A/N- I'd like to give a huge hot and thank you to Emerald who was kind enough to bet this chapter for me!
Three days passed and Kalinth remained in his slumber, to Bilbo's worry. Kayerith reassured him that Kalinth was in the process of waking, taking longer because he had fallen to the slumber over a year before. Bilbo had shuddered when she relayed that information, he remembered what it felt like to exist in a state of limbo and he'd only had to endure it for three days. He couldn 't imagine being trapped in the black for a full year.
Kayerith was very welcoming and friendly; much friendlier than Bilbo could ever have imagined a dragon capable of being. As a young boy he heard tales of fire breathing demons with no care for anyone or anything but themselves and riches, great beasts who would burn down entire towns and use the charred bones of the dead to clean their blood stained teeth.
Kayerith however, was the exact opposite of these tales and Bilbo was starting to not only enjoy but seek out her company; content to sit on the stone floor for hours discussing about every subject imaginable.
During the time not spent with his own mother or Kayerith, Bilbo would more often than not be found sitting next to Kalinth, his side pressed into the nook where the dragon's jaw connected to It's thick neck. His idle hands would gently brush across the sky blue scales mesmerized by their silky hardness. He would whisper to the sleeping dragon stories from his childhood, interesting things he'd learned from the dragon's mother, and his fears. Though the dragon never moved or showed any sign of awareness to Bilbo's words or touch, each time he'd leave Kalinth side it seemed as if a new piece to a puzzle he didn't know he'd needed to complete fell into place.
When Kalinth finally woke Bilbo could hardly contain his excitment. He stood back allowing mother and son a well deserved moment of privacy all the while bouncing on the balls of his feet in anticipation, and though he would vehemently deny it, a mild case of nerves. So when the dragon raised his head, his large eyes, which happened to look oddly familiar, gazing upon Bilbo for the first time he went completely still. He held his breath as Kalinth rose to his feet and slowly made his way across the cavern towards him.
Kalinth was even more impressive than Bilbo had originally realized. Though he was smaller in size than his mother he was far from lacking. His body thick and muscular where hers was smooth and graceful. He was exactly what Bilbo had always imagined a Great Dragon would look like yet so much more and Bilbo couldn't help but be rather intimated.
Kalinth brought his head down so that he could look Bilbo directly in the eye, "It is an honor to finally meet you Bilbo Baggins, even if you are a bit late." the dragon teased.
"Next time try sending out an invitation and I'll try to be on time." he quipped back with a smirk.
Internally Bilbo was shocked at himself, why out of every possible answer and/or statement of greeting did he decide to vocalize that one. What a lovely way to make a splendid first impression.
Yet, when the hiss of steam surrounded him and the deep rumble of dragon laughter echoed around the cavern everything in the world felt as if it was exactly how if should be.
Three months passed by quickly and Belladonna couldn't of been prouder of her son. He had accepted the fact that his life would never be the same and never looked back. He took everyday and grabbed to by the horns finding joy ever where he looked. Bilbo and Kalinth quickly became attached at the hip neither one leaving the others side for long. It amazed her how two creatures who were so different on the outside could be so similar on the inside. Both were kind and generous, curious and mischievous, fiery and quick witted.
Belladonna could already see the magnificent pair the two of them would someday make. As she watched them her heart filled with hope, not only for her son but for all of middle earth. She knew those two were going to change the world, and when they did it would be for the better.
"Do you have to go?" Bilbo asked from behind her as she secured the tie on her pack.
"I will be gone less than a week you will be so busy with your training you won't even have time to miss me." she teased shouldering her pack and turning to face him.
"I will always miss you mother." Bilbo assured her with a genuine smile.
"Oh Bilbo Baggins, you have all of your father's charm and then some!" she laughed patting her front pocket to make sure that the letters she needed to send were there.
"Now be a dear and give your mother a hug."
Bilbo wasted no time wrapping his mother in a tight squeeze that lifted her feet off the ground.
"Now behave yourself. I better not hear you and Kalinth gave Kayerith a hard time when I get back."
"We would never!" Kalinth called in fake denial.
The cry of an eagle sounded from outside of the tunnel.
"That's my ride," Belladonna sighed, "I will see you in a few days." she promised dropping a kiss on Bilbo's cheek as she walked by waving over her shoulder at his good-bye.
On her return Belladonna found Kayerith waiting for her on the cliffs ledge. Sliding to the ground she thanked the eagle for his help and watched as he lept into the air before for speaking.
