Another week, another chapter. Hey all.

Updates might be slowing from here on out. I know I've been saying that for the past few weeks, but as of now, I'm out of finished chapters. I'm currently working on the eleventh chapter, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish it by next week. I've not been feeling well lately and I'm just so tired all the time. Because of that, I've not had the brain power to write much. I'll try, but I might need to take a week or two off, just to recharge or whatever.

Thanks to everyone who commented or left kudos (Or anyone who reviewed and left a favorite, if you're reading this on Fanfiction. net) They mean a lot to me and are what keep me going. :-)

I don't really have much to say about this chapter, so... Enjoy.

Upon waking the next morning, Bilbo felt happier than he had in days. Yes, he still felt tired and the added stress of the other night did not help at all. But overall, it felt like a dark cloud had dissipated from over his head. Like a weight had been lifted from his chest. Bilbo felt like he could do anything if he put his mind to it.

It was when he got up to get dressed that he noticed the sword that was still latched in the belt loop of the pants he had worn the night before. Carefully as he could, he removed the sword and examined it.

Bilbo had never held a sword before. Had never even seen one, if he was being honest. Not in person at least. The sword he was holding was short, not even as long as his arm. The scabbard it was in was a plain silver, with only a couple swirls as decoration. He took the sword out of the scabbard and saw that the sword itself was similar, though it had more of a beauty to it. The way the light reflected on the silver, the way it seemed to glow in the pale dawn. The edges were slightly dull and it looked like it had never even seen battle. But Bilbo found himself enamored to the little sword. A small weapon, having never seen battle but still having the ability to do great damage if given the chance.

Bilbo took the sword and sheathed it again, deciding to put it inside the top drawer of his dresser, where he kept his most prized possessions, hidden beneath his shirts. He would keep it in there unless he ever needed it. To let anyone see it would raise suspicion as to where he had gotten it and he did not want anyone to suspect that he had been a part of Fíli's harebrained plan. It would just lead to more trouble for the both of them.

He opened his drawer and set the blade carefully inside, right beside his mother's locket, his father's old pipe, and a drawing of the two of them from their wedding. These were the only things he had managed to keep from the men who had come to take his possessions away, and they were the most precious to him. If anything were to happen to them, Bilbo didn't know what he would do. The blade would be a good addition to the small collection, Bilbo thought.

With that done, Bilbo finished dressing and slipped downstairs, his good mood still in place.

Entering the dining room, Bilbo had a moment of shock when he came face to face with an unexpected person.

"Gandalf!" Bilbo exclaimed as he nearly ran into the Grey Wizard. Gandalf smiled down at Bilbo, his ancient eyes shining. Bilbo could barely believe his eyes.

"Bilbo Baggins! How good it is to see you again, my friend." The Wizard told, hugging Bilbo gently. Bilbo hugged back, grateful to see the Wizard, even if he was still a bit peeved at him. Leaving the way he did after giving Bilbo news that would soon change his life was very rude, in Bilbo's opinion. But for now he wouldn't bring it up, too happy to bother.

"And you! What are you doing here?" Bilbo inquired, looking up at Gandalf.

"I brought him here. His assistance is needed." A tired voice rumbled from the table. Bilbo looked over and was surprised to see Thorin sitting there, slumped over his morning coffee, looking exhausted. His hair was still as tangled and uncombed as it had been the night before, his clothes rumpled and worn. His eyes were bloodshot and his skin waxy. Overall, he did not look like he had a very pleasant week. Privately, Bilbo wondered if this was only because of what happened last night or if it was more than that; if it had to do with the conversation he had listened in to a week beforehand and the business that Thorin had gone rushing off to see to.

"Need him for what?" Bilbo asked belatedly, after a couple moments had passed in silence while he'd been examining his employer.

Thorin just sighed heavily and continued staring into his coffee. Gandalf looked even less inclined to answer, instead watching Thorin closely, like he was a particularly interesting specimen he was examining. A minute passed in silence before Thorin spoke.

"For a problem I've been having with the farm. You needn't be bothered with it, Mister Baggins. It does not involve you." Thorin intoned, not bothering to look up, which angered Bilbo just a little. Still, he reined it in and only let out a small scoff as he finally moved to take his seat. He only briefly noticed the absence of Balin and Dori, but pushed it out of his mind quickly.

