Summary: After the Quest, Bilbo returned home, bringing a newly stranded Percia with him. These are some of the events that happen in the years after the BOFA and before LOR.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Chapter 1: A Small Holiday

Bilbo sighed happily as he sat back in his makeshift chair. Percia had propped up a large umbrella for him so he could enjoy a true 'Beach Experience' as she called it. At first he had been apprehensive about coming near the ocean, having never liked large bodies of water. He was a Hobbit and they tended not to swim well, or at all. The whole episode of escaping the Elven prison in Mirkwood was quite enough water time for him, thank you very much. However, he found he couldn't say no to this trip when he saw how excited it made Percia.

The last three years had been difficult for both of them since the end of their journey to Erebor and the Battle of the Five Armies. Bilbo had lost the friendships he had made with the other members of the company, and the possibility of love with their leader. Percia had lost even more, becoming stranded here in their world, aiding them in their time of need, even the one who had in turn broken her heart. The return trip had been difficult as they had few supplies and winter had begun.

Coming back to the Shire had been bitter sweet. He had missed his home, but it no longer seemed as bright and comforting now that he'd seen the world. It certainly hadn't helped that Lobelia had stolen his ancestral home. For a long moment he considered reclaiming it and throwing the shrew out. But he'd seen the small twitch of fear in her eyes at losing her new home, and she did have young ones. His mother had always said Bag End was meant for a family. Of course she had meant his children, but this would do as well. The look on Lobelia's face when he stated she could keep Bag End as long as she allowed him to gather what belongings he wanted to keep was priceless.

Percia had argued, but relented to his decision in the end. The place had too many memories and he felt he needed a fresh start. So he moved them to Buckland finding a nice Smial near the river since Percia liked being near water. It was a nice small three-bedroom home, allowing him to keep a study so he could continue his writings. They were actually quite well off since they stopped by to pick up the goods from the Troll horde, though the smell was horrible. Percia did work though, helping with repairs to homes or doing odd jobs. Mostly she became a baby sitter for the large amount of fauntlings running amuck. Often she could be found telling them stories or teaching them numbers. Though there were times she would patrol the borders protecting them from random threats. He was quite pleased that the Hobbits accepted her into their community. The Bounders especially enjoyed her company.

Still he found after his adventure he just could not sit still for long, and soon the two would take small trips, sometimes being gone for only a week, sometimes much longer. He would compile what he learned into books, making a pretty penny on them.

Over time though he noted that Percia seemed more down than usual. She would often speak of the ocean back home, in her world, which is what decided this current venture. While he probably would have liked to avoid the Blue Mountains, in case any of Thorin's kin there decided the banishment extended there as well, he knew it was safer to travel to the sea on that path than elsewhere. The Grey Havens and Lindon were close in case they needed supplies or an emergency cropped up. Plus he had wanted to see another Elven city.

It was quite impressive and Percia enjoyed walking through their harbor and inspecting the different ships. They even met the great shipwright Cirdan. Who seemed curious about Percia's innate knowledge of all things sea-related.

Finally they made their way to the beach of the Great Sea. Percia had said the Gulf of Lune was perfectly fine, but he knew he had made the right decision the moment she set eyes on the vast ocean. Her whole being seemed to light up, and her body relaxed as if all of the world's problems disappeared.

He was also glad to see it just to say he had. The view was magnificent and he had to admit the sound of the crashing waves was oddly soothing.

"WOOHOO!"

Blinking out of his thoughts he watched as Percia rode the strange shaped board on top of the waves before losing balance and falling into the water. Thankfully this had not been the first time or he'd be suffering another heart attack. Sure enough she popped out of the water laughing happily and preparing to go again. He shook his head fondly.

Earlier she had swum rather far out playing with some sea creatures she indicated were known as Dolphins in her world. They were strange but friendly, not that he went out for a swim, he drew the line at simply putting his toes in the water. But they had been interesting, jumping out of the water and playing with Percia for hours.

"So this is where you two got off to." The familiar voice startled him as no one had ventured this way in the past two days they'd been camped there.

Turning he found Strider, a Ranger and friend, walking calmly towards him, a few other Rangers and even some Elves following him further back.

"Well, she needed a holiday and it seems to agree with her," Bilbo said sagely, smiling broadly at the other. "It's good to see you Strider. I hope you are well?"

"Indeed I am," he replied, smiling when he heard Percia's laughter ring through the air. "And it is good to see her not so depressed."

"Ah, you had noticed as well?" Not that it surprised the Hobbit. Strider had practically adopted Percia as a little sister after the two met, though neither spoke of exactly what happened during their misadventure. He had become another member of their rag-tag family, dropping in for a visit when he could, or even joining them on a few of their 'adventures'.

