Chapter 9

Deep within the Lonely Mountain, thirteen dwarves were awake discussing their fourteenth member of the company. They were all worried about their hobbit, they haven't had any news about him since the day of the battle.

- "He's got to be somewhere"- Bofur exclaimed.

- "What about the wizard? He could tell us where he is"- Gloin grunted.

"I say we go to every tent and demand to be let in; he is part of our company we respond for him!" said Kili with Fili nodding his agreement next to him. None of the dwarves noticed their King standing alone in a corner his head down, lost in thought.

- "What's on your mind Thorin?"- at the mention of his name Thorin lifted his head – "I know where our hobbit is"- that captured the attention of the company.

- "Well, where is he?"- Oin asked annoyed, getting off the wall Thorin walked towards the company, his expression bare of any emotion. – "he is in the care of the elves"- the members of the company looked at each other before focusing back on Thorin, silently demanding an explanation. – "King Thranduil ran out in the middle of our meeting, muttering about someone giving up"- At this point Thorin started to pace – "I though perhaps he was referring to his son"- Thorin ran a hand through his hair, he wanted to see Bilbo, he wanted to hold him and apologize to him until he gained his forgiveness, his hobbit had not deserved any of this. Even knowing Thorin might kill him on sight, Bilbo still risked his life to warn them about the wargs. Had they not been warned who knows if his nephews would still be standing here. He owned Bilbo so much but having him at the care of the woodland elves meant the company would not be seeing their hobbit anytime soon, if ever.

- "Do you know this for sure?"- Balin asked gently, he was aware of Thorin's feelings towards Bilbo, it was obvious to anyone paying close attention. – "No, I do not"-

- "He might be with Lord Elrond, he might be the one in charge of curing his injuries, just like the others did with me"- Kili said trying to stay positive, surely, they could talk with Lord Elrond and convince him to let them see Bilbo, right? Thorin shook his head, he knew the elves and their possessiveness, once they got hold of something, they would never let it go.

- "If that King elf has Bilbo we might as well start another war before we are allowed to see him again, the wizard is not happy with our treatment towards the hobbit"- said Gloin – "if the elf doesn't deny us access the wizard will"-

- "We should be discussing the peace treaty and how to get the Arkenstone back instead of focusing on the hobbit"- exclaimed Dwalin, he had also grown fond of the hobbit and wanted him back. However, Dain was getting restless, he wanted the Arkenstone to be in possession of the dwarves, if they wanted to prevent Ironfoot from taking over the mountain they needed to get moving.

- "Mister Bogging helped us Dwalin! He risked his life to warn us back in Ravenhill, have some respect"- Kili exclaimed. Truth be told everyone had grown fond of the hobbit and his well-being was important to them.

- "Perhaps it be best we rest for the night lads; we have much to do and a treaty to discuss. I'm sure Master Baggins is in good hands and should he get better I'm positive he'll come to us"- said Balin. A small murmur of agreement followed, one by one the dwarves started departing to their rooms soon leaving Balin and Thorin alone.

- "He will come to us when the time is right, Thorin, we don't know how bad he was injured, having him at the care of the elves might be the only thing keeping him alive"- Balin said quietly, - "show them that you are ready to take your place as King under the mountain, that you are of sane mind, give them what you promised in exchange for the Arkenstone. Reclaim your throne"-

Thorin knew Balin was right, if the elves had Bilbo, they were keeping him safe, safe from him and his actions towards the hobbit. He needed to prove to Bilbo that he was that he same dwarf he met in Bag End. Nodding his head Thorin retreaded to his quarters, tomorrow would be another day.

Bilbo woke up slowly, fragments of his dream fading along with his drowsiness. Making a move to stand he stopped short at the feel of arms around him. Looking down he made his way up to stare at the face of their owner. King Thranduil was sleeping peacefully next to him, a small smile on his lips. He was breathtaking, his long hair fell around his shoulders in a cascade of white gold. Bilbo racked his brain willing it to remember him but to no avail, he was finding it hard to believe that he was this creature's destined partner. How could he belong to someone so beautiful and ethereal as him? He's a simple hobbit from the shire not fit enough to be anyone's partner. Shaking his head, he made to stand again, slowly removing his arms from Thranduil. A wave of dizziness washed over him, Bilbo had just enough time to turn on his side and empty the contents of his stomach into a bucket of water nearby.

