Lost little souls

by Yaoi Queen the 13th

After fleeing from Smaug, Thorin and his people have no where to go. Gandalf suggests that they go to the Shire. Everyone must cope with the heart break of their journey. The hope of a new beginning and the strength to carry on. But the green hills of the shire holds some terrible sorrows and secrets that even those who live there are not aware of. Will have Slash.

6. Heaven's Eyes

Chapter 6

"Heaven's Eyes"

Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Tolkin's because if I did, things would have turned out differently. I also don't own the music

Note: Anything said between ** is said in Khuzdul. Later, I will but a word or two in but for the most part follow this.

Author note:

Dear God this is a long chapter. To give you an idea, it is 200KB. Yeah. That is chapters 1-3 and chapter 5 put together. This is the longest chapter I have ever written. Sorry it took me so long. I moved and work started up again, leaving me little time to write. I hope it was worth the wait.

A bubble of laughter erupted from Nori as he sat high in the tree outside of Bag End. Leaning back against the trunk, he felt another wave hit him. He had been laughing most of the day. To those who had the talent and skill to spot him, they would just see a laughing/crazy dwarf in a tree. But to hell with everyone! Life was good and at this moment it was not just good. It was fan-fucking-tastic!

Ori, ever full of surprises, was on the mend. Everyone had buried the little guy in their minds. But Ori proved them wrong.

Like Nori said. Life was good. Even if at the moment he was hiding from his older brother. Shortly after, Oin confirmed that Ori was doing much better; Nori had the bright idea to change his clothes. In the hobbit hole…The mother-hen took one look at Nori's arms and, to put it gently, threw a shit fit. Complete with cursing and throwing things, screaming "How dare you hurt yourself like that" and "Don't I have enough to worry about without worrying about you hurting yourself?" Honestly, had it not been for Bofur, Nori might still be in there cowering from his brother's thunderous wrath. The other dwarf had, much to Nori's surprise, skillfully distracted Dori for a moment, and then grabbed him while saying "Run, Nori!" On second thought, it wasn't that skillful and Nori really shouldn't have been that surprised. But still he escaped with only minor injuries; a book had managed to get the corner of his head. More importantly, Dori had the energy to throw such a fit! For a while, Nori was a bit worried about his big brother's health. Not that he would ever admit it. He never seemed to eat and would run himself into the ground working, if only to keep his mind off of Ori.

But the past was in the past. The future looked much brighter. Not just for the brothers but everyone. The mayor had given his approval for the dwarves to move into the abandoned smials. However, like everyone else, they would have to pay taxes. Nori couldn't help but grit his teeth. The past was in the past alright, but how were they going to get the money they needed. There was no way they could live off of Bilbo's generosity forever and since Nori had given up his thieving ways, he needed to find something to generate some kind of income. Otherwise, he would be of no help to his brothers. Sighing, he began to think of things could be. He had no knowledge of any kind of metal work so he couldn't be a smith of any kind like so many of the other dwarves. His cooking skills were minimal, so that was out. Without the mines, he couldn't mine. Maybe he could cut trees or some other sort of labor? But it seemed like the hobbits had that pretty much covered. He was running out of options. Perhaps lady luck would shine on him.

Speaking of "shine"… One of the reasons Nori picked that tree was he could see inside Bag End. It looked like Bofur was still there helping Dori. While he did appreciate all Bofur had done, his job was over. Nori was back and back to stay. Shouldn't he be with his own family? Or did he ask the fox to watch the hen house? Yeah right.

"Calm down Dori, please calm down. Ya are scaring the hobbits" Bofur motioned to Bilbo and Frodo who where currently huddled in the kitchen in an attempt to stay away from the enraged dwarf.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Dori took a deep breath. He had lost his temper. Even if it had not been as strenuous a time, he still might have reacted the same way. What had Nori been thinking?

Dori needed to find Nori. It wouldn't do for his younger brother to not eat. He had noticed the trouble maker had avoided food since his arrival. At first, Dori thought it was nerves. Having someone on death's door would be enough for anyone to lose their appetite. But Oin had made it clear that Ori was no longer in danger. Whatever Bilbo had given him, must have worked. Whatever was in that strange stuff…

With one brother doing well, it was time to look after the other. Tracking Nori down was easy. The thief insisted that he change his clothes, which Dori was glad he had at least one extra set. Disregarding his own teaching for once, Dori opened the closed door without knocking.

It wasn't the first time Dori had seen his brother without his shirt. But it was the first time he saw him with so many nasty cuts along both his arms and hands. The crimson marks had begun to heal leaving behind crusty scabs; however that did not stop the rage that was boiling in Dori's belly. Given the angle and where they were, he could tell they were self-inflected!

"Nori…" Said brother backed away from his brother, looking for some sort of escape route. The growl was nothing he wanted any more of. Dori could put any dwarf to shame when it came to his temper.

"I can explain!" No, he couldn't. Yes, let me tell my brother how I sliced up my arms in a ritualistic attempt to save the baby's life. That wouldn't go over very well.

Dori's bellowing echoed though the smial. "How dare you hurt yourself like that?"

The noise caused Bofur and Bilbo to rush into the room. Soon after taking in the scene, Bilbo slowly backed away. The last thing he wanted was to be involved with the two brothers fighting. Much to his surprise, Dori, who he had always thought of as a quiet and calm dwarf, was now down right scary. It was always the quiet ones…

Swish. Nori never thought that Dori would resort to throwing things. Or to throw things at him! "Don't I have enough to worry about without worrying about you hurting yourself?" Another book flew close to his head. "What is wrong with you!" This time a book nicked the corner of his head.

Dori felt strong arms around wrap around him. It took a moment for realize it was Bofur as he heard. "Run, Nori."

Perhaps he had overreacted…He would apologize later. After Dori smacked Nori one more time.

The forge in Hobbiton was not too far from Bag End so when Bilbo offered to watch the lads while Thorin worked, he knew he could rush back incase of an emergency. It also was a great comfort that Balin had started to spend his days there as well. Others that were not going to be working in the local forges had started to set up little shops around town. Thorin was shocked to see that Bofur was doing pretty well. It turned out that everyone, regardless of their age, like toys and his were finely crafted. Others tried their hands in other fields; Bombur was working as a cook in the local tavern, "The Green Dragon". Turned out the owner thought it would be best to widen their menu with the huge influx of dwarves in order to fit their palates. Some like, Bifur and Balin would stay back with the children while everyone worked. Those that could find nothing in the shire would spend their day in Bree doing whatever job they found and come back at night.

"Did they use this as a storage shed or a forge?" Bellowed Gloin. Looking around he had to agree with his cousin. The forge was in disrepair and debris littered the entire floor. Thorin could already tell it was going to be the start of a very long day.

I won't spy on them. I won't spy on them. That had become Bilbo's mantra for the past few minutes. Sam and Frodo had decided to go play outside and he had a perfect view of them should he chose to lift his head from the books he was working on.

Bofur had come by earlier that day to see how Ori was doing and to make sure Dori hadn't killed Nori. Ever the giver, he had brought toys for each of the lads. A mechanical bird for Ori, one that sang when a key was turned. A strange set of hollow wooden dolls that could be placed inside each other in a certain order, which was given to Sam. Each painted skillfully with a different face. For Frodo, it was the strangest yet. It looked like a wooden stick with two wings on top. You placed it in your hand, spun it, throw it up in the air and it would fly! Would wonders never cease?

Speaking of wonders… He really couldn't help it. The two of them were playing with Sam's dolls. Nine is all. He could observe Frodo and Sam pretending that the dolls were going on some kind of adventure. The four smallest dolls were always together, and then two larger of the four went off on their own. He had to laugh. If he had not watched them for so long, he might have thought that they were playing house!

Not that it was a bad thing. He wondered what Sam and Frodo would be like when they got older. Would they still be as close or would society force them apart? Bilbo believed in Frodo's love for Sam. It was clear even at this early age; he would kill to make sure Sam was happy. In turn, Sam was the epitome of loyalty and dedicated. There was no doubt in his mind that Sam would stay close to Frodo come hell or high water. But what worried him was how people would look at the pair. Already they were getting looks. People were wondering why they were not staying to their own kind. Shouldn't Sam be with others like him? Wouldn't Frodo be better off with those of the same rank?

He could hear they joyful laughter from outside. He just wondered how long it would stay that way…

"How did you do that?" Whispered Dori in Bilbo's ear, anxious someone might over hear. Dori nearly had a heart attack when he spied his baby brother eating his vegetables without so much as a peep. If there was some secret spell or magic at work, he wanted to know how to use it!

Bilbo couldn't help but laugh. He had dealt with picky eater before. "A trick I learned from Bell Gamgee. Put enough sauce on anything and the child will eat it. I saw her go through that phase with Daisy when she was a small thing. She would always put hollandaise sauce on the vegetables. Slowly, she weaned her off of it."

Dori didn't care how much sauce was on those vegetables, Ori was eating them. Normally all he got, "I don't like green food." But he had not heard that when the boys sat down to lunch. Sam, Frodo and Ori where sitting there peacefully eating their meal talking. No screaming, yelling or throwing food. If the Durin lads had been there, it probably would have ended in a mess.

Just watching, he felt at peace. His baby brother was safe and sound. Nori, was crazy but alright and they were going to have a new start. It would be a fresh start for him as well. Hopefully he would be able to find some work around town. He did not want to go to Bree to find work…

After their meal, the three were corralled in the study, Ori still being too weak to go outside but still wanted to be with his new friends. The three of them had been close, much to Dori's relief. He had been worried that the other lads in the shire would expect Ori to act a certain way. More dwarf-like. No one, so far, had questioned his love of books and drawing. In fact, it seemed that he had found perfect matches in Sam and Frodo in that respect. Both loved to learn and Sam was learning to read. Looking back at them he saw Sam was leaning over a heavy book that was in Ori's lap as Ori read the story to the others.

Hearing someone clear their throat, Dori turned around expecting to see Bilbo or Bofur. Instead there was a hobbit he had never met before. Not to say he didn't know who he was. It was Hamfast Gamgee, Sam's father. "Hello, Master Gamgee. How can I be of service?" He had heard good things about the Gamgees. They were hard working and Bilbo seemed very fond of them. So…why did Dori feel odd?

Get to know them. That's what Mister Bilbo had said. But getting to know them meant talking and he didn't think he would have any common ground with any dwarf. However, seeing his son take such an interest in Ori caused a bit of a shift. The same shift had happened when Sam first met Frodo. At first, he wanted to find out a bit about them. Now, he was concerned. "He's reading. Books will do him no good."

Dori could feel his eye start to twitch. Was he judging his parenting? What was wrong with books? "I do not understand." Oh, he understood. He just wanted it said out loud.

