Here is the next chapter and hope everyone enjoys. Please R&R and ideas are always welcome.
It wasn't a long night for anyone since they needed to head of early. Most of the dwarves slept across the floor and in odd places like on top of the table and under it. Once Lia had returned back inside she made herself comfortable on the sofa she was sitting in before and had a pretty good night's sleep in that.
Her legs were curled up tightly against her body and head rested on top of her hands placed over the arm chair. She did keep waking up from the snoring the other dwarves were making around her and it was a sound she missed hearing. Her brothers were the worst snorers ever but she has been told herself she snores though she never believed this. After so many silent night's it was something that bought comfort and good memories, she never knew how much she missed it.
When morning came Lia snuggled more into her arms as the sun rays just started to peak over the hills. Opening her eyes she was greeted with the amazing view from outside the window of the beautiful sky colours and sunlight. She let out a stretch and sat up from her seat and then wondered if anyone else was up. Looking around her she saw other's that slept in the same room still in deep slumber and gave a gentle smirk.
"Khazad," she whispered to herself and sat up tiptoeing out of the area.
She carefully stepped over Bofur's leg that was sticking out and came to a stop when she spotted Fili and Kili. Both the brother's laid close together in the floorboard under their bed rolls, using their coats as blankets or something their head to rest on. Kili had his arm tucked behind his head as a resting spot and the look on his face was just so cute, almost like watching a baby sleep. She shook the thought from her head with a soft snicker and made her way into the kitchen to see if there was any leftover food for her to eat. She spotted some fruit, a fresh looking apple that still looked in good condition.
'Better than nothing.' Lia was hoping maybe find a little meat hiding somewhere but with thirteen hungry dwarfs she wasn't surprised it went so fast.
She gave the apple a rub on her tunic vest before biting into it and sat herself on one of the chairs near her. She figured maybe she will finish the apple, than get her thing's together and wait for everyone else to get themselves sorted. An early bird is what she was and always has been. Her mother and herself would always be the first ones to wake in the morning, doing some choirs before she would help her mum get breakfast ready, even though she was a lousy cook but always helped out anyway.
"Least someone here is an early bird." She looks over to see Dwalin.
"Morning Dwalin" He gave a warm smile, one that doesn't look like he shows very often.
"Are yer all ready before we head out?" She hummed in thought and nodded.
"I believe I am. I didn't pack much honestly, I'll be ready when Thorin wants to leave."
"Good to hear lass," he stepped into room and grabbed some fruit himself. "Thorin likes to have everyone up before he is so I'll make sure that'll happen on this quest. But it looks like I won't have to worry about yer."
"I cannot remember the last time I slept in, so your right, I shouldn't be a bother when waking." She noticed how calm it was between them, after the way he acted towards her last night it was a little bit of a surprise. "Are you still ok with me tagging along?" He chuckled at her.
"Nay lass, 'tis not that I don't like you, I just don't want yer to end up getting hurt. A lot of us can be pretty protective when it comes to women."
"I think that's why Thorin is concerned about me coming," she said honestly, "but I've tried explaining to him I don't think he is still fully convinced. I appreciate you all care, I truly do, but I don't need protection. I just want to be treated like everyone else."
"Aye, I understand. This quest will be risky and after yer cute little stunt last night I can see you have skills, it did make me open my eyes. We're all going to watch out for each other, that I know."
"I agree," she smiled and feeling better he didn't hate her. "Thank you, Dwalin."
Over the next hour everyone had woken up and started to gather everything they needed before leaving. Lia was outside with the pony she was given by Balin packing up her belongings and getting to know her fury friend.
"Hello beautifu,l" she whispered stroking the pony's forehead and let out a soft giggle hearing him let out a nicker that made a few of the other's reply back. The creamy coat and silver mane brushed against her skin as she rubbed his neck, patting him and continually talking to him softly.
