#Post BOTFA

[sisyphusunderthesun]

[oaken-dick]

This year I had the pleasure of being part of this amazing event, THAUC 2024! And now it's time for reveals!

The wonderful creators of Thauc proposed us three different prompts but my partner @luthiendraws and I were really interested in one theme in particular:

Bilbo's deeds on the quest have garnered him attention from eligible sutures and Thorin is trying to handle his jealousy with grace.

While I worked on the first part of the lineart, the amazing @luthiendraws made the other, then we switched for the colouring phase!

I had so much fun in the making of this comic, having the chance to exchange ideas and create something together was a blast. I loved every step of the journey ;-)

See you next year hopefully!

[morningnoodles]

BotFA post credit scene was so good i had to draw it ❤

[simonskizm]

So uh

You ever wonder if Bilbo sat expecting visits from the Company, and every time he heard a knock at his door he gets up from his seat or stops what he was doing to open it with the biggest smile and a "Balin!" Or "Ori!" Only to see it was his neighbor?

Maybe he cooks extra every meal, and while he's eating he waits for the sound of rough-housing dwarves to come barreling through for lunch or supper. He sits alone at the table, waiting so painfully patient for a visitor that isn't a hobbit.

Or, maybe, he sits out front on his bench and watches the horizon in case he can see a group of travelers that look vaguely like the Company.

Maybe, when he has everything in Bag End back to normal, he always makes tea at the promised time. Maybe he talks to himself, like he was talking to Oin or Nori. Has 10- no, 13- tea cups set out untouched by visitors that never come.

Every day, every week, every month.

Do you think, eventually, he stops? That he stares at the door with an almost contemptuous glare that seemed betrayed? What about his neighbors? They stop by with warm smiles and it's returned with a scowl and empty eyes that say "You're not who I want here".

Maybe he stops answering the door in general. As a matter of fact, he avoids it entirely- its existence is only to taunt him of who he made a life with that forgot about him.

[frostbite-n]

That one specific Bagginshield fanfic

Friends, Romans and Country-men. Lend me your ears. I have been searching for a Bagginshield fanfic for the longest time and have not been able to find it.

The fic is about how Bilbo post-Botfa remains in Erebor and learns Khuzdul, but uses the royal terms to address himself and insults Dain Ironfoot at least once. Most of that is due to the fact that Fili and Kili are involved in his Khuzdul education and are pulling pranks on him with different words and their meanings.

As far as I can remember he also greets Thorin with a "Good morning, lowly one" once.

I beg you, if you know that fic, find it, have the pdf or anything. Please help me find it.

[enchantingkryptoniteheart-blog]

-Best of Intentions- scene addition for 2nd draft- Mistlynn/Rosalyn shenanigans 😅** not edited**

***************

Mistlynn breathed a sigh of relief as she sat down the last bracer. She placed her hands on her hips and gazed down at her work with satisfaction. She had finally finished Kili’s bracers, and the princes could now collect their completed pieces of light melee armor created with her own unique design. She had studied their iron armor closely and wanted to incorporate the runes of their house into the design so that no one doubted who their wearers were. She inlaid the perfectly oiled and polished leather with a dark indigo ink, giving the pieces a striking appearance.

 Even with the embarrassment she felt coupled with the strong tinges of irritation with the fact they took Luna from her, it didn’t deviate her from her original plans for the armor. They had every reason to be cross with her, and the fact that Luna seemed content to stay with the princes without fighting her way out to find her told her all she needed to know.

 They were her friends. No, they were as dear to her as own brothers.

 Her heart twinged at that. Brothers. The pain of losing Argos. Of hating Valinn. But what she felt for Fili and Kili existed on that plane, she could comfortably compare her endearment to them directly alongside Argos. Argos was no longer with her, he was gone. He had given his life so that she could live. And she had to honor that.

 She belonged here. And Luna sensed that.

 Erebor was now her home.

 And Thorin was her One. She had family once more.

 She took in a deep breath as she let those thoughts settle within her. The initial desire to run was still there, nagging her in the back of her mind. But she had promised. And she knew that Dis had been right. She had been looking for an excuse. The depths of her feelings for the Dwarf King had taken her completely by surprise. It had happened all at once, apparently, somewhere between bantering with him at the dinner table, fighting massive dwarf eating spiders and arguing with him over how he didn’t have to defend her honor.

 She blinked rapidly as her thoughts raced. The house of Durin. Soon to be her house, if the courting went well. She shivered. It seemed so surreal. But this is what Argos would have wanted for her. To be loved. He was the only one who had loved her truly, who had wished for her to have something more than just a cold empty tent with only Luna to sleep by.

Thorin was giving her so much more than she had ever dreamed of having.

 That fact was still terrifying, but she wanted it, more than anything in this world.

 She nodded to herself, a smile pulling at her mouth as she straightened her shoulders, resolve gleaming in her bright eyes. She began to put away her tools and tidy up her workstation.

 

She was due to meet Rosalyn, so that they could go and practice dancing. She was determined to not make a fool of herself at the ball. She didn’t want Thorin to regret his decision to publicly announce their courtship.

 She would make him proud to call her his One. She would not fail him.

***********************

 Mistlynn had snuck back into her room to change into a fresh pair of her leather trousers and freshly laundered billowy white shirt. Her hair was braided tightly down her back, stray curls already escaping to frame her face.

 She was excited, yet nervous as they made their way to the distillery. They could hear the cheery patrons as they walked down the vast hall, the sounds of raucous laughter and clanking tankards letting them know that it was indeed a busy night.

 Rosalyn beamed at Mistlynn as they reached the main door, her friend just as excited to have a fun night without any worries other than enjoying a good drink and to practice some dancing. As they walked in, they saw a lot of soldiers were there, in armor Mistlynn didn’t recognize.

 “They are soldiers that accompanied Lord Dain and his family from the Iron Hills. Thorin's cousin.” Rosalyn had to shout over the roaring sound of over a hundred voices yelling over one another.

 “Ah.” Mistlynn nodded in understanding as her eyes scanned the crowd. There didn’t seem to be a lot of room for dancing, but Rosalyn didn’t seem deterred, so she decided to trust and follow her lead. Rosalyn grabbed ahold of her arm and led her towards the end of the bar that was brimming with Dwarrows and Dams alike.

 “2 ales please.” Rosalyn grinned as soon as she caught the eye of the barkeep. Mistlynn grimaced as the frothy beverage was set in front of her.

 “Drink up!” Rosalyn grinned as she tapped her tankard to Mistlynns before taking a big gulp. Mistlynn took a deep breath before raising her drink to her lips.

 ********************

An hour later…

 

“Sounds like its rowdier than normal.” Fili mused aloud as they made their way to the distillery bar.

 “Ya know its because of Dain’s bunch.” Bofur grinned as he rubbed his hands together eagerly. “I’m looking forward to the card games. They always have the best loot they bet.’

 “Oh, a jig!” Kili laughed as he heard the lively tempo of the band starting up. “I didn’t realize we were missing out this early in the night.”

 “If they dont hurry all the fun may be had.” Nori jiggled his coin purse jovially in his pockets. “I know Dain was most eager to get down here.”

 “Uncle was trying to find Mistlynn so he could introduce her to Dain and Sindri. But they couldn’t find her or her friend.” Fili commented offhandedly.

 Bofur had walked ahead of the group, and stopped right at the entrance, completely still as he watched the scene before him unfold.

“Well, I have good news then.” He looked over his shoulder at his friends, a broad grin stretched from ear to ear. “I found Mistlynn, and her bonnie baker friend.”

 “What?!” Kili laughed as he ran up next to Bofur, Fili and Nori close behind him.

 The sight that greeted them made their mouths drop open in surprise.

 “Oh no.” Fili groaned.

 “Ooohhh yes.” Nori crooned as he and Bofur began to elbow each other as they began to laugh.

 There were a lot of dams in the room, being spun about by their partners in time to the lively music that the band was playing.

However, in the middle of the room where a bigger rectangle table sat, there were two dams, one dressed in flowing white and blue skirts, the other in tight leather trousers, spinning each other around with linked arms, their outstretched hands holding their tankards of ale that were splashing out around them.

