WOW this turned out longer than I planned. I was only going to write a short chapter. But it turned into something a bit longer. I hope it is ok. Enjoy :D
"Bloody stupid, filthy rat." Alfred grumbled to himself as he made his way down narrow back corridors, not caring when the Hobbit he carried every so often smacked against objects and walls. The path the assistant was told to take was not built for two people to walk down instantaneously. Even if one of them was limp and half the size as the other, it was still a tight squeeze.
Finally he made it out and into the much wider corridor right next to Hildegard's room. The black haired man knocked before turning the doorknob and letting himself in. " Hello...I have returned young Miss with your Halfling." Looking around he spotted the girl by one of her many racks of clothing. Fumbling through the many garments before turning to Alfred. He could see since he last saw her she had changed her outfit and was now wearing a light pea green nightgown. Complete with blue flowered embroidery that ran up the side of the skirt.
" Oh Hello Alfred my that was quick. I had a feeling I wouldn't again see him again until morning. Did Da teach him a lesson?"
" He sure did young Miss. I don't think you will be having as many problems as you did before. He gestured down to the small unmoving figure still tucked under his arm. "Though I have been instructed to stay here until your father comes to retrieve me "
Walking over Hildegard gestured for her father's assistant to hand over the Hobbit. " May I inquire into what he did that will guarantee that?" She questioned as she took him into her own arms, then making her way over to the pile of blankets and set him down.
" Oh course your father took a mallet to one of his feet and broke it. He is going to have quite a hard time walking for a while. So no need to worry about him running off because he won't get very far."
Hildegard listened but didn't take her eyes away from the Hobbit she was now kneeling in front of. She caught sight of broken foot and ran a finger across it. Feeling the bone that stuck up at an unnatural angle. His already big foot was now twice the size as the other with the heat from the inflammation radiating through the skin.
" What's done is done. Da knows best and with what he did in hurting me earlier. He needed to be punished. I just wish he would stop fighting me and comply." The large girl huffed out as she then moved onto the area around Bilbo's head and neck. Looking down in disgust at what she saw.
"Though I must say he is in desperate need of a bath and a change of clothes. He is absolutely filthy...Go fetch me some cleaning supplies while I get him into the tub."
Alfred's face dropped after hearing the instruction he just received. " Ummm I am not sure that is a good idea. To clean him properly you will have to remove the ropes."
By now the large girl had again lifted the limp Hobbit into her arms and turned to face him. " There shouldn't be much of a problem while he is out cold. Anyway didn't you say that Father told you to stay here until he needs you again. So you can most certainly help me." She grinned at the black haired man and walked past him towards her own personal washroom.
He watch as the girl disappeared into the other room. Scowling he dropped his shoulders in defeat and went about collecting the items needed. By the time the assistant arrived back and entered the washroom he clocked that Hildegard had now laid the unconscious Hobbit down onto the ground. Right next to a large chrome tub. The ropes around his neck and feet had been removed and she was now working on the knot around his torso. This earned an uneasy look from Alfred but he chose not to say anything.
"Almost done with this one. Once I have it off I am going to remove this top and then bound his hands back up. The girl explain not looking up as she finished prying the rope from around Bilbo's body. Suddenly a small moan escaped the small creature causing her to retract her hands.
Without a second thought Alfred quickly dropped to his knees beside Hildegard. Letting go of the items in his hands, he reached down and pulled the Hobbit's arms out in front of him" Quickly tie it's hands back up now before he completely wakes up."
She obliged immediately and grabbed hold of one of the lengths off rope. Tightly wrapping it round to secure the smaller figures wrists as he begins to slowly stir.
All he could feel is pain. Numerous different types of pain ranging from dull aches to full blown stabbing into his very being. There was no area that was exempt from the viscous sensations that coursed through his battered nerves. Through his unopened eyes he could already see bright lights flashing across his vision.
When he eventually shifted he was met with a swift assault of pain in all different areas of his body. He was so tired and desperately wishing for the warm embrace of unconsciousness to consume him once more. Slowly he began to open his eyes trying to focus on what was above him. Only seeing blurred out shapes at first until his vision adjusted and brain unscrambled itself. That's when he gaze fell upon two of the last people he wanted to see.