"You and your family…are not…" He was having difficultly finding the right words. He didn't want to insult Mister Bilbo's new friend, but at the same time, he did want to impress the importance of the situation. "It's not our place to read."

"Can't you read?"

"A bit."

"So, why is it some important for Ori not to read? Or is it not Ori we are talking about?" Dori pondered. He had seen this type of action before. This hobbit was not trying to do anything to Ori but for his own son. "This is not about reading… It's about stations. So tell me, Master Hobbit, what do you see in your son's future?"

"The same as my father saw in mine. He was a gardener, I am a gardener, and my son will be a gardener." He said folding his arms over his barreled chest. This was not how the conversation was supposed to go. The dwarf was supposed to agree with him and that would be all.

"But what if he wants to be something else?"

"Depends. A rope maker is fine. But he will not go above his station!"

"Why not?"

"It just isn't done. It isn't right. We all have our places and ours is near the bottom. We should be happy with our lot in life and accept it."

Near the bottom? Be happy? What kind of crap was that? Hamfast might have been talking about his son, but Dori had heard those words before. They were the same words he had heard before the mountain fell and he was not about to let them stand! "But why? Why just accept everything? There is no reason."

"We are who we are. There is no changing that."

Hamfast might be right. You can't change who you are but it was up to you to figure out who you are. "But how can you judge on person's worth? By what he builds or buys?"

"You do not understand. This is not your home and you do not understand our ways! There is an order to things and it should not be disturbed. Our betters keep us safe and we provide them with services." A small voice in his head whispered doubt. He knew as those words flew out of his mouth that they were half truths.

"Betters?"

"Yes, betters. The gentle hobbits."

"So tell me, does the stone that sits on the very top of the mountains mighty face, is it really more important than the ones that form the base?"

By this point, Hamfast's hands were by his sides shaking in fists. This was madness! Did this dwarf want to unset the whole natural order of things? Did he want to bring tragedy to them? By this point, Hamfast was no longer thinking rationally. He was just glad he had not struck the dwarf.

Hearing the silence he knew the hobbit had no retort but that didn't mean he was finished. He had held these words in for far too long. They needed to be said. "So, how can you see what your life is worth? Or to who? Hamfast, you must listen to me. We have been through hardships that most can not even begin to fathom. But we have learned to look at our live through Mahal's eyes. We have learned that we are like threads in a tapestry. Our color brightly shines, but if we limit ourselves, we may never see the purpose of the grand design. So, tell me Hamfast, is a rich king worth more than a shepherd lad to a lost sheep? You think of others as your betters but they are not. They are your equals and the sooner you learn that, the better Sam will be!"

Foolish dwarf. As much as Hamfast wanted to, he couldn't bring himself to outright curse Dori. He had been right. This entire life he had been told to respect his betters. That they would protect and keep everyone safe. But he knew in his heart that was not true. Only some of the gentle hobbits would actually care for the lower class. The Took, Brandybuck and Baggins (mostly Bilbo) would and had helped in the past when the harvest was bad. But others like the Sackville-Baggins would have preferred to watch them all die.

How do you judge the worth of a person? That was what Dori had said. The words still rang in his ears no matter how hard he tried to shake them. Perhaps he needed to hear them? The Lady worked in mysterious ways…Perhaps it was through Dori that she spoke.

No! He couldn't encourage it. His children needed to be safe and protected from the outside. If it meant that Sam spent the rest of his life wrist deep in dirt…so be it.

As he went to make his rounds, he spotted Bell's needle work. She passed before she had ever had a chance to finish. But Daisy seemed to pick it up, wanting it to be a special tapestry, one that had both of their souls in it. Carefully, he picked up one of the buttercup yellow strands. It was very beautiful as it sparkled in the dim firelight. By itself it looked nice, but when it was placed in the right spot, it would look magnificent. Our color brightly shines, but if we limit ourselves we may never see the purpose of the grand design.

No! Sam knew his place and he would still shine brightly. But still…what if that was not his right place…

Sam was still up when his father came around. He had been trying to sleep. Really, he did, but he was just too excited. Mister Dori told Sam that Ori would be able to go outside very soon. He might even be able to sit in the garden tomorrow for a little while. Sam and Frodo had been thinking of all different kinds of games they could play with Ori and things to show him around Bag End. Sam liked Ori. He was a quiet and calm dwarf.

Hearing foot steps, he looked over to the door way to see his father. Sam had learned early on, the ritual of the night. His father would come around after he thought all the children were asleep and make sure they were safe. But this time Sam was awake.

Hamfast didn't know how to proceed when he saw his youngest son awake. He had been hoping the lad would be fast asleep and could hold off on any talk him might have. But looking at his son in his hand-me-down sleepwear, sleeping in a bed that might be better off as firewood, he made up his mind. "Samwise." He said as he gently took a seat at the edge of his bed feeling the well worn sheets under his callused hands. "If you could be anything, what would you be?"

What sort of question was that? His wide eyes looked at his father in confusion. "I might like being an elf. They are very tall."

The innocence of youth. Hamfast thought. "What I mean is, when you grow up? What do you want to be if you could be anything? If you didn't want to work at Bag End?"

His wide eyes now held terror that he didn't know he could posses. Not work at Bag End? That would mean he couldn't see Mister Frodo everyday! "Why can't I work at Bag End? I want to work there. Please say I can, please!"

Small tremors seemed to take over the boy's body as his father wrapped his arms around him in an attempt to quell the fear. "I didn't say you couldn't work there! I asked if you could do anything else, what would you do? That don't mean you can't work in that garden when you come of age, but if you could do you think you would be something else, like…I don't know…mayor?"

"I just want to work near Mister Frodo, Da. That's all."

"And that's fine, but I just wanted you to know, if you wanted anything else…I am alright with that." Hamfast held his son, trying to rock him to sleep like he hadn't since he was a wee thing.

It looked unimpressive from the outside. Only a pile of dirt with a few holes that used to be windows and a larger one that might have been a door. At least that was Dwalin's impression of the abandoned smial. He wasn't too far off on his thinking either. "This is where we will live?"

Gloin took one look and wondered if they might not be better off living in the woods inside of being buried under dirt. "Oh, come on Dwalin, with a little fixing up it could be a real piece of crap."

But Bilbo would have none of that. He knew that with a little love and care a house could become a home. Smials, while they might seem strange to outsiders, were wonderful dwellings. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Right outside your smial, one could plant a lovely garden that could bring them joy through out the seasons, if it was cared for. "It might not seem like home now, but it can. You just need to give it some time. Here, why don't we go in to see what it looks like?"

Bilbo tried to open the door only to find it stuck. He knew it wasn't locked, so what was the problem? Giving a little nervous laugh, he tried again pushing a little harder. But still it would not budge. Oh please, don't make me look like a fool in front of Thorin. Bilbo knew if he looked back, he would see a bunch of dwarves, more specifically Thorin, looking at him as if he was some kind of idiot who couldn't open a door.

"Need a hand?"

The group turned around to the one dwarf they were not expecting. Dwalin had to suppress a growl as he laid eyes on Nori. Though the thief had not caused trouble yet, Dwalin was still very cautious about his presence in the shire. If there was one dwarf who could fuck everything up for everyone, it was Nori. "What are y' doing here?"

Nori shoved his hands in his pockets. He should have known there would be some push back from Dwalin, not that he could blame him. But he was trying to turn over a new leaf and part of that was to help out his king and his people. In this case, it meant fixing these hobbit holes. All of them. "Look, do you want my help getting into this place or not? We all know I can do it in less time than it would take for you to break down the door."

Before Dwalin could answer, Bilbo spoke up. "If you wouldn't mind. I'm sure the door is unlocked. Perhaps you could see what the problem is." The hobbit knew of Nori's sorted past but still he trusted him. Dori had promised Bilbo, his younger brother would be no trouble and to date, it was true. So why not use his skills to help?

Giving Bilbo a sly wink, he disappeared before he had the chance to hear Thorin growl at his cheek.

A few minutes later, from the other side of the door, they could hear rustling and what sounded like something heavy being pushed around inside. By this point, Dori and Bofur had joined the group. Dori started to lose it when he heard where Nori was. After a quick bit of reassurance from Bilbo on Nori's actions, he seemed to calm down. It only took about five minutes for the door to swing open with a heavily panting Nori standing in the door way. "There-was-a-beam-in-the-way."

Looking behind Nori, they could see a huge beam that had fallen in the path of the door. The door had not been locked but blocked. Secretly, Thorin wondered if the hobbit hole was even safe to live in. Had that been a support beam or a beam of less importance? Would they be able to find someone to help them repair the dilapidated homes? To date, no one had volunteered their assistance, save Bilbo. What if they could not be repaired? What would happen to his people then?

"No use standing around. Let's look at the damage." Gloin pushed his way through his family. It really was a mess. Fragmented glass from the windows littered the floor along with organic debris that had come from the broken barriers to the outside world. Some dirt had formed a small pile on the floor right under where a crack in the ceiling was. As dismal as it looked, Gloin noticed that most of the wood was in good shape. Very little was rotten and what was could easily be repaired…He thought.

Further exploration of the smial revealed a master bedroom, two smaller bedrooms, a small kitchen, bathroom, a living room, another room that could be converted into almost anything and a cellar. Gloin could see his family, along with his older brother, living there. The empty room he could use as a hospital. But that brought up another question. "Thorin, how are we going to decide who lives where?" He asked.

Thorin hadn't really thought about that. He had been more worried about getting the places ready and not so much where they would live. While ideally each family could have their own smial, he did not think that would be possible. "There are more families than there are smials. We will have to live with our kin if everyone is to have a roof over their heads."

"We are used to being close with our families, right Dori? I only request that we get a large smial. Bombur has many children after all and I don't want them to all smother Bifur." Bofur winked.

"We shall see what we can do."

It took much longer than they had anticipated to assess the damage to the smial. A bit of work would be needed to fix it but nothing a skilled worker couldn't handle. Now all they needed was a skilled worker…but it seemed that many of the hobbits had become wary of their soon-to-be dwarf neighbors. Over the past few days, they had been receiving some puzzling looks around town. The adults would look at them as if they were trying to determine something. What that something was, even Bilbo was not sure.

"Why don't we look at the other ones? Perhaps they will be less damaged and we could move a family into sooner." Dori suggested. However, every door they opened, lead to a ruined foyer and mountain of problems. Most, if not all, of the smials required some structural reconstruction. Since the dwarves were unaccustomed to how the smials were designed, they were hesitant to start work less they cause more damage.