"'Doesn't involve me?' I work here, do I not? I think I deserve to know if something is going wrong." Bilbo rejoined smartly, sending a pointed look at Thorin's bowed head. In all honesty, he still wasn't sure if he should be getting involved here, but he was determined to at least try.

Thorin looked up at Bilbo's comment, allowing him to see the dark circles that resided under Thorin's eyes. His employer stared at him for a second before shaking his head slowly.

"These matters are my own, Mister Baggins. You would do best to keep out."

Bilbo was about to make a comment on how he felt he had a right to know, when Gandalf interrupted him.

"It might be better, Thorin, if you told him. He may even be able to help you." Gandalf looked over at Bilbo and smiled. "There is a lot more to him than meets the eye, and I believe he could be a great help to you, if you let him."

Thorin shook his head again, scowling lightly now.

"No. I agreed to let him work here as a horse caretaker, against my better judgement, but I will not involve him in these matters. I care not if he could be a great help." Thorin rumbled deeply, turning back to stare at his coffee once more, clearly done with the conversation. Bilbo frowned at his employer's head, not pleased with the dismissal.

Gandalf looked at Thorin with a frown, before shaking his head and letting out a tired sigh.

"I don't know why I even bother with you. You are as stubborn as a mule." Gandalf commented, causing Thorin to look up and glare at the Wizard.

"I don't know why either. You are the one who got himself involved, if I am not mistaken. Leave, if you do not want to bother with me. I can make do without you, Wizard." Thorin growled, his face twisted in mild anger. Bilbo had the feeling this wasn't the first fight he had had with the Wizard, nor would it be the last.

Gandalf raised his eyebrows. "Well, no need to get over dramatic. You know as well as I that you do need my help, otherwise I would not be here. Now I will not dictate who you share your secrets with, but I will give my mind as to who I believe worthy of hearing them. Bilbo Baggins has more to him than appearances suggest, and he's got a great deal more to offer than even he knows. Now that I've said my piece, I will take my leave, if it is alright with you. I have much to do before night falls if this plan of yours is going to work." Finished with speaking, Gandalf turned on his heel and left the room, his robe swirling after him.

Bilbo wished Gandalf hadn't left. The silence in the dining room following the Wizard's departure was thick and filled with tension, leaving Bilbo feeling awkward and ill at ease. Thorin was hunched over his coffee once more, a dark scowl marring his prematurely wrinkled face. From what Bilbo had been told, Thorin was only 35, three years his elder, and yet he looked ages older. His hair had streaks of silver in it and his face was wrinkled due to worry and stress. In this moment, Thorin looked ancient, like a statue from the olden days that had been worn down over time, but still holding a delicate beauty. Bilbo would be lying if he said it wasn't captivating.

After a minute had passed Bilbo decided to just go about like normal and took a scone from the centre of the table, hesitating only slightly when Thorin raised his eyes and followed the movement. A moment later Thorin's eyes were downward again, almost like he had never moved in the first place.

Bilbo ate the scone slowly, trying to figure out what to say to his employer. He realized with a slight shock that he hadn't been alone in a room with him since that second meeting, which had ended with Bilbo swearing he'd always hate this man. Now, though, all he felt towards the man was a mild curiosity.

The man in front of him was an enigma. Bilbo couldn't for the life of him puzzle Thorin out and it left him confused and curious. Thorin was harsh and serious, and yet Bilbo had seen him the other night, putting aside his pride to speak softly to his nephews. Thorin always seemed aloof and distant, yet it was clear he cared deeply about his farm and its inhabitants. Bilbo wanted to figure the man out, to understand him. Maybe if Bilbo understood him, he would be able to find a way to get Thorin to trust him enough to allow him to help with whatever problems the farm was facing. But in order to do this, he needed first to speak.

Before Bilbo could figure out what to say, however, Thorin stood up and began to leave, not even sparing Bilbo a glance. Surprised at the abrupt departure, Bilbo barely had time to think before crying, "Wait!"

