#except that bilbo went on an adventure

[probablynot-john]

Modern AU

Frodo gets diagnosed with autism . He's so happy and excited to finally have an explanation to why he's always felt different. To why he's always been treated different.

For most of he's life that explanation has always been his association and similarities with Bilbo.

Frodo: Bilbo! I have something to tell you, and it's important so you have to look me in the eyes.

Bilbo: not now Frodo I'm playing with my model trains.

Frodo: wait a second-

I know Frodo’s not really autistic coded (definitely not as much as Hiccup or Lilo), I just thought the dialog fit and was really funny.

Usually I read Bilbo and Frodo as queer solidarity (Bilbo is ace and Frodo is gay/demi).

But I think there's plenty of comedic potential and heartfelt moment potential from Bilbo being an undiagnosed autistic parent who decided to adopt Frodo based off vibes.

[sonics-atelier]

Ales and Adventures: The Tale of Thorin and Bilbo in the Shire

For @bagginshieldweek24 Day 2 : Developing Relationship + Thorin in the Shire

Summary : Thorin adapts to life in the shire rather well, cue fluff and peace because that's what bagginshield deserve.

a/n : I saw a post where the person said that thorin would live in the shire and make the best ale ever and be very proud of it so i was inspired to write this. Also Thorin is a competitive bitch.

In a quaint corner of the Shire, far removed from the usual hustle and bustle of Hobbiton, there lived a dwarf named Thorin Oakenshield. After his adventures and the tumultuous events of reclaiming Erebor, Thorin found solace and peace in the Shire, a land of rolling hills and hearty folk.

Thorin had settled into a cozy hobbit hole next to Bag End, courtesy of his dear friend Bilbo Baggins. Though it was unconventional for a dwarf to live in the Shire, the hobbits welcomed Thorin with open arms, for his tales of adventure and his boisterous laughter added a new vibrancy to their lives.

Thorin quickly became a beloved figure among the hobbits, not least because of his unparalleled skill in brewing ale. Thorin had brought with him ancient Dwarven recipes, passed down through generations, and his ale quickly became the stuff of legends. It was said that a single sip could warm even the coldest night and lift the heaviest heart.

Each evening, the Green Dragon Inn buzzed with eager hobbits waiting for Thorin's latest batch. His ale was rich, dark, and frothy, with a depth of flavor that no hobbit-brewed ale could match. Yet, this did not deter the local brewers, who saw in Thorin a friendly rival. Bilbo, always one for a good challenge, often found himself caught in the middle of these spirited competitions.

One sunny afternoon, Bilbo and Thorin sat together in the garden of Bag End, enjoying the gentle breeze and the scent of blooming flowers. Bilbo, ever the curious hobbit, asked Thorin about his secret to making such exceptional ale.

Thorin chuckled, his blue eyes twinkling. "It's all in the heart, Bilbo. A good brew needs patience, care, and a bit of magic from the old Dwarven ways."

Bilbo smiled, taking a sip of the ale. "It's truly remarkable, Thorin. Have you ever thought about sharing your secrets with the rest of the Shire? I'm sure the other brewers would be grateful."

Thorin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps. But there is something to be said for a little healthy competition. It keeps everyone striving for their best."

As the weeks went by, Thorin's and Bilbo's bond grew stronger. They spent many evenings together, discussing everything from the intricacies of brewing to the wonders of Middle-earth. Bilbo found in Thorin a kindred spirit, someone who appreciated the simpler pleasures of life while still cherishing the memories of grand adventures.

. . .

One evening, after a particularly successful batch of ale, Thorin invited Bilbo to join him for a walk under the stars. The air was cool, and the night was lit by the soft glow of fireflies. As they walked, their hands brushed occasionally, sending a thrill through Bilbo's heart.

"Bilbo," Thorin began, his voice low and earnest, "I've found something here in the Shire that I never expected to find."

Bilbo looked up at him, his breath catching. "What's that, Thorin?"

Thorin stopped walking and turned to face Bilbo, taking his hand. "I've found a home. And more than that, I've found you."

Bilbo's heart soared at Thorin's words. He squeezed Thorin's hand gently, his eyes shining with emotion. "And I've found you, Thorin. You've brought so much joy and adventure into my life. I can't imagine it without you."

Thorin smiled, his thumb tracing circles on the back of Bilbo's hand. "Nor can I, Bilbo. Nor can I."

As the days turned into weeks, their relationship deepened. They shared quiet moments by the fire, exchanged tender glances across the table, and stole kisses under the cover of night. Their love grew, a steady flame that warmed them both and brought a new light to their lives.

One day, the Shire held its annual brewing competition, an event that brought together all the best brewers. Thorin entered with a special brew he had been perfecting for months, while Bilbo, encouraged by Thorin, submitted his own ale as well.

The competition was fierce, with each brewer presenting their finest work. The judges, a panel of esteemed hobbits, took their roles seriously, savoring each sip and debating the merits of each brew. When it came time to announce the winner, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

To everyone's delight, Thorin's ale took first place, with Bilbo's coming in a close second. The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating not just the winners but the spirit of camaraderie and friendly rivalry that the competition embodied.

As the festivities wound down, Thorin and Bilbo stood together, mugs of ale in hand, overlooking the jubilant crowd. Thorin raised his mug to Bilbo, a broad smile on his face.

"To love, friendship, and the joys of life in the Shire," Thorin said, his voice filled with warmth.

Bilbo clinked his mug against Thorin's, his heart full. "To many more adventures, my dear love."

And so, in the peaceful, sun-dappled hills of the Shire, Thorin and Bilbo continued to forge their bond, sharing laughter, stories, and the best ale Middle-earth had ever known. Their love, like Thorin's ale, was rich, deep, and full of heart, a testament to the simple, enduring joys of life.

- @sonics-atelier 2024 , do not repost or reuse in any way , shape or form .

[wordbunch]

The Hobbit re-read: favorites, thoughts and honorable mentions

thank u to my tumblr besties for encouraging me to rant abt this book for a little while, and brace yourselves for a LOOONG post; aka We're Going On An Adventure!

this quote abt Gandalf: "tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion" like. THIS exactly is Gandalf to me ✨✨✨

the whole good-morninged sequence (as if he was selling buttons at the door! can you imagine! By belladonna tooks SON of all people!!!) 😱

"a cake or 2 would do him good after this fright" me too bilbo

"he had a horrible thought that the cakes might run short" me too bilbo 🍰

Gandalf constantly selling Bilbo's skills to the company and just hyping him up and believing in him all the time!!!! most excellent and audacious hobbit!!! 😎

"this was thorin's style... if he had been allowed he would probably have gone like this until he was out of breath" aka he is Dramatic and Important

"bilbo was getting excited and interested again so that he forgot to keep his mouth shut" how many times will i write ME TOO BILBO in this post

"THE EXPLANATION DID NOT SEEM TO EXPLAIN" 💯💯💯

gandalf: i found him in the dungeons of the necromancer; thorin: girl what were YOU doing at the necromancer's??? 🧐🧐🧐 gandalf: finding things out as usual O M G like what else would he be doing there 😚

bilbo constantly wishing he was back home as soon as he left

"off bilbo had to go before he could explain that he could not hoot even once like any kind of owl" yall this book has so many funny moments but like in a very chill humor way

the fact that one of the TROLLS is called WILLIAM 😂😂😂

"i am a good cook myself, and cook better than i cook" okay bilbo rizz 😏🔥

"they had not at all enjoyed lying there listening to the trolls making plans for roasting them" you don't say. i love this deadpan humor SO MUCH jrrt snapped

that whole beautiful iconic description of kind as summer elrond

"their clothes were mended as well as their bruises, their tempers, and their hopes" WHEN will i go to rivendell 😩

"there is nothing like looking if you want to find something" thorin life coach realness 👏🏼👏🏼

thoring gesturing at a miserable desolate land: these tRuLy hOspiTabLe moUnTaiNs 😍

then gandalf lit up his wand. oF coUrSe it wAs gaNdaLf, but they were too busy to ask how he got there. 4ever mood

he thought of himself frying bacon and eggs in his own kitchen ME TOO BIL- 🍳

"Gollum brought up memories of ages and ages and ages before, when he lived with his grandmother in a hole by a bank by a river" this kind of made me cry. it brings unexpected humanity to such an appalling character; kinda makes you want bilbo to spare him eventually

and the fact itself that bilbo felt so bad for him he decided to just leave him be

"you would have laughed (from a safe distance)" LOVE how JRRT puts random little comments addressed to the reader

gandalf just being like ok i gotta go do other things now. good luck besties. ✌🏼😚

beorn: what are you, a traveling circus? and he is actually right 🤪

"you have got to look after all these dwarves for me, gandalf laughed" and i cried

bilbo being like hmm how will i get down from this tree (except by falling)

bilbo's song while killing gigantic spiders "not very good...but you must remember he had to make it up himself in a very awkward moment"

the dwarves starting to respect him and bowing down until they FALL OVER is such a comical image to me

the whole alluring magic of the elvish feast in the forest which disappears when they get closer!! a whole fairytale mr tolkien!!! 😍

thranduil is a greedy b <3 and especially VERY fond of wine 🍷🍷🍷

"i will lock you all in again and you can sit there comfortably and think of a better plan" bilbo badass mode and we love to see it 💋

tolkien being like WELL u can laugh but you wouldn't have done any better if u were him. real.

when they're in dale i love the numerous references to "songs and stories of old" and all of them basically being a living legend and turning their stay in dale into a public holiday and spectacle

thorin is cocky af

/freeze frame/ "you are familiar with thorin's style on important occasions so i will not give you any more of it" its ok jrrt, let him be a drama queen 👑

bilbo when he takes some gold from smaug being like "this will show them!!!1!1" 😠😠

sassy bilbo strikes again with "did you expect me to trot back with the whole hoard of thror on my back? if there's any grumbling to be done i think i might have a say" GO OFF KING 👏🏼

i just rly love him okay, he stole my heart in this book like a real legitimate professional burglar that he is

"i am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly" etc. basically this whole exchange btw bilbo and smaug is pure gold (pun not intended) 🤫

talking birds that eavesdrop. enough said.

the descriptions of the arkenstone which make you actually want to have it too. genius. there could be no two such gems, even in so marvellous a hoard, even in all the world." 💎💎💎

the harps (untouched by the dragon who had a small interest in music).. WHY is this so funny to me

bilbo putting on some elvish DRIP and being like ✨✨ i feel magnificent ✨✨ (but probably look dumb 😩)