 There were dwarrows seated in the chairs drinking their own ales as they looked up at the two dams, highly amused at the impromptu dancing lesson the jovial strawberry blonde was trying to teach her friend.

 “Aule’s beard.” Fili ground out as he began to push through the crowd of merry dwarves. “Quick we must get them down before Uncle and Dwalin get here!” He shouted over his shoulder to his brother and friends, who were now laughing at the sight before them.

 Kili ran after his brother, still laughing. “Oh, they are just having some good fun, Fili. Dont ruin it for them.”

 “THEY are dancing on a table surrounded by Dwarrows. How do you think Uncle and Dwalin are going to respond to that?”

 “I dont know? Laugh? They aren’t doing anything wrong for Mahal’s sake. Lighten up a bit.” Kili clapped his brothers shoulder jovially. “Let’s not ruin their fun, alright? Mistlynn has had a rough week. We will get them down, but we got to let them think it’s their idea.”

 Fili growled. “Fine. But they are getting no more ale! Help me get them down!”

 “Say no more.” Kili grinned. They both looked up to see both dams stumbling out of a spin, giggling so hard they were breathless.

 “No, you did it wrong. I’m the Dwarrow, I’m supposed to spin you!” Rosalyn gestured wildly with her hand that held her tankard, sloshing out the majority of her drink.

 “I thought I was the Dwarrow, I’m the one wearing the trousers!” Mistlynn snorted as she gestured down to her pants before taking another swig of her drink, promptly finishing off the rest of it.  “Rosa! Darling. I need more ale!”

 “Say no more lass!” One of Dain’s soldiers holds out another overflowing tankard, replacing it with her empty one before handing another one towards Rosalyn.

 “Such service!” Rosalyn giggled as she took the full tankard. “Thank you, my dear fellow. I must teach her how to dance like a dam! It simply won’t do, spinning the King. He must spin you!”

 “He is probably better than I am at spinning. I’m not good at spinning. I get too dizzy.” Mistlynn sobered momentarily before taking another big drink of her ale.

 “That’s because you’re drinking too much! That’s why your dizzy, for Mahal’s sake Mist!” Fili pushed his way towards the table, so that he was looking up at swaying Mistlynn. Rosalyn snorted in her drink at the sight of the two princes before she began to giggle hysterically.

 Mistlynn placed her hand on her hip as she popped it out to the side, leveling him with a challenging look. “Oh, so now you’re talking to me. Hello Fili.”

 “Hello, Mistlynn.” Kili was grinning broadly. “You look like your having fun.”

 “I am.”

 “Why are you standing on the table?” Fili sighed. “Can you please get down?”

 “I am learning to dance, so no, I won’t be getting down.” Mistlynn replied flippantly as she looked away from Fili, taking another big gulp of her drink.

 “Dance down here, on the floor!” Fili pointed to the ground, his tone pleading.

 “No, I quite like it up here. Don’t we, Rosa?”

 “We do!” Rosalyn chirped as she skipped up to Mistlynn, grinning. “Another spin, shall we?”

 “Yes!” Mistlynn cheered. “Another song to spin to if you please!” Mistlynn called loudly over the crowd, pointing over to the band.

The musicians cheered in response before they led into an even quicker jaunt.  Mistlynn beamed as she threw her one free hand in the air, and the room erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.

 Kili was laughing so hard he had to place his hands on his knees. “Oh Mahal. I can’t breathe.” He wheezed. “She even has the band at her beck and call.”

 Fili let out an exasperated breath as he watched Mistlynn attempt to curtsy while very tipsy. “You're not helping.”

 “Aye, we are helping.” Bofur cheerfully appeared next to him, his own tankard in hand. “We will keep a watchful eye on her, let her and Miss Rosie have their fun.”

 “She’s on a bloody table Bofur.” Fili huffed out in exasperation.

 “She’s with her friend dancin, not being touched by a single dwarrow. She is quite safe. No one would dare touch either one of them.”

 “Bofur is right brother.” Kili wiped the tears from his eyes as he was finally able to catch his breath. “We will … stand guard. Let the ladies dance.”

 “Fine.” Fili grumbled. “But no more ale, for either one of them.”

 “Another won’t hurt, the damage is already done.” Nori snickered as he walked up, his own drink in hand. “They won’t remember a moment of this tomorrow, mark me.”

They watched as Rosalyn attempted to lead Mistlynn into a fast paced dance, but Mistlynn was struggling with the steps. They watched her step back in frustration.

“I dont get this dance, Rosa!” She threw back the rest of her ale, downing it in one gulp before throwing her hands up in the air. “I say we just dance! No partners! Who needs partners!”

 Rosalyn began to laugh hysterically as Mistlynn reached back and pulled her hair free from the messy braid. Her wild curls fell down the entire length of her back, stopping right at the curve of her waist. She tossed her head from side to side, and a thunderous cheer rose from the rest of the patrons.

 Rosalyn followed suit, pulling her hair down from its elegant bun and began to move her body in time with the music as Mistlynn was. Mistlynn raised her arms in the air and began to spin, laughing joyously with her feet in step to the lively tune.

 Fili covered his mouth with his hand, stifling a groan. “Oh, great Yavanna, no.”

 Another damn carrying two tankards of ale waltzed up to the table and held her arm out towards Mistlynn. “Mind if I join ye?” she called. “I brought ye another drink!” 

 Mistlynn grinned, her eyes gleaming. She helped the dam up onto the tabletop and took the drink that was offered her. “The more the merrier!” She beamed.

 ***************************

 Some time later…

 “Oh, no! No no no! They dont need any more give me those!” Fili grabbed the brimming tankards from the dwarrow that was bringing another round for Mistlynn and Rosalyn.

 “I am sorry my Lord, they said they were thirsty.” The dwarrow bowed his head at Fili, his voice contrite.

 “For water!” Fili tried to contain the hiccup that felt like it was stuck at the base of his throat. He looked at the ale in his hand with dread. “They need water.”

 The dwarrow nodded “Of course my Lord.” 

 Fili turned toward Kili, who was laughing merrily at something Bofur whispered to him. “Here, drink up.”

 Kili groaned as he took the tankard. “Not another one.”

 Fili belched, grimacing as he rubbed chest. “I’m so drunk. I can’t drink anymore.”

 “Nonsense! You're not drunk, your fine!” Nori clapped the blonde prince on the back, making him stumble forward to knock into Kili.

 “You drink it then.” Fili grumbled. “I’ve intercepted every other drink that has been brought to them. Mahal, how are they still standing?’

 Kili took and chugged the ale halfway, before giving up. He let out a loud burp as he passed it off to Bofur. “Here. For the future Queen.”

 “Bottoms up lads!” Bofur cheered.

 Fili finished the tankard, stumbling back slightly. He fell into something solid. A firm hand settled on his shoulder to steady him. He looked back before letting out a nervous chuckle. “Uncle. You're here.”

 “Steady on there, lad.” Dain chuckled as he stood next to Thorin, who was looking up at the table with a disbelieving yet humored look on his face.

 “Uncle! Dwalin! We found them. Fret not, we kept them safe.” Kili grinned as he swayed on his feet.

 “By my beard, what is goin on?” Dwalin groused, his eyebrows raised as high as they would go. “Why is their hair down? Why are they on the table?”

 “All good questions my friend.” Bofur chortled from his seat next to the table. “They were practicing their dancing; I wager for tomorrow night.”

 “On the bloody table? Who gave them ale?” Dwalin pressed, his voice low.

 “Everyone.” Fili hiccupped. “Everyone has been giving them ale. We have been drinking as much of it as we could before it got to them.” The blonde prince slurred slightly as he grabbed ahold of Thorin’s arm. “Sorry, the room keeps moving.”

 Dain threw his head back and laughed jovially. The redheaded warrior leaned over to look at Dwalin, who was eyeing Rosalyn with concern evident in his eyes. “That’s yer Rosie, I take it?”

 Rosalyn was giggling joyously, her strawberry locks bouncing with each step as she spun around. She hadn’t noticed the newcomers.

