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Chapter Text

Azog's POV

I sit on my throne, carefully stroking my mount. Her name is Topaz. She's been with me since I was a child, and to be honest, I don't remember why I gave her that name. I even tried to change it to a more dignified name, but Topaz likes it, so I can't change it and have to endure my enemies laughing about it. Without realizing it, I find myself thinking about the Hobbits. They are the Sister Race of the Orcs, and like us, they were created by Melkor. Although they are our opposite, they were made to complete us and fill our flaws. Hobbits were made to appear sweet and innocent, which made them perfect for deceiving the other Races. They are excellent spies and are excellent at manipulating others. But after the fall of Lord Sauron, the Hobbits turned their backs on the darkness, or rather, they were hunted, as happened to us. And I can't blame the Hobbits. They just wanted a safe life, so they created the Shire and turned a former desert into fertile land. They made a treaty with the Elves. The Hobbits stopped feeding on the blood of other Races and wouldn't fight against the other Races, even in self-defense. In return, the Elves promised protection. I admit they didn't have much of a choice, since if they didn't accept, the Elves would ensure there would never be another Hobbit in Middle-earth. Our Sister Race wasn't made to fight in direct confrontation, and I admit my ancestors failed to protect the Hobbits.

My eyes go to my people, far from our stronghold. I can see the Orc women, they are burying their children, and they don't need to be close for me to know they are suffering. The other races think Orcs are emotionless, that we only know death and violence, but we have feelings like any other race in Middle-earth. Like the Elves, we love only once in our lives and are faithful to our mate; we'd rather die than betray our mate. And our children are precious; after all, we're Orcs, and since we're frequently hunted, we have to do everything possible to care for our children. That's why our children usually stay in Moria, safe from any suffering. But that's no longer working. Because of the cursed Durin Line, they tried to steal Moria from us, even after I killed Frerin, one of the Dwarf Princes, and also killed Thror, the King. Those bastards didn't give up; Thorin fought me and even cut off my hand. I believe he and all the Dwarves think I'm dead, which is for the best, in my opinion. I have plans to take revenge on the Durin Line and ensure it no longer exists, but this is not the right time yet. I want the Dwarves to feel safe. Besides, they are still near Moria, which is why we need to take the children to other camps. It is very dangerous to be in Moria.

But that's not the only problem. Our population has not recovered since the fall of Lord Sauron and the War of Moria. It turns out we don't have a proper diet. Most Races believe we only need animal flesh—Men, Elves, and Dwarves—to survive. We do need vegetables and fruits, but when Melkor created us, he made us incapable of growing anything, and so few Orcs reach adulthood. Even if they do, they become weak, making it difficult to fight the other Races. That's when Gozy comes running to me and speaks in the Black Speech.

"Azog, we've received an urgent message from Sagar, and unfortunately, we have some very bad news." I stand up with concern. It turns out that Sagar is one of the Orcs who spies on other peoples, ensuring we know what's happening in Middle-earth. However, Sagar specifically was assigned to observe the Hobbits. I wanted to do this to ensure the Hobbits are safe. I don't trust the other Races, and I say,

"Gozy, what did Sagar say in the message? Are the Hobbits in some kind of danger, or has some kind of disaster occurred?" I immediately notice that Gozy looks really uncomfortable, while I'm very worried about the Hobbits. I admit, I've always liked them; they're cute and cuddly, and besides, Orcs and Hobbits complement each other. Therefore, we don't want any harm to come to them, and Gozy says,

"From what Saga said, the Men living near the Shire have assembled an army and intend to take the Shire. When the Thain heard about it, he asked the Elves for help, who refused. He then tried to contact the Dwarves, but received a letter from Thorin himself saying the Hobbits weren't worth it!" I growl, with an overwhelming desire to rip off the heads of Elves, Dwarves, and Men! It turns out the Hobbits just wanted to live in peace and accepted the Elves' terms, and now they can be expelled. I say:

"Gozy, I need to know how long until the Men attack begins? And how long would it take for us to reach the Shire?" And Gozy's eyes widened, then a big smile spread across his face. It turns out all Orcs like Hobbits. It's part of our nature. Our Lord, Melkor, ensured that Orcs and Hobbits never became enemies; that would be against our nature. And Gozy says:

"According to Sagar's report, the attack will happen in two days, but it will take at least three days for us to reach the Shire." I nod. Unfortunately, we won't make it in time to save all the Hobbits. After all, we're not very close to the Shire, and I hate that! But at least we'll prevent them from being exterminated, I say.

