I woke up early the next morning, made breakfast for the still sleeping dwarves and sat on the bench outside bag-end. It was a sunny day, and all the flowers were blooming around the house. I picked a few and put them in my hair, as it had always cheered me up, and I needed it. I heard the door open, and saw Gandalf loom out the door with his pipe and stick and sit beside me. He started blowing smoke rings and laughed.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"It's just such a marvellous day to start an adventure, don't you think?" He said, and chuckled again.
"It is for you and the dwarves, but if only I was coming with you.."
"You may find something very unexpected to happen, Eleanor." he winked at me.
"... You really think he'd change his mind?" I turned round with a smile on my face.
"You never know." we both laughed quietly and heard some of the dwarves stir inside the house.
"I better see to them." I said standing up and walking into the kitchen to hand out plates to the dwarves who had woken up, but in the process they had managed to wake up one another. in under ten minutes or so all the food we had had was gone, and the company started to pack up, ready to leave. I stared at the bag I had packed ready in my room, and walked slowly away.
As I walked back to the party, Thorin grabbed me and hugged me.
"Thank you, I know we have been a burden, and it is a rightful shame you won't be joining us."
"It has been one of the best nights of my life, and the pleasure is all mine. I hope you get your dreams and your home."
Thorin nodded, and turned to walk out the door. Each dwarf came and hugged me, showering me with compliments and sad farewells, and finally Gandalf turned to leave. He grabbed my hands in his, and placed a book in mine.
"Even if you shan't be travelling with us, you can still learn about it. Farewell, Eleanor." Gandalf left with the rest of the party, and I stood and watched them walk out of sight outside the house. I stifled a cry, and shut the door as I stepped back inside.
Bilbo crept out from his room. "Have they gone?" he asked.
"Along with my dreams, yes." I sighed, walking into the sitting room, and collecting the two contracts sat down in my armchair by the fire.
Bilbo paused behind his chair, and looked at me for a moment.
"Shall we go then?"
I looked up at him."what?"
"Shall we go with them then?"
"Are you being serious?"
"I'm bored of life here, let's go have an adventure."
"Really?" I jumped up, and ran over and hugged him so tightly.
"If I can still breathe, then yes." he wheezed. I let go of him, and ran to my ready packed bag, and started stuffing more items in my luggage.
===========================
After running for what seemed like hours we finally caught sight of the dwarves, and sprinted towards them with our contracts fluttering in our hands.
"Thorin! Gandalf! Wait!" we shouted, and the party came to a halt as we jogged to a stop infront of Thorin and Gandalfs horses.
Gandalf smiled and winked at me.
"So, are you sure you want to join us Master Baggins? I know I won't even question you Eleanor, you're enthusiasm and longing was clear from the beginning."
I looked at Bilbo, and have him a reassuring look.
"I'm sure. We have our contracts." He held his out for Balin to look over. He smiled, and took his horn rimmed glasses off.
"You're now part of Thorins company. Welcome on our journey." Everyone cheered.
"We have ponies for you both. we need to start moving." Thorin stated.
Bilbo looked flustered as he ran alongside the company.
"I-I-I don't need a pony, we hobbits are very good walkers, I-" Bilbo quivered before being lifted onto a pony by Dwalin and Fili. We all laughed at his expression as he grasped onto the reins. Kili helped me up onto my pony with less force.
"Im so glad you're here with us!" He said smiling, and the rest of the dwarves cheered.
"So am I! this is what I have been waiting for!" I said ducking from the flying money bags.
"What's going on?" Bilbo asked Gandalf, who was catching a small bag of coins and laughing.
"We had made a bet as to whether you would come or not. I had faith that you would come, but many of them did not." Kk
"I knew you would!" Kili shouted.
I laughed and gave a reply. "Why wouldn't we? After all there's more out there to see than there will ever be in maps or stories."
"Well we do need some grace and elegance in this company Eleanor." Balin smiled.
"I think Bomber has all the elegance needed!" I said and everyone burst out laughing-even Thorin smirked. We kept laughing for miles and for once Bilbo seemed to be enjoying himself.
