#bagginshield firefly day | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sunnyrosewritesstuff · 1 year ago

Text

This is for @smoking-old-toby's Bagginshield Firefly Day mini event! 🤩For anybody who has read my fic The Twelve Transformations of Bilbo Baggins, you'll notice I poached a bit from the story (just because I loved that scene so much). Otherwise, please enjoy my small contribution of pre-slash Bagginshield. 🥰

A Light in the Dark

Rating: G

Warnings: N/A

Words: 2560

Continuation of the Snow Hobbits Universe

Bilbo stepped away from the chatter and shenanigans of his traveling companions and out onto the beautiful balconies of Imladris once again. He sighed to himself as he leaned against the railing. The view was absolutely gorgeous. Even at night, Rivendell was a true oasis.

“And just where have you been all day, may I ask?”

Bilbo swore he jumped a foot in the air as he whirled around, his hand over his heart.

“Thorin?!”

Said dwarf stepped out onto the alcove, that infuriating smirk ever present on his face.

“You should pay better attention to your surroundings, Burglar.”

“Well excuse me, I didn’t realize I needed to be on the alert for danger in a literal sanctuary.”

Bilbo cursed his quick tongue the moment after he had said it. He had been doing his best not to aggravate Thorin who seemed to get annoyed by something as easy as Bilbo setting his bedroll in the wrong spot. Luckily for Bilbo, Thorin didn’t do anything more than glower and cross his arms as he came to stand next to him.

Bilbo shifted on his feet as he drummed his fingers against the railing and shot Thorin a few questioning glances as often as he could without getting caught. His shoulders felt tight, and he could not even begin to come up with a reason for why the dwarf king was still here. His hobbit sensibilities encouraged him to come up with a topic, any topic, to engage Thorin in conversation. However, his mind was painfully blank. Just when he thought it would be better to bid Thorin good evening and wander aimlessly, a small spot of green light danced out in front of him before disappearing. Bilbo laughed in delight as another joined it and soon an entire swarm of blinking green lights existed on the patio.

“Lightning bugs!” He exclaimed in delight.

“Hmm?” Thorin asked without actually saying anything.

Bilbo shot him a curious look braving the subject hesitantly.

“Have you…ever seen lightning bugs before?”

Thorin merely snorted as his eyes followed the dots of light as well.

“We call them fireflies and yes. I have seen them before.”

That figures. It was a rather stupid question on Bilbo’s part. After all, they were a fairly common insect. A memory from long ago came bidden, and with a fond smile, Bilbo couldn’t help but feel compelled to retell it.

“You know, I never liked the dark.” He admitted. “I could make up so many monsters that had somehow appeared in dark corners. So when I was little, my mum and I used to spend the evening catching lightning bugs and putting them in a jar. We would then place the jar next to my bed before I went to sleep, and the glow would comfort me. However, I’d always wake up the next morning…and they’d be gone! I figured out later in life, my mum would come in and let them out through the window. Much too kind to let them die overnight, but… I always just thought they turned into dreams.”

Thorin hummed again, and Bilbo was content to believe that would be the end of their odd, one-sided conversation. At least it couldn’t be said he didn’t try. He watched as one of the bugs landed on Thorin’s outstretched hand before the dwarf blew it away.

“We didn’t have fireflies inside the mountain when I was a pebble. But we had glow worms that would cling to the stalactites in the deep caverns. Their light was more blue than green. Still after Smaug came, and we were spending so many nights camped out under the stars, I would see the fireflies and think…the glow worms sprouted wings and followed after us. Because even they couldn’t stand us not being back in our mountain home.”

“You must miss it terribly.” Bilbo determined, softening just a little at the admission.

Thorin gave a jerky nod, his eyes still carrying out over the lawn.

“There are parts that I do. And then there are other parts I don’t.”

Bilbo perked up in surprise at this.

“Like what?”

The corners of Thorin’s lips quirked up in a false smile as his eyes seemed to scream in protest.

“You’ll think me odd.”

It was such a simple statement, but it carried a weight to it. There was no hesitation. No doubt. Clearly, it was something Thorin had heard many times in his life. It was almost overwhelming in how perplexed it made Bilbo. Thorin Oakenshield? Hero, king, natural born leader, odd? It didn’t add up to Bilbo. And yet…

Bilbo moved closer to Thorin, just enough so that way he could bump Thorin’s arm with his shoulder, giving a quick flash of a grin as he did so. When he felt he had the courage to meet Thorin’s eyes, he held them making sure Thorin knew how seriously he took his admission.

“I certainly know a thing or two about being odd. Would you expect another hobbit to go running out his smial after you lot? You are in good company here, Master Oakenshield.”

Thorin immediately ducked his head, and if Bilbo wasn’t so sure it was an emotion he deemed beyond Thorin Oakenshield, he would almost say that he reacted shyly.

“I also don’t like the dark.” He claimed in a soft, near whisper. “I wasn’t afraid of it, but…mountain caves are darker than dark. I mean, look at this.”

Thorin’s arms swept out over the view before them.

“The stars, the moon, even your insects. Even when it’s dark you can still see. The mountain isn’t like that. You’re just��trapped and blind. And the pressure! There is nothing like the pressure of having an entire mountain looming above you, and you’re the one who has to shoulder the responsibility, you’re the one who has to rise to meet their expectations…”

“Their?” Bilbo interrupted carefully.

Thorin’s mouth clicked closed and his eyes widened. Bilbo realized he hadn’t intended to share that much. It was nice though. It was nice to know that Thorin had trusted him with such thoughts that Bilbo wanted to let him know it was okay in the only way he knew how. He reached out and gave Thorin’s hand a small squeeze. The dwarf sucked in a sharp breath at the gesture before pulling away. He climbed up the three steps to go back inside, and Bilbo absolutely could not leave things this way.

“Thorin!” He called spinning around to face the retreating figure.

Thorin stopped, but would not face him.

“I’m…I’m glad you told me. It sounds like it’s something you’ve needed to say for a long time.”

He watched as the dwarf’s jaw locked, and when he turned to meet Bilbo’s eyes, it was not the open, inviting look he had expected.

“Make no mistake, Halfling. My father and grandfather were great dwarves. They made me who I am today! I’m not…There’s nothing…”

Before Thorin could say whatever it was he was trying to say, voices drifted towards them from below. Bilbo slowly turned away from Thorin to see Gandalf and Elrond walking with purpose.

“Of course I was going to tell you. I was waiting for this very chance. And I think you can trust me that I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you?” Elrond returned briskly, not sounding at all how he did when he and Bilbo met earlier. “That dragon has slept for sixty years. What will happen if your plan should fail? If you should wake the beast?”

Bilbo rather hoped Thorin had left at that point as the taller beings’ conversation drifted to using Erebor as a stronghold against darker foes. Bilbo was certain it was sound logic, he just wished it didn’t sound so…cold. Erebor should be reclaimed because an entire population was displaced due to a fowl creature wanting their resources. Why couldn’t that be enough?

