Halflings for a reason Chapter 25, a hobbit fanfic

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. Please don't sue me I'm poor.

Author's note: Last chapter I said this one was going to be special and the reason for that is I had two ideas for how Bilbo was going to get into Mirkwood because he did not have the ring and I could not decide which version I liked more, so I wrote both of them in this chapter. They are labelled version one and version two to avoid any confusion and I also put POV's (Point of views) in certain places to avoid some other bits of confusion. At the end of both versions I wrote them in a way that would connect them in the next chapter. This chapter is over 10,000 words, it is the longest chapter of any fanfic I had written so far, it has drained me, I worked hard on it and now I just hope that my hard work shows and is good enough for people to enjoy.

Version 1

The elves came in as quick as lightening and chopped the spiders down in seconds. The fist elf they saw was like a blonde blur, using a spiders web to swing his way down. He dove on the spiders back and slide its face across the ground. He used the rest of his momentum to slide across the ground, kill another spider, draw his bow and aim an arrow in Thorin's face.

Thorin and his company drew their weapon's but they soon realised they were outnumbered. The elves had surrounded them.

"Do not think I won't kill you Dwarf. It would be my pleasure" the blonde elf said

Bilbo stayed hidden behind a spiders corpse and kept as quiet as he could. He felt like he was being a coward by hiding but seeing the situation he thought it was better that he stay hidden.

Suddenly a scream rang out and alerted everyone.

"KILI!" Fili shouted

Kili was being attacked by a spider. The spider flung him to the ground and held onto his leg trying to drag him away. Kili tried to kick the beast but he was still weak from the spider venom. More spiders tried to join the struggle but were killed by a red headed elf. When the elf killed the one attacking Kili he quickly turned to face her. He turned back when he heard another spider coming for him.

"Throw me a dagger, quick" Kili asked the elf

"If you think I am giving you a weapon dwarf you are mistaken" the elf responded as she killed the spider and then threw a knife at the spider approaching Kili and killed it.

When the spiders were dead the elves searched the dwarves. They took every weapon and everything that could be used as a weapon. One elf managed to find all of Fili's hidden daggers which was surprising.

Bilbo watched in shock as his friends were stripped of almost everything.

"Hey! Give it back that's private" Gloin complained to the blonde elf when he took his families portraits.

The elf opened it and asked "Who is this? You brother?"

"That is my wife" he replied offended

"And who is this horrid creature? A goblin mutant?" the blonde elf sneered

"That's my wee lad, Gimli" Gloin said again offended. The blonde elf merely raised an eyebrow.

The blonde elf turned away and spoke in Sindarin to his red headed companion "Are the spiders dead?" he asked

"Yes, but more will come. They are growing bolder"

Another elf approached the blonde one and gave him a sword they had taken from Thorin. The blonde elf inspected it and said "This is an ancient Elvish blade. Forged by my kin" he twirled it around in his hands before asking Thorin "Where did you get this?"

"It was given to me" Thorin replied

The blonde elf glared at Thorin and pointed the sword at his throat "Not just a thief, but a lair as well"

Bilbo couldn't believe this was happening. He couldn't believe that the blonde elf had just call Thorin Oakenshield a thief and a lair. Then Bilbo suddenly felt a bit weak and dizzy. The adrenalin in his body was beginning to calm down and Bilbo remembered about the spider venom. His dizziness caused him to start wobbling so he held onto the spiders dead body to stop himself from falling over. Unfortunately one of his back legs was still shaking. His back leg was caught in a spiders web causing it to move and that movement caught an one of the elves attention.

When the red headed elf caught movement in her peripheral vision she thought there was another dwarf hiding "Legolas" she said

"What is it?" he replied

She didn't reply verbally instead she used her eyes to talk to him. Legolas understood what she wanted and he nodded. She quickly used her agility to climb the rocks and disappear from everyone's sight. Her plan was simple she would sneak behind the dwarf with her weapon at the ready and force him into the open to be arrested.

She manoeuvred around the cave until she saw him. She notched an arrow and carefully snuck up behind him. She was about ten feet away when she spoke "Turn around slowly and do not think about drawing your weapon"

Bilbo froze when he heard a female voice come from behind him. It appeared that the spider venom had affected his hearing. He raised his hands to show he had no weapons and turned to face the elf. When the elf saw him, he saw her eyes go as wide as dinner plates and her mouth drop slightly. It was obvious that she was surprised.

Tauriel had seen many things in her life but this was something new. When the dwarf turned around she was surprised to see that he was not if fact a dwarf at all. She had heard of creatures like him, creatures that were half man and half animal but she never believed the stories, it was impossible for such a creature to exists. She looked him up and down with amazement. Four legs? He had four deer legs and antlers and oh my his ears were adorable.

The other thing she noticed was how poorly he was. He was pale, thin, covered in cuts, bruises and dirt and it looked like he could hardly keep his balance. She put down her weapon and inched closer to him slowly so she wouldn't scare him.

Bilbo saw her lower her weapon and start to come closer to him. He didn't want her to close to him, he didn't trust her so he backed away. But where was he going to go? Maybe if he was quick enough he could find a way out, but what about the company? This situation was the worst.

"Easy little one. I won't hurt you" she said. When she got closer it looked like he was panicking so she tried to calm him down again "Please I do not want to hurt you" but he kept backing away from her.

Bilbo didn't notice that he had unfortunately backed up into the view of the blonde elf and his men. The elves drew there bows and gained his attention. He looked at them in horror and backed away much further 'Oh sweet Yavanna why?' he cursed.

