When I arrive in Middle-earth [Part 1]
Warning: Hi ! It's just to warn that English is not my mother tongue. I apologize if you encounter errors in your reading. Part two is being written. In any case, I hope you enjoy :) Enjoy reading !
I also draw the introductory image :)
Well... Well, well, well... I must not panic. Everything is fine.
After all, I'm just surrounded by a dark forest in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere.
-But what am I saying ? Obviously I'm panicking ! I cried, raising my arms to the sky.
The high sound of my voice in icy silence frightened some birds that flew away, panicked! I want to burst into tears...
I'm going to die in a dark forest and my corpse will be devoured by foxes and squirrels.
-My consolation prize will be that they will not have much to eat, I thought, in a random sense.
Indeed, I am one of those people with the body of an asparagus. An asparagus with glasses and the size of an underfed house elf.
I jump ! An owl hoot somewhere !
I sigh and squint in the hope of seeing more clearly. It does not work at all.
I want to go around in circles for hours and yet I have no idea what time it is ! Or how long am I here !
However, I had time to hit my foot against a lonely pebble to make a very friendly hug on the ground, ride a stream of nettles and land in a calm cove. My life is magic !
I look so silly with my little red summer dress stuck to my skin, my tangled hair and my uncontrollable cold !
-I hate nature ! I hate this forest ! And I hate myself even more for Bugger all ! I cried, furious.
But I think the worst part of all this is that I have to be lobster red. I could not resist the urge to scratch myself because of nettle bites.
Do you want to know one thing ? Well, I do not have shoes anymore.
They started giving me blisters and cramps. So, I left them on the side of the road without any regret.
And the day begins to rise too, but I'm not too sure. My eyes are swollen with fatigue and I am dehydrated. I may have hallucinations.
And there I laugh alone, now ! I really need help here.
The birds start to sing and it makes me even more eager to take a nap on the floor. My body is so heavy ! And my glasses are still dirty...
I yawned for a long time.
I'm so tired, but I have to keep moving !
Suddenly, I stop and clean my glasses on my dress which, do not hide it, had seen better days !
I put my glasses on my nose and...
I run like crazy ! I'm so happy and relieved to be finally out of this tangle of trees that... I fall into the apples and put the cheek first on the wet grass under the morning dew...
I'm fine, there! It's warm and cozy !
-I must be in bed, I thought, holding back a happy little smile, eyes still closed. What an idea to dream of being lost in a forest !
I change position under the sheets and push my face even more in the soft pillow. I think I could sigh with happiness !
I even want to go back to sleep. But I know I can not do it... too bad.
I get up, appear in a sitting position and stretch like a cat. I put my hand in my hair to put it away from my face, then looked for my glasses on the bedside table.
Being short-sighted and astigmatic, a real pleasure...
-Oh, you're awake ! Here I am relieved, miss !
I give my three neurons time to connect correctly and quickly put back my glasses.
I now see a complete stranger holding a tray of food in the doorway of my room which is not my room !
I take a moment to lift the blanket !
-Merlin thank you, I still have my clothes ! I sighed with relief.
-Miss?
-Hmm ? I look up at him. Oh ! Hmm ... Excuse me, but ... Where am I ?
The stranger advanced to the bed and put the meal tray on my lap with a reassuring smile.
-Do not worry, you're at home, replied the stranger, still smiling. I found you a little further behind my house. You were completely cold! And do not worry, I did not touch your stuff in your bag, I would never allow myself such a thing, especially with a lady !
The poor man seemed panicked at the idea that I imagine him searching my things. I laugh, amused and a little moved by his behavior.
-Do not worry, I believe you and I thank you for taking care of me, I said a little timidly but warmly. Hey, but I do not have any...
My eyes fell on a shoulder bag that I knew very well. Oh yes, I had a bag !
-I introduce myself, my name is Bilbo, Bilbo Baggins !
