Hey sorry it has taken so long to update this. Unfortunately I have broken my right hand so I am having to learn to type on my phone with my left XD

I never could imagine would be so difficult or so long write out a chapter coz it gets tired so quickly. Which means I don't think I will be able to get these out as quickly as before.

I hope you understand

For the love of Vala, why now?. Why did this stupid beast have to die on him?

Alfred could feel his panic rising as his eyes darted around the room. How was he going to explain this and how much time did he have until Hildegard returned? Looking around desperately he tried to locate anything that could aid him in bringing the Halfling back to life.

' Think...what do those townsfolk do when individuals have fallen of the docks and into the lake?'

He searched into the deep corners of his mind for a moment, thinking back as to how people he has witnessed drowning were revived. But eventually the answer came to him.

Moving his position onto his knees, he roughly cupped the Hobbits head to tilt it upwards. The black haired man remembered he had to keep the airways clear so air had a clear run into it's lungs and the water could hopefully escape.

He pinched the smaller creatures nose closed and using his other hand to pull it's mouth open. The assistant couldn't help let out a whimper in degust for what he was about to do. Though if he wanted to live to see his golden years he didn't have much of a choice.

He sucked in a large lungful of oxygen and lowered his face down until his lips met the Hobbits. Blowing the air into the smaller creature he watched to make sure it's chest was inflating. Once the diaphragm was fully extended the assistant moved onto placing both of his palms above the Halflings heart.

'1,2,3,4,5,6...how many chest compressions was he supposed to do in one section ?' Alfred couldn't remember but settled on doing 10 at a time and then moved back to do the mouth to mouth. He continued with the rhythms of pumping and blowing air into the smaller being but was growing more despite as it didn't seem to be working.

He could feel himself tire with the strong aching in his arms getting louder and begin to protest. His already rapid beating heart only got faster as time went by and there was still no sign of life in the Hobbit. All that was happening was the body growing more and more pale as it's blood was not reaching where it should. The blue tinting growing more prominent along with increasing grey circles around his eyes. When he touched the Halfling it was also evident that the body was also growing colder.

" Come on you stupid little git breathe already." The assistants hissed out as he pumped Bilbo's chest even harder and then went back to deliver more air. Pumping then became frantic punches, though by now Alfred could feel the ribs under his fist begin to shift with every hit. And could hear the loud cracking of bones that echoed throughout the room, but he didn't stop.

" WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE YOU PATHETIC LITTLE SHIT!" He shouted out loud before going in again with the oxygen. But no sooner did the black haired man retract away. A violent splutter escaped the Hobbit as water and phlegm shot out of his mouth.

Wide eyed Alfred grabbed hold of Bilbo's shoulder and leg and roughly flipped him onto the side. This allowed the water that was in his lungs to come up and not run the risk of the Hobbit choking it back down. Relief washed over him as he heard the smaller creature violently cough and gag. Soon water was mixed with vomit as Bilbo's stomach was also emptying itself. It was alive and that was what mattered most. Hopefully this incident won't result in him looking for another job.

He looked on as the small creature continued expel the liquid it had swallowed until his breathing became more of a struggled wheezing. His small body began to shake uncontrollably as it sluggishly brought it's legs up to it's chest. He could see his eyes had gone wide but were glazed and unfocused. The creature was clearly going into shock which could pose another big problem in itself.

Quickly Alfred reached forward and began to lightly smack the Hobbit on the cheek to bring him out of his trance. After everything that just went down he didn't then want this thing to then suddenly die from shock. It was evident he was struggling as the small being panted heavily with it's mouth agape, looking more like a fish out of water.

"Oi Halfling come on and snap yourself out of it now."

After a while the larger man got the desired response as Bilbo's eyes blinked rapidly before scrunching them up and shaking his head.

Bilbo was a mess. His head felt as if the water had not just entered his lungs but also his skull. Clouding and submerging his brain as it battled to register anything. His battered torso felt the overwhelming sensation of being squeezed as his lungs struggled to naturally expand and contract. Breathing in deeply was for the moment an impossible task as not only his lungs but his injured ribs protested with every breath he took. With every cold shiver that ran through his battered body it caused him unprecedented pain. Pain he would never wish upon his worst enemies.

Slowly the Hobbit eyes fluttered open, blinking away the numerous coloured spots in his vision. From his position he could see that he was laying back on the floor of the washroom on his left side. Letting his eyes wonder it wasn't long before he spotted the knees of the only other person in the room with him. The person he knew was responsible for what just happened.

" You drowned me." Bilbo managed to wheeze out sending him into another coughing fit.