"Have our troops ready as quickly as possible. The Hobbits won't be able to defend themselves against the Men. And even if they do, the Elves would decide to intervene and destroy the Shire. Besides, how did Sagar get so much information?" That was a big question. There's no way Sagar could have gotten all that information just by observing from his post. Gozy started laughing and said.

"Well, it turns out a Hobbit named Donnamira Took was exploring and discovered Sagar's outpost. She's the Thain's daughter, so she had all the information, and she's only too happy to keep Sagar company." I rub my eyes, because Sagar had orders to stay hidden, and no one would know he was watching. But I should have guessed it would be a Hobbit who would find him, and I say,

"I should have guessed something like this would happen; after all, the Hobbits have always noticed our presence. But I have to ask, has Sagar fallen in love with this Hobbit, Donnamira?" I hope not, because I have a plan, and I'm not sure the Thain will want to hear it if Sagar is interested in his daughter, and Gozy says,

"I think it's a possibility, but I'll handle the troops."

I walk toward Topaz, who lifts his head, looking at me excitedly. Wargs are intelligent animals, so they can easily understand the conversations around them. So, I climb atop him, preparing for the journey. And soon, my Orc men begin to mobilize; at least they're fast, and none of them want to fail the Hobbits. And I shout, beginning our journey as we pass through the trees, using as much shade as possible. But I know that if necessary, we'd go in the sun, because we won't fail the Hobbits, and so, I pray to Melkor that we'll arrive in time. And we don't even stop to rest; we ride with Wargs for three full days, without rest. Until I see the Shire, I immediately smell Hobbit blood, which smells like Orc blood. I grab my sword, dismounting Topaz with ease, and begin slaying the Men with ease. And I simply hate to see what they've done. They've killed Hobbit women and men, even the children, and they can't even defend themselves. When I'm sure all the Men are dead, I feel a blow from a cane. I jump in fright and look behind me, seeing an elderly Hobbit who says, "Black Tongue."

"You must be the one the Great Ones call Azog the Defiler. What I want to know is why you came here and defend us from the attacks of Men?" I look around, seeing my Orcs helping the Hobbits find their families, while several Hobbits begin to treat the Orcs' wounds. It makes me happy, seeing how our Races are helping each other. And I say,

"I must assume you're the Thain. We are Sister Races, so we need to help each other, and therefore, I want to propose an alliance between us!" The Thain smiles, and I notice his flat teeth. From what I remember, Hobbits had sharp teeth. Had something changed? His eyes darkened, and he said,

"I am Gerontius Took, and you're right, I am the Thain. I would be happy to make a treaty with the Orcs, but we require that you provide us with blood and protection for the Shire." I admit I'm confused, because from what I knew, the Hobbits had stopped taking blood since the fall of Lord Sauron. But I turn my attention back to the Thain, who is looking at me without hesitation, even though I'm taller than him, and I say,

"The Orcs can provide the blood and protection you need, but in return, we expect the Hobbits to provide cultivated food and not attack us. But wouldn't that break your treaty with the Elves?" It was then that the Thain started laughing, which amused me, because he seemed like a good leader. Someone I could trust, but most importantly, someone who wouldn't break our agreement, and Gerontius said,

"The Elves can shove their treaty up their asses. In my opinion, they broke our agreement first! They were going to allow the Men to take our lands and kill us! And they knew that by condemning us to not drink blood, we would slowly die out, and I have no doubt they encouraged the Men to attack us and rid Middle-earth of our existence. Also, tell your Orc Sagar that he must court my daughter properly, or I'll rip his throat out. Agreed!?" I really didn't expect him to know about Sagar, but I said,

"We agree, and don't worry, I'll talk to Sagar."

Soon after, the Thain walks away, speaking with the other Hobbits. I believe he will prepare the contract, and when signed, the Alliance between Orcs and Hobbits will be real. And I begin walking through the Shire, realizing that much has been destroyed by Men, and the Hobbits may need help repairing it. Although, the Orcs aren't the best at building, if the Hobbits give instructions, it will be easier. And I notice how thin the Hobbits are; they seem happy, but I can see their bones. While the children seem to have thin skin, I know this is a sign of lack of blood; they've been trying to survive generations without drinking the blood of other Races, and it's slowly killing them. The Thain was right; perhaps this was the Elves' plan: to kill the Hobbits slowly, and when they were vulnerable, instigate the Men to attack them, and then deny them help. But soon they will be healthy again. I will make sure they drink all the blood of the Men who were killed today, and that should help. And from what I see, the Hobbits are already feeding my Orcs. That's when someone takes my hand, at least the one I have, and I look down to see a Hobbit who looks about 15 years old, which is like 8 years old in the age of Men, and he says in the Black Speech:

"You saved us, didn't you? I'm Bilbo Baggins. I knew you were handsome; you'd look better if you smiled! But what happened to your arm?" I grimace, because the last thing I want is to tell this Hobbit how I lost my arm. After all, it makes me very embarrassed, and it's not a story suitable for a child, but I can't say no to him, especially when he looks at me with his doe eyes and says,

"I'm Azog. I just don't like to smile much; Middle-earth hasn't given me much reason to. Besides, the only way I can tell this story is if you give me a new hand." Nothing the Orcs have done so far has managed to fit my hand's place, and many were extremely painful. But then I see Bilbo's maniacal grin, which isn't a good sign, and he says,

"I'll get you the best hand in Middle-earth! And when I do, you'll tell me your story!" I know it's impossible, but Bilbo soon starts pulling me along, and I haven't signed the contract yet; it would be best not to make a Hobbit child cry. So, I start following Bilbo, and he leads me behind the Burrow. I notice he's breathing heavily, a very worrying sign of lack of blood. It was then that I realized we were in a forge, and it was unlike any forge created by Dwarves. And I see a Hobbit woman, with long brown hair tied in a braid, and I say,

"I didn't want to break in, it's just that little one said he'd give me a new hand, but I know that's not possible. So, I'm going." Before I can go, I see the little one close the door and look at me determinedly. I knew there was no way I could escape from here. And the Hobbit woman approaches, stroking the child's hair, and says,

"I'm Belladonna Baggins, I'm the Thain's daughter, and besides, this little one is my son. And you know, I'm the best metalworker in the Shire, and you saved us, and you'll provide the blood that will ensure my son's survival, so it will be a pleasure to make him an artificial hand." I really wasn't expecting that. I see Bilbo looking at me anxiously, and I give a small smile and say,

"Thank you, but I think I owe your little one a story." And it was true.

Chapter Text

Bilbo's POV

I take a sip of my drink, a kind of orange tea mixed with blood. I still can't believe it's been 100 years since the Shire was attacked by Men. I remember standing at the window of my burrow and watching the Men slaughter every Hobbit in their path. I remember the fear gripping my bones. But then the Orcs arrived. They were our riders, and they killed all the Men who invaded the Shire. Then they served us the blood of those Men, ensuring that many recovered. With this came many changes. The Orcs patrolled to keep the other Races away, they came for food or medical treatment. And in return, they brought us blood and fresh meat, which increased our life expectancy and also our youth. I remember being 50 and still feeling like a child, but now I'm 115 and have finally reached adulthood. It was then that I remembered Azog. After my mother had his artificial hand made, he came to visit us several times. He would come and have tea with us, telling me his stories and answering all my questions, bringing delicious pieces of fresh meat and blood that tasted sweeter because he was the one bringing it. And when I was in my late teens and went to the lake, I was amazed to see Azog bathing. He was simply so perfect and beautiful, every scar on his body made him even more beautiful, and that day I decided he would be mine.

But my memories take me back to the time when I was 110 years old. Azog went on a long journey and didn't appear for two years. And it was around this time that I became seriously ill. The Healers said that since I hadn't received blood since birth, my body had become diseased and only the blood of the Elves could save me. I remember spending a lot of time in bed, it being the worst winter the Shire had ever seen, and the Orcs stayed in Hobbit holes, unable to withstand the cold like the Hobbits. So, there was no one who could take the blood of an Elf, and I probably would have died if it weren't for my mother. I saw her put on a coat, place a kiss on my head, and say she was going to hunt an Elf. I had never been so afraid in my life, because I was dying, and my mother was risking herself for me. Every Hobbit knows that leaving the Shire was dangerous. We would be beyond the protection of the Orcs, and the Men might have forgotten us, but the Elves had long memories. And after a month, when I was about to die, Azog appeared through the door with the body of my mother and the Elf's blood. As I drank the blood and felt my body recover, Azog told me that my mother killed Elladan, one of Lord Elrond's sons, but was fatally wounded by Elrohir, Elladan's twin brother. But he fled when the Orcs arrived and couldn't take his brother's body, while my mother made Azog promise to bring me the blood to save me and to take care of me.

