//------------------------------// // Alicorns and Baggins // Story: The Greatest Treasure // by Evowizard25 //------------------------------// No matter the age, there are times where even the oldest and wisest beings can act childishly. I happen to love indulging in such acts. It made me feel young, free, and I loved seeing the smiles of my subjects. I missed them all so, but I knew I’d see them soon. Right now I had a bigger problem on my hooves. A problem that came in the form of a reluctant dragon. “It would only be for a few hours,” I commented. The dragon said nothing. He just kept to himself, buried up to his head in his gold. I sighed. “You are being unreasonable.” “How am I supposed to act when you ask such a ludicrous thing of me?” Smaug snorted, giving me an agitated stare. “Transform into that of man? Death would be preferable. I will not degrade myself to that level. A raven is one thing. A man?” He scoffed. An agitated dragon wasn’t an agreeable dragon. Perhaps I had made a mistake in asking him out of the blue like that. It was in a way, but there was no avoiding this. He would have gone off and sulked any which way I put it. It was better to get it over with. That’s what I thought at least. Now I wasn’t so sure. “You are acting like a child, Smaug.” I narrowed my eyes as he lifted his head. Gold cascaded off his form like water. Hmm, it has been ages since I’ve washed myself under a waterfall. So refreshing. So peaceful. ‘Focus on the dragon.’ Right. Smaug would love to join me~ His rough scales could definitely scratch an itch. ‘Not like that!’ I’m such a tease. Even to myself at times. Staves off boredom when I’m alone...and without my sister. I best not drown myself in my sorrows and failures now. I had a dragon to tame. An honestly attractive dragon, if you were in to scalies. Eh, maybe I was a bit. Helps that I’ve spent so much time with him and the dragons of my own world. “A child?” Smaug leered down at me. He seemed to love to remind me who was bigger, with how he liked to keep his head up on high and shoulders locked. “You dare call me a child? Nothing better than a hatchling? Do you remember who you’re talking to, my precious jewel?” His wings exploded out from the gold, stretching out wide. “I am the greatest and chiefest of calamities. With one beat of my wing, I could sink that town of man. I have fought tooth and claw to be where I am now. I am ages old.” “Yet you were sulking like a child.” I didn’t flinch when Smaug lunged his head like a snake, snapping his jaws mere inches from my muzzle. I had plenty of experience with dragons and other beasts. Flinching was a sign of weakness and they would take advantage of it. “Don’t forget where you are, my precious jewel.” He mocked. “You are mine! Every moment you breath is a moment is a testament to my patience. I allow you to live for you are my property.” “And I cannot ever truly express how thankful I am for your kindness,” I noticed his snout was still close to me, so I gently nuzzled against it to show my appreciation. Even if I hated being referred to as an object, it was best to humor the silly drake. He, however, didn’t much care for the show of affection. Smaug had whipped his head back as he stared at me in slight shock. It didn’t last long, for he just narrowed his eyes. It’s possible he’s growing used to my affection. Of course, given how his head spikes were flexing about, it’s also possible it wasn’t something he was used to yet. It was a cute sight in my opinion, especially with how his face flushed. He narrowed his eyes. “Do not toy with me, Celestia. I know you wish for me to go to this festival with you in that form. How you want me to ‘bond’ with the human family and that insufferable little girl. I allowed her that one time to hold me, because I want my jewel to be happy. I won’t do so again.” “We shall see, oh honorable Smaug.” I bowed my head. It would be best if I didn’t push him any farther. I knew he wouldn’t kill me, but he could always thrash me about if I pushed him too far. “I will go to this festival as myself,” Smaug proclaimed. “I will show them my true might. They will remember a time when we dragons used to rule Middle Earth with but fire and claws.” “Ah,” I held up a hoof. “But how will you join the festival if your grandiose form would surely crush the town? Surely they cannot be in awe of your splendor if they are all dead.” “True,” Smaug furrowed his brow. “A