“Aye.” Dwalin’s throat bobbed as he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

 Dain nodded approvingly. “She’s a bonnie lass, to be sure.”

 Thorin’s eyes were scanning through the group of laughing dams that were having the time of their lives dancing on the table. After a moment a flash of platinum broke through the mass of blonde, brunette, black and red locks of hair that were teeming together in rhythm.

He saw her throw up her hands, her arms curling and twisting in the air as she swayed in time to the sound of the instruments. Her head was thrown back, her cheeks flushed and eyes bright as she laughed. Her curls were fanned out, catching the golden light of the room.

 He couldn’t help but smile as he watched her dance, entirely enraptured in her own world as she moved in a way that was all her own. Her walls were completely down, as if they had never existed. He already knew that he was in love her and had been for a while. But it was at this moment, that he knew he was irrevocably lost to her in every sense of his being. In this moment, he saw no one else but her.

 After a moment, she caught sight of him. Her eyes brightened even more as she grinned at him. He felt his heart skip a beat as he returned her gaze, his own smile growing. She gave a surprisingly graceful curtsy, her wild hair sweeping the top of the table before she righted herself and tossed the mass of platinum curls over her shoulders. She walked forward and jumped off the table, landing perfectly without issue, despite her healthy intake of ale.

 “My king.” She purred with a catlike grin as she approached him with an extra sway to her step, her eyes glassy with drink.

 “M’eudail.” He greeted, amused at her very flirtatious attitude. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

 “I’ve been here this whole time; I wasn’t trying to hide.” she teased.

 Dain’s laugh was loud as he clapped Thorin on the back. “This is her then?” Dain wiggled his brows at Thorin, who still hadn’t removed his gaze from saucy female in front of them.

 Thorin clicked his tongue behind his teeth in amusement, the corner of his mouth quirking up as he smirked back. “The one and only.”

 Dain inclined his head to her as he bowed deeply. “It is truly an honor lass. He hasn’t stopped talking about you since I set foot in Erebor.”

 “All good things I hope?”

 “He has only sung your praises.” Dain grinned.

 Mistlynn giggled. “He lied to you. I’m nothing but trouble. Just ask Master Dwalin.”

 The crowd within earshot of them all erupted with laughter, but Dain’s was the loudest by far. Dwalin grumbled under his breath as tried to get Rosalyn’s attention so that he could help her off the table.

 “I thought you didn’t like ale.” Thorin quirked an eyebrow at her. “Fili was just telling me how much you both have had.”

 Mistlynn swayed on her feet as she giggled. She stepped closer to him so that she could place a finger against his lips. “Sshhh dont worry your beautiful, bearded face about me. The ale here is so much better than in Dale.”

 Thorin’s eyes widened incredulously as everyone burst out laughing at her words. Not even Dwalin could help the snort that left him. “My beautiful, bearded face?” he repeated, his words shushed as he tried to talk around her finger that was still pressed to his lips.

 Mistlynn giggled again as she swayed into his chest, so that she had to tilt her head back to look up at him. Her hand trailed down from his lips to stop at the middle of his chest. “Dance with me? I’ve been practicing.”

 “I saw that.” He chuckled as he brought a hand up to cover hers, trapping her against him. “But I think it might be best if I escort you to your room.”

 Mistlynn gasped, affronted at the idea of leaving. “I am not ready to leave, the night is still young.”

 “Lass after my own heart!” Dain chuckled as he watched the exchange between Thorin and Mistlynn. “Why dont we go get some more drinks lads?” he winked at Thorin, “Let our King give his lady a twirl around the room.”

 “Mistlynn wouldn’t let me spin her!” Rosalyn shouted out boisterously, once she realized that Mistlynn was no longer dancing with her on the table and was instead flirting with her One. “She needs to be spinned!”

 “Ibine, please come down from there.” Dwalin held his hand out as he tried to coax her down.

 Rosalyn giggled, covering her mouth with both hands as an adorable snort escaped mid giggle. “You called me your gem.”

 Dwalin sighed. “Yes. I did. Please take my hand.”

 “Will you spin me?”

 “I dont think that would be wise.”

 “No, I shall stay up here. My friends will spin me.”

 “Oh, for Yavanna’s sake.” Dwalin ground out as he shot Thorin a helpless look.  “Dont make me come up there and fetch ye.”

 Mistlynn giggled. “Oh no. Dont throw her over your shoulder.” She called out, before leaning closer to Thorin again and whispering, albeit loudly. “We actually like being thrown over a broad muscley shoulder. But we dont you Dwarrows to know that. It’s a secret.”

 Thorin leaned down slightly. “Is that so?”

 Mistlynn bit her bottom lip as she nodded. “Especially if that shoulder is connected to a beautifully bearded face.”

 Thorin chuckled. “You seem to be fond of that term.”

 “I’ve always thought it, just never aloud.” She whisper shouted as her hands grabbed onto his jacket, trying to shake him as if using that to emphasis the validity of her confession.

 “There are so many beautifully bearded faces in this mountain, whoever are you talking about?” He grinned teasingly, enjoying how her mouth opened into a big ‘O’ as her eyes grew comically wide. “Any other dwarrows tossing you over their shoulder when you’re being a brat?”

She tried to smack his shoulder but stumbled further against him. “Your stupidly handsome face is the only one I would call beautifully bearded.”

 Thorin’s shoulders shook as tried to contain his laughter. Her nose was wrinkled up adorably as she scowled at him. He fought the urge to lean down and kiss her, to kiss that scowl right off her face. “And that is exactly why I should take you back to your room. You wouldn’t be telling me any of this if you were clear headed.”

 “Maybe I would. If you would stop distracting me.”

 An excitable squeal interrupted them. Thorin looked over at Dwalin, who had just caught Rosalyn in his arms as she spun herself right off the tabletop. “Oops.” Rosalyn giggled

 “Alright. Now that’s done. Off we go now.” Dwalin announced, shooting a pointed look at Thorin before turning and walking towards the exit.

 “Wait!” Rosalyn shouted as she peered over Dwalin’s shoulder. “We weren’t done yet.”

 “Och yer done. Both of ye, dont fret.”

 Thorin grinned as he looked back down at Mistlynn, who now had a pout on her lips. “We weren’t done dancing yet. I wanted to practice before the ball.” Her voice grew quiet. “I didn’t want to embarrass you, Because I have never danced before this. This was my first time; Rosalyn was teaching me.”

 His expression softened as he listened to her unguarded confession. The flush of her already pink cheeks deepened to scarlet as she looked down at his chest, where her fingers were fiddling with the embroidery on the edges of his jacket.

 “I’m surprised to hear that.” He chuckled warmly as he placed a finger under her chin, coaxing her to look back up at him. “I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you.”

 Her eyes widened at his statement. His thumb caressed over the dip between her bottom lip and chin. “You won’t embarrass me.”  He left no room for her to disagree. She gave him a shy smile as she allowed her body to relax.

 “You make me feel like I swallowed a bunch of butterflies.” She whispered again before giving him another unburdened smile. “That’s why I was always so irritated with you.”

 “Giving away all your secrets now?’ Thorin scanned the room quickly to see Dwalin standing by the exit with Rosalyn who was waving her arms eagerly to gain Mistlynn’s attention. Dwalin jerked his head back, obvious he was urging them to join them. Apparently, Rosalyn didn’t want to leave without her friend.

 “It wasn’t a secret.” She sighed dreamily. “It was so frustratingly obvious.”

 “Ok let’s get you back to your room. You have a big day tomorrow.” He chuckled as he tried to turn her around to lead her out of the room.

 “But I’m not done dancing.” Mistlynn whined petulantly. “Just a little while longer.”

 “Let’s get you some tea and maybe some of Bombur’s rolls and stew? I know that’s a favorite of yours.”

 “I’m not hungry. I ate before coming here.” She dug her heels into the floor as he tried to coax her forward.

“Why are you trying to get rid of me?” she asked suspiciously.

 He sighed exasperatedly. “Mahal Mist, I am not! You have had too much ale.”

