Chapter Text
Coming of age (One)
Bilbo looked at the dwarf in front of him thinking what can he possibly want. Thorin Oakenshield stood before him offering a gift and a offer of marriage. Bilbo didn't know what to think. He was sure his grandfather had something to do with his.
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Bilbo had just come of age, he didn't want to celebrate his birthday. Without his parents with him, nothing else mattered. He was tired of all the offerings of marriage he received everyday. Bilbo just wanted at least one day to himself. He always dreamed he would find someone to love and have a big family with. The first few courtships had been unwelcome, he was mourning the death of his parents. They died three years before his coming of age and the Baggins family wanted to take possession of his home.The Thain had come to his rescue saying Bilbo had been raised well and could take care of himself and the estate.
That didn't stop the Baggins family presenting him with suiters. Bilbo agreed to the courtships, he wanted to find love but he soon found out they weren't interested in him but his wealth. Bilbo became close with a hobbit from Buckland, they courted for almost two years. He wanted to make sure Mandolin loved him as much as he had began to. Unfortunately, he soon found out that was not true. He had prepare to gift him a set of new clothes and ask him to marry.
Lobelia Bracegirdle wishing to become Mrs. Baggins; Informed Bilbo of Mandolin’s unfaithfulness. Bilbo of course did not believe her, his love and affection for his love was great. They were friends and he felt that he could trust Mandolin. Lobelia was also his friend but at times she was rude. She convinced him and took Bilbo to Mandolin’s home, a small smial that showed how poor Mandolin was. They stood outside the open window and Lobelia told him to listen. “Mandy, don't worry my love, as soon as that pathetic Bilbo marries me, I'll kill him and we can have all the wealth to ourselves.” that was all Bilbo needed to hear, he ran off to Bag End.
Lobelia was behind him and tried to comfort Bilbo as much as she could. When they arrived to Bag End she gave him ale after ale, than bourbon. Her plan was to get him drunk enough to lay with her. If they had slept together, they were married. What She didn't realize was that Bilbo could hold his drink very well. Lobelia didn't get a chance to get him to bed her. He locked himself in his study and passed out. Lobelia upset that she didn't succeed but knew she had time. Even though she was still too young she wanted the Baggins name and wealth.
Lobelia had succeed to get Bilbo to court her, but it only lasted a few months. She couldn't stand him at times and let her feeling for him show. Bilbo was still a bit heartbroken from Mandolin and felt sick that his friend Lobelia was the same. She still tried to get him drunk enough, all her attempts never succeed. He caught on her behavior and kept his distance from her. He was a Baggins and was always polite, so he was never rude.
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Bilbo not wishing to celebrate, was locked in his home. He refused to let anyone in, it was his birthday in a week and wished to be left alone. Bilbo didn't have the energy to move, he allowed his grief to overpower him. Grief of losing his parents and all the failed courtships. He began to distrust anyone that wished to court him. They only wished to gain his wealth and not his love. He was brought out of his thoughts as he heard a noise coming from the hall. He grew angry, thinking Lobelia had snuck in to get him to bed her.
He was about to yell but was interrupted by his uncle. “Bilbo, what are you still doing in bed? Come on get up. I'm here to take to do the Great Smials. Father has prepared a great celebration for your coming of age. Did you not receive his letter?” His uncle said as he pushed him off the bed. Bilbo laid on the floor and glared at him. “I don't want to celebrate, grandfather knows this.” He said. “Come on Bilbo, he's worried about you. You know he only wants you to be happy. His favorite grandchild, my sister Bella was his favorite daughter. Please, don't make me carry you all the way to Tookland.”
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Bilbo stood in front of the mirror, he looked too hollow. He had not eaten properly and the clothes his grandfather gave him, fit him too big. He know his grandmother was going to fuss and force him to eat. He didn't feel much like celebrating but was curious about the dwarrows his grandfather had invited. They were friends of Gandalf and had come to trade with his grandfather, the Thain.
Bilbo sat at the table eating from a big plate his grandmother placed in front of him. He was lost in his own thoughts that he wasn't aware of the Dwarf in front of him. They had met earlier, he was tall and had this presence about him; he was a dwarf of authority. “May I have this dance.” the majestic dwarf asked. He was shocked and nodded his head. Before he knew it he was dancing, they didn't speak much and that made Bilbo nervous. He didn't know what to say, so he continued to dance and hope he didn't stumble.
Thorin had been very graceful as he danced and Bilbo was captivated by him. Thorin lead him to a secluded area not far from the party. He stood in front of Bilbo and presented him with a gift. “Bilbo Baggins, I Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror offer you this gift as an offer of marriage.” said Thorin. Bilbo was stunned and confused, how a dwarf he just met wants to marry him. Has his wealth been exaggerate that much that a dwarf wanted his home. This had to be his grandfather’s doing.