Bilbo grinned as Fili and Kili entered his quarters. He'd been properly educated by Balin on etiquette for a consort for the last three hours. Truly fascinating stuff: he of course was still healing and that's why he fell asleep… twice. So the interruption of the duo bursting into the room brought a pause to his lectures. He shifted his injured leg from the couch to sit up as the pair sat on either side of him.
"Hello, H'uncle, how goes the royal lessons?"
Bilbo stifled a yawn, "It's a lot of rules, how do you two keep them straight?"
Kili chuckled, "We don't, while considered 'princes' we aren't likely to inherit so there isn't any reason to keep up the false faces."
"Aye, and with you and Uncle together we are in the clear." Fili added, leaning back and setting his boots on the table in front of him. Bilbo quickly batted away his legs.
"This isn't a pig pen," He huffed, "And why did you call me H'uncle?"
Fili held out his right hand, "Hobbit", then held out the left, "Uncle", Before slapping them together with a wide grin that reminded him of Frodo when he'd get into mischief.
"It was better than the other option, Un-bit," Kili gave a teasing shiver of disgust. Dwalin chuckled from his chair next to the fire. The large dwarf had stayed by his side the entire day, sifting through books that he found on the shelves along the far wall while Balin rambled.
"I see," Bilbo shook his head with a smile, propping his injured leg onto Fili, "So what have you two been up to then?" Dwalin had told him each member of the company had been put in charge of a group of dwarves to help with restoration. Since they were obviously not there, he could only imagine what trouble they were getting into.
"Well we have a proposition for you. But first, what are you wearing to the coronation?"
"Coronation?" No one had talked about anything to him, so he looked to Balin for confirmation.
"Did I forget to mention it? Must have slipped my mind…" The elder dwarf shrugged, shifting through paperwork that had been delivered to him over the last three hours.
Bilbo looked down at the too-large borrowed shirt he was wearing paired with his washed-but-still-bloodstained pants. "I don't know." Horror ate at him at the realization that he had very little that would be considered presentable by hobbit standards, while dwarven standards were considerably higher.
"I'll take care of it," Dwalin rumbled as he stood, "You're not to leave this room unless one of these two stone heads go with you, understood?" Bilbo nodded with an eye roll, but it was enough for Dwalin who disappeared back through the double doors. Balin heaved a sigh before also standing and following, papers shoved into every pocket with a stack in each hand.
The boys gave each other a high five over the top of his head. "We didn't think it would be that easy to pry you away." Kili confided at Bilbo's questioning look.
"Pry me away for what?"
"We've need of your noggin, hold still." Fili pulled a cord from his pocket before wrapping it around Bilbo's head at his forehead. Eyeballing the length, he tied a not in the middle where the end had met, "It's amazing to me how smart you are with such a small skull," He teased, earning himself an elbow jab to the ribs.
"And it amazes me that the two of you collectively have the attention span of a squirrel," Bilbo chuckled as they both braced their hands over their hearts with wounded moans.
"You wound us H'uncle!"
"Yeah, yeah, why did you measure my head?" Pain shot through his temple, causing him to wince and rub his forehead. He didn't see the concerned look the boys shared in their silent way.
"It's a surprise; are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." He lied, as the room began to spin slightly. "Just… to much excitement perhaps?"
In an instant he was swept into Fili's arm, who took him through the darkened doorway opposite the golden double doors. Bilbo hadn't gotten a chance to explore his quarters yet; now moving from the sitting room into the main bedroom he almost believed the space to be larger than Bag End. It held another table more similar to a dining table with a set of six chairs. There were another two doors on the left wall. Paintings and lavash tapestries draped the walls and another fireplace was embedded in the wall to the right. The bed was set against the far wall. After a quick glance he had to do a double take as the bed was carved out of the wall, made completely of a single piece it sat on a rise where it had been huend out of the black stone. The headboard was intricately carved with geometric designs and the four pillars of each bed corner extended and joined with the ceiling above. One whole piece of stone that must have taken a hundred years to make.
Walking up the steps to the bed, Fili laid Bilbo gently into the bed, placing a hand on his forehead. "You're pretty warm."
"Yes, well hobbits run a bit warmer than you dwarves." Bilbo huffed, both in irritation and in an attempt to disguise his shortened breath. I havn't even moved! Bilbo was irritated at his weakness, knowing he'd been fine a few minutes beforehand. Worse still, he was fearful not understanding what was going on.
The prince rolled his eyes, "Agreed, but your temperature is high for a hobbit. Kili, go fetch Oin." His brother rushed from the room.
