OMG I actually found this so hard to write XD

Again Thankyou so much for your support and being patient with me.

Palacegirl: Thankyou so much for reading and commenting on this. Literally your comments make my day so much. Lol yeah I feel so terrible, I am literally putting Bilbo through hell, honestly more than I thought I would so far XD

Yeah I think there is a bit of a trust building between them and there will be a revelation coming soon that I am excited to write about. Again Thankyou so much and I will hopefully have the next chapter out soon.

Just as promised it wasn't long after Thorin had returned to his awaiting Company. A handful of The Masters guards showed up to escorted them to their new location.

By the time they arrived on the outskirts of town and at the wooden shack the Dwarves were exhausted. Though they had all experienced mental trauma in the past, the emotional toll of that day was now weighing heavy on each member. Half just wanting to drink themselves into oblivion until they dropped unconscious. While the rest longed to just curl up in a corner and sleep.

The leader of the guards who had introduced himself earlier as Braga didn't stick around for to long. Unlocking the front door and gesturing for the Dwarves to go inside. He quickly addressed Thorin to tell him if he needed anything they were to come to him directly and he will consult the Master. The Dwarf leader gave a small nod to indicate he understood and then watched on as the guards took their leave.

Entering the shack himself he shut the door behind and made a long glance at his Company. All of which were stationed in different sections of the large main room. Balin, Dwalin Gloin and Oin had sat themselves down around the central wooden table. Fili, Kili, Ori, Dori and Nori were grouped together on his left near the door that lead onto other sections of the house. While Bofur, Bifur and Bombur were the nearest to the kitchen area. Everyone was for now silent and deep in their own thoughts. Until Thorin cleared his throat and made his way over and took his own seat also at the table.

Balin was the first to speak up. " Can I assume the rest of the matters with The Master went well?"

" Indeed he promised to watch over Bilbo until our return. He will be kept safe in the towns morgue for now." Thorin couldn't help a slight choke at the last part of his sentence. It still just felt so wrong saying these things about their Burglar.

" He better otherwise I will have no problem swinging my hammer right into his face!"

Everyone turned and looked at Dwarlin who was fumbling with his prized dagger in his hand. Wearing a harassed and drawn look on his face.

" I do not think The Master will go back on his word Dwalin especially when he has a lot to loose if he does." The dwarf king responded.

" I just don't like or trust him that's all. There is just something about that man that rubs me the wrong way. It's obvious he treats his subjects like trash so how can we trust him to take care of a deceased Hobbit. You know as well as me he only cares about getting his hands on part of Erebor's treasure and nothing else."

" Excuse me that Hobbit in which you speak has a name you know!"

All the occupants in the room turned to the owner of the voice which belonged to an obvious agitated Bofur. The hat wearing Dwarf had taken his position on leaning against the wall nearest the wash basin and had his arms folded over his chest. He was glaring daggers at the strongest member of the group.

Dwalin narrowed his eyes " I suggest you watch your tone Bofur. I know Bilbo has a name."

"Than show him some respect and use it. Instead of referring him as A...Dead...Hobbit. Like he was a thing."

At that remark the much larger Dwarf couldn't help let out a growl before getting up of his chair to fully face the other company member. He bulled up his left fist while pointing an accusing finger with his right. "Don't you dare imply that I only saw him as a thing and not a good friend and a once valued member of this Company."

Bofur took his weight of the wall and stood up as straight as he could to mirror Dwalin's stance " Yeah sure you do. Tell me when in this whole journey so far did you ever call him by name?"

He began to take a few steps forwards. "You never cared about him." But was immediately stopped by the his brother and cousin who pulled him back towards them.

By this point Fili and Kili were also making there way over to the furious hat wearing Dwarf.

" Whooo Hey Bofur that was uncalled for." Kili interjected and now stood in-between Bofur and Dwalin.

" Yeah Dwalin never caused any of this. Don't take all your anger out on him." The blonde prince finished as he took his place beside his younger brother.