"Hold your fire!" Tauriel said and stepped into the clearing. Some of the elves gasped and dropped their bows as they stared at the creature they thought didn't exist.

Bilbo felt his body heat raise under the gaze of so many people. He backed up until he hit a rock and couldn't go any further. He didn't know what to do. Should he make himself look smaller or bigger? Should he run to the company or run away? What should he do?

"They're real" "I can't believe my eyes" "The stories are true" "Is he blessing?" the elves murmured among themselves unaware that Bilbo could understand them.

"He is hurt and scared" Tauriel said to Legolas

He looked close at the creature noticing his injuries and fear. He stepped towards him and was surprised when the creature grunted at him.

Bilbo was ready, ready to make a run for it until the blonde elf tried to approach him. His fight or flight reflexes kicked in and he grunted a warning.

"Easy we will not hurt you" Legolas said. He put away his weapons and showed him that he was not armed.

Bilbo stomped his front hooves and snorted, a simple way of saying stay the fuck away from me or else.

When the creature stomped and snorted Legolas tried to calm him down "Please we only want to help you. We have healers" he came closer and the creature spoke to him.

"Don't come any closer" he said rearing himself on his back legs and kicking his front legs.

"Please let us help you" Tauriel said and stepped forward

"Take another step and I will charge. I mean it" he warned and took a defensive stance.

'Charge?' Legolas thought the creature dragged his front hoof into the dirt and leaned back. He was going to try and ram them "Easy, we don't want to hurt you" when Legolas took another step the creature charged.

When Bilbo saw the elf take another step towards the intense pressure of the situation got the best of him and he charged at the blonde and red headed elf.

Legolas and Tauriel didn't want to hurt the creature so they dodged him.

Bilbo skidded to a stop and turned sharply charging at them again. The blonde elf reached out and was able to grab him by the antlers and stopped him. Never grab a Hobbit by the antlers, it will only end badly. Bilbo began to thrash against the elf and cursed the spider venom that sapped his strength.

When the creature charged at him again Legolas did the only thing he could think of, he held out his hands and grabbed him by the antlers. This seemed to enrage the creature further and he began to fight against him "Please stop. I want to help you" he said

Bilbo trashed, kicked his front legs and bucked his back legs. He tried everything to get away but he was so weak from hunger, thirst and the spider venom.

The other elves rushed to help they didn't want to hurt the creature either so they would restrain him until he calmed down. It was difficult for them to grab his legs as he trying to kick them. When one of them managed to grab a leg the others dived on him and grabbed the other legs. Two of them held onto his body while Legolas still held onto his antlers. Then they all fell over.

Bilbo knew the other elves were trying to grab his legs so he kept bucking. He felt a warm hand grab on his back leg and then he felt himself being restrained. Too much, it was too much. The weight of the elves was too much for Bilbo. One of hooves slipped out from underneath him and he fell, a little too hard. As darkness over took his vision he thought he heard Thorin shout his name.

When the creature stopped moving the elves let him go and checked on him. He was unconscious "Beinion carry him" Legolas commanded. Beinion was the physically strongest elf in the group so it made sense that he would carry him. The elf nodded and scooped up the creature.

Legolas gave the command to move out of the nest and bring the prisoners with them. They tied rope around the dwarves hands and forced them to walk.

As they made their journey to the kingdom most of them were casting worried and curious glances to the creature Beinion was carrying. Most wondered what the king would make of him. They walked the dwarves across the bridge and through the doors of the kingdom.

"Close the gate" Legolas ordered. He took one final glance back and then entered his father's kingdom. The dwarves were taken to the throne room and brought before the king.

They stopped at the kings feet and Legolas approached "We found dwarves in the woods Ada, they were in a spiders nest"

"Dwarves? What are they doing here?" He asked

"I do not know, but we found something else, something amazing"

His father raised an eyebrow and waited to see what his son was talking about.

Legolas beckoned Beinion forward and said "A creature from the stories Ada"

Thranduil's lips parted slightly in awe at the creature in Beinion's arms "Where did you find him?" he asked

"In the spiders nest. The dwarves seemed to know him, I do not know how. But he needs to see the healers" Legolas replied

Thranduil looked more closely and saw the injuries "Very well. Beinion take him to the healers and tell them to take care of him"

"Yes, my Lord" Beinion obeyed his king. He sneered at a dwarf that tried to lurch at him and swiftly left for the healing room.

Thranduil observed the dwarves movements and smirked. He looked at the dwarves and recognised the one as Thorin Oakenshield and addressed him "Thorin Oakenshield, it has been a long time" he said mockingly. When Thorin said nothing Thranduil continued "Why are you trespassing in my kingdom?"

The dwarves stayed silent. Thranduil didn't have the patience to deal with them right now, he wanted to go to the healers to get a better look at the creature his son had found "Lock them up in the dungeons. Put each of them in separate cells" he commanded and his guards obeyed.

When the dwarves were gone he turned to Legolas and said "Come Legolas"

"Yes Ada" Legolas replied and followed his father

When they got to the healer there was a small crowd gathered outside the door. Most likely curious elves who wanted to get a peek at the creature.

Thranduil cleared his throat and got everyone's attention "Be gone all of you" he commanded and the elves fled.

He and Legolas entered the room and the healers bowed to them respectfully "Where is he?" Thranduil asked

"He is here my Lord" a female healer replied and pulled back the curtain, revealing him to the king.

Thranduil was amazed by the creature and couldn't help but stare.

