Hey all. ^-^ New chapter, exciting huh? I wanted to take this time to thank everyone who had left kudos on this story, or commented. I really appreciate it.

Now, before you read, I feel I should tell you that I'm not very happy with this chapter. Like, at all. Well... I guess I should say more that I find it a bit pointless, not necessarily bad. It's more filler than anything. I needed something to buffer the last chapter and the next one, which are both kind of heavy chapters. I've tried fixing this chapter but it kept sounding kind of weird, so I've given up. It's as good as it's gonna get. But if you find that it's not that good, or if you dislike it, know that I understand that. I could either keep obsessing on this chapter or write new, better ones. So. Yeah.

Also, I'll write an explanation on the chapter at the end, so if you are confused on an aspect, I'll hopefully explain it at the end.

While Bilbo felt incredibly indignant at Thorin's words, he couldn't deny the fact he did look like a homeless man. It was what happened when you only owned one set of day clothing and a borrowed pair of night clothing. Plus, for a little while there he had been homeless, so that was also a factor.

No matter how stubborn Bilbo was, he was also very practical. Refusing the money just because of who gave it to him, and why, would be plain stupid. Bilbo needed clothes and in order to buy clothes, he needed money. So while his pride was feeling very wounded, he would do as Thorin said and go to town to buy his sorely needed clothes.

Stopping at the stables to get his old mare, Bilbo quickly fed the other horses their oats before setting out for the road, Myrtle neighing happily at the attention Bilbo was giving her. He felt a bit bad at having neglected his friend in favor of the other horses, and decided that as soon as he got back he would pay Myrtle more attention during work. She had been his only friend during his long journey here and deserved his affection.

The journey into town was uneventful, though he did get a nice view of the whole farm when he got to the top of the hill. From there, however, it was mostly dust and dead plants along a cracked dirt road. It had clearly not rained here in a while.

Bilbo spent the uneventful journey thinking about the previous day. Or, more accurately, earlier that day. Part of him had the feeling that his boss wasn't as bad as he made himself out to be, but Bilbo couldn't help but dislike the man. Bilbo knew he shouldn't make judgments on people he had just met, but Thorin... Thorin got under his skin in a way no one else had, and it made Bilbo feel uneasy. So, he vowed to stay away from the serious man. He couldn't afford getting angry at him and losing his job.

When Bilbo finally got to town, he decided to look around a little first, to see where everything was. Walking Myrtle over to the little stable near the entrance of town, he paid the man who worked there a bronze piece and gave Myrtle a small pat on her flank before leaving to explore the town.

The town itself was fairly small. According to Balin, there was another town down the road a few miles that was bigger, though this one was big enough to have most of the supplies you'd need in everyday life. He just hoped they had a tailor who would work on his clothes quickly.

Bilbo walked down the road, looking at the various shops he passed on the way. Some looked fancy and high class, while other's looked like they had seen better days. Bilbo wondered if he'd be able to buy what he needed with the bag of coins Thorin had given him.

Ten minutes later, Bilbo saw a tailor shop that looked decent enough, fancy but not over the top, and felt lucky at having found it so quickly. Entering the store, he took in the elegant looking place, admiring the fabrics that were on display everywhere. Bilbo looked through the forest of cloth for a few minutes before seeking out the tailor.

"Uh, hello? Is anyone in here? I'd like to, um, buy some clothes." Bilbo called out, hoping the tailor was in today.

"I would assume you'd want to buy some clothes, why would you be in my store if you weren't?" A smooth voice called from behind Bilbo. Startled, he spun around and came face to face with an elegant looking man. He had medium brown hair that flowed down to his mid back, with an intricate silver circlet crowning his head. His clothes were long and flowing, with silver threaded details. Bilbo thought the man looked more like a noble Lord rather than a simple tailor, but it wasn't Bilbo's place to make judgments.

"Ah, yes I suppose you're right." Bilbo replied, feeling a bit wrong footed. The other man continued to stare at him, causing Bilbo to continue speaking. "I, um, will need a few pairs of cotton work shirts and a couple pair of cotton slacks, if you don't mind."

The man continued to stare for a moment longer, before beckoning Bilbo to follow him.

"Do you have any preference of color?" The elegant man asked as they walked to the measuring area. Bilbo shook his head, not particularly caring what color he was dressed in, just as long as he was dressed in something other than his ratty clothes.

"Anything is fine with me. Just as long as it's strong enough that it won't tear during work."