Thorin stopped right before he opened the door to the kitchen, his arm still extended towards the doorknob. He stayed like that for a second before slowly turning around to face Bilbo, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"Did you need something, Mister Baggins?" Thorin questioned, his eyes boring into Bilbo, causing him to swallow thickly. 'This is going well,' Bilbo thought wryly, before clearing his throat, yet he still had no idea what to say. The silence stretched on for a long minute, before Thorin sighed.

"Was there a reason you called me to wait, or are you simply wasting my time?" Thorin inquired, looking at Bilbo with slight exasperation.

"The children." Bilbo breathed at last, abruptly remembering the scene he had seen the previous night. "How are they? I hope they weren't punished too harshly?" Bilbo wasn't even sure if they were punished at all, not any more than they had been, but he felt he should at least ask. Especially since he really had no idea what else to say and didn't want to look like an even bigger idiot in front of his employer. He mentally kicked himself for having stopped the man in the first place.

To Bilbo's surprise, Thorin immediately softened, the annoyed look changing to one of mild endearment and slight concern. A second later he returned to the indifferent mask, but his eyes remained softer. Bilbo absently thought it suited him better than the dark anger and pain they normally held.

"The children are fine, Mister Baggins." Thorin began, looking over to Bilbo with a small self-deprecating smile forming on his face. "You were there last night, if I'm not mistaken. I apologize that you had to see that. I was... Concerned for them. These are dangerous times and when I saw that they were not in their beds like they should have been... Well, let us just say I was very concerned. And as for their punishment, they will be helping out around the farm for the next month, to be kept under the watchful eye of the older farmhands. Their free time will be greatly restricted, as I will be keeping watch over them whenever they are not working. Nothing overly harsh, I would say." He finished, a mildly sardonic expression on his face. Bilbo couldn't help but stare, wondering at the change in mood the man had just gone through. It was fascinating, really. The children really affected him, it seemed.

Bilbo nodded after a moment, though he started to feel slightly nervous for a reason he did not know. His stomach churned and he had to look away from Thorin for a moment. He suddenly wanted this conversation to end, to be away from this man. Thorin made him feel nervous and fumbling, like a child seeking approval from an adult, with just a few words. He didn't like this feeling.

"A very appropriate punishment." Bilbo agreed a minute later, when it became clear Thorin was awaiting a verbal reply. Thorin nodded in satisfaction.

"You care for my nephews." Thorin observed abruptly, staring at Bilbo with an unreadable expression on his face, dashing Bilbo's hope of ending the conversation. "And they care for you, considering they were willing to lie for you."

Thorin said it so casually that it took Bilbo a second to realize what he was talking about. When it finally clicked, Bilbo's eyes widened in shock and mild fear. How had he'd known the boys had lied about his involvement the previous night? Was he about to get in trouble?

"W-what? I-I don't know what you're talking about." Bilbo stammered, trying to figure out what exactly he could say to defend himself. He watched with confusion as Thorin smirked minutely.

"Do you really think I can't tell when my nephews lie? Who do you think taught them how to? Do not worry, though, you are not in trouble. Not this time, at least. My nephews can be very persuasive and I do not blame you for going along with whatever plan they had. All I say is that in the future, if either of them tries to get you involved in their schemes, tell one of the other farm hands. Do you understand?"

"Oh, of course. I promise." Bilbo swore hurriedly, nodding emphatically, causing Thorin's smirk to widen slightly. Bilbo didn't really care. This was the, what, third time he'd done something he wasn't supposed to? In the span of just as many weeks? And yet he still hadn't been fired? He had a good reason to be relieved.

"Good. I'd hate to have to fire you, Mister Baggins. Searching for a new horse caretaker would be tiring and I'm sure my nephews would give me hell if I did. Do not think that I won't though, if you give me a reason. Good day, Mister Baggins." Thorin tilted his head briefly to Bilbo in goodbye, before exiting the room at last.

Bilbo let out a breath as he did, relieved to be out of that conversation, though he tried to ignore the implications of Thorin's second to last words. While he may be alright at conversing to the other farm hands, Thorin was a different matter. He was so serious at times and then almost friendly or joking at others. It confused Bilbo. Thorin confused Bilbo.

