The Meet Off The Shore Of Esgaroth
The King of Erebor stood dressed in the most fanciful of garments, he did not want to impress this person, but to out do the Elven King which was honestly childish, but he did not care. This person was to document both Kingdoms so Thorin would make sure his would outshine the dreadful Woodland Realm and win whatever favor he had with this person so that he could maintain his Kingdom and not let it fall to shame.
He took long strides down the grand halls of Erebor as he made his way over to his advisers at the front entrance to Erebor. There stood Dwalin and Balin who awaited his arrival, they were dressed formally since Thorin insisted they present a good image in front of whoever this person was. Dwalin wore clean heavy armor and his hair back with his back holding his weapon or weapons. Balin stood dressed in fine linens and his own sword resting on his waist while Thorins sword was concealed within his large black coat.
"There ye are."Dwalin said with a grand smile as he watched Thorin make his way over with his crown resting upon his head neatly and his hair beautiful brushed and braided with beads. Balin nodded in agreement as he looked over there King who seemed annoyed by the whole affair of having to meet with this person and being around that dreadful Elven King who with no doubt be just as provoking in favor of this persons love for them.
"Yes, lets get this over with."Thorin said, lying to himself. This would last until he and Thranduil got along, but Thorin had no clue if he and Thranduil could get along. He despised the Elf for what he did when Smaug first Desolated Dale and Erebor. The Elf despised the dwarves because of there greed and horrible manners, they were a troublesome race.
"This will not simply go away by just meetin the lad."Balin remarked as Thorin grunted in annoyance as he and his advisers saw there way out of the mountain, where at the end of Dale near the lake there Bard and his two advisers awaited them. They were both to cross the lake and meet the person there with a grand entrance, he just hoped that damn elf wouldn't get a head shot.
"They never said the race of the person."Dwalin stated as he and the King mounted there horses. Balin suddenly rubbed his beard in thought as the dwarves pondered on the race of the person The Council of Elrond was sending. They met up with Bard and his men as they neared the lake where Bard and his two advisers stood standing beside him. One of them was a very tall and muscular man while the other was of simple height and muscle, but both looked very loyal to there leader Bard.
"Hey there, dwarves!"Bard greeted happily but internally praying this meet up would go without someone dying or getting hurt since he dread the wrath of Lord Elrond when he was given instructions to help the person in the affairs that would unite the races together.
"Greetings to you too, Lord Bard."Balin greeted back as Thorin gave a warm smile and looked across the lake not making out an image of anyone just yet, seeing as it was still early in the morning around 9:00 a.m. The lake was shrouded with morning fog as the sun was slowly making its way out of the clouds, the sky was a faint pink color as the sun was was slowly ascending from the clouds. Bards men set up the boat to cross the lake, the boat was the same as the one when Bard smuggled the company into Lake Town, but this one had seating's and ramps to keep you from falling over board. It was beautifully carved and had a brand of Dale on the side of it carved into the wood. Thorin felt a bit nostalgic as he recalled the events of the journey to reclaim Erebor when boarding the boat and taking a seat beside Bard at the lower deck while Bards larger adviser started the boat with the push of a long stirring wood plank that guided the boat through the lakes current. The smaller adviser undid the ropes from the dock and then jumped on with huff. He gave a glare to the larger man who simple made a low grunt and looked away.
"So I have to wonder who the little fellow might be, you got any clues?"Bard said as he and his men guided the boat across the lake. The Dwarves nodded in question as well before they all caught on to the 'little fellow' and turned to look at eachother before Bard chuckled.
"I don't know who he is, presuming it is a he."Bard confessed as his advisers tended the boat securely as they were sailing over to the Shore of Esgaroth.
"Well whoever he is, he is going to be in our lives for a very long time."Thorin said with annoyance in his tone. "It seems as if you don't like the who idea of a person helping you and the Elves get along better,"Thorin scoffed and Bard narrowed his eyes. "To prevent blood shed that is why he is here."Thorin felt slightly ill at the last part, he had enough of war, but the Elves were just pushing him to the point where he'd be willing to call forth war.
"This whole situation seems a little more far fetched than they makes it out to be."Thorin said as he sat beside Bard on the boat as Bards tall advisers guided the boat down the lake with the push of the stick at the back of the boat that guided down the lakes light current toward the Shore of Esgaroth. The light wind felt nice as Thorin remembered when he and his company were given a small row boat over to the Mountain. That was the most fleeting moment as Thorin had felt himself near the mountain after years of exile. Thorin simply let a real smile grace his lips for a moment before his face hardened to the situation ahead. The Elves had arrived first.
