Chapter Nineteen
As soon as they had arrived at the vast field, Bilbo took a deep breath, Gandalf looked around ushering the Company forward with his staff. The wizards with his all knowing sight searched the darkness, in that instant the hobbit knew they needed to hurry along, before the bear who somehow was their host would arrive once more. Either accept them into their home or hunt them down for dinner.
Their trek was met with no dangers, so far. Taking his gaze from the wizard's back ,Bilbo focused on the body that hanged limp on Dwalin's shoulder. Blood still seeped from the wound but not as before. Now, more than ever Bilbo wished he had thought of bandaging it before moving. "Do you need help?" Bilbo was met with a laugh, Dwalin turned his body around just slightly where the hobbit could see the guard smirking.
"No, Lad, 'm fine." The guard then turned back around. Sighing in defeat, Bilbo could only follow, and wonder how Dwalin kept so calm. Even if Dwalin had required his help, Bilbo was in no shape to actually carry Thorin's weight. His mood turned sour at the presence beside him.
Frerin was not necessarily beside him but neither was he far. The close proximity unnerved the hobbit. He was grateful to the prince, but that did not change anything that happened in the last few days. Although he was a disgraced prince, he deserved his thanks. It wasn't because there was no time, but because he felt uncomfortable around him, being alone with him.
The close proximity was breaking him, Bilbo always told himself to never let his feeling show especially to those he did not trust, Thorin was becoming an exception only because, the king to be had taken over a place that was supposedly already taken. But Frerin, he was a stranger. They may have written to each other, spoke about their futures in the start of their betrothal, yet the prince that walked beside him was somehow different. Nothing at all like in his letters. Someone to be weary of.
The way Frerin's eyes raked over his body was enough to set the hobbit on edge. He was married and he had the decency to look at someone else. Bilbo came to an abrupt halt, everyone leaving him behind. Frerin following the Company.
Did he not do the same exact thing with Thorin? While on their way to the mountain, hadn't Bilbo gazed upon the dwarrow, longed to be held by him. He was no better than Frerin. Bilbo had to remind himself that he had not gone and married someone else. Shaking his thoughts away Bilbo raised his head. He was alone in the field. From his view, he could see the the Company had made it to front of their hosts home.
Running to catch up, his eyes landed on the set of two large double doors, bigger than those at Rivendell. Aside from being tall, two set of chains criss crossed across each other. Their host was not one to be messed with.
The sound of labored breathing, followed by a growl sent everyone in a frenzy.
"Hurry, open them. We must not be out too long." Gandalf urged. Bofur, and Bifur went to the doors and pulled them apart, everyone stepped inside, the doors closing behind them . Bofur took the two chains and locked them together.
"Now, lets tend to Thorin," The hobbit pleaded. Already moving towards Dwalin.
"There, we can place him," Gandalf said pointing at a barn that was a few feet away from the actual home. It would be rude to enter without permission, but they did just trespassed either way. Everyone made their way to the barn, Dwalin settled Thorin in the most comfortable stack of hay, his blood already soiling the hay.
"Does anybody have water?" Bilbo asked. He maneuvered his way to the king to be, his hands prying off Thorin's coat, being careful with his wound.
"Here." Bilbo reached out for the satchel of water, he looked up and smiled at Ori in appreciation. Getting to work, Bilbo tried to make it as painless as possible, Thorin's breathing would hitch anytime Bilbo's fingers made any contact with the wound, but never woke up.
"Let me help." The unknown voice made Bilbo look to his left, there stood a dwarrow, one he had seen before but not spoken to. He was taller than himself, a head full of gray hair with a long beard to accompany; two sections on his beard were braided. Below his hooked nose was two thick strands of hair coming out or so it seemed. "Of course." The dwarrow smiled then placed his ear horn back in its place, he moved around the hobbit. Bilbo moved aside letting the dwarrow through.
"That's Oin." Ori spoke up. Bilbo jumped at the soft voice, not aware that the scribe was sitting beside him. His inked feather gliding across his paper. "Ori you startled me."
"My apologies, Bilbo, it was not my intention." The scribe looked up from his parchment, red tinting his cheeks.
"I know. You said Oin, right?"
"Yes." Bilbo nodded and went back to observing the dwarrow.
From the way Oin moved, he looked like he was a veteran to treating wounds. It should've made sense, since there beside the dwarrow was a medical kit. The hobbit almost smacked his forehead, not realizing sooner. Making sure that he would not disturb Ori's writing. The hobbit scooted closer to watch the dwarrow in action. . His hazel eyes tracking every movement, the placing of certain ingredients mesmerized Bilbo. It always amazed him how the dwarrows of the Blue Mountains differed from those of Erebor. Their procedure was similar but they clearly used different plants .
Several agonizing minutes later, Oin placed all his instruments back into his kit, he closed the lid then turned back to Bilbo. He wore a soft smile but his warm brown eyes said something else. Bilbo opened his mouth but Oin shook his head, he patted Bilbo on the arm then stood up and walked away. "Oin, you didn't even tell me if he was going to be okay." Bilbo whispered to a retreating back. The hobbit signed, he turned back to Thorin whom had stopped twisting in his sleep. The forehead wrinkles had finally smoothed. Taking his the wet rag in his hands, he placed it on Thorin's heated forehead.
