Twenty-one years later.

Bilbo's bare feet moved silently across the rocky tunnel long ago becoming used to the feel of stone beneath them. His breathed slow making sure not a even a whisper of sound slid passed his lips. He carefully picked his way forward tucked into the shadows of the tunnel, listening intently to his surroundings. As he turned the corner a gut churning smell assaulted his noise. Years ago the smell would have forced him to his knees trying to contain the bile as it moved to rush out of his mouth, brushing back tears from his burning eyes; but not now. Although, he may have wished otherwise he had become accustomed to the awful smell of filth and death, it played a major role in his life after all. One couldn't fight creatures of darkness and expect it to be surrounded by sunshine and roses.

The sound of muffled laugher accompanied by the shuffling of feet had him pressing closer to the stone wall to his right. Something thick and wet dripped onto his shoulder and he hoped it was only water, not that it wouldn't be the first time he'd be exposed to... less appealing substances.

"How long do we have to wait here?" a gritty voice called out from further ahead.

"As long as Rizzeck says." came a second sharper voice.

"Well I'm sick of being stuck here. I ain't had nothing to eat since that farmer and his wife four days ago, such skinny things, barely enough to make a full meal." whined the first voice.

Bilbo's face contorted into one of disgust and anger it looked like he'd found out the fate of the owners of the ransacked farm a few miles south.

"They were pitiful weren't they," The second voice chuckled darkly, " should have thanked us for putting 'em out of their misery, 'snot like they were well off."

"I think they were too busy screaming when you started biting off fingers." a third voice snorted.

"They taste better fresh. I hate cold blood, leaves a bad taste on my tongue." the initial speaker whinned.

A familiar heat flowed through Bilbo's veins at their words. No one deserved to die in such a way. Anger pushed his feet forward determined to make the monsters pay for their crimes. Silently, he crept forward it would do no good to alert them of his presence. Coming to a sharp bend in the tunnel he scanned the area before him, four goblins we're gathered fifteen feet away.

Two were tall and lean, all saggy skin and awkward angles. Their thin gangly arms and torso were a light color blotched with raised red scabs. The two other goblins were smaller in stature and much more round. Honestly if someone knocked them off their feet Bilbo swore they would roll away. Their greasy skin was covered in oozing lumps that leaked a foul yellow filth. The fatter two were bent down examining a small pile of bones, searching for any meat they might have missed the first time around. Each held a crude looking sword in one of their wart infested hands. Bilbo's eyes latched on to the bits of blood and flesh that was crusted along the blades.

Disgusting vile creatures.

"Eh quit diggin' in that pile and pay attention, we got a job to do." snapped one of the tall goblin's.

"Some job, all we've been doing is guarding this entrance when we know there ain't nobody else around." one of the fat goblins countered sliding one of the large bones between his jagged terth.

"It'll be your head if Rizzeck finds out you werent doin' what he told us."

"Shove off, what Rizzeck don't know won't hurt 'im." the fat goblin groaned waving a warted hand in the air.

"To bad for you I'm standing right here then." a new goblin growled from the shadows.

As the new arrival stepped into the flickering torch light Bilbo's hand tightened around his sword. Rizzeck. This goblin was more orc like than any of the other scum Bilbo had encountered. He stood tall with broad shoulders, a face carved from nightmares. Thin whips of hair matted with blood and rotting flesh sticking out from odd places on his skull, larges cracks and welts covered his body, his teeth were jagged and twisted; visible even when his mouth was fully clothed. He looked every bit the monster he was.

The reaction to Rizzeck ' s presence was immediate all four goblins scrambling to put distance between themselves and their over lord in a paniced frennzy. They were smart to do so Bilbo had witnessed Rizzeck rip a goblin's head clean off its shoulders for standing to close.

Rizzeck was the younger brother of the Great Goblin, a king of sorts who ruled the dark twisted tunnels deep in the Misty Mountains. Rizzeck was merciless , eager to prove that he was just as vile as his brother. While the king was content in his mountain hell, Rizzeck to eager to look beyond the mountains, taking and killing as he pleased. People whispered in fear, shutting themselves into their homes before the sun fully set praying they would not be the ones to be taken once the night fell.

Rizzeck strutted forward lunging toward one of the fat goblins, a wet throaty cackle sounding as the said goblin tripped falling at his feet. Bending low he pressed one of his large hands against the fallen goblin's throat.

"What Rizzeck doesn't know won't hurt him." he mocked in a sing song voice that sent a chill down Bilbo's spine.

