#happy hobbit day have my halflings

[gin-draws]

sketches of some halfling siblings

[edges-of-night]

Heyo! I was wondering if you could write something about the lotr characters meeting a modern!reader that starts crushing on them once they show up in middle earth? (Preferably the 4 hobbits) Happy writings!

I hope I did your request justice! Enjoy!

･ﾟ✧ Frodo.

Sure enough, Frodo had heard the gossip about a strange human showing up in the Shire – not only one of the big folk, but dressed especially strangely, and talking even weirder. Being the gentleman that he is, Frodo would not investigate or snoop around any further than that. Surely that human had enough helpful hobbits around them by now… Little did he know that nothing could be further from the truth!

Your time in this strange place had been nothing but miserable. No electricity, no internet, indeed nowhere to charge your phone – it wasn’t like your navigation apps were of any help out here, recognising absolutely nothing – but still you dreaded losing your only connection to home. None of the people here could tell you where you were. They looked like D’n’D halflings, with their pointy ears and short bodies, but all they did was pretend they didn’t understand you or shoo you away with whatever tool they were holding.

When your phone eventually died, you broke down crying in the grove you had been wandering. Covering your face with your hands, you sobbed with your back against the tree. It should be cruel that you were so lonely in such a beautiful place…

Somewhen, you heard light – well, as light as these big-fooded halflings could walk – steps coming toward you. A polite and quiet voice asked, “Excuse me… Can I help you?”

You looked up with a sniff. Before you stood a halfling with the brightest and biggest blue eyes you have ever seen. He carried a book under his arm. His words and demeanour were careful, as though he tried explicitly not to scare you.

“I don’t know,” you said truthfully. As soon as the words left your mouth, a comforting warmth spread in your chest – you had already given up hope of ever finding a friendly face here! You broke into a relieved laugh.

“I thought I heard someone crying,” the halfling smiled with a wave of his book. “And from the sound of your voice, you could use a glass of water, couldn’t you?”

You rubbed your eyes. “That’d be great, yeah. Haven’t had something to drink for almost a day now. I guess. I don’t know how time works here.”

“It’s the twelfth of July,” the halfling said gently, huddling down in front of you.

You sucked in a breath – such blue eyes could only mean you were in some kind of fantasy world! “The same day I left home,” you uttered, hoping your heart would not jump out right into his face.

“And still you seemed to have travelled quite the distance,” he said and smiled. “Come on,” he offered with an extended hand, “you can rest at my home in Bag End.”

“Thank you,” you breathed. But when you took his hand, you suddenly got the feeling everything would turn out okay after all…

.

･ﾟ✧ Merry.

In the hope that it would make you seem smaller, you ducked your head – but the halflings’ eyes were still firmly on you. You’d already been in their world for days, and yet they gawped at you as though you were an alien.

Well, considering you hadn’t seen any other humans in their little halfling town, maybe that was sort of true.

“The same as always,” you asked the bartender. Meaning: left-over bread and a bit of water.

“Right away,” she smiled. She was friendly – your only source of food for the past few days – but even her eyes were cautious. As though you might break something just by standing at her small bar counter. You suppressed a sigh and mumbled a quiet, “Thank you.”

“Belay that order, Rosie! They’ll have a summer vegetable ragout,” a rough voice next to chimed in. “And how about some redcurrant juice? Better than water all day. We’ll have a carafe.”

You shifted, elbows on the counter. You weren’t in the mood for petty halfling nonsense – you just wanted something to eat and get back to the tree you were hiding behind…

“On your tab, Merry?” Rosie asked, eyebrows risen in amusement.

“Yes, yes, everything on my tab.” He downed his beer and leaned further onto the counter. “My treat!”

Nothing in his voice suggested malice, so you did turn around. Next to you sat a bright-eyed halfling in a yellow vest. His cheeks were puffy from grinning. “Sorry if you looked forward to that ol’ bread,” his voice rasped. “Hope I didn’t ruin your evening.”

Something about his shamelessness made you smile. “You didn’t. Thank you.” You swallowed, but your next words left your mouth before you could stop yourself: “That’s the kindest thing someone around here has done for me.”

“Ahh, don’t give a horse’s shit about other people,” he went. “I was never averse to the big folk, and neither are the Tooks. And the Baggins’, needless to say. And, yeah, I’m a Brandybuck, so…”

Gears turn in your head – you’d heard all those names around town before. “Oh, you’re – what’s it – Merry?”

His head spun around, bright eyes staring at you. “Yeah,” he uttered. “That’s me.” He put his drink down and fumbled with the curls that had fallen into his face. You chuckled at how flustered he was all of a sudden – it was very cute! “And, and,” he stuttered, “you are…?”

You leaned in to tell him your name over the crowd’s noise. He smelled of apples and summer meadows…

When you pulled away, Merry gave you the brightest grin. “What a beautiful name!”

“Thanks,” you laughed, blushing at his smile.

“Now that that’s settled…” He shifted to give you a conspiratorial look. “We’ll get your ragout and juice, and then we can dance and sing together, what do you say?”

You laughed in disbelieve. “What?”

“Yeah! My friends are sitting over there! We can join them and teach you all the songs you need to know in the Green Dragon.” Though Merry’s enthusiasm was unmistakable, he still glanced downward, as though he was nervous about asking this of you. You thinned your lips in order not to smile like a lovebird – he was pretty charming! “I’d love to join you, Merry. Thank you.”

His joy practically exploded: “Great! Great, now then let’s go!”

“What about the ragout…?”

“I’ll teach you to dance first!” he called and took your hand to pull you with him.

.

･ﾟ✧ Pippin.

Halflings, or Hobbits, as they called themselves, were a strange little people. When you had crashed into their town last Tuesday, their initial reaction to you had been rather hostile. Especially older people did not want you around, let alone talk to you.

With younger Hobbits however, the story was very different.

Children, insofar their parents wouldn’t hold them back, loved when you came to town to get food and water. They asked if you knew “Gandalf” and all other sorts of names you didn’t recognise. They also whispered secrets into your ear, about this or that sibling of theirs who had a crush on you. While amused, you shrugged it off as children’s nonsense, just the same as in your world. Until… you found a letter by the tree trunk you’ve made your home base. It was a neat and tidy letter, gorgeous handwriting, and even a seal.

Your tall figure and round ears have enchanted me…

It was a love letter! Your heart skipped a few beats – and then you laughed. Hobbits were impossible! And impossibly charming, as it would seem.

Soon you learned that they all had such tidy handwriting and beautiful stationary. The letters multiplied. Each day you found more by your home. It was getting ridiculous – so few would talk to you in person, and then apologise for it in the most beautiful letter you’d ever seen.

One day, when you found another seven letters by your base, a voice stopped you from reading them right away. “Here’s another delivery for ye!”

You turned around to find a boyish Hobbit with dishwater blond curls and blue eyes heading your way. He had a shoulder bag around his turquoise coat and marched straight toward you. You laughed when he did a little tip-toe-dance toward you.

“Wow. Then all of these are yours?” you asked.

“Wha’?” He stopped in his tracks, giving you a wide-eyed look with his lips falling open. “No, no, you couldn’t be further from the truth! Everyone’s been givin’ me letters for you, but none of it my own, I swear!”

You smiled at his charming accent and outraged expression. He even raised his hands in defence, thereby holding up the envelopes he meant to give you earlier.

“So, you’re my little messenger?” you asked, trying to ignore the urge to hug him. He was too precious!

“Somethin’ only a Took would do,” he said with a proud grin. “I bet no one’s asked you out for a bowl of Second Breakfast strawberries in person, right?”

“No?” you went, a bit unsure – was he…?

“Then I’ll do just that,” he grinned, pushing the envelopes into your hands. He smiled up at you so brightly you needed a second to understand.

“Only if you like the freshest, juiciest, reddest strawberries, that is…”

You chuckled. “What a question.”

He jumped a little, beaming like the sun. “One best asked in person, I figured. Come on, then. I’m Peregrin, by the way, but everyone calls me Pippin. Or Pip is fine, too, if you prefer that – Merry sometimes calls me that – you might know him, my first cousin, Meriadoc Brandybuck. I’m also cousins with Frodo Baggins, up in Bag End, I’m sure we can pay ‘im a visit later and play cards, that’d be a blast! And speaking of Bag End…”

Truly, you thought with a blissful smile as you walked down the hill, all that would’ve been a bit much to fit into one letter.

.

･ﾟ✧ Sam.

For Samwise Gamgee, it was an ordinary day to the plant market and back. He was thinking about trying some of that summer lilac this year. The butterflies loved it, and the East side of Bag End could use another arboret anyway. It was heavier to carry than he had expected – but nothing rolled-up sleeves couldn’t handle, even below the warm late afternoon sun. With that, he was on his way back home.

You, on the other hand, were headed in the other direction. One second you were walking down the street, looking at your phone, and then…

A gust of wind made you raise your head. You had to squint your eyes against the suddenly bright and golden sun. Insects chirped around you. You were standing by a field! Below your shoes was a gravelled path, above you the clearest blue sky you’d seen in a while.

Just when you turned around, you bumped into a child coming from around the corner of the high wildflowers – or so you thought. After your initial confusion and an autopiloted “Oh, sorry!”, you realised the stranger was far from a child. Before you stumbled a tanned man with blond curls falling into his freckled face, sturdy and kind. His broad arms, exposed by a rolled-up old-timey shirt, carried a potted plant that he now steadied in-between you.

“Oh, not to worry!” he let you know. He grunted when he realised that raising the plant like this would block your faces. Rearranging it gave you time to further scan him – his feet were naked and big. And very, very hairy – “You’re a halfling!” you realised.

“Aye, sure hope I am,” the man replied. A smile tugged at his lips when his brown eyes met yours. “And you’re a human, as it looks to me.”

You laughed. He was very good at this. Had you wandered into a fantasy festival? “Yeah, um – sorry, again,” you babbled, stealing a glance at your phone. No reception.

“No worries,” he assured you. He tilted his head. “What’s that magic tablet you’re carryin’?”

You were on the verge of replying that this was just a phone, not a tablet, when he instantly straightened his posture. “I mean, not to make any assumptions, but we don’t get big folk visitin’ very often. People might stare if someone walks around with magic stuff, not to mention a beauty such as you.”

“Beauty?” Your heart picked up pace when the halfling looked at you shily from below his dark eyelashes. Your own eyes fluttered. Where were you…? “I was just walking down the street,” you mumble, “and before I knew it…”

“I know the feeling!” the halfling agreed. “One step and you don’t know where you are anymore.”

You studied him – something made you trust him. “Yeah.”

“Were you on your way to Hobbiton then? I can accompany you, very well, if you want to,” he offered you in his simple and charming manner. You couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah. Thank you!”

[bookworm-with-coffee]

Legends . . .

(Thorin Oakenshield x Reader)

(A/N); Hello and here we go, readers!! Part Three of this tale, "Excuses" , has finally come to fruition!! Please note, that in this chapter, the POV changes. As always, I hope you enjoy!! ❤

Pairings; Thorin x Reader (Platonic), Fili x Reader (Romantic), Kili x Tauriel (Romantic)

Plot; In the conclusion to this tale, the reader finally finds where she belongs in the world...

Warnings; none, fluff, romance, emotions

Part One & Part Two

_________________________________________

"I'm here, Mr Thorin. I kept my promise".

Within moments of hearing those words, Thorin crossed the room from his throne, seemingly breathless from his shock and happiness. "My friends". And without any hesitation, he brought both you and Bilbo into a grouped embrace. "Long have I awaited this day", he sighed as if it were in relief.

"It's so good to see you, Thorin", Bilbo heaved a laugh in the tight embrace, affectionately patting the back of the Mountain King.

"We missed you", you added, resting your head in the crook of his neck. Pulling apart from the embrace gently, Thorin placed his larger hands upon your heads, weaving his fingers gently into the curled locks upon them. His forehead met Bilbo's in an affectionate familial embrace, before he at last rested his head upon yours.

For the King, it was an effort to fight tears; seeing you again. When he last saw you, you were an adolescent; no older than thirteen. And before that, it was when you was eight and made your promise to him. Time had been cruel to Thorin. Unrest had started in the colonies when Moria was to be reclaimed. The Dwarven empire was growing and Thorin had but one chance to see you again in your teen years and took it without hesitation. Now, with you a decade older, it was hard for him not to weep.

"I am sorry, Dear One", he murmured, meeting your eyes with his own glassed ones. He ran his thumb over your cheek. "I should have visited you more before your adulthood, and I–".

"Don't you apologise", you chided, bringing his form against yours in a proper hug. He reciprocated immediately, allowing only a few tears to slip from his eyes whilst his head was buried in your shoulder. "You are a mighty King of Dwarves. Your responsibilities lie here. I knew that. Time was unkind to us both, Thorin". You broke the embrace, wiping the few stray tears from his face. "I would have grown up, either way. As every child does, eventually". He smiled then, looking proudly at the woman you had become. "However, they will always come back to their family". Thorin's mouth parted in some semblance of shock at your words, but it was he that remembered his own in that moment. He remembered a young Hobbit curled into his side.

"I will one day! I'll go to Erebor! I'll visit you, I promise!!". Thorin smiled fondly, softly rustling the (h/c) curls on the little Halfling's head. "And be welcomed as kin! Whatever that is".

"It means family, (Y/n). You, Master Baggins, my people. All of us are part of each other. You will come to understand it all one day. And I will be a proud Dwarf to see that day come".

"Indeed, they do", he agreed, a new sense of pride swelling within his chest. He knew that you deep down thought of him as the father you never got to have and vise-versa; you were like the daughter he could never have. Most of all, you and Mr Baggins were his friends. His best friends. And you both would fit in with his kin.

"Kili!", Bilbo had shouted, the two happily embracing.

"You have a beard now!", you exclaimed whilst the youngest Durin hugged your companion.

"I do!". His hands rubbed over the dark hair now thick on his face. You had met Kili when he accompanied Thorin on his last visit to the Shire. Although you hadn't had the time to get to know the younger Dwarf, you could see he was a light in a dark time in Thorin's life. You loved that about him. Grinning, his arms opened for you. "Come here you!". Laughing, you met him in a crushing embrace, relishing in the way he swung you like a sibling before settling into a softer hug. "Good to see you again", he commented, ruffling the top of your head.

"Likewise", you chuckled, playfully bumping his cheek with your knuckle to his amusement.

You again turned to Thorin, who now wished to address you and Bilbo about living quarters for your stay. However, before anything much could be said, there was a pull on your skirts. Looking down, you found yourself looking at a tiny young boy with crystal blue eyes, half-pointed ears and wavy auburn hair. "A Hobbit??", you questioned aloud, amid your confusion. Yet, this boy had uncharacteristically tiny feet and a lot of light hair upon his face for a Hobbit...

"I knew you'd end up taking a child from the Shire to raise for your own", Bilbo joked to Thorin's greater amusement. His eyes shone with familiarity at the young one's presence.

"Afraid not, Master Baggins", he chuckled. "For the child isn't mine". Thorin walked over, picking the young boy up with a laugh.

"Great Uncle Thorin!", the small boy cooed, pulling at the King's hair the way you once had.

"(Y/n), this is—".

"Frerin Durin!!", a shout into the throne room interrupted Thorin. "So that's where you disappeared off to!!". An exasperated Dwarf marched into the room with a tired grin. He had a mane of curly blonde hair and by far, the most impressive beard you'd ever seen on a Dwarf besides Thorin's. His crystal blue eyes travelled to Kili with a sympathetic undertone to them. "Sorry, Kee. Couldn't keep the rascal out of trouble! Reminds me of his father ". An incline of his head in Kili's direction showed, to your shock, that Frerin was his son!

"Don't know what you're talking about!", he played it off with a giggle. "Now, you". The youngest Durin walked to his Uncle, addressing his son. "Stop running away from your Uncle Fee. He works too hard to have mischievous little Pebbles like you—", a poke in the boy's chest, "—causing trouble for him". The little one giggled, having been no older than you when you first met Thorin. However, your mind lingered on the name 'Fee'. And then it snapped. This was the Prince— Thorin's first nephew. He was the next King Under the Mountain. Fili.

You saw it now. Despite his hair, which he undoubtedly got from his father's side, he had that nobility in his attitude and those gorgeous blue eyes from his mother's side. The same eyes little Frerin has. Thorin's eyes.

"You never told me you had a little boy!!", you fawned, Thorin allowing you to take the young Pebble. He pulled at your hair, holding the shoulder of your dress.

"Two, actually", Kili corrected, making your eyes widen.

"Two??", you echoed, your mouth falling open. He laughed at your expression. Nodding, he affirmed it for you,

"Yes. Frerin and Thrain".

"Where's Thrain??", you asked, swiveling to see if he was in the room.

"Safe, with his mother", Kee assured. "He's but a babe. Tauriel does a wonderful job mothering them. Sometimes she needs a break from the other one though. Mother and Fee offer to babysit all the time, so it's never a problem". The name 'Tauriel' was a dead giveaway. The ears were pointed because she was Elven!

"I'm so happy for you, Kili", Bilbo grinned, caressing the little boy's face before turning to shake hands with his father.

"Adad!", Frerin cried out. "Who is this lady and that man??".

"Bilbo", Kili gestured to your counterpart. "Is your Irak' Nadad; your Uncle from the Shire". He turned to you. "And (Y/n) is your Irak' Namad; your Aunt. She's from the Shire as well!". The boy reached for your ears, toying with them. Fili's brows, however, had risen when hearing your name. He didn't realise that you were his Uncle's friend. The one he and Kili and told him about many years ago and mentioned only on occasion. You had completely intrigued the firstborn Durin, his eyes dancing eagerly between you and his nephew. His glances towards you didn't go unnoticed by Kili...

"Is she a half-Elf?? Is she like me and Thrain?".

"No, son", Kee grinned, ruffling his boy's hair. "She's a Hobbit. A halfling. Big, strong feet that don't need boots. Ones that can sneak past a Dragon!". Frerin's jaw dropped.

"You snuck past a Dragon?!". Everyone burst into laughter.

"No, Lovely", you answered the boy softly. "But, your Uncle Bilbo did! He faced Smaug; the Dragon who sat on this mountain". Bilbo nervously waved the boy's ecstatic look off.

"It was nothing, really", he insisted with a chuckle. Frerin clawed his way from your arms to your counterpart's.

"Tell me about the Dragon!!", the boy grinned. He had his father's smile. It made your own bloom.

"Another time, Frerin", Kili told him, taking his son from an amused Bilbo. "Let's get you home to your Amad". The boy pouted, but agreed with great reluctance. Turning to his older brother, he murmured, "Thanks for looking after him, Fee".

"Always. I love my little Warrior-Nephew!", Fili smiled in response, pinching Frerin's cheeks. The little one giggled from his Uncle's playfulness before Kili started for the staircase to leave the throne room.

"Great seeing you all again!", he called to you and Bilbo. "Say 'bye', Frerin!". The boy waved and called to you all as his father disappeared with him.

"That boy is a handful", Fili sighed, turning to his Uncle.

"Like the two young Dwarves I used to look after", Thorin smirked in full amusement. You couldn't help the short laugh that slipped from your lips. Imagining Fili and Kili at a young age with Thorin as the exasperated babysitter. Fili's attention was caught by your laugh and he smiled with a warmth that nearly stopped your breath where it sat in your lungs.

"Pardon me, but you must be the (Y/n) I've heard so much about in these many years", the Princeling addressed you at last. You nodded, fighting your shock. Had Thorin and Kili really said so much??

Carefully, Fili took one of your hands into his own larger ones and lifted it up to softly lay a kiss upon your delicate fingers. It startled you, sending a shiver to your very core. "I'm Fili. At your service". To your shock, the Princeling, the Royal had not only failed to introduce himself as such, but was now bowing to you.

Bilbo's brows rose, his eyes darting in surprise between Thorin's jovial expression and Fili's interaction with you. Thorin was no fool to his nephew's charm and merely pursed his lips. Perhaps Fili himself didn't realise it, but there was interest shining in his eyes.

"Please, Prince Fili. You needn't bow to me", you begged with some humility. "If anything, I should bow to you ".

"Don't", he chuckled, giving your hand a subconscious squeeze. "You're our honoured guest. Which reminds me–". He turned to his Uncle like a deer caught in headlights. "I should help Amad with dinner preparations for the banquet tonight!". Thorin almost laughed at his nephew's quick excuse, merely dismissing him with a smile,

"Good lad. We'll see you tonight". Fili nodded, only now releasing the gentle and seemingly subcinscious hold he had on your hand to depart. He offered a quick smile to both you and Bilbo before his steps lead him away. The Prince's touch was like fire in your skin and you could still feel the roughness of his calloused hands upon your own. It was then that Thorin took to your living arrangements. He felt it was only right, being that he had a duty to you both as the King and your closest friend.

