RocketRaccoonGirl83 – I was surprised at how qucikly I thought of it. Normally baby names are really hard for me.

Bangbaby731 – Awww thanks! I've got a few ideas in mind. I wouldn't be redoing the whole story because I respect Christie far too much. But I have a few short story ideas coming up.

Celebrisilweth – It is. I always thought out of the two brothers he'd be the most nervous about being a dad.

Nice Egan – I remember when I was trying to write the first one! I swear I stared at a blank screen for ages! Yeah Kira will be just like her father…which may or may not be a good thing!

Guest – No sorry. I don't like him enough to do them I'm afraid.

A Long Expected Party

Sixty Years Later

Fira rubbed her hands together, "This feels so strange."

Kili nodded, "I know. It seems like only yesterday when we were last here."

Nodding Fira turned round to see the rest of the company getting down off their ponies. As several of the older dwarves winced with each movement she bit her lip. Yet another reminder of just how many years had passed. Kili took her hand.

"What do you think he'll say?"

Fira shrugged, "It depends."

"On what?"

"It depends," Fili interjected, "If you call him Boggins again."

As Kili blushed Fira stifled her laugh. Kili rubbed the toe of his boot in the ground.

"Will you ever let me forget that?"

Fili shook his head, "What do you think?"

Slipping her hand into his Fira smiled. Sixty years might have passed but Kili barely looked older than on the day they had first met. Yes he had the tiniest bit more stubble and she was starting to see lines on his forehead. But he still had that cheeky smile and the youthful glint in his eyes.

"How do you think Kira is?"

Fira smiled, "She'll be fine Kili. She's sixty for Mahals sake!"

"I know," nodding he licked his lips, "But…well we've never left her alone for so long."

Fira nodded, "Dis will be looking after her. Besides, we couldn't really miss this could we?"

"No," Kili shrugged, "No I suppose not."

"Relax brother," Fili rubbed his back, "If Mithiel and I can leave our children then I think you can."

Fira's smile faded slightly. She knew it wasn't her fault she could only have Kira. But when she saw Fili and Mithiel with their two children she couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy. However when she looked over at Mithiel she could see a hint of worry in her eyes.

"What is it?"

She shook her head, "I don't care what Fili says. I'm their mother. Of course I'll worry about them! Herin's only just turned fifty!"

Fira gave her a comforting smile. She remembered hearing the news that Mithiel was pregnant again. That Fari would be getting a younger brother. She remembered how she'd watched Mithiel hold her new born son and how Kili had needed to reassure her that he didn't care she'd only given him Kira.

"Fira?"

"Hmm? Sorry I was miles away."

Mithiel nodded and Fira could still see the worry in her eyes.

"They'll be fine. Dis and the others will look after them. Besides, Fari will keep her little brother out of trouble. Just like her father used to."

Mithiel giggled before turning back towards Fili. Behind her, Fira was aware of the others tying their ponies to the fences. She looked around. Last time she had been in the Shire she'd been tired, injured and carrying around her darkest secret. Now she was here as Kili's wife and Bilbo's friend.

"Excited?"

Fira smiled at Kili, "Of course. I love a good party."

Taking her hand he pulled her close, "Maybe we can have a private one later."

Fira went to reply when Thorin cleared his throat.

"Come on then. We don't want to be late."

"No," a voice behind them boomed, "Indeed we do not."

"GANDALF!"

Fira gasped as the entire company turned to see the wizard smiling at them. Sneaking a glance at Thorin she saw the little smile on his lips.

"You knew?"

He gave her an innocent shrug, "I might have been told about it."

Gandalf chuckled, "Now then. I see we're all here. Why don't we go and greet him?"

Letting the wizard lead the way Fira linked arms with Kili.

"It feels so odd to be back here," he whispered, "I still remember our first visit."

"Me too," Fira kissed his cheek as she saw the tell-tale glint in his eyes.

"What?"

"I remember holding you against me," Kili whispered, "I remember panicking that something would happen and you would fall. I remember spending the whole journey thinking of how I could bring myself to talk to you. To tell you how beautiful you were…are."

Leaning against him Fira sighed, "Well you did…eventually."

