"Who is it?" Bilbo Baggins's lazy voice drifted over. He slowly pulled open the green round door and peered outside, still looking bleary-eyed.
"At your service, Master Baggins!" Roland and Thorin removed their helmets, bowed, and smiled, their eyes bright with friendliness and excitement.
"Uh..." Bilbo Baggins froze where he stood. He quickly rubbed his eyes, then said in disbelief, "Ro...land! Thorin?"
"And me!" Bard walked over.
"Greetings, honored Mr. Baggins!" Thranduil placed a hand over his chest in salute.
"We've come to keep our appointment, Bilbo! Aren't you going to invite us in?" Roland curled the corner of his mouth.
"Oh, oh! Right, come in! Welcome to Bag End!" Bilbo rubbed his face and said excitedly, stepping aside as he did.
"At your service! I hope afternoon tea hasn't started yet!" Dwalin blinked at Bilbo Baggins.
"Of course, my friend. You've come at just the right time. Afternoon tea doesn't start until four!" Bilbo Baggins's face was filled with a warm smile.
"That's perfect. We can mooch a lunch." Roland casually picked up a nut and bit into it.
"If you've come, then of course I'll host you!" Bilbo Baggins said sincerely.
"That honey-roasted fish last time was good!" Dwalin said reminiscently. Thinking of all the rough food he had eaten over the years in the dwarf kingdom, he suddenly missed Mr. Bilbo Baggins's exquisite meals very much.
"And this is..." Bilbo Baggins looked at the people who had followed in behind them, then turned to Roland.
"Marquis Al-Teglang-Franz! One of mine! That's Legolas, king Thranduil's fine son. You should have met him during the Battle of the Six Armies. This is the White Wing King, king of the Aquavia Kingdom! And the Dúnedain lord—Aragorn!" Roland introduced them.
"Welcome, everyone, to Bag End as my guests... Uh... Wait here,