Chapter Text
It all started with something Bilbo hadn’t even meant to say aloud. Bilbo was missing his home, his food, his people, even—which was saying something. His arms were crossed and he shivered, missing the warmth of his bed. He sipped his soup, but it was rapidly cooling, nowhere near warm enough. Tiredly, and almost silently, he said, “If only I had a hot blanket to warm my ancient bones.”
Nearby, Bofur laughed. Bilbo startled at his voice. “Oh, Bofur, I didn’t see you there.” Bofur just laughed again, and said “How ancient could your bones be?”
“They’ll be 51 years old, come September.” Bilbo replied. Bilbo heard the clank of Bofur’s spoon hitting his bowl. “How old did you say you were, lad?” Bilbo looked at him and was surprised to see how concerned he was. Concerned, and something else. Panicked, perhaps? About what, exactly? The conversation had been perfectly ordinary.
“Excuse me, lad. I need to talk to Thorin.” Bofur jumped up, leaving his bowl to tumble to the ground. Bilbo watched as he ran to Thorin, gesturing wildly. Soon enough, Thorin was looking at him with the same panicked expression. Thorin then went to talk to Balin, much calmer than Bofur had been. This eased Bilbo’s mind for just a moment though, because both Thorin and Balin soon started towards him.
“What’s the matter?” He was practically shaking. Maybe he had offended Bofur with his tone? That couldn’t be it. He was laughing with him but a few moments ago.
“It’s nothing to worry about, lad. Thorin and I were wondering about when your birthday is. How old will you be turning?”
Balin’s tone calmed him somewhat. But the oddness of the situation kept Bilbo on edge. “I’ll be 51 years old.”
Thorin and Balin looked at each other and Bilbo could see the tenseness had not yet passed. “We need a word with the wizard.” Thorin ground out.
“Aye, we do, but for now, let’s focus on Bilbo, yes?” Balin said. They seemed to agree with one another and Thorin called Fili and Kili over. “Boys, I need you to help Mr. Baggins to bed.”
“I beg your pardon? I am not some frail little thing! I am perfectly capable—“ Bilbo was cut off by Fili, who had picked him up like he was a young babe. “Excuse me! Of all the indignities!” Bilbo shouted. He kicked and continued to proclaim his capability as a member of the group, but was once more astonished by the absurdity of the situation. He was being put to bed, like a fauntling! He wanted to protest. To shout their stupid Dwarf ears off and make them see reason! But Fili and Kili began to sing as they rubbed his back. He felt himself relax for the first time in a long while. He thought of his mother and her stories of all her travels. Going to sleep sounded so good, so right. His eyes were heavy…he’d clear this all up…tomorrow.