-The Slingshot-

April 31st, year 2941

It's been nearly three days since we left the Shire and this is the third entry in my travel journal. It's not really my job to keep a journal of this quest but I figured someone should do it and it doesn't seem as though anyone else is. Besides, it relaxes me.

So far the journey has been uneventful. We just left Bree the other day and are on our way east towards the Misty Mountains with Thorin in the lead. He is a wonderful leader! He is always so confident and sure of what he is doing, unlike myself. Of course, he does have a tendency to bicker with Gandalf about which way to go and stuff like that. I like Gandalf, he is a nice fellow; a bit strange, but nice.

The weather has been holding up quite nicely. Although, it looks like it might rain later. Dori's not going to like that. He hates the rain. He hates getting wet in general; it always makes him grouchy. Nori doesn't mind it. In fact I think he likes it. And so do I.

Right now, the company has stopped to make camp. Bofur and Dwalin have gone out to collect firewood while everyone else is resting after unpacking the ponies. I don't think Mr. Dwalin likes Bofur very much because he's always frowning at him. I mean more than he usually frowns at people. I don't know why. I like Bofur. He's very much like Gandalf; strange but nice and very friendly. He even let me wear his hat once. So far everyone has been nice, even Bifur. I'm not entirely sure about Mr. Dwalin though. Then again, it's kind of hard to tell with him anyway.

Well, that's enough for now. Tomorrow we continue our journey East towards Erebor. I hope and pray that the quest will succeed.

-Ori of Durin's Folk

"Ori."

Ori started when he heard a deep, baritone voice speak his name. He had been so absorbed in writing in his journal that he didn't notice the pair of heavily booted feet that suddenly appeared standing right in front of him until the person addressed him suddenly but with a soft tone.

He looked up and his brown eyes met the icy blue gaze of Thorin who was looking down at him with a stoic expression on his face. For a moment Ori remained where he was completely frozen, his eyes wide as he sat there awestruck at the sight of the kingly dwarf before him. He was so struck that he couldn't speak for a moment, engulfing them both in silence.

Thorin's face softened a bit when he saw the stunned look on Ori's face. "Do you have a moment?" He asked. "I wish to speak with you."

By this time Ori had gotten over his initial shock of having Thorin speaking to him and frantically stood up. "Oh, uh yes, of course!" He stammered nervously. He looked down and realized that he still had his journal in his hands. He looked around quickly for a moment before placing the journal into his pack which was leaning against the tree he had been sitting under. He started to hastily brush the dirt off of his clothes (as a way to make himself more presentably to Thorin) and waited for Thorin to start speaking. Instead, Thorin simply made a motion with his head, indicating that he wanted Ori to follow him. Ori tilted his own head but nevertheless trotted off to follow Thorin.

His heart was pounding with awe and fear within his chest as he walked next to Thorin, increasing his speed every once in a while to try and keep up with the older dwarf's long, steady strides. What could Thorin possibly want to talk to him about? Ori didn't even think that Thorin would notice him at all on this quest let alone talk to him since he is so small and insignificant compared to some of the other dwarves. So what was he going to say? Was he going to tell him that he was unfit to be here and go home? Ori did not know. But he would soon find out in a second.

Finally, Thorin stopped in front of a large boulder that stood a good ten feet from where the company had set up camp. He turned and looked at the young dwarrow, his eyes scanning him studiously. "Well." He said after a while. "You're probably wondering why I called you over here." Ori nodded, gulping slightly in the process. "You don't need to be nervous Ori." Thorin replied softly. "I simply want to know why you are here. Why did you come on this quest?"

Ori felt his heart rate increase. How was he supposed to answer this? "Uh, well..."

Thorin gave him a small smile. "It's not a deep question, Ori."

"Uh well, sir..." Ori started.

"Thorin is fine." Thorin replied. "Let's just be casual."

"Well, sir...I mean Thorin." Ori began. "My brother Dori and I weren't really planning on coming at all. The only reason why we did was because my other brother Nori had come against Dori's wishes. Dori followed him to take him back home, dragging me along with him. He doesn't like leaving me alone, you know." Thorin nodded, listening intently to Ori's tale. "That's all we were doing. But Nori wouldn't go home and after listening to what this quest was about, Dori thought it would be a good idea for all of us to come so that he could look after me and Nori."

Thorin nodded again. "Sounds like Dori forced you to come. Do you not want to be here?"

Ori's face was burning at being put on the spot like this. But he tried to keep as well hidden as he could. "No. No, I do want to be here. I want to be a part of this quest." Ori took a deep breath and straightened up to appear more confident. "I meant what I said back at Bag-end; I will take on Smaug by myself if I have to in order to see this quest fulfilled."

Thorin smirked at Ori's outrageous sounding claim. "And why is that?"

Ori's posture slumped a bit as he took a moment to contemplate Thorin's question. Why indeed? "Because..." Ori said, amazed at how calm he had suddenly become. "...because you are my kin and I want to help, even if only a little."

Thorin tilted his head slightly, gazing at the young dwarf with fondness glowing in his deep blue eyes. He reached forward and gently placed his hand on Ori's shoulder, sending tingles through his frame. "You're a good boy, Ori." Thorin said. "It's an honor to have you with us."

