"I heard rumors that you used magic to turn a crow into a man..." Bilbo asked Drawing a smoke from his pipe-weed. white smoke drifted above us
I paused briefly.
"That is true. but why'd you ask?" I said leaning close to the fireplace
Bilbo's eyes widen
The hearth crackled softly between us
"you never cease to amaze me Mallory"
My lips curved into a smile clearly pleased.
(Main Quest: An Unexpected Journey)
Convince Bilbo:
Progress: 57%
Time Remaining: 29 Day's
Bilbo studied you differently now.
Not with fear. Nor with suspicion. With
curiosity. That's important.
Bilbo tapped the pipe gently against the edge of the mantle.
"I daresay… I've lived in the Shire my entire life," he said thoughtfully. "And yet, somehow, strange things seem to follow you about as naturally as tea follows supper."
I tilted my head slightly.
"what?" I gave a non-committal shrug
"you complaining?" a playful smirked tugged my lips.
He smiled faintly.
"No. Merely an observation."
Outside, wind brushed against the round windows of Bag End.
Rowan's silhouette passed briefly across the glass.
Bilbo noticed.
"Does he… remember being a man?" he asked quietly.
I nod once.
And then—
The memory hit like a truck.
Feathers dissolving. Skin. Very human skin.
My cheeks burned instantly.
Bilbo noticed.
Bilbo blinked "Are you quite alright?... you seem rather red?"
I flinched "Ye-yes why wouldn't I be?"
I Shook my head too quickly.
Bilbo stared for a moment puzzled.
before drawing another smoke from his pipe-weed.
White smoke drifted upward in lazy spirals.
he didn't pursue further. but the thought lingered behind his eyes.
———
When the dawn rose over the horizon, soft gold spilling across the hills of the Shire, the peace of Bag End shattered.
A frantic knocking rattled at the door.
Once.
Twice.
Then repeatedly.
It dragged both Bilbo and me from sleep
"Who could possibly be up at this hour"
Bilbo Muttered, fumbling into his robe as he shuffled toward the door, hair still flattened on one side.
The knocked continued — impatient, persistent.
When he opened it, two hobbits stood stiffly on the step.
A thin woman with sharp eyes and an even sharper nose stood at the front, parasol tucked beneath her arm despite the early hour.
Behind her, a slightly rounder hobbit adjusted his waistcoat nervously.
Bilbo's face turned sour instantly.
"Lobelia and... Otho" He said reluctantly
"Cousin"
Lobelia's gaze slid past Bilbo And landed on me.
She blinked once.
"…What," she said slowly, "is that?"
I gave a polite wave, followed by a smile
"Good morning."
"My, my… what an... unusual guest you have here, Bilbo. I wasn't aware Bag End had taken fancy to housing… decorative oddities."
My eyes twitch slightly.
'Whats her problem?'
Bilbo stiffens. He glances at you then back at them.
"Mallory is a close friend of mine—and a very respectable one. I'd appreciate it if you'd speak of her properly."
A long stretched pause lingered in the air.
Lobelia cleared her throat.
"Anyway I've heard concerns about a woman with..." her eyes slipped behind Bilbo and settled on me.
She paused.
"peculiar features. turning an animal into a man. sounds familiar?" Her lips curved faintly.— not quite a smile.
Biblo interjected.
"That will be quite enough, Lobelia."
(Main Quest: An Unexpected Journey)
Convince Bilbo:
Progress: 60%
Time Remaining: 29 Day's
'Well isn't this convenient?'
Bilbo straightened, smoothing the front of his robe.
"She is under my roof," he continued evenly. "And I would gladly appreciate it if you remembered that."
Lobelia's brows lifted a fraction.
Otho shifted uncomfortably.
"We only meant—" Otho began weakly.
"Yes," Bilbo said, still polite but firmer now. "I'm quite certain you did."
A brief silence followed.
Before Bilbo could say another word a loud, harsh Caw splits the air.