-Nice to meet you, Mr. Baggins, my name is Isabelle, I introduced myself by extending my hand to shake him.
Bilbo smiled at me and gently squeezed my hand.
-I am delighted, he said. I'm really happy to see you're fine ! Rest as much as you want and eat, you seem to be hungry! If you need me, call and I will come.
-Okay, thank you, I said. Could you give me my bag, please? I have to take my medicine before eating.
-Of course !
He moves quickly and passed my bag amiably.
I give him back his smile and watch him leave the room. I take this opportunity to examine when he turns to leave the room and my eyes are on his huge bare feet and hairy !
My eyes widen and the memory comes back to me !
I laugh nervously. But how could I be so stupid !
This guy is the spitting image of Martin Freeman, the actor of Bilbo, the actor of John ! But I'm stupid ! I am stupid !
-I am in Middle-earth, at Bilbo the Hobbit ! Perfect !
I feel my nerves and my anxiety galloping and frantically searching for my medicine in my bag !
It's a blow to make me even more worried than in life in general !
Seriously, what happened ?! I crossed an invisible space-time portal ?!! I died while boarding a bus and my soul transported me to another universe ?!! I had a cardiac arrest because of all my braids ?!!
I quickly grab the glass of water on the tray and I swallow all of a sudden !
Then I take the time to breathe well, because they recommended me and I feel calm again.
I calm down for another two or three minutes and then I try to see the positive side...
I have always dreamed of meeting my favorite characters and having an adventure with them !
-But I can not even defend myself with my little fists and I burst into tears at the sight of a wounded animal ! I mumbled darkly.
It would be cool to learn new things, to eat new dishes and to make friends !
-I am extremely introverted, shy, I get sick easily and I have phobias of wasps and bees ! I continued to myself.
I could find love, who knows...!
-Be realistic, who would want a burden and a stuck girl like me...? I finished sadly.
Bitterness, I grabbed the sandwich that Bilbo had so kindly prepared and I started chewing.
I finish fast enough to eat.
Bilbo really cooks like a chef. I have never eaten so well.
I smiled slightly, spread the blankets, then put my sore feet on the soft carpet at the foot of the bed.
I hiss with pain as I get up slowly. Wherever I could lean on my feet, it was on a swollen and painful bulb !
But I decide to keep my comments painful for myself and get out of the room, the meal tray in hand.
Every step deserves a burning insult in my head!
Slowly, I arrive in the vestibule and soon after, I find the kitchen. I wash the dishes that I dirty.
I jump and turn, a hand on my leaping heart ! But I find my calm when I see that it's Bilbo.
-Yes, I did the dishes, I said, pointing to the plate I was drying.
-Oh, you did not have to, you know, Bilbo frowning.
-I took it, it's the least of things !
The Hobbit's eyebrows furrowed a little more. Now that I was standing next to him, I could see him fall on my shoulder !
It was weird to see an adult being smaller than me ! I have already seen grannies do my size, but it was new !
Suddenly, Bilbo put his fists on his hips.
-Have you seen the condition of your legs ? You should rest !
-Mr. Baggins, I'm fine, I lied to reassure him.
-And you lie very badly my daughter ! Go ! Go to bed in the living room !
I do what he says to me with surprise !
Well... This is the first time anyone notices that I'm lying about my condition...
I hardly come to the salon, my feet still hurt! I almost collapsed in the nearest chair !
Bilbo does not take long to join me, a kit and small pots in the hands.
He takes a little ottoman to sit down and grabbed one of my legs not without blushing a little. I guess for him it was a pretty intimate gesture.
-I think I've had enough for your wounds, but if you're in doubt, tell me what happened to you, he asked, examining the redness, bruises, and scratches.
-I wandered all night in the forest, I came across a rock that made me kiss for the first time, I continued my momentum by going in a field of nettles and finally, I landed in a stream...
The Hobbit looked at me speechless.
-I've had some unlucky and awkward Hobbits, but I think you're in first place ! Bilbo said with a small, mocking smile.
