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robin-the-enby · 1 year

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Téir abhaile 'riú

Pairing: Bofur x f!reader

Summary: After Smaug took over The Lonely Mountain, Bofur and his relatives travelled far to find a new home. Although knowing it would never be the same as the place where he grew up, meeting who the dwarf could only describe as the love of his life could make things more bearable.

Warnings: slight mention of alcohol, no beta we die like men, overbearing sibling

A/N: I don't even know how, but suddenly I am very much in The Hobbit fandom again. And while listening to this playlist, I came up with this cute idea! I hope you'll like it!

It has been a few years since Smaug took over Erebor, a wound still fresh in the hearts of many dwarven families. But dwarves were resilient folk and so when a portion of them came across The Blue Mountains, they quickly set to build a settlement there, knowing that their ancestors used to live in these mountains as well.

And while nothing could ever compare to Erebor, the dwarven settlers were happy with what they've build for themselves. The Blue Mountains were a great oppoturnity to start anew. With everything needed for all kinds of businesses to prosper in near vicinity, they quickly adapted to their new home, the memory of the great kingdom becoming a fond, but somewhat painful echo in their hearts.

It was truly a place of abundance. With the mountains themselves towering over their roofs, they were surrounded by thick and calm woods that seemed ancient. And if one wanted to, they could simply get all the way down to the seaside.

It also helped that they weren't the only ones who found their home in the embrace of the mountain range. There were many elven habitants in the woods and even human settlers scattered all around, making trading goods easy and accessible.

But it is true that the dwarves usually stuck by each other, venturing into other settlements only for business. The tragedy that struck them still hung around them like a thick fog and they didn't particularly enjoy all the whispers around them when they did make an appearance somewhere.

Bofur wasn't any different than his kin in this sense. While the dwarf liked to remain optimistic, being constantly reminded of what they had gone through everywhere they went was...unpleasant. Luckilly, as time went on, the commotion slowly faded and the dwarves blended into the rest of the habitants of The Blue Mountains.

Once a year, a big festival was held near the seaside, in the biggest human town in the area. Granted, it wasn't nowhere near the cities elves, dwarves, even some humans were used to, but nobody really minded, since The spring festival meant not only good music and fun all day and night, but also a big fair and since all races came and celebrated together on this rare occassion, it was a good oppoturnity to gain clientele.

The spring festival was an event the people in the port town held as a celebration of their sailors returning safely home from their travels during the winter. What started as a local event quickly grew into something much bigger though. Everyone wanted to meet the local heroes, hear their stories and most importantly, have fun.

And that's why Bofur and his brother were helping their families and neighbours pack and load all the things they wanted to sell at the fair onto carts, prepare the ponies and clean up for the festival. It was one of the busiest mornings in a very long time. There was so much noise all around, one might think they were going crazy. It would also take a good few hours before they descended to the port town, so everything needed to be perfectly ready.

Bofur was excited. He worked very hard throughout the winter to make the best toys he could and he couldn't wait to show them off to others. Seeing the eyes on children's faces light up, as their mouths hung open and they begged their parents to buy them at least one small figurine was a priceless experience. After getting everything onto the cart, he started helping Bombur with ingredients and equipment for his food stand. Bombur also worked hard, preparing homemade sausages and cheese, as well as picking the best vegetables and other foods. But Bombur was much more excited he will be able to buy some good quality fish to change up the daily menu for his family.

The two brothers chatted happily about this and that as everyone got ready for the journey. Bombur was excitedly ranting about how many ways he will be able to prepare the fish for his family after such a long time. Bofur chuckled and reminded him that if he serves nothing but fish for two weeks in a row like last year, Bifur might just smash a plate on his head.

The rest of the way to the town went in a similar lighthearted spirit. The weather was nice, the sun was shining, the air was fresh, and for the start of spring, it was pretty warm. it was magical, watching the new leaves growing on the old trees, as if they came back to life after months of short, cold days and long, even colder nights. Finally, they reached the end of the forest. In front of them were just fields, full of blooming flowers and some early bees here and there. They were gently swaying in the light breeze and were surrounded by the ocassional butterflies that woke up early in the year.

In front of their cart, Bofur could see a few others in the distance. He couldn't make out who exactly it was, maybe other dwarves from their town or perhaps some elves or humans. The silver shine of the sea water on the horizon made him smile. They were getting pretty close! And when he squinted, he could make out faint smoke coming from the port town, which wasn't yet visible.

"Come on, we need to hurry!"

Disturbed from his musings, Bofur looked around for the sing songy voice that called out. Realising it came from somewhere behind him, he was beginning to turn around, when a flurry of hair and clothes whizzed past their cart, jumping in the already tall grass right next to the road.

The person stopped a short distance from Bofur and looked back at whoever she was shouting at. Smoothing out her clothes, the girl, as Bofur saw, looked back at where the town laid ahead and said "I can see the smoke! I can't wait to dance around the big bonfire!" she giggled and looked back, shouting again "Hurry up!" before laughing and running along.

Bofur chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm. He almost wanted to turn back to face the road, when two very out of breath young ladies caught up to him and his brother. They panted heavily as they slowed to a walking pace. When they caught their breath, Bofur said "Your friend seems very excited."

The two women chuckled shakily. "Oh yes, but that's (Y/N). She loves The spring festival. She's a carefree soul, one could say." the taller one shrugged. "You can say that again. She's a good lass, but she's a handful. Always wondering somewhere, I swear she's trying to get herself into trouble. I'm just waiting for our parents to lose their minds one day." the shorter one, presumably (Y/N)'s sister, rolled her eyes, but her tone was playful. "Well, I should probably catch up to her, otherwise she'll just climb onto one of the boats and sail away on her own." the girl sighed and jogged off again, leaving Bofur with the two's friend alone.

"I assume you're travelling to the Spring festival as well?" she asked the dwarf sweetly. "Aye," he confirmed "I'll have a stand with toys for children and my brother here will have his food stand." he nodded towards Bombur, who silently nodded, not really having been interested in what was happening, although he listened. "Toys? Oh that's lovely! I might just stop by and get something for my little Dudon." she smiled softly. "That's an interesting name! Is he your little brother?" Bofur asked. "No, he's my son." the girl laughed "He will be three years old soon." "You're kidding!" Bofur's eyes widened "Wouldn't have guessed you already had a family." "I've been married for a few years now. My family is the biggest blessing I could have ever had." the girl sighed, before looking up at him "Where will your stand be located? I don't want to make a fool of myself looking for you." Bofur laughed "Near the center of the town square. So that my brother gets as many clients as possible."

The girl giggled and waved him goodbye, saying she should catch up to her friends before she'll get lost and ran off.

*****

The whole town was bustling with life. Music and laughter came from every direction, all kinds of people were on the streets and in the shops and pubs lining them.

Bofur was very busy. His toys were selling like hot cakes. The only thing he managed to do between serving customers and rearranging and refilling the range of toys he prepared was to glance at Bombur's stand from time to time. He seemed to be doing very well. All the people were leaving his stand amazed, often with their mouths dirty from his delicious food.

Hours were passing by in what felt like lightning speed, the only indication being the sun moving along the sky. As the day slowly came to an end, the streets slowly lit up and more and more merchants packed up their stands, their products sold, ready to just enjoy themselves and try not spend all they've earned that day.

It seemed no one would buy any toys anymore, people whizzing past in a hazy flurry, leaving only laughter behind, instead of curiously looking around. Just as he started packing up, a very out of breath young woman stopped before his stand. He realised it was the same woman of the three they met on the way to the festival.

"Running to see me eh?" he smirked playfully. He was rewarded with a playfully offended expression "Excuse me sir, I am married." the woman scolded Bofur before taking a look around his stand "My, my, the folks really plundered this place." she then looked at the dwarf, who was holding a wooden crate, ready to put the rest of the toys in "Oh I'm so sorry, I didn't realise you were packing up already! Is it alright if I buy one toy, I swear I'll be quick!" the woman fretted and Bofur laughed "It's alright, I can wait a bit longer. Take whatever you think your boy would like."

As the young mother's eyes scanned over Bofur's products she apologized again for coming so late, explaining it with "We lost (Y/N) again. Her sister is running all around to find her. Buying a toy completely slipped my mind, but I was looking around here so I thought I'd quickly stop by." she chuckled at the end and Bofur looked at her with curiosity "Aren't you worried about your friend?" "No." the woman laughed "Her sister is. (Y/N) is a grown woman, who can make her own choices. She's adventurous, sure, but she doesn't need to be coddled, no wonder she's hiding somewhere. I would be doing the same if I was her." The woman explained as she continued looking around the toys. At last, she picked a wooden fox and paid Bofur the price, leaving a small tip, for "being so kind". Bofur thanked the woman, bid her goodbye and wished luck with finding their friend.

Bofur packed the rest of his stuff and met with Bombur, who also finished putting away his products. They both decided to stay in town and enjoy the atmosphere. After all, they both worked hard the whole day.

Finding a place to have some shouldn't have been as hard as it was. Every inn they came across seemed packed to the brim, the rowdy patrons could be heard from outside. Finally, after wandering for what seemed like hours, they came across a small establishment in a tucked away alleyway. Laughter and music could be heard from the inside, but when the brothers peered through the windows, they saw that there were many seats to be taken. Walking inside, they discovered a small, cozy looking tavern. A few tables lined the walls, only some of them occupied. Right across the entrance was a bar with a few stools, probably for regulars. The dim lighting made the atmosphere more intimate.

The dwarves sat down at a vacant table and started a pleasant conversation about today. Although, Bofur mostly listened to his brother ramble excitedly about all the products he was able to trade or buy, and all the recipies that were already flooding his mind. Their one sided conversation was interrupted, however, when two jugs of ale were placed in front of them. Both brothers looked up at the same time to the one who brought them the drinks. They saw an older, small, stout woman smiling warmly at them. "Here you go gentlemen! Enjoy!" she said sweetly. "But we didn't order anything yet?" Bofur asked with confusion. "It's a gift from one of the patrons" the woman expained, her smile mysterious. Both brothers discreetly scanned their surroundings, but everybody minded their own business. "Well, we'd like to meet the person who sent this." Bombur exclaimed. He was a little suspicious, the chance of the woman pretending those drinks were a gift, only to charge them for them in the end was not small. On the other hand, if they really were a gift, they would like to thank the person face to face.

The woman smiled and thought for a second, before shrugging "I'll ask her." and then made her way back to the bar. Bofur and Bombur looked at each other. "So a lass, eh?" Bombur muttered. "You think she's pretty?" Bofur thought out loud. "As if that'd matter to me. I am happily taken if you forgot!" Bombur huffed and took out his pipe, stuffing it carefully with herbs. "You on the other hand..." he gave his brother a side eye, a small, teasing smile stretching on his face as he put the pipe to his mouth. Bofur rolled his eyes and was prepared to retaliate, before they were interrupted again.

"Good evening!" a voice chirped. Looking up, Bofur recognized the person standing at their table as (Y/N), the infamous troublemaker. "Didn't think we'd see each other again." she smiled. After a brief moment of silence, she added "You're welcome for the ale, by the way." Bofur felt his brother kick his leg under the table and as if he was just woken up from a trance, he scooted over, patting the space next to him "Yes! Yes, thank you, you didn't have to do that. Would you like to join us?" (Y/N) giggled and slid onto the bench next to Bofur.

