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Chapter Text

Bilbo had always been a bit of an outcast. It was easy, if he were honest with himself…Between his father and his mother, he was pretty much destined to be the oddball of his pod.

The entire deep reef was filled with mer that liked close knit family, separation from other pods and schools and, above all, complete isolation from the world above. The surface world was bad , and to have one of their kind obsessed with that was abnormal at the best of times, and dangerous at the worst.

So Bilbo had grown up on the stories of his mother, a mermaid who had dared to travel outside their pod, regularly engaged with and enjoyed the company of a sea wizard, and collected all sorts of fun bits and baubles from the surface world. She had a tiny grotto cave that she hid all her treasures in, and Bilbo’s most prized memories were of floating with her while she spun tale after tale of the humans in the world above.

So when she and his father died, Bilbo had spent almost all of his time hiding away in the little cave, trying to remember his mother’s stories and finding himself bitter at the pod’s almost blasé attitude regarding their passing. They were sure now, with proper guidance, Bilbo would become a proper merman and be a leader of his own family…

He was slated to be passed off to one of his relatives, despite being old enough to care for himself, but none stepped forward. It seemed even without his mother and father in the picture, Bilbo had retained his status as outcast.

And he wore that as a badge of honor.

His saving grace had been a small family that had found their way into their pod…and the leader of that pod had been very skilled in creating beautiful jewelry and adornments, while his brother had been quite adept at creating weaponry.

The youngest of the small group, however, was a shy mer that both brothers were fiercely protective of. They had not found a pod that was accepting of their slightly unique skills, and were very wary of Bilbo’s.

But Bilbo had felt a kindred spirit in the youngest of the three, and the moment he was able to get the other alone, he had reached out, hoping his intuition wasn’t wrong.

It turns out that Ori was a scribe and loved stories…and hearing Bilbo’s stories from his mother had all but cemented the two’s friendship.

The Ri brothers had stayed after that, wanting more than anything for their brother to be happy. It seems that their mother had also been lost to the tides when Ori had been very young, and none of them knew their fathers…of which they had never cared about seeing as they had each other.

SO, for the first time since his own parents had died, Bilbo felt like he had family . And he and Ori were inseparable and despite both being seen as odd, they were happy enough being odd with each other.

—

Bilbo grabbed Ori’s hand, tugging him along through the warm waters that signaled how close to the surface they were. Ori, as always, was fearful of getting close to the human world, but found his curiosity and excitement vastly outweighed his fear.

And that was how Bilbo had been able to get him to come along with him as he began to creep closer and closer to the human world over the last few years.

He wasn’t sure how long it had been since Bilbo had discovered the low dock and pier that jutted out into the sea, boats and little dinghies moored there when they weren’t out on the open water. As they had on countless occasions, Ori and Bilbo slowly surfaced under the dock, staying in the dark shadowed waters, and simply listening to the humans above.

Today the humans were talking about the ocean and the weather…nothing very interesting, but they were certain there was a storm coming. Bilbo thought it was funny how they came to these conclusions when they couldn’t feel the pull of the tides or feel the change in the currents that spelled bad weather on the horizon.

And while neither Ori nor Bilbo were fluent in Westron, they had been listening and watching long enough they had begun picking up on things.

And the evenings after their human watching would find the two mermen practicing their speech with each other. There was an outcropping of rocks around the edge of the Human’s kingdom that they liked to sit in the shallows of and simply talk about everything they’d seen that day. It was perilous enough and hard enough to get to, that humans stayed away from the area. But Bilbo and Ori loved it. They could see down the entire beach, and hiding behind the rocks allowed them to watch the docks unseen.

Bilbo was looking out from beneath the little pier, eyes casting around to try and find something interesting…and sure enough he was rewarded by sounds from a larger boat that was moored on a nicer and bigger dock down the beach. This dock and pier was much bigger than the little fisherman one they hid under, and it seemed to hold boats and ships for more important people.

Bilbo slapped at Ori’s shoulder, trying to get his attention without making too much noise. When the other mer turned away from his intense focus on a pair of men walking above them, he was greeted with a bright grin from Bilbo who was pointing down to the other boats.

The group of Humans that were boarding the large boat were a group the two mermen had become almost obsessively fascinated with over the last few months. They watched them sail and fish, watched them follow each other around, playfully wrestle on the beach, and enjoy everything from walks to picnics and outings.

They seemed to be very important to the human kingdom that sat on the low cliffs, and were always seen out and about in groups…none of them ever alone.

Both Ori and Bilbo enjoyed watching this family (that’s what they were SURE they were), and made it a point to always focus on them when they saw they were out near the docks and shore. Ori grinned back at Bilbo and they silently sank beneath the water and headed for the boat.

--

It was Thorin’s birthday, and as any king would want, a large party had been planned for the celebration. He’d made Dis promise that even if it were extravagant, that only family and friends enjoyed it—he was NOT wanting to spend his special day with sycophants or his council, and desired purely to enjoy the company of his closest kin.

The entire group was going to be on his largest boat, the bow heavy with treats and foods and ale, the decks covered in decoration and milling family. Dis had apparently gathered a fair amount of fireworks with the help of his advisor, Balin, and was planning to make the evening celebration one that all the kingdom could see, even if they weren’t there with them.

Dis and her two sons loved parties, so who was the king to deny his sister.

He was currently leaning over the railing of his boat…small ship to be more precise…simply enjoying the gentle rocking of its movement and the lapping of the small waves up its sides. He wasn’t focused on anything in particular, but startled almost violently as he saw a flash of pale gold from his periphery.

His head snapped to the side and he leaned over, only catching the barest glimpse of gold before the dark waters swallowed it up.

“Somethin’ caught yer eye?” Came the gruff voice beside him, his captain of the guard and cousin, Dwalin, ambling over to lean against the railing with him. He was looking where Thorin was pointedly staring and scoffed. “Lean any further over and ye might as well go swimmin’.” He slapped Thorin hard on the back, the king pulling his attention away from the waves and placing it on his captain.

Dwalin snorted at his annoyed look and, with his arm around his shoulders, shook him as he dragged him away from the side. “Come on ye grumpy bastard. Everyone’s here for ye and I would like to eat sooner rather than later.”

—

Bilbo had ducked just in time, cursing under the water as he hid beneath the ship. Ori was circling him, trying not to laugh his nervous energy off. “That was close, Bilbo. Way too close. We can’t keep doing this…”

“Oh come off it…you love it.” Ori snorted at that, tugging at one of his front braids nervously. “He’s…he’s just so pretty .” Bilbo whined, turning in the water almost dramatically. “He has the loveliest hair…I wish I could see his eyes.”

“You’re getting way too close…way too obsessed…”

“And what of Topfin?” He said with a click of his tongue. Topfin had been what they started calling the human that Ori seemed to have eyes for. The man was built like he’d been hewn from stone and his hair was in a short cresting fin on the top of his head. They had never heard names…though since their Westron wasn’t that good, they couldn’t really be sure if they had heard actual names yet.

Ori’s skin went almost as purple as his tail, the blush making him hide his face in his webbed hands. “Biiiilbo, stop that.” He mumbled, trying to ignore the other’s laughing. 

“I’m just teasing.” Bilbo poked at Ori until he uncurled and he could see his face again. “But you know I’m right. They’re too much fun to watch…I just wish we could see them more often.”

“I know.” Ori looked up at the hull of the ship, picking idly at a barnacle before starting at the sound of the large chain scraping against the side as the anchor was drawn up. “Oy…wonder where they’re off to…it’s too late int he day for a fishing trip…”

“Well they had so many humans coming on board with them…maybe travel? Oh dear, I hope not.” Bilbo fretted, wringing his hands as he watched the anchor disappear and heard the sounds of the massive sails being let loose. “I don’t like it when they leave…it’s all so much more boring.”

“Well…let’s follow then…if it looks like they’re leaving the territory we can just head back. But who knows, maybe they just want to sail a bit before dinner.” 

Both mer giggled at that, swimming beneath the ship as it began to leave port, easily gliding along the currents as they followed it in to more open water. 

—

Frerin and Dis cornered Thorin, dragging him from hiding near the front of the ship back to the throng of friends and family on the main deck. The sailors and deck hands were also enjoying the food (and a little of the drink), as they were also, in some ways, relations or friends.

Thorin laughed as his siblings wrangled him back into the group, pushing him into the hugs and claps on his back and birthday wishes that he tried to get out of every year but was unable to. He, at the very least, was pleased the group was people whom he liked and liked him in return.

The night wore on, the celebration and music and revelry loud enough to carry off the boat and into the dark waters around it. Thorin had all but forgotten the flash of gold from earlier and instead, worked on enjoying himself. 

Small reprieves like this weren’t as common as he’d have liked. Since the passing of his father and his new(ish) kinghood, his life had been fairly constantly filled with work and responsibilities that he’d not had to deal with while being only a crowned prince.

Though…it seemed his father had expected to live longer than he did (don’t we all?), and so some of the King’s work had never fallen to Thorin while the old man still lived. Sadly, in the end, sickness cares not for crown or coin.

He was very lucky to have his sister and his youngest brother at his side. Dis, despite being younger, had already taken a husband and produced two fine young boys. His youngest brother was still chasing tail, but he didn’t worry about him too much. He’d been very worried that he himself had, perhaps, dragged his feet for too long in finding himself a partner, but there was something depressing about marrying someone that had little to nothing in common with you.

Someone you did not love.

So knowing their line was secure with young Fili and his little brother, Kili, Thorin had allowed himself to all but push marriage out of his mind.

Honestly it was freeing.

Except when he had Frerin and even Dwalin wanting to introduce him at every turn to young women (AND men) that might tickle his fancy.

Thankfully none of those prospects were here.

Just music and mead and mountains of food.

—

The two youngest in the line of Durin were all but wrestling across the decks of the ship when they weren’t in a mad frenzy over tag. They’d even gotten their uncle Frerin to play with them at one point, but he left their game in favor of annoying the small band that was currently playing.

Fili was trying to catch his breath, hanging over the railing and looking out across the dark ocean, Kili panting and laughing at his side.

Fili, at ten years old, was senior by only a year and a half, but still took his big brother responsibilities very seriously. Kili could not care less that Fili was older, so long as his brother was by his side. They stood there, pressed to the railing, looking over the edge at the water lapping at the sides, and caught their breath.

Fili elbowed Kili playfully, jostling him and making the youngest yelp and grab the rail hard. He shot an annoyed and petulant glare at Fili.

“Fee, don’t doooo that! You scared me!”

Fili laughed and tossed his arm over his shoulder. “Aw Kee, come on…I’d never let anything happen to you.” And he wouldn’t. Not ever .

Kili stuck his tongue out and turned his attention back to the water. “Whatcha think is down there?”

“Monsters, of course.”

“Fee….” he whined.

“I don’t know, Kili! I mean monsters would be cool though right?”

“NO!”

“Oh come on!” Fili looked over again, peering at the dark water. “It’d be so cool! Not just fish and seaweed, but big scary creatures!! With sharp teeth and claws !” He raised his hands at his younger brother, fingers curled and his teeth bared playfully. 

Kili whined. “Stop that, Fili!! I don’t want there to me monsters! What about those pretty mermaids in the book dad reads us! That’d be really neat.”

Fili snorted, rolling his eyes. His little brother was such a sensitive kid, but he couldn’t help but want him to be happy. “I guess…”

Suddenly, they were both seized by the waist, yanked backwards with a loud snarling roar, and both let out a surprised yell that had the whole ship turning around in surprise.

Only to see Frerin with two armfuls of squirming princes, both of whom were slapping and kicking at their uncle to get out of his hold.

Dis was by her brother’s side in an instant, gaze thunderous as she grabbed the man’s ear and pulled, making him yelp like a kicked dog and drop the boys. They laughed at his unfortunate attachment and raced back to where they had been playing.

“Leave those two alone, Fren! I swear by Durin’s beard if you make those boys fear the ocean I will skin you alive and feed you to the depths myself.

“Owowowowwwwwoooow, okay okay!” He finally escaped, rubbing his ear and pouting like the youngster he still was. He was only twenty two for gods sake! Dis shot him a look and returned to her husband and the party, shoving at Vili with a smile as he cheered her on.

Fili was back to teasing Kili, who had just as much ammunition following both of their terrified screaming fits, to embarrass his brother into a blushing pout. 

Instead of keeping up their teasing, both brothers went back to looking down into the dark water, watching the reflections of the lanterns and fairy lights on the rippling water until they were called away and back to the group by their mother.

The fireworks were going to start soon.

—

Bilbo and Ori took lazy laps around the ship, easily hidden in the darkness, and simply watched the festivities aboard. They couldn’t see the deck fully, but at a little distance they could see close…it just meant it was hard to see everyone clearly. 

So Ori had taken to hanging onto the anchor, watching the railings as people meandered by. Bilbo had liked watching them dance…wondering how they moved so elegantly and fluidly on land .

The dances were fun and sometimes loud—stomping boots and shouts and even singing along with those playing. The one with the wild and curly mustache and flipped up head covering often broke away from his little stick with holes to start a merry chorus or lead the group into something that sent everyone into peals of laughter and cheering.

It was so fascinating…and Bilbo found himself longing for more . The man with the long black hair appeared occasionally, and looked to be having fun—and not for the first time, Bilbo wished he was up there with him…celebrating and dancing and cheering with him.

He let out a long suffering sigh, circling Ori before grabbing the anchor chain and hanging on it like a caught fish. 

Ori rolled his eyes. “You’re so dramatic, Bilbo.” He said with a little laugh, splashing water at his friend. Bilbo’s ears flattened and he whined. “You’re getting way obsessed with them…you gotta be careful. You know Nori and Dori—“

“Oh they can bite shells.” Bilbo huffed. “They wanna just keep us hidden away in the cold depths and not have any fun. Look! Even the little human children are allowed to play and run and be mischievous!”

“But Bilbo…we’re allowed to do all that too…”

“Yeah…under the water.”

“Well it IS where we belong, you know.”

“But is it?” Bilbo let go of the chain and let himself float like a dead fish. “Cause I want to belong up there…I want to experience their world. It’s not fair.”

“Fair ain’t got nothin’ to do with it ya guppy.” Came a sharp voice at Ori’s shoulder. The gangly merman had to cover his mouth to stifle a scream as he let go of the chain and sank into the water, wanting to hide.

Bilbo didn’t move from his attempt to be a bloated floating fish. “Nori.” He groused.

“Bite shells, ey?” He snorted. Bilbo shrugged but looked a bit embarrassed.

Ori finally peeked above the water, his eyes and top of his head being all that were showing, and cast a worried look at his brother.

“Oh come off it, Ori. I ain’t gonna rat ya out to Dori…but you two can’t keep doing this. It’s dangerous.” Bilbo flipped over and bobbed in the water. “Seriously. Dori’ll find out one day and it’ll be ALL our fins over the coals.”

“We was just watchin’…” Ori said softly. “They’re fun to watch.”

Nori sighed, looking at Bilbo pointedly until the young mer looked away. “Right. And none of ya ever wanted to try and get some land time…riiight.”

“Oh come on, Nori!” Bilbo whined. “Look at them! They’re sooooo interesting! Just…listen!” 

Nori rolled his eyes, hearing the music and the jovial noises from on deck. He could admit it sounded fun…but it also sounded like a whole bunch of people with access to harpoons and arrows and knives.

“Bilbo…it just ain’t…” The middle sibling of the Brother’s Ri, found himself trailing off, distracted suddenly by a voice that began to call and receive answers over the music. He was cheering and loud and everyone sang along with him…and Nori found himself swimming back just a little more to get a better look at the man standing on a barrel (way too close to the edge of the ship!!) and loudly reciting some old sailor song to the crowd of people on board.

He caught the wild hair and flipped tails, the ridiculous mustache, and the dimpled smile, and felt something in his chest flutter.

And quickly tore his eyes away and turned back to Bilbo and his youngest brother. “It ain’t right.” He snapped, maybe more at himself than the other two. Ori and Bilbo shared a look but said nothing. “Look. I get the appeal—the mystery and the fantasy. I do. But it ain’t ever gonna work. You ain’t ever gonna have legs and they ain’t ever gettin’ gills and a tail, and you’re never gonna find common ground cause their ain’t any!”

He swallowed thickly, feeling his skin prickle as his own words sank in and couldn’t help but let his eyes flick to the ship’s railing again…and his heart actually sank when he saw the man was gone, his voice now more towards the center of the main deck.

“Just…let’s go home.”

“No.” Bilbo said stiffly. ”I wanna stay and listen. I like their music and they’re fun to listen to.” Nori sighed, knowing Ori wouldn’t follow him at all if Bilbo was refusing.

By the tides he hoped Dori didn’t come looking for them.

“Fine…you can stay…but ONLY if you stay IN the water and stop hanging on the anchor and floating around. One of’em is bound to see ya, and don’t for one minute think they won’t spear you through just to say they killed a mer.

Bilbo scowled, hating how truthful those words were. He kind of hated Nori for it, but knew the other was only looking out for them. Dori would have strapped Ori to his back and taken Bilbo by the dorsal and dragged them back to the pod…Nori at least was letting them stay.

He was about to say something else when there was a terrible screeching whistle, a blinding flash of light, and a “BOOM” that vibrated the very air.

All three dove under the water in a panic, about to turn tail and flee, but Bilbo rolled and looked up, gasping loudly and grabbing at whoever was closest.

It was Nori and he fought the pull for only a moment before he looked where Bilbo was looking and found  himself frozen…not in terror, but in awe. Ori was still trying to figure out if he should swim away, but his brother and Bilbo, not moving, caused him great concern. But it took only a moment to see why they had stopped–and by now were returning slowly to the surface.

There were more whistles and pops and explosive booms, but the light…the light s were what drew them to break the surface of the water and stare in amazement at the night sky.

Colors they had never seen in the sky were raining down in the inky blackness. Flourets and blossoms of great sparkling walls of color exploded across the sky to temporarily paint the night with new stars and constellations before the little specks of lights showered down and disappeared before they met the ocean.

There were bursts of blue and green that made Bilbo think of those schools of fish that always filled his view when they were traveling the currents. The golds and reds looked like shooting stars and left all three of them blinking back bright spots on their visions.

Whatever this was…it was the most amazing and magical thing any of them had ever seen…and not even the noise made them flinch after a few minutes as they simply stared up into the sky, completely enthralled by the sparkling lights that exploded overhead.

Bilbo tore his eyes away for only a moment, catching the ship’s crew and passengers all looking up, pointing and smiling…but it was when he chanced a glance at the two brothers beside him that he was completely caught off guard by how the colors played across their faces and reflected in their eyes.

If Nori had never been a fan of humans, he sure was now.

This star shower went on for another ten minutes or so, occasionally lulling with only one or two, and then a whole slew of them going off in rapid succession. The final bunch were some of the best–whistling and screaming lights that flew through the air like a fish swims in the sea, golden sparks popping and fizzing from their long tails as they swirled and whirled and danced through the sky.

When they finally fizzled out, there were cheers and applause and happy yelling from the ship, and Nori quickly tugged the other two back under the water. Bilbo and Ori went without complaint, their eyes still speckled with bright colors and afterimages every time they closed their eyes.

And even Nori was unable to say a negative thing as they all made their way back home.

Chapter Text

Days passed uneventfully…Ori and Bilbo having their regular adventures up to the small crop of stones at the edge of the shore, talking about everything they’d seen. They kept coming back to the celebration on the boat, and how amazing the star showers had been…and hoping they’d see them again.

Nori seemed to want to come and bother them more over the following days and Ori was certain it was for the same reason he and Bilbo had such a renewed excitement about life on  land and the humans. Nori occasionally asked about the large ship and the family the two had all but been stalking, but they admitted very quickly that save for their faces and what they’d observed, they didn’t know much else.

Bilbo teased him about it…the younger mer was certain someone on the ship had caught his fickle eye and now he was curious.

At these times, Nori would simply huff indignantly, tell them not to stay out too late cause Dori was getting suspicious, and swim away without much more conversation.

Today was apt to be one of those days, but Bilbo never got around to teasing him. A peel of thunder rumbled across the ocean and all three of them turned to look out towards the horizon. The sky had been overcast all day, but it didn’t seem to be more than clouds pregnant and swollen with rain. It seemed, though, there was much angrier weather afoot as the clouds far off had darkened considerably. The three of them watched the storm that had seemed to form as it picked up speed and rolled towards the land quickly.

“Dori said he thought he smelled a storm.” Nori grumbled, sinking into the water more as the wind picked up and chilled him slightly. “We should maybe get goin’…the waves are gonna start getting rough.”

Bilbo pouted, but knew Nori was right. The tide had already shifted, rising over their rocks well before it should be getting this high. “I had thought it was only going to be a summer rain…how annoying.” He gave a great sigh and slid off the rock he’d been laid out on, enjoying the cloudy afternoon and getting himself some indirect sun.

“Yeah yeah, terrible. Let’s get goin’ you two.”

Ori followed Bilbo and they had just headed into the waves, head already bobbing under, when voices carried themselves with the wind and halted their leaving.

“Oy, it’s them !” Ori gasped, pointing to the small fishing docks they usually lounged under.

Sure enough, a few of the men that they’d been (kind of) stalking were racing down to the end of the dock, looking around and then looking out to sea. Nori and Ori barely had time to register what was going on before Bilbo dove under the surface, racing towards the docks, not caring that he may be too close to the surface.

Bilbo surfaced under the frantic humans, barely more than his ears above the water, shushing the brothers as they finally surfaced and pointed to the yelling and angry voices above.

–

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE’S STILL OUT THERE!?” Thorin bellowed, turning to Balin who was jogging up behind him, Dwalin, and Vili. Balin was gasping, obviously having run as quick as he could to catch up with the king. He smoothed his beard down, holding it as the wind picked up.

“The dock watchers say he and a few others left close to noon and haven’t come back yet!” He looked scared, wide eyes moving to look out across the ocean as the coming storm started to whip the waters into a frenzy.

Thorin looked more than scared…he looked frantic. He was pacing, Dwalin and Vili chatting away at what they could possibly do…

Thorin cut them off. “No…I have to go…” And he turned and began walking towards the larger docks. “Ready my ship…it can handle the storm just fine–”

“Sire!” Balin gasped, shuffling behind  him. Dwalin looked like he was about to push his brother over to get to Thorin.

“Ye can’t do that. It’s suicide, Thorin. I know ye want to help them, but–”

“It’s Frerin…And he probably took others with him.” Thorin choked, moving faster as he headed to the royal dock. His ship was heavy and steady and it had seen worse storms for longer. And he was NOT going to stay on land and do nothing!

“Thorin…”

“You cannot tell me you would not raze the sea itself to save your brother–your kin .” Thorin snapped, pointing at his captain. “You would kill me if it meant saving any of them, and for that I do not fault you in the least.” Dwalin had paled, wanting to reach out and grasp Balin’s elbow, knowing Thorin’s words were true. “I have to go…They need me. Ready my ship! I will NOT tell you again!”

Balin and Dwalin nodded, giving a quick bow and both darted off towards the main dock and the barracks just beyond. Vili stayed, knowing he wasn’t at all useful in this particular situation, but tried to calm the near apoplectic Thorin.

“Do you think you can find his boat in time? The storm is moving very quick.”

“I have to. Dis will murder me in my sleep if I let anything happen to Frerin. Not to mention the rest of the family!”

“No Dis won’t,” Vili laughed, clapping Thorin on the back as they moved towards his royal vessel. “She doesn’t want to be queen. She’ll just hobble you a bit.”

Thorin actually laughed at that, thankful for the slight ease in his anxiety. “Please tell Dis where I’m going.”

“She won’t be happy.”

“She’d be unhappy either way.”

“Isn’t that the pisser of it all.”

“Tell her to stay inside. This storm is going to be a bad one.”

“And you get back here as soon as you get him…and Thorin…from me AND Dis–don’t do anything stupid.”

Thorin grasped Vili’s arm in a hard shake, his  heart racing. He was scared…the storm was almost a few clicks away and they needed to get to Frerin’s fishing boat before the growing waves capsized it. It was going to be very close. “I promise nothing.”

–

“Why are they going out into the waters NOW?” Bilbo nearly cried, watching the ship's sails billow out as Thorin and a small crew headed towards the open ocean. “The storm is going to…oh Eru, they’re going to die…” He lamented loudly, diving back under the water and racing after the ship as it picked up speed.

Nori had been unable to stop Ori and Bilbo from getting closer. He had no idea what was going on…well not NO idea, but it was very vague. He did not speak the human’s native language–and while he had no chance or time to be outwardly impressed with how well Ori and Bilbo understood, he gathered that these particular humans were heading out to open water in search of someone.

He also couldn’t stop his brother or Bilbo from chasing after the ship. He let out a curse and sped off after them, muttering about stubborn brothers and friends of stubborn brothers.

–

The winds picked up, whipping and pulling and pushing in all directions. The man at the helm was holding the ship steady despite the winds and rough waves. The rain was coming, a foggy almost hazy filling between the clouds and ocean off in the distance that was getting closer by the minute.

Thorin and the others leaned over railings, holding tight as the ship rocked, looking for his brother’s small fishing boat…praying to Aule that he caught sight of him soon.

Bilbo and Ori, and even Nori, could see that whoever was missing had to be someone of great importance. They swam with more purpose, zigzagging through the waters surrounding the boat, searching the area that the ship could miss because of waves and the dying light.

Thorin yelled for the ship to turn, taking it sharp and into waves. A wave crested the deck and everyone held fast, weathering it easily before the ship corrected and sailed straight. He was getting desperate…the rain was coming faster now and it was getting to the point that staying out much longer was going to be more than dangerous. Lightning was flashing in the distance, chased by low and heavy thunder.

He was going to have to call it. He was going to have to give up the search and hope Frerin survived on his own…if he didn’t, then he risked every soul on that ship–some of whom were just as much family as Frerin.

He let out a furious yell, cursing the ocean and the storm. He was about to turn around and yell for Dwalin to start heading back to the shore…try and get to the docks before they were thrown into them…when a flash of gold and red in the dwindling light, a color not often seen on the waves, caught his eye.

He flew back to the railing, shouting for the others. There, to the starboard side in the choppy waves, floated two barrels tied together, a trio of men clinging to for dear life. All hands on deck flew into action, grabbing ropes and buoys to throw down to the men and drag them up on deck.

Thorin was there pulling at the ropes and helping to haul all three waterlogged men on board. The rain was heavy now, making the deck wet and slippery, the winds pushing the waves and rocking the ship and buffeting the sails. Lightning was striking close, but surely they still had enough time to get to shore.

Thorin was pulling Frerin up while the other two were being attended to. He yelled for those not immediately dealing with the survivors to get them BACK to shore, and half a dozen men scattered to help get the sails ready and get back to port.

Frerin was coughing, clinging to his brother as he tried to stand, trying to get words of thanks and apology out, but Thorin quieted him. The ship was heading towards shore, attempting to get to shore before the storm became too much, and Thorin looked over to see Bofur getting to his feet and helping up another young man (who Thorin did not immediately recognize) stand on shaky legs. Knowing that all of them were safe had the king let out a ragged sigh of relief. He tugged his brother in, knocking their foreheads together and embracing him.

“We should get away from the railing! Let’s go help get home–” Frerin’s voice was loud as he tried to be heard of the winds and the rolling waves. Thorin was nodding and they were turning to head to where they could be of help, immeasurably happy he’d found his brother before it was too late, when a blinding flash of light followed by a sickening ‘CRACK’ and explosive boom sent not only splintered wood and fire flying out, but men as well.

The lightning hit the main mast, the electric current spiraling down the thick pole as the wet wood expanded instantly, exploding out and showering the crew with wooden shrapnel.

Thorin threw himself at Frerin, knocking him back towards the center of the ship and effectively getting him out of the way of the shattered mast as the pieces still holding on by straining rope and tattered singed sail, came swinging their way.

