Hello everyone! I've finally gotten a few chapters done. Just to let you guys know, I'm more active on archiveofourown, so if you want to keep track of my stories, it might be better to follow me there. I'm putting the link in my bio for anyone who wants it.

Otherwise, enjoy the new chapter!

The room was silent except for the small sounds of flames flickering in the air. Surprisingly, it was the unknown being who spoke first, jolting the dwarves from their thoughts.

"Wh…Who are you?" He asked, pulling the sheet more to cover him. It wasn't doing much to hide the swell of his stomach when he had it pressed so tightly to his front.

"That….is a good question, lad," Dwalin commented. His arms had lowered so his axes were resting at his sides. This person was obviously not a threat, but he had no idea who he was. The dwarf didn't even know what the other was. He was short enough to be a dwarf, a small one, but the only hair he had was on his head and feet. He'd make a really poor dwarf. Elves was the only race that their males could get pregnant, but he obviously wasn't that either.

An echo of a sound came from another hall in the mountain, causing the small one to jump. He looked wide eyed to the door and then back to the dwarves. "You shouldn't be here! You have to leave. Now!"

The urgency in his tone snapped Thorin out of his stupor. He blinked and straightened himself up, sheathing his sword. "There is nothing to fear, little one."

The other was shaking his head quickly. "No! You have to leave! He'll kill you!"

The dwarves shared a looked. Dwalin spoke next, "You mean the dragon?"

Doe eyes flinched and he huddled into the sheet like he was trying to hide away.

Thorin knelt where he was to be at the other's level some more. "There is nothing to fear," he said again once those eyes raised enough to meet his. "The dragon is slain. He cannot hurt you." Dwalin looked to his king in surprise. He hadn't seen the other act like this since his nephews had been dwarflings.

The other blinked, expression going from afraid, to confused, to hesitantly hopeful. "He's….he's dead?"

"Aye," Thorin nodded. "I am Thorin, son of Thrain, king of Erebor," he introduced himself. "This is my captain of the guard, Dwalin."

"At your service," the older dwarf bowed his head to the other. He trusted Thorin enough to follow his lead now, and ask questions later.

"What is your name, little one?"

It took a moment for the other to look between the two of them. It looked like he was still processing the fact that what he had been afraid of was no longer a threat. He blinked and settled his eyes on Thorin. "Bil…Bilbo Baggins," he said finally.

"You are no dwarf, Master Baggins," Dwalin commented.

"Wha…? Oh, no," Bilbo shook his head. "I'm a hobbit. From the Shire."

"The Shire?" Dwalin tilted his head.

"That is not a place we are familiar with," Thorin commented.

Bilbo looked crestfallen at that. He realized he must be further from home than he had originally thought. He shuddered softly, tucking into the sheet.

Thorin straightened his shoulders again at seeing him shake. "Would you let us take you from here? You are welcome at Erebor, until you are fit to travel home."

"Thorin?" Dwalin muttered. He was ignored.

Bilbo looked back at Thorin, and the dwarf king was surprised when his lower lip started trembling a little. Bilbo curled up around his stomach.

"You won't take my child….will you?" he asked softly.

"Thorin…" Dwalin said, a little stronger. The hobbit was may be as much a victim as anyone else, but the child he carried would be part dragon themselves. It would be dangerous to allow another of that creature be born.

"It is not our choice, Dwalin," Thorin stated over his shoulder to his friend. He knew it was dangerous, but it wasn't their child. He would have to see what the other kings would say about it as well. He turned back to Bilbo. "No harm will come to you or your child. You have my word of it."

It took another minute before Bilbo nodded and slowly came out of his defensive position. Thorin stood and shrugged his fur cloak from his shoulders. He leaned over and wrapped it around Bilbo's. It was big enough to engulf the hobbit, allowing him to be fully covered until they could get him some proper clothes. If he noticed the slight redness on the other's cheeks from the gestures, he didn't comment.

He offered Bilbo a hand to stand. He had to steady him when his legs gave out at first. "Can you walk?"

