Author's Note: Continued due to requests and my unpredictable muse. Enjoy!
When Gandalf persuaded himself he could manage a quick detour to Erebor and drop in on his batch of stubborn dwarves and favorite hobbit-burglar, he had not anticipated finding the whole kingdom in an uproar. Countless dwarves rushed about and shouted loudly (not sparing the usual suspicious look for the wizard as he was escorted to the empty throne room) while the entire mountain trembled violently (in tune with her king's towering displeasure). Had the treasury been robbed?
Two parts flabbergasted and one part concerned, Gandalf was caught off guard by the appearance of Thorin and his company. The dwarven king's face was a dark thundercloud, while Nori was white like a sheet, and color rose in Balin's cheeks. Ori's sobs were heart wrenching. Kili and Fili looked as though their puppy had died. Bifur bellowed loudly, Oin murmured under his breath, and Bombur stood in distressed silence. Dori and Bofur gave the impression of frantic mother hens, unable to account for a missing chick. And Dwalin seemed ready to cut off some heads.
"Good afternoon!" Gandalf murmured, eyes noting everything. "I wondered how fared you all and Bilbo—" he broke off at Ori's pitiful wail and Thorin's thundering voice.
"You have not seen him?!" the king demanded hotly.
"No, naturally! It is winter. Why—"
"We can't find him!" Bofur interrupted this time.
"No one has seen him for three days," Balin put in.
"Bilbo's gone!" Gloin exclaimed. "Just like our things!" He glared at Nori.
"Don't look at me! My blanket's missing, too!"
"Missing?" the wizard inquired with interest.
"Oh, aye! All of us have had items disappear, even uncle!" Kili said.
"Which does not matter compared to the lost hobbit!" Dwalin growled.
"Ah!" Gandalf nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "That is to be expected…no, I am not at all surprised."
Thorin narrowed his eyes. "Gandalf…" A light rumble ran through the mountain.
"Peace! It seems our burglar has failed to mention that hobbits hibernate during the winter. It is common for the creatures to keep in their burrows things that belong to friends and family."
The wizard tapped his staff lightly against the floor, his eyes twinkling as he noted the dwarves' riveted expressions.
"This very moment, somewhere in Erebor, Bilbo is in his snug burrow fast asleep, surrounded by possessions which remind him of those dear to him. So do not worry, there is no need for the frantic searching. Come spring, he shall return, and will undoubtedly be sorry for causing such distress!"
Chuckling, he started towards the great doors. "But I must be going. Just intended to drop in for a short spell – wizardry business, you know. Very pleased all is going well. Please give my regards to Princess Dis, Thorin. I shall inform the others that the hobbit has been accounted for and the search can be called off, yes? Until our next meeting!" Gandalf waved his hand cheerfully before the doors opened and shut after him.
Dazed silence hung in the air. Recovering first, Thorin frowned and stuck his hand out in front of him. A second later the others moved, stacking their hands on top of his. They glanced around at one another.
"For Bilbo!" the dwarves cried before leaving the throne room and scattering in thirteen directions.
It was all well and good for the wizard to reassure them Bilbo was contentedly sleeping away as was his custom, but they would not be satisfied until they found him and saw with their own eyes that their hobbit was safe and hale, thank you very much!