Bilbo shook his head to clear it. Thinking about his employer did nothing. All he could do now was work and hope things would turn out okay. Eventually, maybe he would be able to get Thorin to share his secrets, but it was clear to Bilbo that it wouldn't be anytime soon. That didn't mean Bilbo would give up, oh no. That just meant that he would have to be patient. And patience is a skill Bilbo had been known to have. On occasion.

~XoxoxoxoxoxoX~

The rest of the day passed without incident, as did the one after. Everything had settled down, it seemed. The other men seemed livelier now that Thorin was back, and even the children seemed glad, when they weren't busy sulking about their 'unfair' punishment.

When Bilbo woke that third day, he woke with a smile on his face. Not a big one, just a tiny, content smile. He didn't remember his dream, but it left him feeling at ease and, dare he say it, happy. By now, he knew better than to get too comfortable with this feeling, but for the moment he would savor it. He thought he deserved it.

He got out of bed and dressed quickly, taking a look out the window as he passed it. He could make out the sun rising over the plains, thick clouds obscuring it from view occasionally. Bilbo wondered if it was a storm. He privately wished it was.

Exiting his room, Bilbo made his way downstairs, greeting Gandalf and Balin as he took his usual seat in the dining room. Gandalf bid him a cheerful 'hello' before returning to whatever tome it was he was examining today. Balin gave him a friendly smile, asking him how his night had been, drawing Bilbo into a light conversation.

Halfway through breakfast Gandalf stood up, a frown on his face, leaving before either Balin or Bilbo could ask what the matter was. Bilbo turned to Balin in concern.

"Do you think something is wrong?" Bilbo worried, frowning lightly. Balin gave a small, reassuring smile in return.

"I wouldn't worry about it if I were you, laddie. You know how Gandalf is, probably wanted to double check a fact or something. Nothing important."

Bilbo could tell that Balin wasn't being completely truthful, but decided to leave it be for now.

When breakfast ended, Bilbo walked over to the stables, watching the storm clouds grow bigger in the distance. They looked dark, so Bilbo was thinking they were going to be getting some thunder and lightning later. Personally, he was thrilled, but he felt a tinge of concern for the farm. He hoped the crops didn't get struck by lightning.

He entered the stables and began his work, diligently attending to the horses. After about an hour he heard the stable doors open and heard Bofur give his usual cheerful greeting.

"Morning, Bilbo. Sleep well?" Bofur asked genially as he carried the new bags of oats in over his shoulder. Putting the bags down in the corner of the room, he walked over to the closet that contained the cleaning tools. Bilbo smiled at the man as he went about his work.

"Yes, very well, thank you. And you?"

"Oh yes, had a very good dream last night, if you get what I mean." Bofur chuckled, winking exaggeratedly at Bilbo, who just tutted and ignored the innuendo. He had learned quickly that blushing and stammering at Bofur's vulgarity just egged him on.

The two chatted for a little while as they both worked, Bilbo leading the horses around outside a bit, since he wasn't sure if they'd get the chance later if it did indeed rain.

"Looks like rain's coming." Bilbo observed as he ushered the horses outside. Bofur looked out toward the storm clouds with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Suppose it does. That'll be good, we've not seen rain in ages. Dori'll be happy, as long as the lightning doesn't strike any of his crops. Animals will be less happy. Might want to stay here with your horses tonight, if the storm does hit. They've never liked thunder. Lady Dís used to spend hours trying to keep them calm." Bofur informed. Bilbo just nodded. His old horses had never liked storms either, so it wouldn't surprise him if he did have to spend the night out here. He didn't mind all that much, though. He used to sleep in his old stables all the time, losing track of time and spending the night reading to the horses.

Bofur finished his cleaning a little while later, bidding him a cheerful goodbye which Bilbo returned. Bilbo then returned to his work.

It was two hours before sunset that the storm finally reached the farm. It started off with a light drizzle, during which Bilbo brought the horses that were lazily grazing in the fenced field inside, securing them carefully inside their stalls. Bilbo knew that bringing the horses in could be dangerous, if the stables were struck by lightning or if the horses got spooked and injured themselves, but he preferred having them all inside where he could keep an eye on them.

