CHAPTER 16

I don't know why I bother to make plans or hope to follow schedules. It never works out for me. I say I'm going to do something and it usually gets done one way or another but never the way I wanted it to. I had everything planned out for our trip but the day before we depart from Beorn's home, Kiliel catches a cold. Grim 'accidentally' pushed him into one of the many lakes scattered around the property and then proceeded to 'mistakenly' lock him out of the house after a little spat they had. By the time I figured out what was happening, the preteen was shivering with a fever and suffering from a runny nose.

Nori's whispers of it being due to his half-breed status were quickly silenced when he himself became bedridden with the illness as well. Between playing doctor, dodging the sex talk with Beorn, and ignoring the urge to leave as quickly as possible, the additional week-long ordeal was most tiring. To make matters worse, Grim insisted on coming with us in the place of Duke (I couldn't in good conscience make him leave his family again) and Beorn had the gall to allow it. What's more, taking Grim lessens how far I can transport us all. I can 'jump' pretty far on my own but the more people I add, the shorter my available distance. Due to this, travel is much slower. Still faster than most but... We had to skip Rivendell AND the Blue Mountains to barely have enough time to make it to Bilbo's birthday bash with a few hours to spare.

"Now you all are going to be on your best behavior. Be polite." I instruct my child-riddled precession, feeling like a teacher as we do our best to ignore the stares we receive "I don't want to hear anything worse than I already know."

"What's that supposed to mean, beautiful?"

"D-d-do not call her THAT!"

"I calls 'em how I sees 'em and she is one gorgeous mama." the cub responds, using his height to peer down at the younger boy. Though roughly the same age in maturity, Grim in naturally taller "Youse gots a problem wit that, runt?"

"Y-yes I do!" Kiliel puffs out his chest with a deep frown "My Aunt Thia is not some common woman for you to speak with however you please!"

"Is that so?"

"It is! You are fortunate to be able to speak with her at all." he continues, gaining momentum in his tirade "She's the Queen of Erebor and you should treat her thusly."

"We ain't in no Ery's boar right now, runt."

"It's EREBOR!" the dwelf stamps his foot in irritation "And I am NOT a runt."

"Fine, lover boy. I'll yack all pretty to ya precious Auuuuntie Thia."

"Good."

Rolling his eyes to focus on me, Grim lets his head loll to the side just as we round the last bend to get to Bilbo's house. The two boys have been at each other's throats since they met but I'm not inclined to stop them for one reason: Their constant squabbling is pulling Kiliel out of his shell faster than I could have ever hoped to do on my own. I don't know why but Kiliel had reverted to calling me 'your majesty's again at the start of the trip. I was having none of it and strived to clear him of the habit once more. I couldn't have done it on my own though. So I allow the bickering, even if Grim occasionally creeps me out.

"Oh beautiful and kind Thia. Queen of all that is fresh and good in the world." I'm the Queen of a big rock. Does that sound harsh? I think that might sound a little harsh. I mean... it's better than Patrick's rock from Bikini Bottom but it's still a rock that too many people who reside in want to kill me. Maybe I can convince Thorin to make a skylight "Whatcha mean by 'anything worse' huh?"

"I didn't mean it in a bad way, Grim." I roll my eyes at how quickly his 'pretty yack' disappears into thin air "Our group is bound to draw some attention. I just don't want anything more than curious glances."

"I see. So yer callin' me the good kinda bad, huh?" The Michael Jackson wannabe puckers his lips and wiggles his bushy eyebrows suggestively. I can see Thoria shaking her little head in what seems to be pity and it's hard not to laugh "Well if that's how ya want it, I can- Ouch! Get off me, ya little half-pint!"

"Theodore, don't bite." With a pout my son reluctantly releases his prey, leaving behind a full imprint of his teeth in Grim's arm, and stomps over to my side. At least he didn't draw blood. This time. We clear the gate and walk up the steps to Bilbo's house. Finally. Soft chattering can be heard within the home, causing me to stop the group to get a better listen "Wait a minute."