Bilbo closed his eyes hoping to alleviate the pain in his head; the next thing he knew he was being shaken awake by Thorin who's had a pained worried expression that swam in the hobbit's vision. Dwalin and the boys stood just off to the side with matching looks of concern.
"-To much for him, he still needs to rest." Oin and another younger dwarf he didn't recognize were explaining to Thorin. The younger one stepped forward to pass a small satchel to Dwalin.
"Have him drink this, it will combat the fever and should help while he heals." He gave a deep bow before exiting the room.
"Hello," Bilbo gave a weak smile at the group.
"Ye just can't help but worry us, can ye?" Dwalin grumbled.
"Are you alright?" Thorin asked, ignoring everyone else.
"I will be," Bilbo cataloged the mental promises he tried to figure out what could have caused the laps in his health. While nothing came to mind, it was concerning that it had happened so quickly. Oin's probably right though, he reasoned, its only been a few days.
"Drink the tea, and call me if you need me." Oin gave a caring pat on Bilbo's good leg with a smile before exiting as well.
"Well since you've awoken and are in good hands, we'll leave you all to it. We'll come see you tomorrow H'uncle!" The boys made a quick escape.
"H'uncle?" Thorin raised an eyebrow as Bilbo shrugged, too tired to explain.
"I'll go get some water for this," Dwalin set the bag on the mattress before disappearing as well.
"What happened?" Thorin began taking off his cloak and boots, crawling onto the mattress to pull Bilbo close.
"I… don't know. I was fine, and then I wasn't." He yawned, snuggling into the dwarf, he was too tired to worry about anything. "But Oin is probably right, I probably over did it today."
"Hmmm. Get some rest then." He pulled Bilbo closer as the hobbit drifted off into a deep sleep.
The next couple of days were uneventful. Bilbo was kept up to date with the renovations of the living areas for the new dwarves that should arrive any day. He was also receiving instruction on planning the coronation thanks to Dwalin and Balin who'd managed to inform him that, as consort, it was his job to put together the ceremony. It wasn't nearly as complicated as planning Nanna Baggin's hundredth birthday party, but it was still taking some finessing since he wasn't allowed from bed rest yet.
Thorin would come to him in the evening to eat dinner and visit, discussing the days events as he, the elves, the men, and Gandalf worked out a tentative alliance. Based on the dwarf's description, it was still the council of idiots minus one hobbit. Bilbo didn't envy him the work. After dinner they would both be too drained to do much of anything except sleep, and by the time Bilbo woke up in the morning his husband was already gone.
He hadn't told Thorin of his bouts of dizziness, fatigue or migraines that had been plaguing him for a few hours most days. The tea hadn't helped so he'd started taking short naps to try and alleviate the symptoms. While Dwalin had caught on quickly, even to the point of forcefully laying him down a few times, the dwarf had been sworn to secrecy. Bilbo didn't need Thorin worrying about him while he had bigger things going on.
It was the end of the fourth day since coming back to Erebor; they were finishing up their day when a knock sounded on the double doors. Standing, Thorin opened the door to one of Dain's solders who was quick to pass a missive the King. Pulling it open, he read quickly before thanking the dwarf and closing the door.
Unease settled on Bilbo as Thorin turned with worry on his strong features. "Whats wrong?"
"Dis's traveling party is requesting my aid. They have reached Mirkwood only to be confronted by spiders. Thranduil is still below in his and Elrond's camp, thus making it difficult for the dwarrow to get through the sickly forest. I must go to them."
"Can you not send Dain?"
"He would be in the same position on the other side. I'll request Thranduil send some of his men with me, along with some of Dain's dwarrow, it should only take me a week at most. I'll leave you in charge, with Dain as a second." He walked over to where Bilbo sat, tilting up his chin to plant a gentle kiss on the hobbit's lips. "I have to go to her."
"I understand," Bilbo worried his lip as he tried to count the days in his head. The coronation wouldn't have taken place till Dis arrived anyway, but that meant his timeline was reliant on the directionally challenged (and slightly blind) King. Also, putting him in charge seemed like a bad idea. "Take Nori and Bifur with you." He held up a hand as Thorin opened his mouth to argue, "They've both already finished their tasks to prepare the deep suburb and neither are leading any team's at the moment. Their workers have all been dispersed to other groups that are to start up the mine furnaces, and Balin doesn't want them in that work since they are to be given titles along with the rest of the company at your coronation. I'd feel better if you took them along." He didn't mention that the dwarves from the company were the only ones he trusted.
