WOW I have no idea why but I found this chapter so difficult to write. But I hope it is still ok.

" Any important matters on the roster today Alfred?" In a poised manner the Master addressed his assistant as he stood in front of the large window of his chamber. His back to the black haired man as he had now finished dressing himself to begin the new day.

" Nothing to drastic Sire. Though it has been brought to my attention that the towns orphanage has been coming up short with their tax payments. You may want to look into that."

The Master turned to look at his assistant with his eyebrows furrowed " Yes indeed I will. We can't have people thinking that I am a charity case. Than all may think they can get away with not paying what they owe." He made his way over to the door and exited into the vast corridor with Alfred following not far behind. They turned the corner that headed towards the office but before the duo reached their new destination the larger man spoke up again.

" It's settled I will add an additional 30% on top of their original tax payments. And if they don't comply have the premises shut down."

Alfred smirked and nodded his head in agreement " I will see to the matter myself Sire."

Just then another pair of footsteps echoed down the corridor and were getting louder as the new individual approached. Both men turned to the source of the ever increasing volume of creaking floorboards. Immediately Hildegard rounded the corner with Bilbo secured firmly in her arms, ropes again attached to his wrists and ankles. Though to both the adults there was intrigue as the Hobbit looked visibly dazed as he hung limply in her grip. His eyelid though open were drooped and glazed over.

" Morning my beautiful sunflower. Hope you had a peaceful night?" The Master smiled as he greeted his daughter.

" Yes Da though to begin with it started of a bit rocky." She peered over at Alfred with a disapproving glare. In return he gave her an uneasy glance back before turning his eyes to the floor.

Noticing the slight exchange the Master gripped the door handle of his office and entered the room. Followed closely by Alfred and Hildegard. He strode over to his liquor cabinet and poured himself a drink before turning back to his daughter with his eyebrows raised. "Anything I should be made aware of?"

The large girl paused for a moment, contemplating whether or not telling her father on what transpired last night and if it was a good idea to involve him. Was it even worth it? Because from where she stood she handled the matter pretty well on her own. " No it wasn't anything I couldn't handle." She responded with a dismissive shrug before tightened her grip on the smaller creature.

The Masters features relaxed a little as he saw his daughter wasn't in any kind of distress by the mystery event. It was something that will probably be revealed in due course. So there was no point prying for now. Despite this he was curious as to why the Hobbit did not seem to be very active or responsive in this present time. He took a sip from his glass "Though I do see the Halfling is being very submissive this morning. Did he need to be heavily subdued again?"

"Not exactly. He did begin to become very antsy when I put fourth my decision. So to save using excessive force I performed that nerve pinch between his neck and shoulder blade just like you showed me." She shifted the Halfling's weight in her arms to get a more comfortable hold of his body. Bilbo went from being in a bridal style grip to now having his head resting onto of the large girls shoulder. "It didn't knock him fully out but it has seemed to make him more disoriented."

The larger man couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Hearing his daughter had actually practiced something he had taught her. This was a very rare moment in deed. " And may I ask what your decision in which you speak off is my sweet?"

" That is why I have come to see you. I was going to inquire into seeing if you could reset the foot you broke?"

The Master's expression dropped on what he just heard. Taken aback by the request. He was confused as to why his daughter wanted what he had carried out on her behalf to be undone and so suddenly " But I was under the assumption my dear that you wanted the Halfling to be punished when he misbehaved?. If I do that his punishment would be for naught. And may begin to think bad actions carry no consequences." He tried to reason with her.

Hildegard looked up in her father in defiance. Her mind was made up and nothing he could say would change that. " I highly doubt that Da. He is hurting quite severely already even despite of his foot. So I do not deem it fair to prolong to much unnecessary suffering when I would say he learnt his lesson.

She gave a quick glance to the Hobbit who still had not moved from his place in her arms. His shallow but steady breathing being the only movement coming from the small body. " Plus I do not want to own a crippled Hobbit."