"I know what you're going to say." she stated her back still facing Kayerith.
"And what is it that you think I'm here to say?" the dragon chuckled.
"You're here to tell me that I need to tell Bilbo that I'm dying." she stated simply as if she were speaking about the weather and not her own death.
"I do think Bilbo deserves to know the truth about your fading but how and when you tell him is up to you. I would never assume to push you into telling him before you were ready. A fact which I had hoped you knew."
Belladonna felt her shoulders slumpped at the hurt in the dragon's voice and sighed, "No you're right I know you wouldn't. I'm sorry, I'm just on edge is all; it's not easy having a count down to your death you know." she snapped bitterly.
Kayerith stepped forward and pressed the top of her head against Belladonna ' s back in a silent show of support. Belladonna sagged back allowing the dragon to hold her weight soaking in her warmth like balm to a jagged cut.
"Promise me you will look after him when I'm gone." she urged
"I swear that I will protect him with my life." Kayerith vowed.
Belladonna leaned her head back so it was resting against Kayerith's.
"Protecting him is one thing, that's not all I want from you. You are always telling the boys that your blood flows in Bilbo's veins making them brothers in not only bond but blood; which in a way would make you his mother as well. When I am gone I expect you to love and support him like a mother would...like I would." she forced her voice to be strong against the waver she felt in her throat as a tear slipped silently down her cheek.
"Bilbo Baggins already has a mother, a spectacular one at that. I can not promise that he will ever see me as one. I think you have fulfilled that role to its fullest but I can promise that I will and already do love him as if he were my own. You are so strong little one and no matter how much time you have left I want you to know that it has been a pleasure to know you and call you friend."
Kayerith's declaration was spoken with so much admiration and affection more tears sprang from Belladonn's eyes. She couldn't begin to express how much Kayerith's words meant to her. Knowing that even after she was gone Bilbo would have someone there to love him like she would was like a massive weight lifted off of her shoulders and for the first time in weeks Belladonna could breath easy.
The night sky shone bright , stars twinkling against a field of black in a most beautiful way. Bilbo had always loved the sky, as a child he used to run as fast as his legs would carry him strech out his arms pretending that he was soaring high above the clouds. Now however, standing on the edge of the cliff that housed their cavern he was starting to second guess if flying was as important as he once thought. He wiped his sweaty palms against his pants and cast a worried glance towards his brother.
"Neverous?" Kalinth asked with an amused twinkle in his eye.
"Maybe a bit." he retorted grudgingly.
"It's not as if it will be your first time in the sky, you've flown with the Eagles plenty of times." Kalinth reminded.
"Oh aye I have but you are not an eagle and much more prone to pranks." Bilbo laughed.
"Would it make you feel better if I promised to be on my very best behavior?" Kalinth asked sweety...too sweetly in Bilbo's opinion.
"Your best behavior is still rather lacking." Bilbo grumbled.
Kalinth stood as his mother and Belladonna made their way out of the cave brushing his leg against Bilbo as he walked to the edge of the cliff.
"Up you go brother," Kalinth called gesturing to his back, "I promise not to let you fall."
Bilbo walked with his head up determined not to let his nervous show, this was Kalinth, he would never let anything happen to him. With a reassuring nod from both Belladonna and Kayerith Bilbo climbed onto his brother. He nestled himself in the dip at the bottom of Kalinth ' s neck where his back began to arch. He'd spent many nights curled up in this exact spot and was calmed by how safe he felt there.
"Alright, I'm ready." He called out in determination.
"Hold on little brother, this is going to be fun." Kalinth warned seconds before pushing off of the rocky cliff hard with his hind legs shooting them into the night sky.
Wind whipped past Bilbo's face as the soared up into the night. A smile stretched across his face so wide his cheeks hurt. He could feel Kalinth's muscles rolling underneath him with every beat of his powerful wings. He squeezed his thighs tigher, leaning his body forward close to his brothers neck as they dipped into a dive.
"This is amazing!" he crowed in delight as Kalinth ' s wings snapped out halting their decent.
The pair hovered for a moment before Kalinth angled his wings pumping them hard to gain more altitude. "You haven't seen anything yet!" He called back to his brother.
Bilbo pressed his weight down making sure to keep his body tight against the dragon as they spiraled and dipped across the sky. When Kalinth leveled out the pair of them hovered above the clouds looking up at the stars that seemed to shine brighter for them. Bilbo spread out his arms and raised them up to the sky feeling as if his fingers could brush against the shining orbs above him. Bilbo had never felt more alive than he did in that moment. It amazed him how easily flying with Kalinth came to him, it was as easily as breathing.
