Bilbo was left speechless. The elves were so thin and tall. They moved around with such grace. Everything about them was still, graceful and profoundly beautiful. The city itself was a thing of beauty you could stare at for hours. Bilbo wandered through the halls and streets just gazing around.

He felt tiered, battered and alone. The beauty of Rivendell made it all more clear how run down he was.

They were on the road for some time now, but it wasn't the trip that wore him out. It was Thorin. It was all his fault. If it wasn't for him Bilbo would enjoy this whole trip, all perils included. The dwarves turned out to be a merry gathering as Gandalf promised. Their stories, songs and jokes were good ones. The trip was hard but everything was new. The danger came, but Bilbo felt confident he will survive. Everything was as promised, adventure that changes lives.

If there only wasn't the matter of Thorin. His madness was too palpable to Bilbo. He could sense it from afar. He knew from the start that Thorin wasn't really convinced in Bilbo's usefulness in this trip but since Trolls held him things got much worse. Before, Thorin didn't even bother to look at Bilbo, and that was fine. Bilbo felt free to move around and ask his questions. Since Trolls made him look straight at Bilbo it seemed that Thorin angry eyes followed him everywhere.

That's why he didn't ask all the question that came into his mind since they arrived to Rivendell. And that's why he wandered around alone distancing himself from the company of dwarves. He considered should he travel on with them or turn back and find home. He'll surely have less trouble on his own. He really could be unseen when he wanted to. To be so fiercely seen by Thorin was really uncomfortable.

Even the excitement of discovering map's secret writing was diminished by that. That's why when lord Elrond offered him to stay in Rivendell he considered his offer. Elves surely had things to offer from books, to music, it was a place full of history, but still there was the matter of Thorin Oakenshield. Bilbo had signed a contract with him and if he wants to breech that contract he would have to talk about it with Thorin. Bilbo just knew that, even though Thorin wanted to get rid of Bilbo, he'll still despise Bilbo for giving up.

Besides that there was still something on Thorin that captured Bilbo's attention, and now he couldn't study it further because of Thorin's focused anger.

For a brief moment he could watch Thorin without being seen because he spoke confidentially with Balin. Although he could not hear them he had a feeling he was their topic. That was maybe a moment to step in, to tell his goodbyes, because Gandalf had already set their departure in motion.

As he stepped in closer the stream of dwarves came along and they brought with them the talk of water and dwarves. Thorin looked so annoyed that Bilbo reconsidered his intention. Suddenly they were all gone taking Balin with them and he and Thorin were left alone.

It was a strange moment when he stared back to Thorin, he usually avoided contact pretending that he doesn't notice attention sent his way. Thorin, as expected, had no need to say something to ease up tension, or to explain himself. Deciding he wouldn't dare to go towards him Bilbo slowly withdrew backwards murmuring something about pathways.

When he was safely out of Thorin's sight he wasn't sure anymore should he stay, or should he go. With that insecurity he wandered the streets slowly descending towards the river.

With mention of Hobbit's inclination to avoid open water he felt strange attraction to it. He was far from Shire and he did things respectable Hobbit wouldn't, maybe he could overcome disdain of water.

Thinking about bathing and how he wouldn't want to stay in this stench when all dwarves would be bathed. Except for Thorin, or not.

Bilbo froze as he faced Thorin's bare back.

He just stared at naked dwarf not wanting to draw his gaze away in pure dread that Thorin would turn around at slightest movement in the air around him, turn and notice Bilbo staring. That didn't happen and Bilbo's mind started to notice sight before him. It was so strange to see Thorin bare. It was like he was bigger and smaller at the same time.

Clothes made him threatening in some way, while his pale skin covered in dark hair looked gentle. Besides that hard muscles below his skin looked like they could move world around. His hair looked the same but it got a flavour to it, like it was a shelter for his broad shoulders.

Thorin finally moved towards the water and Bilbo flew to remove himself from line of sight. When he was far enough Bilbo stopped and stared at the water wondering how it felt to just walk into the water, to let the stream wash around you. Soon enough he wiggled out of his clothes. If even Thorin decided to remove his scents Bilbo won't be left to be smelled upon.

The water was surprisingly cold but Bilbo forced himself in diving below the surface. It was harder than swimming in the lukewarm ponds of the Shire but it had refreshing ring to it. When he surfaced he felt renewed. Just as he put his feet on the pebbles he noticed that he wasn't alone anymore. Thorin had stood in all his naked glory facing him. His eyes were closed and Bilbo was sure he wasn't aware of his company. Deciding for a moment could he be so quiet and ran to his clothes unseen he choose to clear his throat. He could be unheard of, but there was a matter of the water, he couldn't silence it.

Thorin opened his eyes suddenly placing his hard gaze on Bilbo's head. Bilbo offered him a weak smile.

"It seemed like a good spot for a dive" Bilbo said in his polite manner.

Feel free to post few words for our beloved duo at the riverbank. And please don't expect any substantial action, it's way too early for that. Should have warn you in the beginning it will develop slow. Maybe you've got a clue by now :)