"I suggest you tell me everything now or I will pop hour head like a boil." He spat as fat goblin began to shake violently in his grasp.

"Nothing to report sir no one's come near the entrance." One of the tall goblin's answered when it was clear the trembling goblin was unable.

"There better not have been. We can't have anyone stumbling on our plans before were ready. My brother wants a goblin strong hold in the Blue Mountains and a goblin strong hold is what he is going going to get. Our time is coming and when it does middle earth will be surrounded on every side, ripe for the taking." with each word Rizzeck squeezed tighter around the goblin's neck until he was thrashing and gasping for air.

Bilbo had seen enough with one quick movement he released his sword from it scabbard and charged into the group. Rizzeck dropped the goblin from his hold and spun pulling a crude jagged sword from across his back. The two tall goblin's lunged forward swords drawn high but Bilbo was ready. Spinning away from his attackers he felt the wind from their swings on his back. Instinct kicking in he made quick work of the two goblins and found them unmoving at his feet in moments. One of the fat goblin's attempted to sneak up behind him and with a quick twist of his wrist and a readjustment of his grip he thrust his sword directly behind him burying it deep into the goblin's chest. Turning, he grabbed the sword with both hands and forced it down slicing through bone and flesh before smoothly pulling it out, turning away as the goblin's insides splashed to the ground in a heap.

An enraged roar sounded behind him and Bilbo threw his sword up blocking the incoming blow. Rizzeck tried to use his height to his advantage but Bilbo was strong bracing his other hand on the flat side of his blade he pushed up causing Rizzeck to stumble back a few inches. The distance may not seem like much but in battle it can be the difference between victory and defeat, pressing his advantage Bilbo went on the offensive pushing the goblin lord until his back was pressed against the stony wall.

"Have you come to kill me dragon rider?" Rizzeck growled as Bilbo pressed the point of his sword against the goblin's throat.

"I came here to find the missing family, you're just a bonus."

"You fight is a lost cause the lhach ned baudh fell long ago. Darkness is coming, you will never win." The goblin sneered flashing more of his snarled teeth.

Bilbo knew what was coming and didn't even have to think as he pulled a dagger from his belt deflecting the incoming swipe from Rizzeck ' s own dagger. Throwing is other arm around in a smooth arch he cleaved the goblin's head clean off It's shoulders, paying it no attention as it rolled passed his feet.

He strode forward to the remaining goblin who just managed to get to his feet when Bilbo swept his legs from underneath him sending him crashing back to the ground.

"Send a message to your king, tell him what happened here. Tell him that for every life he takes I will take one in return." he snarled lifting the goblin off the ground and tossing him in the direction Rizzeck came from, a satisfied smile on his lips as the fat goblin fled into the darkneas.

He quickly made his way out of the tunnel ignoring the spots that danced in front of his eyes with the sudden change in lighting. His thoughts echoed Rizzeck ' s words he would have to discuss them with Kalin when he got back to the cavern. He carefully picked his way over the jagged rocks when he was suddenly swept up into the sky.

Bilbo laughed as the rocks fell away and climbed up his brother's leg before sitting himself comfortably just behind his neck. He leaned his body forward pressing is forehead against Kalinth ' s scales enjoying the moment of peace. He would miss this most. The peaceful moments when there was no blood, no fight, nothing but the two of them flying in the night sky.

The two brothers had never been able to fly during the day when they could risk being seen. Though they lived in a cave located in the most isolated peaks of the Blue Mountains they had to be careful. If word got out that there was not only one but two dragons hidden there it wouldn't be long before chaos decended. Members of many races would rush to the mountains determined to be the one to slay the dragons. Some would do it for glory others out of fear but either way they would caused problems their family didn't need. So Bilbo and Kalinth were content to fly under the light of the stars.

When Kalinth landed Bilbo made no attempt to move.

"Are you hurt." his brother asked full of concern.

"No, not at all. There were only four goblin's and Rizzeck." he answered.

"Rizzeck?" his brother questioned surpised.

"He said something about The Great Goblin wanting a goblin strong hold here in the mountains, but I can't figure out how they'd manage it. The distance is too far for so many goblin's to travel unnoticed and they can't move about in the daylight. I still can't believe Rizzeck and his goons made it this far from the Misty Mountains." Bilbo ranted running his hands through his hair in frustratuon.

