Disclaimer: I do not own any familiar characters/settings/plot featured in this story. They all belong to (most likely rolling in his grave) J.R.R. Tolkien.

Act III: The Diplomat

Chapter Seven

"What the hell happened to your face?" Ori questioned when Bilbo returned to the 'Ri residence that night.

"Ori, language," Dori scolded even as he wiped his hands on his apron and moved over to examine the Hobbit.

Bilbo rolled his eyes but knew better than to avoid the mothering hen masquerading as a Dwarf. "It looks worse than it is," he reassured, tilting his head up to give Dori easier access.

"It looks like you walked into a wall," Ori described helpfully as he stole some potatoes from the chopping board where Dori had been at work preparing dinner.

"Or got into a fight with something with claws," Dori added, tracing the slice on his cheek with his rough thumb. He gave Bilbo a knowing look. "Who was it?"

"Um, some noble lady with too many rings," he replied, shrugging one shoulder. "I opened my mouth when I shouldn't have and… well, paid the price. Nothing I didn't expect."

Ori choked on his potatoes. "A Dwarrowdam did that?!"

"Never underestimate a dam. They can be twice as vicious as a Dwarrow in a fight," Dori advised with a knowing nod. He patted Bilbo's bruised cheek gently and jerked his head towards the bedrooms. "Nori is back. He won't tell us where he's been but maybe he'll speak to you."

"Is that your veiled hint that I need to interrogate him?" the Hobbit wondered, leaning slightly against Dori's hand. Though he didn't want to admit it, it felt nice having someone fret over him like he was a child.

"I trust you're smart enough to figure that out by yourself," the Dwarf replied, giving him one more pat before turning back to his youngest brother. "Ori, stop eating the potatoes or we won't have any left for the stew!"

Bilbo made his way to the rooms as Ori began to whine about hunger pains and being a growing Dwarf in need of food. He dropped off his things in his room before venturing into Nori's room. There he found the thief slumped horizontally on his bed with his booted feet on the floor and an arm thrown over his face. At the sound of his door opening, he lifted his arm and looked up at Bilbo before letting out a loud and dramatic groan.

"What did you do now?" he asked, dropping his arm back over his eyes.

"Got mouthy with some noble dam. She got offended and whacked me," Bilbo replied, walking over to the head of the bed and climbing on. Without any shame, he stretched out and shoved his cold feet under Nori's back, which earned him a grunt of annoyance. "Now where have you been?"

"I leave you alone for a few days and you get beat up by some uppity lass. Good job," the Dwarf mocked, sitting up slightly to give Bilbo a chance to get comfortable before flopping back down on his bed and Bilbo's feet.

Bilbo shrugged and deliberately wiggled his toes into his friend's back. "Shut up and answer my question. Where have you been?"

"Working. And it's nothing illegal so don't worry," Nori ordered, peeking one green eye out from under his elbow to glare at the Hobbit.

"What about dangerous?"

Nori remained tellingly silent.

"Nori—"

"It's not too bad. I've certainly done worse jobs. This one, I don't think I'll even see any action," the thief admitted, dropping his arm onto Bilbo's shins and turning to look at the healer. "I can't tell you what it is I am doing just yet, but I promise that I will. It's just not the right time."

Bilbo frowned but decided to trust his friend for the moment. "Fine. But I expect a full explanation when you do."

Nori grunted in acceptance. "I heard you got roped into working for the Orocarni nobles," he commented, changing the subject.

Bilbo wrinkled his nose. "Unfortunately. But I suppose it's not too bad. Lady Hafsa is good company but she's so... quiet. I'm not sure how to handle it," he admitted as he reflected over his new boss. His interactions with Dwarrowdams had been severely limited to Hamide, Arnina, Princess Dís, and Lady Súna. Hamide he never really spoke to thanks to the language barrier and her unease around him, which he tried his best to respect. Arnina was a new friend so he was still getting to know her while Princess Dís and Lady Súna were considered oddities among Dwarrowdams. Thus, his expectations of what to expect of Dwarrowdams was a bit lacking.

"She's probably scared of you. Probably never saw anything so fluffy and small before," Nori mocked, poking Bilbo's thigh with interest. "Look at that. You finally got some meat on your bones and it's all pudgy. No muscle to be found."

He batted the hand away with a scowl. "That's perfectly normal for my kind. We're supposed to be fat and soft."

"Really? Then I'm going to tell Dori to feed you some more. I want to see how round you can get."

"Dori feeds me enough. I don't think I've eaten this well in... well, years," the Hobbit realized, blinking in surprise. "Huh."

Nori's teasing grin fell away. Bilbo could see a brooding storm rising in the Dwarf and quickly cut it off. "I need to go down to the Lead District later to check on my patients. Wanna come?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Like I'd let you walk down there alone," Nori scoffed, and rose to his feet. "First let's see what Dori's making. I'm starving."

Bilbo rolled his eyes as he too got to his feet. "Subtle, Nori. Real subtle."

When he arrived at the palace the next morning, Bilbo found himself waylaid by a prince and given a surprising gift.

"It's a book," he said blankly, staring at the neatly bound tome that Kíli had just shoved onto him. "Why are you giving me a book?"

"It's a guide on all the important rules and customs of the palace," Kíli explained, trying to untangle a knot in his hair. "Balin found it for you after Fíli and I asked him for help."

Bilbo swallowed thickly as he tried to wrap his head around the fact that Lord Balin—a mere acquaintance—had gone so far as to find a book just for Bilbo. It was mind boggling. "I... How can I repay such a gift? What would Lord Balin like?"

Kíli shrugged; looking altogether unconcerned by the hitch in the Hobbit's voice and more interested in his hair. "I don't know. He didn't say he wanted a payment or anything. Just mentioned that if you have any questions, then feel free to visit him and he'll do his best to help."

Bilbo nodded slowly as he hugged his treasure to his chest. "I-I'll, I will do that to give him my thanks. It is the least I can do to repay him for such a precious gift."

Kíli rolled his eyes. "It's a book, Bilbo, not the Arkenstone," he scoffed.

"Maybe to you it is worthless but to someone like me—who has nothing—it is a priceless treasure," the healer retorted sharply, glaring up at the Dwarf.

The prince flinched back like a puppy who was just scolded by his master. "I... My apologies. I guess I… I didn't think of it that way," he said quietly, releasing his knotted hair and casting his eyes to the floor.

Bilbo felt his heart soften instantly which both surprised and disturbed him. He didn't realize he was so attached to the innocent prince that the mere sight of him hurt made Bilbo melt. Pushing that realization away for later reflection, he reached out and patted the brunet on the arm.

