Reserved at Dragon Haven, still waffling

[veiled_hero]

If you are going to do something, you need to commit to it, scribe. Haven't you learned that simple lesson as of late? A wishy-washy attitude is hardly conducive to getting anything productive done! Make up your mind, do your research, sit down, and write.

Honestly. If I can leave Bag End, go on a ridiculous adventure, and fight against orcs, I think that you can manage to get over your insecurities and give yourself another chance. I'm beginning to sound like Gandalf, oh dear.

Besides, I...do miss everybody, and though I'm loathe to admit it to you--you know that it has been...lonely.

A new adventure might be just what the both of us need, hmm?

Oh, what am I getting myself into? Confounded dwarves! So much for respectability.

Comments

[veiled_hero]

You clearly haven't spent enough time in the Shire. The simple prospect of adventuring is not what I'd call looked well upon.

[kinginexile]

Hobbits are a strange folk.

[And that's all he'll say about that.]

But then why did you come? Certainly the respect of your people is more important than helping my kin reclaim a mountain? [He does not doubt that Bilbo will help them, he's quite certain he will actually. It just puzzles him that a creature so worried about being respectable and such small trivial things would leave that for them.]

[veiled_hero]

[Dwarves are just as strange, but he'll still his tongue at that.]

I've my reasons. [The memory of his mother, for one, but that's a story he'll share when he's a bit more comfortable.] I've learned, however, that there are some things more important than respectability. Being with you lot has taught me that much. And it's not like there's any turning back now, hn?

[kinginexile]

Nay, I believe turning back would benefit none of us. You have proven to be a stout folk, Master Baggins, but traveling on your own back to the Shire would not be safe.

[Not with Azog out there still. No doubt he had a grudge against the halfling now, stealing away his victory over Thorin.]

Besides, you have a brave heart and our company would be better with it.

Apologies for using the same icon over and over, I still need more/to label them ffff

[veiled_hero]

[Undoubtedly. Bilbo knows that he's safer with the dwarves now, despite all the perils they face.]

It warms my heart to hear that, Thorin. ...I don't mean that mockingly, mind you! It's sincere, it is.

No worries!

[kinginexile]

[Perhaps the dwarves are more safe with Bilbo, Thorin certainly was!]

Do not fret, I did not find it mocking.

[The hobbit was quite clear when he was being blunt or mocking by his tone, he'd given no indication that it had been that way. Then again, probably best Bilbo was clear about it. Dwarves could be a bit... slow on the uptake at times. like with the trolls]

While I do not wish the havens on any, it will be good to see you well again.

[veiled_hero]

I am. I think I am, at least, though I've no doubt that more hardships await. Still, it will be good to see you.

A-and the others, of course.

[kinginexile]

[A hand rests on Bilbo's shoulder and Thorin will have a proper look at the hobbit.]

You look well, hopefully it shall be the same in the havens.

[His face drops a little, remembering what's going on there now.]

We thought you lost... stolen away and slain by some evil, we cannot find you. To see that all was not true, it will be good. For me everyone.

[veiled_hero]

[He's still not entirely used to any touches from Thorin, but they're hardly unwelcome.]

I hope to be of use to you all still. I have spoken a bit to Bofur, and he has told me a little of the hardships you face.

Still, I... I am here. You can't get rid of me so easily. Hobbits can be as stubborn as dwarves!

[kinginexile]

[Hopefully this Bilbo will remember getting that nice apologetic hug from Thorin. The last Bilbo didn't... certain made things a bit awkward for a bit, thinking Thorin still hated him and all. Not that he'd ever truly hated Bilbo. The hobbit had posed as a threat to this quest, being so important to him he found it hard to not be cross with him or find fault at every turn.

Now that Bilbo had very much proven himself, he had no reason to be so down on him any longer. In fact he felt terrible for treating him so.]

Bofur, aye... is that all he's told you?

[This could get really awkward...]

[veiled_hero]

[He does remember that, quite fondly at that. There was something about finally gaining the king's respect that was...satisfying.]

Just that, and where you all reside. ...Why, is there something else I ought to know?

[kinginexile]

No mention of... courting?