Bilbo and Gandalf had made a stop to meet with a man who would present Bilbo when he would arrive at the Meet Of The Three Races Off the Shore Of Esgaroth. This man was taller than any man and elf he'd ever seen. Who towered over his own house which was beautiful and very large. Everything in his house was large the furniture, the animals, the food, and even the plants. His name was Beorn, he was a skin changer, the last one of his people. Beorn was very odd looking, he was hairy but not as hairy as a dwarf and his facial features did not look all that of a man, but he was dressed in fine clothes. It looked odd on him, but Bilbo guessed it was due to The Meet With The Three Races, since this whole quest was a political affair nothing more and nothing less. Bilbo felt very small in the presence of Beorn, but Beorn being the beast he was, he was very kind to the Hobbit which took Bilbo off guard when the skin changer picked him up and gave him a soft hug.
"Little Bunny,"His deep voice smiling and vibrating against Bilbo's small body from where he rest his head on Beorns chest. "Haaaa..."Bilbo breathed in response as he nervously tried to hug the skin changer back with a slight blush of embarrassment decorating his smooth cheeks. Bilbo was very slim compared to other Hobbits he wasn't very attractive since Hobbit's tend to be a bit soft in a few places. But Bilbo was slim because of the "Dune" which took a lot of stress on his body now that the second brand was going to brand itself now. Bilbo was very cute in any other races eyes. He was tiny and little with big blue eyes; his hair bright and curly. His skin was smooth and soft since he'd never done heavy work other than his gardening which he found refreshing.
"Hello to you, too. Master Beorn."Gandalf spoke up from he where he stood watching the hugging scene between the large skin changer and Hobbit. It was very unusual. Beorn was intimidating just by looking at him, but to see him soften up with the sight of a Hobbit. Gandalf knew Bilbo was perfect for this quest. Beorn put Bilbo down gently on the ground and looked to Gandalf. The Hobbit tilted to the side a bit as he tried to catch his balance, Bilbo soon made his way over to Gandalf and Beorn who were walking toward the horses that stood out to the back of the lodgings where he cut wood.
"You understand?"Gandalf finished as Bilbo caught up with the too, dragging his much smaller strides to quicken to catch up to hear there discussion for The Meet Off The Shore Of Esgaroth. Gandalf and Bilbo had traveled a long while, before arriving at Beorns house at the right time before the day came where Bilbo would set off with Beorn who would introduce him as the person who Lord Elrond chose. What exactly was Bilbo's title? He was the voice of Lord Elrond, right?
"Alright, Bilbo, this is where I leave you. Remember Bilbo, there is to be no favoritism between the two races, the Lord of Dale will assist you in the political affairs that arise, other than that you are to take visit to the two Kingdoms on visits to find ways to unite both of them together."Gandalf said as Bilbo stared at him with worried eyes; he'd thought Gandalf would at least stay with him for awhile. Gandalf saw the worry in the young Hobbits blue eyes and gave him a small apologetic smile.
"Beorn will stay with you for a few days before returning home, he will help you for a short while with whatever you need."Gandalf said which Bilbo looked a bit relieved to hear since the large skin changer seemed to have a soft spot for the Hobbit.
"And Bilbo,"Bilbo waited to hear the last bit of advice from the wizard. "Do not speak of the Dune with anyone, no matter how close you feel to them. Those runes will be stared at and will seem to be a strange tattoo. That is what it will be. Do you understand?"Gandalf questioned seriously as Bilbo nodded, knowing the Dune was very dangerous and not to be spoke of.
Mehrunes Bilbo said in his thoughts as he heard a snicker of laughter that belonged to the Dragon.
"Come along, Little Bunny. They await our arrival at noon."Beorn said as he hoisted Bilbo onto the large black horse and was seated in front of Beorn, they began riding along and Bilbo turned to look over Beorns arm to see Gandalf with eyes filled with worry and Gandalf felt a slight pain in his chest. For Bilbo was but a young boy, not a man, he was innocent to the world, but yet very aware of it and for him to face this great fate alone was painful for him to let happen. Gandalf knew Bilbo would be fine all the more as the respectable Baggins he was and the courageous Took he is. This would be quite the venture for the young little Hobbit and Gandalf let a warm smile grace his lips as his eyes softened to the big blue ones that disappeared into the distance. Now Gandalf was to head to find evidence on Sauron and his intention, which he feared was not at all a good one. Bilbo was in good hands, far away protected by two strong races.
