The sounds of Gandalf and Bilbo shuffling about the room woke Amelia. The woman sat up stiffly, groggily rubbing her tired eyes. Letting out a loud yawn she turned to Gandalf who looked ready for the day, smiling at her.
"Ah, good morning my dear." Gandalf stood, his staff already in hand motioning for the door. "Shall we head downstairs to break our fasts? The food here is better than what you would expect, a pleasant surprise first thing in the morning if I do say so myself."
Blinking owlishly at the wizard, Amelia nodded her head slowly. As she climbed from the bed, she was once again reminded of how ill-fit her clothes were as she tugged at the shirt to cover more, pulling the belt higher only for it to fall once she let go. Sighing she looked down at her clothes, thankful that their stay in Bree meant new clothes. Though she would miss the smell of Fili first thing in-no! Bad Amelia, she chastised. Honestly, what was going on with her mind. She felt as if every time her mind began to stray it went to the sunny dwarf. Lord help her.
"Now, we will be leaving in a couple of hours. I have somethings' that I must get done before we set out. However, I am certain that you need only ask and one of the company would be more than willing to help you find all that you may need. Come now, Master Baggins, you shall be with me." Gandalf stated, smiling at the girl reassuringly before placing a hand on Bilbo's shoulder and directing him out of the door.
Bilbo nodded his head, his mop of hair flying around his ears slightly, before following Gandalf from there room into the boisterous hallway and past that she knew not. Amelia bit her lip unsure, before exiting the room herself, following the hallway to where she knew the dwarves were, their voices carried well. As she entered the bright room full of merry patrons she let out a small yawn.
"Good morning, Miss Amelia." Ori stuttered having seen the girl first. The table quieted down slightly as the dwarves glanced at her, some smiling others simply nodding. She smiled back at Ori and sat in the empty seat on his right. Bifur was to her right.
The elder dwarf turned toward her, grunting a few things and making a few hand signs. Unfortunately, she knew neither language but before she could apologize he was handing her a plate of food. "Oh! Thank you, Bifur."
As she grabbed the plate from his hands she made certain to maintain eye contact. She would not shy away from this dwarf or evert her eyes as she had notice so many other humans do. Perhaps the axe in his head was unsettling but if she knew one thing it was to never judge someone by their outward appearance, because appearances could be very deceiving. Her curiosity garnered the better of her, and Amelia found her grey eyes straying to the axe in question. "Does it hurt?"
The kind dwarf grunted a few things before shrugging his burly shoulders, his hands raised as if to say, 'sometimes but what can you do?' Amelia nodded her head in an understanding sort of manner before turning to her food and beginning to eat. "You know." She began, swallowing the warm food, which Gandalf had been correct. It was better than she thought. "If you ever have a headache, I heard chamomile tea is very good for reliving them. I think a little of ginger would also be good for flavor."
Bifur made a few noises of acknowledgement before eating himself, a thoughtful expression marring his face. Tilting her head, Amelia studied the dwarf finding that his eyes were a very bright green, open and welcoming.
"I could ask the inn keeper to get some if you would like." Amelia added thoughtfully as she watched the dwarf eat slowly. Green eyes immediately snapped to her, his hands held up in a pacifying manner but she could see the pain in the depths of his eyes. Which she found had flecks of a deep brown in. "Please Bifur it is not a bother, not truly."
Amelia stated before beginning to stand. "If you all would excuse me for a moment." The girl left the table of merry dwarves, many of them watching her warily as if she was going to be in immediate danger.
As she approached the bar, she found herself a tad on the short side and so hopped up onto a stool to see the man behind better and so he would see her. He was a burly sort of man with a nice round belly and red merry cheeks. A good sort of fellow. "Excuse me, sir?"
The man stopped in his conversation before turning to her with curious eyes. He had noted where she had come from, most of all the patrons had. A human with a company of dwarves was not something to bat an eyelash at. Perhaps she was part dwarf, she certainly was short enough. "Yes? How may I help you, young lady?"
