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.
And then, there was silence
The laughter was loud as Bilbo walked towards the door. He was raging! He was furious! He was out of his mind. The dwarves exactly knew what was waiting for him, but non of them would warn him. The reaction was just so amusing and only Nolla felt pity for him. She could understand what her neighbour was going through and she probably would have raged as well, if her house was under the attack of dwarves but it was not hers! She for once enjoyed the company of the dwarves so far.
Bilbo was muttering to himself as he laid one hand on the doorknob, but didn't opened it right away. He could hear chatter and loud mumble from the other side. So many different voices at once and pure panic grew inside him. The hobbit took a deep breath before he opened the door with one quick move.
THUMP!
His eyes widened as a horde of dwarves fell inside his house. Under moaning noises, the dwarves rolled around on the ground, trying their best to get up. Bilbo couldn't count how many they were and he wasn't sure if under a dwarf, another was hiding! As his eyes glanced over the mumbling mountain, he saw a familiar face looking directly at him.
"Gandalf.." He sighed and stemmed both hands into his hip, he couldn't believe it. Nolla gasped loudly as she heard the name and without thinking, she pushed the mug into Filis hands. She walked quickly over and her eyes just casually glanced over the dwarf mountain. Her attention was drawn to the human, who was standing behind them. How could she forget his name?!
It was Gandalf! The wandering wizard! She should have known that he had something to do with the unexpected guests. Every time something abnormal happened in the Shire, it was his work! Just like this one time he decided to scare every hobbit with a false beast, made out of smoke. But it also had a good side.
Every time Gandalf would come for a visit, a great festival was given in his honour and he would entertain the folk with an interesting tale of a country, far far away.
"Gandalf! It's a pleasure to see you again." She said with a wide smile on her face. Perhaps, he was going to make the evening even more enjoyable for her! But something told her, he was here for another reason. Maybe it was because he had a serious expression and not the usual friendly smile on his face. The dwarves somehow managed to stand up and wasted no time to spread around the small house. Walking around with dirty boots, inspecting everything with curious eyes and touching every little piece the house could offer.
It was hard to ignore the loud conversations in the background, but she tried to only concentrate on the wizard. She still had to figure out what he wanted.
The wizard nodded as he slowly tried to walk inside. He took his time to enter, due his size, he had to make sure not to hit his head on the entrance. Poor Gandalf, she thought as she watched him come closer with a lowered upper body. "Good evening." He greeted the hobbits in his friendly manner, but ignored the angry looks of Bilbo completely.
"What are you doing in the Shire?" Nolla then asked, folding her hands together.
"Well, I have some plans to do with Bilbo here." He said and took off the old, grey hat. Nolla frowned a little. Of course, it was not her business and she was never the lucky one to have something so random, so amusing happen to her. Even though it would be awkward to be overrun by strangers.
"But you are of course invited Miss Nolla." He nodded. "The more, the better!" He quickly added and formed a smile on his lips. She would have jumped in joy but this certain smile was a sign. He was planning something. She had seen it before and knew his mind was working on a little surprise. Nolla decided not to care for it now. The loud noises were just so distracting!
The small hobbit spun around and her eyes couldn't decide on what to focus first. They were so many dwarves! And everyone was a different character. She tried to remember all the names, which was a hard task for her. Remembering names wasn't one of her strongest features.
But she found a way to make it a little easier for her. Well, Dwalin, Balin, Fili and Kili she already knew. The appearance and little accessories helped her a lot with the rest. It was easy to remember Bofur, he was the one with the brown hat. Ori, probably the youngest, was a ginger dwarf with a large book and quills in his hands. She wondered what he was sketching all the time, perhaps she could get a small glance.
Bombur was probably the heaviest around, but he was a quite lovely ginger dwarf with an enormous hunger. She felt a little unease around Bifur, a rather wilder dwarf with a long black and grey beard. It probably was because she couldn't understand what he was saying! Dori was one of the older dwarves and he was rather short just like his beard. He was looking a little grumpy.
She chuckled to herself as Nori walked pass her. His hair style was actually amusing and probably a typical dwarf thing. Now Gloin was really impressive. His beard was wild and he had a face of a true warrior. He probably could tell some interesting war stories. And then there was Oin. He was probably the oldest and he didn't spoke much. He staid quiet but she had a feeling that he was wise.