Bilbo risked a glance backwards only to find Thorin had not left. He stood still listening to the callous words of ancient beings, and could only hold his head high against the onslaught. Bilbo felt more irked by the conversation now.

“Have you forgotten? A strain of madness runs deep within that family.”

Oh. Bilbo could only replay the conversation from earlier in his head. Thorin’s immediate defense of his grandfather while simultaneously feeling trapped. It all made sense now. Bilbo watched out of the corner of his eye as Thorin looked away almost in shame as the two beings continued their argument before finally disappearing around the corner. As soon as they were out of earshot, Bilbo turned around to confront Thorin on what he heard.

“Thorin…”

“I am not my grandfather.” Thorin growled, cutting Bilbo off before he could begin. “They know not of what they speak.”

Bilbo didn’t want to prickle Thorin further, but he couldn’t help realizing it suddenly all made sense! Bilbo had thought he was particularly obtuse and standoffish because of a superiority complex. But it was a defense mechanism! A way to push aside people who have compared Thorin to a mad king. To someone he trusted only to be disappointed in later.

“I was actually going to say that it’s okay. It’s okay to love them…and acknowledge their flaws.”

Thorin’s eyes seemed to pierce him sharply as Bilbo continued to pick out the right words.

“I know I certainly haven’t lived up to my family’s expectations, but I imagine that’s not a fair comparison considering for me it was being adventurous and for you it’s…staying sane.”

A grunt escaped Thorin at that, and it was only by his upturned lips that Bilbo recognized it to be some form of chuckle. Well, he couldn’t be doing too poorly then.

“I just think, there’s nothing wrong in seeking…a light in the darkness.”

Thorin quickly sucked in a lungful of air while Bilbo stood there, wondering if it would be too much to touch Thorin again. Just for a quick moment. Before he could work up the courage, Thorin was taking another step up the staircase. Bilbo immediately took one backwards to increase the distance Thorin was clearly after. He tried not to be too disappointed by the development. In any case, he did feel like he had bonded with their leader which should hopefully make things better on the road.

“Right, well…Good night, Thorin.” Bilbo stammered, turning the other way.

“Master Baggins!” Thorin’s voice suddenly halted him.

Bilbo turned back feeling just a bit breathless.

“Thank you.” Came the soft admission.

Bilbo’s heart felt like it was exploding as a bright grin lit his face.

“You are most welcome.”

“Get some sleep. We’ll be leaving soon.”

With those being the final words before his departure, Bilbo watched as Thorin disappeared into the corridor. Bilbo hoped his words would keep Thorin from dwelling on his family’s madness for too long. He actually made Thorin smile…and laugh! Emotions Bilbo thought the dwarf was devoid of whenever in his presence. It was a heady feeling indeed that he almost gave a shout in his excitement.

It was as he was heading back, nearly skipping, that a little tiny bug landed on his nose. It blinked once and blinked again when Bilbo reached up to transfer it to his finger.

“Of course, many thanks to you my friend. We might not have ever made this kind of progress otherwise.”

Interested in Bilbo’s whispered words or not, the lightning bug twitched its wings at Bilbo before joining its kin in the night sky once more.

***

"Thorin! Where are we going?" Bilbo laughed, continuing to let the dwarf pull him forward by the hand.

"Just a little further, lukhudel (light of all lights)."

After the past couple of years, Bilbo had grown more used to how dark it could get in the mountain, but the deep places where he couldn't see the hand in front of his face were places he avoided. However, Thorin was confident in his steps and gentle in his urging, and Bilbo knew he couldn't be safer. The terrain finally began to level out, and Bilbo could just make out some sort of blue light ahead. Bilbo could barely make out the flash of teeth in Thorin's grin by the glow as he announced they had arrived. They turned a corner and...

"It's beautiful!" Bilbo marveled.

The cavern's walls and ceilings were practically dripping with the odd blue glow. It fully lit the space, glittering off the surface of the shallow pool below them. Bilbo turned to Thorin, only to be a bit surprised at his appearance. The glow somehow only managed to bounce off his teeth, his nails, and the silver of his hair. The rest of his intended was left in shadow. Bilbo tilted his head. It was almost as if the glow somehow highlighted the lighter colors of a person...

Bilbo huffed as he pulled on his snowy hair. "I must look ridiculous right now."

Thorin laughed as he stepped forward to press a kiss to the crown of Bilbo's head. "You are perfect. I will confess it was this effect I was after when I planned to show you the glow worm cavern for the first time."

A conversation, from long ago, niggled at the back of Bilbo's mind as his scanned his surroundings with a renewed interest. A smile pulled at his face as he remembered a balcony in Rivendell and the friendly fireflies who gave him the courage to talk to Thorin for the first time. Thorin's hand moved to cup his face, and Bilbo leaned into his hand, given a kiss to his palm.

"We've come so far." Bilbo commented.

"We have indeed, all thanks to you." Thorin murmured before pressing a soft kiss against his lips.

Bilbo returned the peck a second and third time before continuing their conversation.

"That may be exaggerating a bit."

Thorin chuckled while shaking his head. "No, mudùmel (comfort of all comforts). It's true. You see, I realized that night in Rivendell that perhaps Bilbo Baggins, the strange and infuriating hobbit in my Company, who had the ability to leave me breathless in just a few words, could perhaps be my light in the darkness. And here you are, the night before we are to say our vows, literally glowing in front of me."

#sunny's drabbles #the hobbit #bagginshield #bagginshield firefly day #snow hobbits sequel

43 notes · View notes

sonics-atelier · 5 months ago

Text

Ales and Adventures: The Tale of Thorin and Bilbo in the Shire

For @bagginshieldweek24 Day 2 : Developing Relationship + Thorin in the Shire

Summary : Thorin adapts to life in the shire rather well, cue fluff and peace because that's what bagginshield deserve.

a/n : I saw a post where the person said that thorin would live in the shire and make the best ale ever and be very proud of it so i was inspired to write this. Also Thorin is a competitive bitch.

In a quaint corner of the Shire, far removed from the usual hustle and bustle of Hobbiton, there lived a dwarf named Thorin Oakenshield. After his adventures and the tumultuous events of reclaiming Erebor, Thorin found solace and peace in the Shire, a land of rolling hills and hearty folk.

Thorin had settled into a cozy hobbit hole next to Bag End, courtesy of his dear friend Bilbo Baggins. Though it was unconventional for a dwarf to live in the Shire, the hobbits welcomed Thorin with open arms, for his tales of adventure and his boisterous laughter added a new vibrancy to their lives.

Thorin quickly became a beloved figure among the hobbits, not least because of his unparalleled skill in brewing ale. Thorin had brought with him ancient Dwarven recipes, passed down through generations, and his ale quickly became the stuff of legends. It was said that a single sip could warm even the coldest night and lift the heaviest heart.

