“Bilbo. I know what the Arkenstone looks like. That is not the heart of the mountain; it’s an opal.” “Well, do you think you could give it a bit of a better look? Maybe it is the heart of the mountain, only you’re too busy scowling at me so you can’t see that!” Bilbo half shouts as he waves the opal around, and Thorin storms forward. A few months ago, at the start of their journey, Bilbo probably would’ve scampered back; he’s had months and months to get used to Thorin and his temper tantrums, however, so he only glares harder.
Thorin and Bilbo (chp. 1)
Arkenrocks by Cimila (AO3) The Hobbit – General #Alternate Universe #Humor #Cultural Differences #Fix-It #Magic #Theft #Attempted Theft #Hobbit Culture & Customs #Frustration
The thing Gandalf neglected to mention when he assured Thorin Oakenshield and Company that Bilbo Baggins of Bag End would be the perfect thief for their mission was this:
A Hobbit wouldn’t be able to tell a diamond from a pearl, or from an Arkenstone - no matter how hard they try.
This leads to some confusion, on Bilbo’s part. And some frustration, again on Bilbo’s part.
(What sort of a description was ‘heart of the mountain’, anyway? A useless one, that’s what.)
