The Journey: An Unexpected Hobbit

Untitled Part 1

This story could begin like all good stories do, in a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort, but that would be a lie as this hole was empty at the moment. Outside the smial where Thorin and his company minus Gandalf.

" KNOCK again" kill grumbled looking at his uncle who was at the large round green door.

" did ye ever think that maybe this was why we were told ta come in three weeks, he's not in " Dwalin barked

"I don't trust Gandalf, I want to meet this burglar of his without him" Thorin finally answered. Something just didn't seem right with how quick Gandalf had gotten a stand in that was as good as he says.

"You don't trust anyone" Balin spoke disapprovingly

"Well I for one agree with not trusting people with not cause for trust" a voice floated down from above, startling the dwarrows into action. All ready for action, weapons pointed directly at the roof of the smial.

They were surprised to see a Hobbit looking down at them. He did not appear to be bothered by all the weapons directed at him. Although he was clearly a Hobbit he did not look like the hobbits they had seen. His curly honey coloured hair was just below his shoulders in length, and had braids and beads entwined throughout with half of it tied up in a knot, obviously to keep it out of his face.

While he was similar height to the hobbits they had seen he was thinner, but by no means was it due to not eating. He was lithe, you could see he was strong but it showed more like the elves then the dwarves.

He dressed differently to the hobbits they had seen as well. While the hobbits around the shire wore clothes that would not stand much wear and tear, here he stood in deep dull green trousers with brown leather shin guards, a cream top and leather wrist guards. Over his shoulder a Brown rain cloak and at his feet a large canvas rucksack. It was then they noticed that on the ground there was also a sword. It was engraved with vines and small flowers. It was beautifully made and well looked after.

As they looked him up and down he did the same for them. Going over them all one at a time with his sharp green eyes. Calculating in his head who were the ones that were the most dangerous and that he needed to be careful about. All the while trying to figure out why they were there.

" As fun as this is, I need to get in my front door. So kindly move"

"I need to speak to you " Thorin insisted, frowning up at him but finally lowering his sword. All the others following suit. The Hobbit tilted his head to the left and smiled.

'beautiful' Thorin thought. Then blinked in surprise at himself for thinking such a thing.

"Well I need to have a wash and eat, so you shall have to wait. But I'll be kind you all look hungry and I know my larder is full of food, I sent word a few days back that I will be home and to have it packed so come I'll let you explain what exactly you want with me over lunch." He hopped down directly in front of Thorin. Holding his bag and sword.

"Bilbo Baggins at your service"

"Thorin Oakinsheild, at yours and your families." Looking surprised nodded back.

Bilbo opened the doors and walked in. Turning to the group

"Well come on" waving them in the began to walk in one by one introducing themselves until they were all inside. Bilbo shut the door and ushered them into the dining room. There was a large table big enough for a larger group then there's even. They all say except for Bilbo.

"I am going to wash and change and then make food there is ale in the barrels in the corner there and mugs on the shelf on the left wall, help yourselves." And with that he left.

The dwarves did exactly what he said and soon enough the barrels were empty and the dwarrows were entertaining themselves. Apart from Thorin and Balin who were sat at one end of the table quietly talking between themselves about the host, the journey, and what would be at the end.

Two hours had passed by in what felt like no time to the dwarves. Bilbo walked in carrying a large plate holding a mountain of meat : chicken, ham, beef and lamb. The group stopped talking the moment they saw the food. He placed it on the table

" That's not it, so wait." Bilbo walked back out. They all started after him. He looked different again. This time wearing only a blue short sleeved linen top and brown trousers and with his hair completely tied up they all noticed.

" He has tattoos" Kili almost shouted

"And piercings" Fili added

Ori pulled out his large journal and began drawing.

"I wonder if it's a cultural thing" he pondered

'it makes him more beautiful' Thorin thought.

Bilbo walked back with more food. This time two large bowls. One filled with bread rolls, the other with mashed potatoes. When he placed them in the table he noticed none of them even looking at the food they were all involved in a discussion with each other. Not bothering to even wait and see what it was about he went back to get the rest of the food. He carried on bringing the food in until the table was laden with steaming hot fresh food. Vegetables, meat, bread, gravy, stuffing and in the kitchen still to be brought out were desserts. He could finally sit down though and eat the main meal.

"Alright as important as your discussion is I'm sure, food is ready so have at it." Bilbo made sure his plate was already full before he interrupted them so he would actually get to eat.

They all divide in immediately and by the time they had finished there was little more than scraps left.

" Right left me clear this, then dessert and then you can tell what it is you want" Bilbo grabbed a large stack of plates and left to the kitchen.

Dessert went down just as well as the main course and everyone was pleasantly full. Bilbo looked directly at Thorin.

"Explain" he leaned back in his chair.

"There is no point even explaining the whole situation until we know one thing. Are you a burglar?"

"Who told you I was?" Bilbo asked one eyebrow raised

"Gandalf the grey. I knew he was not to be trusted" he slammed his fist on the table.

"I swear next time I see that good for nothing, meddling, trouble-causing wizard I'm going to, actually it's better if not said. I never said I wasn't a burglar. It's more I do many things depending on what needs to be done."

"So you can steal something we tell you to then?"

"I can, whether I think it's an item that you should have, that belongs to you and will actually steal it is another thing all together."

"It is an item that has belonged to my family since grandfather. He was the king of Erebor. It was discovered in the mines and decided that this item, a stone, who ever has it is the rightful king of Erebor so without it I cannot help my people. It is in the great vaults in Erebor but it is guarded by Smaug the fire dragon that caused the complete destruction of Dale and the fall of Erebor and the flee of its people"

" so you want me to steal from a Dragon"

"It rightfully belong to me"

"I don't doubt that but it is a dangerous job. One of the most dangerous jobs I will undertake. What do you offer me in return for risking my life?"

"One fourteenth of all that is in the vaults in Erebor. That will be your take if completed" Thorin waved Balin over. " this is the contract everything is in there"

Bilbo nodded at Balin as he took the paper and read it over. He pulled out a quill and ink from one of the many cupboards and signed it.

"There are many things in this contract that, if I were any other hobbit I would request a change to, but as I am liking the sound of this adventure, here." Bilbo handed back the contract to Balin. " When are we leaving? I have things that need to be done and people to see before I can leave"

"We will be leaving in three weeks, there is still one left to join us"