Nodding Kili leaned down and kissed her quickly. Ignoring the wolf whistles as they broke apart Fira suddenly realised they had an audience. And it wasn't any of the company. She gulped as she saw several Hobbits standing in the doorways of their homes. Of course they all knew about Bilbo and Smaug and Erebor. But Fira could see several looking at the company in wonder. She noticed many of the stares were being directed towards Mithiel.

"Ignore them, "Kili whispered, "They want to gossip? Let them."

Nodding Fira quickened her pace as she realised Gandalf was almost at Bag End. As he knocked on the door she crowded round with the others.

"Like old times," Bofur joked. Fira opened her mouth when she heard Bilbo shouting.

"Yes," she nodded, "just like old times."

She heard Bilbo shouting something along the lines of "go away". Shaking her head Fira smiled at Kili who hugged her close.

"What about very old friends?" Gandalf laughed.

There was silence on both sides of the door before it opened. Fira bit back her gasp. Bilbo still looked the same as when she had last visited him. His hair was a bit whiter and he had wrinkles. But he looked good for someone was meant to be One hundred and eleven. Bilbo's mouth dropped.

"But…I mean how did you…?"

"Never mind that," Thorin moved forward to hug him, "We wouldn't miss this for anything."

As the others offered their own greetings Fira hung back with Kili. Eventually the rest of the company had gone in and it was just them and Bilbo. The Hobbit smiled at her.

"You haven't changed a bit."

"Speak for yourself," Fira hugged him close.

"How's Kira?"

"She's fine," Kili bowed, "She wanted to come but it was company only."

Nodding Bilbo reached up with his hand and brushed away a tear.

"I honestly didn't think you'd come. I mean the distance alone!"

"Bilbo," Kili said firmly, "You are our friend. We wouldn't miss this."

Nodding Bilbo stepped back to allow them in. With a small frown Fira followed. She hadn't questioned it up until now but Thorin, Fili, Kili and Balin had been acting…odd around Bilbo. Almost as though they had another reason for being here. Deciding to let it slide Fira moved into the sitting room where she saw Kili sitting in an armchair.

"Sit down."

"There's no room," Fira raised an eyebrow. Kili glanced down before smiling.

"There's plenty of room if you know where to look."

Taking his hand Fira curled up on his lap. One of Kili's hands held hers whilst the other played with her hair.

"Yes," Fira mumbled, "Just like old times."

Fira had only ever heard about Hobbit parties from Bilbo. Actually going to one was a different matter.

The whole thing had been set out on the huge green in the middle of the Shire. Tables were set up for people to sit with others being used for food. Banners and streamers hung from tree's and in a corner several Hobbits were playing music. Finishing her meal Fira glanced over to a small corner where Bilbo and Balin sat. Together they were entertaining a bunch of children with stories. In another corner Thorin, Dwalin and several others were drinking and Fira couldn't help but laugh as Nori and Dori were being forced to dance by several of the older female Hobbits. As the music picked up she looked down at herself.

"May I have this dance my lady?"

Her hair hid her face and therefore her blush. Smiling Fira got to her feet and took Kili's hand.

"Of course you may my prince."

He bowed before walked her towards the dancing. Kili wrapped his arms around her waist before moving her around. Giggling Fira wasn't sure what moved faster: the music, her feet or her heart. Kili gazed down at her before he spun her round.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Fira nodded, "It's a shame we have to leave tomorrow."

Kili paused, "Actually Fira, we leave tonight."

Fira hadn't been prepared for that. Her feet tripped over and Kili caught her deftly before she fell. He held her close.

"Sorry. I can't explain now but it'll make sense later."

"I…" Fira shut her mouth. In all honesty she didn't care. Right now all she wanted to do was focus on Kili.

"Speech!

"SPEECH!"

Laughing Fira watched as Bilbo half walked and half stumbled up onto the stage. All around her the rest of the Shire cheered and clapped. Bilbo waved his hands.

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins."

Cheers from one corner.

"Tooks and Brandybucks."

Cheers from another.

"Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolders, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots."

More cheering.

"Proudfeet!" A fat Hobbit snorted. Bilbo rolled his eyes.

