AN: Firstly, so sorry for the long wait for chapters! My last semester of university is wrapping up and things have gotten really busy. That being said, it might be a few more weeks before I get back in the swing of writing, school's been utterly exhausting! Thank you to everyone for reading, favoriting and following and special thanks to my reviewers meganstane211, angel897, Beleieber Twihard, MIMIbaggins, angel9507, and Blue Moon King! Let me know what you think :) Confrontation now and some fluff with Thorin and Bilba to come before we get back to those plotting dwarrow! :)

twenty

Dís

Outskirts of Hobbiton

22 November 2958

Sometimes Dís wondered how Thorin had succeeded in retaking Erebor. Watching Bofur dance around the campfire, she found herself torn between exasperation and humor. Her sons and Gimli followed the spectacle's key performer. As the rest of the Company laughed and clapped, Dís smiled as well. She hadn't seen her boys acting this freely in a while. Even around Raven, although they were undeniably happy they hadn't been boyish. They would protect Raven and Bilba, and that was in and of itself a weighty expectation. Still, as the quartet rolled perilously close to the flames Dís could only wonder what disaster was to come.

They had left Tucksborough on the morning of the 19th. It wasn't an unpleasant journey either, their saddlebags stuffed with supplies. A fair number of curious hobbits had trailed after them at first too. Luckily, they had taken leave of their escort when they stopped for elevensies. It had been a mere hour into the trip and luckily Bilba and Raven both said that they weren't hungry. Dís had to admit that cantering off felt freeing. The beautiful late fall weather and her own need to be active only enhanced her satisfaction. The hobbits had been a friendly group, still it was odd to her that Bilba had accepted her kin back so quickly. Indeed, it was almost as though nothing had happened, but out of respect for the hobbit, Dís hadn't dared to say anything. If only I'd done my own due diligence. If only I had thought to check if Bilba was alive. I would have made Thorin come a lot sooner, Dís mourned. Life would have been much more different, much better I think for everyone involved.

Thinking of Bilba, Dís looked around the camp and noticed that Bilba and Raven were both missing. She frowned slightly, but catching Dwalin's gaze, he nodded slightly towards a stand of trees. Peering into the darkness, and cursing her aging eye sight, Dís was just able to make out two shadows seated side by side. Apparently, Bilba and Raven were having a private conversation. Dwalin and the others wouldn't intrude, but they would always keep an eye on both females. While Bofur collapsed, tackled by the three younger dwarrow, Thorin moved towards Dís. A few of the Company looked over, but he waved at them to continue, and her sons were only too happy to keep carousing.

"I've missed seeing them like this." Dís said without preamble as her brother settled beside her.

"I have as well." Thorin agreed while Fíli and Kíli's laughter rang through the clearing. "I'm sorry, Dís, for what I've put you through." Thorin said suddenly. For a moment she stiffened, looking over to her brother before she nodded once.

"Are you back then?" she asked, glancing in his direction. He looked at her, his gaze meeting hers as he nodded ever so slightly.

"I hope so." he said and she pivoted closer to him. He wrapped an arm around her and she smiled. They had sat like this so many times in Ered Luin, but never recently. Dís turned into his embrace so that they could gently knock their heads together. They could be a formidable team when they worked together. Since the boys had come of age, however, those occurrences had become far too infrequent.

"Do better for Raven." Dís ordered and Thorin nodded. She knew that it was hard for Thorin, but though she could stand on her own, Dís wasn't sure about Raven's strength. Nor, in all honesty, did she want to test her niece's fortitude.

"I'll do better by both of them. Bilba's agreed to allow me to court her, and I don't intend to ruin that chance. You know I've always seen Fíli and Kíli as my own boys," Thorin trailed off, and Dís placed a hand over her brother's.

"But I know you always wanted your own children too." Dís said gently, and Thorin smiled almost shyly back. "We've always wanted you to be happy, to have the chance to have a family of your own." she assured him.

"If anything ever happened to me, Dís-"

"I'll be offended if you finish that." Dís interrupted and Thorin smiled gently at her.

"Thank you." he nodded.

"Just don't mess it up, Thorin. We don't usually get a second chance, so don't waste it." Dís fixed her elder brother with a hard stare, feeling a pang of longing for her own lost One. If Víli was alive again, if only we had that chance, Dís had to cut herself off.

"I don't intend to." Thorin looked over to where one figure was making her way back towards the camp. They both watched as Raven walked towards them.

"Don't hide yourself from her." Dís murmured insistently. She could remember the many nights that he had spent with her boys, unguarded as he smiled and laughed with them. Dís knew that it would be hard to break those habits now, but she would help him; how ever she could.

