The strawberry cake
The noise outside caught her attention immediately and she fought the urge to look outside the window with every muscle in her small body. It was against her manners to spy on her neighbour, but the large shadow that was laying upon her window was just too tempting. The curiosity was just something that came with her nature. So, the small hobbit leaned forward and pressed her face against the window. She could see Bilbo Baggins, her neighbour talking to an stranger. It was a human, dressed in a long grey robe, leaning on a wooden staff and his face was hiding for her under a grey hat. He looked familiar, yet the name just would not come of her tongue. Her eyes grew bigger as one cheek pressed on the cold glass. She saw how Bilbo was sitting on his bench, talking to the stranger and looking rather awkward. Her jaw dropped a little as Bilbo suddenly stood up and moved up the small stone stairs that lead right into his house. What would a human want in the Shire? And what business had he with the hobbit next door? Were just a few of her thoughts now.
Her mouth opened a little as Bilbo vanished behind the round, green door with a loud slam! How rude,she first thought but then wondered what the stranger could have said for Bilbo to run off like that. She gasped as the man slowly walked up to the small door, but at the same time, a small chuckle crawled up her throat as she saw how the stranger had to bend down all the way. He was definitely taller than a hobbit! She could not see what he was doing, but she saw how the staff moved a little inside his hands but then suddenly, he turned around, walked down the stairs, closed the brown small fence door and wandered off with a humming sound. What a strange man,she thought and waited for the man in grey clothes to vanish behind the hills.
A sigh filled the silence as she pushed herself away from the small window, she spun around and walked slowly back to her chair, where she was sitting before. Her green eyes glanced over the papers on her desk and she frowned a little. Of course it would be awkward to have an stranger on the door, but it would be something to talk about. She could not help, but to feel bored with her own home and the Shire as well. Everything this green, peaceful area had to offer, she had seen and she could not ignore the desire that has been building up inside her chest over the years. The tales she had heard of travellers that found their way into the Shire from time to time, were fascinating and she felt jealous of all those, who could just wander off.
Her heart desired more than just the shire. But she sighed again. Who was she to wander off into the greens like that? She was Nolla Primstone, a hobbit who would live in the Shire until the age would take her away some day. Her eyes glanced over to the door and she licked her rosé coloured lips as a wild thought appeared inside her mind. Perhaps, she could ask Bilbo what the stranger wanted. Just in a small chat, like good ol' neighbours did! Besides, the strawberry cake she made earlier was still waiting in the kitchen. It was after all her birthday, offering a piece of cake was a thing of good manners! She nodded to herself and stood up with a small jump. Nolla quickly walked into the kitchen and grabbed the plate with the delicious cake but before she left her house, she straightened her blue, green coloured dress. All the years her mother told her to look neatly, finally ended up inside her mind and as older she became, she carried more for these things. It had probably something to do with 'growing up' because a few years ago, she would not care if her hair was messy or the dress was not straight.
After she was happy with herself, she left her house and just a few seconds later, she was standing in front of Bilbos door. She ringed the bell and straightened herself a little. A small glance of her landed on the window next to the green door, just to check if her light brown, shoulder long, curly hair was still sitting in place. And sure enough, it did. The door opened and in front of her was a hobbit standing, just a few inches taller than herself.
"Good evening Bilbo!" She said with so much joy, that he almost fell of his feet. He nodded slightly.
"Hello Nolla, how can I help you?" He asked, l#eaning against the door with a small smile. At least, she was a nice neighbour! Not like the other side..so loud.
"Well, I was wondering if you may would like a piece of cake? I had these fresh strawberries and could not resist!" Nolla said, lifting the plate up a little. Her smile grew bigger as she saw Bilbo's gaze landing on the cake. Without his knowledge, he licked his lips and quickly nodded to her. Who was he to decline a free cake?!