"Right then." a voice can be heard and there is a scuffling of feet from the other side of the door. If the others in my group were quiet enough, they'd hear it too "I am off."

"Off to where?" the second voice questions from what I perceive to be deeper in the house just as the thief pushes past me

"I have had just about enough of this waitin'." Nori grouches, storming up the small pathway to stand before Bilbo's large round door "Standin' out here won't get us anywhere!"

"Eastfarthing woods." That's somewhere. I remember this part and it's not going to be pretty if we keep going this way "I'm going to surprise him."

"Nori, wait." I say, trying to stop the catastrophe "Don't-"

"Well, go on then." Bilbo's distant voice unwittingly encourages from deep within the smial and I wonder if I can really hear it or if I just know that its being said "You don't want to be late."

"Oh for Mahal's sake, woman! I'm just knockin'!" The door swings open just as Nori's fist descends to pound on the green wood and poor little Frodo gets a face full of a dwarven fist. He falls backward, landing on his behind with a gasp. I haven't seen Nori this surprised since he saw me "…oops."

"Oops my foot, you big star head," I mutter as the hobbit groans softly from his spot and I kneel beside him, though I don't touch the creature. The twins crouch down to kneel under my arms, just as Grim and Kiliel lean over my shoulders for a better look "Frodo, are you alright?"

"You know him?" Nori mumbles before letting out an annoyed breath "Of course you know him. You know MAHAL, for Mahal's sake."

"Get over it." I hiss before I call the hobbit again, hoping he's alright "Frodo?"

"Uh… I think I am… alright." he shakily replies and blinks rapidly, bringing a hand to his face to rub his obviously sore perky nose. A twitch and rub ensures that everything is still in place "Yes. Yes I am alright. Nothing to worry… oh… oh dear…"

"Heya there, sunshine." Grim cackles, baring his teeth in a grin "Finally noticed who was darkening ya doorstep?"

"Must you be so rude?" Kiliel whispers with a leer

"Must you be so proper?" he returns and I just sigh. Frodo's eyes bounce between the two in confusion that turns into slight offense as the twins pick at his curly toe hairs "If you had bigger feet, you could be a Halfling with all your fancy talk!"

"E-excuse me but I don't believe we are acquainted with each other." Frodo sounds so much like Bilbo did when he first met Dwalin. I offer my hand to help him up as well as in greeting. He eyes it cautiously, not that I blame him, before accepting "Do I know you… people?"

"Who'd want to know you?"

"Grim!" I hiss at his bluntness

"The changlin' brat isn't wrong." I barely stop myself from growling at Nori to shut up and settle for a death glare. Frodo doesn't seem to know if he should make a break for it or be upset "We are wastin' time. This is the right hole in the wall, so where is Baggins?"

"I am Frodo Baggins." the hobbit announces upon righting himself "And this is not a hole in the wall. It's-"

"Right. Great." the cub interrupts, leaning casually in the doorway "You ain't the big foot we want so you're useless. Scram."

"What Grim means to say," I explain before the young hobbit gets too flustered over the poor treatment "is that we are here to see my good friend, Bilbo."

"And you are?"

"Thia Malcolmson, Queen of Erebor. These are my children Thoria and Theodore. That's my nephew, Kiliel. This guy is my godson, Grimbeorn. Lastly is the spymaster extraordinaire, Nori." I ignore Nori's mock annoyed scoff and bask in the pride radiating from the three oldest males at my back "You may even spot my stalker if you're not careful. Just a heads up, he's armed and probably highly dangerous so do not engage in any contact with him."

"…Huh?" the hobbit immediately shuts the door behind him as he looks at me in disbelief, curiosity, and fear. Yet he doesn't run inside. That blatant sense of daring will help him later "Dangerous?"

"If you just told me where he is-" Nori starts but I cut him off

"On that note, you were on your way to go meet Gandalf and you don't want to be late."

