#The Stone On The Wall

[alleksistrash]

The Stone On The Wall

What if instead of giving the Arkenstone to Thranduil and Bard, Bilbo waits to give it to Thorin on the ramparts?

Chapter 1 of (?)

I will also be posting this to my AO3 once I figure out how to format over there (it has been so long)

@stellarfoam

@its-night-of-rain

@marvelruinedmyspirit @moralesmarkers

AO3:

Bilbo wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but here he was. Climbing up to the ramparts to join the dwarves, Thorin cursing at Thranduil in Khuzdul. He’d have to ask Balin for some books to learn, maybe use it to surprise the others after this is all over. What was Thorin yelling about? Bilbo had been late climbing up, having difficulty maneuvering around the broken statues used as steps. The Arkenstone felt heavy in his jacket, a reminder as to what they were here for. Thorin switched to the common tongue, bellowing out for all to hear. “I will not part with a single piece of gold from this mountain, not until we find the Arkenstone! Then, I will be king under the mountain. I will have no further talk with outsiders. Leave!” This was it. This was the opportunity to show Thorin the stone, maybe then he would come to his senses and work with Bard and Thranduil. Pulling together all the courage he had, Bilbo clambered up to stand on the stone wall shielding the dwarves. “Wait! Thorin, wait. I found it. I found the Arkenstone,” Bilbo breathed out hastily, pulling the stone from the inside of his jacket to show Thorin he was telling the truth, “Don’t burn the bridges you’ve barely built, we can work together!” With that, he held the stone high for all to see. The company cheered, Thorin loudest of all.

Bilbo was grinning ear to ear, starting to pull the stone closer to him. That was when he felt it, a small stabbing pain in his back. He staggered forward, losing his footing on the barrier. He felt himself start to slip off the edge, just as he was slipping from consciousness. The last thing he heard were the dwarves and Gandalf yelling before he succumbed to the darkness.

Nori was the closest to Bilbo when he started to slip, and he lunged forward to grab the hobbit by his ankle. The others were cursing, and he could see Kili stringing his bow, trying to see what had caused the hobbit to collapse. Bofur rushed to Nori’s side, grabbing Bilbo to help pull him up. Down below he could see chaos unfolding. Thranduil and Bard were trying to figure out if one of their men had attacked while Gandalf charged towards the wall. Once Nori and Bofur had pulled Bilbo up and over the wall, they placed him down on his side while Oin rushed over to check for wounds. As Oin got down to look properly, he noticed something sticking out of Bilbo’s back. He pulled it out and saw it was a dart with a barbed tip, possibly coated in a paralyzing agent. It was crudely made, so it could not have been from an elf. He looked up as he heard Fili shouting at Kili, “Over there! On the side of the mountain!” Kili released his arrow, hitting the orc trying to escape square in the back of his head. Looking back down, Oin rolled Bilbo onto his back to check for any severe side effects of the dart. There were no obvious side effects, so Oin relaxed a little at that. He looked up to see what was happening, only to notice Dwalin and Dori holding Thorin back from throwing himself over the side of the rampart.

“Get ahold of yourself Thorin! We have bigger problems to worry about than the Arkenstone right now!” Dwalin was trying his best to control his best friend’s temper while also holding him back. The Arkenstone had fallen over the wall with Bilbo, but it had been forgotten about while Nori and Bofur scrambled to save Bilbo. Thorin roared in anger, still fighting against the two dwarves. He needed to see what had become of the stone! It was his birthright, the one thing proving he was worthy to be king. He stopped resisting once he heard Gandalf. “I have the Arkenstone, Thorin Oakenshield. Check on my hobbit, or there will be dire consequences!” Who did Gandalf think he was? Threatening a king, worrying over a mere burglar. Still, if this is what it took to get the stone back, he would do it. He shook Dwalin and Dori off of him before turning towards where Bilbo had been laid down. The rest of the company had gathered around, making sure their burglar was still alive and seeing if Oin needed anything to help him. They backed away when they saw Thorin making his way over, giving him room to drop to his knees to look at Bilbo. 

