Author's Note: Hello. In celebration of my now owning the Extended Edition of the Desolation of Smaug (Plus the Weta Figurine that came with it. I love it! It's so cool!) I give chapter Fifty Two, Many Reunions. Of course, I could have timed this better and posted this chapter last weekend so I could have posted chapter Fifty-Three this weekend, which you all probably know is Bilbo and Thorin's reunion chapter. Sorry. Maybe if I manage to crack out a few more chapters today and tomorrow, I'll post chapter Fifty-Three tomorrow evening... maybe.

Anyway, please enjoy this chapter, its quite a relief to finally be posting it, but I'll go into more details about that at the end of this chapter.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Many Reunions

Bilbo felt a strong sense of completion as she sat with her family by the fire, her son curled up in her lap while her cousins spoke about all that had happened to them since they were separated all those weeks ago.

She snorted over her cousins recollections in regards to some of the events that had supposedly occurred since she had last seen them.

"And what about you, my heart? What mischief have you been up to?" She asked as she lightly played with her son's curls. She looked over her son's head to her cousins and father, all of whom looked more than a little sheepish.

"Um…"

They were all saved from answering by a series of knocks on her chamber's door.

"Saved by the knock." Bilbo snorted as Paladin hurried up to answer the door.

Her smile however faded and her heart gave an unsteady beat as Kili came bounding into the room followed in quick succession by Bofur, Bifur and Ori and just a little behind them stood the rest of her dwarves, standing in the door way of her chambers, all of whom looked more than a tad cautious and anxious as they peered around each other into her room and more directly at her.

Her heart seized for moment as she waited for him to appear before relaxing when he did not. She was surprised by just how disappointed she was by his lack of appearance. But she pushed her feelings in regards to him to a dark little corner of her mind (and heart) and instead tried to focus all her remaining emotions on the dwarves slowly milling into her chambers.

She swallowed nervously as she rose slowly to her feet, Frodo still clutched closely to her side.

"Hello." She greeted them all softly taking a small step towards them before she was, quite unexpectedly surrounded by a mass of arms.

"Can't breathe." She squeaked as she managed to squirm her way out of a particularly throttling embrace from Bifur who looked shockingly near to tears, the dear fellow. It took a little convincing to get him to lessen his death hug but once he was certain she wasn't about to do a runner, he was quite happy to relax his embrace.

The moment Bifur released her she was quickly swept up into another pair of strong arms and being lifted nearly clean off her feet. Her eyes felt a little moist as she hugged the dwarf back, whispering that she was alright over and over again in his ear, hoping that with enough reassurance the dear man would stop trembling.

"Ya sure ya alright lass?" Dear Bofur asked once he pulled away and looked down at her with his beautiful brown eyes, filled to the brim with such concern they completely lack all their usual spark. She gave him a small smile and without thinking twice about what was proper etiquette, knocked her forehead against his.

"I'm fine, truly." She smiled as reassuringly as she could muster before she looked shyly at the rest of the dwarves. She was glad Bofur had taken to standing just behind her, offering her quiet comfort and reassurance.

Kili moved forward next, arms open his eyes bright and face grinning. She let out a small squeal of surprise when he lifted her clean off her feet, her squeals quickly turning into giggles.

"Silly lad." She said affectionately, ruffling his dark braided locks fondly.

She hugged both Ori and Nori next before standing nervously with her five dwarves who had known she was alive and well, staring back at the dwarves who had thought her to be dead; who had might even been glad to think she was dead after her betrayal.

So truly, in all honesty, nothing could be said in regards to her surprise when she was hugged by each one of her dwarves, some longer than others; Gloin embraced her for almost five minutes without speaking a word before saying in very low, gruff voice that he was very glad that she was alive and well. She had of course become quite flustered by all the unexpected affection she was receiving by this point that she could barely squeak 'me too' before she was being swept into Dori's arms, with the dwarf immediately beginning to fuss and mother-hen over her.

Somewhere behind her she could swear she could hear her cousins giggling at her expense. She was certain that they were most definitely giggling at her expense when she was all but tackled by Bombur, who hugged her so fiercely that he had to be pried off so that she could have a chance to breath. He had apologize profoundly afterwards to which she waved him off, laughing breathlessly, clutching her sides.

Her nerves, however, returned with force when she came face to face with Fili, Dwalin and Balin once more. However, like with the others, she needed have worried herself so.