"Come now, don't make that face. I know you didn't mean it that way," he said quietly, earning a hopeful look from the Dwarf. "Just—Just try to think more before you open your mouth."

"Mother tells me that all the time. Only in a meaner way," Kíli admitted sheepishly, scratching at the tip of his nose.

"Yeah, that sounds like her," Bilbo remarked with a smirk before casting his eyes to the knot in the prince's hair. "Would you like some help in untangling your hair? I have some time to spare before I have to join Lady Hafsa."

Kíli's eyes grew wide and he suddenly took three giant steps away from the healer. "What?!" he squawked, a hint of red rising to his face. "No, no, of course not! That would be... indecent! Don't you know what it means to brush a Dwarrow's hair?! You can't just offer that to anyone!"

Bilbo blinked and leaned back slightly on his heels. "Oh. Um, I didn't know? I help Nori and Ori with their hair sometimes, so I just thought..."

Kíli's eyes grew wider until they nearly bulged out of his head. "Brushing a Dwarrow's hair is a very intimate act that only occurs with someone you really trust," he explained slowly as if speaking to a child. "Like your parents, siblings or a spouse—family, really. You don't... It's not something a Dwarrow would offer to just anyone, let alone an outsider..."

"Oh." Bilbo stared back at the prince blankly; unsure how to react to such news that his friends had apparently given him permission to engage in such an intimate affair without telling him the importance of it. Suddenly, Nori's initial reaction made a lot more sense to him. "I didn't know that."

The prince nodded slowly; his eyes still blown wide and a red tint lingering on his skin. "Clearly," he muttered, circling widely around the Hobbit in order to get to the stairs. "I'm going to go now. Uhm, have a nice day, Bilbo. Enjoy the book."

Bilbo merely waved goodbye as Kíli made a hasty retreat from the Hobbit. He couldn't even bring himself to feel offended by the Dwarf's behavior; too busy thinking over what he had just learned. Dazed, he put his book away in his pack and then made his way to Lady Hafsa's chambers as he had been originally before Kíli had waylaid him. Lost in his thoughts, it took him a bit longer than usual to take notice of the extra guests settled around in Lady Hafsa's sitting room.

"Oh. Good morning," he said blankly, staring at the two extra Dwarves who rose to their feet at his entry. They looked familiar to him and it took him a moment to realize that that they were part of the Orocarni party though he could not recall their names.

"A good morning, Master Bilbo," greeted the older looking Dwarf as he gave a graceful bow to the Hobbit. "Introductions have not been made between us. This one is Serkan son of Sözen and General of the Second Legion of the Orocarni Army."

"And this one is Şevki son of Sözen and Lieutenant in the Second Legion," added the second Dwarf, giving a stiff bow before collapsing back into his seat. He didn't look too thrilled to see him and Bilbo soon realized why—he was the Dwarf who was rude to him at the luncheon.

"You're... Lady Hafsa's brothers," he guessed, looking to his lady for confirmation, who gave him a small nod. "She mentioned you two in passing. It's... good to meet you both officially."

General Serkan gave him a bright smile that Bilbo usually only saw on really conniving merchants. "Mahâl's blessings on this meeting for you are as lovely as a fairy from the heavens," he practically purred. "Truly, this one is honored to be granted a chance to gaze at your radiance."

Bilbo wrinkled his nose and took a closer look at the Dwarf. "Isn't it a bit early to start in on the wine?"

Lieutenant Şevki snorted loudly while Lady Hafsa politely cleared her throat. "Brother, please cease attempts to woo Master Bilbo. He is far too smart for your games," she said sweetly to her elder sibling though her shoulders had grown stiff.

"She's right you know. I grew up among Elves so I'm very good at detecting bullshit," agreed the Hobbit, moving to take a seat next to Lady Hafsa after she gave him a small nod to her side.

"Then more efforts must be undertaken to persuade otherwise," General Serkan declared, his smile relaxing into something more genuine and playful. It made Bilbo take a closer look at the Dwarf with his wavy black hair and coiled beard and sensuous dark eyes. He could see a resemblance to Lady Hafsa in the shape of his mouth and forehead but nothing else. He was, from an objective view, a very handsome Dwarf but Bilbo felt no stirring in him to get closer to the stranger.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Not interested," he told the Dwarf frankly, and then turned back to Lady Hafsa while Lieutenant Şevki broke out laughing. "What are we doing today?"

Lady Hafsa stared at him in wide-eyed wonder as she looked between Bilbo and her brothers. "I... There are no engagements that requires presence at the moment. The only appointment is tonight when we are to attend a play."

"Hmm. That leaves us with free time then," Bilbo mused, glancing around the room for something to do only to find nothing of interest. Typical. "What do you like to do for fun?"

"I take pleasure in stitching and crafting jewelry," replied Lady Hafsa, still looking between her brothers and Bilbo. "But… Would Master Bilbo not like to converse further with this one's brothers?"

The healer raised his eyebrows in surprise and made a point not to look at the two Dwarves sitting by them. "No. Why should I? I'm here for you, not them."

Lady Hafsa's eyes grew wider until Bilbo could see all the whites of her eyes while Lieutenant Şevki's cackles suddenly grew louder. "I... don't..."

General Serkan gave a small cough for attention that Bilbo refused to give him on principle. "Apologies. Little sister is used to being overlooked in favor of the sons. In Orocarni it is custom for a Dwarrowdam to be seen but not heard," the Dwarf explained quietly.

"Good thing we're in Erebor then, huh?" the Hobbit commented, looking to Lieutenant Şevki, who was wearing a smirk of approval. "And I'm a Hobbit, not a Dwarf. Do not expect me to completely follow your ways."

"Corrections before you go on there," said Lieutenant Şevki, sitting up a bit straighter in his seat and pointing to Bilbo. "You call us Dwarves when it should be Dwarrows. Speak it correctly or don't speak at all."

"Şevki," sighed his elder brother.

"If one is to live here, they should use the proper terms," defended Lieutenant Şevki, crossing his arms over his chest.

Bilbo nodded in agreement as he thought it over. "That's very true. I guess I just used the name I heard from others and took it to mean the same thing. Thank you for pointing that out, Lieutenant."

Lieutenant Şevki shot his brother a smug look. "See? Master Bilbo agrees," he gloated before looking back to the healer. "No need for rank. Şevki works just fine. No formality here when you are meant to be the companion of Little Sister."

Bilbo raised his brows in surprise but still nodded. "In that case, you may call me Bilbo."

"You may call this one by name as well," added General Serkan, clearly still trying to win his attention.

Bilbo didn't bother to even look at him. "No, I believe General works just fine."

