Look, children! The Easter Bunny came early and she brought us angst!

This is the longest chapter of any of the fics I have written so far. I thought it would be chapter 3 from From Wrong to Right, which was 122K. But this chapter is 124K!

Before starting...

First-
I regret nothing!

Second-
Thanks for all the bookmarks, subscriptions, kudos and of course, comments. Comments are num num num

Side note-Thanks to iiiii for pointing out that forgot to mark it as yaoi. A lot of my work is on Archive of our own and they have this neat little system for warning and stuff so when I go back , I sometimes forget.

Lost little souls

Chapter 4

Castle of glass

Bilbo's eyes dilated as his heart raced. That sound. It was the hellish sound from his nightmares! Quickly, the hobbit scanned the field to locate his nephew. Frodo was standing with Sam and the others, who had been joined by another dwarf child with red hair and an adult who was obviously his father. The noise wasn't coming from Frodo.

The ghastly coughing refused to stop. This was bad. With urgency, he located person it was emitting from. Bilbo's eyes widened even further. A child! A small red haired child was sitting in the lap of a silver haired dwarf, who was patting the little one's back in a desperate attempt to ease the cough. The Master of Bag End was not longer in control of his limbs as he walked over to the pair. As he approached the silver haired dwarf looked up in confusion as to what this creature could want from them, his arms subconsciously tightening around his precious cargo.

"He is sick." The dwarf nodded and was about to apologize but before he could utter a word, Bilbo beat him to it. "Being out here is not good for him. Come with me. He may stay with us until he is well." With out waiting for a response from the dwarf, Bilbo began to leave, expecting him to follow.

Willing to do anything in sure his baby brother's survival, Dori stood up and followed the creature whose name he did not even know. Closely followed by Bofur and Thorin.

Dori had never been inside a hobbit hole before now. It was unlike the mountain where he was born. It was full of flowers, books and delicate knick-nakes; in short, it was the type of home the dwarf would have loved to have.

Still following his host, Dori carried the now sleeping child with him to a large bedroom. Sunlight filtered in through the clear glass as Bilbo turned down the sheets and motioned for him to put Ori in the bed. Looking down at his little one, he was unsure of his action to place him in the bed. It had been at least a week since Ori bathed and didn't want to insult his host by ruining the sheets and possibly destroying any chance of help they might receive.

Bilbo could sense the other's apprehension. "I must apologies for the state of the bed. I had intended to wash the bedding early tomorrow."

The quiet dwarf could see what the hobbit was trying to do and deep appreciated the gesture. Softly, he placed the teeny red head in the warm bed making sure to cover him up. Turning around, wanting to thank his host, he noticed he was alone.

A sigh slipped passed Bilbo's lips as he walked through the hallways. He had hoped never to hear that cough again. But it seemed fate had other plans.

All of a sudden, he could hear heavier foot steps following him. Looking behind, he saw the silver haired dwarf. Now that Bilbo thought about it, he did not even know the other's name.

Rapidly, the dwarf came to a stop and kneeled on the ground in front of the stunned hobbit. His silver hair shimmering in the light as his forehead touched the floor. "Thank you so much for you kindness and generously, Master Hobbit. If there is anything I can ever do to repay all that you have done, please do not hesitate to ask!"

Bilbo could have been knocked over with a feather. Never before had he seen someone bow and the thought of someone bowing before him, at him, was quiet unsettlingly. "Please, get up. There is no reason for this. If you feel that you must repay me then please tell me your name. I am afraid that I was rather rude before and did not introduce myself. My name is Bilbo Baggins."

Obeying as he was instructed, the other rose. "No, I must ask your forgiveness. My name is Dori and the little one is Ori, my baby brother. But please, there must be something I can do to repay your kindness. I can clean or cook. I am quiet skilled at knitting as well." There had to be something he could do. Anything. Without Master Baggins' help, Ori would have been forced to sleep outside in the cold early spring.

Dori felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Their eyes meet. "You can go keep your brother company. I will fetch a doctor to have a look at him. Perhaps he could be of help. Or is there one in your group that you would like me to find?"

Is Mahal answering my prayers? "We do have a healer and he has given his advice. Perhaps, having another person look could help. Especially, since we do not know the local plants. Maybe your doctor knows something ours does not."

If Mahal was answering Dori's prayers, he had a strange way of showing it. Ori was much worse than he had been last time Oin saw him and the hobbit doctor confirmed everything Oin said. But with a terrible prognosis. Predominantly since Oin's recommendations could not have been followed. They finally found a safe place for them to stay, a hobbit that was kind enough to give them food and shelter without asking for anything in return and Ori was probably not going to make it. Nori, I wish you were here.

A warm cup was pressed into his hands. Looking up, he saw Bilbo's warm brown eyes, gazing back at him. "Here take this. A cup of tea can help when nothing else can."

"Thank you."

Bilbo took a seat across the kitchen table as he watched the other slowly drink the hot liquid. "If there is anything I can do to help, please tell me."

"No, Mister Baggins, you have done more than anyone else could have imagined or asked for. But if you do not mind me asking, why are you doing this? We are strangers in the shire and dwarves. Why help us? Why help Ori?" It had been bothering Dori that their host had never given a reason and invited them into his home without so much as an introduction.

"The little hobbit lad, the one with the black hair, he is my nephew. While technology, my cousin, but he calls my uncle since I am older. But I digress. About two years ago, Frodo, that's his name, came to live with me. His parents had passed and there was no one to take him in. I must be honest; it was nice to have a little one around. Even though he was extremely quiet and very depressed at first, well who could blame the lad. Anyway, shortly after he came to live in Bag End, he became very sick. He had a high fever and a wet cough. Not to mention fatigue and aches. I had never been so worried in my entire life. I would stay by his bedside night and day, praying for him to heal. There were times when I was too afraid to close my eyes to sleep for fear he might pass as I slept." Bilbo wiped the growing tears from his eyes. "Someone was looking out for the little lad, for he is now a healthy one. But when I heard that cough, I instantly thought it was Frodo. I don't mind telling you that I sometimes hear that sound in my darkest nightmares. So when I saw that a little one was sick, I couldn't just sit by and do nothing."

Dori slightly stared at his host. He could not have imagined that was the reason behind his generosity. He had never heard of hobbits having troubles like others, perhaps they were not so different.