"As you wish," another kiss before he disappeared into one of the two doors that had ended up being a wardrobe. Also a large room, fit with stone shelves and drawers carved out of stone on one wall, the stone polished into a mirror on the other. What had amazed Bilbo was the dwarf sized stone figures that had made up the third wall to the left. Each had held full sets of armor, of which Thorin had three. When the dwarf reappeared, he was fully clothed in one of them, oak shield in hand. "I'll send up Balin and Dwalin."
Bilbo stood as his husband made his way to the double doors, a quiet ache settling in his chest. The thought of a week apart was already too much. On impulse, he rushed forward, arms circling Thorin's waist as he pulled him close. Rising onto his tiptoes, Bilbo tilted his head, catching Thorin's lips in a kiss that sent sparks racing through his veins.
The kiss deepened almost instantly, the dwarf's hands cradling the sides of Bilbo's face as if he needed to memorize every detail in this fleeting moment. Bilbo melted into him, the warmth of Thorin's touch grounding him even as his heart raced.
When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, breaths mingling in the space between them. Thorin's thumb brushed over his cheek, lingering just long enough to chase away some of the loneliness already creeping in.
"I'll be back before you have time to miss me," He murmured, his voice rough with unspoken emotion.
"You'd better," Bilbo replied with a shaky smile.
Thorin chuckled softly, pressing one last kiss to Bilbo's temple before stepping back. "Take care of yourself, love."
"And you," his voice barely above a whisper as he watched the king disappear through the doors.
Not a minute later Dwalin had found him sitting on the couch staring into the fire. "Are you feeling well?" The dwarf knelt down next to Bilbo, pressing a hand to his cheek.
"I don't know how to do this." Bilbo confided in a shaky whisper, all bravado laid to the side as he met the male's gaze. "I honestly never thought I'd get this far. I've been living the last year knowing how everything would turn out, I never thought about how it would be if I actually accomplished it. Never dared hope that I would succeed for fear of the consequences. Now, I don't know what's supposed to happen next."
Dwalin smiled kindly back at him, "So ye're in the same boat as the rest of us. Do'na' fret." He reached out to grasp Bilbo's hand, giving it a light squeeze and earning a small smile in response.
"I need you're help with something, give me a minute," Bilbo stood to make his way into the wardrobe. Dwalin had been true to his word when it came to handling the hobbit's attire, stocking half of the drawers and shelves with more than he thought he could ever wear. When Bilbo had asked how he'd accomplished finding things in his size, the dwarf had joked about the articles being pebbles (dwarven children's) cloths. But they had suited him just fine. Now he donned a tunic, pants, and a knitted blue vest before making his way back to the sitting room. "Do any of the forges work?"
"Aye, one. Why?" Bilbo simply smiled, having Dwalin guide him down to the small forage. It was perfect; Dwalin explained that it had belonged to one of the smaller blacksmiths that used to make jewelry. When he'd enquired why it's kiln was lit, his question had been answered with the explanation of "ye're nephews".
While not a blacksmith by trade, Dwalin spent the next several hours showing Bilbo how to work the equipment before disappearing to fetch a nighttime snack for them. By the time the dwarf had returned, Bilbo had already finished another bout of skull throbbing migraine and was weary enough to be guided back to his room.
The next morning began the real work, and Balin entered to wake him, shuffled his groggy form into some clothing and then ushered him out into the public eye. He wasn't nessasarly received well, but Balin took him around to all the work sites to meet with the crew chiefs. Dori, Bofur and Gloin all greeted him with a deep sincere bow followed by winks and grins that reassured him that his worries for their friendship were unfounded. Each were working on different projects to better prepare for the immigration of what they expected would be hundreds of dwarves. Bofur's crew were overhauling the damaged building, Dori's were cleaning up the streets and revamping the community spaces, and Gloin's were fixing up the shop districts so businesses could move in right away.
"I'll have my toy shop up and running in no time," Bofur confided with a cheerful grin.
Dain soon joined Bilbo and Balin as they made their way into the mines where his men were attempting to get the water system going. Balin received a hearty pat on the back while the hobbit got a stiff half bow with a glare. It was a quick visit below with updates as to what the problems were and their plans to fix it. None of Dain's dwarves even much bothered to look at Bilbo, directing their comments to the other two dwarves.
Before Bilbo could ask Balin about it, he was being ushered back up and out to the camp of men and elves. A large blue tent had been set up between the camp and Erebor which was to serve as neutral ground, while the three groups worked out an alliance that served all. These talks had been going on between the council of idiots, Thorin, and Dain since Bilbo had awoken, and still nothing had been solved.
