#hobbit reader

Hobbiton’s rolling hills are green as ever as you struggle to pull the wheelbarrow along the path to the market. Your wares are your charge, of course, but that does not stop you in the slightest from wishing you had someone to share in your burdens. And your victories. Not that some great many victories are won in the illustrious world of flour salesmanship, but the thought still stood.

Thoughts. Such are yours for the remaining duration of the trip, flitting about your mind in fancy until you enter the bustle of tents being raised and tables being lain with all manner of honeys, meats, fishers' catches, freshly baked bread, and so many more colorful and tantalizing offerings of your great land. A smile fills your face at the sight. For some, they are overwhelming. For you? Your livelihood. Livelihood and the secret charm of possibility that you might meet someone you do not know, someone from some far reaches of the Shire. Or beyond.

Snorting at that particular notion, you heft bags of flour onto the table your neighbor was kind enough to set up for you, sorting them once all of them are up there for a moment of muscle rest. You hang your sign, a wooden piece carved for you by your father, and take up your helm of sale.

~

Sunlight has fallen such that it casts into your eyes; cursing your short form, you shade yourself with an arm as two shapes enter your line of vision. Tall shapes. Men? Dwarves? Dwarves, judging by their garb, which appears to be that of mountain folk. Heavy tunics, fur linings, heavy boots and beaded braids. They also are not so towering as the men you’d met on a trip to Bree once.

The blonde one's eyes slide between your wares and you, alternating until you break into a smile.

"Could I interest you in any of these fine flours, sirs?"

"Sirs," the black-haired one snickers, though completely without malice, only humor.

"What's this one?" Pushing his neighbor aside, Blonde points at a medium-sized sack.

“Buckwheat flour,” you answer with a smile, “Good way to make your cookies tender if you don’t use too much. That is, if you make cookies much. I’m not sure what you like.”

“I have been wanting to get into baking.”

“What are you doing?” Black Hair hisses, a whisper just loud enough for you to hear. “We’ve got the party!”

“Yes,” Blonde agrees jovially, glancing back to you, “It is prudent to bring a gift, isn’t it? What about a nice bag of-”

“We’ve got a while yet! I’m not carrying that around for an hour! Are you?”

“Well-”

“Come on, Brother.”

“Brother?” You burst out before you could stop yourself. The pair doesn't look so much alike- perhaps they each look like one parent.

“Oh, my apologies, madam,” Blonde whips around and gives a bow, spinning his hand as he folds, “Fili, at your service, alongside my little brother here.”

Giving your name, you accept Fili’s proffered hand and giggle as he presses a kiss to the back of yours.

"Kili," the little brother pushes in, offering his hand, too, "And we were just leaving."

"What about the buckwheat?" Fili turns from Kili back to you, leaning on your table. "I'm quite interested in the...tender cookies? What on earth does that mean? Does that make them firmer or less firm? Or more...chewy?"

"You don't bake." Kili again, this time with less urgency and a great deal more amusement.

Fili must have made some disastrous attempts, you think, unable to stop the amusement that begins creeping across your lips. You picture him hunched with a look of dramatized defeat over a pan of crumbled, blackened cookies with smoke spiraling off them.

"I could learn," the elder retorts in a surprisingly determined tone.

Something about it moves your heart, loosens it further, speeds it even. These dwarves are nothing like you expected- not in appearance, manner, or of course location there at your table traveling some humble Shire market.

"I could teach you," you tell him, running a hand through your hair.

"I'd like that," he replies, "We aren't here much longer, but this place is very beautiful. I think we'll be back."

Kili looks between you two, jiggling his eyebrows up and down as Fili suddenly kneels to the ground, rising again with a little pink flower pinched gingerly between his thumb and index finger.

"At least I will be for those baking lessons. Speaking of which..." He chuckles to himself. "A flower for a flour?"

After you accept the flower, Fili reaches for your sack of buckwheat flower yet again, only for Kili to knock his hand away, initiating a comical skirmish of slaps that finally cements in your eyes that these two are undoubtedly brothers. Your gaze bounces between each volley as you twirl your baby bloom, heart leaping at the feeling of it, at the imprint of Fili's mischievous smile and gleaming blue eyes upon the back of your brain.

"Ignore him," Kili finally says, breaking you from your flower-induced, pollen-dusted golden reverie, "He's looking for an entirely different set of goodies."

