Hello my sparkling chocolate ducklings!

I couldn't believe all the views I got in only one day after posting just one chapter!

Even though I don't really know what's the average... oh well, it still makes me super happy anyways, thanks to you all who followed/faved/viewed/reviewed my story so far!

And since I'm sparkling new to the website I still can't answer reviews or put a pretty picture on my profile or fic. Yay?

SNOstorm: I personally use a magic called 'spell check', it is the Arkenstone to my Thorin, I don't know what I would do without it! I still give myself 88% of the credit though! I hope you'll like this chapter, if you liked Mimi's spunk then you'll just love it now! And a big thank you for your review my lovely little blueberry toast!

A little warning, by the way: I love giving ridiculous pet names to everyone and anyone (if you hadn't already noticed), they are generated at random and generally for my own childish amusement, so no need to try and find some profound meaning to it; I'm not an intellectual, just special ;-P

All copyrights to Tolkien and all that jazz.

I love you all more than rainbows, kittens and cakes all put together! (And that's saying something!)

Happy reading!

CHAPTER 2: First encounter

The sun had just reached its peak in the sky, announcing noon, when the first news of Gandalf the Grey and Marguerite Baggins reached Erebor to announce their arrival in a rebuilt Esgaroth, or Lake-town, making a certain hobbit very excited.

''Oh goodness, they're here! Well not exactly just yet, but still, they're close! Are the bedrooms ready? Can someone go to the kitchens and ask the cooks to prepare something for them? Oh I do hope their travel went well!'' said Bilbo, pacing in the Great hall under the amused eye of his king, Dwalin and Balin.

''Don't yeh worry lad, they made it t'eh Lake-town didn't they?'' replied Dawlin, casually leaning on a pillar, sharing a smile with his brother. ''He's right lad, if something happened, Gandalf would of send us a notice'' agreed Balin.

''But she's so young! I don't know what came over me, asking her to leave home and travel so far away! She could of gotten hurt!'' worried suddenly the halfling, now chewing nervously on his lip, a trait he shares with his cousin.

''Nonsense, from what you told us she's just about Fili and Kili's age, there's also no point in fretting over something done and over with. Plus, she was with Gandalf the whole time.'' said the elder dwarf, amused by Bilbo's worry for the young lass.

''It is decided then, Bilbo my little hobbit, you'll go meet them half way while Balin makes certain everything is ready for the arrival of our guests'' Thorin's deep baritone voice startling his hobbit, for he had not spoken on the subject yet and Bilbo honestly thought at this point he would keep to his silence.

''What about the meeting with the council? Won't they be crossed if I don't attend it?'' said the halfling, even though a spark of joy had lit his eyes at the suggestion.

Scoffing, Thorin replies, a small smile etching on his lips at his soon-to-be-husband's excitement ''They'll be cross one way or another, so why not make it to your advantage?''

''It's settled then, go on lad, everything will be fine for your return. It will be a nice surprise for them for you to meet them halfway'' said the Balin.

''Aye and I shall accompany you with a few more in case of an attack, orcs are still lurking by'' added the tattooed dwarf ''I'm also curious about the lil lass''

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Meanwhile in Lake-town's tavern

Marguerite didn't know what to think of her journey, so far she met elves; a changeling named Beorn and had an unfortunate encounter with a warg. It was all wonderful and terrifying at the same time, she saw things she could have never imagined of seeing and lived to tell the tale.

And now, she was in a men's village with no idea what to do, the men were all very much curious about her, for the last halfling they saw was Bilbo and hadn't apparently had time to examine him properly. So there she was, patiently answering questions after questions as best as she could: No she was not a child, yes she always walks barefoot even in winter, when she says a hole, it's not an actual cold muddy hole, etc.

''Now now, let's leave the little miss rest for a bit, we had a long journey before coming here. Thank you, have a nice afternoon.'' announced Gandalf to a now disappointed audience, getting a seat beside Marguerite. ''I hope they didn't tire you too much''

Smiling up at the tall wizard, Marguerite replies ''Of course not, they're simply curious is all. Plus, I've asked my own share of questions so it's only fair I answer theirs.'' taking a sip of her ale, looking around.

''No matter how many times I've said it, it always rings true: Hobbits are really amazing beings, they will always surprise me'' winked Gandalf down to Marguerite, a smile on the corner of his lips

Blinking up at him Marguerite enquires curiously ''How so? I haven't done anything very surprising, quite the opposite actually...''

Chuckling, the kind wizard replies ''Oh but my dear you did, even though this little trip proved us that you weren't quite made for adventures, the way you befriended so many and helped some more showed great compassion and the way you so easily make friends is astonishing.''

''I think it's mostly because, to most of them, I look like a little girl or a doll and they simply don't see me as a threat'' replied Marguerite with a pout.

