Ok, Real quick, everything that's happening in this chapter is NOT happening simultaneously. These are the events that happened next according to that person's point of view. For example, Lobelia running to get help? Bilbo is running to the boat. Waiting for news on what happened to Bilbo? Bilbo and the boys would be trudging through the hot sun to get to the safe house. Unless explicitly said, "at the same time" it is the next current events that happened to that character, not the same time.

Chapter 10

Lobelia ran as fast as she was able, anger and fear coursing through her veins. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as she navigated the winding paths of the village, heading straight for the Great Smial where the Thain would be. She knew she had to alert them—Bilbo couldn't be allowed to throw her life away on this foolhardy quest.

Reaching the Smial, she burst through the doors, as the Great Smial never locked its doors, startling the hobbit merriment that was taking place.

"Help! Please, you have to help me!" she cried, her voice breaking with urgency. The Old Took stood as fast as his old limbs were able.

"Lobelia, what's wrong?" he asked, concern etching his features.

"It's Bilbo. She's gone mad! She's planning to leave the Shire to go to Mount Doom!," Lobelia explained frantically. "We have to stop her before it's too late!"

"Mum Did What?!" came the shocked voice of Dudo Baggins, who had been busy sketching the lively scene of hobbit merriment. His quill dropped from his hand as he stared wide-eyed at Lobelia.

The Old Took's face hardened, worry lines deepening on his already-weathered features. "Mount Doom? Are you certain, Lobelia?"

"Yes! She's convinced she has to, the Idiot. We can't let her do this, it's too dangerous," Lobelia pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation.

The murmurs of the gathered hobbits grew louder, concern and confusion spreading among them. The Old Took held up a hand, silencing the crowd.

"Matho!" he called, summoning the head of the rangers. Matho, a tall hobbit with a stern demeanor, stepped forward from the crowd.

"Yes, Thain?" he asked, his voice steady.

"Sound the Alarm. We need to find Bilbo Baggins before she leaves the Shire. This is of utmost importance," the Old Took ordered.

Matho nodded, Quickly rushing from the room. Within a few moments the sound of the Alarm rang out into the night. Hobbits all over the shire stumbled to douse their lights and Rangers snapped to attention. They armed themselves and the runners prepared to set out for the Great Smial for information while the others Started locking down the shire. Lobelia watched, absolutely refusing to let the tears she felt collecting behind her eyes out. She ignored the fear and focused her attention and feelings on her anger. Make no mistake. She was going to kill Bilbo for doing this, even if she had to drag her back by her bloody ears.

"Auntie, what do we do?" Dudo whimpered and he moved to stand next to her, Lobelia wrapped her arm around the young man.

"We get her back and then I'll chew her out for trying to do something so moronic and dangerous," Lobelia growled out in righteous anger. Dudo almost shivered at the anger coating his Aunt's voice. He was definitely going to need to gather his siblings to stop Lobelia from going too far.

At the same time, Several miles away, about three day's worth. Two others felt similar anger as they trudged along the road. This was a group of three dwarves. Nimli mother of Gimli, Dis mother of Fili and Kili, and Ruva, their personal guard. Ruva was more amused at the other two women's seething, they kept muttering under their breath.

Nimli's eyes blazed with a mixture of frustration and maternal worry. "I swear by Durin's beard, when I find that boy, I'm going to give him such a talking to. Running off to join the quest when I explicitly told him no! I'll have his braids for this."

Dis nodded vehemently, her own face flushed with anger. "And my two? Off gallivanting with no regard for their own safety or our peace of mind. I'll strangle them myself after I make them dye their beards green for a month. They think they're warriors, but they're still my boys!"

Ruva, the personal guard and the most easygoing dwarf that either of them had ever met chuckled at their words. "At least they are technically of age, well besides Gimli, but he's more mature than most dwarves are at 90, besides this adventure of theirs brought you two out of the mountain for a bit. Besides, it's not like they're entirely defenseless. But I wouldn't want to be them when you catch up."

"Defenseless or not, they're still too young to be running off like this," Nimli said, her voice a mixture of anger and worry. "Deciding to head to the Hobbit's house first to intercept Thorin and convince him to go on this quest Bah! Who is this hobbit anyway?"

