An Invitation

By Anki-Shai

Thranduil smirked

You see, this was the reason he had allowed Thorin to cross his domains without mistreating him. Too much.

The Halfling was an amusing guest.

The life in him was something Thranduil haven't seen in centuries, it was so much different than the life Men showed or even the Dwarves. There was a fire in those eyes, in his manner of speaking, the way he gestures and everything seemed new to him. Even his stories were entertaining and he made for an amazing conversationalist and listener.

Of course, another thing Thranduil found amusing and made the Hobbit perfect in his eyes was the steam of anger coming from Thorin Oakenshield.

It seemed as if the prince Dwarf didn't like others, specially the Elven-king, to show any kind of interest in Bilbo Baggins.

Did this Hobbit know? Did he even realize the company he has been travelling with held such affections towards him?

The way he laughed and nudged Legolas, the way he would allow Thranduil such close and intimate touches told the Elven-King the Hobbit held an innocence not many possess.

Thranduil smirked again, his eyes found those of Thorin and the dwarf narrowed his eyes, a daring glint in them.

"Do tell me, Master Baggins, if I were to invite you to stay in here, would you accept it? You will be treated with as much honor as me." Suddenly the room went quiet, no one moved or said anything, Legolas raised a single eyebrow his mouth twitching upwards when he noticed the expression on the Dwarves faces.

Bilbo stopped eating the strange bread he was given, he blinked a couple of times looking over at Thranduil with a frown, confused at the strange invitation. He cleared his throat, suddenly aware that everyone was paying attention to him.

"I…well…you are most kind for that invitation, King Thranduil." He started and was utterly confused at that gleeful expression on Thranduil's face. "Your home is a very nice one and I wouldn't mind spending some time here…"

Bilbo jumped, startled, at the sound of a cup being broken, a snort coming from Balin and the sudden murderous glares from Thorin, Kili and Fili. He shook his head mumbling 'Dwarves' under his breath before returning his attention to a smug, looking Thranduil.

"However, Lord Elrond has already asked me the same thing and…well, Rivendel has always been a dream of mine. A guilty pleasure if you know what I mean." Said Bilbo with a sheepish glanced at the Elven-king. "I will probably spend some time there after all this dragon business is over."

"Elrond?" Two voices said at the same time. Thranduil, this time around, glared at Thorin as Thorin glared back at him. Bilbo nodded his head not understanding what the hell was happening.

"Elrond…invited you?" Asked Thranduil with a sneer.

"Yes, yes he did. He even told me a room would be waiting for me once I go back." Then, as if nothing had happened, Bilbo grabbed another bread put some strange sausage on top of it and continued eating.

"Wait a second…" Kili lifted a hand shaking his head, Bilbo looked up and the young Dwarf narrowed his eyes at him. "When did he tell you that? You were with us the whole time we were there!"

"No, not all the time…" Replied Bilbo shrugging. "You Dwarves sleep like the rock and snore way to much! I couldn't sleep one night and found Lord Elrond around a…"

"Around what?" Asked Thranduil suddenly interested and mildly annoyed with Lord Elrond and his homely home.

"Uh, sorry can't tell where I found him. I wasn't even supposed to be there."

Balin snorted again, another cup was broken and Bilbo Baggins went back to eating.

AN: I just have so many feelings about Thorin, Thranduil and Bilbo. I never thought I would write fanfics about this fandom but, here I am. Hope you like it.