Amelia smiled up at the man brightly, being sure to be as polite as possible. "If it is no trouble would you be able to brew up some chamomile tea? With a smidge of ginger in it? If it is I can make it, if you would only provide me with the necessary things." She trailed off suddenly unsure if the carried tea or if they would make some, it did seem like a rather large inconvenience.
"Hmmm, you are the young woman with the dwarves?" He asked, waiting for her nod of confirmation before deciding she was human. He was not certain but he did not think female dwarves allowed themselves to be called women. "Yes, yes, worry not I will have one of the barmaids make some up and bring it over to your table.
Amelia smiled gratefully and thanked the man before making her way back to the table.
"Just give a holler if those dwarves give you any trouble!" He shouted in what she assumed was to be comforting or joking. Either way she noted the men around him nodding earnestly or snickering. Amelia paused immediately, her whole body frozen, the dwarves also freezing in their actions.
Turning sharply, Amelia looked at the barman, a glacial smile on her lips, a hard glint in her eyes. "I thank you for that. I understand that you said that from the kindness of your heart and not some foolishly deep-rooted hatred for a people you know nothing of." She paused to let her words sink in as the men around flushed uncomfortable. "Though I can assure you that these dwarves would never give me any trouble, in fact they have been treating me better than my own human father. That's just how races are though hm? Some good, some bad in every race. But these dwarves are some of the most honorable loyal beings I have met from all the races." She sent him one last sickly sweet smile before turning on her heel, practically stomping back to the table.
Sitting down with a huff, she continued to grumble under her breathe in annoyance, her lips pulled into a pout. The dwarves around her were silent, staring at her in surprise, the food all but forgotten. "What? Do I have something on my face?" Amelia asked curiously hands raised to her cheeks.
"No, it's not that lassie, it's just-" Bofur cut off unsure. "You didn't have to do that you know."
Amelia frowned eating the food in front of her. "Do what?"
"Defend us lassie." Balin answered calmly.
Frowning Amelia set her fork down. "Why ever no, I was speaking the truth. Honestly, I understand that things may have happened in the past but the only way to learn from the mistakes in the past is not to ignore them or forget them but learn from them. Besides you lot-" Amelia cut off looking down at her food pushing it around with her fork. "You deserve much better than that is all."
The dwarves shared some smiles, while Amelia fidgeted with her food. The clearing of a throat had her looking over her shoulder. "Your tea m'lady." One of the barmaids said, she was young and Amelia noted the slight fear as she looked around at the dwarves.
"Oh thank you. . ." Amelia trailed off unsure
"Laralen, m'lady." She finished her brown eyes trained on the ground.
"Laralen, a pretty name." Amelia grabbed the tea from her gratefully, "well you have my thanks." Laralen blushed and stuttered a welcome before scurrying off. Amelia watched her leave curiously before turning back to the tea and pouring some before handing it to Bifur. "Here you are Bifur, this should help with your headache."
Bifur grabbed the cup gratefully before mumbling some words Amelia assumed were thanks. Oin looked over at her curiously. "Oh, is that Chamomile? Yes, that is very good for headaches. Did you have too much to drink last night?" Oin asked her, his trumpet at his ear.
Amelia rolled her eyes and sipped her tea. Before looking over at Bofur who mouthed a 'thank you' to her. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she nodded uncertainly. "Oh, that reminds me. I'm supposed to go gather provision and Gandalf told me to ask one of you to take me, to make sure I get everything I suppose."
Surprise filtered over her face as Bifur, Bofur, Fili, Kili, and Gloin all quickly offered to assist her, much to the amusement of Balin.
"Oh! Well who ever decides to come with is more than welcome. I don't want to keep you from gathering your own provisions."
The dwarves turned toward one another speaking in a language she did not know, she assumed Khuzdul before turning back to her smiling. They had decided that Bifur, Bofur, and Fili would be joining her. Gloin in the end was dragged away with his brother, who was muttering about medical supplies and a stop at the armory if they had to. Kili decided on following Thorin for the day, the Uncle gracing his nephew with a smile as he stood to leave.