"Hi!" Bifur looked down to see a very small hobbit girl looking up at him. Her bright eyes sparkled in the sunlight as her hair twirled in the light breeze. "Hi!" She said again, smiling showing what little teeth she had. Given the amount of teeth, he had to assume that she was only about the human version of 1 and half, if that.

The child was standing not even 5 feet from him. She did not seem to care that he was a stranger or that he was not a hobbit. Part of him wanted to locate her parents to remind them that children shouldn't be walking around by themselves. Especially one so small. It was then that he remembered that since the shire had no real danger, people might just let their children out assuming that they would be safe. Perhaps, they would look after each other's children? Bifur knew he would never left any of his cousins, especially the little ones, out without him knowing where they where going.

But it was the child's actions, not the adult's that left him speechless. Bifur could only look down at her in wonderment. Most people, including children were scared of him. He was large and wild looking and could only speak in Khuzdul. The axe in his forehead did not help matters either. Many people, who did not know him, told others, especially children, to stay away from him. So why did this child not run?

"Hi!" She squeaked again waving her tiny hand at him. Bifur returned the smile to this jewel of a child.

"*Hello. My name is Bifur. What is your name?*" Bifur hardly knew why he bothered to speak. Chances were she did not know Khuzdul but if was nice to have someone who was not part of their group not be scared of him. Thinking, he realized that given her age, she might not know how to say her own name. But he had to call her something. Thinking hard, he came up with the perfect nick name for her. "*Sun jewel.*"

He felt a sense of responsibility to Sun Jewel. While hobbits might let their children run around without supervision, dwarves did not. He could not in good conscience leave her by herself. Taking a seat, he watched the little one spin around in circles. "*Careful, you don't want to hurt yourself.*" Quickly, he looked around to make sure there were no rocks. He couldn't count how many times Bofur bumped his head like that. Come to think of it, that might be why he turned out the way he did.

Bifur couldn't help but chuckle. His younger cousins were wonderful growing. Despite everything, they were kind and playful even after their mother's death. He had taken the brothers in a raised them. Before that he had taken the lion's share of watching them when his aunt was not around. Now he could watch his cousin's children run around and he had many!

But right now he was only too happy to watch this little one. Here was a child that was completely oblivious to what was going on around her. All that she knew was there was someone who was willing to watch her.

Apparently she spun a little too much since she flopped down on the ground holding her head. Bifur could spend all day like this.

Just then he heard a group of children approach their location. He recognized Fili and Kili, but did not know who the other four children were with them. Bifur was glad he left his boar spear over with his younger cousin. While his sun jewel might not have noticed it or known what it was, the older children with the two princes would and it wouldn't do to frighten them off.

"Marigold! What are ya doing here? May will be worried!" One of them shouted at the child. So someone had been looking after her. She just got away. He had to laugh at that. So many people think looking after a little one is easy. But once they get mobile, they go where they want and if you take your eyes off of them for a minute they disappear.

"Hi!" Was the only response that the hobbit boy received.

It was then that the child recognized Bifur's presence. The lad made a motion to step back. Bifur was used to this kind of reaction but that didn't mean it hurt any less.

To the hobbit lad's chagrin, Kili walked right up to the wild looking dwarf. "Hi, Mister Bifur. Do you know where Mister Bofur is? We couldn't find him with everyone else."

Bifur stopped to think about this one. In the distance he could see Bombur and Bofur, wasn't with him. The only other person he could think of that Bofur would stalk-he meant follow- would be Dori. Looking around, he couldn't see the other. Perhaps the pair when somewhere together with Ori. It wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility.

"*I don't know. I don't see Dori, Ori or your uncle either.*"

"What? Hey, Bifur's right! Fili, where did Uncle go?" Fili looked around. It looked like their uncle had gone somewhere.

"Mister Frodo, Mister Bilbo is gone too!" Sam looked very worried as he held his baby sister tight to his chest looking around.

"Don't worry, Sam." Said Fili. "Mister Bifur is really nice. He and his cousin make all kinds of toys."

"That is good to hear, Mister Fili. But where did Mister Bilbo go?"

After setting Dori up in another room, which he would probably not use since it was away from his brother; Bilbo knew he had other things that needed his attention. First, he composed a letter to the mayor informing him of what Bilbo's plans were. In the letter, he left no doubt to where his desires laid regarding their stay. If money was required, he would see that it was acquired.

The second he sent the letter off to the post, he knew he had to get started on the smials. This however, posed a bit of a problem that required some brain storming.

Thorin, wanting nothing more than to help his people had, had arrived to discuses the matter. He was extremely pleased to see Bilbo had taken good care of Dori and Ori. He hoped that Bilbo would continue to do so in the inevitable event….Thorin refused to dwell on that thought for long.

"Tell me, Master hobbit. Why did you seek Master Dori out to assist him?" It was a thought that had bothered him and others as well. Perhaps he was not as generous or as kind as Gandalf had inferred.

"Does one always need a reason to help those in need? You ask me 'why', I as you 'why not'?" Bilbo knew he was showing a great deal of cheek but he could not help himself. It bothered him that someone thought he might have some sort of ulterior motives.

Thorin's eyes narrowed. He was being played with, he could tell. In another time and place, he might have yelled. In another time and place, no one (except for his close kin) would have thought speak to him in such a manner. But Thorin needed to remind himself that it was a time long ago and a place far away. "We have not been treated very kindly in the past by strangers. You can understand my concern."

"Oh! My apologies. I did not mean to make you think ill of me. That is sort of my usual response to people when they ask me why I do odd things." Rouge rose on Bilbo's checks. Normally, he didn't care what people thought but there was something about Thorin that made him desperately want him to think the best. "I have already told Master Dori this since he was also concerned. When Frodo first came to live with me, he had become gravely ill. Ori seems to have the same symptoms. I thought that having a place where the lad could rest and get well, would be good. I know that if I was in his position, I would have greatly appreciated the concern. Sometimes a kind word or sweet gesture can do more than all the money in the world."

Before the mountain fell, his people were concerned with wealth. The more money you had, the happier you were. Or so people had thought. The dragon came because of it. His people learned what true wealth was. But this hobbit knew this without the suffering. Or was he wrong. Something was in Bilbo's eyes. Some sort of sorrow that he could not place. Was it something he had said? No. Perhaps a demon from his past? Most likely. Something that he would take time to uncover? Defiantly.