The Hobbits stomach dropped as he took in the faces of the people above him. A large knot formed in his chest when reality came crashing down. He was still being held captive in the Masters house. Thorin didn't hear and more importantly rescue him. Swallowing a few times Bilbo tried to regain some saliva to recoat and sooth his abused throat. He made a few dry strangled noises before he was finally able to form his words.
" Looks like I am still in Hell." His voice came out in a very quiet rasps but still loud enough for both humans to hear.
" Don't be so rude Keonie if you behaved you wouldn't be suffering like you are right now." Hildegard interjected as she stared down unapologetically at him.
Bilbo decided to hold back his tongue and not aggravate the girl with another comeback. It would only end in him suffering for it plus he was to tired and in pain to fight. Instead he turned his head to the side and noticed the large metal object beside him. " What is that?" he inquired.
" It's a bath tub. Me and Alfred are going to bathe you to remove the blood and grime that your coved in. I don't want you to start smelling fowl."
The Hobbit turned his head back towards the duo. His eyebrows furrowed as it sank in. "Bathe me?... but I don't feel comfortable with that. It would mean removing my clothing and I am sorry that is very inappropriate especially one in the room being a child."
" Oh don't be such a baby I am old enough to know the difference between boys and girls. And you only got what many of my previous pets had."
Thinking fast Bilbo needed to come up with a resolution. Something to keep this brat happy but also keep his own modesty. "Look if you can give me a pair of pants to wear I promise you I will obey and behave myself. I will let you wash, dry even brush my hair if you want too. I am just asking for this one thing, please." The Hobbit realised for a while now that his own underwear was taken off when he was stripped. It didn't take a genius to notice the usual support was now gone and in upfront terms it being rather chilly down below.
The girl thought about this for a second before coming back with her answer. " Alright fine as you asked so nicely but you will have to sit in wet underwear for the remainder of the night you understand?"
A wave of relief washed over the Hobbit as he let his shoulders relax. It was bad enough having his captives wash him. But at least he won't be completely naked and have his assets out on display. " Deal and thankyou, I truly do appreciate it."
The girl smiled then reached down to stroke his messy curled hair. The touch made the Hobbit shiver but he went along with it telling himself to just stay still and allow her to pet him. He didn't want to flinch and give this brat another reason to hit him. Especially when she agreed to follow his request.
" You are more than welcome Keonie...see if you just do as you are told. You will be treated more nicely." She gave Bilbo one last pat on the head before turning to Alfred.
" Watch him while I go and find a suitable pair of pants and a clean top. I won't be long."
The black haired man watched as the girl got to her feet and walked out the washroom leaving him with this miserable creature. He turned back to Bilbo with a scowl. " I have a good mind to fill up this tub right now and put you down face first into it." He threatened.
" Why what have I supposedly done this time accept be tortured and then get strangled by you?" The Hobbit spat back. He was beginning to become very frustrated with always being accused of doing something wrong. And usually never knowing what until he was unmercifully beaten.
" Getting you disgusting bodily fluids all over me. First you bleed all over my expensive one of a kind silk coat. Then when you wouldn't shut up screaming my favourite tapper ended up covered in your spit."
Bilbo narrowed his eyes at the larger man 'Was this guy serious after what he had done to him. How petty could someone get?'
" Oh I am so sorry for your misfortune on my part. I will be sure to have a long conversation with myself about how my natural liquids are truly inconsiderate to others." Bilbo's head immediately snapped to the side as a hard smack connected with his cheek.
" You insult me you insignificant rat."
Spitting out a glob of blood that had collected in him mouth, he looked back up the angry red faced man who just hit him. " Please don't hit me. I don't think the Master's daughter will be to impressed. Especially now that we are on better terms." He resorted back sarcastically.
Instantly Alfred reached forward and grabbed a handful of Bilbo's hair. Yanking his head upwards so his face was only inches from his own. The action in turn released a sharp hiss from the Hobbit. " That maybe so filthy creature but I can still hurt you. I am bigger, stronger and smarter than you. I can easily get creative and Hildegard will never need to know."
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING ALFRED RELEASE MY HOBBIT AT ONCE!"
The startled assistant immediately whipped his head round and saw Hildegard standing in the doorway. Holding another plain white top and a pair of grey pants in her arms. She wore a disapproving expression on her face as she took in the scene before her. He let go of Bilbo's hair allowing the smaller being to fall back down to the floor.
