When morning came, Blossom found herself under a rather heavy Dwarf. This position was not new, the Hobbit and Dwarf having found solace in each other on many bad nights. It had, however, been a long time, not since Fell Winter, since Frerin had cried in her lap and then stayed in her bed. On these nights, he clung to her as if she would disappear if he let go. The Hobbit could not blame him though. He was losing his heart once more and because of a vow he had made to her mother at that! Blossom could find no fault with the identity of Frerin's heart. It could not be helped who Aulë had paired you with and if the Dwarves (seemingly) had no objections then neither would she; even if such a union was scandalized in the Shire. Two men being together, but more importantly…
Her thoughts were interrupted by a huff of breath against her neck from the blond Dwarf and she giggled as his beard tickled her neck. She reached up, brushing his braids out of his face. Despite claiming to have given up the Durin name, Frerin still had the bead that marked him royalty in his hair. He just kept it out of sight from anyone that could possibly see it and know its value. She sat still for a few moments, combing through his blond locks before she got out of bed. She had heard shuffling earlier, meaning her guests were still in her smial and she had breakfast to make. If she could find any food that is.
"Scones or biscuits?" She asked Frerin as she finished lacing her trousers. She did not feel like her usual skirts or dresses today. She knew the Dwarf was awake, only having his eyes closed so she could change in decency. She was thankful for it, seeing as she did not like to think of him changing her nappies when she was but a fauntling.
"Scones," the blond grumbled, rolling over to face her, flashing her a smile in the process. Blossom could see the strain in his eyes and she felt horrible. Frerin should not have to lose his heart again. Not for her. She smiled back sadly before leaving the room, leaving Frerin to wake and dress at his own pace. The Hobbit lass made her way into the kitchen, startling slightly at the sight of a Dwarf at her dinner table.
"Good morning lass," Balin nodded in greeting, sipping from his teacup as he looked over a piece of parchment. Blossom believed it to be the inventory of what they were going to bring on the adventure with them. "I hope you do not mind, Gandalf said you would not mind," he continued, gesturing to his teacup, obviously having helped himself to her tea collection.
"Good morning Master Balin and of course not, help yourself," she reassured with a soft smile, going about searching for the ingredients for scones. She had some meat in the cellar that she could go get to make with the scones and of course eggs. "I imagine you will not have time of a good cup of tea on the road," she said, meaning to make conversation, but also to pry into the mind of the Dwarf, hoping to find out what this journey would entail.
"You are right miss, not much time to stop," Balin confirmed, nodding his head absentmindedly. "Would you like some help lass? I know our company must have cleaned you out. After all you are only accustomed to feeding one Dwarf, not fourteen," Balin said, watching the female as she gathered the remaining eggs and some flour from her pantry.
"If I could ever get Frerin to eat, stubborn Dwarf he is! Always insisting that we need to ration. Though I do mean no offense Master Balin," Blossom huffed before remembering that she was in the presence of a company of Dwarves who did in fact need to ration and store their food correctly. Their mountains were not the fertile lands of the Shire. Perhaps she could talk to her grandfather about trading with Erebor if Thorin's adventure goes wonderfully?
"None at all miss, our pri-Frerin has always been like that. Him and Thorin both gave over whatever they could for their sister. Ye still did not answer my question," he said, his glazed over eyes focusing on the present instead of the past as he looked at the Hobbit. Blossom thought briefly before nodding her head.
"Could you go to the cellar and bring up any meat you would think the company would want? Frerin has only demanded scones and I am sure the rest of you would like a bountiful breakfast before you head off!" She said, watching the Dwarf's eyebrow knit together at her words before nodding and heading out of the room. She shrugged off the strange look and began her task of making each scones. She had learned after watching Dwalin devour her biscuits last night. A faint blush trailed to her cheeks as she thought of a Dwarf devouring her biscuits. She may be a Baggins, but she was also a Took and one would have to be blind to not see how attractive most of the Dwarves were. Especially a certain blond hair princeling.
Blossom jumped when Balin returned with the meat, seeing he had grabbed sausage and bacon mostly. Balin said a quick sorry, a wary look on his face still.
"If you have a question, it is best to do so before the others awake," she said simply, not particularly liking the judging eyes on her. She did not know what she had done to earn all the animosity she had been shown last night and now this morning, but she preferred to have the conversation before Frerin awoke and started more fusses.
"If you do not mind my asking, do Hobbits have soulmarks?" Balin's voice was guarded, not revealing how he felt on the subject at all. Blossom had seen Frerin take on much the same tone while talking about personal matters or if someone had overstepped their boundaries. Maybe it was a royal thing?
"Why yes we do Master Balin," she said, carefully pulling her curls back to show off her own rather briefly before quickly hiding it behind her hair once more. "They are rather private as well. I reckon it is much the same with Dwarves as well? Frerin is the only one I can see with a visible mark and I have seen it all of my life," she told, wondering why he was asking her about her heart. Why was it of importance?