"this is the great chamber of thror" ok thorin the tour guide king

BARD MY KING i love one (1) man 🎯

bilbo being absolutely against any wars or battles and just wanting to go home BUT also being a sneaky lil shit who takes the arkenstone to bard and thranduil BUT also still not wanting to leave his dwarf buddies

when he gives them the gem "not without a shudder, not without a glance of longing" AHHH i want it!

ambiguous gandalf returning. always love to see it

"if you don't like my burglar, please don't damage him" 🙄 ffs thorin chill

"you are not making a very splendid figure as king" yes gandalf call him out

defeat seems "very uncomfortable, not to say distressing" to bilbo. we love.

the fact that he was just knocked out cold during the battle so thur we know very little abt what really happened?? jrrt genius writing hack. might use this one 🤔

fili and kili deserved a better sendoff than just mentioning that they died. come on.

thorin's last words and reconciliation w bilbo... PLEASE I WILL CRY until i throw up. "it has been more than any baggins deserves." "no! there is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly west. some courage and some wisdom blended in measure. if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

i might still be crying

"tea is at 4 but any of you are welcome at any time" my heart... ❤️😭 Guess he's no longer scared of running out of cake

bilbo gifting thrandy a necklace as an apology for eating and drinking his stuff secretly, king shit 😉

bilbo having the absolute NERVE to say to ELVES "your lullaby would wake a drunken goblin". wig wig

he deadass borrowed a handkercheif from freaking ELROND 😳

bilbo arriving home to being presumed dead and his stuff literally being auctioned off

"it was a long time before he was in fact admitted to being alive again…" and sackville-bagginses having sm beef with that HAHAHA

he lost his reputation but he lived his best life so who's the winner here 😌😌😌

the closing lines "you are a very fine person, mr baggins, and i am very fond of you; but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all" "thank goodness! said bilbo laughing."

like. THIS. literally embodies everything. he is just a little guy. just some smol person. BUT STILL had a say in how BIG things happened. BUT he remains happy to be just a smol simple person.

overall an incredibly fun read and it was way more genuinely FUNNY than i anticipated. bilbo is a whole mood. thorin is a diva. gandalf is there to start shit and hype up bilbo. jrrt with random author's notes throughout the book gives me life.

[ent-maiden]

Were you aware that Bilbo Baggins wears boots in the wilds during his adventure?

Here are Tolkien's illustrations of Bilbo during the Hobbit:

By the way, my favorite illustrations are canon illustrations.

Too bad he didn't draw many of the LOTR characters. To be fair, though, I basically draw every character EXCEPT my OCS. And we all have our weak points. Mine happens to be backgrounds.

Anyway, here is proof that the boots really did happen, written by Tolkien himself in Letter 27

'There is in the text no mention of his acquiring of boots. There should be! It has dropped out somehow or other in the various revisions -- the booting occurred at Rivendell; and he was once again bootless after leaving Rivendell on the way home.' JRRT 

Yes, he really did wear boots! Even though it seems the hobbits in LOTR never wore them. I guess their soles are as tough and warm as that you might see on a hare.

I can only imagine this is how it went.

*Bilbo arrives in Rivendale*

The elves: You can't cross the Misty Mountains without boots! You'll hurt your feet!

Bilbo: No really, there is no need. I can't take those.

The elves: But we made them just for you! They are just your size.

Bilbo at this point in the story is too polite to refuse and learns how to wear boots even though he doesn't need them to avoid offending the elves.

When he starts living in Rivendale at age 111, he tells the elves about the incident and they all have a laugh about it, swearing never to offer a pair of boots to a hobbit again.

[ya-so-im-here]

Moonlight Company

Writer: Me, I have it published under my Wattpad account TheNinjaOfCake22

Fandom: The Hobbit

Ship: Bilbo x Thorin (Bagginshield)

Link: https://www.wattpad.com/859244660-ultimate-bagginshield-collection-120-one-shot

----------------------------------------------------

It was late and all  Bilbo could think of was lying in his own bed back in Bag End, but the truth was he was lying on a bedroll that currently had pebbles and sticks jabbing at his back as he attempted to sleep. Since the journey began Bilbo was not sleeping well, he was too used to having a bed that was his own, and he missed it greatly. It was another one of his comforts of home he missed as well as his books, his garden, his armchair, and his food. While traveling with dwarfs a whole lot of em were told by Balin they had to ration their food, which resulted in Bilbo eating a lot less food than he was used to.

    Though he was grateful,  the dwarves did not need to invite him on their journey, it was not as though there was anything waiting for him once they reached their destination, there was for the others. Which caused him mild discomfort because he really didn't belong, this was not his journey, Erebor was not for him to reclaim and it was not his people who were suffering without a home. It was the dwarves, it was their journey, not Bilbo's.

    Though the dwarves were very welcoming and they often talked with Bilbo asking him questions about the Shire and the livelihood of Hobbits which made Bilbo feel more welcomed, however, Thorin never talked to him, and he rarely looked at Bilbo.  Which caused him to feel unwelcome and a bit nervous that Thorin may force him to turn back because he couldn't stand the Hobbit being present.

    Though Bilbo doubted  Thorin would do that with Gandalf around, yet, the truth was Gandalf often ventured off on his own leaving Bilbo behind with the dwarfs, and it was at those times that Bilbo feared Thorin most. The leading dwarf had a temper and when things went against his wishes his voice would deepen in anger, it was those times Bilbo attempted to stay far from  Thorin's line of sight so as to not be the target of his rage.

    As much as he felt he did not belong on this particular adventure, he wanted to be here. He would not deny that he had always been an adventurous Hobbit, ever since he was a wee halfling. He'd travel to the end of the Shire on his own adventures, climbing trees, and traveling through the crops of the local farms. And when the days would draw close he'd return to his mother  Belladonna Took and tell her of his many adventures. It was the Took part of him that arose the need for adventure, but he grew up a Baggins,  yes a respectable and non-adventurous Baggins.

    But he would not lie that the journey had awoken the Took side within him, and he craved for this journey, never had he seen such sights; for Middle Earth was far more beautiful than he ever imagined.

    Bilbo rolled over onto his side when another pebble jabbed into his ribs, he sat up in mild aggravation. Yes, he loved the sensation of being on an adventure, but he truly did miss his bed. Bilbo looked around the campsite, all the dwarfs were asleep, except for Bofur and Bifur they were on watch both on different parts of the site keeping a close watch. Deciding he was going on a walk Bilbo slowly crept from his bedroll and slowly headed towards the bushes to keep hidden from both Bifur and Bofur, he didn't feel like talking to anyone tonight.

    Slowly and quietly the  Hobbit sneaked past the watching eyes of the dwarves, without causing any commotion of any sort, Bilbo was greatly proud of himself. While on his journey he had become rather good at sneaking about unseen, it was a skill he did not entirely realize he possessed, it was quite helpful.

    Now away from the campsite full of sleeping dwarves Bilbo meandered about, he felt rejuvenated by the moon as it slipped beams of silver light past the dark clouds of the night, the stars glistened and the nature surrounding  Bilbo was peaceful and quiet. 

    Bilbo wandered about getting farther and farther from the campsite, but he cared not, for just as frightening it was in the dark, it was beautiful and so quiet. While dwarves slept they snored or yammered in their sleep, it was never quiet with em around, and the silence of the night was the peace Bilbo needed. It helped him get lost within his thoughts, though he got much more lost than he had realized, and not only in his thoughts.

     While he was thinking he forgot which way he had come from, and the hobbit stopped walking and looked around himself, the fire from the campsite was still lit, but the hobbit was too far to see it. Bilbo began walking back to where he believed he came from, but nothing quite looked familiar. Panic began to rise from his stomach and it began to fuzzy up his brain as he tried to think of where he came from, when Bilbo remembered that before they set camp there was a cliff side where they set camp. this thought of remembrance brought the halfling relief as he walked through the trees to the cliffside.

    Bilbo continued to try and fight the rising fear as he looked around for any sign of the cliffside, he did not know quite what direction to go, but he told himself he was alright for even if he couldn't see the fire, he knew that the dwarves would be able to find him. But that thought quickly awoke a much worse thought. "What if Thorin believes I left, and they all leave me" This happening was too probable for him not to worry, it happened continuously whenever Bilbo would fall behind or no one knew quite where he was Thorin would announce that Bilbo had left them.

    But never once did Bilbo purposely leave them, well at least not until tonight when he went for his walk. Panic claimed his mind and forgetting all the peace he once had from the night, was gone. Bilbo began to run pushing past all the tree branches and pushes looking for the campsite.

    Bilbo was about to scream out for the dwarfs for both Bofur and Bifur were awake perhaps there was a chance they would hear him, Bilbo pushed through more branches and past bushes when he found the cliffside.

    The moon was before him bright and vibrant and just as quickly as panic took over him, the feeling of calm took hold. His stress vanished as he stared out into the distance the moon shimmered above the great view of Middle-Earth. Bilbo stepped forth from the brush staring longingly at the view, it was stunning one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen, more beautiful than any story he had heard of Middle-Earth grand locations. Bilbo meandered out from behind all the shrubbery when he noticed he wasn't alone, he quickly bolted back into the bushes but it was already too late, he had been seen.

    "It's too late to hide, I know you're there. Come out" Bilbo obeyed the deep voice he had learned to know, Thorin was sitting on the edge of the cliffside looking out onto the wilderness of Middle-Earth just as Bilbo previously was. Bilbo walked up to Thorin and sat beside the dwarf, Thorin didn't turn to look, he knew it was Bilbo. The two sat in silence for a bit neither saying anything, just simply staring out unto the world and when silence was disturbed it was by Thorin himself.

    "Are you afraid of me?" his voice was deep as usual but it sounded softer than usual, he wasn't asking to tease, it was pure curiosity.

    "In a way" he responded softly, he didn't look at Thorin as he said it but he had noticed the movement of his head as he turned to face the hobbit.

    "Do you mind If I ask why?" he questioned, Bilbo waited a few seconds before he turned to face him, his eyes shimmering from the pale light of the moon as he stared at me almost pleading but definitely damaged.

    "It's not that I'm afraid of the sight of you nor of you as a person" Bilbo paused thinking through his answer "You have much on your shoulders and it causes you to... say what you think often without thinking. I'm not used to that, hobbits are never so upfront. they don't directly say what they don't like or how they want you to leave, and they don't insult you so openly." Bilbo paused a moment and Thorin attempted to say something but Bilbo continued the attempt "What I suppose I mean is, I'm afraid of what you think of me, of what you'll say to me. I know you don't like me you've had no issue in saying so" Bilbo stopped there and turned to look at the view once more.

