A/N: A wild Tom appears, what should Bilbo do?
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Oh bother, my brother
The company was all set and ready to go early in the bright morning when Thorin finally realized the hobbit was nowhere to be seen. The King assumed he was still sleeping, taking for granted his presence at the hobbit-hole and even instructed Balin to leave his contract over the mantelpiece in case he decided after all to join them. It was then when Gandalf decided to make public knowledge the fact that the Hobbit was already long gone.
"Gone where?" Asked Killi.
"He needed to attend some hobbit business before leaving." Gandalf responded while herding them out of the house.
"Like what?" Asked Filli at the same time Killi expressed "He will come then?" Gandalf didn't have the opportunity to answer.
"Gandalf just said he is getting his affairs in order; that means he is coming you sap" Filli immediately teased his younger brother.
"It was a rhetorical question I believe Filli" Ori supplied from behind.
"Yes! It was a rhetorical question you uneducated ass." Killi said while putting an arm around Ori's shoulders.
"Shut it! You don't even know what rhetoric is."
"Enough!" Thorin commanded with in authoritarian voice, the dwarflings straightaway quieted. "Ready the ponies and load your belongings." The youngest hurried into it while the other two took their sweet time. What a pair of insufferable brats.
When they were all outside Thorin observed Gandalf as he closed the door behind him and muttered some sort of incantation he couldn't hear clearly. A second later the spell was broken and Gandalf walked merrily to his horse. It was a fine morning at the awakening of spring. Even more in the Shire Thorin noted. Everything turned a new shade of green, vivid as an emerald shining beneath the sun. There were no worries filling the air only peace and the smell of dew.
"What was that all about?" Thorin asked nonchalantly but inwardly feeling very curious. Gandalf of course took notice of it but feigned he hadn't "Just a little something that will care for the house." Thorin nodded. They made their way out the shire at a steady pace and into a small road that lead east straight to Bree, according to Gandalf and Balin. The lads sang and talk time away, commenting on the peculiarity of hobbits and inevitably their Host.
"Master Gandalf, do tell us. Is Bilbo Baggins really a Hobbit?" Asked without preambles Dori, voicing everyone's question including Thorin's since Gandalf hadn't been very open about the true nature of the Hobbit.
Gandalf remained silent and amused.
"Well he seems to be a rather charming fellow." Remarked Bofur, wiggling his eyebrows under his thick hat. Thorin huffed, thinking of Bilbo as everything but charming after his insults last night, he decided however not to voice his mussing for he was above gossiping. He did keep his attention fix on the talk, though.
"Still, I find it hard to believe the fellow knows a single thing about surviving in the wild." Gloin said with suspicion. Thorin agreed.
"A green boy that he is. His hands are soft, his belly round." Said Óin backing his younger brother's words.
"Oi! My belly is round" Interjected Bombur. "Yours is past round, brother dear." "Shut it!" "Plus you are a dwarf. There is no comparison." Bifur agreed in Khuzdul
"Well if you ask me." Said Ori "Nobody did." Said Nori but Ori continued anyway "I think he is quite scary, ye all remember what he did to fire? Perhaps he is a dragon trapped in a hobbit's body or.."
"Oh close that mouth." Nori called him down while slapping him at the back of his head. "You are talking nonsense! right Master Gandalf." Gandalf laughed openly while shrugging suggestively and quickened his horse pace. The dwarflings shared a preoccupied look and continued making wild speculations about the hobbit, all of them incorrect but bearing bits of truth. Thorin, tired of kin's chatter caught up with Gandalf, Balin and Dwalin followed closely behind.
"What does Master of Fire, Thunder and Wind really entitles Gandalf? Dragon does come to mind." Thorin questioned harshly wanting desperately the wizard's denial and at the same time wanting to know more.
"Don't let your mind be troubled by dwarflings' wild imaginings. All in due time my friend. For now knowing Bilbo will be your burglar must suffice." All three dwarfs frowned with dissatisfaction but said nothing.
Six days into their quest came and went with no sign of the hobbit. The company grew restless and some even suspected the hobbit had abandoned them taking bets on whether he would appear or not. Thorin however trusted the wizard and believed the Hobbit would come. He had to admit though he was feeling more and more curious about this Bilbo as they wanted desperately answers, the issue with the fire played and replayed in his mind while he whetted his axes before the dancing firelight. The rest sleeping; Gandalf smoking under a tree.
They were silent for a time before Gandalf said, "You should rest Thorin" His grave voice barely disrupting the nocturnal atmosphere anymore the loud snoring did "These borders are watched closely, no harm will come to us here." Thorin's eyebrow quirked "By whom?" he asked.