"I bet you think me a fool." Bilbo's words caught him off guard. "Helping someone I do not know. Letting them into my home and asking for nothing in return. But this is who I am. If that makes me foolish and weak, so be it."

It was strange to see Bilbo go from meek to a strong resolve. This hobbit was obviously full of surprises. "I once heard it said, "Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution". Meeting you has helped me understand those words.

The covert king had to bit the inside of check in order not to laugh as the hobbit's entire face turned red. He would have to keep it in mind about how to acquire such blush from the hobbit again. It had been a long time since he sought to get such a reaction from anyone. But that would have to wait. "Back to the matter at hand. The smials that were mentioned. Do you think it would be able to house all of us, Master Baggins?"

"Bilbo."

"Pardon?"

"My name is Bilbo Baggins."

Thorin stared at the hobbit as if he was insane. Which from what he remembered, the hobbit just might be. Of course he knew his name! The little creature had introduced himself to Thorin not even half a day ago. "Yes. I am aware."

"Then call me that."

It finally began to dawn on Thorin what the hobbit was referring to. "You wish that I address you as Bilbo?" He received a nod in the affirmative. "Forgive me, but we just met. Don't you think it would be improper?"

"I broke Hamfast of that annoying habit, I can break you too!"

He couldn't help but smirk. There was a fire in Bilbo's belly, that much he was certain. It had turned into an atypical meeting, that was sure. "What if I choose to call you Master Bilbo or Mister Bilbo?" He hardly knew why he was bating this companion.

"That would be more expectable than Master Baggins. I get that enough and I would hate for someone who might be a friend to be so formal with me."

Friend. Do I even have friends? I have kin who I would consider friends but I don't think I have anyone else.

Bilbo's voice cut through his inner monologue to the matter at hand.

"From what I found, there are many abandoned smials and some of them can house more than one family. It should be plenty."

"A roof over their heads is all they need. If it is a little cramped, they will be able to deal with it." Thorin smiled in his mind. Everyone would be housed! Finally, his people could rest and lick their respective wounds.

"Excellent. Now about the repairs…"

"My people can see to the repairs. Make no mistakes about that."

"But I thought dwarves knew more about stone not dirt."

"What is the difference? Wait-"

"Did you just ask 'what the difference' is?" Bilbo didn't even try to hold back a smile.

"Forget I even said that!" It was his turn to blush.

"Oh. Don't worry. I won't." As embarrassed as he was, the mischievous smile looked very good on his host. It brought back memories of a time when the mountain and his people were safe. Back when his grandfather ruled. Back when Dis and Fegrin were alive. He missed his siblings.

Bilbo had to stop and think. Who could help them? They would need more than one or two hobbits to fix that many smials. Then a candle was light in his mind. "I do have an idea of who can help." Just as he said those words, he spotted the very hobbit he was thinking of walking outside. "Excuse me!" Bilbo shot up from his armchair and ran out the door nearly knocking over Balin in the process. "Sorry my good dwarf!"

"That was a bit odd." Balin commented. Looking at Thorin, he could see an odd mixture of contentment and puzzlement. "Things went well I take it."

"Ah, yes they did. We were talking about repairing the smials." Hearing much heavier foot steps both turned to see Dwalin had followed him. He was always glad to see both brothers. Balin for his wisdom and tact. Dwalin for his honestly and straight forwardness. At the moment, he needed both.

Dwalin looked around in amazement. Never before in his life had he seen so many useless things. Or as he would have put it if asked. "What's with all the crap?" As a warrior, if something was not practical or could be useful, it had no need to be in his home. "That reminds me Thorin. What the hell is a 'smial'?"

Thorin's mouth hung open for a moment. Now that he thought about it, he really didn't know.

"That is what they call these homes, little brother." Balin thought that it would be obvious given all of the content clues, but Dwalin didn't like leaving anything to chance.

"I take it you have been conducting some sort of investigation then, Balin?" He knew Balin would do that. Learning as much about the people and the land as he could. The people probably trusted Balin more than any other dwarf at the moment after that display with Pippin. Not to say that it was not genuine but still, showing interest and compassion for the young is a good political move. That was what his father had said.

"I have. I wanted to learn more the people. What Gandalf said was true. They do seem to be descent people."

There was more to it. Thorin could feel it in his bones. "But…"

"Everyone has their secrets and demons and I believe our host might have quiet a few."

This caused Thorin to straighten in the chair. "Bilbo? He-"

"On a first name bases already, are we?" Winked Dwalin.

I will deal with you later. Thought Thorin. Balin, for his part, ignored his little brother. "Yes. I was trying to find out why so many thought he was odd. His kindness leads me thinking about his past."

"Why? So, what if he is kind? That is what we need at the moment!" Thorin could not just sit there and let his kin speak slander of his friend- what he meant was their chance at survival. He passed over to the window only to see the hobbit they had been discussing. He was talking to another hobbit. Obviously some sort of labor given his clothes and the amount of dirt on him.

"Laddie, I mean no offence to Master Baggins or to any of the hobbits. Believe me when I say that. I am very grateful to Master Baggins, which was why I wanted to know more about him."

"You could have just asked. He has already told why he has offered to help Master Dori. If there was something you wanted to know, all you would have to do is ask!"

The brothers shared a glance. Thorin, by nature, was very emotional and passionate. But this was different. Thorin was outright protecting Master Baggins. Or so it might seem. Perhaps it had something to do with their nephews. Balin had been listening in on their conversion as they traveled back to the group. It was clear that some sort of friendship was starting to form.

His brother's soft words did not seem to ease the fire that was burning inside Thorin. Dwalin decided it was his turn. "Thorin, if that hobbit were to walk right through that door right now and ask you about yourself what would you tell him?" Thorin ripped his eyes away from the window to glare at his shield brother. "Would you tell him the truth? That you are not just some black smith that our people decided to follow, but are our king? What about Fili and Kili? Would you tell him that those hobbit children were playing with really princes? One of which will one day inherit? Would you?"

Thorin knew his kin was right. Everyone had their secrets. "Laddie, I am not worried about what he might do or that he has other motives. 'It is just the pretties smiles hide the deepest secrets. The prettiest eyes have cried the most tears. And the kindest hearts have felt the most pain.' I am not worried about the hobbits; I am worried for the hobbits. Call it warrior's intuition."