"Looks like I'm your rider, so I hope we can get along," she spoke to the pony and stared into his eyes. "You're different though, I see something in your eyes boy. You very special." The pony nudged its head at Lia gently making her giggle again. "Here," she lifted an apple that was hidden in her vest and offered it to the pony. "Don't tell anyone." He accepted it greedily and munched down on the juicy piece that covered her hand and wiped it over her tunic with a chuckle. "I think I'm going to like you. I'm sure we will have a good time together."
"You usually speak to animals?" She turned around to see Fili smirking at her with folded arms.
"Sometimes, why does that bother you?" She snicked lightly.
"Might be a little odd," he shrugged, "but I guess everyone's different."
Lia smirked at him. "Well Fili, I believe affection towards any living thing with a good heart no matter how hairy they are."
Fili smiled gently before letting out a soft chuckle. "Careful what you say, you never know who might be listening. Maybe someone like my brother for instants, he'll take it too literary."
"Should I be afraid of your harmless brother?"
"Never, but he likes you."
Lia tilted her head at his words. "Well, I like him as well, and you and the other's here."
Fili noticed Kili was coming towards them and quickly spoke. "You'll see what I mean."
Lia narrowed her eyes and shook her head at him with a smirk. Kili saw his brother and Lia speaking to one another and started to head over to them but was stopped by his uncle who came out of nowhere and placed his hand over his chest to stop his nephew. Kili frowned slightly and looked at him to see what was wrong.
"I need you to stay focused, Kili. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Kili wasn't sure what he meant. "I-I am, uncle."
"Good. Don't let a pretty face distract you."
Ah, so that's what he meant. Well, he didn't care what his uncle thought about Lia. She was a beautiful woman with skills, what was so bad about that? He was right about one thing though, she did have a pretty face. It didn't distract him at all, well he didn't think it did.
Walking away from his uncle he came up to his brother and her and gave a wide grin. "Morning Lia."
She looked back returning the smile. "Morning Kili."
Fili couldn't help but eye the two as they stared at each other with wide smirks and smiles. He knew his brother had taking a liking to her, their was no doubt about that . He cleared his throat clapped his hands together. "Well, if you two are done gazing at each other like it's you wedding day, we better get saddled up. That's also if your done speaking to the pony, Lia." He smirked at her.
"I'm allowed to if I please," she told him off with a snicker before leaping up onto her new furry friend. "So, am I going to be riding alone or are you two gentlemen going to keep me company?" Of course the brother's were going to keep her company.
Lia questioned about the whereabouts of Bilbo but to her disappointment Balin told her he won't be joining. She did hope he would change his mind by morning, thinking her words might have done something but that looked like it didn't. Gandalf did tell her that she will have to wait and see, leaving her confused with what he meant by that but didn't question about it.
They all made their way out of the shire that morning. Most had complained it was a waste of time coming here, that they would have gotten a head start if they had left a day earlier but Gandalf insisted the hobbit was going to show up sooner or later. No one believed him. She didn't hear any of this since she was busy speaking with Fili and Kili.
"Kili and I were only youngsters at the time and we would get into all sorts of trouble," Fili began with a grin at the memory, "we have lived in The Blue Mountains all our lives but because of our age we were never allowed to leave home. Kili had the bright idea to go out on his own and I followed knowing he was going to get himself into trouble. I'm glad I did since I found him a few hours later stuck under a large tree root."
Kili chuckled. "I was chasing a rabbit. I thought if I could get a good kill uncle would be proud of me."
"Uncle is proud of you no matter what," Fili reminded him before continuing. "Anyway, I tried to get him out but I wasn't able to. I was still young at the time and didn't have enough strength to pull him free. The sun was gone very quickly and I wasn't going to leave him on his own so I sat there right by his side until help came. It was a very cold night and we tried to keep each other warm, I even tried getting a fire going but even that kept going out throughout the night. The next morning we were found by uncle and a search party, not very happy with us but just grateful we were ok. Both Kili and I ended up with a cold for a week due to the temperatures."
Lia smiled. "That was so brave of you Fili. It's good he has a kind heart brother like you."
"Well, he would most likely be lost without me," he joked making Lia giggle.
"I'm right here," Kili reminded him, "Besides, your life would be boring without me."
