Acorn
Calm before the storm
~Unknown~
Bilbo stared at the broken doorway, the one Smaug made when he burst through, promising death as he flew toward Lake Town. Lake Town, where those innocent people were, where Bard and his children were, where Fili Kili, Bofur and Oin were.
"Bilbo."
Bilbo jumped, then looked over at Thorin, the Alpha had approached him, and was looking at him with worried eyes.
"T-Thorin," he said," w-w-e have t-to go, w-we have to s-save them!"
The Carrier's voice had turned from slightly stuttering, to near hysterical, fingers twisting, and tugging on his shirt. Thorin moved closer, and pulled him into his arms. He made a soothing noise, and he rested his chin on top of dirty curls.
"B-But Fili, a-and—"
Even as he gently shushed the Carrier again, Thorin's heart clenched, and he had to push back the sorrow, and urge to run back to where they left their boat; back to Lake Town. They were barely able to survive this time, and there was no guarantee they would again.
Thorin couldn't risk that, couldn't risk the rest of the them.
Burying his face in the Alpha's chest, Bilbo whimpered, and his shoulders shook.
"I am so sorry."
Thorin wasn't sure if he was talking to Bilbo, or his Kin, and the people of Lake town.
~.~
It took them about two days and a half to finally arrive at Erebor, they are greeted ecstatically by the Company. However what was more surprising was Bilbo's greeting, the Carrier all but tackling the Dwarves in his greeting. Making distress noises, and rubbing his face against their chest.
"He was worried," Dwalin explained at their curious looks, "didn't even sleep, made his cold worse."
While Bofur went about reassuring Bilbo that they were fine, Kili and Fili inquired about their Uncle.
"He's in the Throne room." Dwalin informed them before his attention was taken by Ori, who was now leading a tired looking Bilbo away, no doubt to where they had set up camp.
It took them a while, as they had gotten lost at one point, but the brothers were finally able to find the throne room. They expected to see their Uncle sitting upon the stone chair, instead Thorin was merely staring at it with such sadness and longing, neither of which the Princes had seen in a long time.
"Uncle?"
Thorin froze, then he turned, "Fili, Kili."
And in that instant, the sadness and longing was gone, and replaced with such happiness and relief that Kili was suddenly hugging Thorin; the embrace so tight that his Uncle actually squeaked. Fili smiled, and went over just as his Uncle was able to wiggle an arm out, and placed it gently on his brother's head.
"I'm glad the both of you are alright." Thorin said as Kili finally let go.
Fili gently pressed his forehead against his Uncle's.
~.~
In all honesty, Thorin was surprised that he didn't feel any kind of desire to hoard any kind of gold, the first time he had seen the sea of treasure when he had come in to save Bilbo from the dragon; he was in awe. Something, he expected was because he hadn't seen it in a long time. But now, he felt nothing, a sense of urgency to find the Arkenstone, yes. But he knew that was only because he would need it if he wanted to insure his rightful place on the throne; especially when word of the dragon being dead got out. The later brought another feeling within him that was very much familiar.
Protective.
Protective of his Omegas, mostly Bilbo, who's cold was getting worse.
Thus the raven he had sent off.
"You should not be up here."
Bilbo didn't jump, but when he turned around, his eyes were a little weary; that disappeared when the Omega realized it was just Thorin.
"Alone at least," Thorin then said, he glanced at the snoring Bombur who was supposed to be on watch, "and without something to keep you warm."
"Oh." Bilbo said, eyes widening just a bit when Thorin moved closer, and wrapped the coat the Alpha had found during one of his searches for the Arkenstone, around him.
There was no scent of fear, which reassured the Alpha as he cautiously wrapped his arms around Bilbo, and nuzzled into the blonde curls, smiling a little when Bilbo cuddled closer. Eventually, they sit down, Bilbo in the Leader's lap, with Thorin's arms around his waist, and the Alpha resting his chin on Bilbo's shoulder. Honored, that he was able to be this close to the Omega, even more so when Bilbo relaxed against him after a quick sniffle.