 Mistlynn giggled. “You haven’t had enough ale. You need to catch up.” She spun back around quickly, taking him by surprise. “You should come get another drink with me, and we can dance.”

 “I dont need to have a drink to dance with you.” He took her hand in his and proceeded to spin her out away from him. She gasped in surprise as he pulled her back, twirling her skillfully under his arm before catching her and promptly dipping her back.

One leg went up into the air as he dipped her all the way down, her hair sweeping the ground before lifting her back up. A squeak escaped her as he spun her around quickly again once she was back on her feet, and before she could react, his arm went behind her knees and he scooped her up effortlessly into his arms.

 She blinked as she tried to stop the room from spinning as cheers erupted around them. Thorin was grinning broadly as he looked down at her. She could feel the chuckle rumbling in his chest as she stared at him with her mouth open in shock. “Less ale for you if you want to dance with me. I want you to be able to keep up.”

 “Way to sweep her off her feet Uncle.” Kili smirks as he and Fili walked up, still slightly inebriated themselves.

 “We are coming back with you. I need something with bread.” Fili groaned.

 “I didn’t realize you were such a light weight.” Thorin chuckled as he began to walk towards the exit, where Dwalin was impatiently waiting with a swaying Rosalyn.

 “I am not and you know it!” Fili cried in outrage. “I kept her from getting blacked out drunk on the table. Everyone thought it would be good fun to give the ladies all the drinks they could want. She was just throwing them back like a hobbit during a midsummer eve’s feast!” He took a deep steadying breath. “I’m shocked both of them are still capable of speech.” He grumbled.

 “I can still walk thank you very much, wolf stealer.” Mistlynn growled as she wiggled in Thorin’s grip.

 “Ha, and capable of biting too.” Kili laughed as he wiggled his eyebrows tauntingly at Mistlynn, who just glowered at the two princes.

 “Enough of that.” Thorin set Mistlynn on her feet, giving her a moment to rediscover her balance.

 Rosalyn giggled at the sight of Mistlynn. “There you are, I didn’t know where you went.” She stumbled toward Mistlynn and wrapped her in a tight hug.

 “Alright ladies, lets go.” Thorin shared a look with Dwalin, who just shook his head in response.

 “Aule help us.”  Dwalin grumbled as he eyed the dams with suspicion.

 In a blink of an eye, Mistlynn and Rosalyn joined hands and began to dash forward, laughing and giggling as they ran.

 “Mahal has a sense of humor, that is for certain.” Thorin huffed out a laugh as Dwalin groaned before they started to run after the two dams.

 Fili just shook his head, as Kili threw his head back and laughed. “I’m not running after them.”

********************

Thank you my babes @fizzyxcustard for reading through this making sure I’m not crazy for writing this scene. It was a lot of fun. 😅 these add ins to the story have been so much fun and the character development just in these little additions is just insane for me to see as I write them.

I felt like the rough draft was severely lacking. All these additions will be in my final draft 🙌🏻

**Taglist**

@fizzyxcustard @mrsdurin @dustie-faerie @exhausted-humxn-being @lathalea

[hobartsaglet]

the hobbit fandom can we rally again i just made it through another BOTFA (extended edition) watch

[lonelyvermonster]

There, But Never Really Back

TW: Mentions of death and PTSD

While watching The Hobbit I began to think about what it must have been like for Bilbo after he returned home. The books and movies don't talk about the trauma. How much of bilbos life must have been different after the quest. The other hobbits talk about how reclusive he becomes in his later years, but I want to know more from bilbos side.

How terrifying it must have been for Bilbo the first night he slept in his own bed; finally safe again, only to awake screaming. Blood and fire and dead blue eyes haunting him. I wonder how many years it took Bilbo before he no longer carried Sting everywhere he went. How much longer still before he stopped needing to check to make sure that horrifying blue glow didn't come back. It may not have been present in the books or the movie, but Sting gained a permanent place next to Bilbo's bed.

It didn't take long for Bilbo to pull away from everyone else but it's only because how could he possibly expect them to understand. How could the innocent hobbits who have never known war and death be able to understand the haunted look in his eyes? How odd he must have seemed. The only Hobbit who wouldn't eat any stew at the gatherings and parties. The only Hobbit who shrunk away from hugs because being grabbed was no longer comforting.

Do you think the first time someone tried to pull him into a hug he was overtaken with fear, Thorin's name slipping from his lips?

Do you think Bilbo noticed the way people would stare at him? The Hobbit's may have noticed him pull away, but I don't think they noticed the rest. They may have heard about trolls and dragons, but they didn't know about the sickly little creature he found in that cave. They didn't know about the nights he would wake up frightened, eyes searching for the shadows for Gollum. His neighbors didn't notice how he froze up the first time he heard a little hobbitling ask for some "eggsies". He still spun the occasional riddle but there were some he never repeated again.

Then there is the protectiveness that often comes from the trauma of watching others die.

How odd it must have been for Merry and Pippin's parents to watch Bilbo fiercely defend them against those who disapproved of their pranks and yet in the next breath berate them for the danger they put themselves in. The first time the boys got hurt bilbo could barely stand to see them; the image of two young dwarves who he had loved like family all his mind could see.

God how much worse that must have been when Frodo came along.

Dark black curls and bright blue eyes. Just close enough to haunt him. When that little hobbitling came into his life, how much of his decision to take him in was because he looked like Thorin? How many nights did Bilbo peak his head into Frodo's room to reassure himself that Frodo was alive and breathing, rather than laying on a stone slab? He protected him the way he could not protect his dwarf. Yet he also never bought him a single piece of clothing that was blue.

He filled that hobbit hole with greens and yellows and browns. Never blue. That color was perhaps the deepest tie to the pain he carried. Blue fabric, blue eyes, blue light; all capable of spiraling him into a pit of hellish memories. There were days he could not even bear to go outside because even the blue of the sky was too much.

Because at the end of the day Gandalf was right.

Bilbo was not the same, and he never would be again.

[johnny-appleachia]

I’m back with the YouTube rec bullshit.

BAGGINSHIELD SHIPPERS REJOICE! (but bring tissues because FUCK, MAN-)

[blackknight-100]

THAUC24 fic is here!

I had the absolute pleasure of participating in the THAUC fic event once more this year, organised by @fellowshipofthefics. This one is for the prompt: "Bard and Thranduil share a moment, and their thoughts, after the Battle of the Five Armies."

Between the woods and frozen lake ➻ Read on AO3 + Amazing art by @thatonetimetraveller, check it out!

Featuring: Bard swooning over Thranduil + parenting life + a dash of Legolas

Excerpt:

The Elvenking reaches up for the carved pin and plucks it off. His terrible ice-blond braids fall like whispering river reeds, dropping to his shoulders and resting there, coiled snakes ready to strike. It takes Bard enormous effort to wrench his eyes from them to the pin the Elvenking is holding out – Tilda's hairpin, complete with its wide winged butterfly and single blue stone. The implications come to him after, slowly, like melting ice on the first spring day: the pale hands, the messy braids, the pin. “Oh Valar,” Bard exclaims. At some point between the end of the battle and now, in the time that Bard dawdled on a broken stoop – however much that was – in the time Bard abandoned his children –  “Tilda braided your hair!” The Elvenking furrows his brows. “You seem displeased,” he notes. “Allow me to assure you, Lord Bard, Lady Tilda was under the watchful guard of the good Mistress Hilda the entire time. I do not intend her any harm.” Lord Bard. Mistress Hilda. Lady Tilda. Sweet, dear Elbereth. Bard decides to unravel this one tangle at a time. “I don't doubt your intentions, Lord Thranduil” he clarifies, because he will not let the noble elf-king of all people misconstrue his words. “You have done nothing but aid us, whatever be your intentions, and all Men know that the elves are fair, good folk.” The Elvenking’s eyes flash, and for a moment, Bard is afraid. But he only says, “I would advise against trusting people only for their fairness or elvish race. Many have done so, Lord Bard, even before you were born, and they have paid dearly for it.”

[conversacomsmaug]

Capítulo 1 – Viva...

