#pre-quest

The Fallohide ancestry of the Brandybucks, plus their proximity to the wilds and the Old Forest, means that those of this background maintain a strong hunting tradition, more so than other high-born hobbit families. The Tooks are a close second, but in such different environments they are very different hunters, and Tooks might see a hunt with the Brandybucks as a way to measure their skills.

Bucklanders are highly adaptable and the least xenophobic, though they still have their prejudices about folk in other parts of the Shire. Brandybucks embraced Stoorish traditions and knowledge, which has made them the most comfortable with waterways than other regional hobbits. (This is a pretty likely supposition based on Tolkien's writing on the ancestral holbytla ethnic groups that would come together, so maybe less of a headcanon.)

Brandybucks, perhaps like aristocracy in rugged parts of northern England or Scotland, have a strong outdoorsman tradition generally for purely recreational purposes.

It's a Bucklander tween rite of passage to go into the Old Forest around dusk and then try to get back to safety before night falls. This is not sanctioned by the adults, and is something tweens dare one another to do to prove they've "got the stones".

Guards are set whenever the Hedge needs to be tended or mended from either side.

Headcanons about Merry in Buckland

Brandy Hall is a large, chaotic place due to the number of people living there at any given time. By the time Merry hits his twenties, he's dying for space, which is why he spends so much time either in Tookland or Hobbiton with his cousins.

Merry is among the eldest of a whole gaggle of cousins that live in Brandy Hall (Doderic, Ilberic, Celendine, Merimas, Mentha, and Merliot). As a result he has become old-headed and responsible.

Getting away with Pippin and Frodo allows him to act his age and let go of responsibility, which he does with zeal, unless called upon.

Merry is a natural flirt and he is looked upon with envy and admiration from his peers for this skill. It mostly comes down to the fact that he is not nervous about talking to lasses, who he's very comfortable around.

In a pinch, he can switch instantly from carefree, silly, and reckless to organized, quick, and practical.

Ch. 1

If he led me into a thistle patch I think I’d follow him, Sam thought frantically, even if it was filled with bees and poison holly and and… and was on fire. 

...

Ch. 13

Following Frodo Baggins is what I’m meant to do, and do it I will, he thought, I can’t turn away from that path now.

He recalled suddenly Bilbo waxing philosophically once evening by the fire when Sam had stayed late to listen to the old master’s stories, crouched on the floor by his chair. Bilbo had leaned back gazing at the ceiling and said, “Hobbits think life is decided by making the big choices, who to wed, what they will accomplish in life, how many babes they sire, or even whether or not to follow when a wizard and thirteen dwarves invite you on an adventure… But life is just as much decided by the small choices that we make each day. Shall I be kind and help the widow carry her packages from town? Shall I go to the pub and have a laugh with the lads or stay home content with solitude? The small choices may not shape the outcomes of life, but they shape the sort of hobbit you will be and the effect you have on the world and people around you. And sometimes, that is more important than where you set up a home or even who you share it with.” Bilbo had smiled tiredly and gazed down at Sam. “That may sound like strange advice, but then I am an old strange bachelor.” Sam had gaped at him, too young and awed to say anything. Bilbo had laughed softly and patted his head. This gave Sam enough courage to speak up.

“But it does matter some, Mr. Bilbo, who you share your home with. For don’t that have a lot to do with the sort of hobbit you are, and the sort of hobbit you will be?” he asked. Bilbo had paused for a long moment and then nodded, conceding the point. His gaze traveled to the other side of the room, where Frodo was curled up, asleep on the sofa, a blanket hiding all but his pale face.

“Yes indeed my boy,” Bilbo murmured quietly, “Perhaps it makes all the difference.” They were silent for a moment and then the old master’s eyes shifted back to his young companion. He smiled slightly and said, “So, make your choices master Samwise, the big ones and the small ones with care, and be most considerate on who you share your home with.”

Disclaimer - this world, characters and other stuff doesn’t belong to me. All credit goes to J. R. R. Tolkien, Peter Jackson and whoever else owns the franchise. This is a fem!Bilbo, pre-quest au where hobbits basically take in and care for the dwarves of stevie before they find Ered Luin. Just a side note. I am ignoring Canon, timelines and other things that clog up my creativity flow. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1:

Bella was the most peculiar hobbit anyone, so her neighbours said, had ever had the fortune of knowing. She was quite… odd. Unlike the proper, respectable dame that was expected of someone of her Baggins lineage, she was rather more of a, well, Took.

She reminded most who met her of her late mother Belladonna Took, with her wild nature and fiery temper.

She had scared no small number of gentle-hobbits near to death with her habit of simply appearing next to them, seemingly out of thin air. Not that anyone ever said that aloud of course.

Because, no matter how fiery, wild and un-respectable the young lass acted, no-one could ever bring themselves to dislike her. Some, a fleeting minority, made their displeasure known, the Sackville-Bagginses being the most prominent. But for all their talk and fuss, they could never bring themselves to actually do anything about it.