"I thought they were only stories, Ada" Legolas said

"Indeed. I have only ever seen them in books. He is a great find Legolas"

Legolas smiled at his father's compliment.

"My Lord" Tauriel as she entered the room "The dwarves are in the cells and locked up tight"

"Good" was all Thranduil had to say about the dwarves, he was still focused on his special guest "How are his injuries?" he asked the healer

"They will heal. He was bitten but it is not so bad. I'm more concerned about his weight" the healer said "He is very thin and dehydrated"

Thranduil hummed in thought and said "See that he gets enough nutrients in his body"

"Yes, my Lord"

Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel continued to study the creature and awe. Legolas touched one of his ears and made it twitch. He did it again and again in amusement until his father said "Don't toy with him"

Legolas pulled his hand back and felt slightly ashamed. But no one could blame him.

"He is adorable" Tauriel said almost giddy

"He is most astonishing. You said the dwarves knew him, correct?"

"Yes Ada"

"Why do you think that?"

"They were in the same nest we found the dwarves and they were intent on trying to get to him. I think one of them shouted his name Bilbo"

In that moment Thranduil had made a plan. He would use this situation to his advantage "Let me know when he wakes up"

"Yes, my Lord"

"Legolas, Tauriel bring me Thorin Oakenshield" he commanded and they both left to fetch the dwarf. Thranduil went back to his throne room and sat in his throne. He smiled to himself and prepared himself for a little talk with Thorin Oakenshield.

The Dwarves POV

The company had no choice but to let the elves take all their weapons. They were outnumbered and weak. Fili was surprised and disappointed when one elf found all his weapons. And everyone in the company felt sorry for poor Gloin when the blonde elf insulted his family.

While the blonde and red headed elves were talking Bofur asked Thorin "Where's Bilbo?" Thorin and other members of the company looked around trying to find any sign of Bilbo, none was found. Maybe he had gotten away or maybe he was dead, they didn't want to think about the second possibility.

Thorin saw an elf give his sword to the blonde one. He watch as he inspected it and when he was asked where he got if from he replied "It was given to me" the elf glared at him, pointed the sword at his throat and declared him a thief and a lair.

The red headed elf said something to the blonde one and he nodded his head. She disappeared amongst the rocks out of their sight. Thorin wondered what was going on when the elves stood still and quiet.

"Turn around slowly and do not think about drawing your weapon" the company heard her voice echo and they froze. She had found Bilbo.

They were glad he was alive of course but now he was going to be taken prisoner as well. When Thorin noticed the blonde elves eye grow wide and his mouth drop Thorin turned to the direction he was looking in and saw Bilbo. He was being approached by the red headed elf.

"Bilbo!" Bofur shouted "Bilbo run!" The other dwarves directed their attention to Bilbo and told him to get away while he could but he had nowhere to run to.

When the elves aimed their weapons at Bilbo the red headed one said "Hold you fire!"

The dwarves heard gasps and whispering amongst the elves, they seemed to be enchanted by Bilbo. The red headed elf said something to blonde again and the blonde tried to get closer to Bilbo.

Gloin was the first to try and stop him but he was held back by the elves. The other dwarves wanted to help but the risk of them being shot with an arrow was high. When the blonde elf stepped towards Bilbo he grunted. The dwarves knew that meant he was angry and would try to attack.

"Easy we will not hurt you" the blonde one said. Some of the dwarves snorted at his lie. The dwarves watched as Bilbo became more agitated by stomping and grunting more.

"Please we only want to help you. We have healers" the blonde spoke again and stepped forward

"Don't come any closer" Bilbo said and reared himself on his back legs and kicked with his front legs.

"Please let us help you" the red headed said and stepped forward.

"Take another step and I will charge. I mean it" Bilbo warned and took a defensive stance. The dwarves knew he was going to charge and they were right. When the blonde one to another step Bilbo charged.

The company cheered in Bilbo as he attacked "Go on lad, show them who's boss" Dwalin shouted "Smash his knee caps in" Dori shouted "No, smash his face in" Gloin shouted

When Bilbo's first attack missed they watched as he turned around and try again. They were stunned when the blonde one grabbed Bilbo's antlers and stopped him. They were even more surprised when Bilbo kept fighting.

They kept shouting encouragement at Bilbo "You can do it Bilbo" shouted Ori "Kick him in the balls" Fili shouted "If he's got any" Kili added

When the other elves grabbed onto Bilbo the dwarves didn't hold back as they tried to charge at the elves to save him, forgetting about their own safety. And when Bilbo fell hard onto the ground Thorin shouted "BILBO!"

When the elves got off of Bilbo the dwarves feared the worst when he didn't move. The elves spoke to each other and one of them picked him up and carried him. The company trying to get to him and their efforts were rewarded with their hands being bound with rope.

They were marched along a bridge and every so often they looked back at Bilbo. They were pushed through the doors of the Elven kingdom and into the throne room. Upon the throne sat a platinum blonde haired elf who looked down at them like they were bugs under his boot, the one elf Thorin did not want to meet ever again.

The elves spoke in their own tongue and the elf carrying Bilbo approached the king. Thorin watched Thranduil gape at Bilbo and knew that was a bad sign. When the elf carrying Bilbo started to leave the throne room Dwalin tried to lunge at him, he failed obviously.

Thorin knew Thranduil had seen that and knew that he recognised him "Thorin Oakenshield, it has been a long time" he said mocking him

Thorin said nothing he only glared

"Why are you trespassing in my kingdom?" Thranduil asked them

Thorin and his company stayed silent. Thranduil said something to his guards and soon the dwarves were being taken away. They were taken to the dungeon's and locked up.

