Dwalin couldn't help the little ache he felt in his chest at the awe on Bilbo's face. The bath chambers were far from the most luxurious parts of Erebor, but Bilbo was visibly amazed by them. He looked so small, so young, as he looked around. Dwalin wanted nothing more than to treat him like a little Dwarfling, coddle him and make sure nothing ever hurt him. But he did have an appearance to keep up, as well as orders from Thorin.
"Over here." He grunted, pointing to one of the subterranean tubs that was constantly filled with steamy water from the underground spring in the mountain. Bilbo looked nervous as he stopped at the side of the depression in the floor, glancing from Dwalin then down at him himself. He looked hesitant to take off his trousers, the only piece of clothing he had left, but he obviously wanted to get in the tub. "Don't be shy, Hobbit." Dwalin said gruffly and pointed again at the tub.
"I don't like being naked in front of people." Bilbo murmured with a blush. In specific, he remembered the feeling of Smaug's eyes on him while he changed clothes during their brief traveling. It still gave him a little shudder.
"Just get in the tub." Dwalin said with a roll of his eyes. Bilbo kept his eyes firmly away from Dwalin as he slid out of his trousers. The second they were off his body, Bilbo was scurrying into the heated water, a low hiss escaping between his teeth from the temperature. He got used to it fairly quickly though and relaxed against the side of the tub with a small smile on his face. Dwalin couldn't help but smile as well.
"A-Are you gonna stay here the whole time?" Bilbo asked nervously.
"Orders are orders." Dwalin shrugged, sitting down against a pillar. He amused himself by looking at the carvings on the ceiling of the bath house. He had never noticed them before. Some of them were...a little raunchy. But what could he really expect from Dwarves?
"Thank you." Bilbo whispered some time later. Dwalin looked at him curiously. "I know it was you. Who left the water skin in my cell." Bilbo told him shyly. Dwalin gave away nothing in his face, but his eyes sparkled a little bit. He nodded, in recognition of Bilbo's thanks, but said nothing. "What do you think will happen to me?" Bilbo asked a few minutes later. Dwalin sighed and rubbed at the back of his head.
"Dunno. But, since yer the only one who knows what Smaug looks like, Thorin'll probably petition to keep yeh alive, so yeh can identify him. As well, since yeh...cooperated...with giving information, he'll probably petition to give yeh an actual room. Yeh won't be able to leave Erebor at all, and ye'll always have a guard nearby to make sure yeh don't try to escape. But it's better than the dungeon." It was the most logical probability. Bilbo didn't look relieved though.
"I'll never see my mother again." He whispered, curling his knees up to his chest. Dwalin felt a stab to his gut at the forlorn tone, and he couldn't help but spill what he knew.
"Thorin sent a few Dwarves to the Shire." Bilbo's reaction was not one Dwalin had been hoping for. The Hobbit's head shot up and his eyes were wider than a deer being hunted.
"W-What?! H-He sent men after my mother?!" Bilbo exclaimed, and he would have probably stood up if not for the fact that he was still naked. Dwalin rushed to reassure him.
"No, no, no! Bilbo, he's not going to hurt her! He sent them with gold, to buy her cure! After Balin told him about her sickness and how yeh only took the contract to cure it, they decided it was the least he could do. Since without yeh she'll die." Dwalin explained, and Bilbo slowly lost the tension in his shoulder. He didn't look completely convinced however. "They might even bring her back to Erebor." Dwalin mentioned.
"She can't travel. She's too weak." Bilbo pointed out.
"Well, not right away. Speaking of the subject, Balin wants to talk to yeh later, specifically about her illness. Dori and his men are already headed to the Shire, but we can always send a raven with whatever yeh need to tell them about it. Symptoms and the name of the cure and so on." Bilbo nodded softly. "She'll be okay Bilbo." Dwalin said softly. Bilbo didn't reply.
Bilbo spent a long time just enjoying the warmth of his bath, and luxuriating in the feeling of being clean again. But after a while, Dwalin started to get bored. Bilbo hurried to finish washing himself before sluggishly climbing out of the tub and wrapping one of the thick towels around himself. He reached for his trousers, but Dwalin stopped him.
