Chapter Eleven

Bilbo had always enjoyed sunrises.

He basked in the slowly creeping yellows, oranges, and gold for it made him think of a day with no worries. No faults. Before reality and his depressing state of loneliness solidifies, those content moments of peace became his solitude in life. When he meet Thranduil and his Soul Mark now finally became complete, he felt a thousand sunrises will never compare to the joy of finding one's beloved half.

Yet all things must always come to an end.

He realizes this now. As he rested inside Thranduil's arms; eyes closed but conscious awake.

Today, they would travel to Lake-town. There they would rendezvous with the Company and continue and, finally, end their journey. Bilbo snuggled closer to the open space of Thranduil's throat; breathing on the pale skin.

Right now, in this moment, Bilbo did not want the sun to rise.

The Elvin king tightened his hold on the Hobbit. Thanking the Gods that he allowed his beloved to sleep here, in his bed. It was truly a test of control for the King for his Hobbit's intoxicating scent and petite form felt perfect so near him. He did not even want to sleep; wanting to just stare at Bilbo's peaceful face yet he knew he needed rest to win this battle.

Thranduil's hands started to slowly rub Bilbo's sides and the Hobbit only squirmed and moved closer to the body in front of him; wanting to never leave its embrace.

Yet their moment of blissful ignorance was broken when a knock, small and hesitant, broke through the mahogany doors. "My king." Tauriel said; her voice lacking all emotions. "It is time."

Bilbo felt his breathing deepen and his body shake as his fingers tightly clasped on Thranduil's robes. The Hobbit shut his eyes hard; letting lines form near its place. Last night, he was adamant of finishing his promised quest of giving the Dwarves a home yet now that it was coming true. Now that he had to part with Thranduil, he realized the fault of loyalty and promises. Thranduil did not respond to his Captain of Guard's words nor did he need to for right now the only being that mattered was the shaking Hobbit in his arms.

"Bilbo." He murmured; his hands caressing the soft curls of his beloved.

"Ease your worries, my love. They will do you no good."

Thranduil could have said more. He had the wisdom of ages, after all. Yet his mind found no more words to console either Bilbo or himself.

The Hobbit finally unclasped his fingers from their tight grip and opened his eyes to stare at the blue orbs of the Elvin King yet his shaking, Thranduil could see, was not stopping. "I'm scared." Bilbo whispered. He has always felt the fear. Has always known its existence since he signed the bloody contract with its different forms of death yet he has never minded the emotion for in his mind he had nothing to be scared off.

Thranduil's hold tightened on him and his eyes steeled; remembering dragon's fire. "Be brave." He whispered; emotions flashing in his eyes. "You will come back. I know you will." Or so the Gods help him, he will kill Oakenshield himself. Bilbo smiled ruefully. "It is not death I fear." That's right, he thought. He knows, now, that in the past he had nothing to leave behind except, sadly, his home and his books and his garden. All physical objects that will decay with time.

But now, he had more to lose than ever before.

"If you want to stay inside as we prepare, I'm sure I can escort you back to your room, Bilbo."

The young Hobbit shook his head; the curls bouncing while his fingers fiddled with the ring in his Elvin clothes. Legolas felt slight worry and annoyance at the stubbornness of his friend's decision. The Elvin Prince could see how the thousands and thousands of warriors wrapped in their golden armor was disturbing the small being as they readied themselves on the courtyard. Yet Bilbo was not one to budge as he watched on the high balcony and has even taken his sword with him; clutching it on his side like it was the only thing keeping him from falling down.

"It's fine." Bilbo mumbled. "I need to do this." It was his fault, after all. Why all these Elves were marching towards battle, leaving their families, their children behind.

'All because of Fate's design.' He added to himself; bitterness swelling inside him.

