The home of Bilbo Baggins.
"please, come in" Bilbo said holding the door for me.
As i stepped in, i felt a strange sense of safety washed over me, yet i couldn't ignore the discomfort of my horns poking the ceiling.
moving was difficult— my dark robes snagged on the doorframe.
'Damn these horns' i muttered under my breath.
"I'm terribly sorry" he said tone soft and almost embarrassed "a hobbit-hole isn't really built for someone of your... stature".
"Its quite alright" a soft smile etched on my face — polite, controlled.
I lowered my head slightly as i crouched inside the house, then i took a seat on a nearby stool.
Bilbo rummaged through his pantry in the kitchen.
"Athelas or bilberry tea?" he called out from the kitchen.
I thought for a second.
"Either is fine" i said.
my eyes wandered admiring the cozy furniture until they finally landed on a wilting flower nearby.
I instinctively raised my hand casting my healing magic.
Then a flash of golden light danced along my fingers, and in mere seconds the flower regained it's former beauty.
Suddenly the translucent screen popped into view. My head jerked back—flinched
(Congratulations host, for using the two powers in your arsenal).
Reward: Minor telekinesis (usable on small objects).
It caught Bilbo's attention as he watched the wilted flower bloom brightly.
"You can use magic!?" he said, eyes wide in awe
Bilbo's eyes shone so brightly that he failed to notice the edge of the rug.
He stumbled.
My heart leaped into my throat
I instinctively moved my hand and used minor telekinesis. the air tightened— and everything stopped.
Teacups hovered inches from the floor.
Bilbo blinked, suspended awkwardly in mid-fall.
"Are you alright!?" I asked.
I moved my hand gracefully as I helped Bilbo regained his balance then set the tray and teacups on a table.
'i wasn't expecting to use magic so easily... honestly this is kind of amazing'
Bilbo slowly looked down at his feet… then at the untouched tea… then at me.
"…I was falling," he said carefully.
A pause.
"…and then I wasn't."
He straightened his vest, clearing his throat.
"That was quite remarkable."
Moments later we sat down enjoying tea.
"So, what exactly is a dark fae?" he asked
"It is a magical creature born of magic" i replied picking up a piece of bread.
"And, where did you come from?" he asked again.
I paused briefly setting down the cup of tea before answering.
"... Somewhere far. very far, to be exact"
My eyes drifted toward the window, settling on a distant horizon
Bilbo cleared his throat, politely breaking heavy silence.
"I don't mean to pry... but what brings you here" he asked.
I lowered my gaze to the tea in my hands.
"I'm… not entirely sure," I admitted softly. "One moment I was somewhere else… and the next, I was here."
My fingers gripped tightened on the cup's handle.
"And I'm afraid... I can't go, back" a soft but disappointed breath left my lips.
"If you have nowhere to go, then you are welcome to stay here," he said, his mouth curving into a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Bilbo"
The next morning, I tended to his crops, channeling my magic into the soil.
In mere moments, the vegetables sprouted and ripened almost instantly.
Bilbo open the door stepping outside still rubbing his eyes—then he stopped mid-step.
"...oh my." his jaw dropped eyes widen in awe as he took in the view of his garden now full of grown vegetables.
he rubbed his eyes, with the back of his hand
"I don't recall planting them to grow overnight…"
He crouched, gently touching a ripe tomato as if it might vanish.
Then his gaze slowly lifted toward me.
"…You wouldn't happen to know anything about this, would you?"
Not accusing.
Just curious. And a little amazed.
"I wanted to repay you for your kindness" I gave a gentle smile.
Bilbo blinked up at me, clearly caught off guard.
"That's... very nice of you" he smiles "but you didn't have to go through all that trouble.
"However, i doappreciate what you've done" his tone was soft, humble— as expected of a Hobbit.
'man I regret not watching Lord of the rings before i got isekaid, the information would have been really helpful'
I clenched my fist as I smile on the outside. Internally? Absolute regret.
