Daisy Lightfoot is a young hobbit from the Shire who feels there is more to life than living quietly in the Hobbiton. She goes with her best friend Frodo Baggins on the adventure of a lifetime to destroy the ring of power created by the evil Sauron...
I warmed myself by the fireplace, the crackling flames chasing away the chill from my tumble in the river. After drying off, I returned home to prepare for Bilbo's birthday party—and help my sisters do the same.
I styled my hair in a curly updo, hoping to look a bit more elegant for the occasion. Then I changed into a soft pink dress paired with a white corset. As I stepped into the room, my mother glanced at me with raised brows.
"Did you fall in the river again?" she asked, adjusting her own shawl.
"Yes," I replied sheepishly.
"You best watch where you're running," she chuckled, reaching out to pat my head affectionately. "Were you with the Baggins boy?" she asked, that knowing smile playing on her lips.
This time, I grinned without embarrassment. "Yes."
Mother nodded warmly. She had always supported my friendship with Frodo—and she understood how deep my feelings ran. "You always seem so happy when you're with him," she observed gently.
"I love spending time with him, Mother," I admitted softly.
"Well then," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "Bilbo's party will be quite the magical evening."
"Mother! Let's go to the party!" my youngest sister, Mollie, squealed as she jumped up and down like an excited jackrabbit.
"Alright, alright!" Mother laughed.
"It's nice to see the family so excited," Father added cheerfully.
Together, we made our way toward the clearing where the party was already in full swing. There was music, laughter, dancing, and more food than any hobbit could possibly eat—though we certainly tried. Fireworks lit up the sky, and magic shimmered in the air.
I spotted Frodo and Sam watching the dancing. Sam, as always, looked flustered while sneaking glances at Rosie Cotton—the girl he'd fancied for as long as I could remember. Frodo, ever the playful soul, smirked mischievously and gave Sam a nudge straight into the crowd. Rosie caught his hands with a bright smile, and soon they were twirling together. I chuckled at the sight. Sam's cheeks were as red as Rosie's dress.
I ran up behind Frodo and shouted, "Surprise!"
He jumped in shock, then turned and pulled me into a hug. "You're quite the trickster."
"Thanks, I've been practicing." I tossed my hair dramatically, which made him laugh.
He extended his hand toward me. "Shall we dance?"
"We shall!" I exclaimed, slipping my hand into his.
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We joined the circle of dancing couples, laughter bubbling from us as we spun beneath the stars. Children shrieked in delight as butterfly-shaped fireworks fluttered above their heads. Everything felt perfect—especially with Frodo by my side.
Suddenly, a loud crack split the air. The sky erupted in bursts of color, and the crowd ran toward the source. Gandalf's firework shows were legendary, and this one was no different—full of shimmering shapes and dazzling lights.
Then came a dragon.
The enormous firework serpent roared through the sky, soaring over the lake before swooping toward us. My sisters screamed, and I ran to shield them just as the dragon dissolved into sparks.
Gasps turned into laughter as the truth was revealed: Pippin and Merry had set it off. Gandalf's furious glare was enough to silence the pair—and possibly terrify every child within earshot—but deep down, we all found it rather funny.
The party went on with renewed excitement, but the joy dimmed slightly as Bilbo stood before the crowd to deliver his speech. At first, it was typical Bilbo—charming and peculiar—but then came the twist.
With a glint in his eye, Bilbo said, "I bid you all a very fond farewell."
And with that... he vanished.
The crowd erupted in gasps and murmurs, and a strange silence fell over the party. The fireworks, the dancing, the music—all of it now overshadowed by one startling truth:
