You will live even if I have to die for you

by SongOfLoveAndGold

Summary:

Bilbo is sent back to the past with 2 purposes: save his dwarves and avoid the Great war. He has to travel again with his dwarves and he will have to get their trust once again, but what if he was not the only one sent back?

Notes:

English is not my first lenguage but I'm doing my best and trying not to screw everything writing badly. Please, leave comments and kudos. :D

Chapter 1: Here I go again

Summary:

Bilbo wakes up in a familiar place and remembers a conversation that will change Middle Earth ones again.

I woke up with a terrible headache. I buried my head in my hands still with my eyes closed, what has happened? I got up from the bed holding on to the nightstand and then I opened my eyes. When I opened them I realized that I recognized that room ... that floor, those sheets, the furniture ...

Was I... dead? That should be it!

I approached to the mirror that hung in my room, a room which I had not seen for almost 20 years, since my 111 birthday, since...

"Frodo!"

I ran out looking for him, there has been years since the last time I had run like that!

I went out of the house and I kept screaming looking for my nephew.

“Frodo! Frodo! Where are you?!”

"Master Baggins?"

I looked to my right and I saw an old friend of mine, Hamfast Gamgee, but he looked younger. He had no lines of age or white hair like the last time I had seen him.

“Hamfast, have you seen Frodo?” I asked, really worried.

"Frodo?" He looked at me strangely. "There is no one called Frodo in the Shire, Mr. Baggins. Who is he?"

I kept looking around, but a persistent pain in my head did not let me concentrate.

“Frodo… He should be here. Fro…”

A painful prick of pain in my head made me fall to my knees, screaming. Flashes appeared in my head, like images, distant memories that did not seemed mine ...

---

 

There's a woman and a man... I can not see them clearly, but they both are at the end of my bed... this bed... is not the same from Bag End, no, this one is large with silk sheets.

I feel heavy, weak.

The woman speaks, but I find hard to keep my eyes open.

"...you have done a lot for us, Bilbo Baggins, but there is still in you a sadness that has lasted for years..."

I look away. I want to speak but I’m not able to do so... I'm too weak, too tired, to continue. The woman keeps talking and I try to listen to her.

"... We saw your adventure 80 years ago, my husband and me. We could not intervene back then, but if we had done it we might have prevented the death of your 3 dwarves, the sons of my husband. "

The man nods, but says nothing. I can not help it and tears fall down throw my cheek. I vividly remember Fili's death at Azog's hands, how Legolas told me that Kili was killed by Bolg, and unfortunately, I remember perfectly Thorin’s... Thorin’s death. I remember his words and how the light of his eyes, which were no longer gray blinded by the disease, went off as I held him in my arms.

"Farewell good thief"

"You loved him, did you not?"

This time it is the man who speaks and the one who brings me back from my thoughts, and I nod. The man looks at the woman, and she continues.

"I did notice it in your eyes more than once when you looked at him, I could see it in his as well, and I notice it now in yours again."

I look them both with tired eyes. Only a few knew how I felt. All the dwarves from the Company knew it, I did not had to tell them they just knew it, like Bard, Dain, Gandalf and Thranduil after the battle. The Fellowship of the Ring found out when I told our story before they leave to Moria. Gimli smiled because his father had told him already. I did not want anyone to know about it, not even Frodo, but tears ran down my face and I had to tell them. What evil could have done saying it out loud? None. He was dead, no one could change it, not even now in my dying hour.

"You have also survived the rest of your friends, when you, being one of my children, should have reached my Garden quite before."

I remember how Gimli told me after returning from Mordor how Balin, Dwalin, Bifur and Ori had died in Moria. Balin became Lord of Moria and had died after the arrival of the orcs and goblins to the city; Bifur died while he was digging, when the first wave of the army from the depths came to Moria; Ori... poor Ori, he had died while he was writing the chronicles of the battle laying against Balin's grave; and Dwalin ... Dwalin died trying to protect Ori, but he died next to him.

Nori became the chief spy of the King but during one of his assignments he was killed by a dwarf who wanted to assassinate Dain II.

Gimli told me that Dori had died of grief, that was what Gloin had told him since there was no apparent cause of death which occurred shortly after knowing that his little brothers were dead.

Oin and Gloin had died with a few days apart of each other by a disease that dwarves from Ered Luin led to Erebor, but they died surrounded by their family, and that made Gimli smile a little when he told me.

Bombur died after an accident in the palace kitchens. He was survived by his wife and left fatherless his 8 children. Dain II helped them and his son Thorin III married one of Bombur's little girls.

And the last one was Bofur... he became aware that his family was dead and that he had nothing left, so he decided to go to see me, but he died before arriving at Rivendell after an orc attack...

Tears run down my cheek, I am too old and I only want to meet again with my friends in Yavanna's Garden or Mahal's halls. But as if reading my mind, she speaks again.

"You were his friend, yes, but Aulë, Mahal as dwarves call him, will not let you be with them in the afterlife because you are a Hobbit and your place is with the rest of my children."

I sigh. I know I could not go see them, but I have to try my hardest. I'll find my dwarves even if I have to face Aulë himself.

The woman and the man smile and the woman approaches towards me. "What if I told you I can make you see them again? That you could prevent the suffering of your nephew and even yours?"

I open my eyes a lot. Frodo had never been the same after returning from Mordor. I've never seen his eyes shine with joy when he laughed with Sam, Merry and Pipin as he did before his journey... And it was my fault.

I look at her straight into her eyes. I am about to die of old age, my time has come, my heart has broken more times than it could bear, but I still have fire in my eyes. I'm not going to give up.

The woman smiles even more, as if she is reading my thoughts, and nods.

"You have to remember that we have given you a second chance, Bilbo Baggins. Remember what you have experienced and how you have suffered, you, your nephew, The Fellowship of the Ring, the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, and avoid the massacres before they even take place. "

The man also approches to my bed, sits next to his wife, and starts talking. I am not able to keep my eyes open any longer.

"We have in your alliance with Thorin. Something that should had happen, that will link my children and my wife's forever."

She strokes my cheek and my eyes start to close. Before I close them I see as the bedroom door opens and someone enters the room, but I am too tired that I close them without fear of what comes next, without fear of death. 

I hear a few words when darkness comes over me. 

"We'll meet again when you'll accomplish your task, Bilbo Baggins"

---

And I wake up.

 I open my eyes without looking at Hamfast, and I ran back to my house. I went to see myself in the mirror and I saw myself. I had no gray hair or age marks. It seemed like I was 50 again. I touched my face and put my other hand over the mirror. 

"What have they done?"

Chapter 2: The expected unexpected visit

Summary:

80 years after having a (unpleasant) conversation with Gandalf, this happens again, but now only more friendly and expected this time.

Notes:

English it's not my first language so I'm sorry for the mistakes...

I touched my face and put my other hand over the mirror.

"What have they done?"

---

The door rang but I was still in shock... I couldn’t move to open the door until it had rung three more times, and when I opened it I was stunned. It was Gandalf! But he was not in white, no, he was wearing those grey and threadbare clothes with which I had met him so many years ago.

"Bilbo Baggins... you have not changed one whit since you were running under the skirts of your mother.”

I smiled but my eyes hurt, I wanted to cry, to tell him everything that will happen in the next few decades but I put apart those thoughts.

"Gandalf ..."

Gandalf smiled and nodded slightly.

"I see you remember me, son of Belladonna Took. I knew I was not mistaken with you." When he saw that I did not move, he coughed. "I believed that a Baggins would have better manners and would invite a helpless old wizard to sit by the fire in a cold day as today."

I remembered the last time he was there and how I was not a very good host to him, so I threw myself aside to let him get in. "Sure, Gandalf... but you must remember that besides of a Baggins I am also a Took"

"I could never forget that, dear Bilbo"

We sat on two chairs by the fire, and he kept looking at him.

"I missed you, Gandalf" Gandalf raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "You do not remember, do you?"

"My dear Bilbo, I do not know what you mean."

I nodded, I kept silenced and looked out the window. I smiled, remembering our first conversation again and looked back at him. "What rude of me, Gandalf, I have not tell you good morning.

"Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?”

I laughed so loud at that! "All at once, I suppose!" He started laughing too and nodded. "Really, I've missed you, Gandalf The Grey"

“You liked my fireworks that much?" I looked puzzled, and then I remembered the fireworks from my childhood, the laughter, my parents ... I bit my lip trying not to cry. It had been 90 years since the death of my parents. "Dear Bilbo, are you okay?"

I returned from my memories and I smiled sadly. "My mother used to love your fireworks..."

"A good woman she was..." I nodded and recomposed myself. It was time to ask a question which answer I already knew.

"Why are you here, Gandalf?"

"I'm looking for someone to share an adventure"

I remembered then what I had suffered and lost through out the trip. When I returned from the trip I was no longer the same gentle hobbit I was once. But I wouldn’t change most of it… I remembered the laughs I had with Ori and Bofur; the messes in which Fili and Kili got me in; the tales of Erebor told by Balin and I quite remember his bright eyes as he remember them; the stories Bifur had told me about the mines and the precious stones he had found; me chasing Nori after seeing that he had stolen me something; drinking tea with Dori; stories about Gimli told by Gloin; the different foods I cooked with Bombur and the numerous recipes that he gave me; medicines that Oin taught me how to prepare; and Thorin... Thorin… I missed everything about him. Seeing him one last time worths more than anything I could have… His enduring icy stares and his acts of contempt. I could go through all the suffering of the journey just for seeing him smile one more time. He should not have died like that... at the gates of his home. 
A shiver ran through all my body at the thought of how he had died, being hug by me while the eagles were coming.

"Count on me, but on one condition."

Gandalf nodded. "Whatever you want, Bilbo."

"You must promise that you will not discuss what I do, in the end you'll know why I do what I do, but please, please, you have to trust me."

Gandalf looked at me blankly. "Dear Bilbo, I have not even said what our adventure will be..."

"We will take back Erebor."

Gandalf became silent for a moment. "How do you know about that, Bilbo?"

"B-Because I have my contacts, Gandalf... and... I think it's a great idea."

"I do not know how you know that, or who are your contacts, Bilbo Baggins, but I'll take my chance, because I think you will be very useful. Tomorrow I will come with the rest of the company, I hope you'll fit well." He got up to leave, and I followed him closely to open the door.

"I hope so, Gandalf."

When I opened the door, Gandalf made a mark on it, and I did not undeterred.

"You're not like I thought you'd be after all these years, Bilbo."

I nodded and sighed. "Something happened, Gandalf ... something changed me and I'm not the same Hobbit I was once. I do not longer care about simple possessions, nor my mother's dishes, I just want to help people. "

"I do not know what happened to you, but it seems you're more of a Took than a Baggins. Maybe this trip will drive away the pain that I see in your eyes, Bilbo."

I shook my head. "I hope so, Gandalf, for I do not know if my heart can go through anything like that again…"

Gandalf nodded and left worried. I closed the door and leaned against it. How was I going to face my dwarves knowing that they would not recognise me? How would I look to Fili and Kili without remembering their dead bodies? How could I avoid seeing Thorin and not remembering when he had nearly killed me, prey of the disease, and how he pleaded before he died for me to forgive him? I would have to win them over again, and Thorin will be the toughest of them all. I would have to defend Thorin from Azog again! I bit my lip, because I tried not to think about it and not think about the pain that we had suffered, and try not to think how it was only me who could do something so no one would died. And also avoid Frodo’s journey to Mordor...

I gave up and began to cry sitting against the door, I kept the grieving in which I have been in for over 80 years…

Notes:

I hope you liked the chapter! I know it's short, but I prefer this to be this short and the next would be Bag End full of Dwarves.
If anyone knows of any good dictionary of Khuzdull and Sindarin and tells me I would really appreciate it.

Chapter 3: Dwarves in Bag End

Summary:

Finally the dwarves arrive to Bag End. Bilbo will try not to let them see how much he has missed them.

Notes:

I hope you like it! And again, this is not my first language so so sorry about the mistakes.

I gave up and began to cry sitting against the door, I kept the grieving in which I have been in for over 80 years…

---

I spent the next day buying food, clothes, and things necessary for the journey. I was afraid to meet my dwarves again that night.

I spent the afternoon cooking dinner, the equivalent for what I would do for my own birthday inviting all Hobbiton. I knew my dwarves and I knew of their appetite. I was placing the table when I heard the door. My first dwarf had arrived.

I opened the door and I found the dwarf who had defended me countless times, who had taught me that even the most hard dwarf can be gentle and shy, with a very big heart that Ori had managed to get soft during the trip.

"Dwalin ..." I smiled and he smiled at me.

"At your service, Mister...?"

"Ah ... Emm ... Bilbo Baggins, at your service." I said with a small reverence. "Please enter Mister Dwalin, I was just setting the table." I pointed to the living room.

"Have we met before, halfling?" Dwalin asked me while I took his coat and he went to the living room .

"Uh ... no, we do not know each other, but ... Gandalf told me how you all were." I cleared my throat and closed the door. "By the way, you can call Bilbo." I smiled at him and followed him to the living room.

Dwalin nodded. "Then call me Dwalin, Mister Bilbo. I'm ready for supper." He walked over to the table and began to move so all dwarves could sit down properly. I was still smiling at him. I was no longer afraid of him after having known him. I help as I could moving things until the door rang.

"That would be the door." I nodded and I went to open Balin.

I opened the door with a smile on my face and I did a reverence. "Bilbo Baggins at your service, mister Balin. Your brother is already inside, helping to set the table. "

Balin nodded with his mouth open and entered. "Thank you, mister Baggins."

I closed the door and I walked him to his brother. "Please call me Bilbo, if we are going to spend a long time traveling together it would be better if you call me by my name."

Balin smiled and nodded. "Yeah boy, call me just Balin then." He approached to his brother and I walked away to give them privacy.

"Good afternoon brother ..."

I leaned against the wall smiling. It had been years since I had saw both siblings so happy. I could hear them move furniture when the door rang and I sighed. How could I face Fili and Kili if I had seen dead in their eyes after the battle? I opened the door and my eyes filled with tears when I saw both siblings standing there, smiling.

“Fili”

“And Kili”

“At your service.” They both said simultaneously.

“You must be Mister Boggins!” Said Kili looking at me.

I nodded biting my lip trying not to cry. "Bilbo, please Kili." I grabbed their stuff and I invited them inside. "Please, help Balin and Dwalin move furniture." Both brothers looked at me without understanding, and while Fili went to help them, Kili did not move from my side.