Each evening, the Green Dragon Inn buzzed with eager hobbits waiting for Thorin's latest batch. His ale was rich, dark, and frothy, with a depth of flavor that no hobbit-brewed ale could match. Yet, this did not deter the local brewers, who saw in Thorin a friendly rival. Bilbo, always one for a good challenge, often found himself caught in the middle of these spirited competitions.

One sunny afternoon, Bilbo and Thorin sat together in the garden of Bag End, enjoying the gentle breeze and the scent of blooming flowers. Bilbo, ever the curious hobbit, asked Thorin about his secret to making such exceptional ale.

Thorin chuckled, his blue eyes twinkling. "It's all in the heart, Bilbo. A good brew needs patience, care, and a bit of magic from the old Dwarven ways."

Bilbo smiled, taking a sip of the ale. "It's truly remarkable, Thorin. Have you ever thought about sharing your secrets with the rest of the Shire? I'm sure the other brewers would be grateful."

Thorin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps. But there is something to be said for a little healthy competition. It keeps everyone striving for their best."

As the weeks went by, Thorin's and Bilbo's bond grew stronger. They spent many evenings together, discussing everything from the intricacies of brewing to the wonders of Middle-earth. Bilbo found in Thorin a kindred spirit, someone who appreciated the simpler pleasures of life while still cherishing the memories of grand adventures.

. . .

One evening, after a particularly successful batch of ale, Thorin invited Bilbo to join him for a walk under the stars. The air was cool, and the night was lit by the soft glow of fireflies. As they walked, their hands brushed occasionally, sending a thrill through Bilbo's heart.

"Bilbo," Thorin began, his voice low and earnest, "I've found something here in the Shire that I never expected to find."

Bilbo looked up at him, his breath catching. "What's that, Thorin?"

Thorin stopped walking and turned to face Bilbo, taking his hand. "I've found a home. And more than that, I've found you."

Bilbo's heart soared at Thorin's words. He squeezed Thorin's hand gently, his eyes shining with emotion. "And I've found you, Thorin. You've brought so much joy and adventure into my life. I can't imagine it without you."

Thorin smiled, his thumb tracing circles on the back of Bilbo's hand. "Nor can I, Bilbo. Nor can I."

As the days turned into weeks, their relationship deepened. They shared quiet moments by the fire, exchanged tender glances across the table, and stole kisses under the cover of night. Their love grew, a steady flame that warmed them both and brought a new light to their lives.

One day, the Shire held its annual brewing competition, an event that brought together all the best brewers. Thorin entered with a special brew he had been perfecting for months, while Bilbo, encouraged by Thorin, submitted his own ale as well.

The competition was fierce, with each brewer presenting their finest work. The judges, a panel of esteemed hobbits, took their roles seriously, savoring each sip and debating the merits of each brew. When it came time to announce the winner, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

To everyone's delight, Thorin's ale took first place, with Bilbo's coming in a close second. The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating not just the winners but the spirit of camaraderie and friendly rivalry that the competition embodied.

As the festivities wound down, Thorin and Bilbo stood together, mugs of ale in hand, overlooking the jubilant crowd. Thorin raised his mug to Bilbo, a broad smile on his face.

"To love, friendship, and the joys of life in the Shire," Thorin said, his voice filled with warmth.

Bilbo clinked his mug against Thorin's, his heart full. "To many more adventures, my dear love."

And so, in the peaceful, sun-dappled hills of the Shire, Thorin and Bilbo continued to forge their bond, sharing laughter, stories, and the best ale Middle-earth had ever known. Their love, like Thorin's ale, was rich, deep, and full of heart, a testament to the simple, enduring joys of life.

- @sonics-atelier 2024 , do not repost or reuse in any way , shape or form .

39 notes · View notes

i-did-not-mean-to · 1 year ago

Text

Fireflies

Ah, my beloved @lordoftherazzles has been such a good friend and has sent me this lovely prompt.

Now, evidently, Razzy is queen of Bagginshield (and firefly scenes) but I hope that this might make her smile nonetheless...

Words: 774

Characters: Bilbo x Thorin

Prompt: Fireflies

Warnings: None

Bilbo swatted the fragrant air swirling around him lazily as if he could dispel the oppressive heat by simply waving it aside like an unwelcome relative out to get his best silverware.

Just within arm’s reach of him, Thorin hummed happily, utterly lost in thought.

Pressing his lips together to hold his smirk at bay, Bilbo decided not to harp on the fact that he had been right when he had claimed that Thorin needed a holiday.

"Dear," he had said in his most serious and convincing tone, "the mountain is wonderful, but wouldn't you like to spend at least part of the summer in a place where you can actually feel the sun on your skin?"

If he was completely honest though, his motives had been much less pure and selfless than his stubborn pride made him pretend.

As a matter of fact, he had lately started to desperately miss the Shire—as the warmer months rolled around, he yearned to see the fields scintillate in the glaring light and smell the complex perfume of the wildflowers behind his house.

Only, he knew that not even the most perfect summer evening in his childhood paradise would feel like home without that brave, strong, and endearingly awkward dwarven king of his.

To his surprise and relief, Thorin had not grumbled or argued overmuch but had willingly handed over the reins of his kingdom to his nephews and packed a much too heavy bag right away as if he had only been waiting for Bilbo to say the word.

"We should go in," Bilbo now murmured languidly as the penumbra behind his lids grew deeper and darker—the sun was going down in a halo of blood and he expected his beloved to hanker after a quick bath and a tankard of ale before dinner.

"Not yet," Thorin replied, his voice much clearer than Bilbo had expected it to be.

Alarmed, the hobbit sat up abruptly. "What is the matter?" he asked in a tremulous voice.

In his mind, various horror scenarios sprang to life, jostling one another in their race to Bilbo's frantically beating heart.

What if Thorin had only pretended to be at ease here for his sake and—in his heart of hearts—he hated the indolent, sometimes outright lazy days a proper hobbit could while away, lying in the grass and eating sun-sweetened berries all afternoon long?

Even worse, what if he had espied the black wings of a terrible messenger sent from the Mountain that had hastened here to recall them to their duties?

Bilbo swallowed and turned to the one he had loved so dearly for so long in tense expectation of a new catastrophe, his ears and nose twitching in alarm, ready to pick up on the slightest indication of a threat.

"Look Bilbo," Thorin whispered hoarsely and pointed a finger at the nearby bushes that had shielded their frequent exchanges of tender kisses—sticky with fruit juice and sweat—throughout the day.

Like dancing stars lighting up the nascent darkness, fireflies were swarming among the branches merrily.

It was a sight that warmed Bilbo's heart as it reminded him of the carefree, endless days of his childhood and youth.