Sobre o áspero e gélido pico de Ravenhill, o vento sussurrava histórias de tempos antigos. A batalha à muito havia cessado, mas o eco da violência ainda rodeava a terra. Thranduil, Rei da Floresta das Trevas, andava com a majestade de um soberano atormentado pelos espectros da guerra. Seu olhar, outrora impenetrável como a própria floresta que jurou proteger, agora carregava uma suavidade rara e dolorosa.

Ali, prostrada sobre a neve manchada de sangue, estava Tauriel, sua capitã, seu valor inquestionável, cujo coração sangrou amor tão profundo que desafiou as próprias leis do reino élfico. Ele aguardou até que os anões retirassem os corpos de seus parentes mortos e Tauriel pudesse se recompor. Ela sabia que não tinha o direito de reivindicar o corpo de Kili e por isso fez sua última despedida.

Chegando próximo a ela e ajoelhando um pouco atrás da elfa, em uma atitude de completa compaixão e humildade, que qualquer um que o conhecia ou já ouvira falar do Rei Élfico não acreditaria, colocou uma mão no ombro de Tauriel com surpreendente suavidade e ainda com olhos brilhantes de lembranças doloridas. “Tauriel, você agiu guiada por sentimento, algo que muitos de nós perdemos em tempos imemoriais”, começou Thranduil, sua voz tão suave quanto as primeiras neves do inverno. “Você foi banida não pela força do seu coração, mas pela inquietação que ele causou dentro do nosso próprio.”

Tauriel, as lágrimas cristalizando em seu rosto, olhava-o com um misto de reverencia e desesperança. “Meu Rei, eu...,” seus lábios tremeram na fria brisa, “Eu achava que o amor poderia ser a nossa força.”

Thranduil se aproximou mais, a distância entre monarca e súdita borrada por gestos de compaixão. “Em outra vida, talvez nos ensinassem que o amor é a verdadeira força. Pela dor que causou, peço desculpas – não como teu rei, mas como alguém que esqueceu o que é sentir.”

Ouvir essas palavras de seu rei, alguém que ela outrora julgou tão frio, fez com que ela não soubesse se isso lhe dava forças ou a quebrava ainda mais. Ela o julgou, e agora estava ele aqui, impensável, o outrora inalcançável Rei Thranduil, olhando em seus olhos com um calor que derreteria uma geleira e lhe oferecendo palavras gentis sobre o que ela sentia pelo jovem príncipe anão. Talvez ela tenha tomado um golpe forte demais de Bolg e está desacordada vendo cenas inimagináveis.

Não, mas isso era real, doía, doía muito, não só sua carne, mas seu fëa. E Então ela estava caindo em si.

Percebendo a luta interna de Tauriel, com as mãos estendidas, Thranduil ajudou ela a levantar-se. O horizonte mostrava uma promessa de alvorada, os raios primeiros de luz penetrando as trevas.

Percebendo que ela talvez não entenderia se ele não fosse direto, Thranduil falou com a voz firme novamente. “Vamos retornar para Mirkwood, Tauriel. Há muito para reconstruir, e agora reconheço que precisamos de todos os corações – especialmente daqueles que amam com coragem.”

“Mas meu banimento, Kili... eu...,” ela balbuciou ainda em torpor.

“Basta. Há muita dor agora Tauriel, não só a sua. Seu povo agora precisa de você. Uma vez você quis lutar pelo que era justo além do amor, venha e me ajude. Esse é um pedido e não uma ordem, do seu Rei. Eu ainda o sou?” Ele olhou mais uma vez em seus olhos e era como olhar seu fëa. Ela congelou.

“Sim. Meu Rei.” Ela balbuciou um pouco mais firme, ainda em dúvida sobre o que estava acontecendo.

“Bom. Se não deixei claro, agora falo para não ter dúvidas, revogo seu banimento. Venha comigo.” E se virou dando as costas para uma ainda confusa Tauriel. De qualquer forma, o que ela deveria fazer? Para onde deveria ir? A dor ainda era excruciante, então ela apenas se deixou levar. Era fácil, automático, ela o seguiu e o obedeceu por tantos séculos... agora o melhor seria seguir seus passos novamente pois parecia não só confortável, parecia certo. Era mais fácil assim, neste momento, não pensar.

Juntos, rei e guerreira começaram a descida, suas silhuetas fundindo-se à paisagem repleta de esperança de cura e novos começos.

E o que vocês acharam? Para ter um gostinho... rsrsr

[lucigoo]

Weekly Roundup 9th June - 30th June

So, im a little behind with weekly round up as im sure you can see. A broken wrist and RL really has been kicking my arse. Thankfully my wrist ismuch better and Rl seems to have calmsed down somewhat so im back. Between the 9-30th June I uploaded 19,849 words (thats not all I wrote but I didnt keep track lol) and as always I will put 6 recs and mine under the read more.

So, as always, recs first: The Best of You and Me - giddytf2 - The Witcher (Geralt/Jaskier, I love it hwen they are both idiots tbh)

Summary: In which Jaskier discovers that he's mysteriously pregnant but wants the baby, Geralt finally learns to use his words after twenty years, Yennefer is so done with two idiots in love and their communication problems, and Ciri gains a new family.

A Dream or Something More - amloveabledeathmo - The Hobbit (Jackson Movies)(Bilbo/Thorin, Quest retelling, The Rivendell scene is just so precious)

Summary: Bilbo gets a second chance, but how long is it before he realizes it. He does things to make himself happy and treats the dwarves like the lovely family they are. Also setting Bilbo a bit younger here not middle aged but about 40ish so like 10 or so years earlier to give him more time with his dwarves.

My Ego Dies - Conkers - The Hobbit (Jackson Movies) @conkers-thecosy (Bilbo/Thorin, this is just all around adorable)

Summary: What if Frodo Baggins visited Erebor ten years after Bilbo returned to the Shire, and met with Thorin Oakenshield.

White lies - ylc - The Witcher (TV) (Geralt/Jaskier, Fake/pretend relationships are just so much fun) Summary: In Jaskier’s defense, he hadn’t actually believed Geralt would come looking for him eventually, so he figured that telling his mother that the Witcher was the father of the child he was carrying would be a completely harmless lie. And then of course Geralt had walked back into his life and things got… complicated.

Moonlight Feathers - Akikofuma - Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Geralt/Jaskier, both are griffins and its so bloody cute)

Summary: Due to his coloring, Geralt will never have a family of his own, he's sure of it; until he meets Jaskier.

Learning how to be free - tashaxxxxxx - Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Geralt/Jaskier, A/b/o, please mind the tags but this is so beautifully done)

Summary: Jaskier is a badly beaten omega belonging to King Vizimir with little hope for the future. He had even less hope when he’s told he’s going to be given away to the Witchers, bloodthirsty beasts, as assurance that Redania will keep to the peace treaty.

Jaskier has little hope of surviving the next few days, let alone of finding freedom and love.

And, as always, my fics. I have 6 fics to share with you for this time period <3

Ereborian Pride (Bilbo/Thorin and the final of my Baggin-shieldtober series that took me 9 months lol. Once again, thank you @smolestboop for the amazing prompts. Summary: On the afternoon of Kili's 18th birthday, Thorin and the rest of the company and their families) remembeed their past lives. Their quest, living in a thriving Erebor.

Thorin remembered loving and losing Bilbo. 4 year later there still hasn't been any word from their burglar. Thorin needs to find the other half of his heart.

Count, Count, Count before you Cry: Count, Count, Count before I Die (Bilbo/Thorin, written for @flashfictionfridayofficial prompt count the days, very sad, please read the tags)

Summary: Thorin and the dwarves are Gold sick and they have NOT forgiven Bilbo his betrayal

A pair of scarlet rain boots (Geralt/Jaskier, My very first Witcher fic that I think is one of my fav things I've written)

Summary: Jaskier passed away a long time ago. The only human in a family of non-humans.

Cirilla has just had her first child and she wishes with all her heart her only human parent was here. Of course, he loved her so much he has never left her.