Şevki cackled again and even Lady Hafsa let out a few giggles into her hand. Bilbo merely smirked when General Serkan give a loud and heavy sigh. He had found a new way to amuse himself.

"What are the two of you here for?" he asked Şevki, leaning back into the stiff cushions of the couch. It was uncomfortable and made him long for the worn and soft stuffing of Bombur's furniture.

"To pay greetings to Little Sister," General Serkan replied before his brother could. When Bilbo glanced at him, he found the Dwarrow staring at Lady Hafsa with a smile that made his face softer and kinder. "There will be few chances after she marries and leaves for the Iron Hills."

"No one from your family will be going with you?" Bilbo clarified, looking to Lady Hafsa for the answer.

The Dwarrowdam gave a small shake of her head. "No. Orocarni custom is to leave behind all birth family and embrace the family of the husband," she explained quietly, her shoulders dropping slightly. "It is so that loyalty will not be compromised between father and husband."

Bilbo winced at her words. He couldn't imagine leaving behind his family and clan forever just for a spouse. No one had that much value to him. "That's a sad custom. Will you at least be able to visit each other?"

"Yes, but… visits will be scarce," Şevki confirmed with a downward twist to his lips. "Orocarni is many leagues from the Iron Hills and not yet secure to leave alone for long. Our Padishah has need for us there."

"Padishah?" the healer repeated, unsure of the meaning behind the new word.

"It is the title for king," General Serkan explained quickly. "Padishah Ahmed of Orocarni is her liege and lord. He is a direct descendent of Meili the Wild; one of the Seven Fathers. Have you not heard his name before?"

Bilbo furrowed his brows in thought as he tried to remember what he knew of the Padishah Ahmed. "I know he's related to you lot and that he... survived a coup attempt? And came back not so long ago and reclaimed the throne from the usurpers?" he said slowly, glancing to the Dwarrowdam for confirmation. "Is that right?"

Lady Hafsa nodded. "Padishah is the youngest child of Father's eldest brother," she said, gracefully folding her hands together in her lap. "He alone survived the bloody overthrow of the palace."

"Due to the efforts of Father, Padishah lived and built up his forces in safe territory until strong enough to exact revenge and reclaim his birthright," General Serkan added, strumming his fingers against the armrest of his chair. "It was... a black time for all."

"But do not wallow in such dark memories. Let us instead talk of more pleasant topics like the wedding," ordered Şevki, straightening up in his seat with a grin. General Serkan agreed and began to speak on the guest list with his brother while their sister remained oddly silent.

Bilbo listened to it all but eventually lost interest as he didn't know any of the people they were speaking of. Instead, he watched Lady Hafsa as she seemed to shrink into herself the longer her brothers spoke of the wedding. With a clenching feeling in the pit of his stomach, he was beginning to believe he knew the reason why.

"Apologies for this one's brothers being... themselves," Lady Hafsa said quietly after her brothers had finally left. Her shoulders were drooped, and she looked a bit frazzled after an hour of dealing with her siblings. Bilbo could relate; he suddenly felt like he needed a nap.

"They weren't so horrible. I've certainly met worse people," he reassured, flashing her a smile.

"Gratitude for such kindness," she said, returning his smile with a strained one.

Bilbo studied her for a moment longer before clearing his throat and bracing himself for the mess he was about to jump into. "Lady Hafsa, may I ask you a... personal question?"

Lady Hafsa blinked and glanced to her guards before focusing back on Bilbo. "There… are no reasons not to. Speak on."

Bilbo took in a deep breath and, before he could change his mind, said: "You don't really want to marry Lord Dáin do you?"

Lady Hafsa frowned and looked away. "Personal desires matter not. Padishah has ordered it and this one will obey," she said dully.

"But if you did have a choice? Would you have agreed to this marriage?" Bilbo persisted.

Lady Hafsa stared down at her hands for a long time until her bottom lip began to tremble. "No," she whispered as her eyes began to water. "This one has no desires to marry Lord Dáin. This one… I have no desires to marry any Dwarrow. The only desire I hold is to return to Orocarni to be with family and clan. I... I just want to go home!"

Bilbo felt something hard take up residence in the back of his throat. Lady Hafsa looked so lost and miserable at that moment that he wanted to do nothing more than to take her into his arms and tell her everything would be alright. It was a feeling he only ever felt around children and, staring at her face, he realized that she was a child underneath all that makeup and pretty gowns. She was a child being used in a game of politics that she wanted no part in.

This isn't right, he thought as the familiar feeling of anger began to resettle in his bones. None of this is right.

"Lady Hafsa, is your marriage to Lord Dáin absolutely necessary for the treaty to work?" he asked while digging out a handkerchief from his pocket. When he found it, he handed it to the Dwarrowdam who took it with a wobbly smile of gratitude.

"Well... the original treaty was an exchange—a trade route to be built between the Iron Hills and Orocarni. The soldiers from the Iron Hills to guard it and Orocarni to fund it," she explained while dabbing at her eyes. "Father later offered this one as a bride to Lord Dáin as a show of good faith. This… there is little understanding as to why Lord Dáin accepted. It is as clear as water that it is not me he desires to stand at his side."

Bilbo winced. "Saw him with Prince Frerin did you?"

Lady Hafsa nodded miserably. "Yes. They were walking together in the halls and..." she trailed off, shaking her head and squeezing the handkerchief in her hands. "It is unclear why Father believes any of this will work. Lord Dáin loves another and this one desire to go home. What marriage could be built on this?"

"Why has your father pushed so strongly for this marriage? He clearly loves you and sending you so far away to marry a stranger is... odd."

Lady Hafsa thought about the question for a moment while twisting the handkerchief in her hands before slowly explaining, "Father desires the best husband and the best is Lord Dáin. But he also… Father longs for a blood link to the Line of Durin. That could only happen through the joining of Houses and birth of a grandchild. That this child would inherit the throne of the Iron Hills is an... unavoidable advantage."

"But doesn't Lord Dáin already have a son? Isn't he the heir?" he wondered.

"Yes, the young Prince Thorin is the heir. But if… children were to come from our union, then they would rank above him as their births are legitimate," the Dwarrowdam explained with a small flinch. "The prince is a bastard child by law as no second parent has sought to name claim."

Bilbo felt his opinion of Vizier Sözen fall a few points. "That's a pretty underhanded move to pull on a child. Your father doesn't sound like a very noble Dwarf–I mean, Dwarrow."

Lady Hafsa shrugged helplessly. "Father is Father. He survived so long for good reason."