Though she had been present for the conversation and inevitable decision, Amelia still found herself slightly struck as she walked through the town with three dwarves in tow. Since, she did not know much about what she would need or were to get the supplies she turned to the dwarves and allowed them to take the lead.
The group decided that their first stop would be for new clothes. Deciding to go in first, Amelia pushed the doors open to reveal a rather large woman who was currently beaming brightly at them. Well her.
"Hello miss, what can I get for you?" She asked gently.
When she realized that the woman was addressing her, Amelia quickly answered. "I was hoping to get some travelling clothes." Turning to the dwarves she continued. "A pair of boots-and a traveling cloak! And, well trousers and a tunic I suppose."
The jolly woman was remarkably less jolly though she nodded her consent. "Of course, it's a pity though, I was hoping to get a dress. Oh, you look just like a doll! Right then, well come along. I assume by your guard that you will not be here long so we must make haste."
Giggling, Amelia followed the lady, her 'guards' right behind her. As the lady led her away she began to whisper just out of the dwarves' earshot. "So, which one is your husband? I assume it is the one with the golden hair."
Blushing fiercely, Amelia turned away stuttering an unintelligible answer. The woman laughed heartily as the naivety of the young girl in front of her. Gathering her courage, Amelia turned to the woman. "I'm afraid you are rather mistaken madam. They are merely my travelling companions."
The woman just hummed unbelievably before grabbing a plethora of clothing and handing them to Amelia and pushing her behind a curtain.
Amelia changed quickly, yanking on a pair of dark grey trousers, a grey tunic, and a pair of black boots. Pushing the curtain back Amelia stepped out holding her arms out. "How does this look?"
Fili stepped forward. "May I?" Fili asked unsure remembering last time he had helped her. Nodding Amelia watched Fili warily as he stepped forward, walking around her eyes narrowed. Suddenly feeling like pray being circled she felt him pull a bit on her tunic, and kick the boots lightly. "The tunic is a tad large on you, and sadly we do not have the time to get it taken in. The boots are of good quality though, so that is good."
Bifur grunted gently, smiling lightly at Amelia, Bofur nodded his agreement. "You are right cousin; the color though makes your eyes beautiful does little for your skin. We say another color."
"Bifur, Bofur, we are looking for durable clothes not pretty ones." Fili admonished though he did not disagree and ushered Amelia back into the changing rooms.
"Oh! Here let me, I shall take all the tunics of that size. The pants?" The lady asked curiously.
"Though good, I would say leather would be better. We are going to travel far and Miss Amelia is far less." Fili cleared his throat, his face hot. "Solidly built then dwarves and you shall need the extra protection."
"Right you are then." The lady said grabbing bundles of clothes from the shop and pulling them out. Turning back Amelia grabbed a pair of black leather pants, the same black boots and a long blue tunic.
"Is this better?" Amelia asked standing in front of Fili.
"The tunic fits better, but the leather of the pants is too thin." Fili said poking her legs. Nodding Amelia went back to the room, placing a hand on her chest trying to calm herself. She ran a hand through her hair quickly, changing her clothes, wishing that it wasn't Fili that was helping her. It was providing some weird feelings in her chest, ones she did not wish to have.
"This?" Amelia asked simply stepping out with the black boots and a pair of brown pants that were double layered with leather underneath and clothes on top. She switched out the blue tunic for a deep red one that had long sleeves.
"Much better, now you should get an undercoat." Fili said stepping past her into the room, rummaging through the clothes.
"Undercoat?" Amelia asked Bifur and Bofur confused.
"Ah, yes it'll go under your traveling cloak and provide more protection, you'll probably want a sleeveless one so you don't get hot. Leather preferably." Bofur said nodding. "Brown leather." Looking for the shop keeper he continued. "Do you have those boots in brown? And she'll need a belt to hold the undercoat and cloak together."
"Of course, she has a small waist. One moment." The shop keeper chirped.
"This one should do." Fili said coming out of the room with a light leather sleeveless jacket that went down to the tops of her knees. "Size works well also."
