Disposition . Mouthy, brash, and eager to prove herself. She's very kind, quick to make friends, and happy to be in all sorts of unique company. Stubborn and sometimes cocky. Never cruel, always willing to support those around her. Very good at pretending she didn't leave an entire life behind. Impulsive to the point of naivety.
Physical Description . As with most hobbits, she's round and somewhat squishy. Has her mother's wide hips but her father's shortness. Also her father's wild hair and thick brows. Full of freckles and warm colors. She's a tiny thing, easily mistaken for a human child. As 'Finnegan' she wears loose clothing to hide all curves, binds her breasts, and keeps her face and hair dirty to hide away her feminine features. Trims her hair to keep it boyish. Stands up straight as if to mimic a man's physique.
RELATED NOTES
Brief summary of Efa written by Bilbo Baggins : "Quite the adventurous sort, even when we were young. Bold as a man who marches to war. Stubborn as a dwarf buying a new pair of boots. She never truly grew up, even as I moved on to a more humble life in Bag End."
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
There was nothing truly remarkable in Efa Took's life that was worth noting. Which may have been the drive for her brash personality and eagerness to find new adventures.
Efa was a distant cousin of Bilbo, and being only a few years apart in age, they were fast friends. Efa took the role as little sister quite eagerly, but found that it was often her that led the charge forward. Just like him, she wanted to see the elves, take part in epic battles, and slay evil beasts.
Unfortunately, Bilbo grew up before she did. In fact, everyone grew up before Efa did. When women her age began looking for husbands or careers, she was still dreaming of going on epic adventures. Suitors were always denied and she was often full of excuses about finding a comfortable job for herself.
It took half of her family to finally demand that she straighten herself out before she was penniless and starving. Efa was hit with a cold reality that The Shire was, well . . . it. This was it. Nothing more than a peaceful town with simple pleasures and easy living. Not to mention that a small female hobbit like herself couldn't truly be happy beyond The Shire.
Dreams of adventure now tucked away with her childhood, Efa began a new life as a barmaid and part-time chef for the local pub. She was good at it and the pay was decent. Her father even arranged a marriage on her behalf, but also because almost all the local boys had been rejected by her more than once.
Life was perfectly laid out for Efa Took. She had a chance at a perfectly normal and completely predictable life.
The night Thorin and company came to visit Bilbo, however, her entire world changed. A company of dwarves and one wizard, making a ruckus at Bag End while the rest of the Shire slept the night away. And by morning, she watched as her cousin ran headfirst into a quest alongside his odd guests. It was something unexpected, it was something she had always dreamed of.
Efa would later realize that Gandalf had chosen him, indirectly, to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland. But at the time, she was so angry. Wasn't it Bilbo that told her to grow up? Why was he given the chance and not her?Was it her womanhood? Her cozy life? Was she not enough?
Impulsively, and out of pure frustrated jealousy, Efa trailed the company. As expected, she was caught within three days of their adventure. A true miracle considering the other dangers that followed Thorin and Company. Almost immediately they wanted to send her home, but she was not about to allow that.
Without really putting much thought into the plan at first, Efa said she was a boy and wanted to 'keep Bilbo safe'. Which got a hefty laugh out of the dwarves, much to her frustration. They asked if she could fight, she said no. They asked if she could wield any kind of weapon, she said no. They asked what she could do and she really didn't have an answer. Being someone's bride-to-be while wasn't exactly going to help in this situation.
Bilbo, however, spoke up for her. She could cook the meanest stew in all the land. She could entertain dragons with her bar tricks and stories. She knew the difference between mushrooms that you could and couldn't eat. And then Bilbo solidified her new name. He almost called her out, but changed the name Efa into Eff-inagain. E. Finnegan Took. Gandalf, Thorin, and a couple of the dwarves immediately knew it was a huge lie.
Despite that, they allowed her to stay for a few nights with the intention of sending 'Finnegan' on his way home after a short rest. Then they tried his cooking, which truly was the best they ever had. They also heard him tell stories around the campfire, which enthralled their attention away from their aches and pains. And, unexpectedly, it turns out he was good at patching up wounds. Finnegan was no burglar like Bilbo, but his usefulness to the company was enough for them to allow him to stay.
Even if Thorin and Gandalf were unsure about the whole situation. Though both may have warmed up to Finnegan's eagerness to actually keep Bilbo safe.
SKILLS, ABILITIES, MISC.
Abilities . Charismatic and an expert at talking her way out of things. Slim and small, can easily run away from danger as needed. Afraid, yes, but not cowardly. Good with herbs and medicines. Great at stitching up both clothes and wounds.
Weapons . In an effort to keep Finnegan alive, some of the dwarves taught him to wield an axe. Not a battle axe, but a small single handed axe. It was hard work but Finnegan found it satisfying. They were gaining muscle!
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