MERRY CHRISTMAS!
After what became forever known as "THE INCIDENT" I wound up traveling with Thorin's company for a while longer than planned, as Gandalf explained he once again needed to go ahead of us and that I was required to stay behind with them, not that I minded except one problem.
Thorin, he knew he couldn't convince Gandalf that I wasn't needed and also that I wouldn't leave, so he was a bad mood to say the least. In his irritation he denied me two important things, okay one important thing but it's excruciatingly hard to stay away from Kili but then again he didn't say Kili had to stay from me, so that was fixed.
The other problem however was not as easily remedied. You see it was getting to be THAT time of year, you know when family and friends go out to sing carols together, to roast chestnuts over the fire and give presents to those you love.
Now yes they had never heard of Christmas so I had to tell him all about it to give him a good reason why we would decorate up a tree for one night.
But alas nothing I said swayed Mr. Grumpy Pants to allow us to have a little holiday cheer.
So now I'm sitting here trying to think of a way to convince his "majesty" to let us cut loose.
"Hey lass could you come over here for a moment or two?" Called Oin, who was sitting with his brother Gloin. Curious I walked over to them.
"Could you please take these to Fili I'm a bit tired after our trek today." Then more quietly as to not draw attention. "The lads wanted to talk to in private with you. Meet them over at the oak tree near the ponies." I nodded my head.
"Thank ya lass." He then shooed me in the two's direction.
"Ah there she is, we were beginning to think Oin forgot to send you over to us." Fili said as I came closer.
"Alright, why the secrecy?" I asked knowing they were up to something.
"Well you see after you got done explaining about Christmas you weren't the only one who was let down by Uncle's no, so we had an idea to get revenge on him." Kili said wearing his usual mischievous grin.
I looked from one to the other, weighing the pros and cons, finally coming to a decision.
"I'm in." They pulled me into a huddle and started to fill me in on the details.
Everything was set it just needed one final step.
"Thorin?" He looked over to me with mild irritation when I called his name.
"What is it woman?" He practically growled out through clenched teeth. He tensed when he saw my hands behind my back. Slowly I pulled out the jug I was hiding and presented it to him. He raised his eyebrow at me when I gave it to him. He sniffed it with a worried expression that quickly turned into confusion.
"A peace offering of herbal tea. We might try to get along while I'm here and I thought it would help. " I explained when he looked up at me again. He sighed and nodded his head in thanks. I was able to keep the evil grin off my face as he toke a long drink of the brew.
Little did he know how soon the sleeping herbs would take effect.
Only an hour later Thorin was leaning against a large rock snoring loudly. Fili, Kili and I began our work.
"Here, Fili braid these into his hair, Kili put those there and there while I sprinkle this in his beard." I said with a giggle.
This is going to be the best Christmas EVER!
When Thorin finally woke up everyone did their best not to show their amusement. Thankfully he was too groggy to pay much attention and made his way to the stream next to their camp. When he got a look at his reflection he did a double take. There was red and green garland woven into his hair, silver and gold ornaments were hung on his braids and glitter of all colors was all over his face and beard.
Before he had even turned around Fili, Kili and I were running for our lives.