I unfortunately don't own da Hobbit.


CHAPTER 3:

ANNOYING BROTHERS AND TROUBLESOME BETS


Bilbo awoke to the sound of heavy feet on soft wood.

That's right. I forgot Dwarfs were staying here, the 'adventure' and... him. I guess I should go make them breakfast. No, why should I do that?! Because they're nice people and your guests?

With a resenting sigh, the small Hobbit stood up from his bed and stretched. He scoffed at the fact that he had slept in his day clothes, making him feel lazy and gross.

''First a quick bath, then pack, then cook breakfast. Sausages, bacon and eggs would be delicious.'' Bilbo said to himself while he grabbed his towel and sneaked off out of his room.

Whats with all the weapons everywhere! Can't those Dwarfs pick up after themselves! Honestly, all these knives are making me feel ill.

Slowly stripping down and stepping into the warm water, Bilbo sighed in contempt as all of last night's grieving washed away. Soap glided along the warm surface as the hobbit swirled the water through his hands, occasionally dipping in his head and washing away some flour that had accumulated there from supper.

Stepping out and emptying the bath, Bilbo noticed that his towel and clothes were gone. He shook his head slowly in defeat. He already knew who had done it. Although Bilbo had only talked to them once, the amount of pranks the two young Dwarf brothers had pulled last night could rival that of a young Hobbit.

laughing, Bilbo lent down and lifted up a loose floor tile. He had learned many years ago to always be on guard when pranksters came over and so every room had a hidden spot that held things from spoons to bath robes.

Bilbo pulled out a small towel and robe, put them on and left the room. He had nearly made it to his bedroom when the disappointed faces of Fili and Kili came into view.

"Where did those come from?" said Fili.

"We thought we had you!" said Kili.

Bilbo simply laughed at this before entering his room.

Bilbo handed his keys over to his gardener before he left with the Dwarfs on a pony with his bag that be had filled after breakfast. Although he was traveling with the company, most of the Dwarfs ignored him or openly looked down on him.

The company had only just begun to depart when bags of money were thrown around.

"What's going on" Bilbo said, tilting his head slightly to get a view of the source of confusion.

"We had several bets" Laughed Gandalf. "If you would come, if you would faint, if you would be ready in time or if you would run around naked after your clothes were stolen."

Bilbo chuckled as the wizard received bags of coins while giving none away.

"I take it you did well then?" The hobbit huffed.

"That I did!" Gandalf smiled softly before going ahead, leaving Bilbo in the company of Fili, Kili and Bifur.

Bilbo didn't mind Bifur's company in the least. He was quiet and kind. Granted, he could only speak ancient Khuzdul but he could make himself understood and the axe in his head was unnoticeable if you didn't pay attention. Bilbo had already had many one sided conversations with the Dwarf. He was a good listener and didn't judge and for that Bilbo was grateful.

Fili and Kili on the other hand, though they were nice enough, had very childish demeanours that reminded Bilbo of himself when he was younger. They were loud and fun and had already made a tedious game out of trying to embarrass Bilbo. The millions of questions on hobbits, focusing on their fighting styles, weapons, their food choice and even what they slept like amused Bilbo slightly. The faces the brothers pulled after each answer Bilbo gave ranged from amusement to displeasure. However, it wasn't until Kili asked how old Bilbo was did the brothers show a look of astonishment. Bilbo looked up slightly and hummed. He could feel more and more eyes looking at him, waiting for an answer.

"I think..." Bilbo began.

Oh no, oh no, oh no! I can't tell them my real age! Then what do I do!

"He's 51" Gandalf looked over at the halfling. He knew what had stumped the Hobbit, after all, who would believe him if he told them that?

"So young?" Dwalin scoffed. He didn't hate the small thing however he found its body to be too frail and weak. He didn't seem to have any fighting experience and until Mr Baggins proved himself otherwise, Dwalin would continue to treat him like an immature child.

The first night was calm enough. The Dwarfs gathered around a small fire and ate while Ori wrote in a small notebook, Kili ran around with Bofur's hat and Thorin scowled at his empty bowl.

At some point, music began to fill the camp from flutes, drums, clarinets and voices. Nori danced around with Bofur until they collapsed on the ground and all the others laughed loudly.

Bofur smiled until his eyes fell on Bilbo, who had enjoyed watching from a distance but did not join in.

"Why don't you sing us a little song Master Boggins!" Cried Kili.

"Come on lad! Don't be shy!" Yelled Gloin, his long red hair flailing about as he moved around.

All eyes rested expectantly on the small Hobbit, making his face turn a pinkish-red.

"Why, I think that's a great idea!" Agreed Gandalf with a pipe in his mouth. Bilbo gave a resigned sigh and lay on the ground. He hated singing in public but it appeared he had no choice.

"Fine! But only the beginning of one!" Bilbo huffed, relaxed his shoulders and began to sing.

Roads go ever ever on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on

Under cloud and under star,

Yet feet that wandering have gone

Turn at last to home afar.

Eyes that fire and sword have seen

And horror in the halls of stone

Look at last on meadows green

And trees and hills they long have known.

There had been silence when Bilbo had finished. He didn't mind as long as no one was staring but unfortunately for him, they were. The Dwarfs hadn't expected him to be able to sing but what got to them was the voice that escaped the Hobbits lips. It was the voice of a child. A child in pain.

Bilbo didn't want to be the center of attention anymore than needed and so after a still minute, curled under a planked and closed his eyes.

Bilbo had fallen asleep fast, closely followed by Kili and then Fili. All three of them had been dragged closer to the fire by a tired Dori and Bifur as the night got colder.

"That was odd" Dwalin commented to Thorin as the two sat by the fire. "Bilbo, I mean."

"Pay it no mind" Was the gruff response given by the king, who was thinking the same.


Another Chapter DONE! *Happy face* Thank you for reading!