Balin embraced her with a wide, fatherly smile, speaking in a low voice that he was so very, very pleased that she was well and whole, safely back with them. He also whispered in her ear so that the others would not hear to not worry herself, everything was being worked out. He ended their embrace before she could question him on what he meant by that, simply giving her one of his knowing winks (which she swore he had learnt from Gandalf!) before he stepped away to greet her son and question him about a book that he had been given to read. She was pleased by just how eagerly Frodo answered him.

Dwalin stepped forward then, distracting her from listening further to her son's and Balin's conversation, taking his brother's place in front of her. He did not speak a word, nor did he embrace her and for a long moment she was frighten. She was just working herself into a right fit when he took another step towards her and knocked his forehead against her own, which in the end meant more to her than any word or embrace from him ever could.

She swallowed unsteadily, still not quite over the almost fit Dwalin had caused her, as she stared at the last remaining dwarf in the room whom had not yet stepped forward to greet and forgive her and in all honesty his forgiveness was almost as high up on her priorities list as Balin and Dwalin. Though not quite as high as a certain dwarf king.

She stared uncertainly at Thorin's golden heir, who appeared to be in a state of being torn between a rock and a hard place. The poor lad, she had no wish to cause the him so much distress. Not this lad, who was so loyal, so brave, ever trying to be the peace-maker between his younger brother and his kingly uncle; who only ever wanted to keep his little brother safe and happy while at the same time always seeking the approval of his uncle.

She had heard from Bofur that the Battle of the Five Armies had not left Thorin's golden heir as relatively unscathed as Kili, who had escaped the battle many broken bones and a few scars. How anyone could think that having nearly every bone in one's body broken as being relatively unscathed was beyond Bilbo and only filled her with terror at thought of how badly hurt this golden lad had been. Especially when Bofur refused to go into any more details about the lad's injuries. And maybe that was for the best for looking at the lad now, even after eleven years of peace and healing, Bilbo could clearly see the ugly scars that decorated one side of the lad's face and down his next from where he had been hit in the face with an orc's mace in his desperate fight to get to his uncle's and brother's side.

And from what little Bofur had told her of the lad's injuries, the scars on his face were nowhere near the end of his injuries, that many deep and disfiguring wounds lay hidden beneath his clothes. She knew it was truly ridiculous of her to be far more heartbroken over the scars she saw on this young dwarf's face than she was over the scars she saw inflicted on her other dwarves. But there was just something truly heartbreaking about seeing a young face, still bearing the hints of tweenhood being scarred almost beyond recognize. This lad, his little brother and dear, sweet Ori were still just boys and boys had no place on battlefields. And so every time she looked at them, her heart broke a little more, for the loose of innocence's, for the loose of joyful, carefree youth.

How could he not hate her?

She swallowed again thickly as the golden haired lad walked slowly over to her his head held high and looking every bit of the King's heir that he was. Despite herself she felt a proud little smile pulling at her lips as she stared up at him… he would be a great king one day. Thorin must be so, so proud.

"Hello Fili." She spoke softly as she stared up into the golden prince's face, his dark haired little brother hovering anxiously by her side, offering her silent comfort while he stared at his older brother, silently demanding for his brother to accept her back into their family folds. Side by side, they watched as Fili swallowed nervously.

"Hello Miss Boggins." He finally said, a small smile cracking across his face. Bilbo let out a tiny gush of air, relief filling her body. She never would admit it out loud but for a moment her heart had stopped beating completely at the very thought that the golden haired prince might just not be able to forgive her for her past betrayal. Now, all she do was smile widely as she wrapped her arms around the prince's neck and hug him close, feeling only delight when he hugged her back just as closely.

"That's Mistress Boggins to you two." She retorted once she done hugging both boys, laughing when they gave her almost identical grins, grins she had not seen in far too long.

So maybe not all innocence was lost on that horrid day? Maybe the boys had not lost all their cheer and mischief that they had been so well known for during their quest. Maybe there was still hope for them all.

"Well, I think this just about calls for a party." Nori said from where he was leaning easily by the armchair that stood by her fireplace, one hand ruffling Frodo's thick black curls.

Bilbo rolled her eyes at the thief to which he simply grinned even more widely in return. Of course he would remember their conversation from their travels to the mountain. And of course he would refuse to allow her to wiggle her way out of it.