"Yeh just got clean. Thorin was supposed to be sending replacement trousers and a tunic." Dwalin explained.
"Well, what am I supposed to do? Walk around in a towel?" Bilbo asked sarcastically. When Dwalin didn't reply, Bilbo's face lit up like a fire. "No."
"It shouldn't be too long. Just pick somewhere yeh wanna go and yeh can wait for them there." Bilbo recoiled a little. Dwalin wasn't going to take him back to his cell? He was giving Bilbo a choice of where he could go? The Dwarf must have sensed the hesitance and disbelief in Bilbo because he sighed. "Look, Thorin is trying to make it up to yeh, for being an ass. He knows it's not really yer fault, any of this. So he told me I could take yeh anywhere yeh want." Dwalin admitted, and Bilbo slowly let himself smile. It surprised Dwalin. Bilbo looked good when he smiled. He wouldn't mind seeing that smile more often.
"Uh...is there a library?" Bilbo asked, shyly.
"Oh course there's a library. Ori works there." Dwalin said proudly. He led Bilbo towards the door and just before they reached them, the doors swung open. Bofur appeared with a pile of folded clothes, and laughed at the surprised look on the bald Dwarf's face.
"Did I scare yeh Dwalin?" He asked, still laughing a little. Bilbo chuckled too and Bofur's eyes went to the Hobbit. He smiled, big and warmly, and tossed the clothes at Dwalin so he could pull Bilbo into a big hug. Bilbo jumped at the enthusiastic reception. "It's so good ta see yeh outta that cell!" Bofur told him happily. He noticed Bilbo's apprehension to being hugged and laughed again. "Sorry. I'm a hugger." He said with another bright smile.
"No, it's fine. I'm just...not used to it." Bilbo murmured softly. Bofur's grin slipped a little and he looked at Dwalin for some kind of interruption, something to ease the awkwardness in the air.
"Here Bilbo." Dwalin offered Bilbo the clothes, and the Hobbit brightened.
"Be right back." Bilbo promised, dashing behind a pillar to change. Bofur chuckled fondly.
"He has a way of wormin' himself into yer heart, doesn't he?" Bofur mentioned quietly to Dwalin. The bald Dwarf murmured something that sounded like an agreement. "Oh yeh can act as big an tough as yeh want, but I see right through yer facade, master Dwalin." Bofur said dramatically. Dwalin rolled his eyes, but if he was actively trying to restrain a smile, neither of them mentioned it. Bilbo reappeared, dressed in the slightly too big pants and the ridiculously big tunic and Bofur had to bite his fist to keep from bursting out into big laughs.
"What?" Bilbo asked, oh so innocently.
"Yeh look like a Dwarfling!" Bofur sputtered, giving into his suppressed laughs. "Just wait till Thorin sees yeh!" He added when he caught enough of a breath to speak. Even Dwalin chuckled at that. The bald Dwarf looked down at himself and untied a long piece of leather from around his waist. It was supposed to keep his purse on his hip, but he didn't need it in the mountain. Instead he gave it to Bilbo to use as a belt. The Hobbit thanked him and tied the leather around his hip, making the tunic look less like a dress and keeping the trousers up better. He still looked so very young in the ensemble, not to mention his sopping wet curls made him look like a drowned rat. It was all so...adorable.
"So, library then?" Bilbo asked, still a little hesitantly. Like he was expecting it to be a trick and any moment now Thorin would jump out of nowhere, declare him a traitor and a thief, and chop off his head.
"This way." Dwalin grumbled and started leading the Hobbit. Bofur tagged along, without an invitation Dwalin thought bitterly, and started chatting about idle little things with Bilbo. But Bilbo appeared to like the mindless talk. It was better than talking about his life as a thief, or his contract with Smaug. They talked the entire way to the library. And when Dwalin opened the big doors for Bilbo, that look of awe returned in full force and the Hobbit stopped dead in his tracks for probably a full minute just to gape.
