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It had been almost one month since Bilbo had stepped out of his green round door in bag-end and had started running after the company of 13 dwarfs and a wizard. With a signed contract and absolutely no clue of what was to await him on this journey. Keep in mind that these were dwarfs Bilbo had met just the night before. And yet there he was, on top of a small pony just the right size for his little hobbit self, riding mile after mile with these dwarfs. He had gotten to know most of them over the past month. They were nice fellas or at least most of them. They could use a bit of training in manners but what was there to expect from dwarfs who had lived either on the road or in a mountain their whole lives?
There were.
Nori, Dori, and their cousin Ori.
He had gotten to talk a bit with Ori as he was the youngest of the three. And the youngest of the company in general. He loved reading and writing, which was something he had in common with Bilbo. So they mostly discussed their favorite books and what books they recommended. Ori was a sweet thing Bilbo thought.
Bilbo hadn't really had the time to talk much with Nori, but they both respected each other. Though Bilbo had figured out to keep his pockets closed when near him. For he was a bit of a pocket thief.
Dori was the oldest, he was nice and had helped Bilbo a lot with getting the technique of riding. And in exchange, Bilbo had given him tips for making tea, as he seemed quite fond of it. But other than that they had just interacted with small smiles and hellos or good mornings. He was also the strongest in the company, which Bilbo really didn't think much about.
Then there are the brothers Bofur and Bombur and their cousin Bifur.
Bifur doesn't speak western so Bilbo can't really understand him. He only nods and smiles pretending to understand. Though he seems nice.
Bombur is a big food enthusiast. And so is Bilbo, being a hobbit and all. And so the topic there on most is, well, food. Bombur seems to be quite fascinated by all the meals hobbits have in a day. Most of the dwarfs are actually. But they're not as dedicated as Bombur is, and Bilbo finds that very amusing.
Bofur is probably the one Bilbo gets along with the best. He is a very easy person to talk to and funny as well, he is a very welcoming dwarf. Which is probably the reason Bilbo can actually relax when with him.
Oin and Gloin are someone Bilbo sadly doesn't really speak with that much. Though Oin helped heal a scratch Bilbo had got when he fell down a small hill, trying to get some wood for the campfire. He is the group's medic, though he isn't really a talker. Might do with the fact he can't hear shit without his hearing horn. But he seems nice either way. Gloin on the other hand isn't a healer, like his big brother, he is a fighter. And a good one at that. Bilbo had spoken to him on a couple of occasions altho he mostly talked, or more like bragged about his son Gimli. Bilbo doesn't mind though and gladly listens to the stories of his son.
Then there were Dwalin and Balin, sons of Fundin. They were the first to come to bag-end the night Bilbo had met the dwarfs.
Balin was a nice and wise dwarf who often told Bilbo about old dwarven stories and facts. Bilbo mostly went to him for advice but he was also one of the dwarves Bilbo could call a friend in the company.
Dwalin was more difficult to talk to, he is a very intimidating dwarf. Though Bilbo didn't think badly of him, no not at all, he just didn't talk to him that much.
Now to the princes, Fili and Kili. They were the youngest in the company along with Ori. And they acted like it too. Pranksters without a doubt. But besides that, they were kind and very determined to reclaim their home in Erebor. Just like their Uncle….
..Thorin….
Thorin Oakenshield was the leader of the company and the soon-to-be “king under the mountain”. He was very respected by the rest of them. But Bilbo thought he was cold and harsh. He didn't see why the rest of the company praised him as they did. Sure he had heard stories but that didn't change Bilbo's mind about him. Yes, he was the soon-to-be king of the Durin's folk, but Bilbo was a Hobbit. Hobbits didn't even have kings, they had a Thain. And right now Bilbo was glad they did. He didn't want any kind of royalty if they acted anything like Thorin did.
“Master Baggins!” The company's leader shouted at the hobbit to snap him out of his thoughts. “Keep up!” Those words were probably the most used in Thorin's vocabulary when speaking to Bilbo.“Ok!” Bilbo said, trying his best to stay calm. In reality, he wanted to scream at Thorin for being such a narcissistic little- Bilbo didn't even get to finish his bloody 'thought' before Thorin spoke again. “We stop here for the night!” He announced, pointing to a clearing nearby. Bilbo was sick of this, he decided that tonight he was going to confront Thorin…but how? How could someone like him confront someone like Thorin?! He decided he would ask someone for advice. And with someone he meant Balin.
Balin was taking off the saddle of his horse when Bilbo walked up to him. “Good evening, Balin,” Bilbo said, smiling at him, trying to act as casually as possible. “Oh, master Baggins. Good evening.” Balin replied. “I was wondering.” Bilbo paused thinking of how he was going to ask Balin. He simply couldn't just ask “I was wondering how I could tell your king that he's a complete douchebag and that I want to slap him way back to Ered Luin.” That would be absurd. "Is everything ok?" Balin asked with a worried expression. Bilbo realized that he had stood there for way too long without saying anything. "Oh, sorry,” Bilbo said. "I was just wondering if I were to maybe, eh. "talk" to Thorin about something like. Oh, I don't know, things I didn't-" Bilbo didn't get to finish before Balin guessed just what he was talking about or more blabbed about. "You want to confront his behavior towards you." Bilbo was shocked by what he said. But at the same time he was relieved he didn't have to finish the sentence he had just started. "Yes.." Bilbo said shyly, and quietly, he didn't want the others to hear. "Just talk to him, laddie. He doesn't bite." Balin jokes. "It sure seems like it," Bilbo said, looking down. "You hate him, huh?" Balin asked with a bit of a melancholy look. "What! No, of course, I don't. I'm just tired of him treating me differently than the rest… Though I'm not so sure about him…" Bilbo said, in a sadder tone than he had expected.