Humming his approval, the elegant man gestured for Bilbo to get on top of the platform so that he could take Bilbo's measurements.

"Take off your shirt and pants so I can begin." Doing as the man said, Bilbo stripped and got on the platform. Bilbo then held his arms out so the man could begin his measuring.

"You certainly are in need of new clothing." The man commented as he measured. "These won't last you much longer."

Bilbo nodded but said nothing. Frankly he wasn't sure what to say. The man intimidated him slightly, as he had a sense of power to him. Not like the power Gandalf had, but like the power a king has over his people. A sense of calm dignity that demanded respect.

The rest of the measuring passed in silence as the man worked and Bilbo did as directed. Once done, the man walked smoothly away, leaving Bilbo standing awkwardly behind.

Bilbo stood there for a couple minutes before the man came back, some fabric and threads in his hands. He noticed a bunch of greens and yellows and felt relief at the color choice. He liked green.

"Do these colors look satisfactory to you? I know you said you had no preference, but I'd rather not have you come back and be appalled at my color choice."

Bilbo nodded his head. "Those colors look perfect, thank you. How long until they should be done?"

"I should be done with the initial sewing in an hour. Come in then and I will hem them to you."

"Ah. Thank you, Mister..."

"Elrond. Just call me Elrond."

Nodding once more, Bilbo thanked the man before getting dressed and leaving the store. Seeing as he had an hour before his clothes would be done, Bilbo decided to use the time wandering the town, visiting the other stores. He didn't have the money just yet to buy anything other than his clothes, but it wouldn't hurt to look around and see what else was here.

The next hour was mostly spent in various shops, Bilbo getting used to the town and its inhabitants. The people here were friendly, though they seemed a bit distant. He noticed many people looking at him curiously, and Bilbo couldn't help but wonder if it was because of his newness or because of his disheveled appearance. He hoped it was the former.

When the hour had finally passed, Bilbo exited the small bakery he had entered and strolled back to the tailor. He entered the store once again, the wave of green and blue cloth soothing to the eyes.

"Come this way, Mister Baggins." A voice called in front of him. Bilbo smiled at Elrond, deciding not to question how the man knew his name, and followed him to the back room where the little platform was. Stripping his clothes once more, Bilbo got on the box and stood as the elegant man flowed towards his mannequins to get the first shirt. Pulling it over Bilbo's head gently, the man began hemming it to Bilbo, shortening sleeves and fixing the neckline. Elrond asked some polite questions about Bilbo, which Bilbo answered as truthfully as he could. It was pleasant, and Bilbo felt at ease here in this little shop. It was a few minutes later that Elrond began asking about his new home.

"I've never seen you around the town before." Elrond stated as he pinned the shirt. Bilbo nodded absently.

"That's because I just moved here. I live down the road, at Erebor Farm, but before that I lived in the Shire."

Elrond paused in his work to give Bilbo a searching look.

"A long ways from home then." Elrond continued pinning the sleeves. Bilbo nodded a bit wistfully.

"Yes. I miss it sometimes, but Erebor is amazing. I'm finding myself growing attached to the place. The only problem is... Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. Over all the place is brilliant." Bilbo flushed a little at his little fumble. He didn't want to burden the man with his problems. He had already been so kind. Elrond raised his eyebrows at Bilbo.

"The only problem is what, Mister Baggins?" The other man asked inquiringly. Bilbo debated whether he should speak or not, but Elrond seemed interested enough. Besides, the man had an air about him that made Bilbo want to spill his deepest secrets.

"It's just my employer, Thorin... We had a bit of a row the other day, at our first meeting no less. He demands my respect of him, yet gives me little reason to want to. He's very intense, and I'm not sure I like it. He always glares and is rude and he's... He's just... He's unexpected, and I don't know what to do about him." Bilbo finished, his face still red with flush. He felt a bit foolish complaining about his boss to a man he barely knew, but he did have to admit he felt better afterwards. He felt a bit guilty at having said all of these things about a man he knew only the basics about, but at the moment Bilbo didn't really care. He was entitled to a little pettiness now and then, was he not?

"You've made all these observations after only a day of knowing him?" Elrond questioned, a small frown on his face. Bilbo felt his face flush even brighter at having been called out.

"W-well... Yes. But it's not just from my personal observations! It's from what the others tell me. He's intense. He's very serious. He doesn't like people he doesn't know. So it's not only me." Bilbo defended, though he knew his argument was weak.