When Kili was about to be locked up he turned to the female elf and asked "Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers"

She smiled and replied "Or nothing" and shut the door in his face.

When the elves left they thought it was safe enough to talk "They've captured Bilbo, what do we do?" Gloin asked panicked

"What if they torture him for information?" Ori said worried

"I don't think Thranduil would go that far. Scare him maybe, but not torture him" Balin reassured "I think he was more intrigued by him"

"I don't like this, I don't like this one bit. What if he keeps Bilbo?" Dwalin said

"Enough. Bilbo has proven himself before and I believe he will again. Arguing will do us no good. We need to think of a plan" Thorin said

"He may be willing enough to offer us a deal" Balin said

"I will not deal with that elf" Thorin spat

The sound of the dungeon door opening caught their attention. The blonde elf and the red haired elf unlocked Thorin's cell and dragged him out. The dwarves protested and banged on the cell doors as their leader was taken away.

Anyone's POV

Thorin knew where he was going and he didn't like it. He was brought before Thranduil again and felt like scoffing. Thranduil thought he was so high and mighty sitting in his throne, draped in jewels and fine clothing but in truth he was just dripping with arrogance.

Thranduil studied Thorin with disgust. He was covered in cob webs, dirt and other substances he'd rather not know about. My, my how the mighty family of Durin had fallen.

"Some may imagine a noble quest is at hand. A quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon" Thranduil said as he circled Thorin "I myself suspect a more prosaic motive. Attempted burglary or something of that ilk" he looked Thorin in the eyes and said "You've found a way in. You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule" as he continued to speak he made sure to read Thorin's facial expressions "The kings jewel. The Arkenstone" when Thorin looked away he knew he was right "It's precious to you beyond measure. I understand that" he smirked "There are gems in the mountain that I too desire. White gems of pure starlight" he knew Thorin remembered those "I offer you my help" and to show a little politeness he bowed his head a little.

"I am listening" Thorin said

"I will let you go. If you but return what is mine"

"A favour for a favour?" Thorin asked

"You have my word. One king to another"

"I would not trust Thranduil, the great king to honour his word should the end of all days be upon us!" Thorin shouted "You! Who lack all honour. I have seen how you treat your friends. We came to you once starving, homeless seeking your help, but you turned you back. You turned away from the suffering of my people and the inferno that destroyed us!" Thorin said outraged

Thranduil was in Thorin's face as quick as lightening "Do not talk to me of dragon fire. I know its wrath and ruin" he spat. Just to prove his point Thranduil let his glamour fade and show Thorin his scar "I have faced the great serpents of the north" he pulled away from him and returned his glamour "I warned your grandfather of what his greed would summon, but he wouldn't listen. You are just like him" he sat back on his throne and signalled his guards "Stay here if you will and rot! A hundred years is a mere blink in the life of an elf. I patient I can wait"

Thorin was dragged back to the dungeon and back throw into a cell.

"Did he offer you a deal?" Balin asked

"He did. I told him he could go ishkh khakfe andu null. Him and all his kin!" Thorin shouted so the elven guards could hear him.

Balin was disappointed with Thorin's choice of action and told him "Well, that's that then. A deal was our only hope"

"Not are only hope. Bilbo is still on our side. He has proved his resourcefulness before and he may just do it again" Thorin said

Back in the throne room Thranduil was beyond annoyed. How dare Thorin Oakenshield accuse him of dishonouring his word. How dared he accuse him of having no honour. It was his grandfather who lacked honour and couldn't keep his word and that dwarfish insult was the icing on the cake. His son and Tauriel were telling him their latest report on the spiders when a healer came in.

"Pardon my intrusion my Lord, but the halfling is awake and his is trying to attack us" she said

The three of them marched down the corridor to the healing wing and entered the room. The halfling was in a corner huffing and snorting at anyone who came near him. He was brave despite his small size. King Thranduil decided to take charge. He ordered the healers to give the halfling space and let him speak to him.

Bilbo was a bit take back by the sudden appearance of the fair elf. Platinum blonde hair, ice blue eyes and a regal pose that says respect more or suffer. He looked like he was taller than Gandalf but not taller than Beorn. If Bilbo had to charge he would aim for the knee caps. He grunted again and waited for their next more.

"Calm down halfling you have nothing to fear. My name is Thranduil king of the woodland realm" Thranduil said "My son Legolas and the captain of the guard Tauriel brought you here to be healed"

The king? And his son? Bilbo had charged at the kings son! He wasn't sure if charging at the king would end well.

"Tell me is your name Bilbo?" Thranduil asked

"H-How did you know?" Bilbo asked surprised

Thranduil smiled and said "One if the dwarves shouted it back in the spiders nest. I take it you are part of their group?"

Bilbo was not going to answer that. He wasn't going to tell him anything to do with their quest.

"I've read about Halflings. They enjoy the comforts of home and rarely leave. They are so rarely seen in fact that most believe they do not exist" Thranduil said

"Well we do" was all Bilbo said and stomped a hoof

"There is no need for any aggression. No one will hurt you" Legolas said and tried to step forward

Bilbo gave a small warning charge and stepped back "Don't come any closer"

"Think about it little one, if any wanted to hurt you we would have done it already, instead of helping you" Tauriel said

'Helping him?' Then Bilbo felt like he was struck by lightning, he had the genius idea. The elves of this place seemed interested in him he could use that to his advantage. He would gain their trust, find out where the company was being kept and find a way to escape. He lowered his guard and asked "You really don't want to hurt me?"