Legolas understood his friend's reason, no matter how self-consuming it may be. So, he decided to just stay by the Hobbit's side and the pair watched together as the Elves of Mirkwood willed themselves for battle. Forming themselves in columns of lines with bows in hands and swords on sides. Their leader and king, who was sitting on his magnificent Elk, stationed himself in front of the troops of Elves and Bilbo thought out loud how he could stand so confident. His son and heir smiled at the Hobbit's question and stared at his imposing father. "No one will truly know what makes a king a king. Maybe it is courage. Maybe it is responsibility to his people." Legolas turned his head slightly to look at the awed Hobbit as his father gave his commands. "Maybe it is something else." He whispered yet Bilbo did not hear him for the Elf in question was gracefully moving towards them. Thranduil departed from his seat on the Elk and Legolas excused himself to take his position amongst the army as he saw his father enter the palace grounds.

It was only a few minutes before Thranduil was inside the room for which Bilbo was waiting.

Thranduil felt lips tug when he saw Bilbo's wide eyes staring at the Elk in front him. "I wish you could ride him. But I have prepared a pony for your use. After the battle, maybe then you can." Bilbo blushed at his beloved's words and nodded. The two stared at each other for a few moments; ignoring the silence of an awaiting army behind them before Thranduil cleared his throat. "I have something for you." He said and Bilbo grew curious. The Elvin King moved his arm and beckoned for something behind him and Bilbo was surprised that he did not notice Tauriel before as she came forward; in her arms a small pile of, what Bilbo could see, bronze and silk. Tauriel offered the pile to her King and gave Bilbo a nod. He would have been saddened at such a greeting from his friend yet he understood that here she was the Captain of the Guard first and foremost.

Bilbo's beloved took the pile from her and dismissed her with a curt nod.

Thranduil took steps towards the middle of the room and Bilbo, not knowing what else to do, followed him.

"A few more moments and the sun rise will rise and we will move to battle." Thranduil said as he placed the pile on a nearby table and started arranging its form. "But before then, I would like to appease my worries with this." With the pile now in order, Bilbo stared at an Elvin armor, the size of which fits an Elvin child yet just perfect for a full-grown Hobbit, resting on the wood. Thranduil raised his fingers to traced the elegant lines on the bronze metal and from the corner of his eye saw Bilbo taking in this sudden truth of the circumstances they were in.

"It is light to the body and the plating's are easy to remove if needed. Once inside Erebor, you would be able to unclasp it with ease yet you would still be protected with the skin from the forests." He took the inner coverings and presented it to the Hobbit. "It is my fourth gift to you. My gift of protection." Bilbo's ears twitch as Thranduil's voice cracked and he saw his beloved trying to regain his composure. His small hands surrounded the big ones of the Elf and he gave it a light squeeze. Bilbo only nodded. Not sure what words he could say and Thranduil turned to give his Hobbit the space he needed to change.

The armor fitted him perfectly and Bilbo did not need to know that Thranduil ordered it to be made especially for him. The skin, he suspected would be itchy and rough with such color and lines, yet it glued to his skin like a strong blanket and the plating's were as light as a petal. There was no mirror in this room but he did not need it to know he looked like a warrior.

Small but a warrior

Thranduil turned and felt his throat constrict at the sight of his Bilbo looking ready for war. It was the farthest thing he wanted for him yet he knew it was the only way to soothe his mind and his Soul Mark.

Bilbo gave him a shaky smile as his hand clasped on the hilt of his sword; his belly churning with sudden nerves and his mark was giving him slight comforting heat.

The sound of a horn, whole and booming, signaled the first rays of dawn has arrived.

"It is time." The King whispered and the pair made their descent down the Elvin army awaiting commands.


The travel to Lake town was quiet and the atmosphere heavy.

Bilbo felt so small riding with Tauriel and Legolas by his sides while Thranduil led the army in front.

He thought the two Elves would have ignored each other for a few days or months because of the unwanted heartbreak yet seeing them converse like nothing hindered their friendship in the past made the Hobbit sigh in relief for he did not want a much more tense situation than necessary.