Dis growled, "I don't know, not even Thorin knew when he set off, the wizard refused to tell him. Just that everything would be ready when he got there."

Ruva raised an eyebrow. "A wizard's involvement, eh? That complicates things. Wizards have their own agendas and they rarely share the full story."

Nimli nodded, her anger momentarily giving way to curiosity. "Aye, that they do. But if this wizard thinks a hobbit is essential to the quest, there must be something special about them."

Dis sighed deeply, her frustration still evident. "Special or not, my boys are too young for this. Let's hope that Thorin has sense enough to send a letter to us first rather than let them join, that should give us enough time to catch up with them. What frustrates me the most is that meeting with an absolute stranger."

Ruva's eyes softened. "We'll find them, Dis. And when we do, we'll make sure they're safe. But maybe this hobbit has more to them than meets the eye. Wizards don't choose their companions lightly."

Dis nodded reluctantly. "Maybe. But they're still my boys, and I'll not have them risking their necks without knowing the full story."

As they continued their journey, the conversation shifted to memories of past adventures and the exploits of their children. It was a way to pass the time, but also a way to remind themselves of why they were so determined to catch up.

Nimli chuckled at a memory. "Remember when Gimli tried to forge his first axe? He was so determined, but he could barely lift it!"

Dis smiled, the tension easing slightly. "And Fili, always trying to keep up with Kili. They were inseparable, even then. Always into some mischief or another."

"Gimli's always been headstrong," Nimli said with a sigh. "Ever since he was a lad. Always charging into things without thinking."

"Fili and Kili are the same," Dis said, shaking her head. "Brave and bold, but sometimes they act before they think. They get that from their uncle Thorin, I suppose. But I won't have them risking their lives needlessly."

Ruva, listening quietly, couldn't help but smile at the fierce love these mothers had for their children. "They're lucky to have you, both of you. And they'll be lucky to have you when we find them."

With that, the group pressed on, their determination unyielding. They would find their children, no matter the distance or the danger. And when they did, they would ensure that this quest, would not take their children from them.

Bilbo woke up with the sun like she usually did, For the first time in her life she had no nightmares of a golden ring. She supposed that was due to the fact that she remembered now. She felt groggy and her eyes were crusted shut. She had to rub them just to open her eyes, her clothes had dried clinging to her skin, and she desperately wished for a proper bath and freshly laundered clothes to change into. Not to mention that she was quite hungry. Groaning she sat up and looked around. The dwarves were still asleep and snoring quite loudly. The brothers were sleeping in a tangle of limbs while Gimli was spread out as far as he could reach. Bilbo gave a small amused quirk of her lips before scurrying away for a bit of privacy for her personal needs before they woke up.

When she came back she had changed into a pair of sturdy breeches she used for gardening and a light shirt that she had hastily packed last night. The dwarves were still sleeping, so she took the opportunity to prepare a simple breakfast. She found an apple orchard in her quest for privacy and had gathered as many as she could carry, she set about slicing them as really that's all she could do. She hadn't even had the chance to pack food last night.

Gimli was the first to stir, before groaning and sitting up. "Morning already?" he grumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"Aye, and a fine one at that," Bilbo replied with a smile, handing him some apple slices. "Eat up. We have a long day ahead of us."

Fili and Kili woke up next, stretching and yawning. "Morning, Bilbo," Fili said, accepting the offered food with a grateful nod.

"Morning," Kili echoed, his eyes still half-closed with sleep. "What's the plan for today?"

"We continue east," Bilbo said, " We should reach the safe house today by late evening. Once we reach there we should officially be out of the shire."

"Good, then we don't have to worry about that angry hobbit lass," Kili says giving off an exaggerated shiver "She was scary." Bilbo burst out in light amused chuckles.

"Oh yes, she most certainly can be, she has the temperament to match a dragon, and I'm rather afraid we invoked her wrath," Bilbo said shaking her head in exasperation.

Bilbo's thoughts drifted to Lobelia. She hoped her cousin was alright and not too angry with her. Leaving had been the hardest decision she'd ever made, but it was necessary. The ring had to be destroyed, and she was determined to see it done.