The confusion you feel at that last comment as you watch the younger dwarf physically drag his brother away from your flour assortment lasts all the way through the rest of the market, all your actual purchases, and even up to your trip to your cousin's house to deliver a loaf of bread your mother had made him.

The hearth is warm and the kitchen scented of the herbs he's preparing for supper and calming tea. He welcomes your steaming parcel of sourdough with open arms and puts a second fish and helping of vegetables on to roast while you chat about your day. Your unusual day.

A tale of your dwarf-filled day...interrupted by a dwarf. This one exactly what you've always pictured, even taller than the brothers and more imposing, complete with a long beard, tattoos, and an intimidating stare. He is quite blunt about the fact that he isn't familiar with you or Bilbo, but gracious as your cousin is he shoots you a look of sympathy and quickly slides you his other helping. His look quickly melts into frustration the more the dwarf goes on and takes from him and rearranges, sharing with you an exasperated glare that has you giggling.

"Dwarves," he shakes his head before opening the door to another, older one, "What is it with today and dwarves?"

"I don't know," you reply quietly, reaching up to gently caress Fili's flower, which you have tucked behind your ear.

The second dwarf, Balin, is surprised to see you there, but then, so are you to see him. He chuckles at that and asks you for direction, which you shyly give; when he asks about chairs, you lead him around the corner into Bag End's larger dining room, where the long table rests under a chandelier's cozy yellow light. Bilbo follows soon behind, peering skeptically at your little congregation with furrowed brows and muttered questions. The sound of the bell ringing yet again, however, distracts you from the hearty laughter of this new set of dwarf brothers. Tapping across Bag End's hardwood floor, you cross your cousin's home once more, slowly opening the great round door. Voices sound behind it, voices that increase in volume as Bag End opens wider to welcome them.

"I can't stop thinking about her. I tell you, Kee, she's going to be the death of me-"

"Ah!"

Perking up with a wide smile that quickly melts into more of a smirk and gets directed at his brother, there stands Kili before you.

“Well now, brother, look who it is!” Kili exclaims your name, still looking right at his elder sibling as he sticks a hand out your way. “Can you believe our good fortune?”

“No,” Fili answers with a smile, blue eyes never falling upon his brother from their gaze into yours, “I cannot.”

His eyes trace over from yours, catch sight of his flower still tucked up by your tresses, and he stumbles into your cousin’s home with parted, wordless lips. He stands so close to you you’d collide with a single step from either of you, finally darting his eyes away and surveying the warm light of Bag End.

“So this is the fabled hobbits’ home?”

“It is,” you agree.

“I love it,” he breathes, a glow of awe coloring his expression, “It suits you just like that flower. It’s cozy. Sweet. I can definitely foresee myself upon many a return visit here.”

“So are you Mister Boggins’s wife?” Kili interrupts, tone bordering on urgent.

“No,” you shake your head, “He’s my cousin. I’ve come to deliver him a loaf of bread, but what of travelers like yourselves? Why have you come to a party Bilbo was not even aware of hosting?”

Inching a wee bit closer, just a tad, Fili extends his hand just like before. Just like before you take it. Instead of pressing a kiss to it, though, this time he holds it fast, his grip strong and warm and sure. The hearth’s warmth feels much closer despite you standing at a door open to the night on the end farthest from it you could be.

“Could I interest you,” Fili asks, leaning so close as to almost whisper in your ear, “In an adventure?”

You followed Bilbo on his quest, despite his worry that you would get into some sort of trouble or danger.

It didn’t take long for the dwarves to get used to you being around. To be honest, they adjusted to your company quicker than they did Bilbo’s because you were more open to the idea of adventure. One dwarf in particular (Kili) was particularly interested.

As the journey went on, Kili found himself getting more and more attached to you. He worried greatly about your well-being and did his best to protect you from anything and everything that would or could harm you.

You began to notice this and thought that Kili’s overprotectiveness was the sweetest thing. Everyone else was surprised too because it’s not a side of Kili that everyone sees often.

Kili was also very gentle with you throughout the adventures you shared. For instance, he would take your hand to steady your steps if the Company was walking along a ridgeline or would even go so far as to carry you on his back when traveling through marshes or snow. You admired his strength and compassion.

When the feelings budding between you became more obvious, Bilbo tried to give you relationship advice, but it was a little bit awkward considering that Bilbo had never been in a relationship himself. You appreciated it anyway because it showed you that your uncle cared enough to say something.

