you there during the celebration."
"Alright Gandalf, Mr. Baggins, I am off!"
Traveling down on the path we had come from, I didn't see anymore Hobbits attending to their house anymore. As night approached, the citizens of the Shire had probably congregated to the party soon. As I got closer to the main part of the town, the noise of the place became boisterous. I saw female Hobbits carrying big pots of probably food hurrying about, their faces jubilant. Stomach growling, I went up to a food stall. A Hobbit manned the stall and was preparing some kind of bread loaf, cheese and meat.
"Are you selling these?" I asked, worriedly. I don't even think I have this world's currency. The Hobbit looked up and noticed me. His eyes widened when he saw me.
"An elf? This part of the world?" He asked and I nodded, realizing that I might have brought attention to myself. "Why?"
"To see the world of Shire, sir." I lied, hurriedly. "I am a friend of Gandalf and Bilbo Baggins." I really hoped that those names carried some weight to him. The Hobbit face brightened up at the names.
"You are here to celebrate Bilbo birthday? Why didn't you say so? Even though Gandalf is bit of a troublemaker, we Hobbits love him. Take as many as you want. Fresh out of the oven!" he said, waving his hand over the stall.
"Thank you, kind sir!" I said, grabbing three sandwiches. I gave him a bright smile which caused the man to blush. With another wave to the man, I munched away as I walked around. Men already began to drink but they still helped do finishing touches.
Not knowing what to do, I decided to sit on an empty table by myself, eating my food. I watched the events of later tonight get it's finishing touches. A group of Hobbits with music instruments set up on a corner of the field, fine tuning them. It hurts my heart deeply knowing what Bilbo was going to do later tonight. Especially to Frodo who doesn't deserve this deceit. Maybe in my eyes it was deceit and in Bilbo's, some kind of kindness. A person whose life was filled with adventure cannot stay in one place too long, not even his hometown he grew up in.
And it has to do with that something. Gandalf knows what exactly it is and I wonder if he wants to take it away from Bilbo. But how? If that something is so valuable to Bilbo, he wouldn't let it hang about anywhere. No, he will carry it till his grave. I was so into my analysis of Bilbo's strange and cruel behavior that I didn't notice anyone beside me.
"Hey, miss, would you like some ale?"
I snapped out of my trance as I jumped out of my skin in surprise. I turned to look to see who spoke to see a middle-aged Hobbit holding a wooden mug in his hand. "What-oh, yes, thank you!" I said, hurriedly, grabbing the alcoholic drink out of the weirded out man's hand. He just nodded and scampered off to group of Hobbit men huddle together. I internally groaned; I am going to be known as a idiosyncratic female elf who talks to herself! This time around I will stay vigilant about my surroundings! Gandalf knows exactly what he is doing; hell, he has been doing this life longer than I so he will have the situation handled.
This time I was aware of someone standing next to me, or rather, a group of them. I turn to face them expectantly as graceful as elves should be to notice it was Frodo and three unknown Hobbits behind him. I am thankful that my manners told me to swallow whatever is in your mouth before meeting someone's eyes. I didn't realize I was going to meet Frodo this fast!
"Hello!" I said, bringing control back to myself. Frodo smiled, his smile brightening up his clear blue eyes.
"We rarely have outsiders come to our village, other than Gandalf." Frodo said, curious. Straight to the point, eh? I eyed the prophesied Hobbit then sighed. I wish Bilbo was like that.
I waved my hand at him. "I was just walking about when I stumbled upon this town. I guess I was right behind Gandalf because he called out to me! Does he have like sixth sense or something?" I asked and I watch intrigue flare in Frodo's eyes at the mention of the Wizard.
"Well, he is a Wizard," Frodo said, shrugging. Yeah, duh, Hyra, Gandalf is a wizard, didn't ya know? "He always knows everyone around him. It's quite fascinating, isn't it?" Frodo had a fond smile on his face for quite a while before he jumped up in surprise, shocking the rest of us.
"We didn't even introduce ourselves! I am Frodo Baggins, nephew to Bilbo Baggins. This is Samwise Gamgee," a slightly robust Hobbit with blond, wavy hair and blue eyes smiled at me, nervous, "next to him is Meriadoc Brandybuck," another sandy brown haired with green eyed Hobbit was chewing on something wholeheartedly, "besides him is Peregrin Took." a rather serious looking Hobbit but there still was curiosity swimming in his eyes.
"I am Hyra Daniels and I am here to celebrate your uncle's birthday!" I introduced myself, finishing the last inches of the ale in my mug in one swallow.