Sighing, he had to agree with that. He had felt something similar earlier. He would find out in time. But until then there were things that had to be done. Things that had had prayed he would not have to do. With a heavy heart, he began to speak. "When Master Baggins comes back, I need to ask him where we might acquire some stone."

The room fell silent with the implication.

Seeing Hamfast the moment he did was like Elbreath sending him some sort of message. Bilbo practically took flight down the green hills to catch up to his gardener. If anyone could help, it would be Hamfast. "Hamfast! Hold up!"

The other hobbit had to stop. Part of him wanted to keep going though. If Master Bilbo was chasing him, it only meant no good. He like Master Bilbo as much as anyone could but with him, you were never quiet sure what you would get. Still he waited for the gentle hobbit to arrive. It was only proper. "Yes Master Bilbo, what can I do you for?"

It took Bilbo a moment to catch his breath since he was not used to that sort of physical activities. "Hamfast, I need your assistants."

Hamfast wouldn't say it, but whenever Master Bilbo asked for something it usually left a rock in the pit of his stomach. Not that he had ever asked for thing any out of the ordinary, but Bilbo being who he was…one never knew. "How can I help?"

The bright smile he received was almost enough to make him forget about that feeling. "I'm not sure if you heard about the dwarves that will be staying in the shire." Hamfast nodded, indicating he had heard. "Well, they will need somewhere to stay and I know that there are a bunch of abandon smials near Bree. I was hoping that you might be able to gather people to help fix them up for the dwarves."

It finally happened. Master Bilbo had asked him something that was very strange. Repair a bunch of smials for some strange dwarves to live in? How did they know they were really friendly? What if it was some kind of trick? Hamfast was not too keen on having outsiders in the shire. They didn't know their ways or they might try to take advantage of the smaller creatures. He had six children to think about, to protect. If he did this and one of them become injured in any sort of way, he would never forgive himself.

Bilbo could see the conflict in his gardener's eyes. It was to be expected. Most in the shire could greet the new residence with caution. "I am not asking for a decision right now. It will take a few days for everything to be set in motion. All I am asking right now is for you to think about it. Meet some of them. You might find you have more in common than you think."

He would not speak above his station. In his mind, he couldn't. What could he possibly have in common with a bunch of dwarves? They lived in stone and cared greatly about gold and jewels. Hobbits, most of them, thought that those trifles were pretty but nothing to get too worked up about. But he was able to reply honestly. "I will see, Master Bilbo."

Rumors started to fly that the dwarves were looking for some stone. None of the hobbits knew why. Perhaps it was a dwarf thing to be near stone. Fili knew the reason though. His eyes traveled over to his younger brother and their new friends. His friends wouldn't have a clue why it was needed, but Kili would. Kili hadn't heard the rumors and Fili was hoping to keep it that way. It would break Kili's heart even though Fili knew deep down Kili knew the truth. His younger brother had been so hopeful about Ori getting better and now…

"Fili! Come play with us!" Merry waved Fili back from his inner thoughts. Merry and Pippin had decided to drag the brothers on some much needed mischief making as they put it. Fili and Kili, like Merry and Pippin, loved to cause trouble. Nothing too serious just enough to be annoying and of course they would make sure no one got hurt. If someone got hurt, it was no longer fun. It would be mean.

Fili wanted nothing more than to see what they and their new hobbit friends could get up to. But there was a worrisome thought that was in the back of his mind. What if they cause too much trouble and get kicked out? This had been the reason Fili had originally insisted that they did not bother the hobbits. Even at his young age, Thorin had started to train Fili on his responsibility to his people. The last thing he wanted was to be the reason they were forced to leave their new home.

The young dwarf felt a light punch to his shoulder. Looking over he saw Merry beaming, a twinkle of trouble sparkled in his eyes. It was the kind of look he, himself used to get from time to time.

"Did Pip tell you what we are going to get up to?" Merry was extremely excited about having his new friends come along. Normally, they couldn't get Frodo and Sam to come along. Especially recently. Sam's dad had been watching all of his children like a hawk. He now insisted that if his children were to go anywhere that they stay with an adult. While some of grown ups could be fun, like Bilbo, others were not. They would insist that they sit quietly and behave. But that was just not Merry and defiantly not Pip's style.

"Is this everyone?" asked Pippin. He had remembered that they wanted to see if Fili and Kili's cousin wanted to come.

"Yep. It is just us. Gimli wanted to stay with the others. He's not much of a mischief maker. He likes being alone."

It was true. Gimli would go for walks in the forest by himself saying that he wanted to be by himself and that the others didn't get him. What was there to get? He was weird and liked to be alone.

"So where are we going?" Kili had been bouncing on his toes for the past few minutes. He was only too excited to do something fun and his new friends seemed to know what was fun around the shire.

"Do you know who Famer Maggot is?" a sly smile formed on Pippin's lips as he spoke.

The four of them were running for their lives now! They knew better then to be seen, but Pippin wanted just one more carrot. That one more carrot caused the dog to bark, which caused farmer Maggot to come to see what was happening, which caused everyone to be spotted, which caused them to now run for the their every loving lives!

Even though they were being chased by an angry farmer with a scythe, the four of them were laughing like there was no tomorrow. After all, there was no need to be quiet now since they had been spotted.

The sunlight felt warm on Fili's face as his heart drummed in his chest. This was what he was talking about! He thought as he laughed. No worries. Other than an angry farmer. No problems. Other than the fact that he did just steal someone's crops which he would use to feed his family. No troubles. Other than…

His feet began to slow down until they finally came to a halt. This wasn't right. He had to make this right. As future king, it was his responsibility to insure that his people were safe. His actions could undo all that his uncle had worked for. Fili couldn't allow that to happen.

His friends noticing that he had stopped also halted. "Fili, what are you doing! He is going to catch you." Screamed Merry. Was his new friend crazy? They didn't want Farmer Maggot to catch them. That was not how the whole thing worked.

Merry thought he heard Fili mutter something about "he needed to make things right." Kili, for his part, stood with Pippin dumbfounded for a moment. That was until he understood what his brother was doing. They were guests in the shire and it had been emphases that they were to be on their best behavior while there. If they were not, everyone could find themselves homeless again. While Kili was not going to become king like his brother, he was still taught the importance of putting his people first. Besides, if they had to leave, Ori wouldn't have a place to get better.