"Wait- Miss- How did you-"

"Don't worry about it." I interrupt, leading him down the path before he can gather his wits about him "You go on ahead."

"But, Uncle Bilbo isn't accepting any business except-"

"Party business. Yes, I can read. Thank you." Shooing him out the gate and down the road, I continue "I'll send my group for a walk so I can speak with Bilbo without all the attitude. Later."

"Oh… um, yes." he stutters out, clearly having no idea what 'later' pertains to, or to what fate he is leaving his uncle "Good day."

"Good day." we all call in return

My little rag-tag gang watches Frodo scurry away into the depths of the good green Shire. Breathing deeply, I take in the cool crisp September air. It still holds a bit of the summer's warmth but also carries wisps of the cooler coming season. Peering out across the rolling green hills, I wait for the feeling of relaxation at finally having arrived but it never comes. 'I wanted to get here so badly and when I finally do, I'm still tense as a bow.' Sucking my teeth lightly, I turn back to the house. Ignoring Grim and Kiliel's bickering about the large acorn tree on the roof, as well as Thoria and Theodore's quiet whispers surrounding McNuggets (AGAIN), I address Nori's stoic form.

"I'm going to talk to Bilbo. I don't want to overwhelm him, so you all should go for a little walk."

The dwarf makes no hint of having heard me, except to glare at the surrounding area with a critical eye. He has long since given up trying to make me do things, but the thief has a special kind of hate for separating the group. I do my best to follow that one preference, as it's an understandable one, but I can't follow it at the moment and he knows it. Rolling my eyes, I puff out a breath in annoyance.

"I wish Bofur was here. I'm so annoyed that we won't get to see him or Bifur or Bombur."

"It is fortunate that we could not, for it would have caused more pain than relief." his quick reply seems to shock even him and before I can ask about it, he quickly continues "My sources have informed me that the family is travelin' at the moment an' the trip would have been a waste."

"Oh?" he doesn't provide any more information and I sigh as he reverts back into silent mode "Fine. Be that way. Just don't cause any trouble out there."

"..."

"Not sure how you got sources in the Shire anyway but whatever." Twisting my head in the direction of the children, I call out to them "Be good for Nori, I'll be here if you need me."

"Ok, Mama."

"Of course Aunt Thia."

"I do love to see you walk away, but I guess it's your turn to watch me."

"Grimbeorn!"

"Aw give it rest, shorty!"

The edges of my lips curl upwards as the two bicker down the road, each holding one of the twin's hands. Nori trails lazily behind them, close enough to aid if necessary but far enough to give himself a sense of solitude. I honestly can't read him in depth. I know he would never hurt me and mine, or rather Thorin and his, but I don't think he actually LIKES the children. Even Grim has come to adore them but the thief refuses to even hold a conversation with either child. Yet, he's always observing them as if they might unexpectedly do some amazing magic trick. I wouldn't call his vigilant attentiveness fearful but it is… cautious. And for the life of me, I can't figure out why.

With a sigh, I sit on Bilbo's bench and play the waiting game. I trace the worn wood and imagine what it would have been like to have arrived in BagEnd the night the dwarves arrived. My mind wanders and soon I'm wondering what Thorin is doing right now… Closing my eyes, I lightly hum 'Blunt the knives' to relieve the ache for my husband. The song is one of the biggest things I ever regret missing.

Mommy

My eyes fly open at the soft sigh only to find myself alone. 'I could have sworn I heard…' Shaking myself, I lift my arms over my head in a stretch. The trip must have worn me out worse than I thought. We may have to stay at BagEnd for the night and catch up to Bilbo in the morning. I can't let him stay and risk him getting caught up in all this. His time with the ring is over and he deserves some rest. The kids could use a good night's sleep with a roof over their heads again as well. This is the longest they have ever been without a bed. It-

"He doesn't approve of being late. Not that I ever was. In those days, I was always on time." Bilbo shuffles out his door, years weighing on his shoulders, almost as heavily as I remember them weighing on Thorin's, even if he hasn't aged nearly as properly as he should have. He is clearly in his own little world and doesn't even notice me sitting here as he talks to himself "I was entirely respectable, and nothing unexpected…ever happened."