[He won't say who, just... courting. Not explaining things properly is what leads to misunderstandings, Thorin. You should know better.]

[veiled_hero]

Courting? [He's puzzled now.] What about courting?

[kinginexile]

[Maaaaybe he should just. Not talk about it then. Obviously it hadn't been brought up. How best to back peddle without making a mess of things?]

Ah-- nothing.

[Nailed it.]

[veiled_hero]

[Nope.]

Oh, no. You're not backpedaling on this one. [He has his stubborn face on now, Thorin. Not even you can win against an incredibly stubborn hobbit.]

[kinginexile]

[He can be stubborn too, Bilbo.]

Tis not for me to speak of. I should not have brought it up in the first place.

[veiled_hero]

[So he's figured out, your royal grumpiness.]

If there is something that I ought to know of, I'd much prefer to hear it now.

[kinginexile]

[Gosh fine. Bilbo is right. He'll sigh, arms crossed over his chest. Darn hobbits being so stubborn, it's not right having to deal with a taste of your own medicine!]

Bofur and you, Master Baggins, were courting. [Dating. And it was... good apparently for them both, though Thorin had started to feel strange about it all, especially with Bilbo asking him about dwarven courting and them getting closer.]

He is still rather broken up about it, though we have all been sad with your absence, as ambiguous as it was.

[veiled_hero]

I--

[He certainly doesn't understand the fact that he's apparently been in that place before, for he has no memories of it. But even more baffling to him is this...courting business. Bilbo feels the tips of his ears heat up.]

Oh. Well that--that--erm. That...is...I. Er. That...will make things rather awkward.

[kinginexile]

Indeed.

[Bilbo, awkward pretty much describes Bofur, Thorin and you all balled up into one. Thorin had been playing third wheel for sometime and honestly it didn't hit him until after the halfling was gone that perhaps he might be a bit fond of him as well.

No doubt something Thorin told himself he shouldn't be. He's a hobbit after all and he's soon to be king himself. Complicated.]

Bofur will come to understand that things are not the same, I doubt he shall pressure you into anything.

[veiled_hero]

I see.

[Complicated, yes, which is why Bilbo does his best not to think about things too hard. Besides, what interest would a king have in--nope. Not thinking about it.]

I mean, it's not as if--I do like Bofur, he's a dear friend, I just don't--I mean, you dwarves are---

Not to say that you dwarves don't have attractive qualities--

[Bilbo, quit while you're ahead.]

Well, ah, I hope things...won't be too awkward between us.

[kinginexile]

[A hobbit who risked his very life for him? What isn't there to be interested in? Such a brave little heart! And while Bilbo might not have a lovely beard like any dwarf, those curls on his head and the hair on his feet were oddly... fetching.

But you wouldn't hear it from him!]

Mhm. There is no insult if you do not find a dwarf to your liking. No doubt there are different sorts of attraction for hobbits. Perhaps someone who keeps a good garden? [He may be teasing you a little.]

[veiled_hero]

[Of course not, Thorin. Of course not. We all know how you are, all emotionally constipated and all.]

Well! I would say that such a thing wouldn't be appealing, but I think that I have more sense than to imagine that a dwarf knew how to garden properly.

[Bilbo pauses, thinking of Thorin trying to plant flowers. He snorts in amusement.]

[kinginexile]

[He has to be all strong and serious, Bilbo. Loving someone is dangerous. Bad enough he has his nephews along on the journey!]

Most anything grown was traded from human cities in our home, so no. You would not be likely to see a dwarf gardening.

[Especially not Thorin.]

So if not one who tends to their garden well, what would be appealing to a hobbit?

[To a very specific hobbit. If we're getting specific.]

[veiled_hero]

Most hobbits appreciate a good nature, a love of food... Oh, the ability to cook well is always a plus. After all, as they say, a way to a hobbit's heart is through their stomach! Some sort of stability is a plus to many, I suppose.

I believe that strength of heart is most important, though. [He's silent for a little.] Bravery. Not necessarily just in charging into battle, but in the small things in everyday life, and the big things that can crop up.

A nice set of eyes wouldn't go amiss, either. [He gives a crooked smile.] That might just be me personally, though. I'm not quite like other hobbits, not anymore, no.