Bilbo goes into Heat! And he tries to stab someone...again!
Bilbo acts a little differently, especially towards Lord Elrond, some of it is due to Heat, but there are other reasons that will be explained in later chapters.
Warning: Perceived rape.
Acorn
You have to be displaced from what's comfortable and routine
and then you get to see things with fresh eyes
new eyes.
~Amy Tan~
"Skin them first?"
Bilbo looked away from the stoned Trolls to Thorin, the Breeder had redressed, a brow raised and to Bilbo's surprise; looked amused.
"O-Oh um it-it was the only thing that came to mind" the Carrier blushed.
"I see" Thorin hummed, still amused.
Bilbo squirmed, tensing slightly when Thorin moved closer, he waited for shouting, or something. Instead Thorin tilted his head, and it took all Bilbo had not to look away from the blue eyes that bore into his. Finally the Breeder blinked.
"Thank you" he said, "had you and Ori not distracted the Trolls like you did, I doubt Gandalf would have found all thirteen of us intact"
Bilbo, reeling as once more he was thanked, merely nodded. Thorin is silent again, though this time it looked like he wanted to say something else but was unsure in how to say it, Gandalf appearing and starting a conversation with the leader stopped that, and Bilbo was able to slip away. He doesn't get very far before Bifur is in his path.
"Are you hurt?" Bifur signed, eyes' going over the Carrier's body looking for injures, and aside from being a little dirty, the Breeder saw none.
"No" Bilbo signed back
Bifur nodded, then signed, "Will you come sit by me and take a rest?" and held out his hand.
Bilbo stared at the appendage waiting for him, and then up at the grey eyes that held nothing but calm and patience, he bit his bottom lip; his eyes glancing around before landing back on the still waiting hand. Taking a shaky breath, he placed his hand into the Dwarf's. Bifur smiled, and slowly closed his hand around Bilbo's.
The hand is large, dry and rough feeling, one of the nails is cracked and there was cut on the thumb knuckle. Bilbo noticed all that as he's lead over to a place to sit, but what he noticed the most, is how warm the Breeder's hand is around his own.
~.~
Thorin and Gandalf find a nearby cave, when they and four others of the Company entered, they immediately start to cough and retch at the horrid smell.
"It's a troll hoard" said Gandalf, "be careful of what you touch!"
Outside the other wait for the rest of their Company to come out of the cave, Bilbo sitting between Ori and Bifur, Dori was still fussing over his youngest sibling. He obviously he wanted to fuss over Bilbo as well, but whether because of Bifur' and Ori's glare to keep away or because of Bilbo's weary expression, he doesn't.
"Oh dear" Dori said once he's apparently satisfied and turned his attention to Bilbo, "it looks like one of your have buttons came loose"
Bilbo looked down at his robe (a light cotton green with blue embroidered bunnies, it was more tunic then robe with its short sleeves and length) and sure enough one button was missing while another was barely hanging on. He looked back at Dori.
"If you want, I can fix them for you, it won't take but a few minutes" Dori said.
More curious than suspicious, Bilbo undoes the rest of the buttons and took off his robe, a few nights ago he had put on a lighter shirt when the nights had been unusually cold, and hadn't yet taken it off since. Pleased at not being half-naked around the Breeders, he forgets about the Dwarves oddness with clothing until Dori made a startled noise and blushed.
"It's just another shirt" Bilbo said, aware of the other Dwarves not looking at him, "not a nightshirt".
Dori risked a peek and sighed in the relief when he sees the shirt; he then takes the robe, and settled down next to Ori. To Bilbo's surprise the Breeder took out a needle and some thread, along with replacement buttons; the Carrier watched, memorized as Dori set about putting the buttons back on.
"You look surprise" said Ori
"Alphas—the Breeders in Hobbiton don't sew"
They don't sew, cook proper meals or even garden, Bilbo was also sure they forced someone to clean their smials. The Breeders saw no reason to subject themselves to something so mundane, especially since they could take whatever they wanted.
"I hope Hamfast, his family and the others are alright" the Carrier thought at the remembrance of Hobbiton.
He hoped nothing had happened to his friends because of his escape, he hope they are safe.
"I learned from my mother" Dori said, bringing the Carrier out of his thoughts, "I wanted to be helpful to her after father passed away, and she had to work more to keep food on the table, she taught me how to cook and do household chores. When Nori was born, and old enough, I taught him, and I did the same with Ori"
Ori smiled as he remembered time spent with his brother, both of them, their praises when he did his letters correctly or when he got a recipe right. They were fond and much loved memories.
"I'd never take Nori for one who did house-hold chores" Bilbo said a bit shyly, "at least not willingly"
Ori giggled, while Bifur chuckled, "True" Dori said with a little laugh, "my brother does not seem the type, but he took to the lessons well, though I'm sure the reason he was so compliant was because an Alpha that knows how to cook and do other household chores goes over well with Omegas and women"
"It's true" Ori's smile got bigger, "back home; my brothers are very desirable bachelors"
"…Oh"
Ori and Bifur watched as Bilbo candidly stared at Dori, who, aside from his cheek being a little pink from his brother's comment; bravely doesn't squirm under the Carrier's gaze. Bilbo's brow furrowed and his lips turned into a confused frown.
"That's….nice?" the Carrier finally said.
Ori found the question in the statement amusing, Bifur mumbled under his breath, while Dori just grinned a little as he finished the last button.
"All done" the Ri Alpha said, "looks good as new"
Bilbo took the offered clothing, he looked at the new buttons, they were definitely out of place, but for some reason that didn't bother the Carrier.
"Thank you" said Bilbo with a feeling he couldn't place.
Dori, who was waiting patiently for the verdict, smiled.
~.~
Radagast the Brown was nothing like Gandalf, he was so…..absent-minded, Bilbo suppose was the most polite word that he could think of. Though, the Carrier did notice that he smelled similar to Gandalf in terms of not having the scent of Alpha, Beta, or Carrier; and had that sharp smell of magic along with the scent of the forest.
"Oh!" Radagast said surprised, "it's a silly old stick insect"
"Wizards are odd beings" Ori said with a tilted head as he and the other Carrier watched Gandalf pull a stick insect out of the other wizard's mouth.
Bilbo nodded.
After Radagast placed the bug somewhere in his robe, Gandalf lead his fellow wizard a few paces away to speak more privately, Bilbo shuffled closer to Ori when Dwalin headed in their direction. When the large Dwarf stopped in front of them, loomed over them, Bilbo shuffled back a little; tensing when Dwalin noticed. The Alpha's nose flared, he frowned slightly before taking a step back and speaking.
"Looks like they are going to be a while" Dwalin said, "best go have a seat"
The Alpha's voice is soft, head lowered and slightly tilted, shoulders were hunched; and suddenly was no longer looming over them.