Suddenly a crow flew above us as it moves in a strange swaggering pattern before dropping to the ground with a loud thud.
I immediately ran towards it and picked it up.
Bilbo followed close behind me.
The bird was injured. its wing was broken. and it's body was bleeding
I used my healing magic, golden light wrapped around my hand as I placed my palm onto the crow
After healing it, the crow didn't immediately fly away.
The golden light faded, and the bird stirred beneath my hand. Its dark eyes blinked open — sharp, intelligent.
For a moment, it simply stared at me.
Then it let out a low caw before taking to the sky.
It circled once above us.
Then disappeared.
Bilbo watched in stunned silence.
"well... that was ominous"
after that was out of the way I helped Bilbo collect all the vegetables for our breakfast, lunch and dinner
—————
i quietly outside of Bilbo's house enjoying of calm atmosphere and the rolling lands
beyond.
Bilbo, on the other hand, cooked some food for us to enjoy later. I tried to help him, but with my height—and these horns—moving inside freely was proven difficult.
'Im already tall as it is, but with these horns on my head add an extra layer of difficulty'
a moment later Bilbo stepped out carrying two bowls of steaming soup.
He set them down gently and hands one to me
"Here you go. I hope it's up to your standards"
"thanks" i smiled bringing the bowl to my lips
I took a sip
my eyes light up at the taste
"Wow... Its delicious, Bilbo!"
Bilbo stood there clearly pleased, his lips curling into a proud smile before he sat beside me so we could enjoy the soup together
all of the sudden a figure approach from down the path— an old man dressed in grey carrying a staff and wearing a pointed hat. his long beard flowed down his chest, and there was a certain presence about him—calm, yet commanding.
'No way it's Gandalf the grey,'. my heart skipped a beat.
'wait if he's here, then the story is about to start'
"Greetings, Bilbo Baggins," Gandalf said, his voice steady and familiar.
"oh... good morning" Bilbo greeted politely
Galndalf's lips turned to a playful smirk
"Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?"
I choked on my soup as he said those words
'this man is quite a comedian'
suddenly Galndalf's gaze swept over me, after hearing me cough.
"Ah... it seems you have a rather unusual guest," he said, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as he studies me.
then his gaze lingered on my horns.
"H-hello" i said nervously.
A long pause stretched between us.
"Forgive me young lady. but may I know who you are?" he inquired, his tone patient and calm.
"Oh... uhm, my name is Mallory" i replied shifting slightly on my seat.
"huh... your appearance gives an impression of evil, yet i sense none from you" he said stroking his beard gently "still... your... magic"
He paused, studying me carefully, his gaze holding mine. "I feel the light in it… but what concerns me is the green, malevolent aura lingering beneath."
'oh my god, what is he? some kind of mind-reader?.'
'well that was awkward. so much for a first impression'
Bilbo cleared his throat politely breaking the awkward tension.
"excuse me but... do i... know you?" he asked then he frowned.
Then, glancing between us, he added carefully. "And… if you don't mind… I would prefer it if my friend were not judged too quickly."
'aww... that's so sweet of you Bilbo and it looks like I'm no longer just a guest.'
A playful smile tugged ot the old man's lips
"Well, I'm Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey... and i am here to invite you on an adventure Bilbo Baggins."
Bilbo's eyes widen "W-what? Adventure?" he stammered pausing briefly.
Gandalf nod his head once.
"Adventure…?" he repeated, his voice small but trying to sound brave. "I… I'm not sure I'm really cut out for… that sort of thing."
Before i could open my mouth a translucent screen flickered into view.
(Main quest; an unexpected journey)
Convince Bilbo to accept the adventure
rewards: 1 skill, Maleficent's staff.
'easier said than done.'
I shifted slightly on my stool, uncomfortably.
'Definitely going to regret not binge-watching the movies.'
Bilbo shifted nervously, glancing between Gandalf and me. His ears twitched slightly, and he fidgeted with the edge of his waistcoat.