"By possibly the most skilful warriors there are, the Dunedain." Thorin was surprised to say the least, he believed the Rangers cared for nothing and answered to none. "That is indeed unexpected, I thought they were nomads who simply wandered" "Their task is noble but taciturn, quite admirable, yes. They protect Eriador faithfully. Rest assured you may sleep peacefully for now." Nodding Thorin put his weapons away, extended his bedroll and covered himself with his cloak. Not bothering to bid the wizard a good night, his last thoughts revolving around a certain hobbit before finally falling sleep.
Past morning the following day the distinctive sound of rushing water reached the company's ears. It was a calming sound that reminded Thorin of the way Celduin river's spring deep inside Erebor travelled down the mountain washing the smog and dirt away. "Look!" Exclaimed Killi commanding everyone's attention to the sitting figure next to Brandywine Bridge according to the sign.
Bilbo appeared in deep meditation but at Killi's shout he turned and grinned at them. "You are finally here! What took you so long?" Said the Hobbit cheekily, dusting his trousers. Thorin rolled his eyes and felt his curiosity lessen at the Hobbit's tone.
"Bilbo lad, good to see you. Everything in order then?" "Indeed Gandalf." Balin approached Bilbo with an extra Pony and a contract in hand. "Oh Master Balin, I thank you but neither will be necessary." At Balin's questioning face the hobbit explained further
"The contract is already signed didn't you notice?" Balin rolled out the parchment and found out that there was truly the hobbit's signature already there. "Oh, I guess I didn't spot it." Confessed Balin "Oh Mahal! Balin you just make us loose some gold!" Shouted Gloin from behind. But was ignored.
"What about the pony? Surely you don't intend to walk all the way to Erebor?" Balin asked with incredulity, the company was very into their conversation including Thorin. All snooping.
"I'll be most troublesome for sure, but don't worry we hobbits are rather fond of walking." Now the company was disbelieving. Why was the hobbit remarking he was only a hobbit when they all knew he was something more? None voiced that question but Thorin.
"Perhaps most hobbits as they do have harsh looking feet, but yours don't appear that tough." Remarked Thorin leading his pony closer to the Hobbit. "They are tough, worry not. But I suppose it could carry my bag, Gandalf could you please fasten my stuff." "Too lazy to do it yourself hobbit?" Bilbo smiled mischievously and took a step towards Thorin's pony. It snorted hot air through his nostrils and squealed back in fear taking Thorin by surprise, the hobbit after watching him momentarily fight for control with the pony took several steps back to appease the animal.
"They don't like me very much." Laughed Bilbo while Gandalf shook his head with disapproval and took Bilbo's bag. Thorin scowled at the pony and then at the hobbit and with one last hateful look he rode the pony to the front of the company and didn't look back. He cursed the hobbit under his breath, what a bother, he wanted to reach Erebor all ready and be done with this.
He heard Dori, Nori, Óin, Gloin, Bifur and Dwalin pay due debts followed by some teasing from the victorious side.
After all were ready to continue they crossed the bridge following Thorin's lead. Gandalf took up the front next to him and spoke softly only to his ears.
"Pay him no mind Thorin he meant no harm." Said he while putting his money away. Thorin growled and gripped harder the reins. "His amusement at my expense is harmful enough." He snarled.
"He has spirit" "And no sense of respect." "That is not true, he is just feeling playful. You will learn to enjoy it, just wait." Thorin rolled his eyes. The time when he'll find the hobbit an enjoyable company will never come he was sure of it. "Wait?! I have waited enough. The Hobbit is a nuisance." Thorin stated and heard no more, stubbornly looking ahead.
They followed the road that lay beside a forest, the Old Forest Gandalf informed them. The sun was setting and so he ordered the rest to set camp and Bombur to fix some something to eat. Dusk was heavy in the air, setting the sky afire. The beautiful image reluctantly brought the hobbit in the front of his mind.
He sighed and discreetly stole a glance at the Hobbit. Thorin was surprise however when he saw him arguing with Gandalf. Feigning he had to search for wood in spite his nephews were at it he came closer to the pair.
"…Shoulda waited at the Prancing Pony ." Exclaimed the Hobbit angrily "Don't be such an infant Bilbo, we are hardly into the forest." "This is enough! I can feel him, my skin is itchy." Pouted Bilbo "Well then scratch and be silent. You are making a scene." Said sternly Gandalf. Bilbo hushed and looked around catching Thorin's gaze with his golden stare. Thorin coughed and hesitantly began searching for… something. He noted then that the entire company was watching the exchange curiously as well and felt a little better.