"There is shade over there" the Alpha then said, jerking his head over to a cluster of large slightly moss covered blunders above them were thick leaf-covered tree branches. It looked cool and very much inviting, and though he has experienced it with his late parents and the few friends he has, it took Bilbo a long time to see it for the kind jester that it was so obvious was.
"I think we'll do just that" Ori smiled, "thank you Dwalin"
"Y-Yes" Bilbo stuttered out, still filled with surprise, "thank you"
Ori's felt himself warm at the sincerity he heard in his fellow Omega's voice, it was small, there and gone if you weren't paying attention; but it had been there. Dwalin too had noticed it, for his cheeks turn a slight pink and his chest puffed up a bit in Alpha pride. This Bilbo does not notice.
"No," Ori mentally corrected, "he does see, but he does not understand"
The thing, the dark thing that all Omegas had, and that all Alphas and Betas knew to be weary of; snarled and clawed inside the Dwarf to get out. To go back to Hobbiton and destroy the sad excuse Pack of Alphas and the other Hobbits that had hurt his Pack Omega, his friend. Around them, the Alphas' noses twitched, they all stood taller looking around for what could have caused the sudden change in scent. Not finding anything, Nori, who was the closet to his younger sibling, approached the Omegas. His eyes instinctively check for injures even as he placed one hand at the back of the younger's neck and tugged him close.
Ori latched onto him, nose pressed against his brother's neck, the scent of kin; of Alpha Brother. Calmed him and silence the dark thing.
"Alright there?" Nori rumbled softly.
Ori nodded, the comforting rumbling of his brother made him want to go limp, but he doesn't; because Bilbo is watching and is very much confused.
"Oh dear, what has happened here?"
Heads swirl to the two wizards who had finished their conversation and had come back to a somewhat troubling scene. Bilbo, confused about what was happening and the odd smell that had moments ago came off of Ori in waves, started making his way over to Gandalf; when there was a sudden howl in the distance.
Bilbo stopped in looked in the direction the sound had come from, "Was that a wolf?" he asked.
"That was not a wolf" said Bofur nervously.
"Bilbo, behind you!"
Bilbo swirled around just in time to see a Warg leap from a nearby rocky ledge, the Carrier is barely able to get out his sword before he is on the ground underneath the huge beast, snapping jaws descending upon his neck. Quickly his sword is between them, sharp fangs clamping down on steel, the Warg growled and shook his head trying to get the Carrier to let go. Bilbo hung onto the handle with one hand with all he had, vaguely aware of shouting and more snarling around him as reached for his dagger with his free hand, the blade snapped under the powerful fangs and Bilbo stabbed the Warg in the eye.
The Warg yelped loudly and backed away, shaking his head and rubbing at the injure eye that had the dagger wedged in it, making the pain worse, Bilbo scrambled back just as Dwalin came and swung his axes; beheading the Warg. Panting, heart pounding, eyes wide and body trembling; the Carrier looked around. Three wargs were dead; one had an arrow through the side of its head.
"Bilbo"
Bilbo jumped and his hand goes for his sword only to remember that he doesn't have it.
"Bilbo"
The Carrier looked up at Dwalin, who had squatted down in front of him, axes still in hand.
"Are you hurt?" the Breeder asked, voice soft.
Bilbo looked back at the headless corpse, isn't aware he's staring until large hands gently take hold of the sides of his face and turned his head back to the Dwarf.
"Are you hurt?" Dwalin repeated.
Bilbo licked his lips, tried to glance back at the corpse out of the corner of his eye but couldn't see anything, "I-I d-don't t-think s-so".
Even though he nodded, Dwalin looked the Carrier over with his eyes, apparently satisfied, he lets go and stood. Bilbo blinked when a hand is held out to him. After a moment he took it, Dwalin helped him up, held and steadied him by the shoulders when he wobbled on his feet. The Dwarf not letting go until Bilbo is suddenly surrounded by grey and a familiar scent.
"G-Gandalf?" he said softly.
"You are safe now" Gandalf soothed, hand going through the Carrier's curls, "though I wish I had gotten to you sooner"
The wizard's heart had stopped when he saw his Charge fall underneath the Warg, then he was moving only for his path being blocked by another Warg, the Beast didn't even stand a chance and Gandalf was moving again just in time to see Dwalin behead the Warg before he was kneeling next to a dazed but alive Bilbo. Gandalf said nothing (despite wanting to touch, to check) as Dwalin checked over Bilbo, it's only after Bilbo was on his feet did he stand and wrapped his arms around the Carrier.
Bilbo whined and clung to him, Gandalf made soothing sounds, and his hand moved up and down the small back. Dwalin came back, cautiously moving closer, Bilbo's dagger and broken sword in hand. The Alpha handed over the now wiped down dagger when Gandalf coaxed Bilbo's attention to the Dwarf. There is hesitation before the broken sword is then given.
Bilbo, after putting away his dagger, took the broken Cerbera and stared at it. His mother's sword was broken, the thing that protected him was no longer whole. The Carrier's bottom lip trembled, suddenly there is another howl in the distance, and he doesn't have time to mourn.
~.~
Still feeling the chase, Bilbo followed the rest of the Company through the narrow path, taking comfort in Gandalf's hand on his back, at one point they stopped as Bifur and Bofur pushed Bombur through a too narrow space. Then the pathway opened out into an open area, and they saw a valley far below, they could hear the voice of hurrying water in a rocky bed at the bottom; the scent of trees was in the air; and there across the water was a beautiful city.
"The Valley of Imraldis" Said Gandalf from behind Bilbo, "in the Common Tongue, it's known by a another name"
"Rivendell" Bilbo breathed in awe.
This was the last Homely House east of the sea, a place he often heard about from his mother, and had dreamed about visiting once upon a time.
After some bickering between Gandalf and Thorin, Gandalf led the Company down a path, across a bridge and into Rivendell. They stop in a courtyard, and Bilbo gazed in awe at the beauty of the place, dimly aware of how uneasy the Dwarves were.
"Mithrandir!"
Bilbo turned and saw a dark-haired Elf walking down a flight of stairs.
"Ah, Lindir!"
As the two greet each other and speak in Sindarin, Bilbo continued to look around while the Dwarves shifted uneasily around him, at one point he took notice of Bofur and Ori shifting closer to him. Suddenly the sound of familiar horns blew through the air, and everyone turned to see a group of armed horsemen approaching at a rapid speed.
"Ifidi bekar!" Thorin ordered.
Bilbo is suddenly pulled into the middle of the group with Ori, the Carrier is startled so much that it doesn't register that he's being pressed close to Breeders as they're surrounded by the riders, finally they stop and one of the Elves dismounted.
"Gandalf!" greeted the Elf
"Lord Elrond!"