As the two of you became more comfortable around each other, you and Kili shared stories from your past, like the tale behind the stone that Kili’s mother gave him or moments from the Shire that you looked back on with fondness.

The two of you would often sit by the fire at night, watching the stars and talking. It was during one of these nights that Kili confessed his true feelings for you, and a little while later where you shared your first kiss.

🌿ESFP 🍁Gryffindor 📜Chaotic Good 🔮Sagittarius Sun, Pisces Moon, Leo Rising

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿

・Bilbo was a distant relation that had told you to look after his home while he was on his adventure

・But in an un-very Hobbit-like fashion, you followed him and the Company

・”Why would you do this? It’s too dangerous! You must go home!” 

・ Bilbo was absolutely belligerently upset with you

・Thorin saw you as extra baggage. But Gandalf defended you, thinking that you might have a part to play later on

・You weren’t that adventurous, living in the Shire was pleasant - it was homely, welcoming and you loved it there. But seeing The Company, something pulled you. Like an invisible chord. 

・Bilbo gave you the silent treatment for three days straight

・You shared Gandalf’s horse, and you didn’t mind it one bit. He was a pleasant companion. He spoke when you felt chatty and was silent when you were tired. 

・Getting to know the rest of the group was difficult

・But one dwarf stood out from the rest

・His long brown hair was constantly windswept, and whenever you looked at him, little butterflies erupted in your stomach

・Your crush seemed one-sided for the majority of your adventure. Until you were both alone together, in a cell. 

・From there your relationship was founded

・As a significant other, Kili is so protective and loving. He’s loyal and at times can be very soppy. 

・He always thinks of you, but can irritate you at times. He’s very physically loving. Kissing your cheeks and playing with your hands. Well, I guess he’s only irritating if you aren’t a touchy-feely person

・Loves how homely you are though

・You’re very good at cooking, and you always make people feel welcome

・You teach each other a lot about your knowledge. His with hunting and weapons, you with herbs, flowers and food

・Always makes you laugh

・Likes to show how devoted he is to you, especially in front of other people, so that others immediately know you’re a couple

・Makes you a lot more spontaneous

・You love his sarcasm though, and it’s something you can bond over

・Your day is always made better when he’s around. He’s just so full of life 

・Makes sure you’re always comfortable and will call people out who are making you feel uncomfortable 

・He’s actually very very understanding

𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑷𝒆𝒕 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖: Sweetpea, Twinkletoes, Little Butterfly. 

𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆: Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation. He loves touching you; playing with your hair, kissing your nose, even sitting close to you so your thighs touch. 

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:

I Had To Do That by James Newton Howard

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:

  ✧ Chaotic AS FCK (Kili) x Chaotic w/ L Plates (You)

  ✧ Troublemaker x WHY DO YOU KEEP GETTING IN TROUBLE?!

You hummed. “But I thought we had already settled on a treaty and trade routes, as well as reparations for the damages done to Esgaroth,” you replied, beginning to stroke his hair.

“We have! But apparently the jewelers are less than willing to pay the trade route taxes—they aren’t even all that bad! And since he’s the head of the Forgestone guild, he keeps bringing it up,” Kili grumbled.

“Peace, âzyungel. Everything will work out. Leave the troubles of the council at the door; there’s no need to keep worrying your mind with them when you’re with me,” you soothed, earning a small smile and another kiss against your temple from your beloved.

“I would be lost without you, my love. Thank you for your infinite wisdom,” he whispered against your ear. Kili shifted and laid a hand against your swollen stomach. “How is the little azaghâl doing today? Has she behaved herself?”

You rolled your eyes. “You mean him. Kili, I’ve told you a thousand times it’s going to be a boy.”

Kili scoffed, shaking his head as he continued to rub your belly. “You don’t know that. The little one will be a beautiful princess, and I’ll have to fend off suitors with a stick! You know my mother thinks it’s going to be a girl, too, [Y/n]. And she’s already had two children.”

“Two annoyances, you mean. You know as well as I do that dwarrow-dams are rare among your people. The likelihood of us having a girl is next to none.”

The young raven-haired prince slapped a hand to his chest, mocking a deep chest injury. “You wound me, [Y/n]! I am an angel compared to my brother, so I have no idea what you are talking about. Besides, you’re not a dwarf, you’re a little hobbit lass like Master Boggins, and from what I know, you halflings don’t stint on little lasses.”