"So you are aware that Frerin's mark does not say your name," the caution was still in his voice and Blossom bristled at such an accusation. He had not outright said it, no confounded Dwarf every said their mind besides Thorin, but he believed she was forsaking her mark and Frerin's for some strange love that would be wrong in her morals on so many levels. She quickly put the scones in the oven and spun to face him.
"I know I have not given you anything to go by, but do you think so little of me?" She hissed, her eyes narrowed. Balin looked to have regret his words almost instantly seeing how it had enraged the Hobbit before him. "Frerin is my family, not my lover. He was there when I was born, when I scraped my knee for the first time, and will surely be there for all of that when it is my own children. His heart belongs to his soulmark, not myself. He is nothing more than a brotherly figure to me," she set straight, her eyes hard and her posture displaying that she would not take these idle accusations without fight.
"So you know then, who is written on his jaw?" Balin said after a moment, letting the Hobbit get her anger out. When she nodded her head, he continued on "And you are not against it?" He looked confused, but in awe at the same time. From the Hobbits that he had seen before he arrived at Bag End, he would figure them to be a very strict on matters of the heart and what was acceptable.
"Aulë made you for one person and one alone. Who am I to stand in the way of that? Sure it would be scandalized in the Shire, but so is my mark being as it is written in Khuzdul," she explained, getting her frying pan ready to cook the rest of breakfast. It would not be long before Frerin was up and the rest of the company at that. She was rather surprised when strong arms wrapped around her from behind and embraced her tightly.
"The sons of Durin are lucky to have you on their side," he whispered to her, and she had fully understood what he meant. Their embrace lasted for a moment longer, before the sound of footsteps broke them apart.
"I want a hug from the Hobbit too," Kili's sleep rough voice met the two in the kitchen as the younger prince shuffled quickly to the Hobbit to give her the hug he had pouted about. She had never met an affection creature like Kili before. He seemed to almost always be wrapped around someone, whether it was his brother or uncle or one of the Fundin son's. Blossom was glad to have someone who was so ready to offer affection. Everyone in the Shire did not show affection outside of close family and lovers and Blossom did not have many of either of those categories. It also did not feel right to go to Frerin with all of her needs. So she easily tucked the youngest prince to her side and let him sleepily doze against her shoulder. She wondered if he was around the mental age of a fauntling in his race. Blossom knew that many of her cousins liked to fall asleep on her shoulders.
"I am sorry about him Miss Baggins," another rich voice entered the kitchen after a few minutes. She turned to see Fili, his hair a bit rumpled, but looking just as good as he did last night. Yavanna, where did that come from? He was gesturing to his half-asleep brother who was curled into the Hobbit's left side as if he was her babe. Though she was sure that she would never be able to support his weight on her hip.
"It is quite alright Master Fili," she assured, her cheeks burning at just saying the prince's name. "I have many cousins who like to think of me as their personal pillow, though none quite as heavy as your brother," that got laugher from the blond prince, his younger brother whining into her ear about how he was not heavy before he righted himself and moved to join his brother at the table, leaning on the blond instead of the Hobbit. Fili welcomed the weight of his brother, his eyes drawn to the Hobbit as she went back to cooking. He had believed he was being subtle with his gaze, but when a hand cuffed the back of his head, he knew he had been caught. He had been caught by Dwalin, the warrior having risen not long after the youngest prince. Kili was not too quiet when he awoke and Fili was surprised that everyone was not already in the kitchen.
Slowly the rest of the company appeared, taking their masses to the dining room so they did not get in the Hobbit's way, Bombur being the only one to remain with the Hobbit. He was hoping to learn some new recipes for the road or to even take some of the Hobbit's spices for their stew. When he had asked however, the Hobbit had just grinned and said that he would not need to write the recipes down. Bombur was confused by the Hobbit, but did not question her too much when she handed him a platter of sausages and scones then shooed him from the kitchen.
Blossom had made up her mind. She knew what she had to do. If the sons of Durin were lucky to have her then she would not pull them apart again. Hopefully the breakfast would distract them enough for her to pack a bag for herself and to tell Frerin. Never again will he be parted from his family.
"We cannot linger here," Thorin's voice drifted from the dining room, ruff and as bitter as it was last night when such hate had been directed at her. Many objected, the princes being the loudest, begging their uncle to let them have one last breakfast. Whatever Thorin was about to say next was silenced when a scone hit him square in the chest, surprising all at the table. Dwalin even shifted to protect his king from the onslaught of scones if they should come. All the dwarves turned to see their Hobbit host had been the one to throw it, an easy smile on her face as she placed a platter with more scones and bacon on the table to be devoured. She said nothing about hitting the king with the pastry, taking note that they were lacking one Dwarf. She placed a hand on Balin's shoulder, seeing as he was the closest to her that she knew, to get his attention.
