While Thorin and Bard were in discussion, Bilbo approached the group, weary after a day of searching for something he already had. The Arkenstone was becoming a great burden to him, one he wished to be shed of for the sake of all involved. When Bilbo saw Fili and Kili, he was surprised to see the bruise on Kili's young face. "Kili! What's happened?"

Kili glanced to him, clearly uncomfortable. "I fell." This was the first lie of many he would tell, but he was prepared to do so. 

Bilbo sensed something was amiss, but he knew better than to press. Just like the other dwarves, Kili was incredibly stubborn and prideful to a fault. Seeing both brothers like this saddened the hobbit -- these dwarves were so very different from the two who had arrived at his home all those months ago.

Thorin, however, had changed the most of all. Bilbo watched him from afar, brows knit with concern for his friend. [i]What's happened to you, Thorin?[/i] The question was one he kept to himself. Risking Thorin's temper meant risking death.

Thorin turned his back on Bard, growing silent for a time. He eyed Bilbo and his nephews briefly before making up his mind: "Be gone, ere arrow fly!”

Bilbo was aghast. Thorin's refusal would bring chaos, he was certain of it. They would never survive if Bard reported back with the king's answer! “What are you doing?! You cannot go to war.”

Thorin started past him, eyes unblinking. “This does not concern you.”

Although he was frightened, Bilbo managed to find his voice. This was getting out of hand fast. 
“Excuse me?! But just in case you haven’t noticed, there is an army of elves out there. And not to mention several hundred angry fishermen. We-we are in fact outnumbered!”

Thorin smirked lightly, having no fear whatsoever. If Bard would seek revenge, so be it. He would welcome the challenge. “Not for much longer.”

Bilbo felt the need to check that his ring was still in his pocket, but he managed to survive this encounter without doing so. “What does that mean?”

“It means Master Baggins, you should never underestimate dwarves.” Thorin turned towards the company, raising both hands in the air. “We have reclaimed Erebor - Now we defend it!”