"Here we are." The shopkeeper said merrily bringing some belts out and a pair of brown boots. Grabbing the boots, Amelia switched them quickly, stuffing her pants into them tightening the straps. Fili grabbed the pile of belts quickly sorting out the ones that were too large or not completely to his liking.
"Hold still Amelia." Fili said softly coming forward with a belt, slipping it around her waist and buckling it securely. Amelia's face flamed red, her eyes met Bifur who smiled mischievously at her. "There, that should do fine. All we need is a jacket, preferably with a hood." Fili said stepping away from Amelia, his face flush. He had hoped that she did not notice that waver in his voice as he spoke to her or the shaking of his hands as he buckled the belt. Taking a deep breath, he watched as Amelia discussed a traveling cloak with the shopkeeper, smiling when he saw her eyes lit up.
With the help of Fili, Bifur, and Bofur Amelia decided on a pair of brown trousers, with brown boots, a deep red tunic, a brown leather under tunic, and a brown coat with fur trimming. The cloak they picked out was a simple but durable brown coat with fur trimmings and a hood. The lady gave her a brown belt and fingerless leather gloves as a gift, ignoring Amelia's protest. Amelia paid the woman and they left, she felt much better now that she had boots that fit and warmer too with the coat and travelling cloak.
As the small group finished with the rest of their outing, Amelia found herself considerably more comfortable in her new clothing. By the time that they had made it back to the inn the remainder of the company had already gathered and were readying the ponies.
Thorin glanced up when he heard the four walking their way. After a quick once over of the girl he nodded to Amelia in contentment before mounting his pony. The others followed their leaders example and mounted their own.
Fili found himself, reaching for Amelia's waist and quickly lifting her onto Chestnut. It was not until he had swung up behind her and wrapped his arm around her securely that he realized he had not asked her if she wished to ride with him. He wondered fleetingly if he should make certain she was okay with his decision before shaking his head. The question would be awkward enough without having to wait for an answer. And if she said no, Mahal they would have to stop for her to switch.
Amelia at first had been surprised to find herself once again on Chestnut, after all she had promised herself she would ride with Kili at least once. Though when Fili swung up behind her, she found herself instantly relaxing into his arms.
Fili's arms?! Sitting up sharply, Amelia took a deep breath. No, no, no no no no no no no no. She was not-nope. Taking a deep breath, she willed her heart to stop racing. She was here to save them, that was all!
"Amelia?" Fili's voice called quietly. "Is everything alright?"
"No, I mean yes. I mean-" Amelia stuttered looking at her hands, wringing them slightly. "I'm fine Fili." Amelia sighed. Leaning back, Amelia felt his arm wrap around her waist as it usually did securing her safely on the horse.
With new clothes, she seemed to have a new confidence and was eternally grateful that they were not walking much as she would need to break in her new boots. Looking over at Kili, she raised a brow inquisitively.
"Kili?"
The darker haired dwarf turned to her curiously. "Hmmm?"
"What is your pony's name?" She inquired, watching as the darker pony matched chestnuts stride.
"Hazelnut." Kili answered simply.
Blinking, she looked back and forth between the ponies and then the two dwarves. "Wait." When both dwarves looked at her peculiarly she continued to gape at them. "You gave your ponies matching names?"
Shrugging as if it was obvious Kili responded. "Well they are brothers."
"Huh, well I suppose that does make sense." She trailed off. The three sat in relative silence as they left the town before Kili spoke up again.
"Why does that surprise you."
"Oh-well. I think it's not that it surprises me but rather that it does not." Amelia answered bashfully. Which was true, when Kili had answered with his ponies name she had accepted it immediately, in fact she rather wondered why she hadn't thought of it herself.
"Oh." Kili stated. "So, then why are you quiet?"
Turning to the dwarf thoughtfully she was about to respond before she recalled that yesterday they had spoken almost the entire trip, swapping stories and beginning to get to know one another. The quiet of today might have seemed unusual, and it was for her. Normally, she was not one to let long silences stretch and instead filled them with talk but she found herself still slightly befuddled by her lack of surprise. It did not seem as if it was a big deal but to her it was. Her lack of surprise meant that the answer was one she assumed after knowing a person, and she supposed that she was getting to know them all well enough.