"Are you all right, mister Bilbo?"

"Yes, Kili ..." I tried to smile. "Just ... I remembered my nephews when I saw you ..." And it was true, I loved both brothers as they were my own nephews. "Please help your brother with the table. When the rest come I will serve you dinner." Kili's eyes lit up and he ran to the living room.

And I heard Fili, Dwalin and Balin shout: "Is not Boggins, it's Baggins!"

I laughed out loud, I missed those two brothers that one day I dared to call family. This time they were not going to die for Erebor, or for Thorin, or for anyone. Again, I heard the door and when I opened it I held a laugh to see the rest of the company fell to the ground.

"Good night!" I said looking at Gandalf, smiling fun while the rest of dwarves tried to move. "Dwalin, Balin, Fili and Kili have already arrived and they are setting the table."

"Mister Boggins, they have arrived and we are hungry!" Laughed Kili from the dining room and we all heard an "Ah!" as if someone had stuck him (probably Dwalin).

"Please" I said looking at the dwarves who were already up. "come in or Kili will start to eat my furniture." Some dwarves began to laugh and when I saw Bofur I got a huge desire to embrace him, like to Ori, but I could not do it, they did not know me.

"Thank you, mister Baggins." Ori said going into the room with the rest of dwarfs.

"You're welcome, Ori .." I said, and then I froze. No one noticed I had said his name without a previous meeting, except Gandalf. I assumed they believed that Gandalf would have told me their names or something. Gandalf closed the door and I did not move. He was staring at me.

"What do you know about this trip and our companions, Bilbo?"

"J-Just what you have told me, and Balin, and Dwalin... Dwalin told me how was each dwarf." I cleared my throat, I always had been a very good at inventing excuses. "I guess I've been lucky... please Gandalf, sit with the rest and I'll bring the food."

Gandalf just nodded, without actually believe me, and he went with the group of dwarves who were laughing. I was carrying food as they laughed and exchanged stories. I was very happy to see them all there, even if their manners were very unsatisfactory! I saved some food for Thorin and I sat beside Bofur at the precise moment when Ori began to burp. How... that could come out of such a small body? I've been wondering that for years. Bofur gave me an affectionate pat on the back (stronger than it should have been, which almost broke my ribs).

"Mr. Baggins, we thank you for this food and all these beverages, right boys?" He lifted his jug.

"Aye!" They all drank together.

"It was not annoying, I love to cook." I said smiling.

"I think it would be best if we clear the table, right?"

"Right!" They all shouted, and they began to stand up. They began to leave the room, and I made myself aside when Ori looked at me (with eyes that makes him seem like a little lamb), lifting the plate.

“Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt, but what should I do with my plate?"

Before I could respond, Fili took it out of his hand.

"Here you go, Ori, give it to me" Fili threw the dish to his brother who threw him into the kitchen. Then I remembered the last time they did the same, and I tried not to laugh, I yelled while the plates were flying over my head.

"Excuse me! Leave that! That's my mother West Farthin pottery it's over 100 years old! "I went to the kitchen where the rest were playing with the knives. I could not take it anymore and I told them smiling. "Can you not do that? You'll blunt them!"

“Ooh. Do you hear that, lads? He said we'll blunt the knives!” Said Bofur and they began to sing.

 

Blunt the knives bend the forks

Smash the bottles and burn the corks

Chip the glasses and crack the plates

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!

Cut the cloth, tread on the fat

Leave the bones on the bedroom mat

Pour the milk on the pantry floor

Splash the wine on every door!

Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl

Pound them up with a thumping pole

When you're finished, if they are whole

Send them down the hall to roll!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!

 

I stood in a corner of the room listening to the song and watching flying plates and knives. When everyone was finished singing, Bofur and Dwalin, laughing, gave me a pat on the back each (which may ache a little ...) and the door was heard.

"He is here." Gandalf said, his smile getting away from his face, and before anyone could react I walked to the door.

I grabbed the handle of the door and I bit my lip, I was afraid to open and see him again... I fix my hair a little under the watchful gaze of Gandalf. I opened the door and there he was... the dwarf who I had been in love with for over 80 years. The dwarf for who I had grief all these years. His blue eyes met mine, and I tried not to remember the last time I saw them, life disappearing from them...

"So ..." said Thorin smiling at me. "This is the Hobbit."

Chapter 4: I'm responsible for my fate

Summary:

Thorin Oakenshield arrives at Bag End and Bilbo is a mess.

Notes:

I hope you like it! And again, all mistakes are mine because I'm not english, sorry!

"So ..." said Thorin smiling at me. "This is the Hobbit."

---

I nodded, I let him in while I tried not to look him too much, and I closed the door. "Bilbo Baggins, at your service." I bowed and I could not stop looking at him. The other dwarves laughed behind Thorin, but he kept smiling at me, then nodded and took off his coat.

"Thorin Oakenshield at yours." He left my eyes to focus on Gandalf. "Gandalf, I thought you said that this place was easy to find. I lost my way, twice. I would not have found it at all if it wouldn't for that mark on the door." Then he smiled at his nephews and cousins. I followed him with my eyes as Gandalf apologized for the location of Bag End, and he said something about how he should have done a map or something like that. But I was not listening to him. I only had eyes for Thorin. I realized he did not have dark circles under his eyes, and barely had gray hair. These features became more evident as we got closer and closer to the mountain, undoubtedly work of the disease... Thorin then turned to me, and I blushed... like a teenager! 

He looked at me, head to toe, walking around me. "Tell me Master Baggins …"

Then he was interrupted by Kili who was smiling. "He prefers to be call Bilbo, uncle."

Thorin raised an eyebrow and I could not help but smile. He kept looking me up and down. "Tell me Master Bilbo, have you done much fighting? Axe or sword, what's your weapon of choice?"

I still flushed, coughed and looked at him. "I would rather use a sword, much better if it is one proper of my size, of course." I said proudly.

Thorin again raised an eyebrow and I tried not to laugh at that gesture. "And how had you learned to use it? You look more like a grocer than a burglar."

This time, unlike the previous one, the other dwarves just smiled, but it looked like they were expecting for me to explain myself, just like Gandalf who was looking at me surprised. I bit my lip and looked down. What could I do? I could not tell them how were Dwalin and Thorin the ones who had helped me a bit, and after the adventure was Lord Elrond and his sons who helped me handle the sword with ease. I turned to look at him and an idea came to my head. It was not actually a lie of all but not the truth...

"Some years ago I helped a widower dwarf and his children to Ered Luin because they were lost, I did not have much to do..."

Thorin looked at me surprised. I had never seen him this surprised, except for when I stole the Arkenstone. "You traveled with a family of dwarves?"

I nodded, trying to think of a good story, but ,after all, I was the best storyteller of Hobbiton. "They were lost when they passed by Hobbiton. I was helping the harvest of some of my family when I saw them approaching. They came from... from the Iron Hills, and as I knew the road and the man had two children with him, I decided to help them."

Thorin kept watching at me perplexed. "How many dwarves were on that trip?"

I thought about it for a while. I could not say 13 because that could raised suspicions, so I divided our group in two.. "There were six: a widower, his two sons and three of his brothers. He was called... Theon…" I bit my lip and I held back my tears looking down at my feet. This time it felt like my lip would bleed. I'll should tell their history, tell them their deaths, but as if they were other people, and that did not seem right. I heard whispers of the other dwarves and I looked at Thorin trying to smile. "But that was a long ago."

"Where is that Theon now?" Kili asked behind his uncle, and I shook my head trying to held my tears.

"Dead, Kili, and there is no day in which I do not remember him." Everyone fell silent and looked at me with pity. Thorin looked at me and put his hand on my shoulder. I panicked and tensed quickly because it felt like the last time he touched me, when he wanted to kill me, so I moved immediately.

"You are a very peculiar Hobbit, Master Baggins."

I smiled and took off my tears that were falling down my cheek. "I take it as a compliment, Mister Oakenshield." That made him smile and I was besotted watching him. Seriously, with that behavior I did not seem to be 130 years old!

Gandalf cleared his throat and made us both stopped looking at each other. "Thorin we should discuss our quest."

Thorin nodded and looked back one last time at me until he entered the room with the rest of the dwarves and the wizard. Fili and Kili grabbed my arms and they smiled.

"It seems like our uncle likes you" Kili said and Fili nodded.

"Yes, very few had been liked by our uncle at a first impression."

I blushed and looked down at my feet. "I-I do not think..."

Both brothers laughed and stroked my hair. "Just keep it up." Kili said. "We would love to call you Uncle Boggins someday." And with that they left, both laughing. I was left speechless. Their... uncle? No, that was just a dream I had during the first quest and I certainly left it behind.

I went to the kitchen and grabbed the food I had left aside for Thorin. Upon my arrival, everyone was talking at each other and I approached to Thorin putting the food in front of him. "I figured you'd be hungry," I said giving him a huge smile.

"Thank you, Mister Baggins." Thorin said smiling at me and smelling the food. "I thought my family would have eaten all that was left."

“A good hobbit always makes a lot of food, especially for the leader of the Company. And by the way... just call me Bilbo?"

Thorin nodded slightly and lowered his head in respect. "Very well. Bilbo." Then he began to eat.

My heart was beating really fast. I took a chair and sat beside him enjoying the small sounds of satisfaction that made Thorin while eating. He finished eating while the others whispered and I knew what would follow.

"What news about the meeting in Ered Luin?" Balin said looking at Thorin who was mopping the plate. "They all came?"

"Yes, guests of the all seven kingdoms." Answered Thorin and everyone at the table smiled.

"And what about the dwarves of the Iron Hills? Is Dain with us?" The life of the party, Dwalin, had to ask that now that everyone had hope...

Thorin lowered his head and sighed. "They will not come." All dwarves released sighs of disappointment and I looked with pity at Thorin. "They say this quest is ours and ours alone …"

"That's not fair..." I whispered and all the dwarf looked at me, which made me blush a bit because I thought I had spoken quietly.

"You're right, Mister Bilbo." Said Thorin looking at me.

To change the subject, Gandalf spoke. "Bilbo, could you bring a little more light?" I nodded, took a candle and stood beside Gandalf, closer to Thorin who had not stop looking at me like if he was studying me. "Far to the east, over rangers and rivers, beyond woodlands and wetlands, lies a single solitary peak.." Gandalf pulled out the map and we all looked at it carefully. Not that I needed to look at it, I had memorized it after returning from Erebor.

"The Lonely Mountain. Erebor”. I said looking at Gandalf, who nodded.

"Aye, Oin has read the portents, and the portents say it is time." Gloin said, proud of his brother.

Gandalf started to smoke and Oin continued. "Ravens had been seen flying back to the mountain, as it was told. When the birds of the old return to Erebor, the reign of the beast will end. "

I nodded, and without asking, Thorin gave me a chair to sit down. I smiled at him grateful and looked at Oin. "But... Smaug may still be alive…" And he was, but I could not tell them.

"Smaug the terrible... chiefest and greatest calamity of our age... Airborne fire-breather. Teeth like razors. Claws like meat hooks. Extremely fond of precious metals...". As Bofur spoke, I looked at Thorin who was fidgeted and turned pale, so I stopped Bofur.

"Yes, I know what a dragon is, I may be a hobbit, but I had read a lot about them."

"I'm not afraid!" Jumped Ori. I could not miss the smile that escaped from Dwalin as he spoke. "I'm up for it. I'll give him a taste of the dwarfish iron right up his jacksy!"

"Sit down!" Dori said while all the Company agreed with him his little brother.

"The task would be difficult enough with an army behind us, but we number just thirteen, and not thirteen of the best, nor brightest." Balin (the joy of the garden, brother of the life of the party) spoke, and made several dwarves feel insulted (even if Kili should not be...)

“Hey! Who are you calling dim?” Said Ori and everyone started to talk at the same time.

"We may be few in number. But we're fighters, all of us! To the last dwarf!" Fili said with energy, then Kili spoke.

"And you forget we have a wizard in our company, Gandalf will have killed hundreds of dragons in his time."

I could not help laughing when Gandalf shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Oh, well. No, uh, I...I wouldn't say..."

"How many then?" Asked Dori. I looked at Thorin who was looking curious, and Gandalf seemed he was going to die from the smoke he had inside. "Well, how many dragons have you killed? Go on, give us a number!”

All dwarves cried out and tried to make peace, but Thorin jumped and screamed. "Enough! If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have read them too? Rumors have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes look East to the mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk. Perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected. Do we sit back while others claim what is rightfully ours? Or do we seize this chance to take back Erebor?" At that moment I felt very proud of him. Thorin had always been a natural leader.

"You forget" continued Balin, lowering the mood, as always. "the front gate is sealed. There is no way into the mountain."

I smiled and looked at Gandalf before he even spoke. "That, my dear Balin, is not entirely true." He pulled out from his pocket Thrain’s key.

"How came you by this?" Said Thorin with disbelieving eyes.

"It was given to me by your father Thrain, for safekeeping. It is yours now." All the company looked as Thorin grabbed the key, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Then Fili spoke and I learned of the wisdom of the line of Durin.

"If there is a key, there must be a door." I felt like I should clap sarcastically.

"These runes speak of a hidden passage to the lower halls."

Then Kili and I talked at once, smiling. "There is another way in." Thorin smiled and nodded. I kept talking. "Lord Elrond sure can figure out what you do not know, Gandalf."

Gandalf as if he had not heard me continued. "The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth, and no small amount of courage. But if we're careful and clever, I believe that it can be done."

"That is why we need a burglar" Said Ori at me, and I nodded.

"And that's why I'm here, right?"

"Exactly, Bilbo. You will be the one who will get into the mountain.” I nodded to Gandalf. I had already done it once, and I could do it better this time. Before I could answer Thorin coughed.

"We can not forget that Smaug may be alive. Mister Bilbo... I do not want you to enter without going protected."

I stared at him with my mouth open. The last time, Thorin was not concerned for my safety until shortly after Azog had attacked him.

"I-I can protect myself." I said, not knowing what else to say.

"I do not doubt it, Master Baggins, but it's still a dragon, and you are much smaller than even a dwarf."

I stared at him and put my hand on his arm. "Looks can be deceiving, Thorin. I do not ask you to guarantee my safety nor to be responsible for my fate. Trust me on this, I know what I’m doing.”

