My plot bunnies have become rabid about The Hobbit. I would apologize but I can't…THANK YOU FOR EMBRACING THE MADNESS! Only the insanity is mine.

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Two households, both alike in dignity

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Erebor was a large secluded community sheltered high up in the mountains. The people made their wealth from the jewels, gold and silver that ran deep through the mines. The only disturbance came from two powerful clans. It was started over a stone called The Arkenstone that had been found between two mines owned by the clans. The Durins had taken it and since that day the Feud had been long and bloody.

The Durins were the clan that owned the most jewel mines along with several large silver and gold mines. They were hard and sturdy like the stones they carved from the earth. Their leader Thorin had become patriarch of the family five years ago after his father had succumbed to madness and was lost in the winter snow. The young leader had risen above his grief and strove to better the lives of his kin.

The Mirkwoods had control over a large number of gold and silver mines. They were also rumored to have been royalty who had fled to the mountains when their Kingdom had been overthrown. Their current leader Thranduil had been leading the clan for nearly two decades and was fiercely protective of his family.

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Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

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The ruler of this community was called Gandalf. He had kindly ruled over Erebor for longer than most memories could hold. However in his waning years he had grown tired of the never ending feud between the two clans, both of whom were dear to him. He sat wearily on his throne and stroked his long flowing grey beard as he smoked slowly on his pipe. A small smile curved his lips as he stumbled upon an idea that might just work.

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A pair of star crossed lovers…

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Crumpling the missive in his fist Thorin was half tempted to throw it into the fire and take pleasure from watching the little disturbance turn to ash. However he could already feel Balin's disapproval. It seemed the letter would live to see another day. "We have been cordially invited by Gandalf to attend a mid-winter ball." He growled as he kept it clutched in his fist.

Smiling the advisor carefully plucked the invitation from Thorin's hands and studied it with his reading glass "Him…That is so…Well there's no harm in a ball. Besides, you know the lads have been anxious for a good romp."

Balin knew him too well…There was little Thorin was able to deny his two nephews. Though he was only ten years older than them his elder sister had left him in his care when she passed. They were as much his sons as blood could be. "Fine…They can attend I'll be fine here."

The tisking noise that had followed him from boyhood echoed beside him. "They can't without you Lad, your name's first on the invitation. Without you they can't go…"

With a growl Thorin accepted the fact that he would be going to the ball…and seeing them.

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Thranduil was expressionless as he looked down at the letter before him. They would of course go. It would be highly rude to ignore the invitation. Of course…There was little point in attempting to refuse one of Gandalf's parties. He had a penchant for getting his way. He glanced to his side and saw his son and charge looking at him with silent pleading. His son Legolas was his heir and he was proud of his skill with a bow. Like him his son had long blond hair that elegantly spilled over his shoulders; though his was tied back and Legolas wore his loose with a few braids in deference to his bow. He wore the regalia of their family a long green tunic decorated with gold and silver threads, similar to his own blue and silver one.

His gaze then landed on his charge. Bilbo was an interesting young man. He had short dark blond hair that curled charmingly around his face; he was somewhat short with a softly filled body and delicate fingers. His mother Belladonna Took had been a close friend of Gandalf's and when she passed leaving a small son he was asked to look after him. He had grown to care for Bilbo like his own. The boy always felt the need to earn his keep by cooking or cleaning. Nothing Thranduil could say would stop him though he could be distracted with books from different parts of the world. Bilbo also preferred to wear common clothes; a white dress shirt, a tidy red vest with brass buttons, a fine jacket and simple pants. Interestingly enough he seemed to be more comfortable without shoes, possibly from his time curled up in the library chairs.

He set aside the invitation "Gandalf has invited us to attend his mid-winter ball. Shall I send a letter telling him we accept?" The chorus of 'yes' was nearly deafening.

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"Thank you Uncle Thorin!" Fili and Kili said in unison before charging into the gala. Thorin merely watched them go with a fond smile. He did not enjoy social events and avoided them whenever possible. He cast a glance over who was attending. Most of Erebor was here it seemed, though it was well known that Gandalf enjoyed merry gatherings. He saw Balin and Dwalin were keeping an eye on his boys and he decided to see if Gandalf had put out any of his good reserves.

Legolas was far more outgoing than him, though Bilbo was always happy to be around people but felt overwhelmed in large crowds. He found a comfortable spot by the refreshment table and was pleased to simply watch.

It happened quite by accident.

Thorin was reaching for a cake when a small hand brushed his own. Startled he looked and was surprised to see light hazel eyes looking at him in surprise. "Oh! Pardon me…!" The young man said as he drew back his hand.

Before he knew what he was doing Thorin grasped the soft hand in his own and kept his eyes locked on his captive's "No need to ask for pardon…Though I would have your name if you would give it to me."

Bilbo was sure he had never blushed so hard in his life. While Legolas was regularly swarmed with suitors he had yet to have one of his own. "Bilbo Baggins sir…Charge of Thranduil Mirkwood."

For a brief moment the hand on his tightened and a dark expression crossed the stranger's face "I see…" the stranger dropped his hand and gave him the cake before giving a quick nod "Enjoy your evening Master Baggins." Before turning and leaving.

Bilbo stood there stunned at the rapid change before looking down at the cake in his hand, he found he was no longer hungry.

Storming away from the young man Thorin felt unreasonably deceived. It made sense now that he was a charge of The Mirkwoods. He was far too soft and gentle looking for life in the mountains. Though it was strange that he did not wear the same ostentatious robes the Mirkwoods always donned. He found himself glancing back and seeing that the young man was staring down at the cake with a disappointed expression. He felt an irrational tug in his chest before sharply turning to find Balin.

When he reached his advisor he reached irritably for his furred cloak "I am off. You or Dwalin watch the boys, it should be enough that I came at all."

"Getting chased off just from a little run in with Thranduil's charge?" The casual way Balin posed the question grated on Thorin's temper.

"I am simply tired is all…I will see you tomorrow Balin." He resolutely ignored the way his old mentor was chuckling to himself as he took off into the snow.

Back at the refreshment table Bilbo had put aside the cake and was rescued from his despondent thoughts by Legolas appearing by his side. "Did Thorin say something to you? You seem troubled."

Shaking his head Bilbo regained himself "No…no he didn't say anything. Not that he needed to of course after he found out who I was."

Legolas looked sadly down at his adoptive brother "It's not you Bilbo it's that silly rivalry between father and the Durins. Honestly I think it's more out of habit than anything now."

Bilbo gave a small nod and found his good mood returning. "Truly all this over a stone? Both clans are well enough without it. Why cause all this trouble?"

Pleased to see that Bilbo was once again smiling Legolas nodded and passed him a goblet of wine "I hope to never understand."

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What say you? Can you love the gentleman?

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Hope you liked this beginning! Credit for lines goes to The Bard of course all taken from Romeo and Juliet. But don't worry happy endings ahead! Thank you for reading!