When I opened the door there stood Gandalf the Gray the wizard who was known throughout the Shire for his amazing fireworks and unforgettable tales of mystical adventures. As a Shireling, I would always be intrigued when my mother told me and my siblings about the adventures Gandalf went on. That all changed when Gandalf chose my parents to help him with a ‘special’ quest that involved them going to Brandywine River… They never came back from that trip.
After my parents had passed, it was up to me to take care of my siblings so, I made sure my siblings were happy and healthy. I took on as many jobs as I could find, some of them were just to escort people or show them around the Shire. I did however earn money from the jobs even if I did get a little hurt from them so I didn’t care as long as I had the money for my siblings. After my sister moved in with her husband it was just me and my little brother left, I then took a permanent job at the Cook’s family farm. I enjoyed working for them.
I got hurt here and there from the crop cutter but I could always bandage myself up real good. I did still have a little resentment towards Gandalf that he sent my parents on an adventure they would never return from. I knew after a couple of years of not seeing him and working on the farm it would take my mind off of it but, seeing Gandalf at my front door at this very second I could still feel the resentment inside.
I stepped away from the door gesturing to let the wizard in, he of course said nothing, he just walked in. “So Gandalf, what brings you here of all places?” I asked the wizard, of course, I was curious as to why Gandalf was here at the ‘Crazy-Family’ house but I didn’t ask since I knew I would get my answer soon.
“My dear Hobbit, it seems my friend is in desperate need of someone to go venturing with.” I was stunned, Gandalf required someone to help him with an adventure. ABSOLUTELY NOT! I will not be sent away from my brother and my nephew let alone go on a suicide adventure with this wizard… I will not end up like my parents.
“I’m terribly sorry Gandalf but I will unfortunately not be able to join you in this quest. I simply cannot leave my brother and my baby nephew alone.” Of course, my stupid Took blood in my body was screaming at me to ask about what the quest was but I held strong. Gandalf gave me an understanding nod but he was disappointed, whatever his friend needed must have been really important for him to be involved.
My stupid Took blood and curiosity got the better of me and I just had to ask. “Gandalf… If I may ask, what pray tell is this adventure you are going on that requires your desperate attention?” My stupid mouth just had to ask that dumb question. Way to go mouth. Gandalf gave me a smile and there was a kinda tint in his eyes that defined seriousness.
“This question is a tricky one but I need you to help, you see my friend is part of the line of Durin, a prince if you will. His name is Dain and he needs help taking back Moria from the orcs, to be exact the ruthless orc leader Azog himself. He doesn’t have many volunteers to help him but he asked me to help him find others who would want to help him in reclaiming his land.”
Wow… I didn’t expect Gandalf to be so thoughtful, helping others reclaim land stolen from them… That definitely screams death and bloodshed, but also a very amazing adventure. I broke out of my thoughts when my brother walked into the house holding Frodo in his arms. He looked at me then at Gandalf and he went to put Frodo in his crib for his nap.
As Bill came back he gave Gandalf a skeptical look, then he turned to me and asked me “Bilbo what is Gandalf doing here?” I looked at Bill then looked at Gandalf “Gandalf would you like to repeat what you said to me to my brother please?” I asked Gandalf. After a few minutes we were now sitting down by the fireplace as Gandalf explained to my brother what he had told me.
“ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I will not have my brother be going to die in battle for some dwarven prince. We have a nephew to look after and need I remind you Gandalf that the last ‘Adventure’ you sent our parents on, they didn’t return from.” Me and Gandalf both flinched at my brothers raised voice. I looked at Gandalf who seemed to be a little saddened by his outburst. It wasn’t entirely Gandalf’s fault that our parents didn’t return but hearing it out loud, that pained me.
“Brother please, it wasn’t Gandalf's fault that our parents didn’t return but if you keep blaming him for all his mistakes you won’t see that he means well and never wanted to harm others. Gandalf just wanted someone to help him with a difficult quest and he just so happened to choose our parents for that quest.” I said confidently. I wasn’t sure why I was defending Gandalf but the truth is it really isn’t entirely his fault either.
Bill looked shocked at what I said but his face turned to anger then he looked down, probably thinking about my words carefully. Bill finally let out a sigh then turned to look at me. “Your words are right brother but Gandalf didn’t come here for me or for any lectures from me either, he came here in seek of help so, brother the choice is yours. Will you go or will you stay?”
Gandalf and Bill then looked at me waiting for an answer, but there was one thing I had to know before I gave my answer. “Gandalf… What was your reason for coming for me specifically?” Gandalf gave a warm smile and a reasonable answer. “My dear Hobbit, altho it pains me to say I was not able to protect your parents from that adventure, I will do my best to see that you come back alive and well. I choose you to help simply because you know many languages and your swordsmanship is extraordinary.”
Altho it is true, I do know many languages, but that is only because my mother taught me. One of the many languages I know is Khuzdul, which is the dwarves' sacred language. I also know Black Speech and Sindarin. I looked at my brother, Gandalf did give a reasonable answer. I couldn't help but think about how I would be leaving my brother alone. If I didn’t come home then I would be leaving him all alone.
As if he was reading my mind Bill said “Brother, please don’t worry about me, if you want to adventure, who am I to stop you? Besides, I can take care of Frodo for the time being. I do not care what choice you pick, I only care that you return home. Personally I think you should help, I mean c’mon helping someone reclaim their home that’s more than having a thousand gold jewels.”
Altho my brother was right, it is still good to hear him say it. “Well then Gandalf, I hope you have room for one more annoying Hobbit then.” Gandalf showed a really happy smile then gave a laugh. “I always enjoy your company dear Hobbit.” Welp I guess I really am going to battle by the side of dwarves this time. I showed a smile on my face, I then looked at my brother who had disappointment in his eyes but a smile on his face.
Bill gave me a big hug and said “I wish you healthy and well on your adventure dear brother and may you come home with a new tale to tell dear Frodo.” I laughed at his response. “We leave tomorrow dear Hobbit.” Gandalf said. I best be getting packed then, I looked at my brother with graduated in my eyes. I still doubted what’s to come tomorrow but I let the future be the future and the past be the past. For now I will be grateful I’m alive.
Yay, this is so cringe reading it again after so many years
~Meh
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A Hobbit's Story (Bagginsheild)
AdventureI didn't want to post this story, but I wrote it a long time ago and I really don't want to delete it but j want somebody to read my OLD work. Yay! Bilbo Baggins was a respectable hobbit, always looked presentable and respectful. He was top of ever...