"Do not worry, Little Bunny. You will be fine. The plants and animals will keep you company."Beorn said assuring and Bilbo felt a smile dig in to his cheeks and his small dimples gracing his reddened cheeks. He felt happy to hear that and he was glad Ethenia would be with him in this, after all she was bound to him for all eternity along with Mehrunes who was mysterious and hard to figure out. Beorn looked from ahead as they rode and look down at the small Hobbit who was reddened like a tomato, he had flattered the adorable Hobbit and he was glad the Hobbit felt happy to hear what he said. They rode around the Mirkwood which would take a long while, but as they did they rose up in elevation to where Bilbo could see the top of Mirkwood and the view of the edge of Middle Earth, he took in the breeze which smelled sweet and the whistles of the voice of nature tickled his ears. The Large Black Horse they rode on was named "Shadow" hence the color and nature of the horse which was reclusive but loyal to Beorn and could speak, but only understood by the ears of Bilbo and Beorn. Shadow was very large and took long strides which would get them around the Mirkwood faster than it would take a person a day on average; Bilbo felt a question tug at him but was reluctant to say it.
"The Dune...you ask."Shadow said in a deep voice he carried it as deep like Mehrunes but not as monstrous and echoing. "Y-yes."Bilbo answered drawn back as Beorn looked in question as they kept riding on.
"Mehrunes will not let you suffer, yet his intentions as to why are unknown. Ethenia will not sit by and let him."Shadow answered as Bilbo stilled at the compassion Mehrunes had for him, if it was anyway.
"But why stop the sealing of the brand?"Bilbo questioned since after Rivendell Mehrunes had ceased the burning of the brand which had stopped under his right shoulder blade barely etching down onto his lower back in a straight line.
Because you are not ready...you fear the thought of taking away life... Mehrunes echoed as Bilbo blinked and shook his head before Shadow let a low grunt.
"There have only been two people to ever hold the power of The Dune and even they never mastered it, but died early to the stress of the power."Beorn said, breaking the silence between Shadow and Bilbo. Bilbo turned to look up at Beorn.
"You know of The Dune?"Bilbo questioned.
As a child, Bilbo's parents had never thought anything of it, but to only be a birthmark. After they passed is when the branding came of the first ability where he met Ethenia who was a gentle deity to her ability which sealed itself inside Bilbo. Ethenia said it was not her place to speak of the nature of The Dune, because it was a dark tale not in her nature to speak of. She had said that Mehrunes will be the one to tell the tale of The Dune since he lived before it existed and knew its purpose. If he lived before it then how was The Dune created?
"My people spoke of it, but nothing was ever clear about it. The Dune was told to be a legend of the Great War that took place in The First Age during the rule of the Elven King's father. The Dune was said to supposedly chose its host who it found worthy to hold the power of the two deity's: The ability to give Life and The ability to take Life. During the evil that grew in the war, summoning beast from the underworld, The Dune was created to protect the mortal world of dark magic such as that, but when created, it sealed together two deity's into one body which was impossible to hold. Later, it was told that there was no such thing as dark magic or beasts of underworld in the Great War and that it was just idle talk that turned into legend and then hoax."Beorn told as Bilbo nodded in response, he'd never heard the story of The Dune because no one knew it and it had been long forgotten now in his age.
Bilbo and Beorn continued on foot as Shadow rode back to Beorns lodgings, they entered the green forest that surround the Shore Of Esgaroth after going around the Mirkwood. The sun was now high in the sky as noon neared and Bilbo was growing more nervous as his palms sweated.
"Do you think...they'll accept me?"Bilbo suddenly asked after the long silence between him and Beorn. They had been walking for an hour now, the only sound was of crunching leaves and birds who sang around them. The earth tickled Bilbo's feet as he walked and several birds flew around him singing sweet compliments to him which had made him blush in embarrassment. Beorn looked down to the Hobbit bewildered, but understood where the Hobbit was coming from. He was but mere boy and when the two kings would lay there eyes upon him they would question why a boy would be in charge of their behavior and not a man of high status, if such existed.