" You should be thanking me you miserable little rodent for saving your pathetic life. Do you not know what I went through to do that. I could of easily just let you die." Alfred spat back at the Halfling. Already feeling his blood pressure raising again and becoming infuriated at the smaller creatures attitude.

It took Bilbo a moment to once again calm down his ragged breathing before he could answered "What do you want a Thankyou?...No the way I see it you just didn't have the bollocks to face your Master's if you did succeed in killing me."

The assistant glared murderously at the Hobbit that laid before him. He had the biggest urge to just throw away everything he did into saving it and just choke the life out of him. Maybe even just snap his neck which would be a lot less of an effort.

" Let me make myself perfectly clear beast I am not afraid of anyone. It will only be a matter of time before Hildegard becomes bored with you. And when she does I will be there."

There was heavy tension as both individuals stared the other. Neither of which letting up their glares or backing down. True Bilbo was completely terrified but he did everything he could to suppress the feeling to cower away. Hobbit's were natural very placid being who never like confrontation. But he fought back his species natural instinct to retreat. Right now his Took heritage had officially taken over.

Suddenly heavy footsteps broke the silence and got louder as someone had entered the other room and was approaching where the human and Hobbit were still positioned.

"You are very lucky Alfred I wasn't able to find the Rosemary but found a Mint scrub as a substitute..." Hildegard immediately stopped as she rounded the door frame and took in the sight before her. Her eyes widened and mouth dropped.

" WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON HERE?" She bellowed when she clocked that her Hobbit was no longer in the tub. But instead sprawled out on the floor with her father's assistant practicality kneeling onto of him. Water covered the floor along with a huge pile of vomit right beside the small creature. Looking at him closer she could see that his hair was also dripping wet with ugly dark purple bruising littering his torso.

Her eyes narrowed as she then focused her attention on the larger man. " You better explain yourself right now as to why my Halfling is no longer in the tub and has bruising on him." The tone in her voice was low and very dangerous.

" Well ummm...I know this looks bad on my part young Miss but well you see. I thought I heard your father calling me so I rushed over to the door. Had my back turned for two seconds but the Halfling must of tried to get out to escape. Because when I looked round the thing was under the water."

Bilbo had whipped his head round around while listening to the mans obvious pack of lies. He was completely shocked on what he was hearing" YOU LIER! You held me under and drowned me."

"Shut up how would you know what happened when you were unconscious. I would never disobey the young Missus orders. And even after I saved your life you try to get me into trouble by making up a false story." Alfred pointed an accusing finger towards the Hobbit and then turned his attention back to the girl. He placed the hand onto his chest and continued.

" I had to rush forward and pull it out of water. Please accept my apology but I had to pump the Halfling's chest to revive it which is why his is so bruised. I never imagined this creature was so weak and feeble that my actions would mark it so much."

"None of that is true apart from probably the hitting me part." Bilbo voice interrupted before the assistant could get another word out. Earning another outburst from Alfred.

"Now listen here you mangy little..."

"ENOUGH!"

Both parties immediately shifted their gaze over to Hildegard who was still standing by the door.

" I don't want to hear anymore. Alfred go and make yourself useful and tidy up Keonie's bed then leave. I don't care what my Father instructed I do not want you near my Halfling."

Scowling and letting out a grumble in annoyance the assistant did as he was told, picking himself up of the floor and left. The large girl watched him closely and then looked back at the Hobbit.

Bilbo met her eyes and stayed silent, watching on as she eventually started making her way back over. Without a word she settled back down beside the smaller creature and motioned for him to sit up. Bilbo complied but winced at the movement as his sore battered body protected. When he eventually managed to get himself into the new position he cleared his throat and spoke up.

" You don't honestly believe his side of the story do you?" the Hobbit asked in a low nervous tone. He could tell Hildegard was still very tense and aggravated but he needed to know right now where he stood with her.

" I don't know what to believe. You have not made things easy and seem to be very opportunistic. But at the same time I know Alfred well so I cannot fully believe either of you. Though that being said I am not going to allow him to be alone with you again."

"Are you going to tell your father about this?" The Hobbit could feel himself grow a bit tense while he waited for an answer. Though the girls low chuckle added to his anxiety.

" No there wouldn't be much point whatever happened you didn't come through it to good so even if you did try to escape. I would say you definitely learnt your lesson."

A wave off relief washed over Bilbo. At least he wouldn't be carted off to face another round of being beaten. He honestly thought that by this point his abused body wouldn't be able to take it. And anymore right now most likely kill him "Are you going to redress me now?"