"I know you think he dislikes you. But I think he just isn't used to having new people around. He's worried you'll get hurt." Balin said. Did Thorin care for him like he did the rest… no it was just something Balin said to comfort him. "Ok, thank you, Balin," Bilbo said, walking away. He still didn't know how to confront Thorin. Maybe he should just go ask Gandalf next, he was a wizard after all. He had much experience with confronting or being confronted by people he didn't like. But on his way over to Gandalf, Bilbo crashed into someone he didn't want to bump into yet. "Sorry.." Bilbo said, rubbing his head in an attempt to get the pain away. "Watch where you're going, halfling," Thorin said looking down at Bilbo with that same cold expression he used most of the time when looking at him. Bilbo kept his mouth shut as Thorin walked past him. But he had had enough. He abruptly turned around facing Thorin's back as he walked away. And yelled. "You know what! I'm sick of you treating me like I'm some sort of pushover!" Thorin turned around facing Bilbo with a grim expression. Bilbo considered stopping right there, but this was the perfect time to speak his mind. "I know I'm not a dwarf! And I know that makes me lesser in your eyes. But I came along on this adventure to help you. And I'm not going to stand here being treated like I'm only a tool, for you to use when the time is right!" Bilbo continued with pure anger in his eyes. (Something that was very unlike him)
"Then leave," Thorin said with a flat expression on his face. That was what made Bilbo's glass spill over. He walked over to Thorin looking down. "You may be their king.." Bilbo looked up at Thorin with the same cold expression Thorin usually uses on him. "But you are no king of mine." And with that Bilbo smacked Thorin right across the face. The rest of the company had heard the commotion. And was now looking at them with shocked expressions because of what Bilbo just did. Thorin just stood there looking quite shocked as well, with his head tilted a little to the side from the slap. Bilbo knew from the way his palm stung that all hell would break loose. But to his surprise. Thorin just took one last look at him, turned around, and walked away. Leaving Bilbo just standing there speechless. He was convinced Thorin would do something back, but he didn't. Maybe Balin was right… Maybe he was just worried for him. Fili and Kili walked up behind him, and each placed a hand on his shoulders… "We're sorry for how our uncle has treated you," Kili said. "And as his nephews, we feel it is in our place to apologize to you," Fili said. Bilbo's only response was a smile, and a little nod, before turning and walking off.
The days following were quite ‘uncomfortable’ much to Bilbo's dislike. They had come across wolves, bears, and 3 mountain trolls (one of them had used Bilbo as a “living handkerchief” the hobbit had claimed). But in the troll's cave, which was placed a couple of meters away from the camp the trolls were found (where they would stand till the end of days in stone) they had found gold, armor, and weapons. 3 of them they had taken.
Thorin was distant, Bilbo could tell. Not only towards him but the rest of the company too. Balin had tried to talk to him but without success. Neither did Gandalf. Even Fili and Kili failed to get in contact with their uncle. Bilbo was starting to get worried. He could understand why he was being distant from him, but the rest of the company too. But that distance increased when Gandalf tricked the company into following him to one of the places Thorin, and the dwarfs wanted to go to the least on this quest. The valley of Imladris, or in the common tongue, Rivendell...
It was even more beautiful than Bilbo had expected. It was like walking into what he had thought ‘Valinor’ to look like. With waterfalls reaching from the top of the slopes surrounding it, to the bottom, and melting into the purest of lakes Bilbo had ever seen. It was like a place that “The sun never stopped shining on.'' He remembered what his books had described. And the books were right as day. It looked like a place carved out of pure light. It was spectacular. But from the looks on his fellow companion’s faces, he was the only one who thought that. “Why have you brought us here!?” Dwalin asked, pissed off at Gandalf for bringing them to such a “hideous place”, or so he stated. “You know just as well as I that we need the help. Unless you can read that map." Gandalf said, pointing to the map in Thorin's hand. "And be happy I chose to get that help from lord Elrond and not a certain elven king,” Gandalf responded, and it seemed to shut them up quite quickly. Dwalin opened his mouth to respond but quickly shut it. For he knew very well that Gandalf had won this argument. The whole thing made Bilbo chuckle to himself. They went down to what seemed to be the courtyard. And was greeted by a horde of elven guards. The dwarfs quickly formed a circle and readied their weapons (it was kinda impressive) then Bilbo was pulled into the middle circle, but he didn't understand why. To be honest he thought they were being completely ridiculous at this point. Though he was sure Gandalf had control. Soon lord Elrond stepped out from the hoard of elven guards and commanded them to lower their weapons and of course, they did, which made the dwarfs ease down a bit. "Mithrandir." Lord Elrond greeted Gandalf in a calm, soothing voice. 'Mithrandir' must be Gandalf's elven name, Bilbo thought. Dame that old man had a lot of names. "Lord Elrond," Gandalf said, greeting the elven lord back. At this point, Bilbo had managed to slip out of the 'protection circle and was now standing at Gandalf's side. Elrond's eyes moved from Gandalf to Thorin, who was facing him.