“What happened?” He barked at Oin, before noticing the dart lying beside Bilbo. Anger surged through him again, realizing his burglar had become a target once he revealed the Arkenstone. ‘His burglar’, Thorin thought to himself. He hadn’t noticed when he started referring to Bilbo as this, instead of just the burglar, but he knew it was not a new development. His head began to swim, anger and concern filling his body. He shot his head up, barking orders. “Fili! Kili! See if any more orcs are waiting to attack, and take Dwalin with you.” They nodded before taking off down the rampart. “Oin, take Nori and see if there are any supplies that can be used to help Bilbo. Do you think he can be moved safely?” Oin furrowed his brow before responding, “I’m not sure what was used on the dart, but he should be brought down so I can examine him better.” Thorin nodded, before slipping his arms under the burglar, standing up while lifting Bilbo with him. He made sure to not jostle him too much, unsure of what the dart had caused. Oin and Nori rushed down the steps, Bofur and Ori following, turning around now and then to make sure Thorin didn’t slip while carrying Bilbo. Dori and Balin followed close behind, leaving Gloin, Bifur, and Bombur on the rampart to stay on the lookout. 

Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, Thorin noticed that Bofur and Ori had moved some of the debris to the side to create a spot for him to place Bilbo. Kneeling down, he gently placed Bilbo onto the hard stone. He thought about taking off his coat to place underneath the hobbit but thought against it as he did not want to draw too much attention to the care he was giving. He stood back up, just as Oin and Nori came back with bottles of various medicinal herbs and liquids. He stepped to the side to give them room to lay out the bottles and work, but hovered nearby to make sure nothing went awry.

Oin busied himself with the herbs he and Nori gathered, throwing some into a bowl before grinding them into a paste. He wasn’t exactly sure what was on the dart, but he could narrow it down since he knew it came from an orc. If it had been elvish, then Bilbo was in deep trouble. Oin set the paste aside before motioning to Nori to help him roll Bilbo onto his side again. He lifted the coat Bilbo was wearing, along with the mithril shirt Thorin had given him. The dart had somehow hit him in just the right spot to get through some of the chains in the mithril. It didn’t penetrate deep into his skin, but it was enough to get whatever was on the dart into his system. He could feel Thorin glowering above him, and had a feeling that if Bilbo were conscious, he would feel Thorin’s eyes boring into him. He made quick work of applying the paste, making sure to fully massage it into the wound. Once he was satisfied with his work, he applied a bandage to cover the paste, allowing it to absorb into the hobbit’s skin without risk of it being rubbed off. He pulled the mithril and his coat back down, before rolling him back onto his back. It would take awhile for the medicine to work, if it did, but in the meantime he would try to come up with something for the hobbit to drink once he came to, to help with any pain or drowsiness. Looking closely at the bottles, he picked out one containing a blue liquid, and mixed it with one containing an orange liquid. Swirling this around, it became an earthy brown mixture that smelled sweet. He set down the bottle and sighed, rubbing his face before smoothing his hair back. All they could do now was wait, and pray to Durin that this worked.

Thorin was pacing now, fidgeting with his hands. He was unable to stay still, trying to think of what could have spurred this attack from the orcs. They knew they were coming to Erebor, but how did they know Bilbo would be the one with the Arkenstone? His head shot up at the sound of pounding footsteps, pulling him from his spiral. Dwalin, Fili, and Kili had returned, out of breath. “Well?” He didn’t even give them time to say anything before continuing, “Are there more? Should we prepare to attack?” Kili spoke up, “We couldn’t find any more scouts nearby, but the elves are growing restless outside. What do you want to do uncle?” Thorin threw his hands up in the air in disgust, “Those filthy tree huggers! They will wait until Bilbo wakes before I even think of going to talk to them. And what of Gandalf? Did you see him with the Arkenstone?” The dwarves looked between each other, worry etched onto their faces before Dwalin stepped forward, “We did not see the wizard, or any sign of the stone.” Before Thorin could spit out more Khuzdul to curse Gandalf, Balin interjected, “Maybe it is best that the Arkenstone is with Gandalf for now, he knows of its value to us and will protect it until he deems it safe enough in our hands. For now, we should focus on the elves and Bilbo.” With that, everyone turned to said hobbit, Oin still sitting beside him watching for any signs of movement.

