Chapter 3: A Humble Family
He certainly found almost no insufferable flirts in this section of humble families. Many of them had no girls, and if they did, Fili didn't know about them. He was all too often gently turned away by a family who didn't want to admit that they had no money to spare on jewelry. In these instances, Fili slipped a few pieces of gold under their doors as he left.
Night was falling, and he was beginning to give up. He resolved to try one more before he turned back. The door was answered by a young, male dwarf who seemed to be around his age. He gave a more conversational introduction. "I'm Falki, and I'm bringing jewelry from Erebor. Would anyone in your family be interested in buying?"
"I don't think so," said the dwarf sadly, "But you look tired. Would you like to come in and rest a bit?"
Fili thought for a second. He was tired and wanted to rest his feet. "Thank you, you're very kind," he said with a smile. The dwarf grinned and stepped back to let him in, showing Fili to a chair which he gratefully took. He held his hands over the fire which the young dwarf had thrown a few more logs on.
He heard a patter of feet, and he knew that the dwarf had alerted the rest of his family to his presence. The dwarf's mother came out, introduced herself, and regretfully told him that they could not buy any jewelry, but offered him water and bread. Fili decided he would accept, as it clearly made her happy to be hospitable to strangers. He sadly thought that his search was fruitless, but at least he was helping some people on the way. He would continue the search in Erebor, hoping against hope that no one would choose him because of his status.
"Here you are," a voice behind him said. He turned slightly and a young girl was offering him buttered bread.
"Thank you, miss," said Fili, smiling. She stood for a while and watched him eat.
"I'm sorry, what was your name again?" she asked shyly.
"Falki. I live in Erebor," Fili replied.
"You... don't seem to fit that name, if you'll pardon me for saying it. I really don't know why," she said, blushing and turning away.
Fili turned his face toward the fire, trying not to show surprise. Either she's a smart one or Dain has told...
"I'm sorry, I've been too forward," she said, bowing her head slightly and starting to go.
"No, no, of course not!" Fili protested, and she turned around. "I should have asked you. What is your name?" he asked, trying to dispel the awkwardness.
"Valni," she said, twisting her hands nervously.
He brushed his hands together over the plate and stood up to give it back. As she left, he pulled out two necklaces of gold from his box. He was by the door when she returned, and he held them up for her to see.
"What do you think about these?"
She stared, blushed, and looked down.
"They're beautiful, but I'm afraid..."
"No," said Fili firmly, "Here, have them. One for you and one for your mother."
"Sir!" she gasped, wringing her hands, "I—I'm sorry, I can't do that. I must pay you—"
"Nothing of the sort," said Fili softly as he pushed them into her hands.
Tears came to her eyes as she looked back at Fili.
"Thank you," she said, whispering shakily, "I've never had anything so lovely in all my life."
Fili looked at their tiny, but well-kept house and believed that. He decided to go before she could change her mind.
"Thank you most kindly for your hospitality. Tell your mother I am very grateful," said Fili, lifting the latch and pushing open the door.
The last he saw was the girl tearfully clutching the necklaces to her chest and waving goodbye.