She shook her head at the cheers that both her dwarves and hobbits let out. Her father laughed softly from his chair by the fire while Lotho looked seemly exasperated, but she ignored him. He was so easy to ignore when her room was filled with cheering dwarves (who did not hate her it would seem, a great weight off one's mind truly) and hobbits, her son bouncing now excitedly by her side.

"Yes, yes fine." She called over the noise, giggling over the excitement that both the dwarves and hobbits were exhibiting.

She quickly found herself to be quite delighted by how easily her dwarves got on with her family. Yes, Lotho was still he's usual surly, unapproachable self but her dwarves treated him in the same teasing manner as she and her cousins treated him. Paladin and Saradoc appeared to get on well with all her dwarves. She had suspected that they would become quick friends with Kili, Fili, Ori, Nori, Bofur, Bifur and Bombur but they seemed to have even created a unique friendships with particular dwarves such as Dwalin, Dori and Gloin which she had not expected at all.

And Frodo. Frodo appeared to be adored and treasured by all. Any dwarf he desired the attention of would immediately halt his conversation or whatever he was doing to see to the little boy's need.

She sat curled up by her father's chair, nibbling on the food that Kili, Ori, Nori and Bofur had brought up to her chambers. It was quite a grand feast and even though she still found herself cringing over her dwarves eating habits, she couldn't find it in her heart to scold them for teaching her son bad habits. All she could do was laugh and smile, her heart feeling lighter than it had done so in well, an age. Except… he wasn't here.

She hadn't realised just how much his absences would hurt her when she met with her other dwarves. Did this mean, by his absences, that he had not forgiven her? But if that were the case, then he would never have allowed for her dwarves to see her, for them to throw her a party of sorts.

"He did not wish to overwhelm you." Dwalin said unexpectedly from where he now stood by her side. She jumped a little; she had not seen or heard him come to stand by her.

"Pardon?"

"Thorin. He did not wish to overwhelm you. He thought that his presence might be a tad too much for you to take, so for now he's keeping his distance. Unless you wish to see him, then he will come."

Well that was… unexpected of him.

"That was…" Bilbo floundered for the appropriate word, "generous of him… after everything."

The big dwarf snorted before taking a long drink from his pint

"Nah… he's just being a coward, that's all." Bilbo gawked at him in disbelief. Thorin might have been many things but a coward, was most definitely not one of them.

"Don't believe me, huh lass?" Dwalin chuckled while she shook her head, causing her braids to swish around her head.

"Well," he continued with another chuckle, "it' the truth. In all his years, you are the only creature to ever make a coward out of him. Think on that lassie." He added seriously before he gently knocked his knuckles against the top of her head.

Think on that, she would indeed.

The party went on well into the night… or was it morning? Bilbo had no idea of how to keep track of time in the mountain. She would have to ask for a clock to be brought to her chambers and then… well, she had a fifty-fifty chance of guessing on whether it was day or night.

The party most likely would have continued well onto the morning or late evening if not for Frodo, overcome with tiredness, slumped over the small coffee table, knocked several cups and empty dishes to the floor. When the lad didn't stir from the noise the decision was quickly made to call the party to a close and begin the sad task of cleaning up.

Bilbo tucked her son into her bed, smiling as he immediately snuggled down under the covers, his thumb working its way close to the corner of his mouth but not quite entering, coming to rest upon his lower lip.

"He's a good lad." Dwalin compliment her in an off-hand, gruff manner.

"Uh huh." Bilbo raised her eyebrows and set her hands on her hips, "and do you think that because he's a polite, respectful little boy who always does what he's told or because he's gotten into a fight with someone?" she gestured to the bruises on her son's face and his broken nose.

Dwalin shot her an amused grin which caused her to simply roll her eyes at the obvious answer.

"Can I ask why and how he got into a fight with someone here?" She grouched out.

"He was playing with my sons." Bombur started sheepishly, "and they ran into a group of other dwarflings." The large dwarf gave a heavy shrug of his thick-set shoulders.

Bilbo sighed heavily.

"If it makes ya feel any better," Dwalin sniggered, "ya lad won."

Bilbo clapped her hands over her face, groaning.

"Of course he did."

Her dwarves and family chuckled over her reaction before returning to the task of cleaning up. Far too soon it was time to say goodbye though each dwarf gave her the promise of seeing her soon, some sooner than others, Oin rumbled something about giving her a full check-up the following day as no one saw fit to inform him of her awakening until earlier that day. Her family gave her warm hugs, promising that they were just down the corridor if she needed them.