"No. No one will hurt you" Thranduil said

With caution Bilbo approached them "I have to apologise for my behaviour, I was scared"

"It is alright. You actions were understandable. You were running on confusion and fear" Thranduil smiled "I've only read about Halflings this is my first time seeing one. In fact I don't think anyone in my kingdom has seen one before"

"I'm not surprised, we don't unusually travel so far" Bilbo told them

As Legolas looked more closely at Bilbo he noticed something "Bilbo, how old are you?"

'Oh shit' Bilbo thought. Maybe they won't know about how Hobbits age "I'm thirty four"

"You're a baby!" Legolas said shocked

"What?" Tauriel said

"I remember reading about Hobbit aging..." Legolas started to explain but was interrupted by Bilbo

"Then you'll know that I am not a baby. I am an adult" Bilbo said

"Only by a year I believe" Thranduil said "Why are you so far from home? Did the dwarves take you?" he asked

Oh dear what was Bilbo going to say? "No, I volunteered to come with them"

Thranduil narrowed his eyes "Do you know what lies at the end of this quest?" he asked

"Yes" Bilbo answered

"Then you know why I cannot let you continue" Thranduil said

"What?" Bilbo said

"The dwarves will only bring death and destruction should they wake the beast. It would be best for you to remain here" Thranduil said. He if played his cards right maybe he could get information out of the Hobbit.

"Why?" Bilbo asked, almost whining

"The dwarves may not care that they are endangering the life of an infant, I on the other hand do. I will consider you a guest and you will be well looked after" Thranduil explained

This was Bilbo's chance "I guess you could be right but I still don't fully trust you"

"That is understandable, we have only just met" Thranduil smirked

"My Lord" the lead healer said "Sorry for the interruption but it appears you have reopened your wound little one"

All heads turned to Bilbo "Where?" he asked and tried to search his body for blood.

"Your back little one" she said

"I can't see it" Bilbo said trying to look at it

"Perhaps its best you let the healers tend to you" Thranduil said

Bilbo nodded and let the healers take care of him. The ointment stung but seemed to work wonders. He thanked the healers for their work and was told to wait for some to bring him something to eat. Thranduil and Legolas excused themselves and Tauriel stayed to guard him.

As Thranduil and Legolas were making their way to the kitchens Legolas couldn't contain his excitement any longer "I can't believe there's a Hobbit in the kingdom Ada"

"Neither can I and not just any Hobbit. A Hobbit that maybe able to tell us Thorin's plans" Thranduil smirked

Legolas looked at his father in slight shock "But you said you would take care of him not use him for information"

"Legolas you don't really think a Hobbit would really volunteer to come on such a quest do you?" Thranduil pointed out

"But he said..."

"I know what he said and it was possible that he was lying. Hobbits enjoy the comforts of home and their family, why would he leave that behind for a few strangers?" Thranduil said

Legolas saw the reason behind his fathers suspicion and asked "Do you think the dwarves kidnapped him?"

"It's a possibility. Dwarves are known to use...underhanded methods to get what they want"

Legolas scowled at the thought and asked "If he is lying then it is out of fear. What should we do?"

"We keep our promise. We will look after him until he trusts us enough to tell us the truth. And if he wants we can take him back to his home"

"Alright" Legolas agreed "It'll be interesting having a Hobbit around"

"Indeed it will" Thranduil grinned

Version 2

Thorin and his company drew their weapon's but they soon realised they were quickly out numbered. The elves had surrounded them.

"Do not think I won't kill you Dwarf. It would be my pleasure" the blonde elf said

Bilbo stayed hidden behind a spiders corpse and kept as quiet as he could. He felt like he was being a coward by hiding but seeing the situation he thought it was better that he stay hidden.

Suddenly a scream rang out and alerted everyone.

"KILI!" Fili shouted

"Throw me a dagger, quick" Kili asked the elf

"If you think I am giving you a weapon dwarf you mistaken" the elf responded as she killed the spider and then threw a knife at the spider approaching Kili and killed it.

Bilbo watched in shock as his friends were stripped of almost everything.

"Hey! Give it back that's private" Gloin complained to the blonde elf when he took families portraits.

The elf opened it and asked "Who is this? You brother?"

"That is my wife" he replied offended

"And who is this horrid creature? A goblin mutant?" the blonde elf sneered

"That's my wee lad, Gimli" Gloin said again offended. The blonde elf merely raised an eyebrow.

The blonde elf turned away and spoke in Sindarin to his red headed companion "Are the spiders dead?" he asked

"Yes, but more will come. They are growing bolder" she replied

"It was given to me" Thorin replied

The blonde elf glared at Thorin and pointed the sword at his throat "Not just a thief, but a lair as well" the blonde elf gave the orders to tie up the dwarves and take them away.

As they were being led out Bofur turned to Thorin and asked "Where's Bilbo?"

Thorin looked around and saw no sign of the Hobbit and feared the worst.

Bilbo watched helplessly as his friends were taken away. What should he do? If he got caught would he end up like the dwarves? Bilbo used all stealth to follow the elves and made sure he stuck close to the shadows.

He watched the company be taken over a bridge and through two large doors. When the blonde elf looked behind him, Bilbo ducked and stayed quiet. He saw the blonde elf walk through the doors and the doors closed behind him. Well this was great the company was on the inside and he was on the outside. How was he going to get in without alerting anyone?

The dwarves POV

They were marched along a bridge and then pushed through the doors of the Elven kingdom and into the throne room. Upon the throne sat a platinum blonde haired elf who looked down at them like they were bugs under his boot, the one elf Thorin did not want to meet ever again.