The Master let out a huff in defeat knowing there was no way he was going to sway his daughter's decision. He knew of her stubbornness all to well and was something he proclaimed to be from her mothers side. Though that maybe why he loved her so dearly. " If that is what you wish I will accommodate your request. Unfortunately I myself do not know the first thing about resetting bones. I will have to send for Braga who knows how to deal with these sort of issues."

He turned to Alfred who didn't even need to he told as of knowing right now he could be in very hot water. If Hildegard changed her mind and disclosed to her father on what befell the Halfling last night. Even he knew there was only so much sucking up he could accomplish once his Master's kid was involved " I will fetch him immediately Sire."

Both individuals watched as he left. Staying silent until the latch of the wooden door clicked shut. Hildegard then turned back at her father with an uneasy look.

" Are you sure that is a good idea Da. I mean can he be trusted not to let slip we have the Hobbit."

" Do not fret my dear Braga is my most trusted leader of the guard and knows better than too share any of my private information to anyone." The large man downed the remaining liquid in his glass before placing it back into the liquor cabinet with a smirk.

A wave of semi relief washed over the girl, trusting her fathers judgement. He was in her eyes the wisest person she knew. " Ok I will trust your judgement and Thank you for fulfilling out my request." She replied with a smile.

The Master could not help but rise an eyebrow or let his jaw drop. He was amazed by his child's somewhat different attitude. Almost coming across as sincere and actually grateful. This is something he had grown accustomed to when it was her own wants being met. Not for another individuals needs she was for once placing first. Though she mentioned she didn't want a crippled pet. In the past none of that would of mattered to her. A pet to keep was just an expendable object that she ultimately grew tried of and discarded without a second thought. But this one was different. Maybe being due to the fact it could communicate and was more close to being human like. But even still Hildegard still never had a capacity to show compassion to people. Though this new feet was to him was unsettling. Maybe in the long term there can be some good to come out of it. For once his daughter was actually showing him some gratitude. With the bonus of not have to clean up it's body parts from around his home as quickly as he first thought. Accepting this new situation the larger mans smile grew even bigger.

" You are more than welcome. Is there anything else I can do?"

With a feeling of delight Hildegard stepped closer to The Master "Actually there is. Do we have any metal shackles, I am finding the ropes are becoming more of an hindrance than a help." She inquired enthusiastically.

He paused to think for a few moments " If we do my angel they will be in the drawing room. You are more than welcome to check while the procedure is going ahead."

" I will do. Honestly I don't want to be here while that is going on. Please could you return him to my room once it is over with?"

"Of course. Should I bid you farewell now because Braga will probably be here shortly."

" Yes Da I will leave my dear Hobbit in your capable hands." She handed Bilbo to her father who instinctively held out his own arms to receive the smaller creature . " I will see you later."

Without haste she abruptly left with the Master still standing with his new bundle. He smile as he watched his daughter leave but no sooner did the door shut on her departure. His lips dropped and made a wry face as he looked down at the Halfling . Still hanging limp in his grasp he still did not react as the larger man spoke up in a nestled tone.

" Looks like you are back in my care for a while." He huffed out as he commenced on placing Bilbo on top of his desk. He couldn't help but feel a bit of irritation run through him as this rat seems to of spent more time sprawled out on his work station than anywhere else since he had arrived. Maybe it would make more sense to arrange a separate table in his office. Because performing procedures or punishment on the little creature was the only time he was brought to him. The larger man progressed to poke Bilbo in the ribs. Not expecting the him to react as much as he did to the touch.

The Hobbit once lolled eyes flung open with a loud groan as he recoiled away from the unwelcome pressure against his ribs.

Through a pained filled composure he took in his new surroundings in confusion. The last thing he remembered was being back in Hildegard's room sitting on her bed whilst she revealed what his fate was next. He recalls the fear that washed over him, his stomach dropping in dread and the feeling of a cold sweat pouring down his forehead. There was the anxious shaking and twitching as is body fell into a full blown panic attack. The sudden pressure on his shoulder that was then followed by the feeling of vague weightlessness. Only now to wake up in the same room that caused him so much agony.