Large, hairy hobbit feet skidded to a stop as Farmer Maggot looked down at the set of dwarf children. "You are supposed to run." He snarled. Why weren't they running?

Fili extended his hands that had the carrots in them. He had wanted to give the carrots to Bomfur since he had the most children and was the best cook. But he knew that he had to give them back. "We are sorry that we took you crops." Fili's head hung low in a display of shame. "We hope that you do not take our misbehavior has a sign that all dwarves are rude. There has to be something that we can do to make up for our actions."

While dwarves were taller than hobbits, Farmer Maggot seemed to tower of the young pair. "It's not Friday."

Both Fili and Kili stared up at the old hobbit. What was he talking about? What did the day of the week have to do with anything? Always taking a chance, Kili spoke hesitantly. "No. Today is Wednesday."

"Very good. So it is not Friday."

Fili's golden hair swung back and forth as he shock his head in confusion. Remember your manners. "Excuse me, Farmer Maggot, but what does the day of the week have to do with what we did?"

Pointing his scythe at the trouble cousins, his old voice echoed in their ears. "Didn't those pests tell you? They cause trouble all week and on Fridays they come and help to make up for it. It is sort of an arrangement we have."

The Durin boys were dumbfounded. The trouble they thought they had been causing had been preset. All parties, expect for them, had known what was going to happen. Fili didn't know how to feel. Angry, at being tricked by his new friends. Glad, that he really wasn't stealing. Giddy, that his new friends thought enough to involve his brother and himself in what he was sure would be a weekly thing or proud, that even though it had been a game, he had put his people's needs before his own.

Glaring at the trouble cousins, he shook the dangerous farming tool. "You too should have known better. They are new here! If you were going to get them into something, you should have explained it."

To their credit they did look a bit embarrassed. They meant to stir up some trouble at the farm and afterwards explain the whole deal with Farmer Maggot. But they never thought that the brothers would stop and try to turn themselves in. "Sorry guys. Pippin and I thought it would be a lark to see your reaction."

Kili smiled at his friend. He knew that they meant no harm. They just wanted to play a little trick on all of them. "It's ok. We play tricks on people all the time." It was great to have people who thought that they were close enough to the pull pranks on.

The group turned to leave. It had been an exhausting afternoon and everyone was eager to get home and rest. However, they were stopped by sound of the old farmer's voice. "Oh, lads. I nearly forgot. I meant to find you uncle about this but if you could tell him, I'd like that." Fear formed in Fili's stomach as the hobbit continued. "Your uncle had been asking around for some stone. I know that I have some behind the barn, if he still needs it."

Anger and betrayal blazed in Kili's eyes as he glared at his brother. Fili knew if he did not get Kili away some, his little brother would cause a scene. "Thank you. I will tell my uncle." Quickly grabbing Kili's hand ha dragged him away as fast as he could.

"What was that all about?" Pippin whispered to this cousin.

"I don't know. Let's go find out."

Fili didn't want his friends to see what was going to happen. He knew that Kili was furious, beyond furious and extremely upset. He could feel his little brother pull back against his grip, desperately trying to get him to stop. A sharp pain ran though his hand. Kili had bitten him.

Stopping, he let go of his little brother's hand to look at his own. The wound didn't even pierce the skin but it sure hurt like anything. But as much as his hand hurt, it was the pain the he saw in Kili's eyes that did the most damage.

"Why?" He screamed at his older brother. Fili had to look away. He couldn't face his brother. "Why didn't you tell me!" A tear socked voice asked.

From the corner of his eyes, Fili could see that Merry and Pippin had caught up with them but had decided to stay quiet. Fili gave them a look that said, he would explain everything later.

"Answer me!" Kili ran over to his brother and started to beat the other's chest with his small hands. Kili's mind and heart was in overdrive. It wasn't fair! It just wasn't' fair. It wasn't fair that Ori was sick. It wasn't fair that his uncle thought they needed stone. It wasn't fair that Fili had kept that from him and it wasn't fair the Ori was dying!

He had to do something to ease his brother's pain. But sadly, all he could do was wrap his arms around Kili and let his cry his little heart out.

The soft glow form the fireplace illuminated the forlorned features of Dori's face as he sat by Ori's bedside. Over the past few days Ori was getting worse. The coughing increased and his fever would spike for hours. Nothing seemed to help. Bilbo tried everything he could think of. Things that had worked for his nephew, but nothing worked. Dori heard the whispers that the wind would care to him. Stone. The others were looking for stone. They believed that it was only a matter of time before the little one would pass.

Dori put his head in his hands. This was not supposed to happen! After everything they went through. Losing their home, their mother. Ori was supposed to live. Was Mahal really that cruel to take that little bit of light from his life? Tears escaped, running down his face. Always be thankful. That was what their mother had said. Even in this darkness, he still had people who were willing to help him and stay by his side. Bofur had come calling everyday at least once. He would stay for hours just sitting with Dori. Other times when Ori was awake he would play his flute or tell him a funny story to keep his sprits up.

The dwarf could hear soft footsteps at the door. Having known each other for so long, Dori did not need to turn around to know who it was.

"I'll be leavin now. I'll try to be ere tomorrow, but no promises." The normally jovial voice spoke as he leaned against the door jam. Dori nodded in response. Too tired to speak. It was moments like this that he wished for Nori's presence.

Bofur could see that Ori was not well and despite his wish to be optimistic, didn't think the lad would be in this world much longer. There was only one thing for him to do. Find Nori.

While Nori might not travel with them, he always made sure that Bofur knew how to contact him should the need arise. At the moment, the wily dwarf was in Bree.

Carefully, Bofur pushed open the door to the local inn of Bree. The smoke and smell of cheep liquor choked his senses. Carefully, he made his way to the bar where the owner was serving drinks. "Excuse me my good sir, I am lookin for someone. Might ya be able to help?"

To the bartender's credit, he was polite and didn't just tell the toymaker to shove off as so many would have. "Perhaps I can master dwarf. Who might you be looking for?"

"I am looking for a dwarf by the name of Nori. He is a friend of mine." Bofur didn't see the need to go into a description. A look in the bartender's eyes told Bofur he knew that dwarf.