So when he walked into the tent, he was greeted to the scene of Bard, his second in command named Eric, Legolas, and Elrond arguing loudly. Gandalf sat peacefully smoking his pipe in the corner, while Thranduil was seated beside his son looking bored.
"Well, I certainly haven't missed this," Bilbo joked, taking a seat next to the elven king.
"Bilbo, its good to see you," Bard broke away from the argument long enough to acknowledge him. The others gave him respectful nods, ceasing their squabbling for the moment. Balin sat down next to Bilbo, placing several papers in front of him that he didn't bother to look at, while Dain sat next to Balin.
"What are we arguing about today then?"
"We have been requesting compensation for our part in defending Erebor." Bard started, "Lake Town doesn't have the funds or the manpower to rebuild Dale. While they-" He gestured to the elves. "-believe that because their forces were greater and suffered more casualties, they should be granted a greater reward as reparations."
Bilbo rolled his eyes, "What say you, Thranduil?"
"It is only right that we be given a… Gift; to be put towards maintaining positive relations with your kingdom. In addition to the battle and our losses, I have provided escort to your king through my land's, in good faith of course."
"Of course," Turning to Balin, he asked, "What was Thorin's stance on all this?"
"Well," Balin cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. "His Highness has yet to weigh in on the matter." He tapped the papers in front of Bilbo that the hobbit continued to ignore. Not because he didn't think they held important information, but because he still couldn't read Khuzdul which is what Balin wrote in.
"Very well, I'll need time to think about this. I'll return here in three days with a solution." Which effectively put a stopper in the argument, despite the disgusted sound that came from Dain's seat. "Now, I'm assuming neither of you plans to lay siege to Erebor?"
The group exchanged looks before Bard and Thranduil shook their heads no.
"Good, with the understanding of a tentative peace despite lack of payment, I'll request that you send the majority of your forces home. I'm sure they miss their families, and it is only eating up your own resources to maintain this camp." He reasoned, waiting patiently as a new argument started up between men and elf. Dain butted in with comments on how they were using their forces to strongarm gold from Erebor, which was promptly silenced as Bilbo turned to the redheaded dwarf. "Silence."
He knew the dwarf didn't appreciate the order, his face matching his hair as rage filled his eyes. Bilbo knew it might come back to bite him, but he didn't need the dwarf making the situation worse with his accusations. Excusing himself from the tent, he and his dwarves made their way back to Erebor where Dain promptly disappeared.
In his quarters, he found Dwalin sitting patiently waiting for his return. "How'd it go?"
"It went how I expected… Balin?" He turned to the elder who had taken a seat at the table that had somehow become his desk whenever he visited Bilbo.
"Yes?" The dwarf looked irritated himself, shifting through papers noisily.
"I can't read Khuzdul." The room went silent, Balin staring at him as if it had never occurred to him. Bilbo didn't feel embarrassed over this shortcoming, knowing he'd learn it time, but he needed information now so he asked, "Will you read the missive to me that you gave me at the peace meeting?"
Jumping up quickly, Balin pulled the crumpled paper from his pocket, "Of course, I- I never thought- I apologize your Highness, it slipped my mind." His expression was forlorn as he looked over the crumpled sheets, trying to straighten them.
"Still just Bilbo, especially in here." Bilbo patted his shoulder with a small smile. "I'll learn, and might asked for a tutor once everything is settled, but for now would be please simply keep me informed before the meetings?"
"Yes of course. This here is Thorin's plans for reparation allocations." He pointed to the symbols on the page. "As individuals, the company holds the wealth of Erebor in their portion of Smaug's treasure. Each one fourteenth is worth close to two million gold, which is brilliant as our group will be able to fund the future of the kingdom for many more generations. That being said, each fourteenth is considered individual wealth, and Thorin has been hesitant to ask anyone from the company to part with a portion to fund Dale or the elves. Erebor's coffers are much smaller and will remain so until commerce begins again." Balin explained, pulling at his beard. "But it's a two headed snake, as Erebor's commerce has always needed the kingdom of Dale. Thorin believes that the majority of reparations should go towards the Men, and I'm inclined to agree. But this may snub Thranduil. We don't much care, except we need his land's open to our immigrating citizens from the Blue Mountains. These are simply Thorin's notes on the matter, outlining the pros and cons."
Bilbo looked down at the paper, noting the differences in Thorin's handwriting, the sharper script. He thought for a moment before the easiest solution arose, and he smiled at Balin as a new plan formed in his mind.