The Hobbit did not hear the thundering of footsteps that signaled an army yet he knew the troops were there and walking with such silence that only Elves could master. He wanted to converse with his Elvin friends yet he did not want to disturb the forlorn silence that has invaded them throughout their travel; thinking how stupid to talk of plants and books with a battle nearing them. So, it was with relief when his eyes laid upon the desecrated town where it housed his Dwarven friends.

The men guarding the trading routes of Lake town already saw their company from afar, so, it was with great embarrassment for Bilbo did the people huddle to form a small crowd for they wanted to see if it was true that the great Elvin King Thranduil was coming their way. Thranduil stopped and like puppets rehearsed for perfection everyone behind him did as well. All the people stood in awe at the robust yet beautiful looking Elvin King in front of them.

Thranduil scanned the crowd for any sign of small built bodies and curly hair and he knew Bilbo was eagerly doing the same yet with both relief and annoyance Thorin and his band of Dwarves where nowhere to be found.

Late as ever the Dwarves.

"I wish to speak with the Master of this town." His voice rang throughout the fog and the ill-made houses and like a dog that was ordered to make itself known, a man with shoulder-length orange hair and two thinly lines of a mustache tried to carry himself among the crowd with another man dressed in all-black chastising the people to get back and give way to the master. Thranduil narrowed his eyes as the disgusting man awkwardly walked in front of him and the man, who no doubt is his right hand man, loss all remnants of speech.

"I, welcome, you, King Thranduil to Lake-town!" the Master bowed a low-bow and his assistant followed with his own. Thranduil nodded and the Master allowed his head to look up to stare at the Elf that has been his leader in trade and Bilbo could not help but peek at this mouse-like man. "What has this humble town done to be graced with the presence of such royalty, my Lord?" Thranduil felt his annoyance double at such a groveling yet his face remained a mask of disinterest as he spoke. "It seems you have unlisted visitors in your town." The Master's face held a look of confusion which would have made Bilbo laugh if it were not for the seriousness of their situation. "I do not know of such visitors, my king. Surely they are not here in Laketown."

Bilbo felt panic invade him at those words. Thoughts of the Company failing to reach this declining town circling his mind. Thranduil felt his Soul Mark pulse and he knew Bilbo was not calm. "Do not be so quick to decide for I'm sure not everyone here speaks to you of their on-goings so truthfully." The people murmured in agreement and Thranduil saw the Master's face redden in embarrassment. Yet it seems the rat-faced man truly did not know anything and the Elvin King wondered if Thorin was so idiotic enough to go to Erebor on his own. Yet the thought flew away as his ears heard the sound of shouts and fast shuffling of feet.

"Bilbo!"

"Master Hobbit!"

"Our burglar has come back!"

Bilbo only saw the crowd quickly giving way to beings that were far too small and heard slight gasping sounds of surprise before going down from his pony and as soon as his feet touched the ground, he was surrounded with dirty, grinning, and oddly smelling of fish Dwarves. The Hobbit has never been so glad to see those curls of hair and white beard. "Everyone, you're okay." The relief in his voice almost made him laugh and he was surprised at the sudden silence between the group. It was Fili who first broke the silence; the young prince pointing a finger at his clothes. "What are you wearing?"

The Hobbit felt himself blush as he forgot his current predicament of being wrapped on not of his clothes. "Elvin clothes." He stated simply. Not wanting to get into an explanation now for it was far too public. Bilbo turned his head to stare at Balin and the old Dwarf understood the message inside those brown eyes. "His clothes matter not. What does is that he has returned." Bilbo was glad of his interference and everyone seemed to accept the explanation and all the Dwarves seem to be talking at once; asking him questions about his health and his leg. Bilbo would have told them to ask questions later if it were not for the shuffling of feet beside him. The Hobbit turned his head and all went quiet once more as the rightful heir of Erebor came face to face with their burglar.

Bilbo, honestly, did not know the cause of his sudden unease at seeing Thorin for he thought seeing a friend, who you thought may or may not be well, should be a splendid occasion. Yet he hid his true emotions well as he gave the supposed King a relieved smile. "Thorin, I'm glad you're okay." The Dwarf did not know what to say for he looked as if he were still shock at seeing Bilbo in the flesh yet as he opened his mouth Thranduil's Elk suddenly stomped on the solid ground.