Nevertheless, he could not recall ever having been so visibly overwhelmed or overjoyed by the spectacle as Thorin now appeared to be.

"They are like specks of gold and shards of precious gems," the dwarven king breathed, awe ringing in every word. “It’s been so long since last such a blessing was granted to me…thank you for reminding me, yet again, of these simple but invaluable pleasures.”

As he regarded his sapphire-eyed lover and brushed a chubby hand down the filaments of pure silver streaking Thorin's proud mane, Bilbo could only sigh in agreement.

"The wonders of the outside world," he chuckled softly. "I am glad that I got to share this moment with you."

His previous fears kept gnawing at the edges of his mind though and so, after another few minutes of contemplative silence, he finally burst out with the question that tortured him so.

"Why did you agree to come? Many are those who have tried to lure you from your throne without much success. Are you feeling quite all right?"

Waving a hand at the tireless flight of their twinkling visitors, Thorin shrugged sheepishly.

Grabbing Bilbo's chin between his strong index and thumb, he then bent forward to press a passionate kiss on those soft, cheeky lips.

"I heeded your demand," he then replied simply and soberly, "because you are my miracle of the outside world. And I'd not miss a second of it."

@fellowshipofthefics: here's another one :)

I hope you've enjoyed this, love <3

Lots of love from me <3

#og post #fotfics july event #Thilbo #Bagginshield #Thorin x Bilbo #fotfics summer stories #Week 1 #Bilbo #IDNMT writes #Thorin #fanfiction #writing #tolkien writing #jrrt #Fireflies

60 notes · View notes

skeleton-on-wheels0 · 6 months ago

Text

Question for the Hobbit fandom

You see, I'm writing a fanfic for The Hobbit, and it's an AU of a Soviet-Romanian movie, and I need help picking out the clothing for the frog.

BUT

I have a harder time picking out who the frog should be, so I've decided to ask y'all for help, because you people are the most skilled in meta and relationships, be it romantic or platonic.

I think that a poll might be the best way to settle this, so I've added one to this post, but before you scroll to tap one of the options, read the description of the frog so you can have an inkling of how the character should somewhat resemble (because, let's be serious, if Dwalin were to play a lively frog that sings and smiles all day, you'd cringe at the fanfic too)

So, here goes my rant :

Oaky, the frog, is very well-natured, almost childish at times, what with his almost constant singing and optimistic view of life (although that goes away quickly in situations that seem impossible). He's good friends with Light-spark(which I've decided is going to be Thorin), the firefly, with who he has such a close bond that the latter doesn't mind too much the fact that Oaky accidentally swallowed him whole, and settles on berating the frog for such a "barbaric" deed.

He's knowledgeable about a lot of things that happen in the place where he lives, and has a lot of friends almost everywhere, though he doesn't have a lot of close friends, though Light-spark is an exception as Oaky appointed himself as the firefly's right hand man in the attempt to woo Omide (who I've decided will be Bilbo, because I'm a sucker for Bagginshield).

He also thinks a bit low of himself and ends up in a pretty bad situation because of not acknowledging his worth.

...

So yeah, there's that....

Now it's up to you to pick the character from the Hobbit which will take this role! If you're up for it, you can also tell me what kind of clothing you see them wear.

ALSO, FYI, the reason I ask you to not pick Thranduil, Elrond, Gandalf, Legolas or Tauriel (for any reason) is because they will appear in the story later with other roles. Other than that, go wild on this post.

#the hobbit #fanfiction #writing #pls #wake up new au just dropped #the hobbit au #bagginshield #the hobbit Maria Mirabela AU #dwarves #dwarves of middle earth #middle earth au #middle earth

10 notes · View notes

setaripendragon · 5 months ago

Note

Trying to organize my ask notebook better since I've run out of space under general fandom asks and I would like to know what fandoms you are in so I can ask the correct people about the correct fandoms.

I think my main ones are Bagginshield/The Hobbit, Sherlock/Johnlock, Dragon Age Inquisition, {Pippin/Faramir Merry/Eowyn}/The Lord of the Rings and I dip my toes in a few that I currently can't remember but ones I don't engage in canon at all are Good Omens but only for Crowley/Azirapheal ship, Stranger Things but only for Steve/Eddie ship, The Witcher but only for Geralt/Jaskier things and Ladybug and Cat Noir but only for Adrinette .

Also do you like getting asks that are or include story ideas or snippets?

*Asks are sent for fun, no pressure to answer within a certain amount of time or at all.

Ooh, I am in so many fandoms XD It wouldn't actually be easier to list the ones I'm not in, but sometimes it feels that way.

Definitely there with you on The Hobbit and Bagginshield and Lord of the Rings and that whole 'verse, and I'm all in on the Good Omens and The Witcher (well, all in on most of the fandom, I've read some of one of the books, played some of one of the games, watched some of one of the shows... XD).

I also enjoy me some Sherlock, but my preferred flavour is Elementary, rather than BBC.

At the moment my main fandoms are One Piece (catching up with the anime atm, it's taking a while XD), Supernatural, and Star Wars (pretty much entirely second hand, except for the Kenobi show and recently being bullied into watching the Mandalorian with a friend =P).

Okay, I'm going to try and be concise now because otherwise we'll be here all day. Here are fandoms that I've written stuff for (published or not): A Song of Ice and Fire, Alice in Wonerland, Assassin's Creed, Avatar the Last Airbender, Black Butler, Bleach, James Bond, Charmed, Criminal Minds, Critical Role, Emperor's Edge, Fairy Tail, Firefly, Frozen, Fruits Basket, FullMetal Alchemist, Girl Genius, Rise of the Guardians, Harry Potter, Kingsman, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Merlin, Chronicles of Narnia, Naruto, Avatar (2009), Once Upon a Time, Peaky Blinders, Percy Jackson, Pride and Prejudice, The Sandman, Shadowhunters, Sinbad (Dreamworks), Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Teen Wolf, The Untamed, Torchwood, White Collar, X-Men.

I'm not, you know, deep in the fandom of more than usually three or four at a time, but my muse wanders like she's got itchy feet. And I'm probably at least passingly familiar with several other fandoms: I'm enjoying watching Dungeon Meshi at the moment but I haven't yet got the itch to play in that sandbox, I love reading Scum Villain's Self Saving System fanfic but I don't feel I know the characters well enough to write my own, I watched basically all of the Disney animated movies as a kid but I haven't yet had a solid enough idea to write, I have seen some of Stranger Things but I watched most of it while somewhat sleep deprived and that is not the best way to watch horror ^^" I've played FF7, I've read the Hunger Games, I've watched Yuri On Ice, etc, but I don't have a convenient list of those, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I won't make this any longer than it needs to be going into my ships unless you ask specifically, but let it be said that I'm a polyshipper in a big way (nothing gets my brain to go brrrrrrr like complicated relationship dynamics =3), and making it onto my NoTP list takes some seriously rancid vibes and/or overly pushy fans, and it's always safe to ask me about a ship =P

Story ideas are very welcome! The muse needs constant feeding =P I won't make any guarantees about them going anywhere, but I love seeing them all the same. Snippets... are probably the same? I don't know, I've never been sent one. I'm probably even less likely to do anything with them, just because of stupid brain quirks, but who knows?