Frodo looked at his friends. "Da-Day-Daniels? What kind of Elven last name is that?" spat out Meriadoc, throwing the apple core above his shoulders. I shrugged my shoulders.
"How would I know? I was born with it." I went along with the lie, chastising myself that I should have changed my last name to something Elven. "I was thinking of changing it."
"What about your family? They wouldn't get mad?" asked Samwise, coming out of his nervous shell. I shrugged, knowing what I had to do to make the story seem real.
"I am an orphan. I wasn't even born in the major Elven cities like normal elves. I was raised everywhere basically. That's probably why I have such a weird last name." The lie came out easily than I thought it would. The pain of thinking about my dad as dead almost destroyed my lie but I powered through, knowing that my dad was alive in my world. That was enough for me.
"Wait, you said you became friends with Gandalf in the Shire?" Frodo asked, pulling as back into the main conversation. "But he was on his way to meet with Bilbo?" Frodo had his head tilted, looking confused and troubled. I gave him a smile to let him know that I wasn't some crazed killer about to kill someone in the party. Hopefully he got that message.
"Yes, Gandalf took me with him to meet with Bilbo. Your uncle's quite nice, Mr. Baggins." I notified, apprehensive. He is looking too much into it; Gandalf and I didn't even got the chance to make up a story about our friendship. What if Frodo questions the sudden friendship in front of Gandalf without me being their to help out?
The troubled expression on Frodo was instantly obliterated by the full face smile of his. I felt my apprehension fade away from the bright smile of Frodo. I think I just got purified...I am sin-free. "If Gandalf trusts you that much then I will trust you just as much! Welcome to Shire!" Frodo said, laughing. His three friends relaxed as well as they whooped in joy all together. I laughed at their sudden change of behavior.
"You will be hanging out with us! Come on, let's get some more beer!" Samwise says, grabbing my hand. He pulled me as the group went towards a stall where kegs upon kegs lined the floor. A female Hobbit with curly light brown hair, rosy cheeks and warm smile. I felt Samwise stiffen next to me. I glanced at him to see him blushing, giving the female Hobbit conspiratorial glances.
Oh my...it seems that Samwise Gamgee is sporting a crush. How cuuutttee! Frodo ordered five beers as the female Hobbit brought out the mugs. I elbowed Samwise's side causing him to look at me. "So, who is she?" I asked, nodding towards the bubbly Hobbit.
Samwise turned even more red. "Who's who? Oh, her? That's just Rosie Cotton." Samwise quickly said, flustered, attempting to act nonchalant. I wasn't having it. I felt more my regular self come out: an evil desire to torture him even more.
"Just Rosie Cotton? If that's the case, maybe I should tell that man over there," I teased, pointing at another Hobbit who was also staring at Rosie, "to go ahead and ask her out on a date."
"NO!" Samwise yelled out causing people in the vicinity to turn to look at us, even Rosie. Sam reddened even more. "Don't do that! Why are you being so evil?"
"Why don't you just ask her out? Or maybe, just for a dance." I asked, helping Frodo out by carrying two mugs. I gave my thanks to Rosie who was looking between Sam and I with a blank look on her face. I raised my eyebrows at this information. Well, well, well, it seems like someone jealous.
"I can't ask her out!" Sam said as we moved towards an empty desk. "I don't have anything in my name to help her out. Her dad will say the same thing. I may have come of age at 33 years old, and so has Frodo, but it doesn't mean anything if I don't have anything under my name."
Wait, 33 years old?! He is older than me? Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. Bilbo looks like he is sixty when he actually is one hundred and eleven years old. "At least, tell her how you feel so she can decide what she wants to do. If you don't tell her exactly how you feel, that guy will go and sweep her off of her feet. Tell me you will do-"
The familiar sound of whistling interrupted my lecture (thankfully). I twirled around to see the beautiful white streak go in the sky and exploded with a bang! However, instead of regular star-like shapes of fireworks back home, this firework bloomed into a green tree. As green tree began to fade, the 'flowers' on the tree floated down, dissipating softly above the awestruck crowd. I laughed as I turned to face Frodo and his friends.
Now, where is that wizard? I looked around the bustling crowd of Hobbits, easily because I towered over most of them, I saw the gray wizard hurring about, lighting up fireworks with blue sparks from his staff. He had a mischievous smile on his face as he bustled about. He ran past Bilbo who was conversing with the party-goers. A group of Hobbits had cleared the center of the party. A group of Hobbits (drunk or not) began to dance with a great zeal. I was clapping along with the music when I heard a mug being placed on the table from my side. Frodo was grinning at Sam who was drinking from his mug.