"Welcome Thorin son of Thraín. You bear great resemblance to your grandfather." Elrond said. "I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain." Elrond continued. Thorin just gave a slow nod. Well, that went much better than Bilbo had expected. "What brings you to Rivendell?" Elrond asked, looking back at Gandalf. "We are taking back our mountain! What else?!" Dwalin replied abruptly and angered. Which Thorin eased with just the slow raise of a hand. "Some would not prove it wise," Elrond responded, calmly. He did not seem intimidated by the dwarfs whatsoever. Bilbo wishes he had that ability. "Then we will go against those odds." Kili stepped in.
Elrond just gave a nod in return. "Very well, are you hungry?" Elrond said. That seemed to spark a match in the dwarfs. They followed the Elf-lord up to what seemed to be an eating area. And were soon served food. Except all the food was green. Which the dwarfs did not like one bit. But ate either way. Meanwhile, Gandalf, Thorin, Balin, and Bilbo followed Lord Elrond to a more closed-off area. They stepped out on a big balcony. With a single crystal close to the end. Which served as a table, where they placed the map that Thorin had received from his father. The map would tell them where the secret door into Erebor was. But Elrond was one of the only people in the whole of Middle Earth who could read the map. Which was why Gandalf brought them here. "The door will open when the key is put in its lock. But the keyhole will only show when the last light of autumn shines on its position" Elrond read. "Durin's day…" Thorin said. "But Durin’s day is not far from now," Balin replied, looking concerned. "Then we leave at sunrise," Thorin said, sternly.
And as Thorin had said. The company left Rivendell the next morning. But this time without Gandalf. Who claimed he had some important things to attend to.
Bilbo looked back over his shoulder to get a last glimpse of the elven city before they continued towards 'The Misty Mountains.
But on their way over the mountains, the rain started pouring heavily. Which only made the already slippery and narrow path even more slippery. But suddenly they started to feel the ground under them shake badly. Then in some miraculous way, they stood face to face in a fight of a kind Bilbo had never thought he would ever see, they were taught to not exist at all. Stone giants. They slowly but surely woke from their slumber and began throwing giant boulders at each other. One of them hit the one the company was on splitting them apart. Half of the dwarfs had to watch the other half (plus Bilbo) being nearly crushed against the mountain wall. Everyone (surprisingly) survived with only some scratches and bruises. Exept for our poor hobbit.
For there he was, Bilbo Baggins. Dangling from the side of a cliff. After just witnessing the 'biggest' fight he thinks he'll ever see.
"Bilbo!" Bofur screams as he notices the hobbit dangling there. None of the dwarves were able to reach him. And poor Bilbo was sure this was it for him. Until he felt a strong arm around him, showing him over the edge. And as he reached the top, he turned around and saw Dwalin dragging Thorin over the edge as well. Had Thorin Oakenshield just risked his own life to save his? Thorin looked at him, his eyebrows narrowed. Bilbo just looked down at his feet, thinking he was going to receive the scolding of his life. "Are you alright?" Bilbo looked up. Just to make sure it was Thorin asking him that. And by the looks of it. It was! "Y-yes..thank you" Bilbo barely replied. He was too stunned at the moment.
They continued down the narrow path. Finding a cave where they decided to stay for the night. Bilbo found a place to lay out his bed roll and tucked himself in. He looked around the cave. It wasn't really big so he could spot every member of the company. But to his surprise when looking around he spotted his sword, and it was….glowing!? The ground suddenly collapsed underneath them and they fell into a deep dark tunnel. The tunnel ends up being one of the closed entrances to…goblin town.
Being face to face with hundreds of goblins was something Bilbo did not need right now. But he found that goblins didn't pay much attention to him. Probably due to the fact he was a head smaller (in height and weight) than the dwarfs around him. So he slowly slipped away without being seen. He decided to follow the company. Maybe he could try to save them, in some miraculous way. So he slowly and stealthily tip-toed after them. But then Bilbo felt something grab his ankle. It was one of the goblins the dwarfs had tried to push off the edge of the bridge Bilbo was now so lightly standing on. Though this one had gotten lucky (because of course it had to) and was now hanging on through the hobbit’s ankle. And it was much heavier than Bilbo had expected. He tried to kick it off, but in the attempt lost his footing and fell.
Meanwhile, the dwarfs were being sent to meet the oh-so-great Goblin King. And within minutes of being pushed and pulled by a horde of goblin minions, they stood face-to-face with the scrotum-bearded goblin king himself. "Well, I did not expect in a hundred years or more, to see the "great" king under the mountain, Thorin Oakenshield down here in my city!" The goblin king said, with a wide (and oh so ugly) grin on his face. "Didn't have much of a choice, did I?" Thorin's response seemed to get a chuckle out of the great goblin. "You know… I might know someone who would pay a big price for your head!" The goblin laughed… He stood up (struggling to do so because of his size) and took a step toward the bundle of dwarfs. Thorin pulled out the sword he had taken from the troll cave they had found earlier in their journey. The sword Lord Elrond had claimed was named ‘Orcrist’ which was a smith by old elven smiths in the early days of Arda. The goblin king took a step back rather quickly. “He has The Goblin Klever '' the big goblin shrieked. And every goblin surrounding them stepped back. “What are you doing, idiots!? TAKE IT FROM HIM!” The King screamed out in fear. And within seconds the dwarfs were overflowed by goblins of all shapes and sizes.
A flash of the purest white, light up the whole cave. And out stepped the gray wizard. “Gandalf!” Ori screamed out bearing relief and was surprised to see Gandalf. “What took you so long?” Dwalin wanted to scold the shit out of the wizard for leaving them for the stuck-up elves of Rivendell. “Now is not the time for your stubborn pride to show, son of Fundin!” Gandalf replied with a stern voice.