     The world seemed to fall quiet for a moment as the two stared out into the world both grasping the words spoken before Thorin turned to face Bilbo once more with sorrow evident in his eyes.

     "I never meant what I said" Bilbo turned to face Thorin at that and both of their eyes met as Bilbo waited for Thorin to say more. "I did doubt your ability to keep up with us as well as your skills to find the Arkenstone, but only in the beginning. After the event with the trolls, I knew that I was glad you were with us and I didn't want you to leave the company even though I still said those things I didn't mean it." Bilbo sat there for a moment trying to grasp all that Thorin had said it took him a moment to even believe it, Thorin didn't hate him?

     "I..." Bilbo paused again thinking "I thought you hated me and that the only reason I was still here was because you were too afraid of Gandalf to send me away" Bilbo chuckled lightly at the last part which triggered Thorin to laugh a bit too, it was a sight Bilbo had never seen before.

     "Well yes I am a bit afraid of him, though don't tell anyone." the two both laughed at that "I didn't send you away because I didn't want you to leave" The two smiled finally seeming to be on the same page and finally on the path to perhaps being friends.

     "I never wanted to leave either, even after what you said and I didn't want to leave. I thought about it, but I knew I wanted to stay here with the company" Both Bilbo and Thorin stared out into the wilderness of Middle-Earth both having bonded on a deeper level, perhaps in the morning when they set out again, Bilbo would go out of his way to ride next to Thorin.

[that-choir-girl]

Hi, I have a sort of specific request. Could you please write a Frodo Baggins x Hobbit!reader who wants nothing more than to go on an adventure and is childhood friends with Frodo because she loved Bilbo’s stories and none of the other children wanted to play with her because she was so un-hobbitish, then eventually found herself falling in love with Frodo and so when he leaves to go on his quest she is right there at his side, stubborn and extremely excited about it all. Not a hint of nervousness. Sort of being a constant for Frodo. I’d love that very much.

If not no worries. Thank you<3

hi, @dinofromspac3! tysm for requesting! i'ma give this a shot. sorry if the wait was longer, i went to the gym last night and didn't have time to write this. but here we go! hope ya like it :)!

Frodo and I have known each other for a long time. We've known each other since he moved in with his Uncle Bilbo after his parents drowned in some freak boating accident. The poor thing was so distraught for the first few months, and I didn't blame him. I'd often go over with some of his friends so that I could hear Mr. Bilbo's famous, un-Hobbitish adventures. His adventures made me want to go on my own adventure. A lot of Hobbit children thought I was queer as I wistfully dreamed about my own adventures, and didn't really speak to me. But I was okay with that. At least I had Merry, Pippin, Sam, and, of course, Frodo.

Eventually, Frodo asked me if I wanted to go out and pretend to have an adventure like his uncle once did. Of course, we never ventured anywhere outside the Shire. It was not our business to know what the folks from distant lands were up to. Most likely, wars. And adventures, now to think about that. Apparently, Hobbits were nonexistent to the Men, Elves, and Dwarves, and didn't even bother coming to invade the Shire because they knew nothing about it. We were grateful for that, at least. But at the same time, life got a little boring, since we had nothing to do.

Eventually, I found myself falling for Frodo. I didn't want to, but my thoughts were on no one else but him. He was probably the sweetest human being on this entire planet. And I didn't like him because of the large fortune he'd soon inherit from his uncle. The only person who knew I had a crush on the Baggins heir was Rosie Cotton, my friend from the Green Dragon.

When Frodo had gone home with Sam, I went along with them. And soon, Sam and I found ourselves eavesdropping on Frodo's and Gandalf's conversation about a once-lost ring that he was currently in possession of. And soon, we found ourselves going on this adventure, which made me even more nervous than before. Because I knew that what Frodo was carrying was dangerous. I was scared for him, and his life. But so far, everything seemed as normal as it could be. That is, until we reached Weathertop.

I never left his side during that time when he was mortally wounded. I was there at his side the entire time, letting him hold his hand in mine. When a she-elf came to whisk Frodo away to safety, Sam had to hold me back.

"I don't want to leave him!" I exclaimed through tears as I tried to yank myself out of Sam's grip. But his hold was too tight on my arms. I couldn't do anything except to watch as Frodo was whisked away from me.

"I think she's getting him to safety, Miss y/n," Sam tried to reassure me.

Although it did comfort me slightly, I was still nervous about the fact that I could possibly lose my best friend. If I went back to the Shire without him, life would be more dull and boring than it had been before. I wouldn't have a reason to live.

Luckily, Frodo had managed to survive, and I hardly left his side, no matter how tired he was. And when he woke up, I was there to greet him, relieved that he was alive and alright. I stayed by his side before Sam had to pull me away from him so that I could get some rest.

Soon after the council was over, and the Hobbits and I had joined, I could hear Merry and Pippin complaining quite loudly amongst themselves in the garden about mine and Frodo's friendship.

"All they've been doing is giving each other googly, heart-shaped eyes to each other for years. And I'm getting kinda sick of it," Merry complained to Pippin.

"They should be together by now. I'm tired of them standing at a distance and not saying anything."

"You know what, Pip. I'm thinking the exact same thing. They should have confessed their feelings to each other by now."

It took me a moment to realize that they were talking about me and Frodo. I blushed brightly, and pretended to not hear what Merry and Pippin were saying.

Great, they noticed?

I turned and tip-toed away before the duo found out I had been eavesdropping. But not even an hour later, Merry and Pippin found me in my room as I was reading a book I had found from Lord Elrond's large library.

"You could knock next time, ya know," I commented without bothering to look up. I kept my nose buried in the book. "It's not that hard."

The duo ignored me.

"Tell us, y/n," said Pippin. "Do you have a crush on Frodo?"

That got me to look up in surprise, but I quickly recovered, trying to shrug the feeling off.

"No. Why do you bother asking?"

"C'mon, y/n! For years, you've been giving him heart-shaped, lovey-dovey eyes and you never say anything about it! I'm getting a little sick of it." Merry complained

"It's because I'm scared, alright?" I snapped in return.

"C'mon. You shouldn't be scared of confessing, y/n. He likes you, too," Merry insisted.

"You're just saying that so that my hopes can get up," I grumbled as I continued to flip through the book I'd found.

"No! Y/n, we swear to the Valinor, that he likes you back!" Pippin pleaded. I glared at him, not entirely convinced that he was telling me the entire truth.

"And we think that we may know where to find him," Merry added, winking at me.

"It's nighttime. Frodo's probably in bed, and I'm not going to disturb him just to tell him that I like him."

"Oh, come on! You're no fun, y/n! Can you please just trust us? Just this once?"

I glared at them and then sighed, putting my book down.

"Alright, since you asked so nicely." That got both of the boys to cheer. "But don't think that I'll let you off that easily!"

I got up and followed them, letting the duo pull me along. Almost immediately, I regretted letting them do this to me. But at the same time, I knew that I had to confess to Frodo at some point, because I had no idea what our future holds. Any of us could die during this quest.

They led me to the courtyard. Not the same one we'd had the meeting in, but a completely different one.

"Isn't about time that everyone was in bed by now?" I asked, clearly confused.

"Well, not everyone," Merry hinted mysteriously. He then shoved me in the shoulders, trying to get me to go. "Well, go on."

I knew exactly what he was doing. But I sighed and entered the courtyard. There, sitting on the stone bench of Rivendell, was Frodo. He gazed up at the stars. He was so immersed in watching the stars that he jumped when I finally approached him.

"Y/n," he greeted. He patted the empty space next to him, giving me room to sit. "What brings you here?"

"Uh. . . . I dunno. Couldn't sleep, I guess," I quietly replied. "And I guess that I needed some fresh air."

That was partially true. I couldn't sleep, so I had gone ahead and read the book I'd found in Elrond's fancy library. I turned my gaze to the sky, watching the little pinpricks of light twinkling overhead.

"The stars look beautiful tonight," I finally commented.

"Not as beautiful as you," Frodo unexpectedly commented. I turned to stare at him in surprise. He then realized what he'd said, and his eyes went wide. "I-I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have said that! Not this quickly, anyways —"

I only shook my head in reply, smiling softly. I pressed my lips firmly against his, kissing him softly. He tensed, at first, clearly surprised, before melting into the kiss. He wrapped his arms gently around my waist, bringing me closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck, wanting him close to me.

He bit my lower lip, asking politely for entrance. I giggled and granted his request. He explored my mouth, and I explored his. The feeling gave me butterflies. I never wanted this moment to end.

"Gross! Get a room, you two!" Pippin complained loudly. His voice caused us to break apart.

"Quit ruining the moment, you fool of a Took!" I retorted.

"You know what? I think we will get a room," Frodo hastily replied. "C'mon, y/n."

He grabbed my hand and led me to his room, where we snuggled together for the rest of the night.

***Whew! I hope that this was alright! Lemme know if you want any more changes :)!***

[panaceatthedisco]

I was explaining LOTR to a friend of mine and while explaining Bilbo and Frodo what I meant to say was that they were well-off hobbits who went on an adventure...

Except the words that came out my mouth were that they had both pulled a Stede Bonnet

[green-fifteen]

Day 3: bandits, revenge, and mulberry jam

Prompt: Entertain Fandom: The Hobbit Pairing: Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield Word count: 3,979 Summary: On the long road to Erebor, Bilbo and Thorin must keep their nephew entertained. (Reshirement AU) read on AO3 instead

for @fluffyfebruary

"Did I ever tell you my favorite story about your uncle?" Bilbo asked mildly as they bumped along the road to Erebor. They were on the open road again, finally clear of the murk and damp of Thranduil's woods. They weren't far from the mountain, now--they could turn their faces to see it whenever they wished--but the trip through the wood had not been kind to young Frodo, and it had lasted too long.

As if by some awful magic, Thorin grew ill just after they reached the Eastern boundary of the forest. No sooner had they stepped upon the Old Forest Road than he'd begun to sway on his feet as he walked and his slumber had been more and more difficult to chase from him in the mornings. Unlike the last time Bilbo was taken to the mountain, this time they traveled by cart--it was an easy matter to leave him on it to recover and let the ponies bear him hence. Still, this delayed their party by a number of days, for there was room enough atop the cart for Thorin to lie out, his head cushioned upon a sack of flour, only if Bilbo and Frodo walked along beside the wheels. At this slower pace, the three of them spent longer in the darkness than Bilbo would have preferred.