"Yes! Sure! Come in please!" He said, stepping to the side with a welcoming gesture. Well, the first part of the plan worked out quite fine, now to the rest. After a piece of cake of course. She liked Bilbo's house. It had a warm atmosphere, filled with so many little pieces and all of them told a story! And of course the room no one was allowed to enter. The small room where Bilbo was writing, drawing, reading maps and dusty old books. How often she had tried to get a little sneak peek! She already knew the way towards the fire place, it was not the first time for her to be inside this hobbit hole. She liked Bilbo, even though he could be weird sometimes, she had always enjoined his company. They often had spent evenings together, drinking tea, smoking a lovely pipe and watching the sunset. Talking about the world and the Shire. After she had ended up by the fire place, she noticed that the small dark table was already set up for dinner and she immediately felt bad.
"I'm not bothering you, am I?" She said, turning around to her neighbour as he walked towards her. But he just waved with one hand and sat down on the table.
"Of course not. The fish can wait don't worry about!" He said and pushed the plate with the fresh cooked fish to the side. His stomach could definitely need something sweet now. She smiled and nodded, slowly placing the plate in front of Bilbo. Nolla settled herself down on the opposite side and watched as the other hobbit carefully cut the cake into evenly pieces. Making sure all strawberries on top were still intact. The best thing about a strawberry cake was, eating the fresh fruits last. Still juicy and sweet, with a reminder of how summer could taste.
"So Bilbo." She said, folding her hands together on her lap. "Who was the stranger earlier?" Her head was lowered but her eyes fixated on the hobbit. He murmured something she could not understand, due the munching that was going on inside his mouth. She waited patiently for an answer and never left his gaze. Finally! He swallowed the food and cleared his throat.
"Oh that..yeah..that was Ga.."
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
Both of them turned their heads towards the door in perfect sync. Who could it be? She wondered but did not wanted to ask, it was not her business and she may would recognize the voice on the door. With wrinkled face, Bilbo stood up and walked over to the door. He just hoped it was not the old Stonemould, who would bother him with some fresh eggs of his prize winning chickens like the other day. Bilbo opened the door and a completely stranger was standing before him. Nolla could not see who exactly it was and she would have felt guilty for peeking around the corner, but she could hear the dark voice.
"Dwalin, at your service."
Bilbo needed a moment or two to understand what he was supposed to do here. The hobbit shrugged as his thoughts gathered together but finally said. "Bilbo..at yours..?" There was nothing more he could say, the stranger trampled inside the hobbit house and untied his brown coat. With curious eyes, the stranger with the name Dwalin searched the house for anything he could need now.
"Which way laddie?" He asked then, throwing the coat into Bilbo's direction, but the hobbit could not answer. He was still in shock and just watched the stranger, wandering inside his house! Without permission! And dirty boots! As Dwalin entered the small fire place, he spotted the other hobbit, who was still politely sitting on the dinner table. As Nolla heard the heavy boots, she turned around and her jaw dropped! She hoped it would not hit the ground. Dwarf, is all her mind could think of, praying she was not saying it out out loud. She had never seen one before but she could tell that he was one!
"Dwalin milady." He said, bowing deeply at her but never leaving her gaze. She could not hide a small blush on her cheeks, no one had ever bowed to her before and it was somewhat fluttering. She quickly stood up and did the same, ignoring the feeling of looking out of place.
"Nolla Primstone!" She managed to answer and he nodded. The dwarf walked around her and sat down on the same chair, where Bilbo was sitting just a few moments ago. Why is a dwarf in the shire? And why was he in Bilbo's house?! He was not the type for a fine evening dinner or some warm tea late at night and his build was scarring her a little. He was much taller than she was and dressed in fur and heavy chain armour. The scars on his face did not helped him to look any friendlier. A warrior, that he was. She was sure he had seen some battles, but dared not to ask. He probably could break her neck without even trying. A shudder ran down her spine. Dwalin grabbed directly for the fish, which was reserved for Bilbo, but did not bother to ask and just bit into it like a rough animal. He munched loudly as his eyes searched for more food. Bilbo was rather speechless as he joined them. He was about to say something but his mouth kept open, without words coming out of it.