Deeper into the misty mountains, under goblin town. Bilbo had just woken up after being dragged down into the deepest parts of the mountain, with a goblin hanging around his ankle. He woke to the scene of that same goblin penetrated by a couple of sharp rocks. Bilbo was disgusted by the scene, but very happy it wasn't him hanging there with a rock through the chest and stomach. He slowly turned around leaning on his elbow. He just saw the endless dark caves of the mountain. But out in the dark end of one of the tunnels, he saw something. It was like 2 blue lights glistening in the dark. He squinted his eyes trying to focus and figure out what it was exactly. But his vision was still a bit groggy because of the fall. The lights came closer and closer. Until Bilbo finally figured out what it was….eyes. The creature the eyes belong to soon popped out of the dark. It was thin, almost to the point of death. It had no clothing on, other than a thin piece of fabric hanging around its hips. It was not a goblin nor was he like anything Bilbo had seen before. The creature (walking on all fours) searched for something. He had probably heard Bilbo and the goblin fall here. The hobbit sunk more and more down behind the rock that separates him from the creature's sight-of-vision. He didn't know how dangerous this thing was, and even though he had his sword (one of the three they had picked up in the troll cave) he still didn't move an inch. It keeps mumbling something. But Bilbo couldn't hear what. “Does it smell like it..precious?” It finally said loud enough for Bilbo to hear. At this point, the hobbit was holding his breath. And he prayed with all his body to the green lady (Yavanna) that it wasn't him the thing meant. “We smell it- GOLLUM…GOLLUM!” Did the thing have something stuck in its throat? Bilbo thought to himself. And why did it say ‘we’? Bilbo froze…. Because when he lifted his eyes to the ceiling of the cave. He instead saw a pair of big piercing blue eyes…
The creature’s name was Gollum. He wasn't exactly that dangerous, but disturbing nonetheless. “What is it…precious? What is it?” Gollum said with that raspy voice they had. “I-I am a hobbit. My name is B-bilbo Baggins.” Bilbo pushed out of him, he was somehow out of breath. “Hobbitses? We’ve had rats, bats, and orcses before, but we’ve never had Hobbitses before.” Were they planning on eating him? “Is it juicy? Is it tasty?” Gollom came too close to Bilbo’s liking. So the hobbit pulled out his sword and swung it in front of the creature's face. “Stay back..stay back!” Bilbo yelled at the thing. “If you tell me the way out, I'll be on my way.” Bilbo tried his best to convince them but it was to no avail. “We know away!” Gollum said. “NO! Shut up!” Gollum yield back at..themself? Were they arguing with themself? “So do…you know the way?”Bilbo asked. “Yes- No!” Gollum screamed. “Is this a type of Redell or..?” Bilbo jokingly asked. “No..but it could be!” Gollum replied. “We’ll ask the hobbitses a riddle, if he wins we let him go..” Bilbo wasn’t sure where this was going. “And if I lose..?” He had to ask, or this could go terribly wrong. “We eat you!” Gollum said with the most enthusiasm Bilbo has ever seen in a person other than his cousin Angus Cottonclover (when he has gotten something to drink of course). Bilbo didn’t know if he should put up on the offer or not. But it was the only possible way to get out at this point. “Ok but only if I get to ask you a riddle too,” Bilbo said with a straight face, but in reality, he was terrified. “Yes!” Gollum jumped up out for joy. But Bilbo noticed something fall out of his pocket when he did. It was something shiny, something gold…something..precious…
In that goblin king's tunnels, the dwarfs (with the help of a newly accompanied Gandalf) had just slain the goblin king. And were now running for their lives. Being chased by hundreds of angry goblins. (I mean who wouldn't be mad after their king had just gotten slain?)
Gandalf was leading them outside. When they finally found an exit they began sprinting down a hill, not knowing where it led. But at this point they were desperate. And when they reached the bottom of the hill, they counted up every member just to make sure. But they ran into another problem… Bilbo was no were to be found…
Bilbo had miraculously somehow won the riddle mash (maybe not in a fair way) but he had won anyway. And he had snatched the thing that fell out of Gollum's pocket. (It turned out to be a gold ring) And they were not happy about that. So now he was running as fast as his big feet could carry him. With that vicious creature following shortly after.
Something bothered him though, the tiny ring, not bigger than 3 centimeters.
That little trinket he so carefully snatched from Gollum, weighs heavy in his pocket, at a point where it almost slowed him down. But he kept running anyway. Because he was not going to get cached by that wishes creature he so, unfortunately, came across.
The Wizard had managed to find the hidden exit on the side of the mountain. “Run! Just keep running, towards the exit!” Gandalf screamed at the dwarfs as they were maneuvering their way through the small tunnels. One by one they managed to escape the mountain and the claws of those greedy goblins.
At some point, Bilbo decided to put on the ring in his pocket. Maybe it was the weight of it increasing, or the gut feeling that it somehow would help him. But either way, he did, and as usual he was right. A sensational feeling races through his body. And the cave around him almost lights up, a dim fog forming around him. He stopped for just a few seconds to get used to the feeling. And he noticed that Gollum had stopped right behind him. The creature looked around, with a choked expression Bilbo didn't understand why was there. It was almost like the hobbit had disappeared for him. But he was still there, he could see Gollum. But maybe…Gollum couldn't see him. And for a split second, he turned around to see his fellow companions pass through the tunnel just a few meters away. He almost called out for them, but quickly shut himself up remembering that Gollum was right behind him. He saw the exit the dwarfs used, and without a second thought, he quickly slipped out of the horned mountain and that awful creature…….