"I'm trying." Thorin replied softly. "Raven," he motioned his daughter over to them. Raven, who had been hovering, unsure of whether to go to the rowdy Company or to them, hurried to Thorin's side. She took his extended hand, and he drew her close to him. She seemed a little surprised, but not at all unhappy or uncomfortable.

"Ma wants to know if she could talk to you, Auntie Dís?" Raven asked softly as she leaned against Thorin. Dís felt a ripple of surprise before she nodded and rose.

She and Bilba were on friendly terms, but the hobbit had never specifically asked for her. Dís found herself curious as she headed into the woods towards where the hobbit was sitting. As she got closer, she hesitated, aware of the soft sounds of crying. Bilba was crying. Dís felt moment of uncertainty. Was she crying when she sent Raven to get me? Does she want me to be here? knowing that uncertainty was unbecoming, Dís squared her shoulders and continued forward.

"Bilba?" she murmured as she approached carefully.

"Oh, Dís," Bilba squeaked, reaching up and wiping at her eyes.

"You don't need to do that." Dís blurted and Bilba turned, looking up at her. "We all need some time to ourselves, and if you wanted, I would be happy to listen and to talk."

"I don't want to be a bother," Bilba hesitated, and Dís found herself smiling. She'd mothered her brother and sons so many times, not to mention a few other members of the Company. It wasn't as if she'd never seen seen tears before. Not to mention, if Bilba trusted her enough then she'd be happy to be a shoulder for her sister-in-law to lean on.

"If you trusted me with your confidence, it would be my honor, Bilba Belladonna Baggins." Dís said, and without an invitation she moved forward to Bilba's side and sat down.

"I fled Hobbiton in disgrace, Dís. I was pregnant, scared, and alone. Before the Quest, I wasn't exactly friends with the other hobbits, but I was accepted and respected. Now, I don't know what I'm walking back into and I have Raven to think about too." Dís felt a flash of relief when the hobbit began to speak before a chill settled over her.

"Do you think that there will be trouble?" Dís asked, keeping her voice carefully neutral.

"No." Bilba replied, twisting the fabric of her skirt in her hand. "I mean, not in the way you're thinking. Hobbits aren't usually inclined to physical violence. What happened with Raven? It's all but unheard of, I don't know what Lotho was thinking. As for tomorrow though, well, there are likely going to be verbal complications. I don't know for sure, but the Company are so protective of both of us. Ot wouldn't take much for them to take offense and I don't want there to be a fight. There's been enough drama with the hobbits that attacked Raven-"

Dís scowled as Bilba trailed off. Drama indeed. They had tarried in Tuckborough long enough for Thorin and Fíli to meet with the Thain. A final decision on the matter of the hobbits has also been made. Save for the ring leader, Lotho, the other hobbits were to be returned to face the Thain's judgement. Since Bilba and Raven were recognized, they'd be subjected to hobbit punishment, with one notable exception. Fíli had demanded that they be shaved; their heads and their feet. It would be done in the dwarrow fashion, ensuring that they would forever be bald. It was a small consolation, and most of the dwarrow still wanted their lives. Shunning, however, was the traditional punishment. Dís and the others accepted it as a way of making sure that Bilba's return went smoothly. It appeased Bilba's own sense of justice in hobbit terms and, they did have Nori with them. If the shunned hobbits quietly disappeared, well, who would care?

Dís had not been close to Nori before in Ered Luin, but she was quickly coming to value their spymaster. He was observant, wily, and unflinching at the chance to avenge those whom he loved. Of course, that now included all of the Company. As Erebor's spy master, Dís had interacted with him a little, but he preferred to keep a low profile and some anonymity. Usually one of his network was sent to speak with her when such conversations were required.

"Do you want me to talk to Thorin and the others?" Dís offered softly, returning to the topic at hand. Bilba was still sniffling a little and looked rather miserable with worry.

"No." Bilba hurried. "I mean, I didn't ask you here for that. I can talk to Thorin, I just," she trailed off.

"You wanted a friend?" Dís asked carefully, and Bilba shot her a curious glance. "You know, we are legally sisters," Dís offered and despite the dim light she could easily see the hope in Bilba's gaze.

"I suppose we are," Bilba hesitated.

"I don't blame you for what happened with my brother. I don't think we've really had a chance to talk, the two of us," Dís hurried. "Whatever happened, he was a fool. He never told me exactly what happened, but that just means that he knows I'd blame him. He means everything to me. He's my hero, Bilba, don't get me wrong. He raised me after Erebor fell, protected me, and when I lost Víli, my One, he helped me to raise and provide for the boys. He's always been a fool, though, taking on too much. He's often blind to what is right in front of him. He said that you were willing to try to work things out though-" Dís trailed off. Subtlety was never a strong-suit in her family. She could only hope that Bilba would be understanding.