You sighed, knowing that this month-old argument would never find rest until the babe actually arrived. It had been nearly seven months since you had revealed your pregnancy to Kili, almost nine since Oin confirmed it. While you had no way of determining the gender of your baby, you knew you would love them regardless. You did enjoy the bantering you and Kili shared; it warmed your heart and helped with the excitement and impatience you felt. Nine months of carrying a half-dwarven babe had taken its toll. All you wanted was to finally hold them in your arms.

Kili softened at your longing gaze, which had turned from him to the fire. “I know, amrâlimê. It seems as if they will never come. But as a wise hobbit once told me, ‘Everything will work out.’ They’ll be here sooner than you know it,” he promised.

You let your hand rest over your husband’s. Stroking your thumb over the rough skin of his hand, you let the study’s peaceful atmosphere swallow you once more. Kili did not mind. He was content to sit beside you, head resting on your shoulder. Nothing else in the world mattered except this small, lovely moment between husband and wife. You set your book aside, knowing you would not be able to continue reading it tonight. Tilting your head, you pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Sleep, Kili. You will need it for tomorrow.”

“But I wish to spend more time in your company…”

“I am not going anywhere. This baby will make sure of it. Now, sleep.”

Humming softly, your free hand found its way to his hair. The ebony locks gave way to your touch, detangling with ease. You could feel small goosebumps appear under your fingers as Kili all but slumped into your side. His head drooped and soon soft snores could be heard. You didn’t care that the young dwarf prince had trapped you on a study couch rather than a nice, comfy bed. There was still time left in the evening to migrate to your shared chambers.

A soft bout of movement erupted in your stomach, followed by a few well-placed kicks. You couldn’t help but smile and move Kili’s hand over to the right side of your body. “Hush, little one. Amad and Adad are here. No need to make a fuss,” you scolded, voice hardly above a whisper.

These were some of your favorite moments, where you and Kili could simply be together without saying a word. To think, more than half a decade ago, you were a simple hobbit woman dedicated only to her garden half a world away; now, you had braved the very pits of hell and emerged victorious with a husband and family. Nothing would ever convince you to trade this. Not a thousand lifetimes, or a mountain of gold. A single smile from Kili would always convince you to stay. To love him unconditionally as he did for you.

You winced slightly as the baby kicked again, harder this time near your ribs. Deep breaths led you through the mild aching pain and discomfort. The fire sputtered and flailed until it gave its last breath, leaving the dying sun to light the study from the balcony. As the room descended into darkness, you felt it. A slight twinge in the lower back. You inhaled sharply. Oin had warned you that dwarven babies often came earlier than expected. You didn’t think much about it, given this was your first. The hope that it was merely an ache kept you calm.

When it happened again nearly fifteen minutes later, your chest tightened. Rubbing your stomach, you tried to breathe. “Kili… amrâlimê…” you murmured, shaking his shoulder. “Kili… wake up.”

The dwarf prince was slow to rouse from his slumber. “Mmm? What…”

Another jolt of discomfort ricocheted down your spine, pooling in your hips and lower stomach. “Hmm…! Hurt…” you managed, leaning forward with a hand on your stomach.

Your movement further disturbed the half-asleep dwarf. Rubbing at his eyes, he took a moment to take in your hunched form. He blinked. “[Y/n]!” he gasped, hands flying to stabilize you before you rolled off the couch. “Talk to me. What’s going on? Is it the baby? Are you okay?”

You shook your head. “Something… something… hurts…”

Kili tried to massage your lower back, hoping to relieve your pain. A whimper slipped from your lips as the pain returned. Your head felt light while your stomach felt heavy. Another breath through your nose and out through the mouth. Your toes curled against the floor as the cramping sustained its intensity for about another minute. Kili chewed at his lip. He didn’t know what was wrong.

“Do you want me to grab Oin? He did say you might feel ghost pains a few weeks before the baby is born. He might have some herbs to help with them,” he offered, eyes twinkling with concern.

Scrunching your eyes shut, you nodded, another trembling whimper escaping you. Kili hated seeing you in pain. He didn’t want to leave you but knew Oin could help more than he could. With a soft kiss to your forehead, Kili ran out the door. You hunched forward. Nausea arose in your throat as the pain dwindled for a moment. Gripping the arm of the couch, you rose to your feet. Perhaps some movement could help work out the tensions and pain in your lower back. It always helped after sitting for too long.