They flew until the the first golden rays of sun began to streak across the vast blue sky. Bilbo fought the surge of disappointment as Kalinth ' s feet gently landed against the stony cliff. Tossing his left leg around the dragons muscled neck he slide to the ground leaning against his brothers leg as he tried to get his wobbling legs back under control, his body still buzzing with excited energy.
"That was wonderful boys!" Kayerith praised from behind them, "Tomorrow we'll start working on aerial maneuvers. The two of you have a lot of work ahead of you before your ready."
"Ready for what?" Kalinth questioned curiously as the four of then made their way back into the tunnel.
"To become lhach ned baudh." she answered simply motioning for Kalinth and Bilbo to seat themselves in front of her.
Kayerith waited for everyone to get situated, Belladonna resting against her side in the same way Bilbo was pressed against Kalinth before continuing.
"We have spoken in great lengths about the winds and how they carry important information if one knows how to listen. A wind of change is coming to middle earth and you will need to be prepared when it does. A darkness is gathering, quietly gaining strength in the shadows." She confessed.
"What kind of darkness?" Kalinth asked cautiously.
"I don't know who or what is behind the darkness only that it is dangerous. It comes from an old power, one that thirsts for what it has lost. Each passing day it goes darker, bolder It's tendrils pushing further into the light, poisoning it. Long has the world been with out the Ihach ned baudh who fought for the light of all. The races once united have fractured, looking only towards themselves not caring for the troubles of others. The two of you are the only remaining members of a people who once protected all of Midle Earth and with that comes both responsibility and a choice."
Kayerith met the gaze of each of her sons, wishing that they would never have to face down the unknown darkness. Knowing that one day they would.
Kalinth and Bilbo shared a knowing look both sitting up taller. They had spent many long nights curled up together discussing what it meant to truly be a Ihach ned baudh and decided that one day when the time was right they would carry out the work of those that came before them.
"We know of the choice you speak of mother," Kalinth cut in before she could speak. "Together we've decided to take up the mantel of our forefathers."
"When the darkness comes we will be there to meet it." Bilbo finished with an air that left no room for arguements.
Belladonna was filled with a swell of pride at the boys declaration. She had known they would choose to be figures of light when the darkness came, sitting by as others fell when they could make a difference was not an option for either of them. If her time wasn't running short she would have been by their side fighting with them.
"This isn't a choice to make lightly as I'm sure you're aware but if your certain then we must start preparing. There is much for you to learn before you will be ready." Kayerith explained.
"Go get some rest, tomorrow the real work will begin."
Both boys nodded in understanding quickly saying goodnight to both Belladonna and Kayerith before moving to the other side of the cavern.
"Do you think we'll be able to make a difference?" Bilbo asked as he crawled into the warm space between Kalinth's side and wing.
"I hope so little brother, all we can do is try." he rumbled sleepily curling his neck around the wing Bilbo lay cocooned in.
"Together I think we can do anything." Bilbo yawned.
"I think your right."
Nothing more needed to be said, with a small smile on his lips Bilbo drifted off to sleep.
The next four months flew by in a blur, Kayerith spent most of her time training the boys while Belladonna finished tying up a few loose ends which is why she found herself in a small glen just below the south end of the Blue Mountians.
The sun filtered to the trees and she took a moment to enjoy it's warmth laying down into to the soft grass, turning her face into the light. Her time was almost done, she had days left a week at most. Some would let the knowledge of their embedding departure from this world dampen their spirits but not Belladonna. No, she had too much love and joy in her heart for that, it's main source being her son and the two dragons he was with now. Life has a funny way of taking you places you'd never thought you'd go.
She left the Shire in search of adventure and had got her fill of the world beyond it boarders. She called Rivendell her home for many years and her heart to this day beat in time with the gorgeous waterfall that had been outside her window. She'd scaled the Misty Mountains and danced on its high peaks, she'd explored the forest of Trollshaws with a wizard and elven princess at her side listening to stories of times long ago. She returned home to the Shire and loved fiercer than any heroine out of a book. She built a home that was filled with so much laughter and warmth it still brought a tear to her eye. When her beloved Bungo passed she knew part of her went with him but love can be found in the most unsuspecting places, in the form of two dragons. Kayerith and Kalinth were bound to Bilbo by blood but they had come to be her family as well. One she loved more than words could describe and she knew even after her passing they would carry on. They would make sure Bilbo not only carried on but lived; lived life to its fullest. No, Belladonna Baggins was not sad for she had so much to be thaknful for.