"I love him." Bilba blurted and then flushed. "I mean, I never stopped. I should have, but I was, I am, foolish."

"He has that affect on people, I know." Dís nodded, and Bilba shrugged.

"I hated him when we first set off on our quest. Or, I wanted to. He hated me that was for certain. I was fat, foolish, helpless and annoying to him. I couldn't help but love him though, at least not after I saw the respect that the Company had for him. They were willing to risk their families for him, their loved ones. When he looked at the boys too, his eyes would always soften when he thought that no one was watching. Then, in Rivendell he found out I was female. He hated me even more after that, or so I thought, until the Carrock. I suppose were both frustrated and afraid of our feelings. After that though, well, things moved pretty quickly." Dís listened.

She had heard about the quest. Most of her knowledge, however, came from the historical account that Ori had written. On the rare occasion a member of the Company would slip up and mention something, but that was rare at best. Listening to Bilba, Dís found herself enraptured. It wasn't a smooth story like the one that she'd told to the hobbits at the party, but Bilba had a way about her. Dís kept silent as Bilba's emotions spilled out. Her love for Thorin, her hope for their future, her anguish when she realized that she was losing Thorin. Taking the Arkenstone was a last desperate attempt to save him, Dís realized with a shock. That had always the greatest mystery about Bilba in Dís opinion. Why, if she loved Thorin so much would she hurt him so badly. Clearly, Bilba knew Thorin's understanding of loyalty. She had known it would hurt him to give the stone to the elves and men, but Bilba had done it. She had acted on the sole hope that Thorin would come back to her. Of course, it hadn't worked that way and instead, he had nearly killed her and the Company had all turned their backs. That was when Bilba admitted her fear. During the Battle she had been so glad that the Company were inside Erebor, safe from the violence. When they'd rallied and emerged she'd gone to them. iInvisible and without any real battle skills she was all but asking for death. Still, she'd been unable to let them face danger alone. They are her family too, Dís was reminded. She saw the protectiveness and determination in the hobbit's gaze. It was a reciprocated feeling too; all the Company felt it for Bilba and Raven. As Bilba spoke, however, Dís barely dared to breathe in case it made the hobbit stop. She wanted to hear it all, to learn Bilba's story, and her respect grew with each word.

When the words finally came to a natural end, Dís regarded the hobbit in front of her in utter amazement. She was not just kind and brave, she was a miracle. She should have had feasts laid before her feet. She should have been praised if not outright worshipped for what she'd done for Dís's people. Instead, she had no idea how much she'd done, of how important she was to Dís's family.

"If something happened to me, Dís, would you make sure that Raven is looked after? Fíli and Kíli are a testament to your parenting. The boys, they saved me so many times on the Quest. If I can't be there for Raven, I want you to-" Bilba trailed off, and Dís felt thunderstruck.

It was one thing for Thorin to ask such a thing of her; of course as another Durin Princess she would look after Raven. Bilba, however, was not a dwarf; in fact they'd only just met. Raven meant everything to Bilba. This request, Bilba's trust, meant more than Dís could ever verbalize. After all, Fíli and Kíli had turned into respectable dwarrow, but she'd been constantly apologizing for her sons. Constantly hoping that they'd calm down on their own as they grew up. Dís had always done her best as a mother. She knew that she was fiercely protective, but she'd also always blamed her parenting for Fíli and Kíli's wild antics.

"You will be there for Raven, Bilba. I know that you'll be there." Dís hurried, and saw the hobbit's face fall. "But, if you ever cannot be, then yes, of course I promise."

"Thank you." Bilba murmured.

"No, it's you who I must thank, Bilba. You looked out for my boys, you would have given your life to protect all of them." Dís glanced back towards the light of their camp fire.

"Really, I only did what anyone else in my position-"

"No, you went above and beyond. You proved yourself a member of our family, Bilba, and I will never forget it. None of us will." Dís interrupted her, and Bilba looked down, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Well, I love them as though they were a part of my family too. They've certainly been better to me than most of my family. I lost my parents and siblings when I was young, and since then I never felt like I fit in. Not until the Quest." Bilba admitted quietly. "Leaving Erebor? It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but having them all back again? It's a chance I only ever dreamed of, and well, I'd like to be part of your family again if you'd find that acceptable."

"I would be honored to call you sister." Dís replied with a smile that Bilba returned.

