Ok chapter 2 done and uploaded. Have to say this is longer than I thought it would be. At the moment I am sort of making this up as I go. I hope it's ok.
Side note I have messed with the timeline a bit. In this the Company arrives in Laketown about 2 weeks before they do in the film. Also Kili isn't injured in this story. I just didn't want him to be sidelined.
"Come on Bilbo that hospitality wasn't that bad. Besides look how much attention you got from our hosts last night"
Kili snickered as he walked alongside his brother. Who was also sharing in his siblings amusement .
" Easy for you to say. If I wasn't being having my ears pulled or stroked. I was having my feet tickled. That is not my idea of a relaxing evening. Us Hobbits morally don't like our feet bring pretty much violated by wondering hand." Bilbo snapped back at the young duo who were trailing behind him.
" Well that generally happens when folks have never seen a small being before. Ladies of Man especially have that tendency and deep curiosity with creatures they are seeing for the first time. Beside they were really nice and accommodating to us."
It was then Fili's time to interject.
" Remember though Bilbo probably before beginning this journey never experienced places like that. His community was in it's own little bubble world, with no outside influences. Very simple and sheltered folk"
" If you have come to the conclusion that I cannot work out that place was a brothel. Then you are seriously mistaken. But before you jump to conclusions on how I do know that. First of all I know for a fact Bree has a few of them. And I am old enough and not so sheltered that I don't know a number of questionable things that go on in the world"
There was a pause before Kili responded.
" But you didn't deny just then that you didn't personally visit one before last night. Literally admitting you know of their existence and being of legal adult age. Looks like our Hobbit does have more of a rebellious and shady side"
At this point both brother bust into more fits of laughter. Earning an angry look from Bilbo, who looked ready to give the princes a matching pair of black eyes.
"ENOUGH! I have heard more than I want to listen to about the Halfling's sex life. If he chooses to secretly visit brothels and not want to declare it. Than the choice is with him.
At that moment everyone turned towards the booming voice of Thorin. Who was leading the group of four through the streets of Laketown. "End of conversation" he injected before walking on.
"No No hang on a second I never said any of that. I am a well respected Hobbit and have never visited a brothel back in the Shire. Not one in my"
"END OF CONVERSATION BILBO!
Bilbo shut him mouth instantly and just slouched as he watched Thorin walk on. Just then Kili came around to his right side while Fili his left. They instantaneously put their arms over his shoulders.
"Don't worry Bilbo your little secret is safe with us" Fili smiled at the Hobbit who gave the prince a bewildered look.
Kili gave a slight slap on Bilbo's shoulder before they began to walk on again to catch up to Thorin.
A few minutes later the group had reached their destination, the bustling street of Laketown's market place. It was extremely crowded with residents going about their daily routine. Not paying much mind to their surroundings. Making it a little challenging for the Dwarfs and Hobbit to avoid being walked into. Once the group had found a small more open area Thorin stopped and turned to the trio.
"Right our goal is to restock on supplies to get us to the Lonely Mountain. The Master informed me we can purchase as much as we need and he would fit the bill. Stay together because I don't want to loose one of you in these crowds, and boys. I'm leaving you in charge of our Burglar, I don't want anyone stepping on him."
With that they descended back into the crowds. Fili and Kili keeping a tight hold on their Hobbit.
It took a while and a lot of manoeuvring to avoid being crushed. Much shouting from Thorin for the princes to stop wasting time looking at useless knickknacks and trinkets. And to keep a hold of Bilbo who on numerous occasions was met with a few legs belonging to oblivious residents. And having his feet stepped on countless times. Eventually the group had gathered everything they needed for the next part of their journey and emerged to a more quieter section of street.
" I think I should of just stayed with the others" Bilbo fixed his muffled up blue fleece. His curly hair wild and more jostled than usual.