The hat wearing Dwarf turned his attention now onto the two princes "So you are taking his side. Referring to Bilbo as a thing instead of a person is ok with you guys also." He spat.

Fili could feel himself becoming steadily more frustrated and vexed. Nothing anyone could say would calm Bofur down and everything they tried was taken the wrong way or seemed to anger him more. Looking to his brother he could tell he was thinking the same thing.. Fili held up his hands in defence.

" Hang on we never said that and Dwarlin never even called Bilbo a thing. You are the one twisting people's words, what has gotten into you Bofur?"

" Nothing has gotten into me. I am just sick and tired off."

"ENOUGH!"

The bellowing scream echoed throughout the room as a pair of wrists hit hard wood and the crash of a chair falling backwards onto the floor, making everyone jump. Thorin was now on his feet with his knuckles turning white due to pressing them hard onto the table surface. His teeth clenched and eyebrows knitted, he intensely glared at Bofur.

"Enough of this bickering and arguing. Do you honestly think this is what Bilbo would want?" He took a deep breath to help calm himself before continuing.

" Now I suggest Bofur whatever is going on in your head right now. You should take yourself away from this situation and sort yourself out. You are not the only one being effected by our Burglar's death. And all this sudden anger towards everyone needs to stop."

The usual cheerful dwarf was not happy. ' How dare this ignorant prick belittle him and talk down to him like a child being sent to the naughty corner. Though he was now to tired and knew better than to pick a fight with his leader. Accepting defeat Bofur dropped his shoulders and huffed.

" Fine I will leave. I have an obnoxious headache anyway." All eyes were on him as he swiftly and without another word walked out of the room. Followed by Bifur and Bombur who after exchanging a brief look between themselves quickly chased after him.

There was a moment of awkward silence before it was broken by Ori. Who nervously stared around at the rest of the Company before speaking. " What has gotten into him. I know he has every right to be angry but his anger seems to be getting worse."

" Yeah...it is understandable he is distraught and taking Bilbo's passing very hard. But even so this is so out of character of him. " Nori agreed with his younger brother.

Balin let out a sigh. He also agreed with the rest of the Dwarves that Bofur behaviour was becoming unacceptable. But at the same time he couldn't help but feel sorrow for him also. He had observed the close bond both him and Bilbo had formed during their journey. And that absolute heart breaking look in the hat wearers eyes when he was told Bilbo was gone. It had been such a long time since Balin had seen someone's soul literally fade from their eyes and replaced with absolute turmoil. He thought it was maybe best to stick up for Bofur a little and be a voice of reason. "Grief can manifest itself in so many ways laddie and everyone deals with it differently. You should know Bofur by now, he doesn't mean it and is just in a very dark place. He will come out of it and we should all be there to help him."

" Or maybe we just didn't know Bofur as well as we thought we did and are now just witnessing a different side to him." Dwalin interjected back at the older members statement. As he sat back down in his chair and folded his arms over his chest.

That was also true and something Balin couldn't help but agreeing with as well. " I will go and have a talk with the lad later. Bifur and Bombur have gone after him. They may settle him down and hopefully get him to sleep for a while."

"No I will do it."

Everyone turned and faced Thorin who was still looking towards the door Bofur had exited through. " As King and the leader it is my job to make sure that everyone is fairing not just physically but mentally and emotionally also. Clearly Bofur is not and it's my duty to secure his wellbeing and help him through whatever challenges he is facing right now. Otherwise we could easily loose another member of the Company.

Bofur head was spinning and could literally feel the heat radiate of his cheeks as he made his way to one of the empty sleeping quarters. Slumping down onto one of the vacant beds he quickly kicked off his boots and buried his head into the pillow. He was used to sleeping fully clothed including in his hat and coat but he boots he preferred not to, hot sweaty feet was always the worst sensation.

Closing his eyes he tried to relax his tense, aching muscles and attempt to sleep of this building pressure in his head. But that constant beating that sounded as if his heart had relocated into his skull was driving him crazy. The more he tried to wind down the louder the thumping became.