The sound of retching reached Thranduil and he was up in an instant kneeling down behind Bilbo, he started rubbing small circles on his back. – "ssh it's alright"- he said in a comforting voice. After Bilbo was done, Thranduil directed him back to bed and went to get him a glass of water. Bilbo took it in shaky hands drinking slowly, handing the glass back to the elf he leaned back resting his eyes, the dizziness slowly disappearing.

- "Sorry about that"- Bilbo whispered, his eyes still closed, - "your apologies are not needed, my love"- Thranduil said with a fond smile – "your body is still weak, its recovering from the trauma it was put through"-.

- "How long have I been asleep for?"- asked Bilbo, there was a nagging feeling at the back of his mind, something important that he ought to know but try as he might he could not remember.

– "Two weeks, with each passing day you continued to grow weaker, you need all the rest you can get"- Thranduil set himself in front of Bilbo, a bowl of porridge on his hands.

- "What happened to me? Why was I on a fever sleep? I don't even know where I am"- Bilbo was getting frustrated, he could not understand what was happening. All he had were faint memories, he was able to remember Lord Elrond, he had made quite an impression on Bilbo. Wise and kind even though he didn't approve of their quest. That's it, they were on a quest, just then an image entered Bilbo's mind, bringing his hands up to his head, he closed his eyes firmly.

- "Bilbo? What's wrong?"- leaving the bowl to the side Thranduil went to him. Bilbo was unaware of this, he could see the company, they were on a mountain. Stone giants fighting, a cave, talking to Bofur about not having a home, Gollum, a ring. All these memories, one by one attacked him. He could remember Thorin fighting against a white orc, his beastly mount throwing him against a rock. Bilbo standing between Thorin and his enemy. The last image before darkness took over was Thorin's limp body in the grips of a great eagle.

Thranduil could only watch as Bilbo was assaulted with pain, he tried whispering into Bilbo's ear minimizing the whimpers of pain escaping from the hobbit. He continued to hold Bilbo even after he fainted. It was strange, these feelings he had for the halfling, after only a few hours of knowing who he was or even knowing he existed he was overwhelmed with a rush of emotions for him. He had spent more time with him unconscious than awake and he knew that it would destroy him if he were to lose Bilbo. A tingling on his body made him aware of Bilbo awakening, looking down he saw him stirring resting his head on his chest he emitted a soft sigh of contentment sleep clear on his features, "Thorin". Thranduil froze, it was not the first time Bilbo had said the dwarf's name. Resting Bilbo back on the bed Thranduil stood up and made his way to the back of the tent. He had finished putting on his robes when one of his guards called out to him.

- "My King, the wizard requires an audience with you"- his guard informed him. Maybe the wizard could provide information about the relationship between his hobbit and the damned dwarf.

- "Let him in"- he moved to sit behind his desk, his jaw set. Gandalf walked in; his eyes immediately drawn to Bilbo.

- "My Lord"- he greeted inclining his head, Thranduil tilted his head in response. - "Lord Elrond informed me that he woke up from his fever sleep, how much does he remember?"-

- "I am unaware of the extension of his memories, he recovered some more just before fainting from the pain it caused him, he's been sleeping since"- his eyes lingered on Bilbo, his features so soft and delicate. – "Tell me Mithrandir, what was his relationship with Thorin Oakenshield?"- Thranduil's question caught Gandalf by surprise.

- "Their relationship was based on trust and a mutual respect for one another, why do you ask?"- Gandalf could see the tight lines on the Elvenking's face.