Bilbo kept his head down as he gripped the offered hand with a strong grip. The other hand was holding the cloak closed, even though it wasn't necessary. He nodded quietly, not releasing his grip. Thorin allowed it and kept ahold of him as they started walking back towards the mouth of the cave. It was slower than when it had just been he and Dwalin. Bilbo stumbled and clung like a newborn lamb. It was obvious to both dwarves that the hobbit hadn't been allowed to wander for a while and it had weakened his legs. It made Thorin's blood boil to think of what else the vile beast had done to the innocent looking being beside him.

Once outside, they drew quite a bit of attention. The camp had been set up just outside the cave opening, split between the races. The elves were the farthest in the trees, with the humans and dwarves closer to the mountain face. Many stared in surprise that there was another being inside. The dwarves stared in surprise that their king was escorting the new being out. No one got in their way or voiced their questions after seeing the stern looks from Thorin and Dwalin.

"Dwalin, find Oin and send him to my tent," Thorin ordered. "And send a messenger to find Bard and Thranduil."

Dwalin nodded and turned on his heel to do as he was bid.

Bilbo had ducked as far down into the furred cloak as he could to hide from the stares. Thorin led him to his tent and closed the flap firmly behind him. Bilbo sank happily onto the bed roll made of more furs.

"You seem tired," Thorin commented as he moved to get the hobbit some water.

"It…has been awhile," Bilbo said quietly. "Since I could move so much."

Thorin sat next to him, handing him to cup. Bilbo thanked him with a small smile and took a drink.

"How long has it been for you?" Thorin asked.

Bilbo shrugged. "I don't really know. There was no way to tell time in the cave." He jumped when someone else entered the tent.

Thorin looked up to his court healer. "Oin, announce yourself next time," he said loudly. Of course the older dwarf wasn't using his trumpet when he walked in.

"What?" Now it was up to his ear.

Thorin sighed and shook his head. "Bilbo, this is Oin. He is my court healer. I thought you might like a doctor to check on the child for you." Though dwarves weren't knowledgeable in male pregnancy, if Bilbo was going to stay with them then Oin would have to know of his condition and be in charge of his care.

Oin bowed a little to them. "At your service, Master Hobbit. Dwalin says you are with child?"

Bilbo was hiding behind Thorin's arm. "Y-Yes."

"Not to worry, Master Baggins," Thorin assured him. "Dwalin would have only told Oin. No one else should know of your condition unless you wish them to."

"May I examine you?" Oin stepped forward. He had been in healer mode since the end of the battle and had his mind strictly on everyone's wellbeing. The questions in his mind would have to wait until later.

Before Bilbo could answer, there was a hurried announcement outside before Thranduil was suddenly bursting through the flaps and into the tent. Legolas, Bard and Balin were close behind. Legolas had the decency to look apologetic for his father's hasty arrival.

"You found someone?" the elf king asked. It sounded like a demand in his tone, but Thorin would allow this slight to pass for once.

Bilbo was hidden behind Thorin again, head buried in his back and hands gripping his shirt.

Legolas said something to his father in Elvish. Thranduil snapped something in response and then returned his attention to Thorin.

"Dwalin and I found Master Baggins further inside," Thorin told him. "I was just about to have my healer examine him."

"It can wait," Thranduil said.

"Father…" Legolas was trying to calm to older elf down.

"Several moons ago, the beast took an elven woman. Where is she?" Thranduil was glaring at Thorin. The dwarf was sure the look was meant for Bilbo but since the other was hiding very thoroughly behind him, he gained the brunt of the look.

Bilbo did peek out from over Thorin's shoulder a little to look at the others. "Mirion?" He asked in a quiet voice.

Thorin recognized the elven queen's name. Thranduil perked a little and stepped towards them. "Yes. Where is she?" The movement caused Bilbo to hide again.

"She…."

"Where is she?" Thorin felt bad for the elf. It wasn't like Thranduil to sound so desperate. He figured the other had been more stressed about finding his wife than he had let others believe.

Bard came up and set a hand on Thranduil's arm. "You're scaring him. Give him a moment to speak." His voice was calm and seemed to help the other do the same. Just enough to not seem so overbearing.