Right before the worst of the storm hit, Bilbo went inside to get some food, just in case the storm got so bad that he wasn't able to get back inside later. As he walked back he had to smile as the rain ran down his face. He could vividly remember that when he was a child, his mother would dance with him outside whenever it rained, her face alive with laughter and joy. It was how he liked to remember her, smiling and joyful, not despondent like she had been those last few months after his father had died.

The rain picked up a few minutes after Bilbo reentered the stables, the first crack of lightning visible through the windows. He could see the more skittish horses skittering around their stalls and moved over to them, resigned to spending the next several hours calming the horses and making sure they don't injure themselves.

The hours dragged on as the storm reached its peak. The thunder was loud and booming, scaring even Bilbo sometimes with its intensity. The horses were beyond terrified, whinnying loudly every time the thunder sounded. Luckily, none of them bucked or reared, mostly just stomping their hooves against the floor. Bilbo did his best to keep them all distracted from the storm, anywhere from reading aloud from the books he kept hidden in the stables to singing cheery songs his mother sang to him as a boy. He liked to think it helped somewhat, as the horses calmed minutely whenever he did this.

Bilbo didn't even know how long it was before the stable door banged opened, scaring Bilbo out of his wits. Standing in the doorway, hair plastered to his face and dripping wet, was Thorin. Bilbo could see that it was pitch black outside, leading him to believe that the sun had gone down at some point. He hadn't even realized.

Thorin stood in the doorway for a second before closing the door carefully, the howling wind quieting somewhat. Another flash of lightning could be seen, the thunder following a few seconds later.

"How are the horses?" He could barely hear Thorin ask, as the man walked over to him.

"They're fine, just a little spooked." Bilbo replied as loudly as he could, hoping he could be heard over the wind. Seeing how Thorin then nodded, he assumed he had been heard.

"Have any of them given you any trouble?" Thorin questioned when he finally reached Bilbo's side, the water dripping down his face and into a steadily growing puddle by his feet. Bilbo could feel his nerves from the other day returning, but pushed them back down. He knew horses. He could talk about the horses for hours if he felt like it. There was no reason to feel nervous as long as he could talk about the horses.

"No, not yet. Mindy, Seth and Fen have been jolting around a bit, and Rayah won't stop pacing her stall. The others mostly are behaving, though none of them are particularly happy." Bilbo explained, somewhat grimly. He hated seeing the horses like this.

Just then a flash of lightning could be seen, the crack of thunder following soon after. The horses took that moment to whinny loudly, Mindy lifting off a bit, looking about ready to buck. Concerned, Bilbo left Thorin, not caring if it was rude. He set about calming the mare so she didn't hurt herself, speaking to her softly and soothingly. He forgot, for the moment, that he wasn't alone and even began to sing softly to sooth the mare. It took him several minutes, during which more thunder sounded, destroying a lot of his progress, but he finally managed to calm her down enough that she simply stomped her feet instead of bucking. Bilbo let out a small sigh of relief.

Turning back around, Bilbo suddenly remember Thorin, who was standing off to the side of the stable, watching him. Bilbo swallowed thickly, wondering if he had done something wrong.

"Do you always sing to the horses?" Thorin inquired once Bilbo had returned to his side, his face unreadable. Bilbo hesitantly nodded his head.

"Not always, but sometimes, whenever it is too quiet, or they are feeling restless. Why, is it against the rules or something?" Bilbo didn't see why it would be, but he thought he might as well ask. Anything was possible, after all. Thorin, however, shook his head, little droplets of water escaping as he did so.

"No. I just found it curious." Thorin paused. "You have a good singing voice."

Bilbo could feel a blush rising into his cheeks, though he vainly tried to will it away. He hadn't expected that compliment. Before he could stammer out his gratitude, however, Thorin frowned and turned away, staring at the horses, his eyes distant and unreadable. Confused, but not wanting to disturb the other man's thoughts, Bilbo looked around the stables, trying to turn his attention elsewhere. Even though he didn't understand what brought it on, he could tell that Thorin was thinking about something personal and wished not to interrupt.

Bilbo noticed absently that the wind was beginning to howl louder, the rain now thundering against the roof, almost drowning out the actual thunder. He could tell they were now in the thick of the storm. His eyes flickered to the windows above the stalls, watching the lightning flash against the dark sky. The silence between the men stretched on.