"What are you going to do now?" Bilbo asked quietly, "now that you have your mountain back?"
"At the moment, I want to find the Arkenstone as quickly as possible, then rebuilt."
Bilbo doesn't say anything to that, and Thorin figured it was as good as any to bring up the subject.
"Bilbo, I was wondering, if would like to stay here. With us."
"To help rebuilt?" Bilbo asked with a slight tilt of the head.
"If you want," Thorin smiled a little, "but I was thinking of something a little more permanent."
Bilbo went still, and Thorin worried for a moment he had overstepped, then Bilbo turned around to look at the Dwarf properly; eyes big.
"Y-You w-w-want me t-to s-stay w-w-with y-you?"
"Well, not just me, the whole Company too."
Something like hope brighten green eyes, before it dimmed into something else. "But—" Bilbo trailed off, biting his bottom lip as he picked at Thorin's shirt, a nervous tick the Company realized early on during the journey. "But" Bilbo tried again, only to go quiet a second time.
Thorin waited.
Bilbo glanced around as though expecting something to pop out the shadows, before he looked back at Thorin with a bit of fear as he whispered, "I'm broken."
Thorin blinked, surprised, and confused. Bilbo continued talking, as though the confession had broken the dam.
"I-I'm n-not l-like Ori. W-What a-a-a O-Omega i-s-is s-supposed t-to b-b-be, I-I-I'm—"
As Bilbo stuttered, and stumbled over his explanation, Thorin's eyes goes soft, and sad. He cupped Bilbo's cheeks with his hands, stopping the Omega who looked very close to tears. Thorin made soft soothing sounds as his thumbs gently caressed skin.
"You're prefect," he said, "you're everything we could want in an Omega. Smart, brave, loyal and beautiful. And you're ours, ours to protect, cherish. And most importantly, love. And I, we, wouldn't have it any other way."
Bilbo just stared in disbelief, and Thorin stared back, expression as open as he could make it. Hoping that Bilbo believed him, understood that he was genuine in his declaration. Suddenly Bilbo's eyes swelled with tears that rolled down his cheeks like a river.
Tears filled with long repressed pain, frustration, anger, and happiness.
Tears that hadn't fallen since the day he buried what was left of his parents into the ground.
Thorin held him, even when Bilbo could no longer cry, just hiccupping into his shirt; the Alpha continued to hold him.
Never letting go.
~.~
Bilbo is wondering around the treasure room, it's been only a day since he cried in Thorin's arms, since Thorin asked him to stay with him and the Company. He felt like a dream, and he was terrified that it really was. It wouldn't be the first time his mind had played tricks on him after all.
"Everyone had been happy when I told them." Bilbo thought with a little smile as he remembered the Company's reaction over breakfast this morning, how Ori had hugged him so suddenly that they toppled over when he told them that he was staying with them forever.
Bilbo stopped to pick up what looked like a goblet, while the gold, and jewels were nice. That was just it, Bilbo could not see the appeal of hording them, even now as he worked the goblet free, it was only to see if it was in good enough condition to use to drink out of. When he finally got it free, several coins cascaded down, and Bilbo quickly found himself staring at a bright; practical glowing stone. He thought it very pretty, and unusual, even more so, he knew it to be the Arkenstone that Thorin and the rest of the Company were looking for. Goblet now forgotten, oddly excited, and happy, Bilbo picked up and pocketed it. The Carrier left the room, intent on giving Thorin the stone. He found Thorin standing at the broken gate with Dwalin, the two talking quietly with each other.
"Thorin!" Bilbo called, gaining their attention.
Both Alphas turned, and watched as Bilbo finally stood before them, curious as to what had the Carrier flushed, and eyes shining. Whatever it was, they hoped it happened all the time, it was a lovely look on Bilbo, and one they wanted to see often.