And then suddenly she was alone, her son sleeping soundly in her bed.

She wrapped her arms around herself, in attempt to keep the warmth of her dwarves forgiveness and acceptance within her heart but already she could feel the warmth start to slip away and the darkness once more starting to set root.

What if it had all been just an act? What if they hadn't truly forgiven her and were only pretending to have for the sake of the child sleeping in her bed. The child whom they must all know by now to be the child of their king!

Her arms tighten around her body as she fought back against the darkness that spoke with a voice so like Smaug that it made her shudder and sent a wave of nausea threw her.

Stop this, she ordered forcing herself to calm down. You know better than this. You know that if it were all just an act Bofur, Kili, Ori, Bifur and even Nori would not allow for any of them to be near you. If it were all but an act you would not feel such warmth in your heart, such love. Be still now darkness, you have no place here.

And for the moment the darkness seemed to leave her, to halt in its attack against the warmth within her, now settling comfortably around her heart and filling her up right down to her toes.

She knew that the darkness would return… it always did but with some luck she would have enough of the warmth within her to combat it. And maybe, someday, she would be able to defeat it.

She rubbed her chest as she moved over to the chest of drawers, pulling out a nightgown for her to sleep in. Her dress was not an easy thing to get out of but after so many years of putting on and taking off frocks with many buttons and layers all by herself, it took her only a few moments more than normal to be free of the lovely green gown, which she hung up once more in the closet, surprised by just how many lovely gowns hung within.

Her fingers lightly danced over a beautiful rich sapphire blue gown, so exquisite in beauty that she was certain that it could never be considered as anything other than a gown for the most special of occasions.

Surely it was not here for her. Or any of these gowns in fact, all of which were far too grand for one such as her. But still… she couldn't help but give the blue gown a wistful look before closing the closet once more.

She pulled her hair free of the braids that Dis had so paid-stacking put in before running her fingers through the wavy locks. She braid her curls into a simple plaint down her back, enjoying the reassuring weight of it against her spine before she crawled up into bed beside her son, smiling softly as he immediately rolled over and curled into her side.

She wrapped an arm around him, kissing his forehead gently.

"Sleep well my heart." She whispered before she allowed sleep to take her.

Author's Note: So finally this chapter is done and dusted. I actually started writing this chapter pretty much around this time last year... or maybe around late December. But whatever, it has been one of those chapters that has been sitting around for yonks, being pushed back, rewritten, pushed back some more, more rewrites. If I was a better author, I would have completely scrape this chapter and rewritten the whole thing instead of keeping the basic structure of the original chapter and then on and off stuffing in bits here and there whenever I felt like it. So I think this chapter, you can probably see a wide range of different writing styles. I tried to iron at the most obvious differences but even so, as I re-read and re-read this chapter, I was still going 'there's a bit from the end of last, there's a part from the beginning of the year, and there's the bit I wrote in New Zealand... and oh, and there's Fili'
The whole chunk of this chapter with Fili is a new edition as I've kinda been having a bit Fili splurge of late. Actually, from what I've been reading around a lot of people have been having Fili splurges of late due to the very lack of any kind of Fili reference in the new Battle of Five Armies Trailers. Which kinda made me realize how little of Fili I've had in this story. It's weird because I've got this monster playing in my head, I think I've got lots of little Fili moments but re-reading this I've come to realize how very little of him I have. Which is terrible because I love our dear loyal, golden lion. So I need to stop thinking of scenes with him in them and start, you know, writing them.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, sorry if it did seem a bit disjointed in parts. I did try my best to get them out.
Next up is Thorin and Bilbo's reunion but don't think its going to be smooth sailing. I mean, they're going to try but this is Thorin and Bilbo and they have issues... lots of them.
Speaking of which, I hope I'm doing Bilbo's PTSD justice. Obviously I have never experienced PTSD, and my heart goes out to everyone who does suffer from it. I have been reading about it and I've tried to take the advice that some truly wonderful reviewers have given me to help write Bilbo PTSD as realistic as possible.
If I have offended anyone with my interpretation of PTSD, please know that was never my intent and I am truly sorry if I have caused you any hurt. If you have any suggestions as to how I can make Bilbo PTSD more believable please let me know. As I said, I've been given so wonderful advise by reviewers on the matter, but you know the saying, more knowledge is power.

Thanks for reading