"Today is my One hundred and Eleventh birthday!"

Fira joined in the clapping this time.

"Yes and alas, Eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits."

The cheers were almost deafening now. Fira shuffled so she was right next to Kili. He slid an arm around her waist. Bilbo sighed.

"I don't know half of you as well as I'd like and I like less than half of you as well as you deserve."

The clapping was muted and Fira couldn't help but feel something was going on. Bilbo mumbled to himself nervously and Fira saw him hide one hand behind his back.

"I…I have things to do. I've put this off for far too long," he cleared his throat, "I regret to announce that this is the end. I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell."

Whatever Fira had expected it wasn't the sight of Bilbo vanishing before her eyes. The hobbits around her jumped up with confused and astonished gasps. She felt someone tug on her hand.

"Come on," Kili hissed, "We need to go."

Unable to do anything else Fira stumbled after him.

Fira gave up asking questions. Kili didn't say a word as they hurried back to where they had left the ponies. Fira shot questioning glances at the others but all apart from Thorin, Fili and Balin seemed just as confused as she was. As she saw the ponies come into view Fira snatched her hand from Kili's.

"Tell me what's going on!"

"Fira…"

"No," she shook her head as the others stopped to watch, "tell me or I go no further."

"I…" lowering his head Kili sighed. Fira watched as Thorin stepped up behind him.

"There's another reason we came here. A reason why we chose this birthday to come and visit."

"And ye didn't think to tell us?" Dwalin hissed. Fira watched as Balin nodded.

"We received word from Gandalf that Bilbo was planning to leave the Shire. He wanted us to go with him as far as Rivendell and keep him safe."

"But why not tell us?" Fira moved towards Kili. Taking his hands she licked her lips.

"Why couldn't you tell me?"

"Because," Kili fixed his eyes on her, "because we were all sworn to secrecy. Bilbo didn't want anyone else knowing until the time came."

"I see," nodding slowly Fira turned to see Gandalf behind them.

"I'm sorry it had to be like this," the wizard removed his hat, "but this is how it is."

Fira nodded as she realised what was happening, "We won't see you again will we?"

Gandalf sighed, "I wish I could say you were wrong Fira."

Nodding Fira wiped her eyes before moving forward to hug the wizard close.

"Thank you," she kissed his cheek, "for everything you've done for me."

Gandalf rubbed her back before getting to his feet.

"Bilbo will be along in a bit. I just need to talk with him about the….about something."

Narrowing her eyes Fira watched as the wizard turned and began walking off. Kili hugged her close.

"Forgive me," he kissed her ear. Fira smiled.

"There's nothing to forgive."

It was another forty minutes before Bilbo arrived. Watching the Hobbit tie his packs to the pony Fira could almost believe it was just like the last time he'd left the Shire. However, when Fili had had to help him onto the pony Fira had turned away to avoid crying. Bilbo wouldn't be coming back here again, that much was certain. Kili kissed the back of her head before moving and mounting his own pony. Doing the same Fira glanced over her shoulder to give Bilbo a comforting smile.

"Well then," Thorin said softly, "I suppose we should go."

Bilbo nodded, "It feels odd to be doing this again. I always assumed I would live out my whole life in the Shire. I never imagined I should have another adventure."

Fira smiled to herself, "Well look how wrong you were."

He nodded, "I know. And it's all down to you. Without you all I would never have discovered how much I love the world. How much I've missed it."

"Well," Dwalin chuckled, "when we stop at Bree ye can buy us all a drink. To say thanks."

Shaking her head Fira looked over at Kili. His head was bowed and she could see his shoulders shaking. Moving her pony so their legs brushed up against each other she reached out and took his hand.

"My love?"

"It's nothing," bringing his head up he kissed her hand, "I just never realised how much I had missed Bilbo. And this is the last time I'll ever see him."

"Don't think about it," Fira reassured him, "Just enjoy the time we have with him now."

The journey from the Shire to Rivendell was quiet. Compared to the last time it was almost dull. No dragons. No trolls. No wargs and orcs. Nothing. Each night they would stop and make camp. Bilbo would tell them stories about the Shire whilst the others spoke about Erebor. Bilbo, Fira and Mithiel would talk about their children. Or in Bilbo's case his nephew. And when they slept Fira watched as each member took it in turns to watch over Bilbo as he slept.