I laugh. Azog spent three years without leaving my side. He was always protecting me, caring for me, and helping me with my father, who had been wasting away since my mother's death. When I was 112, my father died, returning to my mother, and it was Azog who kept me from going mad with grief. Unfortunately, a year later, Azog had to make another trip, and that was two years ago. It turns out the Shire isn't safe; it's difficult to fight here, so the Orcs are looking for a place for Hobbits and Orcs to live together. It was then that I caught Gandalf's scent, lifted my head, and said.

"You're not welcome in the Shire, Grey Traitor, so it would be best if you left and didn't come back!" I see Gandalf looking around; after all, all the Hobbits are looking at him hostilely. While I'm glad the Orcs have stayed out of sight, it's better that way; after all, Gandalf is a wizard, and that makes him somewhat unpredictable. And he questions me.

"I see your teeth are sharp, Bilbo Baggins. In fact, all the Hobbits are looking stronger and showing their sharp teeth with pride. Tell me, have you started drinking blood again?" I smile, running my tongue over my sharp teeth, which seems to irritate Gandalf, which is quite amusing, and I say so.

"It's none of your business, Gandalf. Did you know it's rude to question eating habits just because they're different from yours? Besides, you know things have changed here in the Shire." Gandalf sighed. It was obvious to Bilbo that he was uncomfortable with this whole situation, which was actually quite amusing in my opinion. And he said,

"Bilbo, I need you to go on a quest with the Dwarves, and you know I'm very sad to see the Hobbits return to the darkness." I started to growl, because I hadn't forgotten King Thorin, who was still breathing, after refusing help during the Men's attack and after cutting off Azog's hand. And I told Gandalf.

"I will not help the Dwarves, Men, or Elves! They have only brought pain to the Shire. Now, we have an alliance with the Orcs and we need nothing more." It was then that Gandalf struck the ground with his staff, making everyone feel its power, resulting in tense and uncomfortable Hobbits. But I stood my ground, and Gandalf said,

"You have no choice, Bilbo Baggins! If you don't go and prove yourself useful to Middle-earth, Lord Elrond will invade and destroy the Shire, erasing the Hobbits from existence, and he is more than prepared for that." My eyes widened. I knew Gandalf was speaking the truth. The Orcs could defend us, but at what cost? The Shire is unsuitable for battle, making it difficult for the Orcs to defend us, so I say so.

"I'll go on this damned quest, Gandalf, but I won't spill a drop of my kin's blood. We have a treaty, and unlike the Elves, we don't break our treaties." And I notice Gandalf getting extremely tired, I think in an attempt to move me, but I simply felt nothing. He never came to our aid, even though he said he cared about us, and he says,

"I know my word won't matter to you, but I never agreed with the Elves' plan, and I'm very sad about the way things have turned out. I'll be back tonight, with all the Dwarves, so I need you to cook for them, and don't worry, the Dwarves have no idea the truth about the Hobbits, and no one will tell them." Gandalf turns, making his way away from the Shire, while I feel anger well up in my chest. Why did he come here demanding my help and still want me to cook for the Dwarves? I turn to my cousin Drogo and say,

“Drogo, let everyone know we need a Council meeting, I'll meet everyone in 1 hour at the Old Forest”

I enter my house and have to change into my official attire, after all, I am the Heir of the Shire. My grandfather chose me as his Heir, over several of my cousins, because I am closer to Azog and the other Orcs. I begin changing, putting on a deep blue blouse over a fur vest that was a gift from Azog and a pair of pants that hug my body. Finally, I look in the mirror, seeing the earring I've had since I became Heir. One end is attached to my earlobe and the other to the highest point; it's made of Mithril with rubies. And when I become the Thain, I will have a crown that attaches to the tips of my ears, which can only be removed to sleep. This is an ancient tradition, one we resumed following after our treaty with the Orcs. That's when I realize I'm facing the Old Forest, which opens, allowing me to enter. I walk over and sit in my place as Heir of the Thain. And then I see Azog looking me in the eye, and I can feel my face turning red. Especially when he sits beside me and takes my hand under the table. It was then that my Grandfather entered, followed by the Head of each family, and the other Orc Lords also appeared. And my Grandfather speaks in Black Speech:

"I believe we can begin the meeting. It turns out the Gray Traitor's arrival is a problem. We cannot spend our lives being held hostage by oathbreakers, and my Heir cannot be forced to go on a mission with Aule's selfish children, the same ones who refused to help us in the past!" It was then that Azog growled, squeezing my hand tightly. His protective gaze was obvious, which made me happy, and Azog said.