"People talk about Erebor all over Middle Earth, but it's usually about treasure and trade and stuff. No one ever talks about how amazing the library is." Bilbo breathed when Bofur asked what was the matter. "This is wonderful!" He added, and then ran off like an excited fauntling. Bofur and Dwalin exchanged fond smiles before Bofur took off after Bilbo and Dwalin wandered over to talk to Ori. And no. He was not flirting. No matter what Thorin and Balin said.
Several hours later when Thorin entered the library looking for his best friend and his Hobbit "prisoner" he found something of a confusing scene. Dwalin was mooning over Ori, no surprise, but Bilbo was sitting comfortably in the only window sill in the library, Bofur sprawled out next to him as he listened to Bilbo read aloud. The small smile on the Hobbit's face, as well as the amusing sight of him practically swimming in Dwarf clothes, made Thorin smile before he could catch himself. Bilbo looked...happy. He looked like he belonged here amongst books and with friendly Dwarves. For a second, Thorin wished it could stay this way.
Thorin also took note of the numerous water skins and bowls surrounding Bofur and Bilbo and felt a wave of relief that Bilbo had gotten a meal and some water. The Hobbit really was much too thin. But this time, Thorin would not force him to eat. But he would try and encourage it. Some deliberately big portions would probably be a good enough effort.
Bilbo glanced up as he was turning a page and caught sight of Thorin standing in the library doorway. His reading ceased and he looked fearful, like he was about to get in trouble. And Thorin felt the oddest urge to rush to sooth him.
"Thorin! The counsel is out already?" Dwalin called from the bench where he was sitting with Ori. The scribe waved shyly and meandered away, Dwalin's eyes following him.
"Well, none of them wanted to discuss the subject for very long, not with the Winter Festival coming up. More important matters and all." Thorin rolled his eyes and Dwalin grinned a little. "Master Baggins, if you'll come with me." Bilbo jumped and looked from Dwalin to Bofur a few times before shutting the big book in his lap.
"I'll take it back ta the shelve Bilbo. Maybe we can read more later." Bofur proposed hopefully. And the smile that lit Bilbo's face made Thorin feel at once warm and fuzzy inside. As well, it immediately lit the fire of jealousy in his stomach. Why was Bilbo smiling like that at Bofur?
"I'd like that." Bilbo agreed. Bofur reached down to help the Hobbit up and when Bilbo was on his feet, the hatted Dwarf wandered away towards the shelves, after a little salute towards Thorin. If Thorin could only manage to glower in return, no one even thought of mentioning it. Bilbo cautiously walked over to Thorin, his head bowed and his eyes on his feet. He looked even smaller now, in the oversized clothes. Thorin shuddered to think he'd actually hit this boy. "So, you decided what will happen to me?" Bilbo asked quietly, shocking Thorin out of his reverie. The Dwarf King cleared his throat and nodded.
"You're considered my personal prisoner and informant and you will reside in an antechamber off my rooms, so I can keep an eye on you. Dwalin is now your official guard, he will shadow you everywhere you go. When we bring a suspect in for questioning, you will tell me if it is Smaug or not. And when he is dealt with, you will be granted a pardon for your crimes, on the grounds that you helped apprehend a dangerous criminal and beast. But you will not be allowed to leave Erebor. Ever." Bilbo swallowed thickly and ducked his head again, biting his bottom lip. Never leaving Erebor? For the rest of his life? He didn't know if he could do that! But, he supposed, it was better than death or imprisonment in that horrible cell. "I'll take you to your room for the night. Nori already has a suspect that he's bringing in tomorrow, so you'll have to get up early." Thorin said definitively.
"Of course." Bilbo agreed, though his voice was small. Thorin nodded, at a loss for words, and turned to lead Bilbo out of the library. The Hobbit followed in remarkable obedience, but Thorin still made sure he kept an eye on Bilbo at all times. It wouldn't do for Bilbo to try and run. Thorin would have to do something about it, and he didn't want to punish the Hobbit. Not after everything he'd already done to Bilbo. But Bilbo didn't try to run, he simply kept his eyes on his feet and followed the Dwarf King through the seemingly never ending halls of Erebor. Finally Thorin stopped in front of a beautifully crafted door which he pushed open without preamble.