"I think that maybe a few unexpected adventures every now and again are kind of nice."

"Huh? What? W-w-who?"

My statement clearly startles the elderly hobbit as he coughs and sputters around his pipe, choking on the smoke. Guiding him to the seat while patting him on the back. I wince at the bones I can feel hiding beneath his frail skin but when I look, I see nothing out of the ordinary. I suppose the ring's effect since it never worked on me anyway, is having a hard time tricking me. I offer an apologetic smile when the hobbit's watery eyes meet mine

"No. No, it cannot be! H-h-have I died? Is that why you're here?"

"What? No! I'd say you were being rude but disbelief is the general response I've been getting lately." Bilbo whimpers, lip trembling and blue eyes glistening for a new reason. I feel my own throat constrict but manage to croak out a heartfelt greeting "It's been too long, Bilbo."

"Oh Thia!" the smaller being wraps his arms around me and I do the same. Over the years, while not completely disappearing, my social anxiety has lessened tremendously and a hug every now and again doesn't seem so bad. Especially not now "I'd heard- And you- and Thorin- Oh poor Thorin! And the baby… the baby? What about the baby?"

"Bilbo, Bilbo, relax. I'm fine. Thorin is fine. The baby turned out to be babies and they aren't little babies anymore." his eyes widen and brighten with joy as he flings his arms around me again. Rubbing his shoulders, I try to calm him down before he works me up and we are both in a tizzy "We can discuss all of that later. It's your birthday, so no more tears."

"You came all the way here just to celebrate my 111 birthday?" He seems genuinely astounded and I fight not to laugh at how he says the number. 'Eleventy first is so cute.' I did miss the last 60 birthdays, so I suppose his surprise is understandable "Why?"

"We wouldn't want you making that long trip to Rivendell all alone, now would we?"

"You know." It isn't a question. I watch as his face cracks with mirth followed closely by confusion "We?"

"Oh, you know." I say with a shrug as if he should really already know "Me, Nori, Kili's son Kiliel, Beorn's son Grimbeorn, and my own children, Theodore and Thoria. Twins of course."

"Of course." he replies with a smirk of elderly understanding that he couldn't pull off years ago "Of course."

I leave out the one individual who is following us but refuses to make an appearance. I'm not sure why I told Frodo but not Bilbo, but I just think it's best for now. It's safer, especially since I'm beginning to think the dwarf isn't just a normal dwarrow. Even when I 'jump' us, Longarm still finds his way back by nightfall. It's why Nori is so uptight about sticking together, despite not knowing who the stalker is though he has a great idea of it. An unhobbity snort snatches my head in the direction of my reacquainted friend.

"Everyone is having children and I was informed on the birth of none. Does anyone know how to send a raven anymore?"

"…I'm sure… someone does?" I personally don't, being that I've never lived in the Game of Thrones universe. Too many dragons "I prefer a more hands-on method."

"Ah yes, your gift." he nods, mostly to himself "Why send a letter when you can send yourself, hm?"

"Exactly." I agree with a firm head inclination "Besides, you didn't tell anyone you adopted Frodo."

"As usual, you are correct." he puffs on his pipe lightly while peering out over the Shire. Spotting my group making their way up the hill, I turn to alert Bilbo but stop upon meeting his suddenly intense face "I have missed you, Thia. So very… very… very much. I am old and over the years, I have grown weak, and it... it has grown heavy. I never knew it was so heavy until you were gone. Yet, after only five minutes with you here now, I feel lighter than I have in years. IT feels lighter."

"Bilbo…" I don't like how he sounds so strange. As if he wouldn't mind holding the cursed object for a little longer "That thing is unsafe."