"Forgive me, it appears that I had been lost in thought." Amelia stated. "What should we talk about today?"
"Tell us." Fili began leaning down so that his mouth was by her ear. "About you."
Glancing up shyly, Amelia nodded. So, she did, she told the Fili, Kili, and Ori, and anyone else who decided to listen about her. She told them about the creek behind her house that she and her brother used to run through mudding up their clothes. She told them of the honeysuckles under the bridge that they use to eat, though she admitted that was probably not the best idea. She told them of her childhood friends, and the mischief she used to get in. The time that she brought roly-polies into the house and hid them in her brother's room but did not seal the container so they all got out. She recounted the first time she saw snow, since she grew up where it was relatively warm until she turned 11 and moved. Moving in with her grandmother after her grandfather died so she wasn't alone anymore, always wanting to learn how to ride but never doing it. She talked and talked well through the day, answering questions well into the night.
"We will camp her for the night." Thorin announced, dismounting his pony. The others quickly followed setting up camp. Amelia sent a grateful glance to Fili once he helped her down and held her bedroll unsure. Looking around the camp she found that everyone was very much use to camping and knew what to do and where they would sleep. Her eyes found Gandalf and Bilbo who were setting up next to another and wondered if she should join them.
"Here, Amelia!" Kili called. "Come sleep over here."
Nodding, she moved over to where Fili and Kili were setting up their bedrolls. She sat hers down beside Fili, and watched somewhat amused as Kili moved his to her other side.
Noticing her look Kili responded with a blush. "Well, it's just that-we are out in the wild now. It's not safe and-that is we-would sleep better knowing you were safe."
"Thank you." Amelia stated gratefully as she settled on her bedroll. Glancing around the camp she watched the members move like a well-oiled machine. Ori, the sweet dwarf had placed his roll somewhat by their own but between his older brothers. Sending her a smile, he looked down to his knitting. "Ori?"
"Yes, Miss Amelia?" Ori asked curiously, looking up from his knitting.
"I wonder. If you can, while you tell me about how dwarves came to be?" She inquired. If any of the dwarves knew, it would be the studious Ori. "If it's secret you don't have to!" She immediately placated as she noted Ori's frown.
"It's not a secret." Ori muttered. "You've never heard it before?"
Shaking her head, Ori agreed. Delving into a tale of the Valar and their creator Mahal, or Aule. She listened avidly enraptured by the tale as their food cooked and the others settled down. Many of the dwarves were either sharpening their weapons or twiddling with something to occupy their time, though she noted all of them were listening in also.
"Here you are." Fili said, handing Amelia a bowl of food.
"Thank you, Fili." She responded gratefully.
"Oye! Where's my bowl?!" Kili cried in faux indignance.
"Sorry, only have two hands." Fili shrugged innocently. Giggling, Amelia watched as Kili grumbled before getting up to get his own bowl.
The group ate in relative silence around the fire, each lost in their own thoughts before Thorin ordered out the who would be on what shift. Taking Fili and Kili's bowls up with her own, she washed them quickly and set them aside as the others had. As she was making her way through the dwarves to the Durin heirs she found Bombur.
"Thank you for the stew Bombur, it was delicious."
The portly dwarf blushed brightly, his face mimicking his hair. "Of course, Lass, ye' best get back to those troublemakers before they do something."
Laughing Amelia nodded her head, walking in their direction. She plopped down on her bedroll, very much ready to sleep. It was odd that they did little more than ride all day but she realized suddenly that she was incredibly tired, and sore. Her muscles were still protesting the long rides but she found herself slowly acclimating. Burrowing herself into the bedroll she bid the others goodnight before drifting off.
…
Blinking blearily, she sat up. Tired eyes looked over the company, most were asleep but some; Gandalf, Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, and Bifur were awake. Bifur sent her a smile and a mischievous wink.