Bilbo sees them embrace as the Dwarves slowly lowered their weapons, though they don't break from their tight circle as they watched the wizard and Elven Lord.
"Farannem 'lamhoth I dul o charad" said Elrond, "dagannem rim na lant Vedul"
The Elf held up an Orc sword for Gandalf to see before handing it to Lindir, "Strange" he then said in Common Tongue, "for Orcs to come so close to our borders, something or someone, had drawn them near"
"Ah" said Gandalf sheepishly, gesturing to the group of Dwarves "that may have been us"
Thorin stepped forward from the group, Elrond immediately recognized the Dwarf and greeted him, "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain son of Thror".
"I do not believe we have met" said Thorin, voice surprisingly devoid of the usual disdain when speaking with an Elf, just barely.
"You have your grandfather's bearing" said Elrond, "I knew Thror, when he ruled under the Mountain"
"Indeed, he made no mention of you"
Bilbo, now uncomfortable from being so pressed close to the Breeders, wiggled out of the circle, ignoring their hissed protests and backing away from Bofur's grabbing hands. He also turned Lord Elrond's amused attention from Thorin to his person, and Bilbo froze.
Bilbo had of course heard of Lord Elrond, his mother often talked about her old and dearest friend, but seeing him face to face was something entirely. Lord Elrond looked to be ageless, resembling neither old nor young, however one could see in his face the memories and experiences of thousands of years. He looked venerable, both like an old king (though he didn't look venerable in all that armor), a wise wizard, and an experienced warrior in his prime. His hair was long and dark, while his eyes were grey and shining almost like stars.
What had Bilbo frozen in place, and not seeing Ori's worried expression, was the Elf's scent. Surprisingly it wasn't because the Elf was a Breeder, it was because the Elf's scent smelled familiar, smelt like the lovely embroidered blanket he had as a child and was now locked away. This Breeder had been one of his mother's closest friends, had been in Bag End, and had perhaps even held him when he was a babe.
~.~
Elrond's eyes widen when they land on the Hobbit.
It's been a long time, but Elrond will never forget Bilbo Baggins, nor the scent he Imprinted on.
The Alpha made his way around the Pack of Dwarves, aware of their eyes following him, and kneeled before the Omega.
"It's been a long time, Bilbo Baggins" he smiled.
"Y-You r-remember m-me?" Bilbo stuttered in surprise.
Elrond's smile went gentle, and his hand hold of the Omega's, Bilbo tensed up; that wasn't surprising. He was being bold, too bold judging from the glares burning into his back.
"Of course I remember you, I could never forget"
Bilbo blushed, which the Elf found endearing, behind them the Dwarves growled and grumbled.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Bilbo Baggins" the Elven Lord then said, before kissing the Omega on the forehead in formal greeting.
There is a squeak, and he barely registered the scent of intense fear, before, out of the corner of his eye there is movement. Years of battle honed reflexes saved him from being stabbed.
"Oh dear" came Gandalf's voice from behind them.
Bilbo's eyes are big with confusion, his scent is heavy with borderline terror, Elrond, whose own eyes are wide and his hand still gripping the Carrier's wrist. Is frozen in place as one of the Dwarves (an Omega) gently coaxed the dagger out of the Bilbo's hand, and pulled the Carrier away.
"Mellon"
For the first time in a very long time, Elrond is startled, eyes still wide the Elven Lord looked up at Gandalf. The wizard is staring down at him, eyes gentle and sad.
Why was Mithrandir sad? And why did Bilbo attack him? Why does he smell of fear?
"Let us go inside shall we?" said Gandalf.
~.~
Gandalf watched the Company be escorted to the wash chambers to clean up a bit, when they round the corner and are no longer in his eye sight does he turn his attention to Elrond. The Elven Lord's face is blank as he ordered Lindir to prepare dinner and the guest rooms, once the Elf had left does the Lord resume his journey to his room. Inside, the Elf goes about taking off his armor. Gandalf took a moment to look around, to gather his thoughts and prepare himself for the many questions he knew his old friend had.
They were in Lord Elrond's private chambers, the wizard had been here many times, and can honestly say it has not changed much.
"Gandalf"
Gandalf looked away from painting of Celebrian to the Elven Lord, the Elf was cleaner, and had changed into dark brown silk trousers with a white tunic. The wizard knew that there was more to the outfit; the fact that his friend forgoes his robe and shoes told Gandalf much about the Alpha's state of mind.
"I think" Gandalf then said after a moment, "this conversation should be best had sitting down"
Despite his current state, Elrond knew that going with the wizard's suggestion would give him the answers he wanted quicker, so he sat and waited while Gandalf got himself comfortable.
"Now then my friend" the wizard cleared his throat, "what do you know of Hobbit Traditions?"
What felt like many hours later, Lord Elrond knew more about Hobbit Traditions then he originally did, and was quite honestly, bewildered.
How could anyone think that such a Tradition was alright? How could anyone treat an Omega with anything less than great respect? Omegas were the backbone of the races. Even with the animosity between the Dwarves and Elves, a Alpha or Beta Elf would be nothing but respectful and courtesy to an Omega Dwarf, anything less was an insult and dishonorable. The same could be said for an Alpha and Beta Dwarf with an Elven Omega.
"Bella never said anything" Elrond said, "never even hinted, not even her last letter…her letter"
Gandalf blinked when Elrond suddenly stood, he watched the Elf go to his small library, and picked up a small elegantly carved box. Elrond opened it and took out a folded letter, after putting the box back in its place; the Lord comes back. He gives it to Gandalf before sitting back down. The wizard reads the letter, brows furrowing in thought.
"Interesting" he said after he was done, refolded it and handed it back to the Elf.
"How could I have missed it?" Elrond said softly.
Gandalf didn't say anything, knowing anything he said at the moment would not help, instead he spoke of other things, of how to help Bilbo understand his importance. How to let him see that he had nothing to fear from an Alpha, they spoke until Lindir came to announce that dinner was ready.
"Thank you Lindir" Elrond said, "shall we" he then said to Gandalf after finishing getting dressed.
Gandalf nodded, with a comfortable silence between them, they headed to the courtyard where they were having their meal. The Dwarves and Bilbo were sitting at smaller tables, all of them cleaner than they were before, as they pass the tables on their way to their own larger one where Thorin is already sitting and waiting. Elrond's lips twitch in amusement at the grumbling from his guest over the meal choice. A quick glance showed that Bilbo most certainty didn't mind.
Once seated, they began to eat, Thorin being reluctantly polite in conversation. The Dwarven Alpha's eyes often seeking out the small Omega, Elrond didn't mind as he himself kept looking at Bilbo, checking to see if he was uncomfortable. So far the Omega seemed more interested in eating then everything else around him.