"Please save some for Frerin," she smiled softly, nodding her head as she left the room to go gather her stubborn Dwarf. She entered her bedroom, shaking her head at the sight. Frerin had removed his tunic in her absence, leaving his chest bare as he laid spread out over her bed. She would have thought he had simply gone back to sleep if it had not been for the constant twitching of his right leg. No the blond Dwarf was faking so he would not have to face the company in her kitchen. Even from here, she could hear their boisterous laughter and the sound of them inhaling their food. They were sounds that she would come to love in the coming months.
Blossom pretended not to notice that he was 'asleep' still and went to her wardrobe, grabbing her knapsack from within. It was from when her mother used to take her on her adventures. They had even gone to Rivendell when she was younger! She hoped that this journey took them to the Last Homely House, wishing to see her beloved 'uncle' Elrond, as her mother had named him for her. Though she, from experience, knew that Dwarves did not care for Elves. Frerin seemed able to keep himself in relative check whenever she was around. It had been almost ten years since she had seen her Elven friends. The Hobbit shook her head of the thoughts of Elves and tossed her bag on the bed without looking, satisfied with the grunt that escaped the 'sleeping' Dwarf when the pack collided with his body. Serves him right.
"What in Mahal's beard, Blossom what are you doing?" Frerin huffed, looking at the offending bag to the Hobbit who was slowly filling the pack with trousers, blouses, and two dresses that were easy to move in. Frerin looked at her confused until he watched her pull out assorted weapons to put in the pack. His eyes widened in realization and he began to unpack her bag.
"Honestly Frerin!" She huffed at him, re-packing her belongings when he had unpacked them twice.
"You said you would not go! That Baggins did not go on adventures!" Frerin sounded oddly young in his tone, lip trembling in much the same way she had seen Kili's tremble last night. The princes had a lot in common.
"I am aware of what was said, but I have decided that I should let the Took in me live a little. Who knows maybe I will find my Dwarf heart along the way?" She beamed, turning to grab a few other things, missing how Frerin stiffened at her words. If only she knew that she had met her heart already. Dwarves seldom had the same name unless they were royalty and Fili had never been used before his nephew. He knew he should not hide this from his Hobbit, but he could not bear her to know this and have some preconceived idea of his nephew. He wanted them to love each other in their own time before letting them find out. Or at least letting them figure out on their own.
"But it is a dangerous world Blossom. What if your Dwarf is already gone?" He asked, his heart constricting at the thought of his nephew being gone. It hurt just as much as thinking of his Blossom crushed by the loss of her heart. This would be a dangerous trip and Frerin did not want to see his nephew or Blossom hurt, physically or by each other.
"I know; you have told me since I could understand silly Dwarf. But I can live with the knowledge of my heart's fate for you to be with yours," Frerin could feel his eyes water at the revelation, not sure what he had done to deserve such a wonderful friend.
"Thank you," he whispered, not looking up from his lap. He felt vulnerable under her gaze and for her to give up this, for him, made something within him curl. He had not felt this familial feeling since his mother had been alive and told them of how magnificent their baby sister would be. How Frerin would not be the youngest anymore. The Dwarf's memories stopped with the soft touch to his face. Blossom pressed her head to the blond Dwarf's and stayed there long enough for him to gather himself. After a few minutes, Frerin opened his eyes to stare into her hazel ones. "It would seem I have some packing to do," he hummed, watching her smile blindingly at him. She moved away and continued to gather her belongings. Frerin went to his own room to change and pack a bag of his own, gathering anything that Blossom could not fit in her own. A few handkerchiefs made their way into his pack as well, knowing his Hobbit would forget in her excitement.
Soon enough the last two company members made their way to the dining room to see the Dwarves still eating, two plates having been saved for her and for Frerin. Blossom took notice of Thorin sitting up straighter when his brother was once more in the room. She placed a comforting hand on Frerin's forearm to urge him on. The Dwarf cleared his throat as the entire company looked at him, not used to all the attention on him.
"I have decided that I will join the company," he said finally, the table erupting with cheers. Dwalin, seeming the most excited by the news, got up and wrapped the blond in his arms tightly. Blossom could hear Khuzdal pass through their lips, Frerin clinging to Dwalin as the warrior continued to speak. Blossom wished that she was able to hear what had overwhelmed her dear Frerin.
"Splendid! So you have wised up to know family is more important than some Halfling," Blossom shook her head as all the Dwarves to shot the king a dirty look. Thorin really did not know how to keep his foot out of his mouth. Frerin glared at his brother from over Dwalin's shoulder. Blossom sighed inwardly, there was going to be a lot of drama on this journey because of her relationship with Frerin.