As the day drew to a close and merchants were less and less busy, the working attitude fell off of everyone's shoulders and was replaced with relaxed fun, that escalated more and more with time...and alcohol. And the small tavern wasn't any different. Conversations became louder and laughter more frequent. Everyone was having a good time. Bofur, Bombur and (Y/N) weren't an exception. The woman exchanged stories with the dwarves, although Bombur let his brother tell most of the stories, as he could do it better. Bombur was content listening, sometimes adding in details his brother forgot, but he enjoyed more seeing how the two were closer and closer to each other.

When (Y/N) first sat next to Bofur, there was a small, but appropriate distance between them, like with any people who just met that day. But as the night progressed and both of them were getting more and more comfortable (and probably tipsy, Bombur drank less than half the amount Bofur and (Y/N) did, because at least one of them had to be sober enough to drive them home), the distance between them was smaller and smaller, and now they were practically leaning on one another.

Everyone was having so much fun, they didn't even notice someone approaching their table until someone tapped (Y/N) on the shoulder. She turned to the stranger, recognizing him as one of the patrons in the tavern. With a smile, she asked "Can I help you?" The man rubbed his neck in a nervous manner and spoke "I hate to interrupt you miss, but me and my friends were thinking of playing some tunes to brighten the mood and the good lady behind the counter told us you can play spoons...If you'd like to join us?" (Y/N) looked uncertainly at Bofur and Bombur, but they only smiled, Bombur inhaling smoke from his pipe and Bofur encouraging her "You can play lass? Well I'd definitely love to see that!" he grinned at her. (Y/N) giggled and stood up, taking two spoons from the older woman efore making her way to the table where the musicians were sitting. They were already taking out their instruments. Soon, lovely music could be heard on the street. Not too long after, people from the outside began flocking in, first to see what was going on, lured and intrgued by the swift melodies and soon the tavern was bustling with life. The conversation between Bofur and Bombur ceased, the former too busy looking at (Y/N)'s hands working the spoons together, creating interesting rhythms.

After maybe an hour, the small establishment was filled with people. All tables were full and who couldn't sit was dancing in the open space. Some more musicians joined the original ones and (Y/N) was now more or less sitting by them and enjoying herself. The table where Bofur and Bombur were sitting at was no longer occupied by just them, but other people as well, strangers. They made conversation amongst themselves, not caring to include the brothers, so they just looked around, content in their silence. But Bombur noticed his brother's eyes always ending up on that girl. Once he had enough of Bofur's oggling, he nudged him across the table, motioning with his head towards her. "Ask her for a dance." he told him and Bofur shook his head, although the grin on his face suggested he was entertaining the idea even before Bombur asked. He stood up and carefully made his way around the dancing folk towards the band.

When he reached (Y/N), he smiled at her, although a bit sheepishly and extended his hand towards her, bowing slightly. She looked up at him and gently put her hand into his, letting him pull her up. "I thought you'd never ask." she smiled smugly at him.

They twirled around for what felt like eternity. His hands on hers, on her waist, her hands on his shoulders, their faces so close to each other, their breaths mingling. (Y/N)'s eyes rolled around, laughter pouring out of her pretty throat. Bofur's eyes seemingly couldn't leave her though. While hers were full of amazement and sparks, his held a tenderness that would surely make any girl swoon if they'd see it. And she looked at him. Her smile became more gentle, her lips slightly parted as they gazed into each other's soul.

"There you are!" someone grabbed (Y/N)'s arm tightly and oulled her away from her dancing partner. It was her sister and she was quite mad. "Do you realize what time it is?! I was looking for you all over the town!" she spewed at her, while (Y/N) only managed to blink, stil dazed from the moment she just had with the handsome dwarf. "It's time to go home." her sister decided and tried pulling her to the exit. (Y/N) pulled out of her grasp and signaled for her to wait a moment. She turned to Bofur, who was pretending to not listen, and grabbed his hand, making him look at her. She smiled sadly and kissed his cheek. As she let go of his hand and turned towards her sister, who started gesturing wildly and was probably trying to figure out what she just witnessed, Bofur grinned like a mad man. He touched his cheek carefully and mumbled "Till next time then, lass..."

#the hobbit #lotr #lord of the rings #the hobbit x reader #the hobbit x y/n #the hobbit x you #bofur the dwarf #bofur x reader #the hobbit bofur #bofur x you #bofur x y/n #female reader #fluff

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spinningwebsandtales · 2 years

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Imagine Star Gazing With Bilbo

Bilbo Baggins X FemReader

Rating: G

Warnings: None it’s all just a bunch of fluff

Word Count: 1,047

Requested by: @the-marshals-wife

(A/N:) Request one of two for one best friend for making me my Top Gun Masterlist banners! Hope it’s what you were hoping for girlie! Until next time happy reading! ~Countess

The weather was changing in The Shire. The heat of summer was taking it’s leave making way for the crisp cooler weather of autumn. All the summer vegetables in the gardens had been picked and preserved for winter and now the gardeners of The Shire were beginning to focus upon the pumpkins, field corn, and beets of their fall crops. You and Bilbo perused the marketplace trying to find a few more goods to make supper that evening as a gentle chilly breeze rushed through The Shire. You shivered a little due to the cool breeze as Bilbo squeezed your hand a little tighter.

“Just a little while longer and then we’ll head home,” he said encouragingly.

“I’m okay,” you answered while picking through the smaller pie pumpkins on display. “I just regret not wearing a thicker jacket is all. How does a pumpkin pie sound Bilbo?”

“Wonderful,” Bilbo said handing a coin to the pumpkin peddler. You finally chose the best one in the bunch and tucked it into the basket Bilbo carried for your groceries. A few more items in hand you both headed back to your cozy Hobbit home. Bilbo held the round door open for you before setting the basket down to help you from your light jacket.

“If it gets any colder we’ll have to bring the warmer clothing out of storage,” he spoke matter-of-factly while hanging up the articles of clothing.

“I can help you with that later after we finish dinner and before I start supper. It also takes the pie a little while to bake so I want to start that as well.”

“I’ll help,” Bilbo offered and you readily agreed. Cooking with him was one of your favorite past times. Being with him made everything seem brighter no matter how dark the days were. Now as the sounds of cooking echoed through the house you hummed a tune. Bilbo was busy cutting up vegetables and the pie was already in the oven filling the house with the fragrant aromas of spice. Bilbo finished cutting before going to the fireplace to start a fire for tea. Finishing the dishes and pulling the pie from the oven to cool you set the table while Bilbo set the dishes of food down. Now you both were enjoying your well earned meal.

As the sun set further the temperature kept dropping quickly until it was cold enough for a fire to be built in the bedroom. Bilbo built the fire while you changed into a nightgown and laid down with a book. Now with a crackling fire Bilbo laid down beside you with his own book. While you both read in silence you felt yourself getting sleepy and Bilbo was barely awake.

“Goodnight,” you said kissing his cheek.

“Goodnight (Y/N),” he replied kissing your cheek in return. Blowing out the candles the only light in the room was from the small fire burning brightly and the moon streaming through the window of the bedroom. It didn’t take long until Bilbo was snoring beside you, but sleep was alluding you this night. You were sleepy but you just couldn’t ease into the depths of slumber. When you knew that Bilbo was in a deep sleep and no threats of waking him up you parted the blankets and left your side of the cozy bed. Draping a shawl over your shoulders and grabbing a lap blanket you started to go outside. The Shire was quiet and a few houses still had lamps and candles lit but the majority of the Hobbit holes were dark, their occupants fast asleep. You sighed deeply, your breath causing a fog in the cold air. The moon and stars seemed to be playing in their twinkling glory. You breathed deeply at the peaceful atmosphere as you watched the night sky. Despite the calmness of outside in the warmth from your shawl and blanket you still didn’t feel the urge to sleep. You were deep into starting into the glorious sky that you didn’t hear the door open.

“Are you feeling alright,” Bilbo asked you sleepily, yawning widely.

“Yeah,” you said giggling at his sleepy appearance. “I just can’t sleep so I thought I would come out and watch the stars.”

“The sky is clear tonight.”

“It’s a perfect autumn night. It’s a shame not more people are enjoying the view.”

“I’ll go make us some tea,” he offered.

“You don’t have to,” you were quick to refuse. Just because you couldn’t sleep didn’t mean that you wanted Bilbo to have to sit outside with you. “You should go back inside and go back to sleep.”

“Now we both know that I can’t sleep peacefully knowing that you are out here by yourself watching this beautiful night scenery without me. So keep watch and I’ll go make us a cup of Chamomile tea.”

You laughed at his indignant expression, “Okay Bilbo. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

Moments later Bilbo came back outside with two cups of steaming tea and another blanket draped over one shoulder. He handed you one of the cups with the delicious liquid stirring your senses while he took a seat beside you on the bench. Setting his cup down at his side he worked the blanket over you both before picking up his glass again and taking a timid sip.

“It’s still a little hot so don’t burn yourself,” he said gently tangling his hand with yours.

“It’s delicious tea,” you hummed contentedly. So you both sat in silence sipping at the tea and watching the stars glitter across the midnight blue sky. The remaining houses that were awake started to extinguish their lights but still you and Bilbo sat outside enjoying the breeze. You laughed softly as Bilbo told stories while you sighed dreamily lost in your perfect world. The peacefulness and the tea began to lull you into the blissful slumber that had alluded you for awhile. Bilbo too was becoming quite drowsy so you two grabbed your cups and the blankets and went back inside. Leaving the cups by the door and the dirty blankets that would need to be washed you both went back to lay down and this time sleep came quickly and you rested deeply with a smile on your face.

#Bilbo Baggins X Reader #Bilbo Baggins / Reader #Bilbo Baggins #The Hobbit #The Lord of the Rings #Bilbo Baggins Imagine #The Hobbit Imagine #The Lord of the Rings Imagine #Imagine #Not My Gif #My Writing #Request

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ally-holmes · 1 year

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Battle Scars | Fili Fanfic

My Fanfic Masterlist | Multifandom

Fandom: The Hobbit

Pairing: Backgrown Thorin x Bilbo.

Rating: General.

Content Warnings: scars, canon divergence, everybody lives/nobody dies, spoilers the battle of the five armies.

Summary: Fili assesses his current state, still not fully aware of how he'd ended up with that big scar on his chest.

Word Count: 1488

Also available on AO3

This work was created to be part of the Deanobingo2023 event by @deanobingo It fills the Character Card with Fili and the General Prompt Card with Scars.

Battle Scars | Oneshot

The sound around him is intense and noisy but Fili perceives it muffledly, like whatever was happening was too far away to make a clear notion about it. A towel soaked in a warm concoction that smells incredibly flowery taps against his chest and he looks down. A sharp breath catches in his throat. The towel hesitates barely for a second before resuming its job of cleaning the rough skin on his chest. Fili can barely believe he's alive after what Azog did to him, yet there he is. Mahal must've helped him fight the loss of blood, the infections, the fevers… It was a miracle and the torn skin on his chest was screaming it to him. The flesh had been cleaned and pulled together before suturing it closing him, almost putting him together head to toe.

Fili isn't aware that he has stopped breathing until a gentle hand runs through his clean and unbraided mane. He follows the extremities attached to the hands that are on him and finds their burglar. Bilbo looks skinnier than ever, swimming inside dwarvish winter clothes with Thorin's pattern, pale with big bags under his eyes. Bilbo's tired and sad. Fili thinks he's sad too, but he's been sad before and this… this was more.

"We'll be done soon, Fili," Bilbo whispers as if he was afraid of driving Fili into a panic attack.

Well, probably it had happened before.

A quiet whine on the other side of the room draws his attention. Kili. Oin is soon next to his brother making him drink something that calms him faster than Fili would've thought. Bilbo calls for his attention again with a little tug on a lock of his hair.

"He'll be fine. It's a little infection, we're taking care of it. You know Kili, the moment he felt slightly better he decided it was a good idea to jump in to help others. He pulled a few stitches and… Yeah. He'll be fine."

"Have you slept?" Fili finds his voice hoarse and low, forming phrases and pushing them through his mouth is more difficult than it should be. He frowns.

"I did." Bilbo's tired smile and fake optimism yell at Fili that he's lying.

"More than half an hour?"

Bilbo snorts, "You sound like Thorin."

"How is he?"

"Answer me honestly first. Did you forget?"

Did he? Um… perhaps. What was the last thing he remembered? The battle, for once. Then, Balin took the reigns of the compart cart they used to march against the biggest mountain trolls and orcs. Thorin was heading to Ravenhill and they needed to move quickly. He remembers the goats. He had never ridden a goat until that day; what he did ride had been ponies and one time even a horse, all by himself, although he ended up falling and dislocating his shoulder. Kili's awed look was worth it. Oh, yes, Azog had obviously hurt him, swinging him in the air like a rag doll, then he had fallen. He remembers Kili's eyes. Everything went black for an undetermined period of time before a pounding pain pierced his skull; opening his eyes he had seen Dwalin.

"That's it lad, come on. Don't die on me, you rascal," Dwalin had said with a voice so broken with emotion that Fili could still feel goosebumps breaking into his skin.

What else? He remembers filling dizzy and not knowing where the ground was, he was manhandled by Dwalin until he sat him next to his brother; Kili was unconscious. Dwalin had yelled. Fili blacked out right before being pulled down from the huge beast he apparently had been riding with his brother and… and Thorin. Yes. Thorin was there, covered in blood, ashen as if he had aged a century during the battle.

That had been a long time ago. He remembers his agonizing pain during recovery, the few periods of sharpness in his feverish mind. Bilbo, always attending to him and his brother. Thorin was… Thorin was doing kingly things but he was… he was limping, wasn't he? What else?

"It's fine if you don't remember everything, Fili. But your mind needs the exercise."

Bilbo's soft voice brought him back. The hobbit was handing him a small bowl with a plaster that he was supposed to eat. Encouraging him into using his trembling and disused hands to feed himself, Bilbo sat by his side chatting about the current situation. Fili appreciated the distraction from the feeling of eating like a dwarfling. While Bilbo told him about the prorogue of the negotiations, agreed in order to survive the winter, Fili observed him with all the focus his tired eyelids provided him.

Bilbo's curly hair had certainly grown during the journey, and although now it was somewhat trimmed with style, there were two braids behind his left ear, both of them with silver beads richly engraved. One of them identified him as a dwarves friend, which wasn't given lightly as far as Fili was concerned. The other one identified him as Thorin's betrothed. Fili couldn't help but snort at the possessive behavior of his uncle, who not only gave Bilbo those amazing beads that their people would promptly identify, but he also dressed him in his own clothing. Thorin was smitten.

Fili also notices Bilbo's scars. For starters, his right pointy ear is missing a chunk, and then there's a scar across his right cheek as if he had barely dodged a blow. Judging the way Bilbo held his torso while sitting or standing, Fili is certain that there were more scars there, probably pulling at the seams with movement. He knows the feeling.

Bilbo lits up like a good fire in winter when he starts talking about the stubbornness of dwarfs and how it took him to put his furry feet down for them to understand that the best option to survive this winter and reinforce the former alliance between Erebor and Dale —"Especially with your uncle's stunt while being sick of dragon fever because let me assure you Fili that it was a bad first impression for a king. That much I know," Bilbo says— was to use the secure areas of the mountain as a shelter for the people of Laketown as much as the brave warriors that had followed Dain from the Iron Hills.

Fili snorts his food when Bilbo calls Thranduil a "ludicrous narcissistic piece of ass". Bilbo is smiling smugly for making him laugh when the door of what now Fili understands is the improvised infirmary opens silently; Thorin pauses his movement looking directly at Fili's eyes. The initial surprise melts into relief, the softest smile drawing itself in the stern brooding face of his uncle. It's been so long since Fili had seen Thorin at ease that he feels his eyes filling with water as he stubbornly refuses to cry. A soft pat on his thigh makes him realize that he's already crying and that it's fine to do so.

His uncle, the king under the mountain, approaches his bed with his innate majesty don't minding his slight limping. Thorin has a dirty scar across his right eyebrow that would compete gladly with Dwalin's; if Fili is remembering correctly, his limping was caused because Azog, pretending to be downed, had stabbed Thorin's foot right before taking advantage of the situation imposing his will upon his uncle's. Then Bilbo used his magic ring and stabbed the pale orc on his side. That's what they had told him anyway.

"I'm glad to see you in good spirits, Fili," Thorin beams clasping a hand on Fili's shoulder.

"Uncle Bilbo was telling me about the elven king," calling the hobbit uncle was a little license that he managed by being still on bed rest, but the deep blush suffocating Bilbo's face and the shy smile his uncle pulled were worthy.

"Bilbo's shown to be a loyal companion in more than one way. Our burglar is well versed in the arts of diplomacy."

The hobbit sniffed in good humor, "If you and Thranduil stopped behaving like childer the whole situation should be easier. But no, of course, elves and dwarfs are unable to accept that maybe, just maybe, they need to, Eru forbid it, yield in any sense. I'll be honest with you, Fili, there are times in which Bard and I just sit there watching those two arguing and snarling at each other."

"I'm nothing like that standoffish."

"I don't like elves either, but I'm prone to believe Bilbo on this, uncle."

"You're delirious," Thorin jokes pushing him slightly for him to lie on the bed.

Fili barks a laugh recklessly, which earns him a gasp of pain. Oin's immediately on top of him giving him some concoction he had created and all of a sudden, he feels sleepy. The last thing he recalls is Bilbo's encouraging voice promising he'll be there when he wakes up.

The end

#deanobingo2023 #fili #fili durin #the hobbit #fili the dwarf #fili and kili #Thorin Oakenshield #bilbo baggins #bingo #fanfiction #fanfic #Dean O'Gorman #dean ogorman #canon divergence

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babblydrabbly · 2 years

Text

Day 08 | Thorin Oakenshield x Reader

a/n - @flufftober. ive had this idea for a reader insert as a traveling trader in middle earth for awhile now! im glad to finally use it <3

prompt - shooting stars.

fluff - 900 words - warnings: one smooch. first time. gn!reader. Pre-hobbit.

It’s a cold evening in Ered Luin, but you’re thankful to be sheltered by the blue mountains now. You had to fight against a harsh wind your entire ride west, but at the base of their foothills, you could relax.

You made the journey several times a year, bartering and selling your master’s goods to the dwarves here, far from home. There were always risks traveling alone but you found them worth it. Because for the past few years, you’ve always looked forward to reuniting with one dwarf in particular.

Even Thorin Oakenshield could deny it no longer. Who else could drag him away from his many duties so easily? Get him to speak of things he’s never told another soul?

Thorin had made a new life of speaking when it was practical. Of keeping his head down, unless his people needed him to represent them— though those moments were far and few in between as the years dragged on.

But you seemed to want to hear the things Thorin always thought to sweep under the rug.

Even his nephews had caught on. They made a habit of alerting him as soon as word came that you were on your way. Today, Thorin calmly removed his sullied apron and left Dwalin in charge at the smithy, excusing himself. He also pointedly ignored the way Dwalin chuckled and elbowed him on the way out.

He walks along beside you at a gentle stroll now, more determined to converse with you than taking the next step beneath the damp, withering trees. Winter will come soon. And all the worries for his kinfolk with it: Enough food, enough warmth. Ered Luin could be unforgiving when the frost settled in.

“I can only imagine.” You agree. You had your share of harsh winters. But you also had the fortune of only having to worry about your father. Thorin had quite a bit more family than you were used to. “But sometimes… on calm nights like these. When it is safe. I suppose I don’t mind the crunch of autumn under my feet… Look at how easy it is to gaze up at the stars through the bare branches.”

It was true.

Thorin steals a glance as you turn your head up to the stars. You marvel aloud as a streak of silver whips across the sky. Then another.

It disheartens him for a moment. As the two of you pick a log to sit upon and quietly observe the night, Thorin’s stomach turns.

He had never understood some folks’ obsession with the sky. Men and elves seemed to gaze up in reverence. But as a dwarf, Thorin always felt as if he were staring up into a vast ocean— a reminder of endlessness. It was unsettling. Give him the comforts of the earth. Of caverns and safe walls made of something you can put your fingertips to.

Still, he cannot help but observe you.

There was still something to all the books he once read. How the moon hanging full in the night sky- and the stars- tonight were reflected in your eyes. Their pin pricks of light shone, like jewels dancing around your irises.

Thorin cleared his throat abruptly. He was one more tender thought away of flushing before you like a maiden.

You glance down at him with a soft smile.

“I can see it.” You say, apropos of nothing.

“See what?” He inquires. His deep baritone is quiet velvet, uttered just loud enough for the two of you.

“I spoke to Balin of you once, a few months ago last I was here.” You explain. Your smile widens at the sight of the dwarf’s eyebrows shooting up in alarm. “We were discussing textiles for our next trade. He mentioned you wore fine threads well… Being a prince and all.”

He huffs as you nudge his strong shoulder with yours. You didn’t speak of Thorin’s old life often. But when you did, you’ve never once made him dwell too long in the past. Nor overstepped. He takes no offense as you laugh lightly. In fact, he’d give plenty to hear it more than a handful of times a year.

“Perhaps I did, once. That life is long behind me now.” Thorin gestures down humbly to the simple tunic and boots he dawned. Even with a quick scrub of soot and dirt off his hands before coming down to meet you, they were never really clean anymore. He was more blacksmith than anything else now.

But it doesn’t seem to stop you. Thorin stills as you reach over with that gentle smile, your knuckles brushing across the wool fitted snugly around his bicep. The fabric, sturdy and of good quality, was one of your master’s textiles.

In another life, Thorin would have never crossed paths with you. There was plenty to mourn at the thought, but tonight the exiled prince considers himself a little lucky for once.

There were no titles, no decorum stopping him, were there? Thorin takes your chin in his grasp carefully and is met with an expectant smile.

Thorin Oakenshield lived a life lying in wait. But tonight, there’s no need for hesitation. Your kiss is as warm and tender as the conversations that pull him away from his worries.

And when it ends, Thorin sees them again; your eyes dancing in starlight, finer than any jewel hung in the night sky.

#flufftober2022 #day 8 #the hobbit #thorin oakenshield x reader #thorin oakenshield x you #mywords*#thorin oakenshield

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iliveformanyfictionalcharacters · 1 year

Text

Bee’s Masterlist

Last Updated - 10/14/23

Supernatural

Dean Winchester

Sam Winchester

Fire and Fear - Sam has awful nightmares about Jess and Dean is there to help. (Angst)

Castiel

Jack Kline (Platonic)

Gabriel

Rowena Mcleod

Crowley

Benny

Andy

Multiple

Criminal Minds

Aaron Hotchner

Spencer Reid

Penelope Garcia

Derek Morgan

Emily Prentiss

Multiple

Harry Potter

Young Sirius Black

Young Remus Lupin

Young James Potter

Cedric Diggory

Hermione Granger

Neville Longbottom

Luna Lovegood

Draco Malfoy

Harry Potter

Fred Weasley

George Weasley

Ron Weasley

Oliver Wood

Multiple

Confessions Of Love - Small stories about you confessing your love for HP characters. (Fluff)

The Walking Dead

Rick Grimes

Daryl Dixon

Death - The Greene Family farm was a miracle to everyone. Except for one person.(Angst)

Glenn Rhee

Multiple

Pirates Of The Caribbean

Jack Sparrow

Will Turner

Multiple

American Horror Story

Tate Langdon

Violet Harmon

Kit Walker

Lana Winters

Cordelia Foxx

Kyle Spencer

Misty Day

Zoe Benson

Blushing Butterflies -Zoe and the reader have massive crushes on each other, only Zoe doesn’t realize it because of the readers calm nature. (Fluff)

Jimmy Darling

James March

Elizabeth

Multiple

The Hobbit/LOTR

Thorin Oakenshield

Kili Durin

Fili Durin

Bofur

Bombur

Bifur

Dwalin

Balin

Oin

Gloin

Ori

Dori

Nori

Bilbo Baggins

Samwise Gamgee

Frodo

Merry

Elrond

Legolas Greenleaf

Tauriel

Multiple

HOO Books!Percy Jackson

Percy Jackson

Grover Underwood

Annabeth Chase

Hazel Levesque

Jason Grace

Leo Valdez

Piper McLean

Frank Zhang

Nico Di Angelo (Platonic)

Multiple

Marvel

Tony Stark

Steve Rogers

Bucky Barnes

Wanda Maximoff

Pietro Maximoff

Thor

Loki

Jack Thompson

Peggy Carter

Daniel Sousa

Howard Stark

Natasha Romanoff

Clint Barton

Sam Wilson

Bruce Banner

Peter Parker

Multiple

Stranger Things

Steve Harrington

Eddie Munson

Robin Buckley

Nancy Wheeler

Lucas Sinclair

Erica Sinclair (Platonic)

Mike Wheeler

Dustin Henderson

Gareth Emerson

Jonathan Byers

Argyle

Multiple

Horror

Paul

David

Dwayne

Marko

Michael Emerson

Michael Myers

Bo Sinclair

Flowers - Giving Bo the flowers you picked. (Fluff)

Vincent Sinclair

Lester Sinclair

Bubba Sawyer

Disabled S/0 - Bubba Sawyer with a S/O who uses a cane. (Fluff)

Nubbins Sawyer

Choptop Sawyer

Thomas Hewitt

Patrick Hocksetter

Henry Bowers

Victor Criss

Reggie Huggins

Losers Club (Platonic)

Norman Bates

Billy Loomis

Stu Macher

Spooky Lovers - Just two people confessing their love during the spooky season (Fluff)

Randy Meeks

Tatum Riley

Brahms Heelshire

Billy Lenz

Tiffany Valentine

Carrie White

Multiple

Meetings - Meeting all the Lost Boys (Fluff)

Grease

Danny Zuko

Kenickie

Putzie

Fear - Putzie has a nightmare and Danny gets worried. Platonic or Romantic; your choice.(Fluff)

Fever - Putzie is extremely sick and after trying to tough it out he seeks help from Danny and Sandy.(Fluff)

Date? - Putzie gets help from his friends to ask out his crush.(Fluff)

The Sting In His Heart 1/2 - Putzie’s been bullied his entire life, it’s been getting worse and worse with every school year. But now that he has four overprotective friends on his side, what's going to happen to those bullies? (Angst)

Blurb - (Fluff)

Doody

Sunny

Multiple

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roadtogracelandx45 · 1 year

Text

Prompt List updated March 27th

I am starting with 70 for now, I may add or change them going forward. but for now these were the ones i had in my notebook. i got all of them off of Pinterest. Some already have names by them but go ahead and request them again if you like the prompt and I can redo them.

Fandoms I write for:

Top Gun Maverick: All

Elvis: Elvis

One Chicago: Kelly Severide, Jay Halstead, Will Halstead, Connor Rhodes, Adam Ruzek

Avengers: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Bucky Barnes, Natasha, Clint Barton, Peter Parker

Triple Frontier: Will Miller and Benny Miller

Four Brothers: Bobby Mercer, Jack Mercer

Sons of Anarchy: Jax Teller, Opie Winston, Juice Ortiz, David Hale,

Fast and Furious: Dom Toretto, Roman Peirce, Brian O'Conner, Letty Ortiz

Band of Brothers: Wild Bill, Babe, Malarkey, Nixon, Winters, Joe Toye

Twilight: All of the Cullens, Jacob Black and Bella Swan

Harry Potter: All

WWE/TNA/AEW/ ROH : Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, The Young Bucks, Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Randy Orton, Edge, Christian Cage, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Hurricane Helms. Mr. Kennedy

Supernatural- Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Cas

The West Wing: Josh Lyman, Sam Seaborn

Game of Thrones: Robb Stark, Jon Snow, and Sansa Stark

Lord of the Rings/ The Hobbit: Thorin, Fili, Kili, Bilbo, Legolas, Aragon.

Black Sails: Billy Bones, James Flint, Eleanor, Charles Vane, Anne Bonney, John Silver

Law and Order SVU: All

Hawaii Five-0: All

SWAT: All

Yellowstone: Kayce Dutton, Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, Jamie Dutton.

Crash- Kenny

Southland- John Cooper, Ben Sherman

Gotham- Jim Gordon

White Collar- Matthew Keller

The Mighty Ducks- All

The Outsiders- All

*****

01 “Oh you think I am cute when I am angry? Well get ready because I am about to be gorgeous.”

02. “I can’t lose you again. Can’t you see that? I am not strong enough.”

03. “Marry me’

04. “I’m not jealous.”

05. “Kiss my ass.”

06. “Were you ever gonna tell me?”

07. “Excuse you?”

08. “This is all your fault.”

09. “It’s not fair.”

10. “Game Over, you lose.”

11. “Is she always this obnoxious?” “Oh, she is just getting warmed up.”

12. “We don’t need to control them. We need to unleash them.”

13. “It should have never come to this.”

14. “I’m not a lot of people’s favorite person.”

15. “I shouldn’t have wasted 3 years on someone when Russia could have sent me a good bottle of vodka.”

16. “Can we have this conversation when you aren’t upset?”

17. “Come over here and make me, why don’t ya?”

18. “I am tired of being your secret.”

19. “Mess with them, you mess with me.”

20. “I don’t want to sleep alone tonight.”

21. “ I am coming to get you. Stay there.”

22. “Are you safe?” “I, I don’t know.”

23. “This is why I don’t let myself fall in love.”

24. “You are my regret.”

25. “You have to make a choice.”

26. “Put the knife down.”

27. “Jokes on them.”

28. “The way you flirt is shameless.”

29. “With all due respect, I’m going to ignore everything you just said.”

30. “It’s me! It’s me baby! Calm down.”

31. “Have you lost your damn mind?”

32. “Hey, I am here with you. Okay? Always.”

33. “Hold me back.”

34. “You aren’t a bad guy.”

35. “You know we are meant to be.”

36. “Mine.”

37. “Seriously, you are a manchild.”

38. “I get it alright! I fucked up!”

39. “She’s dead! I killed her!”

40. “You smell nice.”

41. “I think I am pregnant.”/ “I am pregnant, not helpless. Stop worrying so much.”

42. “So what if I am jealous? Its not gonna change anything.”

43. “You owe me.”

44. “Be careful.” “I always am.”

45. “Take my jacket, it's cold outside.”

46. “I am not some toy you can play with.”

47. “Just play long. Please.’

48. “I did something terrible.’

49. “Don’t hurt the hair on their head.’

50. “I got your back.”

51. "I told you not to get too close to me."

52. "How long?' "Since the beginning."

53. "Touch her and you're dead."

54. "Baby, we are the law."

55. "Baby, don't make me spell it out. You know I want you."

56. "I will always choose you."

57. "What happened? I told you to stay by my side!"

58. "Don't you dare!"

59. "Well what can I say? I am a badass."

60. "Excuse me, I have to go and make a scene."

61. "Before this happens, I need you to know that I have always loved you." 1

62. "No panties, baby girl?" 1

63. "Well you are coming home with me whether you like it or not."

64. "That looks hard. Let's switch."

65. "Saddle up doll."

66. "Like what you see?"

67. "Don't pretend to be innocent."

68. "You're mine. And I don't share."

69. "Welcome back, now fucking help me."

70. "Don't be an asshole, asshole."

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the---hermit · 5 months

Text

09|12|2023

Again working today was not planned, but I had to cover my brother's shift, which means that again my study productivity was not what I was hoping for when I planned at the beginning of the week. I did finish the organized draft of the speech for the seminar, but it needs a bit more fixing and practice. I still feel like I did something so that's okay. Tomorrow will be a day to rest and recharge and then next week will hopefully be very productive. I need to get as much reading done for my power practices and men theories book, so that will be the focus of the second half of the week when I won't have to commute to lectures. I am feeling a bit anxious regarding exam season, but I have to stay focused on what I am doing now and not worry about that.

calm hobbit winter activities and productivity:

read first thing in the morning

worked in the morning and started planning ways we could reorganize some things

finished writing down my terrible speech draft for the seminar and tried to practice it a bit, but I need a key word list to do so well enough to time myself and see if it needs fixing so I will do that on Monday and Tuesday after I come home from class

continued my tma relistening

continued crocheting a hat for my mom

daily Irish practice on duolingo

today's self care:

took my supplements and meds

organized my tasks around my very low energy

📖: Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree

#studyblr #studyinspo #uniblr #university #studying #productivity #student life #student #study space #journal #journaling #notebook #calm hobbit winter #knife gang #mine #the---hermit

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sjsmith56 · 9 months

Text

The Stranger - Part 10, From There to Here - Bucky Barnes One Shots

Summary: An accident while on a mission in 1971 resets the Winter Soldier and he quickly begins remembering things. Determined to get away from HYDRA he is taken in by hippies in a commune.

Length: 6K

Characters: Winter Soldier / James, original characters (Seth, Summer, Tanner, and Tamsin), Winnifred Barnes

Warnings: Memories of torture, fear of capture, sadness, swearing, some violence.

Author notes: If the Winter Soldier was "reset" during a mission, he wouldn't be the Soldier anymore. He would be aware he was different. It seems logical that the serum, which constantly regenerated his physical injuries would likely regenerate his brain injuries during this time, restoring the synapses and brain cells that held his memories, allowing them to return. Perhaps the Soldier would take these opportunities to escape and try to get away from HYDRA, knowing in his core that they were evil and he wasn't. What if he could find a community that was accepting of him (even the arm), and would welcome him, being a place where James Bucky Barnes could re-emerge. In 1971, there were already such welcoming communities springing up as young people sought a different life than what their parents had. What if he stumbled onto one and found an environment that sped up the healing of his brain, allowing more of his past to emerge? He would feel part of something good, until they realized his presence would put them all in danger.

The cover of The Hobbit in the photo collage is from the 1966 edition, with Tolkien's own drawing as the cover.

<<Part 9

I woke up with a start, unfamiliar with my surroundings. It was dark, although a full moon was on the rise, and I was soaked. Understandable, considering I was lying on a sandbar in a river. Automatically my hand went to my side holster, finding it empty. My knife sheath was empty as well and I wondered what happened to my weapons. What happened to me? Calming myself I replayed what I could remember, tracking my target, lining him up in the sights, then just before I pulled the trigger an out of control car was on the bridge, aiming right at me and I jumped, landing a hundred feet below in the swift moving current that even with my strength was too much for me to handle. I had to abandon my rifle to stay afloat then the river bashed me against the bridge column, making my head ring like a bell. At that moment I realized something. The Asset wasn't there, it was just me, even though I wasn't sure who I was other than I wasn't him, and perhaps this time I could be free.

Quickly, I did a self-assessment, standing up and lifting my legs to see if there was anything too painful that would indicate an injury. Although I was sore there was nothing that felt broken. Whipping my metal arm around I felt it reset, then I looked at the sandbar I was on. It was long and narrow but near the end of it there was a gap of only ten feet or so to the shore. Stepping into the cold water I carefully waded through, pleased to see it was only a couple of feet deep in this location. It was easy to pull myself up into the brush along the river. Looking up at the night sky I located some constellations, smiling that I remembered them from my childhood. How did that memory suddenly come up? By their position it was after 24:00, if I was still in New York State. I knew that's where I was because they had programmed the optimal location to fire at the target while he had a drink in a golf course clubhouse beside the river, well within range of the rifle I was using.

I took stock of what my mission had been, trying to remember the details. The hit was supposed to be done by 20:00 and I was supposed to rendezvous with my handler at 21:00 at a clearing south of the bridge. The river flowed from northwest to southeast so I was east of my rendezvous site. A search party could already be looking for me. If I was going to get away this time, I needed to find shelter quickly, then deal with the food issue as I was already hungry.

Calming myself again I listened to the night sounds and became aware of a road, perhaps a couple of miles away. It wasn't busy so it wasn't the highway. Perhaps it would lead to a farm and I could hide out in a barn or shed. Heading towards the sounds of the occasional vehicle driving over the pavement I came to a road soon enough and watched for some time before running beside it close to the tree line. I wanted to get as far away north from where I woke up as they knew that I would take my shot from the bridge up river and would track me from that spot. Every time I heard a vehicle approaching my position I hid in the bushes, watching the faces of the people who were in the cars to see if any of them were my handler or the others, the recovery team they would send out after me. So far, the vehicle occupants seemed to be ordinary people. Up ahead I could see a battered sign and stood looking at it for a moment trying to figure out what it meant. There was a name ... Townsend ... then it said "Designed with you in mind." What did that mean?

I kept going on and had to cross over a bridge that spanned a wide but shallow river flowing to the east. While I was on it a vehicle came up behind me without me hearing it. It was obvious my body must be malfunctioning due to a head injury or lack of food, otherwise I should have heard it from some distance. It was all painted with bright colours and the word "Peace" was on the side. As it pulled up beside me the woman in the passenger seat rolled down the window and looked at me with concern. She was pretty, (how did I know that?) with long hair parted in the middle, wearing a head band.

"Are you alright?" she asked, then she noticed my arm. "Oh man, that's some metal arm. What mad scientist put that on you?"

I answered truthfully. "Dr. Zola. I don't feel well." I felt faint. I didn't like it as it made me weak and would expose me to capture.

She looked at the long-haired man driving the vehicle and he nodded his head. "Listen, we don't live too far. Why don't you come with us, and we'll give you some food and a place to sleep."

"Why would you do that?" I asked, puzzled. It didn't make sense.

She smiled. "You look like you need a hand. I'm Summer, this is Seth. What's your name?"

I looked at her and began to panic. It had been so long since I had thought of my name, even though I knew it was important to remember that part of me, and it just wasn't there. I began feeling hot, then dizzy, then everything went black.

🌼

He was being strapped into the machine. After his last mission he had refused to go back with the handler and they used the failsafe word on him, making him pass out. Now as he awakened, he knew what was coming and the dread began to fill his stomach. His mouth was dry, and he looked at the technician who was strapping his titanium arm down.

"Water, please," he whispered.

The man ignored him.

"Please, I need water," he said louder, and the man still ignored him but sped up his efforts to get him strapped down.

He was angry now. He was thirsty and all he wanted was some fucking water. Straining his arms, he ripped the strap off and grabbed the man around his throat, squeezing. The others started yelling but he just wanted his water.

"Water!" he yelled then the doctor was in front of him.

"Let the man go and I'll give you water," said the doctor, Zola. "Soldier, until you let him go you won't get anything."

He let the man go and watched as the technician crumpled to the ground. The others dragged him out of the way, and he watched someone bring a glass of water to the doctor, who held it like a precious commodity.

"Soldier, what is your name?" asked the doctor in that voice of his. "Tell me your name and I'll give you the water."

James, he wanted to say James, but he knew if he did, they would hurt him, and he really wanted the water. He looked at the doctor and whispered.

"Soldier."

"Very good." The water was handed to him, and he greedily drank it down. "Now, let the technicians strap you back in."

He handed the glass back and put his arms into place, keeping his eyes on the doctor. Then a mouth guard was put into his mouth and the head piece was lowered onto him as the whir of the machine started up. His anxiety went up as he knew it would hurt but this is what always happened after a mission. It was part of his life.

🌼

I woke up and panicked for a moment as I didn't recognize where I was. I wasn't in restraints, so I wasn't a prisoner. Then I heard the sound of children laughing and playing outside the window and I relaxed slightly, taking in the room where I was. I was lying in a bed, with a pillow and a quilt. I was also undressed, and when I looked under the quilt, I saw that I was naked. Scanning the room, I looked for my clothes, but they weren't there. Instead, there was a soft tunic and some pants, folded up and left on a chair. Assuming they were for me I put them on, finding them odd but not unpleasant to wear. They were certainly different from my normal uniform and were totally unsuitable for what I did for HYDRA. Then I remembered, I didn't want to be with HYDRA anymore and I smiled, because I had also remembered my name, my given name, James. My boots were still there, and I slipped them on but didn't tuck my pants into them like I normally did. The wide legs at the bottom of the pants would make it difficult anyways. Just as I put my hand on the doorknob there was a soft knock and it opened from the outside. The man who was driving the van during the night was there and he smiled at me.

"Hey, you're awake," said the man. "Come, we have some breakfast ready for everyone. You remember I'm Seth?"

"My name is James," I said proudly and stepped out into the morning sun. "Where am I?"

"Well, about ten years ago it was a place called Townsend, but they lost the only source of work in town when it went out of business, so we pooled our money and bought a couple of sections of land. We call it Eden."

"I saw a sign for Townsend on the road," I replied, as we walked. "It said "Designed with you in mind."

"Yeah, the owners of the factory built it here after the war because the land was cheap but they couldn't get others to live in the town they built because there was nothing else for them. No one wants to live in a town where there is nothing to do."

"Why do you live here then?" I asked, as I didn't understand why they would live in a place no one else wanted to.

Seth laughed, apparently humoured by my question. "We like it quiet. We came to escape the rat race, live a pure life off the land, growing our own vegetables, raising our kids in peace and freedom. We're a commune, man. It's a good life."

Soon we arrived at another building and Seth stood back to let me enter ahead of him. Normally I would have been suspicious of such a move but Seth had given no indication of subterfuge or falseness, so I entered the doorway and was greeted by many of the adults in the room who were helping to put food out on the large table. There were at least a dozen adults and many children of various ages. Normally I would have assessed every single person in there for their threat to me but there were no indications from any of them that they would be hostile to me so I stopped assessing them quickly. At first I felt self-conscious but no one seemed to think there was anything different about me, they just continued to get the meal ready. Seth motioned to a seat, and I sat down. A memory of a similar event where a large group of people sat down to eat came to mind, but it was gone just as quickly. The others sat down with their children close by and they all looked to Seth, so I did as well.

"Welcome to our new friend, James," he said. "We chose to live in Eden in harmony with nature and with good will to anyone who needs a helping hand. James looked like he needed help last night and we're honoured to have him join us today. Dig in everyone."

Watching the others carefully I helped myself to the food, not taking too much even though I was very hungry. Something in me, a memory maybe, said to make sure everyone got what they wanted first before I could have seconds. Summer and another woman went to the stove, and each brought a pot of coffee pouring it out to all the adults. With a start I realized that Summer was very pregnant. While the two women poured, a couple of the men did the same with jugs of milk, pouring it out for the children then leaving it on the table for people to use in their coffee. The coffee smell was amazing, and another memory came unbidden into my mind of an older woman pouring some for me as I wore dark work clothes. Who she was wasn't clear but the thought that perhaps she was my mother persisted. I took a sip of it and savoured the familiar taste as it went down my throat. Eagerly I dug into my food, finding it somewhat plain but hearty. When I finished my plate another man, Tanner, lifted a basket of bread and offered it to me.

"Have some more, James," he said, smiling. "We have lots of food and you look like you're still hungry."

"Thank you," I replied automatically, wondering where that came from, taking the bread and other foods that were offered to me. "I hadn't eaten for a couple of days."

"Where do you come from?" asked Summer, her kind eyes were gazing at me.

"I...I don't remember. Since the war, my memories...."

The others nodded in understanding. "That explains it," said Seth. "You lost your arm in the war?"

"Yes," I replied. "I remember falling from a train."

"Bummer, man," said another woman, Tamsin was what they called her. "I washed your clothes and they're hanging on the line. They're very... military."

"It's all I had to wear," I explained. "They wouldn't let me wear anything else."

"Who is they?" asked Seth, curious. I felt my face turn red and looked away, unsure if I should tell them about HYDRA. They might not like me if they knew what I did for them. Seth smiled. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. The war fucked up a lot of guys. We know that. We understand."

After everyone finished eating Seth looked at Summer and she nodded. He stood up, signalling to the others that breakfast was done, so I stood up with them.

"We have some work to do," said Seth. "We're clearing some brush to build another residence. Would you like to help? You look like you're strong."

Agreeing, I walked with them out to an area where they had cut some trees down. There were stumps in the ground and I could see that they were digging out the stumps by hand. Taking my shirt off without even thinking, I took a spade and began to dig under a stump as Seth explained they wanted to weaken the root system then use their horses to pull the stumps out. Nothing would go to waste as they would cut the stumps apart and stack the wood for their fireplaces and stoves. As I began digging the others were impressed with how I could use my metal arm. I hadn't even thought of the arm when I took my shirt off and no one said anything about how it looked other than most people with prosthetic arms had something much more basic. I kept digging, until a couple of the women brought out jugs of water and mugs for us to drink out of. Seeing some of the other men throw the water on their faces I followed suit and cooled off a little in the warm sun by wetting my head. Returning to my spade after drinking my fill I began digging in another area, undermining the root system. Just before we broke for lunch Seth took a closer look at our progress.

"I think we can harness the horses up after lunch and try to pull it out," he said. "Some of us can start on the next stump and we might be able to get that one pulled out before supper."

"Can I try something?" I asked, knowing I was strong enough to pull the stump out.

Seth nodded and watched as I went over to the stump and stood in one of the holes that we had created. Placing my hands under two of the sections that had been uncovered I began to lift the massive piece of wood. The others watched as some of the roots began to snap then the stump moved up. Seth jumped down next to me along with a couple of other guys and together we pulled the stump up until it was partially free. Then I stepped back, looked at the different parts of it then repositioned my hands and began to push it over. The others pushed with me and with a collective groan of effort the four of us pushed the stump over, freeing it from the root system still in the ground. I stepped back as the others patted me on the back.

"How strong are you?" asked Seth. "I've never seen anyone do that before."

"I can lift about 250 kilograms," I replied. No one said anything about me using kilograms but they did look at each other as if they didn't understand and I realized that they probably didn't know that measurement of weight. "550 pounds about."

"You're a big guy but you don't look that strong and with your artificial arm I wouldn't think it possible," said Seth. "James, did the army experiment on you?"

"Not the army, HYDRA," I replied, without thinking. "They took me captive in 1945."

The other men all looked at each other, unsure of my declaration.

"James, how old are you?" asked Seth.

"What year is it?" I countered. "I wasn't allowed to know."

"1971," replied one of the other guys.

I took a breath and looked around at all of them. The truth was the best thing to tell them. "I think I was born in 1917. That makes me 54."

I could tell they didn't believe me, but I didn't care. It felt good to tell someone. Just being out in the sunlight, with my shirt off, hearing the birds, and feeling the breeze on my skin was glorious.

"When we asked you about the war, we thought you were a Vietnam War veteran," said Seth, trying to understand what was happening. "What war were you in?"

"The war against Germany," I answered, sure of that. "I was a sergeant, I think. My memories are all jumbled. I fell from a train and the Nazis or maybe the Russians found me. That memory is still unclear, but they took me somewhere, gave me to HYDRA. They did things to me, wiping my memory, injecting me with a serum, rebuilt my shoulder and gave me this arm so they could make me do things for them."

"What kind of things?" asked Tanner.

"Killing people," I said, quietly, almost holding my breath. "I don't want to do that anymore. I don't want to go back. They hurt me when I remember things from my old life, and when I don't cooperate. Can I stay here, with you? I like it here. You're all so kind."

The other men looked at each other and I wondered if I had told them too much because they didn't look happy. Their response bothered me and I lowered my eyes, fidgeting with my hands as I suddenly felt anxious.

"James," said Seth gently. "We'll have to talk with the others about what you told us. Are you okay with that?"

I nodded. "I never wanted to be this way. They experimented on me. I don't like doing it and it gives me nightmares."

"It's okay," said Seth. "I'm a vet. I was in Vietnam, and I know I did some things that I'm not proud of." He thought for a moment. "James, the people who make you do this – do they know where you are?"

"No, I was preparing for a target when I had to jump off a bridge to avoid being hit by a car and I was swept away in the river. I came to on a sandbar downstream and took my chance to escape. They may come looking for me."

Seth nodded and put his hand on my shoulder. "Because this is a commune it means all the adults have an equal vote on important decisions. Letting you stay will have to go to a vote. I want you to tell your story to the others, then we'll discuss it and decide."

"I understand," I replied, standing as tall as I could. "If you decide it's too dangerous to let me stay then I'll leave. But if you let me stay, I promise to protect you as if you were my family. I would never let anyone hurt any of you or the children."

We went back to the dining hall and sat down for lunch. No one said anything but I could feel an undercurrent of caution around me. Not that I blamed them as I knew if HYDRA came here, they would hurt or perhaps even kill them, and I couldn't bear the thought of anything bad happening to these good people who had taken me in. When I left to use the bathroom, I wondered if they would say anything while I was gone. On my way back I saw all the children were outside and felt certain that the others waited inside for me to tell my story. My instincts were right, and I didn't sit down when I entered the dining hall. Instead, I stood beside my chair and told them everything I remembered so far. They asked questions about the serum and HYDRA which I answered as best as I could remember. Their faces were at least sympathetic to me, and I took hope from that, but I also knew they had to make the best decision for all of them.

"I'm going back to the other stump and dig at it," I said when I was finished talking. "Whatever you decide I thank you for taking care of me and being so kind. I wasn't expecting it."

Leaving them I walked out to the stump, picking up the spade from where I left it. Then I began digging the dirt from the other stump, attacking it with as much energy as I could manage. The time flew by, and I got half of the dirt from under the stump dug out when I saw Seth walking alone over the field towards me. His face didn't look happy, and I felt my hopes dwindle. When he arrived, he put his hand on my shoulder then sat on the ground, motioning for me to sit with him.

"They're afraid," he said. "We came here to escape war and violence, and they're worried that if these others come looking for you, they'll hurt us for helping you."

"They're right," I admitted. "They are vicious people. They have killed for no reason at all."

"We don't want to leave you helpless," said Seth, "so Summer and I will drive you wherever you want to go. We'll give you some food and money. If I were you, I would try to find my folks but I'm guessing yours might be dead. Is there anyone in the army that might help you? Someone you served with?"

"I wouldn't know where to find them," I said, then I smiled at Seth. "It's alright. Even just being here with you for a few hours has been ... wonderful. It made me remember something my mother would say during the Depression. I can't clearly remember her face, but I remember her saying "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice."

Seth smiled, a sad but gentle smile. "I think it's one of the Psalms," he said. "Lapsed Catholic. I voted for you to stay, James. So did Summer. Whatever they did to you to make you into their killer, it's not who you are, the you inside. I see a quiet and gentle man who freely helped when he was asked. I hope you are able to stay free. Come on back, have a shower, and we'll look at the map to see where we can drive you tomorrow."

Together we went back, and I showered, washing my hair and remembering how the attendants in HYDRA did it for me. It was a pleasant experience to do it for myself, and I tried to commit it to my memory, knowing there was a place deep inside that HYDRA hadn't yet broken. It was where my memories went to hide lying dormant until one or more of them would bubble up to the surface of my consciousness. I wanted this memory of being in this place, with these people, to go there. Wrapping the towel around my waist I stepped out of the shower room then went to the room where I slept. There were more clean clothes for me, and I put them on, accepting it would be the last time I would wear normal people clothes. Seth and Summer were waiting in the dining hall, and they had a map out between them.

"You have a Brooklyn accent," said Seth. "Tamsin is from there and she figured you might want to get there, see if your folks are still alive. We can take you to Albany and help you buy a bus ticket."

"Thank you, I appreciate it," I replied then looked all around me at the dining hall. "You have a nice place here. I didn't know there were such things as communes."

"Well, there probably weren't any hippies around in the 1940s," smiled Seth. "If you find your folks tell them that if there weren't bad people looking for you, we would have welcomed you to stay. It's just too dangerous for our children."

For the rest of the afternoon, I sat outside in the shade with Seth and the others, having a beer, watching the children play, enjoying their joyous laughter. It was peaceful and I wished with all of my heart that I could have stayed here with these kind people. After dinner I returned to my room and found my Asset clothes there, folded up neatly on the chair. I stripped down and got into bed, turning out the light and laid there in the dark willing sleep to come. Eventually it did.

In the morning I put the Asset clothes on, but left the holster and knife sheath off as I had nothing to put in them. As I dressed, I became more and more sad with each piece of clothing from my past, knowing they were made for one purpose, to kill people. On the back of the chair where my clothes were was a jacket and I smiled, realizing they wanted me to be able to hide my arm when I left. It might allow me a better opportunity to get to New York.

What Seth said about my folks resonated with me. They might still be alive, might still be in their house in Brooklyn. It was worth it to me to try and find them, just so they knew I was alive. Once Seth had voiced that idea the memories had percolated up from my mind and I was sure I could find my way to them, once I got there. Running my hands through my hair I stood up tall, took a deep breath then stepped out the door to where Seth and Summer were waiting. We had a quick breakfast then after the others said goodbye we went to the van.

Summer slid the sliding door of the VW van open, and I stepped inside, sitting on one of the seats in the back. She and Seth got in the front, and we were soon on our way. An hour later we pulled into the parking lot across from the bus station at Albany. Seth purchased a bus ticket to Brooklyn and came over to where Summer and I were waiting. She handed me a cloth bag that I slung over my shoulder. Inside was food, some hand knit socks, and a book, The Hobbit, for me to read on the bus. That book sparked another memory for me, as it was a book I remembered I liked reading. I put the holster and sheath inside the bag. Seth gave me the bus ticket then with an encouraging nod from Summer he pulled out some cash and pressed it into my hand.

"Good luck, James," he said, with some emotion. "I hope you find peace. I think you are a peaceful man at heart. Be careful."

"I will," I replied, hugging Seth first then Summer. "Good luck with the baby. Thank you."

A call for the bus came over the loudspeaker and I walked to the gate showing my ticket. I stepped on the bus and found a seat near the emergency window, in case I had to leave the bus quickly. Everyone that stepped on the bus underwent my scrutiny, but I didn't feel any sense of anxiety over any of them. They were all just people heading to New York City. When the bus pulled out of the garage, I saw Seth and Summer watching for me and waved then settled back in my seat.

I didn't read the book that they put into my bag because I was more interested in seeing the outside world, at how much it had changed since I was younger. The cars were different, people definitely dressed different and there was more of a sense of hurry as the highway seemed full of vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Gradually the skyline of New York came into view, and I found myself anticipating what it would be like as we got closer. As the Soldier I was sure I had been there to complete an assignment, but I was never given the opportunity to just look at things for the sake of looking.

As the bus drove deeper into the city, I marvelled at all the taller buildings that were now there although I could still see the Empire State Building, pleased to know it was still standing. The bus pulled into a depot, and everyone was told to disembark. Those going on to Brooklyn had to change to a different bus. I followed the others and was directed to another bus. As I walked, I saw a man watching me intently and felt the first indications that this might have been a mistake.

"When does the bus leave?" I asked the driver of the next bus before stepping on. "Do I have time to use the men's room?"

"Sure, kid," he said. "You got ten minutes."

The driver turned to the next passenger and quickly I went to the men's room, stepping into a stall. Looking at the toilet paper I grabbed some and twisted it into a shape that I could insert into my ears to block out the words. I couldn't let them say anything to me, not the failsafe, and not the other words, the ones that would bring out the Asset. Patiently I waited for the man who had been watching me enter the rest room, peering at him through the crack in the door. When the man stopped, I opened the stall door, grabbed him by the throat and head butted him, knocking him out, dragging him inside and sitting him on the toilet. Searching him, I found a gun and a knife, placing them inside the cloth bag. Then I found the man's wallet and took the cash out, placing the wallet back in the man's jacket. After checking myself in the mirror, satisfied that I hadn't cut open my forehead, I left the restroom, and quickly boarded the bus, just before it left the station. No one on the bus took any notice of me and I was satisfied that I was safe once again.

Forty-five minutes later the bus pulled into the Brooklyn depot, and I exited the bus, looking carefully at anyone who looked in my direction. Seeing a couple of men, dressed in black, carefully scanning the passengers at that exit I stepped back, going behind the bus and exited from the bus exit. Looking up at the street signs I oriented myself and smiled. Brooklyn had changed but it was still my old neighbourhood. I knew exactly where I was and where I had to go. For the next few hours, I took a roundabout way to my parent's house, using the alleys and hopping fences. Just before dark I found the street and went into the back of the first row house, jumping over the fences into the yards. Finally, I arrived at the back yard of my parent's brownstone and crept up the back steps to the stoop, looking in the window of the kitchen, while keeping my face hidden in the shadow.

There was an old woman in there and when she turned I gasped, almost to the point of crying, at seeing the aged face of my mother. She was making a cup of tea and I watched as her shaky hands poured the boiling water from the tea kettle into a cup with a tea bag in it. A cough overtook her and she bent over until she caught her breath again. For a second I touched the door handle to open it then she picked up her mug and walked out of the kitchen, turning the light off as she left, shuffling her way to the parlour where I could see the glow from a television. She had a television, something that was new and different when I first saw it at the New York World's Fair in 1939. Slowly she sat in a chair and I withdrew my hand from the door. As much as I wanted to talk to her and hold her I knew my presence put her in danger. This glimpse of her would have to suffice.

Quietly I sat on the stoop and ate the food that Summer gave me. Next, I pulled out the book and cash, slipping the bills inside the pages. Searching the bag unsuccessfully for a pen or pencil I looked at the book smiling at the inscription already written. "To James, May you be free to find your own Eden. Seth and Summer." Perhaps Ma would figure it out. Quietly I put it inside the screen door, along with the hand knit socks. Taking the holster and sheath from the bag, I fastened them on then inserted the gun and the knife into them. Leaving the cloth bag on the stoop I went down into the yard and looked up at the sky, having a brief memory of me and Steve doing it when we were boys. Steve, I remembered Steve. Taking in deep but ragged breaths I savoured those muddled memories that came and went randomly. With determination I hopped over the fences to get back to the street and began to run. They would find me eventually, of that I was certain, but I wasn't going to make it easy for them. I was the Asset, after all, and I knew how to evade capture.

Please like, comment, and reblog if you liked this one shot.

Part 11>>

Series Masterlist

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#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #winnifred barnes #winter soldier #hippies #commune #hydra

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ursaspecter · 1 year

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Here's something a little different: My ocs! These are characters for a visual novel I'm working on. In a few words, it's a sort of supernatural, found family, coming of age story. Y'know when it's actually done and who knows how long that'll take.

From left to right: Ash (They/Them), Ollie (He/Him), Ivy (She/Her), Luna (She/Her), Joey (He/Him). They're all 15 except Ash who is 14 at the start of the story but turns 15 at the end of Part 1, and Joey who turns 16 in Part 4. The top image is of their Summer looks, and the bottom image is of their Fall looks. I also have variations for rainy weather in both seasons as well as formal clothes for the Epilogue at their school's winter formal, but I'll upload those later.

Under the cut, I'll put brief character descriptions and a loose summary of the story.

Ash is a bit of a shut in for someone who's so naturally curious. Their curiosity lies in the things unexplained like ghosts and the paranormal. They're a hobbyist photographer, a decent writer (of mostly Ghostbusters slash fiction among other things), and a terrible coder. Seriously, their Geocities website is held together with duct tape and safety pins.

Ollie is a snarky little shit who likes to piss off his mom any way he can. He acts tough, but it's all a front to hide his more sensitive side. When he's feeling particularly angry at the world, he channels his frustrations into his paintings. He considers himself an artist but has hated every single art class he's ever had to take for school. His main influences are Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Jackson Pollock.

Ivy is really the heart of the group. She's the one most likely to call everyone up to plan an outing. She's also a big fan of fantasy books and movies from when her dad would read her The Hobbit as a bedtime story when she was a kid. She has a love of costume and film making and would often make little costumes for her friends to wear while they made short movies as kids. Most of them were reenactments of scenes from The Princess Bride.

Luna is a ball of rage only calmed by being around her friends. Her home life isn't the best, so she takes any opportunity she can to get away. When they're unavailable, she mostly stays up in her room listening to her dad's music collection he gave her or writing bad poetry to put to her decent guitar playing skills. Oh yeah and she also has metalbending powers.

Joey is as loyal as a golden retriever to his friends. He looks out for everyone and makes sure that no one does anything stupid while they're already doing something stupid like exploring an abandoned building or hanging out at the cemetery after dark. To pass the time when he's not playing video games, he likes to whittle small wooden sculptures or work on one of his woodworking projects in the shed.

In the Summer of 2001, Ash and their mother move to the town of Salt Flats, Texas. After meeting and being adopted into the friend group of the other teens, they spend their summer and half of their sophomore year uncovering the secrets of the town and the company that practically built it: Titan Industries.

#my art #digital art #my ocs #also ollie has cisboy cringe and joey has tboy swag. this is very important to their characters.#there's a lot of lore i've come up with but also i dont want this post being 500 miles long so you're all getting the tip of the iceberg.

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tolkienmatters · 1 year

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Happy New Year!

“This is a Fell Winter indeed, and I am expecting White Wolves to cross the river. At present dead calm reigns, as the only car to appear in my road slid backwards downhill and disappeared. There is small chance of this reaching you tomorrow Jan. 1 to wish you a Happy New Year. I hope you have plenty of food in store! It is my birthday on Jan. 3rd, and I look like spending it in the isolation of a house turned igloo; but the companionship of several bottles of what has turned out a most excellent burgundy (since I helped to select it in its infancy) will no doubt mitigate that: Clos de Tan 1949, just at its top. With that hobbit-like note I will close, wishing you and your wife and children all blessings in 1962.“

- J.R.R Tolkien to Rayner Unwin (December 30, 1961, LJRRT, Carpenter)

#happy new year

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lucigoo · 7 months

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Day 5 of Bagginshield-tober: Riddles

So,i have discovered i will not ifnish them all in October, but never mind, they will all be done, no matter what.

This one is called Riddles in the dark brought into the light, You can see the neitre colleciton here: on A03

Ever since they had talked about the Battle Dreams, about the necessities to seek one another out during the darker hours of the night, Bilbo had tried been a little more forthcoming about his own struggles.

He still wasn't as open about them as his Dwarves were. About the darkness, the blood and the trouble that often rattled around in his head. But he was trying. He was trying to share, to share his own woes as the others did with him.

He often found himself consoling the lads in the early hours of the night, when many of The Company found themselves checking on each other as the dark nights crept up with demons and boggy men that would not let their resting minds out of their nightmare’s relentless grips. The boys would often lay their heads on Bilbo’s knees as they sat on the floor in front of him and he would run his hands over their rumpled braids as he told them stories of fauntlings and open green meadows. Of a peaceful life of plenty and happiness.

Thorin would often come in, disturbed by his own desperate dreams. Usually of the Hobbit and his nephews and how he had harmed them so. Bilbo would just smile up at him sleepy, always waking from his half doze and checking on whoever wondered in. Making sure they didn't need extra comfort too.

Bilbo was ok with not sharing his own struggles when his dwarves were plagued with centuries more of them, just knowing he was allowed to check on everyone if necessary helped calm his own mind so he was usually able to calm his own mind. But not this morning.

This morning he woke, checking every shadow. Every place a slinking being could hide before they were able to wrap their long, spindly fingers around his throat and choke him to death.

Bilbo usually went around unarmed, in the thick but very hobbitish clothes Dori had made for him. But not this morning. This morning he put on his Mithril shirt, the greatest gift he had ever received. Not because of its cost (and hadn’t that been a terrible surprise, finding out it was worth more than the entire Shire) but because, even when he was troubled and plagued by his illness, Thorin had thought of Bilbo’s safety first.

On top of the Mithril he put on his thick tunic, his Durin blue tunic that made him feel a slight bit safer, as well as his miniature version of a fur cloak, very like Thorin’s travel cloak (which caused Bilbo to look guilty under his pillow where he had stashed that travel cloak right after Thorin had almost died on him). He pulled on his scabbard and Sting and put the set of throwing knives that Nori and Fili had gifted him with when they learnt how hobbits were especially gifted with amazing aim.

He looked at himself in the mirror and frowned. He hated looking like a mini dwarf with massive feet, but the added protection made him breathe a little bit easier.

He finally decided he couldn't stay in his rooms all day. Otherwise his dwarves would come looking for him, panicking more than likely. As though they believed if he wasn't in their view he must be half way back to The Shire. Bilbo couldn't stop the fond smile at his soppy dwarves. If he was honest he adored the coddling. He hadn't been coddled since he lost his parents at the Fell Winter.

He made it to the Company (and their families) dining room. They were scattered all over the Mountain during the day, with Bilbo flitting between them all, apart from when he was in the throne room when the Elves were in audience, as Thorin still could not be trusted with them. How Bilbo had ended up being a peacekeeper between Dwarves, Elves and Bard he had no idea. Especially when he remembered how he had screwed it up so badly the first time.

He peeked in to see who was currently in attendance. Dwalin, Nori, Gloin and Balin were the only ones there at the moment. Bilbo decided where he would feel safest and walked up to Dwalin and plonked himself between him and Nori. He knew it was rude, knew there was something blossoming between the two but right now, his eyes still searching the shadows and corners, he didn't actually care.

Dwalin was big, and strong and Nori was fast and clever. Right now the two of them were the safest place Bilbo could be, especially as Thorin was nowhere in sight. If he was skipping breakfast again Bilbo was going to have words with him. Later when he felt less shaky.

Nori let out protests at Bilbo making him move. A snippy “Who do you think you are, the Consort?” was all it took for Bilbo to glare at him.

Balin and Gloin guffawed at him, but Dwalin didn't. Dwalin looked down at the hobbit carefully. They had all learnt not to underestimate Bilbo. Even when he was half blinded by Battle Dreams his first thought was The Company's safety. Which meant Dwalin was taking extra care to watch that the hobbit didn't burn himself out. With his stuffy manners and silly behaviour of running himself ragged and caring for everyone else before himself.

It was Dwalin’s duty and honour to care for one he considered brother and he didn't know who Thorin thought he was kidding, the way he was mooning over the oblivious Hobbit. But Dwalin had a duty of care to the future Consort. If hos cousin ever got on with it. As if the Mithril wasnt a courting gift, in the middle of dragon sickness. Honestly, how stupid did Thorin think they were, and as more dwarves arrived someone was going ot let something slip and Bilbo would not be impressed.

So all this was whirling through Dwalin’s head as he looked at the hobbit being shifty. His eyes roving for danger, and not to mention his unusual get up. He looked at Bilbo and grunted “you ok?”

Bilbo looked at Dwalin, and refused to answer anything. He just pulled his breakfast to him and started nibbling.

Dwalin made a noncommittal noise back and looked at Nori, raising his eyebrows in concern. The pair of them having an entirely unspoken conversation above Bilbo’s head.

Bilbo refused to be drawn into any conversation. Head down but eyes still flickering to the shadows.

He barely even noticed when Thorin, Dis and the boys came in. Didn’t lift his head as Kili and Fili called to him excitedly. The boys suddenly looked downcast when they were ignored. Nori, like everyone, hated to see the kicked puppy look on the Prince's faces and jabbed Bilbo in the ribs with his elbow.

Bilbo must have been stuck somewhere that was not the nice, safe dining room because in an instant he had a knife against Nori’s heart. He looked aghast at what he had done and dropped the knife immediately.

Everyone looked shocked apart from Nori who gave a laugh and said “Good job, you're quicker then last time” with a proud smile as he waved away Bilbo’s apologies and mortification.

Bilbo just shrunk into himself and allowed himself to sink into Dwalin’s side a little. It wasn't something he would usually do, but right now he needed comfort. With his mind whirling, terrified for everyone. Speaking of everyone, they were missing a fair few people they shouldn't be for breakfast.

“Gloin, where's Lovrili and Gimli?” he said, a squeak of alarm in his voice.

“Don't fret Bilbo, Lovrili is taking care of Gimli’s braids. Seems he had a fight with your bramble bushes and his hair wasn't the winner.” he said with a hearty laugh.

Bilbi just nodded, about to ask Nori where his brothers were when Thorin walked forward and stopped in front of him. “Bilbo, are you ok? It isn't like you to attack anyone, or question our whereabouts.” Thorin said quietly. So quietly Bilbo almost missed it.

“What, yes, I'm fine, just woke up is all, haha” he answered, trying to bat the concerns away, eyes still roaming around the room.

“May I ask why you're sitting between Dwalin and Nori, it isn't your usual seat?” Thorin asked, folding his arms.

Dwalin swore he saw an honest to Mahal pout on Thorin’s face. The King Under the Mountain was pouting because Bilbo was not sitting beside him.” Mahal give me strength.” Dwalin signed to Nori, who had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.

Bilbo, however, wasn't laughing. “I can sit where I want.” He said, defiance coursing through his body.

Thorin just raised an eyebrow.”Of course you can Bilbo, I was just wondering is all.” Thorim said placatingly.