The recollection hit him hard as Bilbo memorized the earlier conversation clearly. Hildegard had indeed brought him to her father just like she intended. So not only did he have to relive the horror and pain of having his injured foot abused yet again. But it will be by the same man.

The Hobbit could feel the bile rise up his throat as the facts shook his very core. He promptly took a deep breath to force the content back down. He then grudgingly twisted his head towards the person he knew was in his presence. Though he seriously didn't want to engage, let alone survey his ugly face.

Taking in the larger mans features he saw the Master had a small smirk on his face as he leaned on the side of his desk. His weight supported by his right arm while his left rested on his hip. Narrowing his eyes Bilbo sniffed through his nose before letting his head fall back into the desk with a thump.

" Guess Hildegard wasn't kidding and I will have to endure your unwanted company for a while."

" Not exactly my idea of an ideal morning either Halfling. I have better things to do than nurse or babysit you." The Master spat back in response though not moving from his stance.

"Could of said no and I would of preferred it if you did. I prefer my designated nurses to be caring for one and in all honesty easy on the eyes...Or at least no danger of blindness when I look at them." Bilbo instantly felt a sharp sting rip through his cheek as the larger man struck him without warning. Though the Hobbit wasn't surprised. His brazen words have all seemed to get him in a lot of trouble recently.

" I would deem it wise not to antagonize me rat. The result could be not very pleasant on your part."

The Hobbit took a long deep breath through his nose. He then shook his head attempting to dull the throbbing sensation which coursed through his skull. "So where has she gone if I may ask?" he wheezed out

"Gone to look for more suitable bindings to keep you secure. She was beginning to find the ropes more bothersome."

" Probably not as bothersome as I am finding them right now." He murmured but loud enough for his captor to still hear. He was about to respond back at the Hobbit but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Both individuals turned their attention to the sound and watched as it creaked open to reveal Alfred and a armoured man following close behind. Once both had entered Braga went up and opened his mouth to greet his employer. But immediately stopped dead in his tracks when his gaze fell upon the Hobbit on the table. His eyes became fixated on the smaller being as he could feel a mixture of confusion and slight dread seep into him.

" Wait isn't that the Hobbit that was travelling with Oakenshield and the other Dwarves?"

" The same one indeed." An insidious sounding voice responded.

The leader of the guard hastily turned back to the black haired man who just answered his question. The man's hands were tucked into his pockets and wore a toothy grin on his face.

" He isn't dead?" He veered his head back to the larger man. "Sir what is going on? If them Dwarves find out he is here and were lied to about his death. They will rain hell upon us."

A blustering snicker escaped the Master lips which did not ease Braga's building anxiety.

"Those dim witted cave dwellers will never find out Braga and you will keep this information to yourself." He pointed a warning finger towards his employee which in turn made the man gulp and lower his gaze.

Seeing the situation in front of him. Bilbo who up to this point remained silent could also feel is own uneasiness growing. The new individual seemed restless and uneasy about being dragged into his dilemma. He felt himself begin to shake and could not hold back his outburst any longer. Maybe this was the opportunity he needed.

" Don't listen to him even if you don't tell Thorin yourself. Himself or the others will find it out eventually and do you really want to feel their wrath when they do. Remember what they are doing for you and this town. More than this fat prick has ever done."

The Hobbit was instantly met with a sharp strike to the head. Though despite the vision of stars dancing across his line of sight he continued.

" Prosperity and wealth is what they are bringing you. All this guy has done is let this town live in squalor and filth. Please tell the Dwarves I'm here they will..." he didn't get a change to finish as again a large fist struck the side of his left ear with force. Knocking the poor Halfling out and into the black oblivion of unconsciousness.

" Agitating little bugger isn't he." The Master turned to look at his leader of the guard who had not moved from his spot. Still having a mixture of horror and shock on his face."

