Thorin II Oakenshield (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
honorbound_heir) wrote2000-09-18 01:10 pm
honorbound_heir) wrote2000-09-18 01:10 pm
for masterburglar
[ Restoring Erebor back to its former glory is not a process to be done in a fortnight. That thrice-cursed dragon caused more damage than anything else, but decades of abandonment have taken their toll as well, leaving the city in a shameful state of disrepair that Thorin has taken it upon himself to see set to rights. Even with the full force of his people returning from the places in the east where they were driven in exile, as well as nearer cousins from the Iron Hills, it's an arduous task that has them working hard from the break of dawn well into the night, lit by torches and lanterns that bring more life to stone halls than has been seen since Thorin was young. When they do stop to feast it's in high spirits, with plenty of song and ale to go around.
There's even been the beginnings of trade restoration with nearby Dale, as there once was generations ago, but that's been far more of an uneasy start than work among kin. Still, Thorin has been made aware - owing in no small part to a certain decidedly non-dwarf companion - that insulating themselves entirely from the outside world isn't going to do them many favors.
As much time as Thorin devotes to his duties, whether of the more kingly variety or the more physical labors that need to be done, he still manages to make time for Bilbo, even if it's as the cost of losing more sleep. They're seen together often enough, but the particularly observant will have noted that they sometimes disappear together too, especially late into the evening as is the case tonight.
When Thorin doesn't spot him among friends in the dining hall, he knows where to look. Outside, in the fresh night air and starlight, and among the greenery that hobbits, in his limited experience, tend to habitually cultivate around them. There's certainly much more of it around that wasn't there in Bilbo's absence. ]
There's even been the beginnings of trade restoration with nearby Dale, as there once was generations ago, but that's been far more of an uneasy start than work among kin. Still, Thorin has been made aware - owing in no small part to a certain decidedly non-dwarf companion - that insulating themselves entirely from the outside world isn't going to do them many favors.
As much time as Thorin devotes to his duties, whether of the more kingly variety or the more physical labors that need to be done, he still manages to make time for Bilbo, even if it's as the cost of losing more sleep. They're seen together often enough, but the particularly observant will have noted that they sometimes disappear together too, especially late into the evening as is the case tonight.
When Thorin doesn't spot him among friends in the dining hall, he knows where to look. Outside, in the fresh night air and starlight, and among the greenery that hobbits, in his limited experience, tend to habitually cultivate around them. There's certainly much more of it around that wasn't there in Bilbo's absence. ]
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On days when there was nothing to be done in the fields, he would join Fili and Kili in their labors. They liked to joke and play games with him while Bilbo struggled to help where he could. Really, he was just passing time until evening came around and he could spend time with Thorin.
Thorin was the real reason he stayed.
They kept their affair a secret, though Bilbo didn't think it was a well-kept secret. He also didn't think any of the king's friends and family would care who Thorin took to his bed. Fili and Kili were his heirs so it's not as if he needed to get married right away and have kids.
He had slipped away while the others were just starting to get lost in their cups of ale. He had something on his mind this evening. It was dangerously close to that time of the year where hobbits were often compelled to start a family. He wouldn't call it a heat cycle so much as an urge. A very strong urge. Being with Thorin didn't help matters, it only seemed to make the urge stronger.
Speaking of, he turned around to find Thorin approaching. ]
Good evening, Thorin. I just stepped out to get a breath of fresh air.
[He couldn't help the smile that lit up his face at the mere sight of the dwarf king. Really, sometimes he felt like a young boy faced with his first crush.]
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So while he didn't mention where he was going, he didn't bother to pretend as if he were going anywhere but to Bilbo's side. What is unusual is that Bilbo has been a touch evasive as of late, even tense in a way that Thorin hasn't seen in some time. Not since they became comfortable in each others company.
But the greeting he receives is warm enough, with a smile that he returns with one of his own - subdued as is his habit, but genuine - and he doesn't hesitate to cross the distance between them. ]
I see. Are you feeling well?
[ To the point, as usual, his low voice tinged with concern. Sometimes he worries that despite the amount of time Bilbo spends outdoors in fields and courtyards, Erebor is still too cold and stony for his liking. ]
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[Bilbo could never seem to lie very well. He had an easy tell to spot. The pitch of his voice would always rise just slightly. This made him terrible at playing card games as well. He couldn't bluff to save his life.
He cleared his throat and put his hands in the pockets of his pants to keep from fidgeting too much. Another thing he'd taken to doing lately. He had never been one to keep still for long, but lately, he tended to fidget more than usual. Usually, it helped to run his fingertips over the ring he still kept close at hand, despite Gandalf warning him to part with it. It seemed harmless enough and it had been useful in the past]
Why do you ask? Do I look unwell?
[He knew part of the reason for Thorin's concern. Bilbo hadn't shared a bed with him in a couple of days. He just didn't want to take a chance of something happening that neither of them were prepared for. Frankly, he didn't know how to explain what was driving him away from Thorin in the first place]
It's just - Do you ever think about having a family of your own?
[He knew this wasn't an easy question to ask. The shire was always bursting with little hobbits. They tended to have large families. Children under their feet at all times, playing in the garden, squealing and chasing each other. Yet another thing that made Bilbo's lonely existence as a bachelor seem so peculiar to everyone else.]
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If he trusted Bilbo any less he might have suspicions about dodgy behavior and an absence from his bed, where they've managed to become quite comfortable, but Thorin knows better than that. Something is weighing on Bilbo's mind, keeping him at a distance.