Thorin sighed and looked at my hand on his arm, I swear he looked sad. Shortly after he looked at Balin. "Give him the contract."

Balin gave it to Thorin who gave it to me, crestfallen. I pretended to read it while the other dwarves talked among themselves. Thorin looked at me as I read the part that made me, so long ago, faint. I had faced Smaug myself, I was not afraid. I grabbed a pen and signed it, smiling at Thorin. "I'm ready for another adventure."

Thorin gave the contract to Balin still looking at me, and he confirmed my signature. "Everything in order. Welcome, Bilbo Baggins, to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield!"

 

Chapter 5: Can we keep him?

Summary:

Time for a song and to get some sleep!

Notes:

Thank you so much for all those comments and kudos! They make me want to keep writing even more :D
As always, all mistakes are mine because I'm not english (pity).

"Everything in order. Welcome, Bilbo Baggins, to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield!"

---

Everyone clapped and shouted happy but  Thorin  and Gandalf, who were staring at me, looked worried.  

"Are you sure about this, my dear Bilbo? There would be many months away from home." Gandalf said and the rest of the company shut.  

"The wild it is not place for someone so small and fragile as a  halfling ."  Dwalin  said and everyone nodded agreeing with him.  

Comments like "It's so small and looks soft." "What would someone so small do against a dragon?" got me angry and outraged me!  

I got up.  

"I am not a simple hobbit!" In no time the whispers ended and they all turned to look at me. "Yes, I am small and... softer than other races, I get it...! But I can fight! I killed orcs and goblins, and none of them thought I was a great threat, but none lived to tell!” What they thought about me? I had learn to fight and to kill because of necessity, and none of their comments would make me seem weak, I could have fought  Dwalin  if that's what they wanted me to do!  

Kili  took  Thorin's  arm to get his attention and spoke looking at me. "I like him, can we keep him, uncle?”  

I looked at him angry. If looks could kill that one would have, but before he could answer,  Thorin  laughed. He dare to laugh at me!  Aulë  knows that I had missed his laugh... I could not help it, my anger disappeared right away.  Thorin  smiled and nodded. "Looks like we found our not-so-little burglar indeed."  

I finally nodded and smiled at him. "Thank you." I said, and the others returned to speak loudly.  

Thorin  took my arm and whispered. "Can we talk alone for a moment?" And I, like a lovesick fool, could not do anything but nod slightly. Gandalf looked at me when  Thorin  stood up with an eyebrow raised, but I bit my lip and follow  Thorin . We stopped at the entrance to the pantry and  Thorin  stared at me. "Never seen a hobbit with such bravery or foolishness like you, Master Baggins." He said with a smile on his face and I could not help but smile at him like a fool.  

"Then you've never met a Took, Mister  Oakenshield .  Tooks  are a mixture of  Fili  and  Kili  but in one hobbit, so you have to imagine the family dinners." I leaned against the wall and I kept staring as he shook his head. His smiled had disappeared.  

"Mister Baggins... as much... fierce your words might be, and all the strength you may have in...." He looked down and cleared his throat. "...that small body, this journey will end in my kingdom. We will face a long journey full of unknown threats, and at the end of it, a dragon, that will hopefully be dead. But this, it is uncertain."  

I nodded. I already knew that the dragon, like  Azog , was still alive. I had faced the great spitfire once but I could not tell  Thorin ... and less to say I left  Erebor  with only a couple of burns, scrapes... but also a broken heart.   

“Your Majesty. With all due respect, I think I can handle it. Not that it is foolish or brave, but you need the help of a hobbit to retrieve your home, and who better than Mad Baggins to do it." I made a sarcastic bow and looked into his eyes.  

Thorin , not believing what he was seeing, raised the eyebrow that always rises when he is not expecting a reply. "Okay,  halfling , but on the road you will have no comfort, it would rain, be cold, there would be blizzards..."  

Thorin  did not finish because I raised my hand and grabbed his arm looking into his eyes. " Thorin , I can take care of myself. I will take care of myself. Like I said, it is not you who has to ensure my safety nor you’re in charge of my destiny, and I really do not need someone to be saved by."  

Thorin  looked at my hand on his arm but he did not pushed it away. Then he looked back at me.   

“Perhaps I have misspoken, Master Baggins." He cleared his throat. "I will protect all members of my company, even you, but I can not do this all the time."  

"I know how to fight, I do not need a babysitter."  

"All right, Master Baggins” He sighed. “I think we'll get along." He slipped from my grasp and went back to where the others were while I was smiling. At that moment all I could think of was that we could be friends from the very beginning.  

" Thorin !" I screamed and that made him turn. "I hate being called  halfling , call me Bilbo."  

Thorin  nodded, a small smile appearing on the corner of his pink lips. "Alright. Bilbo."  

He left me there and went to talk to  Balin . I, then, run to my room. My heart was beating too fast.  Thorin  had treated me so well! I sat against the door and I started thinking. I was afraid though, not of Smaug, but for bad  Thorin  could get because of the  Goldsickness . Since  Thorin  seemed to want me as part of the company, my other fear was losing them after the battle.  

 

Far over the misty mountains cold 

 

I smiled when I heard  Thorin’s  song. I got up and I managed my clothes before leaving the room to listen to the song. My eyes were focused on  Thorin  and his were lost in his memories. The first time, I started to feel something for him when I heard him sing that song and it made my feelings emerge again. I was still in love with him after all these years.  

 

To dungeons deep and caverns old, 

We must away, ere break of day 

To find our long forgotten gold. 

The pines were roaring on the height, 

The winds were moaning in the night, 

The fire was red, its flaming spread 

The trees like torches blazed with light. 

  

When they finished singing and I smiled sadly at  Thorin . I promised myself then that this time he would get back  Erebor , and that he would rule it. A whispering voice inside me told me, that I may be able to rule with him.  

I pointed them where thy could sleep as I had prepared the guest rooms the day before. They smiled grateful, but I  realized  that there were not enough beds. There were at least half of the beds. They decided all to sleep in couples in these small beds where my cousins used to sleep when they visited me. Dori and  Ori ,  Gloin  and  Oin ,  Bombur  and  Bifur , but  Bifur  ended up sleeping on the floor because he fell as there was barely space next to his cousin;  Bofur  and Nori,  Dwalin  and  Balin ,  Kili  and  Fili , and Gandalf on another one. When everyone was settle I went to mine, but I could not help but laugh when I saw the poor majestic  Thorin , trying to settle into my little hobbit-sized chair. I grabbed his arm and smiled. "I think that a hobbit chair is not the best place where a king may rest."  

Thorin  looked at me and sat properly. "I've slept in worse places, besides, I'm not a king yet."  

"But you will be." I said smiling at him. We were in an awkward silence for a few moments. " Thorin ... Everyone is sharing a bed, even  Bombur ... w-we can share my bed even if it is small."  

"It's your bed." He said seriously.  

"And my house." I added, nodding. "I'm not asking you to bed me..." Then I stopped and got red when I  realized  of my words. I swear... "I-I... mean..."  

Thorin  smiled a little uncomfortable but nodded. "Thank you, Mister Bilbo." He stood staring at me. I was still looking flushed, and now that he was up he seemed so... big... When I finally reacted we went to my room.  

"I-I'm going to put on m-my  pajamas  now, if, uh... I'll be right back..." I took my  pijamas  from the closet and left him there. I went to the bathroom that smelled like dwarves, and I washed my face.   

“Focus, Bilbo. You're not a teenager!" I said to myself in the mirror. I had always wanted  Thorin  beside me in a bed but... he barely knew me now. I left the bathroom and  Thorin  had removed everything but pants and a thin blue robe. I was wearing a long white gown and underwear.  Thorin  was sitting on one side of the bed and I smiled a little embarrassed.   

"Are you staying on that side of the bed?"  Thorin  was looking at me head to toe, looking at my feet, my bare legs, and all the way up... I bit my lip. When  Thorin  finished inspecting me, he cleared his throat and looked away.  

"It's your bed, Bilbo. You are the one who should tell me where to sleep.”  

"I-I usually sleep on the left side, but perhaps the bed is a bit too small.."  

Thorin  lay down and I cursed under my breath how silly sounded my hesitation. "I’ve slept in worst places."  

I then, lay there, giving my back to  him,p . I realised that it was a mistake, as the bed was so small we were so pressed against each other that I could not think of anything else but his chest against my back.   

So I turned around.   

Another mistake.   

If it were not for his strong arms, I would have fallen out of bed.   

“Are you okay?" I stared at him, squeezed against his chest.  

"Y-Yes ... T-Thanks. I though I had enough space to turn around.” I bit my lip to stop hesitating and I heard him hum amused. He then let me get comfortable and laid watching me.   

“Maybe the bed is too small.."  

"I-I ..." I tried to talk but he kept looking at me and I could not.  

"Tomorrow we will get up early, Bilbo, and it will take us a lot of time for us to return to a bed, so enjoy it." He closed his eyes and I settled at least, facing him.   

He was perfect. I loved him and I had never been so close to him. Definitely I was 130 years old and I looked like a teenager.   

“If you keep looking at me I will not be able to sleep."  Thorin  said without opening his eyes.  

"I-I'm sorry ..."  Thorin  smiled and opened his eyes.  

"Rest, Bilbo, tomorrow will be a tough day." And I nodded, closing my eyes.   

During the night I felt like big arms were around me. I have, never before, felt so secure in my whole life.  

Chapter 6: The road begins

Summary:

The Company wake up and they are ready to start their way to Erebor.

Notes:

Thank you all for your kudos and comments!
The sentences in Khuzdul are in Bold Italic.
My headcanon of The Hobbit is Bilbo sings a lot and has many nightmares, so during the fic I will put many of the songs that appeared in The Hobbit and LOTR, both in books and in the movies. If you have any requests leave me a comment.
The song of this chapter is Ed Sheeran - Kiss Me, I found it very suitable for this chapter. I changed a few words to be adequate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFfKb_WEkCE
I hope you like the chapter: D

During the night I felt like big arms were around me. I never before had felt so secure.

I felt those big arms when I was waking up. I was slowly opening my eyes and the first thing I saw was Thorin's sleeping face before me. He seemed peaceful and gentle... He was surrounding me with his arms and I also was surrounding him, curled against his chest. I do not know how long I was watching him breathe without moving. 80 years ago I would have never dared to approach so close to him...

When the first light came in and lit the room, Thorin began to wake up. I did not know what to say so I pretended to be asleep before he opened his eyes. A few minutes later I noticed as his hands roamed my hair gently. I let out a little moan at the touch and then he stopped touching me. "Shit" I thought to my self when those arms stopped surrounding me, but I was still leaning against his chest and and my arms were still around his waist. Slowly I opened my eyes and smiled a little embarrassed. "G'morning" I said sleepily and he smiled.

"Good morning, Bilbo." Thorin said looking into my eyes. I closed my eyes and I snuggled against him. I felt as Thorin did not know what to do, but I had been wanted to be as close as then to him for so long... "I did not know hobbits were cuddles." Thorin said whispering, really tense.

I let out a sigh and I let him. I looked up at him and I was a little flushed. "Hobbits we like physical contact with family, friends, and others..."

Thorin again raised an eyebrow which I had already named it The Questioning Eyebrow and sat on the bed, stretching. "And do you have as you call others waiting for you to snuggle with you, Master Baggins?" His tone was neutral, but I could see a glimpse of something more that I did not recognize then.

"N-No... I have no one." I looked away and got up from the bed. "It's been a long time since I cuddled with someone, sorry if I had upset you, Your Highness." And with that I went to the kitchen leaving Thorin sitting in my bed. I missed having little Frodo in my arms and tell him stories about dragons and dwarves' kingdoms, many years had passed without hugging Frodo in my bed but the night before my.. Set off? Death?, Frodo that night and I curled up in my bed and we told stories until we fell asleep. I took the little food that was left for breakfast and I heard someone approaching.

"Sorry..." Thorin said without me turning. "I just ... I did not expect that level of intimacy. For dwarves it is a very intimate thing, but I see now that hobbits have others habits and I'm sorry I reacted bad to it, I did not know. "

I turned, I smiled and shook my head. Thorin was already dressed while I was still in my pajamas "I'm sorry too, I should no had cuddle you, dwarves... to you is not something as normal as for hobbits..." And actually the hobbits never huddle with someone like that in bed, but seeing Thorin like that and the fact he did not know my customs I could lie a little.

Thorin nodded and told me uncomfortable. "I'll see how the ponies are. We'll leave as soon as we eat breakfast. "

"Would you let me write a few things? Just in case..."

Thorin crossed his arms. "Sure... if you need anything let me know." He went off the kitchen and I smiled. Maybe this time we could become more than friends whispered my mind, still not altered by the ring, but I threw away those thoughts out of my mind and I concentrated on breakfast. I started cooking with my back to the door while I sang a song of many that I wrote after arriving from Erebor, which I was now improving. I did not realize that the Company had awakened and they were arriving one by one to the kitchen to hear me, including Gandalf and Thorin. I'm still thinking about it and I do not get how is that I did not heard them.

 

Settle down with me

Cover me up

Cuddle me in

Lie down with me

And hold me in your arms

And your heart's against my chest, your lips pressed to my neck

I'm falling for your eyes, but they don't know me yet

And with a feeling I'll forget, I'm in love now

Kiss me like you wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

This feels like falling in love

Falling in love

I'm falling in love

Settle down with me

And I'll be your safety

You'll be my mate

I was made to keep your body warm

But I'm cold as the wind blows so hold me in your arms

Oh no

My heart's against your chest, your lips pressed to my neck

I'm falling for your eyes, but they don't know me yet

And with this feeling I'll forget, I'm in love now

Kiss me like you wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

This feels like falling in love

Falling in love

I'm falling in love

Yeah

I've been feeling everything

From hate to love

From love to lust

From lust to truth

I guess that's how I know you

So I hold you close to help you give it up

So kiss me like you wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

This feels like falling in love

Falling in love

I'm falling in love

Kiss me like you wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

You wanna be loved

This feels like falling in love

Falling in love

I have fallen in love

 

I smiled to myself as I turned to go to my study to write the song, and I almost had a heart attack when I saw that they all were there watching me. "I-I..." I blushed but Bofur cheered and the rest did it too, which made me blush more.

"What a beautiful song Mister Bilbo." Balin said while the rest began to take the food I had prepared. "Is it for someone in particular?"