And now it was clear that Frodo had not been unaffected by their time in the Mirkwood. Even as Thorin recovered his health, sitting up and taking tea and cram at mealtimes, the little hobbit yet looked as pale and drawn as ever. Bilbo thought he might be coming out of his funk, but it was not happening very quickly. He had noticed the boy looking around himself with his usual awe the day before, as they cleared the cover of trees and darkness and saw the pink light of a sunrise before them. It had been beautiful, after so long in the woods--Bilbo was not ashamed to be brought to tears. His husband had handed him a handkerchief. Frodo also smiled just that morning, when Thorin nearly toppled from his seat in the cart after the ponies led them over a low boulder. He'd made such an outraged expression that the Bagginses in front of him could not be blamed for laughing.

Excepting these brief moments, Frodo had traveled the road from the Mirkwood to Dale in silent contemplation, something his guardians were unaccustomed to. Their charge was still young and viewed each new day with curious eyes. Meaning, they routinely answered excited questions about all manner of things, which numbered so greatly once they'd left the Shire that Bilbo and Thorin had begun a habit of turn-taking, signalling with a glance when one or the other of them should like to give up the responsibility. They'd been exchanging looks of a different sort since the forest, heavy with worry and care for their young nephew. It was Bilbo who broke the silence first, determined to lift Frodo at least a moment from his far-away mood.

"It's a good one, I promise," he continued. Thorin raised an eyebrow at him, but Bilbo did not mind him, his eyes fixed on the smaller hobbit.

"It was quite the adventure-- bandits, revenge, mulberry jam. And your own dear mother was there." Frodo tilted his head to the side. Choosing to take this as encouragement, Bilbo went on.

"It was before you were born, mind. Before the lass had even thought of marrying, I'd wager. Yes, this was a fair few years ago, when your uncle had first come to me, complaining about his sad old hill."

"The Lonely Mountain," Thorin grumbled. Frodo's mouth twitched up as it always did when they had this argument. It was an old one.

"Well, what's the difference? Lonely or sad, hill or mountain?" Bilbo affected a pompous academic air. "I think you'll find that a mountain is nothing more than a very large hill. Hobbits know about hills, you are aware."

Thorin leaned in. "And dwarves know their mountains, Master Hobbit."

The old hobbit tutted and wagged a finger. "Be that as it may, Master Oakenshield, there is a tale to be told. I'll not let you distract young Frodo."

At this, he leveled the young hobbit with a serious look. "However much I wish to tell this story, I must warn you: your uncle may come off a fool in the recounting. Do you still wish to hear it, knowing it may forever change your view of the dwarf who raised you?"

Frodo seemed to perk, humor finding him at last after days of malaise. Thorin huffed a laugh which he disguised with an annoyed look. The boy's response was all too predictable. "Well, I wouldn't want to embarrass him. But I respect your wish to tell me, and can have no objections." He was fighting a smile, matching his hobbit uncle's expression feature to feature.

"At least allow me the dignity to interject here and there, Bilbo. Your love of drama can at times surpass your regard for the truth, especially when you are telling this story," Thorin insisted. Bilbo nodded graciously, and then began.

"After the business with the dragon, your uncle wanted to return to the Shire and live with me. He had to stay in his kingdom for a while yet, as he was the king. But you know this already. What is really interesting is what happened the first time he came back to the Shire after he'd been settled with me for some time.

He was visiting friends and family in Erebor and he'd been gone nearly a year. I missed him terribly. Counting the days, nearly ready to hop onto a pony and fetch him back. This was Halimath, so I was growing worried that I would not see him again until the spring. The chill of those solitary mornings, looking out to my frosted tomato plants, was colder even than the bite of the icy wind."

"I was gone all of summer and into mid-autumn. I was home before the plows had even left the fields." Thorin's voice was dry as he interrupted.

"Yes, well, the sentiment remains. I was desperate to have you home again. Nothing was the same now that I'd known what it was to have you with me. The food I cooked never tasted as rich, the sun never came out as far. I think that was the grayest summer we've yet seen in Hobbiton."

"You never remember to open the curtains."

"Do you know what your dear uncle was doing, while I pined away to nothing for the want of him? In those last few days as I cried myself to sleep alone in our bed?"

Frodo's eyes were wide by now, taken in by his uncles lovelorn expression. "What was he doing?"

"He was losing a fight to Esmeralda Took in Buckland, that's what." Despite his tone, Bilbo was unable to resist smiling at his husband.

"Merry's mum?!" Frodo cried, nearly unseating himself as he fell backward. "Why were you fighting with Merry's mum?" He was looking at Thorin too now, mouth wide and eyes bright.

The dwarf shook his head. "She was nobody's mum, then, pebble. She was younger than you are now and likely to bite somebody's ear off if she wasn't minded close enough. A wild thing."

"Yes and, as it happens, Primula Brandybuck was charged with the minding."

"My mum!"

"Yes, the very same. But, you see, she had the misfortune of minding the entire lot of visiting Took children. Can you imagine it? The yelling and hair-tugging that went on? How was she supposed to keep track of each child that day? There were at least forty of them!"

Frodo made a face. "Uncle Bilbo, that can't be right. I don't even have forty cousins."

"I'm sure you do, don't forget you are a Took, a Baggins, and a Brandybuck. Anyway, it's about the sentiment, my dear boy. Do not let the facts distract you." Thorin looked at him askance.

"As one might predict, Esmeralda and a band of her roughest cousins slipped free of their handler. They roved north along the road to look for mischief and spied a traveler not very far from Brandybuck Hall. He was riding a pony and wore shoes on his feet, like a man. Something about this man told the children they had met their mischief at last. Everyone save Esmeralda hid in the Hedge, while she stopped him to tell him her sad story. What was it again, dear?"

"I'm dreadfully lost, won't you please help me get home?" Frodo smiled to hear him recite her words in his gruff and unimpressed manner.

"But, Uncle Thorin," he said after a moment. "What were you doing on the road to Buckland? You should have been on the main road toward Hobbiton."

"Oh, remarkably well timed, my boy. Go ahead and ask him what he replied."

"What did you say?"

Thorin gave his husband a withering glance. "I said, 'What a pair we make. I too am lost along this path.' I was trying to calm the poor girl. You did not hear the way she was wailing."

"Telling her you do not know the way may not have been the most reassuring course of action, had she really been so upset" Bilbo countered with a laugh.

"But what happened next, Uncle?" Frodo urged.

"Yes. Well, the young hobbit girl used her pathetic story to compel him out of the saddle, which allowed the other children their opportunity to strike."

"They struck him?"

"No, no. They robbed him! Untied his saddlebag like they'd done it a hundred times and went running on down the path toward Brandy Hall. Esmeralda showed him her tongue, and then flew away, too."

"Robbed him?! The bandits!" Frodo fell forward laughing. "Uncle Bilbo, I did not think you meant hobbit children! Did you retrieve your bag, Uncle Thorin? Bilbo mentioned revenge, too."

Thorin's face was soft and fond. "I gave chase to the beasts until I realized at last there was no hope. Although they were small, their legs moved faster than I could believe. Worse, they threw the bag to and fro among themselves, that I never knew which child possessed it."

"A classic game of keep-away," Bilbo agreed. "It was a hilarious success for the Took children in Buckland that day, who returned to Brandy Hall to stash their treasure. Thorin arrived not long after they'd disappeared back into the hall."

"Like rabbits in a warren," his husband grumbled.

"Yes, dear. They had utterly vanished by the time he came upon the hill. Your uncle had no choice but to knock on the front door, dripping in sweat, wearing his dirty traveling clothes and a great big scary sword. You can imagine how much he frightened them, but the Brandybucks were never the type to be terrified, especially in their own home. After they invited him inside, my cousin Gorbadoc eventually recognized him as my husband and took him by the arm to the dining room. To make him feel welcome (and Brandybucks are very much a welcoming group!) he sent in Primula with one of the children."

"Not Esmeralda!"

"Yes, your cousin Esmeralda came through the door and when she saw your uncle, her eyes went round."

"As the saucers on the table." Thorin chuckled.

"What did you do?" Frodo asked.

Bilbo answered. "He did nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing as course and affronting as accusing a Took girl of tomfoolery." The hobbits shared a moment of humor. "No, instead he allowed Esmeralda and Primula to bring him courses of fine food. They brought him sweet cakes and rich loaves of buttered bread. He ate fish and game and piles of seasoned potatoes. At the end, when they asked if he'd like a dessert, he looked at Esmeralda Took, who was almost certainly trying very hard to avoid drawing notice from the dwarf, and told her he'd like something special--the best thing they had in the house. Primula at once urged the girl to the pantry.

She returned with the finest Buckland jam you've ever eaten. Sweet and dark and without a single seed. It tastes like climbing a mulberry tree in Wedmath. Served warm on a crumpet with butter, it is more than a taste--it is a sensation."

Thorin sniffed. "I liked it fine."

"And although he liked it, your uncle ate only one bite of his crumpet, before setting it down again. 'This isn't what I'm looking for,' he told the girl. She and Primula hurried back to the pantry to find something else. They came back to the dining room with a nut pie."

Frodo groaned. "Oh, Uncle. I'm too hungry for talk of the food in Buckland." And Bilbo could see that he meant it. An uncomfortable-looking line was forming between his eyebrows.

"Never mind the pie. Never mind the next three dishes they brought out to please him. Know only that they tried five times to find what the dwarf was craving and five times he was not satisfied. When he refused the fifth plate, Primula finally spoke her mind. You can imagine how she esteemed your uncle by then."

"What names did she call you, Uncle Thorin?" Frodo asked between happy giggles.

"The kind that are best not repeated," he replied gravely.

"When he responded, he looked not at Primula, but at her young charge. He said, 'You know well that what I am looking for cannot be found in the larder or the pantry, although I am sure they are very well stocked with the finest ingredients. (By this time, he was aware enough of hobbit customs to know what an insult he gave and he did very well to try and soften it.) He pressed on.

'I believe you know what I'd like to find, little hobbit. Do you disagree?' he said to her. Now the searching eye of Primula Brandybuck was on Esmeralda Took, which is a frightful feeling for a person of any age or race." Frodo nodded in agreement. He could remember well enough. "It is no wonder the bandit Esmeralda gave up the act, then and there. She did try to run, but your mother had captured her arm before she even took a step. After some questioning-"

"And yet more of her false tears," Thorin added.

