Chapter Text
It all started in a hole in the ground- Or well, not in the exact hole in the ground. Imagine living in some small space right beneath some tree roots! Horrible experience, you must admit. Not like anyone would try it (surely, not in a sober state). Even if some people humorously call the small flat a “hole”, the inside of it doesn’t slightly resemble a dirty hole.
The flat, yes, is small, however is also comfortable and cozy. A simple kitchen filled with food, a small living room with an old TV (no, it’s not a black and white screen. Not everything is that old!) and a brown couch. There weren't many corridors, however one long led to the bathroom and a bedroom. A simple flat, as normal as any typical English man could live in.
Let’s not forget about mentioned Englishman! In Bag End (how everyone jokingly loves to call) lived a gentleman known as William Robert Baggins. Terribly English name. Thankfully, his own mother didn’t enjoy it as well. That’s where came his nickname from, Bilbo Baggins. His father still preferred Williams, but everyone else quickly catch up with “new name”. Maybe Bilbo always agreed with his father, but even he started to use Bilbo more frequently, until everyone kindly forget about existence of birth name. But that’s it from changing from topic!
Bilbo Baggins was a kind man. He loved everything what warm, comfortable and useful. He wasn’t a complicate person, just a warm cup of tea, blanket and interesting book and Bilbo was already happy. That doesn’t mean he was ignorant. Of course not! He easily can call himself an intelligent fellow. He wouldn’t call himself Professor Baggins, otherwise! Maybe he hasn't written any books for a longer while, but he still had a great mind!
But the story doesn’t start with his first written book, nor it starts which his childhood. Everything blended, in comparison to real events, that awaited for Mrs. Baggins. But we should start from the real beginning, shall we?
“ No Primula, you don’t have to drive all the way here! You are not in state to do that, “a man with curly, warm brown hair walked through Bag End, keeping the phone next to his ear.
“ I’m just pregnant, Bilbo! I’m not paralyzed! “ Someone murmured in the background of the call, “Say anything more Drogo, and you are sleeping on the couch! “
Bilbo couldn’t help but snicker under his nose. Primula and Drogo were always his favorite relatives. Not like he kept contact with anyone more from their family. One may call him a lonely wolf, but Bilbo preferred “keeping his own interests” title. Really, Bilbo would love to be invaded to family gatherings or a tea party at the end of moths! But if he even thought about hearing questions like “Bilbo, darling, how’s your Tinder account?”, “Bilbo, you really should write something more serious! I lately read about that successful writer… “, “Your books are… Interesting. But don’t worry, honey, there’s still time for finding a better job!” No, thank you. Maybe his flat is quiet and lonely, but books doesn’t pray into not their interests!
Even with his visible problem to family gatherings, Primula and Drogo always loved to meet with him. Their usual meetings went to stop, when the woman announced that they expect. What news that were! Bilbo almost immediately started to read about taking care of kids, ready to help as much as he could. Not to mention the PowerPoint presentation he sent to prove how much of a good Godfather he could be! The presentations always works.
“ It’s still quite a big distant from your place to London, “he noticed, gazing around his apartment.
“ You never noticed that before- “a quiet voice added (loud enough for Bilbo to hear) “You weren’t pregnant before”. Drogo probably will sleep on the couch, then. Poor fellow.
Primula haven't said anything, but guessing from muffled voices, Drogo won’t add another comment either. That gave Bilbo time to check if he took everything he needed with him. Bag? Check. Notebook and pencil? Check. Powerbank? Check. Phone? Where is the phone? Did he leave it at bed-
Bilbo suppressed a sight, as he slowly looked at the phone in his hand. At moments like this, he is really thankful for his life of single.
As the man took a leather bag from the couch and checked the inside once again, Primula’s voice came back from the phone, “-Bilbo, are you listening to me? “
“ Yes- Yes! Sorry, I was just taking stuff. “
“ Stuff? You are going somewhere? “
He doesn’t know if he should take the shocked tone in her voice as offense or ignore it. But either way, he didn’t have time for argument.
“ You remember Gandalf? “
Gandalf Grey, a family friend and friend of Bilbo as well. Sadly, he couldn’t say much about the elder. Gandalf loved to be mysterious and never talked about himself much. The only important things that Bilbo know was Gandalf being an adventurer (what was never actually confirmed by him), having quite a bit of money and him loving to meddle into other's business. Oh, and usually Gandalf knew everyone. From a random coffee seller to a rich businessman! Sometimes Bilbo really wondered if his friend isn’t some mafia leader. Honestly? He wouldn’t be surprised. Especially when he was invited to Gandalf’s mansion. He will repeat, a MANSION. The day couldn’t get more ridiculous, since their sudden meet up. Bilbo didn’t even hear from the man for months!
He isn’t sure how that happened. Bilbo was just at his favorite coffee shop, when Gandalf sat at his table. The man smiled, the wrinkles appeared around his dark eyes, as he stared at the surprised old friend “Good to see you again, dear Bilbo!” he said, ignoring how shocked Bilbo looked. Let me tell you, it was a big shock.