I nodded but I did not look up to look at Thorin sp I kept looking down. "Is about that dwarf you spoke of?" Bofur said as his mouth was full of sandwich.

"Something like that..." I mumbled and went to my studio to write the song and pick what I wanted to take to the trip. I realized that there was no recorded songs in my old notebook, now almost new, and I decided that I would write them on the journey to Erebor. I also began to write my will, leaving everything to my cousin Drogo, future father of Frodo. I also wrote a letter to the Thain, my grandfather, explaining the trip, saying that if I did not return to the Shire or if they did not knew of me in less than two years, my will would be valid and they could assume me dead. When I returned to the kitchen still in my pajamas and with the cards in my hand I witness again as my dwarves were flying food from side to side of the table while Gandalf laughed. "Hey!" I screamed and all got into the position they were in, some very comical as Kili standing with his hand full of food and his face full of cream. "I will not tolerate any of this food go to waste, so all... this cease, you will behave like you are not children and you will eat!" Whispers were heard like "Yes, mister Bilbo." and "Sorry, mister Bilbo."

I looked at Thorin who was smiling to the Company and then to me. When I approached him he whispered. "It's amazing how they tame you ... I raised Fili and Kili and they have never done that."

I laughed and grabbed a piece of pie from his plate. "I raised all my cousins and many of my second cousins, which makes me now know how to controle them."

Thorin wrinkled his nose when I stole his pie. "Burglar, what you must steal is in the mountain, not on my plate."

I laughed and I almost choked. "I'm a burglar, it is my duty to steal things." I stole another piece of pie and I left smiling before he could complain. I approached to Balin who was talking to Dwalin.

I waited for them to stop talking when I heard Kili whisper to his uncle. "Thorin, how was the night in Bilbo's bed, was it nice? I see he still can walk straight." I coughed and almost choke. I heard the little one of the line of Durin laugh as Thorin gave him in the head.

Thorin then spoke in Khuzdul, language I had learned in Aman as Sindarin and the Dark language of Mordor. "Kili, you do not ever say such a thing again. Go and prepare the ponies. Now."

I saw Kili go out from the kitchen and I turned to look at Balin who had already finished speaking to his brother who was now speaking with Ori. "Balin ... You could be my witnesses in my will?"

Balin smiled a little, "Sure, kid." He took my will and began to read it. "You do not plan to go back?" He said after reading it and I felt like Thorin's eyes looked at me.

"Prevention is always better than to cure..." I said with a small smile and Balin signed as a witness. "Thank you." I said and went to my room to change my self. I had already removed my shirt when I heard the door open. I turned and it was Thorin. "Thorin? To what do I owe the honor?"

Thorin looked at my body and then looked down. "Just wanted to say that we are ready to go, and... well, I'm sure you will return to the Shire someday." He cleared his throat.

"Thank You. Really. "I said with a smile and he looked at me for a couple of seconds until he excused himself and left.

I finished getting dressed and packed up everything for the trip, including my handkerchief embroidered with the initials BB. I left my home with the letters in my hand and I turned to look at Bag End for the last time. If I could get all dwarves live and defeat Sauron, I was not going back to the Shire, and if I did not I could not return anyway.

Fili and Kili rested on my shoulders while they also looked at Bag End. "We'll protect you so you can return to your home, Bilbo." Said Kili smiling.

"Yes, we and Thorin will not let anything happen to you." Added Fili and I smiled saddly but nodded.

"I also will protect you, I can assure it to you." I replied, and the three follow the rest of dwarves to where the ponies were. First I let the letters in my grandfather's house and hugged him before I left. I also went to see Hamfast which also I said goodbye. There were tears in my eyes when we got up into the ponies, and I still do not know if they were by sadness or fear.

Gandalf stroked my hair. "Do not worry Bilbo, one day you will see your home again."

And I nodded looking at Fili and Kili goofing and Thorin scolding them. Thorin looked back and he looked at me in the eyes. I answered Gandalf looking at Thorin. "Home is where the heart is."

Gandalf looked at me and he looked at Thorin who had stopped looking at me, then Gandalf whispered. "Or with who has your heart."

At that finally sentence I could only smile. Erebor, Asgaroth, Rivendell, Mirkwood, Mordor, Aman... wherever Thorin would go I would go. He was my friend, my home, my heart, and has been always the only one oh who I had suffer the journey of a thousand miles to Erebor.

Bofur, Nori and Ori were the first who began to talk to me about animated stories and embarrassments. Thanks to them I forgot we had already left the Shire, and now there was no turning back.

Chapter 7: A minor setback

Notes:

Warning fluff and lots angst.
The song that Bilbo sings is the song that Pippin sings in LOTR. The song is Edge of night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyh9Egl3aPk&feature=youtu.be
Comments in Khuzdul Italic Bold

I forgot about that we had already left the Shire, and now there was no turning back.

---

It was late May and it was quite cold. Now that I was not complaining about everything everyone talked to me about nonsenses or just about the weather in general. I only smiled at them and make little comments but I rarely made major interventions because I loved hearing the stories of my dwarves. I knew most of them, but some were completly new and made me smiled.

Fili and Kili told me stories about different pranks they did to their mother with the help of their uncle and how she caught them every time and gave them a good scolding. I would have paid to see a younger Thorin running half naked with little Fili and little Kili after having dyed their mother's dress pink! The three of them were painted pink when they did it so they had to get off their clothes and run before Dis could see them. At the end of the story Fili, Kili and myself were laughing quite loud while we were watching Thorin who was at the front of the line and seemed to be flushing. After two very, very, embarrassing stories about him, Thorin turned and shouted to his nephews to be quiet. The only effect it had on the Company was that we all started laughing out louder, even Balin and Gandalf!

"Damn these kids..." murmured Thorin in khuzdul high enough for us to hear him.

"Thorin, I think Bilbo likes you, he's been all day watching you." Kili said approaching him, and I blushed but said nothing. I could not tell them that I knew khuzdul.

"Did you not hear what he said at his house, Kili? He is in love with another dwarf."  Interrupted Balin while he approached the group. I tried to get a little closer petting Myrtel as if I was distracted.

"But wasn't the dwarf dead? Anyway, Uncle has more possibilities and BIlbo has time to fall in love with him!"

Thorin grunted and raised his finger to Kili. "Leave it be, Kili. I will not woo the halfling, I will be King and as a King I have a duty to my people, I can not think about soft gentle creatures..." Kili raised an eyebrow and Thorin cursed softly. "You know what I mean."

Then Kili went to my direction as I cleared my throat. He winked at me and walked beside his brother.

I have to say that what happened after I wasn't expecting it.

It was late and the last time we were in that same road we weren't in those positions when it started to rain, I was between Ori, Bofur and Gandalf in a small road so now that I remember I do not wonder why it happened. Gandalf was explaining to us the existence of Radagast and other magicians when Ori's pony and mine slid off the road because of the mud. Immediately Thorin, Dwalin and Ori's brothers dismounted thair ponys and went to rescue us. Myrtel seemed to be fine but she had dropped me and I knew I had a sprained wrist while Ori's horse bolted and threw Ori making him fall onto his ankle...

"Are you well?" Asked Thorin as he picked me up into his arms.

"Yup! Let me go, I can walk!" I said as Thorin pressed me against his chest.

"Nonsense, Master Baggins." Replied Thorin as I watched Dwalin taking Ori in his arms. I could hardly move and Ori was as blushed as I was. Meanwhile Dori and Nori caught our horses.

"It was my fault... We shouldn't have gone together on the path as narrow and wet as it was." I apologized as I watched how the water got through Thorin's hair who had me against his chest to keep me off the rain.

"Another silly nonsense, Master Baggins." Thorin said with a small smile and I buffet, I was old enough and I did not need anyone to take me in to their arms! But the truth is that it felt really good being there...

We approached to a tree where Oin examined us and I confirmed my suspicions. "They can not ride alone in a couple of days at least, Thorin."

Gandalf came to me and stroked my wet hair as he smiled slightly. "Maybe you'd better let us pass by Bree and we can stay there a couple of days, after all, we can pick up some supplies."

I frowned when I heard the words of Gandalf and I saw Thorin nod. That was not planned and it could change some events that I had lived.

"Thorin." I stood up and approached to him pushing him away from the others. "Ori can ride with Dwalin, and I'm good enough so I can ride, Myrtel is a good pony."

Thorin shook his head. "We will stay in Bree until the rain stops, and you will ride with me, I do not want other unforeseen happen again." I opened my mouth to complain but Thorin shouted to the others. "We're leaving! Dwalin, ride with Ori, I'll ride with Bilbo. Nori and Dori get the ponies, make sure they do not fall again." Thorin grabbed my waist and he got me up to his pony. I shouted him that I was fine but he ignored me and sat behind me taking the reins.

"Stubborn dwarves..." I whispered and looked at Ori who was completely red againsy Dwalin.

 

We ride 50 miles until we got to Bree. All I had done throughout the trip was try not to think about the pain in my wrist and the feeling of the dwarf I loved pressed behind me. I did not want to move against him but it was what we were doing with every step of the pony. Not on purpose, of course... Fili and Kili knew I was red and they laughed all the way to Bree and even Bofur made a remark about how Ori and I seemed to be damsels in distress.

"You two must have a fever caused by the trauma, that must be why you are so red!"

I growled softly and I felt as Thorin approached my ear and whispered. "Do not worry about their comments, they are just jealous." I laughed for the first time since the incident and noticed how Thorin smiled as well.

We stayed at a small inn when we arrived later that night. We decided to share rooms. Bofur, Bombur, Bifur, Nori, Gandalf, Dori, and Gloin in one, and Thorin, Kili, Fili, Dwalin, Balin, Ori, Oin and I in another room. Ori's brothers complained about the distribution, but Ori and I should stay together so Oin could be closer to us if we were in need of anything. Fili and Kili forced us to stay in bed while they went after our meal.The whole company dicided to dine in our room so wouldn't be alone.

They told stories about Durin I and their great battles. Durin I reminded me a little bit of Thorin. Balin explained that Thror used to tell the stories of Durin I before his madness took him and before Smaug got over Erebor. Thorin smiled sadly at this. Fili and Kili left a little bit before that story'd begun, and once it was finished they arrived with something behind their backs.

"Uncle, look what we found!" Shouted Kili and took the blanket off of what they were carrying on their backs. It was a wooden harp. I looked blankly at it and Thorin growled.

"I haven't played it for many years now."

I raised an eyebrow. That's not what I was expecting. "Do you play the harp, Thorin?"

Thorin slowly nodded without looking at me, his eyes fixed on the harp. "But long ago was the last time I'd practiced it."

Fili and Kili sat in bed with me and looked at me with that face that Frodo and Pippin used to have when they wanted something. I cleared my throat and I looked back at Thorin. "I... I would like to hear you play..."

Thorin stared at me. "I... seriously?"

I nodded and made myself comfortable until Bofur sat on my bed too. The bed was of a size of a human bed but too many people in it was uncomfortable. "Please?" I said, and Thorin kept staring at me until he stood up and began to inspect the harp.

He played a soft melody that reminded me of home, Frodo, my Thorin and Erebor. When he finished I smiled slightly, the other dwarves and Gandalf were lying against each other or against the wall. "It was beautiful. Thank you, Thorin."

Thorin smiled under his head. "Thank you, Bilbo..."

We all fell into silent and I watched Balin's eyes filled with tears. Thorin gave him a hug and whispered. " We will take back Erebor, I promise." I nodded and except for Gandalf no one noticed I had understood him.

Bofur after a long and comfortable silence looked at me and said. "Bilbo, would you sing us something? Like in Bag End? Some of the songs you've been writing."

I smiled. It was true that while they talked to me on the road I started to write different songs I had composed in my other life. "Bofur, I think it's time to go to bed now."

Everyone complained at this and started shouting "Come on!" and there were cheers of "Bilbo! Bilbo!" coming fom Fili and Kili.

Then, Thorin, who was sitting away but right in front of me, said. "Come on, Bilbo, I played the harp, now it's your turn."

I sighed, it seemed logical. "Okay, but I'm not very good at writing songs and definitely I do not sing very well. If you are deaf by tomorrow do not steal Oin's trumpet." The Company laughed and settled back in the middle of the room or over the beds watching me, Thorin in front of me. "This song is called Edge of Night." And I started singing the song I used to sing to Frodo, Sam, Pippin and Merry when they were little.

Home is behind

The world's ahead

And there are many paths to tread

Through shadow

To the edge of night

Until the stars are all alight

Mist and shadow

Cloud and shade

All shall fade

All shall

Fade

 

Everyone in the company had fallen silent, only the sound of the fire was heard on one side of the room. Thorin was no longer staring at me, he was looking at the fire as if he was very far away.

Ori whispering broke the silence that absorbed us. "What is this song about if I may ask, Bilbo?"

"It's a song about the roads that go on forever until they return you to your last familiar place you'd have always known" Ori nodded and leaned back a little, resting his head on Dwalin's shoulder who was sitting on his bed.

"It's about the trip you did with the other dwarves?" Whispered sleepily Kili in his brother's arms.

"I...I..." I cleared my throat and nodded without looking at him and this time the silence became uncomfortable. When I raised my eyes Thorin was staring at me. "I can tell you what happened... if you want to..." Since I had invented a story that was a half truth.

"You do not have to..." Said almost all the dwarves at a time and I laughed a little.

"No, I think it is your right." I sat a little better in the bed and when I saw that everyone looked at me interested I started. "As I told you, I found the lost Dwarf family when they were passing through the Shire. They came from the Iron Hills. Theon, Freyon, Kion, Narvi, Loni, and Frár... Theon, Narvi, Loni, and Frár were cousins, and Kion and Freyon were the children of Theon. We walked together for months, telling stories about how wonderful their home was..." I smiled slightly and looked at my fingers. "Their house... was taken from them before Freyon and Kion were born. I never knew exactly why, Theon just told me that there was a great battle for the gold of his family and that I should not worry because once we got there we would be safe." I laughed reluctantly remembering those words spoken by Thorin before reaching the mountain. "The thing is... that they soon adopted me as if I was one of their own. My parents had died long ago and I just had my cousins, but those dwarves were more than family to me. For me they were hope... for me getting off the feeling of being surrounded by people but still continualy feeling alone." Then I looked and smiled sadly to Thorin while he kept looking at me seriously. I looked down at my hands again. "I still do not believe that we were a family in so little time, but we were... Even for me it makes me feel weird now, but... well..." I cleared my throat, not knowing if I could tell them about that I knew Khuzdul.