"My sister used to sing to the horses. Said it helped to calm them. I could see how. She had a lovely voice." Bilbo turned to face Thorin in surprise, not expecting the man to say something, much less that. Thorin was still facing the horses, a reminiscent look softening his face. It made him look years younger, Bilbo noticed. Bilbo scarcely wanted to breath, afraid to break whatever spell the other man was in.

Bilbo waited, patiently, for the other man to say something else. But nothing else came, just the sound of thunder and the whinnies of the horses. A minute later, after a particularly loud bout of thunder, Thorin shook himself out of his reverie and turned back to face Bilbo, his face closed off and distant once more.

"Will you be able to handle the horses for the night, Mister Baggins, or do you wish to go back inside? I will pay you extra for tonight if you stay, but the choice is yours. I can handle them if you decide against it." Thorin rumbled, looking down at Bilbo. Bilbo nodded mutely.

"I can handle them, Master Thorin." Bilbo said after a moment had passed. "I've handled horses during storms many times before. This is nothing new."

"Very good." Thorin nodded, turning to face the horses once more. "You have my thanks. You may take tomorrow off, with pay, if you wish to rest." Thorin moved, walking towards the entrance of the stables, his gait steady and sure. Bilbo followed the movement with his eyes, marveling at the grace Thorin exuded with such ease. Like a king, Bilbo thought absently. Sure-footed and confident.

Bilbo watched as Thorin opened the stable doors, the rain coming down hard and fast. Thorin hesitated for a second before squaring his shoulders and exiting out into the rain, closing the doors firmly behind him. Bilbo stared at the doors for a little while after, until another crack of thunder sounded, causing him to start and remember his duties.

Thorin was strange. That much Bilbo knew. But he wasn't terrible, not like he had first thought. Bilbo didn't know how he felt about the man anymore, if he disliked him still or not. He let out a sigh as he calmed Mindy yet again, shushing her gently. Yet another thing he did not know.

The rest of the night passed slowly, the minutes dragging as Bilbo tried to calm the horses. He didn't regret his decision to stay, though. He loved these horses greatly and couldn't bear the thought of leaving them here when they were scared. He hoped that the thunder would stop soon. While he enjoyed the rain, thunder he could do without, if only because it scared his horses.

It was an hour or so before dawn that the thunderstorm began to cease. He could hear the rain petering out, before stopping altogether just as the sun rose, shining weakly through the overcast sky. Bilbo felt a bit of disappointment at that, but pushed it down. Giving a small sigh of relief, Bilbo packed up his stuff, bid the horses goodbye, and began making the trek back inside the house. He felt exhausted after having stayed awake the entire night.

As he entered the house he made a small detour to the dining room to get a bite to eat, feeling ravenous after the long and tedious night. He smiled tiredly at Balin when the man bid him a cheerful greeting. Bilbo smiled back and sat down, grabbing a scone. As he ate the pastry, he let Balin's chatter wash over him, not really paying attention. He could tell that Balin knew that, as the man kept shooting him sympathetic looks.

Once he finished the scone he excused himself from the table and climbed the stairs to his room, where he promptly fell face first onto his bed, exhaustion settling into his bones. Yes, he had spent the night with horses before, but even his old ones hadn't been as terrified by storms as these were. It had left him bone tired and extremely grateful that Thorin had allowed him the day off so he could rest. With that last thought, Bilbo drifted off into a dreamless sleep, not even bothering to get under the covers.

When Bilbo woke again the sky was dark once more and a light rain was escaping the sky. He let out a soft sigh and gingerly got up, his body not happy at the awkward position he had fallen asleep in. He could feel his stomach grumbling and decided to go downstairs to see if there was any dinner left for him.

When he arrived in the dining room he was surprised to see Balin and Dwalin sharing heated words.

"-can't deny what the Wizard said, brother. You heard him!" Dwalin growled, a deep scowl marring his face. Balin sighed tiredly.

"I am not denying it, I'm simply saying that barging in, with no planning, would be foolish. We have a month, we do not have to rush into this. Nor should we." Balin stated calmly.

Bilbo, not wishing to listen in on yet another private conversation, though he was tempted, shuffled slightly and let out a soft cough. Two sets of eyes shifted to bore into him, one angry, one kind. Bilbo smiled awkwardly.