“ Gandalf? “
“ Who else? “ Gandalf chuckled, ordering himself a cup of black coffee, “Isn’t it rude to not even greet your old friend? “
Gandalf chuckled again, seeing the mixed feelings on Bilbo’s face. It will never stop amusing how easily his friend was easy to tease.
“ Right- Yes, sorry- It’s good to see you! “ He muttered quickly, glancing at the man in front of him. Bilbo closed the book he was reading, slowly leaning forward on the table to look fully at Gandalf “It’s good to not disappear without any word, as well! “ Bilbo snapped, glaring at him.
At anyone else, Bilbo wouldn’t have the courage to glare. It was so impolite to do it openly! But he knew Gandalf basically from the child age, he knew that the man wouldn’t do anything close to harm.
“ Don’t say anything along ‘private business’! “ He added, ignoring the amused sparkles in Gandalf’s eyes,“ Or you know what? I prefer not knowing at all! Your businesses are always just troubles in elegant words! “
Bilbo ended with a huff, crossing his arms, almost like he would want to look intimidate. Guessing from the amused look, he did the job poorly.
“ I apologize, my friend! I had a very important-“ he stopped, before using the word “business” “… Task to finish. But I’m back here! “
That was everything that Bilbo actually needed to know. Gandalf wouldn’t say more anyway. He never did. But they didn’t linger on that topic for longer, when their coffees came. The clouds of irritation came off from Bilbo’s face, as Gandalf asked about his latest week.
They talked, and talked, and talked. More like Bilbo talked, but Gandalf didn’t mind. He liked to listen to his friend tale, his newest books and problems. Okay, mostly problems.
“ I haven't written anything yet, and my publishers are starting to get irritated,“ Bilbo grumbled, as he took a big sip from the porcelain cup“ If they get irritated, I’m getting irritated, and I can’t write anything when I’m irritated! “
He sighted, closing his eyes for a moment. Some may think that being a writes is an easy job. Because what? You write some words on paper, a romance and done! It wasn’t that easy. Especially in Bilbo’s case. He loved to write, but he only wrote books with morals, With some feeling in them. Books that could have been read by everyone, not only teens or only small kids. Bilbo haven't sent any idea to his publishers, nor he didn't start to write anything.
“ No ideas? You are usually the creative one,“ Gandalf hummed, staring thoughtfully. Bilbo always had ideas, not every was written, but he was never in a block like this! But he wasn’t shocked, Bilbo has changed. Not only by having a writer block. The Bilbo he knew loved to travel around, he even sometimes joined him! Bilbo loved to gather information to his plot by hand, rather less by internet browser. He never cared by anyone’s else opinions, or words. Bilbo was just… Bilbo.
Lately, Bilbo wasn’t just Bilbo. He was Bilbo Baggins.
Gandalf could notice how his boy glanced from time to time around the shop, making sure no one pay any attention to him. When he talked, he was never doing excited gestures like before. He was sitting still, taking as small amount of attention as he could.
“ My boy “he cut in Bilbo’s words about his yesterday grocery shopping “Maybe you should visit me? I have many gathered things from my travels that could sparkle your interest!
You will definitely find everything what you will need for your book. “
“ I met him yesterday. He invited me to his house “Bilbo ignored the urge to say again, mansion, as he opened the door of his car. Just like his house, it was a small car in a dark brown color. Nothing special and nothing too eye catching. At least his neighbors never had anything against it.
“ I haven’t heard anything from him. “
Bilbo knew she only stopped herself from a comment. He loved Primula, he really did. But if she would use the same “You? Leaving your Bag End? Comment, instead of visiting Gandalf, he will drive straight to her house.
“ I haven’t either till yesterday. But you know Gandalf, he is either appearing from nowhere to cause troubles, or he is seriously busy. “
He could only hope that this visit isn’t close to “chaos” that Gandalf is up to now.
“ Right… Just don’t join his mafia or some Yakuza. I don’t want to see your wanted poster in news! “
“ They wouldn’t have time to make one. I would turn myself in immediately! “
“ You are so terribly English, William Robert Baggins. “
“ Oh- Oh, no- There’s no signal here-! “ Bilbo rolled his eyes, as his car drove across the street. To prove his words, the shushing noise came from his mouth, “I’m driving through a- Kshss - Tunnel! “
Before Primula could say anything more, he hanged up. He will apologize later, now he has a talk with his mad friend.
Gandalf’s house a bit further from London than Bilbo expected. It wasn’t the first time he was there, as a kid his parent love to left him with Gandalf. He can still recall how he ran through the big interior of the house. It was also how he lost his first tooth. His parents know only the version of how Bilbo was a good boy to pull it himself. The truth included a matters and stairs as main characters.
The house haven't changed much since his last visit. It was still a big house built with bricks and wood. Surrounded by fences and forest like area around. Bilbo was sure he already saw the whole area by himself, he loved to wander sound. It was like being in a whole new world!
Bilbo was already leaving his car, as he looked towards the main doors. The big doors from dark wood towered above him, as he walked closer. His bag hang from his arm, as Bilbo reached to use the doorbell. A classing music played, as his finger pressed the button.
