noldolante

SETTING: The Shire: Hobbiton, Bag End, The Ivy Bush
TIMELINE: TA 3001 SR 1401 (The main action takes place at the end of September, Bilbo's and Frodo's birthday is September 22nd).

SYNOPSIS
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of the Shire, celebrates his 111th birthday with a grand party in Hobbiton. Gandalf the wizard attends and brings fireworks. Bilbo and Gandalf talk, and Biblo makes clear that he plans to leave the Shire. At the end of his speech at his party, Bilbo puts on a magic ring and disappears, never again to be seen by the Hobbits of Hobbiton. Upon returning invisible to his house, Bilbo meets Gandalf who counsels Bilbo to leave the ring to Frodo, like he is the rest of his things. Bilbo becomes belligerent and shows an unnatural attachment to the ring. Gandalf convinces him to leave it behind, and Bilbo feels better almost instantly when he does. Bilbo sets off, leaving the Shire forever.

Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's heir, comes back to Bag End after Bilbo has already left. Gandalf leaves the ring in Frodo's keeping and counsels him not to wear it, and to "keep it secret, and keep it safe." Frodo says goodbye to the party guests, with the help of his friend (and cousin) Merry Brandybuck. Gandalf returns and counsels him again not to use the ring, clearly disturbed by something. He tells Frodo he must go, and that it may be some time before he sees him again.