Now, our little adventure starts, well, the way one might expect, with a hobbit, and some dwarves.

Bella was on a trip to Bree, just flitting round the market, sweet smile on her face, when she saw it.

Them.

Slavers.

Her face twisted with horror as she took it in, five dwarrow chained together with iron shackles, looking quite worse for wear, dirty and muddy and, dear Yavanna was that blood?!

Quite understandably, she was furious. So furious, in fact, that she didn’t even hesitate before marching over there, distain and disgust shown clear on her face, and buying them. She felt disgusted, and dirty, bartering for these poor people’s lives but it had to be done.

It took some haggling and negotiation, if one could even call it that, thieving conmen, but she had finally got the slaves. It had almost torn her pride in two when she had had to compliment the disgusting man in front of her, then again when she had to actually speak as if she was going to hurt them, the poor things.

But, that was all in the past now, they had to get to the blacksmiths forge right now to get their ruddy chains removed.

And that’s how Bella Baggins-Took found herself tromping through the markets, five dwarrow chained to her like dogs.

She looked back, and they all looked like kicked puppies. Why are they looking like that? They should be happy they’re fr- oh. They don’t know that. Oh Bella Baggins you fool of a Took.

She stopped, abruptly, and whirled around facing them, scrutinising their expressions. Then she sighed, shook her head and said, “Come on you lot, we’ve got to get to the blacksmiths before nightfall if we’re going to get those chains off you.

She immediately found herself being stared at by five pairs of bewildered eyes. She shrugged. “Come on.” She said again and turned around.

/D… did she just say that she’s going to take the chains off?/ Kiki sounded so hopeful, not yet broken by the months in a cage. There was hope for him yet.

For all of them if the tiny lass was telling the truth.

/She did. She did! She’s going to take the chains off!/

All the dwarrow expressed their shock and gratitude, some felt doubt but that was soon overshadowed by the hope they felt at the mere idea of being free again.

They raced after the tiny lass, all the way to the forge and soon were amazedly rubbing their sore, chain-free necks in bliss.

An hour later and they were out of their stained, soiled rags and into newer, softer, warmer clothes. The refreshing baths they had been treated to had done more than wash away the grime and dirt. They felt like true dwarrow again.

It was more than they had ever hoped for.

But there was only one question that remained, one thing that shrill worried them. What about Dis?

It can also be read on ao3

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Balin was thankful for the life he had.

Surviving the attack of a Dragon and then a life of poverty in the wilderness to finally be able to find a new home and place to belong; but there were times when he wished the worm had ate him.

The stubbornness of his kin was going to be his end.

If he had to listen to Thorin complain about the council or Dwalin bad mouth Nori, he was going to throw himself from the mountain all the way to the land of the halflings. He had heard they were peaceful people in a peaceful land. And right now that was the only thing Balin needed.

With that in mind he decided to visit the new teashop that had being recently opened. In the few months that it had being working it had become the talk of the mountain; apparently the owner of the shop was not other than Dori, the oldest son of Vuori.

Balin had never met him, despite having heard plenty of him, it was said that he had the looks and the temper of his mother, and if that was true, he must be a force to reckon. Vuori had being known to be the most beautiful dwarrowdam in all Ered Luin and also one of the strongest dwarfs to be found in the entire mountain.

He, walked along a few other shops before finding the tea shop. It was instantly recognisable. It had big windows and they were covered with violet and lavender curtains. And as soon as you get near to the door the pleasant smell of spices and high quality tea hit you right into the nose.

Just the smell and the atmosphere that the little shop gave was enough for Balin to start relaxing. He had always liked ale much more than tea, but when angry or stressed that only thing that calmed him was a nice cup of peppermint tea.

Entering the shop was another experience all together. The place looked small form the outside but on the inside it was big enough to have an entire wall full of tea tins, each one with a small label on. On the other side of the shop, to Balin surprise, there was a couple of tables and chairs where some dwarfs were sipping on their teas.

The shop was dimly lighted by candles and some very intricate looking lamps. The entire shop gave a feel of elegance but at the same time it was a very cosy and confortable looking place; it certainly was much more than Balin had expected.

It wasn’t until he had finished inspecting the shop that someone approached him, and just by looking at the dwarf, Balin was sure it had to be the owner.

It had to be Dori son of Vuori.

The gossip didn’t make him any justice; he was more beautiful that the people had described. His hair had the hue and shine of mithril and was braided in carefully intricate and beautifully done braids. He had a polite smile on his lips that not reached his eyes. It was obvious that Dori was not a dwarf that trusted easily. And with all the rumours and gossip about him, it was no surprise.

“Welcome to A home in a cup, how may a help you?” asked Dori, interrupting Balin’s thoughts.

