Sorry about missing an update! I'll post another chapter as apology.

Ink...

Chapter 7

Gandalf shrugged. "Bluster and shout, curse in Khuzdul and then swear vengeance all the while trying to find a way to persuade you to forgive him and to never see the Elves as friends again." Gandalf's eyes twinkled slightly at that part.

Bilbo huffed a laugh. "Ah, yes…that would go over very well indeed. Like a salad at a Dwarven party."

Gandalf started choking on his pipe smoke as he started laughing. Bilbo looked at him deadpan. Gandalf coughed once more before heading towards where the troll cave was.

Bilbo wrinkled his nose at the smell that accosted him. "Sweet Yavanna! This stinks worse than Nori's socks!"

The Dwarf in question flipped Bilbo off and continued pilfering the piles of gold. Bilbo snorted and gazed at the gold, trying, like he always did, to feel the connection that other Dwarves claimed they felt with the metal. All he felt was cold.

Bilbo sneezed from the dust and left the cave. He couldn't stand Thorin's hatred of the Elves much longer.

"Bilbo!" Bilbo turned to see Gandalf striding over. "Here. A blade that may serve you well during your travels." Gandalf looked at Bilbo. "I know you prefer daggers, but perhaps you should also rely on a sword as well?"

Bilbo nodded and reverently took the blade and looked at it. "Elven make…it glows blue when Orcs are near, right?"

Gandalf smiled. "Correct. I'm glad to see that you've retained at least a little information that I tried to drill into that thick skull of yours."

Bilbo huffed a chuckle and shook his head. "True, most of your lessons put me to sleep, but the only ones that held any fascination for me were the accounts of the Elves."

Gandalf snorted. "A Dwobbit Prince who loves the Elves as much as his father hates them. Oh, when Thorin finds out, it will prove very entertaining indeed!"

Bilbo glared at Gandalf.

"When I find out what?"

Bilbo squeaked and ducked behind Gandalf. It came out of his mouth before he could think. "You're a Dwarf! You're not suppose to be so silent!"

For a moment, Thorin looked amused; however, a glare settled over his features again. Bilbo sighed and looked at the ground.

"You did not answer my question."

Gandalf snorted. "No, and I do not intend to. Now, Thorin Oakenshield, I think it is time we were off."

Thorin huffed. "Aye, to those Elves." He grumbled slightly at the thought. "Foolish creatures. Always laughing and singing. Never taking anything seriously!" All the Dwarves nodded gravely.

Bilbo snorted. "I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you there, Thorin. Elves can be serious when they are required to be; however, because their lives are so long, they have come to realize that it is a waste of time being serious and grave when they do not need to be!" Bilbo's declaration was met with silence. He shrugged, and they continued on their way.

They traveled swiftly to the gates of Rivendell. The Elves were, as usual, in the trees and plucking fruit and working with nature, or just reading while relaxing in the boughs.

They laughed at the comical sight of thirteen Dwarves trailing one after the other like some demented parade. They sang out when Balin leaned over to wash his face with the water from a spring.

"Be careful Father, your beard does not need watering! Tis already long enough!"

Another shouted aloud to his friend, "It is a wonder these Dwarves do not trip over such mounds of hair!"

"Aye, it seems appearance are deceiving, for Dwarves must be far more graceful than they appear in order to survive more than a day without breaking their necks!"

All the Elves were laughing and chattering in Sindarin and Silvan as the Dwarves doggedly strode forward. Gandalf cleared his throat as a reminder for Bilbo not to call back in Sindarin. Bilbo was trying to become one with the company, not become ostracized by it.

Lord Elrond appeared once they walked through the gates and embraced Gandalf, speaking quickly in Sindarin. Bilbo didn't look at Elrond, hoping Gandalf explain before Lord Elrond let the proverbial cat out of the bag.

Elrond smiled at them all. "Welcome to Rivendell, Last Homely House. I bid you welcome and rest. There is food being prepared and baths and rooms made ready for you. Please, come this way."

All the Dwarves hesitantly followed the frustrating Wizard and the altogether too trusting Dwobbit.

Thorin growled and pulled Bilbo back by the elbow. He made sure the lad was in the middle of the group. Elves had always shown an almost unhealthy interest in Dwobbits. Thorin wasn't going to let them steal his burglar.

Bilbo frowned at Thorin, but he didn't dare question his father. He was afraid more cutting remarks about his character and person would be slung at him.

Bilbo sighed and remembered their latest argument. Thorin had been pissed that Bilbo hadn't drawn a weapon during the entire exchange unless to cut the ponies loose. Bilbo had no chance to defend himself.

Bilbo quickly wiped hot tears away from his cheeks. He wouldn't cry in front of the Dwarves, and most definitely not in front of his father!

Gandalf claimed that Thorin Oakenshield was a good Dwarf, well then, by jove, Bilbo was going to try and gain his father's approval without automatically gaining it by his birth status. He wanted Thorin's approval and respect as a Dwobbit and a member of Thorin's Company without cheating.

And by Yavanna's sweet Earth, he would!