-Eh ! In my defense, I really did not see anything !
I hear him trying to suppress his laughter so I take a slightly sulky look that looks like a child.
It's hard to believe for me that I'm so hostile to be so comfortable with someone I've met !
-I think I have everything I need. But it is best to apply an ointment on clean skin. I think Bag End is always full of my mother's old dresses from when she was young, wait, I'll pick them up.
Bilbo smiled at me and got up and went out of the living room.
Half asleep in a deliciously hot and scented water, I massaged my aching areas by humming a song that made no sense.
I even allowed myself the luxury of washing my hair.
Once I'm clean, I put the right cream on my redness and bruises before putting bandages on my scratches.
-I would say that I fought with a bear ! I commented, looking at myself in the mirror of the bathroom.
Then I pulled on the outfit that Bilbo had given me.
I went back to the living room where Bilbo was waiting for me reading a book. He had also taken the opportunity to light the fireplace. I had not noticed it until now, but it was late in the day, the sun was just beginning to fall.
When he hears me coming back, he looks up from the page he's reading and gestures me to sit on the chair next to him.
-This dress looks great on you, I'm relieved that it does not stay in an old dust chest, smiles the Hobbit.
-Thank you Mr. Baggins.
-Well. Now that you seem to be in a better state than where I found you, I would like to know what happened to you so that you would find yourself wandering in a forest in the middle of the night, wearing only a much too light dress for you. the season.
Bilbo seemed very serious.
I sigh, sinking a little deeper into the cushions of the chair.
It seems like a very serious discussion was about to begin...
- Honestly, I do not remember... I have no memory of how I landed there. All I know is that I woke up in this forest... I was completely disoriented and scared !
-I want to believe you, Bilbo admitted. The woods are not safe when you get too far from Hobbiton, there are wolves running.
I feel my throat tighten ! Shit ! I was much more likely to be eaten by wolves than by foxes and squirrels !
Seeing that the news had shaken me, Bilbo grabbed my left hand and patted me softly.
-Do not worry anymore, you're safe now, the Hobbit said with a reassuring voice. Do you want a hot drink?
-With pleasure if you do not mind, Mr. Baggins, I said with a slight smile.
Bilbo smiles at me and gets up.
-I'm coming back, he announces.
I hear him go to the kitchen. He returns a few minutes later with tea, milk, sugar and biscuits.
-This is hawthorn tea, you will see that it will be good for your nerves. I noticed that you were an extremely stressed person.
-Thank you so much.
And so, I explain to him more or less generally that I am absolutely not from Middle-earth and that I have nowhere to go.
-I noticed you had a very beautiful accent, Bilbo said. Where are you from ?
-From France, this is the country where I was born and where I live... Finally inhabited. And thank you but for my part, I find my accent horrible ! It seems strange when I speak !
-In any case, I appreciate your company and you can stay here as much as you want !
I blush a little, embarrassed.
-Do not give yourself this trouble, Mr. Baggins ! You have already cared for me, fed and dressed ! I would not like to enjoy your kindness ! I exclaimed, red peony. I do not want to disturb you more than necessary !
-But you do not bother me absolutely, Bilbo assured warmly. I find instead that you are a wonderful, polite and kind guest ! And then it is me who proposes it to you, so there is not to discuss ! I am normally someone who does not like to receive a lot, but I do not know, with you I feel at ease and your presence could make me feel less alone.
-But...!
-No "but" ! You are free to live in Bag End all the time you need until you find a stable situation to live in the area or to return home !
I remain silent for a moment, stunned and moved by this little Hobbit so nice !
-Mr. Baggins...
-Yes ? He asked curiously.
-You are sure not to be an angel descended from heaven to watch over me ? I asked with a sincere little smile.
Bilbo turns red, and I burst out laughing at his embarrassment as he smiled shyly, mumbling thanks.
It's been a year since we live together, Bilbo and me.