“Hello” said Balin, pondering his options before finally saying “You know, a lot a people had recommended me this shop, but I have to say that it exceeded all my expectations” he giving the shop a glance over. Balin returned his eyes to Dori, giving him a kind smile. Then he bowed at the same time he said “Balin, son of Fundin, at your service”

When he raised his head he saw that Dori had a faint smile on his lips and his eyes had lost the distrustful look he gave him at the beginning.

“Dori, son of Vuori, at yours” replied softly while bowing his head slightly. “Well, master Balin. What brings you here?”

“I have found I need something to relive some of the tension I have accumulated this few weeks.”

“Oh, is that so? Well then, I may have just what you need” Dori said with half lowered eyes “follow me please…” said motioning to Balin.

He led him to one of the shelves that were full of the tea tins.

“What kind of flavour do you prefer?” asked Dori turning from where he was inspecting the shelves.

“I like my tea spicy, and with a deep flavour”

Dori hummed tapping his chin pensively “Oh yes, this one will do” he then reached for a tin that had a brown label on it and shacked it in front of Balin face. “Would you like a taste?”

“What does it have?” asked amused, Balin.

“Is one of my own mixtures, I can’t really tell you what it has, secret recipe you understand, but I can assure that is spicy and flavourful enough.”

“I will trust you then”

Dori smiled at that and responded “Well then, I will bring you a cup right  away, please take a sit while you wait” he then turned to the back of the counter that was placed at the end of the shop, and started preparing Balin’s tea.

Balin took a sit in one of the empty tables that was nearer to Dori, and could only look and admire the way Dori made tea. It was beautiful, he moved with elegance and with measured and well practiced movements.

It was no wonder everyone wanted Dori’s attention. He was mesmerising and not only where his looks, but also his personality. He was charming and polite, but Balin was sure that if taunted Dori would tear apart those who dared with only a few well-placed words. It made Balin’s heart flutter in excitement, it was rare to find someone who also relished in words and wit. Dwarfs were not known for their beautifully worded conversations (one of the few things the other races had gotten right).

Dori came back with Balin’s tea and faced the artfully cup on his table and said “I hope you enjoy it” he then turned and when to talk to another customer.

Balin took a careful sip, minding the hotness of the tea, and as soon as his tongue touched the liquid it was explosion of flavour. It was by far the best tea he had ever had and it was obvious that Dori knew what he was doing.

After finishing the tea to last drop he approached Dori. “You really know your craft master Dori.”

“So you liked it?”

“It was the best tea I had ever had. I will buy two tins.”

“Just two? Maybe you haven’t liked it as much as you said” Dori looked at him with a teasing smile at the same time as he got ready Balin’s tea.

“Well, I need I reason to come back, haven’t I?” said as he gave Dori the coins for his purchase.

“Nonsense” Dori reached for his hand and gently brushed it “You are welcome anytime you want” He gave Balin's hand a quick squeeze before letting go. “Moreover, I hope to see you soon” And with that, he steeped away from Balin. “Have a nice day, master Balin”

Balin gave Dori a warm smile that made his flush slightly. As he reached for the door Balin inclined his head to Dori and said “I will come back soon.”

He was already thinking about reorganizing his schedule for the upcoming days as he left the shop, with a lighter heart and his tension and annoyance all but forgotten when he turned and gave the shop a last look. Balin huffed softly.

A home in cup indeed.

With a bag full of possibilities Balin decided that maybe, just maybe he could deal with Thorin today after all.

----

And last(for now) - but hopefully not least:

Pre-quest in Ered Luin: Nori is watching Dwalin in the trainings-hall like the little stalker he is <3  for @gimlisnaturalhairsalon

plus an additional Dwalin-sketch for better appreciation of his shirtlessness:

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Dori/Thorin Oakenshield Characters: Dori, Thorin Oakenshield, Original Dwarf Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Original Male Character(s) of Color Additional Tags: Shameless Smut, prim and proper Dori KNOWS THINGS, slight food porn, Intercrural Sex Summary:

Among the craftspeople's stalls, Thorin Oakenshield finds an unexpected kindred spirit. Pre-canon.

Bookmarker's Notes: 6,707 pages

Updated version of this scene between Thorin and Dís before he sets out on his quest. Please let me know what you think. This is my only ficlet ever to not get a single comment and I feel sorry for it.

"I know, Thorin. If you do not go now, it will get ever harder to find anyone to support you."

He gave a mirthless laugh. "Maybe I have waited too long… I will not exactly be leaving with a host as it is. The masses have hardly flocked to me at my call."

"But the ones who did come… they are loyal to you. I would rather see you with them than with a whole army from the Iron Hills."

Thorin looked at her with some surprise; he had never thought of it that way, he was too disappointed with the small number of his followers to focus on their intentions, but Dís' statement rang true. "You do not think me mad for setting out with so few and uncertain of the support of our kin?"

"I think you mad for many reasons, but not for trusting those who follow you with a willing heart. No army would be able to defeat the dragon. If it is still alive, stealth and cunning will serve you far better than thousands of warriors in full armour. Take your chance while you can still find those who are inspired by the thought of Erebor!"