"-Esmeralda led Primula to the treasure. Your uncle did not follow. Why did you stay in the dining room, my love?"

"So that she might walk there and back to me. I will not waste energy in rushing to reclaim that which has been stolen, if I may instead let the thief bear its weight back to me." Frodo looked appropriately awed by this pronouncement, but Bilbo only cleared his throat.

"And the real reason, dear?"

After a moment, Thorin admitted, "There may have been a.. strategic aspect to my reasoning. For Brandy Hall is very large and I knew already that Esmeralda Took could run much faster than I. If she had outmaneuvered me again, in that tangled den of tunnels--"

"You did not want to get lost," Bilbo said, in summary. His nephew was grinning with delight, as he always was when they teased his dwarven uncle in this fashion.

"It is a fair concern," he insisted. "After all, Uncle Thorin can get lost on a straight road like the one from Bree to Hobbiton. What should happen to him in a place like Brandy Hall?"

"Precisely!" Thorin said, and then narrowed his eyes at Frodo. "That is to say--I should be at a disadvantage, in one of your great hobbit halls. Your people seem to have an affinity for dirt and digging holes, like moles. Or badgers."

Bilbo sniffed and turned his body away from Thorin. "Because Esmeralda Took had been to Brandy Hall many times since she was born, and not at all because she had the characteristics of any rodent, as some might claim, she was back again in very little time, your uncle's saddlebag in her hands.

Primula of course had shaken the entire story from her on the way and her shouting had even compelled a few of her relatives to tag along behind them. So it was that Thorin had his revenge on young Esmeralda--forced to trudge through the corridors, the criminal bearing evidence of her crime before her cousins, brought to trial in the only way a child can be."

He turned back to his husband and gazed at him admiringly. "He did not know it, of course, but it was just the kind of scheme that any Took or Brandybuck worth the name might enjoy. So after they fed him spirits and kept him laughing long into the night, they convinced him to stay another day. They had not heard enough about the brigands he'd faced on the road, they claimed. He must stay at least until lunchtime. What was the hurry? Indeed, he had nowhere urgent to be. His husband could wait another day. He had waited so long already and he did not have to know about the delay."

Thorin broke in. "They convinced me of nothing. Your strong hobbit ale convinced me to stay when I woke in my own grave the next morning."

"Your weakness in this regard is a fault I am still working to accept," Bilbo said, sighing. To this, his husband wrapped an arm around his waist and drew him in to whisper something in his pointed ear. Frodo could not hear what was said, so he did not know why his uncle blushed so deeply.* After coughing once or twice to clear his throat, the hobbit simply straightened and continued his story.

"And so your uncle dithered there in Buckland, while I thought of nothing else but seeing him come down the lane to Bag End. When he eventually showed his face, of course I asked him about the delay, for in his last letter to me, he said he would arrive before Trewsday and that day was Mersday.

'There was no delay,' he told me. 'I must have been mistaken when I counted the days before.' And then something about how the hobbit way of keeping the days is too confusing, I'm sure. In any case, I believed him. I had my suspicions, of course, but they weren't important. My husband had returned to me. The sun was shining on the hills. The fish I stewed that evening was the best I had ever eaten."

"So how did you find out about Emseralda?" Frodo asked.

"It came in a letter, from reliable old Gorbadoc. See, while your uncle was out of the smial a few days later, the post came for him--a message from Buckland. I was curious. And, you know, I'm a Took too, on my mother's side. It is in my nature to open intriguing envelopes, and who can fight their very nature? That evening, Thorin arrived at Bag End to find me reading over the letter for what may have been the hundredth time."

"I was only gone an hour."

"It was a short note. It was a simple benediction from my cousin and a brief line from the bandit herself. Do you remember the wording?" Bilbo asked the dwarf.

"Not as well as you do, I'm sure,"

"Yes, I did read it rather a lot. I still keep it in the study. I can show it to you sometime when we're home again. Just remember to ask, because it is totally out of sight--hidden from your uncle just the way Esmeralda hid his saddle bag! I often forget it's there."

"But what did the letter say, Uncle Bilbo?"

"Oh yes. It said, 'Dearest Cousin Thorin, After the to-do here at Brandy Hall yesterday, I am writing to inquire after your health and safety. I will admit to some concern, now that you have left us, that you may not find the way to Bag End on your own. When you fell from your horse today, I was truly worried I may need to call upon my cousin to fetch you himself. Simply remember this and you shall be home by tomorrow evening and, what's more, with all of your belongings!: Stay your pony upon the wide road to Hobbiton. Follow signs to Hobbiton. Do not stymie your own progress along any more side roads. Be assured--you shall be safe from little bandits if you do. Your friend and cousin, Gorbadoc Brandybuck'"

"And what did Esmeralda write?"

"She wrote, in the clumsy hand of a child: 'Please forgive me, Master Dwarf. If I didn't do it you would still be lost in Buckland. --Esmeralda Took. p.s. Please don't tell Master Bilbo about it, he is my favorite cousin.'"

The hobbit grinned as he finished his tale, looking from his husband to his nephew. "And then the truth was out, Frodo. He told me the story as you've heard it today."

"Not exactly as you heard it today."

"Close enough, I'd say. And all that really matters is that our dear nephew found it inspiring."

"Oh? Is Frodo inspired by tales of my misfortune?" he asked drily.

"When they're funny," Frodo said, covering his mouth with his hand. "You have to admit, Uncle Thorin--it is fun to imagine you chasing after little hobbits. And my mum!" He giggled anew. "She must have been so cross with you!"

Thorin smiled and reached to pull the young hobbit into his side. "She was, pebble. Your ears would have bled."

"I think I would have liked to see it," he said. "Imagine if my mother were here. She could tell us what they thought in Buckland after you left, and everything that happened with the rowdy Took cousins." After saying this, the boy went quiet for a long time, his smile dimming to a thoughtful twist.

"I am sorry I've been… distracted since the Mirkwood," he said at last, his voice low. Thorin squeezed his nephew tight against him. "I was only thinking… I have lost my parents once already."

"Oh," said Bilbo, scooting around to sit on Frodo's other side. "Did it scare you, when Thorin fell ill? It was scary for me too."

He nodded and cast his eyes to the straw at the bottom of the cart. "I could not help but think of the worst while we traveled in the dark. It got better when we left the woods, but I can still feel the weight of those thoughts even now."

"It is always that way, when one enters the Mirkwood," Thorin assured him. "It steals all the light from your mind, leaving your thoughts in darkness. I do not wonder that you feel ill at ease." Bilbo hummed in agreement.

"And if it will help you dispel the gloom--you must know that our dangerous days are over, nephew. Your uncle and I have faced a dragon once already, we are due our share of peace and safety."

"What about bandits?" Frodo said, his lips drawn up to one side.

"Oh, don't waste your time worrying about bandits. Haven't I told you how your uncle deals with that kind? We are perfectly safe there." He smiled back at him. "No, my boy, I think that he and I will be with you for a long time. You shall see."

Frodo still looked far too contemplative when he answered, but his smile was genuine. "I think so too, Uncle Bilbo."

*[Thorin whispered to Bilbo: "Strange. You seemed to accept this fault of mine with pleasure on the evening of my name-day." Basically: "Is that so? It seemed like you accepted it when you got me drunk on my birthday and couldn't keep your hands to yourself." ]

[laufire]

After the celebration of Bilbo's birthday the four hobbits stayed in Rivendell for some days, and they sat much with their old friend, who spent most of his time now in his room, except at meals. For these he was still very punctual as a rule, and he seldom failed to wake up in time for them. Sitting round the fire they told him in turn all that they could remember of their journeys and adventures. At first he pretended to take some notes; but he often fell asleep; and when he woke he would say: 'How splendid! How wonderful! But where were we?' Then they went on with the story from the point where he had begun to nod. [...] In the evening they went to say good-bye to Bilbo. 'Well, if you must go, you must,' he said. 'I am sorry. I shall miss you. It is nice just to know that you are about the place. But I am getting very sleepy.' Then he gave Frodo his mithril-coat and Sting, forgetting that he had already done so; and he gave him also three books of lore that he had made at various times, written in his spidery hand, and labelled on their red backs: Translations from the Elvish, by B.B. [...] 'Now where were we? Yes, of course, giving presents. Which reminds me: what's become of my ring, Frodo, that you took away?' 'I have lost it, Bilbo dear,' said Frodo. 'I got rid of it, you know.' 'What a pity!' said Bilbo. 'I should have liked to see it again. But no, how silly of me! That's what you went for, wasn't it: to get rid of it? But it is all so confusing, for such a lot of other things seem to have got mixed up with it: Aragorn's affairs, and the White Council, and Gondor, and the Horsemen, and Southrons, and oliphaunts – did you really see one, Sam? – and caves and towers and golden trees, and goodness knows what besides. [...] 'I don't think, Mr. Frodo, that he's done much writing while we've been away. He won't ever write our story now.'

The Lord of the Rings III: Return of the King.

[soralinklokidottirofmirkwood]

Princess of Bag End: Lord of the Rings x hobbit teen Reader

Age: 15. reader is Bilbo's young daughter and heiress. she is very small for her age, knows elvish, and doesn't have big hairy feet like other hobbits but everyone in the shire still loves her except for the Sackvill-baggins because she doesn't look hobbitish (the people nicknaming her the Baggins princess but the Sackvill-Baggins called her daughter of mad Baggins) She is the very youngest member of the fellowship. Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin are very protective of her later on the taller members are protective of her.

You are with your oldest cousin Frodo who is reading while you practiced your archery skills waiting for a certain someone.

Your waiting was paid off when you heard the singing of a wizard who quote "Helped." Your father out of the shire 60 years ago.

(I love this dress from this fem Bilbo art ps your wearing the dress in the beginning) you and Frodo smiled at each other and began running in the direction of the singing.

Seeing the Wizard in grey on his wagon you and Frodo came out with Frodo crossing his arms "Your late." Frodo said smirking "A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." As he says this Frodo raised his brow while you looked confused "Good morning?" You asked making the wizard chuckle "Just like your father before the journey." the wizard said soon all of you laughed with both of you jumping into the wagon to give the wizard a hug "ITS WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU AGAIN GANDALF." You said happily.