"Can't believe this!" The Hobbit barked walking away and sitting on a bare big rock. Gandalf exhaled tiredly and lit his pipe.
"Is everything all right?" Asked Thorin eyeing Gandalf carefully.
"Yes it is, he is just being a petulant child." Thorin scoffed "I could tell, what is it now?" Gandalf stood silent for a moment before smiling.
"Go ask him" Gandalf winked.
The remaining sunlight began to fade out, however the thick foliage stopped moonlight from bathing them fully, thus it was very dark and Thorin barely caught himself from stumbling as he made his way to the Hobbit. He tried to think about a proper way to start a conversation with him but couldn't come up with anything kingly. Fortunately it was the hobbit that talked first.
"Can I help you with something?" Said the hobbit looking at the darkness that rested among the old trees.
"Just checking everything is all right" The hobbit chuckled and asked "And is it?"
"You tell me, hobbit" Bilbo turned and observed him, Thorin could barely discern his features but did notice a small quirk of the lips.
"I have a name you know, king." The hobbit taunted, Thorin hissed, "I am aware." They said nothing else for a moment.
"No it is not. I hate being so close to this forest." The hobbit explained opening up a bit. This caught Thorin of guard; he expected a 'yes it is' and be done with it, not a full conversation.
"Why is that?" Thorin forced himself to ask. "There is someone living here who gives me the chills, so to speak. Hopefully he won't notice us and-" a rustling sound interrupted the hobbit; they both turned towards the source but Thorin could see nothing. He was about to command the company to prepare themselves when a loud lament beside him stopped him. "Oh, come on!" Cried the hobbit angrily. Standing up and squaring his hobbit coat. "Told you so, Gandalf." He muttered.
"What is that?" Questioned Thorin wanting to know if he needed his company to ready for a fight or not.
"A bother, he is no harm to you, but is a headache to me." The hobbit answered. Killi and Filli both came closer with a torch in hand, Gandalf following narrowly and quite merrily Thorin noted while the hobbit was tense and uncomfortable.
They waited a few more seconds. "Show yourself!" Well, all waited but Filli.
"Whoa Whoa! Steady there my little fellows. For this is a night full of wonders" The strange man paused a bit looking directly at Bilbo "And some misfortunate unmellows. It would seem."
"Ha ha. You are hilarious. Thorin Oakenshield." Thorin blinked at the hobbit "Let me introduce you to Tom Bombadil. A certain pain in the ass." The hobbit finished and Tom laughed. He greeted them all ecstatically specially Gandalf while ignoring Bilbo who had retreated back to his rock.
Gandalf invited Tom to sit with them around the fire "What a joy to see you again after all this time my friend."
"Yes indeed my dear Gandalf! Tell Tom now what brings you here and where you are a-going?"
The dwarves and Gandalf related Tom their tale about the mountain, their quest and their battles while the last listened; Balin telling a specially detailed narration of Thorin's greatness before the gates of Moria. They all seem enchanted by Tom and felt compelled to unburden their hearts with his presence. When other times they were very reluctant to share anything regarding their culture and affairs they were not then.
White mist began to swirl and curl around, straying about the big roots of the trees that surrounded them. However the fire did not quiver and continued roaring. Thorin glanced back at the hobbit. Still sitting stubbornly away from them. Not knowing if he was listening or not (And he secretly was). After the tale was finished Tom said.
"What a foul thing to happen! And how brave you are! But let not those things trouble you tonight. Let us sing, rejoice and eat! For in this night nothing foul will trouble your soul!"
The dwarves happily joined and sang along, the atmosphere bore a fresh sensation and they all seemed captivated by it. Thorin leaned closer to Gandalf and asked.
"Who exactly is he?" Gandalf inhale deeply before answering. "You are before the Master of Wood, Water and Hill, King Thorin." Thorin shook his head and asked again. "What?! Another Master! What is that supposed to mean?"
"Means he is one of the oldest. Means he is powerful but his task is unknown even to me. I have often speculated Tom exist only to anchor him." Said Gandalf over the dwarves' loud and untuned voices and Tom's, pointing the Hobbit with his pipe.
"Anchor us all. They both knew dark under the stars back when it was fearless. They are one but not the same." Thorin thought about it for a moment
"Does that mean he is here to detach us?" Thorin was confused about this entire Masters affair and was trying to comprehend exactly what they were.