Thorin knew Thranduil had recognised him "Thorin Oakenshield, it has been a long time" he said mocking him.

Thorin said nothing he only glared

"Why are you trespassing in my kingdom?" Thranduil asked them

Thorin and his company stayed silent. Thranduil said something to his guards and soon the dwarves were being taken away. They were taken to the dungeon's and locked up.

When Kili was about to be locked up he turned to the female elf and asked "Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers"

She smiled and replied "Or nothing" and shut the door in his face.

When the elves left the thought it was safe enough to talk "What do we do now?" Gloin asked panicked

"Did anyone see Bilbo?" Ori said worried

"Everyone calm down. I'm sure Bilbo is fine" Balin reassured "I think he was hiding "

"I don't like this, I don't like this one bit. What does that expect to gain by locking us up?" Dwalin asked

"Enough! Thranduil will gain nothing and we will tell him nothing, understand? As for Bilbo, he has proven himself before and I believe he will again. Arguing will do us no good. We need to think of a plan" Thorin said

"He may be willing enough to offer us a deal" Balin said

"I will not deal with that elf" Thorin spat

Anyone's POV

Thranduil studied Thorin with disgust. He was covered in cob webs, dirt and other substances he'd rather not know about. My, my how the mighty family of Durin had fallen.

"I am listening" Thorin said

"I will let you go. If you but return what is mine"

"A favour for a favour?" Thorin asked

"You have my word. One king to another"

Thorin was dragged back to the dungeon and back throw into a cell.

"Did he offer you a deal?" Balin asked

"He did. I told him he could go ishkh khakfe andu null. Him and all his kin!" Thorin shouted so the elven guards could hear him.

Balin was disappointed with Thorin's choice of action and told him "Well, that's that then. A deal was our only hope"

"Not are only hope. Bilbo is still on our side. He has proved his resourcefulness before and he may just do it again" Thorin said

Bilbo's POV

A few hours later and Bilbo had managed to find a way in. When it got dark he came out of hiding and started searching for a way in. Along the wall he found a loose stone and managed to dig his way in. He put it back together of course out of courtesy and to cover his tracks.

He used his powerful hearing to hear for anyone coming in his direction as he sneaked about. He was in way over his head. He didn't know what to do or where to go. He wasn't sure how long he wondered around but soon his nose caught the scent of food and wine. His mouth watered as he followed the scent.

The closer he got the more he could smell dried meat, bread, cheese and sweet wine and by the Valar he couldn't wait to eat. He didn't let his stomach rule his head mind you he still keep an ear out for any footsteps.

When Bilbo had found the source of the smell he realised he had found the wine cellar and food storage. Perhaps this was the best place to hide out? He searched the cellar until he found a small storage room, it looked like it hadn't been used in years and there was a lock on the inside. He made the decision to nest there.

Bilbo gathered a few cloths and other scraps of material to build the most disappointing nest. He sighed he missed Beorn's. Bilbo search the food and wine storage and took a bit of everything. He took it back to his temporary hide out and locked the door. He sat in his nest and ate.

It felt like years since he had eaten a decent meal and his stomach thanked him for it. After he had eaten the food and drank the wine had curled up in his make shift nest and went to sleep. He had long days ahead of him, he had to find the company and a way out.

Bilbo wasn't sure what time it was when he woke up but he knew it was time to start looking for the dwarves. He put his ear to the door and carefully listened to see if anyone was on the other side of it. When he knew it was clear he unlocked the door and grabbed some breakfast.

Moving around the elven kingdom during the day while trying to listening out for elves and trying to find thirteen dwarves was anything but easy. Bilbo had never been so nervous or on edge in his life. This was more difficult than facing the goblins and orcs.

His height played a big role this. When he heard someone coming he found small places he could hide. He used his other senses to his full advantage as well. He used his sense of smell to make a metal map of his surroundings. He would need it when he returned to his hiding place.

He search all day and most of the night until he gave up. He went back to his hiding place and curled up in his nest. This was going to take forever and time was not on his side.

Days passed and he was starting to lose hope he wondered if the company was even alive at this point. He shook such thoughts from his mind and continued. By now he had memorised most of the corridors and rooms. He knew the best hiding spots and where to get medicine. He felt bad stealing from the elves but it he had to survive.

After a while he noticed that the elves checked the food supplies more often and patrols the corridors more frequently. He knew they were becoming suspicions about their missing items and wanted to catch the thief. So he became more cautious. It was almost dark and Bilbo had failed to find the dwarves again he sigh and made his way back to his nest, unaware it would not be empty.

Legolas' POV

It had started off small. Reports of things going missing or being move. At first he took little to no notice he let someone else take care of it. But when the reports came in daily and happened more frequently he took interest. And when the reports of a ghost came he took action.

Food, water, wine and medicine seemed to go missing on a daily basis and no one seemed to see anything. Maids and guards claimed to have heard and seen a ghost wondering about, but why would a ghost steal food and drink?

He and Tauriel investigated and ruled out this occurrences as pranks or misplaced items. So who was taking it from them? It was time he told his father. He and Tauriel went to the kings chambers and entered.

"Ada I something to report" Legolas said

"Go ahead Legolas"

"There have been many reports of food, drinks and medicine being taken and no one knows who is taking it. Reports come in daily" Legolas explained

"Are they being misplaced?" Thranduil asked

"No. I checked the stocks myself and realised that someone maybe stealing them" Legolas replied

"Stealing? This is quite serious. What other reports have you received?"