Your dark emerald dress fluttered around your bare feet as you paced the length of the study. The fire had long since died but a shiver convinced you to throw another log on the fire. Your swollen stomach made it difficult. The baby kicked a few times, jarring your rib cage on both sides. A few more painful jolts and twinges made their way down your spine before Kili burst through the study door with Oin half an hour later. You paused mid-step before nearly collapsing into his arms as a rather breathtakingly gut-wrenching cramp ran through you.

“Kili…!” you whimpered, burying your face into his chest. “It hurts… hurts so much…! Why… eugh…! Why won’t it stop?”

Kili shook his head. “Oin needs to give you an examination, ibinê. Just to make sure everything’s alright. Can you make it to our chambers?” he asked, tilting your chin to look up at him.

You bit down hard on your lip, drawing scarlet. “I… I can… try.”

Oin held the door as Kili led you slowly out of the study. You could only move a few feet at a time before another cramp attacked your lower stomach. The trip from the study to your bedroom felt like it would never end. Much of your weight was thrown onto your husband as you could hardly keep yourself standing. The pain had intensified and you felt nauseous. Fingers shaking, you gripped onto Kili like a lifeline as Oin opened the door once more. Relief washed over you as you laid down on the bed. Kili shifted to where he half-laid beside you, arms curled around your shoulders.

“Alright, lass. I’m going to be doing some poking and prodding, so don’t worry. It’s just like any other examination,” Oin promised. His voice soothed your slight anxieties. “It is most likely some preparatory contractions. How long ago did you say these pains started?”

“Not even an hour… ah-hah… before Kili fetched you,” you panted, face contorting with discomfort. “They… they last about a minute before fading.”

Oin furrowed his brows and hummed. Kili helped the old physician lift your dress and held your hand. He whispered comforting sweet-nothings in Khuzdul as Oin examined you. A few more cramps attacked your spine and stomach before he had finished. Sweat started to accumulate on your forehead, soaking your hair as you laid against Kili. Again, that fear that perhaps your baby had decided to come early trickled into the recesses of your mind. It was still a possibility, and you feared it was becoming more real as each minute passed.

“So? What is it, Oin? Is the baby okay? Is [Y/n] going to be alright?” Kili queried, a deep frown set into his face.

Oin pulled down your dress once more and began rummaging in his medical bag. “I don’t think that these aren’t preparatory contractions. I believe that [Y/n] is in the early stages of giving birth.”

The news stole your breath. Kili stiffened behind you. A feeling of lightheadedness overwhelmed you and you slumped against your husband. Your heart began to race and the panic seemed to intensify the contractions you were feeling. Turning your head, you released a muffled sob against Kili’s shoulder. Nine months of careful waiting and preparation had led you to this moment; the very moment you and he had been anxiously hoping for. Yet despite the excitement that should have filled you, worry replaced it. Were you ready to be a mother? Kili, a father? What of his duties to the kingdom? How would they be affected?

“Ghivashel… darling… [Y/n], please… do not cry. I’m here, I’m here,” Kili’s voice did little to soothe your cries, which had morphed into ones of pain as another steady contraction ripped through you. It felt like you were being torn in half.

“I can’t… I can’t do… ah-hah! I can’t do this…”

“Yes, yes, you can! You’re the strongest person I know, and Dwalin is tough to beat!” Kili encouraged, wrapping his arms around you even tighter as Oin prepared his medical instruments. “We’ve been waiting all this time to meet our child. What’s a few hours more?”

“Don’t worry, lassie. Everything’s going to be alright. I’ll help you through this, and Kili isn’t going anywhere,” Oin comforted. “Now, let’s get you into something more comfortable.”

Kili parted from you to retrieve the thin, blue smock one of the nurses had left in your chambers for this very occasion. It breathed easy and didn’t feel as hot against your skin as the emerald dress. You moaned as he and Oin repositioned you on the edge of the bed.

“[Y/n], it doesn’t appear as if your water has broken, but you’ve only begun the birthing process, so that’s to be expected. Kili, give me a hand and we’ll get her walking a bit. Should help with some of the pain.”

The stone floor felt icy beneath your toes, even with their thicker soles and furry tops. Kili and Oin helped you make a short circuit around the room, pausing whenever a contraction started. They weren’t close together, perhaps ten or fifteen minutes apart, which concerned you. Wasn’t the labor supposed to be progressing faster? Every dwarrowdam you’d met told you everything went by so fast. Making a single lap around the room took twenty minutes!