smaller form is in order.” His wing hands softly ran through the gold as he pondered. “I will not go as a raven.” “For cute reasons, I assume?” I smiled up at him when he scowled. “No,” Smaug growled and I kept my mouth shut. I was still on thin ice right as of this moment. “I simply don’t want my feathers to be water logged. I’d rather not fall into the lake if I can help it.” The way he twitched when he said ‘lake’ made me frown in concern. Something obviously troubled him about it. “I could go as an equine.” I gave him my best ‘are you kidding me?’ stare. It’s an easy stare to master, especially since I had to deal with the incompetent nobles of the court for over a thousand years. Not fun. “Smaug, you can’t-” Smaug’s body started to glow so brightly that most creatures would have turned away. Thankfully, I am a sun goddess so I can see through any light. It gave me a chance to witness his form shifting. Dragon magic is one of the more fascinating magic types that can be found in any land. It comes in many forms, from wild draconic magic that dwells in each dragon to dragon slayer magic. Not many ponies or other beings have been able to harness either. It didn’t take more than a few seconds for Smaug’s magic to dissipate. I could tell from the shape it was an equine, but….. An alicorn? A male alicorn? It has been ages since I’ve seen a male of my kind. Most gods were of different body types, but this? He was easily a head taller than myself. His scent was...intoxicating. It was hard to concentrate on anything really. Even thinking was difficult. His horn was so long and sharp~ It looked smooth as smooth as his scales. With its powerful, jagged complexion, it easily looked like one of his head spikes. Oh, how I want to rub that horn…. ‘Celestia, no.’ His fur was the same color as his scales and had such a clean sheen to them. His mane, which was wild and free, was a slight darker tone. The muscles underneath that fur...Oh those muscles~ ‘Celestia, you are an adult. Start acting like it and stop drooling like a pre-teen goddess barely past her thousandth year.’ I couldn’t help it. It has been over ten thousand years since I’ve seen a male alicorn. His chiseled features, like that of a dragon and pony combined in the best ways. I must touch them. ‘No touchie!’ His wing was different. It still held a draconic shape, but it was as furry as a bats. It did remind me of the Vamphirines that Luna liked to keep as her guards. It just...fit him so well. I wanted those big, strong wings to hold me. ‘Celestia, have some dignity!’ His tail was long and furry. near the end, it had a large section of poofy fur that looked oh so gorgeous. His face...His face was molded out of the sexiest mold that had ever graced the land of sexy. His eyes were striking. They were still slitted like his old ones, but fuller and so like mine in some ways. I never noticed how beautiful his eyes were before. ‘I have regressed to that of a preteen. Whelp, I can’t get any worse.’ “I made a couple of improvements,” Smaug grinned, obviously proud of his sexy guise. “I shant go about with feathers if I can help it. So, this form is acceptable….Celestia, why are you drooling and why are you nearly as red as my own hide?” “Mine~” Smaug oh so cutely blinked in confusion. “What?” Oh, I’ll show you ‘what’~ _______________________________________________________________________ There are few lands in Middle Earth that are as peaceful as the lands of the hobbits. Oh yes, they were a closed off race. They didn’t care much for outsiders. If they had it their way, they’d build a wall to keep everyone else out. Of course, that would be too much time and effort that could be spent eating and enjoying the peace and quiet. Yes, hobbits were a lazy race in my opinion. Which is why I loved them so. It was so fun to shake up this peace. To show them what life outside their lands was like. They thought me troublesome for it. I didn’t care. As long as I see the smiles of the children and know of one or two brave hobbits that were inspired by my stories to leave the Shire, I will be content. Though I did like to spend the occasional visit relaxing. It was a peaceful place. So warm and welcoming. “A hobbit?” Saruman’s voice reminded me that I wasn’t here to relax. “You wish to use a hobbit to steal from Smaug? Has Radagast been sharing his mushrooms with you? I told you what they do to the mind, but that blasted wizard keeps using them.” I