The dwarves wasted no time and a few of them disappeared into the kitchen. Nolla could her the noise of dishes being piled up and pans landing on the oven. She was curious what they could be cooking. She felt quite uncomfortable between the taller ones anyway and decided to join the kitchen front. Even though she was much smaller, she still managed to be in the way or bump into someone. "So sorry!" She said as she stepped on Dwalins foot.
But he just raised one eyebrow a little higher and walked away. She sighed in relief as she finally entered the kitchen and only found three of the dwarves. Gloin grabbed for a few plates and quickly left the kitchen again and as she walked around another one, Bifur, she just shyly smiled at him. She didn't dared to say anything because he would probably grunt in dwarf language. Embarrassing.
Well and then there was Bofur. She may had just met him, but she couldn't imagine his face without a smile. He nodded at her as his eyes caught her.
"What are you cooking?" Nolla asked as she leaned a little over his shoulder
"It's a old family recipe. Some soup, here, try it!" He said and swirled the long wooden spoon around. He then fished a little of the dark brown brew with the spoon and held it in her direction. She blinked for a second, but the smell was so teasing. She carefully tasted the soup and it sure was delicious! She wondered what ingredients he could have used but dared not to ask. A family recipe was usually a big secret!
He smiled gently as he could see the pleasure in he eyes. "So Miss Nolla." He said while adding a little more salt. "You coming with us too?" But no answer was given, only questioned eyes were resting on him.
"I'm not quite sure what you mean, you see, I was only here by accident. I was visiting Bilbo earlier and then, well you showed up!" She answered in all honesty and it was the truth. Sure, she had planned on getting some informations out of Bilbo and his conversation with Gandalf earlier, but who could have ever guessed this was going to happening!
Bofur chuckled a little and glanced over his shoulder. "Perhaps you were meant to be in the right place, at the right time. You see, some accidents evolve into something greater we just can't see at the moment." It was mind troubling for her to meet such a generous stranger. Her mother had always told her, to stay way from people she don't know and to keep and close eye on every stranger. So it was normal for Nolla to be suspicious towards folks she didn't knew.
In the Shire, everyone knew anybody. She knew all the faces here and had lived with them for so many years! She grew insecure for the unknown. But now, after meeting such friendly people, her world turned around. It really hit her mind and heart to see Bofur being so honest and gently. She gasped loudly as she suddenly was grabbed by her shoulders. With a big laugh, Fili had reached out for her and pushed her out of the kitchen.
He gently navigated her towards the dinner room. "Hope you didn't thought I would forget about you!" He smirked down to her and the tone in his voice made her stomach feel .. well, she couldn't describe it, it was an awkward feeling. She wasn't used to these kind of flirty comments. "Everything is prepared!" He added as they walked inside the filled room.
The rest of the dwarf pack was sitting on the big table and only the two in the kitchen were missing, but quickly followed as Nolla was forced to sit down. She was sitting between the siblings and with a surprised face, she glanced over the feast. It just looked so fantastic! The dwarves really knew how to cook a meal. Everything Bilbo was holding in his pantry, was now on the table and the different scents enchanted her nose. After she felt a small bump on her right shoulder, her gaze wandered around.
She noticed how everyone was holding their overfilled mugs and it seemed, they were just waiting for her. With a silent oh she grabbed for her own and could assume what happened next.
"Cheers for the lass!" Dwalin yelled with his deep voice. With roaring sounds, the dwarves yelled for her sake. Her chest felt suddenly so warm and thankfully. She was so happy as everyone wished her the best. Strangers, celebrating with her and cheering for her. What else could happen?
She lifted her own mug into the air and this was the sign for the dwarves to let the slaughter begin.
In just seconds, everything turned around and good behaviour was forgotten. Many hands grabbed for the fresh food as they filled their empty plates. Nolla had the impression it was their first meal in weeks! The good old ale disappeared even faster like a drop of water on hot stone. Her eyebrows rose up as she saw how food was flying directly in front of her.
They passed the food around by throwing pieces at each other!