- "Bilbo's memories seem to be centered around Oakenshield; he calls out to him every time he's in need"- He turned to Gandalf – "I do not wish to hold him from his heart's desire"-

- "You would give him up to Thorin Oakenshield?"- Gandalf asked in disbelief

- "You are mistaken Mithrandir, I am not giving him up, but I do not wish to see him by my side and in despair, if he has pledged himself to another, I won't be the one to forbid it"- Thanduil's heart breaking at his words. For some reason he could not began to comprehend, this hobbit meant much more to him than anyone else ever could, he would rather suffer an eternity alone than see his little one longing for another.

- "You have bonded in soul, my lord. I can see it in you, and I can see it in Bilbo, the glow that comes with eternal life. A bond like that cannot happen by mistake, had Bilbo been pledged to another his heart would not have opened to yours."- the wizard gave Thranduil a deep look. – "Bilbo Baggins is a pure and gentle soul, strong and kind even in the darkest of times. He brings out the best in anyone that has the pleasure to meet him. I believe you both will find what you have been seeking in one another. Inform me when he wakes up, I would very much like to speak with him"- with a small bow towards the Elvenking, Gandalf left the tent. Thranduil remained seated staring at the sleeping form of his little one. Perhaps the wizard is be right, soul binding did not often occur by change, only two souls meant to be together could join as one.

With Bilbo getting better it was time to return to Mirkwood. The injured were getting better, ceremonies for the fallen had been held and his elves were waiting for the return of their king to give the fallen a proper farewell. If Oakenshield was interested in continuing with the peace treaty he would have to go to him this time. Making up his mind Thranduil got up and left to inform Cennan.

- "Make the preparations to leave, we are heading home"- He informed him, with a bow Cennan turned around and left to inform the rest of the guard. Thranduil made his way towards his council tent, he had told his son to use it for the injured if necessary although he was unsure if those instructors had been followed. Unknown to him two dwarves had been waiting for him to leave.

- "Fili!"- Kili whispered quietly shaking his brother's shoulder, - "Fili wake up!"- Kili said, shaking him a little harder.

- "Kili? What do you want?"- Fili asked looking around, the others were still sleeping soundly. - "I'm going to look for Mr. Boggings, are you coming with me?"- Fili was up in an instant putting on his boots.

- "Let's go"- slowly they made their way through the mountain, reaching the front door they stopped short, Dwalin was standing guard, sneaking past him they made their way to the rope that Bilbo had used to get away from their uncle during the war. They arrived at the field which was bursting with energy, women helping the elves deliver food and medical supplies to the injured. They spotted Gandalf walk into a tent, judging by the elf posted at the front they assumed it belong to the Elvenking.

- "What's you plan?"- Kili asked his brother, Fili turned to him with an incredulous look – "my plan? This was your idea, Balin said he asked Thranduil if he had seen our hobbit"-

- "If he has Bilbo, he is not going to tell us, they fear Thorin will take his revenge for stealing the Arkenstone"- Kili said – "we could wait until he leaves"-

- "What about the guard?"- Fili asked, his brother though for a moment – "we could create a diversion, we'll tell them that Thorin is looking for him to talk about the peace treaty, he will have to leave"- at that moment they saw Gandalf walk out, moments later Thranduil followed, he stopped to talk to his guard both leaving in opposite directions. Kili and Fili grinned at each other before sneaking into the tent. It was mostly empty except for a small table at the end and a cot in which a small sleeping figure lay.

- "Bilbo!"- they both shouted rushing over to him, Bilbo stirred laying on his back and looking up at the two grinning faces looking down at him. Before he could ask anything the two boys wrapped their arms around him.

- "That elf had you this whole time, we have been looking everywhere for you"- Fili nodded his agreement getting Kili away from Bilbo.

- "You have to know that Thorin is very sorry for his behavior, he didn't mean to hurt you, he was blinded by his greed for gold, all of us were"- Fili said looking down in shame.

- "How are you? Did that elf hurt you? If he dared lay a hand on you, I swear he will regret ever leaving his precious throne!"- Kili said in anger, they looked at him expectantly. Bilbo could only stare at them, confusion on his features.

- "Who are you?"- Bilbo asked tilting his head to the side. They were familiar, he knew them from somewhere he could feel it, he searched his brain for any information about them.