"You look puzzled" Elrond said after Thorin turned his attention to Bilbo for the fifth time with a bemused expression.
Elrond merely raised a brow at the glare he was given by the Alpha, Thorin then huffed and went back to his food, sneering at the vegetables. Elrond turned his brow to Gandalf who, after taking a sip of wine, spoke.
"Bilbo" the wizard said, "doesn't eat much"
While Thorin glared at Gandalf from across the table, Elrond tried to think of what the wizard meant, Hobbits he knew, ate seven meals a day. He also knew from his experience with Belladonna, that adventuring Hobbits often didn't have the roundness like their homebound counterparts did, so while he did notice that Bilbo did not have that roundness, he was not concerned about it. Now he looked at Bilbo with new eyes.
"Don't give me that look Thorin Oakenshield" Gandalf huffed when the Dwarven Alpha did not let up his glare, "along with his wise counsel, Lord Elrond is an adept healer, so if you want to help Bilbo you will be astute and seek his advice"
Thorin gave one last glare before sighing deeply, "I'm assuming that Gandalf has told you of the Traditions" hear the Dwarf sneered at the word, "of the Hobbits."
"Yes, he has" Elrond confirmed.
Thorin nodded and spoke again, this time his expression is one of deep thought and a hint of sadness "Bilbo is very aware of us, and until recently, tried not to draw our attention to him unless it was unavoidable."
"You said until recently, what has changed?"
Thorin silently gathered his thoughts, to decide on what to tell the Elven Lord, for while Gandalf was right; it did not mean he trusted the Elf. Finally the Dwarven Alpha settled on telling about the river incident, how in their fear for the Omega's safety, had forgotten the rule about being too close. If it hadn't been for Ori, things could have gone much differently.
"I've never heard of an Omega being abused by an Alpha or even their own kin" Elrond said after Thorin ended his tale of what happened in the cave and the days afterward, "so I cannot give you an genuine answer, just a guess. I believe some of Bilbo's instincts have awaken, instincts that I have a feeling that he is unaware or do not know what to make of. Gandalf has told me that Bilbo gets along with your other Omega, Ori."
Thorin nodded, it wasn't surprising that Bilbo got along with the other Omega. Unlike their Alpha and Beta counterparts, Omegas got along well with each other regardless of race, his father often joked it was because of a secret oath the Omegas had about uniting against thick-headed stubborn Alphas. So Bilbo getting along with Ori had been expected long before the Company found out about the abuse.
"I would like to speak with Ori" Elrond continued, "I may be able to learn more"
Thorin looked over at Ori, the young Omega picking at his food, occasionally he would glance over at Bilbo who was still happily eating. Still complaining about the lack of meat, the others in the Company didn't notice.
As Pack Alpha, Thorin had the authority to decide on whether or not Ori could speak to the Elven Lord regardless of Dori's opinion on the matter, and though he knew Lord Elrond would not hurt the young Dwarf. His instincts, the one solely for Elves, said otherwise…..still if it will help Bilbo.
"You will have to speak with his elder brother on the matter" Thorin finally said defaulting to Dori's Family Alpha status and making plans to speak with the Dwarf before the Elf could.
Elrond nodded and they move to the subject of Gandalf and Thorin's newly gained swords.
~.~
After dinner, a much needed and wanted bath, the Company are shown to their rooms. While the Company will be sharing their rooms in pairs, Bilbo gets a room of his own, it's right next to Ori's own private room; and as everything in Rivendell it was also elegant. By the bed were steps for the smaller guests to use, and when Bilbo sat on the bed he sighed happily at the softness of it. A sudden knock on the door, followed by Ori's voice calling for him, had the Carrier getting off the bed and opening the door. Fili and Kili were standing on each side of Ori, and upon seeing Bilbo, they smiled. The smiles were closed mouthed, not showing any kind of teeth. Bilbo noticed that all of the Company have been smiling like that at him, since the very beginning. The Carrier found that it was not at all frightening like the Hobbit Breeders who were always baring their teeth.
In the hall was the rest of the Company, grumbling and sneering about their rooms, Bilbo even heard one of them suggest camping out in one of the smaller pavilions they had passed by on their way to the rooms. Sure he didn't want to know, Bilbo turned his attention back to Ori and the two Breeders.
"We're going to explore a bit" said Ori, "would you like to join us?"
Bilbo shook his head, "I'm going to rest tonight" he said, "the day has seem to have caught up with me, perhaps another time."
Kili opened his mouth to speak, a jab to the side from Ori has him closing it and remaining silent.
"Alright then" Ori then said, smiling to assure the other that he wasn't upset before walking away.
Fili gives one last smile at Bilbo before following, Kili on the other hand hesitated, the young Breeder looked over his shoulder at the others who have gathered their things and were making their way down the hall.
"It looks like the Company have decided on camping out in one of the pavilions" he said looking back at Bilbo with a meaningful look.
Though he nodded, Bilbo was not going. Having dealt with Trolls, been nearly eaten by a Warg, his mother's sword broken and chased by Orcs; the Carrier was not leaving his room or the heavenly soft bed. The Company could just deal with it if they didn't like it.
"I must be really tired" Bilbo thought when the idea of the Company getting upset with him didn't bother him at all.
Kili apparently understood, because he merely smiled before hurrying to catch up to his brother and Ori, Bilbo watched them disappear down the hall before he closed the door, as he does; he noticed most of the Company glancing in his direction but they don't come over. The door now shut, the Carrier goes over to his pack to get some clothes out to sleep in, he flipped the flap open and there is his mother's sword.
For what felt like forever, Bilbo stared at it, then with shaky hands picked up the broken sword and slid down to the floor. The blade had been broken in half; its usual sleek shine was now dull and ugly. Tears began to blur his vision, and his throat tightened as it held back a sob.
"I'm so sorry mother"
When he went to bed, it was with a sad heart.
~.~
Morning came, Bilbo woke heavy hearted, he dressed and with one last pained look at the broken sword that was back in his bag; the Carrier left the room and made his way to breakfast. The Company was there, already seated, their mood lighter after a good night's sleep and finding a proper (meaning meat) breakfast waiting for them. Thorin was sitting with the Company, the Breeder was seated between his nephews, the Breeder looking up and his eyes had locking onto Bilbo when the Carrier walked in. Under the intense blue eyes, Bilbo felt something in him stir.
"Feels like approval" Bilbo thought as he sat down between Bofur and Bifur, "but why would I want a Breeder's approval?"
"Missed you last night" Bofur said while Bifur plated food then slid it over to Bilbo.
Upon learning that Bilbo was staying in the guest room, it had taken a growl from Kili and a hard look from Ori to keep them from going to the room and bringing Bilbo to the pavilion. To watch over him, to protect.