Thorin set a reassuring hand on Bilbo's calf over the cloak. It was the only area of him he could reach with the hobbit tucked behind him as he was.

Bilbo didn't lift his head as he answered. "She tried to get away….and he caused a cave in on her." His voice was so quiet that it was hard for even Thorin to hear him. Elves had great hearing though. The devastated look on the other king's face was enough to know that he had heard. Legolas had closed his eyes and taken a deep breath. The younger elf seemed to have prepared himself for that news better than his father had.

"I'm…I'm sorry," Bilbo sniffled softly.

Thranduil turned and pushed out of the tent again. Legolas released the breath he had taken. "It was not your fault," he said softly.

"I'll go speak with him," Bard offered. Legolas nodded to him. Bard looked at Thorin, "We should gather tomorrow to go over everything."

Thorin nodded. "Let me know when you two are ready to talk." He watched Bard walk out after the finicky king. If he didn't know any better, he would say that the man fancied the elf king. He shook his head. "Prince Legolas."

"Yes?"

"Could we possibly borrow one of your healers for a moment?" he asked him.

"What for?" He asked, looking at Oin and then to Thorin.

Bilbo was looking over Thorin's shoulder again to look at the prince. He gave Thorin a nod when the dwarf looked at him. To the blond, Thorin said, "Master Baggins is pregnant. Your healers would be more familiar with that, if I'm not mistaken."

"Oh dear," Balin said from where he had been hanging back by the tent flaps. Thorin gave him a look to remain quiet.

"That…" Legolas started, surprise and concern flitting across his face. He stopped and shook his head, neutral mask falling back into place. "I will send someone in immediately. Excuse me." He nodded his head and left.

"What are you thinking, lad?" Balin asked Thorin.

"Bilbo will be staying with us until he is well enough to travel home," Thorin told him simply.

Balin frowned at him but stayed quiet for the moment. He decided to change the subject to something safer and easier to speak of. "The other groups are still going through everything in the caves. It probably won't be done until tomorrow evening at the earliest."

Thorin nodded. "Alright. That should be enough time for Bard to calm Thranduil."

A few minutes passed with Oin stepping forward again to do his task. In that time, an elf healer arrived as well. He was a little short for an elf; however the elegance was there all the same. Midnight hair shimmered almost forest green in the correct light while amber eyes danced with the fire. He bowed to them. "I am Feynriel. Lord Legolas has sent me to aid you."

Bilbo had been unwilling to come out from hiding behind Thorin at first. Thorin sighed gently at first. "Bilbo, they are healers. They simply wish to see that you and the child are well." Bilbo looked at him from under his curls that had fallen in his face. Thorin squeezed his calf again. "I will not be far. I simply need to speak with my advisor."

Bilbo reluctantly nodded and slowly loosened his grip on Thorin's shirt. He clutched the cloak tight around him as the owner moved away enough to let Oin and Feynriel closer. The elf knelt on the floor next to the bed roll with a soft smile. He and Oin had agreed, while Thorin had been convincing Bilbo, to let the elf examine him first and then explain to Oin what to look for. They did enclose the bed roll with sheets of linen so the others couldn't see; only hear what was going on as Feynriel asked if Bilbo would be alright undressing so they could check on him.

Thorin moved over to Balin. Dwalin had entered at some point with a bundle of clothes. "These are the smallest we have here," he told Thorin. Thorin nodded his thanks and set them just outside the concealing linens.

"Thorin, I must advise that this is not a wise decision," Balin whispered as they huddled up. "A child of the dragon?"

"Could you look at him and tell him that we must kill his unborn babe?" Thorin challenged him, staring the older dwarf down.

Balin huffed softly, looking right offended. "I didn't say it would be easy. We must think if it's worth risking our kingdoms over."

"He's been through a lot, brother," Dwalin commented. Thorin was surprised that the other seemed to be on his side. "It may not even be something to worry about."

"We'll discuss it tomorrow, with the others," Thorin said with a hint of finality. "Balin, I want you to find Nori. I want to send him towards Bilbo's hometown, learn what he can."