No one cared if pieces of the meal landed on the floor or if ale was spilled all over the table. The loud munching was pain for her ears and everything was just a giant mess, but it was taking with so much joy, that Nolla felt bad for chuckling to herself. After all it was Bilbos house. She leaned forward a little and as her eyes glanced around, she saw her neighbour standing in the empty pantry. He was speechless and just stared into nothing. Perhaps she could bring him a few fruits tomorrow morning.
After everyone had a enough food, the dwarves left the empty plates on the table and wandered around the house. Nolla had excused herself to the few dwarves, which were still sitting on the table for an after drink. She saw how Gandalf was following Bilbo into the kitchen, and she really didn't wanted to miss the small chat.
"They aren't that bad after you get used to them." The wizard said as he straightened his back. Every time he had the opportunity to stretch a little, he would. It must be torture for him, she thought to herself. These buildings are definitely not made for a normal sized human. She caught up with them and listened closely.
"I don't want to get used to them!" He yelled. But to yell, meant to whisper in Bilbos world.
She chuckled a little. "I find them rather amusing! Even with these eating manners." If eyes were able to kill, she would have dropped to the ground like a stone.
"Oh! I would be amused too if it wasn't my house!" He spoke with a low voice towards her. Bilbo sighed and moved one hand over his face. He didn't wanted to imagine the chaos he he to clean up. He! And no one else. "Why are they here anyway?" He asked, looking now up to the wizard.
But before Gandalf could answer, Ori walked between them. "Excuse me, but what should I do with my plate?" He asked switching eyes between Bilbo and the plate. There was no time for him to answer. Another one joined them already. They really do, come out of nowhere, Nolla thought as she saw Fili.
"Here you go Ori, give it to me." He said calm and took the plate out of his hand. The mouths of the two hobbits opened in pure horror at the same time as Fili threw the plate away. He just threw it! But it didn't landed on the floor, in fact it was caught by Kili in the last moment. Now that's a new way to scare a hobbit. Bilbo tried to catch the next plate, which was flying out of the dinner room, but he was just too short.
"Excuse me! Can you not do that?!" He yelled and spun around in a circle. But he had no time to worry about these two, there was a dull sound of heavy boots trampling on the ground in the dinner room. He just had to see what was going on in there. With curses on his tongue, Bilbo stormed off!
As Nolla turned with Bilbo to watch him disappeared around the corner, she saw a knife coming directly for her! Oh how she wished she could remember how to use her legs. The sudden danger pushed her into a shock and her mind just left her.
A hand quickly grabbed for the knife and stopped it just a few inches away from her face. "Miss, you should probably move out of the way." Fili said as he leaned in a little. He grabbed for her waistband and pulled her behind him. These dwarves, she thought as she watched Kili jump around like a wild deer.
Everything went just down hill. The dwarves started to sing with deep voices as they gathered the plates, bottles and mugs together. Piling them up into dangerously high towers. Throwing knives and forks only to avoid serious wounds in the last minute. Even though they just meant to play a little prank on Bilbo, it was pure terror for him. He was as pale as the moon, which was standing high on the sky and shimmering through the windows. Time had passed so quickly, it was already so late.
"See, all save." Fili said towards Nolla as he stepped to the side to offer her a free glance. All plates were cleaned and neatly piled up. Glasses and mugs still perfectly in shape Knives and forks nicely arranged next tot he plates. The dwarves laughed with heart as they saw the faces of the hobbits.
But then, there was silence.
Three loud knocks disturbed the laughter. The dwarves glanced around and Gandalfs face changed into a serious expression. Nolla noticed the dramatically atmosphere change and wondered who could it be. Well, obviously a dwarf, she thought, but which role could the last one play?
The party was over and Gandalf was the first to walk over to the door, quickly followed by the dwarf pack and Bilbo, who was pushed between them, like a leaf in the wind. He just hoped this nightmare would end soon. With feather light steps, Nolla tried her best to get a front seat for this show. She somehow managed to end up in the font row, but a sudden feel inside her stomach, made her feel unease.
It felt like the calm before a heavy storm. The unbearable silence before a fight. Even though she had no idea who was behind the door. But finally, Gandalf opened the door with one swift swing and just as expect, there was a dwarf standing!