"I found it!" Bilbo said excitedly.
He then showed them the Arkenstone.
Thorin's breath hitched, his hand lifted up, and started to reach for it. Only to stop just inches from taking it. He looked at Bilbo, who was waiting patiently for the Alpha to take it.
"Would you mind holding it for me a little longer?"
Bilbo titled his head, "Is something wrong?"
"No," Thorin shook his head, "I would just like you to hold it, is that alright?"
Bilbo nodded, frowning.
"Is this that what got you so happy?" Dwalin then asked, "finding the stone?"
Bilbo's brow furrowed as he thought about it. Was that why he was suddenly so happy, and excited? No, it wasn't that exactly, yes; he was happy that he found the Arkenstone. But it mostly because this meant that Thorin's place on the throne was secured, it meant that the Company's home was secured.
"Yes," Bilbo finally answered, "but it's because now the Company won't have to worry about not being forced from their home again."
If any of other members of the Company walked by at the moment, they would see the two Alphas giving Bilbo adoring looks, the Carrier only stared back; completely and utterly clueless.
"You're adorable." Dwalin blurted out.
Bilbo squeaked, face turning red, going redder when Thorin nodded near vigorously in agreement.
~.~
The next day, they have a guest.
"Bard!"
"I still want to punch him." Dwalin grumbled as he and the rest of the Company watched Bilbo hug Bard.
Balin rolled his eyes, before he, and his brother followed Thorin over to the two.
"I see you survived." Thorin said as he folded his arms.
Balin gave a disapproving stare, even Dwalin was giving the leader a look. Bard gave a half-hearted glare, which disappeared altogether when Bilbo pulled away, and started to stutter an apology.
"It is in the past," Bard smiled down at the Carrier, "what is important is the now." he then looked at Thorin, "I've come on the behalf of the people of Laketown, we need shelter and food for the coming winter, I also come to ask that you also keep your promise to the people of Laketown, and give us gold so that we may rebuilt after."
All eyes are on Thorin who had remained quiet.
"Thorin?" Balin inquired.
"Can all of your people make the journey to the mountain?" Thorin finally spoke.
Bard thought about it, though they were able to make it to the ruins of Dale, it wasn't easy; and honestly he doesn't think the people had much energy left.
"They made it this far" Bard finally said, "I believe they can continue on."
Especially for the promise of food, and shelter.
Thorin nodded, "And what about supplies?"
"Very little."
"And our own isn't very inspiring." Balin added.
"We can scout out the area, see what we can find." Dwalin suggested.
As the three Dwarves discussed what to do, Bilbo looked back up at Bard who had a surprised look on his face, curious; he tugged on the man's sleeve to get his attention.
"What's wrong?" he asked once the man looked down.
"I was not expecting everyone to be….helpful."
Bard said this quietly, but the Dwarves heard him regardless, and Bard is once again surprised at the sheepish look they gave him.
"We can't fault you for that," Balin said, "we weren't exactly…agreeable."
After that, it didn't take them long to arrange for the rest of the Laketown people to get to the mountain, especially after they found some still usable wheeled carts.
"I want to go."
All actions seemed to stop, and Bilbo gave a stuffy sniff, the Alphas glanced at each other; before Bard went over, and kneeled.
"Bilbo—"
Bilbo sneezed, right in the man's face.
"Sorry" Bilbo sniffled, as he pulled out a surprisingly clean handkerchief, considering the location, and held it out.
"It's alright," the Alpha said after a long moment, he took the cloth and wiped his face, looking over his shoulder to glare at the laughing Dwarves, "but as I was trying to say, maybe you should stay here with Master Ori, you are still ill."
"Not that ill." Bilbo coughed, a rare stubborn expression.
A stubborn expression that Bard didn't know what to do with as he turned to look at the Dwarves for help, said Dwarves looked at Thorin.
"Bilbo—" the Alpha began.
"I'm not staying here, I'm going."
