-Okay! if you guys are confused about Bilbo's nickname, let me explain. I was searching on the internet for something that Kiligreth can call Bilbo other than 'Bilbo' or 'Little Brother', and I decided that it should be an old word due to the time we are in. An one of my teachers teaches Latin, so I thought, 'Why not have Kiligreth say the Latin word for Little Brother. so I searched on Google and up came the word "Frater" meaning 'Little Brother'. So that's the reason for that. Alright! On to the story!-

Thorin's P.O.V.

I had not the faintest idea of who this man was or why we were going to see his mother, but Bilbo seems to trust him, so I will to. We trudged further until we came upon a large castle. It's dark stone walls rose high in the sky, blocking out the sun. Towers spiraled up and dark red roses climbed the walls. In a way, it could have once been a bright, beautiful place; but now, it was dark and menacing.

Kiligreth and Bilbo walked on without hesitating, but I could tell that Bilbo did not like doing this. The way how his footsteps seemed to get quieter, the way his small hands rolled up into balls at his side, the way his breath seemed non-existent. All I wanted to do was wrap him in my arms and take him away from this place.

But I didn't. I couldn't. I couldn't show that Hobbit all the affection I had for him. I couldn't tell him that I was always going to be there for him; to lay at his side at night, to defend him with all my might. I couldn't.

"Remember, Dwarves, this place is very dangerous. Do as Frater and I tell you." Kiligreth explained, an we passed through the great door.

The place was even darker on the inside than the outside. It didn't seem like any light came into this place. Of course, with Dwarven Eyes, i had no problem. I was more concerned about Bilbo.

But he seemed to be fine. More than fine...Thriving on the dark.

Movement up ahead, an Bilbo was enveloped in a hug.

"Brother Bilbo! Brother Kiligreth! Where have you two been! I missed you!" It was a girl's voice.

"It is good to see you, Mairina. Sorry I didn't visit. I was busy." Bilbo explained with a smile. He glanced at us. "Mairina, allow me to introduce you to the Company." Walking her over to us, he introduced all of us in turn.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." Mairina said with a curtsy. Mairina was very beautiful. With silvery blond hair and gentle green eyes, pale skin, and a dark green dress.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Mairina." I said respectfully.

Mairina smiled, but then her face grew worried. "Brother Bilbo? Why would you bring Dwarves into Mother's Home? I can smell that they are still alive. Their hearts are still beating! If Mother finds out what you did..."

"She will not find out!" Bilbo said defiantly. "I am no longer going to do as she says! I am no longer her slave; and I will defend these Dwarves against her with my last and foremost breath if I have to!"

Mairina's face went even paler an she turned away. Bilbo smile sadly. "I'm sorry, Mairina. I did not mean to shout. It's just that I am still resentful of my fate and I took it out on you. I should not have. Please forgive me."

Mairina sighed. "I do forgive Brother. But they will be as good as dead if Mother gets her hands on them."

-End of this chapter! Message me with comments or ideas...i can really use the confidence boost!