The hobbit had gotten down the hillside and reached the dwarves and Gandalf. Still wearing the ring. He overheard the rest of the company talk and wondered about where their burglar was. They sounded very distressed, which warmed Bilbo's heart. He saw Thorin standing off to the side. He didn't say anything, which didn't surprise Bilbo. He decided to go closer to them. “Where did he go!?” Ori said, sounding very distressed. “Nori you said you saw him last. Which way did he go?” Dwalins asked Nori. “I saw him slip away from us when the goblins took us away,” Nori said. “ I’ll tell you where he is. Our burger is at this very moment on his way home. And I don't blame him. This journey has brought him nothing but hurt. You should have never brought him!” Thorin shouted at Gandalf. “Enough!” Bilbo yelled coming out from behind some trees. The company looked baffled and relieved at the same time if that was even possible. He looked around at their facial expressions, smiling. Until he stopped. And looked straight into the eyes of the dwarven king himself. They were blank and unreadable. Witch Bilbo somehow found relief in.
They heard a howling and screeching sound they all recognized as Wargs. And everyone knows that if there's Warg's nearby. Then orcs are not far behind. "Out of the frying pan…" Thorin said, looking at Gandalf. "And into the fire...run…RUN!!" Gandalf shouted. Making the company start sprinting further down the hill. They could hear the wargs not far behind.
The company came down to the end of the hill. Stopping right before a cliff. "Climb the trees!" Gandalf commanded and they obeyed without a second thought. Hobbits were not used to climbing trees. Bilbo had not climbed a tree since he was just a fondling, so right before Bilbo managed to get his grip on the tree's branch he was pulled away by a warg. He successfully managed to stab it in the head (wish would be the first time he's ever used a sword at all). Unfortunately, he got his sword stuck. "Bilbo!" He could hear Gandalf shouting for him as the rest of the actual orc pack came closer and closer. Finally, Bilbo got his sword out of the warg’s head. But just then, an orc came up behind him. He didn't have time to climb the tree. "BILBO!!" He could hear Kili shout. Bilbo thought his life was over. Until he felt a pair of big, strong hands (for the second time) grab his sides, they pulled him up to a branch in the tree behind him. "What-" Bilbo tried before he was cut off. "Shhh,'' Thorin whispered into Bilbo's ear.
The wargs started pushing over the trees the company was in, making them jump from tree to tree until the whole company was stuck in one tree on the very edge of the cliff. The tree started tipping over, in the direction of the fall. Gandalf then did some clever and swift wizard maneuvers and handed each member of the company a burning pinecone. They throw the pinecones at the orcs approaching the tree.
Then, out of the smoke of the fire, Thorin saw something he thought to be dead centuries ago. For out of the fire…came Azog the defiler….
The pale gundabad orc was Thorin Oakenshield's worst enemy, having killed his dear grandfather king Thror. He was slain in the legendary battle of dwarfs and orcs, also known as the battle of Azanulbizar. Trying to take back the Durin-folk’s place in the dwarven city of Khazad-dûm, also known as Moria. And after watching his grandfather being decapitated by the pale orc. Thorin swore revenge. He had believed Azog had died from the blood loss he got when Thorin had cut off his forearm in the same battle. But clearly, he was wrong. Because there he was right in front of them. And Bilbo could see the pure rage in Thorin's eyes. Then Thorin started to stand up and walk or run right at Azog sitting on his warg. "Is he stupid?! He doesn't need to prove anything to us. If that's what he thinks." Bilbo thought. Thorin was soon thrown to the ground by Azog's warg. Bilbo felt he must do something, anything. Maybe this was the time for him to prove his loyalty and make up for misunderstanding him. He stood up and saw Thorin about to be decapitated by one of Azog's orcs, Bilbo would not let him suffer the same fate as his grandfather. He had saved Bilbo two times before, and now it was time to repay him. He ran and ran as fast as his big hobbit feet could carry him. He throws his body onto the orc (much like a linebacker) and thrusts his sword into its stomach. When the orc was dead he got up on his feet again and placed himself in front of Thorin to shielded him from any oncoming blows. The orcs, on top of wargs, came towards him slowly. So the hobbit swung his sword, ready to give his life to protect the dwarven king. But thankfully the rest of the company had the same thought. One by one (aside from Ori, Nori, and Dori who were hanging by Gandalf's tick over the cliff) they came sprinting down the slightly tipped-over tree and began attacking the orcs and wargs. Bilbo stood his ground and was quite proud of himself.
Gandalf (that smart ass) had called for backup while they were in the trees. Suddenly several eagles came crashing down from the sky. They were bigger than Bilbo's front door. Bilbo was speechless, even though he didn't have a chance to speak either. He was picked up by one of the eagles and was flown off with the rest of the company. And an unconscious Thorin...
