Bilbo was confused. Utterly and completely confused. The battle was over. Many men were dead. Many dwarves were killed. And many immortal lives were taken, the gift of the Valar, forsaken. He knew this plenty, obviously, clearly! But he was still confused. So very confused.
He knew that the dwarves of Durin folk were stubborn, and family and some loved eating his cheese by the round, they also had a great dislike of trees, and it seemed that without an axe, sword, blade, or hammer, a dwarf was entirely lost. But one thing they hated, was elves. But yet, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire, owner of Bag End, and bearer of a charming golden ring stood watching as Thorin's company talked with the king of Mirkwood.
Again, Bilbo was completely, and utterly confused.
He was startled from his thoughts when a soft hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked up with a start and saw the battle-worn, weary and pale face of the prince of Mirkwood. He found himself staring into the soft but hardened pale blues of his eyes. He cleared his throat and said, "Um, uh, sorry. I didn't realise you were there, um, er, your majesty." He said as he looked down, before glancing back up, and then back down.
"Aye, all is well, Master Baggins." The Prince said. Oh, his voice, it was like several flutes in perfect melody, with a river babbling, and a breeze fluttering. It was mesmerizing.
Bilbo stared open-mouthed, "How do you know my name?..."
The prince looked down, and smiled gently; it was a sad smile. "Word spreads fast, Master Baggins. And your name is quite a popular word among folk these darkened days." He looked up at his father and the Company. "I assume you shall hurry back to your home, to your little hobbit hole, now that your adventure has ended." The elf said suddenly, but he didn't look down.
"Uh, I don't know, really...I mean, I haven't really thought about...Really, I have no idea; I haven't really thing I'd..."
"Make it this far?" The prince offered, and Bilbo nodded solemnly.
"Aye," He whispered.
"War is part of life, Mater Baggins, just some folk play a larger part than others. Sometimes, war is the end of life, sometimes, it is also the beginning." He had never thought about it that way. Sure, devastated, and heartbroken as he was, he never knew what the future held. Mayhaps, he may just meet the Mirkwood elf prince, under better terms one day.