" My apologies young Miss." He stuttered out. " It's just this creature here was gobbing off again so I just needed to put him back in his place again."
The girl raised an eyebrow at the explanation. " If that is true you still have no right to touch him. Only myself or people with my permission are allowed to raise a hand my Hobbit do I make myself clear."
The black haired man grumbled in annoyance but nodded to comply that he understood.
"Perfectly my apologies again Miss." He then gave a quick menacing glance towards Bilbo, which made the smaller being him gulp.
"Good now that we all understand each other, let's get started." Hildegard moved over to the duo and took her place on the floor beside Bilbo. She set down the white garment but kept hold of the pair of pants.
" Hold still because this is probably going to hurt."
Looking at her he saw what the large girl was about to do. He squirmed a little when she reached out to grab hold of his injured foot. " Would it be possible for me to do it?"
" No it is either me or you go without. The choice is yours."
He let out a large puff of air in defeat and gave his permission for her to continue. He winced but held back a yelp when his broken appendage was taken into her hand and jostled around. When the weight of the fabric touched the sensitive area of skin. It set of a continued burning sensation across his biggest metatarsal joint and up the inside of his leg. Eventually the pants past his ankles and were now being pulled up the remaining parts of his legs. Soon the clothing was in place and Bilbo let out the breath he had been holding in. He felt his body relax now that the ordeal was finally over.
" Now I am going to remove the rope so I can get this top off. Do not fight because I now give my permission to Alfred to use force if you do."
Bilbo nodded at Hildegard's instruction and her warning. Willingly held out his wrists and allowed her undo the binds. There was no use resisting because he knew what the outcome would be if he did. Once they came loose the Hobbit then proceeded to rub them and regain some of the circulation. He was then finally able to slowly lift himself up into a sitting position.
" Now the top also Alfred go and collect some water and begin filling the tub for me."
Again Bilbo did as he was told and slipped his arms inside the clothing. As the garment was riding up his body the large girl grabbed hold of the collar. Quickly yanking it the rest of the way up and over the Hobbit's head.
The coldness in the air instantly hit his skin and sent shivers down his spine. It wasn't the thickest of garments but at least that one laying was keeping most of the chill of him. Goosebumps began to form as he shook. Bilbo wrapped his arms around himself in an attempted to keep his body warm.
A moment later Hildegard snatched out his wrists and proceeded to redo the ropes. Which earned a puzzled look from Bilbo.
"Ummm didn't you just take them off?"
"Indeed I did. But I am keeping you restrained because I still do not trust you." The girl answered as she finished tying the last part of the knot. Once secured Hildegard collected the Hobbit into her arms and lowered him into the tub. The water that the assistant had collected and was still retrieving with a round wooden bucket was now up to his mid section. The liquid around him though a shock at first. Slowly began to relax his aching muscles. The continues pulsating pain from his broken foot also soothed to no more than an aching throb. It was as if most of the tension in his battered joint was being washed away. And in a strange way Bilbo was kind of grateful. By the time the water had stopped being poured in it had reached his chest.
Satisfied with the arrangement the Master daughter smiled. Reaching down to collect the cleaning products so she could begin. But she stopped short and the grin on her face dropped. "Alfred where is the Rosemary scrub?"
"My apologies young Miss but I didn't see any scrub when I went and got this lot. However didn't you tell you father you were running short the other day?"
Hildegard had now turned to face the black haired man. Her face turning a darker shade of pink as she balled up her hands up into fists.
" No need to despair I am sure your father has some in his quarters. I would offer to go and check myself but I cannot disobey a direct order."
Scowling she accepted the response and began to calm down a little. It was evident that the girl was still angry but at least now it was possible to reason with her. " Absolutely useless but fine I will go and check myself. See to it Keonie doesn't move from that spot until I return."
The mention of him or more precisely his fake name made the Hobbits eyes go wide. She was going to leave him alone with this creep?. This isn't good he will most likely kill him while she is absent.
" Hey I don't think that is a good idea didn't you hear him earlier. He said when you are not around he will hurt me." The desperation and nervousness was clear in Bilbo's voice.
" No need to fear Alfred knows better than to disobey what I say. If I see any new marks on you when I return then he will be dealt with." The large girl responded to his complaint.
