Chapter 2: Bilbo's... Guests?

"I just can't take it, Bilbo. I can't." Merida threw her arms up at the last words, chunks of her hair getting caught in the upwind. For a moment, it seemed her wrath had summoned a halo of flames about her, but the curly locks, too thick to stay upright for long, quickly fell to her back with a thump. Her eyes were on fire as well, and her cheeks flushed from the surge of emotions.

"By Durin's name, either she is completely mad, or has driven me so!" Her voice was shrill as she paced back and forth across the oak floors, her bare feet slapping the wood so hard it shook the tea sets and lamps and other fragile things set about the room. All Bilbo could do was follow nervously behind and hope he wasn't slapped or kicked by her flailing limbs. She was a good head taller than he, and that always intimidated him.

"Me-Merida."

"She declared my- my- betrothal." The last word was practically spat out like poison. She stopped suddenly, causing the smaller hobbit to almost smack into her, and it was all he could do not to squeak when she spun round and shouted, "My BETROTHAL, Bilbo!"

Another fling of the arms, another halo of fiery hair. Bilbo had never seen her this livid before, and it terrified him to no end.

"Me-Merida..." He tried to steady his quivering voice, but she took no notice of his words. She roared in frustration as she continued her rampage.

"Oh, that insane, controlling, sniveling, consorting-"

"Merida-"

"Back-stabbing, scheme-plotting, dirty, rotten, selfish-"

"Merida!"

"I hate her, Bilbo. I do! With all my heart and soul and with every fiber of my being, I hate-"

"Good heavens Merida, will you shut your mouth and LISTEN for a moment?!"

Merida's mouth clamped shut, startled by the sudden outburst. She slowly turned on her heels to face the hobbit, her expression of fury melting into that of puzzlement and a bit of admiration. She had never heard the man speak so boldly, never saw him stare at her with such a look of confident admonishment. He was... scolding her. She simply stared at Bilbo with a slightly stunned expression, her brows rising slightly. This small action faltered his confidence a bit, but he forced that not to show.

"Merida." He stated again.

"Yes, Bilbo?" She asked, a slight amusement on her tone. Her soul, however, still boiled and fumed beneath the seemingly calm demeanor.

He huffed a frazzled sigh, but somehow Merida knew his frustration was not over her. He swung his arm toward his small pantry, quickly muttered, "I have guests," then allowed he arm to fall stiffly back to his side. Merida's brows flew even higher and her eyes grew round with curiosity.

"Guests...?" She repeated with disbelief, to which Bilbo gave an offended huff and stated something along the lines of "well don't look so surprised. I'm not a hermit," but Merida ignored him. Her eyes were on his "guests" which stood in the pantry. They seemed more planted than standing, however, their broad torsos, wide girths and stout feet making it seem as if they would collapse through the floor any second. There were two of them, mouth and arms stuffed with enough food to satiate an army. The pair stared at Merida with the same shock, awe, and curiosity that she gave them.

"Dwarves." Merida breathed, and all the wonder and disbelief she felt seemed to be captured in that one word.

AN: So... I couldn't wait and had to post another chapter. That's what happens when I get a three day weekend; got the next 6 chapters written and I can't wait to post them. A certain pair of dwarven princes arrive at the next chapter. ;D

Once again, reviews are always welcome! Just remember to be gentle as I am new to FF. :)

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, places, or themes from J.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, The Hobbit Film, or Brave.