"I will have you know that Blossom had decided that she would like to come on the journey. Her reasons are her own, though I do not think it was to be insulted by you, Nadad. I had simply planned to go my forge had she not decided she wanted to help your quest," Frerin said, the Khuzdal spat with such anger that the king flinched slightly from his younger brother. The blond Dwarf took his seat between Balin and Dwalin where a plate had been made up for him, talking softly with the warrior. Blossom had never seen such light on Frerin's face. Not since she was a fauntling and the world was beautiful. She went to take a seat next to Bofur when an indignant squawk, there was no other word for it, sounded from the middle of the table.
"We saved you a seat Miss Baggins!" Kili's voice met her ears, barely concealing the eye roll at the two princes. They were rather clingy. Blossom humored them for now since there was nothing wrong with getting to know the nephews of her dear friend. And if the feel of Fili pressed against her felt equally as good, well that was just her business.
"She has not signed the contract," Thorin grumbled under his breath, finally managing to get his bearings halfway through her meal. She rolled her eyes, looking at Balin who promptly brought out the contract. Frerin signed the line first before passing it to Blossom to sign. The second her name was finished, she had arms wrapped around her tightly. There were at least two of them she knew, but she could not figure where they stopped or started. She knew it was the princes, having grown accustomed to their holds in the short time they have been together. She was sure she would know them by heart by the time the first month was over. She slid the contract to Thorin, continuing on with her breakfast. That seemed to take the air out of his sails, the king not knowing what to complain about next. Blossom had stopped thinking of it as rude and more of a laugh now. She had never someone so desperate for another's attention as Thorin. Not even her father had been this wanton when courting her mother. At least from what Belladonna had told her.
Thorin did not have much to complain about until they got to the Green Dragon, where the owner had promised them fourteen ponies and one stallion for Gandalf.
"You see! She is already a burden. We do not have enough money for another pony," Thorin said, looking rather smug from where he looked down at her from his pony.
"It is really fine! I would prefer to walk after all!" She insisted, not too keen on riding on horse – well pony – back. Her mother had never taught her to ride, they simply walked to Rivendell or caught a caravan with the rangers.
"Nonsense! We would never to get to the Lonely Mountain at your pace!" Bofur jested in good sport, but Blossom flushed at the laughter. She did not like being laughed at too much. She looked at Frerin helplessly, not sure what she could do. Thorin was too smug for his own good and she was not going to let him try to put her down anymore. The blond Dwarf looked towards his two nephews, knowing out of the company that they would keep 'their' Hobbit the safest. He eyed the bow on Kili's back, so much like Vili, and made up his mind.
"Fili," he called, gesturing for the younger prince to trot to them. Fili look positively heroic from where he was perched on the pony and Blossom wished that she could appear as poised as him on top of such a beast. "Are you a good rider?" He asked, though he knew he would have no other choice. Kili would need to be ready to shoot and no one could protect Blossom better than her heart, even if neither knew that yet. Besides Frerin's first priority would be his brother. He will not see Thorin fall again. Even if he was a complete asshole.
"Yes uncle," Fili replied immediately, flushing under the attention of both his lost uncle and the Hobbit. He had only heard stories of his uncle Frerin and to have his uncle in front of him had made everything surreal. And while he had many of interested lady Dwarves taken with him, none of them had been anything like this Hobbit. Miss Blossom made something deep inside of him stir in a pleasant way, and it was not just his cock that felt that way. It felt like a puzzle piece that had been missing.
"Good, I am entrusting you with Blossom's safety," Frerin said sternly, knowing his nephew would not let him down. He carefully strapped Blossom's pack to Fili's pony and the two princes helped the Hobbit up. She sat in front of Fili, her face burning hot at the closeness of the Dwarf. The prince appeared to not be faring much better, his eyes glued to where their waists met on the saddle. Frerin smirked slightly at the two and looked up to meet his brother's eyes. His smugness was gone and Frerin was glad for it. He did not like this pigheaded Dwarf that Thorin had become in the years since Moria. Mahal, since Erebor! Frerin just wanted his kind brother to show his face once more. "Then we are off," he chuckled, kicking his pony into motion and moving up to trot with Dwalin, continuing their conversation from earlier.
The morning had gone easily enough, the Dwarves settling in for the trek to Bree. Blossom was a bit better by high noon, despite the almost constant rumbling of her stomach. She knew that she would have to give up many meals for the Dwarves, Frerin long ago telling her that they only ate three meals a day. Imagine that! Not even tea! She did her best to conceal the grumbling of her stomach, especially with the sun beating down on them. Heat and an upset stomach never mixed. Around late afternoon Fili finally took notice of the swaying of his charge, one hand coming back to wrap around her stomach and pull her against him. Blossom made a noise of complaint at the manhandling, but it was half-hearted. The small luncheon that they had was not enough to soothe her stomach and she wanted nothing more than to get off this hairy beast and walk on solid ground.