shook my head. Radagast and Saruman had never seen eye to eye. Shame really. They were both close friends of mine. It would be nice to just smoke a little with the both of them together. “Perish the thought. Mushrooms make for terrible smokes.” “Then what forced this idiotic idea into your mind?” Saruman asked. The two of us were riding our horse through the Shire at a leisurely pace. “Do you believe for a moment that you, thirteen dwarves, and a hobbit could steal from Smaug and whatever lies within the mountain?” “No,” I answered truthfully, before smiling. “Which is why you’re coming with us.” “Of course I am,” Saruman nodded. “Someone has to has to be the voice of reason, for there is very little of it in that thick head of yours.” The two of us chuckled at the little jest. It was honestly a breath of fresh air having him along. I can’t remember the last time we went on an adventure. Well, maybe the last time Sauron was wandering the land of the living. Those certainly were extraordinary times. “Gandalf,” Saruman frowned. “We must be serious. I know nothing of what dwells within Erebor. It is strong enough to slay Durin’s Bane. It may be our match.” “It could very well be that it just dealt the final lucky blow,” I suggested. “Smaug still lies within the mountain city as well, my friend.” “Which is why we must make haste,” Saruman said. “If Smaug has allied himself with such a strong ally, we have very little chance to defeat them as of now. Whatever foolhardy plan you have concocted in that skull of yours better be good. For all our sakes.” I didn’t say anything for a few moments. My plan wasn’t perfect. None of them are, but now wasn’t the time for failure. I didn’t fail during the fight against Sauron ages ago. I would not fail this time. I just wanted to go over my plan again. Well, after I talk with a certain hobbit. I stopped my horse. “We get off here. I don’t think our little hobbit friend will appreciate such giants riding up on him.” “Yes,” Saruman dismounted. “Because he’ll appreciate two, large wizards looming over him just the same without any horses present.” I snorted as I dismounted. “Do not be so pessimistic, my friend.” “Someone has to be,” Saruman countered. He jabbed a finger in my direction. “You are far too optimistic for your own good. It will get you killed one of these days, mark my words Gandalf.” I grinned. “A little optimism never hurt.” The two of us walked on over to a little burrow where a familiar hobbit lounged about smoking. Which reminded me that I hadn’t had my day’s smoke yet. Dreadful business that, but it can’t be helped. Saruman was never much of a smoker. He didn’t see either of us at first. His smoke must have been that good, which again I envied. I am a connoisseur of smokes. I know each and every flavor and puff imaginable. Hobbit smokes were rather relaxing. When the two of us had blocked the sun from his eyes, he looked up. He took out his smoke and looked at us in confusion. “Can I help you?” Bilbo asked. “That remains to be seen,” I commented, giving the hobbit a long gaze. He wasn’t the little spitfire I remember. He was too laid back. Too lazy. That would change soon enough. I hoped so at least. “This is the hobbit you wish to take with us?” Saruman asked of me. “He looks more like a messenger than a thief. I see no bravery or courage. Just idle laziness.” “Do not be fooled,” I said, peering down at the confused hobbit. “He is more than he appears.” “Wait a moment,” Bilbo Baggins stood up. His gaze flicked between us. “What are you two talking about? Thieves? There are no thieves here, I assure you. No sir. I think you have the wrong place.” “I think not,” I quipped. “If this was indeed the wrong place than that would make you the wrong person and in all my years, I have never been wrong.” “I would disagree with you, my friend.” Saruman added. “But I shant now. We don’t have time for idle chit chat. The stakes are high on this venture. All of Middle Earth is in danger and you, Mr. Baggins, are our fool’s hope at stopping it.” Bilbo just stared at Saruman for a moment. “It would appear you have stolen his voice,” I chuckled. “Perhaps you were too blunt.” “He should know what he is getting into,” Saruman quipped. Bilbo cleared his throat. “Yes, that’s...That’s all well and good. Danger has to be stopped, but I’ve got plans for the evening. Can’t miss dinner.” He quickly walked over, put his pipe into his mouth, and took out