Bilbo privately disagreed but pushed away such thoughts for another time. "So, what I'm getting from all of this, is that it all started with Lord Dáin agreeing to the engagement," he reflected, thinking over the new facts. "I need to speak to him then and get an idea of why he's willing to marry you when it's clear he doesn't want to. Then maybe from there we can break this engagement without breaking the treaty..."

Lady Hafsa stared at him with wide eyes. "Apologies but... why do you seek to aid in this, Master Bilbo? Our meeting was only days ago and we have no bond or alliance. Master Bilbo stands to gain nothing by ending the engagement. No reason for any of your interest."

"I'm not doing this for personal gain. I'm doing it because you are being forced to do something you don't want to do for the benefit of someone else," Bilbo answered, trying not to sigh at the fact that he was, once again, having to explain that doing something kind without expecting something in return was possible. "I won't stand by and allow that to happen. Dwarves—no, Dwarrowdams, are not property to be bartered with based on the whims of Dwarrows. Allowing such a thing to occur is not right."

Lady Hafsa's jaw dropped as she stared up at him. Then, suddenly, she broke out into loud, noisy tears that had Bilbo jumping to his feet. "Wait, why are you crying again?!" he yelled before looking to Asya for help. She and the other two bodyguards were perfectly calm. "Why is she crying?! Did I say something offensive?!"

The guard shook her head with a bemused smile. "No, Master Bilbo. Lady cries for no one has offered such kind words to her."

Bilbo had never heard of anything more ridiculous in his life. "Oh. Should I... I mean, what do I—?"

"Leave our Lady be for now," Asya advised, nodding to the door while moving over to the crying dam. "Go stretch your legs for a time and leave care to us."

Bilbo took another look at the sobbing Dwarrowdam before giving a confirming nod and then leaving as quickly as possible without being rude. No matter how fast he moved though, he couldn't escape the echoes of her cries nor the knowledge of why she was brought to such tears.

I'm gonna need some help, he thought and mentally began to plot.

The first thing to do was to speak to Dáin. He was the one to accept the engagement in the first place and was the only one he could think of who could end it. After asking some guards, he found the lord in question in his chambers going over a stack of letters. When he saw Bilbo, he smiled and rose to his feet in greeting.

"Bilbo! To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked while gesturing to an empty seat. "Please, sit, sit. Would you like any refreshments? Some wine? Some food?"

Bilbo shook his head and waved the tempting requests away as his time was short. "No thank you, Dáin. I'm sorry to intrude on you so suddenly but I'm afraid I have no choice. I need some answers for some serious questions."

Dáin pursued his lips but nodded. "Very well. Ask and I will do my best to clear things up for you."

Bilbo nodded in gratitude and took in a deep breath to steady himself for the mess he was about to engage himself in. "Dáin, I must ask a rather… personal question. Is that acceptable?"

The Dwarrow arched one red brow high. "I suppose. As long as I can ask one too."

"Deal," he agreed without hesitation. "Now… Why are you marrying Lady Hafsa when you're in love with Prince Frerin?"

Dáin blinked slowly for a moment before leaning back in his seat. "Wow. You don't hold back your punches, huh?"

"I'm rather short on time and patience."

"Mmm. Well, before I answer, would you mind sharing why you care so much?"

"Because Lady Hafsa is little more than a child who has been thrown into a very serious situation without her consent or desire," Bilbo listed a bit viciously, trying to reign in his anger but finding it too bothersome. "She is scared, lost, and very much homesick. Marrying you and moving to the Iron Hills will only make all of that worse."

Dáin stared at him for a moment before reaching up to rub his forehead while releasing a loud sigh that had his wide shoulders dropping. "She is much younger than Sözen claimed," he admitted quietly, and Bilbo could see that he too was disturbed by the age of his bride. "I was not expecting him to lie. Most fathers try to keep their daughters with them for as long as possible in order to protect them."

"Which the Vizier is not doing at all," he pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest. "He's barely waited for her to reach her majority before selling her off to the highest bidder. Is that normal for your people?"

"Some families marry off Dwarrowdams once they reached majority, but it is more common for them to remain with their families until they have matured more. We are a long-lived race, so it is not a burden for us to give our children time to find themselves," Dáin explained, dropping his hand from his face.

Bilbo nodded in understanding. "Then you see why I am so angry over this engagement."

"Mmm. And… I admit, I… I do not take any pleasure in the idea of bedding someone so young and unwilling," Dáin revealed, rubbing his chin while his brows began to furrow together. "But this engagement… it is not something so easily broken. There are many players pushing for it to go through with the greatest being my mother."

"The Iron Lady," Bilbo connected, recalling his conversation with the princes and their father. "I heard she's pushing for this in order to get the diamond mines attached to Lady Hafsa?"

"That is part of the reason," admitted the Dwarrow lord with a nod. "Publicly my mother seeks this marriage for the diamond mines but privately… that is a different matter. She's seeking a way into the line of succession for Orocarni and she sees Lady Hafsa as that way. Ahmed, you see, is unmarried and has not named an heir yet. If he is to name someone than it will have to be from Vizier Sözen's children. And who better than the one with Durin blood?"

Bilbo wrinkled his brows together in confusion. "Why does your mother want Orocarni so bad? It's not even close to the Iron Hills!"

"My mother wants the world, but she'll settle for the Dwarrow Kingdoms."

"Really? Even Erebor?"

Dáin's eyes turned steely and he sat up straighter. "Erebor is off-limits and she knows it," he growled, staring over Bilbo's head into the distance. "She has made peace with ruling through her clan only here."

"Did you tell her this? Because of Frerin?"

"Mmm. She hates that I have... feelings for him. He is… my greatest weakness other than my son and others can exploit that."

"Do you want control of Orocarni?" Bilbo wondered though he had a feeling he knew the answer.

Dáin scoffed and shook his head as he had expected. "Of course not. I have no interest in any kingdom outside my own and Erebor. But my mother... she is a different story."

"You really can't oppose her?"

The Dwarrow slowly shook his head as his mouth twisted into a frown that stretched out the scar on his cheek. "I cannot go against her wishes. I don't know how it works for your people, but for Dwarrows, we owe everything to our mothers. They risk their very life to bring us into this world and raise us up. My mother nearly died in childbirth with me and the complications left her unable to bear more children. I can never repay her for these sacrifices, but I must try."

Privately, Bilbo thought that was a bullshit reason. Hobbit mothers always made it clear that they would also sacrifice everything for their children but did not expect anything in return because it was a choice they made to bring forth a new life. They chose to have a child so why would they burden said child for it?

"Lady Hafsa told me her father also wants a child to inherit the Iron Hills," he commented, tapping his fingers against his thigh. "She said this would occur because your son is not legitimate. Does your mother realize this?"