"They will...eventually."Beorn confessed as Bilbo's blue eyes went wide with more worry as he looked behind him as they neared the edge of the forest and were now gracing the shore line where the 3 races awaited his arrival.
"I will introduce the political contract and then you will come out from behind me and introduce yourself."Beorn said as they stopped before walking down the shore line where Bilbo could make out a few silhouettes but he was hidden by several trees and large rocks.
"Behind you?"Bilbo questioned as he and Beorn began walking. Bilbo's palms sweated even more and he wiped them on his red jacket that adorned him. Bilbo wanted to reach out and hold on to the skin changers pants but refused the gesture because he had to much respect as a Baggins. He held is head high saying he was a man and men don't cower in fear, but still stood close behind Beorn...just for safety. Beorn chuckled as they neared the group.
King Thranduil felt the sun kiss his pale skin as it stood high in the sky now; he stood in fine Elven silk as he wore a white armor with pointy shoulder parts, with a neck piece he kept buttoned up, there were white swirls that went about the white armor that stuck to his chest and went down his arms. It had a train that stopped before his ankles. His sword rest around his waist as it was hidden by the front part of the long upper part of the armor that split apart at his lower abdomen and rested along side his long legs. He wore his crown perfect that went around the back of his head and rest upon his ears and cheeks, they were roots with red types of small leaves that adorned it beautifully. Legolas and Tauriel stood formally dressed in there light armor as well and stood beside their King who wore a stoic expression. Tauriel turned to look at the lake which lay to her right as she stood on the right side behind Thranduil. There she saw the wooden boat making its way on to the shore line, she looked to Thranduil who still looked ahead before letting out a small sigh and turning his attention to the men and the dwarves as they now walked over to them.
"Lord Bard."King Thranduil greeted with a small smile which Tauriel and Legolas were not buying. Bard made his way off the boat with a thump of a landing as Thorin soon followed behind him as Dwalin and Balin followed. The men advisers got off and walked over to there Lord who was shaking hands with Thranduil.
"King Thranduil."Bard greeted back with a sincere smile as he stood clothed in fine light armor and his hair brushed neatly back, he wore a few faint wrinkles as age was catching up with him, a few silver streaks adorned his facial hair and long hair that rested on his shoulders. Thorin dreaded shaking hands with the Elven scum after his "accident" of killing 20 dwarves, they died in the Mirkwood how was that Thranduil's fault? Thorin simply swallowed his pride and walked over to Thranduil with a smug expression and a sinister smile tugging at his cheeks. Thranduil only wore the same as he smiled smugly as they shook hands a little to long for all the advisers to like. There hands were gripping each others tightly to the point where they'd break someone else's hand in the same process.
"It is good to see you, Thorin."King Thranduil said as Thorin felt like rolling his eyes but this was politics and he couldn't give in to letting the Elf have his way so he nodded.
"The same to you."Thorin said as they stopped shaking hands but instead kept firm eye contact as everyone just stared in nervous silence until Bard laughed breaking the tension between the two Kings.
"The person who Elrond sent is making his arrival."Bard said walking over to them and patting them both on the backs as they looked to him and then out to the shore line ahead where they made out a tall silhouette approaching. Dwalin and Balin stood behind Thorin, Bard's advisers stood behind as well as he stood in the middle of Thorin and Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel stood behind Thranduil silent as they watched the silhouette approach them.
"And you said he was little."Dwalin scoffed as Bard chuckled.
The large man soon came into view and all of them were stunned to see the height and appearance of the man. He was tall and wore fine linens which they guessed he usually didn't wear but only for this occasion seeing as he did not seem comfortable wearing them. He had long hair which escaped into his back and a beard, but not as long or thick as dwarves, his eyebrows wild and face similar to a man, but differently proportioned. He was not human. He took long strides over to them as they composed themselves and awaited his greeting which he complied.
"I am Beorn. I come on behalf of Gandalf The Grey and The Council of Elrond. The Council..."Beorn began explaining the contract as Bilbo stood behind him not wanting to look, but wanting to peek to see the kings. He'd only gotten a faint look at them, before hiding behind Beorn.
"I shall introduce..."Bilbo heard Beorn say and stepped out from behind him as all eyes fell on him and he suddenly regretted stepping out. Beorn looked down at him, he wasn't finished explaining, but the Hobbit would explain.
