Chapter Text
Chapter One – There
‘Are you sure I can’t accompany you back, my friend?’
A shock of sandy curls bounced against grubby, dirt and sweat streaked skin as he shook his head. Usually nimble fingers fumbled with his pack, deep blue eyes sweeping across its’ contents without taking it in.
‘I mean no offense Gandalf, but I would prefer my own company to that of a Wizard more likely to get distracted half-way, only to wander off and leave me…’ Voice hitching, his fingers clenched around his pack.
‘Oh Bilbo.’
Bilbo took a deep, shuddering breath. Fighting back tears, he gave Gandalf a watery smile as the old wizard squeezed his shoulder.
‘He will soon realize his mistake, my boy.’
‘Don’t. Just…I know.’
‘It doesn’t help, does it? I am truly sorry.’
‘When…when you said I would be changed, if I returned to the Shire…’
‘I never meant like this.’
‘I know, old friend. I know.’