" After you have had your bath I will."

He didn't feel comfortable with that idea after what happened to him. He seriously didn't want to be submerged in water again. His body began to shake with fear which Hildegard noticed immediately.

" Don't worry I won't allow you to drown again as long as you sit there and let me wash you."

Bilbo blew out a puff of air but complied. He nodded his head and let her collect him into her arms and place him back into the tub. Shaking as the water made contact with his skin

Hildegard picked up one of the poured some of the scrub onto the rags and began gently scrubbing his body. Starting with his midsection and working her way up the his chest and around his back. She then processed to do his legs and foot. Leaving Bilbo's broken one well enough alone. Once completed the girl moved onto the top of the Hobbit's body, pouring another amount onto the cloth she rubbed his shoulders and neck to remove the built up dried blood and grime.

" I am about to do your ears now so don't squirm."

Bilbo prepared himself for the worst but kept as calm as he felt the rag move around the back of his left ear then journeying over it's base and to the tip. He winced at the touched but didn't move. He stayed still as his other ear was also cleaned and let out a sign in relief when it was finally over.

" Lastly your hair."

Picking up a different bottle she undid the lid and tipped some of the content onto the Hobbit's head. The girl then massaged it into his scalp making sure that ever hair strand was coated.

Suddenly Bilbo could feel himself being pushed backwards. Memories of the previous events flashed before his eyes and his breathing quicken. Whimpers became panicked gasps as he was lowered further into the water. At this point the Hobbit couldn't stop himself from thrashing out.

At first Hildegard was becoming steadily agitated but then a realisation hit her. ' Maybe Alfred did do something to this Hobbit to cause him this amount of fear'. Usually she found it hard to find sympathy with other it just wasn't in her nature. But there was just something about this creature. Maybe it was because his small and venerable state that was beginning to change her mind set. The annoyance on her face then became that of slight empathy.

" Calm yourself down I am not going to hurt you. The quicker you let me wash this out the sooner it will be over."

Bilbo looked up at the girl through wide scared eyes but slowly stopped his struggling. He could still feel the tension in his body as his muscles constricted under the stress of being lowered backwards but he didn't put up a fight. The Hobbit could feel the water lap against him as his hair and ears became submerged in the water, with his face still remaining above the surface.

The Hobbit kept his breathing as steady as he could while Hildegard gently ran her fingers through his curls. Dislodging all the muck and debris it had collected. By now the water had become more murky as it had mixed with the dirt and the Hobbits blood. Turning it a lighter shade of brown but at least he was clean.

Without a word the large girl pulled him back up, placing her arms around him and lifted him out. When he was set back onto the floor she instantly grabbed a towel and dried him off.

The Hobbit was trembling immensely and looking down to the floor. He didn't even flinch as Hildegard finished of rubbing the towel through his hair and then went about untying the rope around his wrists. No sooner did the binds to come loose the girl had the top in hand and was redressing him. True to her word the still damp pants remained on. But unexpectedly Hildegard held out the towel to Bilbo.

"If you wish to try and dry your pants you can."

The Hobbit looked up at the towel and then at her with a puzzled expression before accepting it.

"Thankyou" he replied in a low but grateful voice. He then began to slowly dry his wet undergarment trying not to jostle around and aggravate his injuries. Though Bilbo also had other things on his mind. Why was Hildegard being so nice to him all off a sudden?

Why did everything seem to change after the incident with Alfred? Yes it was obvious that he was hurt under his watch. She didn't care so much when she abused or father injured him. But her whole entire demeanour was different once the assistant did something. Maybe because she was in control and her father had her permission. The Hobbit just didn't know.

Finally curiosity got then better of him but he new better than to provoke or ask to many questions. He had to tread carefully and go about this the right way.

" I also want to Thankyou for the pants, my bath and being patient with me. I appreciate it."

Hildegard eyes lit up at Bilbo's words and smiled. " You are welcome it is like I have said if you are good you get nice things."

The Hobbit also let out a small smile and nodded as he looked down at his feet. " Also the incident with Alfred I am sorry that happened too, I probably look terrible."

His smile then faded as he then looked back up at the girl. "But please believe me when I say I didn't try to escape. He honestly did hold me under the water." This statement was either going to turn it more so she believed him or most likely result in a smack for stirring trouble. But if there was a chance to get on good terms with her, it was worth a try.

" The way I see it you were either really stupid for trying... But I know Alfred to be a very flaky and sly. After being around someone so long you do learn their character and can tell when they are not being completely truthful."

"So you do believe me?"