They continued to sit and talk for a while after. A lot of their conversation turned to the trials of raising children. Dís gladly admitted to Bilba how good Thorin had been with the boys. The hobbit's expression had become one of longing, and although Dís had stopped more than once. After all, it was not her intent to upset Bilba, however, the hobbit had begged her to continue. As they spoke, Dís could see the love and loyalty that Bilba felt for Thorin. It reassured Dís to see that there seemed to be hope for their future.

When the conversation dwindled to tired companionable silence, Bilba and Dís returned to the camp. Raven was sound asleep, curled in Thorin's arms. Bilba smiled at the sight and bedrolls were quickly set out. Sleeping nearby, however, Dís doubted that the hobbit got much sleep that night.

The next morning, Bilba said nothing and smiled cheerily as they headed into Hobbiton. As they rode through the village, Dís looked around at her surroundings in polite curiosity. Quite a few hobbits had appeared to watch Bilba's return. They didn't say anything, at least not directly to the party. They trekked through the little village and up the hill to a large green door at the top of the hill. When the party came to a stop, Dís watched Bilba carefully. Bilba held herself proudly as she walked through the gate and then marched up the door. After their conversation, Dís was sure that Bilba was nervous, but the hobbit didn't let it show. A good trait for a queen, Dís thought with a little smirk. Bilba had protested so many times before that she "wasn't queen material." Yet, the hobbit continued to prove just that time and time again. We'll just have to convince her of that, Dís thought as she glanced at Thorin who was watching Bilba. He looked ready to storm up to the door, though he remained close to the gate. He was protective but also respectful of the fact that this was Bilba's quest. At least, for now. The hobbit stooped, glancing at something on the doorstep. Then, smiling, she knocked loudly on the door.

The hobbit woman who had finally appeared had a scowl to curdle new milk as she took in Bilba.

"What do you want?" she sneered, while Thorin and Kíli moved closer to Bilba.

"Hello, Cousin Lobelia. I do hope this isn't an inconvenient time, however, I have come to take my home back." Bilba said cooly. Dís had to smirk at her use of "inconvenience" while evicting the hobbit.

"Your home?" Lobelia, scoffed. "The last I heard, your home, was on the fringes of Buckland. Bag End is mine, I am the Baggins under the hill now. You're not even a Baggins anymore and you're not welcome." Lobelia tried to slam the door, but Bilba pressed forward before either Thorin or Kíli could do it for her. She slammed a hand against the green door and edged her way in so that Lobelia could not close her out.

"Actually, Lobelia, according the Thain I am a Baggins once more. The Baggins of Bad End in fact, and you're now illegally inhabiting my home." Bilba said cooly.

"You're not the Baggins and certainly not the Mistress of Bag End! All you are is Mad Baggins, the same as years ago, and you're not welcome here!" Lobelia's face transitioned through a series of colors. Dís found it interesting to watch as the hobbit grew incensed.

"I'm afraid that you're wrong, Lobelia. To help you with your awareness of the facts and my claim, a letter from the Thain," Bilba replied coldly. Bilba offered the letter and Dís winced as Lobelia snatched it from her. The hobbit promptly shredded the paper, throwing it on the ground at Bilba's feet. The dwarrow around her tensed, and Fíli bristled, while Bilba looked down at the shredded pieces.

"I was worried you'd do that," Bilba said, shaking her head in disappointment. Then, she turned and eyed the trail of hobbits who had followed their group up the hill.

"Mr. Gamgee, it's wonderful to see you again. Can you come here and moderate?" Bilba asked sweetly. A very stout, round hobbit stepped forward, doing his best to straighten his spine.

"Good to see you too, Miss Bilba." he murmured, with a little bow to her, shooting a nervous glance at Thorin and Kíli. "What was it that you needed a hand with?" he added.

"Well, luckily, I have another copy of the letter from the Thain. It declares that I am both reinstated as the Baggins under the hill and it returns Bag End to me. I was fortunately paranoid enough to ask him to copy it out twice. Anyways, I'm wondering if you could read it out loud? Obviously, Lobelia doesn't seem interested, however, Bag End has been returned to me and I'd like to return." Bilba said with a smile, and Dís had to hide her own grin. This proved Bilba's rightness in her eyes. After all, assuming that all went well between Bilba and Thorin, Erebor had no idea what was coming their way. Bilba had a certain way about her, manners that cloaked demands and a keen sense for manipulation all bundled in her loyalty and compassion. Bilba would have the dwarrow of their kingdom wrapped around her pinky finger in a heartbeat. At least, assuming that they can overcome the fact that she's not a dwarf, Dís frowned. If there was a way to force her kinsmen into accepting Bilba and Raven she would do it but in truth, only time would tell.