Laughing, Gandalf gets up again, motioning for her to follow him outside ''I think it would be wise to be on our way, or else I think our dear Bilbo won't be able to hold himself still while waiting for us to make our grand arrival.''

Letting out a giggle at the thought, Marguerite quickly finishes her ale and follows the wizard out ''How long before we reach Dale?''

''About a few hours, it's not very far anymore'' Smiled Gandalf, climbing into his cart and then helping the little hobbit do the same.

''Oh good then, I don't think I could of taken another full day of sitting on this wretched bench, it is most uncomfortable.'' said Marguerite with a grimace, to the wizard's amusement.

Two hours later

''I still don't see them!'' cried out Bilbo, turning on his pony to look back at Dwalin with a frown.

''Good gracious, hobbit, will you stop already? We told yeh they could have simply taken a longer rest in town...'' practically growled the bald warrior, beyond annoyed at the halfling.

''I know that, but what if...''

''BILBO! BILBO BAGGINS! OH HEY!''

Head snapping towards the front once again, smiling wide at the young hobbit girl standing in a cart next to his old friend Gandalf the Grey and waving at him. Bilbo doesn't hesitate, pushing his pony to the front of the line of guards to go join his cousin, leaving Dwalin to grumble a 'finally' to himself.

Later, back in Erebor

''WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M OVERREACTING!?''

''What was that!?'' said Kili, standing beside his brother in the Great hall, waiting with the rest of the company the arrival of Bilbo's guest.

''I-I think it might be miss Baggins...'' replied Ori, looking wide eyed where the shout came from.

''It makes sense. She did say she would give Bilbo an earful...'' grinned Bofur, sharing an amused look with his cousins.

''DISAPPEARED... BUNCH OF DWARVES... NO NEWS... DRAGON... MARIAGE!''

Letting out a low whistle, Fili adds ''Now I see what she meant when she mentioned he might not be happy he invited her after all, she has one good pair of lungs that's for sure!''

Nori who was now standing nearest to the entrance to the hall sends an annoyed look at the group ''Shh you lot, I can't hear what she's saying!'' sending a ''What?'' at Dori's disapproving glare.

''M-Maybe we should go, you know, help him or something?'' reminded the young scribe

''Yeh don't want to get in there lad, she already wasn't too happy at Bilbo on the way ovah'ere, our poor little burglar only made her angrier. I'm telling you, bettah let 'em be.'' came the gruff voice of Dwalin coming in.

''I will go welcome them then, I need to show her and master Gandalf their rooms anyways, wish me luck lads.'' said Balin with a chuckle, exiting the room and walking towards the shouting.

There was a small moment of silence after the elder dwarf's departure and then... ''Now we can't just stay here when our hobbit's life might be at stake'' said a grinning Fili turning to his brother who sported a matching smile ''Indeed brother, you make a valid point, who's with us?'' replied Kili, turning to the rest of the company.

''Well, Thorin wouldn't be very proud if we were to let his soon to be husband die at the hands of a relative'' pointed out Bofur, Bifur agreeing in khudzul.

All the others were wearing similar grins, following the princes out to find the hobbits.

Meanwhile in a corridor of Erebor

''WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M OVERREACTING!?'' shouted the young female hobbit, eyes bright in anger, hands firmly planted on her hips and glaring at her cousin.

''I'm simply saying there's no need to get angry considering all that happened I didn't have ...''

''Didn't have what, uh? Didn't have time to give a notice to your family that you were alive? YOU DISAPPEARED WITHOUT A TRACE WITH A BUNCH OF DWARVES, I HAD NO NEWS FOR MONTHS AND WHEN I DID, IT WAS TO LEARN YOU WERE OFF TO STEAL FROM A DRAGON. NOW WE'RE SKIPPING TO TALKING ABOUT MARIAGE TO A KING, I'M SORRY I'M OVERREACTING OH GRAND BURGLAR BUT I THINK I HAVE A LITTLE RIGHT TO DO SO'' finished Marguerite, panting from all her shouting, still glaring daggers at Bilbo who had grown a bit red in the face during her 'little' rant.

''Now see here young lady, I didn't have time to notice anyone because I was trying to stay alive! I know it might be upsetting and I'm sorry I worried you...'' stated the older hobbit.

That's how Balin found them, the halflings still shouting at each other, glaring daggers, neither admitting their wrongs and Gandalf on the side, watching over them with an amused smile.

''Now, see here you two, let's not fight-''

''Very well, then you had a good reason I suppose, but what of after your journey? Surely if you had time to get engaged, you had time to sent a short letter 'Oh hey, by the way I'm still alive and met the love of my life to who I'm getting married, just saying, okay have fun, let's stay in touch' don't you THINK!?'' at her last shout, both were nearly face to face, glaring worth their life at the other.

''Still at it I see, we could hear them as far as the halls'' said the old dwarf to the tall wizard, a fond smile towards the two hobbits.