Confused, she looked down to find two sons of Durin curled up into her sides, which probably meant they had all been curled up when she had been laying down. Blushing she stood up suddenly. The movement woke the two heirs in question. Fili jumped up sword raised, his eyes searching for danger though they were glazed with sleep. Kili gave a great yelp as he was dislodged, turning onto is back in a great heap limbs splayed every which way.
The great noise startled the rest of the company awake, who quickly grabbed weapons and looked around carefully. When they noted that Thorin and some of the others were standing there with their arms crossed they lowered their weapons.
"What was that?" Gloin demanded, he had the second to last shift and wanted what last bit of sleep he could get.
Blushing hotly, Amelia looked down when Bifur gestured amused toward her. The eyes of the company fell on her and the two princes around her. "Yes, well um-sorry about that."
Frowning Thorin interrupted. "It matters not. Everyone is awake now, we will move."
Grumbling could be heard as the company ate a quick meal and mounted their steads a good few hours earlier than planned.
They moved on in silence until Gloin lagged back a bit demanding again what had happened. He apparently was not happy about the lack of sleep.
Fili and Kili shrugged their shoulders just stating that they felt a sudden movement and were shocked awake. Raising a heavy red brow at the girl, Gloin waited patiently.
On defense, Amelia huffed her arms folded across her chest indignantly. "Well you try waking up to find two dwarf sized bears wrapped around you in a vice-grip threatening to cut off all oxygen and see how you respond."
Glancing at the splutter Kili and the blushing Fili, Gloin nodded his head knowingly before moving away with a glint in his eyes. The dwarf moved his pony by his brother before leaning over and whispering into his ear. His elder brother held his trumpet and let out startled noises before nodding his head and looking back at the trio before agreeing to whatever Gloin had told him.
"What do you think they are saying?" Amelia asked feeling dread seep into her stomach, especially when they turned back to Fili and herself specifically.
"Nothing important, I'm sure." Fili soothed instantly, sending them a threatening look.
Wishing to stop whatever gossip those two were now spreading to the others, Amelia interrupted. "Gloin?"
"Yes, Lassie?"
"What is your son like, Gimli?"
Breathing a sigh of relief, Amelia relaxed as Gloin forgot his previous actions and went into a long-winded tale into the perfections of his wee little laddie.
One look at Ori and she found that her distraction was not as subtle as she hoped. It was moments like these that she noticed the relation between Ori and Nori. Though she tried to avoid looking at Nori whenever possible as he always seemed to be hiding some well-found information that threatened to either make her blush in embarrassment or anger.
The group decided to take a small break for an evening meal, to stretch their legs and allow the ponies a quick reprieve.
As they dismounted, Amelia made her way over to Ori. Upon nearing the shyer dwarf, she practically begged. "Ori."
Laughing he held up a hand. "Do not worry, Miss Amelia your secret is safe with me."
"It's not a secret, just a crush." Amelia assured quickly in whispered tones. The dwarf gave her a peculiar look that promised not only did he not believe her but that he knew something she did not. With a twist of his lips he nodded.
"Either way, I will not tell."
Sighing in defeat Amelia nodded. "Thank you, Ori."
"Oye!" Kili called out. Turning she found the younger prince waving her over. Grabbing the stuttering dwarf and spluttering hobbit, whom she picked up on the way, she joined the princes.
The five ate quickly and silently, joined by Nori and Dori who stood by Ori. With them Gandalf joined, standing by Bilbo, Balin and with him Dwalin adding to their group. Gloin not finished with tales of his son, joined dragging a reluctant Oin. Not one to be left out Bofur entered their gathering, Bifur and Bombur with him. The elder of the three gesturing to Amelia with wild movements and silly faces making her laugh. Sighing Thorin joined the group, giving his nephews a quick once over before nodding his head satisfied.
As they ate, Amelia noted that their individual groups were beginning to merch more, others talking to those they had not before. Smiling to herself she listened as the dwarves talked lively with one another. Once everyone had finished, they moved on, each person in a relatively better mood.
…
Thorin was talking quietly with Balin and Dwalin at the front before nodding. "We will stop here for the night."