Sleep made it way through the camp, the dying embers of the fire casted a soft glow ,only illuminating those close to it. Bilbo grew restless, his body would not shut off even after they had dinner. He kept his body pressed up against Thorin's side. Not wanting to wake him, Bilbo extracted himself , his muscles protesting. Looking back at Thorin, Bilbo stood up and dusted the hay out his body, he crouched down once more and placed a short kiss on Thorin a temple. Smiling, the hobbit maneuvered himself around the sleeping darrow's.
"Can't sleep?" Bilbo let out a squeal then clamped his hand over his mouth, his wide eyes searching the darkness for the voice. "Nori, you scared me!"
"You know for a hobbit trained by a a dwarf from the Blue Mountains you seem to be losing all that he has taught you." Bilbo wanted to scoff at the statement but it was true. Now realizing how out of tune he was at his surrounding Bilbo shook his head in disappointment.
"You're right,"
"If you're up to it, I could teach you? Especially stealth, you have quiet feet but you're breathing gives you away."
"My breathing!"
"Are you going to come or not?" Bilbo had no chance to defend himself, Nori was always steps ahead, "Also, bring your sword, your injuries won't hinder your skills, i hope. " Again Bilbo found himself wondering what he was getting himself into.
Bilbo shook his head but a smile played on his lips, he looked up to answer Nori , but was met with darkness. The hobbit decided not to look for the guard, it would be too much of a hassle. Finally having left the group, Bilbo moved towards the field where giant bees slept, other still buzzed with life.
The grass towered over him, creating a safeness Bilbo hasn't felt in a while. It reminded him of the time where, his kin used to live above ground or the times they could come out for spring and enjoy the sun's warmth. But, that was gone, he knew not of what was happening at the Shire. He knew not if they would even make it to the mountain before Azog. What would happen after they made to the mountain? Would he be sent back to his people? Marry Frerin although he had
broken their contract? Chewing on his bottom lip, Bilbo closed his eyes and massaged his temples, a headache already forming.
What he needed to focus on was Thorin's well being. From there on he would worry about the rest later and nothing more. Massaging once more, Bilbo stepped inside, the grass hiding him from the rest of the world.
Bilbo let himself feel the glide of the blunt grass. The soil beneath his feet, he wiggled his toes as a smile stretched across his face. His green eyes lighting up at the feelings that invoked within him. Tears welled up, he looked up taking in night sky, willing the tears to go away.
"I was beginning to think, you'd never leave his side." Bilbo twisted around, his hand already going to where his weapon would be. His fingers never felt the handle of his blade. He then twisted his wrist, in hopes that his wrist blade would appear. Nothing.
Bilbo had nothing to defend himself against Frerin.
The disgraced prince, cooly stared back, eyes bored into him, raking over his body once more. Bilbo didn't cower, his arms wanted to fold across his chest in protection but he stopped himself. He would show no signs of whatever Frerin wanted to see.
"Frerin." Bilbo addressed while assessing the prince. Bilbo didn't want to caught unawares more than he already was. He casually glanced at his surroundings taking a deep breath and listing all the exits in his head. Although there was only the looming figures of grass around them.
His guards training rushed back like a tidal wave. His senses heightened, he felt the cool air of the summer's night, twisting until Bilbo felt the lone caress of autumn breeze. The quiet snoring surrounded him, that alone made Bilbo aware that he was not alone. That at any given moment he could call out for help.
"Thank you," the prince, raised and unimpressed eyebrow. Bilbo subtly gulped down. "For being there for Thorin"
"For Thorin?" Frerin chuckled, his arms uncrossing. He took a single step forward, his right hands scratching at his blonde beard. Bilbo felt his skin prickle at the closeness, it was unlike a feeling he's ever felt. " And what makes you think, my dear betroth, that I did anything for Thorin?"
The hobbits breath hitched at those simple words. Anger, sadness and disappointment filtered through him, the anger so strong he could feel his hands began to quake.
"Don't call me that, we are nothing, not for a while," Bilbo felt sadness for all that he did to be with Ferrin and finally disappointment, but not at himself. Bilbo wondered about Frerin's other half, what they must feel about him looking at others. "Now, excuse me. I have given my thanks, so." Bilbo didn't wait for the prince to speak, he gave the dwarrow one defiant look before side stepping him.
Bilbo was not surprised when Frerin arms lurched out, his fingers wrapping around the hobbits smaller wrist. As expected, Frerin yanked him back, using the momentum, twisting his upper body to the left, Bilbo let his right arm follow behind.
Frerin stumbled backwards at the impact, his hand covering his left cheek, surprise written on his face. "Don't you dare touch me again. We are nothing, you made that very clear with your decisions. Anyhow, don't believe for one second that I won't defend myself against you. I don't need the constant protection of the Company nor Thorin."
With that said, the hobbit marched away with his head held high, his body already wanting to rest from the ordeal. It took less time to make it back to Thorin's side, his stealth coming in handy.
Thorin was sound asleep, with a new bandage. Looking through the camp, Bilbo spotted Oin. He sent him a smile and Bilbo couldn't help but return it. Settling back. Bilbo closed his eyes and let the remaining of the night drift away.
Authors note; Well, I do apologize, for the delay and for the writing, I haven't written in a while and I can tell from this chapter. But, I want tothank those for still being here, thank you ! Also until next chapter.