"Mmm, yes, but there is little threat to my son's position as heir regardless if I have more children or not," Dáin explained, carelessly flicking back one of his braids that had fallen into his face. "I have used ancient laws to privately install him as the sole heir to the Iron Hills. So, even if I have other legitimized children, none of them will be able to claim Thorin's position as heir to the Iron Hills."

The Hobbit whistled lowly, feeling a bit impressed at the level of thought the Dwarrow had put into his son's future. "Wow. How did you do that?"

"It's a bit complicated to explain but the general idea stems from the parentage of his second parent. Their identity is secret and known only to the Keepers and myself presently, but they carry a high enough bloodline that allowed me to guarantee my son's position."

Bilbo nodded slowly in understanding as he felt some relief that the position of the little prince was safe. Though he had never met the Dwarrow, he didn't like the idea of him being used or tricked out of his rightful inheritance. "That's good… Hey, why did you name him after Thorin? I would think Frerin would be your first choice in names."

Dáin gave a small smile as something unknown tightened in his face. "Thorin is the most honorable Dwarrow I have ever known and so I gave my son his Outside name in hopes that he will carry these same traits," he explained simply before leaning further back into his seat. He stared at Bilbo for a moment before asking, "Do you really intend to break the engagement?"

"Yes," Bilbo replied without hesitation before catching himself. He paused for a moment to collect his words and slowly said, "It's not… Lady Hafsa looks so sad and scared when she speaks of the engagement. The very idea of standing by and allowing her—an innocent child—to be sold her own father just for power… It goes against everything my parents ever taught me. I'm sorry for interfering in matters that are not my business, but I must do something to help her."

"You may be inviting more trouble than you can handle if you get involved in this," pointed out the Dwarrow, tilting his head to the side as he regarded him with familiar blue eyes. "For all his friendly and cheery words, Sözen is a cunning and ruthless Dwarrow at heart. He won't take kindly to someone ruining his plans."

"That's fine. After learning of his plans to whore out his own daughter, I don't really want to have anything to do with him," Bilbo deadpanned.

Dáin broke out into roaring laughter that shook the very walls. "Well said! I too find little interest in maintaining relationships with such folk," he proclaimed before his face grew serious once more. "But Sözen is not only one who you must contend with. My mother will not stand idly by. If she catches wind of it, there will be little I can do to protect you from her."

"You don't have to do that, Dáin," Bilbo objected with a frown. "I wouldn't ask you to fight your own mother because of me."

"I am not doing it just for you," Dáin denied, shaking his head. "I am doing it for myself. I have no desire to marry anyone who is not Frerin. Less so a child who doesn't want to be involved in any of this. So, in private, I will support your efforts to end this engagement but publicly I must remain the dutiful son obeying his mother's wishes. Does that sound fair?"

Bilbo nodded. "Yes, it does," he said, feeling a knot of tension ease up in his stomach. "I… thank you for agreeing to this. I know I have no right to step into this whole affair."

"Perhaps, but that doesn't make it wrong," the Dwarrow lord explained, plopping an elbow on the arm of his chair to rest his chin against. "You're speaking up out of altruistic reasons which is more than any of us can claim. And you're the second person to object to this marriage on grounds of it being unfair to Lady Hafsa."

"Who was the first?"

"Dís," Dáin answered, and then laughed as Bilbo's jaw dropped open. "You look so surprised! Is it that hard to imagine? Dís is a Dwarrowdam too and knows better than anyone the troubles that come with being a daughter of nobility."

"I find it hard to imagine her as anything but the strong and dominating Dwarrowdam she is today," he admitted, trying to picture a younger Princess Dís crying over an unwanted engagement only to keep coming up with an image of her burning the palace down. "I don't think anyone could make her do something she does not wish to."

"While that may be true now, it wasn't always," Dáin replied, furrowing his brows together. "When Uncle Thrór was still alive, she was much more submissive and passive. It wasn't until Uncle Thrór tried to make her marry a Dwarrow old enough to be her father that she spoke out and demanded the right to choose her own husband."

"What did King Thrór do?" Bilbo asked, curious.

"Oh, he was pissed. He ranted and raved about her duty as a Daughter of Durin, but it was all for naught. Nothing would change her mind and when he threatened to disown her, she retorted by swearing to cut off her beard and burning it before Mahâl. He quickly gave in after that."

"Cutting off your beard and burning it isn't a good thing I take it?"

"No. It is the ultimate sign of disrespect towards Mahâl. Doing it will bring about only disaster and death on yourself and your clan." Dáin grinned widely, looking far too amused by the concept. "Little surprise why Uncle Thrór was quick to back down."

Bilbo nodded, not at all surprised by the bold and daring threat. "That sounds more like the princess I know."

"Indeed. Dís is strong and dominating now but only because she fought for that right," Dáin agreed before waving a lazy hand. "But enough about her. I want to know what you plan to do to end this engagement without breaking the treaty and causing a war between three kingdoms."

He wrinkled his nose in distaste at the Dwarrow's words. "Don't describe it like that," he whined, trying to ignore the bubble of unease rising in his stomach. "I'm sure we can solve this without starting a war. We're much more civilized than that."

"You haven't seen Dwarrow politics in action yet," Dáin retorted. "Now what's the plan?"

"I have an idea, but I have to speak to Lady Hafsa about it first," he explained, scratching his nose. "I will need her help… and her permission."

"It's not anything that will endanger her is it?"

"What? No, of course not, what do you take me for?"

"Just checking. I have no desire to marry the lass, but I also don't want her hurt," the lord explained. He then cocked his head and narrowed his blue eyes. "Is it my turn now to ask you a question?"

"Huh? Oh, yes, I suppose so. Go ahead."

"Don't worry, it is very simple. My question for you is this—what do you think of Thorin?"

"W-What? What sort of question is that?"

"As I said, it is a simple one. What do you think of him?"

Bilbo blinked and flopped back into his seat. "I-I think he has a good heart but little sense of how the real-world works," he said slowly, trying to find the right words only to find himself coming up with a complete blank. "He's… He's also dedicated and loyal and honorable and kind in his own way. He can be funny too when he wants to and—why are you smiling like that?"

Dáin—whose smile had grown until it bordered on unsightly—just shook his head and chuckled to himself. "Oh, no reason. No reason at all…"

With his business with Dáin completed, Bilbo decided to return to Lady Hafsa's chambers with hopes that the crying spectacle was done. To his relief, it was, and Lady Hafsa seemed in a much better although strange mood. She kept looking at Bilbo like he was a puzzle piece that wouldn't fit into the last space no matter how she turned it. She made no mention of the previous conversation, so Bilbo decided to keep his plans and discussion with Dáin to himself for the time being. No need to restart the waterworks for round two.