"Erm, sorry?" Bilbo tried, unsure of what else to say, and a bit surprised that he still wasn't bothered over the fact that the Company could possibly be upset with him for not going with them.
In fact if he thought on it more, he could say that he was a little happy that they had noticed his absence, cared about it.
Bilbo was at a lost on what to do with this feeling, and why he was having them in the first place.
Bofur smiled to show he wasn't angry and slid over a glass of fruit water, "Thorin said we'll be staying here for a while, the moon not yet right to read the map, also to give us a chance to have a good rest and resupply"
Bilbo nodded, and despite having lost his sword, he felt some excitement about staying in Rivendell longer and being able to explore its halls. With that in mind the Carrier began to enjoy his breakfast.
"...Something wrong?" Bilbo asked around a mouthful of breakfast potatoes when he noticed staring eyes.
"Just never seen you eat so much laddie" Balin answered.
Bilbo looked down at his plate; he had eaten more than half of what had been on it, far more than what he usually ate. "….Oh" Bilbo said bewildered by his sudden gain in appetite, "I suppose I'm hungrier than I thought"
None of the Dwarves said anything more on the subject, glad that their Omega was eating.
Afterwards, the Company broke off into pairs and went about exploring more of Rivendell; Bilbo was able to slip away before Ori could grab him. The Carrier felt as though he should be uneasy in an unknown place with unknown Alphas about (though he's only met one so far), should be keeping close to Ori or even Bifur. Instead he wanted to be alone for a while, one part was because he's never been around so many people for so long (let alone so many Alphas), that it was starting to make his skin itch. The other part was because, despite all his feelings, he wanted to see the place his mother had been too many times before, alone.
He picked a direction and started walking, he found himself in a hall decorated with artifacts, he looked and poked at some of them. Stopping when he sees a statue, it was holding a large slab of marble and on the marble was a shattered sword. The Carrier stared at it; he remembered his mother talking about the sword, how though broken, still radiated power. Giving the broken shards one amazed look he turned his attention to the picture on the wall. It's beautifully dark with swirling colors of greys, and there in the middle of it all, was a golden ring. Thinking that the ring must be of importance to the story the painting was telling the Carrier continued on.
He ended up on a balcony looking over the rail and taking in the beauty that was Rivendell, enjoying the breeze and refreshing scent.
"What a lovely place, I think I'd like to live here" he thought, "even with the Breeders"
Bilbo blinked at the thought, blinking again at the feeling of wanting the Company to stay with him, footsteps approaching pulled him away from his thoughts. He looked over his shoulder to see Lord Elrond approaching. The Carrier watched as the Elf came and stood next to him, keeping an appropriate distance as he leaned forward against the rail.
"I wish to apologize" Elrond said after a moment of thoughtful silence, "I did not mean to startle you like that the other day"
Last night, before being escorted to his room, Gandalf had pulled Bilbo aside and explained when Elrond kissed him, it was because it was the traditional greeting Alpha Elves did with unmated Omegas. Though the Lord had been a bit inappropriate (Lord Elrond was supposed to wait for Bilbo to offer his hand), he meant no harm.
"I-It's alright" Bilbo said after a moment, "besides I should be the one apologizing, I did try to stab you after all"
"Well" Elrond said with a small curve of the lips, "I was acting inappropriately"
Bilbo's lips twitch into a small shy smile, and an urge to giggle bubbled up in him.
With the air lighter, the two strike up a conversation that consisted of Bilbo shyly asking questions and Elrond patiently answering them.
"If it's not too much trouble, would you like to join me for lunch tomorrow?" Elrond asked.
Discovering that he wasn't opposed to the invitation, Bilbo nodded.
~.~
Lunch was held underneath a pavilion, surrounded by summer flowers and trees, lunch was a spread of delicious food and tea that Bilbo once again found himself eating more than usual. The conversation flowed easily between them, and it gave Bilbo the courage to ask the Alpha about his relationship with his late mother.
"Your mother and I had a close relationship, often trading letters when she wasn't visiting me." Elrond said, smiling at the memoires, "I learned much from her, just as she learned from me" here the Elf chuckled, "one thing I learned was that, it was best to always listen to her, for she was always right. And angering her usually resulted in a prank or two"
This time Bilbo's low giggle joined the Elf's chuckle, before things had gotten really bad, the Carrier had been witness to his mother's pranks on his father when the Beta had upset his wife in some way. His father never got upset, just laughed and promised revenge, which he always got. The best part however, were his parents teaching them their secrets.
"My sons often joked that I may as well marry her for all that I let her boss me around"
"You have children?"
"Yes, three Alpha sons, two of them twins, and one Omega daughter, my sons are visiting Kin in the North while my daughter is at Lothlorien, I had hoped you'd be able to meet them, but they will not return home until after you and your Company resumed your travels"
"I see" Bilbo said having nothing else to say about meeting the Alpha's children, "erm, have you?" he then asked hesitantly changing the subject.
Elrond titled his head curiously.
"Thought of marrying my mother" the Carrier clarified.
Elrond's eyes dimmed with sadness, "For all my sons joke, they know I won't. My only love was and always be Celebrian."
There was a story behind those eyes that told of a sadness that Bilbo felt was familiar to his own, and made him not ask, it also made him change the subject again. Elrond gratefully allowed it, taking about some of his Adventures with the late Belladonna, meeting Bungo and the Hobbits' wedding. Learning of his friend's pregnancy, and chuckling over Bungo's letters of his wife's mood swings and odd cravings, the first time he saw and held a baby Bilbo. His elder sons bickering over whom got to hold baby Bilbo, while the parents laughed at them, years of silence between friends going by with him none the wiser.
"Time is different for an Elf" Elrond explained, "what is a short time for us, is decades for others. I was not aware of the long years until Gandalf gave me the letter from your mother, and even then I thought nothing of it. It was only with your arrival that I thought to look at it again with new eyes"
Elrond took out a folded up letter from his robe, and held it out to the Carrier, Bilbo stared at it before taking it. He unfolded it and after a brief hesitation, read his mother's words.
My dear Elrond,
You have blinked, and twenty-five years have gone by. Bilbo has grown into a wonderful son, he's such a smart and clever boy, makes me and his father proud; and you should see him with a sword! Soon he'll be going off on Adventures, and I know that if your paths cross you'll welcome my son into your home and heart as you have me.
~All my love, and always your friend, Bella~
It was a strange thing to read his mother's last words, rereading the letter again, Bilbo frowned. From the way she had worded it, it sounded as though his mother was saying a final goodbye.
"But she couldn't have known" the Carrier thought, at that time they all believed they'd make it out of the Shire together, at least Bilbo had thought they did.
"I thought the wording was odd" Elrond said, gently taking the letter back "but you mother has always been eccentric, so I didn't think more of it."
