Frodo reading a book under a tree, hears Gandalf approach singing. Runs to meet him.

Frodo : "You're late."

Gandalf : "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."

They both try to keep a straight face, and fail. Frodo throws himself into Gandalf's arms for a hug.

Frodo : "It's wonderful to see you again, Gandalf." Gandalf: "You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday."

Frodo : "What's new in the world? Tell me everything."

Gandalf : "Haven't we grown curious? Most unnatural for a hobbit.

What can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on, much as it has this past age, full of its own comings and goings, scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits. For which I am very grateful."

They pass a field where tents and a banner are being set up.

Gandalf : "Ah, the long-expected party. How is the old rascal? I understand this is to be a party of special magnificence."
Frodo : "You know Bilbo. He has the whole place in an uproar."
Gandalf : "Well, that should please him."
Frodo : "Half the Shire's been invited. He's up to something."

Gandalf : "Indeed?"

Frodo : "All right, keep your secrets. Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of. Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."
Gandalf : "If you're referring to that incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. I only gave your uncle a little nudge out the door."
Frodo : "Whatever you did, you have been officially labeled a disturber of the peace."

A group of hobbit children see Gandalf and come running.
"Gandalf, Gandalf! Fireworks, Gandalf!"

Gandalf pretends he won't, but he sets off a butterfly firework for them.

An older Hobbit's smile at the children's delight, turns to a more socially acceptable frown when an annoyed mother becomes witness.

Frodo : "Gandalf, I'm glad you're back."
Frodo jumps off the wagon.

Gandalf : "So am I, dear boy, so am I."

Gandalf stops his wagon in front of Bag End,

passes a sign 'No Admittance Except on Party Business', knocks on the door with his staff. A disgruntled voice comes from within.

Bilbo : "No thank you! We don't want any more well-wishers, visitors, or distant relations!"
G: "How about very old friends?"

Bilbo : "Gandalf?"
Gandalf : "Bilbo Baggins!"
Bilbo : "My dear Gandalf!"
Gandalf : "One hundred and eleven years old! Who would believe it? You haven't aged a day."

Bilbo : "Come in, come in, welcome, would you like some tea? Or perhaps something stronger. I still have some of the Old Winyards left. 1296, a very good year! Almost as old as I am! My Father put it down. What say we open one?"
Bilbo puts Gandalf's hat and staff away.

Gandalf : "Just tea, thank you."
Gandalf knocks the chandelier, steadies it, and hits his head on the beam when he turns around.

Bilbo : "I was expecting you last week, but you come and go as you please…"
Bilbo gathers food while Gandalf looks at the maps spread out on Bilbo's table.

Bilbo : "I can make you some eggs if you like…"
Bilbo comes into the room, but Gandalf isn't there. Gandalf appears from behind him.
Gandalf : "Just tea."

Bilbo : "Yes, right, you don't mind if I do?"
Bilbo has a mouthful of food already.
Gandalf : "Oh, no, not at all."

Someone knocks on the door.

Bilbo : "I'm not at home! I need to get away from these confounded relatives, hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's rest. I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains! And then find someplace quiet where I can finish my book. Oh, right, the tea."

Gandalf : "You mean to go through with your plan, then?"
Bilbo : "Yes, everything's in hand. The arrangements have all been made."G: "Frodo suspects."
Bilbo : "Of course he suspects, he's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle!"
Gandalf : "You will tell him, won't you?"
Bilbo : "Yes, yes."
Gandalf : "He's very fond of you, you know."
Bilbo : "I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked him to, but I think in his heart Frodo is still in love with the Shire. The woods, the fields, little rivers. I'm old, Gandalf. I know I don't look it, but I begin to feel it in my heart. I feel thin, stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.

Bilbo : I need a holiday, a very long holiday, and I don't expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to!"

Bilbo and Gandalf sit outside Bag-End, smoking.

Bilbo : "Old Toby! Finest weed in Southfarthing."
Bilbo blows a smoke-ring, Gandalf blows a ship, which sails through the ring.

Bilbo : "Gandalf, my old friend, this will be a night to remember!"

.....

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