"Lean on me Miss Blossom," Fili said softly, not wanting to draw attention to their Hobbit. Uncle had enough cruel 'fun' with her today, berating her over every little thing she did. Uncle Frerin could only do so much against Thorin's stubbornness. Blossom gave in easily to the strong hand, leaning back into his sturdy chest. Fili rested his chin on her head and guided his pony with one hand as the other held the Hobbit securely to himself. Blossom found herself beginning to doze off, the excitement and work of the day finally catching up with her. She fell asleep to the soft humming of the blond prince.
Night came before too long, Fili sticking close to his, as he had taken to calling her, Hobbit. He even poured some of his stew into her bowl when she had been distracted by Nori and his 'theft' of her spoon. The blond prince nodded at the middle Ri brother, thankful that someone else had notice their Hobbit suffering. Kili, of course, noticed as well, making it his mission to cuddle Blossom whenever she would allow. Fili believed it was because she was younger than him – at least in appearances – and reminded him of Dwarflings. Kili was a sucker for children. Another theory could be that Kili missed their Amad and wanted a woman's embrace. Not like you may think dear reader, I assure you Fili and Frerin would cut the younger prince's braids before they allowed the younger to touch their Hobbit in such a way.
Blossom had noticed the princes' attempts and was rather thankful for them. She was not going to complain to be fed more and cuddled by the two of them. Besides it proved to be rather helpful to them as well. Fili looked so natural in the giving role and Kili was ecstatic to not be the one receiving, but giving. So that is where she sat as she ate her stew, Kili nestled to her side with his bowl as he prattled on about his mother and how she would have loved the beautiful fields of the Shire. She listened intently to his words, loving the spark of passion the younger took on when his mother was the topic of conversation. She wished to one day have children who loved her as much as Kili loved his mother.
When they settled for the night, Blossom was not surprised to find herself nestled between the two princes, Kili cuddled to her stomach like she was his pillow once more. She rolled her eyes fondly, stroking the strands of brunette hair as Fili came to rest next to her. Thorin had put him on first watch, the king soon rolling over to try and get some shut eye himself. Fili sat at his Hobbit's side, watching the woods carefully. His two uncles were on his other side, obviously not being able to hide their animosity in the dark.
"You should sleep Miss Blossom," Fili whispered softly, looking down at the Hobbit who had his brother curled into her and looked so natural with it. He longed for a wife like her. One that would not hate his brother for how close they were, but love him just as much as Fili loved him. He bit his lip, knowing he should not be thinking these thoughts of Blossom. They had only known each other for a day now, there was no way they could even remotely have those feelings yet. Even though, Fili could not help the intake of breath when she curled her arm around his shins and curled to his side, his brother shifting to lay against her back. Fili's heart hammered in his chest and he kept his face void of emotion, not wanting Dwalin to read his expression. He simply settled with running his fingers through Miss Blossom's curls, soothing the Hobbit to sleep.
Blossom woke up in a furnace of bodies, Kili at her back and Fili at her front. The older prince seemed to have moved into her embrace after his shift last night. She smiled softly, enjoying their warmth for a brief moment before getting up, or at least attempting.
"No," Surprisingly the whine had come from Fili, who pulled her closer and buried his face in her neck. She giggled at him and tugged on one of his beard braids. The prince only curled closer, ignoring the sun in his face. Blossom allowed herself to relax in between the princes. It was still earlier, none of the other Dwarves appearing to be awake other than Balin. She smiled to herself, this was turning out to be a perfect day.
This 'perfect' day did not last long. The second they had packed camp; it began to downpour onto the company. It rained non-stop even at night. Blossom curled into Fili whenever they were together, seeing as she had forgotten a cloak and did not want to be a bother to anyone. Even Frerin, who had grown concerned when he noticed his nephew curled in on himself on the pony, obviously shielding the Hobbit from most of the cold.
The stomach pains grew worse as they spent a week eating cold stew and she thought often of her warm smial where she could cook more than stew. She never voiced these thoughts, though Fili made it his mission to distract her when he noticed the lost look on her face. He would tell her of his mother, just as passionate as Kili was, about his sword training. They even talked about soulmarks, how Fili's was in a language he had never seen before and that it rested on his left forearm. Blossom had stayed silently, letting the prince's voice wash over her. He had even taught her a bit of Khuzdal when they had strayed away from the others. She had only managed one phrase so far; Nimthurul me ra rukhs, zânami rukhs. Fili even had her say it to Kili, promising her that it was nothing that would offend him too much. When she told the brunet prince what she learned, he had fallen off his pony in laughter. The prince's laughter cheered the company a bit more during their last day of rain.