Nolla noticed how the dwarf was focused on the cake and she finally snapped out of her fascination with the stranger. "Take a piece if you may like? I made it." She said, gesturing at the cake with one hand. She could not tell if it was a smile behind his dark beard but he nodded.
"Then it must be good!" He said, grabbing with his bare hand for a piece. Well, manners aren't a dwarf thing apparently. She licked her lips and leaned forward a little. So many questions were browsing through her mind but she could just come up with one.
"What are you exactly doing in the Shire?"
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
Nolla turned her head around once more and glanced up to Bilbo, who was standing slightly behind her. They both stared at each other for a while, before the ring noise appeared once more. Bilbo turned on his heel and he walked over to the door. Perhaps, Stonemould this time? Please? But this time, Nolla could not hide the curiosity and she stood up, after excusing herself to the dwarf of course, to get a live sneak peek at the scene. She stood a little behind Bilbo, still keeping some respect distance as the hobbit neighbour finally opened the door. She stood on her toes to get the first glance and...and there was another one! Are they growing on trees now? She asked herself, biting her lower lip to hide a chuckle. But this dwarf was different from the first. He was smaller than Dwalin, his white beard was long and nicely combed in shape. The two ends of the beard pointed in opposite directions but he looked much friendlier than Dwalin did. Maybe because this dwarf was instantly smiling as the door opened for him.
"Balin, at your service." He said with a soft voice and bowed as deep as his back would allow it.
"Good ..evening?" Bilbo answered, standing next to the door with more awkwardness than usual. The dwarf nodded and stepped inside the small house.
"Am I late?" He asked, as he slowly took off his dark gloves. His eyes glanced around the house and as he spotted Nolla, he nodded and smiled in her direction. "Good evening to you milady." He said, now even calmer than before. And there it was again. The blush on her cheeks appeared again and all she could manage to say was her first name. Two dwarves, she said to herself and watched Balin walk pass her. The face of the dwarf with the white beard, lightened up in just seconds as he saw the other one, who was busy with inspecting the different small things Bilbo's house had to offer. But, as Dwalin spotted the second dwarf, he just let of the jar and dropped it on the ground. They both grabbed for each other and started to murmur some things Nolla nor Bilbo could understand. Before thumb they smashed their foreheads together. The smaller hobbit shrugged as she heard the sound and immediately rubbed her own forehead. She could just imagine the pain, but both of them looked very pleased with the gesture and turned their backs towards the hobbits. Ignoring them completely and quickly dealing with the kegs in Bilbo's pantry. Both of them wandered around as it would be normal to go into a strangers house and raid it for good old ale! Well perhaps, it was for dwarves.
"You never told me you know dwarves!" She now said, turning around to Bilbo, but by the looks on his face, he was about to shout at them.
"I don't!" He said a little rougher than he had planned to. "I don't know them! I have never seem them before and I have no idea what they want!" He crossed his arms in front of his chest and sighed deeply. "I'm telling you..." He said, leaning closer to her. "One more and I will..."
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
She quickly lifted her hands and covered her mouth, trying her best to hide and keep inside the small chuckle that was building inside her throat. His face was just so priceless right now and she was so lucky to witness everything! Even if Bilbo would kick her out now for laughing, she definitely had enjoyed the evening and, she had seen two dwarves! More than she could have ever hoped for.
"That was not funny.." Bilbo hissed at her and sighed as he turned around. The hobbit was not able to hide his anger any more! Two dwarves were enough! Who ever would be standing in front of the door, would have to leave! Immediately! Before he gets rude! With fierce thoughts, Bilbo opened the door with such a swing, that the wooden door almost slipped out of his hand. And just as he was about to shout and say something really, really rude, he saw two more dwarves standing in front of him. Where are they coming from? Does he has a sign on his head, free food for dwarves?
"Fili" The first one said.
"And Kili." The second one finished.