Thorin blinked, a bit startled, he wondered if being sick was contributing to the Omega's boldness. Regardless, he had to give an answer soon, and one that will put everyone at ease.
"You'll have to wear an extra coat." Thorin said, there were plenty of them, dusty but usable. "And if you feel, or we think you are not doing well, you will rest. Agreed?"
Bilbo nodded, then sneezed.
~.~
The people of Laketown were very happy, and grateful. Thanking the Dwarves. Those who couldn't go much further due to injuries, or illness piled into the carts. Bilbo, and Ori followed Bifur as they explored what had once been Dale, looking for anything they could use. They entered what was once a house, part of the building had collapsed. Bilbo carefully made his way through the rumble, only stopping when anything had caught his attention; they spend about five minutes before moving on. Following Ori and Bifur, Bilbo was nearly out the door when something blue peeking out from underneath the rumble caught his attention. Curious, he stopped and went over, kneeling he moved away a few of the lighter rumble; and then pulled the item from underneath.
It was a book, somehow it had survived Smug's attack all those years ago with only a few singes along the edges, he started to open it only to stop when Ori called for him. Tucking the book underneath his arm, Bilbo stood, and left the house.
With everyone, and everything packed, and gathered; they headed back to the mountain, and the people proceeded to settle once inside, Oin had Bofur and Bifur take care of Bilbo while he, his brother, and most of the Company helped with the sick and injured. Bombur and the rest of the Company fixed food. In addition, Bard attended to his people, and made sure Thorin didn't kill Alfrid, who had taken to complaining non-stop since he got here. As well as made plans for a party to go back to the lake, and fish, after it was discovered that a surprising large amount of salt had survived Smaug and time.
At the moment, the people had settled near the forges, the fire that the Dwarves had started during their fight with Smug, still going and kept everyone warm.
"Enough!"
From where he was talking with a group of men and women who had volunteered for the trip, Bard looked over his shoulder, and inwardly groaned when he saw that Dwalin was glaring down at Alfrid huddled up in a corner. The former right-hand of the Master was glaring back, and looked more than ready to let loose an insult. Bard hurried over.
"If the next thing out your mouth is another complaint, or insult, I will toss you in the forges." Dwalin growled.
"You little—"
"And I will let him." Bard spoke, expression of someone who was quickly loosing what little patience they had.
Alfrid turned a bit paler, no doubt realizing that he was on thin ice now that the only one who was keeping him from being hanged, was considering the Dwarf's threat at best. "My apologizes." the man mumbled.
Dwalin gave one last glare, before nodding at Bard and walking off, heading right for Bilbo who was curled up asleep next to Bofur. Bard watched him, then turned back to Alfrid, he gave the man a look; then went back to group.
"You should have let the Master Dwarf do it." one of the man said.
"It was tempting, but no." Bard said, "we need everyone, if we are to survive the coming winter."
"I suppose we could use him as fish bait." one of the women said.
Bard's lip twitched, "I will keep that in mind, now then back to the material, I'm sure we can find something to use for rods. A net would be ideal, but that is seemingly impossible given the circumstances."
"We could also try, and go back to Laketown, and see if anything had survived and could be of use." Another woman suggested, "The boats should still be there, we hide them well enough."
Bard nodded, that had been another thing he had considered while at Dale, an opinion had the Dwarves rejected him and the people. They discussed the plan more, before they broke to rest, and be with their families. Bard found his children with Bifur, and Kili, all three sleeping soundly.
"You look better." Bard said to the youngest Prince as he sat down next to his son, and youngest daughter.
He had not noticed that before, but considering he was busy looking for his children and helping survivors at the time, it was not surprising.
Kili nodded, "We don't like to admit it out loud, but we Dwarves know no one can match an Elf when it comes to healing."
"Don't let your Uncle hear you say that" Bifur signed.
Kili chuckled, "What about you?" the Prince then asked Bard, "are you alright?"