The smaller being watched on in horror as she made her exit out of the washroom leaving him with this complete maniac. Right now he didn't know who was worse the brat, that big ugly tyrant or this crazy, sleazy nut job. At least for the moment the Master's daughter was treating him with a bit of care and not a personal punching bag.
" Ohhh it looks as if we have a few minutes alone time together."
Bilbo slowly turned his head to see the assistant staring at him. As sinister smile prominent on his face as he looked down at the Hobbit in the same way a cat had just caught a mouse in it's grasp. The atmosphere around him began to change as if the air had dropped at least 10 degrees lower. He felt an uneasy shiver run up his spine and swallowed the large lump that was beginning to clog his throat.
" Remember what the Master's daughter said." His voice came out more shaky. " If you hurt me you will get into serious trouble."
Alfred's smile grew larger as he cocked his head to the side. " Actually if I remember correctly she said if there are any new marks, nothing about consequences if I hurting you. What I have in mind won't even leave a scratch."
Suddenly he came forward, grabbing the Hobbit by his hair and forced him backwards into the water. He didn't even have time to take in a lungful of air before being submerged and his head connect with the bottom of the tub. He tried to fight back but a second hand pushed down on his stomach and pinned him. He could already feel his lungs begin to burn as the only air he was able to grab was quickly depleting. After a few more seconds he was forcefully wrenched up to the surface and gasped when his face hit oxygen. He began coughing violently as his abused lungs took in the air that he had momentarily been deprived off.
Though Bilbo didn't have time to completely calm his rapidly beating heart. Or get his breathing back in rhythm as he heard Alfred speak up.
" Another dunk?"
This time the Hobbit took in more oxygen as he was forced back under. Though due the last dunk his body still wasn't prepared enough. He again thrashed his entire body in a desperate attempt to get free. The pain growing even more intense with every second his lungs cried out for air. Bubbles floated upwards as the precious oxygen he had escaped his mouth but he fought back the overwhelming need to inhale. He knew he was running out of time as he was being held under longer and was now being fully drowning. Eventually his body won out and with one last exhale his last remaining oxygen supply was gone. He then instinctively inhaled, taking in water which quickly flowed into his airways and down into his lungs. Dark spot began to close in on his vision as his thrashing became weaker. Accepting his fate he let his body relax as his life force was being drained away. Before he felt himself slip into the darkness, memories of his life began to flash before his eyes. Happy childhood memories, home, his mother and father, the journey and his Company now turned family. In hind sight he thought, at least he would be reunited with his parents again soon.
Bilbo's eyes started to close as he faintly felt the sensation of being pulled upwards. But lost consciousness before he reached the surface.
Alfred watched on as the creature he held under the water kicked and wriggled with all it's might. Earning a sick satisfaction as he saw violent force of the Halfling fighting for it's life. Churning up the water and splash it all over the place. He knew the more it fought the more it was suffering and that was exactly what the black haired man wanted.
As time went on the desperate thrashing began to subside as he felt the creature beneath him convulse. And more air bubbles float on the surface of the water. "I think that will be enough." He said out loud to himself as he pulled the small beings head out of the water.
The assistants grin quickly dropped when he saw that the Hobbit didn't respond when he broke the surface. No gasping or spluttering which he was expecting it to do. Only a floppy, limp body who's lips were turning blue.
Alfred quickly scooped the unconscious Halfling out of the tub and placed him down onto the floor. He put his hand to Bilbo's chest but his eyes went wide with panic. Shifting forward he then leaned down and put his ear to the creature's mouth.
Shit he was a dead man walking...The Hobbit wasn't breathing and didn't have a heartbeat!
Cliffhanger!
Well this definitely took a turn and seriously not what I originally set out to write. Honestly it was going to be in a way more innocent chapter of Hildegard just bathing Bilbo and him settles down for the first night. No whump was going to happen. But ideas popped into my head and I ran with it. Though it definitely became a lot more sinister.
I hope when I wrote this Hildegard's character is being properly flushed out. I am playing around with the idea that even though she is a serious brat who has extreme violent outburst and tendencies. That she also doesn't like others hurting Bilbo. I am putting it down to more being a control freak but I am having fun looking into her personality and will do more of this in later chapters.
Anyway again I hope you like it and please feel free to comment. It always give me a massive boost when you do :D