After breakfast, they set off. The morning air was cool and refreshing, and the landscape around them was peaceful. Bilbo led the way, her steps sure and determined. Behind her, the dwarves followed, their moods lightening with each passing mile, as Kili and Fili questioned Gimli on his past life and all the cool things he had done.

It was a welcome distraction from the weight of their mission. Gimli recounted tales of his adventures, mainly with Legolas, while Fili and Kili listened in adapt interest.

Bilbo listened with interest, finding comfort in their camaraderie. The day passed peacefully, it was when the golden glow of sunset started to light the sky with colors that Bilbo's ears perked up.

"Shhh" She hissed before getting down into the shrubs. The dwarves followed her movements without question, diving into the shrubs with her. Bilbo's ears were perked at attention. "Stay here while I scout ahead," she whispered quietly. Before the dwarves could even open their mouths to protest, she was gone.

Fili and Kili's eyes bugged at how quickly she disappeared but they managed to stay silent. Or at least they did until they got bored.

"Do you think we should check on her?" Kili whispered.

"No, we stay right here until she screams or comes back, now quiet," Gimli replied giving them a look. This time it was Fili who said something.

"But what if she's been captured and gagged, she would need help." Fili insisted on shifting his weight to ease the strain on his legs.

"No, now Shhh" Gimli hissed frowning at them.

"Hey, you're younger than me, you don't tell me to shush, I tell you to shush," Fili said offended.

"Just because you're older doesn't give you the right to tell people what to do Fee" Kili pouted

"Will you two shut up?" Gimli whispers hisses.

"Pardon me Master Dwarves, but may I ask what you are doing?" An unrecognizable voice asked in a normal tone. All three of the Dwarves froze and looked up to find a human woman with a basket filled with blackberries giving them an odd look.

"Uh, well..." Gimli stammered, caught off guard.

"We're... bird watching," Fili quickly improvised, giving her a somewhat forced smile.

The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Bird watching? In those shrubs?"

"Yes, it's... um, a rare species," Kili added, trying to sound convincing.

The woman gave them an amused look, shaking her head slightly. "Well, if you say so. But be careful, there are rangers patrolling these woods. They might not take kindly to strangers lurking about."

"Thank you for the warning, ma'am. We'll be careful," Came another voice startling all four of them. The woman whipped around to find Bilbo standing there giving her a warm smile. "Terribly sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," she said sweet as honey. The woman put a hand over her heart and let out a relieved chuckle.

"Oh no, you're fine, I know the stealth of the hobbits, But may I ask what you are doing all the way out here? It's been some years since we've seen any of your kind," she said quirking her head in confusion. Bilbo gave the woman a sweet sheepish smile.

"Ah that's a bit of a story I'm afraid, to sum it up, me and my companions were traveling this way and lost almost all of our supplies. I had thought there was a house out here where we could find some rest but it seems my memory's faulty,"

"Oh!" the woman exclaimed putting a hand over her mouth. "No, no, your memories are not faulty Mistress Hobbit. The home I share with my family is the house you are thinking of, we made a deal with the Thain of the shire that we could settle here as long as we provided aid to the rangers and possible Hobbits that pass this way," she said, "Although I confess, you are the first that has come. Please come with us, we will give you and your companions the aid you need" She said. Bilbo looked at the woman in delighted surprise.

"Truly? I wouldn't wish to impose but I'm afraid we do need the help." Bilbo said looking hesitant but hopeful. The woman smiled warmly at the hobbit. "Not at all, We would be glad too." Bilbo gave the woman a dazzling smile that unknowingly caused the human to resist the urge to race over and snuggle the hobbit.

"Oh thank you so much, you have no idea how much I appreciate it, is there anything I can do for you in return?" Bilbo inquired politely. The woman decided that she very much liked this hobbit.

"Oh goodness no, you are my guest, please, let me take care of you, now come, let us tell go find my husband. He will be delighted to see you." Bilbo gave the humans an endearing smile. before turning her attention to the dwarves and raising a brow. All three fell out of the bush and hurried to straighten up. The woman covered her mouth to avoid laughing at the curious sight, she didn't want to offend them.

"Right, come along now. It's almost dinner so my boys will be back soon," she said smiling.

"What's your name?" Bilbo asked kindly, turning the attention back on herself.