‘Ghivashel, please awake’ Thorin thought to himself, praying to Durin that his hobbit was alright. He shook his head when he realized what was going through his mind, trying not to dwell on the matter. The burglar had done his job. Thorin was just making sure he kept to his end of the contract, give him his share of the gold and send him home. That was all, nothing more. Before he could turn away to continue pacing, he noticed a twitch in Bilbo’s face. Looking closer, he could see his eyes moving behind his eyelids, as if trying to wake from a deep slumber. He held his breath without realizing it, hoping for another sign that Bilbo was alright. His face broke into a wide grin when the hobbit began to groan and his eyes fluttered open, “Good morning, master burglar.” Bilbo looked around, eyes squinted, before landing on Thorin. “What happened? Where’s the Arkenstone? Were we ambushed?” Thorin’s heart swelled, after everything Bilbo was still most concerned about the company and the Arkenstone.

“Calm down lad, we’re still figuring everything out along with you. You just stay there for a moment while Oin looks you over before we talk a plan.” Balin made quick work to soothe the hobbit, as being the oldest he always knew what to say to calm the others. Oin began to fuss over Bilbo, coaxing him into sitting up so he could drink the medicine without choking. Bilbo coughed a bit at the taste, but managed to get it all down without complaint. “That should help with any pain ya got, especially from hittin’ the wall on yer way down.” Oin collected his bottles and stood up, giving the hobbit room to collect his bearings and breathe.

Bilbo’s head was throbbing, and knew he would have a lump wherever he smacked it. He had faith that the concoction that Oin mixed up would kick in, he just couldn’t think straight at the moment. He looked up at the company, “What exactly happened? I remember being on the wall and then it was like a light went out.” The dwarves exchanged glances, before Thorin cleared his throat. “You were targeted by an orc scout. We believe the moment you held out the Arkenstone, they blew a dart at you, we don’t know why yet.” He held Bilbo’s gaze before continuing, “Fili, Kili, and Dwalin went out to make sure it wasn’t an ambush, and came back with nothing. The Arkenstone fell, but Gandalf claims to have it secured now.” Bilbo felt ashamed at this, he had one job and he had messed it up. Bofur seemed to notice the hobbit’s mood sour at this, so he chimed in, “We were more worried about losin’ you with it, so Nori and I grabbed ya before you were a goner.” He smiled at Bilbo, hoping to cheer him up even if just a little bit. 

Gloin came running down the steps, drawing everyone’s attention. “Thorin! Thranduil and Bard are demanding to see you, and Gandalf is back.” Thorin turned back to face Bilbo once more, “The wizard wishes to make sure you are well. Will you accompany me to show him you are still breathing?” He held his hand out to help the hobbit up, and was glad when it was accepted. After making sure he was steady on his feet, Thorin led the way to the passage out the side of the mountain. Behind him followed Bilbo, Balin, Dwalin, Fili, and Kili. He assumed Balin was coming to make sure things stayed civil, and the others were coming in case it didn’t. He had no idea what was going to happen when they got out there, he just needed to make sure it ended with him getting the Arkenstone back.

Next Chapter:

[sscarletvenus]

this pride, i learnt about the Palestinian trans woman Oscar Al-Halabiye, dancer and resistance fighter against the israeli occupation in Southern Lebanon. she named herself Oscar after Lady Oscar from the "The Rose of Versailles", a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Riyoko Ikeda.

her story is documented in Cinema Fouad(1993). zionists use pink washing to reinforce their genocidal terrorist narrative when queer Palestinians have been fighting against the occupation since the very beginning. you can watch it here with english subtitles. long live the intifada!

[bbqhooligan]

big day for annoying people (me)

[wispscribbles]

I love your ghost design. I wanna squeeze him :⁠^⁠)

If no hug then why hug-shaped???