After leaving Bilbo to his living arrangements, Thorin began to lead you to your own.

"Is it how you imagined??", the King questioned hopefully, seeing you taken by the views both within and on the outside of the great city.

"No", you playfully answered with a shake of your head. Thorin, thinking you to be serious, was taken aback with disappointment. Knowing this, you finally answered after a few moments, "It's far more beautiful". A delighted smile crossed his face to match the one you then offered to him. You both fell into some semblance of a peaceful silence before the King asked,

"How is your mother? I often wondered about her as well in this past decade". Your eyes seemed to have their usual shine dimmed. His brows knitted together in some form of concern, awaiting your response.

"She passed away some time ago. Naught but a year now". It felt like an arrow had pierced the Mountain King's heart at your words. Had you suffered through this loss alone?? What had become of the home in which you lived??

"(Y/n)", he grasped your shoulder. "I am truly sorry". You shook your head, not letting your tears spill.

"She lived a good life", you insisted with a sad smile. "She made our house a home. It was taken from her by the estate. Her death was unexpected. She hadn't written a will yet, so I could not inherit the property. Bilbo, upon hearing of it, offered me refuge. I have been living in Bag End with him". Relief passed over Thorin, grateful to the Hobbit that had accompanied you. He had not let you suffer your grievances alone. "Bilbo is lonely, although he's never admitted to it. He loves the company of another. The year past has been a good one, thanks to him".

"And for that, I am glad", Thorin assured.

"Thorin!", a Dwarf hollered, making his way up the stairs. He was seemingly old, white haired with a long beard. His smile met his eyes completely, offering a merriful radiance.

"Balin", Thorin inclined his head to this seemingly familiar individual, but it was not Thorin he spoke to next.

"Bless my beard", Balin breathed, tracing your face with his mirthful eyes. "You must be (Y/n)". Without hesitation, he reached over grasping your hand firmly in his own for a shake. "Long have we been expecting your company. Welcome to the House of Durin!". Like Fili had, Balin also bowed to you. "Balin, son of Fundin. At your service, my Dear".

"(Y/n), at yours, Master Dwarf", you smiled warmly with a curtsy to the polite Dwarf.

"Balin is my advisor and distant cousin", Thorin informed you, delighted to see his companion. Balin released your hand with a chuckle,

"Stop with the formalities. I've just come to inform you that the banquet will be ready within the hour". You blanched in worry.

"I'm hardly prepared for such an occasion", you spoke aloud. This did not phase the two Dwarves.

"Do not worry", Thorin laid his hand comfortingly upon your back. "My sister is a seamstress. I will send you to her once you have settled in your quarters".

"Ah, Lady Dis", Balin sighed. "One of the best of her craft. Certainly one you can place your trust in, Dear". His assurance was all you needed. He struck you as beyond wise and compassionate. Definitely one of his house. "I'll take my leave. See you both at dinner". With a friendly wink directed to yourself, he nodded to Thorin before rushing off with other royal duties to attend to.

"Your kin are certainly diverse. But, kind all the same".

"Indeed", Thorin agreed. "For you are also one of them".

___________________________

Dis was a true woman of her craft. That much was evident in the careful ways she layered the fabrics of the dress she was making. She had projects all around the room in which she crafted. Each dress, complete or incomplete seemed like it had been crafted by the most elegant dressmakers of the Elves. The fabric she used had the lightness of a summer dress and the practicality of an all-seasons outfit. It was made to be worn in any setting, formal or no. "Amad", Kili breathed out in a state of wonder. "This is lovely". In return, her son recieved a warm gaze of gratitude.

"Thank you, Kili". Fili was present, attending to the decor with the maids of the house. The Autumn Equinox festivities were heavily revered in Dwarven culture with Durin's day on approach. Dis grew excited every year, yet now, she was excited for more than one reason. "(Y/n) is finally here with us", she grinned, her smile resembling Kili's in every way. "I've wanted to complete this project ever since Thorin mentioned that she may be staying with us in adulthood. So, a few years ago, I felt inspired to craft a dress of my own make; worthy of any hall or occasion".

Her sons onlooked her excitement with mirth. It was rare that their mother had time outside of her royal duties for such things. "It is worthy of all the praise in this world", Fili assured, earning a short caress of comfort on his arm from Dis.

"It's not done yet, my son", she sighed, her smile content and motherly. Her head dipped to her lap, her raven locks falling upon her shoulders in an elegant half-up bound by many beads. One in particular, belonging to her late husband; Vili. She kept it close, attached to the braid she kept behind her right ear. It was the bead he'd fashioned for his proposal to her. Fili still admired its craftmanship. It was everything to Dis. "I am so excited to meet (Y/n)! You boys have. What is she like??".

"Fee couldn't keep his eyes to himself", Kili replied, earning himself a quirked brow from his brother. "I've never seen him so taken by a woman".

"Hang on a second, Kili! I was only curious. I've never met her before today", his brother argued, fighting his embarrassment. "All credit to her, she is beautiful. But, that's all there is to my thoughts". Dis supressed her smile for the sake of her eldest boy. There was no fooling her, however. No amount of downplaying could do that. She knew that Fili, at the very least, was enamoured by your presence. That was enough to catch her own attention enough that her eagerness to meet you was increased tenfold.

"You sure it wasn't her smile? Her eyes??", Kee teased, pouting his lips to his brother's annoyance.

"Shut up, men gorach—".

"No foul language in this house", Dis cut in like a cold blade. "Kili, enough".

"Sorry", her youngest cleared his throat, fighting his shit-eating grin with great difficulty.

"Wipe that look from your face and help Bombur in the kitchens". Despite his urge to laugh, Kili straightened when his mother addressed him again. In his deep respect for her, he wouldn't dare disobey anything she would ask and left without another word. Instead, he was quickly replaced by another dark-haired Dwarf. He bore a hat, which he removed from his head with a bow. "Pardon my interruption, Lady Dis. I need Fili's help, if y' don't mind it?".

"Not at all, Bofur", she smiled kindly, turning then to her eldest son. "It seems there is much left to do, Fili. When you leave, send Dralana to fetch (Y/n) for me, please". The blonde Dwarf nodded, offering his mother a warm and grateful smile for the way she'd handled his brother's antics.

"I take my leave, then. Dolzek menu, Amad".

"You're welcome, child", she chuckled, squeezing the hand he'd placed on her shoulder before returning to her work.

___________________________

It hadn't taken you long to settle into your spacious quarters. It was far larger than a cozy Hobbit hole, but it had all the comforts of home. A large, thick wooden bed with a fireplace on the opposing wall. A little alcove to read some books as well. There was also a window that brightened the room naturally, being that your room was on the front face of the mountain. The wardrobe they offered you was spacious with only a few old tunics that had a musty smell to them. The bedroom had been well kept with furs laid thick upon the bed and wild flowers in the few vases placed around the room.

However, despite these comforts, you could not fight the nervousness you felt; crossing through unfamiliar halls in your journey to meet the Lady Dis. Thorin's sister was an enigma to you. Clearly Kili and Fili's mother, yes. But, you pondered her resemblance to her brother; what she'd be like. More stern? Perhaps more intimidating?? You didn't know.

'Dralana', as this maid had called herself, accompanied you in good spirits. She was young, alike to yourself. Being a Dwarf, young could be anywhere from 30 to 130 years old. You didn't know. She didn't seem to fear her mistress, which gave you some form of comfort. You were even tempted to ask her thoughts on the Lady she served so kindly. "Don't look so nervous", she told you softly. "You look far too pale, Love".

"My apologies", came your almost shaky reply. "I've never met Lady Dis".

"She's a lovely sort". An amused smile dawned on Dralana's lightly bearded features. Her smile was so contagious, you couldn't help but match it. "Between you and me", her voice lowered to a whisper. "Our King Thorin is the more intimidating one of the two". You nodded, however, you understood why Thorin was so intimidating. He was incredibly private, but noble. He commanded respect with his gaze alone. Not many men could walk the world and do that, after all.

Dralana halted outside a large reinforced wooden door, knocking upon it gently, "Lady Dis! I've brought (Y/n), as requested!".

"Please, come in!", a voice like a calm sea came from the room. Dralana pushed the door open waving for you to walk through. And with great hesitation, you did. A comforting pat to your back from the young maid brought relief to your anxieties once you stepped into the musty room.

"I'll take my leave. Should you need anything, I am at your service, M'Lady!". Dralana bowed to the Dwarf that now stood up from what seemed like her work station. She was sat by a wooden stand that had a dress draped over it. Sewing materials were scattered upon the floors around her. You carefully walked closer, careful not to break anything as Dralana finally departed, closing the doors behind her.

The figure before you turned and instantly, a glittering pair of ocean orbs were upon you. Your mouth fell open slightly, the air leaving your lungs at how similar Dis' gaze was to her brother's, Fili's and Frerin's. Your head bowed to the dam before you, not wishing to be rude. "My Lady Dis", you greeted her.

"You must be (Y/n)!!", she exclaimed excitedly, taking you aback. You lifted your head, only to have her embrace you tightly. "Welcome to our home, child". All your anxiety melted at her affections. For the first time in a long time, you were being embraced by a mother. Warm hands came to cradle your face gently once you broke apart. "Fili mentioned you were beautiful! He certainly wasn't mistaken!". Your eyes had widened in some semblance of shock, despite how you tried to keep it under control. Fili had called you beautiful?? With your face growing hotter, you modestly replied with genuity,

"Thank you, M'Lady. You're far more beautiful in person than I'd imagined you to be". Dis grinned tracing your dimples with her thumbs gently before bringing her hands to your arms instead.

"You're too kind, Dear". Carefully, she lead you to her work station where a breathtaking dress was being made. It was a beige-brown, sleeveless for the moment and looked lighter than a feather. "This is one of my favourite projects". Her eyes darted to your face for approval, before continuing, "It is made for all seasons. Crafted with silken cottons and trims of mithrel on the edges. It will be a shoulderless dress, but I will be attaching these white arm sleeves, fashioned from Elven silk". It was hard not to marvel at her craftsmanship.

"Mithrel is a protective metal, is it not?", you asked, tracing the edges she'd stitched so carefully.

"It is!", she replied, all too happy with your knowledge. "I take it Thorin and Bilbo have told you about it?". You nodded.

"It's silver steel. Impenetrable by blades, but ever so beautiful. Thorin gave Bilbo a vest of Mithrel, I believe?".

"Yes. It is a noble gift to those that we regard as our kin", she murmured. "And despite how it may not offer you protection, I will give you this dress. I have been making it especially for you". At her words, your mouth fell open, causing her to laugh.

"Thank you!! But, this is too much. I can't take this!". Your modesty caused her smile to widen.

"Nonsense, child", Dis chided playfully. "It's yours". You bowed your head in thanks, yet found yourself mesmerised for the briefest moments when you looked up; for you saw Kili in her features. She noticed. "Are you alright, Love?".

"Yes", you snapped out of your gaze upon her. "You just remind me of Kili when you smile".

"I'm told that the resemblance is uncanny", Dis giggled with an amused shake to her head.

"I think Fili takes after you too. He has your eyes".

"He has the Durin eyes", she conceded. "But, I'm so grateful that he resembles his late father". You felt your heart sink at her words.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, M'Lady".

"Don't apologise", she insisted with a kind gaze. "Vili was an honourable man. He died in the most courageous way possible, defending those he loved. I look at Fili and I see that same ferocity in his heart. A quiet, brave fire".

"But, he takes after you and Thorin as well", you added. "Both him and Kili do. You both are wise, mature, but compassionate. Fili may be more wise and mature than Kili,—". Dis giggled at your observation. "—But no less compassionate than those of his house".

"Thank you". The dam brought her arm around your shoulder, caressing it in such a way that it reminded you of your own mother's kind embrace. "Thorin was right about you". Your brows knitted in confusion for only a moment, before she added, "You really are one of us; one of our kin".

Feeling warmth within your very soul, Dis insisted that you wear the dress so that she may be able to complete the final alterations. You stood in the stunning dress upon a small stool whilst she stitched and worked almost effortlessly. She made regular offers for you to sit if you were tired or drinks of water if you were thirsty. The sleeves she stitched hung comfortably loose from your arm and she altered them so that the sleeve would end at your wrist as to not bother you. She placed mithrel on the white sleeve ends, ensuring a stylish gap on each shoulder was left, exposing a small amount of skin to breathe. The care and love Dis had for her work was immeasurable. The delight in her eyes reminded you of the way your mother tended to the gardens of your old home.

She had quickly noticed your quiet, her blue eyes traveling up to meet your glassed ones. "Are you alright, Dear?", her question broke your thoughts. You nodded, chewing the inside of your lip to keep any tears at bay. Her warm hands grasped one of your own, rubbing them softly to console you.

"I lost my mother", you finally breathed out, feeling like a hot iron had been plunged through you. "You remind me of her as well. I'm sorry". Desperately, you wiped at your eyes with your spare hand.

"Don't you say sorry, Darling", Dis hushed you with a shake of her head. "It's alright for others to remind you of those of whom you have lost". She smiled with a gentle sadness, helping you wipe your tears. "It is sometimes our only reminder that they are still here, in our hearts and minds". You managed to fight the tightness in your chest, relaxing at her touches of comfort. She was right. It's how she knew Vili had never truly left her.

Dis struck you as a true mother. Concerned, passionate, headstrong, but comforting and kind. She had lost so much, yet had an unlimited amount of love to give. And you knew, from the moment she saw you, she'd regarded you as her own.

"Thank you, Dis". Her heart melted as you finally had felt comfortable enough not to be formal with her.

"Always, child. You just come to me", she replied, beginning to work again on her project.

To your own confusion, Dis had begun stitch a leather belt bound with fur to your waist. The color of your dress with this minor addition reminded you in some strange way of Fili. Or the comforts of a fireplace and a bed. The dress needed only a few alterations over the next hour before Dis finally finished her work of art.

"My masterpiece!", she marveled, pulling you down from the stool at long last. The dress fell right above your feet, leaving them unhindered and visible. "Don't you look a right angel?". You found yourself smiling at the floor in your bashfulness.

"You're too kind", you uttered out softly. "Thank you".

"It was a pleasure!", she insisted. "You are free to join the festivities of dinner now!". Your head shook to her greater confusion, before you elaborated,

"No, thank you. I'd rather wait and go with you".

____________________________

Dis had linked arms with you, now ready in an elegant dark blue evening gown of her own making. You loved her thick raven locks, even admiring the soft, well-kept beard upon her strong jawline. You had helped her choose a small crown which sat nicely in her braided half-up and the studded boots she now wore with her dress. The halls were lit with fire torches upon the walls, music and merriment from the dining hall and ballroom being heard from the bowels of the city. Dwalin sat with a small Thrain upon his lap, eating and chewing with no remorse, only giving the year-old pebble boring, soft and mushy foods for his own safety. He downed pints of mead and ale like the many others enjoying the festivities. Bilbo had even been asked to retell the story of his adventures to the smaller Dwarven children that had come. He sat at one end of the large table, a group of children before him; inclusive of Frerin. Bofur, who was a toymaker at heart, had made a puppet of Smaug and joined on emphasis, enjoying the company of his friend again after so long. The party was keenly observed by Balin and Thorin, who assumed the stone throne at the head of the table.

The King smiled, watching his nephews greet their friends and family with eagerness. Each of them carried a pint of ale, recounting days long passed and joking in merriment with each other. Thorin eagerly awaited the arrival of his sister and it seemed he was not the only one.

"My King Thorin", Tauriel greeted him kindly with a bow, earning herself a warm smile from the King. It had taken time and plenty of patience, but Thorin over the few years after Erebor had been reclaimed; had come to see Elves as his friends, friends of his people. Tauriel had become kin, just as you and Bilbo had.

"Tauriel", he inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"Where is Lady Dis? I much await to see her". Thorin chuckled, only responding,

"She is on her way, with our other honoured guest".

"(Y/n)!", she huffed excitedly. "Kili mentioned that she would be here".

"And she will be". The party remained lively, yet, Fili was feeling tortured at Nori and Kili's shameless teasing.

"First an Elf maid in the family? Now a Hobbit? You lot ought to 'ave your heads checked", Nori sighed, exasperated and amused.

"It's not like that!", Fili insisted. "She's a lovely lass, but I can't say I fancy her". Dwalin, who sat mere feet away at the table, scrutinized the conversation with the same unamused expression he'd had in Rivendell many years ago. He chewed obnoxiously, cradling Kili's second son effortlessly in one arm.

"Y' can't expect me to believe that codswallop after your brother sprouted the same thing. And now look", he grunted. "Married and child-bound to an Elf maid. 'Can't say I fancy Elf maids', my hairy arse". Fili scoffed at Dwalin's words, slugging at his ale absent-mindedly, before he heard Balin's voice.

"May I introduce, the Lady Dis to the party and her companion (Y/n) of the Shire; one of our two honoured guests this evening!". Ale painfully travelled through Fili's nasal cavity, causing him to clear his throat and wipe his face.

"You alright?", Kili teased, raising his brows.

"Fine", his brother snapped back, turning his ocean gaze to the staircase in which you descended. Your arms were linked with his mother's and the dress you wore— it was his mother's craft. He noticed the little ways in which it resembled his ensemble. The dress looked stunning on your smaller frame, cascading like a warm waterfall to your feet. Sleeves had also been added, breaking the neutrality. The mithrel glitterered perfectly. Your curls were long and loose upon your shoulders. You were just so naturally regal. Fili felt a strange tightness within his chest, attempting an almost nervous slug at his ale. "Mahal, she's beautiful". His words were quiet, beneath his breath whilst he managed to tear his eyes from your form.

"What did I tell ye?", Dwalin huffed amusedly, shaking his head. "Codswallop".

Upon entry, you had adjusted to the rowdy party setting. Some Dwarves sang and danced upon the tables. Other Dwarves were less civilized, throwing food with obnoxious conversation and laughter. You admired the various decor, cozily coloured orange with gold trimmings. Fili had picked them out; you knew as such. You had spied him from across the room after getting well acquainted with Tauriel. You kept any eagerness for seeing him restrained whilst you sat with Thorin, Balin and Dis.

"Another fine party for another beautiful equinox", Balin sighed, joyfully scanning the room. Dis nodded in agreement, observing the many faces from Erebor that had come to celebrate with their royalty. Bilbo, alike to yourself, had grown used to the chaos of Dwarven mealtimes. To your eyes, he seemed happier in Erebor. Less isolated. You turned your gaze to Thorin, who eyed you happily as a proud father would.

"It's so beautiful. The people are rowdy, but it truly does make the party all the merrier", you observed, tucking into the hot servings of food.

"Just wait until the town dance. Then the party truly begins", Thorin grinned. Dis matched his smile with excitement. This was something every Dwarf looked forward to on the approach to Durin's day and it was so precious to see all that happiness right in front of you. The food was a delight to your stomach, the sweet mead filling your soul. The air was crisp and cool, wafting in from the stone balcony. You found yourself relaxing at long last, enjoying the atmosphere when Dis turned to you.

"(Y/n), why don't you participate in the town dance??". You grew nervous at the idea. You hardly knew anyone or the dance.

"It is fun!", Tauriel insisted gently, her smile radiant like that of the glittering stars. Aside from being a powerful warrior, you understood why Kili had fallen for her. "I will be participating".

"By tradition, you need to find yourself a partner", Balin added, smiling for your comfort.

"How??", you sputtered. "I've only ever done circle dances". He chuckled at your expression, wholeheartedly jovial in this situation.

"It's nothing complicated, My Dear. Just take a goblet of ale and offer it to any man. If they drink, they accept the offer to be your dancing partner".

"I will show you", Dis giggled, Balin already knowing what she was up to. She stood with a goblet of her own, making her way over to a very stoic looking Dwarf.

"Oh, he'll love this", Thorin restrained his laughter.

"Who will?", you asked in your complete confusion.

"Dwalin", the two males replied simultaneously. That name rung a bell. Thorin and Bilbo had mentioned him to you. You remembered him not being overly approachable. Just from what you were told of first impressions. All three of you watched as Dis began to offer her drink to Dwalin. He had a baby upon his lap that he bounced about and cradled effortlessly before he snatched the goblet from his female counterpart and downed the ale. He didn't seem particularly impressed or excited, but Dis didn't seem to mind as her steps brought her back to you.

"And now I have my dance partner", she grinned.

"How is he taking it being on both babysitting and dancing duty?", Thorin enquired, not able to restrain any amused expression.