#fandom #asks

5 notes · View notes

7spaceace7 · 3 years ago

Text

By Fireflies’ Glow (Bagginshield)

Soooo I made a Bagginshield fic based off of this post and it’s on my Ao3 if you prefer to read it there, but here it is! The firefly scene didn’t make it into the movie’s cuts, so I made it myself and made it gay for good measure.

Word count: 2237

Warnings: None, unless you count unreasonable amounts of pining

Rivendell’s magnificence only extended into the evening, after the last light of day passed over the mountains surrounding it. Streaming waterfalls cascaded over the cliffs below, leading into rivers and streams down past the elven borders. Dusk crept up on Eastern skies in parallel to the setting sun, until the moon above followed its path high into the sky. Where there was sunlight cast into the water, silver moonlight now shone upon its surface. Bilbo had never seen an evening so beautiful, not in all his years.

The beauty of Rivendell had so captured him that the hobbit had spent nearly all his time wandering about the kingdom. While his dwarrow companions dined together, Bilbo explored the main halls of Rivendell, and the hobbit was quick to continue his self-guided tour just after Thror’s map had been translated. There was no doubt that Bilbo had fallen in love with the Valley of Imladris. He had to see as much as he could before their journey picked up once more.

At least, that was his excuse to distract from the real reason he had put distance between himself and the others. In truth, he did not feel welcome at their table. Bilbo was acutely aware of his outsider status to the dwarves; he may have been a contracted burglar of this company, but the hobbit knew he was still viewed as little more than a burdensome stranger without any experience of the larger world. The worst part was that he couldn’t blame them.

It was no secret he was inexperienced. What he had in his skills of gardening and baking (the best cakes from scratch in the Shire, you see), he lacked in the practical adventuring repertoire of sword fighting and travelling across Middle Earth. He was a Baggins of Bag-End after all, such respectable hobbits didn’t just up and leave on journeys with strange dwarves who ate his pantry stock.

But then, Bilbo supposed he wasn’t a respectable hobbit anymore. He had left that title behind as soon as he grabbed his signed contract and rushed out of his rounded door all that time ago. Instead, he was a member of a perilous quest to slay a dragon and reclaim a dwarven kingdom. However, the title of “adventurer” didn’t seem to belong to him either.

Another rounded corner of the path led Bilbo to find himself back where his exploration had started in the gardens. He hadn’t meant to come this way again, but it seemed his feet had started wandering on their own when the hobbit became lost in doubt. Bilbo didn’t mind, though.

The gardens of the elves were some of the most enchanting he’d ever seen. Hedges encircled the area, trees sprung up their lanky limbs that seemed to welcome all who ventured there. It was well-kept, organized, and filled with flowers of all colors he’d only ever seen in books. The colors seemed to glow by moonlight as well, transforming into translucent blues, purples, and greens. Bilbo used to daydream about places like these from reading his books, wondering what it would be like to live in a place where such beautiful things can grow. Lord Elrond’s offer of staying in Rivendell returned to his mind.

“Master Baggins,” Came the rough voice of Thorin Oakenshield, pulling the hobbit from his thoughts in surprise. Bilbo’s head turned to see that the gardens had already been occupied by said dwarven king, who sat upon the backless, stone-carved bench alone. He held an expression that Bilbo could not place. At the least, it was not a glare or look of disdain toward him as usual. “I was beginning to think you’d run off. You made quick leave after reading the map. You weren’t at dinner, either.”

“You’re right, I was..”The hobbit shifted to his other leg. The words didn’t find him to explain that he didn’t think himself welcome in their company. Exploring didn’t seem much like a Baggins pastime either, so Bilbo’s sentence hung unfinished. “I didn’t realize someone else was here. I expect you wish to be left alone, I’ll take my leave-”

“The others are resting,” Thorin said before Bilbo could take even a step away. His gaze turned away from the hobbit and back to the open trees. “I couldn’t find sleep.”

“...So you came here?”

Thorin bowed his chin in a nod. The halfling recalled many sleepless nights of his own being comforted by the fresh air found in his garden back home. He allowed himself to wonder if this was something he and the dwarf had in common.

“I never took you for a lover of nature.”

Perhaps on better terms, Thorin might have seemed amused. “I assure you, I am not. The gardens just happened to be far enough away from the sounds of Bombur’s snores.”

“I see. It is rather peaceful. In the gardens, I mean.”

“Indeed.”

Moments of silence stretched between the unlikely pair while the two admired their surroundings, even if Thorin wouldn’t admit to elvish work capturing his attention. Bilbo remained awkwardly at the steps of the garden where he was first stopped. He didn’t mind standing since Hobbits had more resilience in being on their feet for long amounts of time, but to Bilbo’s surprise, Thorin made room on the bench beside him.

The halfling’s lips twitched in figuring what to say, should he say anything at all. Finally he decided that he ought to try and test the waters. If Thorin was offering him a place to sit, he would take the opportunity and see where it took him. The Tookish part inside told him that this could be his chance to reconcile their strained first impressions. Bilbo walked over and took his seat at the far end of the bench.

“I have my own garden, back in Bag-End,” He started, after the silence became too heavy to hold any longer, “You might have seen it when you arrived that night. It’s certainly not as impressive as this, but then I’m just one hobbit compared to many elves. Besides, it has all the flowers I really need, all of my favorites. The Shire has perfect weather for my hydrangeas best of all.”

The dwarf didn’t speak as he watched him ramble. Bilbo didn’t think Thorin much the type for listening about gardening techniques and therefore spared the details, but a quick glance over to the dwarf proved that he was, indeed, listening. Still silent as ever, but this was a bit different. The exiled king seemed at peace for once. Like he was grateful to hear of a hobbit’s silly affinity for plants instead of a mountain kingdom to be reclaimed.

It was a sight Bilbo found himself having trouble looking away from. He willed himself to focus on the fireflies gathering around the bushes instead.

“Gardens were not to be found in the mountain,” Thorin’s voice softened at the mention of his old home. He always regarded the Lonely Mountain with careful, almost protective, thought. Bilbo’s eyes settled back on the dwarf and clung to every word. “Nothing grows underground, of course. No grass or soil to grow it, and there was no true light, save for the forges and fires burning.”

“None at all? Did you never go outside..?” Bilbo asked. He had known dwarves were the type to mostly stay underground, but such a concept still seemed so foreign to him. Hobbits were known to spend practically all of their time outdoors, and there was light everywhere he could remember. Thorin, however, shook his head.