[the-goose-caboose]

In honor of pride I will take this opportunity to remind everyone that this happened

[wintergrofyuri]

i really cant stress enough how much i need rin being stupid attracted to marcille. not strictly in a romantic sense, but in like a. eros kind of way ykno. rin is stressed (over kabru) and angry (with kabru) and this stupid fucking elf with her bright green eyes and long hair and sweet, sing-songy voice is NOT fucking helping.

also the thought of her being all "whoever made this spell was stuck up and snobby and stupid" and then they finally catch up with the touden party and said spellcaster looks like this

in a fucking frog suit and she's still FUCKING PRETTY

also the idea of holm being the first to witness her silent mental breakdown over finding the touden elf attractive is rlly funny to me.

[we-love-morioh-cho]

No matter what any misogynistic loser says, Jolyne was the truest successor of Jonathan’s spirit and was more than deserving of being the final JoJo of the original continuity. Her death to Pucci was a noble sacrifice and a beautiful moment and, ultimately, she triumphed over him in the end. She was not weak or entitled or annoying or boring - whatever misogynistic bullshit people spew about her. She is so much more complex and phenomenal than bigots in this fandom can even comprehend and, ultimately, it is their loss for disregarding her because they are so deeply hateful of women. Also they should die.

[yorksnapshots]

Barns in the Yorkshire Dales, England.

[toyastales]

There is beauty in the murky depths of nature!

[valtsv]

saw bird spikes on a roof today and got mad about it

[this-too-shall-bleed]

mr. scratch but it’s like the scene where john is staring up at the ceiling in terror as arthur begins an episode of absolutely traumatic sleep paralysis (youknow the one)

just the inking version is kinda cool (I was hesitant as hell to put down paint because this took like 4 hours) originally the orientation was flipped like this but I think it kind of makes more sense visually in the first image? I don’t know ceiling creature perspective is wacky upside down you go

thank you @ellamenop for the idea!

[alleksistrash]

The Stone On The Wall

Chapter 2 of (?)

TW: Description of Seizure

Previous Chapter:

They really needed to clear a way to get out through the front, Bilbo thought to himself. He stumbled a few times on the rocks leading down the mountain path, his body still trying to fully come to. If he hadn’t been watching his feet to see where to step, he would have noticed Thorin slightly turning back every time the hobbit made so much as a noise of annoyance. They managed to safely make it down the path, and started to make their way to the front of Erebor. It didn’t take long, and as they neared the bridge they noticed that most of the elves had dispersed, leaving a handful with Thranduil. Bilbo assumed they were his personal ‘security’, and took notice of the red-headed elf woman he had seen Kili talking to in the dungeons. His eyes were also able to help him see another elf that looked familiar, with a striking resemblance to Thranduil. He could also see Bard and Gandalf talking, Bard having dismounted from his horse. Gandalf turned as they approached closer, and smiled when he noticed Bilbo had joined them. “Bilbo! I am glad to see you are alive my friend, we were quite concerned when you fell. Bard and I were just discussing what had been promised to the people of Laketown, and any help they would need to repair Dale thanks to the dragon.” He turned to Thorin and Balin before continuing, “I take it you are here to discuss these matters as well? I am certain there is enough gold under that mountain for you to part with and still have enough to rebuild Erebor.” He leaned against his staff, looking down upon the dwarves with a mixture of light-heartedness and stern.

Thorin was glaring daggers into Gandalf, he knew he should keep his end of the deal but that didn’t help to soothe his pride. Before he could speak, Balin stepped forward. “We would be happy to discuss our payment to Laketown, and will lend our assistance to rebuild Dale once our kin have come back to Erebor.” He clasped his hands together and smiled, showing his sincerity. Thorin dropped his shoulders, and could hear Kili and Fili grumbling behind them. He turned to Bard, trying his best to offer a voice that didn’t sound too annoyed. “We are grateful for your generosity, and I will not go back on my word.” He noticed Bilbo smiling out of the corner of his eye, and felt a wave of relief wash over him. He straightened his back and continued, “Once we have opened the gates to Erebor and we send word to our kin to arrive, we will be able to go through the treasury properly and give you what you are owed.” Bard nodded his head at this, which Thorin was happy for. This was short-lived though, as Thranduil came over, still mounted on his elk.