"Go on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance." Frodo urged, causing me to smirk. Sam groaned, his eyes flitting to me.
"Not you, too, Frodo," Sam groaned, causing Frodo to smirk at me. Sam shook his head, horrified. "I think I'll just have myself another ale."
Frodo raised his eyebrow at his cousin, as if what Sam had said was a challenge. As he watched Sam raise his mug to his lips, Frodo snatched it from his hands, yelling, "Oh, no you don't. Go on." With that yell, Frodo pushed his cousin into the throng of dancers. I laughed at Sam's horrified face as he got swept in by the dancing crowd.
"Where is Meriadoc and Peregrin?" I asked the Hobbit, stepping back to the let the Hobbit children run towards an area where Bilbo was talking to group of children. By the indications of his wildly flailing arms, I assume that Bilbo was telling a story.
"They talked about grabbing their own fireworks without Gandalf's knowledge." Frodo said, grabbing another tankard full off ale. "What they-" he got interrupted by a small firework, "what they don't know is that Gandalf has eyes everywhere. I am sure they will get caught one way or another. Oh, and call them Merry and Pippin, their original names are a mouthful."
"Thanks, I will-" BOOM.
I gave out a startled cry as I twirled around really fast towards the noise, my sensitive ears protesting the loud noise. I saw Merry and Pippin fly several feet away from a thick and long firework which was flying above the crowd, causing the party goers to duck slightly. We watched as the big rock fly away from the party and burst into red flames and sparks. Impressed and horrified, I watched the flames and the sparks merge into themselves to create a red dragon in the sky, flames leaking from it's nostril.
The blazing, red dragon gazed down at the startled and frightened villagers of the Shire before it started to descend on them. I ducked down to the ground just as Frodo forced Bilbo-the only oblivious Hobbit currently-to the ground, the dragon flew over us. Hobbits dived to floor, the tables have overturned, but there were no screams of fear or children crying. All of our attention was riveted to the dragon which somersaulted in the sky and exploded over us with another deafening bang. The crowd was silent as golden sparks showered over them lazily but it wasn't for too while long.
The cheer that was erupted from the crowd was loudest one of yet. I watched as Merry and Pippin, both their clothes and hair smoking, smile widely at each other. Before they could even take another step into the tents filled with fireworks, Gandalf appeared out of nowhere, clamping his hands on the smoking Hobbits' ears. I didn't need heightened hearing to know they were in trouble if it weren't for the dead giveaway of fear in both Merry and Pippin's eyes.
I giggled at the scene, my ears finally stopped ringing. I went back to the party to see lots of people congregated in a small area. They formed an U-shaped crowd around a stage, which was actually couple of stools next to each other, as the music finally trickled off and children quieted down. I saw Frodo in the middle of crowd, sipping on a new ale. Couple of men piped up, "SPEECH! SPEECH!" causing the ripple effect on their fellow Hobbits.
I watched as Bilbo walk towards the stage, waving at the crowd. "Speech!" I heard Frodo say. Bilbo bowed before the crowd. He quickly stands back up and opens his mouth:
"My dear Bagginses, and Boffins, tooks and Brandybucks...Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots…-"
"Proudfeet!"
Bilbo continued on as if the interruption didn't faze him. "Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday. Yes, and alas...Eleventy- one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits! Tremendous outburst of approval!
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you as well as well as you deserve." Bilbo paused in his speech. A smattering of applause rippled through the crowd as they don't know if what he said was a compliment or not. I saw Frodo shake his head in fond disbelief. I went back to watching Bilbo swallow as his face became slightly pale. I crunched my eyebrows together as I watch him grab something from waistcoat and held...whatever that is...behind his back.
That something! What is he doing? I glanced at Gandalf to see his smoke pipe frozen in mid air as he watched Bilbo's weird behavior. Gandalf's face smoothed itself out after few seconds, nodding to himself, as if he knew Bilbo would pull something like this. Something was happening and Gandalf knew. But what? Is this about Bilbo leaving? If so, and he didn't want to tell Frodo, wouldn't he do it more inconspicuously and not at the center of attention of everyone?
"I have…" Bilbo continued, bringing back my attention to him, "...things to do and I have put this off for far too long…" He looked over the crowd and his eyes seemed to settle on Frodo who seemed to be frowning.
"I regret to announce, this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell!" Bilbo cried out as cry of shock ran through the crowd, however, his eyes were on Frodo.
Bilbo whispered something and vanished.