"I am as well as can be." Bard answered as he pulled the blanket down to his son's feet, the boy was staring to sweet a bit with the combined heat of the forges and blanket.
He may have lost his home, and he was suddenly being looked to by the people of Laketown as leader. But he can rebuilt, and while it was unexpected, he will lead as best he can.
He had his children, who were fed and safe.
So yes, he was well as can be.
~.~
Their plan to get more food, was cut short by King Thranduil, and his army standing at the gate.
Thorin was not happy.
"My lord Thranduil," Bard said in surprise, "we did not look to see you here."
From where he was staring down at Thorin from atop of his steed, the King of Mirkwood to Bard, "I heard you needed aid."
The King turned, and gestured to a wagon that is pulling up, loaded with food and drink. Surprised, but extremely grateful, Bard turned to call for some help only be stopped by Thorin. The Dwarf taking one step forward then stopped, eyes dark with suspicions.
"What do you want?"
From behind him, Balin hissed, "Thorin!"
Thorin ignored him.
Thranduil is still, and there is a tension, that is only broken by a sleepy-eyed, and sniffling Bilbo arriving with Bifur and Ori behind him. The Carrier wrapped up in Bard's coat.
"So that's where that went." Bard thought, he had been wondering.
"Ah, so my little thief has arrived." Thranduil didn't sound mad over the fact that Bilbo had been the cause for the Dwarves escaping, in fact, his eyes were sparkling with amusement. Amusement, that quickly turned to concern when Bilbo gave a continuous string of sneezes.
"Are you ill?" he asked, completely ignoring the now growling Thorin.
"A little." Bilbo answered, that's when he noticed the wagon of food, "you brought food?"
Before the Elf King could answer, Thorin snarled. "What. Do. You. Want?"
Thranduil's eyes go calculating as he turned his attention back to Thorin, and when he spoke it's almost careful, "As I said, I heard the people of Laketown needed aid, and I've come to offer it. However, I do have another reason for being here. White gems of pure starlight."
"You come armed for war to the gates of the king under mountain, for gems?" Thorin sneered.
"We both know if I expected a different reaction to my request, my actions would be otherwise."
Probably sensing that things were starting to get out of hand, Ori stepped up, gaining both Kings and everyone else's attention. "Perhaps" he suggested, "we can have this discussion inside, and after the people have gotten their supplies. The children haven't had much to eat in days."
"And this is why Omegas have a voice in council." Balin thought as he watched both Kings given in to the suggestion with small varying degrees of stubbornness.
The older Dwarf had not missed the little tidbit about the children, the only other thing that Elves and Dwarves were equally protective of besides Omegas, was children.
"Your army stays outside." said Thorin, while the men Bard had called over once he got the confirmation from Thranduil, unloaded the wagon with the help of two other Elves.
Thranduil narrowed his eyes, "Estelon, Rhawion." He did not raise his voice, but Elven ears had heard him all the same, and Bilbo's eyes lit up upon hearing the names. Smiling when the two Elves emerged from the line and stood beside their King.
"Hello again Bilbo." Estelon greeted the Carrier.
"Hello." Bilbo coughed.
"They are Healers." Thranduil said, eyes still on Thorin.
With a curl of his lips, Thorin gave a short nod, before gently leading a confused Bilbo back into the mountain. Of course, that's when Dain, and his army arrived.
~.~
It took some time, but between Balin, Bard, and Ori. They were able to calm everyone down, and into the mountain. Leaving the leaders to their discussion, Estelon got to work, and Bilbo; after Ori was able to guilt Thorin into letting him, was the first of Estelon's patients.
"Where is Tauriel?" Bilbo asked as he sipped the bitter tea the Elf was making him drank.
"She is following her chosen path." Estelon said after a pause.
