*Bilbo*

I sit in my chair, shivering and clutching my mug "I'll be alright, just let me sit quietly for a moment."

Sitting in another chair across from me, I look from Enola to Gandalf who is less than happy. The grey wizard snaps gazing down at me, a look of disappointment in his eyes "You've been sitting quietly for far too long. When did dollies and your mother's dishes become so important to you?"

I remain quite as Gandalf looms over me "I remember a young hobbit who was always running off in search of elves in the woods. He'd stay out late, trailing mud and twigs and fireflies. A young hobbit who would have liked nothing better than to find out what was beyond the borders of the Shire."

Still ignoring him I stare down into my mug wanting nothing more for him to leave me be. Obviously, he's reflecting on my childhood, but sitting here now I know I'm not the same Hobbit Gandalf speaks of.

"No! No, I cannot just go running off into the blue. I am a Baggins....*gulp*..of Bag-End."

"You are also a Took!" Gandalf exclaims and I look pleadingly to Enola who only answers me with silence "Did you know your great-great grandfather was large enough that he could ride a real horse?"

"...Yes."

"Well, he could!" Gandalf shouts "He led the charge against the Goblin hoard. Swung his club and knocked the Goblin King's head off and it fell down a rabbit hole. And thus, the battle was won....and the game of golf invented at the same time."

I scoff "I think you made that up."

Gandalf smirks "Well, all good stories deserve a little embellishment." Looking from me to Enola he has a twinkle in his eyes "You'll have a tale or two to tell of your own when you come back."

"Can you promise that I will come back?" I ask.

Gandalf's face falls. He looks to me and the look on his face sends shivers down my spine. He shakes his head morbidly "No. But if you do, you will not be the same." 

"That's what I thought. I'm sorry, Gandalf, but I can't sign this. You've got the wrong hobbit."

Before I can leave Enola speaks up "I'm scared too."

I stop and turn back facing her "And rightfully so. You're embarking on a journey that had nothing to do with you. Why?"

Biting her lip, the girl speaks shakily "I've been trying to put on a brave face, but the truth is that I'm not. I'm not brave, a warrior, or a hero. I'm just a girl who wants to help. Someone who needs to help. I feel if I do this... If I help the dwarves, then maybe I can find some answers and peace of my own."

I take the young woman's words to heart and admire her bravery, but I do not share her yearning for clarity or answers. Everything I've ever known or need to be right here. I head back into my bedroom leaving the girl and wizard behind as she calls after me "Bilbo, wait!" 

Inside my room I close out the voices of the wizard and young woman. Letting my breath past my lips I realized I'd been holding it this whole time. Walking over to my bed I flop down not even bothering to bring up the covers. From the living room I can hear the Dwarves gather and soon begin to sing. The singing of the dwarves lulls me to sleep in no time. 

Luckily, I did not dream of dragons, fire, or lonely mountaintops. Stretching I open my eyes to the sun pouring into my room. For a moment the events of last night had not occurred to me until I awoke in the silence. Quickly I get out of bed and sneak into the living space of my home.

"Hello?" I call out but no reply. 

I peer into every room cautiously and see everything just as it was before. Aside from my bare food pantry. The Hobbit hole is silent, and I can't help but make a small leap for joy. However, as I stand in the silence, I look around the almost grey colored walls and cold silence. To my left resting on the table is the contract. I see Thorin and Balin's name signed at the bottom and a blank space for my own. Despite my aggravations of the night before it was good to not be alone for once. The laughter, singing, and conversations actually seemed quite pleasing, just not at the time. Particularly the young human girls face was the one thing I took away from it all. She was embarking on a treacherous journey for the sake of giving aid. Why couldn't I, a Hobbit, be just as generous? Besides, when will I get a chance like this again?

I dart out of my home and down the hill. The heavy pack strapped around my shoulders seems light as a feather. The contract in my hand whips in the air as I run. I jump over fences, animals, and crops. My neighbors look befuddled and shake their heads in disapproval, but I'm in too big of rush to care. Just as I jump the last fence, I see Mr. Worrywart.

"Mr. Bilbo, where are you off to?"

"Can't stop I'm already late!"

"Late for what?"

"I'm going on an adventure!"