On the way to Bag end he told you of what goes on outside the shire you and Frodo told Gandalf he is known as "Disturber of the peace." And that your family use to be well known and respected until he came and gave your father a push "My dear girl I merely gave him a push out of his hole." Gandalf said ruffling your naturally wavy waist length H/C fading to light brown hair 'I bet she and a certain elven prince would get along well.' Gandalf thinks to himself.

Later at night:

You are having an archery contest with a few other young hobbits who love archery, your father is telling Hobbitlings of his adventure with the company of Thorin Oakenshield, Frodo is encouraging Sam to dance with Rosie and Merry and Pippin are up to who knows what.

As your about to shoot another arrow you hear someone shout "DRAGON." You look up to see a dragon shaped firework flying around and heading towards your father and Frodo "DAD! FRODO! LOOK OUT ITS BEHIND YOU." You screamed out but luckily Frodo managed to get Bilbo and himself down.The dragon flew over the lake, into the sky and exploded into fireworks making everyone clap.

It turns out Merry and Pippin fused the firework so Gandalf made them wash the dishes as punishment, Your father was giving his speech but he somehow disappeared "Dad?" You said fearfully looking at Gandalf who looked shocked "Y/N. I fear there is something else he found in the misty mountains during our journey." He said running to Bag end with you following but far behind the oddly fast old wizard.

At Bag end your POV:

I made it to Bag End but as I reached the door I can hear Gandalf yelling on how he's trying to help Dad but soon all fell quiet.

I slowly opened the door to see Dad and Gandalf hugging but something wasn't right though "Dad? Gandalf?" I asked "Y/N my dear I have to go, I'm leaving Bag End and this ring to you and Frodo." I was shocked by this but Gandalf stopped him "Bilbo the ring isn't safe here! And Y/N is still a child. She can't handle it." He said gesturing to me "Y/N. My sweet girl. I am going to live in Rivendell from now on. But I will visit as much as I can." He said taking my hands and softly stroking them with his thumbs making me tear up that he's Leaving. "I was saving them for your next birthday but you've waited long enough." He said taking out a gorgeous bow with a quiver of arrows and a beautiful necklace. My eyes went wide in awe and Gandalf sadly smile."The king's jewel. Commonly known as the arkenstone." I said looking at the beautiful necklace "I did take my fourteenth share of the treasure." Dad said clasping it around my neck I immediately hugged him.

(Bilbo had a small piece of the Arkenstone made into a necklace.)

After the party no one's POV:

Frodo finally came back from the party but he only saw you and Gandalf "Y/N. Where's uncle?" He asked you but before You answered Gandalf  answered him and saying how he needs answers and left.

Later no one's POV :

(With the necklace above)

You, Frodo and Sam have been walking from the shire for a while with no interruptions aside from Sam's hesitation at the border line "It's alright Sam. Dad said there is nothing to be afraid of." You said in a comforting manner to your Gardener and friend who smiled as all three of you walked until your in a corn field but yelling and barking can be heard followed by your other two older cousins Merridoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took "ohh look it's Y/N and Frodo Baggins." Pippin said as he landed on Frodo but the chat was stopped as the yelling and barking got louder making you all dash for your lives.

You ran until you see a cliff but as Sam ran into you and your cousins making all of you fall down.

Later at Bree:

It was now poring rain by the time the five young hobbits got to Bree and lost the Nazgûl. Getting in was tricky but Frodo said to the man at the gate "Our is business is our own." After they were let in the man pointed them to an inn called the prancing pony. The five young hobbits made it to the inn at this point cold and soaking wet but relieved to be in the warmth.

Frodo went to the man at the counter, the man said he has beds just their sizes and Frodo told him his last name was Underhill but when he saw Y/N "She doesn't look like a hobbit." He said gesturing to the young teen hobbit "She's a hobbit. She just doesn't have our big hairy feet." Frodo said explaining why you wear shoes, "Ahhh. Not everyone is born with traits from their race." The man said luckily Frodo changed the topic by asking about Gandalf but the man said he hasn't seen him in six months "Now what do we do Mr Frodo?" Sam asked as Y/N looked around. They are now sitting at a table eating and drinking, well Y/N had salmon with potatoes, spinach and a cup of juice since she doesn't eat meat and is underage as she's eating Pippin said he's getting a pint even though he already has one.

Y/N sees a man staring at her, Sam and her cousins. Sam notices as well "That fellow, has done nothing but stared at us since we've arrived." Sam told Frodo who sees the man from the desk walking past their table and asked "that man who is he?" Y/N learned that he was a ranger going by the name Strider but they are dangerous folk. After the man said this Y/N heard the ring whispering "Baggins." Over and over again but she snapped out of the trance when she heard Pippin talking to men and saying "Yes I know a baggins. Two of them infact, they are my second cousins. Frodo from his mothers side and Y/N from her father's side. She's the princess of bag end." As Pippin says this Frodo shots up to grab him but he trips and the ring falls on his finger causing him to disappear.

Y/N felt a huge headache blooming in her head but suddenly she was grabbed by the shoulder by the man Strider "You lot are going to be the death of me." He said having a firm grip on the teens arm.

Y/N was about to tell him to let her go but then he grabbed Frodo after he took the ring off "You have drawn to much attention to yourself Mr Underhill." He said dragging the two young hobbits.

Your POV:

After the ranger dragged Frodo and I out of the dining room he roughly pushed us into a room with a grunt as I landed Frodo pulled me behind him protectively "what do you want?" He asked the man who started putting out the candles and pulling down his hood "that is no trinket you carry on you." He kept talking about helping us and how we can't wait for Gandalf any longer until Sam, Merry and Pippin came in "LET THEM GO!" Sam shouted out but Frodo and I calmed him down.

Days later:

It had been days since you, Sam and your cousins meet Strider.

He was very strict, didn't understand Hobbit meals and was a very strange man but he's a great leader he even carried you since your the youngest and smallest. "He kinda reminds me of Thorin but human." You whispered to yourself remembering your father's stories of his journey "I wonder if we'll meet any of the other members?!" You asked yourself hopefully.

After so much walking your finally resting but Strider said he's taking a look around but not without giving you all weapons "keep them close by, stay here." Then He left.

A few hours later:

You are awaken by Merry, Pippin and Sam talking and the smell of food "what are you doing?" Frodo asked scared then you both ran to the other three Hobbits "Put it out you fools." You said as Frodo started putting out the fire with his feet but the damage was done as screeching was heard.

Everything happened so fast you all ran from the Wraths, you and Frodo are stabbed, Strider came to your rescue, to add insult to injury your six days away from Rivendell but a very beautiful she elf came to take you both to Rivendell "It hurts so bad." You whimpered in elvish "Stay with me little Y/N." She said to you in gentle elvish but you couldn't keep your eyes open and past out.

You wake up to Gandalf''s and Frodo's voices along with another deep voice "Frodo? Gandalf? Where are we?" You asked rubbing your eyes with your small fist "you are in my home little one. Rivendell." Said an elf with dark hair and blue eyes "Rivendell? Are you lord Elrond?" You asked the elf in curiosity making him smile "I am indeed young Baggins." He said your eyes widened in awe. Sam came in and hugged you both making you smile.

You and Frodo walked out of the healing chamber to see Merry and Pippin who hugged you both then you all see Bilbo. Both of you ran to him but you had tears in your eyes you greeted him in elvish making Frodo confused. He said that he wants to visit Mirkwood, lake town and Erebor again but old age has caught up to him.

At the meeting:

It was finally the day of the meeting "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old." Elrond started the meeting you are sitting in between Gandalf and a very handsome elf who looked at you curiously.

You waved and smiled politely at him making him smile back.

The meeting didn't go very peaceful a man named Boromir was speaking of the ring like it was some sort of weapon of good then he had the audacity to insult Strider but the elf you sat next to shot up "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn son of Arathorn you owe him your allegiance." You were shocked to hear this "Isildur's heir. King of Gondor." You said remembering your father's story on Isildir from years ago making the elf glanced at you "See even the young she-hafling speaks the truth." The elf said "Havo dad Legolas." Strider or as you now know him as Aragorn said to the elf in elvish "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir said sitting down.

It was confirmed that the ring must be destroyed "Then what are we waited for?" A red haired dwarf asked raising his axe but as he hits the ring with the axe the blade shatters, You ended up getting a splitting head ache, seeing Sauron's eye and hear him whispers "Baggins." Gandalf seeing your destress places a hand on your shoulder while the elf you now know as Legolas had concern on his face along with Elrond and Aragorn "It cannot be destroyed with any weapon created it must be taken to mount doom." You said rubbing your head "You are right Y/N daughter of Bilbo. It must be taken to whence it came." Elrond said giving you an approved smile making everyones eyes widened "She's Bilbo's girl?" a greying red headed dwarf asked in shock "The Bilbo Baggin's who helped reclaim Erebor from Smaug 60 years ago?" Legolas asked you can only blush from all the eyes on you but a huge fight with insults started up, not wanting to be in the middle of it you made your way to Frodo both of you stared at the ring. You looked at Frodo, placed your hand on his and gave him a supporting smile he smiled back and rose from his seat "I will take it." He said but no one heard him from the insult throwing "I WILL TAKE IT." He yelled it out causing everyone to stop and listen "I will take it. But I do not know the way." He said Gandalf gladly supported him and offered his help along with Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir even Merry, Pippin and Sam offered to go "I also offer my Bow, Frodo we were raised together and you have been like a big brother to me, so I to am going on this journey. Also I always wanted an adventure, I am part Took after all." As you say this Gandalf and Elrond chuckle at this "10 companions? So be it you are known as the Fellowship of the ring." Elrond said everyone cheered "Great. Where are we going?" Typical Pippin.

After the meeting you and Frodo came to Bilbo's room since it's the last night you see him again.

He gave Frodo his sword sting, you dwarven daggers and  both of you methril tunics he described them as light as feathers and as strong as dragon scales and told you to try them on when you came back from putting on your methril tunic you saw Bilbo crying and Frodo having a hand on his shoulder you walked over and hugged him tightly as he hugged back and stroked you hair "I have one more gift for you Y/N it's from your mother." When he said that your eyes widened when he revealed a decorated comb "She wanted me to give it to you when we won't be able to see each other," when he said that he but it on the back of your head.

The next day you all left Rivendell early. After walking for hours you're all resting on a cliff. Sam had made lunch, Boromir was training with Merry and Pippin while Aragorn watched, Gandalf and Gimli were talking, Legolas was on watch and you were training with your bow unaware of the elven prince watching you from his post.