"Until now"
Elrond nodded, "Until now, perhaps Bella knew she and Bungo wouldn't make it out of Hobbiton, perhaps she did and this was just a precaution. Either way, we will never know, however I do know this. She loved you more than anything in the world, aside from your father of course, and wanted nothing more than for you to be safe. I intend to do make sure that happens within the best of my abilities"
Bilbo felt his cheeks go warm at the fierce declaration, aside from his parents, his friends, and Gandalf. He's never had someone who wanted to protect him. Especially a Breeder, it sounded too good to be genuine, in fact Bilbo wanted to believe it wasn't, but this was Lord Elrond. The Breeder whose scent he remembered and carried with him in the form of a memory locked away in a trunk. The Breeder who mother and father had let hold Bilbo as a babe. The Breeder, his mother trusted to care for her son, when she had good reasons not to trust one of any race.
"Y-You d-don't h-h-have to d-do t-that" Bilbo murmured.
"I want to" Elrond said, smile gentle and eyes warm, "and I would like to start with giving a gift"
"A gift?" Bilbo blinked.
Elrond nodded, a playful smile on his face, "Though I'll keep it a secret for now"
Bilbo was both excited and weary.
~.~
Bilbo woke up feeling….wrong. It was early evening, and while the night breeze coming through the open window was nice on his oddly warmer than normal skin, it didn't help with the slight itch; and where was the Company? Why weren't they with him?
Why he wanted the Company here, the Carrier didn't know, his head was fuzzy, but something was telling him to find them. To find the Alphas.
So he does.
He headed to the pavilion, and found all of them settled around a fire made by what looked like Elven furniture, they were obviously having a pleasant evening judging by the loud and joyous laughter.
Bilbo goes over to the closest Alpha, Kili, and sits right into his lap.
Silence descended upon the camp.
Bilbo, unaware of the shocked eyes, wiggled around until he and Kili were chest to chest. The Carrier's legs settled against the Alpha's thighs, he wrapped his arms around the Dwarf's neck, nuzzled Kili's cheek and settled down with a happy sigh. While he still felt warm, the slight itchiness was gone and he felt right, the wrongness gone. Bilbo felt Kili's body stiffen, there is an intake in breath, then suddenly his shoulders are grabbed and he's firmly pulled back. He whined when the wrongness and the slight itchiness come back, he tried to wrap his arms back around the Alpha but the firm hold on him prevented him from doing so.
"Mahal, you're in Heat!"
The Carrier blinked, around him there are surprised noises from the other Alphas.
"What's that?" he asked.
More surprise noises, Bilbo cared not for them, because Kili's grip goes lax and he wrapped his arms back round the Alpha. A bit more tightly this time, just in case, and shoved his nose into the Dwarf's neck, inhaling the comforting scent of Alpha and why hadn't he notice this before?
Kili made an alarmed noise, his body still stiff, Bilbo pouted when the Alpha doesn't hold him or anything; vaguely is he aware of Ori moving closer and sniffing him.
"Bilbo"
Bilbo lifted his head from Kili's neck, and looked at Ori.
"How about you let go of Kili, and we go back to your room" said the other Carrier.
Bilbo's brow furrow, "Just you and me?" he asked
Ori nodded.
The thought of being away from the Alphas has the Carrier frowning and reburied his nose back into Kili's neck.
"U-U-Uncle!" Kili squeaked.
~.~
Thorin wasn't sure what was worse, their Omega (their beautiful broken Omega) was in Heat in the house of Elves, or that their Omega didn't know what a Heat was.
"U-U-Uncle"
Thorin looked at his youngest, Kili's expression and eyes were filled with panic, and his hands kept going up and down as though he couldn't decide on whether or not to place his hands on the Omega in his lap. The Pack Alpha's nose twitched as he looked at Bilbo.
Thorin instantly recognized the familiar sweet scent of Omega Heat. However, instead of the expected urges to mate, all Thorin felt was the need to hold, scent, nuzzle and Tuck the Omega. The Dwarf looked at the rest of the Company, he doesn't see the expected heated gazes (which is a relief, he was not looking forward to fighting off a pack of horny Alphas), and while Ori looked a little daze and flushed. He doesn't smell like Heat, and the only alarming thing was that Dwalin looked a moment away from grabbing and Tucking Bilbo.
"I do not think Bilbo will be opposed" Thorin thought as stood. "Do you any of you have the urge to mate with Bilbo" he then asked.
Not really surprised when he got a negative response, the Alpha carefully looked over every last one of them, nose flared as he looked and scented for hints of any of them going into the Rut.
None.
"I just want to cuddle and scent him." said Glóin, getting agreements from the others.
Thorin studied each of them once more, ignoring his own instincts that were clawing at him, finally he came to a decision, and hoped he doesn't make a wrong one.
"This place is too out in the open" he said, "Bilbo's room will have to do for now, gather your things and head there. Dori, Glóin, Bombur, gather supplies for a make-shift Den and Nest. Kili, it looks like you'll have to carry him."
Kili, who still didn't know where to touch (Bilbo making unhappy noise about the lack of touching was not helping), look horrified.
"Unless you want Dwalin to do it"
His nephew didn't even have time to answer as the large Alpha came over and plucked Bilbo out of his lap. Bilbo whined at the sudden lost until he realized who it was and clung to Dwalin, nuzzling the Dwarf's neck.
Dwalin looked very happy.
Kili looked very disappointed.
"I'm going to inform Gandalf and our Host of the situation."
He watched the Company do as ordered, before with a deep sigh and pushing back the instincts that were clawing at him again, he goes and finds the wizard and Elf.
Moments later, Thorin is rushing to keep up with Gandalf as they made their way to Bilbo's room, Lord Elrond wanted to come along as well; but had the wisdom not to. The Elf's presence would do more harm than good.
"Are you sure it was safe to leave Bilbo with the Company?" Gandalf asked for what was the hundredth time.
"For the last time" Thorin sighed, "yes"
Understandably, he was not upset with wizard for asking over and over, especially since he was praying that they wouldn't enter the room with the Company mounting Bilbo, or worse Bilbo and Ori. When they get to the room and opened the door, they find the bed empty and a large tent. The tent had been pitched up in the corner of the room in a way that gave Glóin and Balin, who was guarding the entrance, good visual of the front door and the closed window.
"Glóin, Balin" Gandalf greeted as he came further into the room, he left the door open.
"Gandalf" Balin greeted back, while Glóin merely stared as the wizard stopped by the bed and doesn't come closer.
Thorin sniffed the room, it's filled with Bilbo's sweet Heat scent, and thankfully nothing else that indicated any of his Company mounting the two Omegas.
"How is Bilbo?" Gandalf asked with a slight tilt of the head.
