Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. Please don't sue me I'm poor.
Bilbo winced as an elven healer applied salve to the wound on his head. It was bandaged and his other wounds were taken care of. He had taken refuge in King Thranduil's settlement, afraid of how Dain and his army might react to him. The elves of Mirkwood were very courteous to him, which he was grateful for, he really couldn't deal with any negativity right now. When the healer had finished he thanked her and went to find Gandalf. After twenty minutes and searching he found out that Gandalf was in a meeting with Dain, Bard and Thranduil. Bilbo wasn't sure he should go and interrupt the meeting but he had learned that Lord Elrond was there and they would be taking about Fili, Kili and Thorin's conditions. Without any more hesitation he went to find that meeting.
"You're out of your mind wizard!" Dain bellowed "If you think for one minute that I will get along with this fairy princess you've got another thing coming"
"I do not wish to get along with you either" Thranduil replied bored.
"Will both of you please listen. Winter is almost upon us and if we do not work together everyone will suffer the consequences. All of you need food, water, shelter and medicine if you do not find a way to acquire all of this you will not last" Gandalf warned.
"Gandalf is right. I am willing to work with whoever so long as I can protect the people of Lake Town. I already own King Thranduil much" Bard said.
"I will not work with anybody without my cousins consent" Dain argued.
Lord Elrond listened to the four of them argue back and forth and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. They were squabbling like children and not seeing how serious the situation was. As they continued to argue his sharp hearing heard the sound of hooves coming closer to them. Lord Elrond recognised the sound of those hooves anywhere, turning around he saw Bilbo Baggins coming towards him.
Bilbo was very happy to see his uncle Elrond again. He charged towards him smiling "Uncle Elrond!"
"Bilbo!" Elrond replied with just as much enthusiasm. He sank to his knees and welcomed Bilbo into his arms "Bilbo I can't believe you left Rivendell to come here" he said.
"I'm sorry but I made a promise" Bilbo said feeling himself tear up. He and Elrond rubbed noses like they always do.
"Oh my dear boy, look at you. Covered in dirt, wounded and your fur is matted" Elrond said.
"I'm fine, I've been taken care of" Bilbo told him.
Gandalf understood the interaction between Lord Elrond and Bilbo but Thranduil, Bard and Dain did not. The three leaders had confused looks on their faces and Dain almost threw up during the nose rubbing.
Bilbo nuzzled into Elrond's chest and felt warmth spreading throughout his body. He had missing this kind of interaction.
Dain emitted a growl and said "You!" he gained Bilbo's and Elrond's attention and continued his rant "You filthy elf lover. You're the one that gave away the Arkenstone"
Sensing trouble Lord Elrond stood and faced Dain, keeping Bilbo behind him.
"I should bleed you dry for your treachery" Dain threatened and reached for his sword.
"If you want Bilbo you'll have to go through me" Lord Elrond said also reaching for his weapon.
"Gladly" Dain replied, accepting the challenge.
When Dain took a threatening step forward Gandalf intervened "You would not harm a child would you Lord Dain?" his question stopped Dain in his tracks.
"Child? What child?" Dain asked confused.
"Why Bilbo of course. He is only thirty four, still an infant" Gandalf replied.
"What!" Dain shouted in disbelief "If he's a child, then what is he doing here?" he asked.
"Gandalf being the irresponsible wizard that he is brought him on this quest" Thranduil said smirking. Finally getting his own back on the wizard that had caused so much chaos.
"Why would you do that?" Dain asked genuinely curious.
"We needed a burglar" Gandalf replied honestly.
"And you couldn't have found one of age Gandalf?" Lord Elrond asked.
Gandalf stuttered to find an answer and felt like he was being ganged up on.
Their argument was interrupted again when Beorn came into view. They were all surprised by the sight of the very tall man and no one dared to move.
Beorn didn't care for the Dwarf, elves, man or wizard he main focus was on Bilbo "Little bunny" he said happily.
"Beorn" Bilbo said surprised. He walked to Beorn's side and gladly let Beorn pet him.
"You are hurt little bunny" Beorn said concerned.
"I'm alright. How are you?" Bilbo asked.
"Better knowing that Azog and Bolg are dead" Beorn replied "You look different from when we last met. Your leaves are gone and you have fur" he pointed out.
"Yes, Hobbit's change with the season" Bilbo replied.