But this one, was different. He was different.
He was slightly taller than the rest and dressed in armour from head to toe. His arms were hiding behind thick, dark leather. Enhanced with heavier metal plates. Shoulders and chest were protected by chain armour and a he was wearing a light brown coat, made out of leather and fur against the cold. His beard was short, but the long black and grey hair, reflected his age.
"Gandalf." He said and slowly stepped inside the house. His expression told her everything. He wasn't here for the party nor the cake. Perhaps, this is the business the wizard had mentioned earlier. "I thought you said this was easy to find. I have lost the way, twice." He spoke as he untied his dark brown mantle. Nolla hadn't noticed, but she made herself smaller than she already were. She felt quite uncomfortable as he came a little closer. Maybe it was due his size or it was because he looked rather angry.
She feared he would start to yell any minute now. But there was this small moment, when she caught him smiling. He smiled gently under his beard as his eyes caught Kili and the young dwarf, returned it. Her eyes switched between the two and she tried to understand what their relationship could be.
"Well, you found it, at last." Gandalf cleared his throat. "Bilbo Baggins, please let me introduce you to, Thorin Oakenshield. The leader of our quest." The wizard said with an over friendly voice and nodded at the small hobbit next to him. Thorin glanced over the hobbit, inspecting him from head to toe as he slowly begun to walk around him.
"So, that's the hobbit. Tell me Mister Baggins, have you done much fighting before?" But he only got silence as answer. "Axe or sword? What is your weapon of choice?" His tone was rough and his behaviour raw. He didn't hid his words behind fancy phrases. Bilbo didn't understood what the dwarf exactly wanted, so he only shrug with his shoulders.
"Thought as much." Thorin said as he gave Bilbo an rather arrogant smirk. Nollas gaze wandered around the dwarves as she noticed how everyone chuckled or at least grinned with Thorins words. They exactly knew what he was talking about. She had no time to investigate the behaviour any further, because as her head turned back on the last guest, she stared directly into two piercings eyes. She gulped.
"And who is that?" He then asked, raising one eyebrow up and nodding into her direction. Why exactly did her mind thought it was a good idea to forget the own name? She didn't knew. It was probably because he was so intimidating.
"That of course is Nolla Primstone." Lucky for her that Gandalf was a master of fast thinking. She took a deep breath as Thorin turned away from her.
"I wasn't informed to take care of two hobbits." His facial expression darkened as he glanced up to the wizard. Now it was her turn to raise an eyebrow. Take care? She thought and sharpened her mind for a swift answer. She just couldn't stand this undertone in his voice, it made her blood boil
"Well, it was certainly not planned." Gandalf spoke as he rested one hand on the wood next to him.
"That's a relief then." Thorin answered and walked towards the dinner room, but he just couldn't resist. "If we are taking one of them with us, definitely not the female." He said as he directly passed her. Her mouth opened in shock, she had never seen such a arrogant person before and the glance he gave her was provoking.
"Well yes, I'm quite happy I don't have to linger in your majestic company as well, prince charming." She whispered to herself, but loud enough for him to hear it. Perhaps it was because he didn't expected an sharp comment, but Thorin actually stopped in his movement for a moment. She held her chin up high as she walked in first.
The big group settled down on the table and all eyes were resting on the last dwarf. Bofur had brought him some soup and a mug filled with good ale. Nolla listened with caution to the conversation, she still needed to find out what they wanted here!
"They said this is our journey and ours alone." Thorin said and a deep sigh left him. The disappointment was lingering in the air like the smoke of the pipes and with shaking heads, the dwarves glanced around each other. Searching the others for a spark of hope.
"Journey?" The thin voice of Bilbo appeared behind Thorin and suddenly, everyone seemed to remember that he was still here. Gandalf nodded into his direction and waved him a little closer.
The old wizard pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and laid it flat on the table. "As you can tell by now, dear Bilbo we are on a quest, and this is our goal." He pointed at the map in front of him. Bilbo came closer, leaning over a little as his eyes searched the wrinkled paper.
"The lonely mountain." He whispered to himself.