Inside the door was a sitting room. Couches, fireplace, lounge tables, the whole deal. And it wasn't some low quality sitting room. Everything was made from the finest stone and inlaid with the most dazzling jewels. There were four doors leading off of the sitting room, two to the left and two to the right. Thorin wasted no time, he pointed to the first door on the left and started explaining.
"That's my room. You do not enter it, unless asked specifically by me to do so. The room next to it is my bathroom. You have your own connected to your room, but if for some reason you need to use mine, you may. Those two rooms are both antechambers, I don't care which you pick, but they're both the same so it doesn't really matter. I will unlock your room when the sun rises in the morning and I expect you to be back in your room, at the latest, five hours after sundown each night." Thorin explained firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.
"B-But, how will I know when it's sundown?" Bilbo asked in a quiet voice. He didn't want to interrupt Thorin, and risk angering the Dwarf, but he really had no idea how to tell time under the mountain. Thorin took a moment to think and then shrugged.
"I'll make sure Dwalin knows when to bring you back to your room." Bilbo nodded. "Any other questions?" The Dwarf demanded. Bilbo quickly shook his head. "Pick a room." Thorin commanded, pointing Bilbo towards the two doors to the right. Bilbo cautiously walked to the first door and curiously peeked inside.
The antechamber was bigger than Bilbo thought it would be. There was a four post bed with rich blue blankets and black furs covering the mattress. The round rug in the center of the room was also black fur but it looked impossibly soft. There was a smaller fireplace across the room from the bed, and a dresser in the corner. There was also a desk at the end of the bed, but there was nothing on it. Bilbo saw a door he assumed led to the bathroom just to the right of the bed. Overall, it was a much nicer room than he had seen in years. And he felt impossibly guilty that he should be staying in such a room when his mother was still living in squalor in the Shire. No for long, he thought with a little smile. Thorin was sending for her.
"Does it suit your taste, little thief?" Bilbo jumped at Thorin's voice, alarmingly close behind him. He turned frantically to find Thorin only a few feet away.
"I-It's beautiful. Thank you King Thorin." Bilbo said, casting his eyes to his feet again. Thorin couldn't help but reach out and tilt Bilbo's face up towards his.
"Why won't you look at me Bilbo?" He asked softly. Bilbo flushed and pulled away from Thorin.
"I don't want to anger you, Your Majesty. I've learned from that mistake." Suddenly the bruise on Bilbo's cheek seemed to be the only thing Thorin could see. And he set his lips into a firm line, trying not to let his guilt bleed into his expression.
"I don't want you to be afraid of me." Thorin murmured. Bilbo's eyes flicked up to his face, but only for a moment, and then they returned to the ground.
"I think it's a little late for that, Your Majesty." Bilbo whispered. Thorin was clenching his jaw so hard he was getting a headache. He would change Bilbo's opinion of him. He knew he could. But he would have to be patient. He had done nothing but hurt Bilbo since the Hobbit was captured, and it would take a while before Bilbo saw him as anything other than a cruel King willing to do anything to get results. Thorin was prepared to wait as long as it took to change that image. He had never been great at first impressions. But he was pretty expert at changing said bad impression into a good one, with enough time. You could ask pretty much any of his trade partners. And the Company. And most of the population of Erebor.
"I will see you in the morning Master Baggins." Thorin said stonily. Bilbo nodded and quickly fled behind the door of the antechamber. Thorin stared at the closed door for a few moments before sighing and locking it. It was mandatory for him to lock the door. Bilbo was still a prisoner, even if he was Thorin's personal prisoner. But he still felt guilty as he did it. Great way to start changing Bilbo's opinion of him. Locking the Hobbit in a room again. At least it was better than the dungeons.
On the other side of the door Bilbo slid down the smooth stone to the floor and brought his knees to his chest. On one hand, this was definitely an improvement. On the other, he really didn't know what to think about Thorin's little change of heart. And why was the Dwarf king trying to be nice to him? Eventually he got tired of wondering and stood to stumble to his new bed. It was difficult in the dark, he'd have to get some candles for the room tomorrow. But he eventually met with soft furs and heavy blankets and he was practically asleep before he put his head down. He was still so exhausted after the last few weeks, and it had been so long since he'd slept in an actual bed! Even before the dungeon, it wasn't like he had some high quality bed in the Shire. Sacks of flour and a scratchy blanket were nothing compared to the heaven he was currently being engulfed in.