Biting your lip, you squeezed Kili’s hand as another twinge of hot pain attacked your stomach. “Ugh… Kili… We… ah! We are never… having… another kid…” you mumbled, leaning against him.

Kili chuckled a little and stroked your cheek. “Whatever you say, dear.”

Another hour and a half passed, and still there was little progression. Oin checked you a few times, trying to see if your water had broken, but to no success. You sat back down on the bed, rocking back and forth on your feet. The movement helped distract you. Mumbling obscenities under your breath, you watched as Kili and Oin whispered to each other. Their conversation grew heated and it worried you.

“What’s… what’s… all this racket about?”

Oin turned. “[Y/n], lass,” he sighed. “You know that dwarf children are much bigger than hobbits, as we have discussed throughout your pregnancy. You’re already four centimeters dilated, which is good progress. While I am not particularly worried about you since it’s your first, Kili is. He—”

“He can speak for himself, thank you,” Kili barked. “[Y/n], I… I want Oin to speed up the birthing process. Your water still hasn’t broken, and it’s nearly been three hours since the contractions began. I’m worried, love. I can’t lose you.”

Your brows furrowed and you looked back at the ground. Oin was a trusted and experienced healer. You understood Kili’s anxieties. You felt them yourself. Four centimeters dilated and your water had yet to break. The contractions were getting closer together but still no real progress. As your thoughts spiraled downward, you felt a rough hand clasp around your sweaty one. Mud-brown eyes filled with grief and pain mirrored your own and you couldn’t find it within yourself to deny Kili his request.

“Will you at least go and inform the others that the baby is coming? I want their support, even if it's through a door. Oin can break the water then, if it hasn’t already broken. Can… ah… can you do that for me? Please?” you whispered, stroking his cheek and kissing his forehead.

Kili pursed his lips. It was obvious he didn’t want to leave you alone, even for a minute, but he didn’t want to refuse you this request either. The entire Company had been excited for the baby to come. It would be among the first born in Erebor’s halls since it had been reclaimed. A new prince or princess of the Durin line. Finally, he nodded.

“Anything for you, my little hobbit azaghâl,” he murmured before dipping out of the room.

Oin smiled. “In all my years of knowing that troublesome boy, I’ve never seen him happier. You’ve made quite a dwarf out of him. Must be that hobbit touch of yours,” he said as he helped you into a more comfortable position on the bed. “Looks like you’ve dilated another centimeter in the time we were talking. This is good!”

You returned his enthusiasm with a shaky smile. “At this point, I want nothing more than to have this child out of me. They have caused enough trouble!”

That earned a jovial chuckle from the old healer. Soon enough, Kili returned, flushed in the face nearly as much as you were. “The others are outside. Uncle’s already started to pace a divot into the floor. We may need to fill it in with molten gold later!”

Like ever, your husband never failed to coerce a smile out of you. He returned to your side. “Oin, you can… ah…! Break my water now. I think I’m ready.”

With a single quirk of his eyebrow, Oin nodded. With a few prods, liquid gushed from between your legs. You shivered. With your water finally broken, the contractions began to quicken in time, becoming closer with each one. Whimpers escaped your lips and you muffled them in Kili’s chest. He never strayed from your side; even as you crushed his hands, he never complained. A grimace overcame your features as your body lurched forward.

“Aye, lass, listen to your body. It knows what to do, you just need to listen to it. You’re almost there, just breathe and follow your impulses,” Oin encouraged, even as you cried out in agony. “Breathe in through your nose, lassie. That’s it…”

Kili kissed your temple. “You’re doing so well, my love. Think: in only a few short hours, we shall meet our little princess! I think we should call her Aife, or perhaps Thovira, don’t you think?”

You groaned, pulling against his arms as your body bent forward again. You felt some movement in your stomach, which comforted you. At least the baby seemed alright. “I thought… agh! We agreed it would be a boy!” you snapped, irritation flaring through you.

The overwhelming urge to push caused you to lean back into your husband. A cry escaped you as Oin coaxed you through your first push. Sweat made your hair cling to your brow and even the smock couldn’t soak it all up. Blood, sweat, and tears stained your skin as you cried. The pain of the contractions had finally settled in the lower part of your back, never fading. You felt like you were being ripped apart. Kili buried his nose into your neck, murmuring encouragement to you.

