Bilbo wondered down the cold passage way, leaving the terrified dwarves huddled on top of the slope leading into the darkness. Bilbo, despite his good vision and his ability to be quick on his feet, kept stumbling over the tiniest of rocks. He took smaller steps until he was practically not moving at all and then stopped when he felt the slope evened out into a flat slab of rock beneath him.
Bilbo didn't really know what to expect. He had not got much knowledge of the outside world other than the current adventures and the books his mother used to show him, but Bilbo firmly believed this "smaug" wasn't going to be a nice dragon. He could feel the cold air rushing around him. Even this far in the mountain the cold air seemed to freeze him and he could feel the dampness of the air on his skin.
Bilbo could see the faint outline of a stone arch ahead. He had long ago turned off his lantern so what he saw was probably more instinct than eyesight. He shuffled his feet slightly across the ground so he didn't loss his footing then he leant against the stone archway with the palm of his hand, only thinking about rest and safety. A dark figured laid across from him. He was higher up and his size was immense, but poor Bilbo couldn't see the dragon's large figure through the darkness .Bilbo must have waited there hours. He in fact laid against the cold archway hoping the darkness would cease so he could continue. He probably fell asleep to despite his edginess, and when he opened his eyes a funnel of light filtered through the dark caverns and illuminated the dark, red outline of the myth he had travelled so far to see.
Bilbo was frightened. He was startled the moment he opened his eyes but the dragon had been watching him, there was no escape. "Bilbo, son of Bungo. Hobbit of the shire" echoed the dragon. His voice, deep and menacing, yet slightly entrancing. Bilbo lost for words, stuttered. "Actually… I-"Bilbo stuttered some more. The dragon rose from his feet slightly steering the now apparent gold underneath him.
"I prefer Bilbo; I don't carry such honourable title." Pause. "My apologies Hobbit" laughed the dragon. Bilbo was surprised. He had traveled all this way only for the dragon to know exactly who he was, the plan was ruined.
"Dragons don't know Hobbits, therefore how do you know of me" Said Bilbo, trying to seem brave in front of Smaug. Bilbo became more and more aware of the gold in his present, he had after all promised the dwarves that he would steal back their treasures, he was their burglar.
"Oh I know of you Hobbit, you are he, protector of Thorin, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, future King of under the Mountain. Bilbo was now anxious and angry at the dragon. "Present King! You killed his people, and destroyed the throne of oakensheild." The dragon laughed once more. "Hobbit! I didn't think you could be so naive, I didn't steal it, I needed to stall the coronation of Thorin, so he was ready when his time came. Bilbo was aware that he had been down here for awhile, as when he arrived it was night, and now the daylight was clearly lighting up the cave.
Bilbo needed to steal some treasures and leave, but the dragon was almost endearing. "Thorin is ready Bilbo, whereas before he was not. One cannot reach Greatness, till Greatness has reached them." Bilbo was now more confused than he had been on his entire journey. " And? How am I his protector, what do you want from me."
"Haven't you proved it already Bilbo, you got him here unharmed." The dragon suddenly rose to his feet and was now towering over him. "I've helped many protectors help their kings, and traveled many lands to see you." Bilbo was now scared of the dragon he started to lean away from him. "A deal! I take the gold, and you leave. Then I will protect Thorin." Bilbo said apprehensively.
"Oh Bilbo you don't understand! My time here is done, a young mage needs me in another land to accompany the rise of king Arthur, the kingdom is Thorin's once more." Bilbo now brave and ready to confront this dragon moved towards him. "Yes? And what's the catch? There is always a catch" The dragon shifted his weight the bared his teeth in almost a smile structure then prepared to speak. "Well there is one thing."