'Rowan?'
He circled three times overhead dark wings cutting through the pale morning light, before descending gracefully onto a nearby fence.
He stared at the Sackville-Baggins. Unblinking.
Lobelia stiffened.
"…Charming," she muttered.
(Main Quest: An Unexpected Journey)
Convince Bilbo:
Progress: 65%
Time Remaining: 29 Day's
"We only came out of concern, of course. The Shire values peace and propriety."
Her eyes flicked toward me.
"I do hope Bag End continues to reflect that."
They turned and began walking down the path.
Then Lobelia paused, glancing back at me.
"And do keep that bird from circling over respectable gardens. Some of us prefer not to feel observed."
The door shut with a firm click.
Bilbo stood there for a moment, cheeks puffed, eyes fixed on the wood.
Then a long sigh escaped him.
"Well... that was unpleasant"
"I'm terribly sorry you had to go through that because of me," I said, folding my hands behind my back.
Bilbo blinked, then waved a dismissive hand.
"Nonsense. Lobelia requires no encouragement to be unpleasant."
A small, relieved smile tugged at his lips.
'hes so kind. now i feel bad. going through that because of me? i really need to do more for him'
He then brought his palms together in an enthusiastic clap
"Right then."
with that settled, Bilbo proceeded to the kitchen making breakfast.
Then after that, we stepped out into the late morning light. the sun warm and cheerful overhead.
Rowan perched silently on a fence post, head tilted as he watched the Shire wake up.
Smoke curled lazily from chimneys across Hobbiton, and somewhere in the distance, laughter carried faintly on the breeze.
Bilbo adjusted his waistcoat, squinting toward the path.
"right then. what better time to go to the market" he said cheerfully.
I looked around nervously. A few hobbits were already making their way down the lane with baskets and folded cloth sacks. Conversations softened when they noticed us.
Or rather — when they noticed me.
and there I felt it
it was neither terror nor fear and definitely not comfort.
Whispers drifted like leaves.
"—Its her—" one Hobbit whispered to another "—the one with the bird magic, they say—" their face bewildered.
Then another added
"—I heard her magic can grow plants in an instant—"
Bilbo stiffened slightly beside me, though he pretended not to notice.
I exhaled slowly.
'Oh boy... for a peaceful place they sure love to gossip'
A sudden squeak rang in the air.
A small hobbit child had dropped her basket near the lane. Apples rolled wildly down the gentle slope, scattering toward a shallow ditch.
Her mother gasped, hurrying forward — but she was too slow.
I lifted my hand instinctively.
Telekinesis used -1 MP
MP: 129/130
The apples froze mid-roll, as if reconsidering their decision. One by one, they float softly back toward the basket, guided by an invisible nudge. Not too high — not too dramatic — just… persuaded.
Then— silence.
Her jaw dropped.
The little girl blinked at the basket then at me.
Her mother froze, her hands placed around the child's shoulder. unsure whether to be grateful or alarmed.
The corners of my mouth tilted into a precise, upward curve. while gently lowering my hand.
(Side Quest Triggered: Win the Trust of Hobbiton)
Reputation: +5
Public Suspicion: Decreased
Convince Bilbo Progress: 68%
Time Remaining: 29 Days
Exp gained:(50/100)
The hobbits resumed their business — steady this time. Watching. Evaluating.
An elderly hobbit struggled with a stuck cart wheel near the roadside.
The wood had wedged awkwardly into a rut.
Bilbo noticed. Glancing up at me then back at the elderly hobbit.
I didn't move immediately.
This time, I stepped forward normally. Calm and steady
"May I?" I asked.
The hobbit hesitated… then nodded.
I raised my hand pointed to the cart then — Golden light flickered between my fingers and with a graceful wave the cart float slightly just enough to free it from the rut.
Telekinesis used -4MP
The wheel rolled free.
The old hobbit blinked.