Hildegard huffed but responded back in a calm voice " To an extent but it still doesn't mean I trust you either. When you live in a place where most people lie. It's best not to believe and judge for yourself."

The Hobbit looked at the girl shocked to what he just heard come out her mouth. Did she really not trust anyone in her life and always looked at the bad characteristics in individuals. No one should be made to feel that way about the world, especially at her age.

" I am so sorry to hear you find it hard to trust people but please believe me when I say that not everyone is like that."

Hildegard just chuckled at the response " Don't be, twisting words and exaggerating the truth can also get you places. I mean look at my father he does it all the time and look where he is. A man of power."

Bilbo huffed and dropped his shoulders. Decided it was probably best at this point to stop prying and drop the conversation. He had heard enough for the moment and with what just came to light, it made him quite sad. He again looked down at his feet.

The girl studied him for a few seconds and noticed the deflated look on his face. "Look it may be different where you come from but hear it's survival of the fittest. You want to get anywhere you do whatever it takes no matter what it entails."

The Hobbit nodded but didn't answer. Choosing just to agree to save time or a confrontation. Right now that was his best option especially when Hildegard despite everything that happened was in a calm mood. He just wanted to keep it that way.

" Anyway it's bedtime and I am tired. So hold still while I do the ropes."

Bilbo didn't put up a fuss as Hildegard grabbed hold of his wrists, pulled them around his back and restrained them. " I am only going to tie your wrists and ankles. I don't like the idea off putting rope around your chest and throat. Going by them ugly bruises I don't want your injuries to be aggravated anymore."

With those words the smaller being could feel a small amount relief and gratitude. At least he didn't have worry about his already damaged diagram be constricted by the harsh bindings. Or run the risk of being choked out in the night if he fell asleep and rolled the wrong way.

He couldn't help but let out a loud hiss as the rope was tightened around his ankles. Though by now his foot was growing increasing numb due to it not being given medical attention. The appendage still shot waves of pain up his leg every time it was touched or moved. Looking at it he began to worry as he could see how swollen and misshapen it was. He wondered if the bone will reset in the wrong place and cause him to become disabled. Was he even be able to walk again?

All these questions began to flood his mind until he was again snapped out of it by the large girl picking him up. And without any words they exited the washroom and into the bedroom.

Like what was ordered all the blankets and pillow had been rearranged neatly back.

Hildegard placed him down onto the pile and like before tied the length of ropes back to the wall ring bolts. She gave it a few hard tugs to make sure it was strong and secure. She smiled being satisfied that the Halfling wasn't going anywhere.

" I think everything is in order here." She patted and kissed Bilbo on the forehead then got to her feet" Goodnight Keonie here is hoping tomorrow will be a better day."

The Hobbit watched on as the girl left his side and made her way over to her bed. Removing the top blanket before sliding underneath. She then blew out the three candles on her bedside stand and rolled the other way so her back was now to Bilbo.

The room was nearly pitch black apart from the silver shine of the moonlight illuminating through the windows. The eerie silence in a way became a welcoming sensation to the exhausted Hobbit. Though it did amplify the many thoughts, voices and questions that clouded his mind. After a while It became to much to bear and he could feel himself mentally and emotionally begin to crack.

Slowly he laid himself down as best he could and tried to find the most comfortable position. Settling on his left side with his legs to his chest. Bilbo laid there silently as he could feel the overwhelming sensation of despair bubbling up in his chest. He tucked his face into his knees as his eyes began to fill up with tears and roll down his cheeks.

As far as he was aware he had only been here a day and the Hobbit was already so hurt, left in a tremendous amount of pain and worst of all nearly killed. How could he survive another day here let alone the rest of his life. This place was going to be the death of him.

'NO!' he couldn't think like that or be so easily defeated. His Company was still out there. And with any luck they would see right through that pompous tyrants stupid plan and rescue him. Surely it will only be a matter of time before him or one of his accomplices slips up. Hopefully before they set of for Erebor.

Though there was always that chance they won't and he will eventually die here without them ever finding out. Bilbo could again feel the agonizing twisting in his gut that he was most likely condemned to a short life of torment and torture. Maybe Hildegard will begin to treat him more nicely like she has been since the incident with the bath. But who was to say it is only because she doesn't like others touching her things.

So many mixed emotions and thoughts screamed at him but he was becoming to tired. And eventually the call of sleep pulled him under.

Again hope this ok and please feel free to comment. I would really appreciate it if you do and will know if people are liking this or even reading it lol.

I have a few ideas and some simple drafts done for the next couple of chapters. But I probably work and post when I can and if people want me to