Lady Hafsa decided that she wanted to spend some time exploring the palace outside of the guest wing that she and her party had been set up in. Bilbo didn't mind the excursion as it gave him a chance to study the palace in more detail. He did his best to share what he knew of the different areas with Lady Hafsa, but it was difficult as he only knew the basic of details from Óin.

It was during this walk that they ran into a party of noble Dwarrowdams. Bilbo immediately recognized two of the five from the day before as Lady Sunshine and Lady Ebony—the Dwarrowdams who had treated Lady Hafsa kindly and even spoke up for Bilbo when Lady Hnoss had slapped him. When the group spotted Lady Hafsa, they quickly descended upon her like a flock of birds upon a helpless worm. Bilbo felt a bit bad for her as he stood in the background and watched them coo and giggle over Lady Hafsa who endured it all with a stiff smile of a martyr who was walking to their own execution.

As Bilbo glanced over the group, he caught the eye of Lady Ebony who stepped away from the crowd and closer to him. "Master Baggins," she greeted, giving him a small nod of acknowledgement. "It is good to see that Hnoss did not scare you away."

"I've encountered scarier females than her," he returned with a grin as he thought of his mother and many aunts. Now those were the females to fear.

Lady Ebony's lips curled up into a little smile as her posture seemed to relax slightly. "I don't believe we have been properly introduced. I am Kára daughter of Kárunn."

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," Bilbo greeted back politely. "I am Bilbo Baggins as you obviously already know."

"Indeed. You are the healer who saved Prince Kíli and exposed that rat Motvari and all his crimes," Lady Kára said, turning her body to face him completely. "You are also a friend of the King. Anyone lucky enough to be considered as such must be one of considerable honor and integrity."

Bilbo felt his cheeks flush with the high praise. "I—I wouldn't go that far. Thorin is just too easily impressed by commoners like me."

Lady Kára laughed lightly into her hand. "I heard rumors of your honesty but did not expect to see it for myself. How very refreshing. I see now why His Majesty is so enthralled by you."

"H-H-He's not enthralled!" Bilbo squawked, feeling his blush deepen even further until his entire face felt hot and uncomfortable. His reaction drew the stares of Lady Hafsa and the others which just made him feel even worse while Lady Kára just laughed again.

"Please stop teasing me, milady," he muttered, looking down at his feet and wiggling his toes.

"My apologies. I meant no offense," Lady Kára said, still looking unfairly amused by his reaction. But then her face grew serious and she leaned forward until they were close enough that Bilbo could count her lashes.

"I have a… question for you," she said, dropping her voice into nearly a whisper. "I have heard that you have been trained by both Elves and Men in the craft of healing. Is this true?"

"I suppose. I have lived in many different kingdoms, so I've been around a great deal of different healers."

"Then would you… perhaps know of a method to cure insomnia?"

"Um, yes? But I thought Dwarv—I mean, Dwarrows have medicine for that?"

"We do but… they do not work on everyone." Lady Kára awkwardly looked away before turning her eyes back to him. "I… have suffered from insomnia for many years and no healer in the kingdom has been able to help me. But when I heard of you and your different masters, I thought perhaps…"

Bilbo nodded in understanding. "I see your point. Well, there are some methods I could suggest you try, but they are practices done by Elven healers. Do you still wish to know them?"

Lady Kára gave him a stiff smile. "Master Baggins, at this point, I would swear myself and my future children into the service of Elves if it meant curing this wretched illness."

"No need to go that far," Bilbo promised, feeling a bit amused and sympathetic to the Dwarrowdam. It said a lot on the severity of her condition that she was willing to swear allegiance to Elves just to get some sort of relief. "I can write you a few different prescriptions to try out. If one doesn't work, go onto the next and so on. If none of them work, please let me know and I can recommend some others."

Lady Kára nodded as some of the tension faded from her face. "Of course, of course. Thank you, Master Baggins. I will not forget this kindness," she vowed as fiercely as a knight swearing an oath to his king.

Bilbo just shrugged. "No thanks needed. I'm a healer and it's my job to… well, heal," he explained awkwardly.

Lady Kára smiled at him kindly. "Will you be joining us tonight at the theater?" she asked, smoothly changing the subject as some of the other Dwarrowdams moved closer to them. "They will be performing the Iron Butterfly. It is a classical Dwarrow tale."

"I'm afraid I've never heard of this play before," he admitted, racking his memory only to find it blank. "What's it about?"

"Oh, it is a beautiful tale of love, duty, and honor!" gushed one of the Dwarrowdams who had drifted over. She latched onto Lady Kára's arm and looked at Bilbo with bright hazel eyes. "You will love it, Master Baggins! It is one of Erebor's most treasured tales!"

"Katla, please show a little more self-control. We are still in the palace," advised Lady Kára, patting the other's hand with fond exasperation. "And did you forget your manners? Introduce yourself to Master Baggins."

The Dwarrowdam giggled behind her free hand that was covered with pearl rings of various colors. "My apologies. I am Katla daughter of Ata," she chimed sweetly, giving a shallow bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Baggins."

"Uh, you as well, Lady Katla," Bilbo replied as he returned the bow. "I take it you too will be attending the play tonight?"

"As if she would ever miss the chance to make moon eyes at the Crown Prince," teased another Dwarrowdam with striking red hair and sharply shaped brows. "It's her favorite thing to do at these sorts of things."

"Marjun! Don't tease me!" Lady Katla whined as red bloomed across her fair face while the other Dwarrowdams laughed.

"She's been carrying a torch for Prince Fíli since they were tots," revealed another Dwarrowdam in a mocking whisper.

Bilbo smiled as Lady Katla turned even redder. "I'm sure she's not the only one. Fíli is very kind," he said reassuringly to the young lady.

"You call him by name? I did not realize the two of you were so close," commented the redhead, tilting her head to the side as she regarded Bilbo with dark blue eyes.

"He insisted on it, but I think it was only because he wanted to lord it over Kíli," Bilbo confided, earning another round of giggles from the dams.

"Our princes are very competitive," agreed Lady Kára, nodding knowingly. "Remember the time they waged a prank war on the guards?"

"Which time? There has been more than one prank war waged in their names," wondered the third Dwarrowdam, giving Bilbo a wink when he looked at her in question. "I believe the last one was focused on His Majesty's council and ministers. It ended in a tie after Lord Rathsin's beard caught fire and had to be put out with a pot of ink that ended up staining his face purple for a few weeks."

This time, Bilbo couldn't help but join in with the Dwarrowdams as they laughed at the antics of Erebor's future rulers.