The eagles brought the company to 'the carrock'. Bilbo was off the eagle in seconds and went straight up to where Gandalf was. He was crouched over Thorin's body. Fili and Kili were standing on the sideline. Incredibly worried expressions were shared throughout the company. Gandalf stroked his hand over Thorin's face, mumbling something Bilbo couldn't make out what was... Thorin slowly opened his eyes as the company cheered in happiness. Kili even went so far as to tackle Thorin. "Uncle!" Kili said very excitedly and very loudly. "Easy Kee'' Fili said, helping his brother and uncle get up from the ground. (Fili and Kili have nicknames that mainly they, but Thorin sometimes uses) “The halfling..?” Thorin asked Gandalf as soon as he got his nephew off of him. “Don't worry he’s alright, Bilbo is here,” Gandalf said with a smile. Bilbo noticed Thorin looking at him, yet again with an unreadable extension. He stood up (with a little help) and walked towards Bilbo. The hobbit backed up a little, not knowing what was going to happen. Thorin stopped only a few inches away from Bilbo. "Master Baggins," Thorin said his voice was strong and steady. "T-thorin," Bilbo replied, his voice not as strong and steady. Thorin leaned forward his mouth now next to Bilbo's slightly pointed ear. His hot breath sent shivers down Bilbo's spine. "I'm sorry…I doubted you." Thorin said. “No, it's ok. To be honest, I would have doubted myself too.” They both smiled at each other. Thorin gave Bilbo a tight hug, which Bilbo gladly accepted. They could hear shearing and laugh from the company as well.
“Oh and Thorin… I'm sorry for…em..slapping you.” Bilbo hesitated. The apology made Thorin chuckle, and that was enough proof for Bilbo to know that they were going to be ok…..
Bilbo had found that things did turn out ok. Despite the company being chased by a huge bear, wish then turned out to be their soon-to-be host. He finally found he had started to fully settle (after nearly 10 months on the road) with the company. He found himself more included, more generally comfortable. And Bilbo, more often than not, found himself joining conversations, rather than staying out of them. And was now included in most jokes, and often received welcomed thumbs on the back. “Master Boggins'' and the terms “Halfling” or “Hobbit” had turned into “Master Baggins” or simply “Bilbo”. He overall found himself finally becoming a part of this “Friendly little gathering”, or so Gandalf had stated when he had introduced the company to their so-called host, Beorn…
Beorn was a skin-changer, a species Bilbo, nor the rest of the dwarfs had ever heard of. His kind had been the first ones to live in the mountains. (Which made things a tad bit more awkward between him and the dwarfs.) But was hunted out by the orcs. Either to be enslaved or killed. And he was now sadly the only one left of his kind. He stated that he wasn't a really big fan of dwarfs, because of their greediness and overall hunger for power. But because of the circumstances (and the common hatred for orcs), he’d let them stay, at least until Thorin's wounds had healed enough for them to get back on the road.
But all was not good for our poor hobbit burglar. He recently discovered a new problem, and maybe it isn't a problem we could define as “serious”, it certainly was a big problem for mister Baggins. For he had fallen in love….
And now he (as stupid as it seemed) was sitting on one of the tipped trees in Beorn's garden binding flowers to make a flower crown. Who the crown was for, was the biggest part of his problem. Bilbo had gotten so “lucky” as to fall in love with none other than Thorin Okensheild himself. Why you might ask, he didn't quite know yet himself. It happened fairly quickly. (Almost too quickly) He had just helpt Beorn with garden work. He might as well help him since he has let them stay. To say it happened suddenly was an understatement. In one moment he had been minding his own business, and the next he had to turn his sight a little to the left to see…him. At some point along the conversation Bilbo had had with Beorn about gardening properly, Thorin had started collecting and chopping wood. And because of the midday summer sun shining right through the shade of the trees, he stood under, he had taken his tunic off. And was now wearing only his trousers and boots, nothing else…
But Bilbo had not just fallen for him right then and there, just because of his tan, muscular, slightly sweaty body- (now I'm rambling). He had started to collect feelings for Thorin the moment he stepped through his door. But the feelings were never more than a slight redness to the face and a couple of butterflies. Sure Thorin was far from ugly. But now he was convinced Thorin was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. (That's just stating the facts tbh) Ever since that moment, he had avoided Thorin completely. He even tried to stay a little further away from the company.
Suddenly something hit him on the top of the head. He had first thought it to be Fili and Kili playing a prank on him. But when he turned around he saw no one. The only thing he noticed was…an acorn…
How strange, it was like he was oddly drawn to that single little trinket. It was like he could feel that it was important. So he gently picked it up and put it in his pocket. Maybe, he could plant it in his garden, in Erebor Bag end…
At night Bilbo lay still on his bed roll looking up at the ceiling. He couldn't sleep. Why couldn't he sleep? “Master Baggins?” Bilbo heard a gruff voice say from the other side of the room. He carefully sat up, trying not to wake the sleeping Bombur beside him. He squinted trying to adjust to the darkness that covered the room. He managed to make out Thorin's silhouette in the dark.
“Come here,” Thorin said, sitting up in his bedroll. Bilbo hesitantly stood up,” why did he want to talk to him at this hour?” Bilbo thought. He started stepping carefully around the sleeping dwarfs on the ground. With every step he took he came closer and closer to Thorin, And with every new step he took, the more the knot in his stomach grew. When he finally arrived at the side of Thorin’s bed roll, he crouched. “Thorin?” He carefully said with a shaky voice. The nights were colder now than at the beginning of the journey, it was almost early autumn. Thorin could tell Bilbo was freezing, so he got up and draped his big fur coat around the hobbit’s body. At first, Bilbo went a little stiff, but soon he relaxed into the warmth of Thorin Oakenshield.
At some point, they had both laid back down on Thorin's bed roll. And Bilbo went from having Thorin's coat around him to being embraced by Thorin himself.