"His coming here is the coming of change. And changing is as good as preserving. You need both in your life. Try to connect with Bilbo, and he will explain you better." Thorin didn't look convince but asked no more, instead he leaned back to the tree. Closing momentarily his eyes.
They all fall sleep a second later to Gandalf greatest amusement. Tonight's rest will be the best they would ever have. Tom continued humming them all to sleep for a while, stopping when Bilbo finally decided to join them.
"It is a joy to see you brother, looking so young as befits of the youngest." Tom said with a light tone.
"Being the oldest isn't much of a merit if you are not equivalently wise, you old twat. " Tom laughed taking off his blue hat. Gandalf observed how Bilbo tucked the dwarves and covered them with their coats. Gandalf smiled fondly, if Bilbo managed to get attached that would mean the complete success of the quest and it was already beginning. He even guided Thorin to a more comfortable position and covered him as well.
"You have not fully merged with that hobbit. You are still shorter than me." Bilbo sat beside Gandalf and answered.
"You are not that tall, this dwarf is exactly your height. Tell him Gandalf" Said Bilbo pointing Dwalin. Gandalf shrugged not wanting to take any sides.
"I am taller."
"That you are Ólorin" Said Tom while he played with his hat.
"How's the wife?" Bilbo asked not truly that interested.
"Oh my lovely Golberry, she is as sweet as spring-time or summer-time, fairest of them all-"
"She is good then." Interrupted Bilbo, preparing his own pipe, "Send my regards." Gandalf hold his breath not wanting to disturb the atmosphere; the brothers were acting very amiably towards each other and that was a rare occurrence. Gandalf wasn't sure if that was a good thing at all. Or what could it meant? They continued talking and with every passing second he felt his eyelids getting heavier. The sight of Bilbo and Tom's calm face was the last thing he remembered.
Thorin woke the next morning feeling as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. There was not a single ache on his body or mind he noticed while stretching. He spotted the Hobbit and Gandalf already up and preparing some breakfast. Well the hobbit was preparing while Gandalf sat beside him, smoking. He looked around but Tom Bombadil was nowhere to be found. He didn't even remember feeling tired last night but he had fallen asleep nonetheless.
The smell of food slowly began waking the rest up. Bombur, noticing his cooking utensils were on someone else's hand, quickly relieved the Hobbit and continued preparing breakfast.
It wasn't long before everyone was riding their ponies towards the road once more with a full belly and risen spirits. This time however Bilbo decided to walk between Gandalf and Thorin, much to the last's dismay. Small talk soon began.
"What a nice sleep, and what a fellow that Tom was!" Commented Balin. The company agreed and Tom being a most excellent man was the conclusion.
"I don't even remember falling sleep! And I wasn't even drunk! Mahal I'm getting old." Said Dwalin while scratching his head "We don't remember either Dwalin." Filli offered. "What?! Ha! Well take care lads, ye all are already showing signs of being as old as I am! Prey you are as fit as this tough body of mine when you come my age" Filli rolled his eyes.
"What he meant is that we were perhaps under some sort of spell that put us asleep." Balin said. They all continued talking about last night events while Gandalf initiated his own conversation with Bilbo.
"Even I fall asleep it would seem, tell me Bilbo did you talk all night long?" Thorin heard Gandalf ask.
"He left before sunrise, we talk about the forest, the hobbits and then some. He wished us luck and good health before leaving." Answered vaguely Bilbo. "You barely slept then, aren't you tired?" Worded Thorin before he could even think, and cursed himself for his lack of restraint.
"I don't need to sleep as much as you do, worry not for my sake King." Bilbo replied slightly teasing him again. "I don't worry for your sake, I will not have you burden us." Thorin looked straight ahead, refusing to glance at the Hobbit whom he knew was all but piercing him with his stare.
"Of course."
"In any case, I had never seen you two behave that civilized to each other." Gandalf commented and Thorin's interest picked. The hobbit didn't answer immediately.
"I felt" he paused fleetingly "I felt that... I needed to say goodbye this time, for good."
"What do you mean?" Gandalf inquired worriedly.
"I don't know Gandalf, it was just a feeling. Worry not my friend, I wish I could be rid of his presence in my life but Eru seems to enjoy torturing my existence with his horrible tunes." Thorin turned to Gandalf and saw him frowning looking displeased.
Then he turned to the hobbit and felt a bit flustered when he met directly those golden eyes; against his will Thorin's scrutinized quickly the hobbit's golden red curls and strangely pleasant features. A moment later Thorin lowered his gaze and didn't glance at the Hobbit for the rest of the day.