"Sounds to me that you're not giving your employer a good enough chance. I know Thorin Oakenshield, have ever since he was a small child. He has lost much in his life, and bore it all while caring for two younger siblings. His seriousness comes from the challenges life has brought him. His intensity comes from his desire to never be caught unaware. He trusts no one but those closest to him because everyone else had betrayed him. Do not judge Thorin Oakenshield before you know the reason why he is the way he is. His story is a tragic one, and I do not use that word lightly." Elrond spoke with a quiet passion, like Thorin's story affected him personally.

"You seem to know a lot about Thorin." Bilbo stated softly, looking back at the other man. Elrond smiled sadly.

"He and I were in similar positions, once. I moved on, realizing life is cruel but that you cannot stay lost in the past. Thorin, however, clings to his past like a child clings to their mother. He refuses to let go, and because of that I feel sorrow for him. He will never be able to move on from his troubles, and thus will never be able to fully heal. I invested my interest in him when he was still a boy, admiring his tenacity and righteousness. But I fear those very same traits will be his downfall." Elrond finished, his eyes sad and ancient. The man couldn't have been much older than fifty, yet at the moment he looked a millennia old.

The rest of the fitting took place in silence, since Bilbo had no idea what he could say to that. He realized that Elrond was correct. He had been too hasty in his judgment of Thorin, especially since he had only known the man for less than a day. No amount of pettiness could excuse that. Bilbo amended his previous vow, vowing now that he would keep an open mind about his employer from then on. He didn't promise to like the man, but he would at least give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, Fíli and Kíli seemed to love him, so he couldn't be all that bad, could he?

Finally Elrond was finished hemming his shirts, moving on next to the pants. They began a light conversation on the different materials that Elrond had in his store, since Bilbo had a small amount of knowledge of fabrics. Bilbo also talked a bit about his work with the horses, smiling as he thought of them.

When Elrond was finally done with the clothing, it was around midday, the sun high in the sky. Bilbo thanked the man profusely, thrilled at the beautiful new clothing he now had. Despite the fact the clothes were simple in nature, Elrond made them look like the grandest of fine wear. Elrond waved off his thanks.

"It is my job, Mister Baggins. One I am very good at." Not disputing that, Bilbo paid the man and left the store, wearing one of his new outfits; a light yellow shirt paired with rich green trousers. Realizing that it was time to get back to the farm, Bilbo returned to the stable where he had left Myrtle and retrieved his faithful steed. Knowing he had wasted enough time that day, he began the trip back to the farm, feeling much better than he had when he'd set out.

Talking with Elrond had soothed over much of the anger and indignation that he had felt at Thorin. He still was a bit peeved at how the man spoke to him, but he supposed the man did have a right to ask for his respect. Thorin was the boss and Bilbo was the employee. Like it or not, Bilbo had to at least fake respect for the man. It was how the world worked. He couldn't get angry at Thorin just because he had acted disrespectfully towards him. And who knew, maybe Thorin was actually a wonderful person and their initial and secondary meetings were just flukes. Unlikely, but possible.

Regardless, Bilbo would have to act like a responsible adult and reign in his pride. Having decided, Bilbo put it out of his mind, letting his thoughts drift as he rode Myrtle home.

Bilbo didn't even notice until he had entered the farm ground that he thought of it as home now. Huh.

So. That was the chapter. Not my best work, but eh. Now, my explanation.

I needed Bilbo to not hate Thorin. That was the main point of this chapter. I cannot write angry characters, not for long, mainly because I'm not an angry person. I'm very laid back, and it's hard for me to write anger. This chapter made it so Bilbo would only dislike Thorin, instead of outright hating him.

Now as to why I had Elrond be a tailor... I don't know. I really like Elrond and wanted to write him. Also, I needed someone to make Bilbo see sense. I considered having it be Balin, but in the end decided on Elrond. Later on in the story I'll go further into Elrond, why he's a tailor in Dale, What happened to him to make him relate to Thorin, etcetera etcetera. Not for a little while, though. For now I'll just say that everything will, hopefully, make sense later.

I hope that you liked this chapter, and that if you didn't, you'll keep reading this story and understand that I just had a lot of trouble with this chapter. I may rewrite it later, if I ever get the chance. If it makes you feel any better, the next chapter is my favorite so far. It introduces the plot and the main conflict. So there is that.

Anyway, see y'all next week. ^-^