"You are worthy a hundred times over without a piercing, my hobbit, all that you have done to help me reclaim Erebor..." But still, Thorin regards Bilbo's words and nods.

"Just know that this shall cement you as more than just any friend by my side, Bilbo." They've still not entirely come out publicly, the company had known, but anyone else it was still kept secret. Though if any were so blind to not see how fond Thorin was of the hobbit then it was their fault for not realizing. Fingers touch at Bilbo's hair next, behind his ear.

"Tea and biscuits... and would you allow me to braid your hair as well? Then no one would be uncertain of your worth to me." Bilbo would wear his beads as well and he would be a very special hobbit indeed.