"He's being Dwalin about it", she sighed. "Taking it with indifference and chewing loudly, as he always does".

"I almost feel sorry for him", Balin sniggered. "Almost". He turned to you. "Now lass, it's your turn". Dis poured you a goblet of ale, handing it to you eagerly. The metal felt freezing within your smaller hands, but you became afraid of your hands becoming clammy in your nervousness. You bowed to the three Dwarves and their Elven counterpart before walking into the crowds in an attempt to find a partner. You were tempted to grab Fili, but you were positive that he'd already have a partner alike to his brother; some part of you feeling the tinges of disappointment. You had spied Bilbo, but his storytelling hadn't ceased. You couldn't interrupt him now, although you were running out of time. You quickly spotted a Dwarf near Dwalin with the oddest hair you'd seen meeting in three separate points.

"If y' going to ask Nori to dance, ye better mind your pockets, lass"

"What's that supposed to mean?", you inquired with some worry.

"It means, find y'self another dance partner", Dwalin ground out with a roll of his eyes.

"Aye", you sighed with some exasperation. You hardly needed a sneak-thief's hands on your waist, let alone in your pockets as well. And to your panic, Thorin had stepped up to address everyone. You were too late!

"Good evening, everyone!". Every Dwarf and dam fell silent, turning their gazes to their King happily. "This is your last chance to find yourselves a partner for the dance before we begin!". The few Dwarves that didn't wish to participate started to leave and others in full confidence; had found partners.

"Dori, I'll dance with her! She has no-one", a soft, but polite voice murmured from nearby, only to be shut down.

"You cause injury to every dance partner, every equinox, Ori. Just skip out, for the love of Mahal. Dancing is just not in your talents". You spied the young Dwarf with sympathy and thought that alike to him, you might just skip out as well.

"It's for the best", a kind voice reassured you, now next to you unexpectedly. "Ori is a good lad. He just has two left feet". The familiar golden mane of the Prince in your peripheral gave him away. How long had he been standing there?? A soft laugh rumbled in his chest, his ocean eyes moving to meet your own. You followed in soft laughter, fawning,

"Aw, but I just feel bad for him. You can see he likes dancing".

"I take it that you do as well", the Princeling added, gesturing to the goblet in your hands.

"Yes— well. I have no partner", you confessed with shame. "I've run out of time. I have to leave the floor". You moved to dismiss yourself from his presence, not wishing to be in the way of the dance, when you felt the warmth of his hand on your own. His mouth parted and he nearly retracted only to find that you were receptive to him.

"May I partake?", Fili offered, his voice tender and light. He grasped the goblet with his free hand for elaboration. You found yourself fighting your shock, nodding without words, knowing that they couldn't be trusted at this very moment. His head dipped politely when he took the ale; and within but a moment, he'd finished the beverage, setting the goblet down at last.

"You may now begin!", Thorin flagged the crowd with a boisterous wave of his hand.

"Fili!", you whispered to him amidst your sudden panic. "I don't know what to do!". His ocean eyes found yours again, unphased by your words.

"Just trust me", his hushed voice soothed you, whilst his hands took yours. His grin was light and reassuring, his thumbs running caresses over your soft skin. A warmth spread within your heart, your hands subconsciously squeezing his own back. For reasons you couldn't yet place, you felt entirely at ease with Fili. You trusted him completely.

"I don't believe it", Dwalin breathed out incredulously, eyeing you with the Princeling from afar.

"I can", Kili grinned, taking his bride by her hands lovingly.

"So, he finally put aside his hogwash and grew some bullocks. About time". Dis playfully whacking her dance partner's shoulder to his own amusement. She smiled almost proudly at her firstborn,

"I'm happy for him, if this is what he wants. I just want him to be happy".

"Aye. Me too", Dwalin conceded with some hesitation, adding, "Even if the little ingrate couldn't choose a maid from Erebor".

"Just shut up!", Dis giggled, allowing the hardened Dwarf to take her hands in his own, Thrain strapped to his chest safely. Bilbo had ceased storytelling, encouraging the children to watch the various pairs in the crowd. Bofur leapt onto the dinner table with his flute handy, ready to serenade the party with joy itself. The music had changed from various drum beats to a more calculated song. Bilbo noted how similar the merriness of the music sounded in comparison to the music the Dwarves sang at his home in Bag End, how similar it was to the Hobbit festival music.

"Reminds me of a summer's eve festival", you murmured, unable to fight your smile as the music built up.

"I've grown up with this. Every year, not being able to participate. It's beautiful. And I'm excited that I finally can". The Princeling matched your jovial expression, bringing your left hand to cradle his shoulder, whilst he took to holding the small of your back with his right. "Are you comfortable?". Carefully, he began to sway to the music with you, your joined steps in time with the music going faster.

"Yes", you exhaled, causing a short laugh to leave his throat.

"Good". Fili's face broke into a grin as he lead you carefully to start jumping whilst you swayed. You took his lead, eagerly showing him your trust and enthusiasm. "Right. Grab my shoulders.. now!". Instantly, you obeyed, his steady hands reaching for your waist. You became weightless, a blissful cry leaving your lips when he effortlessly swung you above his head. Your head was spinning when he placed you down. His hand reached for yours and he used the momentum to twirl you around. You laughed when your face was met with his hard shoulder, catching a comforting whiff of smoked wood and honey in his scent. "Keeping up, (Y/n)?", he teased with a hidden underlying concern.

"Of course", you pushed back to his amusement, knowing that he'd take it as a challenge. A mirthful chuckle left his lips, his brows raising,

"Alright then". Holding you as close as he possibly could, Fili fell into the faster rhythms of the dance with you. His hands squeezed yours whilst he spun you both in a circle. You enjoyed the texture of his callouses on your skin, the way his larger hands made you feel warm and the steadiness of them whilst he held you. Your eyes were like stars to him. He couldn't look away, eyeing your expression for any unsurity and finding nothing but trust and bliss there. It warmed the very depths of his soul. For Fili, it was hard to love others outside of his family. Many sought to take advantage of the next in line for the throne for their riches or status. Yet, for the first time in a long time, his regality was forgotten. He could be his true self easily around you, to his own surprise. It was you. Your fun-loving nature. You helped him let go, even if it was for tonight alone. Another cry of laughter left your lips as he swung you again above his head for the last time in the dance. Your feet were upon his as the music came to a halt, your hands still clasped to his shoulders. Your ragged breaths mingled, the joy having not left either of your two expressions. The blonde's nose brushed yours, the faint cry Kili let out at Nori's laughter making you both laugh.

"Shut up, Nori! It's okay for the lady to lift the man in the dance!". The youngest Durin grumbled. "Every year!". Tauriel's laughter echoed your own. Your eyes scanned the Prince's blue ones. His hands drew imaginary patterns on your waist, sparking shivers to your core. You need only have leaned in to kiss him, every fibre of your being wanting to.

"Did you like the dance?", his voice was but a soft breath. You nodded, still feeling breathless yourself. Resisting your impulses, you allowed your head to come to a rest upon his shoulder, sparking him to rub your back comfortingly. You were tired, but he held you steady. Fili's heart knew if given the chance, he'd hold you forever. A sudden sadness struck him. You would go home after your stay, however long it may be. He would be bound to stay in Erebor, as always. How many years would pass before your next visit? There were so many unsurities. It was then that you llifted your head, smiling at the Prince and melting his heart in the process. You broke from his gentle grip and curtsied politely.

"Thank you for partaking with me". He grinned, bowing to you in return,

"The honour was mine, My Lady".

"You both danced so well!", Dis fawned grabbing you both by an arm each gently. Your gaze hit the floor again in your bashfulness.

"Thank you. But, Fili took the lead. He's the real reason I didn't fall over", you uttered modestly.

"Nonsense, child", she chided gently. "It always takes two to dance these songs". Fili nodded in agreement, chuckling softly. His eyes traced your features again, memorising every dimple, your eyes.

"(Y/n) is quite the talented dancer. If she had not trusted me, it would have all been for naught. I was lucky to have her". Dis surpressed her intrigue at her son's words, watching how you took them. She could see more modesty in your bashfulness as you bowed your head in gratitude. Dis decided then to leave you both be, to observe from afar, if at all.

"Where's (Y/n)?", Thorin had asked once his sister was seated with him again.

"Being young. As the night deserves". Thorin nodded. "She's quite safe with Fili". At his sister's words, the King found himself grinning whilst he sipped his ale. He saw the both of you dancing, marveling at how quick you both had become so trusting and fond of the other. And perhaps some part of him wished, alike to Dis, for you both to be happy together. Either as friends or more.

The party remained active, a few of the couples continuing to dance to the merriness of the music still being played in the background. Dwalin had finished his meal and had taken to playing with Thrain, using his homemade thistle-rattle. Everyone knew that despite his hard exterior, the stoic dwarf had a good, soft heart when it mattered. He'd spotted both yourself and Fili leaving for the balcony in good spirits. "With any luck, your Uncle might give y' a cousin!", he mused in a childish manner, bouncing the little pebble. "He just needs to get his act together and grow some jambags!". Thrain's little brown eyes sparkled at his Uncle's playful expressions, unable to understand anything but Dwalin's lighthearted tone of voice. Thrain gurgled back, drooling lazily. "Agreed", the older Dwarf huffed back, grabbing a cloth napkin to wipe at the babe's mouth.

The cool autumn breeze blew wistfully upon the balcony, rustling the surrounding trees. It was only a small area barely poking from the mountain by the front gates, undecorated and empty. Stars had hit their peaks in the sky above and the moon seemed like a romantic spotlight, shining upon the mountain face. Fili's blue eyes had become beautifully brighter with the touches of moonlight, the brightness seeming to give him an ethereal aura that stole your breath from your lungs. You followed him in leaning on the thick railing of stone, finding it hard not to admire the land in which he and his family lived. Now you understood why Thorin had missed Erebor. This was the kingdom he'd grown up in. Beautiful markets, festivals, Equinox celebrations. Cool autumn evenings with the comfort of good food. You even found yourself pondering if he'd ever stood here on one fair evening with a Dwarf he admired romantically. If he'd ever had the chance to experience the magic of the feelings in your own blood. Feelings like the ones you have now for his nephew. "It's really beautiful", Fili murmured at last in some form of contentment. He turned to you, making you painfully aware that you stood almost completely shoulder to shoulder. You nodded softly.

"More beautiful than any view back home", you breathed, reminding him of the green grasses and stone paths of the Shire.

"The Shire is beautiful in its own way. Very similar to here. All the same comforts. Just more spacious".

"Careful, Fili. I might end up staying forever if you keep advertising like that". You'd only half-meant the joke, already loving Erebor. You'd even debated staying longer than your planned month. Just to be with Thorin and his family for a while longer.

"And you would be most welcome to stay", Fili insisted, catching you offguard. "If that's what you choose, of course".

"Thank you". Your smile was contagious, eliciting a grin from him. "I can see why you like it out here. It's peaceful".

"There's another reason". The Princeling smiled with an almost childish delight, looking to you before pointing to the left of the horizon for the nearby stone city. "Dale usually lights lanterns of zharr. That's how they celebrate the seasonal change. Their new year may be on approach. I cannot be sure", he chuckled. "But, I love it". Fili never shared his small pleasures with anyone, afraid of being vulnerable. So, he'd always come alone to watch over the passing years. With your company, he finally felt as if someone could share in his delights. You admired this side to him, seeing him so in awe of the golden lanterns that now scattered the dark skies.

"Zharr", you repeated, stilling his breath with your pronunciation of his Khuzdul slip.

"It means 'fire' in my native language", he whispered, dipping his head in his slight embarrassment. "My apologies. When I get excited, I tend to slip various words".

"I love it", you blurted out all too excitedly, making his eyes widen and brows furrow from surprise and confusion. "Can you talk more?".

"In Khuzdul?". Fili felt his ears were betraying him. Why would a Hobbit take such curiosity in such an indelicate language? Elvish was the usual favourite..

"Yes, in Khuzdul", you insisted with a short giggle, subconsciously leaning into the warmth of his shoulder. The blonde Dwarf was at a loss.

"What would you like to know?".

"Anything!", you shrugged, enthused nonetheless. Fili's mind drifted to his favourite words of assurance, hoping to impress you with some more gentle words of his language rather than the battle-cries and manly compliments. His lips parted, finding himself in hesitation. He offered you a smile, tracing your face with fondness,

"Menu gamut khed". Goosebumps scattered across your skin, something about the way he spoke in his native tongue intriguing you. Heat had also risen in your cheeks at the intensity and gentleness of his gaze, the moon masking it with its pale light.

"What does that mean?".

"That you are a wonderful person". Using his elbow, he nudged your arm gently. "Which you are". Your head bowed in bashfulness, your laugh bringing speed to his heart.

"Thank you". Fili beamed, murmuring,

"Ai menu duzhuk, mazarinh".

"You cheeky bastard, what does that mean?", you laughed.

"At your service, daring lady". You were unable to mask your amusement, seeing his own.

"Hobbits are hardly daring, Princeling", you shot back teasingly.

"Funny", his brows rose in challenge. "Both Hobbits I know are. Having travelled so far from the comforts of their home. But, that secret is safe with me". Cheekily, he offered you a wink, your eyes averting with some shyness.

"Maybe you should be daring and travel?", you suggested. "Stay in Bag End?". His heart wrenched, the brightness in his eyes seeming to dim. He wouldn't allow you to notice as his eyes travelled back to the horizon.

"I'm not allowed such freedoms", the blonde shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. He fumbled with his fingers as an unconscious way of soothing himself. You could tell that you'd plucked the wrong string with him.

"You could always get Kili to cover for you? Thorin is still King. He'd let you go?". The hopefulness in your voice did little to change his resolve.

"Thorin will not be King for much longer. I am his heir. All of his duties and my current ones will fall onto me as soon as he decides to abdicate the throne", Fili sighed. "I will be too busy. And Kili hasn't been groomed for the throne like myself. He cannot perform the duties all on his own. I'm already far too busy to leave, to my detriment". Your brows furrowed in your concern, subconsciously reaching to hold his forearm, caressing it comfortingly. He restrained himself from reaching to hold you, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"You don't seem pleased to be the next in line", you confessed, eliciting a soft, yet sad smile from the Princeling.

"I'm not particularly happy or sad", he murmured. "I never asked for this, but I'm happy to be a King for my people. My lack of freedom is worth their happiness, their safety. I have a duty to them". You nodded in understanding, meeting eyes with him. And for reasons you couldn't understand at all, you could read his gaze, seeing an underlying worry.

"But, there's something else on your mind", you inderluded, giving his forearm a squeeze. His eyes had grown wider in surprise. No friend of his had ever seen through him like that.

"There is", his voice grew quiet, his gaze falling to his hands that still fumbled. You knew he was ashamed of whatever it was. Fili gnawed the inside of his bottom lip, his eyes seeming glassy. "I am afraid, (Y/n)". His confession was quiet, strained with hesitation and pain. You nodded, moving your hand upon his two for his comfort. His bare skin was burning hot to the touch, clammy out of nervousness. He enveloped your hand in his two, using his fingers and palms to warm your cooler skin and to soothe himself. "A curse lies upon that throne. It has been apparent in my bloodline since the rule of my great grandfather, Thror". You knew of which curse he was referring to. Thorin and Bilbo had told you of it. Dragonsickness. It had been seventeen years since Erebor had been reclaimed. Seventeen years since Thorin overcame his Dragonsickness, giving all of the gold away that was promised to Laketown to rebuild Dale and the lake city. He had used the rest to rebuild the kingdom of Erebor in which you now stood. Although there was no gold left, Fili feared the curse. That it may change him or cause him to have uncharacteristic greed and arrogance. There was nothing he feared more. "He became entirely consumed by a lack of compassion. His greed set the foundations for Smaug. And when Smaug was no more, the sickness fell to the next in line, Thorin. I watched it consume him. Make him jealous, obsessive, unkind. It frightened me. It still does. It may have skipped my grandfather, Thrain, but I fear it may still linger here". When Fili's eyes closed, he imagined himself totally enthralled by the curse on a throne of dishonour. He feared above all, that he would lose himself. "I cannot allow myself to be that. I cannot—". Your touch upon his bearded face paused his anxious ramblings. Softly, your thumb traced his cheekbones, wiping the stray tears that had begun to fall unbeknownst to himself. His ocean orbs met yours, fully glassed, still brimming with tears.

"And you won't be that, Fili", your voice was a hushed whisper, allowing your hand to linger on his hot skin. You threaded your fingertips into the hair by his temple, making his skin light up in goosebumps. He thanked Mahal that his arms were covered by his coat. "I see you now. You are compassionate, courageous and selfless. Being courageous isn't about doing things without fear. It's being scared and doing it anyway. Don't be ashamed of your fear, Fili. You won't be cursed with dragonsickness. There is no cursed gold here and no greed in your heart". Your words soothed the Prince. Unsurity still remained, although it had lessened.

"(Y/n), I'm sorry—", he rasped, allowing himself to sniffle. Guilt filled his heart at letting you see him weep, even if there was no intent. Fili wondered what both his Uncle Frerin and father would've thought, seeing him so pressured by fear. It felt dishonourable to him, having been brought up never to express oneself with tears in public, as it showed too much vulnerability for a potential King. He always had to be strong for his people. He couldn't remember the last time he cried, now that he thought of it.

"Fili, it's alright", you hushed him, continuing your soft caresses on his face. You didn't seem to mind or scorn the blonde Prince, to his surprise. There was no judgement in your eyes at his tears. "If you need time, I can leave you".

"Don't", he blurted out, coming to hold the hand you'd laid upon his face. "You are a comfort. Please don't leave". You smiled in some semblance of relief, still noticing the tears that lingered. Moving your other hand from his, you gently held the braids closest to his face, stroking down the plaits soothingly. Not realizing the importance of hair, you didn't pay any mind to the way he looked at you with a glint of longing, only focusing on bringing your foreheads together the way Thorin had with you so many times before. Your knowledge of this embrace surprised Fili, but he didn't resist your touch. Your noses brushed, his forehead gently resting against your own. Softly, he inhaled your scent of earthy flowers, allowing himself to be at peace with you. His own spare hand moved to move the stray curls from your face, eyeing your face for unsurity. He felt complete. It was an odd feeling. But, it was as if an invisible thread attached to his soul had met its other end. His mouth parted, his breath hitching from hesitation. "You're so beautiful". Fili felt the warmth increase within your skin, your breath having stilled at the way he spoke that phrase. Despite your underlying modesty and doubt, there was no dishonesty in the Princeling's steady ocean eyes whilst they danced over your features.

"So are you", your reply was but a breath, fanning over his nearby lips. You gently ran your fingertips down one of his braids, admiring the softness of them and the warmth pouring from his being as the evening grew colder around you. Being so close with him, you finally felt as if your heart had found its home. It was a connection not even you could fathom, as if it had been long in the making. That same longing danced within his gaze, his scent both comforting and intoxicating to you. The Prince became sure of himself, his lashes coming to flutter against your supple skin when his face neared yours. Out of anticipation for his touch, you moistened your lips, deciding to help close the short distance.

"Khîê–", his hot breath ghosted your lips before he seized them gently with his own. His kiss was delicate and hot like fire, slowly becoming more intense. Your hands weaved into the strands of his silken mane, a soft hum leaving his throat at the blissful goosebumps your touch gave him. His touch left tingles wherever his hands brushed, his strong grip molding your form into his. Fili's brows had furrowed subconsciously in his concentration, his lips swollen when you parted. Your foreheads remained together, eyes still closed. Fili's voice had become hoarse when he murmured, "Amrâlimê". You could hear the soft smile in his voice, the word he uttered sending flutters along your spine like it called to your heart itself. When your eyes opened to meet Fili's deep blues, you shared in the smile he'd offered to you. He tilted your face upwards, cradling it like delicate glass. You found yourself melting into Fili's touch when his lips pressed again to yours in a feathersoft kiss. "I have something to offer you", he breathed out once your lips parted, bringing your hand up to the braid that sat behind his left ear. He wrapped your fingertips around the metal bead at the end of the plait before allowing you to pull it from his hair. The silver bead gleamed within your palm, the moonlight revealing the intricate rune and few symbols engraved upon it that you did not understand.

"Fili, it's beautiful!", you marveled at the craftmanship, eliciting a gorgeous smile from the Prince in his mirth.

"My mother and father made a bead for both my brother and myself. They both put their love into the make of it and engraved it with the markings of their houses. The main, being Durin". Your brows rose in shock, your mouth falling open.

"Fili, I can't take this, your parents—".