"Something on your mind?"

"We don't know of the place he's from. How long a journey is it? Does he have family there? Does it even still exist or did Smaug destroy it? Once the child is born, and he is ready to go home, is there even a home for him to return to?"

"All good questions. I will find him and send him on his way. Should he bring a group with him?"

"If he needs, he can bring two or three others. I want answers quickly."

"Understood." Balin bowed his head and stepped out.

"By the way…" Dwalin started.

Thorin sighed. "What?"

"The boys have heard of your finding," Dwalin smirked at him.

Thorin groaned a little. "Where are they?" He rubbed his temple.

"Still helping with the expeditions. They had only come out for dinner and I sent them right back in," Dwalin informed.

Thorin nodded. "Thank you. That will give Bilbo a little time to rest before those two barge in asking questions."

Dwalin laughed and slapped Thorin's shoulder. He was sure it startled all three by the bed, but nothing was said except a quiet, Elvish mutter. Dwalin grinned at his friend. "He is not the only one. You look quite dead on your feet now."

Thorin shrugged. "I will rest soon." He was concerned to know about Bilbo first.

Dwalin patted his shoulder. "I will bring you both some food."

Once he had left, the linens were pulled down. Thorin could see Bilbo changed into the new clothes, but still wrapped up in the fur cloak. He was staring pointedly at the furs making up the bed roll. Seeing wetness on his cheeks, Thorin walked quickly over to settle next to him. He moved an arm around Bilbo's shoulder and the other tucked against his side with his head against his neck.

"What is wrong?" he asked as Bilbo sniffled softly.

"My lord." It was Feynriel who had spoken. Oin looked grim and was jotting notes down in his notebook. Once he had Thorin's attention, the elf continued, "Master Baggins appears to only be about nine to ten weeks along. He looks further I believe because of the size difference between him and the…child's sire. It's possible the child will take on that aspect and will continue to grow. As of now, the child seems to be developing normally."

"What has upset him?"

Feynriel and Oin glanced at each other, and then to Bilbo before back to Thorin. Thorin was starting to not like how the healers seemed to be in tuned with each other's thoughts already.

Oin answered him this time. "As I'm sure you're already aware, Master Baggins was not a willing participant to the making of the child." Thorin's grip tightened a little around Bilbo's shoulder. The hobbit was still sniffling against him. Oin continued, "There is some…lingering damage that will take time to heal."

Thorin nodded. He had that feeling when he saw Bilbo locked in the gilded room that he hadn't wanted to be there. It angered him more than anything that something so vile could force itself on someone as innocent and beautiful as Bilbo. Then again, maybe it was that beauty that enthralled the beast in the beginning.

"Oin is perfectly capable of Master Baggins's care while he stays in Erebor," Feynriel told him. "If my aid is needed, I can travel to you. Though, we agree that I should be present for the labor."

Thorin hummed. "I will discuss the details with your king."

"Then I shall take my leave." The elf bowed again before turning around to leave. Oin bid them goodnight as well, saying he'd be back in the morning to check on Bilbo.

Once they were alone again, Thorin turned his attention to Bilbo. The sniffling had calmed. "Are you alright?"

Bilbo raised a hand to wipe at his eyes and nodded. "Yes. Yes, I…I'm sorry."

"What do you have to apologize for?" Thorin questioned. "You have done nothing wrong."

Bilbo had to take a deep breath. "It's...a little overwhelming. I had…almost resigned myself to…to being stuck in there. Forever." He rested his head on Thorin's shoulder.

Thorin absently started rubbing his shoulder. "I can't imagine what you had to go through. All I can say is that you are safe with me."

He was rewarded with Bilbo lifting his head enough to smile at him. "Thank you Thorin."

Thorin smiled a little back. He couldn't explain what he felt when he saw that smile. He just knew that this was the most right he had felt with someone in a very long time. He would do anything to keep that smile showing.

By the time Dwalin had returned with food for them, Bilbo was asleep. Thorin didn't want to wake him, so he let him rest.