After a few minutes of hard pushing, you slumped. Your chest rose shakily as you took a moment to recover. “It’s… it’s a boy, Kili. I know it,” you murmured, voice hoarse. You were so tired.

“This argument again! Âzyungel, I fear the labor has muddled your brain. It is surely a girl, and we shall name her a warrior! Everyone in the land will come to know and respect our dear Aife!” Kili exclaimed. Of course, he was only trying to make you smile.

You rolled your eyes but chuckled nonetheless. The banter between the two of you continued throughout the next several hours. It helped sustain you between pushes; his voice comforted you as he sang softly. Songs of different lands, describing different mountains and cities and battles long ago filled your mind as the labor progressed well into the night. It was hard, and you were so tired.

“That’s it, lass! The head’s coming through,” Oin praised. “I just need one last push from you, dearie, and then we can put this whole “boy or girl” business behind us!”

If you had had the energy, you would have laughed. Lurching forward one last time, with Kili there to brace you, another scream tore from your throat as you pushed with all your might. Movement down below seemed to become a rush and another high-pitched shriek filled the air. It was followed with a sob, a choking gasp, and then a healthy amount of crying warmed your heart. The medic cut the cord connecting you to your baby with practiced ease. Oin cradled the child (which was rather large) close to his chest as he wiped the gunk away.

“What is it then? Is it a girl?” Kili asked, hope burning in his muddy eyes.

Oin chuckled at the young prince’s impatience. “If you’d give me but a moment, I’d tell you!”

A half-gasp, half-giggle escaped you as you all but slumped backwards into your husband’s arms. Kili didn’t mind. He simply nuzzled your sweaty hair with his nose. The pain did subside once the babe was out. It was nice. Your mind felt clear for the first time in many hours. The physician held the baby out in front of him, giving it a visual once-over.

“Ten fingers, ten toes. A beautiful, healthy cry. Some nice dark hair. Well, [Y/n], Kili, it seems you have a handsome young dwarrow on your hands!” Oin finally announced.

You couldn’t help but grin, laughing despite the pain the movement brought you. “See?! I told you, Kili. It is a boy!” you exclaimed, victorious. “And you would doubt my maternal intuition.”

Kili sighed heavily. “I… suppose I may have been a little over eager. But this simply means we must try again to have a girl! A little princess to call our own.”

Slapping his arm with what strength you retained, you glared at him. “No! I will not be going through this again. You will have the child next time.”

A knock at the door interrupted anything Kili would have said. “One moment!” Oin called. “Here, it’s best you hold him, lass. I’ll hold those hooligans off while you and Kili get acquainted with the wee one.”

Oin delicately placed the crying babe against your bare chest. The feeling of your baby boy against your chest filled you with euphoria and stole your breath away. You didn’t care if he was still bloodied and wet. Nothing mattered when you held him. The baby continued to sob, but the sound of your heartbeat seemed to soothe him. Tears welled in your eyes as Kili tossed a blanket over your lower half. He wiped away a stray tear with his thumb, though his eyes were far from dry. He couldn’t look away from the sight of you with his child. The little one you both had waited for for so long.

“Oh, Kili… He’s perfect,” you murmured, choking on your tears.

Kili sniffled. He placed a shaky hand over yours, which laid on his son’s back. “Aye… Aye, he is. He’s as beautiful as his darling mother. Oh, ghivashel… You have truly blessed me with the greatest gift. Thank you.”

His tears soaked into your hair as he kissed your head. His shoulders shook as he cradled you in his arms. “I love you, my dashing dwarf,” you murmured, kissing his stubble. “What… what should we call him?”

Kili rubbed the back of your hand as he thought, though he continued to sniffle. “With a cry like that, and with all the trouble we went through to get him here, I think… Lorcain or Aodhan suits him. Perhaps even Dathli or Ehir. What do you think, love?”

You hummed as you stared down at your son. “I know you dwarves aren’t all that fond of multiple names, but… I was hoping to do something more… hobbit-like for him.”

“If that is what my wife wishes.”

“Then I’d like to call him…” you paused to think. “Keridac. Keridac Aodhan. A sensible hobbit name paired with a proud dwarf name.”

Kili kissed your cheek. “I think it’s perfect.”