Thorin had not been able to make it out of the way, a thick piece of mast and sail slamming into his chest and lifting him up and tossing him off the edge like an unwanted toy. And as he felt himself knocked over the railing, flying backwards towards the water and watching the ship try to correct itself and tilt portside, he heard another loud scream and splash before his own world went black.

–

They had found the floating men…the ship was going to miss them. Bilbo could hear them screaming for the attention of the ship and knew he was going to help them even before Ori was grabbing his shoulders and yelling about getting them somewhere safe.
Even Nori was on board as they circled the men. Ori could hear the men panicking, one yelling about not being able to get the attention of someone on the ship, the other saying they’d need to swim for it, and the answering curse being one of refusal to let the barrel go.

“We’re going to have to drag them!” Bilbo called.

“We can’t interfere !” Nori answered, almost recoiling at the looks his brother and Bilbo shot at him.

“Damn the rules Nori!! Help us!” Ori yelled as he grabbed a pair of the kicking legs, Bilbo grabbing another. Nori heard the men start yelling, panicking more as now besides clinging to the barrels for survival, they were getting attacked by opportunistic sharks.

Nori cursed and rushed the little group, slamming into the large barrels and pushing with all his might as the three of them worked to move them closer to the ship through the choppy waters.

When they got close enough that the men’s yells had to be able to reach above the roar of the winds to their people on board, all three mermen turned tail and sped away. Bilbo was too close to the surface and threw out an apology to the universe as his tail breached the surface and whapped one of the humans during his own escape.

A lucky moment as it was this glittering tail that had caught the eye of one of the humans, and soon, the mer were watching from beneath as the floating men were hauled upwards out of the water and back onto the ship.

Bilbo was holding tight to Ori’s hand, both of them watching until every last man had been pulled up, fighting the rough currents as they swam back towards the rocking boat. Even Nori followed along, the plan unspoken between all of them to make sure the family and the ship made it back to shore.

They had thought it was safe now…the ship just had to get to shore and dock…the men only needed to get the dozen or so yards from the ship onto dry land and EVERYTHING would be fine!

The explosion of light and the snapping of wood made all three lurch, covering their heads as wooden planks and debris landed in the water, all of them wide eyed and terrified at what had just happened. They surfaced quickly, hearing the screams on deck and catching people racing to the shattered railing, pointing into the darkness.

Bilbo’s heart dropped and he descended, swimming with all his might against the current as he searched.

Ori fell in right behind him, but Nori had heard noise on the other side of this ship and broke away, dreading that more people had found themselves tossed overboard.

Bilbo’s hunch had been right and he as he swam around a sinking chunk of mast and sail, he watched in horror as a figure, limp and unmoving, sank into the depths.

Rocketing down towards the unconscious man, Bilbo was able to snag him easily and race them both back to the surface. Ori had already broken the surface, waving at the ship frantically to try and get their attention.

Sadly, with the damage done and the storm only getting worse, the ship had turned to limp back to shore.

“You have him!?” Ori called as he saw Bilbo surface, swimming quickly over and gasping as he saw the long haired man they often watched. He wasn’t moving, but a great cough had him spluttering out lungfuls of water, gasping for air before going quite still again. “Oh no…we need to get him to land!”

“I can carry him, but I’d need to swim backwards. Help me! Take his other arm!”

“Was Nori with you?” Ori’s voice was breaking as he yelled, the wind blowing so fiercely that they kept getting dunked by waves. He grabbed at the man and Bilbo released him so they could each take and arm and swim normally.

Bilbo shook his head and that was all that was said as they swam towards shore, Ori’s mind going a mile a minute, terrified his brother had been injured.

Chapter Text

Nori’s POV

But Nori hadn’t been injured…on the contrary, he was on his own rescue adventure.

This one, however, was a bit more dangerous than the other rescue.

He HAD heard another person in the water…he’d almost given up the ghost and returned to his brother when a yell came off to his left. He dove under, racing towards the sound, and was not even a little surprised to see a pair of legs and booted feet kicking frantically in the water.

He worried for a moment…this human was obviously aware and awake and might fight back being helped. He could wait till he almost drowned and then pull him up, but that could seriously hurt the other.

And while MAYBE a few weeks ago he’d been fine with letting one of these humans die, as of late he’d found himself quite intrigued by Bilbo’s stories AND the humans Bilbo and Ori were always going on about.

Letting out a string of curses that would have had Dori snatching him up by the frills, he decided to do something stupid.

The man had gone under again, struggling to get to the surface–his boots and clothing were obviously weighing him down. Nori decided on a quick and direct action, coming up quickly behind him, wrapping his arms around the man’s shoulders (pinning his flailing arms to his side), and laid them back as he began to make a quick escape towards the far end of the coast.

Whoever this human was had been knocked over off the other side of the ship and been snagged in a riptide. He’d been pulled too far from the boat and would have never been found…not that THAT had been an option, as Nori saw the ship heading back towards the docks proper and knew they wouldn’t turn around  in the storm now for anything.

He was still amazed they had been able to find the others…but time was up…the storm was raging.

The human had frozen for a moment and Nori took this small gift and worked his tail to propel them as quickly as possible. He swam as hard and fast as he could before the man got wise that he was NOT being rescued by one of his own…he knew when that  happened he’d be fighting the current, the waves, AND a frantic scared human.

He was surprised then when the human DIDN’T fight. They went under a few times and Nori was always quick to get to the surface as quick as possible, holding the man close and racing to the shore. He was heading to the other side of the docks, swimming with the current and letting it help rather than fight against him. This area was all but always empty save for sun bathers and walkers since, like the side Bilbo and Ori preferred, there were rocks too dangerous for boats to come close to.

Nori felt every muscle in his body, especially his tail, burning from exertion. He hoped to Eru that Ori and Bilbo were safe, but only let himself worry a little bit, trying to focus on getting this human to the shore before either of them expired. He was honestly a little worried for the man…he’d been eerily still and Nori was legitimately scared that the man had passed out…or worse.

He was getting closer to land, the waves crashing around him and his cargo and Nori shifted the man in his arms so he could maneuver them towards the rocks. The storm, like many summer ragers, wouldn’t last too long at this level and if he could get the man on the rocks then he could easily make his own way to the sands and to the paths that led up into the city once things began to calm.

The rock cropping was getting drenched, but the waves were breaking all around them and not over the jagged terrain. Nori let out a loud grunt and picked the human up, all but tossing him onto the rock. He should have just left then, but he didn’t. He gave the human a hard shove, trying to get him further onto the largest and flattest rock, and was rewarded with the man springing to life and grabbing his wrists, pulling him up onto the rock himself and pinning his hands to the rough surface.

Nori panicked, his tail thrashing to try and pull him back and he looked up, freezing in place as a look of surprise met his own. Lighting flashed and he was able to make out the man before him–the man  holding onto his wrists so tightly–and then to Nori’s surprise, the human gave a shake of his head and shifted to sit up better before letting Nori’s wrists go.

It was the man from the ship that night of the star showers…the one that had been singing and playing, dancing stupidly close to the railing on a crate. His mustache and braided hair was soaked and limp, but Nori knew it was him.