"I did. I am glad you found something to cheer her up." He flinched when she crashed into the waves again. "Though I am not sure about the safety of this venture."

Bilbo chuckled. "Believe me I made her promise she would not end up hurt or she would not be doing whatever it is she is doing. I think she called it surfing?"

"Another strange pastime from her world?"

"Apparently," he hummed. "So what brings you here? Were you looking specifically for us?"

"No." He shook his head before indicating to the group behind him, the members watching in shocked fascination as Percia managed to ride another large wave. "There have been more sightings of sea creatures in the area than normal and they wanted to see if something was causing that. Now we know." He motioned towards Percia, well aware of her ability to attract any animals associated with the sea or water in general.

"It's not causing a problem is it," he asked worriedly. "She can ask them to not come in so close if there is a problem."

"I think they are more curious than anything," he chuckled in response, glancing at what looked like a few Elven scholars talking animatedly as they saw something in the distance. Following their gaze they could make out large creatures coming up occasionally, spitting water into the air.

"Oh, Percia called those whales," Bilbo explained helpfully, not aware the Elves had heard him and were making their way over. "She said they are similar to a species in her world called Blue Whales. Very large, but harmless unless attacked."

"Master Hobbit, can you tell us more about these… Whales?"

Bilbo looked startled to see the Elves around them, having not been aware of their approach. Strider laughed at his friend's predicament but didn't step in to help. He learned a long time ago not to come between a scholar and information they wanted.

"STRIDER!"

He braced himself, just barely catching the body that slammed into his. He would get her back later for getting his clothes wet, but for now he returned the hug.

"Hello pipsqueak," he greeted with his usual endearment. Not that it was inaccurate. He was over six foot tall, where she barely reached over five foot.

"I'm not that short," she huffed punching him lightly on the shoulder.

"What are you wearing," he demanded, taking on the protective big-brother tone.

Looking down she took in the dark blue tank top and shorts she wore. Another thing she missed about her world was bathing suits. "What? I am perfectly covered. Well the important bits anyway," she conceded at this look. "This is nothing. In my world there are things women wear that have half this amount of material and is perfectly acceptable."

"Yes, well they are not my little sister," he growled, sending a glare at some of the younger Rangers, who looked away very quickly. Picking up the towel sitting nearby he wrapped her in it protectively, ignoring her complaints. "I cannot believe Bilbo let you wear this in public."

Percia rolled her eyes at his over-protective tendencies. "Please, it's not like anyone else was here before now."

"Oh take it easy on him Percia, you know he's worried some vagrant is going to snatch you up and run away with you," Halbarad stated as he came over to them, a smirk painting his rugged features. "It's a big-brother's job to fuss over their little sisters, especially the pretty ones." He leaned down receiving a hug from the girl; ignoring the glare Strider sent his way.

"Like that's ever going to happen," she chided playfully. "So what brings you all to our little beach party?"

Strider explained the situation with the sea creatures and Percia blushed in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I didn't know it wasn't normal for them to be around here," she apologized. "I can tell them to go if you're worried about them…"

"NO!" She jumped at the exclamation from the Elves.

"Please my lady, we would like to learn more about them. It is so rare to see such creatures this close to the mainland," one of the scholars explained hastily, not wanting to miss this opportunity.

"Ah, okay… If you want I can call some of the smaller ones closer? But you'd have to go into the water, as they are still too big to come into the shallows and I don't want them to get stuck…"

The Elves eagerly took her up on her offer, many stripping off their heavier robes and their boots following her into the water. Strider and Halbarad just laughed choosing to join Bilbo under his umbrella, enjoying some of the snacks he brought. A few of the younger Rangers joined the group in the water, amazed at the different fish and animals Percia called forth. Their exclamations and delighted laughter bringing a sense of peace to the older Rangers.

"It's so easy to forget how young she really is," Bilbo murmured as he watched the group. "She's usually so mature, but it's nice to see her let go for a bit."

"Indeed. The same could be said of our young recruits," Halbarad agreed.

"It's also nice to see the Elves surprised for once," Strider added, chuckling as one of the scholars yelped when a dolphin nudged him playfully.

"True," Bilbo acknowledged. "Aside from the twins, I don't think I've ever seen Elves so playful."

"We often forget in our old age how to be carefree." The new voice had all three males starting.

"Lord Cirdan." Strider and Halbarad started to rise only for the older Elf to wave them off. Behind him more Elves stood, many holding various supplies and a few starting to erect tents.