"I know. Oh, how I know." he strokes his pocket with a grimace "Are you here for the ring?"

"… No." I say honestly and I expect him to be relieved "I'm not."

"No?" he repeats, shocked. I would have thought he would be happy but as his mood darkens immensely, I know something is different but am unsure as to why "Why not?"

"It's not mine to take."

"Nor is it mine to have! It wants you; It does not want me." he pulls the gold band from his pocket and tries to hand it to me but I refuse to take it, shaking my head violently "Please, Thia, Please. It has no hold over you like it does all others. You will not stay to lessen the weight, so it must go and it wants to go with you!"

"Bilbo, it may whisper of power but it can't-"

Mommy!

"Mama!"

I slap a hand over my mouth as Thoria's voice surprises Bilbo and I so much that the hobbit nearly drops the ring with our combined jolt. We hesitate only a moment before he shoves the jewelry back into his pocket and we stand to greet the children. The group joins us but even as we smile and exchange greetings and introductions I can feel the wary eyes of my twins, knowing they can feel my unease.

Even more than that, I can still almost hear the clear voice ringing in my ears, calling for its mother. It brings shivers up my spine knowing the voice was coming from the ring. The fact that Bilbo heard it too, means it's definitely not just my imagination. Strangely enough, the tension I'd been feelings disappeared. It frightens me that the ring is what I have been searching for all along.

NORI POV

I'd forgotten how much I hate hobbits. They are small and disgustingly defenseless to the point of stupidity. The first time visitin' the Shire was bad enough with my kin but this time I am anchored by a brood of offspring an' a pushy Queen who acts enough like a child herself with her undignified stubbornness. What's more, we are bein' followed an' whoever it is, Longarm no doubt, is VERY good at hidin'. Not to mention, the little lady seems to know exactly where he is at all times but refuses to tell me. Shakin' my head, I catch sight of the second Baggins ridin' in a cart with a very familiar grey pilgrim.

"Bear brat!" I call to the eldest kid, not botherin' to look at him. I point to a mound closer to Baggins' hole but out of the cart's line of sight "Sit on that hill with the half-breed an' royal brats an' don't move."

"Oi! The name's-"

"I couldn't care less what your name is." I snap, already walkin' away "If anythin' happens to those little terrors, I'll do twice as bad to you as I expect their mother will do to me."

"But where are ya-"

I'm gone before he can finish askin' his question. The worry that leaked into his voice at my threat almost brings a smile to my face but is offset by his dialect. His strange accent is nearly as annoyin' as the Queen's constant contractions. While his accent is annoyin', hers is purely unique in an unprecedented way.

Keepin' low, I approach the cart while not leavin' earshot of the collection of imps. I have no doubt that the hidden soul of Durin can protect itself, but bein' careful never hurts. I do not believe there is a hole deep enough to hide me from their mother's wrath should they be harmed. Despite her many faults, she genuinely loves her children. Shakin' all other thoughts from my head, I focus on the conversation between wizard and hobbit.

"Half the Shire's been invited..."

"Good gracious, me."

"He's up to something." The hobbit is smarter than he looks, which isn't that difficult bein' that he looks about as smart as a crosseyed hen "He even had some really strange guests visit him this morning."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes! The woman from his adventures! She came with others too. Children and a dwarf. Do you remember her?"

"Hm. I may recall."

"... Alright then, keep your secrets." hidin' behind thick trees as the Halflin' runs his mouth, I move along with the wagon You know, before you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of."

"Indeed?"

"Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."

"If you're referring to the incident with the Dragon..." Incident? INCIDENT?! Smaug was no mere INCIDENT. He nearly eradicated the whole kingdom and the wizard has the gall to call our defeat of him an incident. Takin' a silent steadyin' breath, I continue to listen for any useful information "I was barely involved...all I did was give your Uncle a little nudge out the door."

