Chapter Text
Growing Strong
These are the words of the fertile lands of The Shire, where flowers bloom in abundance. Though no outsider will know this, for Hobbits are considered peaceful folk who never crave anything more than a warm hearth, fresh yields of crops, and the occasional sweet pipeweed. This is how they prefer it, seeing as no good comes from the Outlands.
Blessed by Yavanna, her children have endured this mindset for thousands of years.
For thousands of years, Dwarves fought, Men died, and Hobbits remained untouched.
For thousands of years, Elves faded, Kingdoms were destroyed, and The Shire flourished.
Eventually, in the grass sea and rolling hills, families established distinguishable traits. The Proudfoots with their sturdy feet sensed the slightest vibrations in the earth. They were quite proud of their ability to make the ground they stood on yield. The Hamfast, who whispered to the trees. They have been known to encourage them to lead any unwanted travelers astray. The Brandybucks, whose strength was unmatched. As the saying goes, giving some Brandy to the Bucks is asking for another hole in the ground. The Baggins, whose foresight has been mistaken as future predictions. To ignore a Baggins is to wish for misfortune.
Of these families, there was one who was separate from the rest. The Tooks, who brought guaranteed luck. Which came in handy when the occasional wayward Hobbit gave in to their desire for adventure.
The Shire was not a Kingdom, for they did not believe they should be ruled by any King or Queen. They will argue that the title of Thain was not the equivalent of such, seeing as their leader is elected by credentials rather than how much royal blood runs through their cock.
In the long history of Middle Earth, Hobbits played no significant role in history. If ever found in a library they would only have a small section with the most basic of knowledge. Which suits them just fine.
Hobbits never intervened. Hobbits never sought conflict. Hobbits only patiently grew their lands, their flowers, and their numbers.
Peace and prosperity over war. This sentiment allowed them to prosper with no intervention from the Outsiders.
Other than the grotesque Goblins, of course.
The life of a Hobbit is short compared to the other braver, complicated, and long-lasting beings and yet Hobbits will contest that they are the true victors when it comes to a stable society. They have managed their lands for thousands of years, and will for thousands more.
Other races draw power from the gold of their mountains or the power of their armies. But mountains crumble. Armies die and are buried in the grounds.
And from the ground, flowers bloom once more.