“And what of which is still owed to the elves, Oakenshield?” Thranduil drew out his words, disdain dripping from them. Thorin’s face contorted into anger, ready to spit out a string of Khuzdul at Thranduil. Before he opened his mouth, Bilbo piped up. “What, exactly, is owed to the elves? I don’t remember this being discussed, unless I was missing from that conversation.” Thorin looked at Bilbo and could see the serious look on his face, his nose twitching. Pride swelled through Thorin’s chest, realizing that the hobbit would still do anything to defend him and the company. ‘Mahal above, thank you for giving us this burglar,’ he thought to himself quietly. He looked back to the elf king, who had turned to face Bilbo. He could see the smirk on Thranduil’s face, taking delight in the hobbit trying to stand his ground. “Do not fret, Master Baggins. I merely want the white gems of Lasgalen, something promised to me long ago by King Thror. I’m sure a reasonable hobbit such as yourself would find no reason as to why I shouldn’t still collect them.” Thranduil tilted his head down towards the hobbit, as if trying to placate him.

Bilbo shuffled his feet, immediately uncomfortable with the conversation. He twitched his nose, unsure of how to respond. If all the elves wanted were some gems, who was he to argue? But no, he had to go and stick his nose in places where it didn’t belong, he truly was his mother’s son. He looked between Thranduil and Thorin, and could see how Thorin’s face had softened slightly. It was hard to pick up, but there wasn’t as much fire behind his piercing blue eyes. He looked back to Thranduil, a defeated look on his face. He cleared his throat before speaking, “I guess I am in no place to argue, but I do believe you could have approached this better.” He shook his finger at the elf king, because as much as he respected his authority, he knew the king had no power over him. Bard laughed at his actions, a short bark. “Master burglar, you are truly honest and brave. I can see now why Gandalf had you accompany the dwarves on their quest.” Behind Bilbo, he could hear the princes chuckling and Dwalin letting out a snort. 

Thorin rubbed at his face, still angry with Thranduil and his kin, but realizing he needs the alliance if he wishes to restore Erebor to its former glory. “Fine,” he spits out, “We will give you your gems, but only on the condition that you re-establish trade routes with us as well.” He glares at Thranduil on his elk, despising the fact that he has to turn to the elves for assistance after they abandoned them all those years ago.

That was when they heard it, the battlehorn of the dwarves of Iron Hill. Thorin turned towards the sound, a great smile spreading across his face. He could hear the dwarves on the ramparts cheering, along with Fili and Kili. Dain and his soldiers breached the top of the hill, Dain mounted on his war pig. He turned back to Thranduil, still grinning. He had a face of slight disgust, which Thorin took great joy in. “We will be staying in Dale to discuss trade and rebuilding. We will discuss our trade routes with the dwarves once you return to me the gems.” With that Thranduil left, leaving Gandalf and Bard behind. Bard mounted his horse, turning to leave as well. “I look forward to our alliance in the future, master dwarf. Thank you.” He smiled warmly at Thorin before kicking his heels into his horse and riding off to return to his children.

Thorin turned to Gandalf, the wizard still leaning against his staff but now having an amused look on his face. He raised his eyebrow at Thorin, before realizing what the dwarf would be asking for next. “I suppose you are wanting the Arkenstone back, but you need not worry,” he reached into his robes, pulling out the glimmering stone, “I will hold onto it, until the mountain has been reopened.” Thorin’s blood boiled at this, lunging for the stone which was held just out of reach. “I will not play these games with you, wizard! Hand over the stone, or I will pry it from your cold, dead, hands!” Thorin growled at the taller being, reaching for his sword. Bilbo jumped in between Thorin and Gandalf, holding his hands up. “Thorin, do you really need the stone right now? You have the mountain, and there are more dwarves coming!” The halfling gestured wildly in the direction of Dain, who was nearing the group, “You’re acting like a right git! If you want to be king so badly, then act like one!” Bilbo’s brown curls bounced on his head, his green eyes piercing into Thorin’s with a fire behind them that Thorin had grown accustomed to. Thorin seethed at the hobbit, moving to shove him out of the way just as Dain rode up to them.