"Whatever you did..." Disappeared when he was needed, reappeared when the danger was gone, called eagles "you've been officially labeled as a Disturber of the Peace."

"Oh, really?"

There is a creepin' suspicion in the back of my mind that the wizard has held worse titles in his long life. No one knows exactly how old he is or how many names he possesses but I'm sure more than a few are unflattering. As I tail the wagon along the trail the scenery changes as houses cluster and bulge out the sides of hills with gardens on every doorstep. I cannot follow as closely as I'd wish, so I round the bend to cut off the riders.

I'm just in time to see the four brats I told not to move, standin' behind the wizard's cart cheerin' as he lets off some brightly colored explosives. Their excitement lasts just long enough for them to catch sight of me and quickly flee. Grumblin' under my breath about the insubordination of children, I nearly reveal my position.

"Gandalf... I'm glad you're back."

Second Baggins leaps from the wagon's front seat, landin' on his large feet with a soft thud. Understandin' that the conversation is now over and revealed no new information, I take my leave to return the children to their lone guardian. She has been left without protection for longer than is safe. Why she insists on such risky behavior is beyond me, but it has gone on long enough. As I turn to go, I hear Tharkun's response but find it cryptic at best.

"So am I, dear boy...so am I."

BILBO POV

Dwarf children are the most adorable. While not as small as a hobbit child, they are still delightful. Theodore's silence is much like his sire's quiet brooding and little Thoria's bubbly charm must come from Thia's side of the family. The two have a way about them that lights the whole room without them even having to say anything. It warms my old heart knowing that I have lived long enough to meet them. And Kili's son, the poor boy, has his father's smile.

"Are you sure that one is a child, Thia?" I whisper to the woman as I watch Beorn's son devour a seed cake "He is quite… large."

"Yup. Imagine my surprise when they told me he only stopped breastfeeding a year ago." Coughing at the forwardness of the statement as well as the statement itself. What other type of feeding is there? "That's just cruel."

"His poor mother."

"My sentiments exactly." we share a moment of silence for the mother of the giant bear child before floating into light-hearted laughter "Ah Bilbo, about tonight-"

"Think nothing of it." I wave off her concern about spending the night while I forge ahead. I hadn't expected any company at all, thus if they are a day later than I, why complain "Please, enjoy the house and find me when you are through."

"Thanks, Bilbo." she smiles that bright smile she is known for and pecks me on the cheek "I'm going to put the twins down for their nap. I want them rested for your party!"

"Not a problem but um… Thia?" she pauses in her herding of the two young ones, giving me a questioning look "We will talk about… it… yes?"

"…Hopefully… we won't have to."

"What-" An insistent tapping on the door halts my question, allowing the girl just enough time to escape. Ignoring it does nothing, so I call out to the blot head who refuses to read the sign on the gate "No, thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations."

"And what about very old friends?"

"I've quite a few of those already." opening the round door, I am greeted by a most welcome face "Gandalf?"

"Bilbo Baggins!"

"My dear Gandalf!" The old wizard stoops down to embrace me as I lift onto my toes to do the same "This is a wonderful birthday this year!"

"It's good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old, who would believe it!" Parting, he examines me with a wizardly eye before returning to his initial height "You haven't aged a day!"

"Come on, come in!" I laugh and beckon the wizard forward. It would not do to have any of the neighbors see the door open and take it as an invitation to come over "Welcome, welcome! Tea? Or maybe something stronger... I've a few bottles of the Old Winyard left, 1296...a very good year. It was laid down by my Grandfather. What say we open one, eh?"

I begin to leave the room to search for the wine and nearly step on, oh what were their names? Um... Killer and Gramborn… Kelpy and Grinyarn… Kilyouall and Grumpboat? New names are so difficult to remember these days.

"Stop cheating, Grimbeorn!"

"I ain't a cheat! You just stink at it, Kiliel."