"True that."
Lia liked hearing the two brother's chat with her about their life's and what it was like for them growing up. She did wonder why her parents didn't live in The Blue Mountains, but after hearing only dwarves lived there might have been the reason since her mother was man folk, maybe they worried she wouldn't be accepted.
"Lia," Fili spoke again, "I was wondering about something, and I understand if you don't want to speak about it. But I'm curious, what were your brothers like?"
Thinking of her brothers brought a a gentle smile to her lips. "Morar and Garn," she says their names calmly much to her surprise and doesn't stop there. "They weren't just my brothers, but my best friends. We had such a strong bond, but those two were inseparable. Kind of like you two. Morar was the eldest and he was always up for anything, a bit of a prankster too. Garn was the second older and he was more of the quiet one, but always got dragged into things by Morar. They...they were the best."
"They sounded like good lads," Fili said with a gentle smile. "I'm sure we all would have liked them."
"Aye, you would have."
"Oi you three!" Dwalin called out from the front. "We're wagering if the hobbit will show up or not. So far only Gandalf and Oin think he'll show."
"As much as I liked him I don't think he'll be a show up," Fili admitted.
Kili agreed, "I did think he was capable but I guess I misjudged him."
"No one even gave him a chance," she argued and called back to Dwalin. "He'll show! Just you all wait and see."
"You really believe he'll turn up?" Kili asked her making sure.
"I have faith in him," she grinned and faced back in front of her.
"You sound pretty confident," Fili formed a fun idea. "Why don't we make the wager a little more interesting?"
"Do tell," she was curios herself.
"Well, if he is a now show, you have to give Kili a kiss," he almost burst out laughing from the looks they both gave. "On the cheek of course!
"And if he does show up?" She tried her best to hide her blushing cheeks.
"If he does," he hummed in thought, "then I get a kiss from you, again on the cheek."
"W-wait that's not fair!" Kili right away protested.
"It's only a silly wadge, come on have a little fun. What do you say, Lia?"
She looked at both the brothers and decided to go along with the wadge. Just for fun, right? "Bloodly hell. Fine, have it your way."
It wasn't long before they all heard shouting coming up from behind them. She smiled knowing who it was.
"Wait!"
Everyone stopped to wait for the approaching hobbit who looked almost out of breathe.
"Wait!" Bilbo gave a final call out with his arms waving in the air, holding the contract in one with the paper flapped in the wind as he ran. He came to a stop holding up the contract in his hand besides Balin. "I signed it."
Balin took it and examined it with a satisfied hum. "Everything seems to be in order. Welcome master Baggins, to the company of Thorin Oakenshield."
"Give him a pony" She noticed the annoyed tone Thorin gave as he called out the order and nudged his pony to ride on. She thought he might be acting a little unfair, but again he was Thorin and she was lucky herself he didn't try to leave her behind or forbid her from coming.
"No, no, that won't be necessary, thank you. I'm sure I can keep up on foot ahh!-" He wasn't left with a choice as Fili and Kili lift him up onto a pony.
"I'm glad you decided to come, Bilbo." Lia said riding up beside the hobbit. He looked rather uncomfortable on the pony but relaxed once she was beside him.
"Well, honestly, what you told me last night helped."
"Really?" She didn't expect to hear that. "How so?"
"Everything you said got me thinking of my mother, who was very adventures herself. She would have wanted me to come, to experience my inner Took. I'm doing something out of my comfort zone but who knows what I'll discover. I'll only find out f I go."
"I'm glad I talked some sense into you." She smiled brightly.
Bilbo smiled back before showing a look of disgust realizing he was on a pony. He tried to control the pony, lifting his arms awkwardly trying to figure out how to steer the animal. She felt a little bad when she giggled at him. He'll get use to it. A bag of coins was tossed to her and she tucked it away in bag for safe keeping. Fili grinned and leaned closer to her.
"So, where's my kiss?"
She had already forgotten about that. Sighing heavily she leaned over and gave a gentle peck on his cheek.
"Oh, I like that a lot," he snickered and cackled out loud when he saw the look his brother was giving them.
"Can I have one as well?" Kili asked with wide puppy eyes.
"Maybe another time," she honestly didn't know why she said that, maybe just a way to avoid kissing him, but she felt that need to kiss him strangely.
"How about this," Fili came up with a fun idea, "I'll race you to that tree up ahead and whoever get's there first will get the next kiss." He pointed out the thick tree in the distance not far from them.
"Do I get a say in this?" She wondered if Fili was just doing this to tease his brother. He ignored her with a grin and got another cruel idea.
"I'll make it more interesting too," he trotted up ahead and called out to everyone. "Oi! Whoever gets to that tree first will get a kiss from Lia!" All she can do is watch in shock as not only Fili and Kili, but Ori, Bofur, Bifur, Nori and Bombur took off with laughter as they raced.
"You all better not tie!" She shouted out but couldn't suppress her laughter at the humor of it all.
Gandalf watched with amusement and pulled his horse up beside her. "I see you are getting along with Fili and Kili, I thought you might."
"Aye, I enjoy their company."
"I'm glad to hear that, my dear."
She looked ahead to see Kili had won and rode back with a happy grin on his face. "Do I get that kiss now?"
Smiling she finally gave what he wanted and placed a soft kiss against his stubble bearded cheek. "Happy now?"
"Very," he smiled wickedly.
They rode for the rest of that day until they reached Bree and spent the night there. It was another four more days later and they came to a open area beside a cliff. Thorin decided they'll make camp here for her for the night before having another early morning tomorrow. Bombur prepared dinner and they all relaxed in their sleeping areas. Lia scoffed her stew down, loving the taste of it and praised Bombur for his amazing cooking. She hated cooking, never could get it right and always ended up burnt. Some woman she turned out to be.
During the night she was offered an area closest to the fire and right in between Fili and Kili. Everyone insisted she had the safest and warmest area for the cool night. She felt she didn't need it and wanted to decline their offer, but she lost the battle and found herself in the spot. Kili also offered his coat to her, not that she needed it, she had one herself but wasn't left with much of a choice as he slipped the coat over her shoulders. His generosity was very kind and she couldn't hep but smile at him.
The three chattered to themselves and smoked their pipes, disusing over the last couple of days and what they might expect throughout their journey. A lot of the others had gone to bed now, leaving only a few remaining awake. Lia blew out thick smoke rings and watched them vanish before her eyes, it was a relaxing feeling after their long ride today.
The silent night was broken by a loud screech in the distance, echoing over the lands and piercing their ears. She froze at the familuar sound and let out a quiet gasp. It sounded at a far enough so she didn't worry too much about it, but it still frightened her. Bilbo moved away from the ponies and came over to them looking rather frightened.
"What was that?"
Kili kept a neutral look. "Orcs."
"Orcs?" Bilbo repeated the name of the vile creatures.
"Throat cutters," Fili added, "there'll be dozens of them out there."
"These lands are crawling with them," Kili explained lowly, "They strike in the wee small hours when everyone's asleep."
"Quick and quiet, no screams. Just lots of blood." Kili had to finish like that.
Bilbo looked away in the distance, scared out of his mind that they might be attacked while they were all asleep. Poor Bilbo, Lia thought to herself. She didn't understand why the brothers had to say such cruel things. Not only did it scare the hobbit, but her as well. She gazed back at the brothers and noticed them snickering to one another at teasing Bilbo.
"That's not funny," She had enough, she wasn't going to sit here and say nothing. "Orcs are never to be joked about. What if we were attacked by them any moment now, would you still be laughing?"
The brothers see how much she was bothered by their little teasing and didn't think of how she would react, but they clearly see she wasn't happy, not one bit.
"Wee were only joking, Lia." Kili tried to explain, already feeling guilty for making her upset.
Thorin now stepped in, he too not happy. "You think that's funny? You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?
"We didn't mean anything by it," Kili now had not only angered Lia but his uncle as well.
Thorin shook his head at his youngest nephew for his childish behavior. "No, you didn't. You know nothing of the world. He walked away from them and over to the cliffs edge.
Balin came over to the youngsters and Bilbo. "Don't mind him laddie, Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs. After the dragon took The Lonely Mountain, King Thror tried to reclaim the ancient dwarf kingdom of Moria. But our enemy had got there first."
She remembered her father telling her the story many times, how he followed his brothers and sisters into battle and fought through their enemy. Her father had survived that day but lost a lot of good people. If was after that that he decided to part from the remainder of the dwarves and set out on his own. That is when he met her mother.
"Moria had been taken by the legions of orcs, led by the vilest of their entire race: Azog the Defiler."
The sickening name sent chills through her skin and cringes a little. The blue orbs of the orc bore in her mind, his feral growls sounding through her head, and without realizing her hand came in contact with Kili's. She held onto him as she listened to Balin. Kili looked down at their hands holding and feels the tension given from her. He held back, giving a tight squeeze and face Balin once again.
"The giant orc had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began….by beheading the king."
She heard the quick slash of the blade coming down. Her gaze went to Throin who had his back turned to them all still. If only he knew, then maybe he would understand her pain.
"Thrain, Thorin's father, was driven mad by grief. He went missing. Taken prisoner or killed, we did not know." Balin fell silent for a short moment before continuing. "We were leaderless. Defeat and death were upon us," he gave a slight smile looking at them. "That is when I saw him. A young dwarf prince facing down the pale orc, stood alone against this terrible foe."
The roars and metal clanging together sang through Lia's mind, just picturing the battle like she was there herself.
"His armor rent, wielding nothing but an oaken branch as a shield. Azog the defiler learned that day, that the line of Durin would not be so easily broken. Our forces rallied and drove the orcs back. And our enemy had been defeated. But there was neither feast nor song that night. For our dead were beyond the count of grief. We few had survived. And I thought to myself then…there is one who I could follow. There is one….I could call king."
Everyone had woken to hear Balin's tale and silence was set as Thorin slowly made his way back towards the group. Lia felt she could breath again after hearing Balin's final words. Without even thinking she spoke out.
"My father told me the same story. He fought in the battle as well." She gained the attention from everyone and knew it was too late to take it back.
"Who was he, if you don't mind me asking?" Bofur was curios to know just as everyone else was.
She licked her lips and calmly answered. "Durgar, he was a warrior in Erebor before it fell. He told my brothers and I many stories from his time."
Balin looked unsure for a moment and forced a smile. "He...sounded like a good dwarf." She didn't miss it. Did he know something? Before she could ask he went on. "Thorin's brother Frerin died in battle that day as well at his side, along with Fili and Kili's father," he gazed at the brother's seeing them lower their heads in sorrow.
Fili looked over at her with a thinking smile. "Were Morar and Garn like your adad?"
She nodded with a soft smile. "Very."
"Who were they?" Dwalin furrowed his brows in confusion.
"My brothers."
Thorin did a double take at her and his nephews. They must have spoke, Fili knew the names of her brothers. She must have spoken to them about her family. This might be a chance for him to find out more about her. He didn't know how his nephews would react but he had to try. He'll ask them privately in the morning.
"And the pale orc? What happened to him?" Bilbo wondered.
"He slunk back into the hole whence he came. That filth died of his wounds long ago." Thorin slowly walked away, leaving everyone in silence.
They all settled down again for sleep, all by Lia. She frowned hearing Thorin's words. She noticed Balin and Gandalf sharing the same look but no one could say anything, neither could she. It would do any good.
"Lia?" Hearing her name she looked at Kili who gave her a worried smile. "Are you alright?"
"I'm ok..." She answered calmly.
"You're still holding my hand." Looking down she clearly saw she indeed was holding his hand in her own. She moved her hand away and shyly apologized.
"Sorry, that was silly of me."
"Nay, not at all. I don't mind." He laid down on his bedroll followed by Fili. She sat there for a moment longer, finishing her pipe weed and putting it away. Her eyes locked on ahead in the dark valley, thinking of how far the orcs were away from them. There was no way to be sure.