“Dwarves in that time were born into the darkness of caves. They grew used to seeing rock instead of sky, and I was no different. From the moment I could walk, my time was devoted to training, watching my grandfather as he ruled so I could one day take his place. Learning of the kingdom and its people, of how to protect and serve them, everything a young prince must know,” Thorin explained. His eyes cast toward the ground as he hunched over, deep in thought. It seemed a painful memory sprung from his words without his meaning to. “There was no time for anything but such duties, especially as my grandfather’s health began to fail...”

Thorin trailed off with regret held in his eyes.

“There was little I knew of the world outside of Erebor’s halls, and that’s how it would have stayed were it not for the snake residing there now,” The exiled king finished with bitten words. Bilbo shifted uncomfortably.

“I’m sorry to hear it.”

“I have no need of your pity,” Thorin’s words were said without malice. Instead, they were filled with shame, like he believed he did not deserve sympathy. Like this horror was his fault, somehow. “Especially from someone who knows a very different life.”

“Actually, it doesn’t sound completely different.”

The dwarf’s taken aback look was all he needed to continue.

“I mean, I certainly wasn’t an heir to a kingdom, but in the Shire you didn’t go much of anywhere else. Sometimes to Bree if you were the type, but that would get you odd looks from the rest of town, and by no means were you considered the respectable sort. In fact, I’m sure by now I’ve probably been declared mad beyond all reason, going off on adventures with strange dwarves and a wizard.”

The light brown curls framing Bilbo’s face bounced when he chuckled. Thorin found himself wondering why he noticed this.

“Hobbits simply don’t care much for learning what outside the Shire borders holds. We don’t get visitors, and we don’t do any visiting of our own. So..I suppose in that regard, I understand not knowing much else but what expectations you’ve been born to,” Bilbo finished with a hesitant smile. It was a smile simply for Thorin in that moment, reserved for his eyes and his eyes alone. And yet, the dwarf looked away, startled by its intimacy.

“I see both our clans have deemed us mad, then,” Thorin said, clearing his throat to hide the sudden topic shift.

“How do you mean?”

“The other dwarrow leaders called our quest a fool’s death sentence. I made mention of it before we left your home, but in truth they did not use as-- encouraging-- words as I led the others to believe,” The words of mockery bounced back bitterly to the forefront of his mind. “They believe we won’t make it alive to even reach the mountain. It is why we take on this task alone.”

Bilbo’s mouth twitched in thought again. “Well,” He began, “Perhaps they’re right.”

Thorin’s shock bubbled up instantly, paired with a list of insults in Khuzdul that he had half a mind to repeat from the aforementioned dwarrow council. The hobbit knew that look and raised his arms in defense.

“What I mean to say is, yes, perhaps you won’t reach the mountain, perhaps that’s how we’re fated to finish, but,” Bilbo took a breath, calmed his nerves, “It is still a noble cause to see through the end. And I know each of those who’ve followed you this far would agree. Anyone who doubts you hasn’t got the courage to see it as such.”

Thorin’s eyes softened. He looked down at the smaller creature, such a curious thing by anyone’s standards. A hobbit of the Shire, fond of books, green gardens, and the comforts of home, and yet it is he who has remedied his doubts of his birthright.

“...Thank you.”

Bilbo simply nodded. Even if he himself wasn’t fit for this journey, he truly did hope these dwarves would succeed. They’d all lost so much when their home was taken from them. Especially Thorin. Thorin Oakenshield, who’d braved unfathomable death and destruction and still stood, facing up against an almost impossible task. And here he was, thanking a small hobbit for mere words.

Their lives could not be more different-- and still, they were familiar.

A soft, shining glow from the middle of the garden grove brought their attention away from one another. Dozens and dozens of fireflies had snuck their way closer and completely surrounded the pair on the bench. Their patterns blinked and glimmered for all to see, with shimmering water nearby to exemplify the view. Thorin, surprisingly, was the one captivated most. His cobalt blue eyes shimmered from their reflection, trained on their light.

“Perhaps you were right. About us being raised too differently,” The hobbit mused. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched the king become a prince again. “I don’t remember being so enthralled by the nightly fireflies.”

Thorin chuckled. A small, but genuine, bout of humor. Honestly, it almost shocked Bilbo into the next age.

“Forgive me. I suppose I just never stopped to notice them before. Not in all my journeys across Middle Earth,” His smile lingered. Bilbo’s brightened.

They held such a gaze for some time in comfortable silence. At first meeting, Thorin had sized up the simple hobbit for a commoner, unfit for the wilds of the journey the company had planned to cross. And perhaps that was still the case. Only time would tell if Bilbo was truly a loyal member of this quest, but for now, they had this moment to share.

That is, until Gandalf’s voice was heard passing along the bridge mentioning the dwarven king by name.

#Bagginshield #the hobbit #bilbo baggins #thorin oakenshield #thilbo #thilbo bagginshield #the hobbit: an unexpected journey #Rivendell #Fanfics #lil bit of both canon compliance and canon divergence #obviously in my AU no one dies tho #did i mention the pining

26 notes · View notes

smoking-old-toby · 1 year ago

Text

happy bagginshield firefly day!!

i've finished the first chapter of bilbo the half-elven, that i'm officially naming "swap hearts, i want yours beating in my chest" (2.7k) - special thanks to my betas @kittyhawk717 and @ilovemosss <3

it wasn't going to have a bagginshield firefly scene, but i added it as my contribution. you can read the scene beneath the cut if you don't wanna read the whole chapter

firefly scene

A small voice in the back of Bilbo's mind tells him that it could be different now, since the dwarrow only know what he tells them about hobbits. If Thorin wants to bed him, well, why should Bilbo pass that up?

Because he admires Thorin. He's so brave and determined, even if he can be rude and insufferable. If he didn't care about Thorin's opinion of him, maybe he could do it, but getting involved with Thorin would only make it worse if Thorin ever found out that Bilbo has elven blood.

Bilbo has to remember that.

And he does. Remember. Until Thorin finds him later that night.

He is admiring the fireflies when he hears the thud of dwarven boots approaching from behind. Bilbo hopes it isn’t Thorin. Bilbo hopes it is Thorin. Clenching his hands into fists on his lap, he takes a deep breath.

“I know that I haven’t made a very good impression on you… but it seems something is weighing heavily on your mind. If you wanted to talk about it to someone, I would happily be that someone.”

Thorin’s sincere words bring tears to Bilbo’s eyes, and he is glad that Thorin is behind him.

No. He doesn’t want to talk about it. Doesn’t want to talk about the loss of kin he never knew.

“I- I don’t want to talk right now,” Bilbo whispers. He can hear Thorin start to retreat, but suddenly he realizes he doesn’t want that either! “But I could listen. Perhaps you could tell me something instead. Something good.”