"Made it for courtship", he cut in, ceasing your anxious ramblings gently. "For my One". Although you knew next to nothing of Dwarven courtship, you knew that Fili was offering you something more sacred than this bead. His life, his heart, his soul. Fili's eyes were hopeful whilst he gnawed his bottom lip. "(Y/n), I feel as if a thread ties my heart to yours. Please tell me if this connection is just mine alone". Reaching for his hand, your head shook.

"It isn't. I was drawn to you for reasons I couldn't place. And then I realised something in my time with you tonight". His brows rose in interest, begging you to continue. "You feel like home, Fili. Something I've not had in what seems like forever. After I lost my mother, I felt empty. Bag End is a beautiful home, but my heart knew it wasn't where I belonged. Being here with you, being with your family, I finally feel like I belong".

"Then stay", Fili's lips ghosted near your own, his eyes seeming to almost plead with you silently. Allowing your actions to speak for you, your lips captured his in a feverish kiss, his body instinctively pressing flush upon your own.

"Like you had to ask", you hummed playfully after reducing him into a state of bliss. A giggle left the Dwarf Prince, his grin meeting his eyes. The fates had finally blessed him with his One. Per the Dwarven custom, Fili reached for a cluster of strands sitting behind your right ear and had separated them into three parts. His bottom lip sat between his teeth whilst carefully weaving your strands into a soft, silken braid. The excitement glittering within his eyes could not be masked, his breath having stilled in his concentration. The moonlight continued to make the Prince seem otherworldly and divine, as if the Durins were made for its rays. When the bead had clicked into place at the end of your braid, you beheld Fili's handiwork in wonder. A sense of accomplishment fell upon you as if the bead had always meant to be there. "It's so beautiful", you whispered, tugging upon it softly.

"It belongs to you now, like my heart". You carefully took his face into your smaller hands, brushing the stray hairs from his face whilst his hands came to caress the tips of your pointed ears. His gaze shamelessly admired your delicate features, your soft freckles and cascading curls.

"I will treasure both with all that I am, giving you my own heart in return". Before your heads could meet, your gazes were drawn to the approaching footsteps of none other than the Mountain King himself. Fili remained relaxed in the presence of his Uncle as he approached, smiling broadly with pride, "I hope I am not interrupting".

"Not at all, Uncle", Fili insisted in genuity, Thorin's gaze falling upon your courting braid.

"It seems much has been realised between you both. And I much wish to congratulate you".

"Thank you", you beamed at the man you'd continuously come to appreciate as a father figure. His soul warmed at your modest nature. For Thorin, it had become apparent that fate had not only blessed him with you, but his nephew as well. Perhaps, you were always destined to be Thorin's family? Not that he minded, considering that he had regarded you as kin since you were young. Yet now, looking upon the woman you had become, he realised that his nephew could not be in better hands with such a kindhearted spouse to share in his life.

With an affectionate smile, the King found himself laying a hand upon each of your shoulders. "Know this. I am proud of you both, always".

When you and Fili rejoined the party, a shout bellowed from Dwalin. "I bloody knew it!!", he had shouted once spying your courting braid from afar. "You owe me 50 coins, Nori! Pay up!!". Sputtering excuses, the sneak-thief saw fit to try and leave to no avail. Dwalin handed Kili's youngest son back to him before vaulting over the table in pursuit of the smaller Dwarf. Fili's lips pursed in his restraint of laughter, eyeing your mirthful grin in his peripheral. Excusing himself from you, he travelled to where his mother onlooked in fondness.

"Fili", Dis sighed, her eyes glimmering in delight.

"Amad". His smile was as soft as it had been with you, allowing his face to be cradled by his mother.

"You've found happiness. It's more than I could've hoped for you". Her son's head dipped in gratefulness.

"I am happy", he assured her. "And maybe, we will have our first Queen Under the Mountain?". Dis pressed a kiss to Fili's forehead, holding it against her own for a moment.

"I await that day with great excitement, my son".

Everything was perfect...

_______________________________

The halls of Durin had been tense.

Thorin Oakenshield paced the halls of his home, his sister and youngest nephew with his family awaiting news from Fili eagerly. It had been many hours since they last laid eyes upon him. "Great Uncle", Frerin called upon the King, catching his fond attention. "How much longer?".

"Uncle Fee is taking forever", Thrain whined in addition. Tauriel rubbed the back of her youngest son in consolation whilst his father held him close. Frerin bounced on his heels restlessly, recieving an amused smile from Thorin. The older Dwarf knelt in front of the auburn haired boy, brushing his messy hair from his face before patting his shoulder affectionately.

"He shouldn't be much longer now, Dear One", he assured.

"Calm down, boys", Kili grinned, bobbing the pebble in his arms playfully. "The more you think about it and gripe, the longer it'll take for you".

"No fair", Thrain huffed, pouting in his frustration.

"It has been a while", Dis sighed in worry, gnawing on her lower lip out of nervousness. "Perhaps I should—".

"No", Thorin placated her gently. "You needn't check on him. He will come to us. Have faith". Her eldest brother always had a way of making her feel at ease, even when she didn't want to be. Tauriel extended her comforting touch to Dis, the mother sharing an appreciative look toward her daughter-in-law. Footsteps echoed in the hall, alarming everyone to a new presence. Bilbo came rushing up the steps at the end of the hall, panting from exhaustion.

"I came as soon as I heard. Has it happened yet?".

"No, but you are right on time, old friend", Thorin grinned. The Hobbit, despite his exhaustion, offered a grateful smile to the Mountain King. All of them awaited Fili's return with bated breath for only moments more before the wooden doors nearest to them opened. With exhaustion riddling his entire form, the golden-haired Prince huffed with a lopsided smile. Frerin hugged his Uncle excitedly, recieving a half-hug back.

"It's time". As if everyone knew what the announcement was, they filed through the door and into the winding halls beyond. It wasn't long before the group reached an open room.

"(Y/n)", Kili breathed out, excited to see his sister in-law again after so many hours. He raced to your side, hugging your ragged form in your bedrest. Thorin, despite how he'd remained calm before, also had his eyes clouded in concern.

"Are you alright?", he questioned, his eyes monitoring you for any signs of pain.

"I'm fine", you sighed, offering your husband a grateful look whilst he assumed your bedside again. Bilbo quickly cleared Kili aside, surprising you with his presence. Your shout of joy at seeing your old friend had everyone laughing happily at your reunion. The older Hobbit embraced you softly, caressing your back comfortingly whilst he held you. Dis and Tauriel had even taken to your side afterwards, checking you over for injury in a bout of protectiveness.

"She's fine", Fili assured your family, grinning in delight when he turned and reached down into a nearby cradle. "I've got someone who wants to meet you all".

"Our cousin!!", Frerin screeched in his excitement, jumping up and down eagerly.

Everyone watched in pure excitement as Fili cradled a small bundle gently in his arms, bringing it closer to his family. The babe had sandy blonde hair dusting his small head, his little ears tilted back and pointed; like a Hobbit's ears, only more delicate and rounded. The feet were only slightly enlarged, taking more after the Dwarven side. "It's a boy", his father announced proudly, everyone letting out a cheer and round of applause. Dis was the first to hold her grandson, tears brimming in her ocean gaze.

"(Y/n), Fili; he's so beautiful". It was hard for Fili to keep his own tears at bay, seeing his mother so emotionally enthralled by his child. With astounding gentleness, she laid a kiss on her grandson's forehead, passing him over to her brother Thorin. The older Dwarf was just as taken by the child, his voice wet with the tears that threatened to fall,

"He is an exact combination of you both". Thorin's thumb brushed the rounded Hobbit-like cheeks. He could hardly believe that the boy in his arms would one day be the King of Erebor. "He's spectacular".

"We've chosen a name", you spoke up, catching the immediate attention of everyone again. "We're naming our firstborn after a man we owe almost everything to". You looked to Fili with an excited glint in your eyes, silently asking him to continue.

"We're calling our son Thorin III, the next King of Erebor after myself. We are naming him after the greatest King to walk these halls". Fili's eyes travelled to his Uncle whose mouth had parted in some semblance of shock. Thorin's eyes glanced both at yours and within Fili's, checking to see if you'd played him. There was no jesting, no dishonesty. "You were a father figure to myself, Kili and even (Y/n). You didn't have to try most days. And we are eternally grateful to you". Fili swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to mask his tears, "Know that you are loved dearly, Uncle. By all of us". Thorin's bottom lip tremored before being pursed, the King taking a deep breath to calm the sea of emotions within his heart and mind. Thorin hadn't even thought twice about assuming a parental role when it came to his nephews after the loss of their father. Nor did he ever expect gratitude of any kind for the rearing in return. Only now did he realise the extent of his actions. His eyes danced to you. You who had always wordlessly considered the King a father figure from your youth to your adulthood.

"This is an honour greater than any I have ever recieved", Thorin said amidst the few tears that fell softly from his strong eyes. "I am grateful to the both of you. Eternally grateful". His steps brought him closer to Fili, who took his Uncle into a solid Dwarven embrace, their heads meeting with a masculine hardiness. Dis covered her mouth to cover the sobs of joy that now wracked her body. Kili shared a grin with Tauriel, fondly remembering the days his own boys were born. The two pebbles, now 10 and 5, anxiously awaited the moment they could meet their cousin for the first time.

"Can we hold him?!", Frerin begged. "Please, Uncle Fee??". The blonde Dwarf laughed in the embrace he shared with his Uncle, taking the small bundle back.

"You may, as long as you both can be careful", he warned with an underlying sternness.

"We promise!", Thrain begged, his hazel orbs glittering with desperation. Fili knelt by his two nephews, peeling back the blanket that swaddled the pebble. Frerin gently ran his hand along the sleeping face of his cousin, marveling at the softness. "He's so tiny!". Everyone laughed at Thrain's proclaimation.

"Which is why you need to be so careful". Frerin nodded at his Uncle's words, reaching for the tiny hand that had curled up by the chest of the sleeping baby.

"I'm your cousin", Frerin whispered to the bundle, the tiny hand curling around one of his fingers. "And like Thrain, I will always protect you, Thorin. I promise".

"We love you, Thorin", Thrain had cooed, stroking his hand over the babe's sandy curls. Bilbo reached for a handkerchief, wiping at his eyes desperately.

"You holding up alright?", you asked the older Hobbit, him nodding and sniffling.

"Just something in my eyes". The family of Durin shared a laugh, Fili seeing fit to allow the Burglar a hold of his firstborn. "I'm— I'm in no condition to–".

"Of course you are", Fili insisted, moving the bundle into Bilbo's arms. He felt awkward at first before he quickly adjusted to the little one's presence, seeming to completely halt his tears. A joyful smile lit up Bilbo's face whilst he rocked the bundle softly.

"Hello, Thorin", he giggled nervously, holding the babe close to his chest.

"So Fee", Kili called to his brother with a suggestive brow raise. "When are you going to have another one, eh?". Tauriel elbowed her husband with an incredulous expression, bringing out a guffaw from the younger Durin.

"About that". The room fell silent in shock, Fili's blue hues travelling to where you laid upon the bed.

"We had twins", your addition almost had Bilbo fainting.

"Tell me you have a girl!", Kili begged with a childlike delight.

"Calm down, Kili", Fili laughed. "We had another boy". His younger brother was not disappointed in the slightest, understanding that girls were quite rare in Dwarven culture to begin with. He considered himself a blessed Uncle nonetheless.

"Where is he?!", Tauriel fawned, eagerly eyeing the room.

"With a healer, getting cleaned up and checked".

"Your Highnesses!", Dralana called to you and your family excitedly. Stepping into the room with a respectful bow, she revealed the bundle she carried carefully within her arms. The babe had the exact same ears and feet as his brother, the curls upon his head being more of a golden-brown in comparison to his brother Thorin III. There was also light tufts of hair along his jawline, unlike his older brother. Fili gestured to Kili, Dralana handing the bundle to the dark haired Durin. Both brothers inclined their heads to the kind servant as she departed.

"Hello, little one", Kili greeted the newborn, Tauriel brushing one of her delicate digits over the boy's head.

"Mírë", the Elf-Maid cooed. "So precious". Fili approached his younger brother, caressing the head of his second son, before addressing the room.

"Allow me to introduce to all of you–", he spared a glance to his mother especially, "–Our second son, Vili".

"You didn't", Kili's mouth fell open. "You didn't, Fee. You didn't—". The younger Durin pursed his lips, attempting to calm the tears that threatened to fall.

"We did, for our father". Kili only managed a nod, his head dipping to kiss the babe's forehead. Tauriel gladly took the bundle from her husband, allowing him to embrace his older brother. Kili shook whilst he wept into his brother's shoulder, a bright image of their father lingering in his mind.

"Your father would be beside himself", Dis sniffled with a chuckle. "But, most of all, I think he'd be humbled and proud to see his two sons right at this very moment". Both boys with tear stained cheeks smiled warmly at their mother, offering her a place in their embrace. She didn't refuse, allowing her two sons to envelop her into a tight embrace.

"We still miss him, Amad", Kili sighed, drying his face with his sleeve.

"He's still here, with all of us", Dis assured him. "Fili and (Y/n) have just given us something to remember him by".

"Reminders from other people ensure that those we lose are never gone from our hearts and minds", you spoke softly, offering your mother-in-law a smile. "We all learnt that from someone once". Dis returned your words with a tearful smile, whilst Thorin's eyes danced to his great-nephews Thrain and Frerin. An image of their forefathers came to his mind. Thrain, his own father and Frerin his younger brother. A soft smile splayed on the King's face, his crystalline gaze travelling the faces in the room. His family, all banded together, all present even in heart. Nothing could make the Mountain King happier.

___________________________________

Three years after your sons were born, Thorin abdicated his throne to his nephew and yourself. For the first time, there was a true Queen Under the Mountain by the new King's side. Fili had groomed you for the throne and you were still learning things with time, always taking half of his duties and sharing in the decision-making of the Kingdom. The people of Erebor had quickly adjusted to the concept of a Queen, welcoming you with open arms and hearts.

It had now been 35 years since you and Fili had assumed the throne of Erebor. 60 years since it had been reclaimed. Dragonsickness had not affected Fili as he'd feared it might have. The curse upon the Mountain and its throne was no more.

Balin had established a peaceful colony within Moria, abdicating his position as advisor; the position falling to Thorin. The former King of Erebor had remained at the throne's side, even now at 255 years of age. His hair had greyed, age now starting to appear on his seemingly still youthful face. He had surpassed the lifespan of a normal Dwarf, Bilbo also surpassing a Hobbit's normal lifespan, having written to you and Fili some months ago of his 111th Birthday and retirement to Rivendell. Your sons, Thorin III and Vili were now 38, both being groomed to be the heirs for the throne the way Fili and Kili had. Frerin and Thrain, older by 5 and 10 years, had become bodyguards to their cousins having been enlisted and trained by Dwalin himself. They would assume captaincy of the guard when the time was right.

"Amad, Adad!", Vili's familiar caramel mane ascended the steps of the throne room, trailed by his cousin Thrain. Vili had come to resemble Thorin II's younger brother, Frerin. However, his eyes were your own (e/c) ones and he had a strong beard, braided into a similar style to his father's.

"Vili", you both smiled mirthfully at your son's approach.

"What news do you bring, Dear One?", his great Uncle asked from his position by the throne.

"We have a guest", Thrain informed you with a spirit alike to his father's.

"Thorin is just bringing him in. Frerin is not long behind", Vili added with his father's trademark grin. It was something his older brother also shared with him.

"Very good", Fili acknowledged both boys, inclining his head in gratitude. Vili took to standing by your side, laying an affectionate palm on your shoulder when the welcomed guest finally ascended the stairwell. Both the former King and Fili lit up with familiarity as a man cloaked in white filed in, your son Thorin III and Frerin behind him. Alike to Kili, both boys had a lack of beard on their faces, lately blooming. They only had sandy blonde and auburn stubble, resembling Thorin II and Kili in their facial complexions. Your firstborn son had inherited the Durin crystalline gaze, reminding you of your husband almost completely, but both sons had the merriment and roundness of a Hobbit. The feet were still questionable.

Gandalf stood, mirth shimmering in his gaze at both your husband, yourself and Thorin. "Long has it been since I have seen you, Thorin son of Thrain and Fili son of Vili". His head dipped in a bow out of respect.

"Welcome back, Dear Friend", Fili grinned at your side. "You needn't bow to us". Warmly, Gandalf smiled at you both.

"I bid good tidings to the King and Queen of Erebor in these dark times. I have come not to reminisce, but to ask help of my old friends". Fili's gaze met your own, brows knitted in concern. You both had predicted these dark times, given that a quest to destroy the ring had begun many months ago. Gimli son of Gloin was among that fellowship.

"Anything", you encouraged the wizard with a nod, gratitude shining in his face.

"The enemy is marching upon Gondor. Sauron intends to destroy the world of men first. If nothing is done, I feel the freedom of this world will fall. Erebor, Rivendell, The Shire–". Your heart skipped a beat at the mention of your homeland. "–No one is safe".

"You ask our aid?", the former King spoke up from beside Fili.

"I do", the White Wizard sighed. "Rohan is marching to Pelennor Fields as we speak. They have only 6000 capable men and women. Not nearly enough to combat an army of 10,000 or more. We have Isildur's heir rallying the traitors within Gondor's mountains. I have risked much in coming here already. I need surity. Will you fight for the freedom of Middle-Earth?". The eyes in the room fell to you both. Fili shared a knowing look with you. The golden thread that tied your hearts was still burning strong to this day. Your husband would not make this decision without you. Nodding to each other, you both stood from your thrones.

"We will fight", Fili grinned, his eyes ablaze with a primal warrior's excitement.

"We were waiting for you to say that", Kili piped up, filing into the room with his wife beside him. The various members of the old company were also with him. Bofur, Bifur, Bombur. Nori and Dori. Dwalin as well. "Gandalf put on quite a show, rallying us the way he did". The wizard in turn, tried to seem innocent. You laughed,

"You knew we would say yes".

"I hadn't had a doubt in my mind, My Lady", he responded, an amused smile lighting up his features.

"And all of you intend to go to war?", Fili gaped, his brows raised in surprise.

"For our brother Ori", Dori huffed. "He would". Nori nodded in agreement, offering his brother a smile.

"My old bones still have some power left in 'em", Dwalin grunted, lifting his axe with no difficulty. He too offered something of a primal grin.

"Y' need only ask and we'll follow ye", Bofur added, inclining his head to his King.

"All of us", Thorin spoke up, stepping next to his nephew with a nod.

"Me as well". Fili turned to you, shockingly paler. You caressed his face, squeezing his hand. "With you in life and in death, remember?", you quoted your wedding vows. His eyes seemed to soften, a sigh leaving him.

"The people need their Queen—".

"And you need me".

"Y' won't get anywhere with her", Dwalin laughed. "And she's right". Fili passed half a glare to the older Dwarf.

"Will you not stay?", Fili murmured, worry clouding his shining gaze. Your head shook, your gaze falling upon your firstborn. His resemblance to Fili, Kili and Thorin was uncanny. Your son realized what you'd intended to say.

"Amad—".

"You can stay. Stay here with your brother and your cousins", you told him. The Durin glare had been inherited by him without any doubt, his brows furrowing deeply.

"I want to fight!", Thorin protested.

"Us as well", Vili added, both Frerin and Thrain nodding.

"I will not risk my line falling", Fili interluded. "You will all stay and defend our people here whilst your mother and I go".

"What if you don't come back?", Thorin snapped. "What then?". You saw your son's blue orbs glass over, your steps taking you to where he stood beside Gandalf.

"You worry too much, Sweetheart", you hushed him, cradling his face. "We have survived worse. Your father and Great Uncle certainly have".

"I'm just scared I won't see you again. I want to fight and prove myself, Amad—", Thorin choked, his head dipping in shame.

"Your time will come, Thorin. And you will understand when it is your time to be King", Fili sighed, lending a soft pat to his son's shoulder.

"You are much t' young ta be fighting in wars, Laddie. You will have your share of bloodshed when the time comes", Dwalin sought to console him.

"You will be in charge. You and Vili know what to do", you whispered, him nodding in return.

"We will protect them as we've always done", Frerin smiled his father's signature smile. "To that oath, I still hold".

"Aye. I do as well", Thrain added, laying a hand on the hilt of his daggers for emphasis.

"Go and all will be well here", Vili smiled on approach. "I promise". Your arms opened, welcoming Vili to the embrace you shared with his brother and father, laying a soft kiss all of their foreheads. Fili smiled, relishing in your soft touch even after all this time.

"We love you, boys", you cooed.

"We love you both too", Thorin sniffled, gripping onto his father affectionately.

"We're coming home, we swear by it", Fili murmured.