The rain eased up that night, leaving the company rather soaked and shivering, but at least they could set a fire and have something warm in their bellies. Blossom also watched as Thorin and Gandalf argued up front before the wizard took off, mumbling about better company than stubborn Dwarves. She felt lost without Gandalf, though the princes took away the majority of that loss. Thorin, sensing she had an ounce of happiness, decided to take it demanding that the princes go herd the ponies and take first watch. Kili had tried to argue, but Blossom just pushed him to follow his brother insisting she would be fine. It was only once Kili's cloak was wrapped around her that the younger prince left her side, following his brother with two reins in his hands.
Blossom sat at the edge of camp watching for Gandalf, biting her lip when it got darker and there was no sign of the wizard. When she had voiced her concerns, Bofur shrugged them off, filling two bowls with the broth – Kili had not been able to catch anything in the rain – and handed them to her.
"Do us a favor and take these to the lads?" He asked softly, turning to scold his brother about something while Blossom set off to find the princes. They were not with the rest of the ponies so she traveled further in the woods, a small smile gracing her lips as she saw their familiar hair. She walked up behind them, being careful to make noise so she did not frighten them. Hobbits were light on their feet after all! She should have noticed something was wrong when neither turned to look at her. Something was definitely wrong when she held the broth out yet neither brother made a move to take them from her. They stared off, almost petrified in their spots.
"What's the matter?" She asked worriedly, looking between the two brothers. Fili took a breath as if he was going to speak, but his brother beat him to it.
"We are supposed to be looking after the ponies," Kili was serious as he spoke and Blossom did not believe she had ever heard him this serious in the last few weeks of travel. Even when he had been pretending to be serious.
"Only we have encountered a ... slight problem," Fili looked at her, then to Kili, before looking back to where Blossom assumes the ponies were. Or should be.
"We had sixteen," Kili continued, Blossom's neck hurting from turning and looking between the two brothers.
"Now there's… fourteen." Fili finished, Blossom taking count in her head of what horses were missing. True enough they were missing two ponies. Blossom startled when the brothers jolted from their spots, starting to search the area around them. She followed after one of them with the two bowls of cooling stews in her hand.
"Daisy and Bungo are missing," Kili informed after a few minutes of thumping around the forest, Blossom coming up on his right, looking ridiculous as she tried to keep up with the boys while not spilling their dinner.
"That's not good," she said, giving a nervous laugh. Thorin would surely blame this on her, somehow. "Not good at all," she continued, watching the two brothers as they searched some more. "Should we tell Thorin?" She asked softly, no matter how much she detested the king, he should still know what has happened.
"Oh, no let's not worry him," Fili said, and Blossom finally got a sense of how young the princes were. They were willing to deny something this huge to their uncle because they did not want to seem like they had messed up. Blossom would coddle them for it if it had not been for what Fili said next.
"As our official burglar, we thought you might like to look into it," there was a reluctance in his voice and she could tell that the last thing he wanted was for her to go off and get hurt somewhere.
"Something big and quite dangerous had to uproot those trees," she stated following behind Fili and looking at the said uprooted tree.
"Look a light," Fili hissed, crouching by a log. Blossom moved to crouch at the log too, placing the bowls down in front of her. They were surely cold by now. Blossom barely had time to ask what the creatures were before Kili took off running over the log, his brother following. The female stood for a second contemplating. Trolls. She climbed over the log, taking a second to think whether or not she should bring the bowls before she grabbed them and follow the princes, trying to be as quiet as she could.
The troll was foul, holding the two missing ponies under its arms, carrying them as if they were sacks of potatoes. Blossom crouch next to the princes, watching the troll manhandle Daisy.
"We have to do something. I think they are going to eat them," she whispered, feeling dread pool in her stomach when the princes' heads snapped to look at her.
"Yes. You should. Mountain trolls are slow and stupid and you are so small, they will never see you," Kili talked over her protests. "It's perfectly safe, we will be right behind you," Blossom was relieved from her bowls and pushed towards a bush that the troll had knocked over.
"If you run into trouble, hoot twice like a barn owl or once like a brown owl," Fili gave her a rather rough shove, as she tried to wrap her head around the owl hoots. She was not an owl!
Blossom huffed when she turned around and they were not there. So much for being behind her. She checked her side making sure that her sword was with her. It was hardly a sword by Dwarven standards, but Elrond had commissioned it for her mother and Blossom was taught how to wield it. She made her way to the ponies, brushing their manes in a reassuring way to help calm them down. The trolls bickered near her, though she paid them no mind outside of their radius to her. She easily cut the rope holding the ponies, urging them back to camp quickly and quietly. She, herself, had almost gotten away when a burly hand wrapped around her, lifting her from the ground. She gave a startled cry when the revolting creature blew his nose into her. Now she would have to throw these away! She liked this blouse!
"Blimey! Bert, looks what come out of me hooter!" The troll holding her squawked, the two other trolls coming to look at her. Blossom does not remember much of what they had said, seeing at they had tossed her to the ground and then threatened to eat her. She scrambled between their legs, gasping when she was lifted by her feet.