His last coherent thought before he slipped into sleep was of his mother, and the Dwarves going to the Shire to get her. Dwalin had said Dori was going, and Bilbo vaguely remembered stealing a signet ring from a Dwarf named Dori. It seemed like so long ago. He would have to give the ring back. It was hidden in the supply closet with his picks and daggers. He supposed he should tell Thorin about those. He would give the ring back to Dori when he returned from the Shire. With his mother. Oh, that was something he could not wait for.
OOOOO
In Dale, Smaug sat in a plush armchair in his room at the tavern, staring out the window at the mountain. It had been weeks now, and Bilbo had not come out of Erebor, Smaug had been very intently watching. His anger was nearly tangible, but there was the strangest little prickling of concern. He didn't understand how he had become attached to the Hobbit, especially after only five days of knowing him. But the thought of Bilbo trapped in a Dwarvish prison because he failed to snatch the Arkenstone made his blood boil a bit. And the thought of Bilbo dying because he had been caught was even worse.
Of course, there was disappointment, because really he had been so hopeful. Bilbo had been so promising. He thought that the boy would be perfect for stealing the stone and getting out alive. Apparently even the best Thief West of the Misty Mountains wasn't quite enough. He was considering just going in for the damned thing himself. And he did want to know what had become of his Hobbit thief. Maybe it would be possible to salvage the boy. Since Bilbo failed, the contract with him was finished. But Smaug wasn't finished with him. He could simply force the boy to stay with him. He was a Dragon after all. He took what he wanted. And right now, he wanted the Arkenstone, and he wanted Bilbo Baggins.
Who knew, perhaps Bilbo was a passing fancy. A fancy that a few nights in the sheets could cure. And then he could send Bilbo on his way back to the Shire. Or keep him as a pet. He'd always wanted a pet. Bilbo was the perfect size for one too.
The envelope in his pocked felt like it was made of lead. The letter to Bilbo's mother. Smaug hadn't taken it back to the Shire. He had no intention to. But he was mildly curious as to what Bilbo would have written to his mother, under the assumption that he died in the mountain. Smaug fished the envelope out and carelessly broke the seal, unfolding the thick parchment and skimming the words.
Mother,
I'm so sorry, but I'm not coming back from Erebor. Obviously I'm alive as I write this letter, but I'm working in dangerous conditions here. And if this letter is being delivered to you, I have died from those dangerous conditions. In this event, which I dearly hope to avoid, I cannot apologize enough. I left you enough gold to last for a few months. Maybe in the summer you could have strength enough to do some sewing work to sell to the ladies at the market. Just don't overexert yourself, and try to take care of yourself. Hamfest and Daisy are always there for you mother. And I am waiting eagerly to see you once more.
I love you so much mother.
Bilbo.
How touching. Smaug couldn't help but smirk at the innocence Bilbo portrayed to his mother. If only this Belladonna woman knew what Bilbo really did to keep her alive. She would probably die of shock right then and there. It would be amusing, now that Smaug thought about it. Certainly food for thought.
Anyways, it didn't matter if Bilbo was still alive or if he was dead. Smaug hoped he was alive, but if he was dead, he was just a Hobbit. The main think he was thinking of was the Arkenstone. There had to be a way for him to acquire it. He supposed if Bilbo failed to get the stone, security measures had been increased to prevent it from being absconded with. But Smaug was smarter than they gave him credit for. He always got what he wanted. So he would enter the mountain, after he was properly prepared. He would look for the Hobbit, and if he was still alive, he would claim Bilbo as well as the Arkenstone. And then he would burn Oakenshield to a crisp and destroy every little thing that had been rebuilt after his last lordship over the mountain. He could practically taste his victory. There was nothing that would stop him, after all.
OOOOO
AN: Mwah hahahahaha! Smaug is still evil! Let me know what you think!