"My group and I were observing the Dwarves, and from what we learned, Thorin is leading a company of 13 Dwarves to retake Erebor and slay the Dragon. I believe the Grey Traitor wants Bilbo to steal the Arkenstone." It was then that an idea began to form in my mind that could solve all our problems, and we would be rid of the Elven threat. And I said,

"It turns out you can use this to our advantage! I'll go on this quest, but in the end, it will be we who take Erebor! We will have a secure fortress, much easier to defend than the Shire and Moria, with green fields for cultivation, and we will have the greatest wealth Middle-earth has ever seen!" It was then that my Aunt Donnamira stood up excitedly. She was married to Sagar, one of the Orcs commanded by Azog. And from what I heard, they had five children, all of whom were completely wild, she says.

"This plan might work! And we can negotiate with Smaug, just like us. He's Lord Melkor's son and might enjoy company!" I'd never heard of a dragon needing company, but I think spending so many years without seeing anyone on a Mountain makes even a dragon want company. And my Grandfather said,

"The plan is good. I have no doubt about Bilbo's ability to negotiate with Smaug. But dragons are known for not giving their loyalty easily; he won't accept it just because we're his kin." That was true. Smaug can be a bit difficult to convince, but it was then that I looked at Azog, deep in thought, and said,

"We can succeed if we give them what all dragons want. When Lord Melkor created the dragons, he instilled in them a thirst for destruction, and we can give that to Smaug. And I will stay close by to watch over Bilbo, and make sure no one but Gandalf knows of our alliance."

I smile, feeling more confident with Azog's words. After that, we begin planning. It was very simple, really. Right after I left with the Dwarves, the plan would begin. We would take advantage of the fact that everyone in Middle-earth would be focused on the Dwarves' mission, so that all the Hobbits would leave the Shire, escorted by an army of Orcs to a safe place near Erebor. They would use secret paths, traveling at night, to avoid attracting attention. When I enter the Mountain, I must convince Smaug to help us. If he accepts, I will fake his death, and he will hide on the other side of the Mountain. Then, in secret, we will begin to lead all the Hobbits into the Mountain, especially the children, and I would have to find a way for all the Dwarves of the Company to escape. And it would be at that time that an army of Orcs would appear, accompanied by Smaug, to eliminate the Line of Durin and anyone in their way. If the Elves or Men living nearby try anything, the Hobbits can secretly kill a good portion of the army by poisoning the food, and then we'll have conquered Erebor. I smile, realizing the plan is perfect, even though he's afraid, since so much depends on him. I see everyone starting to leave the Old Forest, but I'm surprised when Azog pulls me into his lap, hugging me tightly, and I hear him say,

"You've grown quite a bit, little one. You've become a very intelligent and handsome adult. I'm sure you'll make a great Thain, but I think now that we have Erebor, we can say you'll make a great King." I can feel my cheeks growing hot and red as I look into Azog's silver eyes, which are as bright as mithril, and I see affection in them. And with some courage, I say.

"I admit, you've gotten even more handsome too, and you seem to have gotten stronger. I think eating more plants helped. Besides, it's strange to call me King; I'll always prefer the title Thain." Azog laughed, a laugh that would make anyone cringe, but to me, it was as beautiful as the spring birds. He tenderly smoothed my golden curls, which I was very proud of; they said they were like gold, and he said,

"Little one, I want you to be very careful on this mission. Never trust the Dwarves; they will always choose saving themselves over saving you. I'll be nearby if I need to. I'll kill every single one of them, and then you'll be the King Under the Mountain!" I laughed, because now, Azog has become obsessed with my age as King, but even though I prefer to be called Thain, the thought of being the King Under the Mountain brings joy to my heart, and I said, "I'll be right there."

"I know you won't allow any harm to come to me, but I'm worried. I need the Dwarves to leave the Mountain, or just the majority of them. But how will I separate them? How will I make them fight and distrust each other?" It was then that Azog hugged me tightly, placing a kiss on my head, as I felt the strange warmth he seemed to emanate. And he said,

"It's very simple, little one. All you need do is let them sink into the Gold Sickness. No Dwarf can resist it, and the Durin Line is even more vulnerable. And we both know you can manipulate anyone. Remember when you made those two Men kill each other, just by using that sweet voice?" I gave a sharp smile. That night we ate until we were full, and I realized my voice held great power.