"Well... what happened next?" Asked Bofur who had moved from my bed to the next bed, Nori at his side.

"You know," I said looking at Thorin who had sat on the edge of my bed. "He was like you. A leader who cared about his family, who even cared about me. He was the one who convinced me during the trip to stay with them once we got there, with him. I... loved him and soon they taught me how to fight and they told me about their... your culture. I was happy... I was happy and I thought I could stay with them and live as a family although I was a hobbit. I saved him once from an attack of orcs and since then I knew he cared about me, and he did not care that I was a simple hobbit. Until we got to their home and a disease, like the one your grandfather had, corrupted him. He was not himself. He was mistreating their sons and brothers, he only cared about his money and I tried to get him back. It took him too long to get back to being the dwarf I fell in love with. The house was at the end of one of the largest mountains I have ever seen and there was a human market near that supplied the whole area. We did not had enough food and his sickness could have made us die of hunger. I gave all my food to Theon's children and he hardly ate or rested, he only cared about his gold. One night I realised we would die if we continued to keep all the money, so I stole some gold from Theon to buy some food. I knew that betraying the person I loved the most would hurt, but I could not do another thing. When I returned, Theon got crazy and grabbed me so hard that I still have nightmares of that day. He said I had betrayed him, that I was a dirty rat from the Shire and... If it were not for some elves, who were patrolling nearby the house, I know that he would have killed me. The love of my life would have killed me for something material that was not worth half of the worth of a smile from Kion or Freyon. The elves and humans decided they would accompany me to the Shire a little after I regained from some wounds that had caused me Theon, but I could not leave them there knowing that Theon was prisoner of the disease. I could not leave Kion or Freyon in his hands knowing that they could die for lack of food at any time, so I decided to return to their home. When I was returning I heard horns sounding and drums, and then the men who had saved me running towards the house. I noticed that the old market had been completely burned. I think I have not run as much in my life like as back then. When I arrived there was a group of orcs in the house. I heard screams and... it was too late... I watched as the leader of the orcs killed Freyon in front of Theon and me. Theon chased him and I tried to recover myself to search for Kion but one of the orcs knocked me out. I don't know how I survived, but  there are times I wished I had died back then. The next thing I remember is Kion lifeless body and Theon lying on the ground. I ran to see if I could do something but he had a deep wound that the orc had made him after he had killed Freyon. He begged me to forgive him. He said he wanted to leave in pace with me, that I will have to return to my books and plant my trees for him. I hugged him and told him to stay with me but... but he died in my arms. The only person I have ever loved died in my arms begging me to forgive him. I kissed his cold lips for the first and last time that day. All my family had died there that day and all that I have of them are the memories of our trip and broken promises." I looked at Thorin and I realized that I must have been crying. "I should have died that day with my family and I'm sure that at least my heart did." Thorin stepped back and I saw that his eyes were a little red.

"I'm so sorry, Bilbo." I shook my head and looked at the rest of the Company. Kili was trying not to mourn against his brother's shoulder, and Ori was sobbing against Dwalin who had Ori against his chest. Most of them were not looking at me as they were trying to process what they had heard.

"Promise me that you will not die, any of you, please, I... do not think I can go through that again." I began to cry covering my face with my hands. I felt like someone was hugging me and I was against a chest. It was Thorin. It was some time after I stopped mourning when all the dwarves went to their different rooms. I fell asleep against Thorin's chest, tears still running down my cheek hoping I would never have to see Thorin lifeless face in my arms ever again.

 

Notes:

Narvi, Lóni, y Frár were dwarves named in TLOTR and they died in Moria.
Thank you so much for all the kudos and comments, I love you all! :D

Chapter 8: Dreams and nightmares

Summary:

After so much drama let's leave Bree, shall we?

Notes:

A little bit of Angst but some fluff too. Also, I added a comment which Frodo said at the end of LOTR The Return Of The King that I love!

Khuzdul in Italic Bold
Sindarin in Bold

I fell asleep against Thorin's chest, tears still running down my cheek hoping I would never have to see Thorin lifeless face in my arms again.

 

---

 

"You."
I feel Thorin's hands grabbing my neck.
"You stole from me?"
He gets me up by the neck and puts me against the wall. It hurts. I can not breathe.
"Miserable rat."
His eyes are gray. These are not the blue eyes I fell in love with.
"You had never have been my family!"
I try to free myself but he is too strong.

"Bilbo"

I try to shout him to forgive me, that I love him, that he is my family, that I owe him everything... No words come out of my sore throat. I can not speak.
"You've never had my loyalty!"
I feel as I'm hanging up out of the gate of Erebor, fire under my feet.

"Bilbo!"

"You've never had my heart."
The last thing I see are his eyes as I fall out of the gate and fire absorbs me.

---

I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw were blue eyes staring at me. I panicked when I recognized those blue eyes and felt as Thorin had me against his chest. I moved trying to free myself and I try to scream but he did not let me go.

"Bilbo. Bilbo... It's been a dream, Bilbo." I kept moving in his arms until I remembered what had happened. He was not the same Thorin who I had dreamed about, this Thorin cared for me, this Thorin... has not been betrayed by me, this Thorin had not yet passed his sickness, not yet...

I hugged him and I started to apologize, whispering. "I-I'm sorry, l-I'm sorry..." I repeated over and over again. Thorin stroked my hair and said nothing until I calmed down.

"I tried to wake you when you started to scream, but the nightmare would not let you go."

I bit my lip and I push myself away from him. "Were you sleeping in my bed?" I stared at him and he ran a hand through his hair.

"Last night I could not move you away from me after what you had told us, so yes, I stayed with you."

I remembered then how the night before I had told them my story-lie (not that far away from reality anyway). I looked down again and I hugged my legs trying to calm down after all that happened. "S-Sorry about that... it happened a long time ago, and I believed I could talk about it but..." Thorin put his hand on my arm and I looked at him, he tried to smile but he looked sad.

"I also have nightmares, I understand." I nodded and I looked around the room, it was empty except for us. I must have been staring at nowhere for a very good while because I noticed as Thorin squeezed gently my arm to get my attention but I hissed in pain. "Still hurts?" Thorin moved closer as he inspected my arm and my wrist. I noticed then that he seemed to have dark circles down his eyes.

"Yes... but not as much as it did yesterday." Thorin nodded and he separated from me, getting up to stretch. "What time is it?"

Thorin went to the window and pulled off the curtains. "It seems a little before breakfast time." He turned to stretch again and I stood there watching at his back. When he turned around I looked away, blushing.

"And... what about the others? Is not too early to go on the road now?"

Thorin cleared his throat and avoid the question. "I think you're ready to ride the pony, but we will wait another day for you if you need it... and for Ori."

"No, I'm fine, and I'm sure I can ride, but maybe Ori would need Dwalin's help." Thorin smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"So you noticed it?"

"Of course! They've been looking at each other all the time and whenever Ori needed something, Dwalin would help him right away." Thorin nodded and headed to the door.

"I do not think Dwalin knows that Ori likes him too, he is too blind." He said before he winked at me and left the room.

"He's not the only blind here..." I whispered before leaving the room and go to the room where the others were.

When they saw me they all stopped talking. Ori was between Oin, who was looking at me, and Dwalin, who was looking at the scribe's ankle while the rest were handing breakfast. Thorin was sitting beside Gandalf, probably talking about what they would do next. When I approached to the table, Bofur put his arm around my shoulders.

"Are you alright, Bilbo?" He asked, and I smiled.

"Yeah, sorry about last night..."

Bofur shook his head and Balin approached us. "Do not ask for forgiveness laddie." He grabbed my good arm. "You've been through bad times, like all those who are present here. We will not think less of you because you'd cried 'cause here we all had cried once or twice at the loss of someone we loved." I saw almost all the dwarves nodded slightly, and then Balin approached me at the table right beside Oin. "Cousin, can you see how is Bilbo when you're done with young Ori?"

Ori looked over Oin's shoulder and smiled at me as Oin turned to look at my wrist.

"I am truly sorry that you had to go through that, Bilbo..."

"Thank you, Ori." I replied, and my mind said "I hope we would never have to get through it again."

After Oin said that my wrist was fine saying that nothing was broken, he bandaged me and I finally had breakfast. The atmosphere seemed a little more relaxed, Kili and Fili tried to throw food at each other but Thorin shout at them, which made everyone laugh. When the brothers got tired of mischief and had eaten they looked at me and whispered at each other, as Merry and Pippin when they were young and they wanted me to tell them the story of my journey with 13 dwarves.

"Fili, Kili, if you want to ask me something you can do it, really."

The two brothers looked at each other. At the end Fili was the one who spoke first. "We were wondering how it is that you fell in love with this dwarf, Threon was his name?"

I bit my lip and looked at my hands. "Theon. And I do not know how I fell for him, I guess he was a good dwarf and that he treated me like I was family. But I never told him that I loved him, I did not have the courage." I smiled saddly and the two brothers looked at each other again. The table was silent when Kili looked at me again.

"Then why did you come with us? Would it not have been better to stay at the quiet of Bag End, no ambushes of orcs and dwarves that remind you of him?"

I nodded and stared at him. "Kili, after everything I went through, how do you think I could go with a quiet life? With all that I lost... I ask you, Kili, how do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on... when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend... some scars that go too deep... that have taken hold..." Kili stopped looking at me and looked at his hands.

"Sorry, Bilbo..."

I shook my head and I felt Bofur and Ori hugging me. "Do not worry, I'm fine! You are not the first one who has asked me these questions." However, Bofur and Ori did not release me. Kili and Fili also joined the hug, then the embrace of the four of them was already crushing me and I could not breathe. "Come on, come on! You're going to smashed a hobbit if you keep doing that!" Everyone laughed and they let me go, Bofur gave me a kiss on the head.

I turned to look at Gandalf and Thorin who were talking but looking at me and I raised an eyebrow when they turned. I looked at Bofur who shrugged and we continued talking.

Bifur, for the first in what we had been on the road started to talk to me in Khuzdul, and Bofur translated me his stories. I already knew what he was saying because when Lord Elrond taught me Khuzdul, his accent was similar to Bifur's, but of course, I could not tell him that. Bifur told me he was doing a wooden toy which last time he gave to Gimli after I left Erebor, and Gimli wore it during the War of the Ring.

Just after dawn we proceeded to collect our things and I noticed that Gandalf and Thorin did not stop talking to each other, softly, as if they did not want anyone else to hear them. I approached them and noticed how they tensed a little.

"It's something wrong?" I asked worried.

"No, master Baggins." Thorin answered while Gandalf walked away. "Just some paranoias of an old wizard." Thorin left as I watched Gandalf leave as well. I was sure that Gandalf knew something was wrong with me. I went to talk to Gandalf once we went outside the inn.

"Gandalf... can we talk for a minute?" Gandalf nodded and got to the side of the inn. "I know you think something is going on, and you're right, but for now you have to trust me. I thought about it a lot, and I think I'd better tell you, Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel what is happening, but I'll do it when we get to Rivendell, please trust me on this."

Gandalf stared at me without knowing what to say, but soon nodded. "I trust you, Bilbo Baggins, I do not know why, because all my senses tell me not to, but I do."

I sighed in relief. "Thank You. Once we get to Rivendell I'll tell you everything, but the only condition is that none of the dwarves can know about it."

Before Gandalf could say anything Thorin called us to get on our ponies, so Gandalf just nodded slightly and went for his horse.

We started the trip again each in their pony except for Ori who still rode with his back against Dwalin. They all looked pretty tired, so I approached Fili and Kili and I asked them if they had been awakened by my nightmare.

"Well... we were woke up, but..." Kili looked at his brother, and Fili continued.

"Gandalf had worst nightmares than you since we arrived at Bag End, and some of us had strange dreams about you."

"What kind of dreams?"

The brothers looked at each other and I saw Thorin who had approached and addressed his nephews. "I told you not to talk about this issue with the halfling." Thorin said and I could not help the shiver that chilled my blood.

"Thorin? What's wrong? "I asked staring at him, and he shook his head.

"Nothing to worry about, Master Baggins."

I let out a nervous laugh and stopped the pony, making the rest of the Company also stop. "Thorin Oakenshield, what's happening?"

I looked at each dwarf and Thorin looked at Gandalf who nodded weakly. Then Thorin and Gandalf stared at me and Gandalf replied. "I had dreamed about things that have not happened but I feel that I have lived them."

"What things, Gandalf?" I said in Sindarin so the other dwarves could not understand me.

Gandalf looked at me surprised but continued in Sindarin. "I have seen death and war when they have not happened yet. I have dreamed about this trip and I have dreamed about you, Bilbo."

"What have you dreamed about exactly?" I asked serious.

"Erebor and Mordor."

My blood froze. “So, you know about it?”

“I know nothing and that's what worries me, Bilbo. It worries me that you know more than a Protector of Middle Earth.”

I sighed in relief and stroked Myrtel's crin. "We will discuss this in Rivendell, do not fear, Mithrandir." I smiled slightly and I looked to Thorin. "Do you trust me?" I asked him staring into his deep blue eyes.

He sighed but he did not leave my eyes. "We have just met but I feel like we have known each other for a long time. I dreamed about you the night before we met, how could I dream about you if we did not know each other?" He said very seriously and the members of the Company looked at each other.

"Thorin... in Bag End it was the first time we had met, I assure you." I smiled slightly and we continued on our way. Neither this time I had lie, it was true that we had first met in Bag End, but in another lifetime.

We remain silent until we reached a mountain where we set up our camp. It was the same place as the time before so once we were all ready to sleep, I sat near Fili and Kili. Shortly after talking a bit about their mother, I heard what once before almost made me faint (for second time). 

"Orcs!" Kili said approaching to his brother and me. His uncle took a singular jump against the stone on which he was leaning.

"Yes, I do not want to get close to them ever again.." I said sighing and looking at my hands. I knew it was the horde of orcs that followed Azog, and that made me shiver.

“Are you really that afraid of orcs, Bilbo?" Joked Kili but nobody laughed as Thorin's eyes seemed to assassinate him with a look.

"You think it's funny, Kili?"

"N-No, Thorin, just ..."