"I-I am B-Bilbo -Baggins, hello."Bilbo stuttered out as his face reddened from embarrassment as he looked to the 3 races. The first were 3 dwarves that were very scary looking except the older one who only stared at him in wonder, the men gave him a small smile seen as they knew who he was already when receiving Elronds letter, and the Elves only stared at him with no emotion, but Tauriel found him utterly adorable.
"A halfling."Thorin snarled as Bilbo sunk lower. Thorin stared at the young Hobbit who's eyes were big with slight fear at what Thorin had just said, Thorin hadn't really snarled, but his voice carried it that way seeing as he was pissed with The Elven King. Beorn grunted in anger as he looked to the dwarf king with a glare and Bilbo cleared his throat as he remembered the whole endeavor as to why they were here.
"I am to be the peace between both your lands. I-I will be checking in on both your kingdoms to speak with both of you and unite your lands in a firm alliance, I was chosen by Lord Elrond to do so because...I am a Hobbit."Bilbo squeaked the last part as he looked to Thorin with a glare, but it came off as an innocent look of wonder instead. His blue eyes looking to the men and then to the Elves.
"You are not to visit me in anyway and I am not to rest in either of your kingdoms for it will be going against the contract like Beorn explained,"Bilbo suddenly felt a rush of courage as he was no longer timid to be in the presence of such strong kings; mainly because Beorn was beside him. His cheeks were still rosey.
Why would we visit him? Everyone thought, but Thranduil understood perfectly along with Bard and Balin.
"If I am in any way harmed, Elrond assures that you will be punished greatly...so...please don't hurt me."Bilbo said the last part with a squeak as Tauriel felt like running over to him and hugging him, he was so adorable and small. Legolas found the Hobbit to be promising since he was coming from Lord Elrond's personal choice and Hobbits were rare to ever come by this far out. Thorin found the whole situation sour, this Hobbit is to be in charge of him?! This Hobbit was but a mere boy. He was young and had no idea of War or of the affairs that went on between him and the Elven King. He had no right to say they would unite. Thorin found the Hobbit to be a weakling and did not take pity on him. This Hobbit was no warrior and had not seen death or blood shed. He doubted in his ability to ever succeed...this Hobbit was nothing and would not succeed.
"I have knowledge of both your languages and cultures..."Bilbo trailed as he looked to the Dwarves who glared at him and looked angered except the older one who just sighed at the two prideful Dwarves.
"Our language is sacred and only taught to those we find worthy, how did you come to learn it, halfling?"Thorin said sharply as he was making an even badder impression of himself. Bilbo found himself grow more afraid of the Dwarf who was glaring at him and Bilbo felt like drowning in the lake.
"Leave him be, he knows it and that is his business as to how he's learned it."Thranduil spoke up after a long while of silence, he had just been listening and staring at the Hobbit. Bilbo turned away from Thorin and then to Thranduil, the Dwarf Kings eyes following as well. Bilbo didn't honestly want to give him the answer since he knew all the languages of the Earth due to Ethenia, but he was to keep The Dune a secret.
"I recalled speaking to him, not you."Thorin snapped as his voice grew louder and Thranduil simply ignored him.
"Its alright..."Bilbo said apologetically as Beorn stared down at the Hobbit who's eyes grew with concern as he seen the two Kings begin to disagree. Bilbo now saw the task ahead. The two Kings turned there attention back to the Hobbit and Bard stepped forward.
"It's great to make your acquaintance, Master Baggins. I've heard a lot about you."Bard said cheerfully as both King's stared daggers at his back for keeping the Hobbit a secret, but if he told them then they would not have come otherwise. Bilbo shook Bards large hand hesitantly but letting a small smile grace his flushed cheeks and the two Kings softened at the innocent gesture. They were so busy judging him that they hadn't even had any manners to shake his hand or introduce themselves...mainly because of Thorin.
"I've heard about you too, Lord Bard. It's nice to finally meet you. The same with all of you."Bilbo said with a bright smile as he peered over Bard looking toward Thorin and to Thranduil who both stared at him with shock. The Hobbit seemed as if to glow, he was so innocent and sweet that they both couldn't bring it upon themselves to be mean or mad at him, but they were still hard in there ways.
Your to sweet for your own good... Mehrunes said darkly as Bilbo's face paled at hearing the voice, he looked to Beorn and then to the three races they hadn't seem to hear it. Bilbo recomposed himself and smiled again as he and Bard stopped.