"At your service!" They said in unison and bowed deeply at Bilbo. He shook his head, waved with his free hand and was about to close the door directly before them, but the dwarves were quicker, they pushed the door open and just walked inside! Not waiting for an invitation and completely ignoring Bilbo! Like a wild stampede, both of them trampled around Bilbo, with dirty boots again and spotted Nolla, who was awkwardly standing on the same spot. She tried to remember her manners and somehow managed to smile. This was the most weirdest situation she had ever been in. Well besides that one time, her mother yelled at her for being muddy from head to toe. A shudder ran down her spine. Her mother could be horrible like a fire spitting dragon sometimes. The two dwarves looked at each other for a moment with a grin, which she could not sort in, before they walked over to her.
"We weren't informed that two hobbits were waiting for us! I'm Fili!" The first one, the blond dwarf said and bowed a little. He was definitely older than the other one and he looked somewhat more grown-up than the other one. Maybe it was because of his beard. But before, Fili, could speak any further, the dark brown haired dwarf stepped forward and grabbed for her hand.
"Aye! We had no idea, but we don't mind it at all! I'm Kili, the much nicer sibling!" He said with a wink and a wide smile on his lips. She blushed harder than she should have and was embarrassed by her small giggle that fled out of her mouth as Kili bend down to give her hand a small kiss.
"Nolla Primstone." She managed to say and her hand was freed as Fili rammed his elbow into Kilis rips. He frowned and pulled away from her to give his brother an not amused glance. But two seconds later, both of them grinned again and turned away from her as they heard the others dwarves mumbling something. Kili smile wide as he saw Dwalin and Balin. He immediately grabbed one of the empty mugs and filled it with some good old ale. He cheered with the other two dwarves and took a long sip, much longer than he should. As Nolla tried to understand the situation, she noticed that Fili was still standing by her and as she looked up to the taller dwarf, he winked at her, with a smirk underneath his beard. The awkwardness was painted all over her face and she quickly looked away from him. Such a thing..never happened before.
Fili chuckled in amusement but turned away from her. He threw a big, dirty sack into Bilbo's arms. "Be careful, just sharpened them!" He said and with big eyes, Nolla watched how Fili pulled daggers outside his boots. Another one was hiding inside his coat. As she heard the metallic sound from the sack, she assumed more weapons would be inside. Nolla had not noticed, but she had turned with Fili as he walked away and now she heard an rough cough behind her. As she turned her head a little, she saw Dwalin holding a few chairs in his hand.
"S-Sorry!" She said and stepped to the side. The dwarf nodded and walked pass her and as her eyes glanced over to the others, she saw how they were rearranging everything! Without even asking! The big dinner table was moved a little more to the middle to fit more around. The cabinets with old, expensive decorations were just pushed out into the floor and some loud noise came outside the kitchen. They sometimes mumbled in a language Nolla could not understand and no matter where she tried to stand, she was always in the way and Bilbo. Well Bilbo was helpless. He was running around like a wild rabbit on the run. Trying to save everything that was important to him. He was holding at least ten plates, three or four glasses and some other items he had gather of the dwarves hands. She had no idea how it was possible for them, but the dwarves managed to make the impression that the hobbits were actually the guests here. Suddenly, Nolla felt fingertips on her left shoulder and as she turned around she bumped her face into Fili's chest, who was standing way too close to her, at least for her taste. She pulled quickly away from him as she rubbed her nose. He smiled at her, gently.
"Kili asked if we could eat the cake?" He asked and tried to be as much politely as he could be. She could tell that showing good manners, was not their strongest feature.
"I DID NOT!" She heard the younger one yelling out of the kitchen and as she saw how the blond dwarf was rolling his eyes, she could not hide a chuckle. Definitely young in mind.
"If you wish, you both can have a piece. I made it." She said proudly. After all, she was famous for her sweets and everyone in the Shire tried to get at least a small piece when she baked. Even the old grumpy Stonemould would come over. Mostly in the evening, so no one could spot him.
"Really?" He asked, raising one eyebrow up. "For Mister Baggins?" He asked and the tone of his voice changed. She could not understand it now, but somewhat inside her mind told her, that this was a trick question. She slowly shook her head and smiled a little as she played nervously with her fingers.