" Yeah could of spent longer with the new friends you made"
The Hobbit turned and glared at the Blonde prince " If you say one more word so help me I will"
"GOOD AFTERNOON MY FRIENDS. I hope all is well and you are enjoying your stay in our cosy town. May I interest you in sampling one of my family renowned sweet teas. Very popular and well recognized as a speciality in these parts"
The group turned to face the market stall holder who shouted to get their attention. The man was at this point pouring the liquid into four mugs and placing them onto the table in front of him.
" Ummm that is very kind of you Sir" Kili responded
" But we only have permission to get what we need on our journey ahead. We don't have the funds to pay you for your drink" Thorin continued.
" Nonsense payment is not an issue. It is the least I can do for our guests who are going to bring back wealth and prosperity to the town. Come and try some I have added a touch of cinnamon to the brew. It will be like nothing you ever tasted before"
With that the group went over and took a cup each.
" Many thanks kind Sir" Bilbo smiled up at the Market stall holder before beginning to drink the mugs contents.
"You are more than welcome little fellow" the man smiled back.
A few seconds later the group had finished their teas and placed the now empty mugs back on the wooden table.
"My my you gents were thirsty"
" Let's just say that it's been a long old trip with not much sweet or luxury items to indulge on" Kili responded.
"FIRE!" a shout was heard coming from the crowd before a panicked brown haired man came through and stood in front of the Dwarfs and Hobbit panting. Everyone's focus was now on the man who was bent forward with his hands on his knees.
"Fire? " Bilbo looked puzzled and also worryingly at the distressed man.
"Yes the Hutchison residence at the edge of town. Their house is on fire and I am not sure if the family managed to vacate before the smoke and flames took hold. We must help them" At that moment the man motioned to the group before running in the direction of the fire engulfed building.
Without a word Bilbo took off after the man. Hearing protests from his company behind him followed by heavy pounding as the Dwarfs also began to run.
A few minutes later they all reached the inferno. Watching as residents desperately tried to put out the blaze with buckets of water.
The Hobbit looked around at the sheer chaos before him when he spotted an hysterical woman screaming at numerous bystanders.
" MY BABY, MY BABY BOY IS STILL IN THERE. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!"
The shocked Hobbit turned to face his companions who also wore an unsettled look.
" We have to help"
Thorin who was until this point still looking at the burning building then looked down at Bilbo. "No"
"But uncle a child is in dire peril, if we have the means to help. We are smaller in statue are closer to the ground were the air may still be more breathable. We may have the best chances of getting that child out to safety" The Blonde haired Dwarf spoke up.
" I cannot risk the lives of any of my Company. Especially my own kin. We can help dowse the flames but none of you are going into that building"
At that precise moment Thorin stumbled a bit to the left before he recovered himself. His nephews reached forward with their hands to catch him.
"Are you ok uncle?" Kili inquired
"Yes I'm fine"
Bilbo at this moment was springing backwards and forwards on his feet. Growing more and more anxious by the second " I cannot just stand here while that poor innocent child is in danger"
" As before Master Baggins I cannot place any member of my Company lives a risk, especially not for strangers. Your safety is my number one priority while on this quest"
Bilbo turned angrily at the Dwarf leader " I am not asking permission Thorin I cannot just stand here and watch this happen. I'm sorry"
Without warning the Hobbit darted towards the raging inferno. Throwing his own self preservation into the wind. Screams from the trio could be heard behind him but were mostly drowned out by the roar of the flames.
Bilbo dashed around the side of building towards the waters edge. Deeming the safest point of access will probably the lower deck. The flames had not reached that area of the shack just yet. So wiithout hesitation the Hobbit dove into the freezing water and began the short swim.
Meanwhile it didn't take the Dwarfs long to come to their senses and begin their pursuit of their Burglar. Only to have their path blocked by multiple resistance who had began to pour into the street. Wanting to catch a glimpse on what was going on.
" HALFLING GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE NOW!"
