She never imagined to go on an adventure, especially one such as this. Further and further from her safe, warm smial they trod. Over hill and through the forests of Middle Earth. Bilba's heart longed for her armchair and garden, all the comforts of home. But she gave her word and signed the company's contract. She would not forsake them now.
As they all laid huddled together for warmth in the empty cave in the Misty Mountains, the hobbit sat lost in her thoughts. She has been lost ever since she left home. She has no place amongst us, Thorin had growled at the dwarves. His icy gaze bore into her until he turned away in disgust. I will prove my quality to this king in exile if it is the last thing I do. Straightening her spine she trudged behind Dwalin into the cave and out of the beating rain.
The snores of the dwarves echoed in the emptiness of their makeshift shelter. Unable to sleep, Bilba stood and wandered to the entrance, looking out across the jagged mountain range. A soft voice startled her from her reverie. "Where do you think you're going lass?" Bofur had first watch and sat smoking his pipe a few yards away.
"I'm not going anywhere. I just needed some fresh air and to clear my head." Smiling softly at the kind dwarf. Bilba clasped her small hands together behind her nervously.
The hatted dwarf leaned forward to look at the hobbit more closely. "If I didn't know better, I would think that you are trying to sneak away. I know you miss your home but…"
"No, you don't know. You and the others are accustomed to this wandering and not belonging anywhere." Seeing the look of sorrow on Bofur's face gave her pause. "I'm so sorry, Bofur. I…"
"It's alright lass. You are right. We don't have a home to belong to. But you are part of the company and belong with us."
"Thorin has made it perfectly clear that I am not needed or wanted here among his kin. Despite the fact that he allowed me to join you all on this quest. He despises me and I don't know why. I had hoped he would at least tolerate me for the sake of respecting Gandalf's decision. Everyday I try to be helpful and stay out of his way but nothing I do is good enough." Pained filled the lass's heart. She wanted the company to care for her the way that she has come to care for them.
Bofur stood and reached out to embrace the teary hobbit. "He will come around. You have to be patient with him. The weight of the world seems to rest on his shoulders. In time he will see your worth." Sniffling Bilba pulled back and gave the dwarf a watery smile. Looking over her shoulder, Bofur noticed something on the burglar's bedroll. "What's that?"
Following his gaze, Bilba caught sight of a glow laying next to her pack. "Oh no! Get up!" She yelled. The dwarves startling awake with shouts of surprise. Disoriented at the sudden shrill voice. Lines in the sand began to appear beneath the company's feet. The king under the mountain leapt from his blankets, shouting orders, "Out. All of you, get out!" His instructions useless as the ground opened up and swallowed them all. The dwarves slid out of control down the chute. Slamming into and tumbling over one another. Panic seized the hobbit's body as she bounced painfully off the rocks. Reaching out to steady herself, her hand came into contact with a tunic and she grasped it in her vice like grip. Warm, strong hands engulfed her own. Bilba looked up into Thorin's blue eyes with terror. He held her gaze for a moment then pulled her body into his as they began to freefall. The hobbit closed her eyes tight when she saw the platform rush to meet them. With a resounding thump and groans, the company landed in a tangled mess of limbs. High piercing shrieks echo across the gigantic cavern as hideous creatures tugged and pulled at the company. Dragging them all to their feet and pushed the dwarves along the rickety walkway. Pressing herself against the edges of the cage, the small hobbit was bypassed and forgotten. Slowly and hesitantly she stood. She was alone. The horrid goblins had captured her companions and Bilba was by herself. Taking a deep breath and steadying her little hobbit nerves, she tiptoed to follow after them. Maybe I can help, she thought. Cause a distraction so the company can escape. Before she could take two more steps, a straggling goblin leapt from an alcove onto her back. Thrashing and trying to get free from its grasp, Bilba stepped back out into open air and once again plummeted. I'm going to die, Bilba thought then all faded to black.