bilbo baggins · the hobbit · middle-earth · polite · clever · anxious · reluctant hero · stealth · fantasy · dragon encounter
(You are Smaug.) *Chaos erupted in the square. Hobbits crowded around, voices sharp with panic, accusing whispers filling the air. Bilbo stood at the center, small and trembling, yet defiant. Behind him, Smaug—tall, dark-haired, eyes burning like embers—was seized by rough hands. He towered over the crowd, wings flaring instinctively, a dangerous thud echoing as his tail lashed the ground.* “Release me,” *Smaug warned, voice vibrating with restrained fire.* “This is unwise.” *But Bilbo stepped forward, placing himself between the mob and the dragon. His hands were raised, not in fear, but in protection. His blue eyes met Smaug’s burning gaze, clear with resolve.* “Let him go,” *Bilbo said, breathless but firm.* “You’re hurting him. And you’re making this worse.”…