" BILBO YOU CAN'T GO IN THERE ON YOUR OWN"
" BIBLO WAIT FOR US"
The trio pushed and barged their way through the crowd, stopping when they all realised that they had lost sight of the Hobbit.
"Uncle we must go in there not just to save that idiot but he is also right. We can't just stand back and let that child perish" Fili heavily breathed out " Not when we have the power to help" Noticing that it was becoming increasingly more difficult to focus.
Kili who was also beginning to feel an off sensation nodded his head in agreement " Fili's right I can't just let that child burn" Sweat now began to pour from the Dwarfs head who wiped it away with his sleeve.
" Our priorities is our own self preservation. But if we do come across the child while we fetch Bilbo. Then that is a different case, let's go" Thorin motioned for his nephews to follow. But they didn't make it far.
After taking a few step all three Dwarfs began to stagger and fall into their knees. Looking around and grappling at the ground beneath them. Their sight began to become unfocused. They all shook their heads to try and get rid of the black spots that were dancing around their vision. Seconds later the battle to stay awake was lost and the trio all fell to the ground unconscious.
Bilbo had managed to hoist himself up from the cold, unforgiving water. His now soaked clothes were already beginning to dry from the heat of the approaching flames above. 'Please make it I'm not to late'
The Hobbit then began his accent up the steps to the main house. When out of no where a large pair of hands grabbed him around the waist. Out of instinct Bilbo yelped in surprise and began to kick against the unknown individual behind him.
"Hey what do you think you are doing, there is a kid in there who needs rescuing"
The man ignored his protests and yanked Bilbo from the wooden ladder. Causing him to fall backwards into the figures awaiting arms. Thick arms held the Hobbits arms tightly to his side.
Bilbo thrashed and kicked out as hard as he could to try dislodge the man's grip on him. But this only results in the strange gripping him even tighter to his chest. The extra weight was beginning to constrict Bilbo's diaphragm causing the Hobbit to begin gasping for air. But he didn't let up his struggling, unaware a second figure had now arrived.
The Hobbit thrashed still trying in vain to throw off his attacker "LET ME GO YOU PRICK, I'M AM TRYING TO" But was cut of by a cloth being placed over his nose and mouth. At that moment Bilbo had now noticed the newest arrival on scene. His eyes went wide with horror when it dawned on the Hobbit what was happening to him. He could smell of the sweet sent begin to pour up his nose despite trying his hardest now to breathe it in. Muffled cries escaped Bilbo's covered mouth as he again tried one last ditched effort to get free. Or at least draw some attention to him. 'Where are those damn Dwarfs?
His lungs began to burn and cry out for oxygen. His thrashing was growing weaker as the Hobbit could feel his limbs growing more and more heavy. The natural instinct to breathe finally kicked in and Bilbo sucked in a lungful of the substance, followed by another, then another...
Both men could see the Hobbit beginning to be overcome by it. Until finally the kicking ceased, eyes closed with his head falling to one side, unresponsive.
The man holding the cloth quickly let go of Bilbo face and rushed over to a small boat. He then proceeded to hoist out a brown sack and place it on the decking.
"Quick strip it down" The man whispered loudly to his companion. He then opened up the bag and pulled out a pigs carcass.
Without word the other assailant complied and before long the small Hobbit was changed out of his clothes. Having them replaced with a plain white night top, his ankles and hands bound tightly behind is back. Then immediately stuffed into the sack and placed back into the boat.
The pig carcass was dressed into Bilbo's own clothes. Before one of the men took it up the ladder and thrown into the room the trapdoor led into. He then came back down and joined his partner on the awaiting boat. But not before striking up a match and tossing it into a nearby hay pile underneath the house.
As the flames grew even higher now consuming the lower section of the building. A boat sailed away unnoticed.
Next up chapter three hopefully in a few days. Like I said I have ideas but I am just going with the flow. Even in this chapter I had no clue how Bilbo was gonna get snatched XD