Chapter 1: Bofur
"Ma? Can I get one?" a young boy asked, tugging at his mother's skirts and pointing a finger towards one of the stands in the market. The sign above it said: Erebor Novelties. Wandering over with his mother, the boy gazed in awe at the trinkets that were placed in neat rows. On the left there was an assortment of jewelry, laced with handmade beads and ornaments, glittering stones and pocket gems were organized by color on the right side, and in the middle were toys of all sorts: dolls, swords, boats, flutes and paint sets to say the least.
"Ma!" the boy called to his mother again. "Ma look! A sword!" The mother gave the shop keeper an exasperated smile, and gesturing towards the sword asked, "Is it safe for children?"
"Aye." The shop keeper responded. "It's made of wood, so there shouldn't be any cuts. However, I can't promise a lack of bruising if he decides to hit people with it." The shop keeper's grin widened as the boy began to plead, "Please Ma? Please? I promise not to hit! I promise!"
The woman smiled down at her child. "How much for the sword?"
"Six copper pieces."
The mother dug through her purse for a few moments before finally fishing out the required sum. As the boy took the sword, she began to say, "Remember your promise-" but it was too late, already the he was chasing an alley cat, swinging his new toy with abandon. As the mother gave chase, the shop keeper could not help the chuckle that escaped him.
"You are far too kind, Bofur." His companion interrupted. Said dwarf turned. "And you're far too stubborn, Hana."
She scoffed as she handed a silvery woven bracelet to an old woman, and then began to sort change. "That sword was worth at least a silver piece."
"Aye but my pride was worth more, seeing that boy love my handwork so." Bofur said, taking his hat off for a moment to scratch his head.
Night was about to fall. Hana emptied the sack that contained their earnings into her palms. "Well your pride may have cost us our dinner." She said accusingly. "Our sales haven't gone well today."
Bofur stared at her in horror, as dwarves valued food almost as highly as beards. Hana laughed. "I am jesting" and Bofur gave her a friendly shove.
"However," she continued. "We should hurry if we want to buy food. Night has almost fallen."
"I'll go find some if you pack up shop?" he offered.
"Alright," Hana said, already placing trinkets into their designated bags. "I'll only be a moment," he assured before setting off.
After the items were loaded, she began to collapse the table, before she had even finished, Bofur had returned with two bowls of stew. "Sorry I couldn't get more" he said, handing her a bowl. "I felt we should be saving some money what with winter coming, and food growing in price."
"How will the family fare- do you think?" she asked, spooning some stew into her mouth as they both rested against the wall. It was dusk.
"I'm not sure." said Bofur quietly. "We all scrape up as much as we can manage, but we still go hungry some nights, you know how markets fare in the winter."
Hana felt rather than saw his face grow weary. She knew of Bofur's situation, caring for their four brothers and an ailing mother all on his own. She had offered to give him a larger share of the wages, since she lived alone and could manage with less income, but Bofur would scoff at the idea. "Equal work deserves equal pay," he would say, "No matter the circumstances."
However, when counting up the money, Hana would always slip him some extra of hers. She felt that he knew, but he never spoke of it, only gave her a grin and ruffled her hair.
"Are you working in the mines tomorrow?" she asked as they began their long trek home.
"Yes." Bofur said, "They tell me I'll be needing to work more days soon. In the end, I'll probably be there full time."
Hana inwardly cringed. The mines were a hazardous place, and although her people had been digging in them for many years, that did not mean that accidents never occurred. Bofur had worked there part time for some months, but he was beginning to be discovered as a talented miner. It was almost as if he were able to sense the rock before he dug it up. Although his passion lay within toy making and tinkering, overseers were beginning to offer him more money to work there daily; it was only a matter of time before he accepted.
She felt her heart sink, Bofur was her best friend, and the thought of working at Dale alone was an unwelcoming one.
"That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask you something." Bofur said, and Hana turned to listen. "I have been asked to accompany some miners on a trading expedition to Rohan, King Fengel has asked for large quantities of iron. It would take place over about four months." His voice picked up in speed, he was nervous. "Normally I would go, but as of late Ma is growing faint, and I'm not sure she'll be alive in four months." Hana's walking pace slowed as she realized what he was asking.