The group dismounted and Amelia once again found herself sandwiched between the dwarf princes. Bifur made his way over to the motley crew and grunted before extending his hand.
Looking down Amelia found him to be holding a deadly sharp dagger made of wood? She glanced at Bifur curiously before accepting the dagger. "Thank you, Bifur."
"He said he hopes you never need it but if you find yourself in danger and we aren't nearby, it should do for one good hit." Fili commented from her left.
"It'll splinter into the wood, probably pretty painful so it should distract well enough." Kili added thoughtfully.
She looked at the two princes before nodding her head and smiling brightly at Bifur. "Thank you, Bifur. You must have spent a great deal of time on this. I will keep it with me."
"Oye, cousin come help me before my brother ruins the food!" Bombur called out merrily, laughing at Bofur stuttered insulted. Bifur sent one more cheerful glance at her before joining his cousins by the food.
Glancing down, Amelia ran her hands over the smooth edge, just now noticing what looked like sharpened stone along the edges. Taking in a deep breath she held it closer. "Fili, is this-"
The blonde dwarf leaned over staring at the weapon. "Yep, stone. Looks like our dear Bifur spent more time on that then we thought." Holding the deadly weapon, Amelia was reminded just what was at stake on this quest.
…
"Fili?" Amelia questioned from her spot in the saddle.
"Hmmm?"
"How long until we reach another town?"
"I don't suppose we really will. We only stopped at Bree for supplies, we will most likely avoid the rest of the major towns."
"Oh."
"Don't tell Uncle though, but we are two days within reach of Rivendell."
"Will we stop there?" Amelia asked curiously.
Snorting Fili shook his head. That was all the answer she needed.
…
"Fili?"
"Hmmm?"
"If I ask Bifur about his axe, is that rude?" Amelia asked meekly.
Laughing lightly, Fili squeezed Amelia's waist. "No, and I'm sure he would be more than happy to share his war story, though I would recommend having someone nearby to translate."
…
"Fili?"
"Hmmm?"
"What was it like growing up with a brother that was practically like a twin?"
Fili glanced down at the woman, the days having blended together. They had been traveling for a week now since they had originally set out from the shire. If he was correct they would be within reach of Rivendell in less than 2 days' time, if they travelled that way. Though he knew they would not.
"It is like having a twin I suppose, except I can say I'm older easily."
"Only by a couple of years." Kili grumbled.
"That's more than twins can say Naddith." Fili teased.
"We stop here." Thorin commanded from the front. The company once again set to making camp, Amelia beginning to get used to the routine set her things by Fili and Kili who had picked a spot up against the underside of a small cliff and went over to Bombur to help.
It was one night a few nights ago, that she began to reach out more to the others to help. Frankly, she did everything she could to avoid Thorin, Balin, and Dwalin's little meetings to discuss business. One night the brothers were called over, Kili happily bounding to his Uncles side. Fili paused and glanced back at her unsure of leaving her alone. She smiled reassuringly and once he left she moved to help the others. Bombur, it seemed needed her help the most. On good nights Bilbo, would help him otherwise he had no help. She wasn't very quick at gathering fire wood or staring the fire with Oin and Gloin. And though she adored Ori and was beginning to get along with Nori and Dori, she wasn't too terribly helpful with the ponies.
Once she had helped with dinner and serving it to the company she ate beside Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur. Bifur and Bofur were twiddling with wood, running their sharp knives over the hard substance. Amelia loved watching them create things from nothing and told them so when they felt embarrassed making them in front of her. Bombur was currently translating a story Bifur was telling him, of his and Bofur's childhood. Smiling gently at the eldest dwarf who was more like an Uncle to the brothers than a cousin she listened.
The company finished their meals relatively quick and once the dishes were done she headed back over to the Durin brothers.
"Ahh so the young princess blesses us with her presence." Kili teased from his spot. Amelia looked over at the dark-haired prince and stuck her tongue.