My brothers, my boys, my twins (Horry Potter, its Percy and George, gen fic for the @hp-abandonshipfest, its also part of my FireSeeker (Percy/Viktor) Series)

Summary: Percy was unintentionally parentified at a young age. He was tasked with being an extra parent to the twins. Now, having dumped his boyfriend, the night before the twins 22nd Birthday, the first birthday without Fred, he finds himself with George and Harry. Reminiscing about the boys he all but helped raised. His twins, and one is missing forever-more.

For the Abandon ship fest, prompt 67: Pre canon, Percy being the one who mostly watches the twins.

Dorcas the Orca, The Maruaders and a jail cell (A marauuders gen crack fic for a wonderful friend of mine)

Summary: Sirius, James and Remus are put in a jail cell.

As annoying as it is, Remus would have dealt with it, but theres an orca in the corner of the cell somehow...

If I sing it loud and clear, will you finally hear? (Geralt/Jaskier, for the @flashfictionfridayofficial prompt - House of cards)

Summary: Jaskier has a new song and is as subtle as a drunken Lambert.

If Geralt doesnt see Jaskier's feelings for him now, well theres no hope for him.

[acornsandoaktrees]

this is why Thranduil doesn’t leave Middle Earth right after BotFA. he has his daughter’s health and healing to protect, and is in a unique position to do so

Alphes woke alone, reaching. "Tauriel?" She cried, voice barely there, then with more desperation and strength, "Tauriel?" "She is not here." Haerel answered her call. Brun braids and olive skin, nervous hands and stitched face. "Where is she?" Alphes croaked, chest impossibly tight. She wanted her, wanted her, wanted her. The soldier swallowed thickly. "Gone. She's gone." Feeling for the support of an armrest, he fell into a chair beside her. "She left the morn after the battle. Slipped away in the twilight. I saw her go." Alphes turned her eyes to the caved ceiling: unfamiliar white, a tent. She was in a cot. Fine fabric of clothes and a thin sheet stung her skin. Fragrant herbs caught in her nose. The rest of the camp was quiet outside walls rippling in a breeze, and a consuming heat lingered within her. "Why did you not--" A cough tore her throat and spiked through her torso in horrible lances, "--pursue?" Folding his hands into his lap in order to still them, Haerel looked down. "She meant to go. Someone met her at the edge of camp." "Who?" Alphes tried to shift up, then grimaced and relinquished quickly. Haerel watched with caution and no small amount of fragility; hers or his she could not say. "I do not know. A Man. A girl." Sigrid, perhaps, her mind suggested. What was Tauriel thinking? Tears pricked Alphes' eyes like fire. How could she leave? Haerel shifted, paused, then committed to standing. He bowed haltingly and rose stiffly. "I must find a healer so that they know you're awake." Alphes nodded and let him go without complaint. Later, healers helped her rise, cloud of pillows propping her up. Ethuilas -- she'd accompanied the military force, their greatest healer -- held her hand as the bandages were removed, not complaining even when she squeezed tight at the sting of salve. 'Our healing saves many things, but it cannot prevent the scars,' she signed to the princess as the burns were covered again, 'This mark will be with you forever.' Alphes pulled in a breath; Thranduil burst into the tent. He was breathing fast, evidently having sprinted all the way. His face was drained white with terror. "Aiya," he muttered, wind knocked out of him by the sight of Alphes awake on the cot. She looked incredibly like her aunt's burnt corpse animate. Alphes smiled at her father, shifting up higher against the pillows. "Hi, Ada. I'm okay, don't worry."

Legs giving out beneath him, Thranduil collapsed at her bedside and clasped her pale hand between his. He brought it up to his quivering lips. "I thought I had lost you, iellig," he whined in a broken whisper upon her skin. She did not know what to say to comfort him. She wished she could. He had lost another, hadn't he? What a horrible thing -- to know the touch of dragon fire.

[ohnonotnow]

the only thing keeping me sane rn are those post BOTFA AUs where no one dies and everyone is happy 💯🔥🙏

[enchantingkryptoniteheart-blog]

**Best of intentions - random snippet - beginning - playing with interaction and slow burn.

**************

Mistlynn had risen with the sun that next morning. Rosalyn had been waiting eagerly at the front of her shop, holding fresh cheese danishes for their breakfast. Her new friend was jittery with a nervous excitement as they made their way to the outside training grounds. She shared her excitement, eager to see something she was familiar with and curious to see how the Dwarrow trained in Erebor.

“Promise you won’t judge me when I point him out to you?” Rosalyn pleaded; her excitement soon turned into anxiety that grew with each passing moment as they approached the seating that was placed outside of the rings. Sounds of metal clashing against metal, harsh grunts and yells of exertion echoed and grew louder.

“Of course I won’t!” Mistlynn admonished. “You listened to me drone on about my current frustrations last night. The least I can do is support you with yours.”

Rosalyn sighed as she stuffed the final bit of her danish in her mouth. She chewed quickly as she grumbled around bits of pastry. “Frustration is right. He didn’t even come by this morning, and I set aside a cinnamon roll for him! It’s pathetic, me thinking that he could be my One when he is a member of the royal court. And I am just a bakers daughter who happens to know how to make a decent pastry.”

“Hey now, none of that.” Mistlynn scolded. “You're baking is amazing. Your cinnamon rolls alone could bring any Dwarrow to his knees in supplication.”

“Such dramatic flair this morning.” Rosalyn sighed as she stepped up onto the lower benched seating that surrounded the training rings. Above them in the higher levels sat a group of poshly dressed Dams, their hair and makeup done with painstaking perfection.

Mistlynn tore her eyes from them to whisper into her friends ear. “Am I missing something? Looks like they stepped out of some romance story.”

Rosalyn scoffed. “They are crown chasers. They follow the King and his nephews around like a gaggle of puffed-up geese. Pay them no mind.”

Mistlynn heard taunting whispers and giggles coming from behind her, no doubt criticizing her choice of wardrobe and loose hair. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes, as she looked forward to focus on the warriors fighting. She nearly swallowed her tongue when she recognized who was fighting in the ring in front of them. She blinked rapidly as she fought to register that the Dwarrow’s were shirtless, and it was Thorin and Dwalin dueling.

She licked her dry lips as she looked over at Rosalyn questioningly. The blonde baker was resting her chin against the palm of her hand as she sat forward with her elbows on her knees. “The King?” Mistlynn whispered hoarsely into her friends ear, a sudden heavy dread filling her stomach.

Rosalyn snorted. “Oh goodness no! Not that he isn’t nice to look at. But no, it is his cousin. Lord Dwalin.” She trailed off, her voice getting quieter as if she was scared that others would overhear her confession.

Mistlynn couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped her lips as the tenseness in her chest lightened slightly. She looked back as she watched them fight. It was impressive to watch, leaving no doubts that they were worthy of their fame.  She couldn't take her eyes off of him as she watched Orcist slice through the air effortlessly, if not with a sharp sense of lethal grace. Dwalin deflected his counterattacks with ease. It was obvious that they were bantering back and forth, by the way they smirked and gestured at each other. Mistlynn couldn’t help but be drawn in, biting her bottom lip to stop a smile from showing on her face as Thorin blocked Dwalin before deftly spinning and knocking him off balance. Thorin’s laugh echoed as Dwalin rolled quickly in the dirt, blocking Thorin’s attempt to make him yield.

She bit her bottom lip as she allowed her gaze to roam down his exposed skin. She had never seen a Dwarrow’s bare torso. They always trained in times the weather wasn’t harsh, but never warm enough to want to remove ones base layers.

Powerful. That was the word that came to her mind. He seemed to be chiseled from the finest stone, the scars and tattoos that covered his chest and shoulders further proof of his true might as a formidable warrior. The tattoos continued down both his arms in intricately drawn knots and runes, stopping at his wrists. His muscles moved languidly under his skin, making her swallow thickly and squirm slightly in her seat. She wanted to hate him, despise the hold and affect he had on her, but she knew it would never be possible to. She despised how this new feeling stirred deep within her, growing even more ravenous with each passing day, becoming hotter with each encounter they tried so hard to avoid.