"Well…at least we figured out where each family will live." Bofur tried to stay positive. They had gone through every abandoned smial and each family could be designated to one. Bofur got his wish and a large smial was found that would be prefect for his large family. Dori and his brothers found a much smaller one that had only three small bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. Dori had secretly wished for another room to turn it into a study for Ori but beggars can't be chooser. Gloin would live with his family and older brother. Thorin wasn't sure he would be able to handle all the hot tempers that would be living under his roof. In addition to his nephews, Balin and Dwalin would live there. Mahal help him…

Dori sat outside of his future home. He had noticed many of the hobbits seemed to have such charming gardens and he could not help but be envious of them. Perhaps he could try his hand at it. Getting on his hands and knees, he began to weed through the over grown, grassy area around his smial. In his mind, he pictured beautiful flowers on one side of the hill where Ori could enjoy the outside while reading on fair weather days. On the other side, he would plant a garden to help feed his family. Nori had promised he would help in whatever legal way he could, so in Dori's mind that meant Nori could tend to the garden part of the time.

He had been so focused on the future and what joys this smial could bring once it was repaired that he didn't even notice another set of hands working to help him clear the garden. It was until the owner of those hands cleared his throat that Dori realized he was not alone. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Hamfast helping him weed. "Master Gamgee, to what do I own this pleasure?" Dori was still a little bristled from their last encounter but at least he was able to keep a civil tone.

Hamfast remained silent as he continued to weed. He always did his best thinking when his hands were at work he found. It freed him from the rest of the world and gave him the ability to let him mind wonder. Perhaps that was why he loved his job so much. "I…I wish to apologize for the other day, Master Dori. You were right."

"I was right about what?"

He was never good at apologizing. The softer and gentler things he had always left to Bell. But now he had to learn or the world would pass him by. "About Sam. About what I want for him. You see, here in the shire we don't have many dreamers. People are born in a certain station and they will die there. That is the way it has always been since I can remember. Very few would try to change that or even think twice."

Dori could empathize with that. "Before that mountain fell, it was the same but after the dragon; we started to see what a person was worth not by their station but by their merits and deeds."

"One of the only hobbits that would even think someone could rise above their station would be Mister Bilbo. Ever since I can remember he was a dreamer. I think that is what I like about him." For the first time, Hamfast smiled.

The dwarf returned the smile. "I thank you for your apology and it is accepted with pleasure. But you did not have to come out here to help me weed."

"I didn't come out here to help you weed." He smiled "I came out here to help you repair your new home."

If Dori had caught Ori or Nori with the kind of expression he was now wearing, he would have reminded them to close their mouths otherwise a bug might fly in. An apology was one thing, but the offer of help was heaven sent! "You-you are really going to help us." He wanted to grab the hobbit and shake him to insure that he was telling the truth. But he could tell it was the truth.

"Well…It's not just me." Out of the corner of Dori's eye he could see Nori talking with another hobbit as he made rapid gestures to explain the damage to the smial. The hobbit only nodded and walked in the door way. "After talking with others around the shire, they have also volunteered to rebuild. After all, you lot don't seem too bad." He winked.

This was too boring for Nori's taste. Too simple. Too clean. There seemed to be little drama in the shire. Everyone seemed to have their place and like it. Or at least they pretended to. Social class was nothing new to the Ri brothers. It was common knowledge, at least among the dwarves, that they were at the bottom of the food chain. That you couldn't get any lower than they were. But that never stopped Dori from dreaming that Ori would do better than they did. Nori, for his part, supported his older brother and wanted Ori to be free from the shamble of a life that fate had dealt them.

For some, climbing the social ladder meant marriage. For others, it meant money or fame. For Dori, it was knowledge. He always told Nori that Ori should have a roof over his head, food in his stomach, clothes on his back and a book in front of him. Knowledge, especially literacy and writing, would be the kid's ticket out.

So far, no one tried to stop him. Before the mountain fell, it might have been laughed at. Not to say it would be impossible but he might not get as far as Dori would like to see. People can be cruel and so stuck in their ways that if someone steps out of line, they would be pushed back. In Ori's case, it would be to the gutter.

No one had made a move to quell the fire in Ori's belly for learning. If anything, much to Nori's shock, it was unchallenged by the other dwarves, Balin had even taken to tutoring Ori when the princes' had their lessons. At first, Nori didn't want Ori or Dori anywhere near Balin. He had learned early on that there was always some sort of catch and given his older brother's looks, he wanted to warn the older dwarf that if his hands, or any other part of him, went anywhere they shouldn't, said part would be missing. Nori's fears were put to rest with a message from Bofur stating that Balin felt they needed more educated dwarves and a good mind was terrible thing to waste. Of course, he added that Balin wanted nothing in return for his services either.

Nori yawned. It wasn't late but the work on the smials was taking a toll on him making him wish for a hot bath and a warm bed. Looking across the hills, he spotted the youngest Gamgee lad, the one who started a friendship with Ori. With him was another young hobbit lad, one he had never seen before. A plump face and rounded body was common in hobbits but normally not at such a young age or so large. He must have plenty of food on the table. Thought Nori. His clothes also boosted wealth as well. Finely tailored clothes, obviously never worn by anyone other than said hobbit, fit like a glove over his bulbous body.

But it wasn't the clothes or the size of the young hobbit that caught Nori's attention. It was Gamgee lad's expression. Humbled and almost sad. His face fell more as the other was talking. Laughing at something. He was too far away to hear what was being said, but he could tell this was no friend. He didn't want to admit it but when the lad started to cry, he wanted to kick the fat kid across the shire. The Gamgee lad, Sam, if he remembered correctly, was a great kid. Always seemed to smile and wanted to help Ori in the early days of his recovery. "What kind of ass would do that?" He muttered.

"Lotho." Looking down, he noticed another young hobbit. There were just so many of them around but this one looked familiar. Another hobbit of high standing, but one he had seen play with Sam and Ori. It wasn't the one that lived at Bag End. No, this one had blonde hair.

"Lotho?"

"Yeah, Lotho Pimple."

As an expert on names and name calling, Nori knew they normally fit the person or teased them in some way. "He doesn't have any pimples, kid."

"Not yet! But he will and if not we are going to ask Gandalf to curse him so he does."

"I don't think that's how that works." Either way, from the last sentences, Lotho Pimple, he was going to call the fat kid that in hopes he gets really bad acne, didn't have many fans. "So, what's his deal?"

"He's terrible! He always teases Sam until he cries or he will make him do chores and not pay him. Sam won't say no either. He thinks he would be "going above his station"."

"But I thought Sam worked with his dad at Bag End?"

"Yes, but Lotho Pimple is Bilbo's cousin along with the rest of Sackville-Baggins. They really aren't nice hobbits. They don't think Sam or his family should go 'above their station'." The blonde snorted as he plopped down next to Nori. "I hear that a lot about stations but it shouldn't matter. I know it makes Frodo really sad."

As if on cue, Frodo stormed over the hill towards Lotho Pimple and Sam. His hands waving with his beet red face as he took one look at Sam and how upset his friend was. Just as quickly as Frodo came, he grabbed Sam's hand, gently, Nori noted, and scampered back towards Bag End. Leaving Lotho Pimple smirking.

Mahal! Did he want to wipe that smirk off the kid's face. A thought came to mind and he quickly dismissed it. He had to stay out of trouble. "By the way kid-"

"Merry."

"Ok, Merry, what does Lotho Pimple normally tease Sam about?"

Merry liked his dwarf! It hadn't even been 10 minutes and already he was calling Lotho, Lotho Pimple. "Well…I know that Sam like-likes Frodo. I mean he really, really like-likes him! Like he would follow him to Mordor type of like-like." Nori grinned at that. Like-like. "But Lotho Pimple tells Sam that Frodo will never like-like him back. That "no one in their right mind would like-like a son of a mud grubber, especially someone of like Frodo."

"Does Frodo like-like Sam?" Oh Mahal! He would never hear the end of that if Bofur heard him say that!

"Yes, he does! He tries to be where Sam will be so he will run in to him and they are always holding hands."

"Has Frodo told Sam this?"

"No…"

He might not be able to get vengeance on Lotho, but karma could be a bitch. "Merry, let me tell you about a game."

Freedom! That was what this had to be. To walk the streets of a town without an older brother shadowing your every move. To make little pit stops along the way and explore with friends who like you just the way you are. Perhaps that was why Nori left as often as he did. Mused Ori. His sentence had been lifted and was able to explore the town freely. Bilbo had reassured Dori, Ori would be safe exploring the town with Frodo and Sam. The pair had gone to market plenty of times in the past by themselves and nothing ever happened.

"So, how are you liking your first trip into town?" asked Frodo as he walked hand in hand with Sam.

"It's very peaceful. There doesn't seem to be many bad things happening." Ori noticed there were no guards around like he had seen in the towns of Men.

"Most hobbits don't like trouble." Sam commented as he looked around at the surrounding stores. Their little trip into the center of town had not been on a lark but more of a mission from Mister Bilbo. He was in need of some ink so the trio had offered to undertake this quest for it if only to leave Bag End for a while. "You like to write don't you, Mister Ori?"

"You know I do, Sam!" He chuckled. Over the past few days, Ori had taken to writing little bits and pieces, nothing he wanted to share but he was never without his book. A few times he had shown Sam and Frodo his drawing. In his mind, they still lacked a certain quality that the greats had but his friends were in love with them. Merry and Pippin had asked Ori to draw them numerous times already. It was a shame that they could not be there today. Merry was off at home studying while Pippin caught sick.

"Then you will love this little shop!" Frodo all but pulled Ori into the well worn door.

Ori's eyes grew wide as they surveyed the surroundings. The aged wooden shelves were lined with crystal clear bottles of all shapes and sizes. The contents, for the most part, were dark liquids of all different hues ranging from ebony to gold. He knew what was in them. He had a very small one back home. The shelves were full of ink bottles. "Told you, you would like it." Smiled Frodo. It took all of Ori's will power to not reach out a hand to just caress the bottles lovingly. His bottle was empty at home and he sorely missed the ability to freely express himself. Perhaps he could ask Mister Bilbo for some? No. Mister Bilbo had been generous enough to give him some but he did not want to keep taking from the kindly hobbit.

The dwarfling was so busy looking around that he did not see the elderly shop keeper approach him. A smooth hand gently rested on his shoulder causing him to leap out of his skin. "I did not mean to scare you. Your friends were telling me how much you love to draw and write. They even showed me some of your work." The shop keeper took out a sketch of a flower he had done a few days ago. It had been his first trip out of the smial. The flowers had just started to bloom. He was pretty sure the rose he saw would be the most beautiful he would ever see in his life. But he never thought anyone other than his friends would appreciate his drawings. "You have talent. I don't want to see that fade. Here, for you." The shop keeper put a small bottle of onyx ink in the little one's hand. "Use it in good health." He smiled.