Both Kings stared at the other and everyone even the men of Laketown could feel their animosity.

Thranduil broke the line of sight first; not wanting to waste time with such petty games.

"I request lodgings from the Master of Laketown and an open space where my men can set up camp."

The Master absolutely did not want to take the Elves of Mirkwood and these Dwarves that had so well-hid themselves from him inside his town. Them being here will bring nothing but misfortune he knows! Yet not wanting the wrath of Thranduil on him and risking the very profitable trade with his kingdom, (The only trade he has, mind you.) the Master flashed a smile that showed his two front-teeth and bowed once again. "It would be an honor, my King!"


"You must order the people to leave this town before it burns to the ground."

"And what makes you think it will burn, Elf?"

"Have lost your senses, Dwarf? Or were you not born with any? Smaug is not so easily tricked and when he awakens Laketown must be ready."

Thorin felt anger course through his veins at such insult thrown to his face and in front of his kin. Yet he will not lose and the Dwarf stood his ground, inching towards an unsuspecting Bilbo. "I have faith in our burglar. He is one of a kind." Thranduil felt his fingers twitch towards his sword. He did not miss the slight movement towards his beloved and if it weren't for Thorin's ignorant state, he would have slashed him where he stood.

Bilbo, on the other hand, was quite annoyed at such childish reprimands as he stood in the middle of these two arguing Kings while at the same time glaring at the Company of Dwarves that were no doubt plotting behind Thorin. "Will you two stop it for a moment? Arguing amongst yourselves will do you no good." Thorin was surprised at Bilbo's angry statement. He has never known the Hobbit to get angry and would dare raise his voice to a King. Yet when he looked back at Thranduil, the Elvin King seemed not to mind being scolded by someone half his height. The Hobbit ignored Thorin's stare and gave him a thankful look. "I, thank you for your trust Thorin but for the good of this town and its people we must take all necessary precautions and that includes an early withdrawal."

Thranduil would have smirked at the Dwarf king's stubborn but succumbing face if it were not for Bilbo turning his attention to him. "However, I fear that the Master of this town will be if no use." He said and his beloved nodded for it was the truth. Right now, standing inside his home full of gold and riches and smelling of wine and whiskey, Thranduil knew the fat man would run off the minute he is given the chance.

"Then we must find someone else commendable for the job."

All stayed quiet and even the Dwarf twin's mumbling and plotting ceased as they thought of a man who can lead the already scared people of this forgotten town.

Thranduil raised a brow as an old Dwarf with a long, white beard came forward. "If I may?" Polite, he thought and the Elvin King nodded in good will. "There is a man who I would recommend for the job."

"Who, Balin?" Bilbo asked; quite curious as to who would gain Balin's respect.

"Bard, also known as Bard the Bowman."

The Dwarves all nodded furiously and Thorin, inwardly, approved of Balin's choice. He was surprised, however, when Bilbo looked at Thranduil as if he was seeking the Elf's approval. It both aroused his curiosity and his anger.

Thranduil nodded and turned to this Dwarf named Balin. "I will send out my men to retrieve him." The Elvin King turned his head ever so slightly to his son by his side and Legolas did not need more words as he started walking towards the door. Both Thranduil and Bilbo did not miss the slight narrowing of Kili's eyes as the Prince of Mirkwood passed by him.

Thorin heard the door click and he shifted his attention back to the now whispering Hobbit and Elf. Sudden anger blooming inside him once more. Why was Bilbo so comfortable with the King of Mirkwood? He's aloof, proud, and arrogant. As far as Thorin knows, Thranduil thinks every being is beneath him. So, why was he whispering to his Hobbit with such small and attentive eyes?

No one should be looking at his burglar with such eyes.