Feeling rather than seeing Thorin sit beside him, Bilbo listens to Thorin speak about how he would sometimes sneak out of the mountain at night to see the fireflies. He’s trying to imagine a small version of Thorin sneaking past his parent’s chambers to get to the roof and he can’t help smiling. Did he ever take his siblings with him, or did he keep it secret?

“They’ve always enchanted me,” Thorin says in a soft, confiding tone, looking shy, which Bilbo finds terribly endearing.

You enchant me Bilbo wants to say, but instead he asks, “What was it like, being raised as a future leader?”

Thorin is silent for a few moments. “It was… structured. When I wasn’t in weapons training or the forge, I was expected to be observing my father and grandfather.”

“What about your siblings?”

“The same was expected of them.” Thorin grins at him. “Dis will love you.”

Bilbo can do nothing but smile back when Thorin declares this with complete certainty.

Thorin looks to the sky with a self-deprecating sigh, and when he lowers his eyes back to Bilbo, his smile is rueful. “This would be the perfect moment, I think, to give you a flower crown… but I was unsatisfied with my attempts.”

Mouth gaping, Bilbo tries to think how he should respond, but then both of their heads turn towards Gandalf and Lord Elrond.

#bagginshield firefly day #bagginshield #the hobbit #bagginshield fic #smoking old toby

36 notes · View notes

mithrilhearts · 3 years ago

Note

hello! for the soundtrack ask game: may your forge burn bright

have a nice day!

Ohhh yes!! I love this fic so much, I did kind of a lazy playlist here, but I am VERY happy to do a fleshed out one (which makes me think more, yay!). But sorry this took me a hot second today, it really did make me think, and I enjoyed every second of it.

THANK YOU!

A Soundtrack for May Your Forge Burn Bright

3 Character Intro Songs (aka just character themed songs)

Home: Gabrielle Aplin HOME is such a hard concept for Thorin to accept, at least when the fic starts, and eventually he finds his - where it’s not a place, but a person. I feel this song fits for him in this fic a lot (as it has great hints of Bagginshield in it too!)

This Is Home: Switchfoot To keep with the theme of home, as that is the ultimate theme of the fic overall, I feel this one works for Bilbo easily enough! He feels he finally belongs when with Thorin and I get weepy thinking about it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Bree or Ered Luin or ...??? But yes, he’s found home!

Arms: Christina Perri And to finish off the “Home” theme, this is the ultimate Bagginshield theme when it comes to this fic. Home is a person, not a place, and this song wraps that up nicely like a nice warm Bagginshield hug. You put your arms around me and I’m home.

2 Lyricless “Mood” Songs

Mountain Dwellers: Derek Fiechter, Brandon Fiechter This gives me big dwarf vibes, and it should! It’s literally dedicated to the tolkien dwarves so hey. Big Ered Luin vibes, it’s big and bold and fits them perfectly.

Hopeful Dynamis: Chewie Melodies Another one for the FFXIV fans, just called “Dynamis” from the actual OST release for Endwalker - this tune gives me some big Acacia vibes. Wherever that special little flower shows up, so does this. It’s so pretty and...well, hopeful!

1 Villain/Conflict Song

Say Something: A Great Big World Chapter 9 gets a lot of love here. This is the chapter where Bilbo is ready to leave Ered Luin, not wanting to be a burden for Thorin - not to mention, they also haven’t had the proper feelios conversation. All Bilbo wants is for Thorin to do is to -say something-. There are other conflicts in the fic, but this one still makes me mushy.

4 Scene Songs

I See The Light: Brent Morgan THE SCENE. The hillside scene with fireflies and northern lights!! It’s totally romantic and @stardryad did some amazing artwork to bring it to life. This song is 100% perfect for this scene (chapter 7)

I’ll Follow You: Shinedown I really like this song for the part of the story where Thorin goes after Bilbo in a rainstorm after Bilbo’s tried to have them go separate ways! It’s very reminiscent of Thorin wanting to keep Bilbo safe (i.e. he assured Bilbo the storms wouldn’t get him in Bree, etc) and of course, we’ve got a lovely confession scene here! (chapter 9)

Caught In The Rain: Revis Another good song for chapter 9. If you’ve read this chapter you’ll understand why it’s automatically a winner. That rain kiss? Heyoooo. But also if you look at the lyrics they fit really well with Bagginshield and this overall scene, as well as what led up to it. (chapter 9)

Something In The Air: Seafret I can associate this with two parts of the fic, not necessarily a SPECIFIC part, but like...think of a cute little montage of Thorin and Bilbo making the trek from Bree to The Shire pre-feelings - when Bilbo sneaks the acacia onto Thorin’s items! But also during their time in Ered Luin when they’ve got the shop and everything seems to be going perfectly. (chapter 3 & chapter 12+)

Send me any of my fics and I’ll give you a soundtrack!

#raz answers #naomi-elessar #weekend wips #fic: may your forge burn bright

6 notes · View notes

omgkatsudonplease · 4 years ago

Text

[ficlet, bagginshield] shock and delight, pt 1 (bridgerton au)

The banks of the Brandywine River are packed with strolling couples on the day of the promenade, their chaperones following shortly behind. Thorin and the Fundinson brothers arrive exactly on time, Thorin carrying a bottle of Old Winyards. According to the sommelier in the shop at Bucklebury, this particular bottle was their last vintage one.

Bilbo and his chaperone Mr Greyhame show up a couple minutes late, the Hobbit fretting and dabbing at his brows with a monogrammed handkerchief. “I’m so terribly sorry for my lateness,” he flusters, hopping on one foot to the other like a nervous rabbit as he peers up at Thorin with a sheepish grin. “I forgot my pocket-handkerchief and had to go back for it.”

Thorin is caught between the absolute adorableness of Bilbo’s contrite pout and the absolute absurdity of the reason for his tardiness.

“You are forgiven,” he declares instead. Bilbo’s pout smooths into a heart-melting smile.

The two of them begin to head down the path alongside the river, their pace leisurely. Other promenaders pass them by, as well as several open carriages pulled by unprotesting ponies. Thorin finds his gaze oddly drawn to the way the spring sunlight seems to burnish Bilbo’s curls into gold. Probably where Lord Stormcrow got the Golden Hare moniker, he thinks, before forcibly looking away towards a young Hobbit family having a picnic by the river.

It’s a picture-perfect image of marital bliss. Thorin supposes something like that is what Bilbo is looking for, which Thorin himself obviously could not provide. Though he has yet to hear of any pushback against what must be an odd coupling by both Dwarvish and Hobbit standards, he is sure opposition will make itself known eventually. A marriage of true minds often lacks the productivity factor of a standard marriage, something which would be keenly felt in the family of a gentleman as distinguished as Bilbo Baggins’s.

He, on the other hand, has already named his sister-children as his heirs. So it didn’t matter whether or not he married at all, nor did it matter whether or not his One (wherever they may be) possessed the physical apparatus or mental inclination for childbearing.

