An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Fandoms: The Hobbit (Jackson Movies), The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien
Relationships: Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield
Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, Fíli (Tolkien), Kíli (Tolkien)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Post-Battle of Five Armies, Hurt/Comfort, Misunderstandings, Reconciliation, Thorin Oakenshield Lives, Protective Thorin Oakenshield, Angst with a Happy Ending
Summary: After the Battle of Five Armies, victory should have meant peace. Instead, it leaves Thorin Oakenshield standing before his Company with anger in his heart and a single accusation on his tongue. Bilbo Baggins has already risked everything for this journey—his home, his safety, and perhaps even his place among the Company he has come to love. But when the Arkenstone changes hands and loyalty is called into question, words are spoken that cannot easily be taken back. And before the day is over, a king will learn that some mistakes must be corrected not in private—but before the entire mountain. Excerpt:
“Yes, Thorin,” Bilbo said, drawing a breath before continuing, his voice rougher now. “I may have given a precious treasure away to beg for the safety of my friends.”
A brief pause followed.
“For the dwarf king I came to love,” he added quietly.
It had been a private thought once. Something he had carried carefully in the quiet moments between danger and exhaustion.
Now it lay in the open for everyone to see.
Bilbo forced himself to stand straight, though it took more willpower than he wanted to admit.
“But if that is a crime,” he continued, “then I have nothing left to give and nothing else left to sacrifice.”
His gaze did not waver.
“So if that is not enough still… then may the Valar rest my soul.”
