So this is really just another introduction chapter. The fun will begin soon! And please, feel free to leave any comments or questions you guys may have; I love feedback!
I sit squished between Fili and Kili as I watch the dwarves guzzle their ale. As they set down their mugs, Ori erupts into a large belch. The other dwarves laugh and cheer, and I smile at their merriment. I look over to Bilbo, only to find him deep in conversation with Gandalf. The look on his face tells me it is not a pleasant one. A tap on the shoulder makes me turn to Kili, who is smiling, like always. He has not stopped since he walked in the door.
"Miss Lenorah, would you like a drink?"
He holds out his mug for me. I glance back at Bilbo, who is still distracted, so I take the drink in my hands and take a small sip. The bitter liquid burns my throat, and I begin to cough. Bilbo looks up and sees the cup in my hands, his eyes widening.
"Lenorah! Are you alright?" He scurries over to me, squeezing behind chairs to reach me. No one but himself, Fili and Kili seem to notice that I am hacking up a storm. Patting my back, he waits until I am done.
"I am fine, Bilbo. Really, it's nothing."
"No, it is not nothing. What were you doing drinking ale?"
Kili clears his throat.
"Ah, that might have been me. I offered her a drink."
Bilbo scowls at him.
"She's just a girl! She-"
"Bilbo, I am not a little girl! I think I am quite old enough to make decisions for myself."
He stares at me, shock and hurt registering in his eyes.
"Well, maybe. This is not a discussion for right now. We will talk about this later."
A sudden silence falls over the group as a loud bang rings through the hall. Gandalf stands.
"He is here."
"Who is here?" Bilbo asks, groaning at the thought of another visitor. Gandalf ignores him as the entire company makes their way to the door. Behind it, a tall dwarf with black hair stands tall. He steps inside, removing his cloak.
"Gandalf," he says with a deep rumbling voice. "I thought this place would be easy to find. I lost my way; twice."
I turn to Kili, who is standing next to me.
"Who is that?" I whisper.
"My uncle, Thorin Oakenshield. He is the leader of our company."
Oh," I say, no string of coherent words coming to mind.
Thorin has removed his cloak and armor and is now circling around Bilbo.
"-looks more like a grocer than a burglar." Everyone laughs, but I push my way through the group and walk over to Bilbo, putting my arms around him. I feel his own arm encircle my waist, holding me close to him.
"Who is this? I do not recall the mention of a female." Thorin raises a dark eyebrow, looking me up and down. I straighten my shoulders, staring at him with what I hope is a menacing look.
"I am Lenorah."
"Lenorah," Thorin repeats, glancing at my tight clutch. "You are Master Baggins' daughter, I presume?"
I glance at Bilbo, before returning my gaze to the King.
"Bilbo has been a father figure to me for as long as I can remember. However, I fail to see the relevance behind you knowing this," I reply coolly. Bilbo looks at me, puzzled at my reaction. Never have I treated a guest, or anyone, in the way I just did. I was brought up against it. A shiver runs down my spine, proud of my sudden boldness. Bilbo clears his throat, cutting the awkward silence like a knife.
"There is food in the dining room. I am sure you are hungry after your long journey; please, follow me."
He quickly takes my hand, squeezing it tightly while giving me a small smile, before leading Thorin down the hall. I blow out a breath I did not know I was holding. I turn around, only to find the rest of the company staring at me. Some have incredulous looks, while others are smiling. Kili is among the latter, his grin spreading from ear to ear.
"Mahal, that was amazing! Who knew you were brave enough to stand up to a King!"
I smile sheepishly, looking at my feet. Hands begin to clap my shoulder as the dwarves make their way back to the table.
"Really, that was quite a sight to see." I stiffen as Kili's breath blows across my skin. I notice how close he is to me, and I begin to sweat.
"Oh, it was nothing. I just wanted to defend Bilbo. It was the least I could do, considering what all he has done for me." I reply shakily.
Kili steps back, giving me a curious look.
"May I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
He pauses, as though choosing the right words to use.
"Are you a hobbit?" I look up into his deep brown eyes, and shrug.
"I do not know."