"Erebor?!" Nolla had lifted up her head and stared with unbelieving eyes into the round. "You want to reclaim Erebor?" She then asked. Perhaps it was because the dwarves didn't expected a hobbit to know something about the world outside of the Shire, but Gandalf nodded with a soft smile.
"And I thought hobbits only know the Shire!" Fili said said turning his head a little into her direction. The small hobbit was sitting between the siblings, and she was lucky about it. At least far away from the stubborn one..
"Well, a few of us like to read and learn. I've heard the tale of the old dwarf kingdom and what happened to the citizens." She pressed her lips together as soon as the last words had left her mouth. She just realized who these dwarves actually were and what their story was. It made sense. And she understood why they would need a wizard, but why Bilbo? He was definitely not a warrior.
"Indeed, that is the plan and I'm sure we can make it." Gandalf glanced around the round and lowered his voice. "But we have to act with caution. We have to be smart about this and stay silent. Our minds must remain sharp. And that is exactly, where Bilbo comes in!" He leaned back a little as the long wooden pipe landed between his lips.
"Say what?" Bilbo asked in confusion, but was completely overheard.
"Perhaps you should have found a real buglar. Maybe one with more experience." Thorin groaned with a deep voice. He didn't cared if Bilbo was listening nor did he cared if he could hurt anyone with his words. He spoke his mind. Dwalin and Balin were the only dwarves to nod in agreement.
.There was short silence as Gandalf gathered his thoughts together. He had to be sharp with these dwarves, one on wrong word and anything could go wrong. "I do think Bilbo is the right hobbit. There is more inside him than any of us can see and more he may can see in himself now. Trust me." He said and watched Thorin with fierce eyes.
He could tell how the dwarf was thinking over his words, considering every dangerously situation they could encounter. A deep sigh left his throat as he nodded.
"Fine. If you think it's right, we do it your way. Give him the contract!" Thorin said then with a firm voice and nodded over to Balin. The older dwarf understood and with a loud rustle, he searched his pocket. Curious eyes were resting on him as he held the papers in his hand. But before Balin could explain anything about those papers of him, the contract was snatched out of his hand by Thorin and thrown into Bilbos face.
So many thoughts were rushing through his mind as he started to read the contract. Of course it was... interesting but dangerous and he no one could tell him what was going to happen. Bilbo unfolded the whole thing and it almost reached the ground!
It was just so long and filled with so many words! His throat tied up as he suddenly caught some unfriendly words and his eyes grew bigger.
"Does..does this say burning wounds?" He asked, leaning forward a little.
"Well it's a dragon. You can expect to get a little heat here and there." Bofur said with a rather bored tone. Bilbo swallowed hard and his head begun to spun. His stomach turned around and he felt ..well quite sick.
"Yeah, not going to happen." He then said and dropped to the ground like a rock. Nolla gasped as she saw him faint and she quickly stood up and sprinted over to him. Poor Bilbo, she thought as she knelt next to him. She could understand what he was going through and it wasn't an easy decision to make.
"And you are telling me he is the right buglar?" Thorin asked as he stood up and straightened his back. "Perhaps, hobbits aren't made for these things. He should stay home. I'm not going to risk anyone's life for him." His words sounded so swollen in Nollas ears and she definitely didn't liked the way he was talking about hobbits. The urge to fight grew stronger. One more word..I dare you, she thought.
"I'm glad we are not going to take both with us -"
"Okay, we get it. You don't like hobbits and most of us probably don't like you, got it. Can you please just be quiet?" Perhaps she shouldn't have said it, but for her it was the right decision at the right time. "Oh and who are you to say hobbits aren't made for these thins? Don't act like you are a king around here."
Oh the tension.
The tension was so thick in the air, no one dared to say anything. Eyes were just switching between the two and the siblings already prepared themselves to jump in.
"Who are you you to tell me to stay quiet? It is the truth! Look at him, he fainted just by words and I assume you aren't any better. Let me guess, you have never held a sword before nor do you have any fighting experience, am I right?" Thorin crossed his arms in front of his chest and waited patiently for an answer, even thought he knew it already.
She understood what he was trying to do here, he wanted her to embarrass herself in front of everyone. She struggled to find a clever answer, after all, he was somewhat right, of course she would never admit it in public.