Ori smiled as he watched the ebony liquid swirl around in the transparent glass container. The rays of sun refracted through the glass and parts of the ink causing an odd little rainbow on the ground. Never in the towns of Men had he been given anything other than a dirty look. But here, in his new home, people were kind and generous. Things were looking up.

An arm shoved him out of the path of another hobbit child, forcing Ori to drop the bottle with its precious contents. The glass shattered as the ink looked more like dark blood splatter than true ink. Looking over at the other child, one who he had never seen, he expecting some kind of apology. That it was an accident, but all he received was a sneer. "Really Brandybuck, you should pick friends who have a better grip."

Frodo could only clench his fists in rage. He wanted to lash out. He wanted to punch his fat face. But Frodo knew he could not do that. It would cause more troubles for his uncle and the new comers.

Off at stand down the road, Dwalin couldn't help but notice what had happened.

"Don't worry, Ori. I'm sure you could get some more." Sam could empathize. But there was nothing he could do. He had no money to replace what was broken. All he could offer was a shoulder to cry on.

Frodo, having lost interest in his cousin, began to rub Ori's back. He could hear a sob forming in the other's voice as he tried to calm himself down. It just wasn't fair to his new friend. Had Merry been there he would have punched Lotho. He was so focused on Ori; he had not seen the shopkeeper approach. "This is for you, lad." As he handed yet another bottle over to the child.

As much as Ori wanted the ink, he knew he couldn't take it. It was bad enough that he had taken the first one, but take another would be too much. "No thank you, sir." He whispered.

"But it's been bought and paid for." Out of the corner of Ori's eye, he could see Dwalin trying to escape from the shop's door.

Oh…

The smell of savory chicken wafted through the heated kitchen at Bag End as Bilbo prepared lunch for the children and himself. Even though the little ones had a home to go to, they still preferred to spend their days there with Frodo and Sam. Bilbo didn't mind one bit. It was nice to see Frodo spending time with other children. He usually spent his time alone or if he was able to, with Sam. But now the pair would meet the other children to play whatever game they could come up with or explore the shire. He had to remind them on several occasions to not go too far into the woods.

What made it better was Balin usually accompanied them. The old dwarf was kind and very knowledgeable about the world. It was always a pleasure to talk to him about their travels and what he had seen. They would even swap stories that they had heard along their journeys. Balin with in the town of Men, Bilbo with the Elves.

Looking down at the chicken, he was thrilled to realize he had enough for what he really wanted to do. Thorin was such a hard worker. He would leave for the forge early in the morning and would not return until supper time. From what Balin said, Thorin rarely took breaks at work and would not bring any food with him. Despite all of Balin's cajoling, the stubborn dwarf refused to eat like a normal person. Well, for a normal non-hobbit person. Bilbo hoped to change that in a few minutes.

It was scorching and sticky inside the forge as the smell of heated metal reached all who worked there. The sound of clanging metal against metal, trying to form and model it into desired shapes rang thought their ears along with the hiss of water when the metal reached its final end. A cool drink of water would be divine but none dared to break. None wanted to show weakness in front of Thorin. The dwarf king had been talking again. About this foolish plan of his, taking back the Lonely Mountain. It was little more than a dream now, but still it seemed to fuel the fire in Thorin's belly all the more. If that was what Thorin needed to get from day to day, so be it.

Under normal circumstances, a soft, gentle sound would be drowned out by the thunderous noise in the forge, but it wasn't. This sound seemed to reach everyone's ears. A gentle knocking on wood.

"Excuse me, Master Thorin." Bilbo said as he fidgeted with the box in his hands. "I thought that you might care for some lunch. We had plenty of extra." He jutted out his hands giving Thorin no choice but to accept the box.

From across the forge, Dwalin could see trouble in Thorin's eyes. To be more precise, it would be the skin around his eyes as they were twitching like crazy. He hoped that his cousin wouldn't do anything stupid. To his relief and slight annoyance, he only said thank you before taking the box and throwing it into the corner.

Thorin had seemed thankful, well he did say thank you, when he brought the lunch but something was off. Perhaps it was the way he said things or the look in his eyes. It was like he had insulted the dwarf. He had to know what was going on. Quickly, he ran to find the one dwarf who seemed to know everything.

"Mister Balin, a moment of your time, please." Bilbo panted as he leaned on the bench where the old dwarf sat. It had been very fair day and Balin did not wish to be cooped up inside the smial he shared with his family. He had been hoping for a leisurely afternoon since the little ones were out playing somewhere.

"Easy, there laddie. Where is the fire?" He chuckled as Bilbo all but fell down next to him. Bilbo was a good lad. Kind and patient but right under the surface was all fire.

"I am sorry to disturb you. But I was hoping you could help me understand something."

Balin pulled out his pipe. He knew this was coming. It had been coming very since the day they arrived. "You want to know about Thorin, don't you?"

"Yes. I think I might have insulted him."

"Oh and what makes you think that?"

Bilbo felt rather foolish at this point; perhaps he was making a mountain out of a mole hill. "I visited the forge and I brought him lunch. But something seemed off. He wasn't rude, but…it was something."

Balin felt like he would be spending the rest of the day at the Green Dragon when this was over. The memories were still fresh and the wounds still raw. "You didn't insult him, lad. Thorin just doesn't know how to react. While to you it might be a sign of friendship, he might have thought it was charity. You see, Bilbo, before the mountain fell, Thorin was very, very well off. His whole future was planned and he wanted for nothing. But all that changed when the dragon came."

The hobbit wanted to ask more about before the mountain fell, but the far of look in Balin's eyes silenced him. The old dwarf was hurting far more than he let on. "We might have been fine. But…when it rains, it pours. There was the battle of Azanulbizar. It was terrible. Like nothing I have ever seen and I have seen my fair share of battles. There isn't a soul in our group who was not effect by it. Bifur, Bofur's older cousin, still has the axe in his head…Thorin lost many things that day. His grandfather, father and worst yet, Frerin." Balin needed to catch his breath. In his ears, he could hear the clashing of weapons, the screaming of dwarves and orcs alike and cries of the dying. He wouldn't tell anyone, not even Dwalin that there were nights he would wake up in a cold sweat from flashbacks.

He felt a warm hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to tell me the rest."

"That is where you are wrong. I must continue, for them." He took a moment to steady his voice and keep his story straight. Can't let them know who Thorin really is. "Frerin, was Thorin younger brother. He was the middle child and was always getting into things as a young lad. Those two were inseparable, until that day. That day we lost our king. The white orc cut off his head. It was then that Thorin flow into a rage and with a part of an oak tree as a shield killed the white orc."

"Oakensheild" Bilbo thought. Now the surname made sense.

"When the dust settled, we were unable to find the king's heir. Our people began to follow Thorin. Even though he works as a blacksmith, he is still very prideful and sensitive. But lad, know this, as prideful as he can be, he is still a good dwarf."

"You don't have to tell me that, Balin. I already know." It was then that he knew how to make things right or at least bit better.

Thorin stared at the lunch box Bilbo had brought. His stomach rumbled at the thought of food. It felt he hadn't eaten all day, which was the truth. He didn't have time to eat this morning and while hobbits ate every few hours, he was used to not eating for days. He would not touch the food. He didn't need Bilbo's pity.

A faint rapping at the entrance to forge caught his attention. Turning around he saw Bilbo standing there with another lunch box. If he is bringing me more food, I will kill him. "What?"

"I was wondering if you had lunch yet?" He asked eyeing the lunch box he had given Thorin. Thorin didn't replay. "So that means 'no'. Good! That means we can have lunch together." Without waiting for a response, Bilbo grabbed the other lunch box and Thorin's hand trying to led him away from the forge.

"What do you think you are doing, hobbit?" Thorin growled.

"You need a break. Working every second of the day is not good for you and besides you need to keep up your strength which means eating. So I am forcing you to have lunch with me. Otherwise, I will be having lunch by myself since Frodo is staying with Merry today." Bilbo pouted sticking his lower lip out.

He wanted to laugh at the sight in front of him but there was no way in hell that he was going to concede. This had now become a battle of wills and he had lost too many battles to lose this one! "I still have work that needs to be done! I shall eat later."

"No, y' won't." Neither Bilbo nor Thorin had noticed Dwalin standing in the shadows watching them. It was too funny watching this little creature try to tame his cousin. "Thorin, take a break. The work won't be goin anywhere and besides y' are always in a better mood after y've eaten." He winked at Bilbo secretly giving him his blessing.

Traitor! Thought Thorin as he was pulled from the forge as Dwalin waved bye.

"This is not necessary. I am an adult. I can take care of myself." He barked.

"Yes, that is true, but did you ever think that I might like some adult company? I don't get out much and eating lunch with you is forcing me to do so." Bilbo let go of the other's hands knowing his pride would not allow him to run. Carefully, he pulled out the simple meal of chicken and spring vegetables he had made for the both of them before sitting down.

Thorin eyed Bilbo for a moment. What was the hobbit up to? It wasn't as if he had anything to gain from this. He had no money to give, no standing that Bilbo could have known of. So, why?

"I already told you why." Bilbo looked up angrily. While Thorin had not spoken, he was more than capable of understanding 'looks'. "I told you what I was about the day we meet and that has not changed. I would have thought after all I've done, you would have realized this by now."

For the first time today, Thorin felt that it was he who had snubbed the other. Bilbo had been nothing but kind. For some reason though, it bothered him more than he could say. It might be better just to keep the hobbit at arms length. Perhaps he can find someone more suited to him…Still he conceded and sat down to share the meal.

They remained silent for a while, neither knowing what to say. Before he had started to work at the forge, conversation had flown easily between the two of them. Now they were at a lose for words. Bilbo would be damned if he was going to let Thorin's mood ruin their developing friendship. "Thank you for coming out with me."

"You didn't give me much choice." Thorin grunted. Eating a little did improve his mood a bit but still he knew there was more to his actions than hunger.

"Thank you anyway. I've been alone for so long that I thought it might be nice to share a meal with a friend."

Alone…That was a concept Thorin was all too familiar with. He might have been surrounded by dwarves his entire life but there were times even in a crowd that felt like he was trapped in a dark room. "But what about the other hobbits?" He had heard that Bilbo was "mad" but surly he still had friends or at least kin that would keep him company.

"Haven't you heard? They call me "Mad Baggins". Thorin, before my cousins passed and left Frodo in my care, I was all alone. I had no one. My parents had passed many years before and I sort of locked myself up in my home. I didn't –and for the most part still don't, trust others. Hobbits like to gossip, especially some of the branches of my family. If they see you, they will say one thing but think another, they will try to trick you out of your home and everything you have."