"Oh goodness me, where are my manners, I am I am Aeliana," the woman said with a warm smile, extending a hand to Bilbo.

"Bilbo Baggins," Bilbo replied, shaking Aeliana's hand. "And these are my companions: Gimli, Fili, and Kili," she added, gesturing to the dwarves who were dusting themselves off and trying to regain their composure.

Aeliana nodded to each of them in turn. "Welcome, all of you. My husband, Brand, and our boys will be thrilled to meet you. Now, follow me; our home is just through these trees."

As they walked, Aeliana chatted amiably with Bilbo. "We've lived here for a few years now. The Thain was kind enough to let us settle, and we've done our best to keep the area safe and hospitable. It's not often we get visitors, though, so this is quite a treat."

Bilbo felt a wave of relief wash over her. Finding such kindness and hospitality in the wilderness was unexpected but greatly appreciated. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate all this. Your generosity truly means the world to me thank you."

Aeliana led them through a dense thicket, and soon a modest but cozy-looking house came into view, nestled between tall trees. Smoke curled up from the chimney, and the sounds of a bustling household reached their ears.

As they approached, a tall thin man stepped out from behind the house, wiping the sweat from his brow. His face broke into a broad grin when he saw Aeliana and the new arrivals. "Aeliana, who have you brought home with you?" he called out, striding over.

"Brand, these are travelers in need of some help. This is Mistress Bilbo Baggins and her companions, Gimli, Fili, and Kili," Aeliana introduced, beaming.

Brand extended his hand to Bilbo first, shaking it firmly. "Welcome, welcome. Any friend of the Shire is a friend of ours. Come, make yourselves at home. dinner is near, and you all look like you could use a good meal. I must insist you stay the night, you all look dead on your feet."

The group was led inside the house, where the inviting aroma of stew filled the air. The interior was simple but warm, with a large wooden table set in the center of the main room. A couple of children peeked around a corner, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Please, sit," Aeliana urged, gesturing to the table. "Our boys will be back soon, and we'll have dinner ready in no time."

Bilbo, Gimli, Fili, and Kili settled around the table, grateful for the hospitality. As they waited for the meal, the children slowly emerged from their hiding spots, drawn by the sight of their unusual guests.

"Hello there," Bilbo said kindly to the children, who giggled and inched closer.

"Hello," one of the boys replied shyly. "Are you really from the Shire?"

"Yes, I am," Bilbo confirmed with a smile. "It's a lovely place, much like your home here."

The boy's eyes lit up. "Mama says the Shire is a magical place. Is it true?"

Bilbo chuckled. "In many ways, it is. There's always something wonderful to discover if you know where to look."

As the children continued to pepper Bilbo with questions, Brand and Aeliana bustled about, setting out bowls of steaming stew, fresh bread, and cheese. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the tension and uncertainty that had filled their journey so far.

Over the meal, Bilbo and her companions shared stories of their travels, while Aeliana and Brand spoke of their life in the woods, They were farmers who had lost the land of their previous home due to drought. they had been forced to leave their home in search of land they could work, that's what led them to the shire.

"Best land I've ever seen fer farmin'," Brand said with a happy simile, Bilbo agreed, she may not have been world-traveled but she knew like she knew the hair on her feet that the shire was touched by Yavanna. By the time the plates were empty and the conversation had slowed, everyone felt a deep sense of camaraderie.

"I'm sorry you have to sleep on the floor but we have no extra rooms for you, I'll get you some extra blankets," Aeliana said as she bustled around collecting warm comfortable blankets for her guests. "I know you lost your supplies so I packed you bag each, it should be enough that you can get to Bree and get back to the shire."

"Thank you," Bilbo said sincerely, looking at Aeliana and Brand. "We are in your debt."

Brand shook his head. "No debt, Bilbo. Just the knowledge that you have friends here if you ever need us." Bilbo and the dwarves helped the small family of five clean and wash up before settling down for the night.