And suddenly the human was talking to him, his mouth opening and hollering over the sound of the storm, and Nori found that he was actually upset he didn’t speak their language.

And he was still a bit floored by the fact he was still there, listening to the other faffle about, waving his hands and pointing to the ship and the docks and the ocean, instead of swimming away . The man was trying to tell him something…or ask him something…Nori didn’t know and it frustrated him.

He pushed at the other, pointed to the city on the cliffs, and pushed at him again. Why wasn’t he getting to safety?

But Nori knew. The man was rambling, but his eyes were trained on Nori’s lower half and the mer knew he was just an interesting find for the other. He began to push off the rock, sliding back into the water when the human scrambled forward and grabbed his hand.

He was speaking again and Nori had a feeling it was another question. He patted the rock and Nori shrugged, shaking his head. “I can’t understand you, ya daft drenched polecat.” He grumbled and the man smiled .

That made Nori feel very strange. His heart fluttered in his chest and he felt his dorsal fin raise, shaking a little as he flapped his tail in the rising waves. He shook THOSE feelings off right then and there. No thank you! He was NOT his brother or Bilbo…he was NOT going to get attached. No siree.

The human smiled again and patted the rock then pointed at Nori and then himself. Nori swallowed, his gills flaring out, head tilted. He was hit by another hard wave and found himself tethered by the hold of the other man. “Oh by Eru’s third nipple, will you get to shore!” He snapped, baring his teeth and pushing at the other. The water was rising…he needed to get on land and Nori needed to find his brother and Bilbo.

The human didn’t let go, but slapped the rock and pointed at Nori again, then then himself and then the rock. Then he pointed to the storm and made a waving motion. Nori’s eyes widened as he realized what the other was asking.

Come back to this rock when the storm is gone.

Nori knew he looked like a netted fish suddenly, his eyes wide and  terror obviously flashing in his deep grey eyes. The human looked suddenly worried, looked at his hand holding Nori’s wrist, and dropped it as though it had burned him.

His hands came up, almost like a surrender, and he was shaking his head. Nori was already sliding back into the water, confused by the fact he actually wanted to come back and possibly see this rather scruffy human. As he slid back into the water, the waves crashing over him until he disappeared from view, he and the other never once broke eye contact.

–
Bofur’s POV

Bofur had no clue what was happening until it was too late. The lightning strike had come out of nowhere, and thankfully he’d been safe from the debris on his side of the boat. But a wave felt his luck needed to change and he felt himself knocked back and dragged back over the edge of the ship.

He’d held on as tight as he could, but as the ship pitched sideways, he felt himself fall.

The moment he went under water, he felt himself pulled; the current seemed to grip him tight and yank him into the darkness…and every time he resurfaced, gasping and coughing and yelling for help, he saw the boat getting further and further away.

He’d all but accepted the fact he was going to die out here…and after that bizarre rescue earlier! It had to be dolphins or something…weren’t their sailor stories of dolphins rescuing people that fell overboard?

Maybe they’d help one more time?

Bofur flailed, trying to keep above water, hoping if he stayed afloat that the current would ferry him to shore…but he was so tired and the water was getting rougher. Panic was setting in and had he been able to spare a moment, he’d have cried.

The next wave that took him under, he knew, was the wave that would take him down and not let him back up. He tried not to fight it, his chest aching and his lungs burning–

And then he was being grabbed…he was being brought to the surface…someone had rescued him and it definitely wasn’t dolphins…dolphins didn’t have arms.

He looked down, still a bit dazed as they began to move through the water, and saw he did in fact have a pair of arms wrapping his chest and arms…and the chest pressed to his back felt human as well. Hmm…this human sure could swim fast though…

And as he glanced back down, even with the rain and low light, he could see the fins that laid down the length of the other man’s forearms. He blinked and looked up as a wave crashed over them, catching sight of a massive and powerful tail working to propel them in the water.

Definitely not a dolphin.

But definitely something that had its own sailor songs about it.

He’d heard mermaids were like sirens–they lured you to the water where they pulled you under. They pulled you into the water and drowned you or attempted to knock over small sailing vessels to get to you.

But this one was saving him. And that alone gave Bofur pause and he very quickly clammed up and let the mermaid do its thing. Maybe he’d actually make it out alive.

He could tell they were closer to shore by the frequency of the breaking waves. When he was hauled out of the water and thrown onto the rock, the realized that the other was going to swim off…and he couldn’t let that happen…he wanted to thank it… see it…ANYTHING!

So when he’d righted himself, he grabbed the mermaid, pulling him up further on the rock, desperate to know he wasn’t imagining it all. His hands shook from the cold wind, and he looked down at the mermaid…mer*man*, and realized how terribly aggressive his actions were and dropped the wrists he’d had a hold on.

“Oy, fuck, mate. I’m sorry bout tha.” He groaned, watching the merman stare fixedly at him. There was a recognition there that Bofur was going to be thinking about later, but for now…the storm was picking up and they didn’t have much time.

“I can’t believe you exist! Fuckin’ hell, that’s crazy. Have you ever been to our docks?” He pointed, waving at the piers and port. “I’m sure you have…how else would you have known about the ship, ey. By Durin I’m glad ya saved me…wait, was that you that got us to the ship too?!” He was rattling off question after question, and the merman replied by shoving him further on the rock and angrily pointing at the shore.

Bofur realized that the merman was trying to leave and he automatically seized the creature's wrist to keep him from going.

“Yeah yeah I‘ll go, but don’t leave yet! Can I see you again!? Thank ya proper?” The merman froze and Bofur continued, unaware of the turmoil already in the sea creature's heart. The merman finally answered with a guttural reply of clicks and growling words that Bofur definitely didn’t understand. Bofur huffed and patted the rock.

He got a confused look and another growled reply.

“Meet me here?” He was pointing, trying to get his point across. “Can you come back! I wanna say thank ya when we’re not about to drown!” He was smiling again, unable to help himself…he was talking to a *mermaid*. He had been RESCUED by a mermaid…maybe TWICE! He was worried that the other didn’t understand him, but as he watched those stormy grey eyes lock onto his own, he was sure there was recognition there and it confused him.

The merman bared his teeth, growling out another string of that guttural language, pushing him with his free hand. Bofur refused to be pushed back though and did not let go of the other’s hand. “Come on please! When it’s safe? Meet here?” He was patting the rock again, waving off the storm and pointing to them in turn.

He looked back down at the merman and upon seeing that scared look across his face, Bofur realized that he’d once again probably overstepped a boundary. He quickly dropped his hand, trying not to think about how cold it had been. He raised his hands, showing his palms, hoping that the other saw it as his apology and that he wasn’t going to do it again.

The response was the merman pushing down the rock to back into the water. Bofur watched, locked in a staring match with the other as he watched him slide back into the water and disappear into the frothy waves.

Bofur sat for a long moment, simply letting the rain and spray of the waves and the wind pelt him mercilessly…He was still trying to just get himself to believe that had all just happened.

If he told anyone they would just say he swallowed too much salt water…or maybe he had died and seen the afterlife before coming back. Bofur made a decision right then and there that he’d keep this to himself. His own little secret.