Fira wasn't ready when they reached Rivendell. Gandalf must have sent word because Lord Elrond was standing, waiting to greet them.

"Thorin Oakenshield," he bowed, "you are most welcome."

Thorin smiled as he bowed, "Thank you."

"Never thought I'd see this," Fira whispered. Kili nodded.

"Indeed. Mahal I hope they've got some meat in though."

Smiling as she remembered the salads from last time Fira took his hand. Thorin and Bilbo led the way up the stone steps. Letting the others go on ahead Fira stopped to admire the view.

"It's so beautiful," she breathed. Kili rubbed her shoulders.

"It is. I almost forgot."

"Kili," taking his hands she turned and kissed his nose.

"I want to travel again. I love Erebor beyond anything. But seeing all this again. It makes me miss seeing the world."

Kili nodded, "I know how you feel."

"We could take Kira," Fira smiled, "Beorn would love to see her again. And I don't want her to spend her whole life stuck in one mountain."

Kili paused, "It might be dangerous."

"With all due respect so could Erebor," Fira kissed his hands, "We can talk about it later. I just wanted to mention it."

Nodding Kili slipped his arm around her and drew her close.

"I have one condition."

"What?"

He grinned, "You kiss me."

Fira brought her face forward, "As if you need to ask."

"Well then," Bilbo clapped his hands, "I suppose this is it?"

Fira said nothing. Since leaving the Shire Bilbo had been getting older and weaker. He'd originally planned to travel beyond Rivendell. However it was clear now he'd be staying here. Blinking back tears she realised the others were all crying. Thorin stepped forward.

"You are the bravest of us all Bilbo. It took me too long to see it and I'm sorry."

Bilbo shook his head, "Forget it."

As they hugged Fira couldn't stop herself. Bursting into tears she let Kili hold her close. One by one each dwarf hugged Bilbo goodbye. Throughout the whole thing Fira tried to keep composed. But when Kili stepped back and Bilbo turned to her she couldn't keep her emotions inside.

"I'll…I'll miss you so much!" hugging him close she felt her tears soak his jacket. Bilbo rubbed her back.

"I'll miss you to," easing back he wiped her eyes, "Look after Kili. I don't care how old he is. He's still a child in his heart."

Fira snorted, "I know that Bilbo."

He took her hands, "Thorin might think I'm the bravest but I doubt it. No I think you were the brave one Fira. Everything you'd been through and yet you still came out on top. That takes courage."

Nodding Fira chewed on her lip. Squeezing Bilbo's hands she forced herself to step back. Kili took her hand.

"Come on my love."

Nodding Fira watched the others move down the steps towards their ponies. Taking a deep breath she let go of Kili and ran back to Bilbo.

"I'll never forget you."

He staggered back from the force of her hug. Wiping her eyes Fira turned and headed back towards the others. Kili held her close.

"Are you alright?"

Nodding Fira swung herself up onto her pony. As the others did the same she kept smiling up at Bilbo.

"I'll miss him," Bofur sighed, "I really will miss him."

"We all will," Balin sighed, "And we'll never forget him. Not for a moment."

Nodding Fira clicked her teeth and her pony began walking away. Waving one last time she then turned her head away. Kili reached over and took her hand.

"Will you be alright?"

"Yes," Fira wiped her eyes, "Yes I'll be alright."

Kili smiled. Bowing her head Fira took a deep breath. When she was sure she wouldn't cry again she looked up as she began the journey back to Erebor. Back to her home.

So if you thought the last chapter was emotional then wow! I always planned to end it at the start of Lord of the Rings. It made sense to me that – if Thorin and the others had survived – Bilbo would have travelled with them given his age. I also take no credit for the title of this chapter. It comes from the first Lord of the Rings chapter and I thought it worked.

Huge thanks to everyone for reading, following, favouriting and reviewing this story. Honestly your support means everything to me and I wouldn't have gotten this far with it without you. Got another Hobbit fic coming in a couple of weeks so fingers crossed you enjoy it as much as this one. Let me know what you think xxx