This chapter goes a little more into details about what happened to poor Bilbo at the hands of Smaug. If you don't want to read it, just skip the italics. Otherwise, enjoy an update!

Thorin had not been exaggerating his nephews' barging tendencies. They would have barged right into his tent if he hadn't happened to step out at that exact moment. He'd been going to find Balin and see how the arrangements with Nori were going. Instead of going into the tent, the younger dwarves ran right into their uncle's chest. Thorin sighed and looked down at their seemingly innocent smiles.

"Uncle!" Kili called happily.

"We just came from the caves…" Fili continued.

"And we wanted to check in with you…

"To see if you have found anything…"

"Interesting~" they finished together.

"No," Thorin said simply.

"But…"

"No. You are not going in there. He is resting." There was no point in hiding Bilbo from them. He was sure that everyone in all of the armies knew about the hobbit in his tent by now.

"Resting…with you?" Fili questioned. He earned a hard look from Thorin.

"He will be returning to Erebor with us for the time being," he told them. "You can meet him later. Now go help Balin with the inventory lists."

"But…"

"Off with ya lads!" Dwalin cut in as he came up to them. The younger two pouted but went off to do as they'd been told.

Thorin sighed and rubbed his temple.

"They are merely curious," Dwalin chuckled. "It is not like you to take in a stray."

"He is not a stray," he said. "He is…."

"Special?" Dwalin smirked with a knowing glint.

Thorin frowned at him. "Different. Do not jump to conclusions."

Dwalin chuckled and patted his shoulder. "You cannot see the way you look at him. Your people will be happy to know you have found your One."

"It is too early to tell."

"You know the moment you meet them," Dwalin countered. "Take it from me. I know. Do not cut yourself short, my friend. You deserve to be happy."

Thorin sighed again and shook his head. "There is much else to think of. My personal life can wait."

Dwalin shook his head, but let the subject drop. He followed Thorin further into camp to find Balin and Nori.

-; ;-

Bilbo finished pulling his shirt back on after Oin had looked him over. Thorin had been pulled away to meet with the other kings. While he was away, Oin had come in for another checkup. Thorin had also left a guard for Bilbo, a dwarf named Bofur. The hobbit quite enjoyed his easy going company as they had spent a good portion of the day talking.

He still wasn't very comfortable undressing, but Oin had proven to be very professional and seemed very interested in his and his child's health. He rested a hand over his belly. It would still be some time before he felt the child moving, but knowing that the baby was healthy was a nice comfort. He recalled the checkup he had last night with the elf healer.

"Are you comfortable undressing for us, Master Baggins?" Feynriel had asked gently.

"Um…." Had been Bilbo's response, holding Thorin's cloak tighter.

Feynriel offered a gentle smile as Oin stood close by. "We merely wish to check your physical health, as well as check on the child. We will not hurt you."

Bilbo took a deep breath and nodded his head quietly. He pulled the cloak off and set it beside the bed. Both healers were good at keeping their expressions mostly neutral, but a flash of concern and mild horror flitted through both their eyes once Bilbo was completely exposed.

His chest, arms and legs were covered in new and healing bruises and scratches. More scratches from the dragon's claws covered his back, hips and thighs from where the beast had forcibly held him down. Most were healing and already scabbed over, but still looked red and irritated. His belly and face seemed to be the only areas that hadn't been hurt.

"We will have to apply salve to the scratches," Feynriel told him once he had taken it all in and pulled a light sheet over Biblo's lap. "May we touch you?" At Bilbo's nod, the healers started gently pressing against the scratches to determine which ones were the worse and which ones would heal on their own. Once they had determined that, they applied a healing salve of aloe and lavender.

"If any of them should reopen, or start to hurt, let Master Oin know immediately so that he may reapply as needed," Feynriel told him. "I would like to check on your child now, if I may. Can you lay back?" They helped assemble the pillows behind him to be comfortable as he lay back.

The elf started with his stomach, gently pressing in certain areas and explaining to both of them what he was doing and what he was looking for. "Male pregnancies, at least in elves, are very different than women. The womb tends to form further out in front of the other organs than it would in a woman, making the belly seem bigger, and also causing more discomfort in the later months. You will have to watch your activity the further along you get. Any pains in your hips or back, and bed rest may be needed."

Oin was watching closely, occasionally writing notes in a notebook he had pulled from his jacket. It had been agreed that Feynriel would explain what he could and hopefully leave Bilbo fully in Oin's care at Erebor. If the dwarf decided he wasn't capable of his care, then the elf would ask to accompany them back to the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo was glad that they both seemed to be skilled healers and both seemed intent on his care.

He pressed gently with his fingertips, starting under Biblo's belly button and going out in separate directions across his stomach. He paused after a few pushes and hummed thoughtfully.