In frustration the hat wearing Dwarf turned onto his back and rubbed his hands across him face. He stared up at the ceiling above for a moment. Until he heard the sound of footsteps as his brother and cousin appeared in the doorway.

Bofur frowned at the new arrivals. " If you have come here to voice on how you do not approve on my words than save it. I think it has been made perfectly clear already that my opinions are not warranted."

Bifur and Bombur both shared an equally consoling look at the Dwarf that laid in front of them. Blowing out a puff of air Bifur responded to his cousin in Khuzdul. " Actually we came here to see if you are ok."

" Yeah we don't like seeing you like this and want to help you in anyway we can." Bombur finished.

The hat wearing Dwarf gave out an irritated huff and continued to gaze at his closest Company members. " I don't need your help, nor do I need to be mothered."

Bombur leaned his weight onto the door frame as he tucked both his fingers into the rim of his trousers "We never said we would but you are family. It is our job look out for each other wouldn't you do the same if it was either of us?"

" Of course I would. It is just that... with everything that has happened I still feel Bilbo isn't being shown the proper respect that he deserves."

At that moment Bofur sat up and spun his legs over the edge of the bed. Placing both his elbows on top of his knees he cupped his face into his hands and began to massage his temple with his thumbs. "Maybe it is just me. But I just cannot shake off this enormous anger towards everything and I hate it." He could feel the pressure in his head increasing again.

" Or maybe that's because he was such a good friend."

Bifur walked over and took a seat beside his cousin. Who still didn't look up even when the other dwarf placed a comforting arm over his shoulders. " I do not blame you on how you feel because I can relate so much. I too am wrapped up in so much grief with Bilbo's passing. He was the only other person outside of a Dwarf that did not pass judgement when we first met and accepted me for who I am. He treated me like a normal person and not as a freak."

The larger brother by now had also come over and placed himself the other side of Bofur." It is true even by Hobbit standards Bilbo was a one of a kind gem. So brother we will honour his memory by never forgetting the incredible, caring individual he was."

The hat wearing Dwarf couldn't help but let a few tears roll down his face. Suddenly a small amount of weight seem to lift from his aching shoulders as the duo's words sank in. He wasn't alone in his emotional plight that for a while was eating away at his very being. Tearing apart the very person he was and leaving a complete unknown entity that even he didn't recognize. A wave of reassurance washed over him as he could also feel the constant thumping in his mind finally begin to subside. He looked up between the pair with a small smile.

" Thank you. Your words do mean so much to me and I truly appreciate. Honestly and sincerely I am so grateful I have you both."

Together Bombur and Bifur gave Bofur's shoulders a small squeeze. The larger brother responding first. " It is what families do."

" Remember you are not in this alone and are here whenever you need us." Bifur finished as he continued to rub his cousin's shoulder.

Bofur could feel his eyes growing more heavy as he felt the soothing sensation of the warm hands on his shoulders. And the warm closeness of his family beside him. All three sat silently that way for a while until the hat wearer could no longer fight back the drowsiness that was striking him down quickly. He let his body relax as he felt himself being lowered back into the pillow and was soon pulled into the deep sleep that his body desperately cried out for.

Back with the rest of the Company the new planning session to take back Erebor wasn't getting far at all. With half the group already dropping of to sleep. While the others bickered amongst themselves in disagreement. It was obvious they were all to exhausted and their muddled brains were not going to get very far that night. But the stubbornness of Dwarfs kept some of them going.

" Look wouldn't it be best to come back to this in the morning. Once we are all rested and have clearer minds Thorin?" Balin spoke up through all the multiple voices.

" He's right I think at this point it will be best to just rest up now. Three members are not here. Some are already asleep and the rest of us are ready to also drop ourselves." Nori agreed.

With a defeated look Thorin let out a long breath and nodded his head in agreement. It was pointless trying to plan there next move, especially when most of his Company were out of commission. " Alright we will leave it for now and rest up for the remainder of the evening."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door which drew everyone's attention. Even most of the Dwarves that were asleep were stirred awake by the noise. The leader of the group got up from his seat and made his way to the door. Opening it he was immediately greeted by a pair of large blue eyes.