This couldn't be right. He had heard gossip about Bilbo but for his kin to want him out of the way so they could acquire Bilbo's wealth. This couldn't be right.

"Mind you, it is only one branch, but they have poisoned the well, so to speak."

"What happened?" It wasn't fair of him to ask this of Bilbo. He had just treated him so shamefully that he would understand if Bilbo chose not to tell him. There would be no hard feelings. He was surprised to hear the other's voice. It started out as a whisper and gradually grew into a more stable voice.

"My parents died when I was young and since I had not come of age, many of my family members wanted me to leave Bag End. Some of them felt it was not good for a young hobbit to stay all by their lonesome. The Brandybucks and Tooks were highly concerned. They knew I would have the money to survive but were more worried about my mental health. They are not the ones I am talking about. There is a branch of my family, Sackville-Baggins, who have their noses so high up that the tip gets frost bite. They tried to have me evicted from Bag End the day of my parents' funerals."

"WHAT?" What sort of person would do that? Thorin might not be familiar with all of the hobbit ways, but he was sure throwing someone out on the day of their parents' funeral was taboo.

"Welcome to the mind set of Otho and Lobelia. They suck. I think that might have been the only time Hamfast nearly stepped over his station. Others had to keep him away from Otho before his fist met Otho's face! I would have paid to see that."

Hamfast Gamgee just earned more respect from the king than he had previously. When Bilbo said that Hamfast was a good hobbit, he meant a really good hobbit. Loyal and honorable. Wonder if he ever thought about becoming a warrior…

"So, I refused to leave. There were stretches of time I was afraid to leave my house for fear I would come back and locks had been changed. Something similar had happened. Went to the market and came back to find a small, and I do mean small, bag of my possessions sitting on the front porch. They tried to tell me that I no longer lived there. Hamfast had ran to get the sheriff when he saw what was happening. After that, I didn't leave the house until I came of age and no one could force me out."

"You had a dragon is sheep's clothes." Muttered Thorin. "We lost our home to a dragon, another to orcs, but never did family try to take it from use."

"Your villains came from the outside, mine from the inside. It's not that I don't trust people anymore, but most give me a strange look. Like they like I am damaged. Honestly, if it wasn't for my family's wealth, I'm not sure who would bother with me."

"I would. Bilbo, you are a very kind soul and I don't think you are damaged. Hurt? Yes. Damaged? No. It shows in how you did not lose your faith in this world. We were strangers here and you welcomed us with open arms. We had nothing to give in return but that did not matter. You were a friend to the friendless and that shows your fire." Everything seemed to fall into place at that moment. The feeling he had the first day he met Bilbo. So, these were his demons, the troubles from the past that still haunted him in the present. The hobbit had been wronged by his family and shunned by his people. Thorin would make sure he was treated with the respect he so rightfully deserved by the dwarves at least.

"Is the only reason you stay in the shire because of Bag End?" It seemed odd to him that the other would not try to leave a hostile place.

"I don't think I could every really leave. I have done some traveling, my mother did the same in her youth and I sort of followed in her footsteps. But that is a story for another time. But if I had left in my youth, Bag End might have gone to Otho and Lobelia like it would have before my birth. And they would not be kind to those who lived on the land."

"The Gamgees?" He stayed in order to protect them. Given what he knew about the Sackville-Baggins, they would have evicted them as soon as look at them. Greed really was a monster. "But now you stay because of Frodo."

"It wouldn't be fair to him."

"So you stay."

"So I stay." Bilbo smiled faintly. "But I must look on the bright side. If I had left, I wouldn't have met you and for that I am glad."

He didn't know what to say. What could he say? As royalty, many people were "glad" to meet him. But as a blacksmith, who would glad? "I…"

"You didn't finish your lunch!" He joked pointing in a mockingly stern way. But Thorin knew why he said that, it was to save him face.

Taking a bit of his chicken, he made an important decision. "Perhaps we could eat lunch together another time?"

"I would like that."

Thorin returned to the forge much later than he had intended but he had such a wonderful time. For the first time in his life, he was not Thorin the King Under the Mountain. He was just, Thorin the blacksmith. He was enthusiastic for someone to see him for more than his crown.

"Y' took yer sweet time!" laughed Dwalin as he entered the forge looking quite relaxed for once.

"Enough from you." He didn't have it in him to even pretend to be cross with Dwalin for his treasonous act earlier.

"I knew getting some food in y' was what y' needed. Or was it something else?" He winked.

"So, how long has Ori been sleeping there?" Changing the subject and pointing to the corner that Ori currently occupied.

The lad looked really adorable. He was dressed completely in knits with a book in his lap and quill slack in his hand. His red hair splintering off it all directions as he leaned back against the wall, trying to make himself as small as possible. Mouth opened slightly as a trickle of drool ran down the side of his face. Truth be told, he had been there all day, doodling or writing or whatever he did in that book. Dwalin didn't have the heart to tell him to go somewhere else. His brothers were off looking for jobs and not having much luck. So how could he tell the kid to buzz off?

"Not sure."

The words "Let's play a game!" should never install such fear in a child, but when the words come from Merry's mouth, it could only mean trouble. Their motley group at the moment consisted of Pippin, Merry, Kili, Fili, Frodo, Sam and Ori. Once again, Gimli opted out of their little gathering. It had taken them a while to track down Ori. He had fallen sleep at the forge of all places. Ori felt a rock form in the pit of his stomach. Merry seemed just like Fili. Knowing Fili like he did, this could either be great fun or make him want to run for the hills.

"What kind of game?" Frodo eyed Merry suspiciously. He knew some of his older cousins played "truth or dare" and he didn't want anyone, chiefly Sam, caught up in something that could be dangerous or embarrassing.

"Well, it's not really so much of a game as a grown up talk." He beamed to his audience as he gave Fili a knowing wink.

Fili took over without missing a beat. "Who does everyone "like-like"?"

"Like-like?" Asked Ori. What sort of game is that? He had never heard of it and Bofur always would show him new games that his nieces and nephews would play.

Merry took over again in the explanation. "Well, we are all old enough to know who we are going to marry. If you like-like someone, that means you want to marry them someday!"

Kili and Pippin started to giggle with excitement while the other three turned redder than the roses growing at Bag End. Each had an idea of who they like-liked but none volunteered an answer.

"Ok! I'm going first." Screamed Pip nearly pushing over Kili. "I like-like Merry!"

"Yep and I like-like you! Where do you want to live, Pip?" They both had like-liked each other for a long time and had already started to think about where to live. Merry wasn't sure that he wanted to stay in either the Great Smials or Buckland. Maybe they could move to Hobbiton and get a smial with Frodo! They could have a grand time!

"Not sure…But I think we have about 3 years to figure it out."

"My turn. My turn!" Kili was only too eager to say what everyone already knew. "I like-like Fili and when we grow up, we are going to be the best kin-" Fili's hand stopped the rest of words from escaping his big mouth little brother's lips. His friends didn't need to know that they were going to be king and queen. Well…king and prince consort.

Frodo eyed his two newest friends with a sneaking suspicion. During Ori's stay at Bag End, both Frodo and Bilbo knew there was something all of dwarves were hiding. Something big and from the looks of it, Kili nearly let the cat out of the bag. He trusted his friends; he just wished they would trust him.

"Ok, I like-like you too, Kili." Fili said it loud enough for everyone to hear before whispering something in the other's ear. Whatever it was, Kili must have agreed since he nodded his head.

"So…" With an evil twinkle in his eye, Merry turned to the silent members of their little party. Maybe, just maybe, he could get Frodo and Sam to admit they like-like each other! "Your turn, cousin!" Pointing at Frodo.

Stay calm… he told himself. It would do no one any good to fly off the handle and kill his younger cousin. Frodo didn't want to back down, but there was no way he could say the words he wanted. It was too embarrassing and what if Sam didn't like-like him too? He knew Sam's father was always telling him to "mind his place" and stuff, so did that mean he wouldn't like-like him? "I-I-think I might like-like someone, but I'm not sure if he like-likes me."

Frodo had never been one for stuttering. Even at a young age, he seemed to have a way with words. Must be from living with Mister Bilbo. Thought Sam. So if Mister Frodo was stuttering, it must be big! Chewing on his lip, he hoped against hope, that it was him.

"So…Who is it?" Pip leaned closer to Frodo as if that would give him a better chance to hear what his cousin had to say.

A moment of silence passed before the fair hobbit opened his mouth. "I'm not telling."

"WHAT?" A stereo scream came from Fili and Kili. "But you have to. It's part of the game."

"Really? I thought it wasn't a game but more of a grown-up talk?" He couldn't help but grin at how he turned their own words around on them. Bilbo would be proud.

Merry slated over across the circle. "But we want to know! You're not being fair!"

"And I DON'T want you to know." Merry locked with Frodo's cerulean eyes hoping to stare him down into submission. After a few minutes, he knew there was no changing his mind.

Shoot! Change of plans… "Sam! Who do you-"

"You don't have to say anything!" Frodo chimed in. Sam, being the gentle soul he was, might not have the strength to opt out and instead end up a glowing, babbling mess…again. Frodo knew his cousins meant no harm but still putting Sam on the spot half the time ended badly in some way, shape or form.

"FINE!" Fili crossed his arms. He had wanted to hear Sam's like-like confession just as much as Merry did. That was the whole reason they started his game, conversation…thing.

Kili noticed that Ori had been pretty quiet this entire time. Which was not that unusual but he had this far of look, like he was thinking about something. "What about you, Ori?"

That shock Ori out of his daze. "Me!?"

"Yes, you!"

The grass suddenly became very interesting to Ori. He wondered what made it green and how it got its food…

Feeling a gentle shove on his tiny shoulders, Ori looked up to see Thorin's heir smirking. "Nice try. So, spill!"

Fili had lost his sport in Sam and Frodo; he was not going to lose it in Ori as well.

"Well…" His small hands started to play with the blades of grass. "I don't think I like-like this person…but…I sort of…I don't know…" Ori wanted to bury his scarlet face in the emerald grass. Now, he knew why the others didn't play.

"Oh, come on Ori! We won't tell anyone! We promise, right?" Fili eyed everyone as they shock their head. If Ori was going to open up about something like this, they had to keep it a secret. Especially from his older brothers who would most likely KILL who ever this person was.

A sort of murmur escaped from Ori. Nothing they could really hear and certainly not a name they could identify. "Ok, come one! We promised."

Sucking up all his courage, he tried to form the name. "Dwalin."

"What?" A dead pan response from Kili.