"Right so as I was explaining, I will work along side Lord Bard in Dale when meetings are met and I will speak with both of you different days of the week and on the weekends I will not go, only if a festival falls on the day. We are to become friends and get along with eachother. I am sure both of you have differences, so swallow your pride and become the title you hold and stop acting like children."Bilbo said and was surprised with the last part just as everyone else was, Bard only chuckled and Beorn let out a chuckle as he placed a large hand on Bilbo's shoulder.
"I will not be staying with Master Baggins for too long, so he will reside here and rest assured he is just fine by himself. Do not under estimate him."Beorn said after staying silent for so long. Thorin simply scoffed and hoped a predator would scare the weak Hobbit away as Dwalin thought the same. Beorn noticed a faint moist spot on Bilbo's right shoulder blade seeping through his jacket. Beorn quickly tried to wrap up the meet, but there was so much they had to still discuss.
"It is a pleasure to have you stand beside us in such an endeavor, you show great courage for a Hobbit."Thranduil said as he step forward taking the Hobbits hand in greeting as Bilbo blushed slightly at such a compliment from a King, but he was so timid to look into his eyes for they were so piercing in gaze. Bilbo merely looked for a second before nodding.
"Thank you as it is to you as well to become great friends in the future, I hope to bring peace between your lands."Bilbo said with a cheerful smile as he looked back up innocently to the Elf King who's eyes softened before turning cold once more as he nodded and walked back to Legolas and Tauriel who gave a bow to Bilbo. Bilbo bowed slightly back as he was not familiar with the whole contract just yet, but thankfully Bard would explain later.
Now the Dwarven King would give his greeting and Bilbo watched him walk over more like march over with dwarves and there large boots in the dirt. He walked over to Bilbo and shook his hand, he did not want to but this was a political affair and he had to, even if he thought the Hobbit to be a weakling. He swallowed his pride for a moment before opening his eyes fully to take in the Hobbit up close. He was much younger than he thought, his eyes were a deep blue color but became brighter due to the sun which revealed a slight green color in them, his hair was a bright honey colored with a bit of red hue to it and it was curly and fell behind his ears which were Elvish looking, and he did not not like that one bit. He had caught a slight glimpse of his feet which were bare and quite large with a full head of hair over them. Too large to be put into shoes.
"I am pleased to have you with us, halfling."Thorin said rather harshly as he heard the skin-changer growl, but he'd noticed Bilbo only give him a sweet smile and give him a soft squeeze to his hand as they shook in greeting.
"As I am to you, I am quite honored to be able to work with all three of you and learn more of your races for it is not an opportunity you ever get, at least not for Hobbits."Bilbo said sweetly as he maintained looking at Thorin in the eye before looking to Bard and Thranduil who only nodded in agreement, Bilbo had a good idea now of why Lord Elrond chose him.
Thorin only stared for a long moment, he'd been so mean with the Hobbit, but the Hobbit was not mad at him or in anyway fearful at least not anymore. He had no idea how to feel about it and instead just acted as he normally would.
"Do not get ahead of yourself."Bilbo only looked to Beorn as he pulled his hand away from Thorin after Thorin had said that. Beorn whispered something to Bilbo who paled and Thorin could see fear in the Hobbits eyes before a fake mask came on.
"I hope to share strong bonds with all of you in the time to come and I honor the fact of you meeting me here..."Bilbo breathed out rather ruffly as he sweated a bit now, the brand was burning strongly into his back and he could feel it slightly moving downward but at a very slow pace. They all stared at him with a worried expression.
"Are you alright, Master Baggins?"Bard questioned with concern in his voice as Bilbo shook his hand. "Nothing to worry about, just the heat..."Bilbo said before Beorn stepped forward hiding the Hobbit once more.
"We will meet with the Men tomorrow in Dale and next week Master Baggins will meet with the Dwarves first."Beorn said as he felt the small Hobbit fall onto his legs and he quickly scooped him up and retreated back into the forest as the three races looked to eachother before heading away.
"That damn Dragon..."Bilbo muttered under his breath as he was propped up on a vine like chair which he bend upward from the soil as his arms were crossed against his bare chest where a patch of a green glowing herb was soothing around the right rune which was ablaze on the skin. Bilbo's legs where sprawled apart as his shirt lay around his hips and his bare feet touching the fresh soil that rest in the forest that surrounded the Shore Of Esgaroth. Beorn stood walking over with giant tree logs underneath his arms which would take several trips by a wheel horse to retrieve due to the weight and amount. He sat on a round tree stump where he set the logs down with a loud vibration that shook Bilbo slightly.