"Well now," he muttered. "That'll save my back." he said. Then he smiled slightly.
Those who witnessed it nodded approvingly.
The air shifted. this time — more peaceful more tranquil.
The whispers weren't sharp anymore.
They were curious.
Bilbo folded his hands behind his back, looking faintly impressed.
"You do realize," he said quietly as we resumed walking, "that the Shire may begin expecting some changes."
My eyes wandered for a second.
Then I glanced sideways at him.
"is it... a bad thing?" my brow arched slightly.
He considered that.
"…No," he admitted. "Not if it's offered kindly."
The wind brushed across the hills. as i stare into the horizon.
Rowan launched from the fence post and circled overhead once, his shadow gliding across the path like a silent guardian.
And for the first time since arriving…
The Shire did not feel entirely closed to me.
As we continue down the path I would pause briefly helping a few Hobbits along the way.
A basket tipped in the grass, apples rolling down the slope.
Before the old hobbit could bend, I lifted a hand gently. The fruit slowed, hovering only an inch above the ground before settling neatly back into place.
The old hobbit smiled then nod in appreciation.
Rowan hovered in the sky observing. watching.
"Thank you, miss," the hobbit muttered, studying my fingers as though expecting sparks.
I smiled politely.
Hobbit reputation: +15—The shire
Status: 20 (Guest)
exp gained:50
A quiet chime echoed in the back of my mind.
Level up.
Level 4 reached.
HP:+20
MP:+20
Warmth spread through my body as my reserves expanded.
HP: 150/150
MP: 150/150
'I guess kindness has weight here'.
We continued towards the market. from there Bilbo approached a hobbit selling Tea, already mid-conversation before he'd fully stopped walking.
The noise of a crowded square pressed around me — wooden carts creaked, coins clinking, vendors calling out the freshness of their herbs, loaves, and bright vegetables laid in neat rows.
Laughter burst somewhere to my right.
A child darted between legs.
And here and there, passing hobbits stole glances at me.
Not openly nor rudely.
merely… curious.
From uphill a hobbit guides down a wooden cart heavy with fruits and vegetables,
whistling nonchalantly as he descended.
The wheel struck a stone.
Suddenly—
He tripped
His hands slipped from the handles.The cart lurched forward.
Then it rolled.
Faster.
Uncontrolled.
Down the slope two hobbit children playing tag laughing breathlessly as they dartet towards the path — directly into its course.
"WATCH OUT!" The hobbit shouted.
But the cart was already at close range.
Too fast.
No time.
My heart skipped — then slammed against my ribs. I stepped forward instinctively,
raising my hand pointed towards it.
I used telekinesis.
The cart shuddered. Wood creaked sharply, wheels trembling. It halted mid-roll. An inch from the children.
Silence fell like a curtain.
Then—
I felt it a sharp pain in my chest.
Like thorns tightened around my ribs.
[Warning: Telekinesis exceeds lift capacity]
HP - 15
MP - 15
The cart trembled violently.
My vision flickered. My knees faltered— but I did not fall.
Not yet.
"MALLORY!" Bilbo's voice cut through the haze.
A strained sound escaped my throat.
I took a steady breathe
'That was close'
I waved my hand. Gently guiding it in an open Patch of cobblestone.
Telekinesis used -42 MP
MP: 108/150
Minor Strain Detected
HP -15
The town square was hushed momentarily
Then—
The silence broke into overlapping voices
"—She saved them—".
"—That was remarkable—".
"—A total stranger saved the children—"
Relief rippled through the crowd before it turned into warm applause.
"MALLORY!" Bilbo shouted, his voice cut through the noise.
"are you quite alright" his brow furrowed deeply.
"me?" I offered a playful smile "why wouldn't I be"
A hobbit woman rushed towards the children, dropping to her knees and pulling them into her arms, pressing frantic kisses to their hair.
Moments later, the three of them approached me.