Taking all his attention away from the Hobbit the Master made his way towards Braga and stood in front of him with his arms crossed. He waited for the blonde man to acknowledge his presence by looking directly at him before continuing.

" Now like I said you will not speak a word of this to anyone especially Oakenshields Company. If you value your position and your families security you will keep this to yourself. Do you understand?"

Braga inhaled sharply. He knew how wrong this situation was but what could he do? He had his own family to think about and was the sole bread winner. His life was made even more difficult the day one of his five children contracted a terrible disease. One he had never fully recovered from which left him weak and lame. The Master knew about this and always used the threat of loosing his position as a cruel means to get him to do his bidding. Even things he did not fully agree with. But it was a job he could not afford to jeopardise. Even for an innocent little Hobbit who he knew deep down did not deserve this. That brief time he spent in his presence he could already tell this creature was kind and loyal to a fault. Giving his word and risking his own reputation to back up a dwarf. Who in nature weren't seen as the most trustworthy of beings. Still he had his own priorities and family to think about. So despite how much it pained him they came first.

" Understood Sir."

The larger man clapped his hands together " Good to know you are on board Braga and need not worry yourself. Though she has seemed to be growing very fond of it. Still going by Hildegard 's track record it will be a miracle if he lasts the next few weeks. So once it officially stops breathing it's body will never be found and the Dwarves will be none the wiser."

Braga couldn't help but feel a cold shiver run down his spine as the words he just heard hit him hard. But he bit down his emotions and nodded his head in agreement.

" Don't worry I will not bring this up with anyone." He again did quick glance to the Hobbit through pitiful eyes than back to his boss. " Changing the subject though Sir you sent for me?"

" I did indeed. If memory serves me correctly you know how to reset broken bones do you not?"

The blonde haired man facial features turned into one of concern " Yes...why are yourself or Hildegard injured? If so Sir I do not think I will be the best person to call upon. Probably best getting the towns medic to perform a procedure such as that."

" Not at all it's actually the Hobbit who needs it." The Master gestured to the prone and unmoving figure on his desk top.

Braga turned all his focus to the smaller creature. His stared intensely as he strode over to him when his eyes finally noticed the misshapen foot up close. " What happened to it?

" I happened. This Halfling decided to cause a scene resulting in Hildegard obtaining an injury. So I had to put him in his place. Accept now my daughter has requested that it's foot to be reset." The Master answered in a serious tone as he took his place beside his leader of the guard.

" I see well Sir I think this is something I can help you with. But it will require you and Alfred holding it down while I work."

" Not a problem it is not the first time myself and Alfred have had to do that." He gestured for the black haired man to come over which he did in haste.

" Hold his legs down Alfred." His boss instructed while he took his position in placing his thick arms over Bilbo chest.

This action began to stir the Hobbit as he felt the extra pressure placed upon his ribs. Opening his eyes with a wince the first person he clocked was the Master leaning over him.

Bilbo began to panic and thrash at his captors. The larger man immediately withdrew his right arm away while keeping his left still firmly on the smaller creature. With his now free hand he grabbed a fist full of the Hobbit hair and planted his head back onto the table. The assistant also took a stronger grip on the Hobbit's legs.

Once Braga could see that the Halfling was more tightly subdued he took up position near the creatures broken foot. But as soon as he touched it the Hobbit let out a blood curdling cry. He promptly dropping the appendage which caused a loud sounding crack as it hit the wooden surface. Causing another much more deafening scream to echo throughout the room.

" I cannot perform this Sir while he is in state." The guard looked desperately between both his accomplices.

Alfred let out an amused chuckle. He was really beginning to get a kick out of hearing the Halfling squirm. " Would you like me to perform the choke hold on him again like before?" He aimed the question at his Master.

But the blonde man quickly jumped in before the assistant could get his answer. " Not necessarily Alfred I have something that will calm it down." Braga reach into his pocket and pulled out a medium sized flask. If he had to go through with this than he did not want the Hobbit to sustain any more injuries. Not while he carried out this procedure.