"You better", Vili threatened almost playfully. You broke apart, turning to your husband.

"Together?".

"Always", you answered.

"Like you had to even ask", Kili grinned, squeezing Tauriel's delicate hand.

"Would you all do me this honour in following me?", Fili asked.

"Yes", his Uncle answered, wrapping his arm around his firstborn nephew. "I would follow you both to my death. And I am undeniably proud of the both of you in all you have accomplished together".

"As am I", Dis proclaimed, entering the throne room, commanding respect with her presence alone. Thorin grinned at his younger sister whilst she approached all of you. "I will never cease being proud of you, my sons. And my daughters too". She spared a glance for you and Tauriel fondly. "As I will never stop worrying that you five and the others will not be coming home. I nearly lost you once, Thorin. And my sons", Dis sighed, grabbing her older brother's strong arm. "Ride to war, but by Mahal, if any of you don't return–". When everyone laughed lightheartedly at the threat similar to Vili's, her own face broke into a smile. Her eyes, alike to Fili's, were glinted with affection and worry. Thorin squeezed his sister's arm to console her; his eyes conveying a silent, gentle message of assurance. Dis conceded with her own silence, nodding before pressing a kiss to her brother's forehead.

"Now, let us ride to war". Thorin"s gaze affectionately crossed to the both of you, warming your soul. With newfound confidence, Fili turned to you for the orders.

"Kili, Dwalin. Get our soldiers ready for battle and any capable warriors in our city who wish to take up arms".

"As you wish, My Lady". Kili bowed to you with an excited smile, Dwalin letting out a roar of excitement.

Gandalf smiled. "We will await your arrival".

Every man and woman who could spare arms came along. Erebor's force was 3000 people, combined with the 1200 people from Dale and the Lake City who wished to fight as well. Thorin and his brother Vili remained behind as ordered with their cousins. Having been trained by Fili for combat in the many years you were married, you had full confidence stepping onto the battlefield. Not once, but twice.

Pelennor Fields was a devastating battle, won by brute force and numbers. If it weren't for the army of the dead, raised by Isuldur's heir, the battle perhaps would have been for naught. Your kin remained strong and hardy, mourning over the deaths of both Dwarves and men. Many soldiers of Rohan, Gondor and Erebor were injured. The King of Rohan had perished, his brave niece barely surviving. It was a battle hard won.

The battle of the Black Gate was no different.

Whatever was left of your combined armies, inclusive of the Hobbits you fondly discovered to be Merry and Pippin, marched upon the Dark Lands. Such an act by Men and Dwarves would go down into legends; a great battle of Kings.

With the battle raging on to keep the Dark Lord's eye from the Ringbearer, Frodo Baggins had finally managed to accomplish his goal, ending Sauron before he could ever truly return.

Doing a headcount, you were relieved to find your kin, your husband still alive after it all ended.

"We did it. Frodo did it", Fili huffed in exhaustion, Orc blood covering his face and body, dirt sticking to his sweat. Your lips pressed to his own, a sigh leaving your nostrils whilst your lips worked against his.

"Men lananubukhs menu", you uttered against his lips.

"I love you too", he chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

"Are you both alright?", Thorin called to you. Breaking from your husband's embrace, you marched to his Uncle. With no hesitation, you took the former King in your arms, burying your head into his matted shoulder. Fili grinned, relieved to see his Uncle alive. Thorin returned the embrace, nuzzling his head into your shoulder in return.

"We're fine", you breathed.

"You both fought well. Kili, Tauriel, the Company. We survived. Together".

"I'm glad", you sighed in relief, a smile splaying on your features.

"Excellent news", Fili laughed, leaving to begin his search for his younger brother in the crowd. You remained embraced with your father figure. Despite being middle-aged at your current 65 years, you still wanted his comfort.

"Are you alright?", he repeated, caressing your back.

"I'm fine", you assured him. "I'm just glad it's time to go home, back to Erebor". Thorin finally decided to slip from your arms, smiling at you with an elated proudness in his eyes. It radiated with such strength and affection that he had not the need to say he was proud. Instead, he wrapped a supportive arm over your shoulder, sighing wistfully with the wind,

"Yes, (Y/n). Let's go home".

The End. . .

___________________________________________

Hope you enjoyed the last instalment of "Excuses" !! If you wish to be in my taglist, check my masterlist and let me know what you'd like to be included in!! Thank you all so much for your support in this miniseries!! ❤❤❤

Translation List;

- Mírë = "precious treasure", (Elvish)

- Men Gorach = "you stupid/idiot", (Khuzdul)

- Khîê = "My One", (Khuzdul)

- Amrâlimê = "My Love/Love of Mine", (Khuzdul)

___________________________________________

TAGLIST; @fizzyxcustard @lathalea

[batmanqa12]

The King of Flowers

"What is it?" asks Thorin one day, when he notices Bilbo standing above him whith outstretched hands and something looking like a circle made of flowers.

"Ermmm... It's a crown. For you." answers the hobbit nervously. He is afraid of the king's reaction. What if he won't like it? Oh, how stupid of him to even try giving him the flower crown. What can he think of Bilbo?

"And where is gold and rubies?" dwarf asks again, even more confused. He has never seen in his long, long life a crown made of flowers.

Bilbo starts shiftint his weight from foot to foot.

"This is a different kind of a crown. Would you like to try it on?"

The dwarf nods and kneels on one knee. Bilbo carefully puts a flower crown on his head and makes a step back to admire his work. Indeed, the flowers he had chosen were perfectly made in aspect of colors and pattern. It was worth it to stand up earlier that morning and go to the nearest meadow near a rivulet. Dozen of ceratostigma willmottianum, a bunch of striped squills, two cornflowers and a nigella damascena in the middle surrounded by amaryllis and daisies.

"Why did you give this to me?" another question comes out of still surprised dwarf.

"You will be a King, and every king deserves a crown. You especially, my lord."

Thorin laughs softly.

"Thank you for such a noble gesture, I will keep this in my heart." he takes off the flower crown and puts it into his pocket. "I don't want to damage it." he explains to the questioning look Bilbo gave him. Both of them look at each other with hints of sparkles behind their eyes.

°°°

"TAKE THIS HOBBIT AWAY! I will never again befriend a wizard or a traitor." while saying that, he pushes halfling away.

Bilbo with his eyes full of tears, climbs down the rope. He notices that Thorin is taking something out of his pocket and throws it onto a ground, into a puddle.

The flower crown.

Bilbo runs quickly, takes damaged wad of flowers and squeezes it hard, keeping it close to his heart. His back is hurt after hitting a hard rock but it is nothing compared to the pain of his soul. Ruined hobbit rushes to Gandalf.

Thorin is watching a whole scene feeling baffled.

°°•

He wants to grab for flowery crown just as always when he needs to make a decision. In his pocket there is nothing but a golden coins. He is walking on a gold floor, sees golden ornaments, watches golden sapphires.

Gold is crushing him. It becomes cold, this kind of yellowness unbearable.

In the blink of an eye, he starts to drown in the floor, collapsing into it, getting covered by gold from everywhere. He wants to get away, he doesn't need gold anymore. I don't want this chains, take them off me!

He would give anything for the blues and whites of flowers!

He drowned.

°••

"Forgive me, my dear Master Burglar."

Thorin smiles despite the pain and blood in his mouth. Bilbo is holding his friend's hand, full of sadness. He pulls out an old flower crown and tangle it between their wrapped hands.

"You don't have to apologize for anything! It was the greatest honor any Baggins couldn't have ever dreamed of!"

Thorin knowing he doesn't have a lot of time, looks at their locked hands.

"If everyone cherished music, food and happiness above gold and power, the world would be a merrier place."

He once again squeezes Bilbo's palm harder.

"Farewell, Friend!"

"Nnno, Thorin, no!" Bilbo starts nodging the dwarf in vain. He can't do anything.

Thorin... is gone.

•••

Bilbo stands next to Thorin.

His tears stream down his face.

He takes out a crown and places it on dead dwarf's head.

Crowned in flowers, a sword and an arcenstone, ready to rest. Beautiful like a King of Flowers, deadly as a dragon. Dead as a Death itself.

Oh why does it have to hurt so much?

[junebugwriter]

Transition I

I had my first consult for HRT yesterday, and it went super well. I really like this doc; she knows exactly what she's doing, she has helped tons of trans folks like me before, and is able to talk through all the stuff that I simply don't know about. I'm going in for blood tests this morning, which I'm actually REALLY excited to find out the results of, because that's just the kind of person I am. I'm doing my PhD in disability ethics, I've written about bioethics before, and my mom has nurse training, so all the medical stuff is actually quite fascinating for me, even though I am NOT cut out to be a medical doctor or nurse in any way. Because of how my body is built, I'm curious to see how my hormones actually are, if I have high or low T or E, and what it all means.

Doc recommended finasteride alongside estrogen, to help with hair regrowth for the bald spot on the back of my head (one of the biggest focuses of my dysphoria) and the limiting of body hair growth. I honestly thought that it took several years to see the full effects of HRT, but she said that I'd most likely see all the bodily effects within a year, which blew my mind a bit. Part of me is like, "That's it?" But another part of me is also reeling at the fact that "Oh. I'm going to go through a STUPID amount of puberty in like, the span of a couple months. I already did that once, with the wrong equipment--what the hell is the new hormone stuff going to actually DO to me?"

Part of all this makes me nostalgic for how I got here. I only really had my gender epiphany recently, but when she asked "when was the first time I felt like I identified with a different gender," I had to answer... like, all my life. I've operated at varying levels of gender dysphoria since, well, forever. Everything kind of makes sense knowing that I was simply assigned the wrong gender at birth.

It makes sense that I wasn't any good at performing the "masculine" gender, but then again I'd argue, who is? The goalposts of gender are CONSTANTLY SHIFTING. Gender isn't a physical object, it's a role, a performance, a persona. My mom is probably more "butch" than any other straight woman I've met--short hair, wears more non-gendered clothing (polos and jeans, all day every day)--but also, does the feminine-coded stuff that she likes. She loves cooking, knitting, gardening, and generally tending to the home. She is literally a hobbit, a platonic ideal of a Tolkien-esque halfling. She loves things that grow, she loves teaching, she loves reading, learning, and making things. She rarely did anything more than the most basic makeup and jewelry, and seldom wore a dress or a skirt except for on special occasions.

In all honesty, I'm probably going to be more femme than her. I like my hair longer, and want to grow it out. I don't know how to do makeup yet, but I have a feeling once I get good at it I'll never want to take it off. I got my ears pierce, and absolutely LOVE how it makes me look, just a bit of personal sparkle to shine outwards. These are all such small things, in the end. Mentally, I'm still the same. I've always been this way. But I'm so much happier when I'm seen as a woman. My partner says I'm a completely different person, one who's happy, exuberant and vibrant. And she likes seeing me happy.

I'm not looking forward to the more turbulent aspects of puberty, but I think it will be worth it, in the end. I'm excited to transition. Now, I gotta think about changing my legal name, coming out at work... but that can wait for now. Right now, I'm excited about the future.

[soralinklokidottirofmirkwood]

The Hobbit x Neko heterochromic teen reader part 11.

Going to Erebor.

You are in shock to hear that your homeland wasn't destroyed at all but that your brother is ruling the kingdom with orcs as Gandalf explained what has happened to your homeland over the past years "Thranduil you are to protect Y/N with your life." Gandalf said "She means everything to me Mithrandir. Ever since she started calling me her father I swore to protect her." He said to the wizard "I will help with protecting Y/N, she has helped healed the wounded and is close with my children." Bard said giving you a gentle smile making you smile back.

That night:

You stand by your father's makeshift throne in front of a ranting Gandalf “I think you’re trying to help your dwarvish friends. And I admire your loyalty to them but it does not dissuade me from my course.” Thranduil said getting up from his throne and walking towards Gandalf “You started this Mithrandir you will forgive me if I finish it.” He said then went to a guard while you stand near the throne as Thranduil gives orders to the guard and Gandalf smokes his pipe “The dwarves are out of time.” You heard your adoptive father say as the guard went to do what he was told “Y/N I am giving you your fathers sword if we are to go to battle tomorrow.” He said as a guard came with your late father’s sword and handed it to you. Before you could thank Thranduil another familiar voice was heard then Gandalf and Bard came back into the tent with Bilbo “Bilbo!” you said happy to see the hobbit again “Y/N! It’s lovely to see you again.” He said looking up at you “I see Thranduil has been treating you well.” He said glad to see you unharmed “If I’m not mistaken this is the halfling who tried to steal the keys to my dungeon right from under the noses of my guards.” Thranduil said calmly “Yesh! Sorry about that.” He said walking up to the table “I came to give you this.” Bilbo said placing something in cloth on the table, unwrapped the cloth to reveal the Arkenston making Thranduil’s and Bard’s eyes widen in awe but yours widened in terror dual to feeling a dark energy radiating off of the rainbow gem. As Bilbo is talking you walked towards the stone and began using your powers on it making the tent go silent “What is this? What is she doing?” Bard asked “She’s purifying it.” Gandalf said in awe as you took the shard from your choker off from the chain, placed it in the crescent shape hole in the stone and watched as it magically merged into the stone as it turns milky white instead of a rainbow.

Once you’re finished everyone is in awe at the sight before them, they didn’t feel the greed or any negative energy from the stone but instead they felt light in the tent “excellent work iel nin” Thranduil said rubbing your ear’s very pleased “Hannad! Ada.” You said yawning “Get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” He said hugging you and kissing your head “Goodnight Dad.” You said hugging him back “Á lorë vandë!” He said “Goodnight Bilbo, Gandalf and Bard.” You said walking out of Thranduil’s tent and towards yours “Sleep well dear.” Bilbo said “See you in the morning dear.” Gandalf said next “Goodnight Y/N.” Bard said last.

On your way to your tent you saw the Bardlings heading to an abandoned house for the night “Goodnight guys.” You said hugging them “Goodnight Y/N.” They all said hugging back but Bain was blushing and stuttering making you blush to “I’ll see you three in the morning.” You said not before quickly giving Bain a kiss on the cheek and zooming towards your tent unaware of the human man and wizard chuckling while Thranduil and Bilbo had the look that screamed overprotective father “They seem close.” Thranduil said clearly not liking what he saw and glanced at Bilbo “Indeed.” The Hobbit said “She is a teenager after all.” Gandalf said walking out with Bilbo following behind.

The next day:

You are riding with Thranduil on his elk with Bard riding next to you two towards Erebor with the elven army behind. The elk and horse walked up the steps towards the stone palace but with your sharp eye sight you saw Thorin shot an Arrow at you and Thranduil, you used your powers to shield yourself and Thranduil incase the arrow hit you two but it landed at the elks hooves causing Thranduil to stop the elk “I’ll put the next one between your eyes.” You heard Thorin say making the other dwarves cheer.

Looking up you saw that Thranduil wasn’t phased by the threat as Thorin notched another arrow with the archers notching their arrows but Thranduil held up his hand with a hold motion and all fell silent.

You saw that Thorin looked changed aside from his attire his eyes no longer had that warm look you knew during the three months you’ve been with the dwarves but instead they had insanity in them as if he had been consumed by greed “The gold sickness.” You whispered remembering one of your history lessons with Balin two months ago.

iel nin: my daughter.

Hannad: Thanks.

Ada: Dad/Daddy/papa.

Á lorë vandë!: Sleep well!

[thequeenofmyownscreen]

Sixteen things I noted about CR2E115 “Fetching Fables & Frosty Friends” and the Talks Machina about it :

Whyyyyy French again ??? At least I know Sam knows a little French, so I'm somehow less offended when it's him. But yeah at the of the ad, I felt this screenshot IN MY SOUL :

Matt, to Travis, about Beau who's running way ahead of Fjord : "She's a monk, she's faster than you." Travis, immediately and petulantly : "You don't know that !" Matt, not impressed, deadpan : "Yes. I do. It's on her character sheet."

I love Dagen so much. He tries to do a little bit of polite conversation, and Veth is like "Are you asking if anyone of us is single ?" and Jester doubles down with "Are you secretly in love with me ?", and then he calls them "colorful". He has worked with Vess and Ludinus before, so yeah that must be a change of pace for him.

Dagen, recalling the worst group he ever traveled with : "There was this rowdy bunch out of Syrinlya, Uthodurnian folk. Too boisterous. Too loud. When you're trying to make your way across landscape like this, you want to keep quiet. Just a bunch of fucking dwarves singing about what they had for breakfast, about what they had for lunch, tales of mysteries to the north ! They had beautiful voices, but they just wouldn't shut the fuck up. One day we got ambushed and they all got torn apart. I was the only survivor... I just feel bad for the poor halfling they dragged along." Me slowly realizing Matt is describing the first Hobbit movie : AMAZING !!

Caleb, 20 minutes after Veth and Jester started getting real with Dagen and are creating what I can only describe as an elaborate fan-fiction of Dagen and one of the travelers possibly named Sheila he might have fallen in love with - and named his axe after : "Hey, are we the worst ones yet ?" Dagen, through gritted teeth : "Gettin' real close..."

Laura looks so cute with her unicorn hoodie on.

Love that they knew they were messing with POWERFUL NECROTIC MAGIC, and that Liam pointed out that this kind of trap "pivoted the entire campaign one" (which to me was a clear indication that he wanted to do it, because this is Liam and he loves this kind of stuff). And still they went for it. For an hour. Man, did Caleb try. The last attempt, dramatically casting Dispel Magic while walking away, because he couldn't let it go, and still the stone rests, is an very funny visual.

Oh Beau read Yasha's poem ! Which was not a poem, but a wonderful letter. I love how Marisha was overjoyed as Ashley was reading it (as the voiceover).

Oh my god, the story of the Katzen Prince is everything. The revelation that Liam wrote that in a day, just before they were paying, is the cherry on top. Look, I fucking love fairy tales, and I had a book when I was young where it was all of the original versions (aka the dark endings, and even when it was a good ending for the hero, there were some brutal elements, like when birds pierce the eyes of Cinderella’s half-sisters at the end !!). So I LOVED this tale !!! It was sweet, melancholic, had a dream-like quality to it, and still a happy ending. I also want to see all of the art.

Awwww, I love when the monsters turn out not-so-monstery after all ! The Mighty Nein chose to be kind, even after they were ambushed, and so they got precious intel : finally, someone saw Lucien and his group, not but one day ago !!!

Travis broke. They invited the yetis to dinner in Caleb's tower, and they even read them a Zemnian bedtime story, and it broke Travis so much. This is so awesome. I love this visual of 4 yetis, being inside a magic tower, in a grand and warm hall, under tents for them to sleep like they usually do, surrounded by small cats and the Mighty Nein, listening to a man reading them a story in a language they don't know, and falling asleep in 5 minutes.

I trust Beau, Beau is always right and she should say it. And the way Marisha made her pitch was wholesome.

It's true, Brian is right to recall it, every time there is a Talks Machina with Liam and Taliesin, the vibe is "whatever the fuck is the opposite of toxic masculinity" - I think it's what he called it one time.

Dani is being tortured this episode, what will all the Fartist and chest hair re-growing stories.

Taliesin, about the pillar with the necromantic emerald : "I was amused. I could have possibly stayed a little longer... Until we had to resurrect someone !" HAHAHA the little shit (affectionate)

OH. Oh. This is the episode before the 2020 American election ? Aka, the Destiel Putin Election crazy night we had over here on Tumblr ??? IT'S SO CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT !!!

[blueberryrock]

oh man i have so many so im sorry if i forgot anyone

@starryeyedrogue @to-be-frank-i-dont-care @lordoftherazzles @ye3honk @splintered-emotions @earendilsass @sunnyrosewritesstuff @ahufflepuffhobbit @beenovel @messiambrandybuck @middleearthpixie @missiemoosie @inthememetime @blairsanne @blackknight-100 @sauroff @ironmandeficiency @legolas-is-a-himbo @frodothefair @elvensworld @sotwk @thranduilswifesblog @heckin-music-dork @jordie-your-local-halfling @starsilversword @heilith @frosticenow @the-girl-with-the-algebra-book @my-darling-haldir @mysandwichranaway @anoriathdunadan

there are many more amazing lotr mutuals that I have but I cant think of rn 😭 so I'm sorry if I didn't mention you but do know that I love you and happy hobbit day!!