"I, uh, was wondering if there was any dinner left. I kind of... Missed it, since I was asleep and all." Bilbo explained, feeling uneasy with the gazes that burned him.

Balin smiled. "Of course, laddie. Come, sit, sit. I'll get you something from the kitchen."

"Oh, it's really no problem, I can get it... Myself..." Bilbo trailed off as he watched Balin get up and exit the room. Shifting awkwardly, he hesitantly took his seat, trying his hardest to ignore Dwalin's scowl. Bilbo would be lying if he said that Dwalin didn't intimidate him. Scare, actually, would be a better word. While Thorin had some redeeming qualities, he had yet to see Dwalin show any other emotion besides anger. Bilbo was sure he had a reason for being this way, but it didn't change the fact that the man was terrifying at first and second glance.

"How long had you been standing there?" Bilbo started when he heard the other man's voice, low and dark. Bilbo turned to face the serious man, gulping slightly at the suspicious look he saw there. Bilbo coughed nervously before answering.

"Ah, not that long. Just heard the end bit. Something about not rushing into things, or something like that?" Bilbo answered, having decided that honesty would be best. Judging by Dwalin's glare, he might have been mistaken. But Bilbo refused to cower away from the man. He was anything but a coward.

"You listen to me. You've been on this farm for just under a month, but don't think yourself a part of us." Dwalin growled, his eyes dark and filled with an unknown emotion. "Don't think you'll be safe if I find out you're up to something, you hear? I know you've been sneaking around, listening in where you shouldn't be. I also know you were involved with the boy's disappearance the other day. Thorin doesn't think you capable of being a spy, but I'm not as sure. So if I find you have a hidden agenda, you're going to wish you had never left your little village. Do you understand me?" Dwalin finished, his scowl heavy on his face.

Bilbo, in turn, stared at Dwalin, his mouth drawn into a deep frown. He felt a deep affront at the other man's words, but logically could understand why he would say them. Dwalin didn't know Bilbo and with everything going on trust must not be easy to find. That didn't mean that the other man should accuse him of spying, though. Moments passed before Bilbo could figure out what exactly to say to the man's accusations.

"I do understand. But I want you to understand, Mister Dwalin, that I have no hidden agenda, no... No ulterior motives. Yes, I've been in the wrong place at the right time and heard certain things I probably should not have. But I am not a spy, and it is, frankly, insulting that you would think so. I am a respectable man and I would wish you to remember that." Bilbo asserted, nodding his head at the end in emphasis.

Silence filled the room after Bilbo's words, while Dwalin looked at Bilbo calculatingly, Bilbo staring firmly right back. Finally, after nearly a minute had passed, Dwalin gave one curt nod.

"Very well then. I will remember that. But my warning still stands. Should I find out that you sold us out..." Dwalin trailed off, leaving his threat ambiguous. Bilbo just nodded as well, knowing that he would get nothing better than that.

It was then that Balin reentered the room, carrying a bowl of warm stew and a small glass of water.

"Here you go, laddie. Sorry it took me so long, had to make sure it was warm, you see." Balin explained, though Bilbo suspected that wasn't quite the real reason. But he let it slide and instead gratefully took the offered food with a small smile of gratitude.

Bilbo ate as quickly as he could without seeming rude while Balin struck up an inane conversation with Dwalin. When Bilbo finally finished his food, he politely excused himself and went up the stairs, trying not to look like he was running away. Because he wasn't.

But as he got dressed, a question burned into his mind, a question that he could not ignore.

What had happened on this farm that was so terrible that it made Dwalin suspicious of him? Or was the man simply paranoid around everyone? More questions piled onto an already overflown pile, more questions that were still unanswered. Unrest and unease filled his stomach as he settled into his bed, the questions rolling around and around in his mind. When Bilbo finally fell back to sleep, he dreamt of a dark storm cloud building on the horizon.

Hope you liked. Tell me what you thought, if you don't mind.

I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as possible, but, just saying, it might take a little while. I've gotten half of it written, but I'm not sure how much longer the chapter will be. We'll have to see.

Thanks for reading. See you whenever.