Sorry for the small update guys. I just wanted to give you something.
Ori joined Bilbo out in his garden. He thought it would be a good idea to take a break from his knitting. Bag End was quiet for the time being. Dwalin was at work and Bilbo managed to get both Nori and Dori out of the house. Ori didn't know how Bilbo did it, but he was grateful. In the week since his brothers had arrived Ori could barely breathe. Dori was being his overbearing self, and constantly scolding Dwalin for something or another.
The young dwarf plopped down next to Bilbo, "Do you mind if I help?"
The hobbit looked up and greeted his friend with a smile, "Sure. Enjoying the quiet?"
"Oh yes, thank you. Truly, you impressed me when you faced the dragon. However, I will forever believe you have some magical power, as you did the impossible; get Dori out of my hair." Ori said taking a spare tool Bilbo handed him.
The hobbit laughed loudly, "Glad I could help."
Ori watched Bilbo out of the corner of his eye while they worked. He was worried about Bilbo today. He didn't get up when he normally did; if fact Ori had to finally go retrieve him from bed. Bilbo also didn't eat much when he did finally leave his room. He figured today was going to be one of those days where his friend was going to need someone by his side.
The two chatted about this and that. Ori told him about a hobbit hole he was eyeing that was up for sale on the hill adjacent to Bilbo's. However, he didn't want to leave Bilbo with his brothers. After some time and their work was almost done Bilbo sat his tools down.
"I am glad you and Dwalin showed up on my doorstep." Bilbo said suddenly, his voice weak, "After everything… when I returned here…I never felt so alone. Things got real dark, really dark. I don't…I don't know if I would still be here if you two hadn't shown up."
Ori pulled Bilbo into an embrace as the hobbit started to sob.
"Why doesn't he love me anymore?" Bilbo sobbed into Ori's chest. He didn't realize how tall the dwarf had grown over their adventure.
"I…I don't know." Ori answered softly, trying to not cry himself. It took him up to see his friend like this.
"I don't want to be alone anymore." Bilbo continued to sob.
Ori knew what he meant; even though he and his brothers, along with Dwalin were here, they weren't Thorin or could truly offer what Bilbo wanted.
They sat there until Bilbo recomposed himself. It was then that Ori suggested they both get to work on the dough they let sit out overnight. Ori remembered when Bilbo first made it. He couldn't believe bread could taste so good. Bilbo made the bread into small rolls that had onion, poppy seed and some nuts baked into it. It was like always eating a treat. The two make their way into the kitchen. After they got the dough in the oven and baking Bilbo made tea and the two sat in the main living room chatting as they drank their tea. Bilbo would have moments where he would start to sniffle so Ori would quickly change the subject. If he knew it would make a difference he would write an angry letter to Thorin and tell that fool what he has done.
Later that evening at dinner Bilbo was pleased that it was a little more pleasant. Dori was tearing into Dwalin or something silly; Nori was more talkative than normal, though Bilbo chalked it up to him being happy he found work as a farmer's hand. After dinner Bilbo refused to let Ori help and told the young dwarf to go spend time with Dwalin before Dori notices they are missing.
Time it took Dwalin to close the door to the bedroom and be behind Ori with arms wrapped around him made the young dwarf think the former warrior had developed magical abilities.
"Dwalin." Ori moan when he felt his lover's lips on his neck.
"I haven't had you for a week." Dwalin growled.
"Well, that wouldn't have happened if you were so rough. You might as well scream at Dori we are doing it." Ori replied trying not to smile.
"Then tonight I will be gentle." Dwalin said as led Ori over to the bed.
Ori went to protest but was stopped by heated kisses.
Dwalin was true to his word, he was gentle and Ori realized how much he needed that. Still he was surprised that they didn't hear a peep from Dori. He figured Bilbo must have had something to do with that. His mind drifted to Bilbo; some days it was like the hobbit was doing better, then there were days like today, or days that were far wrose. Ori felt Dwalin pull him close and rest his chin upon the top of his head.
"What is it my heart? You look troubled. Is it Bilbo?" Dwalin asked.
Ori frowned he didn't want to bring up weighty thoughts so soon after the magic that had just happened, "Yes."
"Is he alright? He did seem quiet when I arrived home… Is he still grieving?"
"I don't know. I can't tell if he is getting better or becoming a better liar." Ori admitted.
"That is troubling." Dwalin said.
"This is all Thorin's fault. What got into him that made him so sick that he would hurt Bilbo so?" Ori asked.
Dwalin shrugged his shoulders, but he knew. It was what haunted all dwarves mostly the Durin folk; the dragon's curse, a lust for gold and riches in material value. Sadly for Bilbo the Arkenstone was a gem unlike any other and was priceless. Dwalin also knew with a heavy heart that if something wasn't done Thorin would only fall futher, because dwarves are jealous lovers and only love once. Since Thorin cast his love aside, there was only gold to fill that void.
"I will write to Thorin tomorrow. I am not needed at the smithy for the day. Keep an eye on Bilbo. I would murder my own friend if anything bad was to happen because of this sadness." Dwalin said finally speaking.
"Thank you, Love. I will." Ori said.
"Good, now let us retire to sleep; a long day at the forge and you, have worn me out."