"Now you lads behave and don't go starting a fight." Ah, that's right. Kiliel and Grimbeorn. I remember now "I've a guest and I do not want you to disturb him. Thia is putting down the twins so you two go play outside please."

The two leave without much fuss, a compliment to Thia no doubt. I remember the first time I saw her. It was so long ago but it feels like yesterday.

It has been lightly raining since around elevenses, not that any of these dwarves have ever heard of the meal. They skip it regularly. It is a mystery how they can eat so infrequently and still have enough energy to be so uncouth. Why, just yesterday the brunet, Killme or something of that ilk, opened his mouth in the middle of supper to show how well he could chew his food while talking. It was disgusting! What's more, the group's horribly fierce leader is intent on reaching this... this DRAGON as soon as possible. We didn't even stop for lunch yesterday; instead passing cold meats and stale bread to be eaten on the backs of these wretched beasts. I hope to the green lady that today will bring a change.

"Ah!"

A startled cry pulls my attention to the front of the line where I am just in time to see a child... no, a young woman, fall from the trees and land on Thorin's lap. Out of reflex, he steadies her but out of years of training, he reaches for his sword but never quite grabs it. Wild golden brown curls whip around her head; refusing to be tamed even by the light rain. No one makes a sound as the young woman slowly examines her surroundings before coming face to face with the king. Her eyes are a deep caramelized brown with thick lashes that sweep her cheeks with every blink. So large and innocent are her eyes that she could take in what the whole world has to offer in a single glance and still see all the good within it.

She is beautiful and for a moment I mistake her for an elf but quickly perish the thought. She is much too short and her beauty is more of an exotic allure than ethereal. The two stare at each other as if trapped in their own world until the striking being reaches out a hand and touches the king's face. The group as a whole gasps as she strokes the dwarf's bearded cheeks but she doesn't appear to even notice anyone but him. I expect him to throw her off now, as beards are incredibly private to dwarves from what I have read. I think he will yell and berate her for her forwardness but he does nothing of the sort. From what I can see, he just stares at her.

"Wahhhh!"

Her sudden tears are heart-wrenching, despite us not knowing why she is crying. The group shuffles nervously, none seeming to understand how to handle the saddened woman. I cast a glance at Gandalf but his eyes rest fully on Thorin, as if waiting for him to make the situation right. He does try and at first, it is comically awkward. The dwarf hesitantly places a hand on the girl's shoulder, trying to give her some form of comfort.

Then something happens that I didn't think the dwarf was capable of doing. He leans forward, wrapping his arms around the girl, but does not quite touch her. It is almost like he is embracing her gently with his heat. Rubbing soft circles on her back, it isn't until he turns his head towards Gandalf that I can get a view of his face. Smiling to myself I wonder how long it will take for the icy king to thaw his heart out enough to realize he just fell in love.

Smiling softly at the memory, I sigh at how much time has passed. I have lived longer than I should have, longer than is natural. My hand makes its way to my pocket without my willing it and it takes all my might not to touch the searing hot band of gold. When I am able to speak without trembling, I call to Gandalf.

"I was expecting you sometime last week. Not that it matters, you come and go as you please, always have done, always will." Having just fed six hungry individuals, my larder is a bit on the barer side "You've caught me a bit unprepared, I'm ... Hm... We've only got cold chicken, a bit of pickle, some cheese here...ooh, no, that might be a little risky..."

"Is it molded this time too?" Nori surprises me as he walks by the kitchen archway, munching on an apple "I remember last time hearin' that it was so molded it was blue."

"It was meant to be that way."

"Yes, well. I'm going out but ye should be more careful with yer food."

"Er... alright... Ah... We've got raspberry jam and apple tart...got some custard somewhere. Not much for Afters, I'm afraid." I watch as the dwarf walks away, towards the front of the house. Well, if he runs into Gandalf they will be able to have a nice little talk. Focusing on the food, I can not help but to bite into a pork pie "Oh...we're alright...I've just found some sponge cake. Nice little snack! Hope it's enough. I could do you some eggs if you like?"