And embraced he was, Thorin was spooning his little hobbit body with his own. His groin against Bilbo's behind. Bilbo did realize this but did not dare to move. So he decided he would wait till Thorin fell asleep, then he would find a more comfortable position. He lay there looking at the beautifully carved pillar standing to the left of them. The room they were in had teen pillars reaching from the floor to the ceiling. Five on each side of the room. They were each beautifully carved by Beorn himself. Bilbo was fascinated by the amount of precise work laid down into it. It reminded him of the pillars inside the green dragon inn back at the shire. But these were much more detailed. After a while of absorbing the architectural design of the pillar. He thought Thorin was asleep so he started carefully moving to find a better position. “Mmmh…” Bilbo froze, hearing Thorin behind him again. “Sorry Thorin, I just have to fix my position a wee bit.” Bilbo carefully whispered. He started moving again until…he felt something poke him in the back. Was that what he thought it was. . . . .
“Stop moving master Baggins.. or else you’ll have to fix something else.”
'W-what did he just say?' Bilbo thought to himself as he lay there. He could feel Thorin slightly grind his member against his back. Thorin's hot breath on Bilbo's neck made him shiver. But what Bilbo didn't need now was to feel his trousers tighten down under Thorin's thick fur coat that he had placed over them.
He could feel both his and Thorin's members grow. If this continued on he knew he wouldn't be able to take it. And Thorin knew this. And he took advantage of it.
The Hobbit had hoped to endure the seductiveness of one Thorin Oakenshield. But he soon found out that that would be a harder task than expected. “Master Baggins… Do you want this?” Thorin carefully whispered in Bilbo’s slightly pointed hobbit ear. That question was what decided how this night would end. Bilbo was speechless, he was shaking. Thorin backed up a bit, he could feel Bilbo was uncomfortable. He started getting up, he didn't want to make things even more uncomfortable for Bilbo than they already were. “I’m sorry-'' Thorin tried
“No.” Bilbo stopped him. “It's ok. I want this... I mean I have been thinking about this..about you. For quite a while now.” Bilbo said. Maybe he sounded a little too desperate. Nothing like a normal sophisticated and respectful hobbit would manage. But Bilbo had figured out somewhere along this journey, that maybe he wasn't as ‘respectful’ as he had thought or wanted to be. Thorin was taken aback by this. “Y-you have?” Thorin stuttered. Bilbo nodded. “Alright, but maybe this isn't the place for this.” Thorin noticed Bifur snoring just some feet behind them. They carefully snuck around the sleeping bodies of their company. They got to a small room on the side of the house. It was dark and from the looks of it, Beorn only used it for storage. It was perfect, Bilbo thought to himself. Without Thorin knowing, Bilbo had already started opening up the buttons on his shirt. “So desperate are we Master Baggins?” Thorin looked at him with a smirk. “Oh don't pretend you don't want this” He hit him back with just as big of a smirk. They both laugh “Oh.” Thorin smirked and started walking towards Bilbo. They stepped closer to each other, never breaking eye contact. Cold, blue eyes and warm, hazel eyes glued to each other. Some days ago Bilbo would describe the feeling he felt when Thorin stared at him as cold and judging. But now he felt nothing else but seen. Slowly Thorin (without noticing) started moving his hands around Bilbo’s body. Exploring every spot as he slowly made his way down to his crotch area. Soft moans and whimpers were heard from the smaller male’s mouth as Thorin moved his hand up and down his crotch. This was almost unbearable, Bilbo thought. Thorin could tell his Hobbit was getting impatient. So he slowly unbuttoned Bilbo's pants, to reveal his hard twitching member. Thorin was surprised by how big it was. Still, Bilbo had a smaller cock compared to the average dwarf. Bilbo felt his already red face grow even redder. “Aww, are you embarrassed?” The dwarf asked. “Welt, I haven't done this in a while,” Bilbo answered red as a tomato. “It's ok…I haven't either…
Meanwhile in the other room. Thorin's nephews were lying there listening to their uncle and burglar making love. It wasn't that loud, but hearable indeed. “Well, that escalated quickly. It feels like just a few days have passed since uncle started to tolerate Bilbo.” Kili whispered to his older brother. Who was lying there in complete shock? But either way, they were happy for them. “Finally he found someone. Well, other than that awful woman, he came home with after the Muhudtuzakhmerag (“Blessed Green Fest '' or “Spring Fest '') festival some years ago.” Fili said with a sigh. “Yea, that woman was evil.” Kili agreed. “Good thing you had that spare arrow,” Fili told his brother. “You killed her!” They heard Ori say behind them. He also must have woken up because of the “yelling” in the other room. “No Ori, he didn't kill her. He just scared her away.” Said Dori from beside him. “Is everyone awake?” Kili said with a puzzled look. “Of Course, we're awake, you moron! Do you think we're deaf?” Whispered/shouted a grumpy Dwalin. “Oh, no offense Oin.” He apologetically said to the deaf dwarf. “What?” Oin said. Dwalin just rolled his eyes at that. “How long have they….done..it? asked a tired Gloin. “About one-fourth of an hour,” Balin said being the smart ass he is. “Aren't they done soon? Some of us are trying to sleep!?” Dwalin said. “Sounds like-” Bofur tried before they all heard. “Ahhhh fuck Thorin!” The company hadn't expected their burglar to be so…loud. (weren't burglars supposed to be stealthy) “Well theres the answers to your question,” said Fili.