“It’s hard to look away, isn’t it.” Rosalyn giggled dreamily. “I can’t even fully blame those blood sucking bats for ogling. I have no right to be as jealous as I am at the notion of them salivating over him.”

Mistlynn couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. She partially blamed the smoldering fire of conflicting emotions that raged within her. They needed to escape somehow, and it felt good to allow herself to laugh. She wasn’t the only one admiring someone she knew she couldn't have. It was freeing as Rosalyn joined her in her laughter. They earned some scathing looks from the twittering dams that sat behind them, but they didn’t care.

Her laughter caught in her throat abruptly when she found Thorin’s eyes catching hers with a mixture of disbelief and confusion churning in their glowing depths. She watched Thorin’s brows furrow as he slightly lowered Orcist, seemingly forgetting the very important fact that he was in the middle of a spar.

It also didn’t register to Dwalin, until it was too late, that his friend and King was entirely distracted. A sound and punishing punch landed on Thorin’s unprotected jaw, knocking him completely off his feet. He hit the ground hard with his back first, sliding a couple feet before his legs joined the rest of his body in the dirt. His arms were splayed out, Orcist spinning away from his limp, outstretched hand as the dust settled.

A collective gasp joined Mistlynn’s as she jumped to her feet, her hands covering her mouth as she watched Dwalin rush to his side. She hadn’t noticed that Fili and Kili along with the rest of Thorin’s closest friends that were known as “The Company”, had been sitting along the fence of the training pen. They dashed to join Dwalin, effectively circling and shielding the prone King from prying eyes.

“I’ve never seen him get hit, let alone knocked out before!” Rosalyn gasped as she stood with Mistlynn.

Dread settled into her gut. She wasn’t sure if anyone else had seen, but for a fleeting moment they had held eye contact, and that is what distracted him. She had no idea how he managed to hear her laugh from that distance, but she knew without a doubt that she was the reason why he had lost his focus.

**********

 *Thorin*

It had been a good morning so far. He loathed that he had not been able to give Mistlynn the peonies last night. After Dis had left his office, he had started walking to her room. He had paced outside of her door for several minutes, earning him many an inquisitive look from a couple guards and the maids finishing up their days work. He had continued to his room, admitting defeat once he had worked himself up into mess of frazzled nerves. They were still sitting in a vase on the table in his quarters this morning. He was hoping after a good morning of drills he would be able to deliver them to the dam that was slowly but surely driving him mad.

For the most part, he had gotten out of his head and was enjoying the rush that came with dueling Dwalin and his nephews. As iron sharpens iron, he had pushed himself especially hard that morning. After thoroughly sparring with Fili and Kili, Dwalin had stepped in, eager to match his energy.

“The lads were talkin about how they saw their King carryin a bushel of pink flowers. Mahal, your growin as soft and Bombur’s dinner rolls!” Dwalin teased mercilessly as they circled each other. After a couple rounds, they had tossed their sweat soaked tunics.

Their swords clashed as they rushed each other. “Didn’t realize you would be so jealous.” Thorin ground out before moving out of the lock Dwalin had him in, allowing him to take a couple offensive strikes.

Dwalin chuckled as he deflected with ease as he stepped back. “With yer little hive of yer aspirin queen bee’s that have been titterin over ye this mornin… I thought that just maybe ya pulled yer head out of yer arse and went after that bonnie little warrior of yers.”

Thorin threw his head back and laughed incredulously as he managed to trip Dwalin. His grin was wolfish as he watched Dwalin regain his footing. “She isn’t my little warrior. Besides, don’t you have your own little tart waiting for you? Once you pull your head out of your arse I might consider following suit.”  

It was in that moment, he heard her. It was a real laugh, one that stemmed from a source of joy. His heart caught in his chest at the beautiful sound, and his found himself searching for her in the seats provided for onlookers.

He found her quickly. She was sitting next to the baker that had captured his stubborn cousins heart, and she was breathtaking. Her head was thrown back as she laughed, her friend giggling beside her. Rosalyn, he reminded himself. His cousin’s One, sitting next to his, seemingly the best of friends.

Her gorgeous curly locks flowed freely down her back, glowing in the warm rays of the morning sun. She was beaming, her cheeks flushed, and her green eyes glittered with happiness.

Mahal, she’s beautiful.

Her gaze caught his and time seemed to slow. How was it she was more breathtaking every time he laid eyes on her?

He watched her emerald eyes grow wide, her full lips opening as if gasping. Why did she look so startled? He couldn't fully process that thought as something plowed into the side of his jaw, and he found himself flying backwards. He saw the bright blue sky of the morning, before his breath was stolen from his lungs as his body connected to the ground with a resounding force. Apparently, it only took a second for all of this to transpire.

His ears began to ring as he lay there, confused. He heard distant shouts and shrieks; muffled and distorted as if he was laying under water. The ringing became louder as a pounding pulse began to form in his head. He blinked slowly, trying to shake away the throbbing that was starting to pulse on his jaw. He groaned as he shut his eyes. ‘Sar em Gabura’. He growled; his teeth clenched.

“Mahal faslmaganu zharmur[KA1] !” He heard Dwalin’s rough brogue hiss from above him. “Wha were ya thinkin! Ye bleedin fool!”

“Hit me hard enough, ya troll brain?” He hissed as reality began to set in. He had lost focus, something he was constantly berating Fili and Kili on. Now, he found himself flat on his back with a splitting headache and throbbing jaw. Perfect.

He cracked open his eyes and saw the outline of ten heads surrounding him. Gloved hands came into his sight as a crooked, U-shaped hat floated above him. “How many fingers am I holding up?” He heard Bofur’s amused voice. He squinted, as if that would stop the blurry fingers from swaying back and forth.

“I am not answering that.” His words came out slurred. He knew than that if he said he counted six, he would be carted off to Oin’s infirmary.

“Mahal’s beard Dwalin! He can’t even talk straight; you walloped him good.” He heard Bofur admonish the very irate Captain.

“A dwarfling could ave blocked tha hit. Not like I snuck up on im!” Dwalin grumbled.

“Och now, he will be right as rain in a moment. Leave im be.” Gloin chastised Dwalin as he knelt down on the other side of Thorin.

“He literally wiped the ring with my sorry arse just this morning, lecturing me on not focusing.” Kili laughed, as he stood up quickly to avoid the arm Dwalin swung in his direction.

“Smart ass. Just you wait until I get up.” Thorin groaned as he forced him arms to move and rest on the top of his chest.

“I hate to break it to you Thorin, but the entire royal court just watched you get ram rodded by your Captain of the Guard.” Nori mused, not even trying to hide the amusement in his voice.

“Exactly why he is the bloody Captain of my bloody guard.” Thorin growled as he braced his forearms on the ground and forced himself to sit up. His stomach churned as the sky and ground rolled around him. “He’s the only one who can best me.”  

“Easy now! There is no rush.” He heard Dori titter nervously from the other side of him.

He heard Kili gasp dramatically as he nudged Bofur with his elbow. If his jaw wasn’t throbbing as if it was going to fall off, he would of ground his teeth together. “She’s here.” Kili’s tone was smug. Bofur began to snicker as he wagged his busy eyebrows at his comrades.

Mahal, there is no way she witnessed that. Thorin groaned as he rolled onto his knees. He felt Fili and Dwalin grab ahold of his biceps.

“Who is here?” Dori sounded intrigued, directing his question towards a smug Kili, and still snickering Bofur.

“No one.” Thorin hissed as he pushed himself up onto his feet. He staggered slightly before Fili and Dwalin steadied him.

“That’s going to be one beauty of a bruise.” Fili teased good naturedly. “Any other dwarf would have had his head knocked clean off.”

“I don’t think that’s helping matters lad.” Gloin snickered. “Especially with his lady watchin.”

“She isn’t my bleedin lady.” Thorin spat. “Sun blinded me for a brief moment.” His denial was useless, and he knew it. More than just his jaw was bruised, his pride was throbbing as well. He chanced a subtle glance towards the onlooker seats. The dams were standing and whispering fervently amongst themselves, their fans a blur of colors that made his eyes hurt.