Thranduil felt eyes directed at him and he turned his gaze to meet Thorin's enraged ones

The Elvin King stood up to his full height, thankful of the master's high roof, and considered the shaken Dwarf before him. "Is there a reason for your disdain, Oakenshield?" He knows he should not be aggravating the Dwarf King, especially with Bilbo casting him a warning look yet the look that Thorin keeps giving his beloved was sending his Soul Mark into a scorching turmoil. Thorin's scowl deepened farther as he tried to remain level-headed. "Is there a reason for your sudden likeness towards Hobbits?" Everyone, notably Bilbo, was quite surprise at the tone of Thorin's voice. It suggested a sense of possessiveness that Bilbo never knew that Dwarf had and in all honesty made him uncomfortable. In answer, however, Thranduil's hand inched towards his sword even more.

Bilbo coughed loudly as a sudden tension made itself known.

"I think maybe it's time to explain." He said. Not really knowing what else to say in times of racial feud. He glanced towards Thranduil and hoped his hand would not reach the hilt of his sword. The Hobbit let out a sigh of relief as the Elf's hand laid limp by his side, unknowingly following his wish. The Hobbit turned to his Dwarven friends and wondered how on Middle Earth he would start.

'Oh, Valar, help me.' Was his last thought before he began to tell his own personal adventure with the Elvin King of Mirkwood.


Tauriel had known that the position of Captain of the Guard had its perks and nuisance.

One, it allowed her some power of the Elves, especially those that thought of her too young and too naïve. (Let's not forget that she is Silvan.) It gave her slight satisfaction at giving them commands. But giving commands are also tiring. Something that many people fail to comprehend. After all, she must think of her demands thoroughly lest she might find her comrades have fallen.

She, undoubtedly, does not want that.

"I want all the tents ready before nightfall." Tauriel commanded as she walked the busy field, another Elf guard beside her. He nodded; not bothering to give his Captain a verbal respond yet Tauriel did not feel offended for the situation of war was ranking in her mind. She was left with command of the army as Thranduil and Bilbo handled the Dwarves and their annoyed king.

The lone Silvan Elf did not show fear or any emotion as Thranduil informed her of this. Not even when she passed by her destined beloved, Kili. Though the sting of her mark left quite an impression on her.

Yet how can one think of things such as love and destiny when you have more than a hundred thousand Elves arranging tents and sharpening weapons on an open field near a mountain where a dragon slept?

She certainly cannot.

However, it seems her beloved can.

Tauriel raised a brow slightly as she saw from afar a small, child-like figure looking around nervously near the flaps of her tent. She turned to the Elvin guard and gave him a stiff nod; indicating his presence was not needed. Tauriel did not need to see his eyes to feel the caution and disgust coming out of him as she made her way to the young Dwarven prince.

She stopped, centimeters away from him, and neither the sting of her mark or the relief she felt knowing he was safe, could hinder the awkwardness coming from both of them.

Kili coughed and looked down on the ground; his feet making little actions of movement while his fingers dwindled with open-air. He did not know what to say to this beautiful Elf the Gods have given him. He cursed the fact that his prowess of the bow and intellect of pranks did not give him the confidence to utter words of poetry and lyrics.

"Would you like to come in?" The Dwarven prince looked up slowly and was meet with dazzling yet shy eyes. Tauriel smiled, a small smile, yet Kili almost drowned in that smile. "It is much more private inside. None will bother us." Privacy, yes. They need privacy for matters such as this one. Kili swallowed and nodded; shocked that he was already feeling out of breath by just standing so near to her.

"If my lady will allow it."

The larger smile and tainted cheeks that rewarded him made him thank his sometimes good luck.


Bilbo sighed happily as he watched from a good distance the two now reunited beloveds look at each other with small, almost shy smiles.

After the meeting, which was far too much of a headache for him, he decided that he would take a walk to clear his mind and ultimately run away from curious questions and angry Dwarves.

No. Not Dwarves. Just a Dwarf.