Legolas was a bit hesitant to tell his father about the ghost but he had to "Well Ada, there have been reports of a ghost in the halls"

"A ghost? Preposterous" Thranduil said

"Many claimed to have heard a phantom in the halls but when they looked nothing was there. Maids and guards have heard it and have felt like they are being followed or watched, but are met with thin air" Legolas explained

Thranduil was still not convinced "Are you sure it is not a prank?"

"Yes. Many of the reports come from reliable sources who wouldn't make such things up"

"So, missing supplies and a phantom?" Thranduil thought for a moment before asking "How are you going to handle such a unique situation?"

"We are going to double the supply checks and place more guards where the ghost is suppose to have been seen"

"Very well. I want you to report to me daily about your findings"

"Yes Ada" Legolas and Tauriel bowed and left

As they made their way to the barracks Tauriel asked "Do you believe in this ghost?"

"I don't know. Ghosts exist I know that, but why would they be here?" he replied

"Maybe it is the ghost of a fallen warrior?" Tauriel suggested

"Perhaps" he hoped not

When they reached the barracks the guards were already there and waiting for them. They bowed to their prince and waited for their orders.

"As you may know there have reports of thefts from our storage and mysterious apparitions in the halls. We are going to double the supply checks and double the patrol where this apparition is supposed to have been seen. I want reports on anything no matter how minor they may seem. Does everyone understand their roles?"

All of the guards said yes sir in unison and went to get on with their duty. Day after day the guards would do their patrols and give their reports. Food was still going missing and the guards felt like they were being watched in every corridor making them more edgy.

As promised Legolas gave his reports to his father every day. Thranduil became more and more concerned with the safety of his people. He had spiders and orcs at his doorstep. He had dwarves locked in his dungeon's and now he had a mysterious thief and ghost in his own home. What more could the Valar throw at him? The pressure was beginning to take its toll on him.

But then a miracle happened. After five weeks there was a breakthrough. A guard by the name of Nithron approached the king and prince one day and gave them his report "My Lords I have found something regarding the mysterious thief"

Thranduil and Legolas looked at him with interest "What have you found?" Thranduil asked

"I found a nest" he replied

"A nest? What nest?" Legolas asked confused

"In one of the storage rooms I found what looked like a nest. Someone or something has been living there. I found scraps of food and empty water bottles"

"Show us" Thranduil command

Nithron showed the king and prince the nest he had found and showed them the evidence that something was living there. Needless to say both of them were shocked.

"Who would do this?" Legolas asked

"I don't know but you're going to find out. I want you and Tauriel to wait in here until whoever made this nest comes back. You are to be armed and use force if necessary" Thranduil said

"Yes Ada"

Legolas and Tauriel hid themselves with their bows at the ready and waited for hours. They had no idea what to expect but they were prepared.

Anyone's POV

Bilbo returned to the storage room unhappy. He had failed to find the company again and with the guards checking the food storage more often he couldn't take as much, he was hungry and he needed a cuddle. He opened the door to his nest and locked it behind him. He sighed Durin's day was fast approaching and he didn't want to be the reason the quest failed.

Legolas and Tauriel were on their guard when the door was opened they were not prepared for what they saw. A creature with and deer's body a human torso and antlers. They had read stories about such creatures but they never thought they were real. Tauriel let out a small gasped and the creature turned around.

Bilbo's sharp hearing alerted him to a small sound behind him. He quickly turned around and saw to elves staring at him. Bilbo's first thought was to run. He grabbed the door handle and tried to open the door forgetting that he had locked it.

Legolas and Tauriel lowered their weapons and carefully approached the creature.

"Calm down we won't hurt you" Tauriel said

The creature looked back at them before unlocking the door and bolting out of it. Legolas and Tauriel swiftly gave chase calling out for the creature to stop.

Bilbo was not going to stop anytime soon and ran thorough corridor after corridor. Unfortunately he ran into some of the guards. He stopped as they stared at him with their mouths open.

When Legolas saw the creature had stopped in front of a pair of guards he shouted "Stop him!" his shouting snapped the guards out of their daze and they tried to grab the creature. But the creature ran down another corridor and continued to ran away.

Bilbo ran from the four elves and tried to think of some place to hide but soon more and more guards joined in the chase. When he last checked there was about twelve or so guards chasing after him. He couldn't run forever, what was he going to do?

The creature was fast but Legolas knew the chase would be over soon, he was heading towards a dead end.

Bilbo turned around another corner and stopped abruptly. A dead end there was nowhere for him to go. Oh no, oh no, now what? He turned around to find the guards had already gotten him cornered and he began to panic. He stomped his hooves and grunted a warning.

The elves were amazed by what they saw. A creature from their childhood stories was real.

When Legolas saw the creatures obvious distress he tried to take control of the situation "Please calm down we will not hurt you" he said. The creature just grunted at him.

"Little one please let us help you" Tauriel said

Bilbo had only one choice he had to charge. He reared up and bolted towards them. He was shocked when the blonde elf managed to grab him by antlers and stop him. He tried to flail and get away from him but he was grabbed by the other elves and over powered. Bilbo tried to escape but when his hoof slipped from underneath him he and the elves toppled over and Bilbo hit his head a little too hard on floor. As darkness took over he made a silent apology to his friends for failing them.

When the creature fell over Legolas heard his head connect with the floor. And told his men to let go. The creature had unfortunately knocked it's self unconscious. Legolas told some of his men to tell his father and the others to carry the creature to the healers.