Bilba had put on quite the show on the doorstep of Bag End. The hobbits had come quickly and in droves. Dís was sure that they could have rooted Lobelia out if needed. In the end, however, it was the social peer pressure that made the dislikable hobbit retreat. They could all hear her slamming around the hobbit hole, collecting her belongings. She had driven down the hill in a cart piled high. How she managed to pack that much, and if she was really entitled to it all, Dís was not sure. Bilba shouted after Lobeelia that they could speak about the division of personal belongings. Dís doubted that the other hobbit would dare to return.

With Bag End then successfully reclaimed, Bilba had welcomed them all inside. Waving to various friends and family who had arrived, she firmly closed the door on them. It was not nearly as small as Dís would have expected, and Bilba quickly saw to it that they all got their own rooms. Or, almost their own.

Dís and Thorin ended up sharing a room. Bilba and Raven were also sharing, as were Fíli and Gimli, Balin and Dwalin, and so forth. The Company didn't mind, used to being around each other and all were happy for the warmth and comfort. Blankets and pillows were found though there weren't quite enough mattresses. Bilba naturally apologized for the tightness and lack of proper beds. Dís ignored her after deciding that she couldn't get Bilba to stop apologizing. When she was finally free, she explored the cozy little hobbit hole. Although it was a mess from Lobelia's hasty departure, Dís was certain that their winter would be pleasant.

After their first night, Bag End was consumed by a flurry of activity. They stared with the cleaning. Then, furniture had to be bought or reclaimed and of course they needed groceries. In the middle of all of it, hobbits continually came knocking to welcome Bilba back. Dís was hopeful when the first visitor, Mr. Gamgee, arrived with a plat of cookies. Then he stayed for the next four hours. All the cookies disappeared along with tea and fresh-made cakes, and Dís decided that she was less impressed. All of the guests brought edible treats. However, it also became apparent that hobbit social calls entailed tea and cakes at least. If the unfortunate visit fell around any meal then an invitation to dine was expected.

Bilba quickly fell to pretending that she was unavailable, and to an extent it was true. They were all settling in, not to mention all the cooking in preparation for her Presentation. Bombur took over cooking for the Company, with Raven often volunteering to assist him. For the most part, however, the dwarrow had little to do, and while Bilba was so frantic, it made tensions run high.

Dís and the rest of the Company pretended not to notice the return of family heirlooms and trinkets. They were obviously important to Bilba judging by her reaction as they appeared. Nori's smiles made Dís wonder if their interim owners even knew that they had been "returned. Kíli and Tauriel were often found hiding out in their room or taking long walks. The rest of the Company camped out during the day in the living room, smoking, playing cards and such.

It took a whole three days before they started training in the back garden. Bilba quickly insisted, however, that they go down to the party field. They agreed and her garden became safe once more from any mishaps. Dís also joined in the training, feeling restless and cooped up.

It wasn't enough though and that was how she found herself walking through the market. She had a list from Bilba, however, found herself tarrying to look over the other wares. Of course there were plenty of whispers to dog her footsteps. Dwarrow women were rare, still, the whispers about her beard and the reproductive habits of dwarrow were trying. She did her best, however, to emulate Bilba and Raven. They both appeared to have infinite patience for the gossip. How they successfully maintained an unaffected and polite air was beyond Dís. She suspected it was a part of hobbit culture, but even if she didn't like it, she'd at least try to accept it.

Perusing the stalls, there was of course lots of food. Dís also noticed, however, that there were no small amount of wooden games, gardening tools, and simple fabrics in bright colours. Dís was about to finish her task and return to Bag End when her eye caught on something else. One stall, at the end of the market held musical instruments. Thorin had always been very good at the harp, but he had not brought it on the Quest, afraid to lose it. When he'd come here, he'd forgotten it in his haste. Given the tensions with the Blue Mountains, Dís doubted she'd get one from there either. Looking around the stall, there were no harps, to her disappointment. Given her interest, however, the hobbit vendor managed to sell her a guitar. She was unfamiliar with the instrument, but it was not overly expensive. Knowing the long hours, she hoped that Thorin could figure something out. Bilba will appreciate it too, she mused. The hobbit had admitted that hearing the dwarrow sing about Erebor had helped convince her that she was doing the right thing joining the quest. Dís didn't want to give Thorin an unfair advantage per say, but she wasn't about to let the two go their own ways either. Thorin might just need a little help to make sure that he didn't mess things up. Again. Plus, Dís herself had missed hearing him play and sing. At least, this way there might be some music to go along with the card games. On her way out, she picked up a chess set as well. If she had to deal with more poker tournaments as the only source of entertainment she was surely going to go mad.