Omg guys the LotR tag is trending :DDD

New tag game: tag all of the lotr/the hobbit mutuals you have

LOTR FANS I SUMMON YOU

@bilbo-baggins-is-a-fcking-vibe @unethicallypleistocene @hobbitwrangler @horsewithaface @local-pirate-king @solidorange69 @kylobith @am0o5 @frodothefair @raccooninmycabbages @lowopacityelrondpussy @friendofthefellowship @bookworm-with-coffee @deadlymistletoe @unicornslayerofd000m @spookylolbit @mairon-the-admirable @goblincoreinfp @melkor-the-first-dark-lord @mrfrodosstuff @bambino1294 @brigwife

[wishingtobeinadifferentuniverse]

Once Upon a Dream (Faramir x Fem!Reader)

Word count: 891

Requested by Anon

Warnings: none :)

A/N I really wanted to try this from Faramir’s point of view, I felt that he would have a very unique mindset of things. Anyways, I really enjoyed this prompt, and I thank you for sending it in!

I eyed the fallen towers, despair slowly creeping in. But I pushed it away, unwilling to let it take control of me. There were things I had to take care of, I could not afford to lose hope now. The battles had already been won, but what was left in its wake was hard enough to manage, even with Aragorn and I working together. I don’t know what Boromir would have done in my stead, and now I could not even have his council anymore. No, I couldn’t think about that. Not yet. That will be addressed on another day. I continued surveying the damage. I walked through the debris, climbing over fallen stone pillars. The damage left was worse than I had ever seen, worse even than Osgiliath. Every now and then, there were some people, ready to replant what had gone to waste, bring their life back before all of this. But there were very few. Even I felt the burden, and it was hard to imagine a life after this. But I must, it was my duty.

As I turned a corner, the faint sound of someone singing traveled towards me. 

I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream

Curious, I continued along the path, the sound growing stronger. 

I know you, that look in your eyes is so a familiar gleam

I neared a corridor that had partially collapsed and saw you.  

But if I know you, I know what you’ll do

There were three blonde halflings, one of which was Pippin, who I knew very well now. They were sitting in front of you, their mouths gaping. I recognized this song very well, and I wanted to know you very well. I had always seen you from afar, but never this close. I had always wanted to though. You have always been beautiful in my eyes, and I had always meant to say something, yet never had the courage to. But now, I felt like I had a chance. Without thinking, I joined you, walking forward. “You’ll love me at once,” You turned, your eyes widened with alarm, yet you continued singing. “The way you did once upon a dream.”

As I walked closer, you eyed me, a bit unsure of what to think. We kept on singing though, and your eyes locked with mine. You knew who I was, I could see that. But you did not know why I was here with you. And that made you a little bit wary. 

The hobbits, however, were enthralled. They watched us sing, giggling to themselves. Unbeknownst to us, they were silently plotting. They liked how we looked together and wanted us to get to know each other. Not that I would say no of course. But there were still pressing matters to address.

Your voice was perfect, the clear notes blending perfectly with mine. As we sang, I got closer to you, and with a nod of your head, tenderly held your hand. You smiled, all the tension you had felt melting away. Your hands were so warm in mine, and everything I was so worried about seemed like nothing. I felt strange until I realized that I felt unconditionally happy at that moment. It was something I had not felt in a long time, and I really did not think it would show up in this way. Yet it did, which made me wonder, who were you? Who were you to make me feel this way in only a second? I twirled you around, and you let out the loudest laugh I had heard in a long time. It was not quite what I was expecting, yet it was everything I needed. I then knew that you would play a huge part in my life, which I was more than willing. 

As the song slowly came to an end, I let go of your hands and bowed deeply. You gave a slight curtsy and then knelt next to the hobbits, whispering in their ears. I was still marveling at the fact that I had danced and sang with practically a stranger, but then all of a sudden, you walked away, smiling at me, and then turning a corner. 

“Wait!’ I called. “I did not get your name!” But you had already left, leaving me with the hobbits, all of them giving me a sly smile. “Lads, please tell me her name. She has done something to me that I can not quite understand, but I must see her again.”

Pippin looked at me and gave a gleeful grin. “Oh Faramir, you’re just going to have to figure that on your own. But one thing I can tell you, she definitely fancies you.” And then the hobbits stood up, dusting themselves off, leaving me in the ruins. 

I stood there, my mouth gaping for quite some time. I must say, out of everything I have witnessed, everything I have lived through, nothing has made me more nervous than you, just the thought of you, and what I wish I could stay. I felt as if I had known you for a long time, though I did not recollect ever talking to you before. But alas, that must be taken to another day, for I still had a lot of work to be done.  

[milliethekitty27-writing]

The Ladder

In a hole in the ground, there lived a lonely hobbit. It all started when Bilbo grew tired of his empty kitchen.

He hadn’t been fond of eating alone since the dwarves destroyed his pantry, but he hadn’t after Frodo joined him in Bag End. He’d eaten with the elves in Rivendell, which had been full of lovely music and pleasant conversation, and then he’d eaten with the elves, Frodo, and Gandalf when they’d traveled to the Undying Lands.

Now he was here, in Yavanna’s Garden, living in what was basically Bag End. (the actual Bag End was right next door for his parents) He had his beautiful garden back, which only mattered really because he’d been brought back to his youthful self with working hands. The house was always clean (and he’d never really liked cleaning, so that didn’t matter much to him) so he had all the time in the world to work on his maps and his stories. He got the occasional social call from neighbors or family. He ate dinner with his parents on Thursdays and went over to their home on Sundays for family nights with many cousins and aunts and uncles, but he spent the rest of his time alone. He got the same whispers he had in the Shire, but he was satisfied with his cooking and working in the garden. Except… on the days there were no social calls, no family dinners, Bilbo Baggins sat in a very quiet house and talked to nothing.

“You know-” Bilbo said to no one in particular as he weeded a particularly stubborn patch of grass out from underneath his rose bush. There was a basket of tomatoes ready to be made into a sauce, or maybe used the fish tonight, but he’d seen the weeds and wanted to deal with it before it spread. “-I would have expected the garden to take care of itself when I died. Not to be doing the same tasks as before. But here we are, fighting with weeds, aren’t we Tho-” Bilbo stopped, shook his head, and pushed that thought aside. 

He made dinner for fourteen but only ate for one. The rest got put away for the multitudes of meals of the next day, but almost five years after he’d died he found himself looking at the empty table with a frown.

The next morning he perused his bookshelf until he found a collection of stories. From there, he found tales of the dwarves. He sat in his armchair until a collection of cousins knocked on the door and pulled him away, but he found what he was looking for when he was waiting for a peach pie to bake.

Dwarves belief that they return to the halls of Mahal upon their deaths. From there, they await the Final Battle. Upon the arrival of that day, they will be sent back to rebuild Arda, but until then the dwarves rest in their creator’s halls. 

Bilbo hemmed over that. He wandered down to where most of the Tooks lived, asking if they had any maps or had heard of the Halls before. It was a bit of a long shot, and he wasn’t surprised when they all said no. He returned to his smial and examined his garden. 

“Well-” he said to the same problematic patch of clover that refused to leave. “-I know that dwarves do like their underground tunnels and their mines. And if the Green Lady is married to the Smith, then it stands to reason that they might go underground nearby. I don’t think there’s any harm in looking, I’ll just get a bit dirty and ruin my garden, and I do that on the regular. Or I’ll fall into a great underground river and run back into Gollum.” Bilbo sighed, then went to see if he could borrow Hamfast’s good shovel.

There was a patch of yard in the back Bilbo had been planning on planting carrots in, but he had a better idea now. He wiggled his toes in the cool earth, nodded, and stretched out his shoulders. Then Bilbo Baggins put his shovel into the soil and started to dig.

It took quite a bit of time, but he didn’t get as tired as he had in his old age and he didn’t have to take as many breaks. Death might mean you didn’t have to eat, or sleep, but it was routine, and he had dinner with his parents that were tradition. One day, maybe, he’d be able to bring more than just himself and whatever his mother wanted him to bring for dessert, but he pushed the idea of muddy boots and braids out of his mind in favor of helping his mother finish up the roast. 

“What are you doing, Bilbo?” his father asked during one dinner. “Gorbadoc says he hasn’t seen you at the Green Dragon in some time.” 

“I’m digging a tunnel.” Bilbo said matter of factly. “I’m going to try to find the halls of Mahal.” His parents looked at each other for a minute. 

“What for?”

“I… suppose it’s just because I can.”

“Have you considered asking the faunts?” Belladonna suggested as she took a second helping of mashed potatoes. “I’m sure they’d be more than thrilled to be asked to ruin a garden.” Bilbo considered that.

“I think this something I want to do myself.”

Bilbo digged and digged. The hole was big enough for him to stand in rather comfortably, though he had to dig some stair-like notches into the side so he could get in and out. It took almost a week of non-stop digging to reach literal rock bottom, and then he was left with a conundrum. He’d dented Hamfast’s good shovel, so he returned it with an apology and a promise to pay him back, but would Hamfast please lend him a good pickaxe?

Bilbo woke up that next morning with arms that were incredibly sore and demanded he take a day, if not more, off. He agreed. The dwarves had waited this long, they could wait a bit longer. Bilbo went to market, got a drink, avoided questions about what he was up to, dodged a few nosy grandparents, and returned home with arms full of goods. The next day he baked an apology pie for the Gamgees and sent his mother and father cookies, lounging for the rest of the afternoon with a good book. On the third day his arms didn’t yell at him for raising them above his head, so Bilbo hoisted his pickaxe. 

“How’s your hole going?” Belladonna asked as she took out a tart to cool. It was nearly time for the harvest festivals. Hobbits loved to work in their fields and grow their goods, and that meant the harvest festivals of the Shire still went on. That meant competitions (his mother was entering a lovely pumpkin she’d been growing all year, while his father was entering in a poetry competition) and baking, canning for the winter, and family time. 

“Rather well, I like to think!” Bilbo gave the bread he was kneading one last good push. “I think I’ve nearly reached it, the rocks started to change to the next type of rock underground that I read about in the book that Adamantius lent me last week. It’s supposed to mean you’ve gotten to the next layer or… something. The book was rather complicated. I suppose I’ll just have to see what happens.”

“Maybe you’ll have it fixed in time for the summer planting competitions.” His father brushed his hands off on an apron as he came in from the garden with a basket of potatoes, placing them on the counter and taking a moment to kiss Belladonna’s cheek. For a moment Bilbo wondered if soon he’d be seeing his dwarves, be able to kiss one particular cheek, but he pushed those thoughts aside. It was possible he was nowhere near being able to see his dwarves, but that was a thought he’d deal with when he came to it. He was nothing if not practical, as a Baggins (no, Baggins weren’t actually practical, he knew that now, but don’t bother telling the Baggins side that) and he didn’t want to consider that what if.

“Maybe.” he ceded. “But I’m hoping that I’ll be able to make it a permanent feature.”

Bilbo returned to his hole the day after the festivals had finally finished. His larder was filled to bursting, along with all his storage rooms, and he was just planning on doing a little bit of work before settling in with a nice book. 

That plan fell a bit short, though. He drove his pickaxe in rather deeply and the earth suddenly crumbled all around him. Bilbo let out a yell as he fell through a suddenly rather large hole, landing with a rather sharp thwack on something… surprisingly soft. 

When he looked around, he found that he was surrounded by an incredible amount of short, bearded people wearing multiple colors and gems. 

Dwarves. 

He looked up and found an incredible amount of sunlight falling on him, along with a decent amount of dirt. 

It seemed he’d found the Halls of Mahal. Now the question was how to get back to Yavanna’s Gardens. 

...he’d cross that road when he got to it. For now, he had dwarves to find, and, uh, oh dear. The dwarf he was sitting on didn’t look very happy. He jumped off of the poor dwarf’s back.

“I’m so terribly sorry-” Bilbo offered the dwarf a hand. They were covered in braids, with long black hair, and Bilbo tried to dust them off once they were up. “-I had no idea I’d almost broken through like that, I would’ve given some warning.”

“You’re what’s been making all that noise?” a dwarf behind him said. Bilbo turned on his heel. This dwarf was dressed like a miner. 

“I beg your pardon?”

“The noise-” the dwarf gestured at the ceiling. “-for the past month, we’ve been getting this awful banging- that’s coming from you? But you’re a halfling!” There was a great deal of yelling at that as the crowd of dwarves surrounding Bilbo all realized what he was. Bilbo felt his cheeks heated up with rage. 

“What do you mean a halfling fell through the ceiling?!” someone bellowed after several minutes where Bilbo couldn’t get his voice loud enough. There was a great deal of pushing through the crowd and Bilbo offered another apology to the poor dwarf he’d probably concussed in his fall. 

“I’ll have you know I’m not half of anything!” He said loudly into the suddenly silent hall, but there was a further commotion.

“That’s not just a halfling that our halfling!” Bofur, that was Bofur, he knew that voice. A bald dwarf covered in tattoos practically rammed his way through the crowd and there were all his dwarves, looking alive and well and whole, no blood or funeral garb, no sorrowful letters or tearful tales from Frodo about bodies and ancient stone walls. He was hugging them, pinching cheeks and smiling as wide as he had in some time. He did a quick head count - twelve. Where was thirteen, where was-

Oh.

There he was. 

Thorin was standing at the other end of the mass of dwarves in the hall, firelight glinting off the silver in his hair and around his neck. There was no sign of gold or bronze, just silver. He practically blended into the cave wall in his nearly black clothes but Bilbo met those beautiful blue eyes and something just clicked. He was covered in dirt, and in his gardening clothes. He looked a mess, he was sure of it, but Thorin was looking at him in a way that made his breath catch in his throat. 

“Master Burglar.” Thorin’s voice rumbled across the nearly silent crowd. 

A moment later he and Bilbo met in the center of the path, both having run as fast as their feet could carry them. Bilbo’s fingers curled into the thick, wiry hair and he inhaled the smell that was undeniably Thorin. 

“I thought I told you to call me Bilbo.” he said in a thick voice after a moment. “Or should I be calling you your majesty?”

“No.” Thorin said instantly. He shook his head and Bilbo felt the gentle thuds as beads connected with his skull. “No. Never you.” 

They looked at each other for a moment. Thorin didn’t have the wrinkles around his face anymore, the silver in his hair was less than it had been, but there was still that shadowed look in his eyes. Bilbo took a quick breath, then leaned up and kissed his cheek like his father kissed his mother’s, like he’d been thinking about for ages and ages. 

“Hello.” he whispered. “Hello, Thorin Oakenshield.”

“Hello, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.” Thorin’s face was flushed now, but he reached up and brushed his thumb along Bilbo’s jaw. 

“That counts as a kiss!” someone bellowed. There was a loud thud and the dwarf, definitely Nori, yelped. “That hurt!” 

“Bilbo can we get a boat through your hole?” Fili called. A moment later there was a thud and both Fili and Kili were there, smushing Bilbo into the center of a Durin family hug. 

“A bo- what do you need a boat for?”

“I want to find Tauriel.” Kili sounded elated. “If you could get through, then she-”

“Boys, I have to get back up myself, I can’t just pull up a boat-”

“What about cheese?” Bofur piped up. Bilbo realized that the entire company had encircled him. He was surrounded in a mass of dwarves. Stinky, hugging-too-tight, wonderful dwarves that he’d missed. “Bombur’s been talking about that recipe you sent him-”

“He sent me dozens of recipes, you’ll have to be more specific-” Bombur started. 

“I told you he could break in, I don’t know why you’re still not giving me money!” that was Nori again, directed at Balin.

“These are the Halls-” Balin began.

“Bullshit, this is Bilbo, he stole from a dragon! This is all in a day’s work for him!” 

“Have you seen my Gimli up there?” That was Gloin. “You know, my beautiful laddy, with the curly red hair and the most beautiful eyes, I haven’t been able to find him and we haven’t heard anything about him in a long time for a while, I’m starting to get worried-”

“He just got here, Gloin, don’t start yelling about your kid again-” that was a voice he didn’t totally recognize but he saw Bifur without an axe and grinning widely as he spoke. 

Bilbo looked back up at Thorin, who was smiling at him in a way that made him come into focus and drown everything else out. 

“I’m glad to see you, Bilbo.” 

“I’m glad to see you too.” Bilbo smiled back at him. His dwarf reached up as if to touch his face again, but faltered.

“We’ve… we’ve got a lot to talk about.” 

“We do.” Bilbo agreed. “Bu-”

“Bilbo?” Someone shouted down the hole. He recognized his mother after a moment. He struggled out of the throng of dwarves much like a whale breaching for air. There was a shadow over the patch of sunlight from above, bits of dirt trickling in. 

“I’m fine!” he yelled back. “Be careful, it’s a pretty hard landing at the bottom, I don’t want you to slip!”

“Wait that’s the burglar?” someone in the crowd said. There was a loud shushing noise, a thwap, and an ow. 

“Are you hurt?”

“No, Mum, I’m alright!”

“Wait is that your mother?!” Kili and Fili said together. 

“Did you find your dwarves?”

“I’m going to regret this-” Bilbo sighed, then he pitched his voice back up high. “I fell but I’m alright, I just didn’t realize how far down I was!” He paused for a moment, then shouted back. “Do we still have the apple picking ladders?”

“I’m sure we can dig one up-” there was his father. Poor Bungo was probably tearing his hair out. “-are you hurt?”

“No, he’s not, he said he’s alright-” his mother’s voice was muffled. “-we’ll go check, darling, stay out of trouble!” 

“Can you throw down some cheese?” Bofur shouted. 

“Bofur!”

“Oh some apples would be lovely.” Dori sighed. 

“And some apples!” Bofur yelled a bit louder. 

“Just send down his whole larder!” Kili yelled. “And a boat! I need the hole to be big enough for a boat!”

In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit. This hole was comfortable, and warm, and cozy. It was also full of Bilbo Baggins’ things. This hobbit had lived a remarkable life and thus his home was quite remarkable in many ways, but the most intriguing bit about this hole was the larger hole in the backyard. It was surrounded by stones, with a lovely set of carved steps going up to the house. It led to a sturdy but worn wooden ladder that had been used for apple picking but now served to connect the Halls of Mahal to Gardens of Yavanna. This ladder fell in the center of a massive stone hall, which was filled with flowers that hobbits would come down to tend to. The two races regularly wandered through Bilbo Baggins’ garden to meet - dwarves would come up for market day bearing gifts and coins, eyeing steaming bread and crisp red apples, while some of the more adventurous hobbits would slide down the ladder to inquire about repairs for their tools. 

For Bilbo, though, this hole meant so much more. It meant thirteen dwarves crashing into his house ridiculously early in the morning to nag him into making them breakfast. It meant having his family, blood and not, over for dinner. It meant listening to his mother talk with Dori and Balin about tea, to his father engage Fili and Ori into long tales of age-old tales. It eventually meant Kili tugging a tall, red-haired elf into Bag End no. 2, covered in water while a tired Fili collapsing into a chair complaining that Kili and Tauriel hadn’t stopped making doe-eyes at each other. 

It meant that, after a long conversation with tears and laughter and shy touches, Bilbo made dinner with a dwarf that made him laugh as he stole pie filling and got flour on his nose and in his beard. It meant that Bilbo would come back to market to find someone frowning on his porch with little metal bits twisted in his lap as he worked on making ornaments for Bilbo’s garden. It meant that Bilbo Baggins woke up next to Thorin Oakenshield, one hand tangled in that beautiful dark hair. It meant that they sat on the bench under the oak tree and blew smoke rings into the setting sun, holding hands.

When Frodo Baggins finally entered Yavanna’s Gardens, he found his uncle beaming like he hadn’t in years, with a braid in his curls and a ring on his finger. There were thirteen dwarves in the living room, and Frodo was just in time for tea.

---

Thanks for reading!

This is based off of a post made by @wheeloffortune-design about Bilbo digging his way into Halls of Mahal, which has literally been living in my brain since I read it. (and @gallusrostromegalus put down some delightfully funny comments that also made my day) So… here we are. You can find the post here, assuming the link works!

The AO3 link is here!

man i love bagginshield. 

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

7. About Bilbo from the POV of...Elrond

We’re over halfway at this point! For the POV of a teacher/mentor, I chose Elrond and set it canonically...after the quest...so yeah...angst ahead!

Reminder: You can make requests on the POVs I have left, and the masterlist can be found here.

***

Elrond did not agree with Gandalf’s plans to include the halfling. He couldn’t see much, but he did see that the poor little hobbit’s heart would be forever scarred by this adventure. So he offered Rivendell as refuge in the hopes that Bilbo would stay, and if he did not, then he would know there was a safe place for him to return. It was almost a year before Elrond saw him again.

In the dead of winter just surpassing the latest storm, Bilbo and Gandalf rode up upon the hill. The hobbit looked leaner, more worn, and bore a weight that only comes from loss. He turned his inquisitive gaze to Gandalf, and he knew instantly that this quest did not have a happy ending. A tale for later, no doubt. 