“I have a question,” says Bilbo after a moment, breaking through Thorin’s thoughts like sunlight through stormclouds. “How do you know Gandalf? He’s an old family friend of mine, and apparently my cousin Fortinbras was the one who suggested he watch over me this season, but I don’t know how he would know you.” He looks thoughtful, hazel eyes peering inquisitively into Thorin’s face.

In spite of himself, Thorin feels exposed, almost vulnerable.

“I suppose Gandalf does have a lot of fingers in a lot of pies, though,” muses Bilbo after a moment, before laughing and shrugging it off. “So? How do you know Gandalf?”

“To use your phrasing, Mr Greyhame has a finger in Erebor’s pie,” replies Thorin simply, not wanting to discuss how, years upon years ago, the Wizard had found his father in the depths of the Greenwood lost in enchantments and his own memories. King Thráin had, as the story went, finally succumbed to his grief about the deaths of his father and son, and had gotten lost in the Greenwood on his way to Azanulbizar to mourn them.

He half suspects that telling Bilbo all of that would just make the poor Hobbit run off screaming in the opposite direction. So instead he bites his tongue, folding his hands behind his back.

“I see,” says Bilbo, fiddling nervously with one of his cuff-links. “I’ve never been to Erebor. I’ve barely even left the Shire as-is.”

Thorin arches an eyebrow, remembering the abundance of maps and walking-sticks in Bag End the first time he’d gone over for dinner. The smial, though grand in size and luxurious in room variety, didn’t have the same cold ostentation as the mansions of Dwarves or Men. It felt homey, well-loved. A testament to lives well-lived.

No wonder Bilbo was so picky about the search for his One. If Thorin were not king, he would have wanted his halls just as cosy and warm, and he would have wanted to share it with only those who would brighten its nooks and crannies.

“You certainly give the appearance of being well-travelled,” he says neutrally, still thinking of the maps and walking-sticks.

“Within the Shire,” demurs Bilbo. “I have had to go to Annúminas on business, of course, and once I went to Fornost with my parents on holiday, but Hobbits as a rule try to stick within the four farthings of the Shire. After all, why go out to see the rest of the world when the world comes to us every year?”

His last question is both rhetorical and bitter. Thorin’s heart aches a little just hearing it.

“So it is a matter of respectability?” he wonders wryly. Bilbo raises an eyebrow, so Thorin explains. “There is not much stopping you from running out of your front door and into the Blue, after all.”

Bilbo chuckles ruefully. “No,” he agrees. “But every time the side of me that craves adventures begins to make plans, the other side of me protests mightily, saying I’ll miss my books and my armchair and having six regular meals a day.”

Thorin has, indeed, noticed that restaurants and tea shops in the Shire have a more constant cycle of meals than anywhere else in Middle-earth. He’s honestly not complaining.

“Speaking of meals,” he says, nodding towards the basket that Mr Greyhame is carrying, “I brought Old Winyards. Shall we find somewhere to sit?”

Bilbo checks his pocket-watch. “It’s halfway between elevensies and luncheon,” he remarks.

“Yes,” says Thorin. “Consider it ‘lunchensies’.”

Bilbo bursts out in laughter at that, a bright joyful sound that rings through Thorin like one of the golden bells of Dale. His own stomach flutters a bit, and it takes all of his self-control to simply gesture for Balin and Dwalin to come help them set up their picnic on the banks of the Brandywine River.

Lunchensies is a success. Bilbo immediately takes a liking to Balin the moment they all sit down on the blanket together, happily chatting with him about books and history in between bites of his sandwich. Thorin watches them, unable to stop the smile on his face as he watches the way his old friend brightens under the Hobbit’s genuine inquisitiveness.

“Yes, the road between here and Erebor was not as arduous as it used to be,” Balin is saying. “There is, of course, the stray highway robbery within Orc territory, but rumour has it that after the Shadow was broken at the end of the last Age, the majority of the Enemy’s armies have fallen out of its thrall and prefer to keep to themselves within the Mountains.”

“Occupying the ancestral halls of Khazad-dûm,” growls Dwalin. Thorin, too, feels the cold resentment deep in his stomach, but he tempers it by watching Bilbo chew thoughtfully at his sandwich, his nose twitching like a rabbit’s.

“While Durin’s Bane continues to live, Khazad-dûm cannot be retaken,” he reminds Dwalin.

“If it continues to live,” muses Balin, before hastily switching the topic. “On the other hand, we are fortunate not to have awoken anything similar within Erebor. Though we did almost lose it to the firedrake Smaug.”

Thorin remembers the flames, remembers the lives lost to the dragon. The tragedy had seemed insurmountable at the time, but now he supposes rebuilding a Kingdom within the ashes of dragonfire was not as bad as being forced to flee for a new home like what had happened to his ancestors in Khazad-dûm.

“Almost?” echoes Bilbo, his eyes wide. Dwalin hands him and Thorin both glasses of the Old Winyards. Mr Greyhame, too, is helping himself to a liberal portion of the wine.

“The Lady Mika, wife of the Lord of Dale, requited her husband’s death upon the dragon by shooting him with a black arrow,” explains Thorin as he pops a strawberry into his mouth. The fruit’s juices spill over his fingers; he hastily licks it off before wiping his fingers with the handkerchief.

Bilbo’s cheeks are dusted light pink when Thorin looks up again, and Thorin can feel his own cheeks heating in response.

“Well,” flounders the Hobbit, “that must have been terrible to go through. We haven’t had anything quite like that in the Shire, save for long and fell winters and the odd plague outbreak. But enough talk of dark and grim things! What is your favourite part of Erebor?”

The question throws Thorin for a moment. “Everything,” he says, but Bilbo raises a doubtful eyebrow at that. “All of Erebor is connected,” explains Thorin. “From the mines to the forges to the crafting halls, every part serves the whole.”

“Cogs in a machine,” muses Bilbo. “But what about a location? If you’ve grown up there all your life, surely you must have a favourite place. Secret hideouts from childhood, all of that.”

Thorin considers the question again, and this time the answer comes almost as if he had always meant to say it: “My mother’s garden,” he replies. “She kept a well-tended terrace beside the Royal apartments. We still take care of it, of course, and in the spring the cherry and apple blossoms blanket the grass like petalled snow.”

Bilbo’s expression lights up. “That sounds incredible,” he says.

“In the summer, the entire terrace is flooded with fireflies. I remember thinking once as a child that they were stars come down to play with us.”

Bilbo’s hands tighten against the stem of his wineglass. “I should very much like to see that,” he says quietly. Thorin smiles, before noticing the knowing glint in their companions’ eyes.

He glares at them until they subside.

#the hobbit #bagginshield #tolkien #lily's dabbles #bridgerton au

15 notes · View notes