As she walked the short distance back to the kitchen where the sounds of Bilbo cooking were clearly heard, Mena wondered what she could do with Frerin now. Perhaps he had family, a home he could return to? She would have to find out soon, and see if there was anything she could do to aid him. Of course, all thoughts of helping the dwarf were driven from her mind, when she was pounced on by a very confused hobbit.
"What were you thinking Mena?‼ A slave? How could you even think that this would be acceptable in any way? What do you think you are going to do with him?"
Flinching at the near verbal attack, Mena hesitated. "I just... I just wanted to help him, Bilbo. He was hurt, and they were starving him, and you should have seen his eyes! It's clear he has been through unspeakable horrors, but his eyes still had a spark of life. I wanted, I needed, to help him. Please, can he stay here? I want to help him find his home or family, if he has one, or give him a new home if he doesn't. I never intended to keep him as a slave, nor would I ever keep any sentient being against their will. Please, please Bilbo?"
Bilbo sighed, wondering where the girl had learned to master that begging puppy-eyes look. "I suppose he can stay, my friend. I just wish you would be careful. If he chooses to lash out, I can do little to protect you, and he has a look of fire in his eyes. It may not be safe for you and I with him here. However, if you will be very careful, and give him no reason to harm you, he is welcome to stay as long as he wishes."
Mena grinned, and nodded vigorously before tackling the hobbit in a tight hug that literally lifted him off of his feet. They both ended up landing on the floor, laughing and out of breath. Getting to his feet, Bilbo offered Mena a hand up, and they both headed to the kitchen to finish preparations on second, or in Mena's case, first breakfast.
A short time later, Bilbo's sizable table was full to bursting with all kinds of breakfast foods imaginable. The two friends sat talking quietly, waiting for their guest to finish cleaning up.
"So where do you suppose he hails from, Bilbo? I really don't know much about dwarves. There was a kingdom in the Lonely Mountain, and another in the Iron Hills, right? Do you think he could be from Moria?" Bilbo shook his head slightly, confusion in his eyes. "I honestly have no idea. He could be from anywhere I suppose, although you would think his kin would have attempted to recover him from those slavers."
Mena furrowed her brow thoughtfully, wondering who could have willingly let a member of their family suffer such a fate. "Perhaps they perished?" she suggested quietly, thinking of her late father. "It would stand to reason that any kin or relation of his would have gladly ransomed or rescued him- if they were able.
That could also explain the despair in his eyes. Think about it, Bilbo. If you were sold as a slave, it would be extremely difficult, but if you knew your family were alive and safe somewhere, and simply unable to help you, you would still have hope. You would know that those you love are safe, and that's enough to keep you going."
They both lapsed into silence once again, thinking about what could have happened to the poor dwarf currently in the bathroom. Bilbo finally spoke once more, "Well, perhaps I should eat now. I know it is impolite, but I promised young farmer Maggot that I would stop by later today to help him picking mushrooms." Mena laughed at that, having long since learned of the zealous love for mushrooms shared by all hobbits.
Bilbo ate quickly, clearly eager to get to farmer Maggot's home, and smiled apologetically at Mena as he hurried to leave. "Oh!" he cried suddenly, remembering their guest. "I didn't think... Will you be alright here, by yourself with him?"
Mena nodded quickly and waved him along to keep moving out the door. "I will be fine! We will just have breakfast, and then I will see if our guest is willing to speak with me regarding his past. If not, I will show him to a guest room where he can rest and heal. Hopefully he can recover his strength quickly. We still have several healing salves in the third guest room that I can use on his wounds if he will permit me. You go along and enjoy your time with farmer Maggot. And the mushrooms of course." She added the last with a cheeky grin, at which Bilbo shook his head but smirked at as well, and then headed on his way.
Mena waved until her friend closed the door behind him, and then sighed somewhat worriedly. She had no concerns for her safety, she was no stranger to dangerous situations, but she was concerned about her dwarf. What if he was unwilling to trust her to help him heal? Some of the wounds she could see beneath the dirt and rags covering the dwarf had looked to be infected, and could become fatal if left unattended. Steeling herself, she collected some clothes that she hoped would fit Frerin for now, and headed to the bathroom.