Elrond wasted no time in making sure his guests were warm, well-fed, and comfortable. The plight of the sons of Durin came days later in a violently sorrowful breakdown on the hobbit’s part. It was...disheartening, to say the least. No matter the impressions he left in his short stay, Elrond would never have wished such an ending on Thorin son of Thrain or his heirs. The best he could do was offer his home for the winter to the hobbit and hope that the healing powers of Imladris would work wonders on the still bleeding wounds on Bilbo’s heart.

For many days after, he did not see Master Baggins. Exhausted from his journey and heartache, he slept in late, and when he did emerge, he was rather good at not being found. In fact, there were times Elrond would catch a glimpse of hairy feet rounding the corner, but when he pursued, they were suddenly gone. As if they (and their owner) had disappeared in thin air. At any other time, Elrond would have been suspicious of magic at play, but...well Gandalf had said many a time that hobbits were rather extraordinary. And perhaps, Elrond truly did not feel up to pushing the fragile creature to give up such secrets while in his state. So he carried on, living with the ghost of the hobbit he had known briefly before, and hoping that Bilbo would feel up to rejoining the living soon.

It was one such sunny, yet chilly day that Elrond happened to find the hobbit perusing his library. His brow was furrowed and he was mumbling to himself as he scanned the volumes on the shelf with increasing annoyance.

“Can I help you, Master Baggins?”

The hobbit nearly jumped a foot in the air as he whirled around on Elrond with large eyes.

“No! That is to say, n-no thank you...milord. I was just…You startled me!”

Elrond chuckled at the accusation. “It was unintentional, I assure you.”

The hobbit huffed before slowly turning back to his task. Elrond watched patiently for a time before Bilbo gave up with a sigh and turned back to Elrond with reluctant eyes.

“I can’t find any more books in Westron. I’ve been borrowing and reading them for a time, but I seem to have...run out.”

Elrond looked carefully and noted the dark circles under the hobbit’s eyes, suggesting many sleepless nights have indeed been whiled away with the written word than face the terrors a subconscious mind can conduct.

“If you go up to the next level, there are more books on the history of the First and Second Ages that have a Westron translation.” He pointed out.

Bilbo flashed him a grateful smile turning to go when Elrond stopped him in his tracks.

“Of course, I could just teach you Sindarin.”

When the hobbit turned back there was wariness in his features. Underneath though was the blossoming curiosity and awe he first remembered seeing upon their meeting.

“I…” Bilbo began before cutting off with a huff, his eyes looking pained for a moment. “I believe a certain Company would threaten to disown me if I accepted. Thank you, for the offer though.”

“From everything  you’ve told me about your Company and adventures, I’m not sure if I believe that.” He pushed.

The wariness was stronger now with just a hint of suspicion. For whatever reason, Elrond felt the need to push. Perhaps this small act of sharing his language would free the hobbit from the shadows haunting him.

“Gandalf tells me you have a sharp mind, I would hate to see that wasted on unspoken vows to lost friends.”

Anger swept the face of Bilbo Baggins, and his eyes shone with the gloss of tears. Elrond sighed, afraid he had pushed the little hobbit too far with that one. However, when his gaze settled back on Elrond’s own, the steel of determination had pushed past any other emotions.

“Very well.” He croaked. “If you are so kind as to offer insistently, what respectable hobbit would turn away.”

Elrond chuckled in spite of himself which pulled a small corner of Bilbo’s mouth out of his perpetual frown. They took a seat by the window soaking in the rare show of sun as Elrond grabbed one of their children's books to get started. They hadn’t gotten very far in their lesson, only covering some of the most basic words when Bilbo interrupted him.

“Will it always feel this way?” 

Rather startled by the question, Elrond observed his companion closely.

“I’m no stranger to grief.” Bilbo continued. “It was just so...sudden. What if I can’t recover from this one? Just as my mother couldn’t…”

Elrond reached out and took one of the hobbit’s small hands in his own. 

“As I’m sure you’ve figured, I am also uncomfortably familiar with loss. Every one feels different. It doesn’t mean you loved less or more, just that you loved uniquely. Grief is rather like an arrow at short range. The first strike is painful and can be deadly. Over time though, the distance gets greater and the arrow misses its mark more and more. It still burns when it hits, but those hits become fewer and farther between. I don’t know the struggles you or Belladonna faced, but I can see that your spirit is strong.”

Bilbo released a watery laugh, and when he looked up at Elrond through his tears, his eyes shined brighter than they had in days.

“You answered ‘yes’ and ‘no’ at the same time.” He pointed out wryly.

It took a moment for Elrond to place the reference, and when he did, he couldn’t help laughing.

“I suppose I did.”

Bilbo shook his head, still rather amused.

“Perhaps I should amend myself to simply say, friends tend to make the wound easier to bear.” Elrond corrected with a soft pat to the hand still in his own.

Bilbo smiled shyly. “Then I should consider myself lucky, Mellon Nin (my friend).”

Elrond has lived for thousands of years, and befriended members from all races at some point in his life. However, the friendship of that hobbit in that moment was enough to warm him completely. A feeling he hadn’t experienced in many years. Yet, was brought out by the most unlikely of creatures in the most unlikely of ways. Gandalf was clearly right about the wonder that was hobbits.

“A friendship I will cherish beyond my end, Bilbo Baggins. Ni 'lassui (Thank you).”

[midearthwritings]

I'll show you my shadows

With you by his side, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Words Count : 1,547

Pairing : Thorin x Reader

Warning : None

Author's note : We love some soft and scared Thorin. Hope you like it xx

Walking through the corridors of Rivendell, you tried to find your way back to the room that had been offered to you for the night. But everything looked the same and you were getting more lost at each turn you took. When you walked past an opening leading to some sort of balcony, you stopped. Your Hobbit friend was standing there, looking down at something.

"Bilbo!" You exclaimed, making your way up to him.

Once you were at his level, you smiled.

"I am glad to have found you, burglar."

"Ah!" He said, burrying his hands in his pockets. "Yes, yes. I am glad too."

"I couldn't find my way back to my chambers and everything looks the s-"

Foreign voices interrupted you, and your eyes fell on the garden, further down. Gandalf and Elrond were walking side by side. You looked back at Bilbo.

"Were you eavesdropping?" You asked suspiciously.

The Halfling's cheeks turned bright red and he shifted on his feet.

"N-no. I mean, not intentionally."

You shook your head and you opened your mouth to reprimand him when you heard Lord Elrond speak up. Something about a disease, and someone's grandfather.

"What are they talking about?" You questioned out loud, your eyebrows furrowing.

"The goldsickness hanging above the head of my bloodline."

Both you and the Hobbit spun around, your eyes meeting Thorin's. Respectfully, you bowed your head to the King Under the Mountain.

"Oh, ah, erm..." Bilbo stuttered. "I- I'm going to go back to.. to the... Yes."

And with that, the halfling ran away as fast as a terrified rabbit would. You sighed, turning back. You listened to Thorin's footsteps growing louder as he came up next to you.

"I didn't think you would fall as low as eavesdropping onto a private conversation." He confessed.

"It wasn't intentional." You replied, using Bilbo's earlier words.

Looking up, you took in the sight of the full moon. The night was clear and the air was fresh. Very pleasant.

"I'm sure they are mistaken." You declared. "I haven't seen you fight, but I heard stories. You will not let it have you that easily."

"Of course I won't." He snapped.

Your eyes shot down to glare at him.

"Don't take your anger out on me. I didn't do anything."

Thorin looked away and his shoulders slumped down, in shame you supposed. You hoped. After all, you hadn't done anything to deserve his anger. You let him as he gently grabbed your hand and gave it a tiny squeeze.

"You are right." He said. "My apologies."

His words dug a hole in your chest and found their home inside your heart. For anyone else, it wouldn't have been much. But you knew Thorin was bad at expressing things. And you have had never heard him utter an apology to any member of the company. Even when he was in the wrong. In a way, it wasn't fair. But on the other hand, it made you feel special.

You nodded and brushed his knuckles with your thumb before letting go of him.

"Alright, I accept your apology."

The relieved sighed that escaped his mouth was so quiet that for a second, you weren't sure it had even existed. You both looked back at the two old friends having a walk in the garden, and you silently watched as they took their leave.

"What if they are right?" Thorin asked in a murmur, his gaze still fixed where the elf and wizard used to be standing.

You turned to look at him. The soft night wind blew, making his hair dance slightly. The sadness and guilt of his eyes contrasted with the hard features of his face. You hummed pensively and looked away.

"When me and my brother were still children," you began, your eyes traveling on the delicate branches of a tree. "we used to meet with our aunt's daughters and play all day long."

"How does that have to do with my bloodline's curse?" The King interrupted in a harsh tone.

You held up your index finger, inviting him to stay quiet. The leaves wiggled gracefully as two birds bolted into the privacy of the tree.

"I remember one day, we had left the house to play in a nearby forest. After days of constant rain, the Sun was finally shining bright in the sky. And we were eager to enjoy the warmth of the wood under our palms, and our feet."

Instinctively, your left hand went to caress your right palm. You smiled softly and let out a childish chuckle.

"That day, our oldest cousin and her sister had a disagreement. I cannot recall exactly what it was about, but she pushed her. Her sister's knee was bleeding, and we couldn't make her stop crying. At that time, I have had never seen a child so hurt. And it broke my heart. That day, I promised to never induce such pain on my brother. I promised to never reproduce what she had done."

Slowly, your lips curved backwards. The silence of the night was suffocating and you were almost scared to talk again. A bird came to land close to the of both you. You watched, as the King raised his hand, making the small creature fly away. Defeated, he pulled back, as if the volatile had never been there.

"What happened next?" He asked, disturbing the heavy atmosphere.

Your teeth sank into your bottom lip. It had been long ago since your brother had forgiven you. But it had taken you loads of time, and a ton of reassurance, before you could grant yourself such a thing.

"I broke my promise." You replied. "We fought and before I could realize what was happening, I heard my hand cracking against his cheek."

You sighed and straightened up, turning to face Thorin completely. His brows were furrowed in confusion, making you laugh. His dark hair, decorated with a few grey strands, looked soft. You allowed your mind to wander, picturing your fingers traveling through his mane, imagining how it would feel.

"My apologies." He said, stirring you out of your reveries. "I still cannot see how your story has to do with mine."

Your laugh echoed in the night, once again. Reaching out, you took his hands in yours, and brought it to your lips. Locking your eyes with his, you pressed a gentle kiss to his knuckles.

"What I am trying to tell you, Thorin Oakenshield, is that you should not be scared of being weak."

Thorin grunted, taking his hand back.

"I cannot be weak. I am a King."

Stubborn dwarf...

"Your weaknesses are part of you, my King, wether you like it or not." You whispered, offering him a smile. "No matter how much you promise yourself not to commit such and such an act, you can still slip. But it doesn't mean you're a bad person. Your weaknesses help you grow into a better, wiser, stronger being. And even if my story is different from yours, I went through something similar and it turned out okay. I am not less of a person. So do not be afraid, for there will be people to pull you back up if you fall."

Minutes passed where you stared at each other, not saying anything. The moonlight fell like gentle autumn rain on his face, illuminating his eyes. And you wondered how such precious jewels could ever be filled with things such as sadness, guilt, and anger. You wondered how they looked when the King was happy, genuinely happy. Would the corners crinkle from him smiling? Would they shine brighter than they already did?

"Will you?"

His voice startled you and you shook your head to erase the pictures your mind had painted.

"Excuse me?" You questioned.

"Will you?' Thorin repeated.

It was your turn to furrow your brows in confusion.

"Will I what, Thorin?"

The King stepped closer, and despite his slightly shorter height, his presence was intimidating.

"Will you be there to help me back on my feet if I fall?"

Your face muscles relaxed and you felt the ghost of a smile curving your lips.

"Of course, my King."

"But," he whispered, taking another step closer to you. "What if I hurt you?"

Before you could think about it, your hand found its way upwards and cupped the Dwarf's cheek. You felt him lean into your touch.

"Then, I shall have mercy and forgive you, for I have been in that place in the past." You promised.

What had felt like heavy pressure on your shoulders earlier was now gone, and the heavy atmosphere had turned into something comfortable. Thorin's beard was rough against the sensitive skin of your palm. And yet, you found yourself wanting more. All it would take was a little bravery and some boldness, to lean forward. And you would be able to find out how his facial hairs felt against your chin, as you kissed him. But that was for another time. Tonight, you had seen and touched more than you would have thought.

Two strong hands gently grabbed your waist, sending a shiver down your spine, and the King's voice rose to your ears.

"Well, with you by my side, I believe I have nothing to fear."

[middleearthpixie]

In Time ~ Chapter One

Author's Note: Another multi-chapter work in progress because sometimes my muse actually likes me.

This takes place after BoFA - where everybody lives because EVERYBODY LIVES. :)

Story Info: Wounded in the Battle of the Five Armies, Thorin Oakenshield and his two nephews are brought to Rivendell. There, the three dwarves begin the long, arduous, and taxing road to recuperation and all Thorin wants it to be well enough to return to Erebor and his rightful place on that throne. Amara makes him want to punch something, but at the same time, with each day, his desire for her outweighs his aggravation with her.

Amara of Rivendell has devoted her life to healing, but she never expected to meet someone like Thorin. The proud, stubborn dwarf challenges her to no end, and in return, she works him until he swears revenge. But along the way, she realizes there is more to the King Under the Mountain than meets the eye, and as they come to know one another, she becomes more determined to break down his walls and bring some happiness into his life.

But, while Azog the Defiler is gone, another has taken his place and like his predecessor, has vowed to end the line of Durin for once and for all, and just might be successful in shattering the fragile peace Thorin and Amara find in each other's arms.

Summary: Thorin has defeated Azog the Defiler, but is gravely wounded in the battle…

Pairing: Thorin Oakenshield/Amara of Rivendell (female OC)

Characters: Thorin and Bilbo Baggins

Rating: T

Warnings: Major Character death?

Word Count: 679

@tschrist1 because they like Thorin stories and I hope they like this one as well. :)

If Thorin Oakenshield lived to tell the tale, the first thing he would do is recommend against being run through. There were no words to describe the burning—no, searing pain that came with having a sword blade split your flesh, your muscle. No words to describe the fire that accompanied that blade. There were none. It was agony upon agony, and death was the only welcome respite.

That thought, and that thought alone, propelled him to his feet. He staggered slightly, the burn in his gut almost unbearable. It took every ounce of will he possessed to remain upright as sweat and blood mingled to streak his face, his belly beneath his tunic, in sticky red ooze. He ignored it, his focus on Azog the Defiler, the filth he would gladly wipe from the face of Middle Earth.

The Orcrist glowed brilliant sapphire, as it would whenever in the presence of orcs or goblins and Azog's howl rang out across the frozen sheet of ice upon which he lay as Thorin rammed the Orcrist deep into the orc's belly. His arms burned. His back and gut burned. Every muscle twitched and danced as he used all the strength Mahal bestowed upon him to shove the blade deeper. Deeper still, until suddenly it gave and went through the ice itself.

He watched the light go out in the Defiler's eyes. Watched the massive pale body go limp. Watched as the blood poured from his wounds to stain the ice. Watched as the Orcrist went from sapphire to silver. Watched and yet felt nothing. He was numb inside. Numb but in agony just the same.

He couldn't breathe. At least, not deeply. Sweat rolled off him. Prickled along his back, over his chest. Standing grew so very difficult, as every breath was like breathing fire. Deep breaths were impossible. Shallow ones didn't offer up enough air.

The shouts echoed in Thorin's ears as he staggered back from the orc. Dwalin. Bilbo. Tauriel the she-elf. He did not hear Kili. Nor Fili. His gut kinked and the blood seeping from it had nothing to do with it. Where was his nephew? Had he failed Kili? He'd heard Kili howl with pain, but could not see him. Mahal, please... please let at least one of his nephews survive...

He straightened up. He knew were Fili was. He'd been impaled by an orc almost as ugly as the Defiler and tossed from the tower as if no more than a discarded toy. With every blink, he saw Fili fall in slow motion, his arms and legs limp, his entire body limp. With every heartbeat, Thorin heard the muffled yet solid thud of Fili's body hitting the stone. He'd failed to protect him, and because he failed, Fili paid with his life.

He didn't want to see any more, nor hear any more. It was over. He backed away from Azog, ignoring the halfling as he rushed toward him. He offered the hobbit his back as he plodded toward the edge of the floe, overlooking the sea all the way to the ends of Middle Earth.

"Thorin!" The hobbit's voice was faint, as if he stood so very far away and not less than a yard from him.

Thorin's legs betrayed him, his knees going to sponge. They hit the ice with the same dull thud as Fili had, and he couldn't hold back his low moan of pain as everything inside him screamed in agony. He fell back, staring up at leaden sky. A faint, shrill cry of birds rang through his ears. He wanted only to close his eyes. He was cold. His thoughts refused to form coherently.

The halfling was there, kneeling beside him. "Hang on, Thorin. The eagles... the eagles are coming."

"Farewell, Master Burglar," he managed to shake his head, "go back to your books, and your armchair. Plant your trees and watch them grow..."

"No... Please, no..."

Thorin managed a smile. "If more people valued... home above gold... the world... would be a merrier place..."

Then everything went black.

[thranduil-ypfanfics]

Thranduil x Bilbo - Wrong Turn (Part 1)

Title: Wrong Turn Authors: Yaoi Paradox Rating: Rated M Category: M/M Fandom: The Hobbit Pairings: Thranduil / Bilbo Additional Info: I don’t own anything, this comes from my dirty fan girl mind.

Summary: Bilbo arrives to Mirkwood, only to be smitten with everything. He took a wrong turn and found a dripping, wet Elven King. PWP ——————————

Wrong Turn

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

When Thorin had told Bilbo that they had been invited to the Kingdom of Mirkwood, the hobbit had believed he was joking. But as he was walking in the halls of Mirkwood towards the Elven King, he couldn't help but stare at his beauty. The Dwarf king radiated dark ruggedness and strength, while the Elven King radiated ethereal beauty and obvious evidence of regal bearing.

The Elven King shot the group an amused smile, though the dwarves were their usual grumpy selves. The hobbit was staring at him as if he were the anomaly. It was perhaps his first time seeing a small halfling. The tiny halflings face was fascinating to watch.

"Thank you for the invitation, Elven King." Thorin said gruffly. Even if they agreed to not hold their past accountable. Thorin was still a little resentful but he knew they'd be better allies than enemies. Then he tossed a quick glare to the awe-struck hobbit, he was slowly making his way down the hall by himself. "Bilbo."

Bilbo stopped shortly out of his daze and realized he was halfway down the hallway and quite a bit away from the group. Blinking a few times, the hobbit quickly made his way to Thorin's side and blushed. He'd just embarrassed himself and the drawf king in front of company, he was an idiot.

"We'll show you to your rooms so that you can get some rest from your journey." Thranduil quipped, before elegantly turning around and walking the way Bilbo had been heading. The scuffle of dwarves amused him, but he didn't turn around to check on them.

"Thorin, was Mirkwood like this before? I wasn't really paying attention then." Bilbo whispered to the leading dwarf. The other just looked at him and shot him a quick look before following the elf king down the hallway. When they arrived to the rooms, he noticed they were really large and elegant.

The beds were attached to the walls in a bunking shape. One bed imbedded in the wall, and one on top of it, and beside it. The four together created a square. There were vines and marble, and it was very obvious where they were staying. Greens, Creams and Beiges. The elves certainly had amazing taste in everything they did. The table was a beautiful dark wood and benches on either side of the table, in the center was a basket of fruit that looked mouth-watering.

"There are 2 rooms like such, and a separate room for the halfling and a separate room for the dwarf king." Thranduil said when he saw their faces pinched in confusion as to why there were not a lot of beds. Bilbo gasped in surprise, he had been expecting to bunk with the other dwarves like normal. His own room….

He had excitedly made his way towards the door before he realized he didn't know where his room would be. He had turned around blushing hoping that other people hadn't seen it. He froze when ice blue eyes were watching him in amusement. His face flamed and he looked back at the others who were chatting excitedly around the room.

"If you and the halfling follow me, I will direct you to your chambers" Thranduil said to Thorin who was watching Kili and Fili climbing all over the vines on the wall to reach the ceiling. The brown haired male grunted and headed towards the door. Bilbo waited for the two Kings to pass him before following quietly. The two were different as night and day, and yet they had similar walls built around them.

Coming up to a pair of solid cream coloured double doors, they stopped in front of it. It was slightly down the hall from the two rooms the other dwarves were located. Pushing it open, the doors opened to reveal the same design as the other rooms except instead of the bunk type beds; it had a large King sized bed pushed against the wall, with steps leading away from it. Thorin stepped forward and looked back at Bilbo.