Bilbo frowned, sure there was more to it, but doesn't pry; and honestly he doesn't have time to, because he was suddenly sleepy. The Healer laid him down, and covered him with a blanket. The Elf watched the Carrier surrender to sleep. When he had heard about the dragon's death, and the burning of Laketown. The Healer, and his son had not hesitated in volunteering themselves when they learned of the King's plan to bring supplies to the victims. To heal as many as possible, if any, and hoping that Bilbo was among the survivors; thankfully he was. The Healer was not sure what he would have done if he had arrived, and found Bilbo gone from this world, or what to do with the book he had brought with him on a whim to give to Bilbo.
The one of his thoughts finally sleeping soundly, and with a kiss on the forehead, Estelon moved on to his next patient.
When Bilbo woke up, it's to Thorin's loud booming voice, he's never heard the Alpha raise his voice like that. Still half-sleep, he doesn't have the mind to be nervous as he mostly would have been. Instead, he's mostly curious as to why there is yelling to begin with. So he got up, and followed the voice to a room that looked like it may have been used for storage. Rubbing his eyes, and a little more aware, Bilbo took in the scene.
Thorin was yelling at Thranduil, who looked a bit smug. Between the two was Bard, obviously had placed himself there to keep things from getting further. Balin was on Thorin's right, trying to calm the angry king, behind them was Dain, and Dwalin. Both glaring at the Elf King, the Elf's own two guards looking moment away from drawing their weapons.
"Absolutely not!" Thorin growled, "I'm giving you the White gems of Lasgalen. You should be satisfied with that!"
"You have more than enough treasures in this mountain, what is one jewel?"
"Not the King's Jewel!"
"Such stubbornness, and greed."
"I will have war before I agree to such a request!" Thorin snarled.
"If you insist, I'll be more than accommodating." Thranduil responded.
Bilbo stood there silently, observing, and listening. And then something, that familiar dark thing began to raise. And while he was sure his cold, and the fact that his head had started pounding something fierce contributed.
Bilbo had enough.
He had faced Trolls, Giants, Goblins, Orcs. Giant Spiders, had nearly drowned and had faced a dragon. And now it looked like there was going to be a war, over useless trinkets of all things.
Yes indeed, Bilbo, son of Belladonna and Bungo, was done.
So he did want any logical person did in such a situation.
He went over, and kicked Thorin in the shin.
"That's enough Thorin Oakenshield!" the Carrier ordered while the Alpha hopped up, and down, holding his now throbbing and no doubt bruised shin.
"What was that for?" Thorin grumbled.
Around them, everyone stared in surprise, especially the Dwarves.
"For being an idiot!"
"…..Excuse me?"
"And you!" Bilbo rounded on Thranduil, who went looking amused, and smug. To confused, and a little fearful, "you're in trouble too!"
"Pray tell what have I done?"
"Baiting, you know full well Thorin will not part with the Arkenstone. His family heirloom, just asking for it in jest is an insult. Which we have no time for. There are people here, hurt. In need of help, and Leaders. Yet, both of you speak of a war that is pointless!"
Bilbo then sneezed, and sneezed again. By the time he had sneezed a third time, which quickly turned into coughing. Thranduil, and Thorin were calling for Estelon, argument forgotten.
"So, we're not going to war?" Dain asked as he watched the two kings usher the Carrier out the room, apparently intent on finding the Elf when the Healer did come rushing in.
"You can talk to Bilbo if you want one so badly" Bard told him.
"Ha! I know better than go against an angry Omega."
Bard chuckled before he left the room, following the two Kings.
~.~
When Gandalf arrived at Erebor, and saw the two armies stationed outside, giving each other….looks. He didn't know what to expect when he got inside.
Bilbo being fussed over by two Kings, and Bard wasn't it.
"Gandalf!" Bilbo smiled upon seeing the wizard, right before he started coughing.
Thranduil made a disapproving noise before making the Carrier drink whatever was in the cup in Bilbo's hands. While Gandalf is very much glad to see Bilbo and everyone else, alive. They had bigger problems at the moment.
Namely, the army that was making its way to Erebor.
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