The sound of a snapping twig brought her back to herself and she sat up a blinding smile on her face.
"It is so good to see you my old friend." she greeted the approaching figure, who was dressed in a long silver robe that looked as it were woven with moonbeams.
"As it is good to see you, my daughter insisted on traveling with me she demanded the opportunity to say goodbye."
"Arwen is too kind. I had hoped she would come, she means very much to me."
Lord Elrond stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "As you mean to both of us." he replied gently.
Belladonna brushed a stray tear a way with the back of her hand, she had no need for tears here in the presence of her dearest friend.
"I've brought some things with me, I was hoping one of your elves could craft a few things for Bilbo out of them in their spare time. I have have the design for the one here, the rest I will leave to your smith's." she sniffed pulling an envelope out of her coat.
Lord Elrond slowly reached for the offered item meeting her eyes.
"It would be my honor to craft whatever you wish." he volunteered.
"That would mean more than I can express." she managed after a long moment with tear blurred eyes.
"Consider it done. How is your Bilbo?"
The corner of her mouth turn up at the sound of her son's name, "He's fantastic, Bungo would be so proud if he could see him now, I know I am."
"As you should be. Come," Lord Elrond gestured towards the area he appeared from, " let us have some lunch Arwen made sure to bring all of your favorites and would love to hear all about dear Bilbo."
"Are there honey cakes?"
"Dozens." he stated with a smirk.
"Well lead on!" Belladonna cheered throwing her arms out in front of her. She may not ever have been the most respectable hobbit but she was a hobbit none the less, and no hobbit, respectable or not turned down an offer of honeycakes.
Lord Elrond and Arwen were like a soothing breeze on a hot summer day, bringing her peace and calm. They talked the day away speaking of the present, moments they shared in the past, and Belladonna's hope for the future. As the sun dipped down below the horizon they knew they knew it was time to part.
"I shall miss you nin mell mellon." Arwen whispered into Belladonna's ear as she embraced her.
Belladonna wrapped her arms tighter around the elf princess soaking in the feeling of love and friendship.
"Promise me you will follow your heart. You deserve all of happiness in the world, so when you find it grab it with both hands and don't let go." the hobbit pleaded.
"I promise." Arwen swore pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before turning around and walking to the edge of the glen.
Tears freely fell down her face she turned to face her old friend.
"I guess this is goodbye." she laughed though she knew it fell flat.
"I wish that this was just a bad dream and I would wake tomorrow knowing I would see you again." the elf confessed, his usual stoic face open eyes glistening with tears.
No one should look so beautiful when they cry, Belladonna thought wistfully.
"I would not wish a single night of bad dreams for you, so let this stay in the hours of waking." Belladonna sniffed.
"I will keep watch over your son from afar until the time is right, but know that I will will do everything in my power to aid him in his journeys and keep him safe. Rivendell will always be a haven for Bilbo Baggins."
"Thank you Elrond, for everything you've ever done for me and all I know you will do for my son in the future. You are the dearest friend a simple hobbit could ask for." she chocked around watery smile.
Belladonna gasped as Elrond leaned forward and pressed his forehead lightly against hers in a sign of love and friends ship.
"Simple is never been a word used to describe you. You are light, joy, spirit, and kindness it has been my honor to know you these past sixty-two years; they have passed much to quickly for my liking. Now at the end of your journey know that you have filled the lives of others with joy. You will be remembered with love and friendship. Farewell, my dear Belladonna."
Belladonna couldn't have stopped her arms from wrapping around her friend as much as one could stop the sun from rising. She had truly been blessed in this life and appreciated it now at the end of her days more than she could have when life lay long ahead of her. With a tear full goodbye she turned, determined not to look back, smiling to herself as she failed not only once but twice.
As Belladonna bid her last farewell to the Landroval the eagle prince she thought she had no more tears left to shed. She thanked him for all of the help he and his kin had provided her in her life and placed a quick kiss to the tip of his beak. The tears she thought had abandoned her returned as the eagle lept into the air circling above her three times crying out the call meant lost loved one. Taking one last deep breath of mountain air she braced herself. She still had three more goodbyes to say, one that would be the hardest one of all