The Hobbit, honestly, did not know why Thorin was so angry at him finding his love. As his friend, Bilbo expected his support and if not that at least his acceptant in the fact for he really cannot do anything about it. And Bilbo did not want him to do anything about it. He was quite happy with Thranduil, thank you. That's why it remains a mystery to him as to why Thorin was shaking in rage and screaming curses at the Thranduil, who Bilbo knows was near close to losing his temper at that time.

"We'll handle him, Bilbo." Was Balin's words as the others forced the Dwarven king outside of the small space which they took residence in. "Don't let him trouble you." But Bilbo can't help but think about it. Even when he walked through the now occupied field full of Elvin warriors, he thought about it.

That's why he was thankful that amidst this war filled haze, he found Tauriel and Kili met each other again after the messy escape of the Dwaves from Mirkwood.

Bilbo did not need the sharpen senses of the Elves to see blushing faces and hear frantic heartbeats. He knows from experience the sensation of it all.

The young Hobbit snickered as Kili lose his footing thus losing his balance. He saw Tauriel hold in a laugh as the Dwarven prince tried to regain as much pride he lost as he tried to stand with grace yet looking like a teen in love.

"So, that is Kili, Prince of the supposed mountain." Panic set in Bilbo as he heard those words behind him. He turned slowly to see the tall figure of Thranduil, out of his armor and in fine silk, and Bilbo hoped that he did not see the two beloveds enter Tauriel's tent. But Thranduil's calculating gaze crushed his spirit. "A-ah, Thranduil, I did not know you were going out. I-I thought that you were going to go over some tactics with the Bardsman." Thranduil shrugged, his gaze not leaving the tent Bilbo was just looking at. "Should I remind Tauriel of her duty to the Elves of Mirkwood?"

That did it.

Bilbo clenched his fists as he felt his lungs try to take in air; the annoyance with the Dwarves and the confusion with everything around him was now becoming something else. Anger.

Anger suddenly bloomed inside him from the thought of someone trying to destroy the love of two-halves and the Hobbit did know that he was already shaking form it as his face went pink. "Now, you listen here-" His voice was quiet; almost a whisper in the sound of the wind yet Thranduil recognized his mistake. "-I know Tauriel is the Captain of the Guard but she also has an obligation to herself and that obligation is happiness. Now, if Kili makes her happy you will not destroy that. Even if he is Dwarf and she is an Elf." Thranduil had a look of genuine surprise on his face and amidst Bilbo's anger, he suddenly felt guilt at telling him off.

'Oh, what if some of the Elves heard us? They might think of me as a disrespectful Hobbit.' Bilbo was about to apologize for his outburst when he felt weight on him and his shoulder. Thranduil was suddenly on his knees and hugging him; here, on this courtyard where anyone can see. Bilbo raised his hands to place it on Thranduil's chest; wanting to push him away as to not damage his reputation further yet the Elvin King's hold on him only tightened in response.

"My, young Hobbit, I was only jesting. You do not have to worry about Tauriel for Legolas has informed me of this event even before traveling."

"Legolas?" Bilbo asked.

He felt Thranduil hum in response and his arms stayed on the Elvin King's chest. "So, you knew? Are you unhappy?" the murmured quesiton made Thranduil remove his head from the crook of Bilbo's shoulder. His Hobbit looked worried. Thranduil could now see just how dear his and Tauriel's friendship truly was.

"I did not think the Vala would even dare put an Elf and a Dwarf together nor would I have allowed it." Thranduil leaned forward to rest his forehead upon Bilbo's; breathing in his Hobbit's sent. "But that was before a Halfling came lurking inside my palace walls and stealing my favorite raisin bread." Bilbo chuckled despite himself. "You will never forget that, will you?"

"As far as I'm concerned, no. I may even write that in song, one day"

More chuckled of laughter escaped him at Thranduil's teasing and his arms found its way to Thranduil's neck as he savored this closeness. "Tauriel will be so happy." He murmured as he let his eyes drop. Thranduil followed the movement closely with his eyes as he let out a content hum.

In the distance, the two beloveds did not notice the burning eyes of one King.