Bilbo looked down at his trembling hands, ashamed of himself. Of course Thorin was asking. Bilbo was a creature of habit and the fact that he had gotten his chair, and the absurd amount of cushions on it, just the way he liked it and not sitting in it was odd for him. Thorin was right to question his strange behaviour.

Bilbo looked at his hands, twirling his fork between them, his breakfast hardly touched, which unbeknownst to him, was causing all of his friends to worry. “It’s just …. Dwalin is big, strong and fast. Dwalin’s safe.” he mumbled out, no other context. Not even lifting his head at the surprised gasps around him. Why they were surprised he thought that about Dwalin he didn't know.

As Bilbo refused to look up, both Thorin and Nori looked at Dwalin. Glaring at him. Thorin felt himself gearing up, ready to smack Dwalin right in his mouth. Dwalin held his hands up in surrender, signing he had no idea where that came from. But he refused to move away from Bilbo when he was obviously seeking comfort. Even if those two idiots couldn't see that was what the hobbit was doing. Dwalin could, the stress and terror was written all over every inch of Bilbo’s slightly trembling frame.

The room stayed quiet in shocked silence until Dis walked forward. “Bloody idiot’s, I swear the males of the Line of Durin are all lunkheads.” she said with a nasty sneer to her lips as she stared them down, daring them to cause a scene.

“Bilbo, dear,” she said, voice going softer as she addressed him, watching as his ears twitched, but he refused to look up. She gave a sad sigh, one of these days someone, preferably Balin and Ori, would give Bilbo a few dwarven lessons so Thorin didn't let his own head explode at all of these obvious cultural misunderstandings.

Dis moved around the table and kicked Nori out of his chair, refusing to allow Dwalin to move when Bilbo was obviously in need of his support. Dis made a mental reminder to talk to Oin about helping the hobbit sleep, he obviously wasn't at his best when his nightmares were lingering.

“Bilbo, my friend, are you aware of what you just said to Dwalin?” she asked, straight to the point.

Bilbo looked at her with a frown. “Of course, I'm not a simpleton.” he huffed at her. “I said my friend is big and strong and able to protect me. As the rest of the Company were, but between Nori and Dwalin was the safest option when I arrived. Safe from …..” he trailed off, eyes roving again, hand suddenly clenching on a dagger he had hidden in his sleeve.

Nori couldn't help himself, he chortled at Bilbo. “No idea have you?” he said, laughing, trying to fend off the awful jealousy he had been feeling. Of course Bilbo hadnt, wouldn't. Hobbit was madly in love with Thorin, even if he would never admit it.

Bilbo just cocked his head at Nori, looking at him confused.

Dis cleared her throat, before her idiot brother or sons intervened. “Bilbo, you basically told Dwalin you fancy him. You were flirting with him.” she said, trying to hide the little laugh she gave at his face.

He jumped up and away from Dwalin, aghast. Spluttering apologies to his friend. “Oh, no, Dwalin, I wasn't, I just …. Not that you aren't a fine dwarf of course, just, oh my …” he trailed off, lost for words.

Dwalin just gave him a soft look. “Aye, I know, you're my friend Bilbo, if you feel safe with me then good. Same way I feel safer when you deal with the Elves and we don't go to war yeah?” he said gruffly.

Bilbo felt his face and ears go red. What a terrible faux pas on his part. “Of course, thank you and again, I apologise. You're my friend and besides Thorin, the best warrior I've ever seen,” he replied in a quiet voice. Missing the way Dwalin waggled his eyebrows at Thorin and Thorin’s eyes lit up at the unintentional compliment.

They stood in comfortable silence for a few moments until Fili interrupted, talking for the first time since he had greeted Bilbo. “But, Bilbo, why do you need protection in Erebor? What's scaring you in the shadows?” he asked, voice as emotionless as possible as he didn't want to spook their hobbit.

Bilbo looked down at his hands that he was wringing again, and then slowly looked at his companions that were there. He wouldn't, couldn't repeat this, so they would have to tell the others themselves if they wanted to know. It also served them right for missing breakfast, Bilbo thought snidely in his head, trying to remove some of the tension he was feeling churning inside of his body.

“I, there was… Oh my, I don't know where to start really.” he mumbled.

Thorin walked around to him, and rested a warm, large hand on his shoulder, steering him to his actual seat and sitting next to him. Placing Deathless on the table in front of him. Bilbo couldn't help but wrinkle his nose at the thought of a weapon on the table, how uncouth and completely dwarf-like.

“You start where you believe you should, where it makes sense for you to explain.” Thorin coaxed gently, hand back on Bilbo’s shoulder.

“We, more than most, understand when the Battle Dream’s do not stay in the night Bilbo. When they follow you into the daylight, the waking world. When you wake up and start your day, it feels like your eyes are still closed and you are trapped wherever your mind left you.”

Thorin looked down sheepishly, before being brave and looking Bilbo in those beautiful green eyes of his, “I, more than anyone here understands when things are so bad that they will not, can not let you out of their grip, even when you are fighting with everything you have inside.” he said with pure sincerity and pain in his own eyes and voice.

Bilbo couldn't help it. He buried his face in his hands and sobbed. Feeling Thorin’s warm hand stroking his back until he calmed down. He took out his handkerchief and composed himself. Stealing himself to tell them, tell them off the darkness he felt, and still feared all these months later.

“The goblin tunnels.” he said, almost in a whisper.

Fili suddenly moved closer, offering extra shelter from the memories,the shadows that haunted Bibo. “The goblin tunnels? You never actually told us what happened other than you heard us and followed us.” Fili said quietly, sceptically.

“I did!” Bilbo protested. “Well, near the end of my journey in the tunnels at least. I fell from the ledge where you were all captured, I fell and landed on a goblin who broke all the bones in his body I believe.” Bibo said with a wince at remembering the cracking of all of the cracking sound the goblin’s body made as hit the ground

“But I wasn't alone down there.” he continued in a subdued voice. “There was a creature, a gangly thing, all arms and legs, who ate the goblin whilst I hid. “ Bilbo continued. Not realising that he was shivering until Thorin pulled him in close. Bilbo just nodded in appreciation at the gesture.

“Go on Bilbo” Kili coaxed. The idea was spine tingling if it was affecting Bilbo this much, but he was always such a good story weaver.

Bilbo looked up finally and saw the dwarves staring at him, waiting for him to continue. He could do this, he thought, taking a deep breath.

After all, what had Oin said that first night they spoke of Battle Dreams? That bringing nightmares into the day helped chase the fear away. Well maybe bringing riddles in the dark into the light would help with the lingering fear of being prey, of being stalked from the shadows.

Taking a deep breath Bilbo continued. “It was so dark I could barely see my hand in front of my face, I was feeling my way along by touching the walls. Hoping I was walking in the right direction. When I heard it padding along after me. It was a little taller than me, almost skeletal, its pale skin shining in the darkness. Its eyes were huge and round and staring at me. His teeth were jagged and covered in the goblin’s blood and he was looking at me so hungrily. Like he wanted to devour me whole” Bilbo stopped with a whisper and a shudder. Feeling Dwalin stood behind him as Thorin clenched his hand on Bilbo’s shoulder, feeling the heat. Reminding himself their burglar, his hobbit was ok.

“Go on Bilbo, what happened…” Kili asked breathlessly.

“He cornered me against the wall” he continued, eyes glazing off as though he was there, lost in that endless maze of tunnels and blackness, alone in the dark with a creature that sent a cold chill down his spine. “He spoke to me, we riddled. If I won he was going to show me the way out, if I lost …” Bilbo choked out. “If I lost he was going to eat me alive,” Bilbo all but whispered. Letting thoughts and feelings he had tried to push aside enter his mind. He felt his own shivers this time, the lack of control of his own body. Until he felt Thorin’s new fur cloak engulf him, twice his size and smelling like the dwarf he loved.

Bilbo let out an almost silent sob as he burrowed into it and began to talk again. “We riddled for some time. Confusing me more and more as he told ancient Shire riddles and was stumped by some of the newer manish ones I knew. He got bored” Bilbo said so quietly that all of the dwarves leant forward to listen.

“Bilbo ….” Thorin trailed off at the lost luck in his eyes.

Bilbo shook his head and pated Thorin’s hand that had been placed on his shoulder again. “Im ok, I’m ok Thorin, I made it out and back to you all didn't.” he said with a small half smile.

The dwarves let out a mighty agreement to that. “Aye, yes you did laddie, it doesn't matter how, but you did,” Balin said, grateful that Bilbo had made it back to them, and not just because he saved Thorin’s life not even an hour later

Bilbo felt himself blush as The Company congratulated him, but they quietened down when it was Dis who finally asked ”But what happened, how did you escape?”

Bilbo grabbed Thoin’s hand for comfort, uncaring at this point how it looked. “He left, to his little hidey hole in the lake, probably to get a weapon.” Bilbo continued his tale.

“He slinked after me when I ran and tried to smash my head in with a rock, like he had to incapacitate the goblin. I got free and ran, losing him in the darkness, with him screeching after me. And then i heard all of your voices echoing so i followed and found you,”

Bilbo felt himself settling for a moment, trying to articulate what had bothered him most. “It wasn't the darkness itself, or the silence that scares me. It was… it was able to cling to the shadows the way I can, it hid in the open, unseen until it moved. Almost invisible if you didn't know how to look for it.” Bilbo felt himself gulp, feeling sick.

“It’s feet ….. It had Stoor feet, water wading feet. It was able to navigate that water like an expert. It was…. I don't know why, or how it ended up there, in the dark, hidden from Yavanna, but it was a hobbit once, an old hobbit that is clinging to life. It’s stalking me in my dreams, in the shadows and when it isn't, I become like him. The two of us roaming in the dark, evil and rotten and abandoned. Alone, with an entire rotting mountain above us, ready to crush us to death and I can't escape, even when I open my eyes, it lingers in the gloom, waiting for me to either die or join it.” Bilbo all but sobbed out. Not protesting when Thorin pulled him into his arms.

Bilbo rested his cheek against Thorin’s smooth warm tunic, feeling safe and surrounded. He felt as the heat grew as each dwarf came and joined them, adding their touch and love to their obviously overwhelmed friend.

“It doesn't matter what it is, how it came to be the way it is, hobbit or not.” Thorin said, as Bilbo enjoyed the rumble of his voice beneath his ear. “You are safe with us. Our shadows are deep, but not malevolent. And we can flood any area you wish to be with light, with nowhere to hide. Dwalin will alert the guards just in case. Remember, you are safe here Bilbo, with me.” Thorin all but whispered the last part, feeling when Bilbo finally released the tension he must have been carrying around since he woke up that morn.

To Thorin’s delight Bilbo did not release him and they stood, entwined, surrounded by their kith and kin until the Ur family came bounding in. “Ey up, why wasn’t I invited to this cuddle sesh with our resident hobbit, he's my best friend you know.” Bofur shouted out, wading through the group to grab said hobbit. Bilbo just laughed as Thorin scowled at them all and the boys started arguing with Bofur about who loved Bilbo best.

Bilbo smiled and felt a lot safer, trying to remember to talk to his dwarves about these things more often, before they ate him alive. He wasn't in The Shire anymore, where the Fell Winter was swept under the rug and forgotten about, no, here they were all in it together. The good, the bad and the ugly.

They were here to help steady one another when the darkness was closing in and the riddles felt more like a funeral chant than a clever game.

Bilbo smiled at his family, he didn't want to be anywhere else, no matter how large the shadows in Erebor grew.

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