"You will meet with the men tomorrow alone, I have business to take care of outside of the Mirkwood."Beorn said seriously as Bilbo opened his eyes from his relaxing.
"Alone? I thought-but-"Bilbo was cut off when Beorn started to trim the first log with a large curved knife. "I cannot hold your hand, Little Bunny. This is a task you must face alone. The men will not hurt you, but I'd advise you to be careful,"Beorn said, meticulously going through the log as Bilbo had bend the soil upward and it was supported by several vines of roots that held it upright as he split open the bottom to make room for the flooring and cellar which would lead to a secret escape route for an emergency. Bilbo gulped nervously.
"Why? Do you think someone will try?"Bilbo questioned fearful of Death as his eyes grew with worry. "Yes, there are a lot of people who do not agree with the fact of The Council of Elrond ceasing War between the Elves and Dwarves. They will try to harm you, but The Dune will protect you. There is no need to worry, Little Bunny."Beorn said reassuringly as Bilbo relaxed his already tense shoulders to fall back down.
"I don't think they like me at all."Bilbo admitted as he recalled the days events with the meet with the two kings and lord. They did not seem very pleased to find a young boy to be in charge of them, let alone a weak Hobbit who only knows the acts of kindness and not harm.
"You are here to be the Hobbit that is spoke of. Kind and seeks the pleasures of home. You do not find it in yourself to be ruthless or bring about pain to others for it is not in your nature. You are a kind gentle Hobbit who finds the simplest things to be rewarding. That is why you are here."Beorn said as he stopped and gave the Hobbit a gentle smile which took the Hobbit by surprise as he processed everything Beorn said and a big smile widened over his face as his cheeks flushed from happiness. Beorn gave a hearty laugh as he continued to carve and Bilbo continued to bend the soil to his will as they would build a replica of Bag-End with a few new features.
That night Bilbo slept in the trees surrounding himself with the branches into a make shift tent as a lamp was lit beside him in a glass box. He stared at a small round object in his hand and looked it over with great affection as it meant a lot to him or it meant a lot to the past holders of The Dune. He had retrieved it one day while visiting a clear forest area near where Beorns lodgings are now or were already, he found it near a lake where he was playing in as a child.
"Take it. " A voice echoed within Bilbo as he stared at the small object.
"It is a symbol of great friendship, I used it when my friend was slain in battle. As I watched it grow it reminded me of him each day."
The voice was deep and spoke in Khudzul but Bilbo was able to understand it perfectly and he reached for the small object and held it in his hand, it felt important as all plants felt to Bilbo, but this felt...powerful...like magic was enchanted into it. Was this no ordinary seed?
"Watch it grow, he said. It'd be a merrier place with song and cheer. Not fighting endless wars over gold."
I really wanted to get across with the first impression when they finally set eyes on Bilbo. Like I said Bilbo is not a child but a teenager. So he is indeed very young in there eyes, but in Hobbit years he is quite still young at the age of 19 so he looks like a young teenager. I went over different scenarios of Thorin and Thranduil getting into a fight, but it didn't sound right as I read because I try to think of the actual characters from the book and from the movie. So it's like is that what Thorin would do or say? Is that how a king should act?
In other words Thorin and Thranduil are Kings and do not fight with their fists, but instead fight with speech. There may come a time where one of them strikes the other but that is way later. So far Thorin does not like Bilbo at all due to the fact that he's a mere 'child' and that he is weak for not ever knowing of battle or bled shed. So Thorin doesn't feel Bilbo worthy of stepping into his life all of the sudden and taking over by 'pulling' Thorins hand to shake the Elves hand. Thorin has seen the battle through the Desolation of Smaug, Battle of Moria, and The Battle of Five Armies so he's seen enough of War to know when it is necessary and what price comes of it. I do hope I explained that through the way I introduced his character.
Sorry I just want to explain so you all will have a better understanding of what I am writing exactly. -.-
The Elves well, Thranduil is a silent ruthless character by what I've gotten from him, but now he's'relaxed' after The Battle of The Five Armies. He explains more later in the chapters to come with the whole peace and alliance deal. For now he's just quiet about it because he has a feeling as to why it's happening, but nothing clear as of yet.
Okay so I think thats it. Bard pretty much explains himself. Haha.
Next Chapter: The Meet Of Men In The City Of Dale