Both other individuals eyed the container in slight confusion before Alfred spoke up. " May I inquire what that is?"

" Just something I carry in emergencies. Arresting and subduing can be a tricky notion. Just open his mouth for me." He instructed as he undid the lid of the flask.

When Bilbo heard this and saw the man with the vial standing over him. He instantly ceased his wailing and closed his mouth tightly. Braga huffed out in frustration and grabbed the Hobbits cheeks. Using his fingertips he dug his nails into the Hobbits skin to try and pry his mouth open. But only achieved in making the smaller creature grunt out in discomfort.

When the guard leader realised it was not going to work he moved to plan B. Taking his hand away he then placed it onto the Hobbit's nose and using his thumb and pinky he pinched his nostrils shut. Making the smaller being thrash in panic. He could already feel his abused lung burn and cry out for oxygen. His drowning and resuscitation had seriously taken its toll on his body. So refusing to breathe for a substantial period of time was a battle he was not going to win.

Finally his body instinctively gave in and he opened his mouth to take in air. He manage to exhale before the foul liquid was forced in. The Hobbit gagged but didn't have time to spit it out as the hand on his nose came away and clamped down on his mouth to stop him.

Braga could feel himself growing more inpatient as it was clear the Hobbit wasn't going to swallow the substance. " If you don't swallow I will be forced to just pinch your nose closed again until you do."

All he was met with was a growl and a piercing gaze as the stubbornness of Bilbo's Took blood ran supreme. He was not going to give in that easily.

"So be it."

Putting down the flask Braga again covered Bilbo's nose to prevent him breathing.

Soon and like before he could no longer withstand the asphyxiation. The urge overtook his functions and his throat promptly spasmed. The Hobbit could not stop himself gulping down the liquid in one go.

The blonde haired man sees this and took his opportunity and removed his hand from the Halfling's nose. He immediately begins rubbing his throat to help coax the fluid down. Working quickly as to make sure the content went down the right pipe and not into the small creatures lungs.

Braga stepped back and observed. He could already begin to see the liquid was taking the desired effect as Bilbo's entire body wilted like a rag doll.

"What is in that vial?" Asked The Master with a raised quizzing eyebrow.

The guard redone the lid on his flask before acknowledged his employer." It's a paralyzing agent. It is a great way to subdue individuals who don't want to cooperate. Basically it causes paralysis to the point they can no longer move any of their body or talk."

This peeked the Master's interest even more "How long will this last?"

" Up to 30 minutes give or take. Though I didn't give him the hole bottle because he is much smaller than a regular sized person. If I did it will most definitely result in his important internal organs becoming paralyzed as well."

" In what way?"

Braga cleared his throat. Not feeling entirely comfortable when it came to explaining how this particular substance worked. "First his lungs will cease functioning and asphyxiation will follow. Though if he doesn't die of that it will be his heart gives out and ceases beating."

" So definitely not a pleasant way to go." It was now Alfred turn to interject. Though the enthusiasm in the assistants voice put Braga somewhat on edge but he nodded.

" Most certainly a painful and scary one I would say. Going by the unfortunates who received to much on occasion. Their final moments did not look pleasant in the slightest."

There was a moment of undisturbed silence before the Master spoke up." Anyway shall we proceed as planned. Will the Hobbit feel any off this?"

This was the question Braga dreaded to answer but in truth there was no point in lying. Maybe there was a slim chance the Hobbit would be better treated if they knew. " Most certainly sir it paralysis the muscles not the nerves. So he can still feel sensation, touch and is fully aware. But it is completely immobilized."

Listening to the conversation that was taking place in front of him. Bilbo's already rapid beating heart felt as if it was going to give out. Even without the threat of more of the paralysis agent being forced down his throat. It was true in that the Hobbit could no longer shift his bound limps or move his head. He tried to form some sort of word or even let out a loud sound in protest. Though all that escaped past his lips were small pathetic squeaks.