But that was not to say that he would acknowledge it. "I am terribly sorry master dwarf. I do not know anyone by that name."

Bofur had a feeling that would be the case. Nori was a very cautious person and if someone were to come looking for him, chances were it was not for a good reason. "I understand, my good man. Would it be alright if I left a message just in case he comes by?" Bofur fished out a note he had written before he left the shire.

A well worn hand reached out to take the note. "If I see him, I will be sure to give this to him."

It was a few hours before Nori returned to the inn looking tired from his day. But he really couldn't complain. The money he was getting hopefully helped his brothers a bit and for that he was grateful. When he arrived, the bartender flagged him over. "Master Nori, a dwarf came calling for you today. He didn't know if this was where you were staying. But per your order I did not tell him. He did how ever leave a note."

"Braid on both sides of his head. Tooth earring. Mustache and big floppy hat?"

"Aye sir."

"Give me the note." Nori grabbed the letter as it was handed to him. A smirk formed on his lips. He had made a wise decision when he had asked Bofur to keep an eye on his brothers and report back to him. But normally his messages would come by mail, not in person. This could only mean that they were very close. Perhaps he would visit his siblings. His eyes widened as he read the words on the paper. –Ori very ill. Shire. Bag End.- Was all it said.

The humming of insects signaled to Dori that night had indeed fallen on the shire. Not that he noticed much. It had been a little over a day since he had seen Bofur and while Bofur was usually a bit noisier than most, he terribly missed the company of his friend. For some reason, Bofur not being there hurt more than Dori could explain. Maybe it was because they had been through so much together or maybe it was because Bofur truly cared for his younger brothers. Either way, have Bofur sit vigil with him at Ori's deathbed brought some measure of comfort.

This was not to say that he did not appreciate everything their host had done for them. Bilbo was generous to a fault and would try to do whatever he could to help. However all Dori wanted was his friend.

In the hallway, Dori could hear the stomping of footsteps. His eyes enlarged. Over the course of his life he had become very good at identifying people by the sound of their footsteps. He could tell if it was Ori or another dwarf child. Dori was even able to tell the footsteps of the hobbits that frequented the hobbit hole. But these footsteps he had not heard in a long time.

Quietly and quickly, Dori stood up from his chair beside the bed and ran into the hallway. His breath was caught in his throat as his eyes found his younger brother standing in the hobbit's home. Tears started to form in Dori's eyes as he ran to embrace him, his heart palpitating.

Strong arms wrapped around Nori as he returned the crushing embraces with equal fervor. Neither brother wanting to let the other go for fear they would not have the strength to stand on their own. Nori could more feel than see his brother sobbing into his shoulder. Try as he may, Nori could not keep his own tears in. Seeing his older brother reduced to mess was enough to make him lose it as well. They stood there for a long while both not wanting to release the little bit of comfort they had in this trying time.

Through his embrace of this younger brother and passed his tears, Dori could see Bofur talking with Bilbo. Apparently trying to explain the situation. So that was where he went. Dori thought. His heart was glad that he didn't need to make that request of Bofur. He just knew what needed to be done.

A watery voice chocked out of Nori's throat. "I know this is a foolish question brother, but how is he?" He wanted to be strong for his older brother. He knew that Dori had sacrificed greatly for the little one. To lose him, would kill Dori and probably himself as well.

It took a moment for Dori to steady his voice. It wouldn't do to have them both be a wreak. Ori was still alive. He shouldn't bury him prematurely. "Not well. He is resting in the other room. I'm sure he would be glad to see you." If it had been any other time, Dori would have berated his younger brother for not seeing Ori sooner. The little one always asked about Nori. Wanting to know when he would come back or what he was doing. Things that Dori could not answer. But Nori was here now and that was all that mattered.

Nori had always been known for his stealth. That's what made him so good at his "job". He was able to steal a few moments unnoticed by the little one laying awake in bed. Ori was always on the small side. There had never been enough to eat no matter how many meals Dori skipped or how often others like Bofur, would give Ori their food. Seeing him in the large bed just made his obvious malnutrition worse. Nori berated himself for not coming sooner.

"Hey, kid."

Brown eyes widened and began to light up at the sound of his older brother's voice. "Nori!" Nori was glad he was able to hold his wince as he heard his baby brother's scratchy and weak voice. Ori didn't deserve this. No little one did. He flashed Ori one of his trademark smiles, the kind that always pissed Dori off but would amuse Ori to no end. As silent as a grave he walked over to Ori's bed and sat down next to Ori before pulling him into a gentle embrace.

"How you been, Ori?" Nori didn't want to let Ori go. Letting him go would mean he could see his face and he didn't know how long he could keep up the act.

"I'm a little sick. But I'm feeling much better." Nori could see the faint lines on Ori's face and he spoke. He couldn't be sure if it was a lie or not. For one so small, Ori tried to be so strong for his brothers. He would often tell them he was not hungry even when his stomach was growling louder than an animal. If he was telling the truth it could be a double edged sword. The body often rallied one more time before it just gave out. Sometimes the rally was enough to insure survival, other times it was the rise before the fall. Just like their mother.

"Nori."

"Yeah, kid?"

"You are holding a little too tight." Nori hadn't realized it but his grip on the frail child had increased causing him discomfort. The last thing Nori wanted was to hurt Ori.

"Nori. I missed you."

He had to bit his lip not to cry. He wouldn't and couldn't cry in front of Ori. It wouldn't be fair to the kid.

Ori could feel his older brother shake. He knew the he was crying. Ori hated to see his older brothers cry. It made him feel like he did something wrong. Maybe if he went away his brothers would stop crying. They wouldn't have anything to worry about.

His older brother must be psychic because the next words out of his mouth were, "Don't you dare go anywhere."

Dwalin's fingers itched as he stood outside of Bag End. He knew that the thief was back. He had been on watch when Nori crossed the boarder. As much as he loathed that low life, he knew the reason he was in town and it caused the warrior's heart to ache.

He didn't know why but he felt the need to go check in on the brothers. Just to make sure the little one was still there. Try as he might, his version of a gentle knock seemed to echo through the night. Master Baggins answered the door, not at all disturbed or put off by the noise or the late night call.

"Please, Master Dwalin, come in." It seemed that he knew why the dwarf was there. As he was lead to the sitting room, he could see that Bofur had not left either. The miner currently occupied an armchair by the fire as he sat close to Dori.