- "What?"- Fili asked, dread filling his stomach.

- "You know who we are Mr. Boggings"- Kili replied with a smile looking at his brother – "Fili and Kili"-. Something wasn't right, Mr. Boggings should know who they were, they had gone on a journey together, Bilbo was the reason they were alive right now!

- "Bilbo? What happened to you?"- Fili asked gently, he knew from Thorin that Bilbo had taken a bad hit to the head but to lose his memory? No one had informed them about it.

Bilbo hesitated a moment before sharing the news with the boys, something told him he could trust them. - "I was under something called fever sleep, I lost some of my memories in the process. Thranduil says that I will be getting them back with time."- he looked at them carefully taking in their features. The one on his right had long blond hair, tied on the back with braids falling down the sides. The other had long black hair, there was something they said that caught his attention the most. His name, they called him Mr. Boggings just like before an image filtered to his head this time it was painless. He was back home, in Bag End, the same two boys standing on his doorstep. – "Fili and Kili at your service"-. Bilbo telling them they came to the wrong house. Another image joined the first one, all three of them staring at the ponies where a few were missing.

- "I remember you"- Bilbo said laughing, one by one more images joined the first one, he remembered them! They had been by his side throughout the journey, teasing him about his stature and his impeccable manners. – "wh… what happened?"- he asked the young boys in front of him.

- "Well, a lot has happened, since-"- Kili was interrupted by his brother.

– "How much do you remember?"- Fili asked, if the hobbit had been under fever sleep his mind would be vulnerable to any new information it receives. Dwarves have been known to go insane trying to make sense of what was real and what was fake.

Bilbo scrunch up his face in concentration. – "I remember Thorin, and some members of the company"- he started off quietly, deep in thought, - "I remember the trolls, Lord Elrond aiding us with the translation of the map, the goblin's cave on the misty mountains. Azog, he…he was fighting with Thorin, I- I got in between them"- He stopped then, trying to remember anything else. – "There were also spiders, big spiders and they were talking, they wanted to eat us. I'm sure I'm still missing a lot; I can't even remember my partner"- he finished with a chuckle.

- "Your partner?"- Kili asked confused, Bilbo had never mentioned he had someone back home. – "Yes, Thranduil"-. That is something else Bilbo was able to remember about those two, how dense they could be sometimes.

- "That is outrageous!"- Kili shouted.

- "That scum! How dare he manipulate Bilbo like that!"- Fili and Kili shouted in Khuzdul, forgetting all about being quiet. – "Bilbo he is not your partner, whatever that damned elf has told must be a lie! We have to get you out of here, they have been feeding you lies"-Kili said standing up ready to pull Bilbo with him.

- "That can't be, I have his mark, see?"- Bilbo showed them his wrist, the pattern fully visible on it. The dwarves were at a lost on what to do, they didn't know much about eleven customs to know if that meant anything or if it was another trick to get Bilbo to belief he belonged with that elf.

- "How can you be sure that you didn't had that before Mr. Boggings? I highly doubt it means anything, when our uncle hears about this, he will be furious."- Fili said, he went to the corner where he could see the rest of Bilbo's clothes and handed them to him. – "get dressed, we must get you out before that elf sprite returns"- without another word Fili walked to the entrance picking his head out before exciting completely. Kili stayed behind helping Bilbo into his clothes, how dare that elf tell Bilbo he was his partner, the two had barely even met. It's not like Bilbo could know any better, half his memories were still missing, he is bound to believe anything.

- "Worry not Mr. Boggings will have you back in the mountain in no time and you shouldn't worry about Thorin. Like Fili explained he was simply blinded by greed, he would have never tried to throw you over the rampart if he had been of sound mind"- Kili kept talking oblivious to the effect those words had on Bilbo. Thorin had tried to throw him over a wall? Why? What could he have done to deserve that? Maybe it had something to do with Thranduil, from what little he could remember the dwarves weren't fond of elves. What would happen to him if they went back and they noticed his marking? He knew it hadn't been there before, he was a very respectable hobbit he would have never marked his body up in such a way. Then there was that time he got hurt by the spider and Thorin decided to leave him behind, did that happen in real life too? Bilbo's head was filled confusion, perhaps going with the two young dwarfs was not the best idea, Bilbo was ready to say as much when Kili spoke.