Kalinth turned his head down slightly in a look that Bilbo had come to calm his 'thinking face', "The idea that a large goblin force could cross half of middle earth is impossible, maybe they were planning on multiple small groups making the trips but even that seems doubt full and would take decades. The most likely scenario was Rizzeck planned to start his own following here in the Blue Mountains to promote himself to a place of power he would never gain in the shadow of his brother." Kalinth theorized and Bilbo could find no fault in his logic.

"At least I got to end that bastard before I leave." Bilbo tried to make his voice sound light even though he knew Kalinth would see right through him.

"I am no happier about this than you are." The dragon grumbled lowering his head.

"I know," Bilbo sighed, " It's not your fault every dragon has to go through it I just wish I could be there for you when you do, I hate being helpless."

"You are far from helpless little brother," Kalinth hissed in the dragon equivalent of a dry laugh. "At least we will not be separated for long the burning will only last for five to ten years."

Bilbo snorted, "Not long for a dragon but five to ten years is quite a long time for a simple hobbit."

Kalinth raised his neck so his the top of his head was pushed against Bilbo's side. "You are no longer a simple hobbit, ten years is nothing in the span of your life anymore. Do not fear brother we will be together again soon."

Bilbo could do nothing but nod his head in understanding as he slid to the ground. The Eagles would be here soon, he had better gather his things.

Kayerith and Kalinth shadowed his every move as he rounded up every thing he was planning on taking with him to the shire. His mind couldn't quite wrap around the idea that now, after everything he'd done, everything he'd seen, and all the ways he'd changed that he was to go back to the quite world of Bag End. He wondered if this was how his mother felt when she left Rivendell.

Once he had gathered up all of his important belongings and packed away his weapons in a second pack the trio huddled together content to soak in each others warmth for their remaining time. Bilbo's thoughts drifted to his mother again as he found they usually did of given the chance.

Belladonna ' s passing had hit him like a mortal blow wounding him in such a way he hadn't been sure he could survive but he did thanks to the two dragons surrounding him now. He clung to Kayerith and Kalinth like his life depended on it, which to this day he's sure it did. They never left him alone even for a second, sending him their support and love every way possible. Kalinth would tuck Bilbo under his wing and lay there for days as if he could stand as a physical barrier between him and his pain. At night when his quiet sobs echoed off the stone ceiling they would softly sing him Belladonna's lullaby until he finally drifted off to sleep. Never once did they judge him for his pain or tears nor did they push him to push aside his grief. They let him work through everything in his own time, their only request being permission to help him however possible with out refusal.

Over time Bilbo was able to carry on with only a dull ache in his chest, when other times it felt like a he had a knife wedged in deep but through it all he had to constants pulling him out of the darkness. Reminding him that even in the darkest of time light can be found in the ones you love. Belladonna's death bonded them all in a way Bilbo had neveI expected, they were as dear to him now as she had always been and now he would be forced to leave them.

Kalinth was approaching his time of burning, something every dragon went through every thousand years or so. Dragons do not grow the same way other races do, yes they will grow larger as time passes but any major changes happen during their burning time. Kayerith and Kalinth will go far away and hide themselves deep into the earth where Kalinth will fall into a deep sleep. Not the same empty limbo of the bond sleep but a peaceful extended slumber. There will be no feeling of emptiness and dark, instead pleasant dreams and fond memeories. His body will heat until it becomes covered in flames and when the flames extinguish Kalinth will wake having grown and changed.

The burning sleep is when a dragon is at their most vulnerable, unable to wake until the burning is done. They're scales would be weak their armour non existent leaving them open to injury. If someone wanted to slay a dragon the burning time would be their best opportunity. For that reason Kayerith will stand guard while her son slumbers.

Bilbo tried not to be upset over the fact that he could not be there for his brother but after many long nights and dragged out arguements Kayerith's logic overruled the brother's protests. The two dragons would be hidden in an area so remote there would be no way to easily find food or water for Bilbo. The Eagles helped in that aspect now but asking his friends to travel such distances so frequently was absurd even if they would have agreed to help. At that was only one of the many logical arguements Kayerith laid at their feet.

Not that she herself was pleased with the idea of being separated from her small son but a sometimes a mother had to make hard decisions in the best interest of their children. Bilbo could either stay with them during the burning trapped in a cavern with minimal food and necessities for a decade, or return home to his gentle shire where he would want for nothing. She also had another very important reason for sending him to the shire that she hadn't voiced.

