Chapter 2
An almost sleeplessly cold night ended as I lay next to the campfire, I shifted uncomfortably on my rough hewn blanket. My whole body ached and lack of rest drained my energy before I had even got up. I raised my head, dark blonde hair falling into my eyes. I brushed it away. The Halfling, Bilbo held up a hand in greeting and smiled at me faintly. I had spoken to him often since my rescue, but I had never ventured to ask why he seemed troubled in quieter moments, or why his hand constantly fiddled with something unseen in his waistcoat. I realised that the Dwarves around us had cleared the camp and were stuffing supplies into their packs, and strapping weapons to their belts, then fastening them securely. They had left me to sleep longer than usual. "They plan to leave you." I couldn't help thinking. I didn't want to be left alone, not now. My eyes scanned the group, looking for comfort. Thorin was a little way off, speaking to Balin, whom had his back to me. They seemed deep in conversation, too sombre for it to be an ordinary chat between old friends. We caught each others eye for a moment too long, it made my body feel incredibly strange. He looked bad tempered and it made me turn away. My heart sank, but I was foolish to think his discovery last night would change anything. He had called me a friend… Something about that made me uneasy. I wanted him closer, yet I was uncomfortable at the idea of feeling safe with him near. I hardly knew him, who was I to feel that way?
I tried to put all thoughts of Thorin out of my mind as I took some of the supplies from my pack. Stomach rumbling painfully as I devoured my seeded bread. It was a little dry, but went well with the cheese I'd saved in a fresh cloth. "E-excuse me, Vida?" I looked up to find Bilbo standing before me. "Yes?" I smiled. "I know its not of my concern, but, I, I noticed you wondered off last night… I, I don't mean to pry." He replied quietly, cautious not to be overheard. "Ohh, yes, I'm sorry if I woke you. I just needed to walk, couldn't sleep…" came my suspicious reply. Bilbo looked at me searchingly, choosing his next words with great care. "Are you alright? Only you look, different." He said. I couldn't help but laugh. "How so? Have I grown another head?" I giggled. His face relaxed and he chuckled good-naturedly, it was a jolly sound which lifted my spirits. "You don't sleep very well either?" I asked. He considered this for a long moment. "Not that I'd shout about it, but yes, I miss my soft bed and my little house under the hill, greatly." He looked deeply sad as we sat in silence, then suddenly puffed his chest out in a determined stance. "No matter, I signed up for this quest, and I aim to complete it, if I can." He announced in hushed tones. Their quest. I'd forgotten. I looked once more over to where Thorin stood, my eyes lingered on him, he was incredibly handsome in the dewy light of early morn. "No!" I thought to myself, shocked. I tried to turn away. I was being far too obvious. Bilbo had seen the direction of my gaze. "Thorin went for a walk, after dark…" Bilbo said slowly, insinuating I knew exactly what he meant. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, hoping against hope that they weren't beginning to blush. "What are you trying to say Bilbo?" I shot back defensively. His eyes widened, as if his suspicions were confirmed. "Nothing, nothing, nothing at all." He lowered his head. "You observe far too closely with your keen eyes, you see things which are not there." I said quietly while stuffing my scratchy blanket into the pack. "Come on. I'm sure something is missing." I gestured towards his own possessions laying on the floor at the other side of the burned out fire.
I walked swiftly to where the Dwarves were gathering at the edge of the clearing, I focused upon my boots, so I didn't have to look at anyone directly. "Nice that you saw fit to join us." Said Thorin sarcastically. Balin stepped aside and gave him a reproachful glare, then turned and greeted me kindly "Good morning lassy." At least two of the group appeared positive. "Go on, we head east! Fili, Kili, lead from the front!" Thorin shouted. He walked towards me and held out my sword, Tracer. I had known something was missing! "Take this. Be careful." His words had hidden meaning. Open mouthed in outrage I closed my fist around the hilt, his hand moulded around mine, holding it in place tightly. "You took it, how dare you take a woman's sword?" I challenged. His pressure on my hand ceased all too quickly and his stare became intense. "You were safer without it, it eased my mind." Came his frank reply. I stormed off ahead of him, angry and hurt that he had taken away my only protection without my even noticing. Breaking into a run I caught up with the group, still holding the hilt of Tracer with an unsatisfied desperation. As I slowed Thorin thundered past me to move ahead of our number. I was at the very back, great.