AN: I don't own any of these characters. I am merely borrowing them from Tolkien.

Advent Day 20

Dwarves.

Dear Burglar,

It was a bit strange having a festival without you. I feel you have become more of a true Khazad than some of our own people. We even missed the greenery you insist on decking our kingdom with. Although I do have to say, Ori did do a spectacular job at attempting it in your absence. Fili and Kili are pouting that we didn't have a giant tree to put the ornaments on this year, I think they made do quite well and instead we had those rather special glass balls of light dotted about the entirety of the halls.

Gloin wishes you had been here as the forges made several sets of bells, which instead of being heard have been packed away for the next festival. I do wonder where he got the idea for bells from. Although now Nori is smirking and seems to be walking around with a tiny set in his hair, did you teach him tricks on silence even with the bells? He nearly gave poor Dis a heart attack.

Dwalin has actually taken some of the younger soldiers out to have a snow ball fight. I know! I was shocked as well. His excuse was it was good tactical training. I do not believe it for one second. He has been grinning like a kit for the last week.

Thorin has actually being spending time with the Company. We did become an extended family. How did you see it before all of us? There were some raised eyebrows at the antics under the mistletoe, but the younger, and less stuffy dwarrow seem to have accepted it now with full cheer. I think it will be missed when Ori removes it. Dori is not impressed. I have orders to tell you to return immediately as he misses his afternoon tea and we are all heathens. I have also to tell you, that just because you took an extended vacation, he will be drinking the spiced blend he made for Yule without you and you will never get to taste it.

Bofur and Bifur are sending along a package of carved goods for the kits they seem to think you surround yourself with. How did you get roped into making snow forts? They also say to send their thanks to your grandfather as the honeyed ale was especially touching. Is there a story there? Bombur hasn't let the book you sent him our of his sight. The sauce he made to go with the venison was delicious. He is being sneaky and won't tell us what was in it. Unless…Did you also send some of your alcohol preserved fruits with the last caravan?

Oin is in his element. I don't know what you told him before you left, but whatever new concoction he made from that information, seems to have stopped the seasonal illnesses in their tracks. I did not realise medicine was supposed to be taken without a fight from all, including the kits.

As for myself I have been a bit selfish with the pipe weed you sent over. I think Thorin is getting suspicious though. He's hovering these days. The book on hobbit folklore was particularly enjoyable. I hope you won't be too upset with young Ori for reading passages from it when we've gathered on an evening.

It has been an enjoyable Yule this year. I can't remember one that has ever felt quite as welcoming. Bard and the young ones send their greetings and Bain would like to know if you will ever share your recipe for those peppermint sticks you passed around last year. Bard seems taken with the chocolate desert Bombur made following your book. There was mutterings of holding it hostage.

King Thranduil, Prince Legolas and the delightful guard Tauriel, even managed to make it for the Yule feast. Tauriel looks even more terrifying when she is dressed in finery. I think she and Dis were discussing pockets in dresses and even drew Nori into the conversation at one point. You would be proud of Thorin, he didn't argue with Thranduil once.

Now I have taken up far too much of your time my dear hobbit. I do hope this missive finds you well and that you make due haste back to us when the season changes. The boys miss you dearly and even Dis has bemoaned the lack of sensible company at times. Don't spend too long playing in the snow, you left your new socks here.

May your hearth ever be warm dear Bilbo.

Kind regards,
Balin.

AN: What do you think then? I love to hear your thoughts.