On the weekend before we begin the ‘The Hobbit’ roleplay I had a most ‘unexpected visit’ this morning by father and son characters, exploring the LOTR sim possibly for the first time. Walking past the hobbit homes, they did not wish to disturb our quiet neighborhood, so I must have surprised them jumping out my green door. Although, like myself, they were only pixel representatives of the republic of SL, it made me oddly aware, of my own roots where roleplay began…
…With a boy, a book, and a Bag End…
Sem, a lad of 11 or so (sembrewster): Then we have to be carefull and let them be
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit (beedle beedit): Nonsense my good lad, please visit. You and your father are more than welcome to explore inside Bag End, and hopefully share some cherished memories.
Ray, the father of Sem (RayWatermann): Yeah! oh hi bilbo!
Sem: Hi Mr Bilbo!
Ray: Do you mind if we look around?
Sem: Rivendell was a bit too far!
Bilbo: Aye, it is a hike, and too much adventure for me.. You and father are welcome, we can always use more hobbits, especially the young ones.
Ray: Yeah same for us! Wow this looks magnificent.
Bilbo: Yes, the Shire’s builders, dwarf Gloin and Thorin Oakenshiled have done a wonderful job, many lands I hear, both light and some very dark lay before the adventurous traveler.
Sem: Map's n things. There and....uhm
Ray: Lots of books! looks like he is writing a novel.
Bilbo: Dear friends, you have found my study where I am always working on my memoirs.
Ray: Looks like.. ‘There And Back Again.. a hobbits tale’, by bilbo baggins
Sem: Yes, Mr Bilbo!
Bilbo: ((Our RP for the Hobbit book begins next weekend))
Sem: Ah yes, dad. I see it now!
Ray: ((oh fantastic ))
Bilbo: Finally, someone just about my size to read it!
Ray: haha. thats you son. This is a dream!
Sem: Ha ha! Yes!:
Bilbo: Well much of the credit for Bag End goes to my mother, Belladonna, I’m afraid I am a bit messy. So much to study, so much to learn!
Ray: I love it! Organized messy isn’t bad.
Sem: Ah that explains it
Bilbo: Aye yes a mess, but everything in its place. Let me show you something special if I may.
Ray: sure!:
Bilbo: You can always sit by the fire, but do you see that box on the mantelshelf?
Sem: nods. Yes, mr Bilbo.
Ray: yep! I’m not sure we can open it mr. baggins
Sem: Except for the tobacco box, nut when I saw what was in it, I closed it again
Bilbo: Magic works that way sometimes. It is beyond me yet, so perhaps I shall consult the wizard Gandalf. But here is something it gave me, so let me share...
Sem: nods. Oh! I think it is a song! A bath song.
Ray: perfect!:
Bilbo: Perhaps the boy would like some hot chocolate?
Sem: Thank you Mr Bilbo, I'd like that!
Ray: Ohh what a treat for you!
Bilbo: Sit by the fire in the armchair lad!
Ray: Hmhm nothing like a hot chocolate and staring at the fire, its soothes the soul.
Bilbo: Bilbo looks at the lad and chuckles. “Nice to be able to see someone else sitting across from me that I can see eye to eye with.”
Sem: He he. Not much grown ups are the same length as me.
Ray: Do many visit Mr. baggins?
Bilbo: Yes quite a few stop by from time to time, and all are welcome, even if I am not here to receive them.
Ray: Oh wow then we are lucky to have you with us today!
Sem: smiles and nods
Bilbo: It is indeed a stroke of good fortune. Have you ever read of my tales?
Ray: Some of them. Not all.
Bilbo: Well I must warn you, there be dragons!
Sem: Dragons? Like with fire and all?
Ray: Ooo.. Sem would that be something that you would like me to read to you?
Sem: Yeah!:
Bilbo: Oh yes, great fire and great destruction, all for the love of gold!
Ray: *shivers down my spine* That sounds like a wild adventure!
Bilbo: Yes too much adventure for me at the moment. It is a tale of adventure, bravery, and cunning. But most of all a tale of the homeless, reclaiming their home.
Ray: I can imagine. And youre writing your memoirs too.
Bilbo: smiles. Take heart, there is always a good ending awaiting the valiant… but along the way there be dwarfs, and wizards, and all manner of magic, as well as a ring....but that is a tale for another time. Bilbo sits back with his pipe of ‘Old Toby’ and enjoys watching a father and son, at the fire, with a good book at their side and a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Ray: i should read the rest of your tales
Sem: Woah this is really good chocolate!
Bilbo: Yes it is a special recipe of my mothers. Her portrait hangs over the fireplace, nearby that of Bungo Baggins, my father, may they both rest in peace.
Ray: hmhm. looks up. Ah yes.
Sem: She knew how to make the best hot chocolate! I can say that now I think
Bilbo: Well, yes, please take that book with you young lad. We rarely see menfolk in Hobbiton this far West of Bree.
Sem: Thank you Mr Bilbo!! That is so kind of you!
Bilbo: Now if you both will excuse me, I must help my nephew make some deliveries of Honey. Please stay as long as you like!
Sem: Of course:
Ray: Thank you! You are too kind
Bilbo: And explore! The pantry is open for your enjoyment, and before I leave I shall put some good things out on the table for you to sample!
Sem: Bye Mr Bilbo!
Ray: Goodbye and thank you again Mr. Baggins
...That's how it started...with a boy, a book, and a Baggins …
Enjoyed greatly!
This is so great!! Thank you for sharing!
Delightful!