"Ha ha, if I recall though you are the royal." Amelia stated settling down, her head on her roll. Fili was sitting up beside her and so her head was near his thigh. She turned slightly so that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body, sighing in content she closed her eyes. Freezing, she felt Fili begin to run his hands over her head, threading his fingers in her hair, rubbing circles on her scalp.
"That is right. Now bow to me peasant." Kili teased out.
"I thought I was a princess." Amelia retorted smirking.
"Well the only way you would be a princess worth my recognition is if you were a Dwarven one." Kili teased out poking Amelia on the nose causing her to yelp as her eyes opened annoyed. She quickly swatted his hand away. "Which is unlikely unless you married either myself of Fili."
Kili meant it in jest, he had however noticed how his brother watched the young girl and was curious for their reactions. Neither was disappointing, Amelia stiffened slightly and looked at Fili who was too busy glaring at him to notice. The silence was slightly awkward and Kili scrambled to break it.
"Well I think then I rather stay a peasant then marry you." Amelia retorted causing Fili to snort a laugh breaking through the tension. Kili wisely avoided mentioning that he had said Fili also but did not miss how Amelia refused to look at Fili.
Most of the company had become use to the odd trio that they made, and even more use to the way Fili specifically treated her. Many of them had their own theories, but would not say it aloud. Either Thorin was ignoring it completely or he did not see it. Regardless, none of the company wanted to be the one to break Thorin's bubble in regards to the budding relationship between the young girl and the crown prince.
The sound of a cry brought Amelia's attention back to the fact that they were in the wild. She shuffled closer to Fili, her body curling around his legs. The hand in her hair started running through it again, his fingers rubbing circles into her scalp in a soothing manner.
"What was that?" Bilbo asked running over to them.
"Orcs." Kili responded solemnly. Amelia remembered suddenly what was happening and couldn't help but frown at the two nephews sitting up from Fili, one hand on his thigh the other on his arm.
"Fili." Amelia whispered admonishingly, looking over at Thorin who had quickly jerked awake.
"Orcs?" Poor Bilbo sounded frantic.
"Throat-cutters. There'll be dozens of them out there. The lowlands are crawling with them." Fili responded just as somberly.
"They strike in the wee small hours, when everyone's asleep. Quick and quiet; no screams, just lots of blood." The two brothers shared a look and began to laugh ignoring Amelia's glare.
Huffing Amelia laid back down with her head securely on her roll away from Fili.
"You think that's funny? You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?" Thorin asked angrily.
Kili looked down quickly ashamed, "We didn't mean anything by it."
"No, you didn't. You know nothing of the world." Thorin cut back disappointment in his voice before walking away. Amelia looked to see both brothers looking heartbroken, reaching over regardless of her anger, she grasped their hands in her own, squeezing them supportively.
"Don't mind him Kili, Fili. Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs." Amelia comforted looking towards Balin to continue the story. Balin already by them had paused in surprise, she had taken the words straight from his mouth. . .
"Right you are Lassie. 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. Moria had been taken by legions of Orcs lead by the most vile of all their race: Azog, the Defiler. The giant Gundabad Orc had sworn to wipe out the line f Durin. He began-" Balin cut off his voice caught in his throat "-by beheading the King."
Amelia could see the scene play out in her head, fighting back the tears that threatened to burst from the pain thrown on the dwarves.
"Thrain, Thorin's father, was driven mad by grief. He went missing, taken prisoner or killed, we did not know. We were leaderless. Defeat and death were upon us. That is when I saw him: a young dwarf prince facing down the Pale Orc." Balin's voice which was near a whisper began to gain strength. "He stood alone against this terrible foe, 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. Our enemy had been defeated. But there was no feast, no 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."
Thorin turned, the whole company staring at him and began to walk back to his place.
"But the pale orc? What happened to him?" Bilbo questioned still spooked
"He slunk back into the hole whence he came. That filth died of his wounds long ago." Thorin stated assuredly before settling back down.
Amelia shared a quick look with Gandalf and looked sadly up to Balin who caught her eye. Balin's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sleep now hamumul uzbadnâtha." Fili commented.
Edited: December 18, 2016
Naddith= little brother
hamumul uzbadnâtha= little princess