The beginnings were not easy, for example, it was necessary to create a schedule for the bathroom or buy a women's business that Bilbo did not have.
But we got used to each other's presence and I started to feel really comfortable in Bag And.
The neighborhood hobbits also knew me very well now.
I even created my small business !
The old Belladonna dresses that Bilbo had given me were beautiful, certainly, but they did not fit my style. So I learned to sew and I started to change these dresses.
When I came to Hobbiton with my modified dresses, hobbits women started to want the same style and I soon realized that I could make money helping these young women with dresses they did not wear anymore and that they wanted to actualize.
The ambience of Hobbiton also helped me with my stress and anxiety for everything and anything. Here, I could live at my own pace and enjoy the sweet life of Hobbit.
I even think that I was a Hobbit in a previous life. Or at least, I had to be a distant cousin of Bilbo because we were on the same wavelength for just about everything !
Today was extremely calm, I visited a customer and went to the Bree market to buy new items.
And since I had work to do, I did not want to embarrass myself with a dress, that's why I was wearing this outfit:
On the way back, it was getting darker and cooler than it was a few hours ago.
A few Hobbits trailing in front of them greeted me, but I felt that it was not as usual. They knew something that I did not know...
So I hurried and I did not make a mistake !
There seemed to be far too much excitement in Bag End, not to mention the strange sign engraved on the freshly repainted door of last week !
-Oh no... Trouble starts... I thought, squeezing my wicker basket against my right hip.
Without waiting a minute longer, I push the door of Bag End and enter the entrance. I take the time to put my wicker basket before looking at the extent of the damage.
The floor was in ruins ! This same floor where I spent so much time cleaning it to shine like new! What do I say so that we can see ourselves as in a mirror !
I waxed this floor ! I was on all fours at this floor !
That's when my eyes land on a shape on the floor that should not be there !
My poor Hobbit is lying on the carpet, fainting !
I squatted next to him and tried to make him regain consciousness by masterfully ignoring the crowd of Dwarves and the magician who watch me do in silence !
Bilbo still has not opened his eyes and I panic slightly.
-Hey ! Do not stand there watching and help me move it into the living room ! You see that with my nonexistent muscles I can not do it alone ! I cried angrily.
As if he was coming out of a trance, I see the dwarf that I suspect is Bofur helping me lift Bilbo to lie on the living room couch.
The advantage of living with a Hobbit with the taste of sarcasm and the Took side is that I totally lost my shy side and that I have much more confidence in myself.
The dwarf with the funny hat mumbles things that look like excuses. He seems to feel really guilty with his beaten dog look...
Yeah... I do not have time for her feelings, the important thing is to wake up my roommate Hobbit !
-I'm really sorry, I did not think Mr. Baggins would react this way, stammered Bofur, his cheeks turning pink.
-Hmm, I growl. Since you seem to feel so worried, would you be so kind as to prepare tea, sir...?
-Bofur ! At your service, miss...?
-Isabelle.
The dwarf smiled at me timidly and headed for the kitchen. From the corner of my eye, I see others watching me with curiosity and murmurings.
I roll my eyes and after a few more attempts, Bilbo regains consciousness.
Bofur returns sometime later with a cup of tea. I thank him and pour Wiscky into the tea.
Bilbo does it only when he's really exhausted, and I think he was in those moments.
The Hobbit seems to be comforting to see me and I smiled tenderly as I ran my hand through his honey-colored curls to calm him down.
-So Honey, did you have a fun night ? I asked with a smirk.
-They emptied the whole pantry! Nothing is left ! And I'm terribly sorry for the floor, Isabelle... I know you spent a lot of time...
-I do not care about the floor. And you ? You ate ?
Bilbo shook his head from side to side, sheepishly. I'm still sighing.
-You are lucky, I crossed the Bree market today ! I will prepare something for you !
I lean over and kiss his temple. Then I went to get my wicker basket, still superbly ignoring the looks that followed me at every step.