This didn't go unnoticed by the other occupants in the room. Where the blonde haired man had an expression of shame. He could not bring himself to look at the Halfling and turned his head away . In reverse his accomplices did not share in his specific emotion and instead let out smalls chuckles in a somewhat sick satisfaction. Taking a deep long breath Braga swallowed down the nervous lump in his throat and met his bosses gaze. " Shall we begin?"

" Most definitely."

With a nod Braga went back to take his position again next to the Halfling's broken appendage. While this time the Master and Alfred looked on with glee no longer needing to hold Bilbo down.

He placed both sets of his fingers underneath the sole of the Hobbit's foot and positioned his two thumbs over the bone fracture. Causing another round of pain filled squeals as the smaller being felt the agonizing pressure of the mans grip.

This time the leader of the guard made eye contact with the scared little creature. He could not stop the sorrow from showing on his features as he readied himself on what he was about to do. Mouthing a subtle sorry he then pressed down with steadily and precise force.

It was then a monstrous loud crack immediately sounded throughout the room. As the once misaligned bone was now snapped back into it's rightful place.

It was an agonising pain Bilbo was just not prepared for. In that split second his already damaged foot had once again been manipulated by brute force. Though his had already gone through the trauma of having it broken in the first place. He had to admit that his deepest fear were true and having it reset was far worse. The Hobbit raw throat still admitted weak uncontrollable squeals as he fought against the sheer agony that pulsated up his leg. Then spread like a lightning bolt through his tiny frame. Water cascaded down his face not just from tears but also from the steady free flowing sweat. All he wanted to do was just scream out in pure angst, terror and pain. But the substance that coursed through his vein made his desire impossible. At this precise moment Bilbo had never felt so petrified or vulnerable. Because more than ever he was at his abductors complete mercy.

" Now we need something to splint his foot so the bone doesn't move." Braga instructed both other men as he closely inspected his work. Happy with the result it wasn't long before Alfred came back and handed him a small thin wooden cane. One that luckily aligned with the Hobbit's foot perfectly. "And bandages so I can strap it."

The black haired assistant looked at him begrudgingly and huffed. " Will that be all? Or is there anything else you want me to get to save time?"

" No that is all."

" I'm afraid I do not have any bandages. Although Alfred lend Braga your scarf." The Master clicked his fingers and motioned for him to hand over the black scarf around his neck. Much to the assistants dismay.

" Must I Sire. This little shit has already damaged so much of my clothing already." He brought his hand up to the garment in question and clung tightly to it.

" Do I have to make you Alfred?" the larger man threatened. But received the wanted effect as the assistant grumbled in annoyance then handing it over to Braga. In no time the foot was bound and tightly wrapped in the course black material.

The blonde guard wiped his forehead with his sleeve before addressing the other two men. " That should do it. Though I deem it wise to take it easy on him and not aggravate the injury sight. It could result in all our hard work being a waste of time."

"If that is what needs to be done than so be it." With that the Master turned his back and again made his way over to his prime liquor cabinet. " I know you are on duty but would you care for a quick shot before you leave? I would say you have earned it."

" That is most kind of you Sir." Braga responded. Not making it to oblivious he then brought his hand down upon Bilbo's shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze.

Despite the haze Bilbo had indeed felt the touch and been closely listening to Braga's conversations. Something about his words and demeanour was beginning to spark slight hope in the Hobbit. It seemed as if deep down the man realised this situation was unremarkably wrong. The hesitancy, his apology and general remorse on his face spoke volumes to the him. Maybe there is still hope and the guard will in turn do the right thing, hopefully before it's to late. But hope was hope and that was what Bilbo was going to hang on to.

More misadventures of Alfred and his clothes being wrecked. I have no clue why I have even made this a thing XD.

So I didn't know how to write Braga. Originally he was going to be a bit of dick also. Then played with the idea that maybe he has a bit of a conscience. But doesn't have the guts to stand up to the Master because he is scared of the consequences if he does.