"I know that this sort of thing would be hard for you, but you're the only person left. I was just- could you go in my place?"
Hana bit the inside of her cheek. A sudden cold fear washed over her. This is different- she tried to convince herself. This is with Rohan. This is for Bofur.
"I want to spend time with her, I want to make sure she's comfortable and be there for my brothers and-"
Hana cut him off, grabbing his shoulders and turning him towards her. His face was set, but she knew better. This was how he had looked when his first true love left him, and when his father died, like a hurricane inside an eggshell.
"...Will you?" The younger dwarf asked.
"I promise," she said, trying her best to not show any hesitation.
"Thank you," he whispered, and attempted to continue onward, but Hana's grip stalled him.
"Are you going to be alright?" she asked.
Bofur must have sensed her worry, because his face lit up in his usual, cheeky grin. "Of course!" he said, turning back to Erebor. Hana hoped so.
Silence rang out as they reached the gates. The guards knew who they were and immediately let them through. They neared the street that entered an intricate series of neighborhoods. This was the part of Erebor that no visitors witnessed. The houses ranged in size, shape, and texture, but overall most were built into the mountainside. Sometimes luxurious furniture and a surplus of food could be found inside. Other times only a wooden chair with a blanket as a bed, as well as empty cupboards was all one could find. It was difficult to tell the difference from the outward appearance of homes, and thus the rich lived among the poor, and Hana liked it that way.
The two approached a bridge carved into ebony that served as passage over the abyss beneath them. Hana glanced up to see none other than Prince Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, approaching, as was his daily routine to visit his subjects at this hour. The prince was alone, not being followed by guards, which was usual. Thorin was an excellent fighter and had no need for body guards, although Hana knew there was always one nearby ready to intervene if necessary.
Thorin was handsome in stature, with a strong build and thick dark hair. His features were as chiseled as his personality. As far as she knew, Thorin could not be past the age of 120, but the age at which he behaved could easily surpass the grumpiest sages of Erebor.
"Bofur," he greeted with a nod, "and Hana."
The two nodded in response; Thorin did not demand a bow from his subjects, he seemed to lack the vanity of most upperclassmen, and treated each individual of Erebor,-even lowly toy makers- with at least a decent amount of respect. Well, each one saver her.
"I assume you are selling well in Dale?" he asked, and Bofur nodded, grinning widely in that way that he did. "Oh yes sir," he said, "The markets of Dale have been good to us of late."
"Very good." he said. He glanced at Hana briefly, his eyes were tired- she noticed- although he was trying his best to not let it show. "Carry on with your days then."
He began to walk away, but Bofur caught him by his shoulder. Hana swore she could hear axes being drawn by his hidden guards. However, Thorin did not react in a hostile manner. "Sir, is it true that you will be heading up the mining expedition in the near future?" asked Bofur.
Thorin nodded. "It is."
"I have a question then," He started. "I've been asked to go, mainly to verify the trade and make sure that we give and receive the right amount," Bofur paused and inhaled deeply. "But as of late, I've had more and more responsibilities, and I'm needed at home."
Thorin looked at him in puzzlement.
"Hana here knows a fair bit about mining," he continued. "Would she be permitted to take my place?"
Thorin eyed Hana, and she shifted in her boots. "Would she be capable of such a venture?" he inquired, "Does she know the ropes?"
"Oh yes." Bofur assured. "And whatever she doesn't know I'll teach her."
"You know how we value our women Bofur," He said. "Could she hold her own in a fight?"
Hana shrunk a little bit; she had never picked up a sword that was not made of wood. "Just as well as me I reckon so." Bofur said. "Although I doubt she would have reason too, we have few enemies in the south, and would there not be many capable men accompanying?"
Thorin nodded. "Alright then. Be prepared to leave the day after next."
"Thank you," Bofur said. "Hana will-"
"If she is a burden, understand that I will send her home without hesitation." He said, and Hana tried not to flinch at his glare. "I will risk nothing."
Ah- there it was. She had been waiting for Thorin to express his distaste towards her. She knew he had never cared for her in the least bit. Anyone could tell by the way he looked at her, or rather how he didn't look at her. She mentally sighed; she probably scared him as well.