Ori felt a strong feeling of warm pride spread through his chest at hearing Thorin say those words to him. He had always felt unsure about whether or not he was worthy of being here and to hear Thorin their leader, the future king of Erebor, tell him that he appreciates having him in the company was the greatest thing that could happen to him. He hardly could contain his excited smile.

"I have one more question." Thorin said. "What weapons do you have with you?"

Well, that question was enough to send Ori crashing down from cloud 9. His smile faded and his eyes fell to the ground, ashamed of the truth he was about to admit. "I don't have any." He answered. "No real ones anyway; all I have is my knife." He pulled out the small knife that was tucked into his belt. It was small, probably about four inches long.

Thorin looked down at it then back up at Ori. "Have you ever used a real weapon before?"

Ori shook his head. "Dori doesn't like the idea of me handling weapons at all, especially the sharp ones. He thinks I'll hurt myself."

"I know." Thorin replied, causing Ori to tilt his head curiously. "I already spoke to him. He seems very hesitant about letting you use a weapon. However, if you're going to come on this quest and help us defeat Smaug, you're going to have to have some way to defend yourself. Thankfully, despite Dori's disinclination about letting you use a weapon, him and I were able to work out a somewhat shaky compromise. And that's the other reason why I wanted to speak with you; I have something to give you."

Ori tilted his head again and watched as Thorin reached into his belt and pulled something out, presenting it to him with both hands. It was a slingshot, made out of smooth, polished wood with diamond-like designs carved into the bottom half of the handle. Ori looked down at it in curiosity as he gently took it from Thorin.

"A slingshot?" He asked.

"I admit, it may not be the most effective weapon." Thorin said. "And in some circumstances it's not. But until we can convince Dori to let you use a proper weapon, that's the best option we have right now since you need something to defend yourself with in the meantime. It works best for long range fighting and I don't think you'll have to worry too much about close range since Dori will probably be doing most of your fighting for you." Ori rolled his eyes at how true that statement was. "Besides, you never know what you can do with any weapon, no matter how insignificant it may be. I've heard stories about boys slaying giants with nothing but slingshots. So don't be too quick to dismiss the possibilities."

Ori nodded then gave him a confused frown. "Why do you have a slingshot with you?" He asked bluntly.

Thorin smiled. "I got it from my cousin Dain when I was about your age; back when I had more vigor. I was quite good with it. Everyone always said it was a 'lucky slingshot', but I never believed in luck. Still, I always carry it with me just in case."

Ori immediately felt a pang of guilt. "Th-Thorin, I can't." He said, trying to give the slingshot back to him.

Thorin stopped him. "Take it, Ori. You need it more than I do, just until you're allowed to use a real weapon. Understood?"

Ori nodded. "Thank you." He said. Thorin nodded then patted Ori on the shoulder before turning to leave. Ori looked down at the slingshot which he had clasped firmly in both hands and suddenly he felt a sting of panic. "Thorin! Thorin, wait!" He called.

Thorin stopped and turned to face him. "Yes, what is it?" He inquired.

"There's, um...there's a problem." He said, embarrassed by what he was about to confess. "I, uh...I don't know...how..."

Thorin raised his eyebrows. "You don't know how to fire a slingshot?" He asked. Ori shook his head sheepishly. "Didn't you ever play with one when you were younger?"

Ori shook his head again. "Dori wouldn't let me. He thought I'd hurt myself with that too."

Thorin gave Ori a look that was a cross between surprise and pity. "Really?" He asked. Ori nodded. "Well, I always knew Dori was strict but I didn't know he was that strict."

"Dori is a fussy old git!" Ori replied. "You have no idea!" He immediately clapped his hand over his mouth. "Don't tell him I said that please."

"Not a word." Thorin replied before letting out a sigh. "Well, we can't have that, can we? No use giving you a weapon that you don't know how to use. Come with me."

"What?" Ori asked confused.

"Come with me." Thorin repeated. "I'm going to teach you how to fire a slingshot. We have to start now before the sun sets. Come."

Ori frowned in confusion and surprise but nevertheless hastened to catch up with Thorin.

Thorin led Ori out a little farther into the wooded area that surrounded the campsite. On the way out, they grabbed five metal cups that the company used for drinking. After a minute of walking they came upon a large overturned tree laying flat on the forest floor. Thorin then started lining the cups side by side about an inch apart along the top of it. He walked over to Ori and gently took the slingshot from him. The two of them backed up until they were about ten feet from the tree.

"Hold these." Thorin told Ori, handing him the handful of stones he had pick up along the way. Ori obeyed and Thorin took one of the stones, placed it in the slingshot and pulled the string back, aiming it carefully before releasing it and sending it flying through the air with a frightening speed, hitting one of the metal cups and knocking it off the fallen tree with a loud clang.

"Nice shot!" Ori exclaimed.

Thorin shrugged. "I told you I was good with these when I was younger. However I haven't used one in a while so I've gotten a bit rusty with it."