And maybe he’d come down one day and find the merman there…and  he could give him an actual thank you.

Finally he seemed to snap out of his shock and swearing under his breath, he tried to get his feet up under him and stand. After a long minute of slowly and stiffly getting to his feet, trying to make sure nothing was broken or dislodged, and began the slow and arduous journey of jumping the rocks and getting to shore…he just needed to not let himself get washed away in the rain.

It was slow going, and he almost fell a dozen or more times, but Bofur eventually made it onto wet sand, and headed towards the dim lights of the docks, covering his ears at every peal of thunder.

Chapter Text

 Bilbo’s POV

With Ori’s help, they were able to reach the shore quicker than had only one of them been carrying the human. Bilbo was desperate to reach the shore before the waves took them under one too many times and they lost hold of their human, and was notably excited as they rushed the wet sandy beach.

Bilbo swam as hard as he could towards the beach, Ori helping shove them forward and Bilbo bodily shoved the human as far up the beach as he could. Ori stayed close to the tide’s edge, watching with some trepidation as Bilbo pushed at the human until said human was on his back near some of the rocks that made up their favorite sunning spots.

Ori was watching the ocean, gauging the storm and making sure there was no one else coming up from the water or coming down the beach. The rain pelted his back and tail as he lay in the shallows, watching as Bilbo tried to get the man to safety. He’d wait until he was needed…Bilbo had a shorter and thicker tail–this allowed him better control on land…well as much control as a fish out of water truly has.

Ori’s tail was long and slender, his pectoral and pelvic fins much sharper and less forgiving than Bilbo’s softer and billowy ones. Wriggling up onshore was not very enjoyable at any time, but it was definitely harder for Ori than for Bilbo.

Bilbo was frantic as he finally got the human laid out on the rocks–his bottom half was still in the wet sand, but his top half was resting on solid stone, angled just a little so he wasn’t flat on his back in the rain. The small merman was shaking, watching the human for any signs of life. “Oh, please.” He whispered, gills flaring as he leaned in closer, hoping to hear anything…a cough, a deep breath…a groan…

But there was nothing. Only silence.

Bilbo let out a small whine, pushing the wild hair out of the man’s face and tilting his head up as he almost crawled into the human’s lap. He was pressing his ear down to his chest, listening for anything…

But the storm was too loud, the wind too rough, and the rain too savage. Bilbo looked into that slackened face, feeling his throat close up in anguish, and let out a small choked noise. He was taking quick breaths, trying to keep himself calm, but failing.

Finally, unable to think of anything else to do, he grabbed the human's shoulders and gave him a shake…

Nothing.

Bilbo let out a gasping sob and shook him harder. No…this wasn’t how this was going to end…this human was going to wake up DAMMIT!! He was going to wake up and be fine!!

The human’s head lolled back onto the stone and Bilbo pushed him this time. “WAKE UP!” He screamed, his voice rising in panic as the situation began to seem dire. This man had family! He had brothers and sisters (probably), and plenty of friends! And those little boys…sons? Other relations!? He was important and celebrated!

Bilbo was frantic now…looking around, looking up into the sky and down towards the ocean where Ori was watching him anxiously…He was muttering and talking to himself in both his language and Westron…begging the man to wake up… he eventually looked down at his hands that were fisted in the man’s shirt…and then looked back up at the human…And without warning and before he lost himself completely to the blind panic that was taking over him, Bilbo drew back his hand and slapped the human as hard as he could across the cheek.

And screamed when said human awoke with his own yell, flailing blindly for a minute before he caught sight of whatever had hit him and grabbed Bilbo’s arm before the merman could get away.

Time seemed to freeze for a moment as they locked eyes with each other. Eyes like green emeralds caught wide sapphire blue ones, both unable to fully understand what was going on in that moment.

And then the human was crying out in pain, his hand dropping his hold on Bilbo and gripping across his torso and stomach, gasping…

And Bilbo took that opportunity to practically roll himself off the rock and launch himself back into the water. He had hoped the rain and dim light, and maybe the man’s injury, had prevented him from seeing all of Bilbo…if not then they might not be able to return, and that saddened Bilbo if he thought about it too hard.

The moment he was in the shallows, diving under a low cresting wave, Ori had snatched him close and they sped off towards their grottos and the reef they called home.

–

Thorin’s POV

The world was dark . Was this what death was like? A bright flash, a blinding pain, and then…nothing?

Thorin, King of Erebor, was trying to come to terms with the fact that he was probably dead. He’d been thrown off his ship, injured before he hit the water, and knocked out cold before he was even under the waves. He drowned…he HAD to have. He drowned and now he was dead…

And Thorin never imagined that he’d be so annoyed over that.

He allowed his consciousness to simply float in that darkness for what seemed like forever. He felt himself bobbing in the void as though he were still in water and THAT made his annoyance flare up again.

Death and he still couldn’t have peace.

But there was something in the darkness that kept making him look around. It was like the sound of the storm and someone’s voice was calling to him. That was odd though…no one would have been able to get to him from the ship–not before he died anyway–but here it sounded like someone struggling…pleading…an echoing WAKE UP reverberated around him and made pain blossom in his forehead.

The sounds of the storm and this voice were getting louder, but so was the pain in his head and now a pain in his chest.

He was about to start panicking himself, the voice making his heart break as he listened to it beg and cry through the darkness. But then there was another sharp pain, a flash of white light, and Thorin found himself letting out a pained yell as he was forced out of his unconsciousness.

He could feel someone there, but the blinding light behind his eyes made it hard to see. He lashed out, seeking for anything to grab, and found arms that he latched onto immediately, holding tight.

He squinted before forcing his eyes fully open and nearly gasped at the large emerald irises of the man that was before him. Had he saved him? How in Arda had a man been able to rescue him from the foul raging ocean.

He was about to say something…ask him his name…ask how he had managed this rescue and offer him his weight in gold for actually saving his life…But alas that pain bloomed in his chest and stomach again and as he flinched back, pulling away and hugging himself, he watched as the other seemed to simply slide down the beach and rocks, and disappeared into the roiling ocean.

Thorin was completely befuddled at what he’d just seen…but he knew that that person had saved him…Well, he got him out of the ocean, but the storm still raged on, and Thorin felt himself lay back on his rock and accept the chilled rain as it helped dull all of his aches and pains.

He would LIKE to say he simply fell asleep there on the rock, and in the storm, but truthfully he passed out.

Lucky for him he’d be found a few hours later when the crew and his family began scouring the beaches in search of any sign of their missing king.

Chapter Text

The next few hours found the storm finally letting up enough that it was no longer dangerous to be on the water or on shore. The kingdom was in a tizzy, the news that their king had fallen overboard having made its way through the entirety of the peoples just a couple short hours after it happened.

People began taking their boats out onto the water, the waves no longer as choppy or dangerous now the winds had quieted. People also began to walk the miles of beaches, all in the hopes of finding their missing king.