"Do you think their far?" Bilbo questioned a little worried.
"I'm sure they are." She tried to convince herself mostly.
Bilbo said goodnight and went back to his bedroll near Gandalf. She smiled at the hobbit before turning her gaze back out in the dark valley. She shouldn't let it get to her, but it was really hard. So many dark thoughts kept coming to mind and wondered if they were really safe or not.
"Lia?" Kili noticed her slowly growing distress look. "What's wrong?"
She nervously looked away feeling silly to think of such horrible things. "I don't know if I can sleep tonight, not after hearing that."
He felt really bad for what he said before, Fili too. "We're safe here, nothing can get us." He tried convincing her.
Fili now sat up. "He's right, nothing bad will come near us. You're safe."
She felt stupid and felt weak for thinking like this. It's only been a couple of days and already she was thinking of the worst. "Ok," she softly answered and quickly lad back down on her bed roll. The brothers did the same, watching her carefully as they laid back down. She faced Kili but averted her eyes away as she huddled into her bed roll and coat around her.
"I'm sorry about before," Kili suddenly said. "I never meant to frighten you."
"It doesn't matter. I shouldn't have snapped at the both of you like that, it was rude of me."
"Rude?" He chuckled lightly. "Nay, you had every right to tell us off."
"He's right." Fili added. "We deserved it. Anyway, both of you get some sleep. We have an early morning tomorrow."
She tried to do as he said by closing her eyes and exhaling softly. Slowly she opened her eyes again only to see Kili staring at her with a warm smile. Smiling she whispered to him. "What are you looking at?"
"Just you," he admitted back and continued staring."
"Well looking at something else," she cannot help but snicker and see's he still staring with a wider smirk. "Wipe that smirk off your face."
"You wipe it off."
She blushed like crazy at his teasing and let out a snorted giggle, Kili returning the humor.
"What part of get some sleep didn't either of you understand?" Fili's voice was heard tiredly.
It grew quiet then, that was until Kili pulled something out of his pocket. "I want to show you something."
"A rune stone. It's beautiful" Lia said admiring it.
"Aye, and it's a talisman, a powerful spell lies upon it. If any but a dwarf reads the runes on the stone they will be forever cursed, or not. Depending of whether you believe that kind of thing." Ge smirked softly.
Lia smiled. "Innikhde, meaning return to me. Was it given to you?"
"Aye. My mother gave it to me so I'd remember my promise."
Lia smiled knowingly. "You promised you'd return to her, didn't you?"
"She means the world to me and Fili. We love her with all our hearts and she has done so much for us. We'll be reunited when this is all over."
Her heart warmed hearing this and decided to show Kili her own. She moved her hand down her shirt and pulled out the small black stone hanging from a thin chain necklace. Kili eyed the small stone with the small rune embedded in it. "This was my mother's. My father made it for her after they met. Karaz, meaning strong, because that is what she was. My mother than gave it to me when I was a child, as a reminder."
"Your family sounded very strong"
"Aye," she smiled softly. "We were all strong, it's in our blood. But now there's only me left."
"Now you're stronger because you carry your family's strength." She smiled at his words given.
"I think your right"
"Might want to be careful," he gave a worried tone. "You don't want to lose that stone on this journey, the chain might wear off"
"Tis' ok, the chain is mithril."
"Mithril," he softly repeated the word and touched the silver chain with a smile. "You truly are special"
Both gave a warm smile to one another but faded when another orc scream was heard in the distance. Lucky it didn't sound close. But it was enough to make Lia curl in her bed roll more feeling herself shiver from the horrible sound. Without even thinking about it Kili shuffled over more to her and gently pulling her closer to him, laying her head against his shoulder for comfort and brushing a lock of hair away from her face. She didn't question and curled up closer to him with her hand placed over his chest accepting the comfort he was giving.
"I'm here Lia, get some sleep. You're safe"
Lia smiled weakly against him. "Thank you, Kili."