- "Wait here"- said Kili and then headed for the entrance, his brother was keeping watch for any guards. Bilbo was putting on his vest when he felt something on his left pocket, pulling it out he noticed it was a ring. The cave, it was the ring he had found on that cave when he stumbled on Gollum.

– "All clear, let's go"- Kili turned to Bilbo – "everything alright?"- the hobbit looked pale.

- "Yes, everything is fine, is it such a good idea to join the others? What if Thorin"- before he could finish the sentence, they heard a long whistle.

- "That's Fili the guard must be coming back, we don't have much time Mr. Boggings we must go"- and with that he grabbed Bilbo by the wrist and dragged him out of the tent. They joined Fili who was hiding behind a nearby cart, - "we have to be quick, follow me"- They started moving away from the tents using wagons and carts to hide their presence. Kili had not let go of Bilbo's wrist yet and he was staring to notice a small tingle through his arm. Suddenly Bilbo was pushed behind a broken battle machine.

- "Greetings Princes, to what do we own your presence?"- a familiar voice asked, although Bilbo wasn't sure anymore.

- "Master Bard, how nice to see you. We are simply looking for Bilbo, we have not seen him since Ravenhill"- Fili informed him.

- "Have you seen him?"- Kili asked his eyes narrowed at him.

- "I'm afraid I have not seen him myself since the battle. Perhaps he is with the injured, come I'll take you to them."- Bard offered with smile gesturing the way.

- "That won't be necessary, we can find it ourselves, thank you"- Kili quickly refused chancing a quick glance at the machine.

– "I don't doubt it, however you are going the wrong way, I insist"- Bard said again guiding them back the way they came from. Thinking quickly Bilbo did the first thing he could think of, pulling out the ring he slipped it on his finger. Everything around him turned black and white, a moment later the small group passed by Bilbo. The young brothers with similar expression of relief, while the man looked confused, as if expecting to see someone.

- "You are absolutely right, we were heading back towards the mountain, how dense of us"- Fili said, a little too loud – "if we had followed this path, we would have made it back"-

- "Oh yes, this path would have taken us straight to the mountain"- Kili said – "well guide the way"- the two dwarves started following Bard. Bilbo looked at the distance, he was able to make out a few broken statues, and what appeared to be an entrance on the mountain. He could go and wait for Kili and Fili to come back, but doubt filled his brain. What if he's not welcome, what would happen then? What if the princes were right and Thranduil was manipulating him? What if they were doing the same? They had said Thorin had tried to kill him after all. He couldn't take it anymore, it was too much, it appeared they made it to the mountain, but he had no memory of it. Unlike everyone else nothing around him seemed familiar. Without another though Bilbo ran, he ran as fast as he could getting away from everyone, away from the mountain, away from his tent. He eventually stopped near a lake; the ruins of a city could be seen in the distance. His lungs were demanding air, taking off the ring Bilbo collapsed to the ground, taking in deep breaths. Getting his heartbeat under control Bilbo went to the water, gathering water into his hands he started drinking slowly. He laid down looking at the morning sky, it was clear with a few puffy clouds, a memory slowly drifting in.

- "Good morning"- said Bilbo.

– "What do you mean? You mean to wish me a good morning or you mean it's a good morning whether I want it or not? Or perhaps you meant to say that you feel good on this particular morning? Or are you simply stating that this is a morning to be good on?"- Gandalf replied.

Bilbo chuckled; he had never thought of the meaning behind the greeting. It was only then as he was calming down that he noticed the tingling on his arm again. Bringing his arm to eye level he pulled back his sleeve and looked at his mark. It had a faint glow and other than the tingling getting stronger there was nothing unusual about it. Dropping his arm back down Bilbo decided to ignore it, he would enjoy this moment while he could, and then he would look for Gandalf and head back home to Bag End.