''I'm afraid so''

Just as Balin was about to reply something, he noticed two familiar heads poking out from the adjacent corridor, the one leading to the halls. Sighing to himself at the inevitable oncoming headache, two troublesome princelings was not what they needed right now. Seeing they were spotted, the two princes made their way over to them, followed by the rest of the company.

''Talk about an aggressive family reunion'' pointed out Kili ''They remind me of two kittens hissing at each other, wouldn't you agree brother?'' turning to Fili with an amused smile.

Except he didn't get an answer as expected, his brother too occupied staring at the younger hobbit still arguing with her cousin with a sort of dazed look. ''Fili? Fili are you alright?'' tried Kili, waving a hand in front of his brother's face and sending him a confused look.

As if startled out of a daydream, Fili turns to his brother with an irritated look ''Don't do that, what is it?'' swatting his brother's hand away from his face.

''You spaced out on me'' replied the younger brother with a raised eyebrow, receiving a shrug in return, his brother back in lalaland.

Gaping at the blond, Kili turns to send a disbelieving look at Balin, who seemed just as surprised, the older brother was never one to 'space out' and even less ignore his younger brother.

The two hobbits had yet to notice the new arrivals, having moved on to arguing over trivial things by simple stubbornness.

''How dare you accuse me, I wasn't the one to put them in your shoes and you know it! Plus, you're not one to talk, I've heard stories of the proper and reasonable Bilbo Baggins pulling pranks all over the Shire!''

''I don't know whose gossip you've been listening to but I've never been anything but proper!''

''Oh come off of it! Everyone knows you would go running around the forest looking for elves, coming back trekking mud all over the place, not quite proper- uh'' her rant interrupted by a blond dwarf having slipped between the two Baggins and now down on one knee in front of her.

''Forgive me for interrupting, I am Fili, son of Dis, prince of Erebor, your future husband if I can help it and completely at your service'' dropping a small kiss on the back of Marguerite's hand with a charming smile, under the confused and incredulous stares of all present in the corridor.

Marguerite was now looking around, surprised to see so many dwarfs now present, completely at a loss of what to do. ''Oh... erm... M-Marguerite Baggins at yours... I'm sorry but I think I've misheard that part after your name...'' stuttered the stunned hobbit, looking back and forth between her equally stunned cousin and the kneeling dwarf in confusion.

Quickly grabbing his brother and pulling him on his feet with a nervous chuckle, Kili told the ever growing confused halfling ''Oh don't mind my brother, he's quite the joker'' elbowing his older brother who could only give an offended 'Ouch!' at the manhandling. ''I'm Kili, at your service'' added the younger prince before his older brother could add anything, giving a polite bow to which Marguerite answered with one of her own.

''Miss Baggins'' redirecting the younger hobbit's attention to himself, Balin added ''I am Balin, son of Fundin, first consultant of the king, at your service'' and then proceeding to introduce the rest of the company, making her forget the oldest prince's odd behaviour, which she would later shrug off as a dwarf thing.

''Now if you two are quite done emptying your bags, we could show you and master Gandalf to your quarters, I'm sure you'll want to freshen up before dinner'' added Balin with a kind smile.

Blushing in embarrassment the young hobbit nodded, looking sheepishly at her cousin who sported a similar embarrassed expression, mouthing a small 'sorry' to which she answered with a grin.

''Very well, now that it's all out, master Baggins would you mind showing them the way?'' continued the white bearded dwarf.

''Yes, of course!'' said Bilbo, turning to Gandalf with an apologizing look ''Forgive us Gandalf, you must be tired after such a long trip, you too Mimi, come this way I'll show you your rooms'' added the halfling, starting to walk down the corridor, asking more about their journey.

First was Gandalf' rooms, quickly parting with the hobbits who wished him a good rest and told him they would see him at dinner.

They kept walking until they reached Marguerite's quarters, opening her door and stepping in, dropping her bags on the bed.

Both halflings were now standing, facing each other, looking pointedly at their hairy feet waiting in an awkward silence for the other to be the first to say something...

''Oh this silence is ridiculous! I'm sorry I shouted at you, but you bloody well deserved it!'' puffed out Marguerite with a pout.

Bilbo's head rising to look at his younger cousin, an amused smile fighting it's way at the corner of his lips ''Now, what kind of apology is that?''

''The kind you deserve'' replied the little female with a snobbish turn of the nose.

There was another moment of silence before the two erupted in a fit of giggles.

''Oh by Mahal, you sounded just like Lobelia!'' said Bilbo, gasping between two giggles.

''I know! Dear me, see what happens when you're not there to keep me sane from all those awful gossipers?''

''Better be careful or you'll start wearing an apron over your dresses and putting your hair in a tight bun everyday while scolding children for running around disturbing the chickens!''