For the past twenty-one years both of her son's had worked hard but Bilbo more so. He pushed himself to the extremes only stopping to eat, sleep, and fly with His brother. He held himself to a brutal standard where mistakes were not tolerated much to the dragon mothers worry. No matter how many times she tried to slow him down he brushed aside her concerns. His training paid off he had become one of the most fierce warrior's Kayerith had ever encountered. When dragon and Rider were together her son's where a sight to behold. So in sync with each other they moved as if they were preforming a dance; one where only they knew the steps. It was awe inspiring the way the worked together each knowing instinctively where and what the other would do before they did it.

When the goblins grew bolder they were there to push them back with a swift efficiency. There was the occasional orc or warg pack that fell to their blade and claws when they ventured to close to their home or the near by towns. The two brothers silently kept the peace striking at night, leaving unseen. The people they saved more often than not were completely unaware that they were in any danger at all.

Her son had worked hard and deserved a moment of peace. The winds whispered more frequently of a darkness on the rise and Kayerith feared once they were reunited there would be little peace in their future. Bilbo deserved to enjoy it while he had the chance.

The cry of the Eagles sounded from the cliff beyond and the trio reluctantly parted though Bilbo kept a hand on Kalinth ' s leg.

"I will miss you my son and will think of you everyday." she cooed softly bupping the tip of her jaws into his empty palm.

Bilbo smiled pushing off of Kalinth to come forward and wrap his arms around as much of her neck as he could. Kayerith bent forward tucking her head to the side embracing him back. She took a deep breath and let his scent wash over her knowing it would be too long before she could do so again.

"I'm going to miss you too." Bilbo mumbled into her neck his voices bouncing off of her hard scales.

"Be safe, we will come for you the moment we are able." she reassured him before exiting the cavern to give the brothers a moment to themselves.

Kalinth dropped to his stomach and Bilbo wasted no time crawling into the crook of his leg and chest. This was how the brothers spent most of their spare time while inside the cavern, Bilbo tucked against Kalinth as they talked, laughed, slept, or sat in companionable silence. The two had become brothers in every sense of the word and Bilbo wasn't sure how he had lived so long with out him as a child. Now the idea of being separated for any amount of time felt like a knife to the heart.

"It won't be for long." Kalinth stated his voice rumbling threw his chest guessing the direction of Bilbo's thoughts.

"For you, you get to sleep through it!" Bilbo laughed digging his elbow into his brothers side knowing it would have no effect.

"While you will be eating seven meals a day and playing host to the many nosey shirefolk who will be eagerly waiting to discover just what Bilbo Baggins has been up to in his time away. Do try not to gain to much weight gorging on all of those sweets. Remeber I'm the one who has to carry you around." Kalinth teased bumping his snout into Bilbo's shoulder.

"Ha, there is no amount of cakes and goodies in the world that would make me hard for you to carry." Bilbo laughed pushing the dragons head away.

"You never know I've seen the way you eat."

"This coming from a dragon."

Their conversations stopped both to busy relishing in the feel of having the other close. With a disgruntled sigh Billbo stood and backed away so Kalinth could do the same, there was really no point in delaying the inevitable.

"Be safe and I will see you soon." Bilbo smiled as his brother pressed his massive head against his front.

Bilbo lightly stroked the sensitive scales along the edge of his jaw before squeezing him tight.

"I will be perfectly fine, you have ten years and not a moment longer so don't be late."

"I won't be."

With that two brothers walked side by side out of the tunnel and into the awaiting night. A few more short goodbyes were said and before he knew it Bilbo was off headed home...or what was once home long ago; now he had the feeling home was who he had just left behind.

Six years Later

Bilbo Baggins was bored. Not the kind of bored that could be diverted by busying oneself with some menial task. No, this was the kind of bored that ate away at a person as they paced grooves into the floor like a loon.

His first year or so passed by rather peacefully. Bag End had been kept up impeccably by Mr. Hamfast Gamgee due to a long standing agreement between him and Bilbo's mother. In fact everything was so well kept Bilbo barely had to dust upon his return. Just as Kalinth had teased the morning after his arrival his home had been flooded with well wishers, who honestly didn't care about Bilbo one bit and we're only there to gather the latest gossip. He played his part of the respectable...or as close to a respectable hobbit as he could but by some of the looks he received it became apparent that spending twenty-two years in a cave, living with dragons dulled his manners some what. His physical appearance and clothing choices probably had a minor part minor part to play in their gawking as well but he had never been one to dress I hobbit fashion in his youth and found no patience for it now.