Everyone was sure they had something in their ears. Kili ever pocked at his. Did he just say Dwalin? The big, scary dwarf who arrested his brother from time to time. The guy who most people would rather look at from a distance instead of close up just in case he was in a bad mood? That Dwalin?

"He's not a bad person." Ori defended. "He can be really nice. You know that. He is your cousin after all. He just…cautious." That was the best word to describe Dwalin emotionally, cautious. Doesn't let people in unless he really knows them.

"Well, this explains why you have been hanging around the forge so much!" Kili winked.

The sun shone on top of an emerald coated hill warming the soft blades of grass beneath Bifur's callused fingertips. He loved the mountains. They were his home, but he couldn't help but feel just as comfortable here as he did back there. Well…maybe that was not true. In the shire, no one could understand him. Literally. Since his brain injury, he had been unable to speak a word in common tongue. This did not mean he was unable to hear what people were saying about him. "Freak", "odd", "scary" were words that he often caught wind of. He didn't mind those but it was what the little ones were told that broke his heart. "Stay away from him. He could hurt you." Never in his life had he hurt a child. Never. As he rose Bofur and Bombur could not find it in himself to raise a hand to discipline them with force. But no one knew that. They only knew what they saw and he really couldn't blame them as much as he wanted to. They were only trying to protect their children. And they should be protected…

It was a rare day to himself. Bombur had the little ones with him, giving his older cousin some much needed rest. While it was nice to have a break, he felt like something was missing. He missed their laughter and energy. It was that which kept him alive. Even if it was total chaos.

"Hi!" A sense of Déjà vu came over Bifur as he once again found the same tiny lass he had days before. His Sun Jewel, Marigold.

*"Hi. How are you today?"* He asked giving her a smile. Bifur knew she couldn't understand him but he felt it would be rude to ignore her. Since she was being so friendly and all.

He watched as a small unabashed hand reached for the ax embedded in his skull. She didn't seem scared, only curious. Not wanting to frighten the little one, he held as still as a stone and let her explore the abnormality. Chances were she had never come across anyone with such an injury. He had been luck to survive the vicious attack. Most who received an axe to the head were not as fortunate.

A few minutes passed and she seemed to grow bored with the axe. From there, she moved to his wild beard. Her hands running through the tangles mess like teeth of a comb trying to make it neat like she had probably been shown in the past. "Hi!" the sunny voice chirped.

Unable to respond in a tongue she was accustom to, he responded in kind in Khuzdul. "Hi." This rudimentary conversation seemed to continue for quite some time. Marigold had gotten off of Bifur's lap to pick flowers only to return and try to put them into the single braid in his beard.

While he was not surrounded by many children, this one seemed to brighten his day. It wasn't until another hobbit lass, her older sister most likely came running after her. Seeing the crazed looking dwarf, she grabbed her sister and made to leave. It break his heart to see evidence the people did not trust him but what left Sun Jewel's mouth more than made up for it. "*hi!*"

Frodo wanted nothing more than to run down the road to meet their guest. But he knew that he wouldn't be there yet. Sighting, he sat down on the grassy knoll trying to be as patient as a little hobbit could be. He really wished he had brought a book. In the distance, he could hear the rumbling of an old rickety horse cart. Still he had to wait, with his luck; he would get run over by the cart. Finally seeing the cart come into sight, he jumped to his feet. "You're late!" Frodo frowns as he crosses his tiny arms over his thin chest. He had been waiting all day for him to arrive and it wasn't fair that it took him so long!

The horse cart came to a stop as the hobbit addressed the driver. A set of old gray eyes peered out from under the brim of an equally gray hat. "A wizard arrives exactly when he means to." A haggard voice called wearily from his journey yet refused to bow to this whelp.

The two stared at each other, both of their faces set in stone. But both knew they would not be able to keep it up for long. Soon a tiny chuckle came from Frodo as he was rapidly losing the staring contest, the other could only smile when the other started to break. He loved it when little ones, especially Frodo, laughed. Not a moment later a pint sized hobbit throw himself into the arms of the wizard crying "Gandalf!"

As the rickety cart carried the pair to Bag End, Gandalf thought about how much he loved coming to the shire. The people were friendly and always eager to see what new sort of tricks he would perform. This time it would be fireworks. He had created a new one that gave off the illusion of being a floating lantern when lit before turning into a huge fire flower which in turn would lose each petal and each petal would zoom around the night sky. He couldn't wait to see the children's faces when that one was lit he thought as he light his pipe.

It seemed that Frodo couldn't wait either as he was half in the back of the cart trying to look under the tarp. Pulling gently on the little one's clothes, he forced the trouble maker to sit still. He must be spending more time with Merry and Pippin if he is getting up to trouble…While Gandalf loved the little ones, those two were more than enough to give him a right headache that could last for days. "So tell me Frodo, what is new in the shire?" He had given Thorin his advice but he was unsure if he would follow it. But the words that left Frodo's mouth put him at ease.

"There are dwarves in the shire!" he exclaimed his face all alight with joy. "There are so many of them and they are really, really nice. Some of them are our friends!"

"Oh? And who would they be?" It wasn't really hard to guess the names of his new friends.

"Well…There is Fili and Kili, they are brothers. I really like them. They try to get in trouble with Merry and Pip." Gandalf had a sinking feeling about his fireworks as Frodo continued to talk… "Then there is Ori. He is really nice and smart. He even helps Sam with his reading and doesn't tease him."

The clanking of the cart almost masked the sound of Gandalf's throaty chuckle. "Sounds to me like you have some interesting new friends." He couldn't help but feel relieved that Ori had survived his ordeal. That little one was so sweet and down right adorable with his big eyes. "What about the grown ups?" As much as he was interested in the little ones, he wanted to about the adults, Thorin in particular.

"They are really nice, too. There is Bofur, he makes toys and gave Sam and me one! They were really neat. Can I show you when we get to Bag End?" Frodo watched the gray hat bob up and down in a nodding motion. It as obvious Frodo was so proud of his new toy. Frodo couldn't wait for Sam to show his off either. "Ori has two big brothers, Dori and Nori. Oh and Bofur has a younger brother, Bombur, but he looks like a big brother. They have a cousin who is really nice to Marigold but we don't understand a thing he says. Balin and Dwalin are brothers and I never thought two brothers could be so different. I mean, Dwalin hates books! Can you believe it! He hates book but Balin loves them." Gandalf suppressed a grin. If he was mentioning Balin and Dwalin's mixed matched mood and not Dori and Nori's that must mean the younger of the pair had cleaned up his act. "There is Oin, who is healer, and Gloin. He works at the forge with Dwalin and Thorin. He has a son but he doesn't like to play with us." By process of elimination, Gandalf suspected which dwarf would be next and it was the one he had been waiting to hear about. "Oh! I almost forgot! There is Thorin. He is Fili and Kili's uncle. He was very grumpy when he got here, but Uncle straightened him out."

A wisp of pipe smoke wet down the wrong pipe forcing the wizard to sputter and cough. "Straightened him out?"

"Yeah. Uncle Bilbo said Thorin was not allowed to be this grumpy so he forced him to be friends. Now they have lunch together almost everyday. Uncle Bilbo will go to the forge and they will have lunch."

"Really? Almost every day?"

"Yep and then he wasn't so grumpy. Uncle Bilbo says that it is really hard work being a blacksmith and they forget to eat. So, sometimes he is over for dinner."

It was moments like this that he wished he could just poof to the shire. Oh, how he couldn't wait to hear all the gossip!

His conversation with Bilbo had been very enlightening. It seemed that Bilbo had befriended the dwarves the moment they entered the shire and had even campaigned for them to stay. That was not out of the kind hobbit's nature but it was his relationship with Thorin that had Gandalf all a flutter. The "blacksmith" had been "acting" as the leader of the refugees since there was not official leader. Not a hard story for Thorin to remember. The rest was truth. He did lose his siblings and was now raising his sister's sons. Sons, it seemed who have become very friendly with the hobbit children including Frodo and Sam. This meant Thorin would be over more often and have more to discuss with Bilbo than he would under other circumstances. He had not completely foreseen this happing, not to say he had not been hoping. Bilbo was a wonderful hobbit who deserved to be treated with kindness and respect but also challenged. Many were able to be kind and respectful but no one would challenge him. A good row every now and then was good for the soul after all.

It seemed like everyone in town was getting ready for the party. Parties were fairly common in the shire. In fact, they would try to find reasons just to celebrate. The dwarves on the other hand, had never been that fortunate. Perhaps he could work a little magic at this party…But first he needed to get everyone there.

Gandalf was pleased to see no one other than Thorin was working the forge when he arrived. He needed to speak to the king in private and not just about Bilbo. "Good day, Master Thorin." He said.

Thorin whorled around to find the gray wanderer standing in the doorway. He hadn't expected to see him so soon. Was a little peace too much to ask? "Gandalf." He grunted as he turned back to his work. He began to strike the heated metal much harder than necessary in hopes the sound would drive away this new nuisance. But it seemed the gods were not on his side today.

"How have your nephews been? Well, I hope." The winkle in the old one's eyes told Thorin, he would not be leaving until a conversation was had.

Letting the hammer fall from his hand, he turned once again. "Yes, they are. What is it you want, Wizard?"

"Only to talk. I am pleased to see you took my advice. I had been concerned for you and your people." Thorin could tell from the look in the other's eyes this was not a farce. As much as Gandalf annoyed him, the wizard was always sincere.

"We are all doing well." Better than I thought. He added to himself.

"That is wonderful to hear."

The two of them stood in the forge neither moving or making a sound for a few minutes. Each having something important to share but neither on wishing to give in. "I spoke with Bilbo." That caught Thorin's attention. Why had he gone to speak with the hobbit? "He is doing much better from the last time I saw him. Granted that was right after his cousins' deaths. Frodo is well, too. Much more lively. I wonder if your nephews have anything to do with that?"

"Perhaps…They have become friends with some of the hobbit children." Outside he could hear his nephews playing. They had wanted to be close to their uncle for the day and while they were not permitted to play in the forge the surrounding area was free game. He closed his eyes for a moment wishing the wizard away. Every time he saw their sorry state, a warm pain filled his heart. They were princes, not vagabonds. They should not be covered in mud and dressed in rags. They deserved so much better than the life he was giving them. Perhaps he could convince Dain to take the two in…

"They love you." Gandalf's calm voice broke through the dense fog of his mind. "You might think you are giving them little but you are wrong. Right now, the lads are learning compassion and friendship. Traits that will serve them very well in the years to come. While you might wish they had more, they have what they need."

Scoffing at the notion, Thorin felt worse. It was his job to protect and provide for this family. At the moment, he felt like he had done neither.

"You wish for wealth, son of Thrain. But know this; a truly rich man is one whose children run into his arm when his hands are empty."