The normally well groomed dwarf looked like he had seen better days. Strands of hair were out of their usual intricate braids and style. His face normally washed and clean, was now red with streaks from tears he had been crying for the past few hours. Nori was no where to be seen.

Finally noticing to other dwarfs presence, he became enraged. "Why are you here?" He growled, trying to keep his voice low. "Nori hasn't done anything." In the back of his mind, Dori knew he was being irrational but damn if he wasn't overwhelmed. He knew he was losing one brother and he would be damned if he lost another!

If it had been any other time, Dwalin might have taken offence. But he didn't have the heart to do so. Dori was hurting. That mush was obvious and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. "I come in peace. I only wanted to know how the little one was." He put his hands up in a gesture of good will. He truly meant no harm to anyone in the home. Especially the brothers. He just wished he could do something.

It was at that moment that Nori deiced to appear from down the all, eyes down cast. All eyes were on him. Everyone held their breath. "He's still here if that is what you are wondering." He mumbled. He didn't even spare Dwalin a glance as he walked to the door muttering about needing some air.

The room once again fell silent. Dwalin knew it was not his place but still he felt that he should do something. "Master Dori, do you mind if I see the little one?"

He had to get air. He just had to. The hobbit hole had no air in it. But even the cool night air did little to relieve the feeling.

Panting, his legs seemed to walk him back to the woods by the river. Water. That would help him clear his head. He reached out shaking hands and dipped them into the cool water. Even in with so little light she could still see the haggard reflection looking back at him. Snarling, he splashed in over his face embracing the icy chill that came with it. His head was no clearer.

Ori really was dying.

Nori leaned back against a tree trying to gather his thoughts. But what was there to gather? Very soon he would lose the most important thing in his life. Nori couldn't kid himself. The kid was his light in the darkness. Dori's too. There would nothing left after he passed. The others should just call for more stone while they had it on their minds.

He would have to be strong for Dori. He wouldn't run. Dori would need someone to lean on.

Tears continued to leak from his eyes. It wasn't fair! Ori never hurt a soul, was always sweet and kind to just about everyone. If someone should die it should be him. He was the one who stole anything that wasn't nailed down. He was the one who lied to everyone, including his friends and family. He was the one who left the most precious thing in the world behind. Perhaps that's why Mahal had decided to take Ori, because he had been so wicked.

"Punish me, please." He keened as his head fell into his hands. "Please."

The only sounds in the woods were the early spring insects chirping, the babbling brook and the bawling of heartsick dwarf.

There had to be something he could. Something! He was not the type of dwarf that just gave up. Images and conversations of days gone by reached his mind.

Bofur was sitting there whittling some sort of doll, all the while smiling. It turned out that Bifur was not as far gone as everyone had thought and Bofur had been busy trying to make enough toys that would be sure to please Bifur when he awoke.

"You sure are busy." Nori muttered as cleaned on of his many knifes. He had sat with Bofur for the past few hours in hopes of comforting his friend but it seemed like he didn't need it as much now that things had taken a good turn.

"Yeah. I want Bifur to see all that I've done when he was out. Ya know him. If he can put a smile of a little one's face, he will." He chuckled.

Nori just grunted. There was a wondering thought that he finally managed to catch. "How did you not go insane?"

"I'm not insane? Bombur will be happy to hear that one!" his happy voice didn't miss a beat.

Slamming down his knife, Nori looked Bofur dead in the eye. "Your cousin was about to go to the halls of our ancestor, there was no way that you and Bombur could have feed his brood and you still kept it together! How?"

Bofur's face fell. "Why does it matter?"

"It just does!" Nori wouldn't tell Bofur the truth. He had been worried about his friend and he hoped that he was not doing anything…ruinous.

"Ya'll laugh." While Bofur didn't mind Nori laughing at him, this was something personal and sacred.

"If I promise not to laugh, will you tell me?" Now he had to know. Hesitantly Bofur shook his head. "All right. I promise on the lives of my brothers, I will not laugh."

With a faint smile Bofur accepted the terms. "Sometimes when things get to tough, I pray."

Nori blinked a few times, put his finger in his ear to make sure they were clear and repeated what his friend said. "You pray."

"Yes."

"So, let me get this straight. Your life is going to hell in a hand basket and you pray?"

Bofur was quite happy with the reaction that he had gotten so far. Nori had kept his promise and didn't laugh. "Yes. Sometimes it helps. I don't know if it will change anything but sometime just asking for help makes ya feel better."

Nori had promised not to laugh and he didn't, at least not out loud.

Maybe he should try it. He had nothing to lose and it seemed to help with Bofur. But then again, it was Bofur and praying wasn't his style. But for his little brother, he would try anything.

It was then that he remembered a "job" that he been asked to do. He was to steal a crystal orb that this cult had and give it to his client. It was a simple enough job, but one that he didn't complete. The people there had seemed so dedicated that he just couldn't take anything from them.

But that was not the important part of his memory. He remembered the leader saying that blood was needed in order for prayers and wishes to reach the ears of the divine. At the time he had thought that it was a load of bull. A middle woman had come forward wishing to have a child. She had been instructed to cut her finger and trace the name of the divine in blood and make her pact. He remembered her words clear. "Oh great one. Please make it so I may have a child. In exchange, I shall never mistreat the child."

He had all but forgotten about it until a few weeks later, he saw the same woman. Her belly was rounded.

Anything for Ori. Nori thought as he took out his knife. It wasn't like he had never cut himself before.

The sharp edge of the blade sank down think the tip of his index finger cause a pearl of blood to rise up. Nori knew that would not be enough. He would just have to cut as needed. Slowly, he began to trace Mahal's name in runes.

Before he knew it, his entire hand and part of his arm were cover in crimson cuts. It seemed that no matter where he cut; there was never enough blood to finish. But his was determined. I have plenty of blood in my body. I will just have to keep cutting…

Nori had to move to his other arm and hand to finish. He knew that Dori would be inconsolable when he saw the state of Nori's arms. First the youngest was on his death bead and now the middle child is cutting. Nori would just have to cover up under his wounds healed. But that did not matter at the moment. He had finished. Time to make his pact. "Oh great Mahal. Please, please allow my little brother, Ori, to live. I will give you what ever you want! I-I-I." Nori didn't know what he could use to bargain with. What could Mahal want from a lowly thief? "If you save my brother, I promise, on his life, to serve my king and my people. I promise to stay with my brothers, I-I-I promise never to steal again!" By the end he was a sobbing mess. He knew this would never work.