"Fine, Dwalin is with him at the moment"
"And the rest of the Company?"
"Getting more pillows, and blankets, along with more food"
"Ah, very good," Gandalf nodded approvingly, then after a moment hesitation, asked, "may I see him?"
Both Alphas tensed, Glóin growled a little, their eyes looking at Thorin when the Alpha stepped forward.
"We can allow Gandalf a quick look" he said, "he'll leave afterwards"
Thorin stared at them until they move to the side and pulled back the tent's flaps, Thorin goes in first, just in case, then Gandalf. Both do indeed find Dwalin with Bilbo, though they could barely see the small Omega from underneath the Alpha's large frame. The warrior Dwarf had removed his armor and his outer clothing leaving him in his undershirt and trousers, even his knuckle dusters were gone. Curled up with his brother Dori was Ori, the Dwarf Omega purring happily in his sibling's arms, going over and a quick sniff revealed that while he does smell different; the Omega was not in Heat. Upon seeing the wizard both Dori and Dwalin give Gandalf warning growls but thankfully don't attack, which probably had something to do with the unhappy sounds the Omegas made upon hearing them.
With some very careful probing, Thorin was able to get Dwalin to roll off of Bilbo, the Omega was in a shirt that looked suspiciously like one of Thorin's, it was way too big. Not that Bilbo cared, the Omega was more interested in climbing into Thorin's lap for cuddles now that his Dwalin blanket was gone. The Pack Alpha tilted his head for the Omega to have better access to his neck, biting back his own snarl when Gandalf came closer and started touching Bilbo, Dori and Dwalin however; do rumble dangerously at the wizard. Thorin does snarl when Gandalf tried to pull Bilbo away from him (just a little, to see if there was anything that would tell Gandalf his Charge was in danger), and Bilbo made an unhappy whimper.
"Well" Gandalf said backing away, "it looks like everything is well in hand, I will take my leave now"
The wizard doesn't say that he will come back to check –up on them, but it was implied. Through his slowly fogging mind, Thorin is grateful for it.
When the wizard left, and he heard the door close shut, Thorin let's the tight grip he has on his instincts slip just a little. With a rumble, the Pack Alpha nuzzled the blonde curls, rubbed his cheeks against the Omega's, scent- marking him. When Bilbo lifted his head and kissed the Alpha on the tip of his nose, Thorin's eyes goes crossed-eyed, and when Bilbo then nips at it; Thorin growled playful. Feeling warm and pleased when Bilbo giggled, for a while; the two traded nuzzle, scents, playful nips and nudges.
It's only when Bilbo started tugging him down to be Tucked, that Thorin stopped. Heroically ignoring the unhappy whines and whimpers, Thorin carried Bilbo over to Dwalin, who had moved over to Dori and Ori. The Dwarf Omega now sandwiched between them, and was slowly dozing off.
"Dwalin"
The big Dwarf looked over his shoulder at Thorin, the Dwarf takes Bilbo and settled the Omega between him and Ori. The Dwarven Omega sluggishly blinked at his friend, before grabbing and snuggling up with Bilbo. Bilbo mewled and snuggled back. The tent is soon filled with Dori' and Dwalin's comforting rumbles, Thorin watched them for a moment. Then he looked around the make-shift Den, an excessive amount of pillows and sheets were piled into a welcoming nest that was big enough for the whole Company, probably even twice over since the others were bringing more. In the corner was pitchers filled with water, next to it was a bag that looked like one of Nori's and upon checking it, Thorin found it to be filled to the brim with food.
Satisfied with the Den, Thorin started removing his coat and clothing until he was in his undershirt and trousers. When he heard the room door open, he poked his head out; pulling it back in when he sees it's just the rest of the Company returning, all in their undershirts and trousers. Fili and Kili come in first, arms filled with pillows and sheets. They arrange them to their liking before going over to check on Bilbo and Ori. The two Omegas blink with sleepy eyes at them, when the Heirs lean over Dwalin the two trade lazy sniffs and nuzzles with them before settling back down.
Nori and Bifur slip in and place the food they gathered with the others, they too trade lazy nuzzles and sniffs with the Omegas. The rest of the Company, including Glóin and Balin, slips in; they too trade sniffs and nuzzles. Afterwards, there is a lot of shuffling before they all settled down, Thorin in the middle of the pile with Bilbo and Ori curled on each of his side, noses shoved in his neck. Somehow the rest of the Company were able to a find some part of the Omegas bodies to touch or press close to, not that either of the males minded.
With the sounds of his rumbling Alphas and the scent of his Omegas, Thorin eyes close and his body gets heavy with sleep, moments later his eyes pop open. Vaguely is he aware of the Company's Alphas' heads popping up and staring, as he turned his head to look at Bilbo who was now deeply sleeping. Aside from the rumbles of the Alphas, there was the slightly deeper rumble of Ori that was familiar; normal. What wasn't normal or familiar was a similar sound coming from Bilbo, like Ori the sound was deep and rumbling, and like Ori; but unlike the Alphas. The sound didn't come in waves but a constant rolling.
The Purr.
A sound that Omegas emitted when they felt safe, comfortable, and trusted their Alpha or Beta.
His mind is clear enough to tell him that the Purr was just a product of the Omega's Heat, but his instincts told him differently.
Their Omega trusted them.
With a happy whine, Thorin nuzzled the sun-kissed curls, then with a tight grip on both Omega's waists, finally goes to sleep.
~.~
Bilbo in Heat was of course affectionate as any other Omega, but when he wasn't demanding cuddles or to be Tucked, he was playful. Giving nips here and there, making them chase him around the Den and Nest, giggling, laughing, and purring when the Alphas caught and growled playfully at him before rolling him underneath them. Ori was no better, often joining Bilbo in play, cuddling up with his brothers and the other Alphas purring happily. The two Omegas never left the make-shift Den, letting the Alphas take care of the food and water, which they were more than happy to do.
Outside the room, Lord Elrond had announced that Bilbo had gone into Heat, and though it wasn't necessary, advised his household to avoid the guest hall as much as possible; and if they saw one of the Alpha Dwarves roaming about to keep a distance and leave them be. For while it seemed that the Dwarves weren't affected by the Omegas' Heats in the way they should, Elrond did not want to risk the possibility of his own being so, or worse the Dwarves seeing any who came near as a threat.
So the House of Elrond stayed away, Gandalf occasionally checked in on them, though he was barely tolerated.
"We need more food" Nori announced on the third day.
Thorin turned from where he was watching Bofur pull Bilbo from underneath the nest to Nori; the Dwarf has his younger sibling in his lap, the Omega finishing off what looked like the last of the bread and cheese. Then at the bag that was once full and now was slumped in the corner.