Wishing to retort the comment, Thorin turned to face the man only to find himself alone. Muttering under his breath, Thorin cursed the wizard. What did he know of poverty or strife? He only wanted to spare them from undue hardships.

"Uncle!" Kili chortled as he leaped for this uncle, catching him off guard. "Guess what we found?"

"You need to see it!" Fili grabbed Thorin's arm pulling him out of the forge causing a tiny smile to appear on Thorin's face.

It wasn't like he hated his family. No, he loved them but he just needed his space. Everyone had been so cramped together the last few years and now that they had finally settled down he didn't feel cramped but trapped. Trapped was a good word for it. Before he could walk a bit behind to escape or go off to the side, but now that they were in one place and not traveling, he lacked that freedom. To make matters worse, his father would scold him for doing exactly what he was doing now. Going into to the woods. It wasn't like he hadn't told anyone, but he wasn't sure that whispering to his uncle counted…Oh, well. Worse comes to worse blame it on Uncle Oin.

Gimli wasn't really a fan of the forest but at least it gave him solitude. It allowed him to think about his life and where it was going. What sort of dwarf didn't love in the mountains? He wondered would he ever be a proper dwarf. Come to think of it…What was a proper dwarf? Thinking about all the dwarfs he knew from his father to Thorin to Dori, they were all so different but they were still proper dwarves or at least no one said otherwise. So, what made a dwarf a dwarf? Was it the beard? No…if that was true then what about him? He didn't have a beard yet. This was harder than he thought. Maybe there were some kinds of rules that he didn't know.

He had been so lost in his thoughts that when he looked around he came to the horrifying realization. He was lost. Great. Just great.. First, he was depressed now he was pissed off. It looked like he couldn't win.

As he tried to find his way back he wondered if he had inherited his cousin's navigational skills. That would surly explain things. Gimli was thankful that he remembered to bring his knife. As he walked, he makes little marks on the trees just in case he passed that way again. After a few times passing the same marked trees, he finally went in another direction. So getting lost was easier than he thought…

Sighing, he looked around. Everything looked the same. Everything was green and brown. Not like the mountains that were speckled with gold and black or shapes that had taken centuries to form. He hated the forest from its high tree tops to the pile of straw to the left.

Straw? Why would there be straw just laying in the woods. Hobbits were silly little creatures but something was odd about the straw. Did it just move or was he going crazy? Maybe being by himself wasn't that good for him. No, it was defiantly moving.

Taking a chance, he crept closer to the straw. Upon closer examination, he noticed the straw was attached to a head. It wasn't straw but golden hair. The person was sleeping. What kind of weido would sleep right in the middle of the forest? Gimli's eyes rolled over the sleeping stranger. He, at least Gimli thought it was a he, had pointed ears. There were only two races with pointed ears hobbits and elves. Peeking at the feet he expected to see a set of large hairy feet but was shocked to see leather shoes. Hobbits never wore shoes, that's what his cousin said.

So…it was an elf. Never trust an elf! That was what his father had said. What was an elf doing near the shire? Maybe he was planning some kind of attack! He had to find out. Finding a long stick he picked it up and proceeded to pock the sleeping elf. The first few pocks did not but cause the annoying elf to roll over. Becoming frustrated he started to pock him harder and yelled, "Wake up damn it!"

This finally caused the elf to only open his eyes a little. "wha?" he slurred in a sleepy voice.

Gimli had seen it many times during practice. He knew what to do. Holding the stick like a sword in his fist, he pointed the tip to the stranger's throat. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.

The elf looked shocked for a split second before regaining his composer. "What are you doing here? I didn't know there were dwarves in the forest. Shouldn't you be in the mountain somewhere?"

"I live in the shire. Not the mountains!" Not living there still was a sore subject. "What about you? Why are you near the shire? What are you planning to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you planning on attacking? If you are I will kill you now!"

"I'm just a child! Why would I attack?"

Gimli had to stop and think for a moment. True, the stranger was an elf but he was also a child like him. It could be stupid to think this scrawny creature could posse a threat to his family. "Well as long as you stay away from the shire than fine!" He huffed as he folded his arms and turned his back.

"Fine!" The little elf did the same. They were quiet for a moment before the elf spoke again. "so, why don't you leave already?"

"Never expose your back to an enemy!" That was one thing his father had taught him.

"But your back is to me."

Gimli's eyes opened wide as his arms fell. He had never felt so stupid in all his life. Even if his enemy had his back exposed to him, that didn't mean he could do the same. For some reason, he felt like laughing but he couldn't. It might show weakness.

Behind him however he heard a little laugh and soon without meaning to a chuckle escaped his mouth. "I still don't truest you." He finally said turning around.

He was met with a beautiful set of green eyes that could put the finest emerald to shame. "That's ok. I don't trust you either. My name is Legolas. What's your name?"

"Gimli, son of Gloin. At your service. So tell me…Where is everyone else? Are they at the shire?"

"No."

"In Bree?"

"No."

"Then where?"

"I'm by myself."

As much as Gimli liked being by himself, he didn't think he would travel alone. "But you're just a child."

"So?"

"Don't you miss your family?"

There was a brief pause as Legolas thought about it. But when he thought about it… "No. I don't."

Slowly, it began to dawn on him. He had heard of people who did that but as much as his family annoyed him, he didn't think he could do that ever… "You ran away."

"Yeah."

Gimli wanted to ask why. How bad could your family be if you wanted to run away? But everyone had their reasons. "So, where are you staying?" He wasn't wanted to make sure the elf was ok but really elves can be so stupid.

"You're looking at it." Legolas motioned to the surrounding forest floor.

There was nothing there. Only some rocks and trees. "No seriously, here are you staying?"

"What's wrong with this?" Legolas thought it looked nice. It was wide open and he could see the stars at night.

"You elves really are stupid. What if it reins?"

"Then I get wet."

"What if someone sees you and tries to attack you?"

That was something he had not thought of. He wasn't scared of the hobbits and the dwarves, while they had an intense dislike for elves, would never hurt a child. It was everything else that worried him. "So, do you have any bright ideas?" he huffed

"Silly, silly elf. Let me show you how it is done."

With Legolas's help, they found their way closer to the shire. "You got lost, didn't you?' Legolas teased. Over the course of an hour they had argued a dozen times about directions, swore they would never speak to each other 3 times and tease each other about height, hair and whatever else they could think of every 5 minutes.

"I didn't get lost. I took the scenic route." He had heard his cousin say that line a dozen times. There was little heat in any of their words. Their teasing was more in jest and entrainment than anger or hate.

By the time they reach a spot that they both liked, Legolas wanted to be deeper in the woods to avoid detection while Gimli wanted him closer to the shire for protection, the sun was starting to set. As much as Gimli wanted to get home before dark, he wanted to make sure the stupid elf was safe.

"Look, here is ok and I don't think it will rain." He said looking up at the darkening sky. "I will come back tomorrow to help you build a shelter. But for right now the tree roots re big enough for you. See you tomorrow."

"It that a promise or a threat?" Grinned Legolas.

"Both."

A party was not really Dwalin's scene. While most dwarves preferred the loud sounds of music and the flow of drink, he preferred the quiet solitude. But he felt that his presence was necessary. Thorin had decided to attend the party. His line was something like it would be good for relationships with the hobbits. What a load of bull. There was only one hobbit whose relationship he was worried about. But still…it was nice to see his usually reserved cousin attempting to open up. It was funny to watch. Everyday, the pair would eat lunch together in private and Thorin's mood would improve 10 fold. A few times, the couple would dine together either at Bag End or at the Green Dragon. Since Thorin's arrival, it seemed that Bilbo had turned into a social butterfly. Well, social for him.

Looking around he had to admit it was a nice party. Everyone was there. Dwarves and hobbits, young and old. Everyone, even those two little hobbits, Merry and Pippin. According to Ori, Merry studied all the time and Pippin was constantly sick. So, it was nice to see them up and about. Most likely causing some sort of trouble.

Dwalin scoffed as he glanced around. It was too much for him. While the stars were shining bright in the night sky and the fire was warm in the cool spring air, he wanted to stay in the corner where he was. Too many people, too much noise. Just a few friends round that's all he wanted. This was why he sat by himself off in the corner on a bench that was reserved for wallflowers.

Or so he thought. He almost didn't see Ori under all the knits. For a moment, he wondered if the kid could sweat to death. In the firelight, he could tell Ori was flushed. Looking around to make sure Dori or Nori weren't shadowing the little one, he reached out a large hand and plucked off the knitted cap. There! Now the kid could at least breath.

Ori tried to stay silent. As he felt one of his friend's try to push him closer to Dwalin. Mahal did he hope the other didn't notice. When his friends had suggested that he rest away from the noise and excitement, he thought nothing of it. But knowing his cunning friends, they had planned this from the beginning. He was glad when Dwalin didn't try to start a conversation. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy the other's company.

Thorin grinned as he looked around at the festivities. His people, for the first time in forever, were happy. He couldn't find a single one with a sad look on their face. Except for Dwalin but he was more peaceful than happy. Balin and Gandalf were off taking while Gloin and Oin were getting proper sloshed. Bifur was helping Boumber with the food for the party while Bofur (who was way already drunk or at least appeared that way) was entertaining the older Ri brothers. The lads were off somewhere with the little hobbits but when he did catch a glimpse of them, they looked thrilled.

They really did look happy. Sighing, he closed his eyes for a moment to enjoy the night air and the well deserved happiness of his people. He wished this moment could last forever. But it seemed that Mahal would never grant him that one moment. "Excuse me, Master Oakenshield." Cracking his eye open and wishing this latest disturbance away, he spotted a few grown hobbits. Some he had only caught a glimpse of. Bilbo had pointed them out as Took and BrandyBuck. While others he had deals with. Hamfast Gamgee.

Hamfast was the one who had spoken. "I don't mean to bother you, Master Oakenshield, but might we have a word with you?"

How many people did it take to have a simple conversation with him? Thorin wondered. If it had to do with his people, Bilbo would be among them but no, he had joined Balin. "How might I be of service, Master Gamgee?" He hoped that was whatever had to be said would be said quickly so he might be left in peace.

Licking his lips as if to find the right words, he finally spoke. "I-we- don't mean to stick our noses in other's business, but you must understand. This is part of our business."

Thorin always hated the way Gamgee spoke. Beating around the bush and going in circle in a desperate attempt to stay in his place. "Just say what you want and leave me in peace." He growled. His pleasant mood all but forgotten. Trying to calm himself, he pulled out a pipe and began to enjoy the calming smoke.

Not phased at all by this tone or words. He began to speak. "What are your intentions towards Master Baggins?"