The two slowly dozed off and remained close together the whole night. When she was little and if she had a nightmare she could snuggle up with her brother's or parents for comfort, it was something she missed deeply. Now having it again it bought so much joy to her heart. She was in deep thought as she tried to fall sleep in Kili's arms, knowing very well that everything was going to change once more for her and hopefully bring more brightness in her life once more. She never wanted to be alone again. The company were her family and friends now.
The next morning, Lia was once again the first to wake up early to the sounds of loud snoring. The sun still hadn't risen but the sky was a beautiful blue and pink color, a sight that would take your breath away. She exhaled softly and nuzzled her head into the leather of Kili's tunic. The second she realized this she blushed and gazed up at the young dwarf. His snores were rough as he breathed out making her smirk at the sight as she watched for a few minutes before deciding to get up. It took a little more effort since he had a tight hold on her but she managed to slip out and beamed when he ended up snuggling into the throw rug when he had nothing else to hold. It was quite cute Lia thought, he just had such a gentle soul.
Standing up she removed the coat and placed it besides him carefully not the wake him and picked up her backpack before making her way over the company and to the ledge of the cliff to sit down. Her family was on her mind this morning, just thinking of the good times.
She was always an early bird just like her mother. Her brothers though would sleep through the whole day if they could. Her mother would attempt to get them up. Only one time had failed and she poured a bucket of water over them. It was a fun morning that turned into a water fight with her family and everything including them was drenched. The memory made her giggle softly. She went through her belongings and starting to brush her hair to de-tangle her locks. She had quite long wavy hair that any dwarf would cherish and even as a young child it was long in length. Her father would admire her locks as she grew up and would insist to braid it for her every day and taught her how to braid as well. She ended up only doing a simply three strand side braid and letting some of her bangs hang loose around her face.
Some bread was stored away safely in her bag she had managed to save from the dinner table that night at Bilbo's. It was such beautiful bread he had made and she was lucky to save three cut sizes. She then started to pick at the bread in her hand, letting out a satisfied sigh and waited for the others to wake.
"Morning, Lia." She almost jumped out of her skin at the sudden voice and relaxed seeing it was only Bilbo. "Bloody hell, you really can get by without being heard or seen."
"Sorry," Bilbo apologized kindly. "Didn't mean to frighten you."
"Just startled me is all," she sighed with a smile. "Come, sit. Enjoy to view." Bilbo sat down beside her with a sigh and was offered some of the bread from her. "Hope ya don't mind me nabbing a few, it's delicious bread"
"Better eaten than wasted," he kindly said and took some from her.
She and Bilbo ate the bread and breathed in the fresh air blowing around them. "It really is a magnificent sight. Don't see something like this in The Shire."
Lia smiled as a memory came into her mind. "When I was a child I would wake in the early hours of the morning and sit in one of the tallest trees near our home. For hours I watched the sun slowly rise and take in the sight before my very eyes. It was something I did most my life, I'm just so captivated by it."
The hobbit smiled kindly as he listened to her. "What were you like as a child?"
"A trouble maker," both of them smirked. "I was quite adventures, though was not allowed to go far from home, my family worried a lot. There had been too many occasions where I followed my brother's when they went hunting or just to explore around. Most of the time my family didn't notice but if they did I would be in so much trouble, punishments either being no supper, have my bow taken away for a few days or extra chorus."
Bilbo smiled kindly. "Still didn't stop you from continuing though, hey?"
"Not really. Stubborn like a dwarf."
He chuckled lightly. "I don't think your stubborn at all. You're quiet smart, and have such a gentle nature."
"You obviously don't know me, Bilbo." She snickered lightly. "What you just said is my mothers nature, but I can be my father a lot of the time which you'll probably won't enjoy."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
She finished off her last bit of bread before speaking again. "You'll get use to everyone, and they'll grow on you. Just give it time" He hummed softly with thought.
"I think I need to prove myself somehow."
"You shouldn't need to," she offered a king smile. "I've only met very few hobbits in my life and I've already grown on you. There is much more in you that other's don't see and I think you don't either. It'll be a long journey, but your an important part of this company. Don't let anyone put you down"
Bilbo looked up at her in wonder hearing her meaningful words. "T-thank you..." He lightly cleared his throat. "That's very kind of you to say."