Legolas saw that you almost surpassed him in archery when he saw you shooting at the training dummies and getting perfect shoots he smiled fondly at you and decided to join in "May I join you young Baggins?" He asked making you smile "Of course master elf." You said to the elven Prince getting your arrows while he takes out his bow unaware of a chuckling wizard "I knew they would get along well." He told Gimli "I still can't believe she's the daughter of Bilbo Baggins." The dwarf said looking at you as you and the elf prince shot arrows while bonding.

Days later:

It was late noon your all getting exhausted from the walking and fighting you all did "We will stop here and rest for the night." Gandalf said sitting on a log.

You set up camp for the night "Plus you all need baths desperately." Gandalf said fanning himself with his hat.

Your in the lake washing the dirt, grime and dried blood off your cloths, body and hair with your jasmine Scented soap, shampoo and conditioner. After you finished bathing you, Sam and your cousins are all wrapped in blankets while you're clothes sun dried (which shouldn't be long) and Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli and Boromir bathed while the sun was out.

After your clothes dried Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin and yourself got dressed as you got dressed Gimli called out "By my beard the lass is the very smallest out of all of us." He said gesturing to your curvy figure. It is true you are smaller then other hobbits your age one of the reasons Lobelia Sackvill Baggins hates you because she's jealous of your appearance. Natural wavy waist length H/C fading to brown hair, Gorgeous almond shaped E/C eyes, tear drop shaped face, S/T skin and your curvy body.

She always tried to make awful rumors about you being adopted but no one ever believed her.

When the others saw this they are taken aback "I don't really eat meat master Gimli I prefer fish." You told your senior members who are in shock "It's true! She doesn't eat meat or any animal product." Sam said "Aye but she makes a mean stuffed salmon back at home." Pippin said "And vegan soup." Merry said "I thought she looked small for her age." Boromir said "I get that a lot." You said taking out your brush from your quiver and running it through your hair "Oh I'll help you Y/N." Legolas said grabbing the brush and helping you redo your hair.

Everyone is sitting around the fire with you sitting in front of Legolas as he continues on your hair "By the Valar Y/N you have long hair for a hobbit." He said redoing your braids with your hair tie in his mouth while you held the decorated hair comb your father gave you "Aye every hobbit girl wishes for her hair." Frodo said "Remember when Lobelia Sackvill Baggins tried to cut it for Yule day?." Sam asked making everyone laugh but you confused "I don't remember that." You said making Frodo chuckle "You were a toddler when that happened." He said "Aye uncle Bilbo was so furious he had to hide the scissors from her." Merry said laughing very hard from the memory "and the knives." Pippin said "along with his mother's silver spoons." Sam chimed in "Dad has always been protective of grandmother's things." You said as you gave the comb to Legolas who had his hand outstretched for it "I've been meaning to asked! where did you get that necklace from?" Boromir asked gesturing to your Arkenston necklace making the others curious "Ohh Dad gave it to me before he left Bag end." You said unclasping the necklace from your neck so everyone can see but a chocking gasp was herd from Gimli "By my beard the arkenstone." Gimli said in shock "The kings jewel." Boromir said stroking the white gem "Boromir." Aragorn said snapping Boromir out of his jewel sickness "I forgot you had that, Bilbo deeply treasured that half of the stone." Gandalf said fondly from the memories after the Battle of the Five Armies "It was given to him by the members of the company after Thorin's, Fili's and Kili's funeral." Gandalf said blowing a smock ring in the air "I owe those dwarves an apology 60 years over due." Legolas said telling his junior members of his meeting with the company of Thorin Oakenshield "It's hard to imagine you being that way Legolas." You said making Sam and your cousins nod in agreement making the big folk smile down at you five until you and the boys yawned "I think that's enough stories for the little ones for one night." Gandalf said taking his turn on watch "Aww but we're not sleepy yet." You said trying to hold in your yawns but failed miserably making

Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli chuckle "Nice try little archer but it's way past your bedtime young lady." Aragorn said picking up Frodo and Sam while Boromir picked Merry and Pippin up and Legolas picked you up.

Each of you are placed in a pile but before leaving "Ye better take their weapons." Gimli said eyeing the hobbits weapons still attached to them "the dwarf is right." Boromir said taking Merry's and Pippin's daggers, Aragorn took Sting and Sam's daggers and Legolas took your bow, quiver and dwarven daggers "What a unique bow and arrows." Legolas said eyeing the bow and arrows in awe as he held them while Gimli looked at the daggers "The lass has great taste in weaponry." He said twirling one in his hand.

[frodothefair]

꧁ The Flowers of Mordor ꧂

Chapter 1 - The Compromise

READ ON AO3

SUMMARY : Sam knows he cannot tear himself in two, but Frodo's struggles after the quest are worsening. Marigold Gamgee gets a job at Bag End, and grows close to its enigmatic master. J. R. R. Tolkien meets Jane Austen. PAIRING : Frodo/Marigold Gamgee, Frodo/Sam secondary GENRES : hurt/comfort, angst, slow burn romance, slice of life, girl next door WARNINGS: PTSD, depression, panic attacks, eating disorder, eventual spicy scenes RATING: M CHAPTER SUMMARY: After the quest, Sam has a job in mind for his sister. Marigold recalls when she first met Frodo.

PREVIEW:

“Let’s get you home.”

The hobbit’s chest was clad in soft linen. His body was warm and smelled clean, mixed with the smell of pipeweed and of something else nice: not tree bark or leather, but a softer cousin of the two. She looked up, and through the white pain that clouded her vision, she saw a pair of blue eyes, dark hair, and a tall, well-etched nose and cheeks. She wondered if the creature who had found her was a hobbit after all, or perhaps an elf from Mr. Bilbo’s stories.

Marigold Gamgee had always done everything exceptionally well. To be good, thorough and useful – that was the best path to take for the youngest child of a large and hardly well-to-do family, or so she had gathered early on. From her days as a wee lass tending to the bumps and scrapes of her family, a role she had assumed entirely on her own and that had earned her the pet name “our little healer,” to folding the napkins for her father’s luncheon as the only child, at 35, who had not yet married or gone off – as Samwise had – to parts unknown, there was nothing in the world that Marigold did half way. In fact, in her life she had given up on just one thing.

When it happened, the midwife, Mrs. Bracegirdle, lost no time in telling the Gaffer – in the middle of market, and within earshot of half of Hobbiton – that her last apprentice, Marigold Gamgee, had been the biggest disappointment she had ever known, and if all he did was marry her off, consigning her to a life of cooking and wet nappies, he would be the biggest idiot in all the four farthings. The Gaffer had scratched his head and likely forgot her words just as soon, except to complain to the other gaffers at the pub of ungrateful daughters and the time it took to educate a healer – all gone to the dogs. But Sam, once he had gotten back from his adventure and heard the news, had set the gears in his mind to turning.

In fact, Sam could not help but notice that Marigold still did her work with speed and efficiency: nimble fingers pressing gauze onto wounds and spoonfuls up to lips as she tended the wounded in the Scouring of the Shire – and this with her being fresh out of the Lockholes herself, a fact that made Sam want to resurrect Lotho Sackville-Baggins so he could kill him all over again. She was more subdued than usual, certainly, but still the same old Marigold, particularly as she ate and gained back her charms. So the fact that she staunchly refused to work for Mrs. Bracegirdle – or for Dr. Boffin, who had called upon her personally and offered to teach her a different healing art – seemed to her brother passing strange.

Sam had always been shy around lasses, even his own sisters, so Marigold could tell that he was wrestling with how to ask her what went wrong. But in the end they had settled on a wordless understanding that she would tell him when the time was right. And then Mr. Frodo had offered for Sam and Rosie to come live with him, to which Sam and Rosie had replied that they couldn’t possibly accept such an honor, and then the three hobbits had gone back and forth like the passing of a cup of tea between them until it all turned to steam. In the end, a compromise was reached. That compromise was Marigold.

“You’re a right capable lass, Mari,” Sam had said as she cleared up after supper, the two of them staying back as the rest of the family, a rambunctious group, had scattered to perform their evening ablutions. This was a routine they had settled into after Sam’s return. “I know it didn’t turn out as planned, that midwife work of yours, but there’s still a lot you can do with yourself…”

Bit by bit, Sam had explained what had happened to him and Frodo in their travels, and what would now be expected of her. And Marigold had acquiesced easily. Perhaps too easily. She ought to have been put out that the whole thing was essentially planned already, except for the little matter of her consent, but she was not.

She had “met” Frodo Baggins when she was but a wee lass, some time after he had moved to Hobbiton to live with Mr. Bilbo from a place called “Buck-Land.” She had known of him before, of course, but tied to her mother’s apron-strings and occupied with Sam in learning her letters by drawing them in the sand, she at first had paid little mind to the new young master.

One day, though, as she had strayed from her playfellows, a little older by then and allowed to go farther from home, she had taken it into her head that it would be nice to climb a tree and see all the way to Eastfarthing, and perhaps even beyond. For Sam had been coming back more and more from his lessons with odd words on his tongue - place-names that weren’t easy to pronounce or remember, but whispered like the wind and danced like fireflies on a midsummer evening.

It was, as she recalled, a linden tree that she had climbed.

She had climbed nearly to the top, singing a song about the love of a Tookland lad - a cautionary tale of the places he’d take your heart, learned from her sisters - when all of a sudden the branch under her went “snap” and the leaves around her began to move, all upward. Before she knew it she had hit the ground with a heavy thud, a white-hot pain slicing through her leg. Her vision went white as well.

When she came to, her leg still hurt, and so did her head. But she was being lifted up from the forest floor by a pair of strong arms, though they were not her Gaffer’s or her brothers’.

“Shh, I’ve got you.” The voice was not immediately familiar, though not wholly strange. She had heard it in the past, in polite greetings and kind comments on a fun game, a pretty dress, or ball returned to the snot-nosed bairns of Bagshot Row. The accent was strange — more rolling languor than most hobbits she knew, but also a deliberation to every word.

He spoke to her like she was his own.

“Let’s get you home.”

The hobbit’s chest was clad in soft linen. His body was warm and smelled clean, mixed with the smell of pipeweed and of something else nice: not tree bark or leather, but a softer cousin of the two. She looked up, and through the white pain that clouded her vision, she saw a pair of blue eyes, dark hair, and a tall, well-etched nose and cheeks. She wondered if the creature who had found her was a hobbit after all, or perhaps an elf from Mr. Bilbo’s stories.