"I... I understand." Bofur said, glancing at Hana. "I assure you sir, she will be fine."
"I hope so," Thorin said, and nodded at them. "Goodnight then."
As soon as they were out of ear shot, Hana thumped him on the head. "Bofur! What did you just do?" she hissed. "You know that I know little about mining, and even less about fighting. Why did you tell him those things?"
"I didn't lie," he defended, shooting her a look to keep quiet. "You know more than the average dwarf about mining, being around me all of the time. I'll teach you anything you need to know. Also- you've beaten me in a fight, several times, so you're probably better equipped for this venture than I."
"Those fights were with wooden swords, to entertain children in the marketplace. And I leave in less than two days- how could you teach me? You will be working in the mines!" Hana said, panic rising in her.
"Not at night," Bofur said quickly, and paused for a moment, "You promised you would..."
Hana sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Aye... that I did. Alright Bofur."
The younger dwarf grinned. "Come see the family tonight, they've been missing you. I'll teach you the ways of mining."
"Would Kenaii be alright with that?" Hana asked with a sly grin. Bofur blushed "What are you saying?" he asked, "We aren't- she's not-"
"I know." Hana interrupted. It's just fairly obvious that you've fallen for her."
Bofur looked at his feet. Kenaii was a dwarf woman of the Stronghammer clan. She had long, frizzy, orange hair that was braided into her side burns. She worked in the mines- so Bofur didn't mind being there as much as he said he did. She had, A heart of gold and a soul of steel, as Bofur put it. Hana had met her once or twice when going to pick up Bofur for Dale, and with the way he looked at her, it was obvious how he felt.
Upon reaching his home, a door flung open, and with it came Bafur, Bambur, Bombur, and the youngest, Bumble.
"Hana! you're home! I learned a trick!" said Bombur, immediately running towards her, she put out her hands to stall the young dwarf, for he was quite large for his age.
"Bofur, Bafur has been pulling my beard all day!" whined Bambur.
Bafur laughed, "What beard?"
"Hana, can you take Bumble?" asked Bambur. She reached down to take the baby in her arms. He was barely a few months old, and he was absolutely lovely.
Hana smiled as she entered Bofur's familiar home. She smelled the cinnamon from the kitchen and on a rocking chair in the corner slept Bofur's mother, Breva. Hana felt her heart ache a bit. How had she faded so quickly in just a few short months? The boys barely understood what was happening. Bofur and Bafur did, but the rest simply knew that they needed to hug her more and more. Hana bit her lip. She needn't dwell on things that cannot be changed.
"Have you already eaten?" asked Bofur. "Has mother?"
Bafur nodded as his other siblings wrestled and chased each other. "Bombur made us dinner. Can I stay up? please?"
"I don't think so." Bofur said, getting the boys attention and steering them towards the stairs. "Now go kiss your mother goodnight and crawl into bed."
"Aww..." They all let out. "Hana, change his mind!" Bambur said, but Hana shook her head. "I'm not in charge anymore remember? I've moved out."
It was true. By the age of forty she had saved up enough money to buy her own little home in the civilian neighborhoods. She did so simply in a burst of youthful independence, and was by now regretting her decision to leave.
"But you're still our sister!" Bambur said, and the rest nodded in agreement.
"No means no." Bofur said. "Now off to bed- all of you."
The children grudgingly went upstairs. Bofur gingerly took the sleeping Bumble from her and moved him to his cradle near the end of the room. "Why do they seem to think that you get the last word?" he asked, sitting at the kitchen table and beckoning her to join him.
"I am the oldest, technically." She started, and then after a moment's silence asked, "Prince Thorin hates me doesn't he?"
"What makes you say that?" Bofur asked, drawing patterns into the table with his fingers.
"He didn't even speak to me today; he just asked questions through you. He barely even gave me a glance!"
"It's probably because you have no beard, you throw him off."
Hana sighed, that was a large reason as to why most people would not speak to her. Unlike most dwarf women, she was completely bare on the chin and cheeks, and was embarrassed to say the least. She heard the whispers, that she was cursed, or that she was a mixed blood. That she wasn't a true dwarf at all.