"Just don't forget I'm your friend and you can speak to me about anything whenever."
"I-I won't forget. Thank you, Lia."
"Master Baggins." They both snapped their heads around to see Thorin standing not far away from them. She saw Bilbo swallow thickly as they stared at the dark haired dwarf. "Go make sure you're belongings are packed, we'll be leaving in the next half hour." It was more of an order then a request, so Bilbo did as he was told and hurried off, leaving her and Thorin alone together.
She stood up but stayed in her position, sensing Thorin wanted a word with her, and she was right. He stepped closer to her and let out a rough exhale. "You and the hobbit have befriended quickly, I see you'll watch over him, which I admired about you. Over the last couple of days I've noticed you put others before you. Though I cannot help but grow more concerned about your safety."
She couldn't help but think Thorin cared about her more than Bilbo, which seemed a little unfair since she was able to defend herself while Bilbo didn't have any training or experience with weapons. She forced a smile. "I know you're concerned, but you don't need to. I've been doing better then I expected so far and all my focus is only the journey ahead. I only wish to carry out this quest, so please don't keep reminding me of your concern. It'll only make me the more nervous." She didn't want to sound rude to him and hoped she didn't, which she didn't.
Thorin gave a weak smile. "Get your thing's together, we'll leave on my word." She left, leaving him alone and staring out at the slowly rising sun. It indeed was a beautiful site.
As everyone woke and gathered their thing's Thorin figured this will be a good time to have a word with his nephews. He lead them away through the trees until they were a safe distance from the company. Both the brothers didn't know why he wanted to talk, but they went along with him anyway.
"Uncle, what's this about?" Fili cannot help but ask.
"I needed to speak with the both of you, about Lia."
"What about her?" Kili didn't understand, but he'll soon find out.
Thorin exhaled as he paced in front of them. "How much has she told you?"
"Told us?" They both didn't know why this was important. "About what?"
"She's spoken of her family, mentioned there names and has talked little of her childhood. Is there anything else she might have mentioned?" He couldn't help but think over the name of her father, Durgar. It rang a bell, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Kili didn't like this one bit. "Why do you want to know so much? Her past is her business and her's alone."
"I just...I have to know, who she is and what of her past she doesn't want to speak of. She hides it all and I cannot help myself, I need to know what she's hiding."
"No, she hasn't spoken of anything else." Kili answered with much annoyance.
"If she does, mention anything, will you let me know?" Before Kili could tell off his uncle Fili jumped in to prevent this.
"We'll let you know, uncle."
"Thank you," he answered almost tiredly. "Let's go and finish packing, we'll leave in five." He walked back to his company leaving the brothers dumbfounded.
"Why in mahal's name did you say that?!" Kili hissed at his brother.
"I know and it's ok. I don't want to either, but he's our uncle. It'll ease his mind if he knew something of her."
"But it's none of his business!" Kili paced in front of him letting out a heavy huff. "Lia doesn't need to explain herself to anyone. She'll speak of her past when she wants, I will not go behind her back." Fili sighed.
"I know, I know it's not easy for you. I know you care about her."
"I-is it noticeable?" This caused Fili to chuckle.
"Noticeable? Practically everyone can see it, even uncle. You do like her, don't you?"
"I..." Kili honestly didn't know how to answer that. He's known her for less then a week and it felt like he's known her all his life. "I cannot explain it, it's different, in a good way. But I feel protective over her, that I know."
"Well," Fili placed his hand over his should with a brotherly smile, "you have plenty of time to think about it."
That he did, but he didn't know how much longer he could hide his true feeling's for her. I scared him, but he did know he cared about her. He just didn't know if she felt the same. There was nothing he could do now other than be there as a friend for her.
Translations
Khazad – Dwarves
adad - Father
Thanks for reading everyone and for those who are unsure the words above are in Khuzdul the dwarves language. Ideas are always welcome and don't forget to review please.