Not so great a distance that Thorin can't reach out to brush fingers through Bilbo's soft curls, a fond gesture of unspoken affection, one that doesn't falter even when an unexpected question is offered, causing his eyebrows to furrow slightly as he considers it. ]
I haven't.
[ He has a family, of course, but he knows what Bilbo means. Marriage and children of his own were never things he concerned himself with, not after his sister birthed sons, and he had anything but love on his mind while working toward reclaiming his heritage. The question of what could be possible now hadn't crossed his mind, despite their intimacy.
Until now, at least. ]
Have you?
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It's been on my mind lately. Recently, I should say.
[The pull was so strong this year. He had never felt such an intense urge to just...lay with Thorin and let nature take it's course. Though, of course, he didn't know if it was even possible for a child to spring from a hobbit and dwarf union.
More fidgeting. He can't shake the thought that he shouldn't bring this up. What would it matter in the end? Thorin had his nephews to look after and he was grooming Fili to be his heir.
But to Bilbo, this wasn't about heirs or a throne. It was about family. Something much more important if anyone bothered to ask him]
It's just, there's a certain rhythm to life at the Shire. I've always been a bachelor, so it's never been an issue until now. You see, Once a year, we have a certain urge to...procreate.
[No wonder he was fidgeting. This was a very delicate subject to bring up. It certainly wasn't something lightly discussed back at the Shire]
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Now at least he understands Bilbo's reluctance to share his bed. All he would know is that Thorin has no children of his own, and he's never so much as mentioned the idea of having any. Of course Bilbo would worry. ]
Much more often than my own people. [ It makes sense, given how much larger hobbit families seem to be, and that dwarves have over twice their usual lifespan. But urges aren't the question here. Thorin is unfazed by the topic, and his hand drifts down to settle solidly on Bilbo's shoulder, eyes locked with his. There's no need for the nervous fidgeting, as usual.
He assumes it hasn't been an issue before because much like himself, Bilbo hasn't had any interest in anyone like this before. ]
If it's possible, would you want to now?
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[If Thorin asked him a few weeks from now, the desire wouldn't be nearly as strong, but his answer would still be the same. He wanted to start a family with the lonely king under the mountain. If it was even remotely possible. He didn't know if they could have children together. Hobbits and Dwarves didn't tend to mix.
He reached for the arm settled over his shoulder, looking Thorin in the eye as he linked their fingers together. His desire to kiss the king was so strong that it made his whole body ache, but he was also keenly aware they were still in public. If anyone should bother to seek fresh air...]
I know this isn't the time for such trivial matters. I mean, what would your people say to such a strange matter?
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[ It's not a harsh question, the low gravel of his tone isn't anything to do with anger or disappointment. Sometimes he still marvels at the fact that Bilbo can be so humble, despite standing at the side of a dwarven king, with the hard-earned respect and friendship of his people. And yet he still has a tendency to phrase things as if he's some minor cog in the grander scheme of things.
He shakes his head and leans in closer, until their foreheads touch. ]
This is a matter between you and I, and it's far from trivial. I would be honored, Master Baggins.
[ Bilbo might have hesitations about openly showing affection here, where someone could potentially wander across them, but Thorin has no such uncertainty. It's a very small distance to lean in, tilting his head so that their lips meet. ]
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He'd be honored.
He wasn't quite so frozen in place when they kissed, thankfully. He kissed back and there was a wild passion that suddenly flared within him. He couldn't get enough of Thorin's lips. He made a soft sound in the back of his throat as he brought a hand up to slide his fingers through his lover's dark hair.
He was breathless when he suddenly came to his senses and broke the kiss. Not of his own free will, but because of the sound of glass shattered in the dining hall and the laughter that followed. He was keenly aware once more that they weren't in the privacy of the king's chambers.
He'd ask Thorin if he was sure about this decision of his, but he had learned it was best not to question the dwarf king's resolve]
It's just, I don't want you to think I'm after anything. Fili and Kili, they can still be your heirs. All I want is a family....
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As much as he cares not for the opinions of anyone on his choice in a lover, there is a certain standard of decorum that he's obligated to observe as a king.
At Bilbo's worrying he shakes his head, reluctantly allowing his arms to drop back to his sides. ]
I know that you have no lust for power.
[ Competing heirs can cause headaches, obviously, but the idea of a half-dwarf child ruling would be too preposterous to most, especially when there are well established heirs already in place. Thorin trusts that it would not become a fight he needs to worry about.
This is about family, and if it necessitates a fight, it's one he will take on willingly.
He traces his tongue over his lips and the lingering taste there for a moment, considering how swiftly he can conclude his business for the evening. ]
We should discuss this in my chambers. I'll meet you there.
[ He's certain that Bilbo will be there, and be very ready for him, as if he needed any more encouragement. ]
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He nodded when Thorin told him to meet him in his chambers. Of course, he was well aware that the king's duties weren't over yet for the night and that he would have to be up early and back to restoring Erebor in the morning.
A few hours later, Bilbo made his way to the king's chambers. It was late enough in the evening that everyone else had gone to bed which made it easy for the burglar to sneak inside without being seen.
By the time he heard the heavy door open, Bilbo was sitting on the edge of the bed, fiddling with the ring out of habit more than boredom. He was dressed down to his white undershirt and breeches.
He quickly tucked the ring away, almost as if it was a guilty pleasure of his. Though hobbits weren't subject to Dragon sickness, he did seem to have an unusual affliction for that gold ring of his]
Thorin.