Maisy Brandybuck, the cousin of Bilbo Baggins, gets pulled into quite an adventure. Literally. Through caves and mountains Maisy discovers the wonders of adventuring with a crowd of dwarfs surrounding her. Though one specific dwarf is different.
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| m a i s y |
I sat on the doorstep of my cousin Bilbo's home. Though, it may as well be my home as well. I have been living there ever since I was a child since my aunt and uncle took me in after my parents died. Bilbo sat on his bench comfortably whilst smoking his pipe, while I was merely reading a book on the doorstep before I noticed a figure approach.
"Good morning." Bilbo said to the tall grey bearded man.
"What do you mean? Do you mean to wish me a good morning or do you mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not? Or perhaps you mean to say that you feel good on this particular morning? Or are you simply saying that this is a morning to be good on?" The strange man questioned Bilbo. At this I set my book down and stood, walking towards the two, curiosity getting the best of me.
As I stood behind Bilbo my cousin responded,"All of them at once I suppose." He paused. The man was quite tall, dressed in grey robes with a large had adorned on his head. He was quite strange but you never know who comes through the shire nowadays.
"Can I help you?" Bilbo questioned. The man thought for a moment. He was quite the odd person to show up on their doorstep, but he was here nonetheless. My eyes wandered around as I got distracted by the background.
"It remains to be seen, I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure with." Hearing this my head popped up to look at the man. I had always dreamed of going off onto an adventure, seeing all of Middle Earth. But I was never able to.
Bilbo, however, had a very different idea. He stumbled on his words for a moment, shocked that he would be asked," An- an adventure?" He shook his head. "No I don't imagine anyone west of Bree, would have much interest in adventures."
My cousin stood, and went to check the mail. He began muttering," Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner. "
I looked up to the tall man," What kind of adventure is it if I may ask?" I asked with a small smile.
The man chuckled," A great adventure my dear Maisy." I was shocked that the man knew my name. I had never seen this man in my entire life yet he knew my name. I was about to question it before Bilbo said," Well, good morning." He nodded towards the man before heading up the steps towards Bag End.
"To think that I should live to be 'good morninged' by Belladonna Took's son as if I were selling buttons at the door?" The young hobbit couldn't help but chuckle at the man and my cousin's interaction. Bilbo's face was full of confusion as the man recited his heritage.
"I beg your pardon?" Bilbo asked.
"You've changed, and not for the better Bilbo Baggins." I was quite confused by this entire encounter and Bilbo looked quite shocked at the man's harshness.
"I'm sorry do I know you?" Bilbo questioned. I sighed and walked past Bilbo, making my way towards the step I previously sat on and picked up my book. It is one of my favorites, containing stories of peoples' adventures throughout Middle Earth. I often would imagine myself in those stories, fighting the evil creatures that lurked about, and discovering beautiful landscapes. That's truly what I wanted to do, not be stuck in the Shire worrying about what would be for dinner. I let my mind wander for moment before being brought back into the real world hearing,"And Gandalf means, well me."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Not Gandalf the Wandering Wizard who made such excellent fireworks? We used to have them on Midsummer's Eve!" My cousin let out a chuckle and continued."Well, I had no idea you were still in business."
Though I had known Gandalf for that reason, another image popped into my mind. "I read about you in one of my books! One of your great adventures across Middle Earth. That's where I know you from!" I exclaimed with an excited heart.
Gandalf looked quite surprised I knew of his travels. "Well I suppose that is another reason to know my name." He turned to look at both Bilbo and I," Well I am pleased to find that you remember something about me. Some more than others." He gave a small smile towards me and smiled back. "Well that's decided. It will be very good for you, and most amusing for me. I shall inform the others."
I couldn't hold back a smile as Gandalf talked. I might have a chance to go on an adventure. My smile faded a little when I heard my cousin talk. "Inform the who- What? No, no! Wait!" He marched up the steps towards his front door. "We do not want any adventures here! Thank you, not today! I suggest you try over the hill or across the water." He paused and stumbled saying, "Good morning." Before he grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.
Once we were inside I turned to him," What's wrong with a little adventure?"
"What's wrong with a little adventure? Maisy adventures are not meant for Hobbit-folk like you and I. We are meant to stay home and enjoy the comforts of said home and food." Bilbo paced as he rambled on. I sighed, getting frustrated as my cousin went and looked out the window next to the door.
"Bilbo, maybe I wanted to go on the adventure." I crossed my arms as he peered out.
He turned his head to me very quickly."You go on an adventure? Maisy that is the most absurd thing I've heard you say. " He turned his head back to the window before he was startled by something outside, and moved to hide in the hallway adjacent to the door.
"Bilbo what on earth are you doing?" I asked him chuckling slightly.
"Quiet you!" He whispered before heading to another window to check outside.
"Sometimes I wonder if you are okay in the head dear cousin." I laughed before picking up my book and headed to my room.
I closed the door and placed the book gently down on my dresser, before pulling a box out from under my bead. I opened the lid and took a breath. In this box was my sword and bow, kept hidden and safe from my cousin's eyes. I picked up the sword gently, and slid it out of its sheath slightly to gaze on it again, before I heard a noise in the hallway. I quickly put the sword back, closed the lid, and shoved the box under my bed before I got up and headed to see what more trouble my cousin had gotten into in just the mere morning.
