#baginshield

"What?! But that is highly improper! I admire Bilbo as much as anyone elsehere, but he's not a dwarf and Khuzdul is a private language..." SaidDori, sputtering and red."Well why shouldn't Bilbo learn Khuzdul!? He's as much a part of ourcompany as I am," butted in Ori, eyes bright with excitement."I don't know, laddie... It's never been done before," Balin saidslowly, as though trying to get Thorin to see reason.All around the table sides were beginning to form on whether or not the hobbitthey had all gotten to know and love would be allowed to learn their ancientlanguage."ENOUGH," Thorin yelled, silencing the company, "I am your king,and if I say that Master Baggins can learn Khuzdul, then he can learn Khuzdulif he wishes to!" Thorin said before turning to where Bilbo was sitting toget his opinion on the matter.Except, Bilbo was no longer in his seat. Unseen by anyone the hobbit hadslipped on a small little ring and left the room, thoughts racing on everythingthat his companions had to say.***It was some time later that Thorin found him sitting out on one of the manybalconies that Erebor had to offer. Bilbo loved this balcony for itsmagnificent view of the mountain side, as well as its strategic location forlooking at the stars in the night sky. It was Bilbo's favorite place in Erebor,and it is where he came when he needed to think.Apparently he was becoming pretty predictable, since Thorin was able to findhim pretty quickly, but then again Bilbo wasn't really trying to hide from him so..."I do not want the company to be at odds on my behalf," Bilbo stated,as he glanced over at Thorin who was easily settling himself Bilbo on the edgeof the balcony."More than half of the company is in favor of you learning our language,and those who are not are simply too set in their old ways. They will comearound eventually." Thorin said slowly, putting a hand on Bilbo'sshoulder.Bilbo couldn't help the warmth that flooded into him from just that one touchalone, but tried to shake it off, "No, no I will not have them angry at mefor trying to butt in and learning what I am not supposed to know...""It will not be you who they are angry at," Thorin cut in, to Bilbo’sconfusion, "and besides, they should be able to set aside their opinionson outsiders learning our language since they can set aside their old opinionon..." He trailed off, looking suddenly very flustered."Their opinions on what, Thorin?" Bilbo questioned, wanting to knowwhat had made his friend so uncomfortable all of a sudden."Nothing, it's no matter. Don't worry about the others, Bilbo. You'll seethat everything will blow over, and everything will turn out fine."***It did not blow over. Everything was not fine. The company still had dinner together fairly often, but there was a very clearshift in the dynamic of the group. Dori and Ori were not speaking to oneanother, Bombur spent more time in the kitchen then with any of the othercompany members, and even Fíli and Kíli's antics couldn't create the easycamaraderie that had once been so present.Bilbo hated it. He hated that he was the cause of so much pain. The onlyproblem was that he didn't know of any way to fix it. The only thing he couldthink of was to go to the company members and tell them that he has nointention of learning Khuzdul if it makes them that upset. Feeling determined,Bilbo set off to find the dwarves that he will continue to consider his friendsuntil they tell him otherwise.Nearing the door where many company members spent their time relaxing andspending time with one another, Bilbo heard some raised voices. Not eventhinking about it, Bilbo approached quietly to try to hear what was being said."I know I'm being irrational! I know!" Dori's voice practicallyyelled from inside, "but I just can't wrap my head around the idea ofsomeone not a dwarf knowing our language! I'm sorry, Thorin, but I think youare making a mistake."Bilbo felt his heart sink. Thorin was in there? Great, he was not only losingDori as a friend, but soon Thorin would think the same way and..."And do you think," Thorin's voice cut in coolly "That I am alsomaking a mistake by wishing to court the hobbit? Does he not meet yourstandards for who I should desire as my consort? Or is it just our languagethat you think he does not deserve?"Bilbo couldn't breathe. What had...? Was Thorin...? Hope and fear both flaredin Bilbo's chest, unable to process anything going on around him."Ah, Bilbo! There you are I've been looking everywhere for you!" Kílisaid loudly, startling the poor frozen hobbit. All noise from behind the doorcut off; before the door was wrenched open reveling Thorin with wide, slightlyterrified eyes.Bilbo glanced around frightfully, like a rabbit cornered by wolfs, still notable to comprehend what he had just heard. Without another word he turned downthe nearest hallway and slipped on his ring, needing some time alone to piecethrough his thoughts.Cries of his name calling him back followed him while he ran but Bilbocontinued. He needed somewhere where he could just sit and think somewhere...Without even realizing it, his feet had led him to his favorite balcony. Eventhough Thorin knew of its location, Bilbo hoped his ring would be able toconceal his presence.Thorin. Thorin wanted to court him? Thorin was willing to put up with all thenaysayers against his race, against Bilbo himself, all for a chance to courthim. Bilbo thought back on all the times that Thorin had casually touched him,from a hand on his shoulder, to hugs and platonic bed sharing during thequest... A flame had begun to grow within Bilbo. He had never felt this wayabout anyone before, and thought he knew better than to try and start anythingwith Thorin... That Thorin would never want him in that way anyway...Except, now it seemed like Thorin did return his feelings. Oh and Bilbo hadgone and run away from him, probably ruining any chance he had with the dwarf."It was meant to be a surprise," a voice said behind him. TurningBilbo saw that Thorin had entered the balcony and while he wasn't lookingexactly where Bilbo was sitting due to the fact that Bilbo was still wearingthe ring, he was pretty close. "I was going to tell you, ask you, at theend of the anniversary festivities of reclaiming the mountain... I, well, Iwanted it to be romantic, since I wasn't quite sure what your reaction wouldbe." Bilbo stayed silent, waiting for Thorin to continue, "Well... Isuppose that wasn't the best plan was it? I guess I got my answer..." Hesaid, trailing off and beginning to turn around and leave.Bilbo couldn't stand being silent anymore. He had to fix this. He whipped offthe ring as he hurried to his feet and said, "No you haven't. You haven'teven asked me. Ask me!"Thorin turned to him hesitantly, eyes brimming with hope, "Bilbo Baggins,would you give me the distinct honor of allowing me to court you?"Bilbo smiled and nodded while stepping forward. He slowly brought his hand upto gently cup Thorin's face, "The pleasure would be all mine." Andgiving Thorin plenty of time to back away slowly brought their lips togetherfor a tender kiss.It was magical. It was amazing. All the admiration and affection that the twoshared for one another was poured into that kiss. It was the happiest that hehad felt in a long time. The two broke apart, panting slightly, but with hugegrins on both of their faces."So," Thorin began, "when do you want to start learningKhuzdul?" He asked.Bilbo frowned, "I still stand by what I said before, Thorin. I will notcause a riff in this company."Thorin, still smiling said, "I know, but Dori and I had some... words...After you ran away, and he's come to see my point of view on the matter. And ifDori agrees, then the rest of those against it will agree as well.""Really?" Bilbo questioned, even more hope blooming in his chest thanhe ever thought possible. Thorin nodded, eyes sparkling, and Bilbo couldn'thelp the huge grin that overtook his face. He had always loved learninglanguages."Alrighty then! When do we start?!"