"Master Bilbo is good at speaking with strangers," Lady Hafsa commented later after the noble Dwarrowdams had gone on their way.

"Really? What makes you think that?"

"You carried on a pleasant conversation with the ladies of high birth. That is a skill not many can claim. Even this one admits to having… difficulties in holding conversation with others who share her rank of birth."

"You've been doing fine from what I've seen, or, heard."

"Gratitude for your kind words. But… this one knows her weaknesses and strengths. Sharing words with others is not one of them."

"Well, it just takes practice. Have you spoken to a lot of people outside of your family?"

"That… no. No, there have been few chances to do so."

Bilbo had assumed as much. From what he'd seen so far of the Orocarni party and Dwarrows in general, Dwarrowdams were very sheltered and hidden away from strangers for their own safety. Living like that, it was no surprise that Lady Hafsa was at somewhat of a loss in how to make small talk with her peers.

"That's the problem then. The more time you spend speaking with different people, the better you'll get at holding a conversation," he explained, glancing over his shoulder to get a second look at a vivid painting of a giant with black skin and amber eyes that they passed by. "So, really, it's not really your fault if you don't know how to speak to strangers because you haven't been given the chance yet."

Lady Hafsa went silent after that. When he looked over at her to see if she was crying again, he instead found her wearing the puzzle look again as she stole glances at Bilbo from the corner of her eye. Bilbo couldn't imagine what she was thinking of his words.

They spent the rest of the afternoon in Lady Hafsa's chambers until evening finally rolled around and Bilbo found himself being dragged off to a new section of the palace that held the theater. It was an oval amphitheater with seating tiers that surrounded a central area. The whole thing was made of green and white marble and had battles of Dwarrows etched into it.

"Is this play going to be in Khuzdûl?" Bilbo asked Lady Hafsa as they made their way through the small crowd of nobles and royals. For some reason, they were all dressed even more elaborately than usual. Bilbo could not imagine why.

Lady Hafsa nodded as she looked at him through a veil of diamonds and sapphires. "Yes. Is that a problem?" she wondered softly.

"No. I just won't be able to understand it." When Lady Hafsa continued to stare at him blankly, he added, "I don't know Khuzdûl."

Realization dawned on Lady Hafsa's face as well as a hint of embarrassment. "Oh. Apologies. This… That is a problem."

"Not really. I'll just watch it for the acting," he reassured, scanning the crowd for a familiar face and then grinning when he found it.

"Is it alright if I go and give my greetings to Thorin?" he asked the Dwarrowdam, looking over to her for permission. "It won't take too long."

Lady Hafsa paused for a moment before nodding slowly. "Of course," she said, glancing over the Hobbit to something beyond them before meeting his eyes. "But please be quick."

"I will be," he promised before slipping into the crowd of mingling nobles with ease. Sometimes it paid to be short.

When he got to Thorin, the Dwarrow was in the middle of what looked like a serious discussion with an older and distinguished looking Dwarrow. But when he noticed Bilbo, his face broke out into a smile that made quite a few Dwarrows around them stop and stare.

"Bilbo!" Thorin greeted, waving away the noble he was speaking to and turning to face the Hobbit. "I was hoping to see you here tonight."

Bilbo smiled as pleasure surged through him at the admission. "Hello, Thorin. How are you?"

"I am well, thank you. How are you?" Thorin questioned, looking over Bilbo before settling his gaze on the bruised cheek. "Dís told me of the incident with Hnoss…"

"It's fine. I knew I would get into trouble before I even opened my mouth," he reassured. When he saw that his words didn't ease Thorin's concern, he added on, "I broke a rule and she was right to punish me for it. You can't be mad at her for that."

"She did not have to make it so public," Thorin refuted, shaking his head and causing his hair to whip through the air like angry snakes. "Hnoss has always been arrogant and domineering but I did not think that she would be so bold as to hit you before Dís."

"I thought that was pretty gutsy of her too. Is she someone very powerful?"

"In a manner of speaking. Hnoss is the eldest daughter of Lord Petrur who rules Clan Bloodstone. They are the second strongest clan in the kingdom and rivals of Clan Ironfists—Dáin's maternal clan. Hence why Hnoss was so eager to get a rise from Hafsa."

"Which she got by angering me," Bilbo translated, finally understanding why the Dwarrowdam had switched languages when conversing with Lady Hafsa. "I didn't know I was so predictable."

"Word of your honorable actions have made their way through every noble clan in Erebor," Thorin admitted, smiling slightly without any hint of remorse. "It is no surprise that Hnoss knows of you and was betting on you speaking up in order to embarrass Hafsa."

Bilbo wrinkled his nose in distaste. He didn't like the idea of nobles gossiping about him. "Do you think she meant to only embarrass Lady Hafsa and Dáin? Or did she have deeper motives?"

Thorin furrowed his thick brows in thought. "It is… difficult to say. It is possible that Hnoss was simply being childish in her attempt to rile up Hafsa and through her Dáin. It would not be the first time she had pulled such an act and I doubt it will be the last," he admitted slowly. "But… there is also a chance that it was part of something… more elaborate. I cannot say for sure unless she acts again."

"Well, I won't let her pull another one on me. Lord Balin gave me this book of rules and etiquette of the palace that I'm going to study. Next time she tries to pull something, I'll know just how to react!" he cheered, gesturing to his pack.

Thorin frowned as he looked to the bag. "Why did you not come to me for help? I would have aided you."

"Eh, you're the king. You've got more important stuff to do than help me with something so small," he replied, shrugging one shoulder.

Thorin's frown only deepened. "It is not a small matter," he growled, pointing at the Hobbit. "The next time someone tries to pick a fight with you in the palace, come and find me. I will handle them. Understand?"

Bilbo rocked back from the Dwarrow and tried not to roll his eyes. He didn't know why the Dwarrow was being so stubborn over something so trivial but guessed that his pride was probably hurt by Lady Hnoss's bold actions. "Fine, fine! I'll come find you. Now stop growling. You're a king, not a dog."

"Some would beg to differ," a jolly voice commented from behind Bilbo. When he turned to see who it was, he was met with the pleasant face of Lord Balin.

"Lord Balin!" he squeaked and then cringed in mortification. Did he just squeak like a kitten? From the odd look Thorin flashed him, the answer was most likely.

"Good evening, Thorin," Lord Balin greeted, giving his king a small nod before turning to the Hobbit. "And a good evening to you, Master Baggins. Did Kíli give you your book?"

"Y-Yes! Yes, he did! T-Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it," Bilbo said, feeling his face flush for reasons he couldn't pin. It wasn't the first time he met the Dwarrow and he wasn't attracted to Lord Balin and he didn't really know the Dwarrow very well, but there was something about him that just… drew Bilbo's attention.