The healers were amazed when they were asked to heal a small Halfling. They checked him over, bandaged his head and put ointment on other wounds. Not long after the king entered.

"Legolas?" Thranduil said

"Yes Ada"

"What's going on?"

"We found a halfling" Legolas replied

"A halfling? They are not real" Thranduil said

"Yes they are. We have one right here" Legolas said and pointed to the halfling

Thranduil's eyes went wide when he saw the half deer creature lying in the bed. Surly his eyes were playing tricks on him. He carefully touched the ear of the halfling making it twitch. He was real.

"Where did you find him?" Thranduil asked

"In the nest we were told about. It appears that he is the thief and the ghost" Legolas explained

"I see. The question is how did a halfling get into the Kingdom? From what I've read they do not leave their homes very often and when they do they do not travel so far out" Thranduil said. Then he made a connection "I wonder..."

"Ada?"

"I could be wrong but perhaps he is with the dwarves" Thranduil said

"Why would a halfling be with dwarves?" Tauriel asked

"That is the diamond incrusted question and I doubt we'll be able to get an easy answer" Thranduil said. The three of them left the healers with the halfling and went back to the throne room. Thranduil announced that the thief had been caught and there was no such thing as a ghost. He called off the extra guards and told everyone to continue as normal. A few hours later and they were told that the halfling was awake and trying to attack the healers.

Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel marched down the corridor to the healing wing and entered the room. The halfling was in a corner huffing and snorting at anyone who came near him. He was brave despite his small size. King Thranduil decided to take charge. He ordered the healers to give the halfling space and let him speak to him.

"Calm down halfling you have nothing to fear. My name is Thranduil king of the woodland realm" Thranduil said "My son Legolas and his guards brought you here to be healed"

Bilbo kept silent and kept close to the wall.

"I've read about Halflings. They enjoy the comforts of home and rarely leave. They are so rarely seen in fact that most believe they do not exist" Thranduil said

"Well we do" was all Bilbo said and stomped a hoof.

"Indeed you do. Tell me did you come here with a group of dwarves" Thranduil asked

Bilbo jerked in surprise, how did he know?

The halflings body language told Thranduil what he needed "So you are with them. Tell me do you know about their quest?"

Bilbo was not going to answer that. He wasn't going to tell him anything to do with their quest. Bilbo gave a small warning charge and stepped back "Don't come any closer"

"There is no need for any aggression. No one will hurt you" Legolas said and tried to step forward

"Think about it little one, if any wanted to hurt you we would have done it already, instead of helping you" Tauriel said

'Helping me?' Then Bilbo felt like he was struck by lightning, he had the genius idea. The elves of this place seemed interested in him he could use that to his advantage. He would gain their trust, find out where the company was being kept and find a way to escape. He lower his guard and asked "You really don't want to hurt me?"

"No. No one will hurt you" Thranduil said

With caution Bilbo approached them "I have to apologise for my behaviour, I was scared"

"That is understandable, we have only just met" Thranduil smirked "What is your name?"

"Bilbo" he replied smiling

As Legolas looked more closely at Bilbo he noticed something "Bilbo, how old are you?"

'Oh shit' Bilbo thought. Maybe they won't know about how Hobbits age "I'm thirty four"

"You're a baby!" Legolas said shocked

"What?" Tauriel said

"I remember reading about Hobbit aging..." Legolas started to explain but was interrupted by Bilbo

"Then you'll know that I am not a baby. I am an adult" Bilbo said

"Only by a year I believe" Thranduil said "Why are you so far from home? Did the dwarves take you?" he asked

Oh dear what was Bilbo going to say? "No, I volunteered to come with them"

Thranduil narrowed his eyes "Do you know what lies at the end of this quest?" he asked

"Yes" Bilbo answered

"Then you know why I cannot let you continue" Thranduil said

"What?" Bilbo said

"Why?" Bilbo asked, almost whining

"The dwarves may not care that they are endangering the life of an infant, I on the other hand do. I will consider you a guest and you will be well looked after" Thranduil explained

This was Bilbo's chance "I guess you could be right but I still don't fully trust you"

"That is understandable, we have only just met" Thranduil smirked

"My Lord" the lead healer said "Sorry for the interruption but it appears you have reopened your wound little one"

All heads turned to Bilbo and he asked "Where?" and tried to search his body for blood.

"Your back little one" she said

"I can't see it" Bilbo said trying to look at it

"Perhaps its best you let the healers tend to you" Thranduil said

As Thranduil and Legolas were making their way to the kitchens Legolas couldn't contain his excitement any longer "I can't believe there's a Hobbit in the kingdom Ada"

"Neither can I and not just any Hobbit. A Hobbit that maybe able to tell us Thorin's plans" Thranduil smirked

Legolas looked at his father in slight shocked "But you said you would take care of him not use him for information"

"Legolas you don't really think a Hobbit would really volunteer to come on such a quest do you?" Thranduil pointed out

"But he said..."

"I know what he said and it was possible that he was lying. Hobbits enjoy the comforts of home and their family, why would he leave that behind for a few strangers?" Thranduil said

Legolas saw the reason behind his father's suspicion and asked "Do you think the dwarves kidnapped him?"

"It's a possibility. Dwarves are known to use...underhanded methods to get what they want"

Legolas scowled at the thought and asked "If he is lying then it is out of fear. What should we do?"

"We keep our promise. We will look after him until he trusts us enough to tell us the truth. And if he wants we can take him back to his home"

"Alright" Legolas agreed "It'll be interesting having a Hobbit around"

"Indeed it will" Thranduil grinned