The little boy that found Thorin had almost dismissed him as a bundle of flotsam detritus that sometimes gets washed up on shore after a storm. The figure was sandy and more than a little covered in seaweed and grass. Where he was laying had obviously been the perfect place for the wind to be trapped, depositing everything it picked up onto the passed out king of Erebor.

The news spread like wildfire and faster than any of them had seen him move, Dwalin was already racing down towards the rocky edge of the beach.

He was praying in Khudzul, desperate that Thorin be okay…begging their maker that his cousin was alive .

Dwalin spotted the small boy and his family, other people too scared or worried to do much more than wait. He cursed at the solemn faces the family wore, holding the little boy back and refusing to meet Dwalin’s gaze. He almost slowed at that, realizing that he couldn’t bear it if Thorin truly was gone.

Just as he was about to approach, there was another frantic sound and Dwalin turned to see Dis and Frerin racing towards him…and imagining them turning the cold and lifeless body over made his gut churn and he picked up his feet and went to the curled figure by the rocks.

He noticed it was Thorin pretty quick…he was still in his royal blue tunic, his black and silver-shot hair a tangled mess of knots and sand, hiding his face from view. Dwalin dropped to a knee, holding off the overwhelming feeling of dread that welled up into his chest, making it hard to breathe.

To lose Thorin was to lose not only a great leader, but a friend…a brother . So when Dwalin reached out to touch the listless figure before him, he found himself sobbing in relief when Thorin seemed to jolt awake, confused as to where he was, and trying to grab ahold of Dwalin as though the man were now his lifeline in a stormy sea.

He pulled Thorin into, maybe, a bit too tight a hug…but who would blame him!? He’d been sure he was about to have to carry Thorin’s dead body back to the castle. Thorin was shaking against him, sucking in breath and trying to keep himself upright as he was hugged to within an inch of his life.

The sound of more cries of happiness caused the confused king to pull back, feeling terrible for the tears down Dwalin’s cheeks, but his cousin did nothing but hold him steady, smiling so bright Thorin had to look away. His captain of the guard…his most loyal friend and closest cousin, refused to let him stand on his own–and with the help of a rather joyous Frerin, was able to hoist Thorin up easily to trek him back to port where a carriage would help take them back to the castle.

–

Bofur had made it back before Thorin had been found, and after assuring his friends and family he wasn’t a reanimated corpse, he had gone to his quarters, showered, and all but collapsed into his bed to sleep.

Bombur and Bifur had been practically beside themselves. Once Bombur had found out, pretty much all food prep and cooking had stopped for the castle…he’d been forcibly restrained (truly a feat) by Bifur to keep the large chef from barreling out into the storm to try and locate his brother.

They had all but resigned themselves to believe that they would be finding their kin dead and in need of burial after the storm subsided, or they’d never see him again.

So when a sopping wet, staggering and limping Bofur pushed his way into the castle, he was set upon by not just his family, but everyone .

And they all wanted to know how he had survived.

And all the tired man would concede to, was that the ocean gods must have been looking out for him.

—

“That’s rubbish.” Dwalin groused again as Thorin spoke of how he’d been rescued.

“No it’s not!” He growled in reply, trying to swat Oin’s meandering hands away as the old man searched for more fractures and bruising that he hadn’t sussed out yet. Thorin was rewarded with a slap to his hand, and he grumbled like a scolded child. “I know what I saw, Dwalin. Someone…a young man…he rescued me!”

“Thorin, there’s no way! I can believe Bofur, almost , cause his head’s full of hot air so I’m sure he just floated… But ye can’t really expect me to believe a person swam you back to shore. Not from how far we were out.”

“Well it happened. I blacked out when I hit the water.” Thorin sucked in a sharp breath as Oin prodded one of his sore ribs.

“And I dun think e’d ‘ave been able to swim with these injuries.” Oin announced, stepping back and looking over his masterpiece of salves and bandages. “Thorin can barely lift an arm.” He said, tapping his chin.

“See?! I told you!”

Dwalin threw his arms up in defeat, muttering about having swallowed too much seawater, and stalked out of the infirmary, all the while grumbling about his punch drunk cousin. Thorin huffed, going to cross his arms and wincing in pain.

Oin slapped at his forearm and shook his head. “Yer on bedrest fer the month. Don’t you DARE whine,” He said, cutting off the king before he’d fully opened his mouth to complain. “I’ll let Lady Dis know and she and Vili can take over somma yer duties. Heal up or ya risk gettin’ real bad infections.” Oin pointed to the wrapped ribs. “I’d rather a bedridden king over a dead one.”

Thorin flushed and shut his mouth, nodding silently even though he still wanted to complain.

A month? He was going to be so bored.

“Can I at least take walks…?”

“In a week. No heavy liftin’, and no exercise. And MOST OF ALL, no sparrin’.” And with that, Oin was done. He packed away his things and moved across the room to let Dis and Frerin in, both of whom still looked like they were staring at a resurrected corpse.

“Help ‘im to ‘is room you two.” Oin ordered as he walked by them, and they both seemed to shake themselves out of their funk.

Thorin groaned as he was set upon with more questions and even more teases about his story…and still not a single one believed him. But they did relinquish their meddling and bothersome behavior long enough to help  him to his chambers, where he laid down, and was fast asleep before his sister shut his door.

–

Bilbo, Ori, and Nori were all worried in their own way.

Bilbo and Ori kept talking about the man they saved, lamenting not having seen him in a few days, and hoping he was alright…The thought of him having succumbed to his injuries wasn’t a pleasant thought, but it still came unbidden regardless.

Nori, on the other hand, knew his rescue had survived and had been coming back to the rocky shoreline almost every day since the storm. He’d wait for a few hours, doing something with a blade and some wood in his hands, then leave and head back up into town.

Nori was nearly beside himself deciding if he was going to actually meet the man. So much so, he’d been asking Bilbo and Ori a few things about the human language, Westron, while trying to seem nonchalant and not at all suspicious.

They started asking questions a day or so into his poor interrogation attempts, but Nori refused to tell them the truth. He’d simply say he was just curious.

For all his brother and Bilbo knew, the man he’d rescued had been unconscious like their human had been, and that was the end of it.

Dori was working on a new set of jewelry and cuffs for the leading family in the pod…There was going to be a wedding and the jewelry was a key piece to the union…He came down to the low grotto where the three mer had been gathering for the last couple of weeks…more so over the last few days.

Nori looked up and saw Dori making his way close and easily tossed out a carrying hello to his eldest, making sure Bilbo and Ori got the unspoken warning and shut up .

“Where ya off to Dor?” Nori asked, trying to make himself sound bored.

“I have to head into the depths for a bit to get to some thermal vents. Need this metal softened and the vents up here aren’t hot enough.” He eyed them a little suspiciously, but said nothing. “I’ll be gone a few days. Will you three be alright?”

Bilbo and Ori nodded, Nori gave him a thumbs up. “Not to worry, I’ll watch after’em.” Nori said, preening a bit as he’d be the oldest for a while.

“That is what worries me.” Dori muttered, but still, held his sling bag tight. “Take care and I’ll see you in a couple nights.” Nori nodded and watched as he left, waiting until he was a speck in the hazy blue and turned back to the other two.

“So…what is this greeting again? Hi-low?”