Ori could hear heavy foot steps approach his door. They weren't either of his brothers. They were much too heavy to either of them. As the door creaked open, he smiled as the guard walked in. Even though Nori and Dwalin had problems, Dwalin seemed like a nice person. Well, nice for a person who grunted, didn't talk much and half of the population was afraid of.

But Ori never had anything to worry about with Dwalin. That's what Fili and Kili said. They said that Ori was a good little dwarfling and was never in any trouble, so Dwalin would be nice to him. In the past, Dwalin would give Ori his food, without Dori knowing. Ori knew that his older brothers, well mostly Nori, didn't like Dwalin. Some times, Dwalin would take Nori away saying that he did something wrong. Dori never explained but he did say that it wasn't Dwalin's fault but his eyes would say otherwise.

The bed sank much deeper than it had with Nori. The little red head managed a weak smile. He was really tired. All he wanted was to close his eyes for a little while. Just a little nap. Nothing more. But Dori had taught him that it was rude to nap when guests were there. "Hello, Master Dwalin. How are you?"

Ya really are sweet aren't ya? He thought with a pained heart. The little one was so sick, yet he asked about others. The world would be a much colder place when Ori left it. "Fine. You?"

Dwalin felt a warm forehead against his bare arm. Was he looking for some sort of comfort? Or was he just that tired? Either way, it made the strong warrior weak in his heart. With all of his strength, there was nothing he could do. Putting an arm around him, he brought Ori closer.

With all the death that he had seen, he had always avoided when a little one was leaving. As cold as ice he was, or so he thought, by he would have rather faced Smaug by himself then by near. He just couldn't take it. Adults had a chance to live their lives, be they fair or foul. Little ones were deprived of the choice. For a moment, Dwalin wondered what Ori could have been when he would have reached maturity. He seemed to be much calmer than Nori, so he wouldn't need to worry about him getting into too much trouble. He knew that Dori was always trying to teach Ori whatever he could and Ori seemed to eat it up. Maybe some kind of tutor? But he had seen the lad's passion for writing and drawing. Perhaps a scribe. He could have worked with Balin. Balin seemed to like the lad as well so they would have been a good team.

He had to stop those lines of thoughts, of what could have been. What should have been. For they never would be.

Dori had watched the guard leave his youngest brother's room in silence. The guard usually didn't say much, but this time the silence took a more ominous turn. In his bones, he could feel the time was near. He had to be with Ori. He was there when the little one was brought into this world; he would be there when he left it.

In the room, he could see his little brother cuddling up underneath the massive amount of blankets trying to get that extra bit of warmth. Just from the slight movements, he could tell that Ori was beyond tired. He needed rest. No matter how much Dori didn't want Ori to close his eyes, he knew there was nothing he could do.

"Dori?" Faded eyes tried to catch his older brother's attention. Ori hated seeing Dori so sad. Ori knew that Dori would be happier soon.

He pulled up his usual chair and sat beside the bed. While the fire roared on, he felt an icy hand reach into his heart. This would be the last night, wouldn't it? Was it selfish for him to want to keep his little brother? Despite how much pain he was in? Yes, he was.

"You look sleepy, Ori."

He tried to tell Dori he was alright, but a yawn escaped before he had a chance to. Fluffing the pillow, he eased his little brother back to bed, stroking his red hair. "Rest, Ori."

Ori gave Dori a faint smile. "I will Dori and soon I will be all better. I'm already starting to feel better."

Keep smiling. That was what Dori told himself. "I am glad to hear it. Fili and Kili miss you. Rest for now. Good night, Ori. I love you." He kissed his little brother's forehead, pushing back a few strains of red hair.

"Ok. Brother. Good night. I love you too."

Dori watched as his little brother closed his eyes.

The room was too quiet for his liking. There were no other sounds other than their breathing and the sound of the fire crackling. No sound meant no life. His eyes watched as his little brother slept peacefully.

Many nights he had prayed and tonight would be no different. It was the only thing he could do and if he didn't, he was sure he would go insane. Please let my little brother live. I promise to take better care of him. I will do anything to keep him safe and healthy. Anything. Just please, let him live. If you must have a life, take mine instead.

His silver hair fell around his head as he cried softy into his brother's bed. His shoulders were shaking from both the sobs and attempting to keep the noise down. Through his eyelashes, he watched his brother's chest rise and then fall.

Merry tried to close his eyes to sleep but he knew that sleep would not come easy that night. After Kili had stopped crying, the young dwarf said he needed sometime alone. Fili had not stopped him. Kili had not seen them. When their little group was alone, Fili explained what the stone was for. A coffin. Dwarves were buried in stone. Even during these hard times, when someone passed, everyone would search for stone and do what they could.

The normally happy little hobbit wasn't sure if it was a good or a bad thing that they needed so little given how small the corpse would be. It wasn't right. Ori should have a chance to live and get big. They would need more stone then. No one should die that young.

Even though his mind was a hodgepodge of jumbled thoughts, he could still feel the cool breeze from the newly opened window in his darkened bedroom. He didn't even need to light a candle or ask who it was. Merry just scooted over in bed for the other.

Like always, the other waited for a moment to say anything. He didn't want to disturb Merry if he was sleeping. If he was, he could just sleep in the corner or on the floor near Merry's bed. It wouldn't be the first time. Sensing that the other was awake, he began to whisper. "Merry, are you awake?"

A soft voice replied back to the first. "Yeah, Pip."

Biting his lip, knowing that he was being a fool, he asked. "Can I come in?"

"Always." Merry pushed down the covers to give his little cousin some room into the nice, warm bed. He could feel the warmth of the other's body close to him. Pulling the covers back up to their necks, he gently wrapped an arm around Pippin, bringing him close.

"Merry…"

"Shhh, Pip. Get some rest. I'm here." And I always will be. I will protect you.

If you thought that "Castle of Glass" by Linkin Park was a bad sign, well it will get worse in parts of this fic. For instance, the next song is "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and yes, it is a song from the first Hunger Games.

I regret nothing!