Chapter 12

In the beginning the Dwarves of Thorin's Company were sceptical about Bilbo's plan to ride out of Thranduil's Kingdom in barrels, but the plan proved to be a success. Bilbo stayed close to the barrels hiding himself as best he could. Due to Grandmother Fedlimid being a Water-Fae Bilbo was quite confident in the water, more so that most Brandybucks.

After three days of rough travel down the River Running, Bilbo pulled himself out of the river and began to open the barrels that contained his friends.

It was a mildly soggy and miserable group that staggered into Lake-Town not fifteen minutes later. As they approached the gates to Lake Town they were held at arrow point by four guards, a particularly grim looking, dark-haired man stepped forward showing himself as the leader, "I am Bard, what business do you have in Esgaroth?" he asked lowering his bow slightly.

Bilbo looked around the Company and saw that everyone was either too sick from the barrel ride or completely confused as to what to say, so he stepped in front on the Company Bard's focus slipped to him and Bilbo bowed, "I am William of the Lines Baggins and Took, my Companions are traveling to the Iron Hills to seek work, as Ered Luin has become crowded, I am simply accompanying them on their venture. We have recently made our way along the Old Forest Road in the Greenwood, when we had to cross the river some of our number fell in and were swept downstream. We have lost many of our supplies and most of our coin, some of us would be willing to work for accommodation and supplies."

Bilbo bowed his head again and took a step back while Bard and his men held a whispered conversation, Bilbo turned toward Thorin who was staring at him incredulously, "Bilbo, men are known for their deceit and over-charging. What have you gotten us into?"

Bilbo smiled and whispered in Thorin's ear, "If they knew who you or even I were we would not be able to leave quietly and then the Men would know that Erebor will soon be vulnerable and if we snuck in we wouldn't be able to gain what we need, trust me this is the best way."

Thorin stared into Bilbo's eyes before nodding and taking a step back, giving Bilbo control over the situation and their fate. "Master William, I will only allow you entry if you truly have something to offer, this is standard protocol when dealing with outsiders."

"That is acceptable, Master Bard, I myself am a Healer, along with my friend Oin here," Bilbo said placing a hand on Oin's shoulder.

"Aye," Oin agreed.

"I and my Nephews are Blacksmiths," Thorin said with a hand on each of the young princes' shoulders.

"My cousin and I are Toy-Makers and my brother is a Cook," said Bofur.

"I am an Accountant and Gem Master by trade, by I often assist my Brother, Oin, with healing."

"Dori is a Tailor, Nori is looking for work with the Iron Hills Guard and I am apprenticed to Balin who is a Scribe." Ori called from where he was supporting both of his brothers with Dwalin's help.

Bard nodded decisively, "I will authorise you to stay two weeks in Lake-Town and allow you to take work in your respective fields. If you line up I'll write you each out an authorisation slip."

It took nearly half an hour to get all of the authorisation slips written up.

The Company soon found their way to a spot where they could rest and tend to their wounds and illnesses. Bilbo handed out crushed mint leaves to those who were sea-sick and then all but collapsed next to Thorin and fell asleep.

"Marion?" Bilbo called when he found himself in the grey room again.

"Hello Uilliam," The child greeted, he cocked his head to the side. "You have babies in you," he stated.

"Yes," Bilbo answered.

"Okay."

Bilbo smiled at the child, "Do you want to play?"

"Nah, I wanna colour!" Marion exclaimed.

Bilbo joined Marion at a small table and coloured for what felt like hours.

When Bilbo woke he was in the same place, he looked around at the Dwarves who were sharing out provisions. He looked up at the sky and found that it was past mid-day, he had only slept for a few hours. After nibbling on a few pieces of dried fruit, Bilbo stood drawing the attention of the Dwarves, "I am going to go and find the Town Healer and see if I can offer my skills."

"I think we should join you laddie," Oin said as he and Glóin stood.

Bilbo nodded and headed off in a random direction with Oin and Glóin keeping pace.

"William," The Thain called.

"Yes, Fortinbras?"

"It would only take two weeks for a team of Tunnelers to reach Erebor. Call if you need us."

"I will Fortinbras, I hope that we can expand over – or rather under – the Misty Mountains, I fear the world will soon be changing and our little pocket of peace will vanish, maybe it is time to re-join the greater world."

"I agree, the Voice of the Green Lady has warned of this happening as well."

So, a very short chapter. Sorry about that. Next chapter will be longer, I think I will try to explore more of the Company, without Bilbo around in the next chapter.

I will be putting up a poll:

Should Bilbo (A) go home to the Shire to have his baby (B) Stay in Erebor to have the baby (C) go to Beorn's to have the baby or (D) Go the Elrond to have the baby.

The poll will be open for a few chapters as Bilbo is only two and a half months into an eight month pregnancy.

Here's to a long chapter next time!