Bella's Journey

Chapter Two

Bella looked up at the tall dark intimidating dwarf before her and almost forgot her manners. "Welcome to my humble abode Master Dwarf." She stepped back to allow him past.

Stepping past her, he removed his blue cloak and passed it to Kili.

"So this is the hobbit Gandalf spoke of", he said.

Resisting the urge to twist her fingers together, she hid them behind her and bobbed into a short curtsey in greeting. Gandalf stepped forward.

"Bella allow me to introduce you to Thorin II Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King under the Mountain. Thorin this is Bella daughter of Bungo Baggins and Bellodonna Took."

With arms crossed over his thick chest, Thorin slowly circled Bella and took in her wild untamed blond curls and her slippered feet. "What is your weapon of choice axe or blade?"

Bella's head shot up, first she looked to Gandalf but he remained quiet and waited for her answer. "I don't know how to use either."

Thorin nodded his head, as if he was expecting that answer, "Gandalf, she looks more like treasure than a burglar."

Bella's checks warmed under his scrutiny. Thorin was the most intimidating dwarf she had ever laid eyes upon, he did not seem as approachable as the others did. He was tall for a dwarf, with long, thick, black hair that had tight neat braids on either side of this face. Sharp black eyes bore into her and seemed to take in everything around him at a glance. He wore a beard but unlike most of the others, here tonight his was kept shorter and more groomed. Silver and gold edging could be found on all his clothes and the silver wolf skin around his shoulders seemed to emphasize his wide thick shoulders. A long sword hung from his belt as well as a deadly looking axe and dagger. When Gandalf had introduced him as a King, she had not been surprised for something about him set him apart.

"She has talents that not even she is aware of. Hobbits are also quiet on their feet and can go unnoticed by many folk. You must trust me in this Thorin, I did not make this choice lightly", said Gandalf in a stern voice.

"Burglar?" squeaked out Bella in shocked voice, paying more attention to the conversation. "I have never stolen a thing in my life."

The dwarves all roared with laughter while Thorin broke into a smile and said, "I thought as much."

Bella shook her head making her stray curls dance about her hips. "You must be sharing some secret joke. Come you must be hungry like the others let me serve you some food." She led the way to the kitchen to find all the food gone, turning she went to her pie cooling cupboard and took out a large apple pie she had made and filled a large oak mug with honey ale. She saw that Thorin had seated himself at the table and she quickly cut an extra-large slice of pie along a large wedge of cheese putting both on a plate she placed it down in front of him along with the ale. He murmured a low reply that she took as thank you. Seeing the other men looking hopeful she quickly cut up the remaining pie and motioned for Ori to have him to refill all the mugs.

"I think I falling in love with this woman, every time I turn around she is putting more food on the table", said Nori.

"Hobbit's take pride in hospitality, and it has been a long time since I have been blessed with guests."

"What about those toads that just got tossed out", asked Oin in a shy voice?

"I said guests not pests. Being an independent woman since my parents died has meant that every elder and boy old enough to grow whiskers has been coming over hoping to put a ring on my finger."

"Don't you want to get married?" asked Gloin.

"I do but not for Bag End."

"What is Bag End? "asked Dori.

"My home is named Bag End; it was built by my father for my mother as a gift. My father Bungo Baggins had a gift for working with wood as you can see." Bella motioned with her hands to the beautifully carved walls and furniture that surrounded them. All the Dwarves turned in their seats to take a closer look at the woodwork.

"You father truly did have skill" said Thorin.

"Thank you."

"Bella could you please find me a glass of red wine, I do not care for ale", asked Gandalf.

"Of course, Gandalf "replied Bella and she turned quickly and left the room in search of bottle of sweet wine.

When she had left the room all eyes turned to Gandalf and Thorin.

"Why her? "asked Thorin.

"She is the daughter of Bellodonna Took, a woman with remarkable gifts that many do not know of. In addition, it is true what I said earlier about Hobbits being over looked by most folk. You asked me to find the fourteenth member of this company and I truly believe that it should be she. I see darkness encroaching upon the days of middle earth and those who have gifts must be called upon."

"We face many dangers and I will not be held accountable for her", warned Thorin.