"What?" Biblo asked.

Feynriel shook his head. "This is about how big the child is now. Seems bigger than normal for this stage. I would estimate that you are not too far along?"

"I don't think so," Bilbo shook his head. "I only found out…maybe a few weeks ago?"

The elf nodded. "Perhaps….it's possible that the child will take more to the size of the sire. That is not a bad thing, but it could cause more discomfort for you later on."

"But the baby is okay?" Bilbo asked, craning his head to look at him.

Feynriel smiled a little. "I believe so. The child seems to be developing normally, despite the size."

That made Biblo sigh a little in relief. He had been worried that something would go wrong. Though Smaug had been a little lighter on him since they found out he was pregnant, the dragon hadn't known how to care for him at all.

After a few minutes of Feynriel showing Oin how to check on the child's growth, it was time for the least comfortable part. They had Bilbo brace his legs so they could life the covering sheet a little and check that area. Obviously, neither healer was happy with what they had found.

"Master Baggins," Oin started. "When was the last time the beast forced you into his bed?" he asked softly.

Bilbo hadn't realized he started tearing up until both healers took ahold of his hands to try and comfort him. He really didn't want to think about any of that anymore. Smaug was dead. Couldn't they leave it like that?

No…Bilbo knew they couldn't. Not when he carried that beast's child within him. He would do absolutely anything he could to make sure his baby didn't turn out anything like its sire.

"Just before the attack started," he said finally when he could form words.

"And how often did he do so?" Feynriel asked next.

Biblo sniffled. "Often."

They nodded quietly and helped him sit up after applying a different salve, made by the elves, to that area. Oin patted his shoulder as Feynriel got the clothes left out for Bilbo by the dwarves.

"Your body will heal, laddie," the dwarf told him. "We will make sure of it."

"You should apply the salve at least once a day," Feynriel told him as he came back beside him. "I'll be sure Master Oin knows the recipe to make more. Should the mountain not have the correct herbs, we can make arrangements to have them sent to you. Not only will it help the swelling, but it will also help your body adjust better for the birth."

Bilbo nodded as he started getting dressed. "Thank you," he sniffed softly. Feynriel made sure that Oin had no more questions before standing to remove the privacy linens.

Bilbo sighed softly, pulling the fur cloak over his shoulders again. He was thankful that Thorin had allowed him to keep it for the time being. It was warm and covered in the dwarf's scent. It made him feel safe, just like the dwarf it belonged to.

"Are you alright, laddie?" Bofur asked. "You seem to be sighing a lot today."

"Oh, yes, thank you," Bilbo offered a small smile. "I think I'm just tired."

"Get some rest," Oin told him. "It will be some time before we are ready to return the mountain. You should take the time to regain some strength."

Bilbo nodded his head. Oin left them to attend to other patients. Bilbo wondered how many had been wounded, or worse, in going against Smaug yesterday.

He was just about to make himself comfortable in the bedroll for a nap when two heads popped through the tent flap. Both blinked at him with wide grins before entering.

"Oh no, lads," Bofur said when he saw them. "I believe your uncle gave you tasks to complete."

"They are completed," the blond answered.

"So we thought we'd come introduce ourselves," the brunette added. They came to a stop a few feet away.

"Fili," the blond.

"Kili," the brunette.

"At your service," they said together as they bowed.

"H-Hello?" Bilbo looked to Bofur for a little help.

Bofur sighed. "These two are Thorin's nephews. They mean no real harm. Just youngings getting into mischief." He shrugged.

"You wound us friend," Fili smirked.

"We do no such thing," Kili grinned.

Bilbo quite agreed with Bofur. These two oozed mischief. He didn't think they were malicious, just young and looking for fun. He nodded his head. "Hello," he greeted again. "My name is Bilbo Baggins."

The two took that as a que that they were allowed closer, eventually plopping themselves down next to the bedroll. Bofur shifted to keep them a decent distance away so as not to overwhelm Bilbo when they started launching out questions.

"Master Boggins…" Kili said.

"Baggins," Bofur corrected.

Kili continued like the other dwarf hadn't spoken, "Our uncle seems to have taken quite a liking to you."

"Yes. He isn't this nice to anyone," Fili added. "You let us know if he does anything to upset you."

Kili nodded. "He can be a bit thick headed," he grinned.

"But he means well."

"Of course. Just doesn't know how to show it."

"No, he doesn't. We'll set him straight if he does something foolish."

"Absolutely. He should be ashamed if he ever makes you cry."

"You seem like a great fellow."

"We think you'll fit right in!"

"Boys!" Bofur cut in. Poor Bilbo was getting an ache in his neck from going back and forth between the brother's conversations.

They paused and then turned their attention back to Bilbo. Fili expression mellowed out a little. "There is a rumor going around that you are pregnant?" he asked. There was no accusation in his voice, only curiosity.