But hey... They're "guests", so...
-I hope you enjoy the reception of Bag End ? I say with a sarcastic smile. However, I will ask you to be kind enough to clean up your mess when you finish your little meeting. As you have probably already seen, my dear friend Bilbo was "slightly" shaken.
... But I always blame them for disgusting our house, for moving all the items and for having conscientiously eaten all the food, including the remains of my chocolate fondant !
It is now the turn of the dwarves to look sheepish.
-Excuse us, ma'am, we did not think Mr. Baggins had a wife, apologized a Dwarf with a white beard and a special accent.
-You know if Bilbo to a woman or not, it does not matter. When you arrive at someone's place, you take off your shoes to avoid getting dirty, you ask before using it without any embarrassment, you do not wipe your boots full of mud on the family objects of the host and we avoid especially to scare him ! All I just mentioned are etiquette rules, but that, I guess you already know ?
An icy silence falls in the audience.
I use my most stern look against them and go to the kitchen to prepare a dinner for Bilbo who did not have a chance to swallow his.
The dwarfs all sleep in the living room and the other rooms (and they have everything tidy and clean as promised).
I had the opportunity to get to know Gandalf. He seemed very amused, I think he wants me to join the company... And I know I do not have a choice.
From the first hour tomorrow morning, Bilbo will start to catch up and leave for Erebor... I do not want to let him go alone.
Oh, I know he'll be able to cope, that's not the problem.
But I will not stop worrying to ask myself every day if he is well, if he is cold, if he is hungry, if the company treats him well !
So I made the decision to come with him, like it or not !
Anyway, I knew that day would come, so I secretly practiced defending and healing.
I also met Thorin. How to say...?
He is taller than me (I can barely reach his shoulder !). And he tried to intimidate me with his great deep voice and his striking blue eyes. But I showed him that I was not at all impressed (inside, I panicked like never before !).
I also remember making the other dwarves nervous, mainly by my stern look as I tried to look confident.
But brief. Now everyone sleeps, Bilbo sleeps, I'll be able to prepare our things so that we do not forget anything tomorrow morning.
I first went to a trusted neighbor to give him the Bag End replacement key and to make sure that Lobelia Sackville-Baggins withdrew and did not touch our stuff.
I prepared extra bags with a clean alternative, my savings, a care kit and creams for bites. I even took our umbrellas !
I go to bed late that night and hope to get up on time.
The next day, silence reigns in Bag End. It's hard for me to get out of sleep, but I always try to push my blankets over and put on my dressing gown without taking the time to tie it up.
My lazy feet are hanging out in the living room.
They are always there, I am well on time.
I then look in the kitchen.
-Hmm... I'll have to go to the bakery... I mumbled.
I sigh, I tie my dressing gown, I put on shoes and I go quickly to the bakery.
I am the first customer of the day.
-Do you really need all this ? Ask the baker, incredulous.
- I'm afraid, yes. Sir, have a nice day.
-Good day to you too !
When I return to Bag End, some dwarves have also immersed themselves, including Bifur, Balin and Dori. They made tea for everyone.
-I brought back enough to give energy to everyone before departure ! I announced, looking more friendly than last night.
The three dwarves seem surprised by my new attitude and obviously do not seem to know how to react.
-You behaved like pigs last night, but I do not blame you anymore, you cleaned up everything and that's what counts. Eat while it's still hot, everything I bring comes out of the oven.
The three dwarves smile at me, a little warmer to the touch. I return it to them and see Bilbo in his room.
It is out of the question that I start running behind ponies to catch up with dwarves and a magician !
Bilbo was going to ask to turn around to get his precious handkerchief and I put the cloth under his nose before he could open his mouth.
-Thank you Isabelle ! You really think of everything ! Bilbo said gratefully.
-We're a team, Honey, do not ever forget it, I said, winking at him.
We continue our journey for a while, until I smile, amused by the discomfort of my little Hobbit on his pony.
