Regarding recent events played in museboxes

[breakofday]

I suppose you find this amusing, don't you? To have me watch things unfold without being able to make any sort of difference?

You know how unaccustomed I am to being out of control. And yet you deliberately place me in such situations.

Comments

[oldest_brother]

Out of control? I believe you are one of the most in control people I've met, uncle.

[breakofday]

Which is why I am highly displeased.

[oldest_brother]

Then those scribes should no better. Really. What sort of situations are they placing you in?

[morethanstubble]

If anyone had to be in that situation, you're probably the best suited. What's happening?

[breakofday]

[Thorin paces, very obviously stressed.] The hobbit has succumbed to the gold sickness.

[morethanstubble]

Was breakfast gold plated?

[His brow furrows. He's not trying to be funny. That's the worst of it.]

[breakofday]

[Thorin almost loses his temper before he remembers how young Kili is. He's never seen the gold-sickness, never seen how it twists the mind and soul into something...wrong.]

...It is an illness of the mind, Kili. Common among dwarves and Men. It is intense greed. The allure of the gold is difficult to overcome at times.

Bilbo is nearly mad with it.

[morethanstubble]

[He doesn't even know to be sorry about it. His entire life has been spent in the Blue Mountains. He's been sheltered by his mother and by his cousins and even his uncle. Other than weapons training, something all young dwarves go through, and a little hunting, he's never actually gone on an adventure before. And he's never seen what gold can do to a dwarf.

Or a Man. Or a hobbit. So he frowns lightly and tilts his head to the side.]

If it's a sickness, there will be medication. Tell me how I might help.

[breakofday]

[He sighs, shaking his head.]

It is...a long and difficult process. He must learn to live without it.

[A thought occurs to him, and he digs an envelope out of his pocket.] You truly want to help?

[morethanstubble]

[You need to ask? He grins exuberantly.]

Absolutely. [And he doesn't have to tell his brother, who will just worry or want to come along and it's high time that Kili do something remarkable without any help at all!]

[breakofday]

[Thorin smiles slightly at his excitement, raising the envelope.]

In here is Bilbo's magic ring. I have tried to destroy it myself, but it is indestructible. Just in working to destroy it, I have felt its pull, and I do not wish anyone else to fall under its spell.

I want you to take this to Gandalf. He is difficult to find at best, and it may take you some time. Speak with the elves first; he seems to be familiar with them.

[He hesitates a moment before handing the envelope over.] Can I trust you with this?

[morethanstubble]

Elves?!

[Now he's sure that it's his uncle that is sick! Kili looks at the envelope and takes it quickly, slipping it between his skin and his shirt where it will be safe.]

You really want me to speak with elves?

[Maybe he ought to bring Fili after all.]

[breakofday]

I want you to find the wizard. [Thorin sighs.] And they may be your best chance to do so.

[He pauses a moment. He's not very good at feelings.] Give me your word you will not try anything rash. You are like a son to me; I would have you return safely.

[morethanstubble]

[You really know how to sweet talk your nephews, Thorin!]

I'll be careful, Thorin. [And that isn't a promise because Kili can't really make a promise. The elves dwell far from here. The forest is a dangerous place.]

I'll do everything I can to find Gandalf so he can cure Master Baggins of this sickness.

[He lays a hand over his heart and bows.]

[veiled_hero]

Thorin.

[Bilbo's quiet. Honestly, he doesn't know what to say.]

[breakofday]

[He looks up, all his stress and worry showing through for a moment before he hides it.]

...You should be in bed.

[veiled_hero]

I can't just keep laying there! My mind, it's--it's quiet, and I could use distractions, you know that.

[He's still a little pale, still fiddling with the pocket of his waistcoat, but at least he's better than he was a few days previous.]

[breakofday]

[The distance between them disappears in a moment as Thorin strides quickly over to him, pulling the hobbit into his arms.] How are you feeling?

[veiled_hero]

I'm fine, Thorin. [Not entirely, and it's all he can do to not tear the entire palace apart looking for his ring, but he needs to be strong for his king.]

[breakofday]

[He holds Bilbo at arms' length, looking over him.] Have you eaten?

[veiled_hero]

A little. [Two slices of lightly buttered bread counts, right?]

[breakofday]

[It's better than a bite of a roll. Thorin nods quietly.] Good. It's something.

[He's silent for a moment.] Do you have strength enough for a walk? Perhaps fresh air would be good for you. I'll send for a pony.

[veiled_hero]

I'm no invalid. Of course I have strength enough for a simple walk!

[breakofday]

I'm sending for a pony nonetheless. [Bilbo's still got that temper, and it...bothers Thorin to see it.]

Come. [He finally lets go of the hobbit, gesturing for him to follow.]

[veiled_hero]

[He'll still have a bit of a temper for a while. Though he forgives and understands Thorin, he's still furious at him hiding his ring.]

I can handle myself. [He sighs but follows along.]