"I hope you don't mind if we join you this evening," he spoke to Bilbo. "But I couldn't help my curiosity, nor deny my people such an opportunity."

"Of course not," Bilbo assured him, quite flustered that such a high ranking individual would be joining them. "It is an honor. And Percia loves sharing the wonders of the sea with others. She often says people don't appreciate the true beauty of the ocean."

"Many do not," the Elf lord agreed. "I have always thought it was a world all its own. So much of the world is covered by water that we may never know what actually exists down there."

Bilbo nodded. "You'd have to speak to Percia, but she told me in her world her father had a palace under the ocean, and she spoke of things that seem quite unreal. I wish I had some of her drawings, they are absolutely amazing."

"Elrond mentioned she was a child of the sea," he murmured. "It appears he meant it more literally than I thought. I would enjoy speaking with her more."

The group enjoyed the remaining daylight and Percia even coaxed Bilbo into the shallows so he too could pet a dolphin. He had not found it funny when the animal blew water on him, despite how much the others laughed. Even Cirdan joined them, his ancient eyes full of joy as he held a small starfish.

That evening they had a large bonfire and a small feast. The Elves listened raptly as Percia described creatures from her world and explained some of the animals they had seen today. Cirdan even told stories of some he had seen when he ventured further out on ships during trading missions. He had a particularly funny story about Lord Gil-Galad and a particularly amorous octopus that had many in stitches.

It was in the middle of Percia explaining about the Ophiotaurus when they heard it.

"Mooooo!"

"That's exactly what it sounded like," Percia exclaimed in surprise.

"Moo!"

"It seems to be coming from the water," Cirdan stated calmly, though even he looked slightly startled.

Everyone turned to look, the moonlight and bonfire making it easier for their eyes to see the form of a large creature half shaped like a cow and the other half shaped like a serpent. Its doe eyes caught sight of them calling out even more earnestly.

"It can't be," Percia muttered moving quickly to the animal lounging in the surf. Upon closer inspection her suspicion was proved correct. "Bessie!"

"Moooo!" The creature cuddled against her, it's cow like nose nudging against her cheek in pseudo kisses. In response Percia hugged the creature close rubbing behind his ears.

"Hey big guy," she greeted happily. "What are you doing here? I thought you were living it up in Olympus?"

"Mooo." Bessie rolled slightly showing her a large bag hanging from a strap hooked around his neck.

"So this is the noble creature you told us about," Cirdan asked as he kneeled next to Bessie, carefully petting him and earning a full on tail wag for his efforts. The others gathered around, staring in aw at the Ophiotaurus.

"Yeah. But I'm not sure how he came to be here," she stated softly, slowly releasing the bag tied to said animal.

"Well didn't you say he could travel to any body of water he chose," Bilbo reminded her. "Perhaps that includes bodies of water not in your old world?"

"The why not show up in the Brandywine?"

"Maybe it is easier to come to a large body of water such as an ocean, than a river," Strider added thoughtfully.

"Moo!"

"I think he's telling you you're right," Halbarad stated dryly, eyes wide as he looked at the legendary beast.

Percia open the canvas rucksack finding several things inside and a note on top. Opening it she steeled herself to read the words, not surprised to find them in ancient Greek, thus easy for her to read.

"It's from my family. It's a care package." Her voice caught on the last words showing how much this meant to her. "They had to wait for some alignment of the stars or something before they could send Bessie. They wanted me to know they hadn't forgotten me…"

Bilbo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Knowing what he did about her past, he knew this meant a lot to her. "Well then, thank you very much for making the journey Bessie. Will you be staying long or do you have to go back soon?"

"Mooo…" The creature gave them a sad look, indicating he did not have much time.

"Well then, how about you write them a quick note Percia. I'm sure they would love that," the Hobbit instructed breaking the girl out of her sad thoughts.

"You're right! Wait right here Bessie! I'll be right back!" She darted off to her things where she always carried paper and some ink. She also had a few things she had made, mostly bracelets with some pretty stones, but it was something. While she wrote a letter to her family the others kept Bessie entertained. The Elves especially fawned over the creature, much to his enjoyment.

When she was done she found a plastic seal bag in her new sack that she could put the letter and her presents in. Making sure it was sealed tightly she returned to Bessie and carefully attached the bag to the strap around the Creatures neck.

"Can you take this back to them for me? I'd really appreciate it." Bessie nodded in agreement, nuzzling her again. "Thanks big guy. You be safe on your trip okay?"

"Moo!" With one last wave of his tail he pushed off back into the water disappearing from view.

"Come on," Bilbo urged them. "You can look over your care package by the fire."

Slowly Percia followed him and the others back to the campsite, her mind another world away.