"I just like to bake and I'm a good neighbour." Nolla said in all honesty she could offer and for some reason, the dwarf in front of her looked relieved. He took a deep breath and his face lightened up in just a few seconds. Now that was something new to her. Someone being so relieved over a hobbit being a good neighbour to another hobb... oh. OH! She understood now and cleared her throat immediately to avoid the awkward silence that was growing between them. How stupid!, she thought.
"Well yes!" She then said with a bit louder voice. "It's my birthday, so I made a cake and..-" But before she could finish her sentence, Fili's eyes grew bigger and an even wider smile formed under his beard. Without any warning, the dwarf laid his hands on her shoulder and pulled her closer for a warm, tight, firm dwarf hug. Her face was buried in his chest and somewhat happy no one could see her warm cheeks. This was definitely something she had never experienced before. Something that felt like hours for her, were just seconds and he let her go again. Standing up straight, he turned around and shouted:
"YAH heard that lads?! The lady has birthday!" Out of nowhere, Kili jumped around the corner and almost scared her to death. His smile was just as wide as his brothers ones and she could just imagine what would happen next. She was pulled to another chest and petted on the top of her head. She felt like a doll, giving around by small halflings. She was stiff and just tried to go with it. Dwarves seemed to be more open minded than the most hobbits she had met. No one would just surprise hug her here or even think about it! Nolla did not minded the hugs, she was just not used to it and her eyes were searching for help. As her glance met Bilbo, he took a moment to enjoy the scene. At least, he was not the only one who was feeling uncomfortable tonight! He just shrugged with his shoulders as he was carrying a few books out of the theatre that was playing inside his house. There was no way, any of them would spill some ale on his old books. It took him years to collect them! To write them!
"Well then Miss Primstone!" Kili said, finally letting her go from the hug. "We shall celebrate! Drinks! Food! And dance if the lady wishes!" He said swollen and bowed in front of her, offering her his hand at the same time. She was more then just confused and her eyes were switching between the two siblings. Nolla had never expected to celebrate her birthday with dwarves! Of course she was prepared for a small party in the Shire. Some dances, good music and perhaps a nice firework. She wondered how they would celebrate and started to worry a little after she saw what a mess they had made in Bilbo's house. She was glad that this was not her own home. Poor Bilbo, she thought but did not waste more time to pity him. Nolla then took the hand of Kili and decided to just go with the flow. Maybe she could learn a few new things and perhaps, something of their language as well. She just followed the lead of the young dwarf, closely followed by the older brother and as she reached the other two dwarves, she just hoped Dwalin would not attempt to hug her. He would probably break her back. But instead, he just petted her on the back, maybe a little harder than he should have, she almost fell over. Balin on the other hand, reached out for her hand and wished her just the best. At least, this one had some manners.
"Here!" Kili said and placed a mug in her hand. The mug was almost over filled with fine ale and she stared at the mug for a while before she understood what do to. The four dwarves that gathered now around her, held their mugs up high, cheering loudly with roaring sounds and Nolla tried her best to reach for their mugs to cheer with them, but due the height difference, it was a hard task. The wooden mugs landed on their lips and everyone took a long sip. Nolla took a small sip, just as she always did and after she removed the wood from her lips she noticed how everyone else was still drinking. They drank everything! With one shot! Like it was water! She did not bother to try, she had heard the rumours about dwarves and their drinking behaviour, something she could not compete with but she was pleased to see that the strangers would cheer for her, even though they did not know her at all. It made her feel good and in the right place. Maybe she made some new friends today.
"Now! Before we start to celebrate, we have to..."
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
All of them turned their heads around and waited for an reaction and sure enough, it did not took long.
"OH NOT AGAIN!" Was all they could hear from Bilbo yelling outside the kitchen.
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Well there we go! My first The Hobbit fanfic. Hope you all like it! Reviews are welcome \^.^/ Next chapter in progress. See ya!