Tilda along with her older sister and brother were standing in front of him with their father Bard positioned behind them.

Thorin held a surprised look on his face with the Bargeman and his family being the last people he would expect to see tonight. Before the Dwarf King could form any words the tall brown haired man spoke out first.

" Good evening Master Dwarf I hope we are not intruding but the children insisted that they wanted to come and see you. They were a little concerned and upset that you had already left."

Thorin's gaze softened, glad that Bard had not come here to start another fight about his journey and intentions. He was not in the mood to hear it right now. " Not at all would you all like to come in out of the chill. "He moved aside and motioned for the family to enter."

Happily accepting the invitation the children and their father made their way past the Dwarf who shut the door behind them. The majority of the occupants in the room greeted the new arrives with a smile with Fili and Kili immediately coming over to the siblings. After the initial welcomes the brothers lead them away to the furthest corner of the room and began to talk amongst themselves. They were then soon joined by Ori.

Bard smiled and looked down at Thorin who stood beside him. " Thankyou for allowing us to come in. The children desperately wanted to see you all but were also worried that you would not be happy to see them."

" Not at all Master Bargeman actually it may do some good for my nephews and the youngest to be around children. It may lift their spirits a little."

The taller man bowed his head in sadness as he heard the tone in Thorin's voice. " Yes...I hope you do not mind but that is another reason I am here. I heard about what happened and all I can do is express my deepest condolences. We didn't know your Hobbit that well but he definitely left a good impression on us all. Especially the children who were deeply upset upon hearing the news."

The Dwarf King fought back the lump he could again feel in his throat and bowed his head in gratitude. " I Thankyou for your kind words it is true our Hobbit was a special being who seemed to touch the lives of many he encountered. Even in a short space of time he had that gift."

Bard returned the bow and then looked at the other dwarfs who all followed suit and bowed their heads to him also. Quickly repeating the action the brown haired Bargeman then lifted his bag onto the table and began rummaging through it.

" I also didn't know any of you had had a chance to eat anything today. It's not much but I brought a few things just in case you were hungry." By this point a few fish, potatoes, tomatoes and three whole chickens and numerous other items were place down onto the wooden surface.

" Master Bard we can't accept this not when you have three other mouths to feed. We are grateful for your selflessness but it just doesn't seem right to take away your food. When you have so little yourselves." Balin spoke up.

The tall man turned to the white haired Dwarf and smiled. " Not to worry Master Dwarf do you not remember I have come into a little bit of money recently. I have enough to spare right now."

" We are all truly humbled by your kindness, will yourself and the children be joining us for dinner?" Oin asked.

" Thankyou but we do not want to intrude." The Bargeman answered as he done up his bag and placed it back into his shoulder. He then gestured for his children to come to him so they could take their leave.

" Nonsense it will be our pleasure for you to stay as our guest. It may also be a blessing because our designated chief has turned in for the night and none of us are good cooks." Thorin responded.

Bard looked at the smaller man then to his children who all staring back at him with grins and hopeful eyes. His features relaxed as he formed a smile. It was apparent that his kids normal bedtimes were now completely out the window tonight. But it had been such a long time since he saw that look on their faces, how could bring himself to say no and cost them this small moment of joy.

" You are in luck, both my daughters passions are cooking. They always create amazing delicious meals and am sure they will be happy to recreate some for you."

At this the siblings all gave a quiet cheer which again brought a warmth to Bard's heart. It was obvious they needed this time as much as the Dwarves did.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter, full stomachs, stories of past adventures and above all the tails of the little Hobbit that was Bilbo Baggins. Nothing could make the dull aching inside them all go away but for them few hours. The hurt became a bit more tolerable.

I think I am really making Bofur suffer mentally and emotionally right now. But hopefully it is obvious that the One Ring is playing a bit of a part. Though I want Bifur and Bombur to be a bit of an anchor for him so it doesn't tip him completely over the edge.

Also wanted to give the Dwarves a cheerful moment coz again the constant whump was becoming a bit depressing.