"You'll be alright by yourself?" Bilbo looked around the room and then at Thorin's face. He seemed calm and more relaxed he'd been in a long while. He took a peak at Thranduil's face and then looked back at Thorin before nodding.

"Of course, I am perfectly safe in the presence of King Thranduil." Bilbo grinned before turning to the tall blond beside him. He felt super tiny compared to this man, but instead of feeling like a child as he felt with the dwarves he had this warm feeling in the pit of his stomach.

A flash of surprise crossed Thranduil's face before he pursed his lips. Thorin evaluated Bilbo's face for a second before nodding himself. If the hobbit was just trying to put up a strong front in front of the King of Mirkwood, he'd be able to tell. With the way the hobbit was already looking down the hall excitedly for his own room, he obviously didn't have any worries.

Saying a final goodnight to Thorin, Bilbo looked up expectantly at the tall elf beside him. Tilting his head to the room a little down the hallway, Thranduil walked away from the emotions he didn't quite understand.

Bilbo couldn't help but stare at the long white blond strands of hair swaying behind the elf. The smaller wanted to run his hands through it to see if it was as silky as it appeared. He wanted to curl himself in it like it was a blanket. Blinking out of his daze, Bilbo thought hard about something they could discuss together. Opening the double doors to this room, Bilbo was happy to see it was the same as Thorin's though they had kindly placed a stepping stone beside the bed for him.

"I really appreciate the thought everyone put into making me comfortable. Being this size, it's sometimes hard to visit other people's homes without embarrassing myself." Bilbo smiled widely at Thranduil, then his eyes widened and he looked down at his feet. His face was flushed and Thranduil was fascinated by the colour.

"They may have gone slightly overboard as it is our first time having a halfling as a guest." A small giggle caused Thranduil to look at the other confused. Bilbo's face was still pink, but he was trying to cover it up as best he could.

"I'm s-sorry, it's just halfling?" Peels of laughter burst from the hobbit that he had to bend at the waist and place his hands on his knees. Bilbo was so busy laughing he didn't hear the door close, his laughter cut off when he felt something brush his face.

Crouching in front of Bilbo with his hand a few inches away from the hobbits face was The King of Mirkwood. The elf pulled his hand back. Bilbo was afraid he was going to pull away completely so he grabbed the long elegant fingers and clutched them between his much smaller hands.

Smiling gently, Bilbo looked straight into the fearsome kings' face. "What is it, your majesty?"

After a moment of just staring at the halfling, which he hadn't intended to say aloud. He impulsively corrected the other. "Thranduil."

"But that's improper!" Bilbo gasped in surprise. Sure he called Thorin by his friend name but they had travelled together and were like brothers.

Taking a shaky breath Thranduil remained where he was even though he wanted to run from the room. "In private, I would very much like you to call me Thranduil."

With all the stories that Thorin had told him about the past and the infamous King of Mirkwood who had betrayed everyone, Bilbo thought he was dreaming. He hadn't realized he was taking so long to reply. When he felt Thranduil's face go cold and he began to move to stand, Bilbo clutched the pale hand firmly.

"I'm sorry, wait. It was j-just a surprise. Why?" The smaller man felt calm in the others presence. Normally, thanks to his journey with the dwarves; the hobbit tended to not feel comfortable with others.

"Why do you smile so easily, I wonder?" Thranduil seemed to be thinking aloud to himself, so Bilbo didn't say anything. He just waited patiently for the other to gather his thoughts. "Such an exquisite creature." Suddenly he blinked and saw Bilbo watching him. There wasn't a blush on his cheeks, but he looked a little uncomfortable that he'd been caught in a daze. Bilbo couldn't help but giggle again.

"Uh... Thranduil? Why only me?" Bilbo didn't want to offend the other, but he really needed to know what the other was thinking.

"I thought perhaps you needed a companion who wasn't one of those rough, and dirty heathens." Bilbo could tell that Thranduil wasn't used to opening himself up to someone. The hobbit was amazed that such a beautiful elf was opening up to him.

"Though they are a little rough around the edges, they are the closest thing to family I have now." Bilbo said giving Thranduil a sheepish smile and gave his hand a tug towards the right side of the room.

"I apologize, my insult was uncalled for." Thranduil said as he stood and followed Bilbo's lead. Both sat at the small wooden table with their hands still linked. They continued talking in low, hushed tones late into the night and early the next morning.

---------------------

Click for Part 2

[katetheworm]

Naud Bui Amarth

Note:  My buffer of three chapters is dwindling to one and a half now, but that's okay. I really just wanted to update this because I feel like it. Anyway, thank you for reading, and comments, reblogs, etc are more than welcome! (This is not proofread btw)

Pairing: Aragorn x Original Female Character/Reader

Warnings: None

Rating: G

Words: 3,057

Part Three (Part One : Part Two : Part Four ; Part Five)

The next day consisted of mostly walking and only resting at nightfall. The hobbits, especially Pippin, were very distraught at this fact, having been raised on many more meals throughout the day other than breakfast and dinner. Cefrey could not blame the young lads as she also found herself craving another meal after many hours of hiking up and down hills, across streams, and through dense woods. 

They were trekking up one of those hills when Cefrey decided to finally ask what was on everyone’s minds. No one had asked before as they were all preoccupied with getting as far away from the Nazgul as possible.

She moved a little faster to catch up to Strider -- he truly lived up to the name, his legs were long and his resolve unwavering when it came to covering as much ground as they could. “So, where exactly are you taking us?”

“Into the wild.” Was his only answer.

She could have guessed that his response would be something as vague as that, and yet she still felt her eyes roll at his comment. Without changing her pace, Cefrey stayed walking next to the ranger, intent on figuring out what his plan was. 

“You could at least specify a bit more than that, Strider.” The way she spoke his name was one of suspicion and speculation that his true name was more than the title the townsfolk gifted him. 

The ranger lifted a brow at her statement, her words and attitude amusing him. “Well, if you truly must know, we are going to Rivendell, land of the elves.”

As Cefrey smiled the hobbits behind her began whispering quite loudly. Sam was very excited to go see the elves while the others were still a little wary of the true meaning their guide held. The mage was fairly happy to learn they were going to Rivendell. It was, in fact, one of her favorite places to visit, and she would at every chance she got. Which, unfortunately, wasn’t very many. Cefrey was indeed quite busy most of the time. At least, busy in her terms. 

The sun began to set more and the ranger knew it was time to settle down for the night. He told the hobbits to make camp and rest under the large trees surrounding them while he kept watch. Cefrey helped her companions settle down and watched them fondly as they fell asleep after eating. She had grown to care for the four halflings quite a bit after the short time she spent with them. They reminded the sorceress of herself in some ways. So carefree and quaint, and yet they were able to carry such a burden without so much of a single complaint. 

Strider had noticed the woman’s sudden perk up when he mentioned the elven city and wondered if she was more than she appeared. He knew that she was unlike the race of men, but what exactly made her that way?

“Miss Cefrey, have you been to Rivendell before?”

Her smile widened even more at the question. However, that action made her confused. She hated being asked questions, so why was she so keen on answering his? She shook off that thought and chose to indulge the man beside her.

“Yes, I have been to Rivendell, on many occasions, actually. It’s quite the wondrous place to be. So many books to read!” She twirled on her feet, a few stray locks of dark golden hair swaying in the wind before she sat down next to the ranger on a small boulder, her green eyes sparkling both with joy and the moon’s light. 

She sighed longingly, thinking about the many hours, sometimes even days, she would spend in the libraries of Lord Elrond. Her expression saddened. She had not visited the elves there in many years. Her days had been occupied by many things. Though, now that she thought about it, what had she been doing during those years? Collecting herbs and flowers, experimenting with her powers, writing and reading any and every book she found. She hadn’t led a very eventful life. At least, before this little adventure she was a part of. 

The ranger watched her as she pondered, lost in her own thoughts. He realized he knew nothing about her. And yet he felt as if he had known her for years. He knew there was no spell on him, he had no disease. So why did his heart ache whenever he looked into her eyes. Why did he feel so strange when she sat close to him, their body heat mixing, making his eyes linger on her form when she wasn’t looking at him. He had never felt this way about anyone except… No, not even with her. This was different. He had known the mage for not even two days, though his heart and mind thought otherwise.

“Strider?” 

Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and her question snapped the blonde out of hers. 

She waited for no response from the ranger, having realized he rarely spoke unless completely necessary. “I realize now that you are speaking the truth when you say you are a friend of Gandalf’s…” Cefrey stared up at the bright moon, a thoughtful look in her eyes. “It was odd. When we first met in the inn, I wanted to believe you were untrustworthy. That you were not truly there to help us, help Frodo… but I couldn’t. It was almost as if…” She trailed off, realizing that she was rambling and laughed a bit at her words. “Oh, don’t mind me, ranger,” She patted his shoulder before standing up, gazing into the darkness of the trees. “I will be back by sunrise. Don’t leave without me!” She called over her shoulder, walking into the blackened woods.

The ranger narrowed his eyes at the fading silhouette of the sorceress, unsure of whether or not he should stop her or at least go with her. He shook his head, his gaze turning to the four hobbits sleeping restlessly behind him. He couldn’t leave them unprotected. Cefrey was more than capable of handling herself. Strider chuckled at that thought. Of course she was. She was mistaken as a wizard by many folk so she had to have been at least powerful enough to protect herself. 

He sighed and stared up at the moon, wondering what she was thinking when she looked up at that bright light… 

… Cefrey didn’t actually have to go anywhere, she really just wanted to get away from the ranger for a bit. He made her… feel things. Things she didn’t know how to describe, much less deal with when she was sitting right next to him, their shoulders brushing every so often. Her face heated up at the memory of being so close to him. And that was why she had to get away.

The forest at this time of night was almost like a completely different place than in the daytime. It was beautiful still, of course, but its beauty was that of mystery and darkness, while in the sunlight, it was calming and warm. The mage wandered through the woods, the streaks of moonlight illuminating her path. She knew not where she was going, just that she was. The journey is not about the destination, after all. 

As she meandered through the forest, her thoughts also took a short stroll. Although they always landed back on the ranger. She didn’t know what to think of him. Was he someone she could grow close to? She hadn’t many friends, other than Gandalf, and maybe the four hobbits in her care. Though she still didn’t feel such a connection to them as she did with Strider. And she had known the halflings longer, and she had dealt with the Nazgul with them. It all didn’t make much sense to her. 

Cefrey happened upon a small pond with a waterfall pouring into it. The air around the water was more humid than the rest of the woods as water sprayed into the air. The dull roar of the fall added to the ambiance of the wind and forest creatures around the blonde. She smiled softly at the scene before her. The calming nature of the pond and the sounds around her making her relax immensely. 

Her thoughts drifted around in her mind as she sat on the grass next to the pond. Closing her eyes, the mage listened to the music of the wild; the bugs, the birds, the gurgling of water, it all added to the harmony surrounding her. Cefrey laid her head down on the soft grass, the sounds soon lulling her to sleep.

.

As the sun peeked over the hills and shone through the many trees, its light rested on a certain mage, resting peacefully near a small pond. Her eyes fluttered open, the sleep slowly removing itself from her body. Sitting up, Cefrey yawned loudly and brushed off the dirt and grass that clung to her clothes and skin. She noticed the rising sun and her eyes widened, her previous exhaustion leaving completely. She had to get back to the hobbits and… and Strider. 

Stretching as she stood, the blonde recalled her trek through the woods and took the path back to the camp. She picked a few flowers and herbs along the way that she thought would be useful and stuck some into her belt, the flowers in her hair. Once she made it back to the camp, her companions were already packed and ready to go; the hobbits waited around the small horse while Strider was waiting at the edge of the woods, the way she had left during the night.

His eyes widened subtly, and if she hadn’t been looking, she wouldn’t have noticed it. The ranger took in her appearance, the disheveled dark blonde hair, tied into a low bun, with wild flowers peeking out the back and front, along with the just-woken-up blush on her freckled cheeks. 

Cefrey smiled at the ranger, a kind, quaint smile, one that reminded him of a cool spring day, laden with pink flowers out the window. He turned his head, staring out into the distance towards their path.

“We must continue on.”

The mage agreed with his statement, nodding her head, and ushered the hobbits to walk ahead of her, albeit disappointed that the ranger passed over her appearance without so much of a comment or even one of his tiny smiles. Why was she so hellbent on getting him to like her? 

Hiking a couple feet behind the halflings, Cefrey tried to collect her thoughts. She never realized until now that being with other people -- even if she rarely spoke to them -- made the time go by way more slowly than when she was alone. She thought it would be faster, but somehow walking next to these four hobbits, talking to Strider, thinking  about Strider. It all made her days pass by in a much slower state. It was almost as if when she was by herself, she wouldn't think  about the time passing, she would just do random things. Granted, those things did make her happy… they just seemed monotonous compared to the things she had done with Frodo and Sam, Merry and Pippin… with Strider. 

Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, they continued on, past the forest after another night there and into windswept moors. Patches of moss green vegetation littered the snow-covered ground. Sam led the pony who was packed with their supplies while the three other hobbits walked behind him, Strider taking the front a few feet ahead. 

Cefrey was too preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn’t really pay attention to what the others were doing. That is, until she was hit in the head with an apple. She cursed under her breath as the pain bloomed on her forehead, stopping to place her hand over it. She hadn’t noticed that she had walked in front of the hobbits and received a good bonk to the head as Strider was trying to make a point to Pippin. 

Said ranger turned after he heard the mage curse and a frown made its way to his face. “I, uh. Sorry, Cefrey, didn’t know you were there.”

“Yeah, neither did I, apparently,” She retorted with amusement in her voice. She noticed the dour expression on Strider and shook her head, rubbing the spot where the apple hit. “Don’t worry, I’ve endured worse.”

The man still felt guilty for hitting the poor sorceress, but knew that they had to keep going if they were going to get to Rivendell at a reasonable time. Strider was aiming for the hobbit, he was trying to hit him in the head. So why did he feel so bad for hitting her? He chalked it up to be some chivalry that was buried under the layers of the dark exterior he put up. 

She smiled at the ranger again, trying to dissuade his obvious guilt. She didn’t want him to feel bad. She wanted him to be happy… with her. No. Not with her. He probably prefers to be alone. There was no way he would want to be with her, happy or not. 

She sighed and continued walking.

They camped in the moor for the next two nights and went on once the sun rose each day. Cefrey slept well those nights, under the stars, even as the snow dampened her clothes and made her shiver. She would have been colder than she actually was, but during the darkness someone draped a black cloak over her form, keeping the iciness at bay. Though when she woke, the cloak was gone, taken off before she rose from sleep and clasped back over the shoulders of the ranger. She never even noticed it was there. 

They trekked through the rest of the moor for the beginning half of the day, soon walking into a wet marshland, bugs flying everywhere, and water soaking their clothes. The hobbits swatted the insects away, complaining the entire time they marched through the swamp. A few of them fell into the water, more than once, and each time, Cefrey would help them up, offering what she could in sympathy, as the midges and water annoyed her too.

It seemed that the sun set faster on that day, forcing the group to make a small camp sooner than they would like. At least, than what Strider and the mage would have liked, the halflings were more than happy to take a break, their legs sore from trying to keep up with their much taller companions. 

The ranger went out to hunt, their food source had dwindled as the days passed. And, Cefrey amused that he also just wanted to be away for a moment, catch his breath, be alone. She understood that. More than she would care to admit, in all honesty. She may have preferred to stay isolated most of her years, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t enjoyed the time spent with people. In fact, the time she had spent with the four hobbits and Strider was some of the happier moments she could remember. 

Starting a small fire by gathering a few logs and simply sparking it with her fingers, the mage waited silently on her bedroll, listening to the conversation the hobbits exchanged. Sometimes she would feel pity for the four of them. They were thrust into a situation entirely out of their control and utterly different than what they were all used to. Frodo definitely had the adventure spirit in him, just as his uncle. But the others? Merry and Pippin were there for the ride, while Sam… Poor, kind Sam, was always watching over Frodo, making sure he kept his promise to Gandalf. He might have dreamed of seeing the elves, but once they got to Rivendell, Cefrey was sure he would want to go straight back home, to his garden and his hobbit hole. And she couldn’t blame him, not one bit.

Strider came back after an hour or so, bringing with him a small deer that was hauled over his shoulder. They ate the venison, grateful for a full belly after many days with meager portions. Cefrey couldn’t deny that his kill was extremely filling, making her all the more glad the strange ranger accompanied them on their journey. There was no way she could have killed that animal. Both out of sadness and simply a lack of skill. 

Soon after, with filled bellies and tired bodies, the hobbits fell asleep, the smoke of the fire keeping most of the bugs at bay. Cefrey, on the other hand, could not sleep. Her mind was racing, her thoughts jumping from one to another. Until she heard a faint singing.

Not wanting to disturb the soft tune, the blonde slowly rose from her blanket, her eyes adjusting to the darkness rather quickly. A smile tugged at her lips as she saw who was singing. Strider, always keeping watch, sat on a log, pipe in hand while he sang quite a forlorn melody.

“Tin viel elvanui,

Elleth alfirin ethelhael

O hon ring finnil fuinui…”

Before she could stop herself, another part of the song slipped from her mouth, “A renc gelebrin thiliol.”

The ranger turned his head slightly, not expecting another to know what he sang of. “You know of the Song of Beren and Lúthien?” Not needing an answer, Strider shook his head amusedly. “Of course. Someone as well-versed as you would know of many elvish hymns.”

Cefrey stood up from her resting spot, bringing the blanket with her, and sat down beside the guide, laying the piece of cloth over her legs. “Yes, and while you seem to know so much of my knowledge, I did not expect you to know these elvish tunes. And not only that, you sing them well, in perfect Sindarin.”

“We Dunedain are not uncivilized, my friend.”

She sighed, “I did not mean to offend, merely…” Stopping, she noticed his tone of voice. “You were teasing me?”

Without needing to answer, the ranger laughed lightly, the mage playfully hit his arm. They stayed up the rest of the night, keeping watch both on the hobbits, and on the bright stars.

[ilovedainironfoot]

🌹🌹🌹

Day 88

I have left my mark in the house of the Halfling. My bare feet coming straight from the muddy garden. Not to mention the blood on them. I thought that with all the excitement of his departure, he would not see anything. The others didn't see anything. The magician did. He won't say anything. He understands.

We are so suspicious sometimes. I thought my king would think I was an intruder, a spy who had passed during the night when the Hobbit complained of my tracks. He shrugged, he didn't care. I was afraid they would be looking for me. Don't look for me. I beg all of you. Don't look for me.

I'm so cold at night. I don't dare make a fire.

Day 89

Fili and Kili talked about the Orcs. They wanted to frighten Bilbo. They scared me, at least. I prepared my crossbow. I am so happy to see my people again that I forget about the Orcs. Aulë, take pity on me, I do not want to face Azog again.

Day 90

Today I got closer to their camp. This is now the second night that Gandalf has brought me food, claiming to want to eat in peace. It works very well, after all, my king has a very bad temper.

"That's it, he's finally getting used to my presence !" smiled Gandalf "Here, a nice hot broth. Carrots and fish this time." he exclaimed while sitting down. He leaved the bowl outstretched, waiting patiently for the fifteenth member of the Company, as he called him, to come out of hiding. For the first time, it took only ten minutes before the dwarf decided to come to him.

"Aha ! Not so fast, Master Dwarf ! If you want it, you have to come and get it, this time !"

The evening before, he had simply placed the bowl on a tree trunk and sat down beside it, waiting. Well, two metres away but still. But now he's getting tired of it and is worried. The dwarf needs care and above all he needs his kin to take care of him. He knew that by choosing to force her hand, he was jeopardising the trust he was gradually building between them.

The dwarf had stopped, his eyes shifting from the steaming, tantalising bowl to Gandalf, and to the wizard's delight and relief, he shyly approached and took the bowl, which he began to devour.

The wizard sat next to him : "It was Bombur who cooked ! Not that I'm complaining, far from it, his food is really excellent-"

"Aye."

He had obviously underestimated the trust the dwarf had in him, if he had finally spoken ! It was only a hasty whisper, but still, real progress.

"I'm sure he would appreciate your comment." Gandalf gently encouraged

"Who are you speaking to ?"

"Thorin ! Oh well I...I was talking to myself !"

Gandalf inwardly thanked his style of dress, for no sooner had he heard Thorin than he was back on his feet, hiding the terrified dwarf from the sight of his King. A dwarf petrified,his mouth full of burning soup, staring at the ground in silent prayer.

again, it's the following of this answer ! i'm trying to show my whips in order ^^