“Cousin! I see ya made it without dyin’!” Dain eyed Thorin, taking notice of the anger in his face. His eyes wandered to the wizard as he was putting the Arkenstone back in his robes. “Tharkun, ya tall bastard! Didn’t expect to see you here!” Dain dismounted from his war pig, patting her head with his calloused hand. He surveyed the other dwarrow surrounding Thorin, noticing they all had either worry or anger etched onto their features. “Alright, what’s the problem ‘ere? Shouldn’t we be celebratin’ and drinkin’?” That’s when he spotted a halfling just behind Thorin. “Who the hell is this? Some pet you picked up along the way?” Dain laughed to himself, wondering why there would be a hobbit this far east.

Bilbo stepped out from behind Thorin, his anger rising again at being called a pet. “Excuse you! I have a name you know! I am Bilbo Baggins, and I am part of this company! Who exactly are you!?” He spat out at the dwarf, because of course he had to be cursed by Yavanna to have another arrogant dwarf to deal with. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest and started to feel woozy. He tried to take deep breaths to calm down as his vision began to swim, and he could barely make out the ginger dwarf laughing as he said his name. He shook his head as pain shot through him, his hands and feet starting to go numb. He tried to turn and speak to Thorin, Balin, any of them to communicate that something was wrong, but his tongue wasn’t cooperating and all that came out was a garbled mess of words. He thought he could see panic sweep through the dwarrows' faces before feeling a pair of strong arms wrap around his torso. The last thing that crossed his mind was ‘not again’ before his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

Next Chapter:

[vintagehomecollection]

Reminiscent of an Elizabethan knot garden, this plan is meant to be viewed from a height. Box-edged beds are filled with an informal mixed planting of shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Terence Conran’s New House Book, 1985

[superhell]

house md is wild because house tells wilson that he’ll sacrifice many things but never himself and then he sacrifices himself for wilson. and then he sacrifices himself for wilson. and then he sacrifices himself for wilson. and then he

[blueiscoool]

1,800-Year-Old Roman Carved Head and Gem Discovered at Hadrian's Wall

Archaeologists excavating a site near Hadrian's Wall have discovered a wealth of Roman artefacts including carved heads, gems and mysterious ritual platforms.

Archaeologists have found several exciting millennia-old Roman artefacts near Hadrian’s Wall in Scotland.

The findings, which are estimated as being around 1,800 years old, include an exquisite gem that depicts Silvanus, God of the countryside, and a meticulously crafted ring with an inset gem depicting a rat munching merrily on a poppy seed.

A team of volunteer archaeologists in England have unearthed the intricately carved head of a statue believed to depict an ancient Roman empress. The discovery was made at the site of a Roman bathhouse, the largest known building on Hadrian’s Wall, located near Carlisle Cricket Club.

The head, measuring 18cm by 13cm, is remarkably detailed and finely crafted, surpassing the quality of two larger monument heads discovered at the same site earlier this year. Experts believe the head, which depicts a woman wearing a headdress resembling those favored by Empress Julia Domna, dates back to the same period as the bathhouse.

“It refers more to the Classical Roman style of sculpture,” said lead archaeologist Frank Giecco. While the identity of the woman depicted remains unconfirmed, the headdress offers a tantalizing clue. Julia Domna, wife of Emperor Septimius Severus, popularized this particular style of headdress during her reign.

This latest find adds to the impressive collection of over 4,000 artifacts recovered since excavations began in 2021. The site, initially thought to be solely a bathhouse, has revealed itself to be a multifaceted complex.

“It looks like thermal baths, a collection of disparate offices, religious and social spaces, recreational spaces and administrative spaces,” said Giecco, who expressed amazement at the volume and value of the discoveries.

[zegalba]

Andy Goldsworthy: Wall Drawing (2014)