"To wield a sword can be learned. To understand the strategy behind a war, can be taught. But to stand against those, who are taller, is a matter of great courage. Something that can't be learned or taught by anyone." Gandalfs voice was low as he allowed his mind to speak freely. "Miss Nolla would fit right in."
It may was because she wasn't the youngest any more or it was due the loud noises earlier, but she swore her ears just heard how Gandalf suggested to come on the journey as well. She could hear the deep sigh of Thorin, but before he could say anything, he was interrupted.
"I can teach her how to fight with a sword! That's not a problem!" It was Fili, to be the first who spoke for her. But he was quickly followed by his younger sibling.
"And if that isn't working out, I can teach her how to use a bow." The siblings just quickly glanced to each other before they nodded in perfect sync. Nolla smiled widely as she saw how these two were standing up for her.
And just as she thought before, the two young dwarves seemed to have a special influence on Thorin, she yet had to figure out. The three dwarves just stared at each other without saying anything and it felt like hours for her. But finally, Thorin was the first to make a move.
"Do whatever you please, but I won't change my mind nor will I be the one who is responsible for her." He said rough and walked out of the room. It was easy to say that he was quite unhappy with the decision, but she was happy to have at least three others standing behind her.
There was no time to think or worry about the stubborn dwarf any more, there was still Bilbo laying on the ground, who needed her attention now more. So, her neighbour was carried over to his bed for some rest. He may would feel better after a good nap, and some lovely tea.
"You think he is coming with us?" She asked, turning a little towards Gandalf.
"Perhaps. It is up to him. This decision is life changing and anyone of us will be a different person after this." His words came with a serious tone and inflamed so many thoughts in he mind.
"You think I will make it? You know I can't even fight." The fear was painted all over her face as she was escorted to the door. What if something unexpected happened? What if some creatures beyond her imagination would attack? What if she got lost along the road? Or even worse, wounded. Or killed!
"I don't know Nolla." He answered in all honesty. "Perhaps non of us will make it. Perhaps we all fall." Not the answer she was hoping for. "But perhaps, we will find out more as the journey goes on. Don't drown your mind in deep thoughts Nolla. Some of us aren't meant to be a brave warrior. A few of us, are meant to fulfil another purpose. Just think about your mother." He smiled gently at her.
She assumed he was talking about something she couldn't see right now but before she could ask any more questions, the door was closed directly in front of her. She hadn't noticed how she was navigated outside! She blinked a few times before she sighed.
"Wizards.." The small hobbit murmured to herself as she turned around.
At least it was another beautiful night, probably without sleep for her, because her mind would keep her up all night, but beautiful. A blueish smoky cloud, slowly crawled before her free glance into the sky and caught her attention. Nolla slowly turned her head around but immediately regretted the decision.
Dark eyes were meeting hers for just a second, but quickly switched away from her. She definitely didn't expected to see Thorin sitting outside on the small bench and now hoped, he didn't heard anything of her conversation with Gandalf just a few moments ago!
He was leaned back and enjoying a pipe as he tried to calm his mind. There was an awkward silence between the two and neither of them had the urge of an conversation. There was nothing to say, nothing to do. So, Nolla decided to ignore him as she started to walk down the stone stairs.
"You should stay here." Just as she was about to close the small fence gate behind her, his voice tingled through her ears. "It's not save for .. someone like you." For a brief second she thought there was a carrying tone in his voice, but the impression was quickly destroyed after the last few words were spoken.
"Maybe." She said and closed the door. "But I'm taking the risk. I don't want to die here as an old hobbit, not knowing what could be waiting for me." Nolla nodded at him and turned around.
She could have picked up the fight again, but decided against it. For now, there was no reason to and she was tired. She needed her comfortable bed and perhaps a warm tea. There was much to think about. Thorin watched her until she disappeared inside her own house and a deep sigh broke the silence.
"Wizards.." He whispered.
Ergs! Sorry for the delay, I was quite busy :C ! Alrighty, chapter two is out and update will be coming soon. I will take it slow with Thorin x Nolla. Wouldn't feel right to force them into romance.
See you next time! Reviews are always appreciated.