And most of those rumors were correct.
"Don't worry about it Hana." Bofur said, bringing her out of her thoughts, "You're not that ugly."
She shoved him with a grin. "Are you going to teach me about mining or not?"
That night consisted of Bofur learning Hana in mathematics, metals, and how to decide what is real ore and what is false. Hana returned home at a late hour, promising Bofur she would say goodbye before she left on her four month journey. She fell into her bed that night, feeling sick to her stomach. She did not want to do this. This was too much like- she bit the thought off. Worry would do nothing for her now, she had given Bofur her word, and she intended to fulfill it.
/
The next day at Dale was lonesome and dull, but Hana did not mind entirely. At least there no one ogled her; she could almost pass herself off as a short human. She was sharpening her carving knife between sales when she overheard the conversation of a nearby fruit vendor.
"I hear tell that Erebor is prospering like none other," a man with one eye said as he bought some cherries. "That gold flows through the mountain in rivers."
"Aye," the fruit vendor said. "But Thror must be careful, or he will be overcome with the dragon sickness, just as those before him."
"Dragon sickness?"
"Greed." The fruit vendor explained. "He will begin to hunger for wealth, and protect his gold fiercer than his own children. He's losing allies you know, by refusing to trade with the elves."
"Let us pray it doesn't spread to his son and grandson," said the one eyed man. "They seem to be on the right path."
"Yes." responded the fruit vendor. "Let us pray."
/
Thorin son of Thrain was stopped on his nightly stroll by Balin, his personal advisor and kin.
"Your father has asked me to accompany you on your journey to Rohan." said the older dwarf as he approached.
After some contemplation, Thorin agreed. "I could use what you have to say."
"I did not say you had a choice in the matter." the older dwarf said with a twinkle in his eye. "Is your company in order?"
"Yes." The prince said, gazing over the railing of the bridge. "Although something bothers me. A female dwarf will accompany us."
"Why is this a problem? Who is she?" asked Balin.
"The only one in Erebor with no beard." said Thorin, grey eyes stormy. "Hana of the Goldbeard clan, I think. Do you know of her?"
When Balin nodded Thorin asked, "Why is she not like the rest of us?"
The greying dwarf sighed. "I have only heard rumors- nasty, harsh ones of Hana being a bastard child, not fully dwarf, or that she has an illness. I've heard that she can grow a beard but shaves it off, because she is ashamed to be a dwarf. All of these are just rumors though. I am afraid the only one who truly knows is herself."
Thorin listened intently, and then said "It does not matter why, as long as she does not cause trouble."
Balin smiled. "Do not worry Thorin, this may be your first trading expedition, but I'm sure you'll do fine.
"Thank you Balin." Thorin said. "I wish to stay on this bridge and think for a while- if that is alright."
After Balin left, the dwarf prince poured through every possible scenario in his mind. He had to get this right, or else Thror would never view him as anything but an immature grandson.
Hearing footsteps, he turned to see none other than Hana. She was struggling to carry two full packs and a folded up table. After a brief debate in his mind, the chivalric side of him won over.
"Let me help you," he said, approaching her, but Hana raised her hand in denial. "Oh no my prince." she said mockingly. "I wouldn't want to be a burden."
Thorin gaped at her. No one in his entire life had ever dared to disrespect him in such a way. Strangely though- he felt no anger, he only wondered why.
"Goodnight then," he said softly, watching her blonde hair swing behind her as she walked away. After a moment, she called back "Goodnight Thorin, son of Thrain."
/
I apologize for any spelling or grammar errors, I've been writing this while I'm on my lunch break so I'm kind of in a hurry. I hope that Thorin didn't seem too out of character, I just shaped him based on the thought of how he would have been before Smaug took Erebor, and before the battle of Azanullbizar. I have about seven more chapters ready to type up, corrective criticism and reviews are most wanted!
Bifur is Bofur and Bombur's cousin, not brother, something I'll be going through and fixing.
-Infinityscripts
I claim no rights to any of Tolkien's literary works, nor to any part of Peter Jackson's film trilogies. I OWN NOTHING.