"Just tea," I jump in fright at Gandalf's sudden voice from behind me. He smirks at his little trick as I wipe the crumbs off my face "Thank you."

"Oh... right." holding up the other half of my prize, I silently ask his permission to continue "You don't mind if...?"

"No, not at all. Go ahead."

THIA POV

I've just gotten the twins to sleep and am about to check on the boys when a sudden pounding on the door shifts my direction. If they keep knocking like that, they'll wake up Theodore and Thoria and I am not up to dealing with two cranky dwarflings today.

"Bilbo Baggins, you open this door!" The banshee shrieks while literally attacking the innocent green door. It shakes lightly on its hinges as she continues to yell "I know you are in there!"

"Thia?" I wink at my friend as I pass his cowering form to get to the door "I'm not home."

Swinging open the wooden structure, I glare down at the small ancient hobbit woman with a smile. I'm not sure how I can glare and smile at the same time but it must have been scary. The being I identify as Lobelia Sackesville-Baggins takes 3 large steps backward upon seeing it. How she is still able to run around kicking down doors, I actually don't know. I did a tiny bit of passive research on her and know she's about 30 years younger than Bilbo so she's in her... 80s by now, though she looks 103. We stare at each other for a moment, each seizing up the other before she makes a quick-witted decision. Her decision was to turn tail and run. I sure hope she doesn't get the police. The hobbit police. Oh gosh, that'd be so cute.

"Ahem." I clear my throat and shut the door "I... may have made things worse."

"It is alright, my dear. I've got to get away from these relatives, hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace."

"That's just family, you know."

"Yes but... well... It's so mundane. I want to see mountains again...mountains, Thia. Gandalf..." My head snaps around in search of the wizard and low and behold, there he is. Sitting quietly and just eyeballing me with curious amusement. I wave to him with a shrug and he offers a small smile and shake of his head. I swear, he's never surprised to see me "Another adventure, and then I want to find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book...Oh, Tea!"

"Long time, no see, Gandalf." Bilbo rushes out of the room and we slowly follow. I offer a hand to the wizard as he stands and he ruffles my hair in return "How've you been?"

"Steady," he says and I shrug at the answer, not having expected a normal one anyway. Bilbo begins pouring us tea as we finally make our way into the dining room. The wizard shuffles into the room with a huff of exertion, sitting with a bent back "So, you mean to go through with your plan, then?

"Yes, yes...it's all in hand." he places a delicate cup in front of me, sliding the cream and sugar onto the table soon after "All the arrangements are made."

"Frodo suspects something."

"Smart kid." I offer, sipping the drink

"'Course he is, he's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle!"

"Be nice." I chastise softly "No need to be classist."

"..." his eyes flick up to me in an elderly 'get bend' sort of way that I just smile at. He sighs though, turning his attention to the Wizard "You will tell him, won't you?"

"Yes, yes." folding his hands, Gandalf rubs them wearily "He's very fond of you."

"I know... I know. He'd probably come with me if I ask him."

"So..." I don't want to change anything but I want the hobbit to make this choice the way it was meant to be made "Why don't you?"

"I'd love to but... I think, in his heart, Frodo's still in love with the Shire, the woods, and the fields... little rivers."

"But... not you. Not anymore."

"No... not for a long time."

I watch as Bilbo gazes out of his kitchen window and feel terrible. Just like his uncle, by the end of his adventure, Frodo's love for his home will have been all but killed and that's the saddest part of it. To fight so hard for something only to lose something just as important in the end is heartbreaking.

"I am old, Gandalf. I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I was telling Thia of it earlier."

"Bilbo…"

"I feel thin, my friends...sort of stretched like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday...a very long holiday and I don't expect I shall return..." he starts to reach for his pocket only to snatch his hand away and wave it violently before looking at us in determination "In fact, I mean not to."

This beast of a chapter took two days to edit. Maaaaaan