‘ Of course ‘ Bilbo thought with sight, sliding his hands back into his jacket. He hid his face more into his gray scar, feeling the cold wind. It wasn’t any different from usual London’s weather, but the man still disliked the cold temperature. The only advantage from it were the sweaters he could wear. His wardrobe was filled with sweaters.
As his mind already started to catalog each sweater in his house, Bilbo used the doorbell again. No answer. He couldn’t hear any steps through the thick doors, but he leaned out to check the window. He didn’t see anyone there.
“ Inviting someone and doesn’t show up? Typical Gandalf, “Bilbo frowned, ready to knock at the doors. It was too cold to wait much more! Before his hand could make a force knock, he pushed the doors to discovered them being open, “Huh- “
Maybe Gandalf lived in a private area, but leaving his doors open was really reckless! … He is thinking about Gandalf, of course he is reckless! But Gandalf was old, too. What if he fell from the stairs? Or got a heart attack and now is slowly dying, holding hopes that his old friend will appear and save him…?
Bilbo doesn’t like to enter any house without invitation first, but the thought of Gandalf laying lifeless on the cold floor, quickly make him run inside.
“ Gandalf? “ Bilbo asked loudly, starting to look around the house. He closed the doors, not letting more of the cold wind inside. No answers and not even a one sound of steps. Now Bilbo was even more worried. Maybe Gandalf wasn’t here? What if someone broke in and is already ready to attack him? What if they have a gun?!
The first thing Bilbo did, was checking the kitchen. No one there, and not even a sight of old man. The room wasn’t looking like a room that could be searched by some thieves. But learning from movies and experience from books, Bilbo took a knife from the knife stand. If he finds Gandalf, they will just laugh about his stupid imagination. If he finds actual thieves… The book experience isn’t probably enough to be like Kevin from Home Alone.
He continued his look around the house, taking steps carefully. The living room was empty, bathroom too. The bedroom for the guest was empty too (except the spider at the corner of it. Bilbo was sure that it took at least a year from his life). With each room free of any danger, Bilbo relaxed. But he watched too many horror movies to fully relax. Danger always came without any foreshadowing! At least in good horror movies…
Bilbo opened another doors to another room. Which was empty. The furniture inside were covered by white blankets, which were as well covered but by spider webs.
“ Another guest room? “ Bilbo didn’t recall room like this. Maybe it was reorganized? Gandalf loves to change things without warnings. But he wasn’t there either, so Bilbo closed the door. However, before he could do that, his eyes stopped at the furniture in the middle of the room. A wooden wardrobe. The kind of old furniture that even Bilbo’s house has one. But it wasn’t anything close to the wardrobe that his bedroom has.
The wardrobe was massive. Each side was adorned with chiseled patterns. Some looked almost like a gold element. Bilbo took a few steps closer, not even noticing it. The furniture looked beautiful! The patterns presented silhouettes, some were small and some very tall. Some were in dynamic positions, and some were standing still or sitting. The most eye-catching detail was a silhouette of a dragon, right above the doors of the wardrobe. It was majestic. Bilbo never expected to use words like this towards wardrobe, of all things.
He couldn’t stop his curiosity from glancing inside. The inside was filled with long coats. Every was in the colors of gray or black.
‘ Definitely Gandalf’s ‘ Bilbo snickered, touching the soft material of the coat. It looks huge inside too! Interesting how many clothes could fill it?
The loud crash from inside the house stopped his thoughts. What was that?! Thieves after all? Or maybe Gandalf appeared? Thinking now, each option was horrible. Thieves of course were the worst one. But Gandalf discovering his search around the house? It was embarrassing! He wouldn’t let him forget it for the next few years! But the thieves' scenario could still happen…
Bilbo Baggins is a coward. He can openly admit it. But he is a coward that won’t die today! He jumped into the wardrobe, closing the doors behind himself, The darkness surrounded him, as he heard more loud steps. It was a terrible decision, but he won’t risk it now. Gandalf seeing him inside his wardrobe was the worst outcome. But Bilbo could puff his chest at, boasting “being the best at hide and seek”. With childhood experience, Bilbo took a step back to stood with back to wall. He didn’t feel one, so he took another step. Another step and nothing.
‘ Whoa, it’s a massive wardrobe ‘ he thought, with each step. It wasn’t that big at the first sight?
After another step, Bilbo realized a few things. One, it’s REALLY huge wardrobe. Second, the ground seems now weirdly fluffy. He hoped he isn’t standing on some expensive clothing. Third, something was prickling his back.
With another confused step, he felt the ground suddenly disappearing, as he suddenly leaped back. He screamed, as his back hit the ground again, rolling from somewhere apparently high. Which each hit he felt a pain and hiss of pain leave his mouth. When he finally stopped, Bilbo could only lay at the ground without any move. His back was filled with pain, and he knew he won’t be able to lay at his bed tonight. But the pain was the only thing that brought his attention.
Wait, a bloody minute.
Bilbo snapped his gaze up, seeing trees and clear blue sky above himself, He can swear he heard some birds chirping. A forest. A forest in Gandalf’s wardrobe.
.
.
.
The scream echoed across the forest, startling the animals. Those humans! Like always, without any manners.