"You know nothing of this world or what is out there." I bit my lip and felt how Thorin aproched us and put me his coat over me so I could stop shaking. I looked at his eyes but they were looking at the fire, lost in his thoughts. Shortly after, Balin walked over and put a hand over Kili's shoulder.

"Don't mind him, laddie. Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs." I looked at Thorin again and I wanted to stroke his hair but I could not do it, I knew we did not have that level of... friendship?, security?, let's call it relationship... But I put a hand on his arm, feeling throughout the story Balin was telling how tense he got.

"What happened to the pale orc?" Asked Ori sitting against a rock, his bad leg in Dwalin's lap.

 

"He slunk back into the hole whence he came. That filth died of his wounds long ago."

I then thought I had to warn them about that the pale orc was still alive and I had only one option, so I let my fear consume me and I began to tremble. I sttod up looking at Thorin.

"Bilbo?" The Company were completly awoke after Balin's story and now they were all looking at me. I looked at Thorin's eyes and I grabbed his hand with my healthy one.

"T-The Pale Orc... had a scar across one side of his face?"

Thorin tightened more and looked at me strangely. "Yes... how do you know...?"

I bit my lip more and some blood came off of it. I looked down. "That was the orc who killed Theon and Freyon."

Thorin released me and looked at me as if he had seen a ghost. "It can not be." He simply said, and I remembered the first time I saw Azog and how Thorin's face was full of terror unaware of him being alive.

"He had no arm, but a sword instead. W-With that sword he killed them." I began to tremble again and I saw how Thorin left the camp. I did not follow him because I knew he would want to be alone. Both Dwalin and Balin, who had fought in the Battle of Azanulbizar, were pale. Balin approached me.

"Are you sure about this, laddie?" I nodded.

"I-I do not think there's another orc as you've described Balin. I-I'm sure."

Eventually the Company returned to their sleeping bags, except for Thorin who did not return to camp until dawn. I lay near the fire with Fili and Kili at my sides as if they were protecting me, or as if they wanted me to protect them.

None of the Company was able to sleep that night as the sound of orcs made it much more difficult.

Notes:

Well, Thorin was not sent back to the past as many of you were thinking, but he is having some dreams that maybe they will make him remember hehehehe. There is just a little for you to know who was the one who was sent back with Bilbo!
Thank you so much for all those comments and kudos!

Chapter 9: Confessions, clarifications and jealousy

Summary:

Warning for this epsidode: Kili is a cockblock!
I'm so sorry, Balin, I do love you, really.
Jealousy...

None of the Company was able to sleep that night as the sound of orcs made it much more difficult.

---

When I woke up I noticed the absence of Fili and Kili beside me, but I was not cold which surprised me. I opened my eyes and I saw that the Company was rolling their bunks and it smelled of freshly cooked food. To my surprise, I had no nightmares that night, but I dreamed that I came back to Erebor with Frodo, and Thorin smiled at us. Then I noticed that the thing which had protected me from the cold was Thorin's big coat. It smelled of him. Then my mind said "Where's Thorin?". The night before, I had told them that Azog was still alive and Thorin had left, so I looked around until I came across a pair of blue eyes staring at me from across the camp. Thorin was talking to Dwalin, who seemed worried, but Thorin was only looking at me. I got up putting his coat over my shoulders, trying not to let it stain and I went to where he was. Once I was a few feet from him, Dwalin turned to see what Thorin was looking. I swear I saw him smile when he looked at me and he noticed the coat over my shoulders.

"I'll help with breakfast." Dwalin said standing up and winked at me. I could not help but smile as I watched him walk away. Dwalin had been a good friend to me last time, and I hoped that this time he would be too. Then I heard as someone cleared his throat and I looked back at Thorin, blushing a little.

"T-Thanks for the coat... it is very warm." I said smiling at him and sitting beside him.

"No need to thank me, Bilbo. When I returned to the camp you where cold, so I thought you could keep it for the night."

I bit my lip and stared at him. "I know it's a stupid question, but... are you okay?"

Thorin shook his head slightly and sighed. "Deep inside of me I knew he wasn't dead... I hoped I was wrong." We were looking at the ground respectively, lost in a strangely comfortable silence. "Have you had nightmares today?" Asked Thorin looking up and I looked into his eyes smiling slightly.

"No, not at all. I slept like a baby." Thorin smiled and I put a hand on his arm. "Have you slept at all?" Thorin just shook his head slightly. "You should get some sleep before leaving..." Thorin put his hand over my own and stared at me.

"I'm fine, Master Baggins, you don't need to worry about me."

I raised an eyebrow still looking at him not getting his hand away from mine. "I care a lot about you, Thorin." Before he could say anything else, I felt as Thorin gently lifted my chin and made me look at him.

When I saw his lips parted to speak, I hear a cough and he let me go quickly. "Bombur has already made breakfast." Kili said with a huge smile on his face and Thorin stood up. I was completely flushed as I followeed them both into the campfire.

"Thorin, here, take your coat." I said smiling at him and almost taking it off  but Thorin stopped me gently, grabbing my wrist.

"Keep it until we raise the camp." Then I only smiled slightly and he went off to where Balin was.

I sat next to Ori and Bofur who smiled playfully at me.

"Are you warm, Bilbo?" Ori asked trying not to laugh.

I gave him a little punch in the arm and he started laughing. "Not a word." I said very seriously, but he kept laughing with Bofur. Fili, and Kili, joined us and full of shame, I prayed for Yavanna for the earth to swallow me. "Leave me alone..." I hid my red face in my hands and they stopped laughing slowly.

"So... I was right, you like our uncle, right?" Kili said smiling at me and putting his arm around my shoulders. I looked across the camp to see if Thorin could hear us. It was not the case.

"Kili... it's complicated."

"Why is it complicated? I'm sure he likes you too, and... " Fili hit him. "Why did you do that?!"

Fili stared at me. "It is because of the other dwarf, right?" I nodded slightly. I could not tell them that I loved Thorin with all my heart because it was very complicated. I loved Thorin, but also I loved him for everything he did during the journey, and this Thorin had not done any of it. Not yet anyway. Although he was on the right direction.

"How do you hobbits court? Do you love only once like us?" Ori asked eating at my side.

I shook my head. "No, we do not have a One like you do." And I had noticed that a few years ago after Rosie's death, Sam went to Aman and he confessed his love for Frodo, who had fallen in love with him a long ago. But this was not my case. I knew I could never love someone who was not Thorin. So I came up with a question that Gimli did not know how to respond at all the last time I asked him.

"How do you know who is your One ?"

The four looked at each other, and Ori and Bofur began to babble.

"Well..."

"It's... something like..."

"You feel like..."

"Like if you will never be alone again."

"Like if you do not want to separate yourself from that dwarf..." They said this at the same time.

I started laughing. "So that is how you feel, Ori, when you see Dwalin?"

"W-What?!" the scribe shouted, blushing. "O-Of course not!"

We all started laughing so loud that the rest of the company stared at us as if we had gone mad.

"Oh come on, Ori! Everyone know already!" said Kili laughing.

"Yup! All the Company knows, well, everyone but Dwalin who is as blind as you are." Bofur added.

"Look who's talking! You're in love with my brother!"

At that Bofur shut up quickly. "That is... a lie." He said blushing.

"Wait... How is that you like Dori?" Asked Kili, puzzled.

We all look at him and laughed harder. The other members of the company I'm sure they thought we'd gone mad.

"Look at us three..." Said Ori.

"Promise me that you would not say this to anyone." Bofur was serious, and I had never seen him like that before.

"But I do not understand... if you know that he is your One , they should feel the same way, right?"

Ori shook his head like Bofur, and the brothers sighed.

"You can find your One in someone, but also you can not be your One 's One ." Said Fili staring at me, and that left me more confused than before.

"What do you mean?"

They looked at each other and Bofur was the one who spoke. "Sometimes we do not find our One because that dwarf has died or he is far away from us, but sometimes, and that rarely happens, our One finds their love in another dwarf."

"But... I thought that dwarves only have one One ."

"And that it's true." Kili said looking down. "You see... a few years ago we discovered that our mother, Dis, was Balin's One , but my mother had found her One in our father, Vili."

I looked where Balin was sitting with his brother and Thorin. "But..."

Fili shook his head. "Our mother does not know about it, obviously. Both have always been good friends, and when Mother married Father... Thorin told us that Balin left for years and he returned shortly after I was born."

I looked at the brothers. "But that is very sad..." I added, and the others nodded.

"You can not tell anyone, Bilbo, not even our uncle. He would kill us if he knew we had told anyone." I nodded and I looked at the toymaker and the scribe.

"How did you know about this?"

"Bombur's wife told me." Bofur said quietly.

"Dwalin told me a while ago." Ori answered a little flushed.

We then heard Thorin shouting at us to raise the camp and I looked at the four of them. "Let's make a deal. We help each other with our Ones, and we will never discuss this with anyone else." Bofur and Ori nodded, and then I looked at the brothers. "And when you find your One you shall tell us and we will help, okay?"

The brothers smiled and we five hugged and laughed.

"What's going on here?" Said Thorin with Dwalin approaching at his side.

"Nothing! Nothing!" We said at once and we started to rise the camp while Thorin adn Dwalin looked at us as if we were crazy.

After we were ready to go, Dwalin helped Ori up and took him to his pony. I went to talk to Thorin. "Thank you for your coat." I held his coat as I bowed.

"You do not have to bow, not you, Bilbo." Thorin smiled and put his own coat. "I see that you are now a very good friend of Bofur." Said raising an eyebrow. "Of Ori and my nephews as well."

"Yes, we have many things in common." I smiled but the King Under the Mountain did not.

"Be carefull little burglar, try not to get into too much trouble."

"Uncle Boggins! Come with us! The fact that you like someone of the Company doesn't mean you have to be separated from us!" Kili shouted up in his pony, and I heard the laughter of Fili and Bofur.

Thorin cleared his throat uncomfortable. "I think I got myself into trouble when I signed up that contract, don't you think so, my King?" Thorin raised an eyebrow and I winked at him going with the rest of my little group, except for Ori who was with Dwalin listening about swords and axes. Bofur hit me in the back and the brothers encouraged me for flirt with Thorin, because after what happened, after all we had been through, why not have some fun making fun of Thorin? I was not a respected Baggins after all, so...

We continue the trip as it had began, telling stories and laughing. Gradually we approached to the place where last time we almost got eaten by trolls.

Following the same argument as last time, Gandalf was gone, leaving us alone at the mercy of Trolls, but before he left I told him. "When you get to Rivendell, tell Lord Elrond to warn Lady Galadriel without telling Saruman. When we get to Rivendell I'll talk to you three." And with that I got prepared for a busy night.

"Bombur, make dinner." Thorin ordered as we set up camp. "Fili, Kili, take care of the ponies, and get away of trouble." Both brothers went off to see the ponies and I talked to Thorin.

"Thorin, can I ask you something?" I said to Thorin while he was stacking wood for a fire.

"Whatever you need, Master Baggins." I sighed. I did not like that he referred to me as that, but I could see a mocking smile danicing on his lips.

"I wanted... I came to ask if I could please have a weapon."

Thorin looked more serious. "A weapon? Do you think we can't protect you?"

"No!" I replied. "Of course not, it's only that if something happens you would not need to keep an eye on me if the others are in danger."

"We'll protect you, master burglar, you do not have to worry."

"But I would be safer with a sword!"

Thorin grunted and turned away. "I will not give you a sword so you'd end up getting hurt, that is settle. "

Thorin moved away in search of firewood and I growled. "Stubborn dwarves!"

I returned with Bofur and Ori, and sat with them. "Trouble in paradise?"

I looked at Bofur and I groaned. I was in no mood for his jokes. "Do not worry Bilbo, Thorin has always been... like that."

"Ori is right." Bofur said. "Thorin has always been pretty stubborn. Before this journey I think I had seen him smile only when he was with his nephews, and since the journey started he smiles every time you speak to him.” I bit my lip trying not to smile and Bofur put his arm around my shoulders. "If Nori would treat me how he treats you I would be so happy!"

"Hey, you're talking about my brother there!" Groan Ori.

Then they started arguing and I took the opportunity to look where Thorin was. Thorin was looking at me but he did not look happy, he seemed quite angry in fact. Thorin was slowly turning his eyes away from me and I felt a chill. What had I done now?

We continued talking until dinner was ready. Before I could start eating, Thorin approached to us, first looking at Bofur and then at me. "Burglar, lead this food to Fili and Kili." And with that he left.

I looked confused and then Bofur and Ori told me not to worry about him, so I left them to search for the two brothers. I walked quietly and watched as one of the trolls took our ponies. I left the bowls on a tree and when I saw Fili and Kili I looked at them angrily. “Why did you leave the ponies alone?!" I screamed in a whisper, and the two brothers apologized. "I'll go for them, you warn Thorin, do as I say!" I took one of the swords Fili had in his belt and I made them go to the camp.

I walked over to where the trolls were arguing and with the sword I broke the tie that was keeping captive our ponies. Carefully I led them outside the trolls' camp, but one of them heard a noise coming from the forest and caused a stampede.

"What was that?" One of the trolls asked, and before I could notice he took me from my waist. "Why there is an oversized squirrel stealing our dinner!?"

"I'm not a squirrel! I'm a... burglar-hobbit!"

"A bruglar-what?"

"Release me or Mahal's wrath will fall upon you!"

One of them, Tom, laughed at me. "Can we eat it?"

Then Thorin stepped out of the trees, sword in hand. "Drop him!" The trolls looked at each other.

"You what?" Tom said looking at him.

"Thorin, run!"

"Can we eat him too?" Tom looked at William who nodded.

"I said, drop him." He pointed his sword at William and then he threw me against him, ending both on the ground, me above Thorin. I heard as the rest of the Company got out of the trees. Thorin lay me down. "Stay here." He ordered me and he went to fight with the others.

I groaned, I wanted to show them, him , that I also knew how to fight, so I grabbed Fili's sword and I joined them. I noticed that Ori could barely lift his slingshot and Dwalin was protecting him at his side, so I went to help Bofur who was with Oin and Balin. "Careful Bofur!" I moved Bofur just in time as one of the trolls step right were he used to stand. Then, one of them took me.

"Bilbo!" The whole Company screamed, and Fili held Thorin in his place since he seemed like he was going to kill the trolls on his own.

"Lay down your arms! Or we'll rip his off!" I stared at Thorin and I saw how defeated he seemed as he put down his weapon. The rest of the Company followed him.