The two of you gazed at your son, who had fallen asleep. His little fingers clenched as Kili stroked his dark hair with a finger. Pure adoration gleamed in his eyes. He knew then, as you did in your own heart, that nothing would ever happen to this precious gift you’d been given. Your son would grow to be a strong and fierce dwobbit, renowned throughout Arda, even to the far reaches of the Shire. Kili had never felt more content with where his life had led him.

He shifted a little so his son grasped his finger tightly. He smiled softly as he murmured, “[Y/n], I do believe that a new chapter of our lives has just begun. And it is wondrous.”

—————

And the baby is born! Do I know much about childbirth? No. Did I do research? A little. Still, I hope you enjoyed! 😊

—Previously in Part 1—

*******

You couldn't breathe.

Please help us! You must save our daughter! Please don't let her die!

Y/N... you knew what to do, so why didn't you do it?

"I couldn't save them," you said breathlessly as you lurched upright on your bedroll. You were damp with a cold sweat that made your H/C curls stick to your neck.

"What did ya say Y/N?" Bofur asked sleepily as he propped himself up on one arm to look at you from where he laid by the fire.

"Sorry if I startled you, there was a spider on me." You lied quickly.

Bofur gave Thorin a questioning look but didn't say anything as they took the opportunity to exchange places on watch. You prayed Thorin would go back to his own bedroll, but he instead strode over to you and stopped short at your feet. "Get up and come with me." He ordered quietly.

You tried to rub the sleep from your eyes, feeling frazzled and embarrassed, "If it's about what I said-"

"You can explain the situation to me in a moment, but not here."

Taking a deep breath, you quietly followed Thorin away from the clearing the company had set up in. Neither of you spoke until Thorin stopped and turned around to face you.

"You're shaking." Thorin observed.

"No I'm not." You said refusing to acknowledge that you were in fact visibly shaking. Thorin grumbled something under his breath before shrugging off his coat and holding it out to you. You shook your head, "I'm fine."

"Are all hobbits this obstinate or is it just the pair of you?" Thorin asked, draping his coat over your shoulders himself. When you didn't answer, Thorin took a step back to take in the sight. He let out an amused hum, his coat all but swallowed you whole, the dark navy fabric and fur pooling at your feet.

His face grew serious again as he said, "I know this is most likely a difficult topic for you, but I know something has happened to you." Thorin paused, seeing if you would deny it. When you didn't he continued, "You don't need to tell me what happened, but I'm giving you the chance to do so now if you would like. If you don't wish to tell me you may take this moment to collect yourself before you return to your bedroll."

The all too familiar burn of unshed tears stung your eyes and every fiber of your being protested as you said, "If I tell you this, Bilbo must never find out. He's one of few in the Shire who don't know the truth, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Thorin listened to you quietly, never interrupting as you told him the truth. You were an indentured servant for a lord in Frogmorten who often hired you out to others as a traveling physician for a hefty fee. He had a number of servants who he hired out, but he took pride in the few unlucky hobbits he had under his employment. Not unlike Bilbo's reason for being hired on for the company, your Master knew the usefulness of hobbits and capitalized on it. Physicians that could easily go by unnoticed were most useful during the more important social gatherings. You went by unnoticed unless there was a mistake.

You talked for what seemed like hours until you caught up to your present job under Gandalf. He was the kindest out of the group of regulars who purchased your services.

You cried harder at the memory of the day he invited you on this journey, he promised you half of his share at the end of the quest. And if the quest failed he promised to still buy you out of your contract with the lord.

Regardless of the outcome, at the end of this quest, you would finally be free once more.

The idea of being from this hellish cycle filled you with an overwhelming sense of hope, but also a unsettling undercurrent of panic. You would never have to suffer having the fate of someone's life rest in your hands if you wished it, but what would you do if you didn't help the sick and wounded? You had no other skill sets.

The feeling of panic swelled in your chest and sapped the strength from your legs. Thorin knelt beside you on the ground. He gathered you up quietly and pulled you to his chest. Despite your panicked uneven breaths, he calmly knelt there on the forest floor with you in his arms until your breathing almost matched his own. You sat there in silence, and tried to focus on the slow steady rhythm in his chest.

You felt the words rumble in his chest when he finally spoke again, "You may not believe me when I say this, but I understand the grief that has a firm hold on your heart Y/N. As you know we too have staked everything on the outcome of this quest. But we will do everything in our power to ensure that you claim back your freedom as soon as we claim back our home. If you are unsure of what you will do after you are free, know this, the halls of my people will always welcome you and your kin. I swear it."

*******

To be continued?

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