Sputtering and coughing, smoke came out both his mouth and nose, trying to give his lungs precious air. "My intentions?"

"Yes. What are you intentions towards my cousin?" A Brandybuck (or a Took, he could never really tell) said with her hand folded over her arms.

"I have no indentions towards him!" He cried finally getting some air.

The other hobbit, Took perhaps, wouldn't hear of it. "You have been spending an awfully good deal of time for someone who has no intentions towards him."

"Of course I have! He has helped my people. Why should I not seek his friendship?" Is this what all the hobbits of the shire thought? He glanced over to Gamgee in hopes to find he was wrong.

"People have been talking. They do little else, Master Oakenshield." The Brandybuck lend closer, now only a hair's breathe away. Had Thorin been anywhere else, he might have struck the hobbit for this brazen act. Who was she to think she could intimidate him? "I care little if your intentions with Bilbo are romantic or not, but know this. If you hurt him, we shall make sure you wish you had never heard of the shire!"

Looking at group, he did not see rage but concern. A moment before he wanted to struck down the group, now he felt a small smile tug at his lips. He understood. "My intentions are to do no harm. Anything else, I will have to leave to fate."

From the corner of his eye he could see Gamgee nod in acceptance. The group turned to leave him but not before he caught the faint smiles on their faces.

"Mahal! Hobbits were full of surprises." He muttered under his breath.

"That they are Master Oakenshield."

How was it that a man so tall could move so silently? He wondered as the regarded the Gray Wanderer. "To what do I own this new intrusion, wizard?" He didn't have to be a friendly to this person. The others were Bilbo's kin.

"My question is the same as their's."

"Are you here to give me a warning as well?" His eyes spoke volumes about what he thought.

"Oh, no, not at all, my good dwarf. I know you would never hurt him intentionally. But the question still remains. What are your intentions?"

Thorin sighed. In a perfect world, he knew what his intentions would be. But this was far from a perfect world. Gazing around, he caught sight of Kili running with the others. Joy painted all over his face. Until the little one fell. From where Thorin was sitting, he could see Kili's eyes start to water. He was about to get up when he saw Bilbo step forward to tend to him. Bilbo looked at the lad's knee before kissing it and giving him a warm hug. Smiling down at the lad, he kissed the top of his head before shoving him off to play again. Bilbo really did make a good parent. "I have nothing to give." He whispered.

This seemed to be the crux of Thorin's problem or at least in his mind. Gandalf, however, was not about to let Bilbo's potential happiness be ruined by the stubbornness of dwarves. He had noticed a marked change in Bilbo from the time before. Where once the hobbit was skittish and isolated, he now was more brazen and out going. Thorin didn't know it but he had been good for Bilbo and Bilbo was most certainly good for him. "You don't need to give anything, Thorin. That is not who Bilbo is. You know that."

"Still…I've lost everything I owned at one time. Once I was a prince, one day to rule over the Lonely Mountain. Now I have nothing."

Gandalf thought for a second. "This is true, you have lost everything you own but have you truly lost your worth? Coming to the shire, meeting Bilbo, could be a beginning of a new and brighter birth."

"Perhaps…"

His eyes never leaving Bilbo. He watched as the firelight danced across his hair while to party goes twirled. Before Thorin knew what he was doing, his feet lead him across the party standing right in front of the object in question. "Would you like to dance?" He stammered.

"Are they dancing? Are they dancing?" Kili asked trying to push aside his older brother and his friends. Indeed, the two of them had started to dance. Both it seemed, were unaccustomed to dancing, leaving the pair out of step with each other. But still, for all their missteps and trampled feet, they seemed to smile. Fili was hard pressed to find a time when his uncle had smiled so much.

The group sat in the shadows and watched as the party goes ebbed and flowed on to the dance floor. The only constants were Bilbo and Thorin. Frodo pulled his knees to his chest, resting his chin on them. Everyone looked so happy. There was no reason why they should look sad. But for Frodo, it was different. Here at this party, under the star lit sky, he saw hope. Hope for his lonely uncle, hope for the blacksmith, hope for his friends and hope for Sam and him.

Both Sam and Frodo were so busy watching everyone dance, they failed to notice they were alone.

To many, Bofur appeared to be completely drunk. But to those who knew him, they knew half of it was an act. The hobbits would need quiet a bit more to intoxicate Bofur. Of course, this didn't stop him from being his normal clingy self. He would drap himself over Dori in hopes of getting the stuffy dwarf to relax a bit.

"Come off it, Bofur! Give my brother room to breath." Laughed Nori as he downed the rest of his pint. It had been hard enough getting Dori to come out tonight. Ever fussing over what life might throw at them, Dori had taken to sitting at home thinking and planning. What he was planning was anyone's guess. He sure didn't let Nori know. Over protective git! But still, it was that over protective spirit that allowed Nori to persuade Dori to come out. After all, Ori really wanted to go to the party.

"I thank you for your concern. But I am alright." He tried to smile, he really did, but it just wasn't happening. Their money was running out and faster than he had thought. Not that he blamed anyone; it was just difficult to live like that. He needed a plan. He had a backup plan, but…that was the last resort. He had hoped the past was in the past, but if need be, he would make it the present for a little while.

A mug was shoved under his nose almost causing some of the frothy bubbles to be inhaled. "Drink up! It's a party. Everyone here has worries, my friend, but you can't let them ruin a good time." Bofur laughed.

Bofur was right. It wasn't fair to either Bofur or Nori. Both had chosen to keep him company at the gathering and here he was acting like it was the end of the world. Everything would work out. It would just take sometime.

When Fili saw Merry and Pippin leave, he motioned for Kili to do the same. Whatever those two were up to would be grand fun. The brothers watched as their doppelgangers snuck into a well-worn tent that Gandalf had set up earlier in the day.

"Hey! Did you see what they did?" Cried Kili.

"Yeah!" Fili replied just as vexed. "They didn't invite us!" With that, the brothers followed their friends.

The fire was burning low by the time the pair decided it was time to relax from dancing. Neither one had wanted to show a need to stop but this would be the third time wood was added to the fire and both were in desperate need of rest.

Taking Bilbo by the hand he led him away from the dance floor to rest at an empty table. "I do not believe either one of us is made for dancing." He laughed as he saw Bilbo rub his sore feet.

"Speak for yourself! I can dance just fine when someone isn't stepping on my feet every few moments." He chortled.

"True enough." It had been Thorin who crushed Bilbo's feet more than Bilbo on his. "I never would have thought creatures with such big feet could dance so well."

"We do not have big feet! You have small feet." He laughed. The two enjoyed a moment of silence before they know words were needed. Neither one knew where to begin or even what to say. Words like these were not easy to say and if spoken incorrectly, could be catastrophic.

But Bilbo was willing to risk it. "So, where does this leave us?"

"I-I don't know." Sighed Thorin. He knew what he wanted but was it really right or even fair to Bilbo. Part of their relationship would be built on lies, didn't he deserve better?

"I really like you, Thorin. You can be grumpy at times, but you are a good and kind person. I see it every time you look at your nephews." Bilbo waited for Thorin to reply but when nothing came, he continued. He either had two choices, beat around the bush or say what he wanted to. "I'm not sure how you feel, but I would like to give it a go. If that is alright with you."

Thorin licked his lips. He had gone for entire days without water but now, in this instant, his throat felt as if his last sip of water was years ago. "I will be honest with you, Bilbo. I don't, as you put it, "really like you."

Bilbo's heart was trapped in his throat. He felt like he couldn't breathe. Did Thorin truly not care for him in the same way?

"I think, however, I might be in love with you."

"Wha?" Was the most intellectual word that could come out of Bilbo's mouth. His heart had gone from his chest, to his throat to exploding.

"I meant what I said. We do not have to talk about this now but this is how I feel."

"Thorin…" Bilbo reached out to hold Thorin's callused hand. Over the past few weeks, he had come to know the texture and layout of his hands. He was sure he would know Thorin's in a dark room. He wanted to speak words of encouragement and of hope. But most of all he wanted a kiss. Leaning close, their lips were only a hair's breath away, neither pulling back.

PEWWW! WHORL! BUZZ! The sky filled with fireworks…and a tent. Everyone was running around screaming.

"What the hell is going on?!" Thorin Bellowed. He was just about to get a kiss! Who ever was responsible for this would die!.

Dwalin used his large body to shield Ori from the light and chaos that the party had degraded into. Sam and Frodo held each other as they watched people run around. Nori, Dori and Bofur ran to help put of a small fire that one of the fireworks had caused.

Gandalf on the other hand remained still as stone, waiting for calm to move. He already saw the cause.

As the smoke began to clear from where the tent had been, Bilbo and Thorin spotted to four soot covered children, hair standing every which way from the exploding shock, smiles plastered on their faces as the words "That was fun." and "Let's do that again." were heard.

It took every ounce of self control Thorin had to not kill his sister's sons. They had ruined the perfect opportunity for kiss. Them and their foolish pranks. He would teach them better. They would learn. Not now though. Not now. But oh, they would get it when they got home.

"What were you four thinking?" cried Bilbo. "You could have been hurt or you could have hurt someone else. Or worse! A fire was started because one of fireworks. Image what could have happened if it had not been put out. All of you need to think before you act." For their part, the children not only appeared to be ashamed by their actions but upset as well. While Bilbo's tangent had not been long, it did hit a nerve. "Come." He said as he took Kili and Pippin's hands. "The four of you made a mess, now it is time to clean it up."

Thorin watched as Bilbo lead the children to the wreck of the party. He might not have gotten his kiss but he did have plans to make it up later.

An arm swung over Dori's broad shoulders as a smiling; slightly tipsy Bofur practically draped himself over his friend. "You've been very quiet this evening, Dori. What's on your mind?"

"I found a job in Bree." Dori kept his voice low. It wasn't uncommon for the dwarves to work in Bree during the day and come back at night, but something in his voice put Bofur on edge.

"What sort of job?" Hearing that Dori would not be in the shire hit him like a bucket of ice water. If he wasn't in the shire, how could he look after him?

"Same thing I did before. I will be working at a tavern."

"But that was night work. What does Nori say?" Nori loved Ori but he didn't know much about feeding and bathing a kid.

"I haven't told him yet. It would only be three nights a week and I will be back by morning. Besides, the money is good."

"I hate to see you leave the shire even a night. I do have two requests thought." Funny normally it was Dori asking Bofur for help. "Tell me before you leave so I can check in on Ori and two stay safe!"

Yeah. Lots of stuff happened and many things are coming together. I would to start by saying that, no, Bifur will not be a pervert. The relationship is purely platonic.

Once again, I am sorry it took so long to update. I hope to update in the next month or two.

Either way, the next chapter is called "When we were young" by The Killers