Then he saw her, standing next to Rosalyn, her face pinched with worry as she watched him sway on his feet. He felt his face flush with a hot shame. He rubbed a heavy hand against his screaming jaw, wincing as his hands came in contact with the dark bruise already forming on his face. He sighed in exasperation. “What in Durin’s name is she doing here?”

“Blinded by the sun my arse. Blinded by your lassie is more like it.” Dwalin snorted. Apparently Thorin had spoken his last thought aloud.

Mahal, he needed to get out of here. “Fili. Hand me my tunic and Orcist please.” He whispered with a grimace as he took a step forward. He rolled his neck and shoulders back, trying to get his range of motion back and clear his eyesight before his comrades got the idea to carry him out of the training arena. “The rest of you, continue with your drills. I’ll be fine to walk back myself.”  

They all began to protest at once. He held his hand up, trying to pin them all with a firm glare. “I’ll walk you back Irak’adad.” Fili walked up to him with his discarded tunic and Orcist. “The only ones I couldn’t best were you and Dwalin. I’ve fulfilled my drills for today.”

Thorin grumbled as he snuck a look back towards Mistlynn. He caught her walking off, following Rosalyn as they stepped down from the seating area. At the last moment she looked over her shoulder, once again catching his gaze. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but her gaze softened as an apologetic smile twisted her lips. In another blink, she was gone. He sighed heavily as he chastised himself again under his breath.

“Uncle. You alright? You're mumbling.” Fili’s voice startled him. He hadn’t realized that he had walked up alongside him, holding out his shirt for him to grab. Orcist was sheathed and slung over his shoulder along with his own sword,

“Make sure the stubborn git walks it off righ.” Dwalin barked, not fully able to disguise his concern as he watched Thorin slowly pull on his tunic.

“Quit clucking at me and finish the drills.” Thorin groused back as he took Orcist back from Fili.

“Do you want to stop by the infirmary?” Fili watched in concern as Thorin gingerly pulled his tunic back on.

Thorin started to shake his head but stopped the movement when his neck and shoulder muscles protested the movement. “No. I’ll go to my room. Take a moments rest.”

“Are you alright, my king?” A sultry voice drifted down from the stands as they started to walk towards the exit.

“All is well ladies. No need for any concern. The king has a lot to accomplish today.” Fili grinned charmingly, making them all giggle and bat their lashes demurely.

Thorin groaned as their giggles grated on his diminishing patience. “We are going to have to change our training schedule again.” He grumbled.

Fili laughed. “Or if you just accepted your One, they would no longer follow you around like a prized steed to be won.”

Thorin’s answering glare would have been lethal to anyone else, but Fili was immune to the silent threat. He grinned widely as he waggled his eyebrows. “As Amad says, the two of you will make beautiful dwarflings.”

Thorin scoffed. “Your Amad is a meddling royal pain in my backside. She should be concentrating on helping you find your One and quit trying to force my hand.”

“I am still young and have a lot of time. Your One is here within your reach and you keep barking at her like she’s one of those annoying crown chasers.”

Thorin grumbled under his breath. “I am done discussing this. Will you just please keep this from your Amad for now? At least until my head is done ringing?”

“Fair enough Irak’adad. Shall I fetch you something cold for your jaw?”

Thorin groaned as he was reminded that his jaw was still pulsing angrily. “I will not tell you no.”

Fili snorted. “Very well. I’m sure Bombur has something that would suffice without alerting Balin or Oin.”

**

He walked as quickly as possible, trying to avoid the quicker yet busier route so he wouldn’t garner too much attention to himself.  Curious looks along with hushed gasps followed him as he made his way to his quarters. He was thankful that everyone kept their distance despite the alarming sight he knew he looked.

His head was pounding by the time he reached his rooms. He sighed in relief as he closed the door behind him, the dark and coolness of his room a welcome reprieve. He placed Orcist on the entry table and trudged to the oversized armchair by the simmering fireplace. He collapsed fully into the seat and his body went limp.

It had been many decades since he had been clobbered in the jaw, but this time was a first for him to be punched out due to distraction.

Distraction from a lass, no less.

He groaned as he slouched further into the chair. There had been witnesses to his distraction, his comrades knew what had caused it. And by the way she had looked at him, worried and a little embarrassed, either by him or for him he couldn’t tell, she knew all too well that she was the cause of it.

His door creaked open quietly, before it was shut again. He could tell it was Fili by the way his steps fell, He heard a sharp intake of breath as Fili stopped by his side. “There is no question that Dwalin got you good. Your entire side is bruised Irak’adad. Are you sure you don’t want Oin to look at it?”

Thorin peeled his eyes open to look up at him. “I’m fine. Nothing is broken, I would be able to tell if something was.”

Fili held out a cooled slice of steak. “This was the coldest thing I could find.”

Thorin nodded his thanks as he took the meat and gingerly placed it on his swelling jaw. His eyes closed as he let out a sigh of relief as the cold meat soothed the angry bruise. “Thank you, Fili. Would you mind covering for me in the meeting today. Tell them something came up that I could not ignore.”

Fili snorted. “Of course. Are the documents in your office?”

“Balin has them. He will be there early so he will be able to give you a quick summation of what will be discussed.” Thorin spoke lowly, trying to minimize the movement of his jaw.

After a moment of silence, he heard Fili’s weight shift on his feet. “Why do you still have those flowers?”

Thorin’s brows furrowed in confusion for a brief moment before he remembered what flowers, and who they were meant for. In irritation he growled lowly. “I tried to give them to her last night, but she wasn’t in her quarters, and it didn’t feel right to leave them at her door.” He hissed, cursing the fact the flowers were still there and that he had forgotten them entirely.

He heard Fili trying to not chuckle. He frowned. “What, dear nephew, is so funny?” He opened the one eye on his uninjured side. Fili was looking at him with a bright grin on his face. “Not you too. Don’t say a bleeding word.” Thorin growled reproachfully.

“It’s just that first, you had a cut on your chin from her knocking you out during that chase when we first brought her back here, and now you have a bruised jaw from her distracting you at the training ring. And you have a big bouquet of flowers you saw her admiring in your room. I’ve never seen you so…” Fili trailed off as he watched his uncle raise an eyebrow as if daring him to finish that sentence. Fili shook his head, a smile still on his face.

“Never mind. I’m sure it will all work out in the end. Amad said it did with her and Adad.”  

Thorin groaned. “That was different Fili.”

“How so? She’s your One and its obvious she drives you to distraction, and you, of all Dwarrow’s are never driven to distraction.”

“You're going to be late for that meeting with Balin and the council.” Thorin gave him a pointed look masterfully with just one eye.

Fili’s grin grew wider as he patted his uncle on the shoulder. “I’ll check in on you later.”  

“No need.” Thorin groused as she shifted to a more comfortable position in his chair. “I’m perfectly fine and capable of taking care of myself.”

He heard Fili let out a long-suffering sigh before he excited his room. Silence fell around him like a heavy blanket. “Thank the merciful gods.” He sighed to no one in particular. He let himself drift, the cool meat calming his physical wounds, but his heart wasn’t so easily consoled.

 [KA1]Mahal’s hairy balls - khuzudul

TAGLIST***

@fizzyxcustard @mrsdurin @dustie-faerie @exhausted-humxn-being @lathalea

[rangers-arecool]

For: Open Muse: Skiâ Catanach Verse: Post Hobbit

With the first of the winter storms about to arrive and the city of Dale not really fit to keep anyone warm just yet, the former residents of Lake-town accepted the Dwarves' offer to shelter inside the mountain with them. But in the chaos of making sure that everyone had been moved upto Erebor safely, they had missed one of the new King's family. His youngest daughter; Tilda.

Despite the missing Princess, it wasn't safe to return outside in order to search for her in Dale. Not when the storm arrived far faster than most had expected.and yet, no one had noticed that Tilda wasn't the only one missing.

A quiet redhead who had been out hunting and gathering medicinal plants, unaware of what was going on. There was no way of contacting her, for the Ravens dared not fly in the weather outside.