Lonely Dragon {Legolas x Reader}

Very Old Friends

The sunlight dimmed as dusk fell upon Hobbiton, casting a warm glow across the Shire. Inside Bag End, the fire crackled gently in the hearth as (Y/n) sat comfortably in the small, cozy room. She had her cup of tea in hand, listening to Bilbo's excited chatter as he prepared more food than necessary in the kitchen. It felt good to be here, to escape from the weight of the world for a time, to feel the peace of the Shire seep into her bones.

Hades, ever the loyal companion, remained tethered outside, grazing quietly on the grassy hillside as the scent of pipe smoke drifted lazily from the open window.

Just as Bilbo was debating whether to bring out another slice of sponge cake, a firm knock echoed through the hobbit hole, startling him from his thoughts.

"No, thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations!" Bilbo called out irritably from the kitchen, clearly having had enough interruptions for one evening.

(Y/n) exchanged a knowing look with a chuckle, but before she could say anything, a familiar voice responded from outside. "And what about very old friends?"

(Y/n)'s smile widened as she recognized the deep voice. Bilbo paused in his kitchen flurry, his eyes going wide with sudden recognition. He hurried to the door and flung it open, revealing Gandalf standing on the threshold, his tall frame towering over the small doorway.

"Gandalf!" Bilbo cried in delighted surprise. "My dear Bilbo!"

With a warm smile, Gandalf knelt to embrace his old friend, patting him on the back. "It's good to see you, Bilbo," he said, his voice filled with fondness. "One hundred and eleven years old—who would believe it!"

Bilbo beamed up at him. "And you! You haven't aged a day! Come in, come in!" He stepped aside, ushering Gandalf into the familiar, cluttered interior of Bag End.

As Gandalf entered, ducking to avoid the ceiling beams, his sharp eyes immediately found (Y/n) sitting by the fire. His face lit up in surprise and amusement. "I should have known you'd beat me here," he said with a chuckle, his voice carrying warmth.

(Y/n) set her cup down and stood gracefully to greet the wizard. "I wasn't sure you'd make it on time," she teased lightly, offering him a smile. "But it seems you've kept to your reputation of arriving precisely when you mean to."

Gandalf chuckled, bowing his head slightly. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

He removed his hat and hung it on the peg by the door as he joined them, taking in the comfort and familiarity of the hobbit hole. "It's been far too long since I've been in the Shire," he remarked as his gaze swept across the room, lingering on the framed map of Erebor that hung on the wall. Memories of old journeys, old friendships, and old battles came rushing back as he eyed the map thoughtfully.

Bilbo, ever the perfect host, scurried back into the kitchen, already rummaging for more food and drink. "Come, come!" he called out. "I've got tea, or if you prefer something stronger, there's still a bottle of Old Winyard left from 1296! Almost as old as I am!"

(Y/n) shared a glance with Gandalf, her expression soft with fondness for the old hobbit. "Tea is fine for now, Bilbo," she called after him. "Though I might need something stronger before the evening is through."

Bilbo's voice trailed off from the kitchen, still listing off food options. As he disappeared, Gandalf lowered himself into the chair across from (Y/n), stretching his long legs out in front of the fire.

For a moment, there was a peaceful silence between them. The crackling fire and the faint sound of Bilbo's muttering in the kitchen filled the space. Gandalf looked over at (Y/n), his sharp, perceptive gaze lingering on her. She had changed since he had last seen her—her regal bearing was as strong as ever, but there was a shadow behind her eyes, something heavy that weighed on her spirit.

"You've been well?" he asked, though the question held more meaning than the simple words.

(Y/n) smiled, though there was a flicker of something darker in her expression. "I've been well enough, Gandalf," she replied, her tone measured. "The Dracagoth thrives, and Legolas has been... a constant support."

Gandalf raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more left unsaid. "And yet, something troubles you."

(Y/n) didn't respond immediately, her gaze drifting to the window where the soft evening light filtered in. "It's nothing I can't handle," she said at last, though even she didn't fully believe her own words. There had been a growing darkness in her mind, a whisper of something long buried, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

Before Gandalf could press further, Bilbo reappeared, carrying a tray laden with cups of tea and an assortment of snacks. "Here we are!" he announced cheerfully, setting the tray down on the table between them. "I hope you're hungry, because there's plenty to go around!"

They laughed together, the tension broken as Bilbo began regaling them with stories of the Shire, of his peaceful life since their last great adventure. But beneath the laughter and light conversation, (Y/n) couldn't shake the feeling that her time of peace was running out.

The evening deepened, and the soft glow of lanterns began to light up the field where final preparations were being made for Bilbo's party. As Gandalf and (Y/n) sat with Bilbo on the porch, watching the hobbits scurry about below, the tranquility of the Shire seemed a world away from the troubles that were stirring beyond its borders.

Bilbo struck a match and lit his pipe, blowing a perfect smoke ring into the air. He watched it rise with a satisfied smile, then turned to Gandalf. "Oh, Gandalf, my old friend... this will be a night to remember."

As the smoke curled upward, glowing faintly in the soft twilight, (Y/n) leaned back in her chair, her mind far away. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that the peace of the Shire would last forever. But deep down, she knew that soon, she would be called back to face the growing darkness that stirred beyond the edges of this tranquil land.

For now, though, she would enjoy this night with her old friends—before the shadows returned to claim what was once lost.