-Relax, Bilbo, He will not eat you.
-This is the first time I ride a pony... he admits.
-I noticed, I said. Relax your shoulders, you're much too tense and stop pulling too hard on the reins, you'll hurt your horse.
He follows my advice and then looks at my posture.
-You look so comfortable ! You never told me you knew how to ride !
-It really goes back a very long time in my childhood, when I went on trips discovered with my classmates.
-Really ?! Did your parents let you travel alone with other children ?!
-Oh, I was not alone! I reassured him. We were accompanied by our teacher and three parents to monitor us during the activities of the trip. It was very fun and we learned a lot. We even went to the sea !
-You really saw the ocean ?!
I turn around and see Ori, who blushes with embarrassment but his eyes sparkle with curiosity. I give him a reassuring smile.
-Yes, I really went there. Often even. I went with my family most of the time! And you, Ori ? Have you ever seen the sea ?
The young dwarf blushed and answered shyly.
-No, never, he replies. You know, we dwarves are not made for this kind of place, we live in montages. But I really want to go at least once and draw that kind of landscape !
-And I wish you, Ori. The sea is very pleasant in hot weather, so you can swim and play in my waves!
The young dwarf takes a dreamy look, surely imagining his feet in the sand with the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea.
Subsequently we continue to get to know each other.
-Hum, Bilbo takes this. Quick.
I pass Bilbo his heavy coat, his waterproof travel cape and his umbrella. He puts them quickly without arguing, but I can still see he wonders "why?".
-Ori ! I called the young dwarf. Comes quickly ! Come next to me !
Curious, the young scribe brings his pony next to mine and I just have time to put my heavy warm coat, to put my waterproof cape on Ori and to unfold my umbrella on our head, it starts to rain as if I had rarely seen !
All the others are surprised by the rain and begin to moan insults at Khuzdul (at least, it looked like insults).
And so the road continues, full of insults in Khuzdul and desperate attempts by Fili and Kili to come and take shelter under our umbrellas.
-M. Gandalf, can not you do anything against this deluge? Ask one of the dwarves after a moment.
-It's raining, Master Dori. And it will continue to rain until the rain stops. If you want to change your time, you will need another magician !
Here we are in a city I have never visited, in an inn for the night. I must say that we are all exhausted !
It was awful for hours, so most of the company members were soaked and chilled. If we except Bilbo, Ori and me.
Apart from below the knees, we were dry and warm in our clothes !
-It is not fair ! Kili complains, shivering sadly. Why are you alone in having dry clothes ?!
-Because I thought it might rain during the trip and we do not take a walk in the sun under a bright sun, I pointed out.
-Besides, I thank you, Miss Isabelle, for keeping my little brother warm ! Dori said gratefully.
-You're welcome.
We were allocated rooms. Each dwarf member was grouped by family, Gandalf took a room for himself and I sleep in a room with Bilbo in separate beds.
Everyone took the opportunity to change and we all came out of the rooms to eat together.
We ordered a lot of food and drinks (almost all alcoholic).
-You do not want a pint of beer, Miss Isabelle ? Bofur smiles widely.
-I avoid drinking alcohol, I can cause trouble.
-And what kind, huh? Dwalin laughs with mockery.
-Well ... I could go to the bar and dance an Irish jig, be a little too affectionate with the customers, pay a tour to everyone saying "it's good, we only have one life !" Except that I only have one life and small savings. I could also burst into tears while lamenting the sad fate of my favorite literary characters. And all that, in French, my mother tongue !
-You can believe me, I have already seen it done ! Bilbo said, remembering the first time it happened.
-And I thank you again for preventing me from undressing in front of strangers because I wanted to prove to everyone that I had abs, I added with gratitude to Bilbo.
All look at me with shock.
-But you swallowed how much glass of alcohol to finish in this state ?!
-...Half of my first and only glass of beer...
This is the end of this first part, I hope you have appreciated ! Thanks for reading ! :)