The Pack Alpha goes over to the bag and opened it, there were three apples left. Closing it back up, he goes over who he should send for more food, and, after a quick check; more water too. Glóin, Bombur, Dori, Balin and Oin would be ideal, Gloin, and Balin had Omega mates of their own, and Bombur had an Omega daughter, Dori had helped Ori though his Heats, and Oin was a medic. All five knew what was needed for an Omega in Heat. However, should anything happen to Bilbo and Ori, Oin would need to be close in hand, Dori was the strongest of them all and Thorin rather have that strength here in the Den protecting their Omegas then roaming the halls. And Balin would be needed to smooth tempers as he was the most diplomatic. That left Glóin and Bombur, he needed one more.
He dismissed Bofur who had Bilbo Tucked, and was obviously not going anywhere, he also dismissed his nephews. They were the most affected by the Heat, succumbing to their instincts after the first day and sticking extremely close to both Bilbo and Ori, the Pack Alpha did not want to risk a fight breaking out between them and their host's household. He wants Dwalin to stand guard while he and the soon to be chosen party go get more food, so the big Dwarf was out as well, that just left Bifur, and Nori; and considering Bifur was unpredictable without the effects of the Heat…..
"Nori, Glóin, Bombur, with me. We're going to get more food" Thorin said as he dumped what's left of the food out and slung the bag over his shoulder, "Dwalin, Dori, guard the Den until we get back"
Nori nuzzled his brother before giving him over to the closet Dwarf, which happens to be Bifur, and followed the four Alphas out the Den (he and Gloin picking up the pitchers along the way). Dwalin and Dori following and taking guard on both sides of the Den's entrance.
The Halls are empty as they head to the kitchen for food, the kitchen even emptier, which Thorin is happy for and knows he had Gandalf and Elrond to thank for that. Quickly they filled up the bag and pitchers and head back. Upon returning and finding the Den undisturbed, Thorin relieve Dori and Dwalin of their duty and all of them enter the Den. Still underneath Bofur, Bilbo is asleep while Ori is busy braiding Bifur's hair. Kili and Fili are sulking in the corner, bruises on their jaw.
"They tried to get Bilbo away Bofur, and Bofur didn't take kindly to it" Balin explained when Thorin looked at him.
Thorin sighed, left the food to the others, and goes over to his nephews. He gives a huff, nuzzled at them, both give pitiful whines before cuddling up to him. Amused, Thorin petted their heads, soothing hurt pride.
"Now you know better" he said.
His nephews grumbled.
~.~
On the sixth day, Bilbo woke up with a clear mind, the itch and odd warmth gone; he was also lying underneath a Breeder.
With a sound that is inhuman, heart feeling as though it was trying to tear out of his chest, and breath coming out in pants; Bilbo pushed the Breeder off of him and bolted. Blinded by panic, and a blurry and spinning world. He stumbled and fell to the floor, whimpering, the Carrier curled into himself.
Why did he wake up underneath a Breeder? Where was Gandalf? D-D-D-Did t-t-they…..
Bilbo threw up.
"Oh Bilbo"
Bilbo flinched.
Something touched him, and he scrambled away until his back hits something solid.
"Nonononono!"
"Okay, okay, I won't touch you" said a blurry figure with a familiar voice that sounded far away, "I promise, but I need you to breathe for me, Bilbo breathe, breathe!"
The sudden loud voice made the Carrier jump and he sucked in startled air.
"Good, now let it out. In again, out, there you go."
Bilbo continues to breathe, and breathe, and breathe. Until the world stopped spinning, and the blur in front of him turned into a familiar figure.
"O-O-Ori?"
Ori smiled, "Hi" said the Dwarf, "feel a little better?"
"T-T-The B-B-Breeders I-t-they—" Bilbo trialed off into a whine, everything goes blurry again and the world started to spin once more.
"Nononono, Bilbo, breathe. Remember, in, out. In, out."
Bilbo listened, clings to Ori's voice, and when everything no longer spun and blurred. Ori is still there. The Dwarf doesn't ask if he felt better this time, instead he settled himself beside the other Carrier, keeping their bodies a good distance apart.
He's wearing a different shirt, Bilbo absently looked down.
"This isn't my shirt" Bilbo said in an almost stupor voice.
Ori hummed, eyes going to the tent, looking away before Bilbo noticed, "You went to lay down after you had lunch, to rest correct?" he then asked.
Bilbo nodded, after having lunch with Elrond, he had felt tired and went to his room to lie down, then…..
"I woke up" Bilbo said aloud, eyes going dazed as he fell into memory, "everything felt warm and wrong, I was in Heat?"
Here Bilbo looked at Ori, who nodded and made plans to explain to his friend what a Heat was; before motioning the other to continue on.
"I went looking….."
He went looking for them, looked voluntarily for the Breeders, Why would he do such a thing?
"I….I felt like I had to" the Carrier continued on, "I had to find the Breeders, a-and I did"
Then everything felt better….no, everything felt better when he found and touched them.
"T-They h-h-held me a-and—"
And what? Why couldn't he remember after "and"?
"It's okay" Ori said, when Bilbo's breathing started to become erratic, "take your time, you'll remember"
"I don't think I want too" Bilbo shivered as he thought about the First Tasting, but remember he does.
Remembered that after finding the Company, the Breeders held him and…held him…..and….
"Something wrong?" Ori asked when Bilbo's brow furrowed.
"They….the Breeders held me" Bilbo said after a moment, "just held me"
And fed him, cuddled, played with him.
"Slept with me" Bilbo continued.
Just slept with him, he remembered it clearly now, remembered being curled up next to them; under them. Or sandwiched between two of them with Ori.
"And how did that make you feel?" Ori asked.
Bilbo picked at the shirt that wasn't his as he thought about Ori's question, how did that make him feel? He thought back to being held, to being tucked, back to his time with the Breeders. And without his hammering heart he noticed the feelings, through it takes him a long time to identify what they are.
It's been a long time since he's been so playful and at ease, so long since he's been….happy and cared for. Not having to worry about anything because someone was there to protect him.
"….Oh" Bilbo said softly in understanding.
Oh
Ori's smile is understanding, and when he looked back at the tent, Bilbo's gaze followed. The flaps twitched, but no one emerged.
"Do you want them to go?" the other Carrier then asked.
Bilbo bit his bottom lip, despite finally understanding, his instincts are still screaming at him not to let them come near him, that the Breeders are now anger at him for running away.
"But, they aren't, and Gandalf isn't here. It's just me and Ori… they would have done something already…..and I want it"
He wanted to feel that happiness again; to be cared for a little. He doesn't want to worry and be afraid anymore.
"M-Maybe if it's here and not in the tent" Bilbo finally said.
Ori studied him, "Are you sure?" he asked firmly.
Taking a deep breath, Bilbo nodded, and the Alphas emerge.
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