Bilbo couldn't help but chuckle at the absolute look of horror that crossed his cousin's face.

''If I ever do, you have to promise me to throw me down the nearest cliff!'' said Marguerite with a solemn serious look.

It didn't take long for both to fall into a second fit of giggles.

Bilbo didn't had time to take a breather before Marguerite had pulled him in a tight hug to which he answered happily, putting his arms around her.

It was followed by an ''I've missed you'' from his younger cousin, who had her face buried in his shoulder.

So to Bilbo's ear it sounded more like ''I mif'ed yo'', but he still replied happily ''I've missed you too... Marguerite'' which earned him a poke in the ribs and a muttered ''Don't call me that'' to his amusement.

Stepping back from the embrace, the older hobbit gave Marguerite a smile ''So, how do you find Erebor so far?''

''It's... interesting? Dwarfs sure are... well something else really...''

Chuckling, Bilbo couldn't help but nod in agreement ''You get used to it, they're as rough as the rock they forge, they're noisy at best and sometimes seem rude, but you won't find a more loyal, honest and merry bunch''

''Well, I'll leave you to unpack and refresh, you'll find everything necessary in the bathroom'' pointing to a door on the other side of the room ''I'll come get you for dinner so you don't get lost trying to reach the dining room, my room is the next one to your right if you need anything, '' added the halfling with a smile before exiting her room, only to come back a few hours later for dinner.

Meanwhile with the dwarves

Balin waited until the hobbits were out of ear shot before turning to the older of the two Durin's prince, who still sported a dazed look eyes glued where the halflings and wizard disappeared.

''Are you alright lad?'' asked the old dwarf, pressing a firm hand on his shoulder, watching as the young prince's eyes came back into focus, looking at him with a confused look as if not understanding the question.

''Uh?'' replied Fili, looking at each dwarf staring at him before turning back to Balin ''Perfect, why are you lot staring at me as if I've grown pointy ears?''

This time it was Dwalin who answered, a smirk firmly in place ''Oh no reason lad, especially not since yeh just went down on yeh knee and claimed to all yehr intention to marry the lass'' said the warrior, barely containing a chuckle.

''What is going on here and where is Bilbo?'' the voice of their king startling most who were still staring at Fili.

''Mister Baggins went to show his cousin and sir Gandalf to their rooms'' answered Oin, who hadn't spoken yet, preferring to observe instead.

''I have yet to know what is going on though, why are you all staring at Fili'' replied Thorin, turning to said nephew with narrowed eyes ''What did you do now?''

To which the concerned quickly countered with an affronted ''Nothing!''

''It seems to me our young prince had his first meeting with his one, I would recognize the signs anywhere'' said Dori with an amused smile.

''I think we all did, marriage proposals aren't that subtle'' chipped in Nori, voice dripping in sarcasm.

To which Thorin turned a raised eyebrow in his nephew's direction.

''It wasn't a marriage proposal... I simply implied...'' mumbled the dwarven prince, ears turning red.

''Tsh yah, since when 'Hello, I'm Fili your future husband, pleased to meet you' is considered implied?'' teased Kili, a smirk playing on his lips.

''I didn't say it like that!''

''You said it exactly like that!''

''Did not!''

''Did too!''

With a growl the older sibling tackled his younger brother to the ground, a wrestling match starting between the two under the ever amused look of the company.

''ENOUGH, both of you! We'll have a talk about this later tonight after dinner, for now everyone back to your duties'' grumbled the majestic brooding king, shaking his head at his heirs' antics.

And on these final words from their king, the company parted for the day, going back to whatever they were doing, talking about the odd encounter between the prince and hobbit lass as soon as they were out of Thorin's sight. They couldn't wait until dinner.

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PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE, READ IT, READ IT I TELL YOU!

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THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE - If some of you have some absolute favourite pairings you wish to see, a funny idea, a suggestion, a quote you want to hear, a word or a theme, go ahead and say so, I'll try to plug it in there somewhere! I really want to make this fun for everyone and have bits of you, my fellow readers, in my story!

What better awkward start for a love story than a spontaneous marriage proposal? I think it's hilarious... Is it just me? Probably...

Some may have noticed I have a slight fixation with hobbits and kittens, but can you blame me?

Honestly, each time I see Bilbo he reminds me of a kitten... actually, I think it's a Martin Freeman thing. I read somewhere here on the website someone saying:

''He looks like he rescues and hugs kittens for a living''

And it's so painfully very true. There's just something about him that makes you want to hug him and never let go!

* cough * ANYWAYS. Moving ooooon

As usual, reviews would be amazing, even if just a hello?

Don't be shy, I don't bite much and a least I'm not too contagious if I do :-)

* Also still in need of a Beta reader or two * ... just saying...

Hugs, kisses and kittens to you all, lots of love and rainbows too!

See you soon with chapter 3!