They put us in bags like last time. We had been caught twice already! I cursed for how stupid I had been again. The dwarves who were on the fire were the Ri brothers, Dwalin and Bofur.

Dwalin was between Ori's legs and Bofur was between Nori's. How ironic.

"I told you to stay out of the fight." Growled Thorin beside me.

"I could not let you fight alone and ended up getting wounded." I replied looking at him, and Thorin looked away from me.

"You could not bear to see him hurt."

I raised an eyebrow. "Bofur? Well, of course, he is my friend." And then I understood. "Wait a... Thorin Oakenshield, are you...?" Thorin growled without looking at me and I rolled my eyes.

"Can you just stop this love-fight please? We are going to be eaten by some trolls, think of something!" Said Kili hitting me. He was right. I stood up and shouted at the trolls.

"Wait! You're making a terrible mistake!"

"Bilbo, shut up." Thorin threatened me, but I kicked him so he'd shut up.

"You can't reason with them, they're half-wits!" Shouted Dori from where they were cooking him.

"Half-wits? What does that make us?!" Shouted Bofur. I groaned.

"I meant with the...uh, with the...with the seasoning." I said very seriously and all the dwarf cried out unhappy.

Bert the troll looked at me. "What about the seasoning?"

"Well, have you smelt them? You're gonna need something stronger than sage before you plate this lot up!"

"Bilbo!" I heard Thorin screaming, but I ignored him.

"What do you know about cooking dwarves?" William said disinterested, but Bert stopped him.

"Shut up, and let the...uh, flurgerburbur-hobbit talk"

I smiled with the kindest smile I could pretend, which I used to use whenever Lobelia appeared at Bag End. "The secret to cooking dwarf is ... skined them first."

"What ?! Bilbo, how could you?!" All I could hear were shouts from my dwarves. They all looked pretty hurt.

While the trolls were debating whether or not listen to me I looked at Thorin and whispered. "Trust me."

I saw how they took Bombur, again, and I shouted to them. "Uh...not...not that one, he...he's infected! With parasites. In fact, we all are. "

Thorin seemed to get my message and they all started shouting that they had large parasites within them.

I finally saw Gandalf running throw the bushes, and something happened that last time did no. Bert took me instead of arguing with the dwarves. "And you little chatty ferret? Sure you do not have parasites." Then he opened his big mouth, ready to eat me. I heard Thorin screaming, and luckily, Gandalf cried.

"The dawn will take you all!"

Gradually the three of them became stone, and I was left hanging from the hand of one of them. I could see Thorin breath finally as he saw I was okay.

Notes:

I'm going down with these ships! Actually, I really like Bilbo/Bofur but I love Thilbo and Bori, do this two are going to be only Bros.
Thank you all for those comments and kudos!
My God, 344 kudos and 8600 hits! Really, I do love you all thank you for all your support and love.

Chapter 10: The truth is (kind of) revealed

Summary:

Finally, Rivendell! And some old friends from the past appear.

Notes:

Telepathic “(---)”
Sindarín telepathic “(---)” in bold.
Thank you so much for your comments and kudos!!

Gradually the three of them became stone, and I was left hanging from the hand of one of them. I could see Thorin breath finally as he saw I was okay.

---

“I'm too old for this...” I sighed once Gandalf put me down of the troll's hand and we head towards their cave.

“Are you all right, Bilbo? It was my fault they took you...” Bofur couldn't even look at me, he was staring at the ground.

“This wasn't your fault!” I grabbed his arm and I smiled at him. “For what are friends for if not to defend them from a troll's attack?” Bofur smiled briefly and I moved a little bit closer so I could whisper to him. “Go with Nori and get to see if he is okay, I can handle it on my own.” Bofur nodded and he went to check on Nori. Before I could get inside of the cave I saw how Dwalin was helping Ori sitting down on a rock. When I thought about going there with them, Thorin approached me, stomping.

“Master Baggins do not stay behind, we don't want what happened last night to happen again.”

I growled at his words. “It was not my fault they took me. Besides, I was the only one clever enough to win us some time!”

Thorin kept looking at his feet while he walked away. “If you had stayed where I told you none of this would've happened.”

Before I could reply at him, in not a very hobbitish way by the way, Gandalf came closer and he put a hand over my shoulder. “It was a really good idea winning some time dear Bilbo.”

“I had done it once before, Gandalf, I don't know how they could've taken me again this time.” I sighed. Gandalf only raised an eyebow.

“I have talked with Lord Elrond: he will call Lady Galadriel and we will stay in Rivendel for a few days.”

I nodded slightly and I looked at him. “Get into the cave with Thorin, I will wait out here.”

“I thought that you will join us in there.”

I shook my head and I tried to smile. “Thorin does not seem to be pleased around me right now, furthermore, I know what it's inside there so I'll be here waiting for...” I cleared my throat.

“Waiting for who?”

“You will know soon enough”

“Bilbo...” He started but I was already leaving his side. I decided to stay close to Fili and Kili who were counting our weapons.

“Here, Fili.” I gave him his sword and smiled. “It has served me of much help.” Right after that the brothers began to apologize and I could only hugged them. “I will always protect you both, no matter what, okay? I'm older than you, I have to! I laughed because this time it was true: I was 130 years old, and they were barely 82 and 77.

“How old are you, Bilbo?” Asked Kili sitting down beside the entrance of the cave.

I looked at Kili and for a second I hesitated. “I'm... fifty, and I'll be fifty one on September 22.”

“B-But then... you are a child!!” Kili shouted, startling all the members of The Company. From inside the cave came running Gandalf and Thorin.

“What's going on?!” Thorin demanded and I could only laugh out loud. “Why are you laughing, halfling?”

“Bilbo's only 50, uncle!” Kili shouted again and the whole Company screamed at once.

“What!”

I couldn't stop laughing and a little bit later Gandalf also joined me. I laughed so hard that tears ran down my cheek!

"Dear dwarves, friends...” tried to say Gandalf without laughing, but he did not succeed. “Hobbits are considered adults at the age of 33!”

I kept laughing. “Your faces! Yavanna help me...” I said pointing at them unable to stop laughing. Everyone else except for me and Gandalf did not looked too amused.

“Master Baggins... I do not see why this so funny to you.” Said Thorin serious, which made us laugh harder.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry really, but, your faces! Oh, I could paint you just like that!” I kept laughing, tears were falling down my face.

Thorin growled and he looked at the Company. “Take everything that we have, we are leaving immediately.”

Once I stopped laughing I noticed that Thorin had in his belt Orcrist, and I turned to see Gandalf who was looking at me amused. “I don't know why, but I think this is yours, Bilbo.” He give me Sting and I smiled. I stroked my sword which had been so useful in the past for me and for my little Frodo.

“Thank you, Gandalf.” I heard Fili and Kili growl and I laughed again.

“Did you not say that you were waiting for someone?” I nodded.

“He should be hear by now... maybe after my accident he came earlier than what I'd expected.” I looked around but nothing, Radagast wasn't anywhere.

Suddenly we heard a howl and a warg attacked us like last time. Radagast was not with us this time so, how could we get out of it alive?

“Let's run towards the esplanade!” Roared Thorin and I ran by his side.

“Thorin, they will take us! We can not run without a plan!”

“There is not plan, Bilbo, you will have to run like the rest of us!”

We run to a large rock, the orc pack right behind us. Dwalin was carring Ori, and he was shacking because of the fear. Gandalf was looking everywhere like a mad man, and then I knew that he was looking for the secret entrance to Rivendell, but it was too far away from us yet. We kept running around of big rocks trying not to be seen. Maybe then I was 50, but running around is not something that we hobbits are used to do, my body was bearly keeping up and it was thanks to my Took's blood.

“Come on, Bilbo!” Bofur shouted, who was running next to Nori and Dori.

I couldn't keep up with then, I was too slow. The wargs were going to see me and they'd eat me. I was going to give up when two strong arms hold me. I wanted to complain, but Thorin looked at me serious. “There is not time for your complains. Get on my back.”

I did what he asked me to do. I wanted to tell him that he didn't need to take care of me, that I was too heavy, but he kept running like if I was just a little blanket. The orc pack was right behind us, Dwalin and Thorin get me and Ori into the ground, behind them, protecting us. Fili and Kili were at my side protecting each other with their weapons in their hands. I also saw how Nori was standing in front of Bofur, also protecting him, and Galdalf was looking around searching for the entrance. After some intense seconds when we were all ready to kill the orcs, we heard horns sounding in the distance, and soon enough there were arrows flying and killing the orcs. The ones who survived ran away, probably to Dol Guldur. One after the other, the elves, who had saved us, arrived, Lord Elrond ahead, and these did not make the dwarves move, no, they even got more tense.

“Gandalf. I was not expecting you so soon.” Said Lord Elrond smiling and looking at us.

Gandalf bow and so I did. “Lord Elrond, thank you for saving us from the orcs.” Gandalf came closer to him and gave him his hand to shake it with Lord Elrond, who got off of his horse.

“This must be the Company of Thorin Oakenshield I assume?”

“We had it all under control, we did not need your help.” Thorin roared, and I took his arm.

“Thank you, Lord Elrond.” I said bowing again. Thorin looked at me dead serious.

“I assume you are Bilbo Baggins, Belladona Took's son, isn't that correct?”

I nodded. “I am.” I tried to get closer to him but Thorin grabbed me possessively.

“The halfling is with us.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

“Stubborn dwarves...” I whispered and Lord Elrond laughed.

“I did not know you could speak Sandarin.”

I nodded briefly “My mother taught me when I was a little hobbit, and some elves friends I helped me to improve it some time ago.” Thorin looked at me but he did not say anything again, instead, Lord Elrond offered us his hospitality: some food, some wine and a well deserved bath. “Thorin, we are really tired, please...” I begged him. “Lord Elrond is not like Thranduil, I assure you that, trust me. Besides, he can read the part of the map which we can't.”

Thorin looked at the Company. We all look like we were about to faint after what we had ran. He nodded slightly. We followed the elves to Rivendell, this time not throw the secret passage.

“I trust you, Bilbo, but them...”

“I knew your father and your grandfather, Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror. I tried to help your people when you lost Erebor.” Said Lord Elrond up his horse. “Thror did not want my help because of his selfish acts and because of what Thranduil did. I hope that our relationship will be better than theirs.”

Thorin murmured something in Khuzdul and I took his hand. “Thorin is not like his grandfather.” I looked at Thorin and I squeezed his hand. “Look on the bright side, this is better than running around while some arcs are trying to kill us.” I smiled brightly at him and he could not hold his smile.

“I guess you are right Bilbo.”

“As always.”

Thorin's expression changed radically when Bofur came closer to see if I was alright and I had to let go of his hand. Thorin advanced and he stayed right beside his nephews while Bofur and I talked whispering about how Nori had protected him form the orcs. Once we got to Rivendell I was happy of seeing that place again. The elves lead us to our rooms, one for each of us, and I stayed in the garden next to mine. Barely 20 years ago I was right in that same place, and I could not hide my joy. I enjoyed the view for a little bit when I felt Thorin's serious eyes watching me.

“I assume you don't like this place?” I raised an eyebrow, smiling.

“No, burglar, I do not like this place, and I hope I will get out of here as soon as that elf has read the map.”

I rolled my eyes. “His name is Lord Elrond, and he has only been kind to us. Thorin, you can not blame all the elves because of what Thranduil did.”

“If you are so happy here then you should stay with the elves. Stay with Bofur since that seems to be what you desire.” Thorin turned around, leaving me dumbfounded. What was going on?

“Thorin!” I yelled grabbing his arm before he could get inside. “What have I done to you now?”

Thorin did not leave but he kept avoiding my eyes. “Are we friends, master Baggins?”

I got closer to him. “Well, of course! At least for my part...”

He looked at me then. “Are you in love with Bofur?”

“What?!” I could not believe what he'd just said. I didn't know if I should laugh or hit him in the face. “Of course I'm not in love with Bofur!”

“Do not lie to me, burglar.” Thorin said, angry.

“I'm not laying, I swear!”

“I heard Kili the other day saying that you were in love with someone of the Company, do not deny it!”

I started to laugh angrily. “Mahal, Thorin...”

“It's that a yes then?”

I sighed in exasperation. “I do NOT love Bofur!” Before he could say anything I kept screaming. “Yes, what Kili said it's true, I do like someone from The Company, and if you did not have your face right inside your... inside your royal ass and if you were not so blind you will see then that I... Agggh!” I did not finished the sentence and I left running. “Stupid dwarves...”

 

After some time walking around going nowhere I found Lord Elrond who was looking for me. “Mister Baggins, we were looking for you. Gandalf said that you needed to talk to us.”

I agreed. “Yes, has Lady Galadriel come yet?”

Lord Elrond nodded and he took me to where years before The Fellowship of The Ring had been created. Lady Galadriel, who was beautiful as always, smiled kindly to me.

“(So this is the halfling.)” I heard in my mind and I bowed.

“Lady Galadriel. It's always a placer to see you.” She raised an eyebrow smiling but she did not say another word. I saw Gandalf sitting at the other side of the table and at his right was someone who I was not expecting. “Radagast!” The Brown Wizard started and Gandalf laughed at his reaction.

“Have you tell him that I was going to be here, Gandalf?”

Gandalf did not stop from looking at me with a smile on his face. “Not a word, Radagast.”

“Without further consideration I think we should begin, don't you think, Bilbo?” Asked Lord Elrond to me and I sat in one of the big-chairs at the other side of Gandalf. Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel did not sit down and Radagast sat on the table looking at me.

“Tell us, little hobbit, how is that every one of us has dreamed about you and about a future of war that has not happened?” This time was Lady Galadriel who spoke.

“It's hard to explain, but I'll try my best...” And that it's how I started to tell them about my first adventure with my dwarves, how I found the One Ring, how we reclaimed Erebor again, how the heirs of Durin died (this made Gandalf really uncomfortable), the years that I passed grieving, the creation of The Fellowship of The Ring with Isildur's heir and my nephew Frodo, Saruman's betrayal, the Great War, our arrival to Aman, my 130 birthday there and how Aulë and Yavanna had told me what I would have to do...

When I ended my story Radagast was the first one who spoke.

“How are we going to know that what he is saying it's true?”