Ori shook his head slightly and watched as Thorin fired more stones and hit each of the cups off of the fallen tree one by one, only missing a few times. Afterwards, he walked over and collected all the cups (thankfully they were sturdy and didn't dent), setting them up in the same fashion as before. He walked back and handed the slingshot to Ori.

"Now you try." He said.

Ori hesitated but nevertheless took the slingshot as Thorin moved to stand next to him on his right. He helped him load it and Ori nervously pulled the string back and shakily tried to aim at the first cup.

"Relax Ori, and lift your elbows more." Thorin said calmly as he gently lifted Ori's elbows up a bit. "Use the center of the Y as your aim."

Ori held his aim for a little bit. But the more he held it, the shakier and more nervous he got. "I can't!" He said, suddenly lowering the slingshot.

"Yes you can." Thorin said patiently. "You need to have more faith in yourself Ori. You've got what it takes; you just need to practice and have patience. Now, give it a try."

Ori looked at him for a moment then nodded, lifting the slingshot to try again. He held his aim for a moment. However, his nerves got the better of him and he released too soon. The stone didn't hit the cup but the side of the fallen tree right below it.

"Look out!" Thorin shouted, both of them ducking when the stone bounced off of a tree branch and came flying at them, just missing their heads by an inch. Ori stood up feeling mortified and looked at Thorin, expecting him to be angry at him for nearly taking their heads off. But instead Ori was met with a very different and surprising sight.

Thorin was laughing.

Ori stood there stunned. He'd hardly ever seen Thorin really smile let alone heard him laugh. It was a rare, and as Ori could clearly see now, a wonderful thing. Thorin's laugh was deep and warm, echoing through the trees and passing through Ori's being like a merry song. It was contagious; all of it. His laugh, his bright white smile and the glimmer of mirth in his striking blue eyes was more than enough to draw a smile out of the young dwarf and cause his self doubt to fade a little.

"Well..." Thorin said after his laughter had died down, although traces of it still lingered on his features. "...anyone who says that slingshots aren't deadly weapons had better not ever cross your path."

"Thorin, I'm sorry." Ori said.

Thorin simply smile and placed his hand on Ori's shoulder. "Don't apologize, Ori. Everyone has mishaps and I don't expect you to get it right the first try; that's what practice is for. Now, let's try it again, shall we?"

Ori nodded then readied himself to fire the slingshot again. He pulled the string back, aiming it as carefully as he could this time before releasing it. The stone didn't hit the first cup, but it came really close to it.

"That was better." Thorin said. "However, you keep releasing it too soon. Take your time. Of course, in a real fight, time is not something you usually have a lot of, but let's just work on it for now."

Ori nodded then readied the slingshot once again, pulling it back and aiming it at that first cup which seemed to be alluding him.

"Remember, take your time." Thorin said as he leaned a little closer, looking over Ori's shoulder.

Ori tried his best not to pay attention too much to Thorin and tried to remain focused on his aim. But having Thorin leaning so close to him, practically breathing down his neck and watching him closely, was making Ori even more nervous than before. Thankfully his hands were not shaking. However, his nerves chose to show up in a different form.

Turns out the combination of his nerves and the vise like grip he had on the handle of the slingshot was causing his hands to get all sweaty. He could feel his hold on it begin to falter regardless of how much he tightened his grip and the mitts he was wearing. Eventually it gave out completely and the slingshot slipped from his hand and went springing backwards. However, instead of hitting Ori, like it should have, the slingshot bounced back and hit Thorin square in the face!

Thorin lurched back with a short cry and clutched his face where the slingshot had hit him. Ori's eyes widened with horror and concern when he quickly realized what had just happened. "Thorin! Thorin, are you all right?!"

"Argh! See, see?" Thorin said, still holding onto his face. "What did I tell you? Deadly weapon."

Well, that was the end of that lesson. Upon returning to the camp Thorin went right to Oin to have his facial injuries looked at. Thankfully all he suffered from was a small cut and a bruise under his left eye. Ori stood by worriedly as Thorin leaned against a tree with a cold, wet clothe pressed on his injuries. The other dwarves soon heard about what happened. Fili and Kili were at first concerned for their uncle. However, once they learned the truth of the matter, their concern was replaced with amusement. Ori could see them both trying to hold back their snickers and it caused his ears to turn pink with embarrassment. Of course, Thorin was able to somber down his nephews by shooting them both a quick glare, causing them to turn and walk away.

"See? What did I say?" Dori said. "I told you it was too dangerous."

"Dori." Thorin said. "It was an accident. Accidents happen. Trial and error is what comes with learning things. Besides, Ori needs to learn how to defend himself. And this, according to you, was the safest option. Remember?"

Dori nodded then turned and left, leaving Ori and Thorin alone. Ori looked at Thorin with an apologetic look. "Thorin, I'm really, really sorry."

Thorin shook his head. "Don't be, Ori; I've had worse scars than this."

"I'm such a clumsy idiot!" Ori said.

"No, you're not." Thorin replied. "You were just nervous. I'm sure with more practice your nerves will disappear and you'll get it right." He gave Ori a smile and Ori smiled back at him a bit. "Now..." Thorin continued. "...we'll try again tomorrow. Maybe then things will be better."

Ori nodded in agreement.