"I understand", answered Gandalf in a tired voice.

"Do you, because this is no easy fight ahead of us. I will have no time on my hands for a hysterical woman."

When Bella returned with a tray of wine cups and a bottle of her mother's best red wine all was quiet in the room. Looking at all the serious faces, she suggested that they take the wine into the den where the fire was warm the benches long and rugs thick. Everyone stood except Thorin and Gandalf who requested a word with Bella alone. Bella watched as the other dwarves filed out quietly after each had taken a cup of wine.

For the next hour, Bella listened silent as Gandalf explained the history of the dwarfs and their exile. How Thorin was on a quest to retake his home back from the dragon. Thorin then explained the trials that came with travelling across country to reclaim his throne and how she would receive a portion of the treasure hidden in the mountain if she did join him. When both had explained everything in as much detail as possible, Bella remained silent for some time as she thought over everything. She thought about how her place here in the shire would be forever changed because of the trouble the elders would stir up against her after tonight's events. She thought about Bilbo, who she has not seen in two years.

"I will go with you but I want something from you personally Thorin."

Thorin merely raised a bushy eyebrow as he waited for her to continue.

"I live a simple life and have no need for treasure, but I want to make a new life for myself away from the shire. If you grant me a place among your people then I will help you on your quest. "

Thorin looked amused. "Hobbits are much different than dwarves. If I granted you a place among my people you would have to except me as your king as well."

Bella had a hard time keeping his gaze but answered, "I had not thought of that, I have never had to bow my head to a king before but if it would mean a new start then I would give you what respect is due."

With a twinkle in his eye and a puff from his pipe, Gandalf asked, "I must say this is progressing faster than I thought."

"You would choose to leave all you have known and follow me. Why?"

"I always wanted to see what lay beyond the borders of what I have known. Also with my brother missing my place here in the shire is not what it once was, I must look for a new place."

Thorin remained silent and spared a glance at Gandalf before agreeing. "You can come with us but you must do your share of the work and take orders from me. There is no turning back once we leave."

"Agreed", she replied nervously.

"I will have terms of agreement drawn up for us both to sign."

"I would be willing to take you at your word."

Thorin thought for a moment and then called out in a loud voice for Balin to come into the room. Seconds later Balin came into the room with a scroll of paper and a pen. "Balin, she will not be signing but if you would bear witness tonight to us swearing."

"Of course."

Standing up Thorin looked at Bella as he spoke, "I Thorin II Oakenshield son of Thrain, son of Thror, King Under the Mountain swear to find Bella Baggins, daughter of Bellodonna Took a place among my people and kin."

Once he had reseated himself, Bella stood and keeping eye contact with Thorin spoke, "I Bella Baggins do swear to go with Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain. I swear to give him aid in returning to his homeland, and help find an end to this dragon." The last part she stuttered over as just thinking about dragons made her nervous.

When done speaking, she noticed that Thorin, Balin and Gandalf had an odd look about them, as if she had said something wrong.

Shrugging she walked out and joined the other dwarves in the cozy den. Seating herself in one of the large rocking chairs, she pulled her knitting into lap and began to knit another row in her soft scarf she was making. The dwarfs were scattered about the room smoking pipes and looking into the fire.

Balin watched Bella leave before speaking to both Gandalf and Thorin, "did that lass just do what I think she did?"

"Yes, I am believe she did", replied Gandalf and then he added, "She will find living among dwarves much different than that of hobbits. Why did you not correct her when she swore to go with you in addition to helping you take back your home?"

"I have my reasons", defended Thorin.

"The line of Durin will continue", was all Balin said with a chuckle before walking back to the den.

Bella was still knitting when Gandalf and Thorin rejoined them. Thorin sat opposite her in the matching chair and took out a pipe from somewhere on his person and began to smoke minutes later he began to sing in a rich baritone voice about a place far away over the misty mountains, his fellow dwarves soon joined him in the lament. Setting her knitting aside, Bella gazed into the flickering flames and for a moment, she thought she saw a something among the glowing coals but then it was gone. Resting her head back on the chair, she listens to dwarf's deep baritone, enjoying both the company and the song.

Bella closed her eyes and dreamed.