"Are they any more Burglar-Hobbits around?" The troll asked, his breath making her gag.
"No!" "It is lying" "No I am not!" Blossom was prepared to argue this out like a fauntling when one of the trolls screamed out in pain. Blossom was swung around, her stomach feeling rather queasy, by the time her eyes focused on Kili.
"I said drop her!" Kili shouted, anger burning in his eyes. Blossom could not help the scream that escaped her as she was tossed into Kili, the archer managing to catch her waist before they toppled to the ground. The rest of the company came flying from the forest, attacking the trolls. Kili stood over her for a while shooting arrows. But soon enough Blossom found herself in the fray, drawing her own sword and fighting with the rest of the dwarves. Most seemed rather surprised by her swiftness in battle, but none commented on it as she covered their backs and saved Ori – who just could not seem to keep from getting captured – multiple times. Things were looking up when suddenly a rough hand grasped her by her curls, forcing a cry out of her as she was lifted from the ground by her hair. The hold on her hair was soon given up for a hold on her limbs, two of the trolls threatening to rip her apart.
"Blossom!" Kili cried out, Thorin holding him fast. Blossom was glad that he had, she would not want Kili in her position or to witness her being pulled apart. Frerin was looking at her in horror, his grip on his sword tight.
"Drop your arms or we'll rip its off," the troll stated, a lisp appearing in its words that Blossom now noticed. What a strange thing for one to notice before they are to be ripped in half. Blossom looked at Thorin, pleading with him silently to not let his brother witness her death, to allow his nephews to stay innocent for a while longer. Thankfully Thorin had gotten her pleads, or realized that this quest would be nothing if they reach Erebor and Smaug was still alive with no burglar to sneak in. The company followed in his example.
Half were thrown into sacks and the other half put on the fire. Blossom was nestled back by Thorin, who was looking as if the world was over. She would not let that happen though. She would save her company or die trying, the latter looking like the most realistic option. She got to her knees and waddled over to the trolls, ignoring Kili and Fili's whispers for her to stop.
"Hey!" She called to get their attention, immediately regretting it when they turned to look at her. She had to hope this would work. "If you eat us all now, then you will surely be hungry again by tomorrow night," she said, thinking on the fly. The, seemingly, youngest troll had been complaining about the food and how it tasted the same and how there was not enough of it. Blossom was hoping to use this against them.
"We will just cook half up now and half tomorrow!" The trolls laughed, Blossom finding a bit more courage with her back to Thorin.
"Well of course, but what about the day after tomorrow? I know you may not have noticed, but I am a woman," she said, clenching her fingers on the hilt of her dagger, hidden at all times on her person, when the cries of the Dwarves in outrage sounded through the air. Did they really think she was trying to weasel her way out of this because of her gender?
"So! You will taste the same as the others," the troll sneered. The Hobbit simply took a breath and hoped the company could forgive her for this.
"What I mean is that you could have one of these Dwarves impregnate me and then you could have more Dwarves to eat!" She could feel the angry looks on her, her fingers tightened more, hoping this work. The trolls contemplated this for a second before grabbing another Dwarf in a sack and practically throwing him at her. Blossom winced as Fili landed on top her, nothing being able to catch his fall with him being in a sack.
"Well get on with it!" The trolls demanded, watching the two on the ground closely. Blossom looked up at Fili, the prince looking right back.
"I am sorry," she whispered to him, a look of understanding crossing his face before she tilted her head up and connected their lips. He felt incredible against her, not that she had kissed many Hobbits, but the scratchiness of his moustache and the slight crack of his lips were amazing against her own slightly cracked, but somewhat still soft lips. She was sure the trolls knew nothing of how a baby was conceived, seeing as it could very well not take place with both parties were in separate sacks. Kili was right, they are stupid. This however did not stop Fili or his hips. Blossom gasped into his mouth at the first tentative roll of the blond's hips, not expecting him to actually get into this fake act of making a baby. The second roll had been welcomed with Blossom separating her legs in the sack, the Dwarf slipping between them. She panted in his mouth as he pulled back to look at her. His blue eyes were blown with lust as he stared back at her. She wished for nothing more than to be able to touch him. To ease the slight worry and fear from his gaze.
"Do you trust me?" He whispered to her, pressing a tender kiss to her neck as his hips continued their rolling. They must look a sight, but Blossom cared not. She had an amazing Dwarf on top of her.
"Always," she whispered back, trying to look at him, but his chin nudged hers to the side. He was wondering what he had planned. On a particular rough roll of the prince's hips, she felt teeth sink into her neck, as low as the bag would allow. She cried out loudly, clutching Fili through the sack as much as she could. He whispered softly to her, apologies and soothing words. She was sure that he was also slipping Khuzdal into there as well. Mim razdith did not sound like Westron to her. She understood his actions, her cry would make it seem as if she had orgasmed to appease the trolls.
Blossom could feel her body trembling from Fili's actions, her heart racing as she tried to calm herself. The trolls ripping them apart and holding her in the air did not help.
"Where is the baby? Did you lie to us?" The troll holding her snarled, his crooked teeth chomping at her. She hoped that she would never have to see those teeth bloody with Dwarf blood.
"I cannot honestly have the baby in this sack! It will suffocate! I was assuming you would rather have a squirmy food then something deceased and rotting," she said, surprised by how her voice did not waver at all. Her neck was burning something fierce and she was not too sure if it was the bite or because Fili's lips had been there. Blossom felt the troll rip the sack off her, almost taking her clothes with it. Blossom caught sight of Gandalf in the trees and knew that she only had to stall for a little while more. The troll pulled her closer to examine her stomach and that is when she made her move. Slamming her dagger through the troll's throat, Blossom was quite surprised when the blade cut through the troll like butter. She rode the blade down from its throat to what she would assume is his pelvis and backed away. She was covered in blood now, but she did not focus on that, rather on the other two very much alive trolls. She had managed to slice one of their ankles before Gandalf broke the fighting by turning the trolls into stone.
Within a second of being released from the sacks, Fili and Kili were at her sides, the younger clutching her and begging for forgiveness for sending her in there alone. She soothed him gently, her eyes locked with Fili over his shoulder. The blond's eyes held desire like she had never seen before and she wondered just how Fili would show said desire if they were alone. The blond prince settled behind her, wrapping his arms around her and his brother. Blossom enjoyed the embrace greatly, but one of Fili's daggers was digging into her back.
The princes did not leave her side as there was talk of a cave with treasure inside. She even stayed back when the others went in the cave, the princes' curiosity over powering their need to protect her. She sat on a stump outside the cave by herself for a long while, listening to the Dwarves plot with the gold and treasures they found. She had no need for such things. She only looked up when a shadow blocked out the sun.
"You look rough," Frerin's voice washed over, slight humor in there, but she could also hear the underlying fear. Frerin had been afraid for her. Surely they all had been.
"Well I did not see you kill a troll," she shot back, glaring at him though it was a jest. She could never be crossed with him.
"He grabbed you by the hair," Frerin stated softly, reaching forward to brush the abused scalp of his friend. Blossom nodded, looking up to the blond Dwarf. She was not surprised by his change of subject. Frerin did not like talking about her close encounters.
"Would you like to braid it for me? You always do such lovely braids!" She beamed, moving to the ground so Frerin could sit on the stump to braid her hair. And there the two sat, the Dwarf braiding her hair back carefully into familial braids that he had done since she was a child. Blossom relaxed in his hands, finally reeling from all she had come to do in the last few hours. Everything was nice and quiet.
Until the Durins appeared at the mouth of the cave at least. Almost instantaneously Thorin and Fili froze, watching the intimate exchange between Frerin and Blossom. Anger curled in Fili's chest. Blossom was his Hobbit. His Mim razdith! How dare Frerin braid her hair! And how dare she allow it! The blond prince stomped away to his pony, not wanting to bear witness to the obvious intentions of Frerin. He could not call that Dwarf his uncle after what he has done to him. Thorin followed his nephew much the same. Kili was the only one to slide up to their Hobbit and rest against her.
"Miss Blossom, what is that?" He asked, looking at the markings behind her ear. Blossom had zoned out wondering why Fili had stomped from her as if she had punished him for something. Surely she could not have upset him so easily? Her attention snapped to Kili when he asked his question, not even looking at where he was looking.
"That is the mark your brother left me," she said fleetingly, sure that he had seen the angry bite on her neck and not seen the extent of it until now.
"No this," he said, reaching up to prod the markings behind her ear. The Hobbit flinched away from the touch, but not before Kili had gotten a good look at the name there. His eyes widened and his head snapped to his uncle in disbelief. Frerin merely bobbed his head to his nephew's silent question, shifting the braid so it would cross the right shoulder, effectively hiding the mark from view.
"It is my soulmark, Kili," she had said softly, a little melancholy by Fili's rejection. She knew that what she had done was not alright, but she did not think he was angry with her. He seemed to be enjoying himself. Especially not with how tenderly he spoke to her. Frerin finished the braid easily and helped his friend up, leading her to the ponies. Begrudgingly, Fili helped Blossom up into the saddle because no matter what he was mad about, he could not risk her life. He held her tightly and trotted after his uncle. Thorin was grumbling about Elves and Gandalf looked rather smug with himself.
Fili had kept quiet in the few hours since the troll's cave, even when the rather strange wizard appeared. The blond showed no emotion, his heart broken from the Hobbit's 'betrayal'. It was not until the first howl of a warg, that Fili showed any emotion.
Nimthurul me ra rukhs, zânami rukhs - Between you and an orc, I would kiss an orc.
Mim razdith – little sun
opinions welcome!