Thankfully after a time the novelty of Bilbo's return wore off and the shire folk grew tired of his lack luster answers and he was left in peace by most. Though some such as Lobelia Sackville-Baggins made it their person mission to bother and annoy him as often as possible. She would come banging on the door demanding to know just exactly where and what he had been doing in his time away. Apparently for Lobelia Lobelia the explanation that he was simply staying with some of his mother's old friends was not acceptable, even if that was the only explanation she would ever get. Bilbo usually sent her off with a taste of his quick wit and if that didn't work one of his dragon like snarls. He had to admitt watching her turn tail and race from the house shouting about the Mad Baggins brought more than one smile to his face.

For quite some time he was content to putter out in the garden, with Hamfast offering his aid once he saw how utterly useless Bilbo was at growing vegetables. Bilbo prided himself on his ability to name and categorize plants and know even their most obscure uses but getting them to actually growbin the way the other hobbits could was a talent he had yet to master. Though Hamfast insisted he was improving but Bilbo just figured that the old hobbit was just to good natured to ever say a bad word towards anyone.

Five years in, gardening had lost its charm and Bilbo found himself at a loss. He tried picking up other hobbit like hobbies but found them to be completely lacking. Crocheting doilies, honestly he'd rather watch paint dry. He found that the only true enjoyment he had was when one of the Eagles would come to visit and take him flying. The large fuss the majestic birds caused was a much loved bonus but what he truly treasured was the chance to be in the sky, with wind whipping his hair around his face. For a moment if he closed his eyes he could almost imagine he was with Kalinth again.

Every year that passed the crack in his chest widened. Originally, being back at Bag End soothed the ache. Here in the place where he had so many happy memories of his mother and father. Being surrounded by their old things, sitting in his father's favorite chair was a blessing, almost as if he had gained a little piece of them back. Now every night when he sat In his father's chair before the fire all it did was remind him of the family he'd lost and they family he was currently separated from.

His pushed himself to train doing weapons drills on the slopes where his mother first taught him to hold a sword but even that only barely dulled the ache. Bilbo felt as if he was slowly loosing his mind. He woke everyday hoping for news that Kalinth ' s burning was finished only to lay his head down every night with disappointment heavy in his heart. So he forced himself on and closed himself in, determined to survive but unable to live until the time when he could be himself with his family once again. Six years he'd been waiting with four more to possibly go and he began to question how he'd make through them and how bitter he'd be at the end.

One morning Bilbo woke with a flutter of excitement in his chest; the sun was shinning brightly through the window, birds were chirping softly in the breeze, and he got the urge that something marvellous might just happen. Dressing quickly he pulled on his deep blue tunic, the one that remained him of Kayerith's scales, and we'll worn leather pants. He ate a small breakfast before grabbing his favorite pipe, one of the few hobbit habits he fully embraced and enjoyed, and headed out to the bench in front of his house for a nice relaxing smoke.

He sat quietly, his back resting against the bench enjoying the way the sun warmed his face. He listened carefully and could hear the hustle and bustle of hobbit life going on as usual when the crunch of gravel altered him to someone approaching Bag End. He almost jumped up and made a break for the house fearing it to be one of his more obnoxious relatives but decided against it. Today was the first time in months that he woke with a smile on his face and he'd be damned if he let some Sackville-Baggins spoil it for him. So He kept his eyes firmly closed determined to completely ignore whoever was walking his way.

Ten minutes later Bilbo was mentally cursing in a way that would make Kalinth very proud at the nuisance before him. He had hoped his ignoring their presence for ten minutes straight would have been a large enough hint for them to go on their way but no, apparently that was just to much to ask. Perhaps they were one of the less bright hobbits who needed things laid out very bluntly for them before the would understand; that would be just his luck. Bilbo took a large draw from his pipe the Old Toby taking some of the edge off of his temper before blowing it out in what he sure was a most impressive smoke ring, one does not live with dragons with out picking up some interesting smoke tricks.

When the cloud of smoke came back to hit him in the face Bilbo had had enough. Just who did this nuance think they were to be blowing smoke in someone's face when they their presence was obviously unwanted! As his eyes shot open he tried to mask the look of pure surprise that must have taken his over his face.

There before him stood someone he hadn't seen in a very long time. Like a ghost from his past stood none other than Gandalf the Grey looking exactly the same as he had before and smiling at him as though no time had passed since they last time they met. It appeared that it was going to be a very interesting morning after all.