his mail. He puffed a few times, glancing at his mail. He honestly thought we’d just leave, or at least hoped we would. How naive. “Dinner?” I stroked my beard. “Would you mind a few guests?” “No, I think not.” Bilbo quickly put in. “I prefer to be left alone, thank you very much.” “Splendid,” I grinned. “I’ll bring over my companions. They are famished from their travels.” “Did...Did you not hear what I just said?” Bilbo asked, blinking in both shock and agitation. “I want to be left alone.” “We’ll be here sometime tonight,” I turned to leave. “I would prepare a feast. My companions are likely to eat your out of house and home.” “Now listen here,” Bilbo took a couple steps closer. I stopped in my tracks and turned to face him. “I will not prepare a feast, because I will not have them. Who do you think you are?” “I am Gandalf,” my smile was earnest. He had to have remembered me. “Surely you can place the name to the person.” I saw a spark of recognition in Bilbo’s eyes. “I remember that name. You’re that wandering wizard that made such excellent fireworks.” I chuckled, murmuring more to myself how pleased I was that he remembered me. This might be easier than I thought. “Didn’t know you were still in business.” I frowned. “And where else should I be?” Bilbo fidgeted underneath my glare. He should. There is nothing worse than an agitated wizard. “Gandalf, we do not have time to ponder your ridiculous life choices.” Saruman commented with agitation, earning my own ire in return. “I have no idea why you’ve brought me here to see this hobbit. He is just as lazy as the rest of his kind. He is no use to us.” “Now I would take offense to that,” Bilbo piped up. “We hobbits can be go getters if we want to be. It’s just there’s no reason to leave our holes. Nice places and all…” He awkwardly puffed a few more times. “Look, you want me to go on an….?” “Adventure,” I nodded. “Yes, it would be good for you and humorous for me.” “Now see, that’s the problem. We hobbits don’t want any adventures here,” Bilbo made his way to the door. “Thank you. You might try over the Hill or across the Water. So Goodbye.” “To think I would be shooed away like a common beggar by Belladona Took’s own son,” I shook my head in exasperation. That hobbit was a kindred spirit. There was a fire in her soul, a sense of adventure. I only regret I wasn’t able to share a few more adventures with her. “You’ve changed and not entirely for the better, Bilbo Baggins.” “Which is why this venture is foolhardy,” Saruman scoffed, turning towards the hobbit who had stopped upon my mention of his mother. Lovely woman. “Whatever Gandalf sees in you must be important, Baggins of the Shire. You have a wizard vouching for you. Don’t be a bigger fool than this old madman.” “I have never once gone mad,” I commented. “I have just been slow on the rare occasion.” “Look,” Bilbo said, holding up a hand to stop us from squabbling. We might have gone on for hours. “I am a Baggins. We don’t go on adventures. We don’t go thrill seeking. We are content where we are. Good morning!” He quickly rushed inside and close the door. “Your brave little hobbit certainly scurries around like a rat,” Saruman sneered. “You are being too harsh on him,” I frowned as I moved up to mark the door for my dwarf companions. “He has the will and the heart of his mother. If anything, he could be one of the greatest of Middle Earth if we simply push him in the right direction.” An ‘x’ would do for now. “A push?” Saruman frowned. “You gamble the fate of our world on a ‘push’?” “I have gambled with less,” I reminded him. Saruman sighed, before smiling softly. “You have indeed and for some reason, it’s always paid off. You’re living proof that it is better to be lucky than smart.” I laughed. “I am happy to be that, my friend. Happy indeed. Now we must go and meet our dwarf companions. They need to be informed of this spot.” Saruman shook his head. “You go. I’ll meet you tonight. I care not for the race of dwarves. Too hard headed and stubborn. Always digging deeper and deeper without looking up over their heads. The less I have to spend time with them, the better.” He walked off. I sighed. I knew this adventure was going to be troublesome. The dwarves and I got along well enough. They were a jovial race and I loved them for that. Bilbo would come around and my friend Saruman’s power would come in handy. I just wondered if they would try and kill each other by the end.