Beorn smiled warmly. He scooped Bilbo up into his arms and started to walk away with him.
"W-Where are you taking Bilbo" Gandalf asked.
"Away" Beorn said simply. Not offering anymore information he left.
Lord Elrond, Thranduil, Dain, Bard and Gandalf stood confused as they watched Beorn disappear with Bilbo.
Beorn took Bilbo to a secluded spot and sat down with him in his lap. He ran his finger through Bilbo's matted fur and started to brush out the knots as best as he could.
Bilbo relaxed at Beorn's touch and felt some of his street melt away.
"Do you want to leave little bunny?" Beorn asked.
Bilbo looked at Beorn in surprise "What?"
"I am planning on going home soon. I could take you with me if you want. You could even stay with me. I would take care of you"
Bilbo hadn't thought about going home for a while. The longer he was away from the shire the less he felt like going back, which confused him greatly "I don't know Beorn. I feel like I have to stay to find out how Thorin and his nephews are" he sighed "I'm sorry Beorn, as nice as it sounds, I just can't leave yet" he said sadly.
Beorn was disheartened by Bilbo's reply but he respected his wishes.
When Thranduil could no longer stand the presence of Dain he left the meeting in a huff and returned to his people's temporary camp. He went to the tent that was currently taking care of his elk that had miraculously survived. He stroked his elk's fur gently and whispered soothing words. The elk sniffed at his hand and nuzzled into it.
Dain had heard enough lies and nonsense coming from out of Thranduil's mouth and left Gandalf and Bard alone. He went back to his camp and went into the healing tent. He looked at his cousin sadly and sat next to him "Oh cousin, what should I do?" he asked, not even expecting an answer.
Bard watched helplessly as both Dain and Thranduil stormed off. He rubbed his temple in annoyance and sighed. He decided to follow after Thranduil, leaving Gandalf and Lord Elrond alone. He found Thranduil in his tent, sitting in his chair, sipping on wine "My Lord?" he said.
Thranduil looked up at Bard and said "Welcome King Bard. Would you like a drink" he offered.
"I would not mind a glass and it's just Bard" he replied.
A small smile tugged on the edge of Thranduil's lips "Still denying your new position as King of Dale?" he asked amused as he poured wine into cup.
"I'm just a humble bargeman, I'm not used to such titles"
"And yet you have had many titles Bard of Lake Town, Bard the bargeman, Bard the bowman, Bard the dragon slayer and King Bard of Dale" Thranduil said "You should be proud of your accomplishments"
"True enough, I am proud, proud that I could protect my family and what people I could" Bard replied proudly.
"Which is why they will follow you" Thranduil said "They have acknowledged your strength and leadership and I agree that there is no one better suited for the job"
Bard was surprised by Thranduil's honesty "Thank you my Lord, but I do not know how to rule or how to be a King"
"If its politics you're worried about I could teach you a few things" Thranduil offered.
"That is most generous of you my Lord" bard said.
"Just Thranduil. No need for formalities between allies" Thranduil replied. Bard's smile at the response made Thranduil smile back, something he didn't think he would do for a while after everything that had happened.
As Bilbo and Beorn said their goodbyes Bilbo felt his heart break a little more as another friend left him alone. He made his way back to the elven camp and went into his tent. Curling up in his nest and was going to try and get some more rest, until Gandalf showed up.
"Bilbo there you are" Gandalf said with relief "Where have you been?" he asked.
"I was saying goodbye to Beorn" Bilbo replied.
"I had a feeling he would leave soon" Gandalf said.
"Do you know how Thorin, Fili and Kili are?" Bilbo asked.
Gandalf's face dropped slightly and as replied "They are all unconscious and still in critical condition, but they are alive"
'For how much longer?' Bilbo wondered sadly.
Gandalf knew that Bilbo blamed himself for what had happened to the three Durin's and there was nothing he could do or say to change this "Bilbo I need to tell you something" he said.
"Yes?"
"I have some business I need to take care of away from Erebor. I will be leaving soon"
"What?" Bilbo said almost whimpering. He felt like everyone was abandoning him.
"If this business was not so important I would stay, but the future depends on it" Gandalf explained.
Bilbo nodded "Alright. I see you another time"
"I promise we will. I will stay until you fall asleep" Gandalf said.
No more words passed between them and eventually Bilbo fell asleep. Gandalf left as he said he would and didn't look back.