To say that the sex was perfect would be lying. It was ruched and a little awkward. But in some way it was probably the best sex Bibo has had in years, if not ever. Thorin was passionate, he was patient. And surprisingly big. It was everything Bilbo had expected, and more.
After their round of “fun”, they slowly made their way out of the side storage room in Beorn's house. Trying the best they could to act “normal”. They said goodnight to each other ( and gave a goodnight kiss) and went back to their (separated) bedrolls and slept till the morning.
Bilbo woke this one of Beorn’s oversized bumble bees landing on his face. He noticed that the rest of the company had already woken up, and was sitting at the big wooden table on the opposite side of the house.
Bilbo walked up to the table, got some “Hellos” and “good mornings” and then spotted Thorin leaning against one of the pilers. They spotted each other and exchanged a smile. But nothing more than that. They had decided that the company didn't have to know about them yet.
Even though they both knew they had not exactly been quiet. And soon noticed that that statement was very true. Both Bilbo and especially
Thorin could see his nephew's smug facial expression. “Soooo” Kili tried before he was shut up by Dwalin's hand on his mouth. “MMMHH! Your hand tastes sweat and mud!” Kili said, desperately trying to wipe the Dwalin taste off his mouth. Thorin gave them both a stern look. “So how are you guys eh… doing,” Ori said, pouring himself a glass of milk from the cows in Beorn's garden. Poor Bilbo didn’t know what to say, for the first time in a good while he was speechless. But he then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to find Thorin giving him an easing face. As if he was trying to calm him down. ‘How sweet’ Bilbo thought as he laid his hand on top of Thorins, reassuring him that he was in fact ok. But even though Bilbo still couldn't shake that feeling that the company knew, of course in reality he didn't really care if they knew, None of them did. They knew the company wouldn't mind. They'd previously shown that when (non-discreetly) trying to get Thorin and Bilbo closer together.
But it was still kinda awkward not knowing how..loud they'd really been.
Later that night Bilbo could not find any sleep in his body. (And no, it wasn't because of what happened earlier.)
No matter how many times he tossed and turned. He did not fall asleep. And the worst part is he did not know why he could not sleep. Everything was fine, he was warm, with no bad thoughts, and he was comfortable, or as comfortable as he could be at this moment. He has gotten used to the hard ground. And he did appreciate the temporary upgrade with the hay in Beorn's house. So why was he not sleeping yet? He turned to face the wall he was lying against. He thought that maybe it was the light bothering his eyes. But yet again that had never been a problem for him in the past. So why would it be a problem now? But he closed his eyes anyway, just to be sure. . . . .
And just as he thought, that wasn't the problem. So not the light nor the general comfort seemed to make any difference. So if none of them was the problem, then what?
He decided to get up and go get some fresh air. He tiptoed around his sleeping fellow companions and went out the door to the gigantic house. The same door the company had rushed to get inside while being chased by Beorn's more “animalistic” side. He tried to sit down on the grass but soon found that because of the cold nights the grass had become damp. So he was quick on his feet and brushed off his bum. Thankfully he did not get soaked. So there he stood looking at the midnight sky. Since it was only September, the night sky still was a little brighter than on the nights of December. He just stood there for some moments and listened, he listened to the night's many sounds. He heard an owl, insects, and… footsteps coming up behind him. But he did not flinch, because he recognized the steps. He smiled to himself and turned around, finding Thorin looming over him. “Couldn't resist seeing me huh?” Bilbo questioned, raising an eyebrow. Thorin didn't reply, and it made Bilbo change his expression. “What's the matter?” Bilbo said but anyone could have heard that he hesitated. “I'm so sorry...Bilbo.” Thorin said, looking him in the eyes. And Bilbo could see the moon reflect on them. It was almost like Bilbo could feel how vulnerable Thorin was right now, how sincerely he meant the apology. He could see all the trauma and pain he had gone through in his life. Thorin’s beautiful ice-blue eyes looked so… tired. And without noticing, a single tear ran down Bilbo’s cheek. But yet, he was not sad. Thorin looked concerned now. And in a way it insured Bilbo, it made him feel…safe.
He then took Thorin's much larger hand in his. And smiled. And to Thorin, this was a genuine smile, a safe smile, a smile that made him feel at home with himself. So he lifted the hand Bilbo wasn't holding and stroked that single tear away. Then putting his hand gently under the hobbit’s chin and gave the hobbit, his hobbit, a gentle kiss. The kiss didn't last long but it was just long enough for the moment. “I love you..” Bilbo said. How could he not? How could he not love the dwarf who risked his life to save him? And would do anything to ensure the safety of his people.
“I love you too..” Thorin said.
Bilbo had a feeling that this newly found discovery was going to make a very positive impact on this journey…
And it did…up until the very last moment. They had gone through a lot in the past few months. Being captured by the wood elf soldiers of king Thranduil. Riding down many kilometers of a river in barrels. Seeing the quite broken down city of Lake-town, finally reaching the mountain, and getting it back from the dragon Smaug. Along with killing the beast.
Sounds like they've done everything they set out to do and more. They had finally gotten the happy ending they deserved.
Bilbo thought so too, up until the very last moment. His back pressed up against the hard stone wall of the rampart. Looking up to see his beloved dwarf king's eyes. One's eyes used to be so full of hope and love, and now there was nothing but hate and bitter tears to be seen in them. But still, Bilbo thought so, up until the very last moment. His back hitting the icy ground below…
The end...