"Just let me know if you need anything," Aeliana said as she dowsed the lights, gave them one last smile, and walked out of the room to go to bed herself. Bilbo found herself asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Lobelia paced the length of Bag End like a caged animal, caught between blinding anger and despairing worry. The Baggins children had rushed home as soon as they got the news, Dudo was wringing his hands nervously as he watched his aunt. Dora was stress-knitting in the armchair, Prisca was stress-baking, Posco kept fiddling with a pair of his flints, and Drogo was chain-smoking on his pipe so much he could be mistaken for a smoke signal. Even his Fiancé, Prim, was there, sitting next to him holding his hand while they awaited news.

"She can't just leave like this! What was she thinking?" Lobelia muttered, her voice filled with frustration. "Mount Doom, of all places. She has no idea what she's getting herself into."

Dudo bit his lip, his eyes wide with concern. "Do you think she'll be alright, Auntie? Bilbo's always been so sensible, but this... this is madness."

Lobelia stopped pacing and turned to face him, her expression softening for a moment. "I don't know, Dudo. I truly don't. But I can't just sit here and do nothing."

Dora paused her knitting, looking up with a frown. "What are we going to do, Auntie? We can't exactly chase after her, can we?"

Lobelia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Dora. I really don't. Someone has to take care of Bag End, that I know for sure, But personally, I can't just let her go off on her own like this."

Dora's knitting needles clicked faster. "But why would she do this? It doesn't make any sense."

Posco looked up from his flints, his expression grim. "She's always had a sense of adventure. Maybe this is just her way of... dealing with things."

"Prisca scoffed from the kitchen, "Dealing with what? She has plenty of adventure right here at her door, what with those slimy men hoping for one last chance to win her affections before she legally states Drogo as the heir of Bag End, not to mention the adventure we get into ourselves." she said poking her flower covered head out the doorway.

Dudo snorted "Leave it to Mum to outdo every adventurous hobbit in the history of the shire."

Lobelia faltered in her pacing for a moment, Dora caught the movement. "Auntie, Do you know why she left?" She questioned. Immediately every eye in the household was focused on Lobelia, she sighed. "Yes, but I don't think now is the right time to tell you, not until we know for sure whether or not we caught her in time." The Baggins children frowned but nodded. They continued their nervous habits, waiting for news.

Hours later, Old Took came waddling into Bag End. Immediately the Baggins surrounded him.

"So? Any sigh of her?" Lobelia demanded in a worried voice. Old Took sighed and shook his head.

"I'm afraid not," Old Took said, his voice heavy with regret. "We've scoured the area, but there's no sign of her. It's as if she vanished into thin air. But considering it's Bilbo I'm not all that surprised this was the result."

Lobelia's face fell, her anger giving way to the weight of worry she had been trying to suppress. "This is all my fault. I should have tried harder to stop her."

"Actually Lobelia that's one of the reasons I came here. You knew that Bilbo was going to Mount Doom, Do you have any idea why?" He asked placing a worn hand on her shoulder. Lobelia's lip wobbled before nodding her head weakly. "

Perhaps you should tell me." Old Took said leading her into the parlor while the Baggins children followed in worry. Once they were settled Lobelia confided with Old Took everything that Bilbo had told her, about the other life, and the memories, and the ring. Drogo and Prim went pale when they heard about their previous future along with their son's fate. When Lobelia was done all the children were horrified and had tears collecting in their eyes. Lobelia was full-on sobbing and Old Took looked ill.

"I...I must call off the search," he whispered weakly before scrambling to get up.

The children's heads snapped up to look at him in alarm.

"What?! No, Didn't you hear what Mum is trying to do, She'll be killed! We must find her before it's too late" Dudo said, slowly growing hysterical. Old Took stopped and looked each of them in the eye.

"Now you listen to me, All of you." He demanded. Using his rarely used Thain Voice. "You were right to try and stop her, Yavanna knows I wouldn't have let her on this quest, but I'm afraid it is too late now. If word of Bilbo's quest gets out, it could alert the forces of Sauron of her intent. That could be more fatal than even going to Mount Doom. We can't let that happen. We must call off the search less a greater evil get's wind of it. Nothing that was shared in this room today can get out. We can't tell anyone.' He said voice deadly serious.

"The Baggins family went pale but nodded their acceptance.

"But what about Bilbo?" Lobelia whimpered, and Gerontius Took's face soured in pain.

"We pray to Yavanna that she succeeds."