Bilbo bit his lip. He knew that his condition wouldn't stay a secret forever. It was one of the things that the kings were discussing now. Thorin had assured him that he would do what he could to keep the other two from coming after his child. The Man they weren't worried about, but he hadn't been sure as to what the Elf would be like after hearing of his queen's death.

He sighed again and nodded. "I am."

The brothers stared at him for a moment before their looks changed to curious wonder.

"Really?" Kili asked. "I thought only Elven males could carry?"

"Hobbits can," Bilbo told them. "It is rare, as there are not many male only pairs, but it can happen."

"Hobbits? Where are you from?" this from Fili.

"The Shire. It's not too far from Bree," Bilbo answered.

"I think Uncle has been that far before," Kili commented, looking to his brother for confirmation.

Fili nodded. "I think so. On his way to visit some of our cousins, I believe."

"He's never mentioned the Shire though. Mayhaps he didn't go that far?" Both shared a confused look and then shrugged.

Bilbo chuckled. "Not many travel that far. There is never a need. We Hobbits like being on our own."

Bofur settled back with his pipe. The conversation seemed to be going alright, so he would let the boys be for now. Bilbo seemed to be enjoying the company until Thorin would return.

-; ;-

Thorin was rubbing his head. He was tired, a little irritated, a little hungry, and really wanted this meeting to be over. It had taken Bard a while to calm Thranduil enough to get the elf to return to his own tent for a rest. That still didn't help his sour disposition during their meeting.

The distribution of the gems had gone easily. There was little to no dispute over it, which Thorin had been thankful for. Thranduil liked to comment about the greediness of dwarves, and Thorin had not wanted to deal with small comments like that the entire time. No, the elf had let it all go smoothly.

It was when Bilbo had been brought up that the elf had gotten upset again.

"The child is that of a dragon!" he said for the seventh time.

"But it is still a child. An unborn child," Bard repeated, stressing his words. He had been trying to not snap at Thranduil for a while now. Thorin had no such reserves.

"It is not the child's fault for its parent's wrongdoings," Thorin stated firmly. "We should know better than anyone how opinions of our parents mean little to ourselves." He gave Thranduil a pointed look. All of their fathers had died in battle, and it was constantly something that they had to live up to.

Thranduil shot him a glare. "Do not dare insinuate that you know how opinions of my father have shaped me," he hissed. Bard reached over to set a hand on the other's arm. "Don't touch me!" He shrugged out of the grasp.

"Thranduil," Bard said, voice harder than Thorin had ever heard it when dealing with the Elven king.

Elves and Men had been in an alliance before the dwarves had joined. They had a longer history and Thorin was happy to allow Bard take the lead before he ended up trying to strangle Thranduil with his own crown. He glanced at Legolas, who had been silently listening as his father's advisor, frown and tense. He had tried to calm his father down but hadn't succeeded earlier.

"We do not even know if the child will take after the dragon except for its size," Bard said. Feynriel had been ordered to report to his king about the child's development. Everyone knew that the elf had not been happy to do so with his king in this mood. "You are letting your feelings cloud your judgement. It is not like you, mellon."

The use of the elf's language surprised Thorin. Thranduil did not allow many outside of his own people use his own language. It spoke a great deal of how close the two were as friends and allies.

Thranduil stared at Bard for a few minutes, neither breaking eye contact. Eventually, Thranduil let out a long breath. His rage seemed to deflate as the air left his body. Now he just looked tired. Mourning had a way of making people lose themselves.

"You are both correct," he finally said. "It is not the child's fault its father was a murdering beast. I do not wish to hurt a child." He looked at Thorin. "You say the child will be born in Erebor?"

"Yes. Bilbo is in no condition to travel as he is."

Thranduil nodded. "I will send Feynriel to you as the time for the birth gets closer. However," he gave both of them a look, "Should the child show any inkling of following in its father's footsteps…"

"It will be handled," Thorin said. "If it ever happens."

Thranduil nodded. "Very well. I believe we are done here?"

"That could have gone a little smoother," Balin commented as he walked beside Thorin back to their camp.

Thorin huffed. "I had expected a difficult elf," he stated. "At least now we won't have to deal with him again for a while."

"Aye, that may be a good thing," Balin agreed. "Should we start packing up to return to the mountain?"

"Once the treasure is distributed," Thorin answered. "Have everyone ready to move out by first light." Balin nodded his head and left to spread the word.

As Thorin approached his tent, he could hear chatter with the occasional laughter. As he pushed his way inside, he spotted his nephews sitting with Bofur and Bilbo. He would have scolded the boys for sneaking in, but paused as he saw Bilbo laughing. The hobbit seemed in much better spirits than he had that morning. Thorin guessed that he could let it be for this once.