Before I could answer, Lady Galadriel came closer to me and took my hands in hers. Her ayes were full of tears. “I, myself, I'm saying it... You have seen so much suffering and you have suffered so much Bilbo Baggins... First your dwarf then your nephew...” Lord Elrond could see also my thoughts as well as the two wizards. I felt exposed, everybody there could see my memories, my fears, my joys and my losses...

I bit my lip. “It's Aulë and Yavanna's plan that we should stop the Great War before it happens, that it's why we should take down Sauron as soon as possible. We must destroy the One Ring after the dwarves had reclaimed Erebor.”

“We should go immediately to Mordor and defeat Sauron.” Said Lord Elrond and I stood up.

“I am the one send back by Yavanna and Aulë, and we will do the things on my way like they planned it. Aulë wants to see his sons alive and that it's what I'm going to do, keep them alive.”

Lady Galadriel looked at me. “Who else died during the war apart from your friends, Bilbo?”

I cleared my throat and I looked at my fingers. “Saruman died prey to his own greed, and you Mithranduir, you died and came back to life as the White Wizard. They were also Haldir, who died in battle and one of the members of the Fellowship, Boromir son of Denethor II”

We stayed in silence for a while until we saw the sunset. “It will be the best if we come back with my guests, they must be hungry and we all have a lot to think about.” Lord Elrond and the wizards left and before I could fallow them Lady Galadriel's voice was on my head again, this time talkin in Sindarin.

“(Bilbo, this time your beloved dwarves will not die, neither your nephew will suffer the pain that The One Ring inflicts, I assure you.)”

I smiled at her and I bowed again. “Thank you, Lady Galadriel.”

She returned my smile and she kissed my curls. I found myself closing my eyes. “You also will get the love of the dwarf you desire.” Before I could open my eyes she was gone, leaving me alone, smiling to nowhere.

Dinner with my dwarves was really busy as the one we had, but this time I was sitting between Fili and Kili who were talking about how much Kili like elves. "Only if they knew" I thought to myself, smiling.

Lord Elrond told Thorin that his sword’s name was Orcrist, the Goblin Claever. My letter opener, Sting was also with me. I have to say that I’d missed it at the beginning of the adventure.

Lindir and I talked for a long time while Dwalin continued to laugh at Kili because he likes male-elves and Ori tried to calm him down and tried to eat some lettuce. Oh, how much does people change because of love...

“So mister Bilbo, is there any lady-hobbit expecting you in the Shire?” Asked Lindir curious; I smiled.

“No, Lindir, and even if there was one waiting for me, she would be male...” I blushed and Fili and Kili laughed at me.

“I'm sure he is a womanizer!” Cried out Kili and everyone except for Thorin laughed.

“Quite the opposite! I have always being a very responsible hobbit...”

“Are you implying, Bilbo that you have been with no one, ever?” Kili's face looked then like one of Merry's poems, limp and colorless.

“I-I have not found anyone in the Shire with whom I would like to have a family...”

“Bilbo, I'm sure you will find a male hobbit or any-other-race male with whom you will want to have family with.” Lindir smiled and I smiled in return.

“A family? But if Bilbo likes males... you would adopt some children from the Shire?” Asked Bofur raising an eyebrow next to Nori.

Lindir looked at me confused. “I think Bilbo may still be able to breed a child, he is not that old, right?”

Everyone got silence again and this time was Thorin the one who spoke. “Bilbo is... male, I... think that was clear, elf.”

Right then I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry.

Huh, second time that day.

“Thorin... Well, it's normal that you do not know about this. Male hobbits can carry children on their own.”

I noticed how Thorin's jaw fell a little bit. “B-But... that's... that is impossible.”

“Of course not! Why do you think the Shire it's so full of children? Female and male can have them.”

“Wow...” Said Kili and Ori at the same time.

“I was not expecting that...” Dwalin said trying not to laugh while he drank some ale.

“So...” Started Thorin looking at my eyes. “If you were with a male... you could have children with him?”

“Y-Yes.. b-but seeing how idiots the males these days are, I will get old before I'm able to carry any!” I tried to joke but none of them laughed.

The dwarves fell into silence. No one dare to speak, not even Fili or Kili. Everyone was looking at Thorin. I heard Bofur clear his throat.

“Bilbo!” Shouted Bofur from the other table. “How about we sing a song? To cheer everyone up!”

I then heard Lord Elrond growl. “It doesn't seem to be the best time for it, Bofur.”

“Nonsenses!” Shouted Nori. “Come on, dance and sing!”

I looked at Thorin who was trying not to look as if he was in shock. He kind of looked like he was trying to see my soul. I decided to ignore my feelings for a second and I stood up getting on the table. “Come on, Bofur!”

 

There is an inn

there is an inn

a merry old inn

beneath an old grey hill,

And there they brew a beer so brown

That the Man in the Moon himself came down

one night to drink his fill.

The ostler has a tipsy cat

that plays a five-stringed fiddle;

And up and down he saws his bow

Now squeaking high, now purring low,

now sawing in the middle.

So the cat on the fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,

a jig that would wake the dead:

He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,

While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:

'It's after three!' he said.

 

We all ended up laughing and getting the food all over the place. I was not a respected hobbit anymore, but who cared? I bowed mockery at Thorin as he raised an eyebrow, he was less tense and thoughtful than before, I could even see I a small smile in his face.

When I got down the table, we heard horse's steps not far away from us. Why there were any horses inside the palace? Everyone, dwarves and elves stood up. Thorin came closer to me and he grabbed my arm puling me behind him.

“Please, this time do as I say and stay behind me. I'm begging you.”

I nodded and I saw how he sighed of relief. When we saw that someone was ridding the horse, Thorin grabbed me tighter, Orcrist in his hand. I grabbed Sting with one hand, and I took Thorin's with the other.

When I saw who was on the horse, I was shocked.

He got off of the horse and looked at us. He had been my friend for almost 80 years now, and he had helped me and my nephew.

He was looking at all of us, surprised.

“Legolas?” He looked even more surprised.

“Bilbo?”

Notes:

CHANCHANCHAN what do you think about Legolas??
To make it clear, Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond, Gnadalf and Radagast can only see portions of what happened before because of Bilbo's memories or their own dreams, but they do not remember every thing that happened.
Now, note 2:
More or less Durin's Day is October 30, so BOFTA occurred about a month and a little later (I think) If someone could help me with the dates I will love them.

Chapter 11: The elf who remembered

Summary:

Legolas is finally around and some explanations are given.

When I saw who was on the horse I was shocked. He got off of the horse and looked at us. He had been my friend for almost 80 years now, and he had helped me and my nephew.

He was looking at all of us, surprised.

“Legolas?” He looked even more surprised.

“Bilbo?”

---

 

I blinked and I let go of Thorin's hand, also dropping Sting. “Legolas!” I ran to him.

 

“For Yavanna, Bilbo!” Legolas bent down and hugged me tightly. “ I-I thought that... I woke up again in Mirkwood, nobody knew where my One was, nobody remembered anything!”

 

I kept hugging him tightly. “I know, I know...” I walked away from him just a little and he kissed my curles. I heard a growl. That was probably Thorin.

 

“You look young again.”

 

“We need to talk.” I told him and then I turn around to look at the others who looked confused. “D-Don't worry, he is my friend, Legolas.”

 

Legolas was looking at them, eyes wild, and then he looked at me. “H-How is that they are aliv...” He whispered but I had him shut up.

 

“I'll tell you later.”

 

Thorin came closer to us and he raised Orcrist at Legolas. “How is that you know this... tree shagger?”

 

I raised my hands and I lowered Thorin's arm while I was looking at him right into his ayes. “He saved me, Thorin. He tried to save Theon, he did until he was out of arrows. Thorin, please, he is not like his father.”

 

Legolas was looking startled at Thorin. “Thorin... I promise you that there is not a single living being who hates my father as much as I do, I assure this to you.”

 

I put my hands over Thorin's chest to calm him down and then I looked at Legolas. “What has he done?”

 

Legolas pointed to the door and I followed him after I was sure that Thorin was okay. Lord Elrond looked puzzled but left us alone.

We walked towards a garden near a waterfall and Legolas sat on a bench. “W-What has happened, Bilbo? First I was in Aman to see you and then I was in Mirkwood again, care to explain that?”

 

“Let's start from the beginning.” We sat on the grass and I hugged him again. “It's been a long time, old friend.”

 

Legolas hugged me back and kept the embrance until he sighed and we broke apart. “We are the only ones who remember, right?”

 

“The others are having dreams about our other live, but nobody remembers anything specific.”

 

Legolas nodded but he looked down. “And Gimli?”

 

“Gloin told me that he was in Ered Luin... Now he must be only 62 years old..”

 

Legolas looked back at me shocked. “He is not even of age... how am I going to tell him that he is my One?” Legolas hid his face in his hands and I tried to comfort him.

 

“He loves you, you will be together somehow, I'm sure.” I smiled and I looked to the sky which was getting darker. “How did you get to Aman? I thought that you and Gimli were going to stay in Erebor.”

 

“My father did everything that he could do so we could not be together. He didn't want us to get married so he made impossible for the provisions which came form the West to reach the mountain unless we'd stop... We could no longer stay there so we left. Gimli's family had died, we had nothing there that was ours, so I built a boat with my own hands and we went to Aman. He was quite ill when we arrived and Lord Elrond told me that... " He bit his lip and he began to rip off some grass with his hands.

 

“You don't need to tell me about it if you don't want to, Legolas.”

 

He shook his head and after a long sigh he continued. “Lord Elrond said he was going to died. We wanted to start a family but... we couldn't. I was with him for days waiting for a miracle but he did not improve. Gimli convinced me to go and see you because he could not move, and Frodo and Sam had told us you were also very sick. When I opened your room I saw two figures on your bed and the last thing I remember is a blinding light. I woke up in my bed in Mirkwood after that, and I yelled at everyone because I thought they had departed me from Gimli... I realized that something was wrong when Bard appeared, waiting to sell some old barrels. After that I took my horse and I decided to go looking for Gandalf to know what had happened." I lay staring at the sky.

I then explained him what had happened in Aman and that no one could remembered what had happened. Legolas waited patiently for me to finish talking. "This is crazy…"

 

I nodded. "But now we have a chance to do it well, Legolas! Think about it, now all the mistakes we had made can change: I can save Thorin and you can avoid Gimli to fall ill."

 

Legolas looked up at the sky thinking. After a few minutes he changed the subject. "Are you going to tell your dwarves that this is not the first time you have seen them?"

 

"Not now ... The only ones I've told what happened are Gandalf, Radagast, Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. And that it's only because they needed to know about Saruman."

 

Legolas stood up while I was still lying on the grass. "I'll go talk to Lord Elrond to send a message to my father. He doesn't know why I left running and I better make up something before he sends patrols looking for me. "

 

I smiled and I affirm with my head. Thranduil was more stubborn and possessive than Thorin, and he did not even have the Dragon's illness. I could not believe that Thrandruil prohibit them to be together... a father always wants the best for his children and seeing Legolas with Gimli was seeing two people in love. There may be two different races, but what's the matter? If Thranduil had seen them fight side by side as Merry and Pippin told me, I was sure he would've understand their relationship.

I must've been lost in thoughts for a long time because when I heard footsteps behind me I was already shivering.

 

"Bilbo." Thorin came and joined me in the ground. I smiled sleepy at him. "I was... we worried about you."

 

"I just needed some fresh air."

 

"Bilbo, you're freezing! How could you possibly stay out here with the few clothes you're wearing?"

 

I looked at myself. I was wearing what I always wear and I was not freezing. "Isn't that too extreme?" I lay back. "I'm fine, I'll sleep here, the grass in Rivendell is softer than the one we find on the road." Years ago there had been times when I had slept in the open because I wasn't able to sleep in a bed after leaving Erebor. "Besides, you're the one who wants me to stay here and to not accompany you to Erebor."

 

"I did not say that …"

 

"Yes you did!" I turned to look at him, still lying. "You told me to stay here... with Bofur! How do you come up with such a nonsense? I hope you will not say crap like that when you're King Under the Mountain because otherwise, no one will like you!"

 

Thorin seemed to be in shock because he was blinking and staring at me. "Nobody has talked to me like that way for a long time." His tone did not seem angry but shocked.

 

"Well, it's about time, don't you think? Now, are you going to get your head out of your royal ass and tell me why did you think I would want to stay here with Bofur?" The anger seemed to get me warm again.

 

Thorin was a bit shocked. "I ..." He cleared his throat. "You were together all the way here."

 

I groaned and put my hands over my eyes, trying to calm down. "Thorin, Bofur is in love with Nori." I removed my hands from my face and I saw that Thorin had a eyebrow raised. "We were talking about how he had protected him from the wargs."

 

"Really?"

 

"Really." I said very seriously. "Bofur loves Nori since he saw him and I will try to help him to see if Nori wants to court him, is that clear?"

 

The almost-King nodded slightly. "Then... I do not understand, if you're not in love with Bofur, who do you...?"

 

"I'm too old for this, Thorin, and so are you." I sat down and I approached to him until we were almost nose to nose. "Do you want to tell me something?"

 

Thorin gulped as he looked at me. "N-No." He looked at my lips and then back at my eyes.

 

"Are you sure?" At that time I wished with all my heart that he would say yes, that he wanted to be with me, that he was a fool to think that I could have something with Bofur and…

 

He looked away from my eyes and answered. "I don't."

 

I sighed and I could not help to feel disappointed. "Of course you don't."

 

I got up and left without looking back. I heard Thorin shouting my name but I didn't turned around and, of course, I didn't stop to look at him. Not even once. I was too hurt. For 80 years I had thought that Thorin liked me, at least part of me did, which made the rest of my mind laughed about how absurd was that nonsense of the first love. A king could not love a simple hobbit.

 

I do not know how long I walked but I got to a place I did not recognize: there was a small waterfall, the moon was shining making the grass glow with beautiful green light. I sat under a big tree, I could not cry, I could not be soft as a hobbit, I had to behave like a dwarf if I wanted the trip to not affect me more than it had done in my previous life. A blinding light brought me back to reality and I noticed that I had ripped off the grass under my hands.

A tall woman dressed in green and with a light much brighter than the brightness of Lady Galadriel was before me.

 

Yavanna.

Notes:

Thank you for all your kudos and favs!!!
I have to say that I've always loved the fact that at the end of the Lord of the Rings Legolas and Gimli left together. I love this ship soooo much.