"Bilbo, your face is turning red," Thorin said unhelpfully.

"Shut up, no one asked you," he hissed back, feeling his face burn even deeper.

Lord Balin smiled and it made his face transform into something beautiful like some old and forgotten piece of art. "You're quite welcome. I hope it will be of help to you," he said kindly, dark eyes twinkling like stars. "If you have any questions, I am free later this week if you would like to meet and speak."

Bilbo nodded and hoped it didn't come off as too eager. "Yes, please! I would like that," he blurted out before he could stop himself.

"I can answer questions too," Thorin muttered somewhere off to the side.

Lord Balin's smile stretched up even higher. "Wonderful. I will send you an invitation tomorrow so Lady Hafsa will grant you a leave of absence. Now, if you would please excuse me, I am going to escape before Dís forces her pet onto me."

Bilbo blinked a bit as Lord Balin turned around and swiftly disappeared into the crowd. When he looked to see what Thorin thought of the Dwarrow's strange exit, he instead found him scowling at his sister as she came sashaying up to them in a white gown with a black blob in her arms.

"I can't believe you brought that thing here," he told the Dwarrowdam, crossing his arms over his chest.

Princess Dís ignored him in favor of greeting Bilbo. "Master Baggins, how nice to see you again. Have you met Snowflake yet? He's my dearest companion. Isn't he cute?"

Bilbo nodded as he eyed the pup carefully. "Very, but why is his name… Snowflake when he's… black?"

Princess Dís narrowed her eyes. "Because I like that name. Is there a problem with that?"

Bilbo quickly shook his head and took a large step back. "No, no, nothing wrong at all. Very good name, I totally approve. It really fits him."

Princess Dís smirked. "I'm glad I have your approval. Would you like to hold him?"

Not really, he thought but knew better than to refuse someone who could have him beheaded with a snap of her fingers. "Sure. Give him here," he said, giving a fake smile.

The Dwarrowdam smirked and shoved the small dog into his arms. Bilbo couldn't help but tense up as he wrapped his arms around the furry worm wiggling about. Snowflake looked up at him with bright black eyes and his tongue hanging out, and he tried not to wince at the sight. He liked animals well enough, true, but he had never had the best experiences with dogs. In the cities of Men there were many feral dogs about, and he had seen more than one of them attack a Hobbit as they were close in size to the beasts. Though he had managed to overcome that fear, Bilbo still held a great deal of wariness for the furry creatures who could rip his throat out.

"He likes you," commented Princess Dís as she watched Bilbo stare down her pet. "Don't you think so, Thorin?"

"It's a dog, Dís, they like everyone," Thorin replied as he began to scan the crowd. "Did you see where Balin went? He was just here."

Bilbo rolled his eyes. "He said he was leaving because he didn't want to be near the dog," he muttered, stiffly lifting the creature in question to the king. "Weren't you listening?"

"Balin is allergic to dogs. He runs away if he so much as hears a bark," Princess Dís explained uncaringly. "Where are you sitting, Master Baggins? With Lady Hafsa's party?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?" Bilbo asked, inching closer to Thorin so the dog could 'accidently' leap into Thorin's arms instead.

Princess Dís shook her head as a smile began to form on her painted lips. "Not a problem. I was just thinking that, since Snowball likes you so much, he should stay with you for the duration of the show."

Bilbo lost his grip on Snowflake and had to scramble to catch the dog before he fell. "W-What?! No, that—!"

Princess Dís broke out laughing. The reaction drew the stare of everyone around them and made the conversations go quiet as everyone took in the sight of the usually fierce Dwarrowdam laughing freely and without restraint. Even Bilbo had to pause and stare because he had never seen the princess look so relaxed and happy before.

"Dís, please stop. You're scaring the guests," Thorin commented, looking completely unfazed by his sister's reaction, and actually a bit annoyed.

Princess Dís shook her head and muttered something lowly in Khuzdûl to Thorin before she began to wipe at the corner of her eyes where Bilbo could see a glimmer of tears. A smile still lingered on her lips though and the softness and light it brought to her face reminded Bilbo of Fíli when he smiled.

"Master Baggins, you never cease to surprise me," she commented, still dabbing at her eyes with the sleeve of her gown. "I hope you never lose that honest spark of yours. It would be a waste for us all."

Bilbo had no idea what that meant but still nodded in what he hoped looked like a grateful and appreciative manner. "Can you take your dog back now?" he asked, holding Snowflake up to her.

Princess Dís, thankfully, did indeed retrieve her pet from the Hobbit without further trouble. "Enjoy the performance, Master Baggins," she said in farewell before waltzing off into the crowd. Bilbo watched her go and wondered, not for the first time in his life, why he couldn't ever meet normal people.

"I should return to Lady Hafsa before the play starts," he realized after a moment, noticing that some Dwarrows were moving to their seats. He looked back at Thorin and gave him a small smile. "I guess I'll speak to you later?"

Thorin nodded as he returned Bilbo's stare with an intense one of his own. "Yes. Bilbo?"

"Hmm?"

"I meant what I said earlier. If you have any more troubles, please… don't hesitate to come to me for help," the Dwarrow said softly, and something in his stare made Bilbo feel like blushing again. But unlike with Lord Balin, it was not a blush that stemmed from excitement or embarrassment but from something… something else. Something he couldn't place because he had never felt it before.

It was not a feeling he particularly liked.

Bilbo swallowed it all down and gave the king what he hoped was a cheery smile. "O-Okay. I'll remember that. I promise."

And oddly enough, despite the scary emotion welling up in him, Bilbo knew that that was the truth.

Hey there everyone! Sorry about the long, long, long… long wait. Real life took an unexpected turn on me and I'm afraid that all hobbies, including this one, kinda got pushed to the back burner. It's only now that I finally have some free time and energy and decided to try to get back to tackling this mammoth of a tale. It took a while though 'cuz I forgot where I was going with this chapter as well as this whole story arc, but I think I'm back on track now.

Thank you for everyone's supportive comments though and those who still haunt this story. I know a lot of readers have probably given up and moved on and I don't blame them at all 'cuz I've done the same. But for those who have stuck around, thank you so much and know that I really appreciate it and always have you guys in mind when I work on this. Seriously, you guys are what helped me get back into writing this when I doubted myself. Just… thank you so much.

I can't say when the next chapter will be up but do know that I've started it. I've also started going back and editing and changing things. Nothing plot related will be changed; just little details and quirks like the way the Dwarves from Orocarni speak. Small stuff, no big deal.

Until next time,

Silver pup