Ever since that day, Frodo would visit the Gamgees often. Marigold, too, would go from time to time to Bag End to bring her father and Sam their luncheons. They all became good neighbors and friends, and soon the story of how Mari met Mr. Frodo by falling out of a tree became a jolly good joke to both families.

In retrospect, as Marigold had learned about the hobbit body, it struck her as strange that in a moment of pain she could remember such details so clearly. She had thought back to that moment many times over the years, as others spoke of Mr. Frodo as odd, fey, and much too given to reading books and wandering far from home. At times, when such talk came up she even felt compelled to defend him, but being by nature shy and accustomed to fading into the background of her large and boisterous family, she often could not find the words.

She thought of it even now, as she stood outside of Bag End, having arrived some minutes early as was her custom. She liked to catch her breath before starting a task. But it would not do to dream too much when there was a job to be done, so she squared her shoulders, adjusted her bag, put on a bright smile and knocked on the round green door.

[frodo-with-glasses]

What the heck, I'll bite for one of your examples- one for Bilbo and Frodo- "glasses" please!

Glasses

As long as Frodo had known him, Uncle Bilbo had always been bespectacled.

He had for most of his life, really. There was a tendency towards bad eyesight in the Baggins line, and old Bilbo was no exception; there was a little box in his study where he kept the pair of eyeglasses that he’d worn to Erebor, just as a keepsake.

Frodo had gotten lucky. His father, Drogo, had somehow managed to dodge the hereditary astigmatism, and he passed his better eyesight down to his only son. Frodo’s 33rd birthday came and went—along with Bilbo’s famous disappearance—and still he didn’t need glasses. He wasn’t, however, as careful with this gift as he should have been, and another decade or two of reading by candlelight soundly ruined any favors his father’s genes did for him.

His eyesight had been worsening for several years before he moved from denying it to ignoring it, and from ignoring it to excusing it, and from excusing it to hesitantly admitting he ought to do something about it. Finally, at age 45—after much encouragement (and even more scathing ribbing) from Merry and Pippin and Fatty and the rest—he capitulated to getting his first pair of specs.

It gave him a bit of a shock, actually, when he saw himself in the mirror for the first time after receiving his prescription. He’d always thought he and Bilbo were too distantly related to share any family resemblance, but with the glasses on, he could see a little bit of his dear old uncle in his own face.

It made him homesick, in a way. Which was odd, because he was at home, peering into the looking-glass in the hall at Bag End. But he suddenly missed, even more acutely, the cozy domesticity of tea with Bilbo on those warm summer afternoons, and his stories, and his cutting sarcasm, and the sound of his laughter.

It was autumn. The old oak tree on top of Bag End was turning gold and scarlet, and every day Sam was raking new leaves out of the yard. And once again, as it always did, the desire flared up in Frodo again to grab a coat and a walking stick and burst out that door, following Bilbo, on whatever adventure to which the road would take him.

But, though his heart was following Bilbo to the lands of elves and dwarves and dragons, his feet stayed still on the rug in the hall, and they refused to move.

Someday, his mind whispered, as he gave a parting nod to his reflection and turned away. Someday.

Not yet.

- - - - -

WORD ASK GAME!

[camille-lachenille]

Writing patterns

Tagged by @thescrapwitch to share the opening lines of the last 10 fics I published and see if there is some kind of pattern going on.

I put my oldest fic first and the most recent last, to have a chronological view of the evolution of my writing.

Elladan was dozing off in the stifling summer heat, trapped under Celebnínim who was finally, finally, asleep. Family tradiseaon (rated G, Elladan, Elrohir, Lindir 2 children OCs)

There was a rustling sound following Faramir in the gardens of the Houses of Healing. the stuff of great stories, (rated G, Faramir/Éowyn, child OC)

The White City of Gondolin was well named as she glittered under the snow. Ice Age(s) (rated G, lots of people but notably Idril and Elrond)

Daeron scribbled a few notes on the wax tablet and plucked at the strings of his lyre to tests the sound. To find a family (rated G, Daeron, Thingol, Lúthien)

She runs in the dark, alone. Dreams of Doom (rated M, Niënor/Túrin, Brandir, Beldis)

Idril looked at Gondolin, slowly waking in the golden light of sunrise, and the Echoriad behind, tall and white with fresh snow. Quiet morning in Gondolin (rated G, Idril and Eärendil)

They found Bilbo Baggins sitting on the bench in the garden of the newly rebuild Bag End, contently blowing smoke rings. An ancient heirloom (rated G, Finrod, Amarië, Barahir, Beren, Lúthien, Aragorn, Arwen, Bilbo Baggins)

Elrond was ashamed to admit so, but he had forgotten just how much children could be, and he may have overestimated his ability in minding all four of his grandchildren at the same time. Elrond's adventures in babysitting (rated G, Elrond, 4 children OCs)

Finrod woke up with a scream and the feeling of a warm liquid trickling on his skin. Safe in my arms, you're only dreaming (rated G, Finrod, Eärwen, Finarfin)

She looks at the babe in her arms, blissfully asleep and unaware of the world he just entered. A flickering flame (rated G, Andreth, Finrod, Gil-Galad)

I write mainly OS and, from what I see here, I tend to go straight to the point of the story with the first sentence, often introducing dirrectly the main pov of the story. The two notable exceptions would be Dreams of Doom, where the first sentence is very short and more mysterious (it sets the tone of the story rather well, I think), and Ice Age(s), where I went for a description.

And I tag whoever wants to take part

[thekingofwinterblog]

Do you think the Silmarilion is worth reading as its own book? Once tried to as a kid but found it boring as if I was reading a fictional bible or something (ironic considering Im reading the real thing for the second time right now lol)

P.S. Also sorry if I came of as a dick in some of the replys to your post, wont happen again

Yes and no. There are some interesting stories there, but i cannot under any circumstances advice you to read the whole thing through from cover to cover. It's a history book, and it reads like one.

There are tales in it worth reading though, but i would far more advice you to instead read the actual books Christopher hammered together out of his father's work before his death, before trying to read the equivelant of their stories in the silmarillion.

The children of Hurin is not a perfect read(it has a couple of timeskips where it's clear tolkien had things planned, but because he didnt get it done before it finished, the book basically sums up a time of war and adventure in narration. Think how LOTR's early chapters had a passage where 17 years passes as Gandalf came and went as he tried to figure out Bilbo's ring, and you have it), but it's overall a pretty good book, that covers the important parts of Turin's life, even if it's a greek styled tragedy.

I havent actually gotten around to reading the Fall of Gondolin, but from what i hear it does a much better job of hammering in the point that the battle of the unnumbered tears really was the last chance the forces oppossing Morgoth had a chance to win in a conventional war, and it was impossible after.

as for the book version of Beren and luthien, from what i hear it has the problem that Christopher was unwilling to just hammer out one, definite version out of his father's many, many takes, so the version we got here is a sorta frankenstein of the many texts, where it's treated as all the various in universe legends about this tale in one, sorta overlapping book. all fine and dandy, except there are part that are extremely confusing, as there were versions where Beren was an elf as well, removing a lot of the logical reasons why the plot happens.

honestly, i would recommend just reading the lay of leithian, https://tolkienleithian.blogspot.com/2013/03/canto-i.html which tells most of the important and interesting part of the story, and has a summary for the second and less interesting part. it is a story told in song though.

as for the rest, there arent more direct books, but there is an alternative to the first part of the silmarillion, The Ainulindale. the creation of the world.

it unfortunately only covers the first part, and doesnt go far enough to cover the age of the lamps, the awakening of the elves and melkor's first imprisonment, but it's a far more engaging alternative and coherent retelling of the making of the world than the more abstract yet dry telling from the silmarillion.

as for the rest of the silmarillion, there is worth to most of the stories, but if you read the ones i recommended above, the only one i would say are must read, are:

chapter 2: which retells how the dwarves and ents came to be.

Chapter 5-9, and then 13, which tells the story of feanor and his sons from valinor to their siege of angband(narratively its far and away the most coherent part of the story, even with that skip between 9 and 13).

chapter 17-18 which tells about how men came to the west and became part of the political world there, the breaking of the great siege, and Fingolfin's famous duel with morgoth.

Also if you just wanna read the duel in song form as Tolkien originally intended, here's another lay of just that.

chapter 20: The battle of the unnumbered tears, the last shot of victory. Also told in Children of Hurin, but this chapter is actually good, so i'd recommend reading it regardless.

chapter 22: which explains what the hell happened to Doriath, and sees the story of the sons of feanor reach it's end.

chapter 23: The story of Earendil the mariner, and the war of wrath that ended Morgoth's reign, and sunk beleriand under the sea.

after that, if you want to read about the second age, go read fall of numenor instead. its a way better source, even if not hammered together by Christopher.

[glitteringaglarond]

Merry and Pippin lived together for some time at Crickhollow, and there was much coming and going between Buckland and Bag End. The two young Travellers cut a great dash in the Shire with their songs and their tales and their finery, and their wonderful parties. 'Lordly' folk called them, meaning nothing but good; for it warmed all hearts to see them go riding by with their mail-shirts so bright and their shields so splendid, laughing and singing songs of far away; and if they were now large and magnificent, they were unchanged otherwise, unless they were indeed more fairspoken and more jovial and full of merriment than ever before.   Frodo and Sam, however, went back to ordinary attire, except that when there was need they both wore long grey cloaks, finely woven and clasped at the throat with beautiful brooches; and Mr. Frodo wore always a white jewel on a chain that he often would finger.

The fact that Merry and Pippin were changed in good ways by their adventure... because while they undoubtedly suffered hardships and loss and grief, they were both part of a grand Adventure more in line with Bilbo's.

But Frodo and Sam had to suffer the torment of Mordor. And Frodo had to suffer the unending torment of the Ring. And when they get home, all they want is a return to normalcy.

And unfortunately, only Sam is truly able to achieve that return to normalcy.

[rpmaniac]

Arguably, it might be a family thing. All the hobbits Gandalf brings along (except Sam) are of Took ancestry. Bilbo and Merry through their mothers, Frodo through his grandmother. He was also associated with earlier members of the family, several of whom also went on adventures.

Between the Arkenstone, the One Ring, and that cache of magic swords Bilbo uncovered during Thorin and company’s confrontation with the trolls that just happened to be the former property of the High King of the Noldor, Bilbo and Gandalf’s relationship is just a constant process of Bilbo showing up with some random artifact of world-changing significance and Gandalf sagely stroking his beard and making a pithy remark while internally screaming “WHERE DO YOU KEEP FINDING THESE THINGS”.