"Thank you for saving my children, miss," she said. voice trembling
The hobbit who had tripped stepped forward next, face pale with guilt. "Thank you… truly. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been here."
I shook my head "I simply did what was right"
The hobbit's face lit with joy clearly pleased with my answer. his lips curved into a grateful smile.
The sensation still lingered in my chest.
It was unpleasant.
But worth it.
'never the less I'm glad i could use my powers to help people in need'
A sharp chime rang softly in the back of my mind.
Reputation: +50
Public Suspicion: None
Convince Bilbo Progress: 79%
Time Remaining: 29 Days
Exp gained: (80/100)
Total Hobbit reputation: 70(Friend)
Because of the cart incident, Bilbo received generous discounts at nearly every stall we visited afterward.
Gratitude spreads quickly in a small place like the Shire.
Once we finished our purchases, we returned home.
Leter near the hearth I sank into the couch as I exhaled slowly.
"That was tiring" I admitted.
Bilbo stood at the kitchen, knife in hand cutting a fish with practiced, efficient stroke's
"At least now you have the trust of every hobbit" He replied "well... most of them."
I gave a knowing nod.
'Right. the Sackville Baggins'
Before I could respond.
A knock echoed against the green round door.
Bilbo blinked at the knock.
"I'll get it," he muttered, wiping his hands on a cloth.
The round green door opened with a soft creak.
Standing outside were the hobbit woman and her two children, each clutching something small in their hands.
The woman bowed her head slightly.
"I hope we aren't intruding," she said warmly. "We wished to thank Miss Mallory properly."
The children stepped forward shyly.
One held a small woven bracelet made of meadow flowers.
The other extended a neatly wrapped bundle.
"For you," the little one said, cheeks pink.
I reached out and took the flower from the childs hand.
"it's not much" she said softly. "but we... wanted to thank you"
The woman looked at her children and turned away as they left.
———
For the rest of the evening Bilbo and I simply sat on the couch near the fireplace.
Smokes curled in the air as Bilbo draws his pipe-weed.
Then his eyes swept on me noticing the book I held in my hand. "Do you... enjoy reading?"
I looked up from the book. "Well... kind of" i admitted, lifting my shoulders in a half-shrug.
Bilbo nodded. "Then perhaps... you've a few stories of your own.?" he shifted in his seat as he placed down his pipe-weed.
"I could tell you one. if you want me to"
I gave him a simple smile.
His eyes gleamed expectantly.
He nodded.
"Alright then... let me think" My mind flew for a second as I mulled over on which stories to tell.
"Have you heard of a princess cursed to sleep by an evil fairy?" I asked, a playful smile tugging at my lips.
Bilbo shook his head "I think... not"
"There is a tale from my homeland," I began softly, "about a princess cursed at birth to sleep until true love woke her."
Bilbo leaned close. "Who would do such a cruel thing?"
I chuckled softly. "Her name is Maleficent"
"That name sounds... Quite eerie" he looked down briefly then back at me "And what does she look like?"
"She has horns, tall, wears a black robe, and... slightly pale,With a staff."
Bilbo paused, a slight arch visible in his brow "Isn't that just... you?"
A quiet chuckle escaped my throat.
"Yes... And no."
I proceeded in telling him the story.
He was all ears, leaning close, catching every detail — every word.
"Then there's the three good fairies"
Bilbo nodded.
"And in the end... She turned into a dragon."
Bilbo's eyes widened in awe.
"A dragon?" he breathed.
"Yes" I confirmed. "Then the prince threw the magic imbued sword through her heart"
Bilbo pondered briefly, taking in the wonders of the story piece by piece. Then his lips curved slightly.
"Well… I think you're quite a bit kinder than this Maleficent."Bilbo gave me a small, certain smile.
The fire crackled softly between us, shadows dancing along the curved walls of the hobbit-hole.
For a moment, everything felt calmer… still.
Then—
(Main quest: an unexpected journey)
Convince Bilbo Progress: 85%